JewishTHE Georgian
Volume 22, Number 2 Atlanta, Georgia JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2010 FREE A different Dr. Seuss is coming to The Breman What’s Inside The cartoon is black and white and DR. SEUSS GOES TO WAR. For decades, filled with attitude. There’s something readers throughout the world have enjoyed clearly familiar about its style, and it takes the marvelous stories and illustrations of Dalton’s Jewish only a moment to realize it’s Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as a drawing by Theodor Seuss Dr. Seuss. But few Community Geisel—Dr. Seuss. know of Geisel’s The cartoon is one of work as a political Jewish entrepreneurs helped make hundreds that will be on cartoonist during Dalton, Georgia, the “Carpet Capital of display soon at The World War II. the World.” William Breman Jewish From 1941 to 1943, By Aaron Welt Heritage & Holocaust he was the chief Page 28 Museum, just one of the political cartoonist special happenings that for the New York are keeping staffers at newspaper PM, Outdoor Adventures the midtown facility using his creative busy as the year begins. genius to rail against Brought together by a shared talent for A mix of activities, isolationism, racism, developing camping trips for Jewish exhibitions, and and anti-Semitism, youth, an Atlanta couple is embarking on galas—many involv- while exhorting a new project. ing the Holocaust, all America to enter the Elinor Angel Rosenberg Breman, By Susan Kay Asher linked in some fashion to war in Europe. pictured here with her rescue dog, Page 10 Atlanta and the Jewish community—are Angel, will be honored at the Seuss planned for the next several months. Here Gala on February 13. (photo by Bobi See DR. SEUSS, page 5 Seamless Transitions are some highlights. Dimond) Greenfield Hebrew Academy signs agree- ments that bring Atlanta one step closer to having a unified Jewish day school sys- A Jewish film festival in Northeast Georgia ADVENTURES tem. Page 7 Who would have thought? Between with a gala reception at 6:30 p.m., fea- the hedges and among the Dawgs, could turing great food and live local music. ABOUND there be a Jewish film Festival? It Then, the acclaimed Israeli film, Sharing the Wealth could...and it is...and such a festival! The Beetle (2008), will be screened in The second Athens Jewish Film Ciné’s two theaters. This is a touching MedShare brings together surplus med- Festival, February 20-24, will and funny documentary about a ical supplies, a devoted staff, and an army feature 14 films, a new young filmmaker, Yishai of volunteers to help people in need “Challenge” to emerging Orian, and his journey to throughout the world. filmmakers, a series of save his beloved old car By Leon Socol special events, an as he prepares for Page 30 opening reception fatherhood. The and screening spon- screening is sponsored sored by the by the Consulate A Man of Peace Consulate General General of Israel to of Israel to the the Southeast; A citywide service honors the memory of Southeast, and a Ambassador Reda Yitzhak Rabin. closing award cere- Mansour and his wife, By Sharon Kabalo mony featuring world Mona, will be present to Page 8 premieres of the introduce the film. Challenge-winning films. The reception was sold All festival events, except the out last year, so people are Generous new discounts and closing night, will take place at the Ciné, advised to purchase tickets as soon as Ten Festivals Later more than 100 indoor and outdoor an arthouse cinema and community film they become available at www.athen- specialty camp options herald a The 10th Atlanta Jewish Film Festival center at 234 West Hancock Avenue, in sjff.org. was a rich and varied experience. downtown Athens. On Sunday, February 21, events bright summer for MJCCA Day By Suzi Brozman The opening night celebration is Camps in Dunwoody and East Cobb. See page 17. Page 15 Saturday, February 20. Festivities begin See JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL, page 6 Page 2 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010 ment on the implication or influence of the protect Jews from the ravishes of the Nazis. number 36 itself. My interest is in the legend. The simple act of donating blood to save lives Lamed Vavniks According to the lore, the lamed vavniks are of people unknown to the donor. The humani- not known to each other; may not know that tarians who volunteer their time, talent, and It seems that the modern technology and they are one of the thirty-six; are pious, hum- money to work towards trying to protect and information access that it affords has provided ble, modest, and earn a small income by the make the existence of people in undeveloped society with so many new, in-depth tools for sweat of their brows. They appear when there countries safer and less painful. The people advancements and improvements. The living is a need and then return to their anonymity who are willing to stand up and publically standard in the developed countries rivals the BY Marvin once their task is completed. decry acts and movements that are motivated comforts and product availability that was for- Botnick While the original tales that emerged by a desire for control, subjugation, money, and merly accessible only to royalty. The speed of dealt with averting a threatening disaster from personal power. Surely these people must fall communication and travel has made distances surrounding enemies, the principle certainly within the definition of lamed vavniks. base. For centuries, we Jews have known and almost non-existent. Opportunity abounds; has expanded applications. Rabbi Rami As we move into a new decade with the experienced the suffering and tragedy that unbelievable wealth is being amassed; con- Shapiro in his book: The Art of celebration of the secular new year, each of us accompanies these aggressions. While such sumerism, while slowed by the recent econom- Lovingkindness: Preparing to Practice, com- should sit back and take a good look at who and torment has not been exclusive to Jews, we are ic conditions, has become the mantra. ments that, “Without their acts of lovingkind- what we are. Are we part of those who are a people who have survived and have contin- But these advancements have not been ness, life on this planet would implode under threatening disaster or are fostering anger, ued longer than others. universal, and legions of people in many under- the weight of human selfishness, anger, igno- ignorance, and greed? Are we, for personal We have always seemed to find the inner developed countries are lacking what we would rance, and greed.” gain and power, willing to aid those who are strength to look forward with faith and hope in consider basic human rights. Hunger is ram- In spite of the greed and selfishness that driven to bring death, destruction, and suffering the face of daunting challenges. Such is the pant, and subjugation for personal gain contin- are headlined every day; putting aside the crass to others? Are we part of the majority who case of Lamed Vav, a concept that appears in ues as it has over the centuries. Life is lightly acts that are perpetrated for the acquisition of mutely stand by when we see wrong around the Babylonian Talmud (Sanhedrin 97b; regarded, and education is sorely lacking. power and wealth; shuddering at the inhuman- us? Sukkah 45b) attributed to the talmudic sage In the former instance, self-aggrandize- ity, torture, enslavement, and suffering inflicted Whether you want to understand the con- Abbaye, who lived in the fouth century C.E. ment and greed have so permeated the morali- by humans on others, there is ample evidence cept of lamed vav literally or figuratively, do The name is derived from the Hebrew ty that too many want to possess for the sake of that there are the requisite lamed vavniks in our not shy away from the belief that the world will letter lamed, the letter that is used for the num- possessing rather than for the sake of what ben- midst. not survive without the righteous stepping for- ber 30, and vav, the Hebrew letter that is used efit can be derived. The same is true in the lat- When there is a tragic loss of life or prop- ward when the circumstance demand. And do for the number 6. Together, these two produce ter case, the difference being the relative pain erty, there is a pouring out of support from peo- not assume that the wrongs and evils of the the number 36, which, according to this legend, and suffering inflicted on those at the lower ple unknown to one another without the need world will be addressed by others. We too can is the number of righteous people required for levels for the benefit of those at the top. of notoriety. The horrific inhuman acts that be lamed vavniks. the world to exist. These thirty-six are referred A sub-storyline is the challenge and dan- took place during the Holocaust are in stark Thomas Edison said: “We shall have no to as lamed vavniks. ger that has developed because of ideological contrast to the unbelievable actions of the better conditions in the future if we are satisfied Not being grounded in gematria, the differences, values, and conflicts that have Righteous Gentiles, who put at risk their lives with all those which we have at present.” Jewish study of numerology, I will not com- gained momentum, often using theology as a and the lives of their families to hide, feed, and JewishTHE Georgian February program will focus on Middle East The Jewish Georgian is published bimonthly by Eisenbot, Ltd. It is environmental cooperation, water management written for Atlantans and Georgians by Atlantans and Georgians. Publisher Marvin Botnick Co-Publisher Sam Appel In the Atlanta region, depleted water Religious Borders to Share Water in the across political, cultural, and religious bound- Editor Marvin Botnick resources have created challenges, tensions, Holyland.” The event is free to the public. aries. They will be joined by local Atlanta Managing Editor Marsha C. LaBeaume Assignment Editor Carolyn Gold and a growing need for intergovernmental The interactive panel discussion will fea- experts on the environment and coexistence, Consulting Editor Gene Asher cooperation across political boundaries. Those ture David Weisberg, executive director of who will relate the challenges faced in the Associate Editor Barbara Schreiber challenges, however, are not unique to Atlanta, Friends of the Arava Institute, along with two Middle East to the challenges of our region. Copy Editor Ray Tapley Assistant Copy Editor Arnold Friedman and the region may stand to learn significantly of the institute’s alumni, one Israeli and one The presentation will be followed by an oppor- Makeup Editor Terri Christian from the environmental realities of the Middle Arab, who are currently working in the region tunity for moderated questions. Production Coordinator Terri Christian Designer David Gaudio East, where grave water shortages demand and on a trans-boundary basis to address water With fast-growing populations and limit- Medical Editor Morris E. Brown, M.D. cooperation not simply across borders but issues. In addition to focusing on both the ed resources in Jordan, the Palestinian Photographic Staff Allan Scher, Phil Slotin, Phil Shapiro, between historical enemies. Jonathan Paz ongoing water scarcity situation and the need Authority, and Israel, the availability of water Graphic Art Consultant Karen Paz On Tuesday, February 2, at 7:00 p.m., for cross-cultural cooperation to address the for human consumption, agriculture, and Columnist Gene Asher, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3003 Howell Mill problem, these two Arava alumni will share industry is not a given. In a region where Jonathan Barach, Janice Rothschild Blumberg, Road, will team up with Friends of the Arava their personal stories of how the institute neighboring governments are historic enemies, Marvin Botnick, Suzi Brozman, Institute and the Jewish National Fund to pres- helped them to develop trust and cooperation efforts towards cooperation management are Shirley Friedman, Carolyn Gold, Jonathan Goldstein, George Jordan, ent a special program, “Crossing Political & complicated, where they exist at all. Marice Katz, Balfoura Friend Levine, In the midst of this tension emerged the Marsha Liebowitz, Howard Margol, Bubba Meisa, Erin O’Shinsky, Arava Institute, which, since its inception in Reg Regenstein, Roberta Scher, 1996, has been built on the hope that young Jerry Schwartz, Leon Socol, Bill Sonenshine, Rabbi Reuven Stein, Muslim, Christian, and Jewish neighbors can Cecile Waronker, build positive working relationships—even Evie Wolfe friendships—if given the venue, the support, Special Assignments Susan Kahn, Lyons Joel Advertising Michael Pelot-VP-OP and a common language. An oasis of learning Bill Sonenshine in southern Israel, the Arava Institute is the pre- Marsha C. LaBeaume mier environmental teaching and research Editorial Advisory Board Members institution in the Middle East, preparing future Sam Appel Rabbi Alvin Sugarman Sam Massell Jane Axelrod Albert Maslia William Rothschild Israeli, Palestinian, Jordanian, and other young Gil Bachman Michael H. Mescon Marilyn Shubin leaders to cooperatively solve the region’s Asher Benator Paul Muldawer Doug Teper environmental challenges. Those challenges, 8495 Dunwoody Place, Suite 100 including water, air quality, and energy, cannot Atlanta, GA 30350 be solved unless neighbors in the region can (404) 236-8911 • FAX (404) 236-8913 work together effectively. [email protected] For additional information, contact www.jewishgeorgian.com Audrey Galex at 404-862-9498 or The Jewish Georgian ©2009 [email protected]. January-February 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 3 Since 2003, Savannah has hosted its own “could not be happier with the way the Jewish film festival, and this year’s looks to album turned out.... It features 10 tracks (5 be the best one yet, “featuring...films that originals and 5 non-originals)...with myself What’s showcase the richness and texture of the on piano, Scott Jewish experience in America, Israel, and Glazer on bass, the world.” and Justin Varnes The film fest, sponsored by the on drums. All of Savannah Jewish Federation and the Jewish the music can be Educational Alliance, runs February 6-14 previewed on my and features some great new films. Among site. The physical HAPPENING them are Yoo Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg, a humor- copy contains the ous portrayal of Gertrude Berg, creator of very cool and vin- JORDAN SHOULBERG AT THE “The Goldbergs,” television’s first sitcom; tage-looking art- ALLIANCE THEATRE. For two decades, Gut Shabbes Vietnam, the story of a young work (a la Blue the wonderful Alliance Theatre has put on A couple who moves from Israel to Vietnam; Note Records) by Christmas Carol. But during the season that and Jump, Patrick Swayze’s dramatic per- Jazz pianist a good friend, just passed, the production had an exciting, BY Reg formance focusing on anti-Semitism in Joe Alterman Jonathan young rising star. Regenstein Austria. Weiner.” Jordan Shoulberg, an amazingly talent- Offered again this year, by popular The album has received a rave review ed 4th grader at The Davis Academy, has, appeared from backstage (polite expression demand, is the Lady’s Matinee and Tea from Marc Myers of www.jazzwax.com, over the last few years, performed in sever- of support, or surprise that I could walk). screening, featuring the award-winning film the world’s most popular daily jazz blog. al school plays and drama camps, including The best line I was given to deliver was my Lady Kul el Arab, about a family torn He called Joe “a kid whose technique is far playing Gretl in The Sound of Music at the refusal ‘to make Buckhead a gated commu- between conflicting cultures over a beauty beyond his years.... If jazz has a future, it’s MJCCA’s Center Theatre. In November and nity.’” pageant. in the hands of up-and-comers like Joe.” December, at the Alliance, the lovely and Sam concludes, wisely we think, “I Complete information, including the To purchase the album, visit Joe’s web- charming actress wowed audiences in her know politicians are supposed to be able to schedule and tickets, is available at site, www.joealtermanmusic.com, then performance, playing three different poor act, but I think I best keep my day job.” www.savj.org. click the “buy” tab at the top and “Click girls. Mom Mindy Selig Shoulberg told us We kid Sam, but we have to respectful- Everything is going beautifully, but the Here To Purchase.” exclusively, “She is having a blast and loves ly disagree with him on two issues: We are Savannah Jewish Film Festival still needs being on stage.” sure he did make an important contribution sponsors. So, if you can help out, call Lynn SUSAN BARNARD’S BOOK ON BUCK- When she’s not on stage, Jordan likes to Atlanta’s cultural heritage—and what’s Levine or Adam Solender at 912-355-8111. HEAD. Susan Barnard has a great new playing soccer and hanging out with her wrong with making Buckhead a gated com- The fest is chaired by dynamic real estate book out on the history of Buckhead. family and friends. As you can see, Jordan munity? broker Beth VanTosh, whose real estate Images of America: Buckhead, published looks a lot like Mindy, so, needless to say, entrepreneur dad, Jeff, made a name for by Arcadia, tells the history of Buckhead, she is very beautiful. WWII EXHIBITION AT THE BREMAN. himself by predicting long ago that beginning with the really old families, the The Breman Jewish Heritage & Holocaust Savannah would grow to the west instead of American Indians living along the Museum will present a wonderful World the east. Chattahoochee River 6,000 years ago, and War II exhibition celebrating the soldiers the Muscogee (Creek) Indians who lived who served our country during war and there by the mid-1700s in a village called peace. Standing Peach Tree. The event will focus on the polit- ical cartoons of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better Buckhead known as Dr. author Susan Seuss. In the Barnard and 1940s, before he her books began writing children’s books, Seuss was a polit- Beth VanTosh ical cartoonist, using his remark- HOWL-O-WEEN COSTUME CONTEST. Breman Benefactor able talents to tar- The beautiful and delightful Sarah Segal, Elinor Breman get fascism, anti- who runs Atlanta’s premier doggie day cen- Semitism, and ter, Midtown’s Atlanta Dog Spa, had a real- isolationism during the darkest days of ly fun Halloween event, featuring a cos- World War II. The exhibit, “Dr. Seuss Goes tume party and contest for dog owners and to War...and More” kicks off with a gala their friends. evening on Saturday, February 13, at the Sarah’s dog spa really spoils your Breman, 1440 Spring Street, in the heart of pooch, and you can watch from your com- Sisters Jordan, Carly, and Casey midtown, honoring the museum’s distin- puter as your friend is having a good time. Shoulberg guished and much loved benefactor Elinor To make an appointment, call Sarah at 404- Angel Rosenberg Breman. 879-1600, or visit www.atlantadogspa.com. SAM MASSELL IN PEACHTREE BAT- You can honor a veteran by contribut- Buckhead’s history is recounted TLE. Going from Beauty to The ing a story and photograph to the tribute JOE ALTERMAN’S FIRST ALBUM. We through marvelously nostalgic old photos, Beast...Jordan’s cousin, Buckhead Mayor journal that will be published as part of the have some exciting news from Piano before the forests, trees, and historic old Sam Massell, head of The Buckhead exhibition. “Dr. Seuss Goes to War...and Prodigy Joe Alterman. His first album, places disappeared. This is Susan’s second Coalition, was recently a “celebrity walk- More” reminds us that, as the Lorax says, Piano Tracks, Vol. 1, is finally out and book on Buckhead, the first being on” at the highly acclaimed, long-running “Unless someone like you cares a whole available for purchase. Buckhead: A Place for all Time. She is such Peachtree Battle. awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s It was released one day after his 21st a good writer that she was even hired to co- Since he recounts the story much better not.” birthday, so Joe can finally take orders for author a book on Atlanta’s First than we could, we’ll let Sam tell it: “I can’t For more info, visit thebreman.org, or this sure-to-be-a-hit album. Presbyterian Church—quite a feat for a nice attest to any contribution I made to culture, call 678-222-3700. It can also be purchased on sites such Jewish girl. but the overall show does tweak our con- as iTunes and CDBaby.com. science. There was some laughter when I SAVANNAH JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL. Twenty-one-year-old Joe says that he See HAPPENING, page 4 Page 4 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010
any audience, his high-energy performance birthdays and anniversaries, and if some- Happening and one-of-a-kind material garnered him one’s favorite song is not on the program, the title of Atlanta’s Funniest Person by Bob Schultz tries to add it for the next sea- From page 3 Dave FM.... His comedic brilliance is son. Susan also told us a story of how we topped only by his likeability, as he gains If you’d like to audition for the chorus, got a stoplight at West Paces Ferry and audience adoration the second he hits the which is open to all ages, contact Dina Habersham, where, for years, there had just stage. The future is bright for the 24-year- Shadwell at 678-812-4072 or dina.shad- been a stop sign. Shortly after moving to old as he sprints to the finish line of star- [email protected]. Habersham in the late 1940s, before dom.” Buckhead was annexed by the city, Susan’s The bio of Josh, the son of Mynel Yates NEIL SHULMAN’S BOOKS ON mother, Cecilia Tesler Kessler, witnessed Dubose and Art Harris, says that he “grew HEALTH. Dr. Neil Shulman, better known several horrible wrecks at the corner. So, up in Atlanta, as Doc Hollywood (the title of the 1991 she called Fulton County and told the achieved basket- comedy film based on his book, What? responsible official that they needed to put ball honors as a Dead again?, and which starred Michael J. a traffic light up at the intersection. He said, fearless point Fox) has a great new book, as well as a “Lady, do you know how expensive a traf- guard, despite runt recently updated one. Author Steve Almond at Lovett fic light is?” She responded, “Is it more status, and almost These books may not be made into expensive than a human life?” And, count- graduated from movies, but they could sure help lots of they love rather than what they think will less saved lives later, that’s the true story of Darlington in people. bring a big paycheck.” how the Cecilia T. Kessler Memorial Light Rome, Ga. One The Real Truth about Aging: A Survival We would sure agree with that, espe- was installed. night before Guide for Older Adults and caregivers cially if you wanna be a writer, cause there Christmas break, (Prometheus) is co-authored by Dr. sure ain’t no money in it. JAY STARKMAN IN THE WALL STREET the housemaster Michael Silverman and Adam Golden and JOURNAL. Renowned Atlanta CPA Jay Rising comic superstar heard footsteps on contains valuable personal health tips on Starkman, one of the smartest people we Josh Harris the roof when no how to handle and help our aging bodies. It have ever met, was recently quoted in The creature should should be a big seller here at the JG. As Wall Street Journal, which even plugged have been stirring, and it wasn’t Rudolph. Neil puts it, “The aim is to empower sen- Jay’s terrific book, The Sex of a Josh was caught sneaking out in a pink suit iors, caregivers, and family members so Hippopotamus: A Unique History of Taxes to meet a girl for a party and opted to finish they can be better consumers of health care and Accounting. We gave it a four-star rat- his high school career in Hotlanta, at Ben services and instantly know the important ing last year. It is still going strong and Franklin Academy.” information that is relevant.” remains one of the most interesting, witty, Your Body’s Red Light Warning and informative books on taxes ever writ- BROADWAY CHORUS ENTERTAINS Signals (Random House), which Neil wrote ten. SENIORS. The Marcus Jewish Community with Jack Birge and Joon Ahn, is newly In the WSJ, Jay was commenting on a Center of Atlanta’s Broadway Chorus just revised and updated. Neil calls it “A tax case in which a drunken driver claimed finished its seventh year of great perform- Wikipedia of important symptoms which At the Republican Jewish Coalition’s a casualty loss on the car he wrecked, ances at the center and senior living facili- may require emergency or urgent evalua- Hanukkah Party, at the home of deducting the damages, and he won in tax ties. tion...300 doctors from all areas of medi- Chuck and Bonnie Berk: (from left) court! Great news for the editors here at the Under the direction of music director cine helped with the book.... This year, we Larry Miller, co-chair of the Atlanta JG. Dr. Bob Schultz, the chorus performs sold about 63,000 copies, and it will be RJC; Chuck Berk; Consul General of Broadway show tunes by such legendary translated and published in Korea, China, Israel to the Southeast Ambassador ATLANTA’S FUNNIEST PERSON. Josh greats as Irving Berlin, Stephen Sondheim, Poland, Vietnam, and Croatia. It has just Reda Mansour; Governor Sonny Harris’ comedy career is nothing to laugh Rodgers and Hammerstein, and Lerner and been translated into Spanish.” Visit Perdue; and co-chair of the Atlanta at. He just produced and hosted the Loewe. www.redlightwarningsignals.com. RJC Bonnie Berk. (photo by Jerry Punchline’s hugely successful College The MJCCA’s Eddie Ullman tells us Neil has also have performed a comedy Katz) Comedy Night in December. exclusively that “Under Bob Schultz’ lead- bit, Laughing with Seniors, at various sen- Later, NBC flew Josh to LA to perform ership, the very talented group has drawn ior centers around town and even produced at the Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard. raves from its audiences. The senior com- a short documentary on the topic. Neil says Josh was one of the ten “most promising munities can’t wait for a return of the that “with seniors as old as 107, I find that comics” picked by NBC’s talent scouts out group. During performances, you can see the older the seniors, the more they seem to of 1,000 considered for a show featuring residents singing along and note the emo- laugh. Laughter is great medicine.” ethnic diversity and humor. tion in the room as people recall the memo- As the NBC press release put it, ries that the songs bring back. You can also JEWISH AUTHOR AT LOVETT. “Exploding onto the comedy scene, the last feel the warmth of the performers...and the Renowned Jewish writer Steve Almond is few years have brought [Josh a] meteoric joy they are spreading.” the most recent writer-in-residence at the rise.... Revered for his ability to electrify The chorus always tries to recognize prestigious Lovett School. He visited Upper School English classes, was interviewed by the school newspaper staff, spoke to Upper School assemblies, and was a huge hit. At the InterContinental’s luncheon \àËá `ç ctÜàç? \ÇvA Lovett tells us exclusively that “His for Pink Magazine, the national unique mix of humor and serious reflection woman’s magazine: (from left) captivated the students—so much so that, at Martha Jo Katz, InterContinental YâÄÄ fxÜä|vx XäxÇà cÄtÇÇ|Çz one point during the 9th-10th grade assem- Buckhead’s director of Social bly, the students broke into spontaneous Events; Valery Voyles Jordan, presi- applause. His overall message was to dent and CEO of Ed Voyles weddings • bar/bat mitzvah • corporate encourage students to follow their passions Automotive; and Vikki Locke, 98.5 in life. He promised them that they will FM DJ. More than 300 attendees f{tÜÉÇ Y|á{xÜ experience greater success if they do what enjoyed the luncheon and program. 275 Spalding Springs Lane tel. 770.395.1094 Atlanta, Georgia 30305 cell 678.637.2030 [email protected] fax 770.396.8844 January-February 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 5
ning of what would one day become the wild- It’s the jazzy, swinging feeling of that Dr. Seuss ly imaginative and much-loved characters in time that will be the focus of the Gala Seuss’ hugely popular children books. Adults Opening on February 13 at The Breman, 1440 From page 1 will be fascinated with Geisel’s politics and Spring Street, Atlanta, kicking off the Seuss “Dr. Seuss Goes to War...and More,” a ability to capture ideas in drawings; young- exhibition and honoring Elinor Angel special exhibition that both children and sters will be entertained by his zany artwork Rosenberg adults will find entertaining and informa- and the show’s interactive exhibits based on Breman. The tive, opens in the Schwartz Gallery at The some his later creations. evening will fea- Breman on February 14. Featuring some of Most everyone will be intrigued, perhaps ture a spirited the 400 editorial cartoons Geisel created surprised, by the powerful messages Geisel “USO” show star- while working at PM, the exhibition offers was able to convey in both his early cartoons ring Jenny Levison a unique glimpse into the innovative genius and children’s books about issues that were and the Souper of this well-known author and illustrator, important to him. “Dr. Seuss Goes to Jenny Singers. It who published over 60 children’s books, War...and More” is, ultimately, a fascinating will also be a time including such classics as The Cat in the look at a complex man and his work and a when our commu- Hat, The Lorax, The Butter Battle Book and great opportunity to once again spend time nity can come Horton Hears a Who. with an American icon. together to honor Jenny Levison all the brave Jewish (Souper Jenny) men and women who have served— and continue to serve—in the country’s armed forces.
“Ted Geisel’s moral philosophy found its way into his books for chil- dren, and his fame Spring Asher and Debbie Neese are grew with the ****** coordinating the Seuss gala and com- memorative journal. publication of A NIGHT TO BOOGIE. It was a troubling each new one,” time when Ted Geisel used his incredible tal- Proceeds from the gala will benefit The says Jane Leavey, ent to lash out at the fascist powers moving Breman’s education programs, which annual- The Breman’s across Europe in the early 1940s. The world ly serve more than 25,000 students and teach- executive director. at the core of The Breman’s mission,” and was at war, but there was a special, hopeful ers. For additional information about the “His books reflect they will be featured in the new exhibition. vibe in the U.S., a sense that everyone was gala, contact Phyllis Lazarus at 404-870- Jane Leavey the themes and The “Seussian” flair began to take shape pulling together and sharing both the good 7684 or [email protected]. concepts that are in his political cartoons, the whimsical begin- and bad that played out each day.
Get all of the stationery out of the drawers any charges this morning. They overcharge and the extra soap and tissues. You get the for everything here.” Taking a trip—and a lot more ashtrays and the spoons I took from the din- ing room, and I’ll just pack the towels in “Hello, Elegant Motel? This is Mrs. “Hello, Elegant Motel? This is Mrs. here. You pay for all of these things and John Q. Public. I left my bedroom shoes in John Q. Public. I’d like a double room for believe you me, I’m going to take them. No, room 638 yesterday. Please check with the the 18th, 19th, and 20th, please. One bed leave the Gideon Bible. Those things have housekeeper and see if anyone found them, will be fine, we won’t use but one, no need writing all over them. They must think and send them to me. (I’ll probably never paying for two. Oh, it’s the same price? BY Shirley someone wants them. I’m going to call see those shoes again. You can’t trust any- Well, be sure you give us two. My husband Friedman home and tell them we’re on the way; and body these days. They’ll rob you blind if needs his rest. No, we don’t need to guaran- when you check out, don’t tell them we had you don’t watch out.)” tee payment. We’ll arrive before six—in fact, we’ll be there by 1:00, and we’ll expect get to keep track of everything. We’re going to get into our room immediately. People to count this as a business trip. Who knows Our Rabbis taught: We sustain the non-Jewish poor with know that’s the checkout time and they can the difference?” the Jewish poor, visit the non-Jewish sick with the Jewish just vacate. We want to get settled early. Yes, sick, and bury the non-Jewish dead with the Jewish dead, we’ll be paying by credit card. It’s a busi- “Let’s go down and eat. I’ll just order ness trip.” soup and you get the buffet and serve your- for the sake of peace. self enough for me, too. It’s silly to pay that “These eight bags are ours, and the hat- much for both of us. And be sure to go Babylonian Talmud, Gittin 61a box, the golf clubs, and the hanging clothes. heavy on the seafood. That’s my favorite.” Watch out for those, there’s a special dress Haiti is in need of assistance due to the catastrophic earthquake the country experi- in there. NO, NO, I’ll carry that myself. “Well, we’ve had a nice three days, and enced. If you wish to participate in the disaster relief and have not already done so, there (That’s my jewelry. I don’t want him fooling I’m not rushing out of here at 1:00. I want to are a number of agencies that will welcome your contribution. If you do not know around with my jewelry.)” see my TV program at 2:00. The people where to make contact, one such agency is the American Jewish Joint Distribution checking in can just wait. What are they in Committee (JDC). Information is available at its web site, https://www.jdc.org/dona- “Honey, you didn’t need to tip him so such a hurry about?” tion/donate.aspx
Constituents from GHA, Weber and JFGA: (back row l-r) Joe Weber, Felicia Weber, Lisa Galanti Rabinowitz, Carol Cooper, Steve Rakitt, (front row l-r) Harold Kirtz, Sim Pearl, Rabbi Lee Buckman, and Michael Siegel
Constituents from GHA, YA and JFGA: (back row l-r) Rabbi Michael Berger, Carol Cooper, Steve Rakitt, (front row l-r) Evie Weinreich, Rabbi Elisha Paul, Rabbi Lee Buckman, and Michael Siegel Page 8 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010 Rabin remembered as a man of peace On October 29, 2009, nearly 250 people is not what should abide between one Jew gathered in the theater of the Greenfield and another, no matter how much we may Hebrew Academy for a citywide service hon- disagree with one another. For we are one oring the memory of Prime Minister Yitzhak people with one destiny, one God, and one Rabin. beloved State of Israel.” The Yitzhak Rabin Memorial Service Steve Rakitt, president of the Jewish began with a moving video that chronicled the Federation of Greater Atlanta, addressed the life and death of the Israeli prime minister, audience next. “We have the desire for who was assassinated 14 years ago. This video peace and the need for prayer,” he said. makes clear the peaceful legacy Rabin wanted “Let Rabin’s memory be for a blessing.” to leave. Sadly, his dream was cut short. “The The 6th-graders next performed a skit only battle I wish to wage is the battle for based on a Rabin speech in which he peace,” Rabin said in one of his speeches. “I expressed his desire for peace. After Rabbi am a soldier in the army of peace.” Paul Kerbel from Congregation Etz Chaim After the video presentation, GHA 6th- led the audience in the Mourner’s Kaddish, graders quietly walked on stage, holding can- attendees joined with students and Israeli dles and singing in Hebrew, beautifully Scouts in singing “Shir HaShalom,” the accompanied on the harmonica by Ronnie very song Rabin sang with the crowd of Porat, Israel special emissary to the Jewish Israelis minutes before he was assassinated. National Fund. A wreath was placed on stage Sharon Kabalo, deputy consul general next to a burning candle. from the Israeli Consulate of the Southeast, Head of School Rabbi Lee Buckman then concluded the program with some emotion- addressed the crowd, sharing what he remem- al words. “I remember how this event bered from November 4, 1995 (12th of caught us by surprise,” she said, fighting Cheshvan), the sad day when Rabin was back tears. “We must convey Rabin’s mes- killed. sage of peace, education, and diversity. We GHA 6th-graders sing on stage. ask, ‘14 years later, have we learned any- thing?’ The lesson here is tolerance…for “The shock and sadness are still vivid “The day after the assassination, lead- the sake of the Jewish people and the State in my mind. Rabin was in Tel Aviv with ers from 40 countries traveled to the prime of Israel.” 100,000 Israelis celebrating peace. The minister’s funeral,” he continued. “A siren As the audience stood to sing assassin was a 25-year-old law student, a wailed as everyone in Israel stood in “Hatikvah,” it was evident that the mood of fellow Jew, a fellow Israeli, who expressed silence. Friends and former foes gathered to this moving ceremony was both somber and his disagreement and hatred using bullets,” pay tribute to a man of peace. hopeful, as Rabin’s message of peace per- recalled Rabbi Buckman. “We must remind ourselves that hatred meated the evening. Two communities share the memory of two great leaders
This past November 4, Israelis com- ment...Beth Shammai did not, neverthe- memorated the 14th anniversary of the less, abstain from marrying women of the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak families of Beth Hillel, nor did Beth Hillel Rabin. It seems that any ceremony should refrain from marrying women of the fami- focus on two major aspects of the tragedy. BY Sharon lies of Beth Shammai. This is to teach you The first is Yitzhak Rabin himself, one of Kabalo that they showed love and friendship the most impressive leaders Israel has ever towards one another, thus putting into had, as well as his heritage as a fighter and practice the Scriptural text, ‘Love truth his constant efforts to bring peace to Israel. service through a series of events and aca- and peace.’” (Yevamot 81) Rebecca Topper and Josh Margow The other should be the actual assassina- demic programs that draw upon the lega- One of the pillars of the Jewish tradi- tion and the question it left us: what is the cies of Nobel Prize winners Yitzhak Rabin tion is questioning and debating. The les- lesson for future generations? and Martin Luther King Jr. son that should be taught from this tragic In regards to Rabin’s heritage, here at Thinking about the assassination event is that we must have tolerance for the Consulate General of Israel to the itself, it seems as if it happened yesterday. one another, even in times of dispute, even Southeast, a unique enterprise has begun, I remember how this event caught us all by if it’s a dispute on critical issues. one that conveys Rabin’s message of surprise. How many of us did not want to We must maintain our sages’ heritage peace, education, and diversity by reach- believe that what we were hearing was and continue the inner discussions within ing out to the broader Atlanta community, true? We did not want to believe that a the Jewish community and within the peo- but most of all to the city’s African- prime minister in Israel could be assassi- ple of Israel. We also must learn the limits American population. Spearheaded at the nated, we did not want to believe that a of discussion in order to stand stronger on consulate by Ambassador Reda Mansour, leader and an affectionate person as Rabin our daily battles for the sake of the Jewish consul general of Israel to the Southeast could be murdered, and, most of all, we people as a whole and the State of Israel in and dean of the Atlanta Consular Corps, could not believe that an Israeli Jew would particular. the enterprise is the Rabin-King Initiative, have been the one to commit this terrible He who makes peace in His heights, a cooperative effort between the consulate, crime. May He make peace upon us and upon all the Martin Luther King Jr. International So, 14 years later, have we leaned of Israel, and let us say, Amen. Chapel at Morehouse College, The anything? May his memory be blessed. Temple, and the American Jewish It seems to me that the lesson we Committee. Our aim is to celebrate the should draw from Rabin’s assassination Sharon Kabalo is deputy consul general at rich history of African-American and ought to be one that our sages have already the Israeli Consulate to the Southeast. She Jewish collaborations and encourage a taught us in the Talmud: “Although Beth lives in Atlanta with her husband and three new generation to engage in combined Shammai and Beth Hillel are in disagree- sons. Zach Maslia and Ethan Robinson January-February 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 9 Taking that Chinese food craving all the way By Jerry Broder, as told to George Jordan 285. I was elected to be the operator of the was exciting, but I would recommend that hope the patient has benefited from the restaurant, and the other two would be Americans not go into the Chinese food visit, because I feel that the mental attitude For some unknown reason, Jewish investors. This was the first of what eventu- business unless they speak Chinese. The of a cancer patient is 95% of his or her bat- people have an affinity for Chinese food. ally would be five Chinese restaurants, staff converses in Chinese, and if they dis- tle. But one local resident took this phenome- which I operated until I sold them in 1975. cuss changes in the preparation of the food, Years ago, in the early 1980s, Dr. non further by becoming an owner of five At that time, ingredients for Chinese you have no idea about this. In American Bernie Siegal, a surgical oncologist, was Chinese restaurants in the Atlanta area. I food were not available in Atlanta—no restaurants, you have direct communication one of the first medical doctors to connect recently talked with entrepreneur Jerry Chinese vegetables, no egg roll or wonton with the chefs. the mind and the body. He felt that the mind Broder, whose comments appear below.— skins. Everything had to be imported from After selling the Chinese restaurants, I could almost control everything in the George Jordan New York. I got my first cooks by walking moved on to the Italian ice business and body, that having a good mindset and pro- into a Chinese grocery store in New York then into the catering field. It was during viding good positive feedback to your body I was born in Brooklyn, graduated and telling the owner that I was looking for this time that I was diagnosed with enables you to actually heal yourself. I am from New York University with a degree in two cooks for Atlanta, Georgia. He told me esophageal cancer. After undergoing sur- a good example of a person overcoming accounting in 1956, left New York, and to come back in three days. When I gery, I was in a coma for 35 days and on a unbelievable odds and leading a normal life went to Miami. I married a Miami girl, had returned, he had two cooks for me. I was respirator for 81 days. Three and one-half 20 years after my first surgery. I truly feel three children, and worked as a comptroller very lucky that one of the men was a mas- years later, in April 1993, I went to Emory that my mental attitude after the first 3 1/2 for a chain of restau- ter chef; the other was a helper taught by University and had a colon interposition, years helped me survive. rants in the South the master chef. The Chinese community is which involved removing my stomach and I am very happy to be retired. Now I Florida area. very close—so when I needed a cook, I just esophagus, putting a piece of my colon in just concentrate on enjoying life. I play gin This group asked one of my cooks. In a few days, I had my throat, and connecting the small intes- rummy, belong to the North Atlanta Men’s bought Fan & Bills my new cook, and I didn’t even know tines to the piece of colon. Since then, I am Club, am active at the Marcus Jewish and Johnny Escoes where he came from. happy to say, I have been leading a perfect- Community Center of Atlanta, participate restaurants, and in I planned the menus based on my ly normal life. in discussion groups, and hang out with 1967 I came to experience of dining in Chinese restaurants Nineteen years ago, I helped start the wonderful people. I have a Saturday “lunch Atlanta to be the in New York. I brought the menus back to cancer survivor network at St. Joseph’s bunch” where I can enjoy being a kid— comptroller for Fan Atlanta and selected the items that I knew. Hospital, which is now the largest network since, at age 75, I am the youngest one & Bills. Of course, it was all Cantonese; however, in the Atlanta area. Visiting cancer patients there! Jerry Broder At that time, today, Chinese restaurants serving and doing volunteer work is for me, and for there was only one Cantonese foods are in the minority. other volunteers, a very selfish act—we get Folks, after doing this article, I am ready Chinese restaurant in Atlanta. Realizing Szechwan has become very popular as peo- so much more out of it than we give. We for some Chinese food. For a recommenda- that there was an opportunity here, I had ple have developed a taste for spicier food. never are sure what the patient has gotten tion for a good Chinese restaurant, contact dinner with two other people, and we Hunan and others have also gained in pop- from our visit; but when we as volunteers Jerry at [email protected]. decided to open a Chinese restaurant at ularity. leave the room, we feel so much better. We 4959 Roswell Road, 1 1/4 mile inside I- My time owning Chinese restaurants Doug Barron enlists in the fight against ovarian cancer
Doug Barron is the new executive Hope, which provides items of comfort to director of the Georgia Ovarian Cancer women who are undergoing treatment for Alliance (GOCA). In addition to 25+ years ovarian cancer; the Media Library, which of business experience, Mr. Barron also provides a message of hope and promotes brings with him a personal attachment to awareness of the often-missed warning the organization, as his mother-in-law, signs of ovarian cancer; and the Students Wendy Sharon, lost her battle with ovarian Teaching Program. cancer a few years ago. Doug’s wife, Heidi, Ginger Ackerman is the founder of has also been active in the organization GOCA. She is a thirteen-year survivor of since her mother’s diagnosis and subse- ovarian cancer and continues to be a real quent death. source of strength to others who have the The mission of the Georgia Ovarian disease. Cancer Alliance is to increase awareness GOCA has recently relocated to the that leads to earlier detection of ovarian Northside Tower, 6065 Roswell Road, cancer. GOCA educates women, their fam- Suite 512, Atlanta GA 30328. For more ilies, and the healthcare community about information about the Georgia Ovarian the signs, symptoms, and treatments of Cancer Alliance, its programs, volunteer ovarian cancer and provides services, emo- opportunities, and upcoming events, call tional support, and information to those 404-255-1337, or visit www.gaovarian- afflicted with the disease. GOCA’s commu- cancer.org. nity outreach programs include the Bag of Page 10 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010 Adamah Adventures is truly a labor of love When Adam Griff became a counselor “I put together a formal program that suggested Griff and Seldin apply for the at a Jewish overnight camp at age 18, he had taught kids how to communicate with other grant themselves and start a Jewish non- no idea how it would change his life. He people and profit camp thought accepting a job as a camp counselor how to work together. would put some money in his pocket for BY Susan Kay as a team They named college. Little did he know it would net him Asher together,” said it Adamah much more than that. the petite Adventures. While a freshman in college at Case people would be singing at the top of their blonde. “If (“Adamah” Western University in Cleveland, Ohio, lungs,” he recalled. “It was religious, and it you’re on a means Griff saw an ad for counselors at a Jewish was fun.” hike with ten “earth” in overnight camp 10,000 feet high in the When Griff graduated from college in kids and some Hebrew.) Rocky Mountains. Although he had never 2003, he began working at the camp full- of them want Out of even been a Boy Scout or gone to sleep- time. Three years later, when he had become to run up the 29 propos- away camp, he thought it would be a fun the assistant director, he started developing mountain and als, theirs way to earn money during the summer. an outdoor adventure program for campers others want to was one of But his experience at Shwayder Camp that would take them on a three-week camp- take their five accepted became much more than a summer job. It ing trip. He advertised for someone to lead time, the for funding. became a way to connect to people and to the program, and in walked Bobbee Seldin. group has to “Adam his religion. For four years, she had worked with NFTY agree on how and Bobbee “Judaism is sometimes hard for kids to (North American Federation of Temple that is han- have huge connect to,” he reflected. “Camp becomes a Youth), a Jewish youth group devising dled.” leadership place where people feel safe to explore their activities like snow skiing trips, volunteer Each day, potential,” identities. It’s a transformative experience.” projects, and youth-led services. Together, the campers said Maggie It transformed Griff from a shy intro- they created a program in which campers discussed how Bar-Tura, vert to a leader. He found himself playing would go backpacking, mountain biking, they were Adam and Bobbee Griff interim CEO guitar and leading the camp in singing rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. going to work of the Hebrew songs and American folk songs Seldin didn’t just plan the trips. She together. Different groups came up with dif- Foundation for Jewish Camp. “Adam’s during Shabbat services and at meals. When joined other counselors, leading groups of ferent strategies. One group would decide working on his MBA, so he understands he returned to camp the following year, he 8-10 teens around Colorado and Utah. But they would all walk at the same pace. business principles, and Bobbee knows how became the song leader, in charge of music. the teens learned more than just how to Another group decided they would go at to build an experiential Jewish program for “At our services and Shabbat dinners, camp. their own pace and meet up at the end of the teens. We knew they could take this project day. There were three staffers to a group of to the finish line.” 10 hikers, so everyone was always under The Foundation for Jewish Camp is supervision. investing $1.1 million for the first three During the trips, the kids decided on years of the camp, which opens this sum- their menus, and they shopped for groceries mer. The camp is an 18-day program for every few days. Whatever the caught or Jewish teens that allows them to choose bought, they prepared. between one of two areas to explore, the As sparks ignited on the grill, things Blue Ridge Mountains or national parks in slowly simmered between Seldin and Griff. Utah. Each year, Adamah Adventures will After working together for three years, they add additional trek destinations. The teens began dating. In 2007, Seldin moved to will be able to rock climb, hike, rappel into Atlanta to earn a master’s degree in child a canyon, and zip-line across a forest. and family development from the Campers will sleep in park lodges to cele- University of Georgia. Griff followed. brate each Shabbat. Having worked at Shwayder Camp for All treks will be equipped with satellite seven years, Griff was hoping to find a job phones and will be coordinated in unison in Georgia as a director of a nonprofit with local emergency medical services, park Jewish camp. What he found instead was a rangers, and law enforcement. Scholarships job as the retreat and trip director with the are made available for those in need. Jewish teen organization TRIBE Three- Camp is not the only thing Bobbee and Sixty. There, he brought together teens Adam started. Last summer, Seldin com- across metro Atlanta and created social, pleted her master’s degree, and she became educational, and religious programs, as well Mrs. Adam Griff. as weekend retreats. Noah Hartman, director of student life When the organization’s then-executive at The Weber School, who sits on the advi- director, Cheri Levitan, heard about a grant sory committee of Adamah Adventures, is opportunity from the Foundation for Jewish working with the Griffs to create an educa- Camp to create a specialty camp, she and tional model for the camp. Griff began discussing plans to create a “While many camps offer wonderful TRIBE Three-Sixty camp. They surveyed things like sailing and archery, it’s hard do it local Jewish teens and parents. once you leave camp,” said Hartman. “This “We asked them what type of specialty camp will offer the chance to learn an camp would interest them most—theater, appreciation for nature. These camp activi- music, outdoor adventures, basketball, ties are something campers can appreciate things like that,” said Griff. “The majority and live out for the rest of their lives.” of people wanted the adventure camp.” For more information on Adamah But funding at TRIBE Three-Sixty ran Adventures, visit adamahadventures.org. out, and the organization shuttered. Levitan January-February 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 11 Page 12 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010 January-February 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 13 Page 14 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010 MISH MASH By Erin O’Shinskey
JNF BRIEFING. On his December 1-3 Southeast visit, Russell Robinson, national CEO of the Jewish National Fund, spoke at a dinner reception hosted by Linda and Abe Schear in their Atlanta home. Sixty guests enjoyed delicious Israeli food from Alon’s Bakery and Market and were briefed by Russell on the political, environmental, and economic impact of JNF projects in the Negev. David and Karen Birnbrey and Alan and Betty Sunshine at the JNF brief- ing
GENEROUS DONORS IN TOUGH TIMES. In spite of a difficult economy, Limmud Atlanta + SE was able to renew all of its $5000+ donors. And just before the end of 2009, the organization received its first 6-figure gift; it comes from an anony- mous donor and will allow Limmud Atlanta + SE to fund significant parts of its opera- tions and growth over the next two years.
Russell Robinson and Abe Schear See MISHMASH page 26 January-February 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 15 The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival from A to Z
This year is the Film Festival’s 10th plots, the sad truths that lie beneath vio- dreams for his children all come crashing anniversary, and they’ve pulled out all the lence on the streets. It was co-directed and down as his son falls in with a group of stops, presenting an array of film features, written by a Palestinian and an Israeli Jew petty criminals and his pretty, talented documentaries, shorts and works from all and features a non-professional cast of daughter marries a forbidden cousin. An over the world, all over the spectrum of BY Suzi characters, but you’d never know that interesting side theme is the grandson, Jewish life and thought, unmatched in the Brozman from their performances. Haaretz called it obsessed with film, whose picture-making last decade. They even included a movie a masterpiece by any standard, and I offers a parallel to the director’s own life. music night at the Woodruff Arts Center agree. Not only is it compelling on its face, but it is also notable in that Israel is with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra being represented to the world in an regaling attendees with magnificent music Arabic language film that pulls no punch- from film favorites through the years. It es in showing members of all three major makes this fan wonder what the folks at faith groups as flawed but caring individu- the Festival and the American Jewish als. Committee can possibly do next year to Another film that intrigued me was top this season’s stellar offerings. Zrubavel, in which a family of Ethiopians Two in particular caught my attention. tries to assimilate into Israeli society while Ajami was described as “a gritty, urban still holding on to their native culture. crime drama brimming with raw energy Having visited several Ethiopian schools and razor-sharp insights.” Okay, I thought, and cultural centers in Israel in 2008, I felt The music is divine. The insights into not my usual choice (I tend to like musi- Ajami won a special mention at the a certain affinity for the topic. And I was a culture most of us have no knowledge of cals, romances and hard-hitting documen- last Cannes Film Festival for its portrayal not disappointed. It’s a classic story of a are fascinating, and the universal themes of life on the streets of Jaffa and Tel Aviv. taries, but blood and gore are definitely poor family yearning to lift itself out of of parental love, efforts at control, and Muslim culture mixes with Christian and not to my taste). Then I read some reviews poverty and into a better life. The father, awareness that kids will do their own Jewish life as gangs mix it up with police, once a proud and important man in his thing, all inform this first-ever Ethiopian that spoke to the film’s themes of illegal drug dealers, honor killings and much workers, drugs, revenge, and most of all homeland, is reduced to collecting trash, Israeli feature with both sadness and joy, more. It’s a film you’ll want to see more and a realization that there’s nothing new mistaken motives, and I was hooked. and he is adamant that his son must not than once to fully savor the intertwined follow that path. Sadly, the father’s anywhere! Down Home is a unique depiction of the American Dream By Jim Hoover Carolina had much money. When they wanted to open retail businesses, they were When considering the history of Jewish often extended credit by Jewish merchants migration in America, we tend to focus on with successful operations in larger cities. New York City. Actually, in 1585, more The Baltimore Bargain House helped a lot than sixty years before the first Jews landed of North Carolinians by selling on credit in New York, they accompanied Sir Walter and requiring that people pay back “what Raleigh’s initial colonization of the North you can afford.” The Jewish tradition of Carolina coast. helping others resulted in many nationally The documentary Down Home: Jewish known businesses, such as Helig-Meyers Life in North Carolina, which recently and Family Dollar. screened at the Atlanta Jewish Film North Carolina’s Jewish manufacturers Festival, traces the evolving Southern- were some of the first to realize that if you Jewish American via numerous interviews could “brand” the cloth you spun by putting with Jewish families of diverse educational, a label on it, you could sell it at a higher economic, and national backgrounds. The price. Moses Cone discovered this, and ability of these North Carolinians to whole- Cone Mills became the major supplier to heartedly accept and acknowledge the Levi Strauss. impact that the South and Southern culture Carolina had smaller farms rather than Prohibition and the anti-temperance move- In the late 19th century, Eastern has had on them and their families in no plantations. Small towns developed around ment. These devout Christians wanted to European Jews migrated from the more way diminishes their love of and allegiance these farms, and the Jewish peddlers who know the actual alcohol content of the wine industrial North and brought skills learned to their religion and country. had traveled the state settled down to consumed by Jesus and his disciples at the in the “old country,” such as cigarette mak- As more than one interviewee become some of the first local merchants in Last Supper. Who better to ask than a reli- ing. The Duke family willingly hired them explained, their mothers prepared kosher their communities. By 1878, one hundred gious Jew? The storyteller’s grandfather to work in the plants to roll cigarettes. recipes, and they did not eat pork, but “we North Carolina towns had Jews. responded, “18 1/2 percent,” and they left Interestingly, they also brought their liberal ate bacon.” Many of these households had “No Jew was ever the first to arrive; the satisfied and fortified in their position by social and economic views and tried to African-American housekeeper/cooks, who uncle always came first.” This memorable this revelation. organize the workers into unions. Their brought their culinary traditions with them. quote from the film speaks to the strong As the Jewish peddlers put down roots tenure was short-lived and most returned When Jewish families devoured these family ties that partially determined migra- in these small rural towns, they had to find North, but those who remained blended into meals, they did not worry about the bacon tion patterns. occupations where there were no barriers to and contributed to the fabric of North drippings or the vegetables cooked with It was not uncommon for Christian their entry. Having learned to reclaim dis- Carolinian Jewish culture. pork. farmers, who respected the Old Testament, carded items as a way of surviving cen- Jewish retail merchants had always Southern ties to religion and the land to bring their children to town to be blessed turies of second-class citizenship, many accepted African Americans as customers, gave the first Jewish settlers in the Tar Heel by a biblical person, the Jewish merchant. went into the junk business, buying one so it was only natural that they also were State an immediate acceptance, unlike in One interviewee tells a story that illus- man’s trash and selling it to another as some of the first to hire them. As the Civil other parts of America, especially cities, trates the admiration Christian Southerners treasure. One interviewee recounted the Rights Movement became more fervent in where acceptance was given more grudg- had for Jewish religiosity. He recounts a sign outside a forefather’s business: “We the 1950s, these Jewish merchants con- ingly. Unlike its neighboring states, North conversation between some fundamental- buy anything and sell everything.” ists and his grandfather in the era of Few of the first arrivals in North See DOWN HOME page 16 Page 16 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010 Blue, Apple, Devon, and so on. I guarantee My friend goes by W.H.—that’s it, two ini- a lot of Beyonces are in the works. tials, and hardly anyone knows his full What’s in a name? The poor little girls who are stuck with name. Another Southern custom is using boy names like Morgan or Taylor will, as double names like Mary Jean, Susie May, Back in 1997, my favorite columnist happened to me in the past, have letters and Bobby Ray. Georgia’ governor has the and author, Celestine Sibley, wrote an addressed to them as “Mr.” They will cute baby name of Sonny. Ain’t that sweet? Atlanta Journal-Constitution column titled always have to explain their names wherev- It’s too late for me to change my name, “Names Can Be Heavenly Blessings or er they go. though I do use “Bo” when introducing Heavy Burdens.” BY Balfoura Friend My friend Martha Rebecca goes by myself to others. I’m grateful that my father Some weeks previous to that, she had Levine Beckie, another Rebecca is Reba, and didn’t think of saddling me with a middle written about her first name, which she did- another is Reva. Another neighbor named name—there’s no telling what he’d have n’t like. her daughter after her wealthy maiden aunt, tacked onto Balfoura! for me. Well, I fired off a letter to her, asking Colding. This poor child cut it down to Incidentally, when I wrote to Celestine I’ve found only one person who loves how she’d like to tote around the name Ding. Imagine a lifetime with the name Sibley and told her I loved her name, she in her name, my friend Claire. Balfoura. I mentioned that my father, Jacob Ding! turn told me mine was classy. Go figure! Back when Shirley Temple was Friend, was an ardent Zionist, so in honor of What happened to good old staples like Actually, in the U.S.A., there are tons America’s darling, there must have been and gratitude to Queen Victoria’s foreign Margaret, Laurie, Catherine, and Elizabeth of ethnic names, family names, religious thousands of little girls named after her. secretary, Lord Arthur Balfour, whose 1917 for girls and John, Robert, and Scott for the names (Moses; Mohammed; Jesus—typi- Then came Heather, Diana (Princess Di), Balfour Declaration pledged British support boys? The Bible is replete with lovely, solid cally using the Spanish pronunciation), and Haley, and such. Gone were Hortense, for a Jewish national home in Palestine, names—Ruth, Rachel, Naomi, Daniel, many odd monikers. So grin and bear it, Martha, Jane, Bertha, Jewel, Faith, Hope, Papa feminized his name and gave it to me Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and the like. folks—you’re still lucky to live here, what- and Charity. More recently, parents have when I was born in Shanghai, China in An old Southern custom involves ever your name might be. copied movie stars who name their kids 1925—thus beginning a lifetime of burden addressing children by their initials only. God Bless America. Yiddish Yoga is a funny, insightful book about coping with change Yiddish Yoga: Ruthie’s Adventures in Love, plenty of fun to be had as we follow Ruthie out the year, handling her grief in witty and Loss, and the Lotus Position on her journey. poignant ways. By Lisa Grunberger Recently widowed, Ruthie is a grieving In addition to Ruthie’s funny remarks, Newmarket Press, 2009 72-year-old grandmother. the small book features $15 BY Evie When her beloved grand- original drawings showing Wolfe daughter, Stephanie, gives Ruthie in yoga poses. And, If both Yiddish and yoga are familiar to her a year’s free yoga les- to cleverly explain how she you, this short book will make you laugh sons, she accepts reluctant- is doing, there are glossaries those of us who know little Yiddish and continuously as you turn the pages. But for ly. Ruthie does not see of Yiddish and Sanskrit have never attempted yoga, there is still yoga as a way to help her words and yoga terms, with find a new life. Ruthie’s comments along- “What’s wrong with side. yoga?” she asks aloud. First-time author Lisa “They haven’t mastered Grunberger is a writing pro- the art of kvetching.” fessor at Temple University So Ruthie goes to the and a yoga instructor as yoga center, and her adven- well. Several of her older tures begin. From one pose yoga students inspired her to another, from breathing to write Ruthie’s story, to meditation, she takes which she dedicates to her everything on, complaining in Yiddish all late mother, an Israeli by birth. the while. She makes new friends through- Read and enjoy!
“vertical integration” was coined by Harry Down Home Golden, editor of the Carolina Israelite, whose satiric humor played an instrumental From page 15 part in promoting passage of the Civil fronted the dilemma of being Southern Rights Act of 1964. (Golden boasted that Jews. he was one of the few Jews who came to While Jews in North Carolina had Charlotte and did not open a store—there- assimilated into the Southern culture, hav- fore, he had to be one of those dangerous ing fought for the Confederacy and attained Yankees.) state and local office, they still faced social Down Home: Jewish Life in North and economic exclusion as the ruling white Carolina reinforces that to understand Christian Southerners worked to maintain Jewish assimilation in America, one must the status quo. They were sensitive to the see it as a collage of individuals looking for plight of the Southern African American, so the American Dream—most times armed when the lunch counter sit-ins began (start- with nothing more than a value system ing in Greensboro), Jewish merchants instilled in them by their religiosity. faced an economic and moral dilemma. The segregation laws then in effect prohibited James C. Hoover, a resident of Atlanta, is a whites and blacks sitting together in public practicing attorney specializing in the field places. A Jewish merchant in Durham of labor law and is listed in The Best solved this problem by removing the seats Lawyers in America—Labor and from the lunch counter, since there was no Employment Law category. He is Of law against whites and blacks standing Counsel in the Atlanta office of Ford & together. His business thrived, and the term Harrison. January-February 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 17 MJCCA promises a fun, affordable summer New director The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) has added new pro- for Camp Chai grams and discounts for summer camps at both Zaban Park and Shirley Blumenthal The MJCCA has hired Ilana Schlam Park. as director of the Barbara & Sanford In addition to traditional camp activi- Orkin Camp Chai, which includes more ties, several popular programs will continue than 25 summer day camps for children at MJCCA day camps, including VIBE ages 5-12 at the MJCCA’s East Cobb Popstar, travel camps, cooking, jewelry facility, Shirley Blumenthal Park. making, cheerleading, Clay Play, and the ever-popular Lynne and Howard Halpern Center Theatre Drama Camp. Several new programs will be introduced, including Noah’s Ark Animal Camp, Cultures Around the World, Extreme Water Week, Lego Mania, and AbraKaDabra Magic Camp. In addition, the MJCCA is offering several incentives and savings for summer day camp families. Prices have been reduced, and further discounts are available for MJCCA members. An additional 5% Slaide Naturman enjoying a day at Isabella McCullough with MJCCA discount will be applied when signing a camp Day Camp staff member Harley child up for six or more weeks; children Gottesman must be signed up before April 1 to receive that have not been members for the past two less than comparable camps in the area. this discount. MJCCA day camps will pro- years) taking advantage of this special sum- Jared Powers, director of MJCCA Day vide families with free bus transportation (a mer membership will receive a free week at Camping Services, said, “We are so excited $60 per week value) from various conven- Zaban Park day camp. for summer to begin. Our dedicated staff ient locations on a first-come, first-served This year, for the first time, the has been hard at work planning wonderful basis. MJCCA’s Shirley Blumenthal Park, in East new camps and programs. There is an end- Zaban Park is offering a new summer Cobb, no longer requires membership to less amount of new and enhanced activities membership. From Memorial Day to Labor for campers of all ages. We’re ready for a attend its day camp. Also, for families that Ilana Schlam Day, families can enjoy every amenity the are members of the MJCCA or a partnering great summer.” MJCCA has to offer—including the fitness For more information, visit synagogue (the majority of East Cobb syn- Jared Powers, director of MJCCA center, gyms, tennis courts, outdoor pools, www.atlantajcc.org. agogues), the price will be further reduced, Day Camping Services, said, “Summer the Barbara and Ed Mendel Splash Park, making Shirley Blumenthal Park day camp and more. New camp families (i.e, families 2010 is just around the corner, and I am pleased to say that Camp Chai, under Ilana’s leadership, will continue to pro- vide amazing experiences for hundreds Community Relations Committee of children. Campers will enjoy the high quality camp amenities that they have enters a new era in pursuing justice grown to love over the years, including swimming, tennis, horseback, travel A new era in Community Relations is and Reconstructionist organizations. camp, and various sports camps, just to beginning. A new body, reflecting the con- Initially driven by lay involvement, the name a few.” sensus of the entire organizational Jewish JCRC will eventually add staff to the mix to Schlam said, “Having been a part of community, will represent the Jewish com- ensure continuity of effort. While we will the southeastern Jewish camping world munity with the general Atlanta community. BY Harold expend some effort to raise the necessary for many years, I am very much aware The Community Relations Committee of Katz funds for staffing, the heart and soul of such that Camp Chai has always boasted a Federation (CRC) existed for many years as an organization will be the community mem- stellar reputation, outshining much of its the common table around which many Jewish bers – whether individuals or our communal competition in its programming, yet organizations and social-action stalwarts “Love thy neighbor as thyself” and the vari- organizations – that participate in striving for membership and pricing were often gathered, debated, and represented the com- ous laws regarding how to treat our fellow justice throughout the Atlanta area. obstacles. Now, we are both enhancing munity. Those who sat around Atlanta’s table human beings drive the necessity of engaging Among the primary concerns of the the programming and making it afford- included the Jewish Federation, American with the general and Jewish communities. JCRC are the delivery of social services and able.” Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, One of the most articulate injunctions in humanitarian aid; racial, religious, and ethnic Schlam is originally from New Hadassah, National Council of Jewish any culture is “Justice, Justice you shall pur- relations; support of Israel and the Israeli peo- Orleans. A graduate of the University of Women, AIPAC, Israel Bonds, Jewish Family sue” from the Book of Leviticus. It epito- ple; support of the environment; and civil Georgia, she comes to the MJCCA with and Career Services, the Marcus Jewish mizes everything that the world of the JCRCs rights and liberties. It is a big agenda, and the extensive camp experience. She began Community Center, the Israeli Consulate, stands for. There are over 120 communities in agenda deserves an active, involved, coordi- her professional journey at the Metairie many synagogues, politicians, a number of the United States that have this common nated community structure. JCC (New Orleans) as the assistant day individuals, and many other groups. community table. We want to ensure that We welcome the involvement of any camp director. Her time there was cut Because of the economy and resulting Atlanta has such a place for our community to organization, synagogue, and individual who short due to Hurricane Katrina, which budget crunches, the Federation was forced to gather around. desires to help us pursue this agenda. You can brought her to live in Atlanta. Schlam cut its funding of the CRC. As a result, a And around the country, these communi- initially contact the JCRC at hkirtz@hot- began working as the assistant camp number of the community’s members are ty groups are tied together at the national mail.com. Please be on the lookout for us. director for Camp Judaea, in North reconstituting the Committee into an inde- level by the JCPA (Jewish Council for Public Carolina and helped to successfully run pendent organization to be called the Jewish Affairs), which includes the national head- Harold Kirtz is a past chair of the the camp from 2005-2009. It was also Community Relations Council of Atlanta quarters of the Jewish Federations of North Federation’s Community Relations there that she began her relationship with (JCRC of Atlanta). Many Biblical and rab- America, AJC, ADL, NCJW, Hadassah, and Committee and joins other past chairs, Lois Greg Schlam, now her husband. binic references relate to involvement in the others as well as the major synagogue move- Frank, Larry Gold, Margo Gold, and Jane community. The Biblical commandment of ments, the Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Schiff, in promoting this effort. Page 18 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010 Get down with Habima at Disco Inferno Jerry’s Habima Theatre, Georgia’s only Disco Inferno is a romp through the pices of the MJCCA’s Blonder Family theatrical company directed and produced 1970s that features a hilarious script, fan- Department for Developmental Disabilities. by professionals and featuring actors with tastic characters, and an electrifying score. Each year, together with local professional developmental disabilities, will present Like a cross between Saturday Night Fever actors from the community, performers Disco Inferno, March 24-28, at the Marcus and Damn Yankees, it tells the story of ages 18 and older present a full-scale adap- Jewish Community Center of Atlanta’s Faust in an explosion of hit songs from the tation of a musical theatrical production. Morris & Rae Frank Theatre, 5342 Tilly era of bellbottoms, disco balls, and platform This year, Jerry’s Habima Theatre is co- Mill Road, Dunwoody. shoes. Popular songs include “Disco chaired by Lowell Fine and Robert and Inferno,” “Celebration,” “Crocodile Rock,” Leslie Rothberg. “Hot Stuff,” “Instant Replay,” “Pop Participants in this special theater com- Muzik,” “I Love the Nightlife,” “I Will pany achieve new levels of self-confidence, Survive,” and more. motivation, and socialization from the Jerry’s Habima Theatre is now in its intensive three-month process of rehearsals 17th season. Lois Blonder, benefactor of and performances. This unique program the theater in loving memory of her hus- provides a wonderful opportunity for devel- band, Jerry Blonder, explains, “It still thrills oping new skills through a meaningful the- me to see these special shows sell out night ater experience. Over the years, the number and March 28 at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. after night. This is a program that has of people involved in the productions has General admission is $32; $15 for chil- improved the quality of life for so many— expanded, and the audience has grown from dren 12 and under. Tickets for MJCCA from the dedicated actors to the audiences family and friends of the actors to include members are $22; $10 for children 12 and taking in the enormous charm of these per- the broader community. under. Senior discounts are available. To formances.” Disco Inferno performances are March purchase tickets, call the MJCCA’s Box The company operates under the aus- 24-25 at 7:30 p.m.; March 27 at 8:30 p.m.; Office at 678-812-4002. Weber School names building for benefactors The Doris and Alex Weber Jewish The name honors the late parents of Capital Campaign. Felicia and Joe includes 22 classrooms, five science Community High School has named its Felicia Weber, who, with her husband, Weber are the school’s original naming labs, two computer labs, media and premier classroom and office building Joe, recently gave a $6 million gift to benefactors. library facilities, art galleries, faculty the Helen and Joseph Penzell Building. The Weber School’s Weaving a Legacy The Weber School’s Board of and administrative offices, conference Trustees officially announced the nam- rooms, and a cafeteria. Situated at the ing of the Penzell Building on intersection of Roswell and Abernathy November 17, 2009. On that date, roads in Sandy Springs, it is also a pop- Capital ular choice for MIDAS OF SANDY SPRINGS Campaign community donors and meetings and friends gath- special events. ered to cele- The Weber brate not only School was the school’s established in first building 1997 as a pri- naming, but vate Jewish also the recent community successful high school. completion of Originally the Campaign’s named the New Weber Atlanta Jewish Challenge, in Community which over $11 High School, it million—an was renamed in all-time capital The Weber School has named its premier 2003 in honor fundraising classroom and office building in honor of of Joe Weber’s Pictured (back row): Reed Bell, Chris Adams, Patty Conway, record for the Felicia Weber’s late parents, Helen and late parents, school—was Joseph Penzell. Pictured: (from left) Lisa Doris and Alex Mark Ritzer, Mike Doherty. (Front row): Jessie Swieter, raised in a year. Galanti, Sim Pearl, Neal Cohen, Jonny Weber. Damien Gordon, George Hall, Les Walker, Mark Hoover In a cere- Silberman, Felicia Weber, Shira Berman, The Weber mony dubbed Steve Berman, and Joe Weber School was first We service all your vehicle needs “From the housed in a set Exhaust • Brakes • Tires • Alignment • Air Conditioning Heart,” Board President Lisa Galanti of modular units in Dunwoody. Its said, “It is appropriate that we name the increasing popularity and steady rise in All Factory Scheduled Maintenance Programs building that serves as the heart of our enrollment—from 19 students when it campus in memory of Helen and Joseph opened its doors to 219 students this for All Vehicles ‘Jerry’ Penzell, of blessed memory. For year—soon required that it find a larger in so doing, we are reminded, ‘As my home. The 2003 launch of the Weaving a parents planted for me, so may I plant Legacy Capital Campaign, a $32-mil- 404-255-7272 for my children.’” lion, multi-year fund drive, enabled the Covering some 80,000 square feet school to relocate to its permanent home 6560 Roswell Road and three stories, the Penzell Building in Sandy Springs in 2006. 100 Yards South of Abernathy - Next to Taco Bell January-February 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 19 Coffee talk
By Susan Robinson face, because all of a sudden, it seemed as if he was trying to avoid eye contact. All of us make choices. Sometimes I sat quietly, not sure how to react. good. Sometimes not so good. Somewhat Perhaps there’d been a coffee recall. Or the reluctantly, I made a decision to eat health- cherry growers were on strike. After a ier food and to exercise regularly. moment of silence, I had to ask the barista No more whole milk for me. No an obvious question: “So why would I not sweeteners, natural or artificial, in my want a frozen cherry candy cappuccino morning cup of coffee. And that coffee? concoction?” Decaf only, please. “Ma’am,” he said, “it’s not certified I was careful about walking frequent- kosher.” ly and exercising once or twice a week. “Hahuh,” I answered, not knowing (Okay, I know I should exercise at least what else to say. three times a week, but I figure I need to “I could make it for you anyway, if leave some room for improvement.) And you still want it,” he kindly offered. the reason for this change? And now it was my time to look away Last year, I went to the doctor for an and avoid eye contact. My precious cap- annual check-up, and the doctor informed puccino. So cold. So creamy. So sweet. So me that I had gained three pounds. far away. “Can’t be,” I kindly told the good doc- “Hahuh,” I said once again. Words tor. “I’ve actually lost three pounds!” escaped me. I couldn’t leave. I couldn’t “Not so, you’ve gained three pounds,” stay. The car behind me began to honk. I was his instant and very decisive retort. had to make some kind of a choice. I corrected him, then he corrected me. “Nah, I won’t take it, thank you,” I This went on and on for a bit, until the doc- replied. I tried to control the quiver in my tor showed me my file, where it was voice. recorded conclusively in black and white The barista leaned forward. His brow that I had indeed gained weight. Hmm, I was furrowed. I think he felt my pain. thought, obviously the nurse had inadver- “Can I make you something else? How tently transposed a number, or made some about your usual order: decaf, leave room other kind of silly mistake. Of course I was for skim milk, no sweeteners?” right, and the file was just plain wrong. All of a sudden, I felt like a The doctor rolled his eyes. Kindergartner on the playground. My new Whatever. best friend wouldn’t play with me, so I was This year, things would be different. I about to go off in a sulk. There was no way had spent several weeks walking and being I could be consoled with a bland decaf cof- careful about my diet. Now was the fee, clearly inferior to that elusive cappuc- moment of truth. cino. Yes! I had lost a few pounds. My cho- “I think I’ll skip it, thanks. Nothing for lesterol was down. My blood pressure? me.” And off I drove. “Beautiful!” declared the nurse. This I arrived home safely, despite the fact called for a celebration. that I was visualizing my loss on the entire I headed out to the closest coffee trip home. Ever the stoic one, I held back place. I had dreams of something cold, the tears until I got in the door. Then, as something creamy, something sweet. I had soon as I saw my husband, I came up with been so good for so long; surely I deserved a solution. “Quick, honey. Let’s go out for a little, or not so little, treat. I was eagerly ice cream. Coffee flavor. I heard that the anticipating a calorie-and-fat-laden drink, supermarket at the corner has a new prod- knowing that my next check-up would be a uct—gelato, and it’s kosher!” full 12 months away—an absolute eternity We walked there, enjoyed the gelato, when thinking about extra pounds. and then walked back home. I’d like to I drove up to the window, ordered a think that the brisk walk, coupled with frozen cherry candy cappuccino concoc- some full arm swings, counteracted the tion, and just sat back and waited. effects of the ice cream. Maybe, maybe The barista leaned out the window and not. Certainly, walking is a better choice stared at me. He looked left, then right. He then sitting in the car. And that frozen cher- cleared his throat, and then whispered, ry candy cappuccino concoction? It’s just “Ma’am, I’m not so sure you want that.” not part of my diet, no maybe about it. As The sun must have been shining in his I said, it’s all about making good choices. Page 20 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010 The Breman receives grant from The Home Depot Foundation
Through its fourth annual Building issues facing the Atlanta community. Community Day program, The Home In addition to The Breman, the other Depot Foundation has awarded $20,000 to 2009 Building Community Day grant recip- The Breman Jewish Heritage & Holocaust ients are the Arthritis Foundation—Georgia Museum. The donation will be used to sup- Chapter; Atlanta Legal Aid; Boy Scouts of port ongoing efforts to collect, preserve, America (Atlanta Area Council); Camp and share critical archival collections, Twin Lakes; Center for Pan Asian including those of Jewish veterans of the Community Services; Communities in U.S. Armed Forces and Holocaust survivors Schools Georgia; Ferst Foundation for who made new lives in Georgia. A major Childhood Literacy; Foster Care Support collection effort will take place in conjunc- Foundation; Girl Scouts of Northwest tion with “Dr. Seuss Goes to War...& Georgia; HeroBox; Historic Oakland Building Community Day Awards More,” an exhibition of the World War II Cemetery Foundation; Junior Achievement political cartoons of Theodor Seuss Geisel, of Georgia; Komen for the Cure; Salvation opening February 2010. Army; Special Olympics of Georgia; Through its Building Community Day Tommy Nobis Center; Travelers Aid program, sponsored in partnership with The (HOPE Atlanta); WPBA; and YWCA of Awards presentation: (from left) Georgia Center for Nonprofits, The Home Northwest Georgia. Jane Leavey, executive director of Depot Foundation connects with local Three years ago, The Home Depot The Breman Jewish Heritage and organizations whose missions fall outside Foundation established Building Holocaust Museum; Kelly Caffarelli, of the foundation’s usual areas of giving. Community Day as a means to reach out to president of The Home Depot This year, 20 nonprofits participated in its nonprofit neighbors and friends working Foundation; and Karen Beavor, roundtable discussions and workshops to improve communities. Since that time, executive director of The Georgia focused on the theme “Social Innovation: this event has strengthened 60+ nonprofit Center for Nonprofits Building Community Day facilitated Inspirational Ideas and Practices for organizations by building peer networks, group discussion around collabora- Maximum Impact.” Each organization providing information and resources on gram now includes a yearlong agenda fea- tive best practices. Pictured: Jane received a $20,000 grant at the end of day pertinent trends, and granting over $1 mil- turing three annual alumni events. Leavey to support its work on a broad range of lion in vital operational support. The pro- Yom HaShoah—a time to remember Herbert Kohn was 18 years old and monstrous work of the Nazis was fully So, if you want to connect with back in Germany. He was angry, horrified revealed to the world. Today, the bleak Atlanta’s Jewish community and think this by all that had happened to his family dur- days of World War II are a fading memory is a good year to remember the victims of ing World War II, and in a mood to fight. for many, but the Jewish community con- the Holocaust, honor the survivors, pray Two days later, on May 7, 1945, the war tinues to recall and honor the six million for the martyrs, and salute the heroes, then ended. Kohn never got the chance to battle Jews lost in the Holocaust. One special day, plan on attending this year’s Yom HaShoah the Nazi regime that tormented his fami- Yom HaShoah, has been set aside to honor event. Memorial to the Six Million ly—at least not on the battlefields of the dead, the survivors, the martyrs, and Europe. heroes. The dark days In Atlanta, the annual event, sponsored of World War II and by Eternal-Life Hemshech (an organization The Breman Museum’s Legacy Project will the horror of the of Holocaust survivors, their descendants, Holocaust remain and people dedicated to commemorating part of Kohn’s life. the Jewish victims of the Holocaust), the preserve stories of Holocaust survivors His anger and Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, and hatred have faded. The Breman Jewish Heritage and The Breman Jewish Heritage and members of The Breman’s Holocaust But he continues to Holocaust Museum, is centered on the Holocaust Museum has taken bold steps Survivors Speakers Bureau, and creating do battle with the Memorial to the Six Million at Greenwood to begin the process of identifying and an inventory of The Breman’s related Nazis in a quiet, Cemetery in southwest Atlanta. The perma- preserving the stories of Holocaust sur- materials. Additionally, there is a com- constructive fash- nent monument was first envisioned in the vivors throughout Georgia. Twenty mittee to explore a partnership with area committee members, along with five colleges and universities to assist with Herbert Kohn ion. He fights with mid-1960s. Its dedication and the first words. memorial service at the site were in 1965. staff, have created a mission and vision various aspects of these working com- “We certainly Now the monument, a harmonious blend of of what the Legacy Project will include. mittees. Each of these committees has cannot change the past, but we can learn chiseled stone and soaring torches, is listed While no timeline for the work of this been meeting, and tentative timetables from it,” Kohn says. “I am committed now in the National Register of Historic Places. committee has been set, Norman Zoller, have been adopted for concluding their to sharing my story and experience so that Why continue this remembrance? The Breman board president, wants to work. I can do my part in helping to build a bet- “We need to understand what hap- move as quickly as possible so the sto- Mr. Zoller feels that more informa- ter world.” pened so that it doesn’t happen again,” says ries of aging survivors can be chronicled tion and ideas need to be gathered from Kohn will share his story—the early Karen Lansky Edlin who, along with around the state. other museums and Holocaust education years in Germany with his family, the rise Goldie Bertone, is co-chair of this year’s The committee of twenty, now offi- centers around the country. of Hitler and the Nazis, Kristallnacht and Yom HaShoah planning committee. cially called the Holocaust Survivors The Breman Museum requests that his father’s imprisonment, the family’s “History does and will repeat itself.” Legacy Committee, has been divided anyone knowing of a survivor in hasty escape from Germany, and freedom Edlin’s son Adam, a senior at The into eight subcommittees. Each commit- Georgia contact Michael Weinroth at in America—at this year’s Yom HaShoah Weber School, offers another view. “When tee is working on topics including the The Breman, Service of Remembrance, April 11, at the Jewish community comes together to preservation of survivors’ stories [email protected] or 404-870- Greenwood Cemetery. The program begins tell stories and remember the past, it also through oral histories on videotape, 1630, or Manuela Bornstein, at 10:30 a.m. strengthens the community,” he says. “We identifying Holocaust survivors present- [email protected]. It’s been over six decades since the all feel connected as a Jewish people.” ly living in Georgia, photographing January-February 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 21 Benefit concert celebrates the life of Dr. Sam Schatten
On September 27, 2008, the Atlanta community lost one of its angels when Dr. Sam Schatten, 54- year-old physician, BY Cecile father, husband, schol- ar, humanitarian, syn- Waronker agogue president, and mensch, lost his Taubman has been valiant battle with inspiring the Jewish cancer. More than community for over 1,000 people crowded 25 years with his Dr. Sam Schatten into the sanctuary of magical music and Ahavath Achim irresistible enthusi- Synagogue the following day to show asm that bring to life their respect for Dr. Sam. the joy and spirit of On that day, Jeffrey, the oldest of Jewish heritage for Sam’s four sons, praised his father’s life Craig Taubman audiences of all with the traditional toast L’Chaim. It is ages. These stars of with love that Ahavath Achim Synagogue Jewish music have presents “L’Chaim…To Life: A Musical performed together before—in Los Tribute Celebrating the Life and Spirit of Angeles in Do You Hallelu? at the Dr. Sam Schatten (z’l),” Sunday, March 7, Universal Amphitheater and in a PBS spe- 7:00 p.m., at the synagogue. cial, “Lights! Celebrate Hanukkah Live in Hazzan Alberto Mizrahi and Craig Concert.” They will be joined on stage by Taubman will honor Sam’s life with exu- The Epstein School Choir and The Atlanta berant, life-affirming Jewish Men’s Choir. songs. Hazzan The event pays tribute to Sam’s love Mizrahi, “the Jewish of music and Jewish education. Proceeds Pavarotti,” is one of from this benefit concert will support the world’s leading adult and community service program- interpreters of Jewish ming at Ahavath Achim. General admis- music. His repertoire, sion is $18 per person and includes a post- including songs in concert reception. For reservations, call nine languages, has Ahavath Achim at 404-355-5222, or visit Hazzan Alberto thrilled audiences www.AASynagogue.org. Mizrahi worldwide. Craig A retirement splurge
Near the end of October, my sister and I headed up to New York City. What a wondrous place. Though I have written about it before, it always bears another mention—because, as the song says, it’s BY Marice “New York, New York....so good they Katz named it twice.” We took in two musicals (one was into a bicycle taxi driven by a young man. more like an operetta with excellent act- He weaved in and out of traffic on the ing, and the other had lots of jazzy tunes), crowded streets and got us to our destina- and ate in wonderful restaurants, includ- tion in no time at all. It was the riskiest ing the Stage Deli, Sardi’s, and places that thing we did on the trip; even the natives featured $55 steaks. said it was dangerous. We were a little We tried to figure out why people shaken, but not unduly so. often say New Yorkers are rude. The peo- One thing I gotta tell you. We ple with whom we came in contact were checked it out, and even New York cannot very nice—even the cab drivers. beat Atlanta for shopping. In any event, One afternoon, after leaving a the- Atlanta is numero uno in my heart. ater, we could not get a cab, so we hopped 4455 Roswell Road Atlanta, Georgia 30342 404-255-4312
www.presstine.com Page 22 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010
Wender, who informed me that there were Oy Vey: What you’re liable to say when your other Jewish Georgians who competed. Schwartz on Sports basketball team, which does not have a guy Diane is a member of the Walking Club of over 5’9”, is playing against a team whose Georgia and competes in the 1500M and 5K YIDDISH AND THE JEWISH GEORGIAN players are over 6’ tall. racewalks. Another member, Dan Strohl, has SPORTS SCENE competed successfully in 2001, 2003, 2005, Kvetch: What you’re liable to do to the referee and 2009. Joel Dubow of Atlanta also partici- My grandfather, Morris Bass, immigrated after he’s called a charging foul on you when it pated in the 2009 games. to the United States from Russia in 1914, when BY Jerry was clearly a block. Thanks for the information, Diane. And he was a teenager. He settled in Pittsburgh, Schwartz now I have another source for future senior Pennsylvania, got a job, learned the English Macher: The guy who can afford to sponsor games articles. language, courted and married Fannie your softball team and actually buy uniforms. Middleman, and started raising a family. know what the word meant, nor did I. The PICKLE-BALL AT THE MJCCA Yiddish was occasionally spoken in the home, nickname stayed with Rich for as long as I can Klutz: This describes a softball player who and my mother learned certain phrases that I remember. One day I told my mother that I was tries to score from second base, trips over third can remember her using when I was growing going to play tennis with Schmuck Pracko, and base, and is tagged out while crawling to home I ran into Donald “Moose” Miller at the up. One of my favorites was one she often told my mother did a double take. She immediately plate. MJCCA in December, and he asked me if I my brother, Kenny, and me when our baby sis- told me the derivation of the word and its liter- ever heard of the game Pickle-ball. I knew ter, Francene, was sleeping. She would say, al translation, and then she explained that it Naches: The feeling you have when you’re about it because I had seen an exhibition match “Zogornet, zi shloft, luz ir tzree,” which meant was now used as a descriptive term for some- watching your grandchildren participate in a at the National Senior Games in Louisville in “Look, she’s sleeping, leave her alone.” To this one who is not highly regarded. We both had a soccer game or a tennis or wrestling match. 2007. day, that phrase has stuck with me, and I have good laugh over this. I wonder if Rich, who Pickle-ball is played on a badminton court even used it with my own children and grand- really was a nice kid, ever found out what the Chutzpah: Describes the attitude of the guy with a net lowered to thirty-four inches at the children. word means. who misses every team practice and wants to center. It’s played with a perforated plastic ball My mother was also involved with my Yiddish seems to have had a revival in the know why he isn’t starting the game. (similar to a whiffle ball) and wood or com- learning the meaning of the word schmuck last few years. There are more and more posite paddles. It looks as if it’s easy for begin- when I was a teenager. (I know I have your Yiddish classes and many Yiddish words and Shmooze: What you try to do with a basketball ners to learn, but could quickly become a fast- attention now.) There’s a story attached to this. phrases have become part of people’s regular official before a game, so he might give you paced competitive game. I grew up in Tarentum, Pennsylvania, a small speech, whether they are Jewish or not. We some favorable calls. Moose told me that he was there for an mill town about 20 miles northeast of hear words like shmooze, klutz, kibbitz, tush, organizational meeting to discuss the possibil- Pittsburgh. There were just a few Jewish fami- and shpiel in everyday conversation. Tsuris: This will be the certain result if you ity of bringing Pickle-ball to the MJCCA. lies, but we had our own synagogue, Ohev So, I thought it would be interesting and choose to attend a Hawks’ game instead of tak- According to Sidney Cojac, a center member Shalom, which was a block from our house. fun to take certain Jewish words and phrases ing your wife out on her birthday. and regular Pickle-ball player, the game has One of the older Orthodox Jewish men who and tie them into the Jewish Georgian sports generated tremendous interest and participa- regularly attended the synagogue had been scene. To those of you who are Yiddish purists, Kibbitz: It might be OK for mah jongg, bridge, tion in Charlotte. Sidney is ninety-one years harassed by some neighborhood boys, and he I apologize ahead of time for taking literary or Scrabble, but not during a basketball game. old and is ready to take on all comers. Well, the called one of them, Rich Pracko, a “schmuck.” license and using them in this manner. So, let’s center already has ping pong, tennis, racquet- I’m certain that Rich and the other boys didn’t go ahead and have some fun. Maven: When you listen to sports talk radio, ball, and volleyball. Why not Pickle-ball? this is what all the callers think they are when I’m for any game that involves a ball, they are on the air. some kind of a racquet, a net, and scorekeep- ing. Who knows, with Moose, Sidney, and Schlep: If you’re coaching a kids’ baseball their committee’s efforts, there might be team, this is what you have to do with the Pickle-ball at the MJCCA. Remember, you equipment before and after practice and heard it here first. games. NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS 2010 Mensch: This describes men and women who take the time to coach kids’ sports and serve as January is the time of year when people role models. make a fresh start. By the time you read this column, many New Year’s resolutions will Bubkis: What you have after playing a double- already have been broken. I, too, am joining header softball game and not hitting one ball the millions of others who will try to do better out of the infield. in the coming year. So, here are my resolutions as they relate to the Jewish sports scene. Tuchis: What you land on when you swing I resolve: with all your might at a softball and miss. • to continue to participate in competitive activities, but start shifting the emphasis from Fahklempt: This is the condition observed at competitiveness to the participation and enjoy- the beginning of any basketball game at the ment. (That’s not going to be easy to do.) MJCCA when five guys are discussing strate- • to emphasize to my grandchildren the impor- gy. tance of good sportsmanship and teamwork in all that they do. Saichel: What is lacking when a 5’ 7” guy • to recognize that good health is influenced thinks he can post up a 6’5” guy in a basketball greatly by regular exercise and proper eating game. habits. (That doesn’t mean I’m giving up chocolate.) Alter kockers: The 60 or so old timers whom • to search for ideas that The Jewish Georgian Gene Benator gathers together once a year for readers will enjoy and find interesting. a softball game. • to support my wife, Nancy, in her exercise program and maybe even take one of those MORE SENIOR GAMES INFO Zumba classes. • to continue working on my three-point shot In the last column, I wrote about my expe- and maybe one day shoot it as accurately as rience at the National Senior Games that were guys like Steve Peltier, Ron Slotin, and Victor held in August 2009. I also highlighted Saul Sonsino. Cohen, who participated in singles and doubles • to keep my eye on the ball and drive for the racquetball. I received an e-mail from Diane bucket and score. January-February 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 23 Page 24 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010
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Be’er Sheva project will brings JNF’s Be’er Sheva River Park people, prosperity to the Negev
By Ronnie Porat stones, but the stones touch you....”), there JNF’s is something particularly special about vis- Blueprint As an Israeli stationed for the past two iting the Jewish National Fund’s signature Negev years in Atlanta as a shaliach for the Jewish project in Be’er Sheva, the $50 million plan to National Fund (JNF), it is always meaning- Be’er Sheva River Park. This economic bring ful for me to return to Israel for a visit. My development project is a key component of 250,000 family and I miss Israel; we miss the rest of new resi- our family, we miss the Mediterranean dents to beach, and we miss the fresh vegetables and the South built the foundation of the Jewish nation. Middle Eastern food. in the next five years. The River Park will Together, they drew an actual blueprint for The trips home recharge our batteries transform Be’er Sheva into a “green lung” the Negev. One of Ben Gurion’s primary as we visit close family members, especial- for the Negev and provide year-round recre- interests was to populate the Negev. Sadly, ly our 26-year-old daughter, Shira, and our ation and entertainment activities. over the past six decades, this goal and oth- 22-year-old son, Omri, who was recently When I was in Israel in August, I was ers related to the development of the Negev discharged from the Golani Brigade of the joined for a tour of Be’er Sheva River Park were not fully realized. Communities of the Israeli Defense Forces. Our visits are also by President Shimon Peres and heard the Negev, including Be’er Sheva, its capital, extremely meaningful to my 83-year-old president’s prediction for the region. “I sug- were left behind in Israel’s booming econo- father, a Holocaust survivor who describes gest that everyone buy real estate in Be’er my. The president’s optimistic declaration himself as a “remnant of the horror.” He Sheva now,” he advised the crowd, “before Ronnie Porat (far right), Jewish about the Negev’s future was a highlight of proudly gathers the family in his home in prices in town soar and an economic advan- my time in the country, as it signaled the Nes Ziona, south of Tel Aviv, to hear our National Fund’s shaliach to the tage will be lost.” southeastern United States, dis- reality of a new Negev. stories of life in Atlanta. The president was one of the closest Today, Ben Gurion’s vision is closer to While it is always meaningful to visit cusses the $50 million Be’er Sheva assistants to Israel’s first prime minister, the Israel (“you come to Israel to touch the River Park with Israeli President late David Ben Gurion, with whom Peres See BE’ER SHEVA, page 27 Shimon Peres (second from left). Atlantans play clutch role in new Synagogue 3000 chooses The Temple Jews and Baseball documentary for young adults pilot program By Suzi Brozman The definitive movie on the history of Jews and American baseball is being pro- The Temple, Atlanta’s oldest and largest synagogue, duced with a strong assist from several recently received a grant from Synagogue 3000 and a pri- Atlantans. vate foundation to implement Next Dor, a program aimed at Local project consultants Linda Selig engaging Jewishly uninvolved young adults in their 20s and and Lynda Walker are part of the production 30s. The Temple is one of five congregations across the team behind Jews and Baseball: An United States to be selected for this pilot program. Other American Love Story. target cities are Miami, St. Louis, Washington, D.C., and So far, Selig and Walker’s company, San Francisco. The project’s name is a play on words— The MIH Team, has helped raised more than looking not only at neighboring young adults within the $600,000 in charitable contributions toward community, but with “Dor” meaning generation, looking to the not-for-profit movie’s $1 million budget. bring the next generation back into Jewish community life. When finished, the feature-length docu- Lynda Walker and Linda Selig The Temple’s senior rabbi, Peter Berg, said the aim of mentary—written and directed by an all-star the program is not to compete with other synagogues, but to nationally. target Jewish young adults who wouldn’t even think of set- team and featuring a rare, new interview Rabbi Peter Berg with Jewish baseball icon Sandy Koufax— Selig and Walker’s Atlanta-based com- ting foot in a synagogue, and meet them where they are— will be provided as a gift to the 350+ Jewish pany is quietly gaining a reputation for help- bringing the synagogue to them at places like Starbucks and community centers across the nation, for use ing produce and promote documentaries. Barnes & Noble, encouraging them to participate in Jewish activities in whatever as inspirational programming and for JCC Earlier this year, The MIH Team (MIH capacity suits them. It is, he said, a concept of programming and relationship building fund-raising purposes. stands for “Make it Happen”) helped plan not defined by more people joining a synagogue, but by young people affiliating with Producers also have struck a deal with See SYNAGOGUE 3000 page 29 Public Broadcasting Service to air the film See JEWS AND BASEBALL, page 27 Page 26 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010 MishMash Kosher Affairs From page 14
KOSHER IS BIG
KosherFest, the world’s largest kosher food and beverage trade event, was held in BY Roberta late October at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey. Scher This year, there were over 300 exhibitors from 14 countries. Yes, kosher is reusable bowl, complete with a sauce pack- a booming industry. Prior to the show, a et. Available flavors are soy ginger, spicy team of food professionals sampled hun- Szechwan, sweet and sour, kung pao, and dreds of entries to find the best new kosher teriyaki. I tasted the teriyaki, and it certain- products of 2009, some of which are high- ly was a satisfying option for a quick, Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta lighted below. I hope to sample and report portable lunch. The package states that CEO Mark Oshnock (left) is joined on many of the other winners as well. there are two servings, but oops! I ate the by Julie and Billy Levine at the first Please share this list with your favorite whole thing! annual “Party with a Purpose,” grocers so that they will consider bringing December 18. Billy Levine’s moth- some of these winning products to Atlanta. KOSHER VALLEY POULTRY. A most er, Liz Levine, was the honoree at For more information visit kosherfest.com. exciting KosherFest winner was the Kosher Hospice Atlanta’s October 2009 On November 18, Faith Russler Valley Poultry chicken breast cutlet. This benefit. The December 18 event (pictured) addressed the Mt. KosherFest competition highlights: new organic line of poultry, initially intro- launched the Chrysalis Club, Scopus Group of Hadassah at Java duced in the Atlanta area by Whole Foods which will develop a new genera- Vino. She spoke about Five LUCK CHEN ASIAN NOODLES. This (Briarcliff store), is now also offered by tion of volunteer leaders to support Element Acupuncture, an ancient flavored instant “meal in one” was Best in Griller’s Pride. Kosher Valley sells kosher, Hospice Atlanta’s compassionate form of healing, as well as the rea- Show and winner in the Best Pasta, Rice, antibiotic-free (ABF), vegetarian-fed, and work in the community. Funds sons for considering acupuncture Bean, or Soup category. Just add about 2 humanely raised chicken and turkey prod- raised at “Party with a Purpose” and how it can play a part in one’s ounces of hot water, and it is ready to eat. ucts. In my opinion, it tastes better and enabled Visiting Nurse | Hospice over-all health and well being. To Although similar to ramen-type products, it appears cleaner (fewer feathers) than other Atlanta to renovate the children’s learn more about the Mt. Scopus is unique due to its variety of flavors and kosher poultry. Yes, it does cost somewhat room at the Hospice Atlanta Center Group’s upcoming events, contact lack of additives. In addition, the noodles more, but I think that, in this case, the high- in Brookhaven. Edie Barr at 404-325-0340. are pre-steamed with no artificial ingredi- er price is warranted. ents, and they are packaged in a sealable See KOSHER AFFAIRS, page 34 January-February 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 27
• needs to know how to check eggs for bloodspots. AKC • must be able to recognize when kosher Approved meat has a she’alah (question). For exam- Kosher Korner ple, there may be a question about whether a piece of meat can be used if it has both a wound and a broken bone—in some A mashgiach is a kosher supervisor. The mashgiach must know ingredients instances, this combination will render a This is a man or woman above bar/bat mitz- in order to determine which ones are harm- piece of meat non-kosher. vah age who is thoroughly familiar with all less from a kosher perspective and which • must be able to kasher liver. Kosher liver of the kosher laws and has been trained to BY Rabbi Reuven may be of animal or dairy origin. Of course, is not ready for kosher use until it has been oversee kosher food preparation. knowledge of Sabbath and Yom Tov laws is Stein salted and broiled on separate utensils to The mashgiach does not operate inde- needed in order for a mashgiach to figure remove the blood. pendently, but must have a rav hamachshir out how to have hot foods on days when tions. • must be able to prepare fish, know which (a rabbi trained in kashruth law) whom he one is not allowed to cook. A mashgiach The mashgiach must also understand fish are kosher, and know how to preapre or she can call on when kashruth questions also needs to know equipment found in mod- fish in a meat kitchen without compromis- come up. how to separate dairy, ern industrial kitchens, ing the kosher status of a meal. (Meat and Years ago, a mashgiach simply had to meat, and parve. such as convection ovens, fish cannot be prepared or eaten together.) know Jewish law in order to fulfill the job. microwaves, and steam In addition to Today, the duties are far more complex. this general knowl- systems. He or she must The AKC employs over 20 full-time In addition to knowing the laws, a per- edge, the mashgiach also know how to kosher- mashgichim, who work in various kosher son has to know which of the 991 kosher must also know a great ize non-kosher equipment, establishments. Another 10 part-time symbols are reliable. (There are, unfortu- deal about specific which means, in many mashgichim occasionally fill in at kosher nately, many kosher symbols that can be foods. For example, he cases, knowing how to use events. ordered from the back of a magazine and or she: a blowtorch and how to A mashgiach truly wears many hats! don’t represent a bona fide or accredited disassemble and properly • has to be familiar kosher agency.) with a myriad of fresh check equipment. A mash- Rabbi Reuven Stein is director of supervi- Being a master communicator is vital produce and know how giach must also know the sion for the Atlanta Kashruth Commission, for a mashgiach. He or she needs to com- to make sure it is free laws of tevilas keilim (rit- a non-profit organization dedicated to pro- municate with a chef, food distributors, from insect infestation, ual immersion), to determine which equip- moting kashruth through education, waiters, and waitresses to make sure that all as well as knowing Israeli produce and the ment must be brought to a kosher utensil research, and supervision. are aware of the kasruth rules and regula- mikvah and be dipped. rituals required to make it usable.
Capital of the Negev—will have a green I see a bright future for the Negev and tions, contact JNF, 6065 Roswell Road, Be’er Sheva park at the Southern end of the city, which for the people of Israel. The Jewish Suite 214, Atlanta GA 30338. Telephone From page 25 will stimulate development throughout the National Fund is leading the creation of a 404-236-8990, or e-mail [email protected]. Negev and will support Ben Gurion’s pre- new reality in Be’er Sheva and beyond, and reality than it has ever been, due in large diction that “the Negev will be the test of Atlantans’ support of JNF is greatly appre- Ronnie Porat (Lt. Col. Res) is Israel special part to JNF’s strong and broad leadership the creative ability and pioneering valor of ciated. emissary, Southern & Florida Zones, for commitment to the region. It seems that Israel.” For more details and to make dona- the Jewish National Fund. dreams do come true. Be’er Sheva—the
The film “will be a very inspirational, photos of great Jewish players and unforget- Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times Jews and Baseball motivational tool for young people,” added table games. columnist Ira Berkow. From page 25 Walker. Its lesson is: “No matter your back- Director Peter Miller is a long-time pro- Although well on their way to securing ground, if you have ducer on Ken Burns’ the film’s $1 million budget, Selig and and coordinate the world premiere of The a dream, you can films (The War, Walker continue to raise money for the edit- People v. Leo Frank, which also aired on make it happen.” Jazz) and also makes ing of the film and to buy rights to certain PBS. The premiere at the Cobb Energy Along with documentaries on material. Donations are tax-deductible and Centre in Atlanta drew more than 2,400 Koufax, the film his own, mostly for come with tickets to the film’s premiere in guests. features recent PBS. He directed the New York City, which many of the film’s Like The People v. Leo Frank, the base- interviews with Ron award-winning doc- stars will attend. ball film will be used to educate and inspire, Blomberg, Charles umentary feature For information about donating to this said Selig and Walker. Bronfman, Bob Sacco and Vanzetti, production, visit www.themihteam.com, or During the last century, baseball, for Feller, Shawn shown nationally in call 404-816-5115. many American Jews, represented a way to Green, Steve theaters in 2007 and To learn more about Jews and become part of the “American Dream” and Greenberg, Larry named the year’s Baseball: An American Love Story, visit the “American Experience,” said Selig. She King, Marvin best historical film www.jewsandbaseball.com. added that the film is about more than just Miller, Elliott by the American sports; it is also about “immigration, assim- Maddox, Al Rosen, Historical ilation, passing on traditions, overcoming Marv Rotblatt, Bud Association. His lat- stereotypes, and heroism.” Selig, Norm Sherry, est film, A Class The educational tie with the Jewish Steve Stone, Fred Apart, was broadcast Community Center Association is a natural, Wilpon, Kevin in 2009 on the as many current and former Jewish major Youkilis, and many acclaimed PBS leaguers, including Koufax, got their start other players, writ- series “American playing ball at a local JCC. ers, executives, and Experience.” In fact, Koufax had not given an inter- fans. Producer Will Hechter is a Toronto- view in decades when he agreed to partici- Prominent non-Jews, including Yogi based lawyer and baseball fan. He has pro- pate in Jews and Baseball, said Walker. Berra and movie director Ron Howard, duced events with artists ranging from Paul “When he heard about the film, he real- share their reminiscences as well. Simon and Art Garfunkel concerts to art ized this was going to be the film for the Their stories will be intercut with dra- projects with Andy Warhol. ages on this topic,” she said. matic and never-before-seen film clips and The screenplay is by author and Page 28 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010 elected president of the Tufted Textile Manufacturer’s Association, a local paper Dalton’s Jewish community described the new head as “a member of the Jewish families of Dalton [who] has done By Aaron Welt “Georgia,” was the state’s official song much not only for his nationality, but for all until 1979. By all accounts, the original groups in the county.” In the Blue Ridge Mountains of north- Jewish residents enjoyed mercantile suc- Nochumson was one of several Jews west Georgia is a Jewish cemetery over- cess and middle-class comfort. who gained local prominence in the town’s looking the misty hills of Appalachia. In the The bedspread industry was the first to manufacturing base. Jerry Gold, owner of back of the graveyard, one finds the grave- take off in Dalton. A native of Dalton, Gold and Company Manufacturers of Rugs stone of Alan and Shirley Lorberbaum, Catherine Evans Whitener popularized a and Bath Mat Sets, became another impor- “Devoted parents, loving grandparents and tufting technique known as candlewick tant business leader in Dalton. According to entrepreneurs.” It may seem strange for one embroidery in the beginning of the 20th Flamming, Nochumson and other local to place such a sentiment on their tomb- century. She and other women of Dalton Jewish industrialists, like Harry Saul and stone, but it is not surprising that a Jewish would sell their bedspreads along U.S. Arthur Richman, “represented a new line of resident would find pride in being forever Highway 41, a road dubbed “bedspread business leaders in Dalton, and their pres- remembered as an entrepreneur in Dalton, alley” or “chenille alley.” As demand grew, ence reflected the tentative beginnings of a the “carpet capital of the world.” Today, Whitener and her brother began the Evans more diverse and fluid Southern society.” Dalton and surrounding areas produce 90% Manufacturing Company. The emergence The industrial boom of Dalton made it of the functional carpet worldwide. Jewish of widespread manufacturing employment ripe for a flourishing Jewish community to Daltonians played a crucial role in making proved a watershed for Dalton, altering the emerge. By 1937, the Jewish population of the town a prominent industrial center in social composition of the town and beckon- forty residents formed the origin of a future Temple Beth El the United States. Their presence has left a ing the small city’s prominent Jewish fami- congregation. A year later, several promi- ages, flooding, and unforeseen expenses permanent imprint on the commercial, cul- lies. nent Jews of Dalton formed the “Friendly that led to a second mortgage. In the end, tural, and social character of the Dalton As the bedspread industry became Alliance,” which hosted minyans and High building Temple Beth El cost between community. established, the population of both Dalton Holiday services in the Loveman Library. $80,000 and $90,000, a testament to the and its Jewish community grew significant- This first Jewish organization in Dalton his- resolve of Dalton’s Jews to establish a tem- ly. In 1930, there were six Jewish families tory soon pushed for the construction of a ple for themselves and their children. On in Dalton; by the 1960s, there were between Jewish house of worship in the town. In March 9, 1947, Temple Beth El was for- 50 and 60. A large portion of the Jewish May of 1941 at a meeting in Simon mally dedicated in a public ceremony. arrivals were entrepreneurs. Sam Millender Mendel’s Café, the preliminary president of Temple Beth El has been a opened the clothing store Millender’s. the congregation, Sam Hurowitz, was Conservative congregation since its incep- Several merchants arrived from joined by other elected officers who vowed tion. In large part, this reflects the back- Chattanooga, such as the Stock, Dubrof, to establish a constitution for a congrega- ground of many of its founding members, Koplan, Morris, and Solomon families. tion, secure a rabbi, and explore the possi- who grew up in Jewish enclaves of large Others came from Atlanta, like the bility of purchasing land to construct a syn- Northern cities. In 1962, Temple Beth El Tenenbaums, Levin/Bravers, Sauls, agogue. Shortly after, a sisterhood was became affiliated with the United Mendels, Franks, and Golds. Abe formed, which worked to raise money for a Synagogue of America, an association of Tenenbaum operated a retail store, while synagogue. A vote of the Jewish communi- Conservative congregations. In 1950, the The gravestone of Alan and Shirley Jack Braver ran Braver’s Department Store. ty in Dalton was taken on June 24, 1941, temple had its first bar mitzvah, Lewis Lorberbaum reflects the Jewish A survey of the city directories through the unanimously approving the construction of Millender, and in 1953 its first wedding, experience in Dalton. middle decades of the 20th century reveals a synagogue; a month later, a constitution that of Myra Stein and Harold Shapiro. In an entrepreneurial spirit within the Jewish was ratified for Temple Beth El. 1956, a plot was purchased that became the Antebellum Dalton had few if any Jews population, sustained by the manufacturing World War II delayed the congrega- Dalton Cemetery’s Jewish burial ground. to speak of. Unlike the many areas of the base of Dalton. tion’s plans. In the middle of construction By the 1960s, the Sunday school enjoyed antebellum South that grew tremendously The post-World War II economic boom of the temple, the War Production Board regular attendance from the Jewish children wealthy from slavery and cotton produc- immensely benefited Dalton’s factories. froze civilian purchase of building materi- of Dalton, and the congregation reached a tion, Dalton was still marked by self-suffi- Beginning in the 1940s, the manufacturing als. The founders of the temple agreed to height of 63 families. In the 1980s, female cient yeoman farmers and economic isola- techniques used for bedspread production shift construction funds to purchase War members of the synagogue successfully tion. The relative simplicity of Dalton’s were reoriented towards a host of new con- Bonds and aid the war effort. The sister- lobbied to have gender equality at all levels emerging market activity may have been an sumer products, such as carpets and che- hood of Temple Beth El also sacrificed, of congregational activity; later, the first insufficient pull for immigrant Jews who nille rugs and robes. The subsequent eco- donating medical supplies, canned goods, female president, Ellen Richman, was elect- were beginning to settle in the South during nomic and demographic expansion spurred and money to various charities helping ed to head the temple. Over these decades, the mid-19th century. It was only with the the arrival of new Jewish residents, many those affected by the war’s dislocations. the congregation thrived and even wel- advent of the industrial New South that a from New York and outside the U.S. These charitable activities served as a pre- comed new Jewish families. In 1990, Jewish presence developed in Dalton. According to the historian Douglas cursor to future organizations such as the Temple Beth El celebrated its 50th anniver- The roots of Dalton’s Jewish communi- Flamming, these new Jewish settlers led the Dalton Jewish Welfare Fund, which became sary. ty were nourished by the fertile commercial way in Dalton’s industrial expansion. the Dalton United Jewish Appeal. and industrial potential of the town in the A prime example is Ira Nochumson, a Following the war, construction of the syn- late 19th century. Jews arrived in Dalton at businessman from Chicago who became a agogue continued. Progress was impeded the same time as the cotton mills. The first respected commercial leader in the commu- by several problems, namely acquiring sup- recorded Jewish settler in the town arrived nity. Arriving around the time of the carpet plies during the post-war material short- in 1880, a florist named Mr. Hirsch. In boom in the 1950s, Nochumson became 1884, the Crown Cotton Mill opened in president of the Tufted Textile Dalton, the first large-scale manufacturing Manufacturers’ Association, an organiza- plant in northwest Georgia. As Dalton tion designed to lobby for chenille and car- underwent industrialization, the original pet interests. Though this new crop of Jewish settlers became established in the Jewish management was met with a degree community. D.R. Loveman (originally of reservation from the established business Liebman) emigrated from Hungary in the leaders of thoroughly Southern ancestry, late 19th century, operating a clothing store these “non-Protestant Yankees” worked to in Dalton. One of his four children, Robert assimilate themselves into the local culture. Members of Beth El celebrate the Loveman, became a famous poet, writing Nochumson became a leader in the Elks, congregation’s 40th anniversary in his best known poem, “The Rain Song,” in Masons, Lions Club, and Community 1980. 1899. Another of his compositions, Chest. By 1953, when Nochumson was The interior of Temple Beth El January-February 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 29 However, this period proved to be the universities and have relocated to Beth El have decided to sell their syna- immense contribution to the commercial summit before the Jewish community Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. gogue. and spiritual development of Dalton. began its demographic decline. Beginning Much of this population decline is a However, Harry Saul says that he and in the 1980s, many of the original congre- product of transitions in Dalton’s economy. the rest of the Jewish community of Dalton Readers can learn more about the history of gants and temple leaders passed away, Large chain stores have overtaken local will follow the advice of Allan Finkel, a for- Jewish communities in Georgia by visiting including Mr. and Mrs. Ben Winkler and markets as small retailers traditionally mer congregation officer and for many the Encyclopedia of Southern Jewish four past presidents—Leo Koplan, Sam owned by Jewish businessmen have years the real backbone of Temple Beth El, Communities found at www.isjl.org. The Millender, Joseph Ginsberg, and Lester merged, gone public, or closed. The to “keep the doors open ‘til the last person Institute of Southern Jewish Life considers Goldberg. Throughout the 1990s, elderly longevity of Temple Beth El was sustained leaves.” Such sentiment is understandable, the encyclopedia to be a work in progress members retired, with many moving to by the fact that many Jews in Dalton did not considering the lovely edifice that is and invites the public to contact Dr. Stuart Florida. work as storeowners, but as managers in the Temple Beth El. The striking exterior is Rockoff at [email protected] with additional While the older population disap- local manufacturing industry. Nevertheless, matched by the beauty of its interior, with information related to the history of Jews in peared, younger Jews who grew up in the recent Southern-wide shift of Jews into its stained-glass windows, mahogany seats, Georgia or other parts of the South. Dalton went off to college and have not professional careers and to large metropoli- and the artwork that decorates the basement returned. Julian Saul, whose father Harry tan areas has not left Dalton unscathed. The of the synagogue. The building is a worthy Aaron Welt is an intern in the ISJL History Saul was one of the founders of Temple religious school as of 2008 had only a hand- testament to the dedication of the Jewish Department and a senior at Columbia Beth El, mentions how his sons went off to ful of pupils and the congregants of Temple community, both past and present, and its University.
bat mitzvah training is no longer there. vibrant and workable communities for next generation has the obligation to learn Synagogue 3000 Families are making the conscious deci- Jews of all ages, all interests. and grow Jewishly.” She sees the program From page 25 sion not to join, but to find alternate ways Rabbi Jessica Zimmerman of Next growing, creating a national network to celebrate, so it’s not sustaining member- Dor said this program is important because where young Jewish adults can move and Jewish groups in general. ship anymore.” “it is crucial that we enliven and inspire the find a place to suit their needs in any com- While the goal is to reach all young The birthrate has declined in recent next generation of American Jews who are munity. adults, the primary audience is non- years, particularly in the Jewish communi- filled with creativity and energy and pas- For more information about Next Dor, Orthodox, unaffiliated people. Those who ty. Jews are marrying even later than non- sion and a strong sense of Jewish identity, call The Temple at 404-873-1731. You can attended Jewish day schools or camps Jews, having fewer or no children, and but aren’t finding a home. Next Dor is a also read about Synagogue 3000 initiatives would be a bonus, but they are more likely many are intermarrying. Dr. Steven Cohen, partnership between a synagogue and the at Synagogue3000.org. The organization is already involved. It’s an experimental pro- professor of Jewish social policy at larger Jewish community, a gift from the also on Facebook at gram, with each pilot city having its own Hebrew Union College, has examined the synagogue to the community, because the www.facebook.com/synagogue3000. profile determined by the make-up of the trends and concludes, “There’s a general city’s popula- moratorium on religious connection among tion. young adults, Jewish and Christian. “We have a 20s Synagogues are built for married people and 30s program with children. Only a quarter of Jews today already in place, marry other Jews.” but our goal is to Dr. Cohen also notes that younger peo- move beyond ple in general are less inclined to exhibit those already institutional attachment and brand loyalty. involved, to use “The whole world is more fluid. Fewer human resources have Jewish friends, neighbors, or spouses, and technology and fewer show attachment to institutions to reach out to and especially to Israel. So we have chal- the unaffiliated. lenges.” We already do Young adult Jews, he says, are in a Brad Pilcher well with those period of unusual creativity, with engaged who call the syn- people forming minyanim and new social agogue home, but need to find ways to action organizations. They are also produc- engage those for whom the idea of a tradi- ing and consuming cultural products such tional synagogue is not relevant or excit- as films, music, and learning experiences ing,” Rabbi Berg said. The Temple also has (for example, Limmud, the volunteer-ori- a well-developed structure of professionals ented learning events held in this country and lay leadership ready to take on the and overseas) and a multitude of Internet challenges of this new program. In addi- sites where people can create Jewish life tion, they are committed to hiring profes- that wasn’t available 15 years ago. “So, sionally expert staff to implement pro- you see, we stand at a crossroads. People gramming. One such hire is Brad Pilcher, are disengaged from some parts of being newly named director of communications. Jewish and reengaging where they can Other staff additions will be announced make their own choices. We must either soon. adjust, give young people a chance to cre- Synagogue 3000’s CEO, Rabbi Aaron ate and make their own ways of being Spiegel, said, “We know Jews are interest- Jewish, or ignore the trends and see them ed in Judaism, but not in what is being wander off to find other things to do. Some offered. So we’re interested in engaging may come back when they have kids, but this age cohort (20-40) to have a conversa- some don’t, and it’s a shame to lose their tion. What do they want? What can we give engagement.” them, rather than getting them to take what Synagogue 3000 is an outgrowth of we are offering? Jewish life has to change. Synagogue 2000, a 12-year project that Future generations are not interested in started the field of synagogue transforma- what’s been done for the last fifty years, tion. In 2000, the organization realized its but synagogues typically don’t know how work was important, but not a sustainable to change to engage this group. The impe- model as it existed. After a year of strategic tus to join when a family’s children are planning, Synagogue 3000 was formed, between six and nine and ready for bar or with the object of making synagogues Page 30 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010 37 African countries served by MedShare. While MedShare serves many clinics and MedShare is all about...sharing! small hospitals in the United States, over 80% of its supplies are shipped overseas. Bob Freeman and A.B. Short met On a recent tour of the MedShare years ago, when a unique program called MedShare seeks donations of dispos- facilities, Bob Freeman introduced me to Café 458 was started to feed the homeless able medical supplies, gently used durable Moctar Bayor, a distribution center asso- in Atlanta. Café 458 was not a soup goods, and operational biomedical equip- ciate who has been with the organization kitchen. Instead, its guests enjoyed table- BY Leon ment. The organization has found that the since it was formed. Bayor, who was born cloths and waiters in a welcoming, digni- Socol most needed items are gloves, sutures, in Africa, trained to be a medical doctor in fied setting. Bob had garnered food surgical instruments, stethoscopes, wheel- Russia and graduated as a general medical expertise with the Atlanta Food Bank, and chairs, patient monitors, and sterilizers. States to accept donations. surgeon and an expert in malaria control. A.B. was a civic-minded business profes- There is also a great need for empty med- He returned to Africa to practice. At one sional. The next problem was finding a suit- icine bottles; businesses, churches, syna- able location to sort, repackage, and store time, he was the only medical doctor to a gogues, and schools have set up collection village of 7,000 people. Rebel uprisings the medical supplies and equipment. This barrels for these items. Thus, everyone was resolved after a large warehouse was threatened his life and that of his family can make a contribution to help MedShare members, forcing him to flee several leased in Decatur. After several years, fulfill its mission. MedShare purchased it outright. African countries. U.N. diplomats eventu- ally contacted Bayor, offering to help him get out of Africa. He was given a choice to go to Australia, Canada, or the United States. He said he had always admired the United States, so he chose to come here.
A.B. Short and Bob Freeman, co- founders of MedShare. Mr. Short is current CEO of the company.
Years after working with Café 458, Labeled collection barrels for sort- Short heard about an organization that MedShare’s vast warehouse stor- ed medical supplies provided surplus medical supplies to clin- age facilities ics and hospitals in need. He was intrigued Even with the smooth and efficient by the concept and contacted Freeman to Then came the challenge of person- operation devised by Short and Freeman, enlist his support in starting a similar ven- nel. MedShare has only 30 paid office considerable work and planning was nec- ture. Freeman was hesitant, because nei- staff and warehouse workers. Every essary to get medical supplies safely month, over 600 dedicated volunteers— Moctar Bayor, former African physi- ther he nor Short had any experience in shipped to and accepted by the foreign cian the medical field. including students; people from religious countries MedShare serves. It required organizations, businesses, and senior resi- Short persuaded Freeman to have diplomacy, tact, and knowledge of various Although he has a medical degree and lunch with him and Dr. William Foege, a dences; veterans; and physically and men- governments. MedShare was fortunate to tally impaired individuals—sort and pack- speaks seven languages, Bayor’s creden- renowned public health professor who had hire Nell Diallo for the position of execu- tials are not recognized in the United retired from Emory University and served age the supplies. In 2008, MedShare vol- tive director for corporate and internation- unteers donated 21,000 hours, sorting a States. He went to work for MedShare and on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, al relations. She was born in Alabama and wholeheartedly contributes his knowledge to discuss how to best start the organiza- total of 141 tons of valuable medical sup- went to Washington after she received her plies. and skills to promote the operations of the tion that would become MedShare. law degree. There, she met an African organization. Bob Freeman said that Dr. Foege encouraged Freeman and diplomat with the United Nations and Bayor is overqualified for his present job Short with ideas and suggestions to help married him. That union led to a lot of and needs an opportunity to get accredited MedShare grow and thrive. He said that international travel and many contacts so he can practice medicine or otherwise most charitable organizations ship items with high-ranking government officials. work in his field in a significant manner. without determining whether or not recip- Ms. Diallo lived in Africa for a number of In the meantime, Moctar shows no bitter- ients really need them, so often the ship- years, including time spent directing the ness and maintains a positive attitude. ments are not fully utilized. Dr. Foege U.S. Agency of International All in all, MedShare had donated $60 suggested that MedShare maintain an Development in the Congo, before return- million worth of medical supplies and accurate inventory and post it on the ing to the United States. equipment to 80 countries throughout the Internet so that organizations could place world. In November of 2009, it celebrated orders based on what was available at the shipment of its 500th tractor-trailer MedShare’s warehouse. This would result size container. This represents over a mil- in little or no waste. Sidney Stein and Harriet and George Orentlicher inspect medi- lion cubic feet of space saved in U.S. But there were many questions about landfills. The organization’s supply and how to get MedShare off and running. cine bottles collected by Congregation Shearith Israel. recovery efforts saved 535,000 pounds of Short and Freeman registered MedShare CO2 in 2007 alone—the equivalent of as a 50l(c)(3) non-profit organization. 554,000 miles worth of vehicle emissions MedShare does not receive any federal or enough electricity for 150 homes for a funds. Instead, it depends entirely on con- year. tributions from individuals, corporations, MedShare has garnered many honors and foundations for its support. and accolades, but the most prestigious Next came the matter of what kind of Nell Diallo handles MedShare’s came from Charity Navigator, the nation’s medical supplies would be collected and international customer relations largest and most-utilized evaluator of who would supply them. That problem charities. It ranked MedShare number one was solved by working with hospitals in In her job with MedShare, Ms. Diallo out of 53 international charities it evaluat- the Atlanta area and later with hospitals in is the “point person” of the management ed—a fitting tribute to the dreams and northern California, with a distribution team, getting customs officials to grant hard work of people like A.B. Short and center in San Francisco. MedShare also approval to import equipment and sup- Bob Freeman. worked with medical distributors and plies into their countries. She knows many manufacturers throughout the United Volunteers sort medical supplies. heads of state and prime ministers in the January-February 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 31 (Resume Development), and February 17 (Interviewing Skills). These free sessions PURIM OFF PONCE. Rabbi Joshua Thought You’d Like to Know are facilitated by Deena Goldberg Takata, Lesser, of Congregation Bet Haverim, will MS, JF&CS career counselor. All work- receive the 2010 Rainmaker Award at By Jonathan Barach shops meet from 1:00-3:00 p.m., at Purim Off Ponce, February 20, at INTERFAITH GRANDCHILDREN. “The Congregation Or VeShalom. Reservations Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 HAVINAGALA. Havinagala benefits PAL, Grandparents Circle: Nurturing the Jewish are required. RSVP to 770-677-9434 or out- Briarcliff Road, N.E. Purim Off Ponce is Jewish Family & Career Services’ Big Identities of Interfaith Grandchildren” is a [email protected]. the annual fundraiser benefiting JF&CS’ Brother/Big Sister program. This year’s free program of education and support for Rainbow Center, which provides informa- event is January 23, 8:00 p.m.-midnight, at Jewish grandparents whose adult children FILLING THE BOWL. The Empty Bowl tion, sensitivity training, and support to fos- STATS, 300 Marietta Street. Tickets are $40 have intermarried. It will take place at two Dinner is February 7, 12:30-2:00 p.m., at ter inclusion and the honoring of gay, les- in advance and $50 at the door. VIP tickets locations: Marcus Jewish Community First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. This bian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning are $65. For details, visit havinagala.com. Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) Zaban Park, annual event features a simulated soup (LGBTQ) people. This event is 7:30-11:00 running bi-weekly beginning January 26; kitchen where guests select a keepsake p.m., with an after-party. Tickets are $50 A ROARING GOOD TIME. Help YLC and Temple Sinai, running weekly begin- bowl designed by local students and volun- ($36 for 30 and under), with sponsorships (Young Leadership Council) of Federation ning February 19. This program is present- teers, enjoy soups by some of Atlanta’s starting at $250. For tickets and additional celebrate Ari the Lion’s 1st birthday on ed by Pathways: The Interfaith Family finest restaurants, and enjoy interactive information, visit January 24, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Join fam- Network of Greater Atlanta, a project of entertainment with the Drum Café. Tickets www.therainbowcenter.org, and click on ilies from around the city for a day of fun, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, which are $20 for adults and $5 for ages 6-18; “Purim OFF Ponce.” including moonwalks, face painting, music, has provided the funding, in partnership children under 6 are free. Table sponsor- pizza, the PJ Library Zone, cool treats, and with the MJCCA. To register, contact ships, which include 10 tickets, are avail- BREGMAN CONFERENCE. The Larry much more. The party takes place at The Pathways, 678-812-4161, or rachelle.schaf- able for $250. For details, visit www.jfcs- Bregman, M.D., Educational Conference, Selig Center, 1440 Spring Street NW. [email protected]. atlanta.org/emptybowl. sponsored by JF&CS, is February 20-21, at Admission is $25/family in advance. The Selig Center. The Bregman offers Register at FEBRUARY IS JEWISH DISABILITY AN EXEMPLARY LIFE. On February 11, adults with developmental disabilities, their www.jewishatlanta.org/page.aspx?id=2115 AWARENESS MONTH. On January 31, 10:00 a.m., Judge Aaron Cohn will discuss families, and their caregivers the opportuni- 91, or call Katie Goldstein at 678-222- 2:00-4:30 p.m., the Coordinated Network his book Memoirs of a First Generation ty to learn about topics that might not be 3724. for People with Disabilities will kick off American at the MJCCA. Aaron Cohn came addressed in other venues. This symposium Jewish Disability Awareness Month with a of age in a close-knit Jewish neighborhood provides participants a chance to socialize BETH SHALOM MITZVAH EXPO. The screening of Autistic License and a panel in Columbus, Georgia. Charming, smart, with others who share their interests and 6th Annual Mitzvah Expo is January 24, discussion at the MJCCA, 5342 Tilly Mill and athletic, he prevailed over prejudice to needs in a unique conference atmosphere. 12:00 noon-3:00 p.m., at Congregation Road. This docudrama about raising a child become a decorated and respected leader in For information, to register, or to volunteer, Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters Chapel Road. with autism is a sometimes exhausting, his hometown, undergraduate school, the visit www.bregman.org, or call Brenda at This free event is for families planning sometimes exhilarating, and frequently ter- military, and as a juvenile court judge. This 770-677-9345. weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, baby nam- rifying trip that informs, enlightens, and Page from the Book Festival of the MJCCA ings, graduations, and other celebrations. entertains. Admission is free, but reserva- program is free of charge. For more infor- The expo will feature dozens of vendors, tions are required. For reservations or more mation, contact the MJCCA Box Office, including photographers, entertainers, information, contact The Amit Program at 678-812-4002. See THOUGHT page 39 hotels, restaurants, caterers, stationers, dec- [email protected] or 404-961-9966. orators, party planners, and more, offering services to suit a full range of budgets. In TASTE OF TORAH. On January 31, 1:00- addition to enjoying demonstrations and 4:00 p.m., The Kehillah (comprising seven performances, guests will have the chance local Conservative synagogues and agen- to talk at length with planning experts. For cies) will present the fifth annual Taste of additional information, contact Mindy Torah at The Epstein School. This opportu- Appel at [email protected] or 404-583- nity for study with local rabbis and educa- 9921. tors allows participants to select specific sessions and topics that interest them. The REDUCING THE STIGMA. “Reducing keynote speaker is Rabbi Steven Wernick, the Stigma of Addiction and Mental Illness: new CEO and executive vice president of Lending Support to Individuals and their United Synagogue of Conservative Families” is January 25, 7:00-8:30 p.m., at Judaism. The winner of the Helen Cavalier Temple Emanu-El, 1580 Spalding Dr. This Memorial Award for Outstanding discussion, which will be facilitated by Synagogue Volunteer will be presented at JF&CS clinicians Debbi Dooley, MS, APC, the event. For information or to RSVP, con- and Amy Morris, LCSW, is free and open to tact [email protected]. the community. RSVP to 770-677-9434 or [email protected]. BAR/BAT MITZVAH EXPO. The MJCCA is presenting free Bar/Bat Mitzvah Expos at FLOORTIME. Join Amit on January 26, two metro locations: Carlos Center, 2500 7:00-8:30 p.m., for “All about Floortime,” Clairmont Road, Atlanta, January 31, 1:00- an informative evening with two certified 4:00 p.m.; and Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta, DIR/Floortime clinicians. Kathy Platzman 5750 Windward Pkwy, February 21, 1:00- and Jo Raphael will explain Floortime— 4:00 p.m. These events will feature an what it is, what is does, and how it can expansive array of vendors and event influence and positively affect children experts, providing guests a chance to see through play. A child’s natural emotions and and sample a wide variety of party goods, interests are essential for learning interac- services, food, and drinks. There will also tions, and children can gain social, emo- be door prizes and entertainment. For infor- tional, and intellectual skills through mation, contact Shelly Danz, 678-812- Floortime. This free program takes place at 3761. JF&CS, 4549 Chamblee Dunwoody Road. RSVP by January 24 to Debbie Berman at FINDING EMPLOYMENT. The next [email protected] or 404-961- JF&CS Employment Workshop Series is 9966. February 3 (Job Search Skills), February 10 Page 32 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010 Jeff Goldstein honored by ASK
Atlanta Scholars Kollel presents its and as the father of twins, Jeff had many sixth Jewish Unity Live on March 14, at questions about the meaning of life and his the Woodruff Arts Center. This year’s event purpose. But in 1999, he met Rabbi will honor Jeff Goldstein for his longtime Binyomin Friedman of the Atlanta support of the Atlanta Scholars Kollel. Scholars Kollel, who has been visiting Jeff’s office once a week ever since. Jeff learned about Torah and its values—study, charity, and prayer. As time went on, a sid- dur and tefillin joined Jeff’s Torah. His desk and walls are festooned with tokens of appreciation for his charity work. Having found answers to life’s ques- Jeff Goldstein, Jewish Unity Live tions in the Torah, Jeff wants to share this 2010 honoree, fills in the last letter of the Torah as his family and experience with others. Having made a Gershon Veroba career of reaching others through the friends look on. er, was to bridge Judaism and secular Internet, Jeff actively promotes cyber- help them bring it to the next Jew and the music, his album Reach Out does not rep- Torah ventures; on his website 1actper- next.” resent a particular strand of Judaism, but day.com, he helps his contemporaries dis- Jeff dreams of 24-hour-a-day quality instead speaks to the universal desire for cover the enriching power of tzedakah. He Torah programming on the Internet— purpose, connection, and direction in a also supports and participates annually in accessible, relevant, dynamic program- seemingly uncaring world. the graduation ceremony of the Atlanta ming that will reach out and touch Jews Jewish Unity Live kicks off with a Scholars Kollel’s campus-based just like himself. sponsors-only reception, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Maimonides Leadership Program. Jewish Unity Live will feature enter- followed by a community celebration, “My entire career has been built on tainment by Gershon Veroba. The son of a 7:45-9:00 p.m. Admission is $54 per per- reaching people and successfully market- Jeff Goldstein well-known cantor and an opera singer, he son. ing products to them. The best product I started his career as a wedding musician, For more information about Jewish Although he has experienced success have is the Torah. The Kollel brought it to but then got into Jewish-themed parodies Unity Live, contact the ASK office at 404- as the owner of an Internet marketing firm me right here in my office. I would like to of popular songs. Veroba’s dream, howev- 321-4085 or [email protected]. This ain’t your parents’ religious school
It’s a new age in Ahavath Achim’s means multi-age kids, older and younger celled each school year to be replaced by Hebrew School. Marcia Kaufman siblings, students, parents and teachers, these neighborhood events. Lindner’s official title is Director of making “small communities.” The AA’s Education Department Formal and Informal Education, and the Their responsibility is to hold one won honorable mention for a “Sollie,” programs she heads are innovative and BY Carolyn Friday night dinner, one Havdallah serv- Solomon Schecter award in the area of creative. They take place both in and out Gold ice, one social action project (such as ritual and worship. The award was given of classrooms, in homes, in neighbor- doing a Hunger Walk, collecting food or for two programs. One was for the chil- hoods, and all over town. For the “informal” education, feeding the homeless), and two programs dren’s High Holiday program which Children from pre-kindergarten Marcia describes a hands-on or experi- of their choice (holiday observances, life includes a carnival. The other was for th through 7 grade are on a new track, a ential program that is new and exciting. cycle events, etc.). their AAbsolutely 4Kids: Shabbat with a new approach to bring Hebrew and Janet Schatten, a creative educator, For the Friday night dinners, differ- Pop and a Beat. Judaics together. Marcia says, “By appli- helped formulate this new direction in ent age kids have different tasks. Some Ann Alperin, long-time head of cation they are learning that Judaism learning for the AA’s Religious School. may do the prayers. Older ones may Atlanta’s Young Audiences, has high lives outside as well as inside the syna- Once a month there is a family Shabbat study the Torah portion and give a d’var praise for the Rosh Hashana carnival, gogue. It is a part of everyday life.” where parents can either attend class torah. Younger ones make decorations which she says has Jewish traditions in In the beginning, for the “formal” with their children the first hour or par- and ritual objects. One group had an its every game or presentation and even part of Marcia’s title, pre-K, K and first- ticipate in a synagogue Torah study ses- Asian dinner, and the children teaches lessons with its prizes. grade children attend one weekend day, sion or share in the Torah Service with researched Jews in Asia for that event. “This ain’t your parents’ religious three Sundays and generally one the main congregation. Then there is a For the community action project a school,” the staff’s name for the program Saturday a month. The emphasis is on 45-minute family service with Rabbi group held a bowling party and with its attractive new approach, has 62 small classes with an individual Laurence Rosenthal, the young assistant researched different areas of philanthro- students this year, eight teachers and a approach to learning. By second grade rabbi, and Marcia leading different py for donating their winnings. music teacher. Though many of the syn- they begin to “de-code” Hebrew, learn- modalities of spiritual expression. That Jean Jackson is the mother of agogue’s children attend Jewish Day ing the sounds and vowels. may be meditation, silent prayer, yoga, Isadore, a 6th-grader. She says, “The schools, they are invited to bring their Subsequently, they begin to put the music, study or drama. In the last 15 new approach has fostered close rela- knowledge, to come and participate in basics together and start to recite minutes the students join the main con- tionships among the children who are in the informal, social programs. For the prayers, learning vocabulary as they go gregation and help lead the concluding the same “Zip” code, as they are study- children who attend public school and along, getting the key concepts. prayers of that service. ing together and working on projects as other private schools, this offers a new The students in higher grades attend The newest part of the informal pro- well. It has also enabled the parents to direction in Jewish learning. Director one weekday, Wednesday, and one week- gram is called Zip Havurot—zip as in socialize and get to know one another Marcia Lindner’s enthusiasm, knowl- end day (one Saturday a month and three ZIP Codes. Neighbors or groups of three better.” edge and devotion to Judaism are sure to th Sundays). By 7 grade they get a taste to six families in the same geographic Teenage aides who help in the class- make her “hope that the program will of conversational Hebrew. They learn area get together for a minimum of five rooms also help with the Zip Havurot grow,” a wish that will come true. that it is a living language. meetings during the school year. This meetings. Five classroom days are can- January-February 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 33 Page 34 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010
added some fresh-cut peaches, pears, and well staffed, and busy. his wife, Lael. Chef Hazan, the son of Kosher Affairs apples, and served it alongside cheese and EVERYTHING IN NEW YORK. No, I Italian food pioneer Marcella Hazan, is a crackers. wouldn’t want to live there, but sure would cookbook writer, teacher, and TV personal- From page 26 Some of the other category winners like to eat there every day and shop for the ity known for regular guest appearances on were: Potato Bourekas from Sarah’s Tent best selection of kosher foods in the world. “The Today Show.” His new book (his 4th) MIMICCREME. MimicCreme, a fabulous (Baked Good, Bread, Grain, or Cereal), For a unique shopping experience, it’s Giuliano Hazan’s Thirty Minute Pasta new parve stand-in for real dairy cream or Lasagna Florentine from Get Healthy worth a trip to Pomegranate in Brooklyn. (Stewart, Tabori & Chang) offers quick and sweetened condensed America (Cheese or Dairy), Falafel with The store, open only one year, is bright, delicious Italian pasta recipes, most of milk, can be used in Tehina Filling from Black & White Foods clean, contemporary, and all-kosher. The which can be used as presented or easily many recipes that call LLC (Fine Food from Israel), Smooth & take-out counters are staffed and full of adapted to a kosher kitchen. Visit giuliano- for cream. But keep in Crunchy Peanut Butter Bark from Illinois every type of prepared meat, fish, side dish, hazan.com for more information and mind that it doesn’t Nut & Candy (Dessert, Candy, Cookie, or and dessert that one could imagine. The recipes. Lael Hazan is a respected food his- whip! There are 3 vari- Cracker), Picture Cookies from Custom cheese department is well stocked with torian and lecturer. Her subject specialties eties: sweetened, Candy Concepts (Foodservice Product), globally sourced cheeses; the grocery aisles include Italian Jewish history, history of unsweetened, and KosherKeepers Food Storage Containers are loaded with kosher-certified mainstream Italian cuisine, and Italian fun food facts. sugar-free sweetened. from Plastic Packaging Corp. (Giftware and and gourmet products; the fresh meat count- The Hazans are quite a talented pair! MimicCreme can be Novelty), Oxygen Mixed Berry Blast from er had every cut I could think of and more. And speaking of cookbooks, Estee used in creamy soups, Oxygen Imports (Jam, Preserve, or Spread), By the way, I was there on a Monday. Kafra has just released a new publication pasta dishes, and even Organic Batter Blaster from Quality Frozen I have not yet been to Rockland Kosher Cooking with Color. This is a set of two homemade parve ice Foods (Kosher Organic), Asian Mel’s Market in Monsey, New York, but I under- beautiful and “colorful” paperback books in cream. Be creative, and let me know how Gourmet Sauce Line from Streit’s Matzos stand that it, too, is a kosher foodie’s para- a gift sleeve, one book focusing on dinner you use it. For recipes, visit (Savory Condiment, Spice, Sauce, Oil, dise. (entrées, sides, Mimiccreme.com, and click on the commu- Vinegar, or Dressing), and Zelda’s Orange As for restaurants, New York’s selec- salads) and one on nity button. Toco Hill Kroger plans to stock Chiffon Cake from Zelda’s Sweet Shoppe tion is unsurpassed. I had pizza to go and dessert. The pack- this product. MimicCreme will soon be (Passover Product). pastries in Brooklyn, steak at Le Marais aging is unique, manufacturing a new flavored parve coffee (my favorite) in Manhattan, deli sandwich- but so are the creamer and a parve whipping cream. KOSHER AFFAIRS ON THE ROAD es, and various lunches in small casual recipes—all dairy buffets along and around 34th Street. kosher, most sim- ELVI SINTONIA SANGRIA. And the win- LUNCH IN BOSTON. If you are in Boston, There are many to choose from. For a list of ple and easy to ner for Best New Wine, Beer or Spirit go to Milk Street Café (milkstreetcafe.com) what some consider New York’s top kosher follow. In addition is...Elvi Sintonia Sangria from The Natural for a delicious dairy lunch. The restaurant restaurants, go to to the recipes, she Group/Kedem. This is traditional sangria offers a casual, full menu of healthy lunch http://newyork.timeout.com/articles/restau- offers many useful food tips and explana- made from Spanish wine and natural fruit fare. Meat and dairy take-out and catering rants-bars/80577/best-kosher-restaurants- tions. Cooking with Color would make an juices; it does have a slight hint of sweet are also available, and the company delivers in-new-york-city. ideal gift for a new bride or someone setting strawberry. The winemaker suggests that to area hotels and offices. I toured their On a recent trip, I had the pleasure of up a kosher kitchen. For some sample this be served chilled with pasta or meat. I kitchens, and they appear clean, efficient, meeting Master Chef Giuliano Hazan and recipes and more information, visit January-February 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 35
Esteekafra.com. Tootsie Rolls, Tootsie Fruit Rolls, Frooties, LOCAL FOOD NEWS and DOTS. Nope, no kosher Tootsie pops yet! Once again, kudos to Manischewitz is now offering chicken Whole Foods Market on broth (regular and low- Briarcliff for serving the com- sodium) and beef broth munity and adding so many in cans and boxes. They new kosher products. In certainly make convenient addition to Kosher Valley recipe helpers. Chicken, kosher gelato, and fresh kosher fish, the store AND ON A PERSON- has a wide selection of AL NOTE. Hooray! kosher cheeses from the KosherEye.com is U.S and Israel, and it has launched. Please introduced its own 365 take a look, sign up Everyday Value sliced for our newsletter, cheddar. and let us know Return to Eden has “Tootsie Boy” Noah Kalnitz what you think. You many new kosher prod- can also tweet with ucts, including two lines of delicious parve us at twitter.com/koshereye and follow us gluten-free pastries, one from Heaven Mills on Facebook. Search for KosherEye.com. and one from Nutrilicious. Other new items include parve Coconut Bliss ice cream, What’s cooking? which I hope to taste soon. Contact This column is meant to provide the [email protected] to sign up for the reader with current trends and develop- store’s kosher foods newsletter and to be ments in the kosher marketplace and advised of the store’s weekly kosher tours. lifestyle. Since standards of kashruth certi- Caribou Coffee is now selling luscious, fication vary, check with the AKC or your rich, drinking chocolate in ready-to-go tins. local kashruth authority to confirm reliabil- They are kosher certified (OU-D) and ity. If you are searching for a hard-to-find available in dark, milk, and white choco- kosher ingredient, need help with a kosher late. Absolutely delectable for a warm, sat- substitution, or have a kosher food ques- isfying, and calcium-rich treat. (Forget the tion, please contact us, and we will do our calories—enjoy!) best to find the answer. Also, we ask that you share your discoveries with us and look PRODUCT NEWS forward to hearing from you. E-mail Tootsie is on a roll. Yes, the candy of [email protected]. Come follow your youth is now kosher certified under KosherEye on Twitter.com. the OU. The new certification includes Recipes
Coffee Ice Cream Adapted from a recipe by Chef Joe Toma at MimicCreme.com
2 cups MimicCreme Sweetened or Sugar-Free Cream Substitute 1/8 cup instant coffee 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Combine all ingredients. Add mixture to ice cream freezer and prepare per manu- facturers’ instructions. ——-
Creamed Spinach
8 cups fresh spinach leaves (washed and drained thoroughly) 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter or parve margarine* 1 small shallot, minced 1 small clove garlic, minced Salt and pepper 1/4 cup heavy cream (or parve, unsweetened MimicCreme)* 1/4 cup vegetable stock or chicken stock*
Blanch spinach in salted boiling water for 1 minute. Drain, and plunge into ice water; drain again, and squeeze to remove as much water as possible. In small saucepan, melt butter and sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant. Stir in spinach, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in cream and stock, and simmer for 2 minutes while stirring. Puree mixture in a food processor until smooth. Serve immediately, or keep warm over a pan or bowl of hot water.
* For dairy version, use butter, dairy cream, and parve vegetable stock. For “fleish” version, use parve margarine, MimicCreme, and chicken stock.
See RECIPES, page 39 Page 36 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010 January-February 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 37 Itzik the Clown brings joy to Georgia Itzik the Clown is Israel’s very own a child to blow up a balloon as part of res- or other critical contingencies, the depart- language of his comedy is. Patch Adams. However, he’s known not piratory exercises in the child’s physical ment’s head nurse has standing instruc- Following his stop in Atlanta, Ozery only for helping the sick, but also for therapy. He can calm a child who is going tions to call him in. continued his visit to America with a trip cheering up the country’s children as they through a difficult procedure.” Ozery came to Atlanta on a special to Houston, Texas. face down the threat of terrorism. Always Connie Dodge, an activity director at on alert, Itzik heads to the hospital follow- The Cohen Home, said she was pleased to ing rocket attacks and bombings by Hamas have Ozery entertain the residents. “We and Hezbollah, relieving tension and help- According to Freud, humor and laughter are positive were delighted when we got the call from ing young victims of terror escape their influences on the recovery process of the child. “The level the consulate asking us if he could make a trauma for a while. stop at our facility. They just adored him. It was in his mission as an ambassador of anxiety and tension in the child and the family are He knows how to make a connection with of amusement that Itzik visited Atlanta in diminished when Itzik comes into the room. Children people, and he just makes them laugh,” mid-November, a guest of the Consulate Dodge said. “And we all need that.” General of Israel to the Southeast. hospitalized for prolonged periods just wait for the day Itzik Ozery is considered the Captain that Itzik the Clown will arrive.” Kangaroo of Israel, hosting a daily radio program for children and appearing on Israeli television’s youth channel. He also writes an advice column in which he Dr. Enrique Freud, director of mission to bring smiles and perhaps laugh- answers children’s questions. Schneider’s surgery department, said ter to children in local hospitals. However, For 18 years, Ozery has been a certi- Ozery’s work is invaluable. “Itzik suc- he was not so readily accepted into chil- fied medical clown at the Schneider ceeds in getting things from the children dren’s wards because of the fear of spread- Children’s Medical Center, the largest that no doctor or nurse can do,” he said. ing H1N1 and a general lack of under- children’s hospital in the Middle East. According to Freud, humor and laugh- standing about what Itzik the Clown does. At the hospital, the doctors recognize ter are positive influences on the recovery Meanwhile, Ozery asked if it could be the therapeutic value of Ozery’s rapport process of the child. “The level of anxiety arranged for him to entertain older adults. with severely ill or injured children so and tension in the child and the family are And so it came to pass that he was invited much that he is considered part of the staff. diminished when Itzik comes into the to The Cohen Home, the assisted living He helps children get through difficult pro- room. Children hospitalized for prolonged residence in Johns Creek. cedures, then helps with the rehabilitation. periods just wait for the day that Itzik the Using magic, jokes, and an endless “For instance,” said Israeli Deputy Consul Clown will arrive.” supply of balloons, Ozery performed for General Sharon Kabalo, “Itzik uses bal- Itzik the Clown is on alert every day about a dozen residents. While Itzik the loons in his act a great deal. So he can get of the year. In the event of terrorist attacks Clown’s English is not quite perfect, the
Atlanta’s Intown Reform Synagogue
Friday, March 5 Brockey-Rothschild 6:00 p.m. Scholar-in-Residence Weekend Tot Shabbat February 5-7, 2010 Party the Purim Way! 92nd Street Y Live Broadcast at The Temple Thursday, February 4, 2010 Scholar: Dr. Gary P. Zola 8:15 p.m. Executive Director of the Patti LuPone with Leonard Lopate: Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the The Broadway Life American Jewish Archives & Associate Professor of the The Temple Early Learning Center Lunch & Learn Series American Jewish Experience at HUC-JIR Open House Wednesdays, February 10, 17 & 24 Standing on the Shoulders of Giants 11:30 – 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 10 at 10:30 a.m. Join Seeking God in a Godless World Visions For Today RSVP to the TELC office From American Jewish History Instructor: Rabbi Alvin Sugarman at 404-872-8668 or Our Friday, February 5 [email protected] Judaism 101: 6:00 p.m. Shabbat Service Family Introduction to Judaism Great Voices, Civil Rights, and Monday evenings starting February 1 American Judaism – The Temple’s Purim Celebration 8:00 p.m. A Multi-Media Presentation Sunday, February 28 Judaism 102: Purim Carnival • 11:30 a.m. Conversion Class Pasta Dinner • 5:00 p.m. Monday, February 22 Synaplex The Temple’s Purimspiel • 6:00 p.m. 6:45 – 7:45 p.m. 1589 Peachtree Street, NE Friday, March 19 • 6:00 p.m. The Lion King starring Atlanta, GA 30309 The Temple Clergy & Staff 404-873-1731 www.the-temple.org For Reservations & Costs Call 404-873-1731 Page 38 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010 Howard Frushtick still busy and active
Howard Frushtick, former athletic spent two years in the U.S. Army Medical Jewish Tower, Sarah Belle Miller. She and I director of the old Atlanta Jewish Corps. He moved to Atlanta, where he spent went on a hayride together 60-plus years Community Center, is living at The Jewish time in the Federal Penitentiary—but it was ago, and our friendship never stopped. Tower, where he is the star of many in- only for a day, with an amateur basketball Before she married the late Freddie Miller, house musical and dance productions. BY Gene team that played the inmates’ team on their she was Sarah Belle Edelstein, sister of two His “jolly green giant” costume at the Asher court. of the greatest basketball shooters the city Halloween Party was a big hit, as is his What brought Howard to Atlanta was a ever produced—Asher Edelstein and Ben dancing, not only at The Jewish Tower but job as an assistant athletics director. He was Edelstein. at most every ballroom in metropolitan samba, and country. backup at the AJCC to The Tower’s Ed When Sarah’s mother-in-law was at Atlanta, which is quite a few indeed. What makes him famous at The Jewish Jackel. When Jackel left, Howard was pro- The Tower, Sarah was her caregiver. Never Tower, or wherever he goes, is his human moted to the athletics director position. He a day without a visit. kindness and desire to help others. He is had strong recommendations, not only from quick to volunteer, be it for Jewish Family Jackel, but also from the YMHA in Jersey & Career Services or the disabled residents City. * * * of The Tower. Four years at the AJCC was followed Howard is now 76 years old. He was by teaching special education in the DeKalb IT WAS a big thrill for me to join Jim born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey. County School System, after which he Howard, Myron Dwoskin, and Mark At 6’5”, he made the varsity basketball opened his own retail ladies apparel busi- Lichtenstein at the reunion of Grady High team at Ferris High School. Although he ness. His basketball days are over, but School’s 1959-62 football teams. Also pres- was not a regular until his senior year, he when Howard gets his new shoulder in ent was tackle Norman Greenberg. I was left them something to remember him by— place, you will find him at most any tennis the Atlanta Journal prep editor when that the county single-game scoring record—55 court on the Northside. group was tearing up the city league. Coach points. Jack Fligg was honored by the group, and He played in the Catskills with the ————— Tech All-America Bill Curry, Georgia State likes of Wilt Chamberlain, but had a limited University’s first football coach, was guest college basketball role at George WELCOME TO the newest resident of The speaker. Washington University. “The other guys Howard Frushtick were better players,” he said, “so I spent a You name it, and Howard and his girl- lot of time on the bench.” friend, the lovely Patrica Smith, can do it He earned his B.S. and master’s Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta degrees in physical education at GW, then like pros—fox trot, waltz, swing, rumba, launches ‘Create a Jewish Legacy’ The Jewish Federation of Greater tions and synagogues to raise awareness Atlanta (JFGA) has launched its newest of the need for legacy gifts and to learn initiative, Create a Jewish Legacy (CJL). together how to secure them for the ben- This new endowment program will help efit of the entire Jewish community. Jewish organizations throughout the com- Federation is not raising money for our munity secure bequests and planned gifts partners; through CJL it is facilitating the to benefit the future of Jewish Atlanta. training they need to maximize their Based on a successful model created opportunities to create legacy gifts of by the San Diego Jewish Community their own.” Foundation, Create a Jewish Legacy will The 2009-2010 partner organizations provide the JFGA’s 14 partner organiza- for Create a Jewish Legacy are Ahavath tions with the tools and motivation to Achim Synagogue, Atlanta Jewish Day approach loyal donors and discuss mak- School Council, The Breman Jewish ing gifts in the form of bequests for Heritage and Holocaust Museum, endowment. These gifts will benefit the Congregation Beth Jacob, Congregation organization after the donor’s lifetime. Beth Shalom, Congregation Shearith Partner organizations have been receiv- Israel, Jewish Educational Loan Fund, ing training, consulting, coaching, and Jewish Family & Career Services, Jewish marketing materials through a series of Federation of Greater Atlanta, Marcus seminars that began November 18. Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, “I think the Create a Jewish Legacy Temple Beth Tikvah, Temple Sinai, The program is exciting because nothing like Temple, and The William Breman Jewish it has even been attempted in the past in Home. our community,” said Federation’s For more information about Create a Planned Giving & Endowment Chair Jewish Legacy, visit Steve Merlin. “CJL will partner www.JewishAtlanta.org/CJL. Federation with other community institu- January-February 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 39 Center Theatre after-school program Recipes will culminate in Disney performance From page 35 Linguini with (Kosher Faux) Crab and Arugula Based on the success of the MJCCA’s will build performance skills; learn music Adapted for the kosher kitchen from Chef Giuliano Hazan’s Thirty Minute Pasta popular Lynne & Howard Halpern Drama and choreography; help paint the set; and Camp, Center Theatre at the Marcus Jewish come together to rehearse for opening night Please note: ingredients are presented as listed in Chef Giuliano’s book, except for the Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) is in May. Since this is a cumulative curricu- kosher faux crabmeat, which is available locally at Kosher Gourmet and select Publix now expanding its lum, excused and Kroger stores. offerings from pri- absences will be marily summer limited. 1 medium clove garlic camp to year- An integral part 1 1/4 lb. fresh tomatoes, peeled and seeded* round theater pro- of Center Theatre 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil gramming. at the MJCCA, 1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes This new ini- the drama camp Salt tiative kicks off program is now 2 ounces arugula with a 15-week entering its 11th 1 lb. linguine after-school drama year. 8 ounces kosher faux crabmeat program, January Fees are $540 25-May 12, which for the 15-week Fill pot with about 6 quarts of water, and bring to a boil. culminates in a program (or $180 Peel and finely chop garlic. Cut tomatoes into 1/4-inch dice. three-performance for each 5-week In a 12-inch skillet, sauté olive oil, garlic, and hot red pepper flakes. Once garlic run of Disney’s session) for is sizzling, add the tomatoes, season with salt, and raise the heat to high. Cook quick- The Jungle Book MJCCA members ly, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes, just until tomatoes break down but do not Kids. All classes and performances will or $660 for the 15-week program (or $220 become a sauce. take place in Center Theatre’s Morris & for each 5-week session) for non-members. Wash, chop, and drain arugula. Rae Frank Theatre, located at the MJCCA, Performances are May 12 and 13, 7:00 When pasta water boils, add about 2 tablespoons salt, then add linguini; stir until 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. p.m., and May 16, 2:00 p.m. strands are submerged; Cook al dente. Participants will meet Mondays and For additional information and regis- To tomato mixture, add arugula, and salt to taste. Reduce heat to medium, and Wednesdays, 4:00-5:30 p.m. There will be tration, contact Dina Shadwell at 678-812- cook until arugula is wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Add kosher faux crab and continue two classes: one for 1st-2nd graders and 4072 or [email protected], or cooking, stirring until heated through, about 2 minutes. another for 3rd-5th graders. Participants visit www.CenterTheatreAtlanta.org. Drain pasta, toss with sauce, and serve at once. *To easily peel tomatoes, cut a shallow x at bottom of tomato. Submerge tomato in Limmud Atlanta + SE is March 14, at Thought Oglethorpe University. For more informa- tion, visit www.limmudse.org. From page 31 GENETIC DISEASE FORUM. Greater OPEN SYNAGOGUE. Shema Yisrael Atlanta Hadassah will present “From (The Open Synagogue) holds Shabbat Generation to Generation: Is Your Family services every Saturday morning at 10:15 at Risk for a Jewish Genetic Disease?”, a.m., at JF&CS, 4549 Chamblee- February 21, 2:15-4:30 p.m., at Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta 30338. Call 404- Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters 943-1100 for details. Chapel Rd. Speakers are Karen Grinzaid, MS, CGC, CCRC, genetic counselor and LEARN HEBREW. The Talmud Torah clinical/research coordinator, Lysosomal School at Congregation Or VeShalom has Storage Disease Center, Emory a new Beginning Hebrew Literacy class University; Rachel Schonberger, MD, for adults, providing one-on-one and president of Hadassah’s Southeast small-group lessons to build Hebrew Region; and Sharyn Lane, who will share reading skills. Instruction emphasizes her experiences living with a Jewish independent learning to strengthen partic- genetic disease. The event is free of ipants’ ability to read and understand charge. For reservations, contact Greater Hebrew found in the Torah and Siddur. Atlanta Hadassah at 678-443-2961 or Classes are Sundays, at 9:30 a.m. Fees are [email protected]. $15 for registration and materials and $5 per class. For more information, contact TDSA 25TH ANNIVERSARY. Torah Day Zahavah Stilman, 404-538-6545. School of Atlanta will hold its 25th Anniversary Celebration and Dinner of HEART AND SOUL. The Jewish Honor, March 8, 6:00 p.m., at National Fund Heart & Soul Mission, Congregation Beth Jacob Heritage Hall. May 2-9, will include visits to JNF’s The event will honor faculty and staff and Be’er Sheva River Park and education- bid farewell to Rabbi Kalmen and Mrs. al/cultural institutions; a walking tour of Malka Rosenbaum, as they prepare to the Old City; lunch and wine tasting at move to Eretz Yisroel. Tickets are $90 per Recanati Winery; and much more. The person before February 8 and $100 there- cost is $3,135, which covers an expert after, with discounts for alumni. Contact guide, luxury air conditioned bus, tips, Mrs. Jennifer Selmer at 404-982-0800 daily breakfast, three lunches, five din- ext. 104 for more information. ners, and deluxe accommodations in Tel Aviv, Be’er Sheva, Eilat, and Jerusalem. EXPLORE AND CELEBRATE. Limmud Airfare is not included; single supplement is a festival, a learn-in, a way to connect is $950. For information, contact Beth with Jews of all ages, and more. The next Gluck, 404-236-8990 or [email protected]. Page 40 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010 focuses on Epstein’s yearlong effort in which students, staff, and parents studied the process of Jewish law and then used the principles to determine whether the Imahot (Matriarchs) should be included in school prayer. Conservative rabbis were also engaged in the experience, which was coor- dinated by Edna Levy. As a result, there was a thoughtful and insightful resolution that marries the best of respecting tradition and recognizing the importance of change. Pictured: Stan Beiner 7th-graders Karly Kaplan (LeFou) and Jeremy Shapiro (Gaston) By Belle Klavonsky Epstein parent and artist Alane Levy and art teacher Sagit Shaked, students painted TIKKUN OLAM UPDATE. During the Hebrew Bible scenes on nine window- recent holiday season, Sara Spanjer, The panes, creating a stained-glass effect. Each Weber School’s associate director of stu- window was placed so that it represented a dent life, coordinated two wonderful com- menorah light (eight plus the shammus), munity service projects. Weber students symbolizing the single vial of oil that assisted Project Open Hand, an organiza- miraculously burned for eight days. tion that prepares and delivers meals to Pictured: 3rd-grader Sari Olim men, women, and children with unique nutritional needs throughout metro Atlanta. Students also worked at the Christmas LEARNING FROM THE PROS. While event at Turner Field organized by Hosea visiting with the Fox 5 News Team in Feed the Hungry and Homeless, which dis- YOUNG AUTHOR VISITS. Eleven-year- Atlanta, “Good Morning Epstein” tributes food, clothing, toiletries, furniture, old author Morasha Winokur visited The crewmembers were given a behind-the- and medical, educational, and cleaning sup- Epstein School to discuss her newly scenes tour by Executive Producer of News plies to 16 Georgia counties. released book and help raise awareness of Broadcasts Mark Shavin. They saw first- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Morasha hand the broadcast news sets, studio cam- COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES. The good spoke with Epstein 4th-graders; brought her eras, editing room, audio equipment, and news for Weber seniors keeps coming. So brother’s service dog, Chancer; and signed lighting arrangements; learned about green far, students have been accepted at the fol- copies of My Invisible World—Life with a screen chroma techniques used by meteor- lowing schools: the universities of Brother, His Disability and His Service ologist Joanne Feldman; and received Alabama—Birmingham, Alabama, Dog. In her book, Morasha discusses FAS, IAN’S FRIENDS. The Yagoda family (pic- advice from anchor Lisa Rayam and other Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, a condition that touches her family and tured)—mother Cheryl, father Phil, son Ian, pros. While there, the “Good Morning Massachusetts, Michigan, Pittsburgh, and affects one out of 100 infants. Pictured: and twin daughters Arly and Sophie (4th- Epstein” crew filmed its own newscast. Rhode Island; Boston, Bradley, Case (from left) Ariel Mesnick, Omer Friedman, graders at The Epstein School) were fea- Pictured: 8th-graders Rachel Schwartz and Western Reserve, Elon, Emory, Farleigh Hallie Bernstein, Aviva Fine, and Izzy tured in a healthcare documentary that aired Elliot Salzberg anchor “Good Morning Dickinson—Madison, Georgia State, Jacobs with Chancer in December on 11-Alive WXIA, WSB-TV Epstein.” Hofstra, Indiana, Kennesaw State, Mercer, Channel 2, and Fox 5 WAGA. Ian has a New York, Northeastern, Oglethorpe, brain tumor and receives treatment from A TALE AS OLD AS TIME. This year, Purdue, Stanford, and Tulane; College of doctors and healthcare professionals at Epstein’s 6th-and-7th-grade musical, Charleston; Georgia Tech; and Ithaca, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Beauty & The Beast, gave students a chance Amherst, and Pomona Colleges. Yagodas have founded the Ian’s Friends to show their creativity through a story Foundation, through which they are fund- about good character, inner beauty, the MORE TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES. ing several labs. One lab, at Children’s, will challenges of giving true love, and the High-speed access is coming to The Weber help brain surgeons differentiate healthy power of compassion. Beauty & The Beast School. With four new SMART Boards brain cells from cancerous ones via the use was produced and directed by Hazel Hunt, being installed in classrooms (thanks to of certain dyes. with musical direction by Dona Wise, sets Weber’s Parent Involvement Committee), by Hope Cohn and John Schneider, and the school’s bandwidth needs have costumes/props by Natasha Liberman. increased. To meet the increased demand, Comcast is constructing a new connection terminal specifically for the school. Construction is due to be completed in mid- February, pending permit approval.
GOING GREEN WITH THE GOVER- NOR. For the third year, The Epstein School helped decorate the Governor’s Mansion for its Annual Holiday A MEANINGFUL PROCESS. The Epstein GHA GIVES THANKS TO TROOPS. On Celebration. In the spirit of being green, School was featured in the winter 2009 November 25, Greenfield Hebrew elementary and middle school students cre- issue of Kolot-Voices of 6th-grader Abby Blum (one of two students Academy 8th-graders went on a field trip to ated Hanukkah- and Judaic-themed art from Conservative/Masorti Judaism. Stan cast as Belle) and 7th-grader Alex Platt the Atlanta airport. Holding a GHA banner, recyclable materials. Under the direction of Beiner’s article, “Sparks of Halachah,” (The Beast) the students greeted soldiers returning home for Thanksgiving and handed out care January-February 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 41 packages they made filled with candy and and Laurie Lans. Moshe has served is the ized for their children, during a meaningful thank-you notes. Pictured: Sophia Wilder, U.S. Army for 17 years and is a chaplain. ceremony called Kabbalat HaSiddur. Here, Carly Berlin, Noam Gal, and two U.S. sol- Laurie is in intelligence in the Navy; a Todd and Lauren Gordon give their daugh- diers memorable experience for her was lighting ter Tatum her new siddur, which she will a huge menorah in Saddam Hussein’s for- keep and use throughout her years at Davis. mer palace. The two met at Yom Kippur services in Iraq. Pictured: 7th-graders Skype with Moshe and Laurie Lans.
CLASSES HONORED. When Davis 2nd- grader Lindy Feintuch and her brother, Kindergartner Evan Feintuch (pictured), had a family friend deployed overseas, their classmates made packets of greeting to send GAN’S CHESED. The mother of a student to American soldiers in Afghanistan. The in the Gan Bet Kindergarten class is bat- students were thrilled to receive a letter in tling breast cancer and undergoing chemo. return—but they were even more awestruck GHA provided ingredients, and the entire when a package arrived containing an Kindergarten made a meal for the family. American flag with a certificate stating that The students prepared vegetable soup, it had been flown over the American com- CHAMPS. Davis had an outstanding show- spinach lasagna, cinnamon bread, brown- pound, Camp Phoenix, during Operation ing at the fall M.A.A.C. Cross Country ies, and garlic bread, making two of every- THE GREAT OUTDOORS. GHA 5th- Enduring Freedom, on November 1, 2009, Championships. The boys won their second thing so there would be food left over to graders took a field trip to Ridgeview Park in honor of Davis and the two classes. championship in four years, narrowly freeze. Pictured: Avigayil Slifkin, Josh to conduct a stream study, learn about iden- defeating St. Martin’s and Holy Spirit. The Asherian, and Yahel Kabalo tifying trees, and create art and poetry girls team, which placed 2nd for the 3rd based on the natural world. Walter Reeves, consecutive year, has never finished lower a master gardener and Georgia naturalist, than 2nd place and had four girls in the top came along to help teach the students. ten. Pictured: Alec Nathan, Alex Moncayo, Pictured: Neta Gail with GHA teacher Mary Joseph Goldman, Jay Edlin, Jake Footer, Seffrin Cameron Frostbaum, Kyle Rabinowitz, Steven Boxer, Jan Berland, Jake Steel, Jacob Schlanger, Daniel Charanis, Coach Matthew Barry, Whitney Barnard, Sophie Frostbaum, Hannah Altman, Sydney Goldstein, Sydney Benator, Amanda Schwartz, Anna Rosing, and Beth Galaid
PEP RALLY. To celebrate the renovation of GHA’s gym, the school held a fun-filled pep rally. The accomplishments of coaches, team parents, and athletes were acknowl- edged, and the new floor was dedicated. Each middle school class performed a GHA PLAYING AND LEARNING. Gan JAMMIN’ AT CHANUKAH. Davis 7th- cheer. Pictured: Maital Kaminer, Eliott (Kindergarten) set up a Dramatic Play Table grader Matthew Kurzweil plays the saxo- Dosetareh, Ilan Palte, GHA Wolf, and for Parsha Vayeira. The play table displayed phone as part of the Davis Middle School David Shoshan Avraham and Sarah with their 4-door tent, Fusion Band. The band played some rous- reflecting the mitzvah of Hachanat Orchim, ing songs, both traditional and contempo- welcoming guests. Pictured: Yitzy Lambert rary, such as “Rock of Ages” and Journey’s and Skylar Simon “Don’t Stop Believin,’” during the school Chanukah Concert. INTERACTIVE CURRICULUM. Davis 3rd-graders Sy Alifeld (center) and Isabella McCullough (right) perform a science experiment during Lower School Curriculum Night, as Sy’s mom, Sari Alifeld, looks on. This year’s Curriculum Night was expanded so that families could spend the evening enjoying and experienc- ing activities in every class and subject, from academics to art. The new format was a great hit with everyone.
IT’S GREEK TO THEM. Davis students don’t just learn about their subjects; some- times they actually become them. Students in Mrs. Blumenfeld’s 6th-grade social stud- GHA HONORS VETERANS. In recogni- ies classes got in the spirit of their unit on tion of Veteran’s Day, GHA students Greek civilization and history by portraying SPECIAL SIDDURS. Each year, Davis learned about the history of the holiday, a scene in which Greeks ask the Oracle Academy 2nd-grade students reach an then wrote thank-you letters and drew pic- about their future. Pictured (from left): important milestone when they receive tures for veterans. The 7th-and-8th graders Samantha Nozick, Cassidy Aronin as the their own prayerbooks. Parents present the Skyped with two observant soldiers, Moshe Oracle, Zachary Chase, and Evan Miller siddurs, whose covers they have personal- Page 42 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010 Amit’s Family Camp Funday honors family, teachers, and loved ones BUSINESS BITS On Sunday, March 7, 2010, Amit will www.judaism.com/vt or contributions can be By Marsha Liebowitz REDA MANSOUR HONORED. At the honor our children, teachers, and loved ones at made through Amit’s website at www.amitat- World Chamber of Commerce (WCC) its 9th Annual lanta.org. Community Event, STRENGTH IN NUMBERS. Alan Joel “Meet the World in Atlanta” symposium, Sunday Family Partners and Dan Granot & Company Ambassador Reda Mansour, consul gen- Camp Funday. The have merged to create Joel & Granot eral of Israel to the Southeast and dean of event will take place Commercial Real Estate. This new bou- the Atlanta Consular Corps, received the at the Foundry at tique brokerage firm provides services International Trade Heroes Award of Puritan Mill in such as tenant representation, investment Excellence. The WCC recognized Atlanta, from 5 p.m. sales, land sales, and property manage- Ambassador Mansour for raising the pro- – 9 p.m. It will be a ment for clients. Alan Joel and Dan file of and stimulating international trade fun-filled evening for Granot will be involved in each transac- in Georgia and further developing all with carnival- tion; combined, they have more than 40 Georgia and Israel as leaders in the global style entertainment years of experience representing tenants economy. Other honorees were Atlanta and games, a family- and closing complex real estate transac- Consular Corps members, local business Julie Silver style barbecue dinner Amit’s Illustrated Torah Scroll tions. Joel & Granot is part of CORFAC and community leaders, and former catered by the International, an organization of inde- Mayor of Atlanta, U.S. Ambassador to the Goodfriend Company, live auction, raffle, and Amit has chosen to “bring it back to pendently owned commercial real estate United Nations, and civil rights leader a program. This year’s emcee and song leader basics” in this time of economic uncertainty services firms with local and regional Andrew Young. will be contemporary Jewish singer Julie and celebrate spending quality time with fami- expertise throughout the Americas and Silver, who will lead the guests in song and ly and at a lower ticket price than in years past. Asia. GETTING THE WORD OUT. Bradford celebrate the night. Julie Silver has a new CD, Patron tickets are $85 per person, VIP tickets Reunion, which has just been released. More are $160 per person, children ages 6-17 are R. Pilcher has been hired as The Temple’s information on Julie can be found on her web- $18 per person, and children ages 5 and under first director of communications. Selected site, www.juliesilver.com. are free. from over 125 Even more exciting will be the presenta- Chairs for the night are Linda and Richard applicants, he was tion of our Illustrated Torah Scroll. Amit has Bressler, long-time Amit supporters. most recently the commissioned a beautiful illustrated torah EventScapes will be decorating the room in Atlanta Jewish scroll in place of printing a traditional ad jour- our “summer camp” theme, Amusement Film Festival’s nal. The torah will become a lasting tribute to Masters and Button It Up will be providing editor and art loved ones as our children and community entertainment, and other surprise entertain- director for its groups will be able to use the Torah for their ment will make the night memorable, while at publicity cam- own education and simcha purposes. More the same time supporting Amit’s programs and paign. Prior to information on the Torah can be found at services. that, he held com- munications posi- Dan Granot (left) and Alan Joel Bradford R. Pilcher tions with the Jewish Fund for GOLDSTEIN CONTINUES TO SERVE. Justice, Next Marketing, and American On January 4, Marietta City Councilman Jewish Life Magazine. Pilcher has excel- Philip M. Goldstein was sworn in for his lent traditional communications skills and ninth term, having already served almost a keen knowledge of social media, which 30 years as Ward 7 councilman. Goldstein will enhance connections among current is believed to be the longest-serving congregation members as well as individ- municipal elected official in Georgia that uals ages 20-40 who are being sought out is Jewish and was the youngest, having via the Next Dor Initiative. been first elected at age 21, as well as the longest-serving in Marietta’s history. Councilman Van Pearlberg is starting his second four-year term.
Jacada CEO Tom Clear (pictured) speaks at a recent American Israel The Honorable Judge P. Harris Chamber of Commerce open Hines, Georgia Supreme Court, house. The purpose of the event swears in the Marietta City Council. was to introduce AICC members to Pictured: (from left) Annette Paige Jacada and its new executive man- Lewis, Griffin Lee Chalfant Jr., John agement team. About 100 people V. Sinclair, Irvan Alan Pearlberg, attended. Jacada is an Israel-based Anthony Calvin Coleman, James software company with its head- William King, and Philip Michael quarters in Atlanta. Its product Goldstein helps call centers operate more efficiently and effectively. January-February 2010 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 43 Page 44 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2010