JewishTHE Georgian

Volume 24, Number 2 Atlanta, Georgia JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2012 FREE The point and purpose of Atlanta Jewish Film Festival Amit presents By Bradford R. Pilcher shorts). There’s every indication the festival will break new records. It’s in breathing distance of San Francisco’s attendance. In other Antique Judaica Why host a Jewish film festival? What is the point of highlight- words, Atlanta may take its place as the biggest Jewish film festival ing specifically Jewish movies? Is there such a clamor for this par- soon enough. ticular subset of the cinematic So it is obviously a success. Appraisal Show arts? There is obviously some demand. Dig out the family heirlooms— Apparently, there is, if the But beyond the numbers and the Atlanta’s very own Antique Judaica ever-growing numbers of festival near miraculous growth of AJFF, Appraisal Show is goers to the now twelve-year-old there remains that niggling ques- coming to town, Atlanta Jewish Film Festival are tion: What is the point of a Jewish Sunday, March 25. any indication. In the briefest of film festival? The event will fea- times, AJFF has become not only The misconception is that ture Jonathan the largest film festival in Atlanta AJFF, and other festivals of its ilk, Greenstein, owner but the second-largest Jewish film screen an endless barrage of of J. Greenstein & festival in the country (behind San Holocaust documentaries or docu- Co., the nation’s Francisco, which has had three- dramas or melodramas. When the pre-eminent plus decades to cement itself atop crimes of the Nazis are not parad- Jonathan Judaica dealer, which the pile). Some 26,000 tushes ing across the screen, then it’s Greenstein for the past 28 years made their way into theater seats some love letter to Yiddish, or Deaf Jam has been solely devoted to antique for last year’s festival, spanning Israel. That would be a gross mis- Jewish ritual objects. A lifelong col- six venues all over metro Atlanta. representation of the kinds of films that make up a Jewish film festi- lector and the author of A Lost Art: This year, the festival is adding new venues and runs over more val like AJFF. Handmade Silver Kiddush Cups of days than ever before. From February 8 through the 29th, AJFF will Take Deaf Jam, a stirring follow-up to last year’s hit festival Eastern Europe, Greenstein will come close to swallowing an entire month. Those days will be filled share his unique expertise and with more films than ever before, 70 in total (52 features and 18 See AJFF, page 7 knowledge. Girl Scouts the focus of exhibition at Congregation Mickve Israel By Jane Guthman Kahn ues of Judaism and Scouting. 12th grade. They represent every back- “I’ve got something for the girls of ground, racial/ethnic group, and socio-eco- Savannah’s Congregation Mickve Savannah and all the world, and we’re nomic group.) Israel, third oldest synagogue in the United going to start it tonight,” Juliette Gordon In her hometown, as she would do States, is creating a yearlong exhibit in con- Low telephoned a friend on March 9, 1912. throughout the country, Juliette Low junction with the centennial anniversary of When Juliette Low made that definitive involved community leaders. Three of the the founding of the Girl Scouts in 1912, in statement, could she possibly have envi- Girl Scouts’ earliest patrol (troop) leaders Savannah. sioned that, 100 years later, fifty million were members of Mickve Israel: Leonora “The Girls Scouts—In the Beginning girls would fulfill that promise? Could she Amram, Henrietta Falk, and Mildred We Were There” will focus on a 100-year have known the worldwide impact her Guckenheimer (Abrahams Kuhr). Leonora connection between the two historic institu- movement would have? Could she compre- would serve on the first Girl Scout Council. Many of us have antiques that tions. The exhibit opens in late January and hend that her vision would be rooted in a Later, Mildred for years would hold the have been passed down from genera- will highlight the diversity that has been a diversity that organizations today still seek position of secretary of the council. tion to generation, but none are as part of the Girl Scouts since its inception. to emulate? (The current membership is 3.5 cherished as Jewish ritual objects, Additionally, it will demonstrate shared val- million girls from Kindergarten through See GIRL SCOUTS, page 9 See AMIT, page 8 Beauty and Company J How a Book ASK at 25 Father and Son A Unique Bar utility The MJCCA raises the cur- Came to Be Atlanta Scholars Kollel has Stirring speeches by The Mitzvah tain on a dynamic, new the- been bringing Torah knowl- Reverends Martin Luther The new Historic Fourth ater company. A family’s effort to cope edge to people for a quarter King Junior and Senior, Benjamin Faber, who has Ward Park is an attractive with loss is now a meaning- of a century. decades apart, were mitochondrial myopathy, solution to a vexing prob- ful book that can help oth- reminders to work for and became a bar mitzvah with a lem. ers. believe in a brighter future. little help from his friends. By Lindsey Light By Leon Soco Kuniansky By David Geffen Page 2l Page 10 Page 25 Page 48 Page 45 Page 12 What’s InsideWhat’s Page 2 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 3 Page 4 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012

digested by the individual rather than having to rely on directives of others. The individu- als were now able to interpret for themselves Seek to understand, not parrot the meaning and message of the text. To me, words have almost a sacred rather extensive library of its own, but since Literacy, especially in the developed quality. They are the essence of interaction, in that facility there were only four copies of world, is common; however, the search for and they are the vehicles by which we com- the Manifesto and there were many more understanding does not seem to be as uni- municate, influence, and teach. students that were assigned the reading, get- versal. Although we are inundated by untold Words are the ordnance of society. BY Marvin ting a copy presented a problem. Right missives and publications, many of us chose Normally, they are appended to other words Botnick across the street from the school library was only to rely on those that support a position to convey a message, and the resulting the township library, so I went over there to to which we already adhere. We seek valida- thought may have a lasting effect. Used see if it had a copy I could check out. The tion, not insight and understanding. pose of learning and as a method of under- properly and understood correctly in the school was located not too far from Salem, We are the inheritors of a rich tradition standing, but not necessarily agreeing with, context of the thought, this ordnance Massachusetts, and the reaction I got to the of study and learning, which has become the thought and position being put forth. becomes a front-line element in the positive request for the publication made me feel that almost an innate characteristic. The intense A basic question that society in general development of our world. I had been transported back to the late 1600s search for truths and meanings has con- and each of us individually should ask is: Words, whether written or spoken, are confronting a tribunal at the Salem witch tri- sumed our people for centuries, and while it “Do we read and converse to confirm or to utterances that are made for the purpose of als. An understanding of the need to read to was originally directed primarily to reli- learn?” being received by others. It is important that learn was not a concept to which they sub- gious issues, the format was continued into I remember when I was taking a world the messages being conveyed are clear and scribed. secular matters. history do the job, but the mirror action to the con- In But never has the average person been course in veyance of the words is the hearing or read- Chapter 13 of so overwhelmed with the flood of commu- high school ing of the message. Actually, it is the recep- Histories of niqués as has now become possible with the in the early A basic question that society in tion and not the speaking that is the purpose Heresy in modern methods. For whatever reason, the 50s, one of of verbalizing thoughts and concepts. general and each of us individually Early communication revolution we are experi- our assign- Espousal of a position or concept, should ask is: “Do we read and con- Modern encing, which could grow to an impact level ments was whether by an advocate or an interested Europe, it is equal to the Industrial Revolution, has been to read the verse to confirm or to learn?” party, does not necessarily validate the posi- reported that, conscripted by many as a tool to service per- Communist tion. It is the processing by the recipient of “[Martin] sonal goals. More so than ever, it is now Manifesto. the ideas and thoughts contained in the Luther’s imperative that we seek out all sides of an While this words that puts “meat on the bone.” Ideally, translation of the Bible, indeed the very act issue and not limit our perspective to was the height of the Cold War, the school as objectively as possible, we should listen of translating it establishes the true moment sources that coalesce with others of a simi- had taken the position that for its students to to the concept being conveyed for the pur- of rupture with the Catholic Church.” At that lar bent. understand the conflict, it was necessary to time, the Bible was almost universally writ- Honor the impact of words; “Guard learn something of the system against which ten and read in Latin, which was a language your tongue from evil, your lips from deceit- we were struggling, rather than blithely THE of the Church but not used or understood by ful speech” (Psalms 34:14); search for mouthing the buzzwords of the day in con- the general population. Luther’s translation truths; seek understanding of issues and Jewish Georgian demnation. into the language of the people now made it people, rather than questionable validation; The school, which was located in a The Jewish Georgian is published bimonthly by Eisenbot, Ltd. It is possible for the words and content to be and try to understand the true motivation of written for Atlantans and Georgians by Atlantans and Georgians. small town of less than 3,000 people, had a sources of “information.” Publisher Marvin Botnick Co-Publisher Sam Appel Editor Marvin Botnick Managing Editor Marsha C. LaBeaume Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation presents 21st Annual Torch Gala Assignment Editor Carolyn Gold Consulting Editor Gene Asher The Georgia Chapter of the Crohn’s & Associate Editor Barbara Schreiber Copy Editor Ray Tapley Colitis Foundation (CCFA) will present its Assistant Copy Editor Arnold Friedman 21st Annual Torch Gala at the Makeup Editor Terri Christian InterContinental Buckhead, in Atlanta, 7:00 Production Coordinator Terri Christian p.m., January 28. For the past 20 years, this Designer David Gaudio dinner dance, which includes a silent auc- Photographic Staff Allan Scher, Jonathan Paz tion and raffle, has been the largest single Graphic Art Consultant Karen Paz Columnist Gene Asher, Jonathan Barach, fundraiser of the year for the Georgia Janice Rothschild Blumberg, Chapter. With a mission to cure and prevent Marvin Botnick, David Geffen, Carolyn Gold, Jonathan Goldstein, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis R.M. Grossblatt, Marice Katz, through research and to improve the quality Balfoura Friend Levine, Marsha Liebowitz, Bubba Meisa, of life of children and adults affected by Erin O’Shinsky, Reg Regenstein, Steve Goodman (from left), Katie these digestive diseases through education Richard Davis (from left), Ann Susan Robinson, Stuart Rockoff, and support, the Torch Gala has raised over Goodman, Richard Davis, Ann Roberta Scher, Jerry Schwartz, Leon Socol, Davis, and Jay Davis Rabbi Reuven Stein, Cecile Waronker $5.1 million to date. Davis, Jay Davis, Matt Lieberman, Special Assignments Lyons Joel Atlanta residents Ann and Jay Davis and Elizabeth Lieberman and their son, Richard, are the 2012 Torch tinal community of microbes, therefore fur- Advertising Anne Bender thering the accomplishments in the field of Ruby Grossblatt Gala Citizens of the Year. The Davises are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two Rochelle Solomon devoted fundraisers, volunteers, and advo- inflammatory bowel disease research. very painful and life-long digestive dis- Editorial Advisory Board Members cates for CCFA. Over the years, they have eases. There is no known cure for these Sam Appel Rabbi Alvin Sugarman Sam Massell joined planning committees, engaged in “It is an honor for our family to be cho- intestinal diseases, which can have life- Jane Axelrod Albert Maslia William Rothschild sen as CCFA’s Torch Gala Citizens of the Gil Bachman Michael H. Mescon Marilyn Shubin grassroots fundraising efforts, and partici- threatening complications. Approximately Asher Benator Paul Muldawer Doug Teper pated in each special event and campaign. Year,” says Jay Davis. “We consider the 1.5 million Americans are living with these Recognizing the importance of Georgia chapter part of our extended fami- diseases. 8495 Dunwoody Place, Suite 100 research, the Davis family played an inte- ly, and we will continue to do what we can Individual reservations for the Torch Atlanta, GA 30350 gral role in establishing the groundwork for to further the advancement of research.” Gala begin at $300. Table sponsorships are (404) 236-8911 • FAX (404) 236-8913 the Human Gut Microbiome Initiative by The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of available. To purchase tickets or for more [email protected] being the first major donors to the project. America (CCFA) was founded in 1967 and information, contact CCFA Development www.jewishgeorgian.com Through this initiative, CCFA is able to is the only nonprofit voluntary health Manager Amy Suiter at 404-982-0616 or The Jewish Georgian ©2012 empower more scientists to study the intes- organization dedicated to finding a cure for [email protected]. January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 5 Terrace’s centennial event. Sam was quick local news story. She was distressed to see to note that the historic property was once that someone had stolen all the presents owned by Irvin and Marvin Goldstein, who, from an Atlanta homeless shelter just before What’s “If they were still alive today, would be their annual holiday party, leaving the chil- there, too.” dren with nothing for their Christmas. Amy was devastated that anyone could HANNUKAH WITH THE GOVERNOR. steal from those who have so little. But the The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) more she thought about it, her initial sense celebrated Hannukah at a huge, sold-out of despair began to give way to activism, HAPPENING celebration at the Marietta home of Larry and Amy was determined to make sure that and Martha Miller. Governor Nathan Deal during the holiday season, disadvantaged SO LONG, STEVIE, TILL WE MEET was the special guest speaker. children in Atlanta would have a chance to AGAIN. We will really miss our friend The Governor and Mrs. Deal were celebrate and to be celebrated. Thus was Steven E. Weinstein, 68, a native Atlantan, enthusiastically received, and he gave a stir- “Amy’s Holiday Party” born. whom we lost in early January. ring speech, talking of the Jewish people’s That next year, in 1995, Amy donated A retired real estate and transportation BY Reg long and irrepressible fight for freedom. her time and the money she received from executive, Stevie, as he was known to his Regenstein “Hannukah speaks to us of the character of her bat mitzvah to create a mitzvah of her countless friends, devoted his final years to the Jewish people, of their amazing courage own—throwing a holiday party for children his loving wife, Jackie, and his beloved in the face of persecution, of their refusal to at a local Atlanta shelter. What began with family and several charities, especially audience actually fell asleep during his talk accept oppression and defeat, and their 25 children, help from close family and Camp Sunshine, which provides recreation to an unspecified senior citizens’ group, commitment to worship God as they saw friends, and a budget of a few hundred dol- to children with cancer. which he attributed to the heavy breakfast fit—even at the cost of their own lives,” he lars has now blossomed into an annual com- His daughters, Julie and Alyson, said, served that morning. To us, the important observed. munity event. Last year, Amy, a new mom, “We will all remember how much fun he thing is that most of the people stayed Other notable guests included Georgia hosted over 700 children and their families was. His love for his wife, children, and awake, and no one angrily stalked out, as Attorney General Sam Olens; Secretary of from homeless shelters, foster care systems, grandchildren. His love for the Georgia has happened to us in the past when we State Brian Kemp; and refugee centers, with the help of some Bulldogs, Athens, Willie Nelson, The White were receiving such speaking invitations. State Senators John 400 Atlanta teens who volunteered at the House restaurant, The Varsity, and Camp (On the other hand, there’s nothing wrong Albers and David event. Sunshine. with helping us old folks take a little nap Shafer; and Dr. As always, Amy’s Holiday Party “He loved being with his friends, with every now and then, and so many of our Emily Lembeck, brought joy to underprivileged children and whom he was beyond generous. He was a readers tell us our column helps them fall Marietta City the teen volunteers alike, providing every- giving, sweet, loyal family man and friend. asleep at night as they read it in bed.) Schools superin- one “an opportunity to celebrate and be cel- A dedicated Georgia Bulldog fan. He loved Still, if Sam wants everyone to stay tendent, who was ebrated.” Atlanta.” awake, alert, and on the edge of their chairs, just named Georgia Amy is also grateful to her wonderful Stevie’s oldest and best friend, Steve we suggest he bring along those two gor- Superintendent of sponsors—Kids II, Baby Room, Carter’s, Selig, remembered him as “the kindest, geous, talented, and exciting women in his the Year. Mellow Mushroom, Flying Biscuit, Atlanta gentlest person I have ever known. He life: his wife, Doris, and his daughter, Attorney General As RJC Bread Company, The Defoor Centre, Vibe loved his family and friends. Other than Melanie, neither of whom has ever put any- Sam Olens Chairman Chuck Entertainment, and Aaron’s—for generous- being with them, his happiest time was one to sleep. Berk observed, ly donating a multitude of food, toys, being at Sanford Stadium, watching his When the legendary Georgian Terrace “Our members were overwhelmed with clothes, space, and services. beloved Bulldogs play between the Hotel recently celebrated its one-hundredth Governor Deal...his warmth and sincere Amy is the perfect example of how one Hedges.” anniversary, it invited to a black-tie dinner- affection and concern for Israel, his atten- person can make a real difference. If you’re Stevie was one of a kind; his friendship dance the “One Hundred Most Influential tion to addressing key issues facing interested in volunteering for, sponsoring, is irreplaceable; it’s hard to imagine what it Atlantans” and their guests. Not only was Georgia, and the generous time he and his or donating to Amy’s organization, Creating will be like without him. Sam one of those honored, of course, but he wife, Sandra, spent with us.” Connected Communities, e-mail also was serenaded by Melanie, an accom- Governor Deal discussed his visit to [email protected], or visit plished singer now living in Sarasota, who Israel and how important it is to see the www.cccprojects.org. performs under the name of Melanie country. “Until you do, you really don’t Massell and All That Jazz. She had no trou- understand how important the Golan ble finding the Heights are to Israel’s safety.” party, since her wedding to John Jacobs took place at the hotel nineteen years ago. Sam’s renowned cousin, philanthro- Steve Weinstein with his grandchil- pist and real estate dren executive Steve Selig, was also hon- SAM MASSELL HONORED AND SERE- Steve Selig ored at the Georgian NADED. Former Atlanta Mayor and cur- rent Buckhead Mayor Sam Massell, much Amy celebrates with a child at her in demand as a public speaker, is known for Governor & Mrs. Deal (center), with Holiday Party his wit and inspirational insights. He gives (from left) Georgia Senator David about 50 talks a year, he says, “almost Shafer, host Larry Miller, Georgia JEWISH HOME HONORS DULCY always about the community I nurture in Senator John Alber, Israeli Consul ROSENBERG AND JERRY HOROWITZ. my full-time position as president of the General Opher Aviran, Rabbi Yossi The William Breman Jewish Home’s 2011 Buckhead Coalition,” never accepting hon- New, and Bonnie and Chuck Berk Golden Gala at The InterContinental orariums, but instead referring them to local Buckhead Hotel was a huge success, with charities. ADOPT AN ANGEL PROGRAM. One over 700 people attending, and raising more His Honor is also a very sensitive and December night, seventeen years ago, as than $700,000 for The Home. vulnerable guy, though you wouldn’t she tells the story, twelve-year-old Amy Sure, the entertainment by The Capitol always know it. He was lamenting to us the Sacks Zeide was watching TV, flipping Steps was great, but people showed up in through the channels, when she paused at a other day that a couple of people in the Melanie and Sam, with Doris looking on See HAPPENING, page 6 Page 6 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012

child attains a basic knowledge of Israel active lives.” homeless Atlantans and others who do not Happening through the Step Up for Israel mini-course, The center’s wheelchairs cost any- have proper access to medical care, provid- From page 5 we are going to see a marked difference in where from $1,500 to $2,500 apiece, so ing free physical, mental, and preventive how Israel is perceived in all of these are- ISCD definitely needs a helping hand in health care to mothers, children and others droves to see, thank, nas.... The community can learn how we fulfilling its vital mission. in need. and recognize Dulcy can all ‘step up’ for Israel by getting To learn more about the center and how CAPN’s main clinic is located in and her husband, involved and supporting organizations you can be part of its invaluable work, visit Genesis’ shelter for newborn babies and Jerry, and Jerry doing great work day in and day out for www.afiscd.org. mothers in Atlanta. It also sends nurse prac- Horowitz and his Israel right here in Atlanta.” titioners to the Atlanta Day Shelter for wife, Pearlann, four For more information, visit PEOPLE OF THE BOOK FESTIVAL. One Women and Children to provide specialized of our community’s www.stepupforisrael.com. of the highlights of the recent Book Festival pediatric health care. Additionally, physical leading citizens. of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of and/or mental health care services are ren- Many volun- Atlanta, formerly called The Atlanta Jewish dered at other outreach sites (Atlanta teers and staff Book Festival, was the Esther G. Levine Children’s Shelter, both locations of worked very hard to Community Read program. This year, the Nicholas House, Mary Hall Freedom Dulcy Rosenberg put the fabulous recommended book was Senator Joe House, Grace United Methodist Church, (photo: Chuck event together, espe- Lieberman’s The Gift of Rest: and Stand Up For Kids). Robertson cially gala Co-chairs Rediscovering the Beauty of the Sabbath. Our friend and CAPN board member Photography) Billie Greenberg, Everyone loved seeing the senator, and Sheila Cohen tells us that the dismal econo- and Ellen Goldstein. Esther said she was “thrilled to have such a my is causing increasingly large numbers of Because of the distinguished guest speak. He was warm people to seek help: “We are seeing more many hours of com- and friendly, and his stories about observ- and more middle-class patients who are suf- mitment and dedica- ing and sharing Shabbat with well-known fering during these hard economic times. tion, and the wide- Step Up for Israel Atlanta Kick-Off: national political figures were heartwarm- Our clinic is able to provide essential care spread support of (from left) Orit Sklar, Hadara Ishak, ing and inspiring.” for families, children, and young people the community, The Dennis Prager, and Steve The program is named, of course, in needing help with health care, education, Home will be able Oppenheimer honor of Sandy Springs’ renowned book and employment. But especially this sea- to continue to fulfill maven, who was instrumental in first bring- son, we need the public’s help so we can its mission of caring SUPPORTING ISRAEL’S MOST HERO- ing the Jewish book festival to Atlanta continue helping others.” For information for our senior citi- IC ATHLETES. Sheila and Michael twenty years ago. For 25 years, Esther has on how to contribute and help out, visit zens in the final Schwarz had a wonderful reception at their escorted authors around town for media www.CAPN.org. Jerry Horowitz years of their lives, (photo: Chuck lovely home for the Israel Sports Center for appearances and book signings. But when just as individuals the Disabled, which does wonderful work she first got started, as she told Dunwoody ON THE ROAD TO STARDOM. Sixteen- Robertson cared for us in our Photography) helping injured and handicapped kids in Crier’s Fran Memberg, “Atlanta wasn’t on year-old Native Atlantan Rachel Filsoof is a early years. Israel. [publicists’] radar screen. It wasn’t that singer/songwriter/actress living in New The event featured some of the group’s authors didn’t want to come to Atlanta. York City and about to become a superstar. STEP UP FOR ISRAEL. Radio talk show star athletes from the Israeli children’s team Publicists didn’t know enough about the You have probably seen her in lots of host and author Dennis Prager was in town participating in the Miami World city to put it on the schedule. Atlanta had to TV commercials, PSAs, and print ads. Her as keynote speaker for the Step Up for Championship for Disabled Children. build credibility.... We’ve now established recent movie roles include Nikki in Flying Israel Atlanta Kick-Off rally, held at the Among the guests was fourteen-year- ourselves and have such a wonderful repu- By, a Lifetime film starring Heather Ahavath Achim Synagogue, where he dis- old Asael Shabbo who, seven years ago, tation in the Jewish book...world, and Locklear and Billy Ray Cyrus, and a stu- cussed the growing anti-Israel movement, lost his mother, three siblings, and one of authors really want to come here.” dent in Paramount’s Mean Girls 2. especially on the nation’s college campus- his legs in a terrorist attack. He came to the Current projects include a reality show es. This theme is powerfully explored in the center, not surprisingly, in a traumatized, that will be airing on the Oxygen Network; highly acclaimed new film, Crossing the grief-stricken, and psychologically dis- lead roles in two films under production; Line, produced by Raphael Shore. View the turbed state. But now, Asael is a strong, and being the lead singer in a four-girl trailer at youtu.be/S9kBaICb3so. high-spirited, successful athlete who coun- group recording songs for a record label. The Atlanta event was co-chaired by sels and inspires other disabled victims of Her original music can be heard at Hadara Ishak and Steve Oppenheimer. Step terrorism, “uplifting the spirits of newly Myspace.com/rachellorin, which is averag- Up for Israel is chaired nationally by disabled youngsters who share his fate, and ing 50,000 hits a month. In July alone, she Professor Alan Dershowitz and former helping them in their long journey to reha- had 400,000 hits on the new song she co- Ambassador Dore Gold. The project is bilitation,” as the center puts it. wrote. designed to educate the public, motivate the Today, more than 3,000 kids, many of Most important, Rachel received rave Jewish community to defend Israel, and them victims of terrorism, are being reha- reviews from Martha Jo and Jerry Katz expose and counter what Shore calls “anti- bilitated by the ISCD through some 20 (“really spectacular...amazing talent”), who Israel propaganda, pressure, and intimida- sports activities. The center trains the kids attended a private performance at the home tion that are becoming increasingly com- in the use of wheelchairs to enable them “to Senator Joe Lieberman and Esther of Rachel’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred mon on college campuses across North take part in wheelchair sports that help turn Levine (photo: Dan Regenstein) Filsoof, to promote her upcoming TV series America.” them from a state of helplessness toward on Oxygen, “The Next Big Thing.” The According to Amy Holtz, president of show follows music coach Trapper Felides, JerusalemOnlineU.com, “Many parents SERVING THOSE IN MEDICAL NEED. as he trains a group of performers hoping don’t realize that their children could be For the last decade, Community Advanced for their big break. confronted by a one-sided, anti-Israel per- Practice Nurses has been in the forefront of Stay tuned as this Atlanta “Star is spective when they get to college....Responsible working to serve and strengthen the lives of Born.” Jewish parents must prepare their kids for what they might see and hear about Israel, just as they prepare them for other chal- lenges they might face on campus.” Publicist, commentator on Fox Five’s Sunday morning show “The Georgia Gang,” and JerusaelmOnlineU.com Managing Director Orit Sklar helped organ- ize the event. She called it “an incredible success in bringing the Atlanta community Marcia and Michael Schwarz with together for Israel.... If every adult and star Athlete Asael Shabbo January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 7 I am a citizen of the United States land in which I live, dina d’malchuta dina. “...the Government of the United States...gives to bigotry no sanction, to Thoughtless action is no justification to violate persecution no assistance...May the children of the Stock of Abraham, who these principles, and irresponsible bantering, BY dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other regardless of motivation, can be devastating in Marvin Inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and its results. Botnick figtree, and there shall be none to make him afraid.” Inherent in this precious status is the duty – George Washington and responsibility to insure that we continue to I have an envelope in my desk in which I function as a nation of laws, and that we are both morally and legally obligated to adhere to keep a few documents that are very special to marriage certificate of my parents. True, these States...gives to bigotry no sanction, to perse- the laws and concepts that are embodied in this me. I keep them in my desk rather than locked are just pieces of paper, but to me they repre- cution no assistance...May the children of the nation. Unlike so many nations of the world, away so that periodically I can take them out, sent much more: They are the tangible Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, con- redress has been and must continue to be look at them, and bask in the warmth of the reminders of the unbelievable set of events that tinue to merit and enjoy the good will of the through the legal mechanisms provided by our good fortune that has befallen me because of gave rise to my very existence and the incredi- other Inhabitants; while every one shall sit in system and not by anarchism, subversion, the actions that are represented by these pieces ble good fortune that has enabled me to be a safety under his own vine and figtree, and there armed actions, or the support or solicitation of of paper. citizen of the greatest of all countries. shall be none to make him afraid.” such activities. Included in these papers are: a copy of the On my desk, I also have in a frame a Living in this country, sometimes we for- While we may disagree with a position or manifest of the S.S. Haverford, which sailed United States of America flag that was flown get that, of all the nations of the world, the with certain actions, we owe it to ourselves and from the port of Liverpool on May 16, 1906, on over the United States Capitol on November United States has done as much or more than to one another to honor the humanity that is which my mother, who was five years old, 26, 1991, for Temple B’nai Israel, the congre- any other country to protect and defend liberty ensconced in the very soul of this country and came to this country (unfortunately, I have yet gation in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, in which I and justice for all people. My passport, like that our religious heritage. So long as actions are to locate the manifest for the ship that brought grew up. This flag is a reminder to me of the of most of the people that will read this article, proper and legal, we have the right to speak out my father to the U.S.); the papers evidencing famous words contained in a letter written in says that I am a citizen of the United States, and against something and try to sway public opin- the naturalization of my parents as citizens of 1790 to the members of Touro Synagogue in this is not a privilege that I take lightly. ion. But we do not have the right, either legal- the U.S.; a copy of my father’s Registration Newport, Rhode Island, by George As an American, I am taught that I am ly or religiously, to seek to effect or encourage Card showing his registration for the U.S. Washington, in which he said: subject to the laws of this country. As a Jew, I change through force, and we denounce any armed-forces draft during World War I; and the “...the Government of the United am taught that I am subject to the laws of the activity.

family. It’s madcap in its pacing and hilarious only to enjoy the new playmates and combat celebrities, overly pious leaders. The AJFF in its tone, and you couldn’t ask for a better his isolation. Of course, the act cannot be comedic masterpiece skewers modern Israeli From page 1 comedy, at a film festival or just a weekend sustained. His secret will slip out, and the culture in a way that would make fans of date night. results are a dramatic reminder of how much South Park or classic Monty Python proud. entrée Louder Than a Bomb. In this docu- we share even amidst our distinct differ- mentary, a deaf Israeli immigrant in Queens ences. attends American Sign Language poetry improv workshops. She ends up partnering Meanwhile, fans of dance will find My with a Palestinian slam poet, embarking on a Dad Baryshnikov to be an irresistible draw. hearing-deaf performance collaboration that We’re taken to Russia in the age of perestroi- will swell even the most snobbish of hearts. ka to see a clumsy, skinny, 14-year-old An Israeli romcom, 2 Night, will Jewish boy. His obsessive study of a VHS unspool in the middle of the festival, and I tape of the banned dissident Mikhail wish it were screening sooner. Award-win- Baryshnikov helps him improve his dancing, ning music video director Roi Werner fol- but the situational comedy takes a new turn lows two Israeli strangers who meet at a sin- when he begins to claim he’s Baryshnikov’s gles bar and slip into a car for a joint ride Let My People Go! illegitimate son. It may seem an interesting This is Sodom home. The problem? They can’t seem to find premise for an ultimate niche film, but the a parking spot in all of Tel Aviv. It seems like In truth, the best films of the festival are question of why a young boy, neglected by The films of AJFF’s 2012 lineup trot the a ridiculous premise, but it’s handled with not Jewish in the early-career Woody Allen his mother, would try to perpetrate such a globe in this way. From Israel to Australia, skill and powerful performances from the way, which is to say stereotypically Jewish. fraud at such a time opens up a host of ques- from the 1930s turmoil of Europe to the two leads and serves as an apt metaphor for Nor are they oppressive and unrelenting tions about how we relate to one another, and 1960s New Left to Brooklyn, circa today, Israel’s younger generation who cannot seem depictions of the worst moments of Jewish the human need for attention and communi- AJFF takes you on a journey that is anything to find their identity. history (see Holocaust documentary number ty. but stereotypical. There is a slasher film, 138,401). Rather, they take the odd angle on Israel’s first entry into the genre, in Rabies Jewish life. More than that, they use the for crying out loud! How could you not Jewish experience to discuss some universal expect a surprise, delightful ones I promise, truth, and in the process they help connect at every turn? our own community with those around us. Yes, there are Israeli films. Yes, there are In David, a lonely young Muslim boy, Holocaust narratives. Opening night will the son of a devout imam, is mistaken for an kick off the festival with My Best Enemy, a Orthodox Jewish child. He plays along, if tragicomedy set amidst the Nazi genocide. Yet it evokes Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds much more than 2 Night Schindler’s List, which is to say that it takes a fresh take on an old subject. Let My People Go! comes by way of So it would be only the most cynical France and Finland. This delightful little film film fans who would think of AJFF as just a explodes homosexual stereotypes in its My Dad Baryshnikov Jewish film festival, and it would be their depiction of a Nordic gay couple who suffer This is Sodom, the box office smash in loss. It may be the most universally accessi- a romantic quarrel. Nebbishy Ruben returns its native Israel, comes to Atlanta and man- ble film festival anywhere in America. to his home in Paris and is forced to endure ages to lampoon every vestige of our modern Passover with his devout, and dysfunctional, David mediascape: reality TV, game shows, vapid Page 8 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival aims for its biggest event ever

By Brian Katzowitz ties for attendees to check out some of the and we strive to make that happen.” festival favorites they may have missed the Highlights from this year’s festival Drawing more than 26,000 people to first time.” include: its screenings and earning venerable recog- This year’s favorites could include any My Best Enemy – Returning to The nition from its counterparts throughout the number of the 70 films being offered. From Fabulous Fox Theatre, the festival opens on country, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival a World War II crime caper to an animated February 8 with a true red-carpet-worthy has become a standout part of Atlanta’s vast documentary on the life of Ben Gurion, the event. My Best Enemy is a lighthearted line-up of cultural offerings. festival offers a wide array of narratives and thriller set against the backdrop of World documentaries bound together by a com- War II. The event includes a reception and mon Jewish thread and chosen by a robust live auction. selection committee. Rabies According to Blank, the committee, consisting of rabbis, local film professors, The Apple Pushers – Demonstrating industry experts, and enthusiastic the diversity of subject matter available to cinephiles, spends countless hours between attendees, The Apple Pushers chronicles a May and October screening, discussing, community effort to address the obesity and identifying the festival line-up from epidemic through immigrant pushcart ven- more than 400 entries. dors. While a seminal part of the planning process, film selection is only one compo- nent of a year-round effort to keep the festi- Now gearing up for its twelfth year of val moving forward. Especially difficult My Best Enemy existence, event organizers are looking to during times of economic austerity, Blank expand upon previous years incarnations relies heavily on a dedicated staff and vol- Rabies – The always popular Young with more days, more films, and more ven- unteer leadership to secure sponsorships, Professionals Night is scheduled for ues. drive marketing efforts, sell tickets, and February 9 with the presentation of Rabies, “Our focus has been on making the provide on-site support. a staple on the international film festival experience of the festival more customer “I think now more than ever, our audi- circuit and one of the few horror comedies friendly,” said Executive Director Kenny ence wants films that will allow them to to ever come out of the Israeli film industry. The Apple Pushers Blank. “By offering two extra days of escape for a couple of hours,” said Blank. A pre-party at STRIP will be held before the screenings (February 8-29), we are increas- “They are looking for movies that will not screening. For a complete schedule and ticket ing our bandwidth and providing opportuni- only entertain but will inspire and motivate, information, visit www.ajff.org.

mittee and has been instrumental in AMIT helping launch Amit University, which provides professional development From page 1 opportunities for educators. which keep our Jewish way of life alive Brenda Benamy Lewis is no stranger and connect us to those who came before to the disability community. Having two us. The Amit Program’s Antique Judaica cousins with special needs, Brenda grew Appraisal Show, at the Jewish up understanding the importance of sup- Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Selig port services and education in the com- Center, will help you determine the munity. Several years ago, she began value, era, and origin of your family working as a special-needs facilitator to heirlooms, including ritual objects, ensure that even children who learn dif- works of art, books, manuscripts, and ferently are able to participate in Jewish antique silver of any kind. The program preschools. What started out as a way to will kick off with Greenstein sharing tips Silver Chanukah lamp, with all orig- help others has since become a personal on how to collect Judaica, followed by a inal wick holders, servant lamp, and passion and given her a new direction in group presentation on the value and his- oil pitcher appraised by J. her own life. tory of individual heirlooms brought by Greenstein and Co. Germany, c. It is not just tangible items of senti- attendees. 1890. Estimate $1,200-$2,000 ment that have been passed down over The event will also include a com- the generations. These honorees exem- munity celebration honoring Helen Center’s preschool program for children plify how Judaism teaches values and Hackworth, Brenda Benamy Lewis, and with disabilities. Now in her mid-eight- instills in us a sense of duty to improve Sylvia Schwartz, each of whom has ies, Sylvia is a much loved community the lives of others. As a community, we played an important role in educating figure, with lifelong friends from her must join together to make sure that our generations of Atlanta children who involvement in Brandeis, Jewish War most prized possessions, our children, learn differently, paralleling the mission Veterans, and Jewish Family & Career have the chance to embrace their her- of The Amit Program. Since 2001, Amit Services, as well as her many years itage and traditions through Jewish edu- A hand-carved silver spice tower has been the central resource in the teaching at the JCC. cational and experiential opportunities, appraised by J. Greenstein and Co. Jewish community for special education, A speech pathologist by profession, regardless of their abilities. Supporting Birmingham, c. 1936. Estimate ensuring that each child is able to reach Helen Hackworth is a respected private The Amit Program will help children $3,000-$5,000 his or her individual potential, while tutor and independent educational con- who learn differently today and for gen- learning in a Jewish environment. Amit tractor who works with children with erations to come. dedicated her life to education and the strives to ensure that students with spe- learning differences. Helen began and For more information about The community. For decades, she worked as cial needs can thrive and be integrated directed the learning differently program Amit Program or the Antique Judaica an educator and was instrumental in into the community by offering a wide at Greenfield Hebrew Academy, which Appraisal Show, visit www.amitat- mainstreaming special-needs children range of educational services and family was the predecessor to the current lanta.org, or contact Amit at info@ami- into the classroom. Over 40 years ago, support. M’Silot program. She is the current chair tatlanta.org or 404-961-9966. she developed the Jewish Community Atlanta native Sylvia Schwartz has of The Amit Program’s education com- January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 9

girls had nothing to do, nowhere to go. Girl Girl Scouts Scouts offered them opportunities to go camping, learn to cook, travel, participate Missing Dr. Kiley From page 1 in community service, and earn proficiency badges at award ceremonies that singled Scarcely a year after the founding, to Dr. Rosenberg’s office,” I said. He them out. Girl Scouting was that “new Mildred would lead Savannah’s first Girl was our family doctor for fractures, thing.” Through Scouting, they could do Scout camping trip to Wassaw Island, still stomachaches, headaches, or any anything they wanted to today a barrier other kind of aches. do. (Historic note: That island. BY Gene Although he has been deceased year, suffragettes and Photographs from for more than 50 years, I can still their supporters were Asher that 10-day cam- remember him carrying that black parading in New York pout and bag of his with all the medicines he City.) Mildred’s vivid needed. Mainly he carried a smile, a The 279-year- Come back, Dr. Kiley, we miss memoirs punctu- laugh, a cigar, and an assurance that old Congregation you. ate the exhibit. all was going to be well. And it usu- Mickve Israel is a natu- James Del Kiley, everybody’s ally was. ral to showcase the Girl favorite physician at The Jewish “There will never be another H. Scouts. Located just a Tower, has retired, and we are not J.,” mother said. few blocks from the Girl Scout First likely to find another one like him. Well, mother, there is one, and Headquarters and the Girl Scout Birthplace, My mother, the late and brilliant his name is James Del Kiley. People the temple has created a museum on its Erna Fromme Asher, said there would at The Jewish Tower cried when they premises (including a Torah brought from never be another Herbert J. heard their Dr. Kiley was retiring England in 1733 by the original settlers). It Rosenberg, our family physician for October 31, 2011. This is no trick. attracts Girl Scout troops and other visitors some 50 years. And it certainly is not a treat. from throughout the world. (Like the Girl When I broke my arm in a fist- Tower resident Lynn Morris Scout First Headquarters and the Girl Scout fight with Jack Brail at the old, old expressed it best. Birthplace, the Mickve Israel Museum is a Standard Club, one of the club mem- Camp at Wassaw Island, July 1913 “Talk about mixed emotions. We member of the Coastal Museums bers hollered, “Quick, take him to the all are happy he can spend more time Association.) It is expected that some of the emergency room.” “Finding a suitable campsite and financing with his family, but we are going to newly created displays will become part of “You are not taking me to an the enterprise was easy in comparison to miss him something awful.” getting the anxious parents of the Patrol the permanent collection. emergency room, you are taking me Leaders and of the girls to consent to such The Girl Scout exhibit will be housed an unheard-of-expedition,” Mildred wrote. in two sections of the synagogue’s Mordecai Sheftall Memorial Hall. It is organized by a sub-committee of the stand- ing museum committee, which includes descendants of the first leaders and early Girl Scouts. Phoebe Kerness is chair of the Girl Scout sub-committee; Eileen Lobel and Margie Levy are co-chairs of Mickve Israel’s museum committee. Savannah is expecting thousands of visitors during the centennial year, culmi- nating in Girl Scout Weekend, March 9-12. Mickve Israel will have appropriate activi- ties for girls—a service, tours, scavenger hunt, and the opportunity to acquire a Shalom Y’all Mickve Israel Girl Scout patch with the congregation crest. Since Gottlieb’s Bakery in 1936 provided the first commercially produced Girl Scout cookies in Savannah, the girls may have the oppor- tunity to bake cookies (from the original recipe provided by Isser Gottlieb) as part of the weekend. There are numerous other Girl Scout events planned throughout the year. Mickve Israel is located on Monterey Square, in Savannah’s historic district, on Wassaw Island caretaker and Girl Bull Street, between Gordon and Wayne Scout, July 1913 streets. Docent-guided tours of the sanctu- ary and the museum are offered 10:00 a.m.- In Savannah, the first Girl Scout 1:00 p.m. and 2:00-4:00 p.m., Monday- patrols included girls from the elite Pape Friday. The last tour starts approximately School, as well as Jewish girls and those 30 minutes before the end of each session. from local orphanages and homes. For more information, visit www.mickveis- In the beginning, Girl Scouting opened rael.org. a whole new world. After 6th or 7th grade, Page 10 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 Company J comes to the MJCCA Company J, the new theater compa- ny at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), was created to offer a variety of theatrical offerings for audiences of all ages, as well as pro- vide a nurturing environment for theater artists to train and develop their creative potential. Housed in the Morris & Rae Frank Theatre, this new company is pre- senting a varied first season that includes a comedic musical masterpiece, an inter- active bar mitzvah adventure, a family musical, and a teen summer stock musi- cal. Company J kicked off its 2011-12 season with The Producers; this outra- geous musical satire was directed by Company J Producing Artistic Director Brian Kimmel. Company J’s mainstage season con- tinues with The Boychick Affair. In this production, audience members mingle, Ryan Walden (from left), Amy Feinberg, Grace Hancock, and Sylvee Legge (all pho- eat, sing, and dance with the rest of the tos: Heidi Morton) “guests” and enjoy a delicious bar mitz- vah meal—including dessert—at the “reception” for Harry Boychick’s unique bar mitzvah ceremony. This hilarious interactive event follows a young rap wannabe as he becomes a man in front of his wacky, loving family. Performances are February 9, 11, and 12; tickets are Ryan Walden is bar mitzvah boy Harry $25-$35 and include a meal. Boychick in The Boychick Affair Next is the family musical A Year With Frog & Toad. Conceived by Arnold most recently as director of our critical- Rent Lobel’s daughter, Adrianne Lobel, A ly acclaimed productions of and West Side Story Year With Frog & Toad remains true to , and, prior to that, the spirit of the original stories, as it fol- worked with Drama Camp, Project lows cheerful Frog and grumpy Toad Impact Theatre, and Camp Barney through four fun-filled seasons. Waking Medintz. In his years at the MJCCA, from hibernation in the spring, Frog and Brian has proven himself to be a creative Toad proceed to plant gardens, swim, and confident theater professional.” rake leaves, and go sledding, learning According to Kimmel, “Company J life lessons along the way, including a will continue to build bridges between most important one about friendship. community and professional collabora- Performances are May 9-13; tickets are tors by making theater available to peo- $10-$18. ple of all ages and levels of theatrical Harry Boychick, surrounded by his parents: (from left) David Skoke, The season concludes with the 2012 experience. This model will help to cre- Ryan Walden, and Stacey Shapiro ate a unique artistic home for our com- Teen Summer Stock Musical, Spring sustaining an internship program for Hanukkah Goblins. His award-winning Awakening. Winner of eight Tony munity that combines professional artistry with community spirit. emerging professionals from Atlanta and productions of Urinetown and Bat Boy: Awards, including Best Musical, this beyond.” The Musical were featured at the rock musical adaptation of a controver- “Through dynamic productions and classes,” he continues, “we challenge Brian Kimmel has been a freelance Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2006 and sial 19th-century play explores, with director, teacher, and actor in Atlanta for 2008. poignancy and passion, the turbulent our community to embrace its cultural life through the art of live performance. over fifteen years. His students are Prior to coming to the MJCCA, journey from adolescence to adulthood. working on Broadway, national, and Kimmel worked as an associate artist for This landmark musical is an exhilarating Several objectives that I hope to accom- plish include: producing at least four international tours; at League of The Warehouse Theater in Greenville, mix of morality, sexuality, and rock & Resident Theatres (LORT); and in fea- South Carolina, and co-founded Out of roll. This show is recommended for productions each season, one of which will be a production for children; creat- ture films and television. Kimmel has Hand Theater in 2000. His training audiences 17 years and older. acted for theaters all over the country, includes a bachelor of arts in theater Performances are August 8-19; tickets: ing partnerships with schools and local theaters that provide opportunities for including roles in Hamlet, Fiddler on the from Emory University, an apprentice- $12-$25. Roof, Picnic, Brighton Beach Memoirs, ship at The Warehouse Theater, a mas- Kim Goodfriend, MJCCA director sharing resources and the development of youth in theater; and nurturing and and The 25th Putnam County Spelling ter’s degree in theater education from of Arts and Culture, says, “Brian served Bee. In November, he appeared in a new Brenau University, and a specialist in adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, education from the University of West at Theater Emory. His directing experi- Georgia. ence includes over 50 productions, For more information on Company including Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the J, visit www.atlantajcc.org/companyj. To Roof, A Midsummer Nights Dream, purchase tickets, call 678-812-4002, or Antigone, and Herschel and The visit www.atlantajcc.org. January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 11 Sawyer receives National Human Relations Award

The American Jewish Committee, the Traurig, was a principal sponsor of the program, referred to Sawyer’s “tireless Labovitz; City Council President Robb Pitts nation’s oldest human relations organiza- event; Marjorie and Steve Harvey; The work and charitable advocacy as an icon in and his wife, Fran; Ingrid Saunders Jones, tion, saluted D. Jack Sawyer, Jr., for his Very Rev. Sam Candler and his wife, Boog; the Atlanta community for years.” of The Coca-Cola Company, another lead unflagging community involvement and and Louise Sams, of lead sponsor Turner An advocate for progress, Sawyer benefactor; Elaine and Miles Alexander; Dr. commitment to AJC Atlanta’s mission of Broadcasting, and Jerome Grilhot. serves on the Board of Directors of the Bobbie Bailey; Darrell Mays; Lisa and Joe human rights and building bridges of mutu- Southeast Anti-Defamation League and the Bankoff; Carolyn and Rhett Tanner; Ron al understanding, while erasing all forms of Civil War to Civil Rights Steering and Kay Quigley; Devyne Stephens; Ladi bigotry. Committee of the Atlanta History Center. Drew; and Cindy and Bill Voyles. The prestigious 2011 National He has been both chairman and honorary Human Relations Award was presented to chairman of the High Museum of Art’s Sawyer, president of Wilmington Trust Driskell Prize Dinner, supporting African- Southeast Region, at an elegant dinner at American art. His humanitarian and cultur- the St. Regis Hotel, on December 8. al leadership focuses on service on the Board of Directors of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, Open Hand, the High Museum of Art, Friends of Georgia Music Festival, the Georgia Museum of Art, the Atlanta Humane The Very Rev. Sam and Boog Society, and Zoo Atlanta. He has led the Candler (left) and Nina and Bill Atlanta History Center’s Swan House Ball, Schwartz (all photos: Kim Link) both as chairman and honorary chairman. The American Jewish Committee Fulton County Commission Jack Sawyer joined a distinguished Dinner was generously supported by lead Chairman John Eaves (left) with Joel roster of past recipients, including former benefactors William B. Schwarz Family’s Katz President Jimmy Carter, Senator Sam Chatham Valley Foundation, with William Nunn, philanthropist and Cox Enterprises B. Schwartz III, of Wilmington Trust, rep- Don Perry (from left), Jack Sawyer, past chairman James Cox Kennedy, and resenting his family; the Selig Family; The Elaine Levin, and Dr. Herbert Shessel entrepreneur Herman J. Russell, in being Coca-Cola Company; Wilmington Trust; honored with the National Human and the St. Regis Atlanta. In addition to the The evening began with an invoca- Relations Award. co-chairmen and sponsors acknowledging tion by Rabbi Ron Segal, of Temple Sinai, The Atlanta AJC Regional Office, Jack Sawyer’s community leadership were and continued with a welcome by American founded in 1944, carries forth the 105-year- Wilmington Trust’s Mark Graham and his Jewish Committee President Lenny old American Jewish Committee’s promo- wife, Nikki, who traveled from Silverstein. tion of democratic ideals, minority rights, Wilmington, Delaware, for the occasion; Co-chairs of the annual dinner were and protection of human rights across the Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed; Gregg and Lovette and Michael Russell, whose father, globe. Beth Paradies; Laura Turner Seydel; Steve Herman J. Russell, received last year’s Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, who and Linda Selig; Elaine Levin; Don Perry; award; Linda and Steve Selig; Kane and personally asked to write a message of com- Chip and Sharon Shirley; Elizabeth Allen; Louise Sams (from left) with Miles Joel Katz, whose law firm, Greenberg mendation to Jack Sawyer for the dinner Debbie and Lon Neese; Steve and Sheri and Elaine Alexander Yeshiva Atlanta Shabbaton is a rousing success After months of planning, the day had According to Oberman, “The Student among the founding families of Yeshiva a chaperone for the Atlanta delegation to arrived. Nearly 100 Yeshiva Atlanta stu- Council members did a fabulous job get- Atlanta, and Mr. Gris served as the school’s the March of the Living, made an equally dents, along with another 20 prospective ting everything organized in advance, and first basketball coach. The students loved moving presentation. It was particularly students from various middle schools the rest of the student body was equally his stories of the school’s early days, espe- striking to hear her reaction to that morn- around Atlanta, boarded buses and headed engaged over the course of the weekend. cially the one in which an opposing coach, ing’s prayer service. “I was moved to tears to the mountains of North Georgia. There, Every student stepped up and took respon- upon seeing the six-member basketball to hear your joyful and enthusiastic singing at Camp Blue Ridge, they would not only sibility for some aspect of the Shabbaton, team (the school had a total enrollment that of Hallel to mark the occasion of Rosh discuss the topic of unity (and its impor- whether it was setting up meals, organizing year of seven students), asked him, Chodesh [the first day of the new month],” tance to both the school and the greater an afternoon hike, or simply interacting “Where’s the rest of your team?” One of she told the students. Atlanta Jewish community) but would live with the 8th-graders who were in atten- the boys quickly responded, “He’s home At the conclusion of Shabbat, the stu- it intensely for 48 hours. dance as prospective YA students.” sick.” dents took part in a Charlbach-style hav- This year’s Yeshiva Atlanta The Shabbaton’s schedule was packed, Far more powerful were Bill’s stories dalah and then enjoyed grilled hamburgers Shabbaton, which took place October 28- starting mid-afternoon, when the 8th- about what is was like to be a Jew in and hot dogs as they sat around a roaring 30, featured Divrei Torah by four different graders arrived early to the camp and were Atlanta in the late 1950s and early 1960s. campfire. Sparks and songs filled the air, YA students—girls representing grades 9- treated to an hour-long ropes course adven- His description of the first time he and and it was clear to all there that the 12—and by the school’s new dean of ture. With the arrival of the rest of the stu- Paula went to see a movie after moving to Shabbaton had been a big success. Judaic Studies, Rabbi Asher Yablok. The dents, the camp was abuzz with activity as Atlanta from the New York area, only to Kudos are of course in order to the students were also responsible for all parts the students prepared for Shabbat, which confront a sign proclaiming “Black Student Council members who planned of the prayer services, from serving as included Kabbalat Shabbat, dinner, and a Balcony,” made a huge impact on the stu- and organized the Shabbaton: Co- chazzan to opening the makeshift ark to festive oneg program that included several dents. “There were also separate water Presidents Yondi Kadosh and Michael Lor, reading the Torah. The teachers who chap- very amusing grade skits. fountains for blacks and whites,” he Vice-President Avi Ginsburg, Treasurer eroned, including Head of School Dr. Paul Shabbat day was just as packed, with explained, “which confused us terribly, Alexa Ratner, and Secretary Yifat Kadosh. Oberman and Assistant Principal of Judaics the students leading both the shacharit and because we assumed that it was the same Special thanks, too, are due the school’s Ariella Allen, were simply part of the con- mincha services. The highlight of the day water we were all drinking.” Student Council advisors, Mrs. Amanda gregation; their respect for the students’ came via special guests Bill and Paula Gris, Paula, who has worked extensively on Bunder and Rabbi Reuven Travis. leadership was obvious. who both gave talks. The Grises were Holocaust-related issues and who served as Page 12 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 Jewish Free Loan Funds Help Jewish Georgians in Need In March, 2009, Mrs. Malka appeared in Jewish communities across the gling family pay for unexpected funeral impoverished….Very worthy causes exist Rosenbaum z”l, a beloved individual who country.” Right here in Atlanta, both JIFLA expenses of a parent. Their most recent to ease the enormous burden that crushes was known for her many acts of loving and JELF (Jewish Education Loan Fund – loans helped families who lost income due our fellow Jews who cannot afford the basic kindness and who made many contributions which provides loans for higher education) to unexpected layoffs and were temporarily necessities of life. As the number of those in to the spirituality of the Atlanta community have been busier than ever before in help- unable to pay their bills. The loans will need grows, however, it is equally neces- and Klal Israel planted the seeds for what is ing people and families in need. bridge these families while they are search- sary for us to do our part to hold back as known today as the Jewish Interest Free As economic times have gotten ing for new jobs. Other loans helped fami- many people as we can from that burden. Loan of Atlanta or JIFLA. JIFLA now pro- tougher, requests for loans have been lies consolidate their debt and helped lower “This is the job of the Jewish Interest vides loans to Jewish families and individ- increasing. While JIFLA had provided 8 debt-management costs, and in other ways Free Loan of Atlanta. By offering interest- uals throughout the state of Georgia. loans in its first 12 months of operation, it helped families manage their way out of free loans to those who have encountered a Jewish Interest Free Loan of Atlanta, has provided another 12 loans in the fol- severe financial crises. JIFLA will provide significant, and perhaps sudden, expense Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity estab- lowing 9 months with two loan applicants loans for vocational training, purchasing that is beyond their means, we can keep lished to provide financial assistance waiting for approval. used cars if needed for employment purpos- them on a sound financial footing. We can through interest-free loans and is commit- Since opening its loan office in March, es, emergency home repairs, dental and grab hold of someone teetering on the edge ted to the biblical precept (Exodus 22:24), 2010, JIFLA has provided $52,600 in inter- medical bills, and many other purposes that of a cliff and literally pull him or her back “If you lend money to My people, to those est-free loans to members of our local com- will help families in financial need. to safety. This is our mission. As our sages in need among you, do not act as a creditor; munities. All loans are being repaid, and “We recycle money so we can recycle teach us, if a heavy burden is about to fall exact no interest from them.” with these repayments the money is avail- people’s lives,” said Barr. “The story is not off a donkey, it only takes one person to According to Dr. Mort Barr, JIFLA able to recycle and loan out again. Each that we lent $52,600. The story is that there steady it. After it falls to the ground, even president, “the prolonged economic down- loan JIFLA has provided has helped Jewish are thousands of stories out there.” five people can’t lift it.” turn in our state has increased the ranks of families in unique ways: an unemployed Anonymity of the borrower and loan JIFLA is professionally managed by Jews one can classify as marginally needy.” family was provided funds to pay for living guarantor is a major value and promise of volunteers. All involved in this endeavor Since the stock market collapse in late 2008 expenses until they were able to find jobs. JIFLA. The loan applicant is assigned a have a passion for unity and shalom in the pushed the nation into recession, the One loan persuaded the borrower’s mort- loan number, and all information, is identi- Jewish community. The outreach to all Jews demand for financial support, food and gage bank to approve a mortgage loan mod- fied only by the loan number. According to and non-judgmentalism of the fund pro- clothes from Jewish social service agencies ification. Another loan helped a family Barr, “At most, only two people are aware vides a wonderful opportunity to bridge and charities in Atlanta and throughout the member pay for emergency surgery, which of the borrower’s identity and only one per- diverse elements of our Jewish community state of Georgia has risen significantly. Barr was not covered by their medical insurance. son is aware of the guarantor’s identity. to contribute to peace, unity, cooperation, continued to say that “JIFLA is a member JIFLA helped an individual who started a Confidentiality is carefully protected.” and understanding within the community. of the International Association of Hebrew new job after being unemployed for 2 years According to JIFLA’s rabbinic advisor, More information about JIFLA can be Free Loans. Through direct contact with and needed help with 2 months of rent pay- Rabbi Doniel Pransky: “Besides giving to found through its website at www.jifla.org other Jewish Free Loans, we are painfully ment until the first paycheck came in. A those who are already poor, make sure you or e-mail [email protected] aware that the same phenomenon has recent loan helped a hardworking but strug- prevent others from joining the ranks of the Southeast teens attend bar mitzvah for student with mitochondrial myopathy

On October 28, The Temple in ating a fully inclusive learning environment Midtown Atlanta hosted a special bar mitz- for all of its students. Stacey Levy, a speech vah ceremony for Benjamin Faber, who has pathologist and member of The Temple, has mitochondrial myopathy. been working for the Breman Religious The unique ceremony involved assist- School for ten years as learning coordinator ed communication devices and the partici- and has developed a program that serves pation of Faber’s fellow students to help Benjamin and dozens of other students with him through the event. Two hundred teens developmental disabilities each year. from all across the Southeastern United “Judaism has never been an exclusive States also attended the bar mitzvah before religion. It is available to everyone,” says embarking on a weekend of learning about The Temple’s director of lifelong learning, inclusion in Judaism. Rabbi Steven H. Rau, RJE. “We have a Benjamin has been a student at The commitment to ensure that every student Temple’s Breman Religious School since has a chance to learn and share in the he was in pre-Kindergarten. He has benefit- Jewish experience.” ed from The Temple’s commitment to cre- To drive home this Jewish value of inclusion, The Temple scheduled Benjamin’s bar mitzvah as a kickoff to a weekend gathering of Jewish teenagers from across the Southeast that included opportunities to learn about welcoming and including everyone in Jewish life. This is a continuation of The Temple’s tzadikim (Hebrew for “righteous person”) program, which trains students to serve as shadows and aides to students, like Benjamin, who learn differently. The many students who worked with Benjamin over the years were present for his bar mitzvah. January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 13 Taste of Atlanta wraps up a landmark festival

Taste of Atlanta, the city’s largest food festival, hosted its landmark 10th annual event October 22-23. The two-day affair saw thousands of festivalgoers flocking to Midtown’s Technology Square, enjoying samples from more than 80 of Atlanta’s premier restaurants. Highlights included the return of Inside the Food Studio, which featured a behind-the-scenes look into the kitchens and minds of some of Atlanta’s most cele- brated chefs; the Family Food Zone, for young chefs-in-training; cooking stages featuring demonstrations from local and national celebrity chefs; and the introduc- tion of The Big Grill, a Friday night block party that kicked off the weekend. In addition, Taste of Atlanta furthered its commitment to community. The on-site silent auction raised over $25,000 to bene- fit Share Our Strength’s Cooking Matters, a groundbreaking program that provides a Dale Gordon DeSena strong foundation in nutrition, cooking, and household budgeting through specialized Event in Atlanta by The Atlanta Journal- courses for adults, kids, and teens. Constitution and Jezebel magazine, and a The festival’s president and founder, “Top Festival Worth the Trip” by O, The Dale Gordon DeSena, has over 25 years of Oprah Magazine. It has earned numerous experience in marketing, advertising, and Kaleidoscope Awards and been covered by festival production. She has been instru- The New York Times, People Magazine, and mental in bringing together national “The Today Show” on NBC. celebrity chefs such as Emeril Lagasse, DeSena is a board member of the Sara Moulton, Iron Chef Morimoto, and Georgia Restaurant Association and a Rocco DiSpirito as well as Atlanta chefs member of Les Dames d’Escoffier, such as Kevin Rathbun, Linton Hopkins, American Culinary Federation, Georgia and Richard Blais. Organics, the American Institute of Wine & DeSena created Taste of Atlanta to fill Food, and the International Festivals & the city’s need for a food festival truly rep- Events Association. She has held board resenting the best the city has to offer. Taste positions with the American Jewish of Atlanta been named a Top 20 Event by Committee and the Jewish National Fund. the Southeast Tourism Society, Best Food Page 14 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 15 Page 16 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 17 Davis students learn about the critical need for safe drinking water

Davis Academy students recently redirect the money they would have spent Our grade is trying to collect as much science labs that underscore the impact of learned some serious facts about something toward the tzedakah portion of the Mayyim tzedakah as possible to help.” water pollution on the environment. Tracy most of us take for granted. For example: Challenge. All the funds collected will go to Hawkins, founder of SafeWaterNow, spoke Approximately one out of eight people SAFE Water Now, an Atlanta-based organi- to students. worldwide, and especially in developing zation that distributes special water filtration nations, do not have access to safe and clean systems to needy communities worldwide. drinking water. Another fact: water-related illnesses kill more people each year than wars and conflict. Access to clean drinking water, some- thing that most Americans take for granted, became the focus of this year’s Tikkun Olam project for Davis Academy 5th-8th-graders during the month of November, culminating in activities the day before Thanksgiving. The project, dubbed the Mayyim (Hebrew for water) Challenge, spanned the curriculum. In social studies, students learned the lengths to which people must go The Mayyim Challenge concluded and the hardships they must endure in some with a half day of activities, including parts of the world just to obtain clean drink- a collective science lab that demon- ing water and how that impacts their health Fifth-graders Bryan Penn, Evan Penn, strated how pollution affects the and their families’ ability to function. In sci- and Jack Kaye show off a sign they water supply. ence, students learned how nature produces made to create awareness about the Sophia Gurin discovers how heavy a clean water, where it is found, and how it is issue of safe drinking water and to 35 pound jug of water is. “This type of program never precisely accessed, as well as the different ways water encourage fellow students to con- fits into the traditional academic curriculum, can be purified. tribute tzedakah toward the project. The half day of school just before yet it encourages thinking and feeling, and it After completing surveys, Middle Thanksgiving was dedicated to Mayyim challenges students to seek a deeper under- School students were surprised to learn how “At my house, there is running water Challenge programming. Hands-on activities standing of the world in which they live, many sodas, smoothies, and sports drinks everywhere,” said 8th-grader Evan Miller. and the viewing of an award-winning video and—most importantly—their place in that they consume. The results motivated them to “To walk two miles with 40 pounds of water helped further understanding, including get- world,” said Middle School Principal Jamie forego those beverages for a few weeks and because the family needs it would be so hard. ting a feel for the weight of water and doing Kudlats. Epstein students benefit from bilingual education As parents, we all want to do everything national recognition. Third- and 5th-grade stu- stronger communication skills, which are monolinguals in the domain of mental/cogni- we can to aid in the development of our chil- dents at The Epstein School consistently rank needed in a constantly evolving global econo- tive flexibility. dren’s minds. As the inheritors of a long and in the 95th-99th percentile among students my. Knowing a second language also makes • One of the most fascinating advantages of proud tradition of study and learning, we seek taking the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. learning additional languages much easier; bilingual education is described in an article in to reach a higher plateau in our personal, spir- fosters understanding of, appreciation of, and the October 2004 issue of Nature, in which itual, and business lives. respect for differences; increases self-esteem researchers found that bilingual speakers had To challenge young people through a reg- and confidence in social interactions; denser gray matter, in particular in areas of imen of formal education has proven a won- improves interpersonal skills; and fosters memory, language, and attention. derful tool in striving for these goals. And The adaptability to new situations and contexts. • In the 2007 article “Raising a Bilingual Epstein School continues to find new and Child: Parents Can Teach Their Children a innovative ways to mold and develop young Foreign Language at a Young Age” by Diane minds. Laney Fitzpatrick, Dr. Geoffrey S. Koby, asso- One of the concepts that Epstein focuses ciate professor of German translation at Kent on is enhancing brain development through State University, said, “All human beings are bilingual education. The advantages of bilin- naturally, innately able to learn a foreign lan- gual education have been researched for guage as a child.” decades and are well documented. As a leader in bilingual education, The Epstein School Four Epstein students placed in top uses an integrated curricular approach that has three at the State Level Competition, been recognized for its excellence both nation- 2011 Georgia Educational Technology ally and internationally. Fair: (from left) Sarah Peljovich, Jack The school’s academic bilingual pro- Schneider, Olivia Fox, and Yoel Alperin gram, combined with integration of advanced Rotem Kadosh enjoys being bilingual technology and the arts, is one of the reasons Last year, Epstein alumni included one and is confident that bilingual skills Epstein graduates go on to succeed at the best high school valedictorian, four salutatorians, will help her be successful. high schools and colleges. In 2011, 25 students six National Merit Finalists, three Governor’s took first place at the North Atlanta Jewish Honors participants, the Riverwood High Additional resources that support the Students Technology Fair (NAJSTF); four School Student Council president, and the co- advantages of a bilingual education: Epstein students placed in the top three at the presidents of The Weber School. Also in 2010, • Ellen Bialystok, in her 2001 book 2011 Georgia State Technology Fair. Over the 62% of alumni from The Epstein School class Bilingualism in Development: Language, First-grader Joeli Van De Grift per- past five years, more than half of Epstein 7th- of 2006 were members of the National Honor Literacy, and Cognition, says that bilinguals forms a Hebrew lesson task on an graders tested qualified for the Duke Society and/or received National Merit have “consistent advantages” to understand ActivBoard, one of the many advanced University Talent Identification Program (TIP) Recognition. the nature of language rather than the ability to educational technologies utilized by for academically gifted and talented youth. In There are numerous additional advan- use language to communicate meaning. students at The Epstein School. both 2010 and 2011, 100% of those students tages to receiving a bilingual education. Young • A study conducted by Peal and Lambert in tested received state recognition; four received children who learn a second language have 1962 showed bilinguals to be superior to Page 18 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 Pomegranate Prize recognizes GHA’s innovative work in early childhood education

Anna Hartman (center) celebrates with GHA students

In November 2011, Anna Hartman, tial, in an environment of relationships, director of the Early Childhood Department inquiry, reflection, and collaboration. (ECD) at Greenfield Hebrew Academy Through the creation of this prize, the (GHA), received the Covenant Covenant Foundation, whose mission is to Foundation’s Pomegranate Prize. This Jewish educational award was the only one granted this year in the field of early child- hood education. In fact, of the sixty awards the foundation has given since 1991, this is only the third that has gone to representa- tives of early childhood education. Before it was recognized by the Covenant Foundation, GHA was lauded in a Yale University study. The findings reveal that the signature elements of the ECD’s scientific study of child development, Jewish thought, the approach of Reggio Emilia schools, and research on the most effective way to engage children and their families in Jewish life “foster deeper rela- tionships among the adult community, which translate into improved outcomes for the children.” Anna Hartman Anna Hartman, along with the ECD faculty, has traveled around the country, learning from the nation’s best preschools support quality educators, seeks to capture AMERICA’S and thinkers. She said, “We have learned the passion that comes with new experi- from the best and been shocked and sad- ence, nurture new leadership for the field in BEST dened to see what constitutes early child- an intentional way, and enable emerging CLEANERSTM hood experiences in so many other educators to take risks and make a differ- schools.” GHA achieves excellence by nur- ence. The $15,000 attached to the prize will turing authentic Jewish childhoods and constitute a fund to further professional helping families realize their divine poten- development in the Reggio Emilia practice. 4455 Roswell Road Atlanta, Georgia 30342 404-255-4312

www.presstine.com January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 19 ISJL named one of North America’s Most Innovative Jewish Nonprofits The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL) has been named a Standard Bearer by Slingshot ‘11- ‘12, a resource guide for Jewish innovation. For the past seven years, Slingshot has featured annually the 50 most innovative Jewish projects in North America, which are selected from among hundreds of nom- inees. In that time, ten organizations have risen to the top again and again as leaders within the community and mentors to other organizations. Now called Standard Bearers, they have been listed in at least five editions of Slingshot. These organiza- tions were chosen not only for longevity, but also because they continue to achieve Slingshot’s core criteria of innovation, impact, leadership, and organizational effi- cacy. According to Will Schneider, executive director of Slingshot, “Seven editions of Slingshot ago, Jewish innovation was still largely undefined and unexplored, and 66% of the organizations listed in this year’s guide weren’t even founded yet. Over the years, the Standard Bearers consistently set, exceeded, and reset the high standards that emerging organizations and projects in Jewish life aspired to match. In truth, we had trouble selecting a name that would set them apart as examples of ongoing excel- lence without placing them on an “emeri- tus” list or implying that their innovative days were behind them. We settled on Standard Bearers, because these groups set Hart. “Our inclusion in Slingshot ‘11-‘12 as statement as to what we believe are the ders of all ages diversify their giving port- benchmarks for the field and led by exam- a Standard Bearer reaffirms the impact of greatest needs and which organizations are folios with the most innovative and effec- ple with ongoing innovation and relevan- our work and allows us to continue building doing the best job to fulfill those needs. tive organizations and programs in North cy.” our capacity. We see that we are helping Organizations that receive grants from America. This guide contains information Slingshot is used by philanthropists, create a rich Jewish life for this next gener- Slingshot clearly identify an unmet need about each organization’s origin, mission, volunteers, not-for-profit executives, and ation. and offer proven models and solutions that strategy, impact, and budget, as well as program participants to identify path-find- Jonathan Raiffe, the chairman of can have a far-reaching impact.” details about its unique character. Now in ing and trailblazing organizations grappling Slingshot, said, “The Slingshot guide makes Slingshot ‘11-‘12 was released on its seventh edition, Slingshot has proven to with concerns in Jewish life such as identi- a statement to the Jewish community and October 18, 2011. The community will be a catalyst for next generation funding ty, community, and tradition. ISJL was cho- beyond that next-gen funders embrace meet on March 14 in New York City at the and offers a telling snapshot of shifting sen by a panel of 36 foundation profession- change, innovation, and evaluation when annual Slingshot Day, where over 250 not- trends in North America’s Jewish commu- als from across North America. This was meeting the needs of our community. for-profit leaders, foundation professionals, nity. The book, published annually, is avail- ISJL’s sixth time being featured in Slingshot promotes organizations that hold and funders of all ages will engage in can- able in hard copy and as a free download at Slingshot. themselves accountable to all their stake- did conversations about philanthropy and www.slingshotfund.org. Based in Jackson, Mississippi, the ISJL holders and up to the same scrutiny as for- innovation. promotes Jewish life in the South through profit organizations, while pushing the Slingshot was created by a team of partnerships with Southern Jewish commu- boundaries of how to solve the most press- young funders as a guidebook to help fun- nities. Founded in 2000, the ISJL supports ing issues. Slingshot is about making a religious school education, rabbinic servic- es, Jewish culture, community engagement, history, and the arts in underserved commu- nities, as well as larger population centers. The independent, trans-denominational institute currently partners with more than 100 diverse Jewish congregations and com- munity groups across 13 states: Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma, and the Florida Panhandle. Through this unique model, the ISJL encourages communities large and small to assume the shared responsibility of promoting Jewish life and tradition region wide. “The ISJL implements innovative solu- tions to deliver Jewish programming and resources to communities across the South,” explains ISJL president Macy B. Page 20 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 Giving Birth to a Book friend of Herzl on the anniversary of the Zionist leader’s death. It was quite a shock to learn that the friend was none other than my BY Janice Rothschild great-grandfather Browne. An email to the Central Zionist Archives Blumberg in Jerusalem yielded two file folders of letters from Browne to Herzl, in which the rabbi gave Giving birth to a book is like having a his candid opinion of American Jewish leaders baby, only it takes longer. In the case of my lat- and the means by which Herzl could win them est offspring, the gestation period surpassed for the cause of Zion. It is tempting to imagine that of an elephant. As I write this column, the difference it might have made in the course delivery is in sight. of history if Herzl had taken his advice. The idea for Prophet in a Time of Priests: Most of my sources were closer to home Rabbi “Alphabet” Browne 1845 - 1929 first and easier to probe. Browne was one of the occurred more than fifty years first rabbis in Atlanta, serving ago when I discovered the The Temple from 1877 to story of how Browne saved 1881 and officiating at the the life of an innocent Jewish dedication of its first syna- immigrant condemned to die gogue. I had ferreted out for murdering his wife. information on that aspect of The rabbi—my great- his life when I wrote the con- grandfather—persuaded the gregation’s centennial history governor of New York to in the 1960s and discovered commute the man’s sentence even more in the ensuing and ultimately gained exoner- years. ation for him by reviewing the His main achievement in case, proving that the accused Atlanta was to publish the could not have committed the South’s first Jewish newspa- crime, and exposing the true per, the Jewish South, which killer. When I first read it did not survive his departure (fifty years ago) I thought the but preserved a fascinating story would make a great play, which I planned view of Jewish life and interests during the to write for Theater Atlanta some day. four years of its publication. Browne moved Meanwhile, Theater Atlanta bit the dust, my from Atlanta under duress and went to a small interests moved to American Jewish history, congregation in uptown Manhattan. There he and historians convinced me that the career of spent a stormy decade fighting discrimination, “Alphabet” Browne deserved deeper study. alienating the German Jewish leaders while Although I wasn’t trained for the task, I attracting enthusiastic friends among promi- plunged ahead, never anticipating that it would nent Gentiles and pious Jews. One of his take more than a decade to complete. My friends was Ulysses S. Grant, in whose state search, often frustrating but always interesting, funeral he served as an honorary pallbearer led to a series of encounters that played out representing the Jewish people of America. much like the game of scavenger hunt, in In the early 1890s, Browne returned to which each discovery provides a clue to anoth- Georgia as rabbi of Temple Israel in Columbus. er. For example, a chance acquaintance with It was there that his daughter, my grandmother, Tweed Roosevelt, who was writing about his met and married my grandfather and estab- great-grandfather Theodore Roosevelt, initiat- lished a permanent home. Although her peri- ed an exchange of information about our two patetic father resigned his position there in forebears, who were once friends. I had letters 1901 and served numerous congregations else- from his great-grandfather, the president, to where during the remaining decades of his life, mine, the rabbi, which I shared with him. he continued to regard Columbus as his home. When he called to thank me, he asked if I His tenure as its rabbi coincided with his awak- had seen the ones from “T.R.” to “Alphabet” ening to Zionism and other causes which the that were in the Library of Congress. I had not. majority of his congregants did not yet Until then, I was unaware that one of President embrace. Congregations that he later served Franklin Roosevelt’s work projects in the Great tended to be beginners that ultimately affiliated Depression had produced microfilm copies of with Conservative Judaism, as did his original presidential correspondence. I hastened to congregation in New York. Capitol Hill to see them, and while Theodore The more I learned about the life and Roosevelt’s told me nothing new, the collec- times of “Alphabet” Browne, the more I tions of Benjamin Harrison, William Howard became convinced that he lived a century too Taft, and Woodrow Wilson yielded numerous soon. Today we take for granted many of the revelations about my letter-writing ancestor. ideas that he espoused and for which he was Even more surprising was my find on largely castigated by those whom he tried to Zionism. Coming from a family steeped in serve. Classical Reform, I had never heard a kind Rabbi Rothschild often teased me about word about Zionism or Theodor Herzl until having gone “from shirt sleeves to shirt Rabbi Jacob Rothschild joined us, which was sleeves” in three generations. Little did he real- many years after my great-grandfather died. It ize the extent to which that was true—the one was therefore a mystery to me as to why the fortunate difference, however, being that family had saved a clipping from a 1912 news- Rothschild managed to speak out and still keep paper about a memorial sermon given by a his job. January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 21 New city park solves flood problems

BY Leon Socol

Some Atlantans have heard about the Legendary skater Tony Hawk at the BeltLine and how it is transforming the dedication of the skatepark in June inner city into a mecca of homes, business- 2011. The Tony Hawk Foundation es, parks, hiking trails, and green space in donated $25,000 towards its con- Atlanta. But not many know the key role it struction. (photo: Marc Mauldin) played in getting the Historic Fourth Ward Park built in the heart of the city. This is a and walking paths. remarkable example of how many elements The Historic Fourth Ward Park is a of our city, both private and government, prime example of the improved quality of have come together to create a most beauti- life the Atlanta BeltLine is bringing to the ful and sustainable park. And it is one that metropolitan area. The environmentally the entire city will be able to enjoy, because sustainable detention pond has increased it will be connected to other inner commu- the capacity of and reduced the burden on nities by a 22-mile light rail system that our city’s aging infrastructure and will min- will encircle the city. imize downstream flooding and property In 2003, the City of Atlanta was under damage as well. federal mandate to address the flooding The realization of Historic Fourth around City Hall East, the former Sears Historic Fourth Ward Park (photo: Christopher T. Martin) Ward Park is due to the combined efforts of Roebuck building that faces Ponce de the BeltLine, the government, individuals, Leon. The area is one of the low points of stretched roughly from North Avenue to icated last June, with a formal ceremony and corporations. It has something to offer the 800-acre Clear Creek Basin in the Old Freedom Parkway. and speeches by Atlanta Mayor Kasim all citizens of our city, be they young or Fourth Ward. The initial plan, under the After completion of the holding pond, Reed and Department of Parks old. Make the park one of your destinations direction of the city’s Watershed a skateboard park was built thanks to the Commissioner George Dusenbury. The in 2012. You’ll be glad you did, and I pre- Management Department, called for the generosity of the Tony Hawk Foundation, remainder of Phase II, which will be done dict once you’ve done so, you will be back construction of an extension spur to a near- which provided a $25,000 grant. In addi- by next spring, will contain a community many times. To learn more about Historic by stormwater tunnel that eventually would tion, a private developer plans to renovate garden, a dog park, a multipurpose lawn, Fourth Ward Park, visit www.h4wpc.com. connect with another drain system on the old City Hall East building into a mix- Highland Avenue. ture of condos, apartments, and businesses, Before this expensive system could be bringing new people and prosperity to this built, Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., proposed a once blighted area. joint effort that included a two-acre holding The park was designed with many sus- pond to solve the flooding problem. It was tainable features, such as the pond that gen- to be the centerpiece of a wonderful new erates enough water to feed the lawns and park that would have many beautiful and trees in the park even in times of severe unique features and would do away with a drought. Park visitors will be attracted to a blighted area. In choosing this solution, the ten-foot waterfall that aerates and recycles city saved $26 million in the cost of mate- the pond water to prevent odors and algae rials. Atlanta has less green space than any growth. Visitors can view the park and the city in the country of comparable size, so city’s skyline from well-placed lookout this was much needed green space. Fourth platforms. There are multiple play areas, Ward Historic Park covers 35 acres sports fields, and a 350-seat amphitheater. The park’s two main phases were ded- Page 22 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 Angeles. She interned with the company this summer, where she created her first 30 YEARS. Abbadabba’s is celebrating 30 design, The Viper, which is being shown all years of improving people’s health through BUSINESS BITS across the country. Solodar also attended better footwear. Janice Abernethy opened a the Hebrew Academy and Riverwood tiny crafts shop in the late 1970s, but her International Charter School and is the passion for comfort shoes began when she By Marsha Liebowitz new vice president of Trade & daughter of Helena and Seymour Solodar. discovered Birkenstocks, which were not Development at The American-Israel carried by traditional shoe retailers. She PRESIDENT’S MEDAL. George S. Stern, Chamber of SOCIAL MEDIA ANALYTICS TECH- began selling them at the Atlanta Flea founding partner of Stern & Edlin, PC, Commerce, SE NOLOGY. Over 200 participants attended Market and then at Abbadabba’s first brick received the International Academy of Region (AICC), the American-Israel Chamber of and mortar store, in Little 5 Points, in 1981. Matrimonial Lawyers President’s Medal at and executive Commerce, Southeast Region’s “Social Abbadabba’s, now with five locations, car- the academy’s 25th anniversary meeting in director of the Media: Making Business Sense through ries numerous other brands, including Harrogate, England, September 10, 2011, in American Israel Analytics,” a demonstration and discussion Israel’s Naot footwear. International shoe recognition of his work as academy treasur- Educational of the latest Israeli technologies, December designers and manufacturers consult er, 1991-2011. Active in the Atlanta Bar Institute, AICC’s 7, 2011, at UPS world headquarters in Abbadabba’s for input and critique, some- Association and State Bar of Georgia for charitable affili- Atlanta. Three leading Israeli companies, times before a new line goes into produc- years, Stern has been included in “Best ate. Swartz was ActivePath, Pursway, and Verint, made tion. Lawyers in America” since 1997, serves on senior vice presi- “Ignite” presentations, and a panel moderat- the Temple Sinai and Breman Jewish dent of the ed by Professor Benn Konsynski, Emory Heritage and Holocaust Museum boards, is Jewish University Goizueta Business School, and a vice president of the Amit Program, and is Federations of including Adam Naide, Cox a past president of the Marcus Jewish Barry Swartz North America, Communications; Martin O’Conner, Community Center of Atlanta. where he created Equifax; Del Ross, Intercontinental Hotel the continental system-wide emergency Group; and Joe Guerrisi, UPS, discussed preparedness and response system and the latest trends from the enterprise per- directed the JFNA Consulting division, spective. Next Generation programs, and the Washington Public Policy Office. He received a BA from York University and a master’s in Jewish communal service from Brandeis University and graduated from the Mandel Executive Development Program.

FEATURED EXPERT. Karen Botnick Paz, Abbadabbaʼs sales associate Laura director of Programming and Development Sultenfuss with the Buckhead at The Amit storeʼs Naot selection Program, was the featured expert for the George S. Stern (left) week of October and David Salter 4, 2011, on the Impact ADHD NEXT GENERATION LEADER. Renée Blog. Her blog AICC Social Media event panelists Rosenheck has been selected for the inau- entry, “Life gural class of the Zin Fellows Leadership Under the Big Development Program of American Top,” describes Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the how her chil- Dov Wilker named director Negev. This exclusive innovative program dren’s various is designed to create a community of “next Karen Paz diagnoses, generation leaders” committed to furthering including learn- of AJC Atlanta Regional Office David Ben-Gurion’s vision for Israel’s ing disabilities, ADHD, OCD, and Tourette Dov Wilker has been appointed direc- Negev region. The program will provides Syndrome, led her to volunteer with the tor of the American Jewish Committee’s insight into challenges presented by the Amit Program, eventually leading to full- Atlanta Regional Office. He succeeds Negev and intends to imbue in fellows a time employment. Impact ADHD Sheri Labovitz, interim director, who commitment to the region. Rosenheck is a (impactadhad.com) is a national community served on the search committee. founding member of Limmud Atlanta + SE that was created to bring a coach-approach Wilker previously worked as AJC and serves on the board of the Atlanta to parents; it is intended to effectively sup- Atlanta’s assistant director, a position he Chevre Minyan. port entire families by helping parents posi- held for two and a half years. He also tively raise their ADHD kids. brings international experience from his PIEDMONT NATIONAL EXPANDS. time representing AJC in the United States’ Piedmont National Corporation is expand- IN THE BAG. first professional exchange to South Asia ing into South Carolina, with the acquisition Lauryn and his service as regional director of of Winder Packaging LLC, in Greer. Allen Elizabeth Academic and Community Affairs for the Ivester, Winder Packaging’s president, will Solodar, a 2011 Consulate General of Israel to the join Piedmont National and assume the role fall graduate of Southeast. Wilker returns to Atlanta after of sales director for the Carolinas division. The Savannah earning his international MBA from Tel Piedmont, headquartered in Atlanta, has College of Art Aviv University and working in the private Dov Wilker distribution warehouses and offices in and Design sector with an Israeli company. Atlanta and Albany, Georgia; Chattanooga (SCAD), Atlanta Founded in 1944, the Atlanta Regional tional governments in metro Atlanta and and Knoxville, Tennessee; Charlotte, North Campus, is the Office of AJC is dedicated to building the Southeast. AJC Atlanta is known for Carolina; Montgomery, Birmingham, new art director bridges of understanding between the such successful initiatives as ACCESS, Decatur and Dothan, Alabama; and Tampa, and designer for Jewish community and other ethnic and AJC’s national young adult division; The Florida. the handbag faith communities, as well as the diplomat- Atlanta Black-Jewish Coalition; and The Lauryn Elizabeth company ic corps representing numerous interna- Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. SWARTZ JOINS AICC. Barry Swartz is the Solodar Hammitt Los January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 23 Page 24 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 Anshi S’Fard’s Centennial Celebration

Anshi S’Fard, known as the little shul with the big heart, celebrated its 100th anniversary on November 27, 2011.

Ronnie and Jerry Frostig

Rabbi Wilson and Rabbi May Sheila and Joe Accortt, Ed Leader, David Freedman and Rabbi Lindenblatt enjoy brunch by Goodfriendʼs Catering

Blimie Lindenblatt and Regine Rabbi Chaim Lindenblatt, who has Rosenfelder holding a photo of led the shul for the past 10 years her grandfather at the shul on his addressing the group as his son, 90th birthday Shalom, stands by. Efrom Prater with Eli Rivka Monheit with their children Rabbi and Mrs. Wilson and Marla Netze, grandmother A new theme song for Augusta? On November 13, in front of a large Kosher Singers. “It was great to see people crowd at Augusta’s his- from so many different torical Imperial Theatre, corners of our community the talented spiritual come out to support our leader of Adas Yeshurun, event,” the rabbi said. “Its Rabbi David Sirull, per- purpose was to celebrate formed his newly penned my congregation’s 120th composition “There’s No anniversary, but it really Place Like Augusta.” accomplished even more Shortly thereafter, he than that.” received numerous com- When asked how ments suggesting that it he felt about “There’s No become the city’s official Place Like Augusta” theme song. becoming the city’s theme Sirull was joined by song, he remarked that he colleagues and old hadn’t thought about it, friends Rabbi Bertram but based on the extreme- Kieffer and Cantor Irvin ly positive feedback, “If Bell for an evening of that’s what our city’s folk diverse song. From the Rabbi David Sirull want, then so be it. I’d be traditional end of the honored.” spectrum to Sirull’s original and whimsical “There’s No Place Like Augusta” can be YouTube hit “Jewish Redneck,” the crowd viewed on YouTube or at was thoroughly entertained by the Three www.davidsirull.weebly.com. The single is January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 25 Joining forces for Jewish education in Augusta The Augusta Jewish Community ISJL professional educators. Sunday School (AJCSS) is a combined For example, AJCSS is visited by an religious school consisting of students ISJL education fellow three times per from the Reform congregation, year, in the summer, fall, and spring. In Congregation Children of Israel, and the the summer, second-year Fellow Lauren Conservative congregation, Adas Fredman led teacher trainings that Yeshurun. There are 39 students in the focused on teaching to different student school and six dedicated teachers. The learning styles, as well as how to create AJCSS boasts seven high school classroom community. More recently, madrichim and five middle school stu- Ms. Fredman had the honor of giving a dents. Elliot Price has been the principal D’var Torah at both Augusta congrega- of the school for the past three years. tions. She also led two separate all- According to Principal Price, the school programs focusing on Israel and ISJL Education Fellow Lauren Lauren Fredman (left), teachers, religious schools of the two congrega- Israeli culture. Yet another event for the Fredman (back right) gets ready to madrichim, and 3rd-7th-grade stu- tions merged eight years ago. Because students was an all-school program of read Sammy Spiderʼs First Trip to dents with an Israel Candy the number of children in each program Jewish Values Maccabi Games at a local Israel by Sylvia A. Rouss, during the Topography map, completed during was dwindling, they decided to share park. Pre-K-2nd grade Israel program. (All the Sunday Israel program resources and provide an environment “There are many different ways to photos: Elliot Price) where all Jewish students had the oppor- teach Jewish knowledge, and it makes a tunity to interact with one another big difference if a child is motivated at next class of education fellows, to begin socially. Additionally, for the past five religious school. We have a very positive June 2012. The Forward described the years, the AJCSS has participated in the environment at the AJCSS, and there is a fellowship as “a mobile Jewish Teach Goldring Woldenberg Institute of lot of excitement about being at reli- for America.” Visit www.isjl.org for Southern Jewish Life (ISJL) education gious school,” Principal Price says. “We more information, or contact ISJL program. This partnership has enabled are always looking forward to the events Director of Education Rachel Stern, at the small but mighty religious school to that the ISJL brings to us. The lock-ins, [email protected]. In addition to the use the ISJL curriculum, a spiraled body Jewish Values Maccabi Games, and Augusta congregations, other Georgia of knowledge in which students revisit teacher and madrichim trainings have congregations participating as ISJL key content areas with increased sophis- made a significant difference in our abil- Education Partners are in Rome, Macon, tication as they progress through the cur- ity to meet the goals of our Sunday Fayetteville, Columbus, Brunswick, Students do a team building activity riculum, grade level by grade level. school.” andAtlanta. during the Jewish Values Maccabi AJCSS also enjoys broad support from The ISJL is currently recruiting the Games, March 2011

And it reminds me, too, of how spe- cial my dad, Billy Light, is to me, to our Grandmas never leave us family, and to our friends. By Lindsey Light Kuniansky and remember all the good times, but it Please visit our Facebook page at was also a learning experience. During Grandmas Never Leave Us, and visit our On November 11, my dad, Billy the process, we asked all kinds of ques- website, www.GrandmasNeverLeaveUs. Light, and I spoke about his book, tions about my grandmothers and what com. Grandmas Never Leave Us, at the Book was happening to them. My dad tried his Check us out on YouTube, too—type Festival of the MJCCA. best to explain to us why they were sick, in “Billy & Lindsey 11/11/11,” and you We spoke of how it came about, how as only a parent can do, to his still-devel- can watch several brief video excerpts; we designed it, how it became self-pub- oping children. Then my grandmothers amazingly, we have had over 1,100 total lished. My dad wrote this book over 20 died. views so far. years ago, when I was only seven years My dad’s story had been hiding in a Thank you, MJCCA Book Festival old. I’m 30 years old and happily mar- drawer for over 20 years. My husband, friends, for allowing us to share our ried now. I remember my grandmothers Michael, and I put it into book form for story. being very sick at the same time and in my dad’s birthday, and to see my dad’s I am very proud of you, Dad. Billy Light and We did good! different hospitals. My brother, Andrew, tears of happiness when he read it was so Lindsey Light Kuniansky who was four at the time, and I would amazing. We were able to bring the story draw pictures and get-well cards for our back to life. If only we could do the same grandmothers to be posted on their hos- for my grandmas! pital room walls, because our dad told us Today, I see with grateful eyes my how happy it made them, and we wanted dad’s commitment to Andrew and me as them to know they were always on our children and now as happily married, minds. Sometimes, we would sing on a young adults—me with my husband, cassette tape that my parents could play Michael, and Andrew with his wonderful for them on their daily visits. It was such wife, Molly. We are exceptionally lucky a sad time, but I remember thinking we to have such great parents and friends in were helping our grandmothers feel bet- our mom, Lynn, and our dad. Our parents ter. Surely, they were the most popular are our friends and biggest role models. grandmas in the whole hospital! My dad and I hope that by sharing Having grown up without our grand- our story with adults and children alike, mas, my brother and I always talk about we can help others get through what we how we missed out on the experiences know is a very tough time. Experiencing our friends had. I still remember when loss is never easy, but what my dad did my dad had me draw pictures for his over 20 years ago definitely helped us, story, because at the time I wanted to be and we will always have a beautiful an artist. It was fun to draw the pictures reminder of our beloved grandmas. Page 26 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 must use the machines, and no grunting back on the court is a guy on your team allowed. fouls somebody. • Don’t ever be caught in high impact, kick- • The one time you forget to sign up for the Schwartz on Sports boxing, or that Israeli martial arts class. only racquetball court at the JCC, it will be • When two guys are in the gym alone, you reserved for the next two hours. Whenever there isn’t a pick-up game never play one-on-one. A game of H-O-R- • The guys who look the best and have the Sunday morning at the MJCCA, I head to S-E is more your speed. best equipment aren’t the best. the Brill Fitness Center and spend time on • No disagreements ever go beyond arguing. • When you remind your softball pitcher to the stationary bike. I’m not crazy about BY Jerry Just too many lawyers in the gym. throw strikes, he’ll walk the next three bat- exercising this way. You pedal like crazy for • Tennis is seldom played once the temper- ters. 40 minutes, go nowhere, and burn about Schwartz ature drops below 70 degrees, and, if it • When you get up extra early and rush to 300 calories, which will be put back on with does, gloves and heavy clothing are manda- the MJCCA Saturday morning for the first one bagel at brunch. The only TV tuned to think about coming back and trying one tory basketball game, you’ll be the next player ESPN is down at the other end, and I end up more year. • Your favorite radio and TV personalities for the second game. watching a cooking show. I spend most of are Steak Shapiro, Matt Chernoff, and Zach • The bar or bat mitzvah Sunday brunch will the time observing what’s going on and JEWISH GEORGIAN MAN LAWS. Klein. always occur on the day of the champi- thinking about a future humorous feature Although I don’t drink beer, I enjoy the • Never dive for a racquetball shot. If you onship game. called ”Observations from the Stationary Miller Lite beer commercials where they can’t get it standing, then the other guy • If there’s a wet spot anywhere on the rac- Bike.” You’ll have to wait for that. talk about “Man Laws,” the American deserves the point. quetball court, you’ll slip on it. After a recent bike session, I showered man’s idea of what it means to be macho. • Never slide in a softball game. If you can’t • You never start the game at the basket and then stopped by the Blank gym to Burt Reynolds is my favorite man of the go into second standing, then don’t try and where you’ve warmed up or with the same watch some of the 30+ cross court league Square Table. He was great as a vice detec- take the extra base. basketball. games. I saw a lot of guys I’ve played with tive in the movie Sharky’s Machine. That • No basketball player takes the time to • The only shower available in the locker previously in the league, as well as pick-up scene where the villain goes crashing back- stretch before the game, and you better not room will be out of hot water and soap. on Saturday and Sunday mornings. ward through a window at the Westin be caught jumping a rope. You show up one • The guy the other team picks up as a The first person I saw when I entered Peachtree Plaza and falls 700 feet to his minute before the game starts. replacement will play the game of his life. the gym was Eric Felner. I asked him about death was some stunt. I do wish, though, • Nobody believes in a hard foul. Guys are • The day you leave your ace bandage at his dad, Joel, who was one of the premier that Burt wouldn’t have lost his two fingers helped up from the floor. Patting a guy on home will be the day you sprain your ankle. players at the JCC in the ‘60s and ‘70s. in that torture scene, but I digress. The com- the back or saying “nice shot” is common • The weakest player on your team won’t Frank Hughes looks strong out there and mercials are humorous and I thought it practice. miss a game all year. was playing back-to-back games. He was a would be fun to develop some “Man Laws” • Nobody uses the Jacuzzi, unless your back great teammate the times we played togeth- for the Jewish Georgian sports scene. hurts or you like bathing with strangers. If you have any “Givens” or “Man er. Adam Appel came over from the 18+ Somehow, “macho” and “Jewish Laws” of your own, send them to me at league and can still shoot the 3. His number Georgian athlete” don’t fit. It’s more like an I could go on and on, but we’re running out drjsch7@comcast.net, and I’ll include them one fan, father Sam, was there cheering oxymoron. Most of the guys I know and of beer. in a future column. Adam on. have played with are great competitors and D.J. Edelson was back playing after play hard, but you don’t see tables being GIVENS. “Givens” is a term my friend IN REMEMBRANCE. Henry Levi died in taking a year off. He told me that he’s now overturned, punches being thrown, or a lot Richard Bracker coined. “Givens” are October 2011. I had known him since 1978, become a second-round pick. That’s hard to of trash talking going on. When the game’s things that are bound to happen if you’re when he played basketball in the JCC and believe, because he was the number one over, guys shake hands and head home. And involved in sports or physical activity. They synagogue leagues. He was a great com- guard in the league for years and certainly by the time they get there, the game is don’t seem logical or rational, but they petitor on the court and nice guy off the one of the hardest players to defend. I already history. occur anyway. It doesn’t matter whether court. The last time I saw Henry was in the watched him drive by me on many occa- So, please accept these “Man Laws” you understand why or not. So here are 40+ 4X4 half court league, and, in spite of sions. I’d still choose him in the first round. for the Jewish Georgian athlete in the some “Givens” for the Jewish Georgian being ill, he was still playing a game he The caliber of the play was amazing to humorous and good-natured context in sports scene: loved, basketball. He’ll be missed. me. The teams I watched had not one or two which are they are intended: excellent players but four or five. That • When you take a time out during a basket- Until next time, drive for the bucket probably has been the biggest change I’ve • When exercising in the Brill Fitness ball game and remind everyone not to foul, and score. seen over the years. It certainly made me Center, all free weights are off limits. You the first thing that happens when you go

handkerchiefs. (That was long before the era of facial tissues.) Mama’s wedding dress Now forward to 1956, when I was already married, with two youngsters, and from Poland/Russia and escaping from the finally the proud holder of American citi- repressive tsarist regime to China in 1913, zenship. Now, as an American, I could went to Manila from Shanghai on business sponsor my mother’s emigration from BY Balfoura Friend just before World War II and got stuck there Israel to America—and to me in Georgia. for the war’s duration. My mother, Frieda Years later, after her death, I came across Levine Friend, also from Russia and called a the little sack of hankies and that now-yel- Stateless Russian (as most of the Jews were lowed lace hem. called), was given the choice of going to Back in 1949, the Communists had Just a few years ago, for Mother’s Day, Russia—returning to the Motherland, said overtaken most of China, including my daughter Sandy surprised me with a the Communist U.S.S.R.—or making Shanghai, where I was born and raised. I beautiful gift. She had taken that lace hem, aliyah (Hebrew for “moving up”) to Israel. had already come to the United States on a as well as my parents’ wedding photo, and Having a cousin in Haifa, Mama picked student visa to study at the University of Wedding photo of Mr. and Mrs. had them exquisitely framed for posterity. Israel. Georgia, through the sponsorship of my Jacob L. Friend, July 29, 1923, with Included in the frame is a card that reads The Communists in China allowed her Uncle Louis Friend, of Eastman, Georgia. the four-inch lace hem of her wed- “The marriage of Miss Frieda H. Kovarsky only one piece of luggage for this trip, so By that time, most of the foreigners ding dress to Mr. Jacob L. Friend took place at Harbin among other precious items, she packed my (non-Chinese) had emigrated from China to on Sunday, July 29th 1923 (16th Ab 5683) kindergarten report cards, my 1st-grade the United States, the United Kingdom, and wanted to bring her wedding dress for me Harbin, China. “ school uniform (with bloomers!), and The Australia, and many Jews went to the newly as well, but due to limited luggage space, Mama’s wedding dress lives with me Concise Oxford Dictionary, which was the minted State of Israel. Mama cut off its four-inch lace hem and every time I look at that lovely picture of General Knowledge prize awarded to me in My father, Jacob Friend, originally stashed it in her little sack of embroidered my parents taken so long, long ago. 1937, when I was 12 years old. I’m sure she God Bless America. January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 27 Page 28 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 29 JewishTHE Georgian Fidelity Bank partners with JNF as collection point for Blue Boxes A new director, a By Mordecai Zalman the Zionist newspaper in Vienna,” in supporters to deliver the change that is col- which he notified the paper as follows: lected in these Blue Boxes to the offices of continued direction In many of the homes and communi- “In keeping the organization. Now, the JNF Atlanta ties in which we grew with the saying, office has found an exciting and innovative up, that little Jewish lives ‘bit and bitty fill new way to collect these coins. Under the National Fund (JNF) The pushke the kitty’ and fol- enthusiastic leadership of board member Blue Box, or pushke as it lowing the Bruce Reisman, a unique arrangement has was referred to with its Congress resolu- been made with Atlanta’s Fidelity Bank, Yiddish descriptive tion on KKL’s Member FDIC, to serve as a deposit desti- name, was ubiquitous. founding, I put nation to have these monies placed in From 1901 with the together an JNF’s checking account. founding of Karene ‘Erez Israel Kayemeth LeIsrael box’, stuck the (KKL), which, in this words country, goes under the ‘National JNF banner, up until the Fund’ on it and 1948 founding of the State placed it in a of Israel, the Blue Box was prominent a symbol of our dream and a spot in my vehicle to financially help in office. The Gail Luxenberg acquiring land and making results, given By: Marvin Botnick improvements for the future. the extent of From 1948 forward its pur- the experi- To be a good cook, turn out memo- pose changed from a way to ment so far, H. Palmer Procter, Jr., Fidelity Bank rable creations, and produce a meaning- support a dream to a method have been president, and Bruce Reisman, JNF ful experience, a person needs the correct of taking part in making that astonishing. board member ingredients of the finest quality. The end dream a reality. I suggest that like- result is the culmination of the efforts of According to the KKL web- minded people, and particularly all As an accommodation and one of its many different groups and conditions site, “Shortly after the founding of the Zionist officials, collect contribu- services to the general public, Fidelity that meld together, in concert and inde- organization, Haim Kleinman, a bank clerk tions to KKL in this way.” Bank offers coin-counting machines in pendently, to fashion the product. from Nadvorna, Galicia, placed a box in A recurring challenge that has faced So it is with building a community. his office and sent off a letter to Die Welt, JNF is how to make it convenient for its See BLUE BOXES, page 31 For many reasons – historical origins of the Jewish people as a nation, forced separation from the greater non-Jewish population requiring mutual support, reli- Holocaust survivor’s story filled with drama, hope gious imperatives requiring communal structure, etc. – there has been and is an By Ron Feinberg on.” understanding of the need for mutuality Stern will be sharing his life’s story at of efforts in certain areas of support, The world was exploding around this year’s Yom HaShoah Service of help, and services. There is, in fact, an George Stern when his father picked him up Remembrance, April 22 at Greenwood understanding of the need and benefit in and carried him down to the basement of Cemetery – the early years in Belgium with having certain unique organizations meet their apartment complex. He was a child, his family, the rise of Hitler and the Nazis, particular needs for the total. only three years old, and the German war the family’s detention as “enemy aliens” at One such institution is the Marcus machine was on the march. a camp in France, and their harrowing jour- Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. It was 1940. The Nazis were rolling ney through Spain and Portugal, then on to From its beginning in 1904 as the into Belgium, bombing Brussels, where he Cuba and Freedom in the United States. Young Men’s Hebrew Association, when and his family lived, chewing up the coun- It’s a story laced with danger, fear and the Jewish population of Atlanta was tryside and destroying anyone and anything joy, rescue and survival. A tale that will also about 2,000, the organization has grown that stood in the path of the Third Reich and include the difficult and dangerous work of and changed to meet the demands of an its efforts to take control of Europe. righteous gentiles and other heroes of the estimated Jewish population in 2006 of “I remember the noise, the explosions Holocaust. George Stern 120,000 in Metropolitan Atlanta. In addi- and my father picking me up,” Stern says. It’s been nearly seven decades since tion, many of its non-Jewish-based serv- He also remembers what happened a few and personal introduction to World War II. the monstrous work of the Nazis was fully ices have gained such an outstanding rep- hours later, still early in the morning, when Years later he asked his parents why the revealed to the World. Today, the bleak utation that these are sought out and used he heard someone knocking at the door. worker was willing to risk his life to deliv- days of World War II are a fading memory by a large number of the general popula- “It was the milkman,” Stern says, a er milk. “He was making a statement,” his note of amazement still echoing in his voice See SURVIVOR, page 31 when he recently recalled his very up-close mother told him, that even in war “life goes See DIRECTOR, page 31 Page 30 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 31

Chicago, Illinois. Blue Boxes a Blue Box, dump its contents into the Director That is the paper vita. What cannot machine for counting purposes, take the From page 29 be shown in this is the smile that proj- From page 29 receipt and show the Blue Box to a teller, ects her feeling of the “warmth that she each of its offices that will receive and tally and that teller will credit the money to tion looking for the best. felt in the Jewish world,” which to her aggregated, miscellaneous U.S. coins at no JNF’s account. The donor will then be fur- Naturally, this did not all just hap- encompassed the religious and commu- charge. At the end of each sort, the cus- nished a bank deposit receipt that is to be pen. As with most developments, ulti- nal aspects. tomer is supplied with a printed receipt sent to JNF’s office with the name and mate credit lies with a historically for- While she is a native of New York, showing the total dollar value, which the address of the donor, and JNF will ward-looking, active, and thoughtful her coming to Atlanta puts her in the individual can either deposit to his or her acknowledge the donation for the person’s lay leadership, which was able to con- same city as her parents and one of her checking account or redeem for paper tax records. The donor will retain posses- ceive the vision and hire the profession- sisters, who moved to Atlanta after she money and the few coins that will equal the sion of the box, and no information con- al staff to create the environment and left New York to go to college. With her count on the receipt. cerning JNF’s bank account, including the model that delivered the results. move to Atlanta, she now has her bio- It is this service that Fidelity Bank has account number and the balance, will be As of December 1, the leadership, logical family and her communal fami- now modified for JNF supporters. Now, a made known by the bank to the donor. after a nearly 18-month search, has ly all in one place. JNF supporter can come into the bank with selected a new executive director and Luxenberg said that she was excited chief executive officer to be at the helm. about the opportunity to continue creat- If the script for the announcement had ing “a great Jewish communal experi- been written for a presentation at the ence” with meaningful programming. Survivor MJCCA’s Morris and Ray Frank She continued with the fact that the Save the date Theatre, it would read: “Enter stage MJCCA is “considered one of the best From page 29 right Gail Luxenberg, new executive JCCs with a full range of activities and for many, but the Jewish community If you’d like to remember the vic- director and CEO.” an outstanding staff,” and that the continues to recall and honor the six mil- tims of the Holocaust, honor the sur- The Center is one of the major finances are now operating in the black lion Jews lost in the Holocaust. One spe- vivors, pray for the martyrs and salute Jewish communal organization in is an enviable scenario. She said that cial day, Yom HaShoah, has been set the heroes, then plan on attending Atlanta, and it requires a person who “people come to the Center for pleas- aside to honor the dead, the survivors, Atlanta’s annual Yom HaShoah obser- understands and can lead the organiza- ure,” and this is the atmosphere that she the martyrs, and heroes. vance on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at tion in its totality: programming; is committed to continuing. She hopes In Atlanta, the annual event, spon- Greenwood Cemetery. For additional staffing; facilities; fund raising, to continue the growth without neces- sored by Eternal-Life Hemshech, the information, contact Dr. Lili Baxter at spokesperson for the organization; sarily growing facilities. Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta 404-870-1872 or LBaxter@thebre- developing a harmonious relationship As the Center moves into a new and the William Breman Jewish man.org with sister institutions, both within the leadership mode, we need to remember Heritage and Holocaust Museum, is cen- Jewish community and the larger popu- how fortunate the community is to have tered around the Memorial to the Six lation; a respect for the services being the dedicated, qualified, and quality provided; and a warmth that is project- Million at Greenwood Cemetery in Weinberg Center for Holocaust leadership that enabled the organization ed to the membership. Having had a southwest Atlanta. The permanent mon- Education at The Breman. “Not only is to spend the necessary time and effort to chance to visit with Luxenburg, it was ument was first envisioned shortly after he one of our most popular Holocaust put in place a new executive director the war by Atlanta’s small community of clear to see why the search committee and CEO. Howie Hyman, who stepped survivor speakers, but he also sits on our decided that she fulfilled the require- Holocaust survivors. Now the memorial, up and temporarily took over the man- board and has served as co-chair of our ments that qualified her for the job. a euphonic blend of chiseled stone and agement, and the entire governance Survivor Legacy Committee.” From an educational standpoint, soaring torches, is listed in the National board are due a great big thanks from Stern says most everyone – friends she holds a bachelor of arts in Middle Register of Historic Places. all of us. This was a daunting task, and and family – knows of his links to the Eastern studies from the University of At first blush, Stern seems an they not only did not shirk the challenge Holocaust. “All my friends knew that I Chicago and an MBA in marketing and unlikely candidate to be speaking of the but fulfilled the undertaking with laud- was in Brussels at the start of World War organizational behavior from the same able accomplishment. Holocaust. His accent – a gentle, south- II and that I had been in a detention institution. After beginning her working ern drawl – links him to his hometown camp,” he says. But it wasn’t until he career with the American Medical of Nashville, TN, not to the cobblestone heard someone discussing the camp, Association, she moved into the Jewish streets and old-world charm of Brussels. Gurs, and he shared his story with a communal world as head of the But his early life was filled with strong Breman staffer that he began to think of Midwest Division of the American connections to Judaism – religious tradi- himself as a “survivor”. Friends of Hebrew University, and from tions and ancient rituals, Zionist youth Now he’s an active member of the there she went as executive director of clubs, and Jewish camps in the summer. museum’s Speakers Bureau, sharing his the Jewish Vocational Service in The activities continued to inform story with visitors to The Breman and his world as an adult, his work with students from across the region. Camp Judea landing him in Atlanta in “Students love his directness and the early 1960s. Even after establishing humor,” Baxter says, “and are moved by a law practice – he’s the founding part- his ability to relate to their own lives and ner of Stern & Edlin – Stern remained experiences.” active in the local Jewish community. Why does this matter? His work with Young Judea con- “I think it’s important that as Jews nected him with Hadassah and the we remember our past … particularly Zionist Organization of America. He the remembrance of the Holocaust,” became deeply involved with the Atlanta Stern says. “I have a goal, a wish that the Jewish Community Center (now the entire Jewish community unites in our Marcus Jewish Community Center of ongoing efforts to remember the Atlanta), eventually becoming president. Holocaust … to never forget.” He helped establish Temple Sinai, a Ron Feinberg is a veteran journalist reform synagogue in Sandy Springs and who has worked for daily newspapers is a high-profile member and leader at across the southeastern United States. the Breman Holocaust Museum. He now specializes on topics of Jewish “George is one of our most active interest and can be reached at ronfein- and beloved volunteers,” says Liliane [email protected] Baxter, director of the Lillian & A.J. Page 32 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012

and community-focused initiatives. Visit thebreman.org for more informa- For fundraising firm Alexander Haas’ tion and to order tickets to Chai Tea. Breman Museum news museum practice (2006-09), Aaron advised museums on capital and annual fundraising JANE LEAVEY RETIRES. Jane Leavey, and her creativity in each program and campaigns. executive director of The Breman Jewish exhibition held at The Breman,” says cur- Aaron is attracted to The Breman’s Heritage and Holocaust Museum, retired rent Board Co- high quality and to the opportunity to grow December 31 after twenty-eight years as the President Joyce membership, participation, and fundraising. voice of Atlanta’s Jewish history. As an Shlesinger. “The He looks forward to meeting with Breman employee of the Atlanta Jewish Federation museum is where Board members and community leaders, (now the Jewish Federation of Greater it is today, a center “to hear their dreams, and to work with Bas-relief carving of camp in Heart Atlanta), Leavey identified the need for an for Southern them on defining The Breman’s future.” Mountain, Wyoming. Artist unknown. archives and history museum focused on Jewish history, Aaron holds an MBA from South Wood plank and paint, 25” x 11.25” x the settlement and presence of Jews in Holocaust studies, University, in Savannah, and a BA in art 1.75”, private collection; from Atlanta and set out to build an institution. and creative pro- history from the College of Charleston. Japanese American Museum of San Today, that museum is robust in financial gramming, as a Jose (All photos by Terry Heffernan; support, with approximately 1,200 mem- direct result of THE ART OF GAMAN. After the Japanese from The Art of Gaman by Delphine bers. It presents dozens of programs and Jane’s tireless attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, Hirasuna, 2005, Ten Speed Press) exhibitions, and it welcomes 30,000 visitors efforts.” 1941, the U.S. government collected 120,000 Japanese men, women, and chil- annually. Jane Leavey Jane, thank you The idea for the museum grew out of for your gift to dren living on the American West Coast and the experience of participating in the cre- Atlanta, and thank you for The Breman. forcibly relocated them to internment ation of “Jews and Georgians: A Meeting of camps in Colorado, Arizona, and Arkansas. Cultures 1733-1983,” an exhibition spon- Their crime was simply looking like the sored by Federation that was displayed at enemy. the Schatten Gallery at Emory University. While in these bleak camps, the Through the efforts of a volunteer acquisi- internees used scraps and found materials to tions committee, comprising individuals make furniture and other objects to beautify with ties to Atlanta and many of the small- their surroundings. From February 5-May er cities and towns throughout the state, 31, the William Breman Jewish Heritage & wonderful material evidence of Jewish life Holocaust Museum will showcase such Slate teapot carved by Homei was discovered. Much of this material was objects in its special exhibition “The Art of Iseyama in camp at Topaz, Utah; not being preserved, because there was no Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Japanese courtesy Carolyn Holden existing archive or historical society; after American Internment Camps 1942–1946.” the exhibition, everything had to be Gaman is a Japanese word meaning to returned to the lenders. bear the seemingly unbearable with dignity After the Federation Board gave Jane and patience. Arts and crafts became essen- and a dedicated group of volunteers the go- Elinor Breman and Jane Leavey at tial for simple creature comforts and emo- ahead, the Jewish Community Archives The Bremanʼs opening gala, 1996 tional survival. More than one hundred was established in 1985. This was followed objects will be displayed in their historical by a Holocaust resource center and exhibi- BERGER APPOINTED. Aaron Berger has context through photos and videos from the tion with a statewide program of Holocaust been appointed executive director of The era. It is a universally uplifting story for its education and school tours in 1986. Breman, succeed- celebration of the nobility of the human Participation in an ongoing oral history ing Jane Leavey. spirit in adversity. project begun by the National Council of Aaron has been in The Breman will host a Chai Tea Wooden bird pin carved by Sadao Jewish Women and the American Jewish nonprofit work for reception (chai means life in Hebrew), at Oka at camp in Poston, Arizona; Committee commenced in 1989. 12 years. He is the 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 19 (the courtesy Sadao Oka Family Throughout those years, exhibitions and founder and CEO Japanese Day of Remembrance), marking public programs were presented in various of Turning Point the 70th anniversary of President Franklin NEIMAN MARCUS SAYS THANKS TO venues around the city, including “Creating (2009-present), a D. Roosevelt’s signing of Executive Order VOLUNTEERS. On December 7, Neiman Community” at the Atlanta History Center. consulting firm 9066, which directed Japanese Americans Marcus invited Breman Museum volunteers The museum continued to gain atten- that specializes in to report to internment camps. The to a special day of shopping in appreciation tion, and philanthropist William (Bill) turn-around strate- Honorable Takuji Hanatani, consul general of the museum’s good work in the commu- Breman offered the lead gift to house the gies for nonprof- of Japan, will open the event. Delphine nity. The special relationship was forged in archives and budding museum in one facil- its. He works with Hirasuna, author of The Art of Gaman, the 2010 when Neiman’s began hosting The ity. The Breman Museum, which officially museums and cul- book upon which the exhibition is based, Breman’s Seder with Flowers program, opened to the public in 1996, includes a Aaron Berger tural attractions on will be a featured guest, along with leaders which is held before Passover. gallery dedicated to the story of the strategic planning, from the Atlanta Japanese community, arts Holocaust, an exhibition on the Atlanta fundraising, board development, and opera- circles, and local officials. Event chairs are Jewish community, and a venue for travel- tional sustainability. Spring and Tom Asher, Joanne and Eddie ing exhibitions. Today, in addition to the An Atlanta Business Chronicle “40 Birnbrey, Lois Blonder, Laura and Marshall galleries, the museum offers an extensive under 40” awardee in 2006, Aaron has led Dinerman, Carol and Bob Nemo, Judy and archives and research library. the growth at two Georgia museums—the Arnie Rubenstein, Lisa and Michael Jane created numerous Breman origi- American Association of Museums-accred- Shapiro, Joyce and Sonny Shlesinger, nal exhibitions. Most prominent of these ited Albany Museum of Art and the Margie and George Stern, and Judith and are “Where the Wild Things Are: Maurice Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art. As director Mark Taylor. Sendak in His Own Words & Pictures,” of each of these institutions, he ran day-to- Could internment camps happen “ZAP! POW! BAM! The Superhero: The day operations, elevated programming, and today? It is all too easy in times of crisis and Golden Age of Comic Books, 1938–1950,” made each more relevant to the communi- war to look for a scapegoat, as Jewish his- “Seeking Justice: The Leo Frank Case ties, enhanced marketing and fundraising, tory can attest. In mounting the “Art of Revisited,” and “Dr. Seuss Goes to and put goal-setting and structure in place. Gaman,” The Breman is exploring univer- Jodie Goldstein and Joanne War...and More!” These special exhibitions In 2005, the Albany Museum of Art was sal themes of human dignity and respect for Birnbrey continue to travel to other museums named Institution of the Year by the difference, as well as educating a new gen- throughout the U.S. and even to Australia. Georgia Association of Museums and eration of Americans about the costs “You can see her leadership, her vision Galleries for its innovative programming incurred when rights are violated. See BREMAN, page 33 January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 33 remembrances and made a note to order more publication in the Atlanta media decades ago; a on line. We rejoiced in the works of their hands few workshops supported by Atlantans; The Yad LaKashish - Lifeline for the Old and felt uplifted at being a part of the program Temple’s adult and family visitors in June that provided for a place where immigrant eld- 2011; and the years of association of the By Lynne Hoffman Keating and Tom Keating with one workshop focused on bookbinding. It erly workers could earn money and a sense of Epstein School of Atlanta and Lifeline. has grown into a series of rooms, settings, and achievement. For at least a decade, Myrna Rubel, prin- Tour buses abound in Jerusalem. Private workshops, where a working cadre of senior Yad LaKashish makes it possible for up to cipal of the Epstein Middle School, has companies pick up pilgrims, tour groups, and immigrants, artistic teachers, and often atten- 300 participants to live with dignity in exposed her students to the work of artisans at missions at well-recognized hotels. Egged’s dant-helpers make authentic crafts. As we Jerusalem. A recent independent evaluation Lifeline so that teenagers could learn from the bus #99 transports visitors interested in a hop- watched immigrants from the former Soviet hands of the aged, and on, hop-off overview of so that those elders the city’s high spots. could experience hope Tourists listen to certified through sharing with a guides tell about historic future generation. L’dor events and sites. va-dor. To celebrate our 41st As many have wedding anniversary, we noted, by being with, designed our own 18- learning from, and shar- night visit to Israel this ing alongside one anoth- past fall and made it a point to include 14 er, old and young help Shivtei Israel Street, each other reach across which is located in the all boundaries of cul- Musrara district behind ture, language, and Jerusalem’s municipal nationality. center. Fifty years ago, For 50 years Yad this was a rundown Lifeline Artisans LaKashish has given neighborhood on the seniors the greatest Jordanian border in which were found increas- Union and Ethiopia perform detailed, intricate dimension of charity ing numbers of poor and elderly beggars, as tasks with their fingers, our hearts kvelled like completed in March 2010 by DAS according to Maimonides in The Mishnah well as homeless street seniors. Having our parents. No matter how limited our Hebrew International Ltd. concluded that working in Torah, “The Laws of Gifts for the Poor.” There health, and knowing the secure feeling of hav- vocabulary was, respect and pride could be Yad LaKashish gives seniors an incentive to is no greater dimension of Tzedakah than to ing employment and family back home, it is transmitted. Their hands and our eyes commu- get up in the morning, a purpose, and an oppor- strengthen the person’s hand so he needs no difficult to imagine what it must have been like nicated. tunity to function on an equal basis in a social longer be dependent upon others. then to be ageing seniors in a new country The demeanor of their bodies and faces setting. Daily, Yad LaKashish gives this gift. For without income, a new language, and no fami- demonstrated the dedication to their work. We have since learned there are direct and more information visit lifeline.org.il. ly except perhaps a spouse. These were not people idly passing time. They indirect connections to Atlanta: the historic But that was before Myriam Mendilow, a painted with intensity, cut with purpose, and experiences with the founder and Janice Lynne Keating, writer, and Tom Keating, mother and teacher, stepped forward and hammered with gumption. They obviously Rothschild Blumberg; Mendilow’s subsequent educator, are members of The Temple. founded “Yad La Kashish, Lifeline for the enjoyed visitors, and our passionate activity Old,” a unique craft center for this population with a Canon camera prompted discussion at and our destination that day. In a 1994 biogra- one station. Through a combination of cha- phy about Mendilow by Barry and Phyllis rades and a translating attendant, the artist Cytron, which had as a subtitle, Do Not shared his past as a photojournalist. Forsake Me When I Grow Old, it was pointed Our touring companions, Judy and Allan, out that she intended to provide an environ- were as rapt and complementary about the ment and opportunity filled with dignity for the handiwork as we were. Later, we learned that less fortunate, the poor, and the elderly. Jewish geography connected us with only three When we arrived at the address, our knock degrees of separation, as they knew family on its door brought Chava Brown, Community members of some of our temple rabbis. We Relations at Yad LaKashish, to meet us, and, even continued our mutual admiration of Yad after a brief background introduction, we LaKashish during Friday night Sabbath teamed up with Judy and Allan Shriber, who Services at Beit Oren. were also visiting from the States, and our vol- A brief tour even for 60-90 minutes invari- unteer guide, Vardit Schwartz. From then on, ably ends in the gift shop, shekels and credit our tour switched from historical references to cards in hand, representing one of the many walking, watching, and witnessing tzedakah in strengths of Lifeline for the Old. We bought action. tchotchkes, placemats, scarves and note cards. The Lifeline for the Old program began We tried on tallit and yarmulkes. We purchased Breman From page 32

Spring Asher, Jane Leavey, and Spring Asher, Elaine Gruenhut, and Julie Rotenstreich Joyce Shlesinger Page 34 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012

comprises three career packages with various elements, from career assessments to job coaching to resume writing and interviewing Bregman Conference JF&CS NEWS skills. Graduates may also register in a job promotes placement bank. For more information about getting start- independence, goodwill RAINBOW CENTER HONORS OWEN Rainbow Center when Stapel-Wax reached out ed, call 770-677-9358, or e-mail grads@jfcs- HALPERN. Owen Halpern does not like atten- to him. Prior to that, he had been active in sim- atlanta.org. tion. He is a pri- ilar organizations, but when he learned more By Marla Shainberg vate person who about the center and JF&CS, it seemed like a DIVORCE SUPPORT SERVICES EXPAND- For the third year in a row, I bundle would rather pro- natural fit. Since then, he has served on the ED. In 2002, Georgia had one of the lowest vide help to oth- JF&CS Board of Directors and co-chaired both up and head out to the Selig Center on a divorce rates in the nation; only three states had winter Sunday morning. Why would I ers quietly. the Community of Caring event, which kicks lower rates. But today, Georgia is one of the top Halpern is not a off the Annual Campaign each year, and Tools choose to leave my house on a cold 10 states in terms of divorce. Anyone going weekend at such an early hour? Because religious man— for Leaders, which grooms people to become through a divorce knows it can be very painful, at least not in a involved in leadership roles with the agency. I am guaranteed to have a magical expe- especially when there are children involved. rience in an incredibly warm and inviting conventional “The Rainbow Center is about going into JF&CS’ Child & Adolescent way. Instead, says the community and educating—teaching peo- atmosphere. I get to join hundreds of Services–Tools for Families division offers a spirited and upbeat folks for fun, food, lifelong friend ple about things like bullying, which is such a variety of divorce support services. From indi- Marnin crucial subject now,” he says. “People’s fear of and fellowship at the Larry Bregman, viduals to families and from adults to children, M.D., Educational Conference, which is Steinberg, he “is the different is quite alarming. One would hope JF&CS counselors provide help to families very spiritual, as we evolve it would become less so, but it’s presented annually by Jewish Family & Owen Halpern during a difficult time. Services include: Career Services. with a beautiful become more so. Now is the time for people in • Pre-Divorce Counseling: For parents consid- ‘Yiddisha Neshama’—a Jewish soul. He has the GLBTQ community to gain as many rights ering divorce or already starting the process, the ability to help others in a way that allows as we can, because we just don’t know in which pre-divorce counseling can answers questions them to retain their personal dignity and move direction the country is going.” about the first steps to take, when and how to forward with their lives.” Purim Off Ponce takes place March 10, at tell the children, and the best ways to separate. Halpern will be receiving a lot of attention Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. For more infor- • Assistance with Parenting Issues: Research on March 10, when The Rainbow Center and mation, including how to become an event shows that children who see their parents argu- its parent organization, Jewish Family & host, visit www.therainbowcenter.org. ing during and after a divorce are more likely to Career Services, honor him with the 2012 have behavioral problems. In disagreements on Rainmaker Award at Purim Off Ponce, the cen- WHY YOUR COMPANY NEEDS TO KNOW issues regarding children, an objective third ter’s annual fundraiser. ABOUT JF&CS. Stress, anxiety, depression, party can help one parent learn to communicate Anyone who knows Halpern is aware of and substance abuse can dramatically affect an with the other parent after trust has been broken his longtime support of The Rainbow Center, individual’s ability to work productively and and/or anger remains. which was founded to serve the needs of safely. Statistics show that, at any given time, • Collaborative Divorce: A growing trend GLBTQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, more than 10 percent of employees are nationwide, collaborative divorce focuses on and questioning) individuals, their families, impaired by one or more of these challenges. helping couples make decisions without having and professionals. For the past six years, he has These are issues Jewish Family & Career to go to court. Teams of lawyers, financial advi- generously supported the center with charitable Services clinicians address daily with clients. sors, therapists (or “coaches”), and child spe- gifts, by hosting numerous outreach events, and JF&CS recently launched a “Corporate cialists can help a divorcing couple do what is Volunteer Marla Shainberg and by volunteering to speak at its educational Engagement” initiative directed at human best for the family. Tools for Families has workshops. resource professionals to educate them on how Molly Levine-Hunt, Caregiver counselors on staff who are trained in this Support Services manager Halpern wants others to know the impor- JF&CS can provide support and assistance to approach. tant service the center provides and the way it their employees and enhance performance and • Post-Divorce “Check Up” for Children: Tools promotes a healing message of love, tolerance, productivity. Awkward disciplinary actions or Volunteers dressed in orange T- for Families offers evaluation services to assess shirts start arriving early to make sure and acceptance. “Owen’s endless dedication coaching scenarios with an employee are part children’s strengths, needs, and overall mental has been vital to The Rainbow Center’s opera- of the territory. JF&CS trained clinicians can that breakfast items are put out, signs are health as they adjust to divorce. hung, the registration table is organized, tions and ensuring that everyone has a safe provide an alternative method of addressing • Starting Over (a divorce support group for place to turn to,” says Rebecca Stapel-Wax, its difficulties and improve the prospects of con- and the bags full of goodies are ready for adults): This support group brings together men a very special group of people. As the director. verting a troubled situation into a positive reso- and women of various ages who are having “Being silent and not standing up and con- lution. JF&CS’ counselors are represented on mob of participants multiplies, the whole trouble moving on after divorce. Starting Over building comes to life with a vibe of high fronting prejudice is dangerous these days,” most insurance panels, and these services are meets twice a month to discuss a host of topics, Halpern says. “There is too much hatred in the covered by major insurance plans. For more energy, enthusiasm, and inspiring human from meeting new people and dating to remar- interactions. world, and we have to be vigilant as Jews, cer- information, contact Peggy Kelly at 770-677- riage to financial and legal issues. tainly, and I must be, too, as a gay man. One of 9405 or [email protected]. I am a volunteer who looks forward • Moving On (a support group for children of to seeing my buddy from last year, who the best ways to combat all this is through edu- divorced couples): Parents aren’t the only ones cation and knowledge.” CALLING RECENT COLLEGE GRADU- hugs me and remembers my name, as who find family changes overwhelming. Few well as the sweet girl who shows me the In addition to being enormously loving ATES. “Congratulations! Today is your day. things can be as scary to a child as when his or and kind, say his friends, Halpern is a “renais- You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and matching bracelets she made for herself her parents split up. Talking with other children and her friend at the jewelry-making sance man.” A former restaurant owner, he con- away!” who are going through it can be comforting, as tinues to build on his talent for cooking and Dr. Seuss wrote that in 1990, and even class. I feel a sense of exhilaration when well as a great way to make new friends. I peek in the room during “Bregman entertaining. He has cultivated award-winning then, finding a job wasn’t easy. But people • Parenting After Divorce (a workshop for gardens and has traveled the world to bring fine starting their careers right now are discovering Idol” and hear squeals of excitement as I adults): Parenting can be a real challenge when watch people dancing, singing, and high designs to Atlanta. He is currently director of that it is a tough market. In fact, finding the mom and dad don’t live together. This OH! Atlanta Tours, a perfect match for his employment is more competitive than ever. fiving. I am proud when the policeman workshop focuses on effective communication passes by and raves about the inquisitive facility with words, education, and making With unemployment in Georgia above 10 per- with the other parent and what children need at people feel valued. cent and employers often preferring more people he taught in his session about per- different stages of development. In addition, it sonal safety. “Owen is very proud to carry on the lega- experienced workers, those just coming out of provides support and resources parents might cy of service and giving back to the communi- college are stuck in a hard place. As I help people find their way to need. the next session, I am delighted to see ty established by his father, Bernard Halpern,” Finding the right job requires creative For more details on these and other serv- says Steinberg. “This generous spirit is shared thinking—and some introspection. JF&CS’ one participant’s face light up as he ices, as well as information on cost, e-mail introduces the girlfriend he met at last by Owen’s siblings, nephews, nieces, and Career Services–Tools for Employment now [email protected] or call 770- cousins.” offers college graduates resources and pro- 677-9300. Halpern became involved with The grams to help in the job search. GradWORKS See BREGMAN CONFERENCE, page 35 January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 35 Raising the bar in Judaic studies

Since its inception in 1971, Yeshiva Halachic problems as initial steps in incor- College, in Cleveland, Ohio. She taught in by definition, is a primary building block of Atlanta has prided itself on providing its porating this method into the Judaic studies the public school system in Georgia for two Judaic studies. Named last year as the students with a high-quality education in curriculum. years and then enjoyed a 23-year tenure at school’s Hebrew language department both secular and Judaic studies. This, of Joining Rabbi Yablock is Rabbi Eric Greenfield Hebrew Academy. In her last ten chair, she is responsible for designing and course, is consistent with the school’s Levy, who comes to Atlanta from New years at GHA, she taught Judaic studies in implementing a new Hebrew language cur- standing as a Modern Orthodox institution York, where he was the Jewish studies prin- the M’silot program for students who learn riculum for the school. She is also a mem- and reflects the paradigm articulated by cipal of North Shore Hebrew Academy differently. ber of the SAT’s Hebrew Language Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik z”l regarding High School. Rabbi Levy earned his under- These recent hires come on the heels of Committee, and she is working diligently to the importance of a synthesis between graduate degree in computer science from last year’s important additions to the prepare Yeshiva Atlanta students to take the Torah scholarship and secular scholarship, Touro College and an M.A. in biblical stud- school’s Judaics faculty, including Rabbi Hebrew subject SAT and perform on a high as well as positive involvement with the ies from Yeshiva University. He has rab- Moshe Rose, who joined at the beginning academic level in Hebrew. Liat Kodesh broader community. binic ordination from both Rabbi Ephraim of the 2010-2011 school year. Originally holds an M.A. in Jewish education from This approach, commonly referred to Greenblatt and Rav Zalman Nechemia hailing from Toronto, Rabbi Rose spent the Siegal College, in Cleveland, Ohio, as well as Torah Umadda, was perhaps best sum- Goldberg. He spent four years at Yeshivat previous four years in Savannah with a one- as a B.A. from Bar-Ilan University Israel, marized by Rabbi Norman Lamm, past Har Etzion (Gush) and served in the Israeli year hiatus to teach at Akiva Academy in where she earned a diploma in educational president of Yeshiva University, in New Army Tank Corps. Rabbi Levy’s online Calgary. While he was in Savannah, some leadership. In addition to her teaching and York, when he wrote: “Torah, faith, reli- classes can be heard at OU Torah (oura- of his duties through the Kollel included administrative responsibilities at Yeshiva gious learning on one side and Madda, sci- dio.org/nach), Torah in Motion, and at his being the youth director, the NCSY chapter Atlanta, she serves as a consultant for ence, worldly knowledge on the other, own website, www.ericlevy.com. director, community schoolteacher, and a Hebrew at the Center in Boston, which was together offer us a more over-arching and In adding to its faculty, Yeshiva Atlanta Judaic studies teacher at a local military established in 2007 with the goal of revolu- truer vision than either one set alone. Each understood that the local “talent” available academy. He studied social work in Canada tionizing the effectiveness of teaching and set gives one view of the Creator as well as to it was equally impressive, and thus the and education in Israel, graduating from learning Hebrew in all educational settings. of His creation, and the other a different school reached out to Rabbi Reuven Travis, Ner L’Elef Center for Jewish Leadership perspective that may not agree at all with who has worked both as a teacher and an and Community Outreach, Yeshiva Ohr the first . . . Each alone is true, but only par- administrator in various Atlanta day Avraham, and The Torah Educator’s tially true; both together present the possi- schools. Rabbi Travis, who is teaching hon- Institute, with his American bachelor’s of bility of a larger truth.” ors American and Jewish history as well as education equivalent acquired through the Yeshiva Atlanta’s commitment to the Chumash, earned his B.A. from Dartmouth University at Albany. He is currently com- Torah portion of this equation was again College, where he graduated Phi Beta pleting a master’s degree in special educa- underscored by the caliber of new Judaic Kappa with a double major in French liter- tion. teachers it added this year to its faculty. ature and political science. While at And it is hard to underestimate the pos- Together with the school’s veteran faculty Dartmouth, he played for the school’s varsi- itive impact Liat Kadosh has had on the members Ariella Allen and Rabbi Daniel ty football team and spent his junior year school’s Hebrew language program, which, Estreicher, they have inspired in their stu- studying at La Sorbonne. He holds a master dents a new energy and even greater pas- of arts in Teaching from Mercer University sion for Judaic studies. and has a T-5 teaching certification in sec- Leading the charge is Rabbi Asher ondary education. He also earned a master Yablok, the school’s new dean of Judaic of Judaic studies from Spertus College. He studies. He comes to Atlanta from St. received his rabbinic ordination in 2006 Louis, Missouri, where he was a Judaic from Rabbi Michael J. Broyde, dean of the studies instructor and program director at Atlanta Torah MiTzion Kollel, after spend- Block Yeshiva High School. Rabbi Yablok ing four years studying with Rabbi Broyde earned his undergraduate degree in Judaic and the members of the Kollel. studies and an M.A. in Jewish education Lisa Belinky, another long-time fixture from Yeshiva University. He has rabbinic in Atlanta’s day school community who has ordination from both Rabbi Isaac Elchanan joined the Yeshiva Atlanta faculty, will Theological Seminary at YU and from Rav serve as strategic learning Judaic studies Zalman Nechemia Goldberg. Rabbi Yablok specialist. She received her undergraduate has a special interest in problem-based degree from the University of Georgia in learning and has taught exciting courses in child psychology/education and her mas- Jewish medical ethics and contemporary ter’s degree in Judaic studies from Siegal

A caretaker whispers in my ear that it is the Bregman Conference most her client has smiled in months, which From page 34 makes me realize that it is the most I’ve smiled in one day since last year’s Bregman year’s conference. I am also impressed conference. when a young participant stops by the regis- The Larry Bregman, M.D., Educational tration table to find out how he can sign up Conference is a two-day conference for to be on a panel or the planning committee adults with developmental disabilities, their for next year’s conference. When I help families, and caregivers. The first evening pour lemonade in the lunchroom, I notice it features a dance; the next day is filled with is loud with laughter and chatter, as experi- workshops on topics such as being part of ences are shared with friends and caretak- the community, being a self-advocate, and ers. living a healthy lifestyle. At the end of the weekend, certificates This year’s conference, “Avenues of of participation are handed out, which Change,” takes place February 25-26 at the marks a major highlight of the year for Selig Center. For more information, visit most. As they exit the building, there is bregman.org. already chitchat about returning next year. Page 36 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 nearly 50 Davis Academy Middle School stu- dents, who performed a repertoire ranging from classic rock to contemporary. Here, Alex Heller plays the Keytar, and Matthew Diamond plays guitar; both are 7th-graders.

ENTREPRENEURS-IN-TRAINING. In January, Weber welcomed several new semes- By Belle Klavonsky from his newest book, The Golem’s Latkes, ter-only classes, including a new entrepreneur- and his most popular book, Herschel and the ship class. The class recently began a project Hanukkah Goblins. Students enjoyed Mr. in which individual teams must develop a Kimmel’s stories and asked questions about product—a child’s toy—meeting specific his work and the writing/publishing process. SENIOR EXPERIENCE. Weber seniors requirements and using a selection of random returned from their five-week Senior items. The five teams had to develop three Poland/Israel Experience tired but happy to be product ideas, narrow down their ideas to the home. The trip began with one week in best one, select a name and tagline for the toy, Poland, where students explored a millennium draw the toy, set a price, and then design the of Jewish history and learned of the complex- box in which the toy will be sold. ities of rebuilding modern Jewish communi- ties. After Poland, students traveled to Israel, where the country became the classroom. Students enjoyed experiential learning based CREATIVE WITH A CLASSIC. Davis on important chronological events that molded Academy eighth-grader Rebecca Greenberg the Jewish people and the State of Israel. and 7th-grader Sophia Bussey work on a pup- pet for a school production of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. The puppet performance FRIENDS FROM ISRAEL. The Davis was the culmination of academic and creative Academy welcomed three 8th-grade Israeli activities during January that integrated the students and their teacher, who visited and arts into the curriculum at the Davis Academy studied at Davis during January through the Middle School. The project was led by Davis ORT Lipson International Studies program. faculty and visiting artist and puppeteer The program is a win-win, allowing Davis and UN BUEN HOTEL. Sophomores in Liza Marilyn Price. the Israeli students to learn about each other’s Suarez’s Spanish II Honors class furthered cultures. Left to right: Davis 8th-grader their learning about Spanish-speaking coun- Meredith Galanti, Israeli student Polina tries by creating a brochure, written entirely in Gogian, Davis 8th-graders Lily Sandler and Spanish, for an imaginary hotel in the Lille Brown, Israeli students Betty Khaimov Hispanic country of their choosing. In order to and Lior Mashim, Davis 8th-grader Mallory fully develop and design their brochures, the Goldenberg, and Israeli teacher Tamar Katz students researched and compiled information covering the geography, people, government, and culture of their respective countries. They incorporated sentence structure and vocabu- WRESTLING WITH SUCCESS. The Weber lary learned in the previous semester to create Wrestling Team is receiving local recognition compelling brochures for countries such as for its strong start to the season. Recently fea- Puerto Rico, Argentina, the Dominican tured in The Northside Neighbor, the team Republic, and Spain. received accolades for coaching, teamwork, and dedication. Head coach Zachary Shindell was a member of the first Weber wrestling team and won an individual GISA state cham- pionship his junior year. Sophomore team YOUNG READER. Davis Academy students JOYFUL DAY. Davis Academy 2nd-graders member Jonathan Geller (pictured) was subse- work with a variety of tools in everyday learn- had much to celebrate after ceremonies in quently recognized as The Northside ing. Kindergartener Renee Vaysman concen- which they received their permanent Siddur Neighbor’s Male Athlete of the Week. trates on a writing activity using a listening books from their parents. Afterward, they gave program that helps her learn how sounds make thanks and sang songs on the occasion of this up words. meaningful milestone. CHALLENGE AWARD. The Weber School is one of twenty-seven U.S. schools that received SKYPE TALMUD. Weber Judaics teacher a $25,000 Challenge Award, designed to drive Marc Leventhal is leading a “Skype Talmud at increased revenue through innovation, by Lunch” series. Students use Skype software to Partnership for Excellence in Jewish make video calls over the Internet, discussing Education. One hundred twenty-seven schools Talmud with students from Barrack Hebrew submitted a total of 141 applications. The Academy, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and Weber School’s PEJE Challenge initiative is Posnack Jewish Day School, Plantation, the establishment of its first-ever endowment. Florida. Most recently, the students discussed The endowment initiative was launched at a Tractate Sanhedrin, one of ten tractates of a special event on January 18, at which Weber section of the Talmud that deals with judicial introduced two honorary endowed funds procedures, both civil and criminal. The dis- FRIENDLY AUTHOR. Award-winning chil- named in honor of two very special Weber cussions are lively, as the text addresses ques- dren’s author Eric A. Kimmel spent a day at MUSICAL EXPRESSION. The Winter friends and leaders, Carol Nemo and Felicia tions of criminal law and punishment. The Davis Academy Lower School reading Concert showcased the budding talents of Weber. January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 37 update window coverings and repaint the walls of the gym. Ben Siegel, Max Marcovitch, and Ross Brill play in the newly renovated gymna- sium.

their Chanukah play, which they presented to mother and in support of finding a cure, Rose 2011 SHIRIYAH. A crowd of 750 people the kindergarten students—entirely in Hebrew. and Dov created Team Lala, and entered the attended Epstein’s Eleventh Annual Middle walk along with 1800 other supporters. Team School Shiriyah at the Cobb Energy Lala raised $2,500 for PanCan. Performing Arts Centre. The production was led by Musical Director Michal Spiegelman with the support of choreographer and Israeli GOOD SPORTS. One of the middle school folk dance instructor Meliss Bachar and girls basketball teams from Torah Day School Middle School staff. As has become tradition, of Atlanta played the Atlanta International the grand finale included Epstein alumni, who School in the TDSA gym on November 29. rushed to the stage to join in the singing of Shir While the girls did not win this game, they Israeli. Here, Rachel Greenwald, Aly Satisky, played with remarkable sportsmanship, and Mikayla Hertz stand up to support the resilience, and determination. earth as they and their classmates perform “It’s a Small World.” NEW STUDENTS. Torah Day School of Atlanta hosted over 30 incoming kindergarten students. The pre-kindergarten students were SPORTS AND REHABILITION. Recently treated to special activities, a pizza lunch, and two disabled athletes from the Israel Sports a performance by Young Audiences. Center for the Disabled came to GHA. One of the athletes, Asayel, an 18 year-old swimmer, spoke of his hopes to be in the Olympics someday. Asayel’s home was attacked a little over two years ago; during the attack he was shot and lost his leg. Students learned that the purpose of the center is rehabilitation through sports, and to help people with disabilities flourish.

TEAMWORK. Three years ago, in an effort to A WINTER GARDEN. TDSA Kindergarten prevent the spread of the flu, The Epstein students have their very own garden. Located School partnered with Teamworks, a job skills just outside their classrooms are raised beds development program run by Jewish Family & containing beautiful winter crops, including Career Services, to have developmentally dis- potatoes, radishes, and dinosaur kale. Aside MENTORS AND TEACHERS. TDSA 8th- abled volunteers serve lunch and thus reduce from planting, weeding, and watering, during grade boys make wonderful role models as the chance of students spreading germs to each the colder months, the students will decorate they review Hebrew with the Kindergarten other. Since then, the school has seen a signif- their garden with hand-painted rocks and dec- boys. icant drop in illness and absenteeism. In addi- orated popsicle sticks to help identify their tion, Teamworks participants bring much joy crops. TEAM LALA. Greenfield Hebrew Academy and perspective to the school. First-grader students Shannan Berzack, Zoe Bagel, Quinn Hannah Friedman has her lunch served by Rabinowitz, and Rose and Dov Karlin recent- SCIENCE FAIR WINNER. GHA student Ari Teamworks volunteers Jemel Wynn (from ly took part in a 5K walk for PanCan, an Stark was this year’s winner of the Science left), Trevor Smith, and Asherhee McNeil. organization raising money and awareness for Fair. Ari chose to do his project on keeping cut pancreatic cancer. Rose and Dov’s grandmoth- flowers fresh. Ari learned that by using the er, Lala, was diagnosed February 1, 2011, with drug Viagra, his flowers remained fresh. pancreatic cancer. In honor of their grand-

CPR TRAINING. TDSA 8th-grade girls attended a CPR training class on December 1. Coordinated by science teacher Mrs. Christine GYM RENOVATIONS. At The Epstein Hippeli-Castle, the class taught students how School, the Ramie and Joyce Tritt Gymnasium to be first responders in an emergency. Now is getting a fresh look, thanks to a gift from the trained in CPR and AED usage, the girls will Henry and Etta Raye Hirsch Heritage receive Heartsaver AED membership cards Foundation (Lisa and Seth Greenberg and from the American Heart Association. The Michelle and David Hirsch) to refinish the 8th-grade boys were trained in CPR and AED walls. New insulation has given the gym a usage earlier in the school year. much-needed lift. The school also has used money from a Refurbishment Fund set up by CHANUKAH PLAY. TDSA 2nd-grade girls the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta to worked with teacher Mrs. Vita Resenson on Page 38 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 throughout the rest of the South, but grow- ing numbers of Jewish professionals have The Jews of Augusta, Part III settled in Augusta. Dr. Robert Greenblatt moved to Augusta in the 1930s and became a renowned endocrinologist, writ- ing several books on the subject. Dr. Sumner Fishbein came to Augusta by the 1970s and became very active at Children BY Stuart of Israel, serving on the board, teaching Rockoff religious school, and blowing shofar on the high holidays. With this rising number of professionals, many drawn by the med- Throughout its history, Children of ical school at the Georgia Health Sciences Israel, in Augusta, Georgia, has had University, Augusta managed to avoid the numerous rabbis, with most staying only a sharp population declines that affected few years. For one third of its first 100 other Southern Jewish communities. years, the congregation did not have rab- In recent years, the Jewish community binic leadership; during the other 67 years, of Augusta has shrunk a bit, to 1,300 peo- it employed 25 different rabbis. ple in 2003, as growing numbers of Jews A few stayed several years: Rabbi H. have moved to the thriving Jewish metrop- Cert Strauss led the congregation from Children of Israel (all photos: olis of Atlanta. Nevertheless, Augusta still 1920 to 1927, while Joseph Leiser served Preisler) supports two strong congregations with as rabbi from 1930 to 1939. full-time rabbis, a Jewish Community In 1941, a young Hebrew Union neighborhood. While most wanted to build Center, and an active Jewish Federation. In College graduate, Sylvan Schwartzman, the new synagogue there, a strong faction 1995, Adas Yeshurun officially became a took over the pulpit at Children of Israel. lobbied to keep the shul downtown. Adas Conservative congregation, joining the Although he stayed for only six years, Yeshurun found a creative, if unsustain- United Synagogue of Conservative Rabbi Schwartzman had a profound able, way to bridge this divide. One mem- Judaism. Seeing an opportunity to serve impact on the congregation. When he ber, Pincus Orthodox Jews, arrived, Children of Israel had only 60 or Silver, Chabad opened so member families. Five years later, it had bought a big a house in 105 families. Rabbi Schwartzman brought house and Augusta in a new energy to the congregation, leading Children of Israel interior property on 1996. In recent a popular adult education class and starting Johns Road, years, as the a regular interfaith community forum. which was number of chil- During the war, he led services at the local Children of Israel continued to grow, converted dren in the military base. reaching 142 families by 1955. By 1963, into a satel- community has Rabbi Schwartzman was not afraid to the congregation had 103 children in its lite site for declined, the push the congregation to take political religious school, which was run by the the congrega- two congrega- stands. In 1945, the congregation sent a rabbi’s wife, Rose Goldburg. tion. tions have letter to the U.S. Secretary of State, urging By 1964, Children of Israel had out- Separate merged their his support for the plan to create a United grown its sanctuary, and members voted to High Holiday Adas Yeshurun religious Nations. Rabbi Schwartzman also raised build a new one, along with a new kitchen services were schools, creat- money for the Haganah, the group fighting and social hall, just thirteen years after held at the ing the Augusta Jewish Community for Jewish independence in Palestine. they had dedicated their then-current syna- Johns Road house, with a visiting rabbi, Sunday School. The school, which is a Rabbi Schwartzman also led the way gogue. Abe Friedman, a longtime board for those who preferred the residential partner in the Institute of Southern Jewish in convincing the congregation that it member of the congregation who served location to the downtown synagogue. The Life’s education program, had 45 students needed a new building, because the exist- several terms as president, headed the Johns Road house even had an optional in 2009. That same year, Children of Israel ing one could no longer hold its growing effort to raise money for the addition. The “family seating” section, where husbands had 157 members, while Adas Yeshurun number of families. At Children of Israel’s local First Baptist Church made a donation and wives could sit together, if they had 170. centennial celebration in 1945, members to the building fund. wished. voted to build a new synagogue. In 1946, In 1967, Children of Israel dedicated Maintaining two synagogues was not The above history of Augusta, they appointed a building committee, the new sanctuary in a ceremony that drew a viable long-term solution, and Silver Georgia, Part III, is a segment from the headed by Mose Slusky, that acquired a lot Augusta’s mayor and several local minis- soon sold his property to the congregation, ISJL Encyclopedia of Southern Jewish on the corner of Walton Way and ters and featured the theme of interfaith which had finally decided to move from its Communities. Readers are invited to learn Bransford Road. harmony. The old sanctuary was converted old building. In 1953, they broke ground more about the history of Jewish commu- While it took several more years to into an auditorium for the religious school. on a new synagogue on the property, fin- nities by visiting www.isjl.org and looking raise the necessary money, Children of Children of Israel thrived in its revamped ishing it the following year. At the time of under the History tab. The Israel finally dedicated its new synagogue building. By 1976, the congregation had the dedication, Adas Yeshurun had 200 Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern in 1951. Rabbi Schwartzman, who left 161 member families and 61 children in its member families. Despite this move, Adas Jewish Life considers the encyclopedia to Augusta in 1947, came back to give the religious school. By the mid-1990s, Yeshurun remained an Orthodox congre- be a work in progress and encourages the dedication address. Reverend J. Hambry Augusta’s Reform congregation had gation, building a new modern mikvah in public to contact Dr. Stuart Rockoff at Barton, of the Trinity on the Hill reached 197 member families. the late 1960s. When Adas Yeshurun cele- [email protected] with additional informa- Methodist Church, gave the invocation Adas Yeshurun grew over the years as brated its 75th anniversary in 1965, the tion related to the history of Jewish com- during the ceremony. For the six months well. In 1944, members decided they had rabbi from the Orthodox Baron Hirsch munities in Georgia or other communities before they moved into their new home, outgrown their old and deteriorating build- Congregation, in Memphis, took part in of the South. the congregation met at Reverend Barton’s ing. Led by William Estroff, the congrega- the ceremony. In 1970, Adas Yeshurun Throughout the thirteen-state church. According to the local newspaper, tion quickly raised $70,000 for the build- dedicated a new education building; Southern region of the United States, the “The symbols of both religions remained ing fund. But soon, this effort stalled after Senator Herman Talmadge was the eleven-year-old grassroots organization on the same altar during this entire period the deaths of both Estroff and Rabbi keynote speaker at the dedication. Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern in a perfect example of religious brother- Goldberger, along with growing disagree- As reflected in the steady growth of Jewish Life (ISJL) is dedicated to provid- hood.” ment over where to build the new syna- both congregations, Augusta’s Jewish ing educational and rabbinic services, Rabbi Norman Goldburg arrived in gogue. community peaked in the years after World promoting a Jewish cultural presence, and 1949 and led the congregation for the next While Adas Yeshurun had always War II. While 950 Jews lived in Augusta in documenting and preserving the rich his- 19 years, before becoming rabbi emeritus. been in downtown Augusta, the vast 1937, 1500 did by 1980. The number of tory of the Southern Jewish experience. Under Rabbi Goldburg’s leadership, majority of members now lived in the Hill Jewish merchants has declined, as it has January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN — KASHER LIVING Page 39 Kosher Affairs

Passover” spirit, this sweet, smooth vodka is good enough for year round. • Tishbi Passion Fruit and Strawberry BY Roberta Champagne Preserves: A sophisticated and delicious spread with crackers and Scher perhaps a creamy soft cheese • Zelda’s Apple Caramel Cake and Once again, I ate my way through Lemon Poppy Cake: Moist cakes with Kosherfest, the world’s largest kosher fruit flavors that shine through. Zelda’s food trade show. The 2011 event was also introduced a new specialty for held at New Jersey’s Meadowlands Passover—chocolate locusts, a com- Exposition Center, and it set new panion to its popular kosher-for- records for both exhibitors and atten- Passover chocolate frogs. I am happy to dees. I am sharing Kosherfest’s official note that Zelda’s cakes are available 2011 New Product Award winner, locally at Thechosenknish.com. selected by a show panel, followed by • Schmerling Hazelnut Chocolate Bar: my personal list of “bests.” Rich, luscious chocolate available in parve and dairy KOSHERFEST 2011 • Challywood: Even the name is fun! NEW PRODUCT AWARDS These challah loaves and rolls can be ordered online in many flavors. • Best Overall: Tishbi Passion Fruit and Shipping is free on orders over $50. Strawberry Champagne Preserves Among the flavors are onion, raisin, • Beverage: Sparkling Ayala’s Herbal blueberry, apple cinnamon, choco- Water late—and, of course, plain. Tempted? • Bread, Grain, Cereal, or Cracker: Find even more at Challywood.net. Sliced Artisan Slider Rolls from • A note about cheese: There were hun- Tribeca Oven dreds of cheeses at the show—many • Candy: Rabbi Mints Classic Kosher brands from countries worldwide and Mints from the U.S. as well. Take note, • Desserts/Baked Goods or Sweets: Atlanta retailers. Mango Gourmet Italian Ice from Gianni New York ————— • Dips, Spreads, Salsas: Sabra Guacamole On the night before Kosherfest, • Frozen Entrée: Ta’amti Meat Flavor KosherEye co-founder Lois Held and I Meatless Bourekas coordinated a special journalist/social • Giftware or Novelty Item: The Royal media dinner event at Manhattan’s Solo Challah Silicone Bakeware Pan Restaurant. The menu, presented by • Jam or Preserve: Tishbi Passion Fruit Solo Executive Chef David Kolotkin, and Strawberry Champagne Preserves was spectacular, and it reflected the • “Kosher for Passover” Product: expanding boundaries of kosher food. I MIKEE Mango Duck Sauce am sharing the mouthwatering menu • Meat/Seafood/Poultry Item: Jack’s (yes, there was a choice in each catego- Gourmet Jamaican Style Jerk Chicken ry): Sausage • Pasta, Rice, Beans, or Soup: Gezunt • Appetizers: big-eye tuna tartare, Gourmet Pastas mushroom risotto, or crispy veal sweet- • Savory & Salty Snack Food: Bamba breads, along with a tasting of crispy Halva Peanut Snack with Sesame vegetable spring rolls, Buffalo chicken Cream Filling lollipops, and sliders • Savory Condiment, Spice, Sauce, Oil, • Entrees: pan-seared organic Scottish Vinegar, Dressing, or Marinade: Fresh salmon, one-half roasted chicken, or Frozen Pesto Cubes from Dorot Foods pan-seared black Angus filet, along • Wine, Beer, or Spirit: Fincas with a tasting of tacos, roasted finger- Marumatok Cabernet Sauvignon ling potatoes, and Japanese eggplant Malbec • Desserts: Mandarine crème Chiboust • Cheese or Dairy Item: Sugar River brûlée, molten chocolate cake, passion Cheese from Anderson International fruit meringue Foods Royal Wine, the largest importer MY PERSONAL KOSHERFEST and distributor of kosher wines in FAVORITES North America, presented a tasting of two champagnes: Drappier Carte-D’Or • Jerk Chicken Sausage: The newest Brut and Drappier Carte Blanche, prod- flavor from Jack’s Gourmet Sausage. ucts of a new joint venture with What makes Jack’s unique is that it is Champagne Drappier, the highly made without artificial ingredients, regarded French Champagne house. fillers, by-products, or MSG. • Moses Date Vodka: A new “kosher for See KOSHER AFFAIRS, page 40 Page 40 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN — KASHER LIVING January-February 2012

and fellow foodie Leah Schapira, and I Kosher Affairs received a copy of her new cookbook, What’s cooking? Email kosheraf- Fresh & Easy Kosher Cooking [email protected] This column is meant From page 39 (ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications). Leah to provide the reader with current These are the first-ever kosher cuvees shares 170 simple, practical recipes trends and developments in the kosher from the famed Champagne region and using “ordinary ingredients to create marketplace. Since standards of are outstanding additions to the grow- extraordinary meals.” The simplicity of kashruth certification vary, check with ing availability of kosher spirits. the recipes, easy-to-follow instructions, the AKC or your local kashruth author- Joey Allaham, the owner of Solo’s and color photos make the book a great ity to confirm reliability. parent company, Prime Hospitality go-to guide for everyday meals, espe- Group, is planning to launch a fleet of cially for the busy or novice cook. kosher food trucks. How we would love LOCAL NEWS one of these rolling around Atlanta. kosher salt to taste 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ————— GrillersPride has expanded its product mix. In addition to meat and Recipes One more Kosherfest note: I had Risotto: poultry, Peter Swerdlow has introduced the pleasure of meeting cookbook Risotto with Mushroom Ragout and 1 cup Arborio rice some new ready-to-heat meals and fish, author, magazine editor, website owner, Truffle Oil 3 cups chicken stock, warmed Zomick’s baked goods, and some color- Adapted from a recipe by Executive Chef 1/2 cup diced onion, cut into 1/4’ dice coded kitchenware items, perfect for the David Kolotkin, Solo Restaurant 1/2 cup white wine kosher cook. Visit Grillerspride.com, or Makes 6 appetizers or 4 entrees 2 tablespoons kosher salt call 770-454-8108. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Yes, risotto is time consuming to prepare, 1 tablespoon white truffle oil * Kosher Gourmet has added some and this version is long. However, once new items. Lydia Schloss has created a you get the hang of it, the method is actu- Mushroom Ragout: parve candy department within the ally simple and the results are truly Heat vegetable oil in pan, and gen- superb. Before you begin, have all of store, including pre-packaged, giftable tly cook mushrooms until they start to your ingredients ready and prepped. candy arrangements and platters. In sweat. Add shallots, and continue sim- addition, the store has a new Israeli mering until liquid from mushrooms has Mushroom Ragout: chef—Julie Meni, who prepares freshly 1/2 lb. porcini mushroom, quartered reduced to “nothing.” made Israeli foods on the premises, 1/2 lb. cremini mushroom, quartered Turn off flame, and add brandy to including specialties such as kubbeh; 1/2 lb. shallots, finely minced mushrooms. cigars; moussaka; stuffed grape leaves; 2 cups chicken stock Place pan back on the heat and fresh salads such as tabbouleh and hum- 3 ounces brandy reduce the brandy by half. Then add 2 mus; and more. For information, call cups of chicken stock and reduce by 3/4. 404-636-1114. Remove from heat and reserve half of the cooked mushrooms. Set aside.

Risotto: Place reserved mushrooms and all of mushroom liquid in food processor; blend until smooth. Set aside. In another pan, heat oil and sweat onions until soft and translucent. Then add the Arborio rice, and gently toast for 3-4 minutes. Using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, stir in white wine, and let the rice absorb it while continually stirring. On low flame, stir and simmer rice and wine; then slowly start to add the warm chicken stock to the rice 1/2 cup at a time, until the rice absorbs the liquid. Keep adding the stock 1/2 cup at a time, until the rice is cooked and no stock remains. Make sure to continuously stir the rice to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t scorch. Season rice with salt to taste. Just before serving, add the pureed mushroom mixture to the rice, and bring it back up to temperature. Gently fold in the white truffle oil. Adjust seasonings if necessary. Place cooked risotto on plates and top with the remaining mushroom ragout.

*Chef Kolotkin advises that if kosher truffle oil or fresh truffles are unavail- able, just omit.

—————

See RECIPES, page 42 January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN — KASHER LIVING Page 41 Kosher Korner

COLD SEASON. People are used to making sure their food is kosher. Sometimes people have to be careful about medicinal products, as well. Many cough medicines contain glycerin, BY Rabbi Reuven which can be of non-kosher animal origin. We Stein recommend buying only liquid cough medi- cines that do not contain glycerin. If the only cough medicine available contains glycerin, SAVE THE DATE. This year’s Kosher Day some rabbinical authorities allow the user to takes place April 29. nullify the non-kosher ingredient by mixing a teaspoon of the cough medicine with two —————- ounces of juice or milk. Cough drops, since many of them have a KOSHER ALERTS good flavor and could contain non-kosher ingredients, need certification. Below is a par- Waiora Natural Cellular Defense is not tial list of acceptable cough drops. authorized to bear the AKC kosher logo and is Cough drops that have a hechsher can be not under AKC kosher certification. used for medicinal and non-medicinal needs. AKC certifies only those Schakolad The cough drops below without a hechsher can chocolates made in the facility (excluding be used for medicinal purposes only. Kroger, dipped strawberries). Other pre-packaged CVS, and Walgreens also have their own products must be checked individually for a brands of cough drops that can be used when kosher symbol. The facility sells pre-packaged bearing an approved kosher symbol. Make sure non-kosher chocolate with bacon in it. to check the labels to ensure that they are Carefully read the kosher letter at indeed kosher. Cowlicks Yogurt and Floats, 1100 Hammond Drive, Atlanta (770-913-0190), as not all items Fisherman’s Friend (Manchester Beis Din) are kosher. Original: Ex-Strong, Sugar-Free, and Tooth Make sure to check Whole Foods Gelatos Friendly for the AKC symbol, as not all varieties are cer- Fisherman’s Friend (Manchester Beis Din) tified. Cough Suppressant Lozenges KC Masterpiece Buffalo Marinade bears Halls Breezers Sugar Free: Cool Berry an unauthorized OU symbol and contains Lozenge dairy. Halls Defense Sugar Free: Assorted Citrus Lozenges —————- Halls Original: Cherry Lozenge Halls Original Sugar Free: Freshmint, Honey- KOSHER NEWS Berry, Ice Blue, Mentho-Lyptus, Mountain Menthol, Peppermint, Spearmint, Strawberry, Tandoory Bread manufactured by King and Tropical Fruit Lozenges David Community Center, located at 5054 Luden’s OU-D Dairy Equipment Singleton Road, Norcross (678-499-9693), is Ricola Honey Herb Lozenge now kosher and parve. Ricola Honey Lemon with Echinacea Lozenge Classic Pita is a new AKC-approved, pas Ricola Lemon Mint Lozenge Yisroel wholesale facility. All pita breads man- Ricola Lemon Verbena Lozenge ufactured on the premises are kosher, parve, Ricola Natural Herb (original) Lozenge and pas Yisroel when bearing the AKC kosher Ricola Sugar Free: Green Tea with Echinacea, logo. The pita is available at The Kosher Lemon Mint, Menthol, and Mountain Herb Gourmet. Classic Pita is located at 42 Lozenges Piedmont Drive, Suite 203, Winder GA 30680. Vicks Cough Drops Menthol, Cherry Visit www.ClassicPita.com, or call 678-254- 1383. —————- The AKC now approves KSA products produced in the U.S. and Canada. KOSHER FOR PASSOVER CLASSES. If any group or synagogue is interested in scheduling Rabbi Reuven Stein is director of supervision one of Rabbi Stein’s Kosher for Passover class- for the Atlanta Kashruth Commission, a non- es, which are conducted before Passover, call profit organization dedicated to promoting the Atlanta Kashruth Commission office (404- kashruth through education, research, and 634-4063) now. supervision. Page 42 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN — KASHER LIVING January-February 2012

Cooking by Leah Schapira Recipes Serves 4

From page 40 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate Crock-Pot Chicken Soup 1/2 cup vegetable oil An easy Scher family winter favorite 1 cup sugar Serves about 6 2 eggs 2 egg yolks 2 1/2-3 lbs. pounds cut up chicken 6 tablespoons flour (For Passover, substi- 3 stalks celery with leaves, chopped tute potato starch) 2 carrots, large rough chop 1 clove garlic, chopped Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. 1 large onion, chopped Grease a 4-cup muffin pan, or 4 indi- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped vidual ramekins. 1/2 teaspoon salt In a double boiler, melt chocolate in 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed oil. Remove from heat when chocolate is 1/2 teaspoon black pepper melted, and whisk in the sugar. 2 bay leaves Whisk the eggs and egg yolks 2 cups cold water and 4 cups kosher together, and add them to the chocolate chicken broth (such as boxed mixture. Stir in the flour until smooth. Manischewitz or Imagine Brand) Pour the batter into prepared baking cups. Place vegetables in a 4-5 quart slow Bake for 13-15 minutes. Remove cooker. Top with chicken, herbs, and liq- from the oven. uid. Cover and cook on low heat setting Leah says that the cakes are “ready for 8 to 10 hours. Remove chicken, when the center top still feels soft and jig- debone, cut into pieces, and add back into gly, while the rim is firm.” soup. Enjoy. Let stand for 1 minute, then invert Options: add 1 chopped parsnip or 1 onto a plate. chopped turnip. Serve with cooked white rice or cooked egg noodles. Variation: omit all of the liquid in the recipe, use a whole chicken, and presto, you have Crock-Pot roast chicken. ————— Hot Chocolate Molten Cake Adapted from Fresh & Easy Kosher January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 43

Elizabeth Cohen. Tickets are $22/non- who gathered to wish Sid Cojac, of Sandy members and $15/members. Springs, also known as the mayor of Tickets to both events are available at MJCCA’s Main Street, a happy 98th birth- MJCCA NEWS atlantajcc.org or through the MJCCA Box day at the Marcus Jewish Community Office at 678-812-4005. Center of Atlanta on Monday, November 7. Cojac was surprised with a cake and other AUTHOR EVENTS. The Marcus Jewish journeyed to the store’s “Magic Room.” KEYBOARD CONVERSATIONS. On goodies during the weekly meeting of the Community Center of Atlanta continues the This is Zaslow’s third appearance at the January 8, internationally acclaimed pianist MJCCA’s Mature Adults’ Talking Heads excitement of its November Book Festival MJCCA. Tickets are $16/non-members, Jeffrey Siegel returned to the MJCCA to group. He has been a long-time member of with two Page from the Book Festival $11/members. perform “Art to Heart: The Romantic Music the MJCCA’s Mature Adults committee and author events. On March 27, 7:30 p.m., the MJCCA of Franz Liszt.” The program, which ranged actively participates in discussion groups, On Thursday, January 26, 7:30 p.m., welcomes from the elegant and melodious social gatherings, and other outings. Wall Street Journal columnist Jeffrey author and “Liebestraum” to the exhilarating Zaslow, co-author of The Last Lecture with CNN Chief “Hungarian Rhapsodies,” was the second of the late Randy Pausch, will present his new Medical three concerts in the 2011-2012 Keyboard book, The Magic Room: A Story about the Correspondent Conversations, a series of unique, concert- Love We Wish for our Daughters, at the Dr. Sanjay plus-commentary programs; exclusive in MJCCA, 5342 Gupta. He will the Southeast to the MJCCA’s Morris & Tilly Mill present his new Rae Frank Theatre, these programs are Road, book, Monday designed to make classical music more Dunwoody. Mornings, a accessible to everyone. The novel that fol- The last concert in the 2011-2012 Magic Room, a lows the lives series, “Russian Rapture: Music of nonfiction nar- of five sur- Rachmaninoff & Tchaikovsky,” will take rative set in a geons who place April 15, at 4:00 p.m. small-town must confront Tickets are $25/general admission and Michigan their personal $18/MJCCA members, with discounts for bridal shop, and professional failings, often in front of students and seniors. To purchase tickets, looks at the their peers at weekly Morbidity & Mortality call the Box Office at 678-812-4002, or lives of a hand- meetings. visit www.atlantajcc.org. ful of brides Gupta appears as part of a special Sid Cojac (from left), Jerry Broder, and their par- “Upfront & Unscripted” program, featuring HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Family and close and Sidʼs daughter and son-in law, ents who’ve CNN Senior Medical Correspondent friends were among the many well-wishers Roni and Alan Mintz (photo: MJCCA)

wooden dreidels and making edible meno- JSU NEWS rahs.

THE MEANING OF SHABBAT. The translation and transliteration, so that they Jewish calendar is filled with exciting, could perform the mitzvah themselves. meaningful, and joyous holidays, but no Dozens of teens reported lighting Shabbat day has as much presence as Shabbat, the candles on the Friday night after their JSU holy day of rest observed on a weekly basis. club meeting, the first time most of them Recently, 13 Jewish Student Union clubs at had ever done so. Atlanta area high schools held Shabbat- Tori Zellner, Samantha Jacober, themed meetings in which participants LEARNING ABOUT ISRAEL. With so Brittany Bruck, and Samantha learned about various aspects of the holy much misinformation in the media, it is Mandel show their support for Israel day, including the mitzvah to light Shabbat imperative that Jewish teens become edu- JSU Lassiter Co-Presidents Jake during a JSU meeting at Northview Glickman and Alec Rush make deco- candles and the special blessing said over cated about the relationship between the High School. them. Over 350 teens took part in the activ- Jewish people and Israel and learn the truth rative dreidels. ities, which included making decorative about the current conflict in the Middle CELEBRATING CHANUKAH. When the Shabbat candles, and they received copies East. Recently, upwards of 300 teens from holiday season rolls around each December, of the Hebrew blessing text, along with a 15 Atlanta-area JSU clubs learned about the Jews everywhere know that it’s time to true history of the State of Israel and Jewish “light up the night, with candles burning claims to the land. Rabbi Chaim Neiditch bright” and celebrate Chanukah. also told the teens the harrowing story of Excitement—as well as the aroma of siz- Gilad Shalit, the IDF soldier held captive zling latkes—was in the air as over 400 for over five years in enemy hands. As a teens attended JSU club Chanukah gather- way of showing their support for their ings at 14 Atlanta-area high schools. brothers and sisters in arms (only a few Rabbi Neiditch led the proceed- years older than themselves) and increase ings at each of the events, overseeing drei- their connection to Israel, the teens made del tournaments and teaching the teens the and decorated almost 100 banners to be sent Sarah Hamer and Megan Miller original Chanukah story and the laws of enjoying the JSU Chanukah to Israeli soldiers at their army bases. It is lighting the menorah. The teens also partic- Eric Beeler, Lauren Siegel, Josh hoped that this touching gesture will bolster Celebration at Riverwood. Rudolph, and Liel Van Der Hoeven ipated in discussions about the significance the spirits of the troops as they guard and of miracles in our lives and took part in learn about Shabbat at JSU at protect Israel. Centennial High School. other fun activities, such as decorating Page 44 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 Operation Lifeshield helps protect Israeli citizens from missile attacks

“Trauma cement.” It’s the name given That mission: to save lives by provid- September hosted by Habif, Arogeti lems associated with childhood stress, such to the steel-reinforced concrete used to con- ing Israel’s threatened communities with &Wynne (HA&W), Georgia’s largest inde- as mature bed-wetting and hair loss. struct bomb shelters in Israel, and it evokes accessible, easy-to-reach protection in the pendent accounting firm, Rabbi Bowman Operation Lifeshield’s most recent a sobering image of life in a nation still event of an attack. Operation Lifeshield is and other participants painted a stark pic- shelter delivery was to a kibbutz founded threatened by near daily missile attacks. the only nonprofit group working on build- ture of life in Israel’s most vulnerable cities by Holocaust survivors near the Lebanon Building those shelters is the work of ing bomb shelters for every city in Israel. and towns. border, in a region terrorized by Hezbollah Operation Lifeshield, a unique organization The need is clear enough. From the “I don’t know how many executive rocket attacks and escalating threats. dedicated to providing air raid shelters for time a Code Red alarm signals an imminent directors of non-governmental organiza- Rabbi Bowman’s involvement with Israeli citizens. The group’s executive missile attack in any Israeli community, tions like myself get phone calls during the Operation Lifeshield began in 2007, but his director, Rabbi Shmuel Bowman, was in local residents have 15-90 seconds to find night from mayors of Israeli towns, who exposure to the threats facing his adopted Atlanta recently to talk about the threat fac- shelter. can’t sleep for fear that if they authorize nation came much earlier. He joined the ing Israelis and to issue an urgent appeal for “The shelters, which are placed at hot children to go to school the next day, they Israel Defense Force on the brink of the donations as Operation Lifeshield continues spots like bus stations, have saved many may be sending them to their deaths,” Gulf War, moving to Israel and serving with its mission. lives since the nonprofit was founded in Rabbi Bowman told the forum. “They call the Emergency Readiness Team of the 2007,” Rabbi Bowman said. “However, the me…at two or three o’clock in the morning Israeli National Police. shelters are expensive. A fifteen-person screaming, ‘Shmuel, where are more shel- After spending years surrounded by the shelter is $20,000, and a fifty-person shelter ters? Where are more shelters?’” continuous fear of Hezbollah missile costs $40,000.” Wherever the shelters are placed, attacks on his fellow citizens, Rabbi To date, Operation Lifeshield has Israeli citizens gain a sense of security and Bowman was moved to join the newly placed at least 90 shelters in transit stops, can feel safe going about their daily lives, founded Operation Lifeshield four years synagogues, parks, and other areas where Bowman and another panelist asserted. ago. As executive director, he participates people gather. The group works with the “I was near one of those bus stop shel- in fundraising tours around the world. Israel Defense Force Home Front ters during my last visit,” said Alondra “We get donations for shelters from all Command to determine priority locations Larenas, a tax specialist with HA&W, who over the world,” he told the forum. for the shelters. lived in Israel for 10 years. “It’s a very nice Community groups, foundations, corpora- Determining those priorities is a diffi- feeling that you have somewhere you can tions, and individual donors all contribute, cult decision-making process for Operation go and protect yourself in case something he said. Lifeshield, according to its executive direc- happens.” For more information on Operation Rabbi Shmuel Bowman (from left), tor. “The organization is constantly over- The shelters’ proximity to schools and Lifeshield, including how to help, visit Reverend Tony Crisp, and Susan whelmed by requests from municipalities playgrounds can also help relieve the anxi- www.operationlifeshield.org. OʼDwyer, Habif Arigeti & Wynneʼs asking for shelter,” he said. ety suffered by thousands of Israeli chil- Director of Business Development At a packed community forum in mid- dren, he said, along with the medical prob- Fred Scheer recounts his POW experiences in A European Sojourn, 1943-1945

calls himself “a young farm boy from The D-Day invasion of Normandy Double-decker bunks had a “straw Eatonton, Georgia,” reported to Fort commenced on June 6, 1944, and Fred’s mattress, accompanied by an ample sup- McPherson on April 6, 1943. After one unit landed July 10. He describes the ply of bed bugs.” Daily rations consisted BY Carolyn year at the landing, the of a cup of coffee (made from barley or Gold University of fighting, and other grain) and a quarter kilo of dark Georgia, where life in a fox- German bread in the morning and a bowl he volunteered hole. of small boiled potatoes and another cup for the enlisted Fred of ersatz coffee in the evening. Once a A European Sojourn, 1943-1945: An reserves, he was captured week, they received a patty of mystery Autobiography was called up, when his unit protein called bloodwurst. Some Red By Pvt. Frederick O. Scheer, Serial No. herded through was surround- Cross packages arrived once a month. 14118781 Army induc- ed by Germans Fred describes how the prisoners As recounted to Rear Admiral William tion, and sent soldiers com- stole bits of coal along the railroad track O. Miller JAGC by troop train ing around a and any food they could find in the coun- September 2011 to Fort Riley, hedgerow. tryside. Prisoners worked in the bitter Trafford Publishing (www.trafford.com) Kansas. Thus began his cold during the winter of 1945, and the $37.95 Basic train- period as an potatoes became potato soup, which ing was fol- American grew thinner and thinner. Reading this book is like sitting lowed by living POW, in As the war was drawing to an end, down with a veteran and having him tell in tarpaper Stalag IV-F, Fred managed to escape. He describes you, in comfortable conversation, his huts, where lasting until how that happened and how his folks real war stories. But Fred Scheer’s sto- Kansas dust the end of the back in Eatonton got news first of his ries are not so much about combat. They blew through war in Europe. capture and then of his escape. The book are about being a POW of the Germans the walls. Fred recounts, with equal parts The camp housed prisoners who contains pictures, documents, and news- during World War II. realism and humor, the memories of get- worked on the railroad yard and along paper clippings of these many events. Fred, who has vision problems, ting his M-1 rifle, doing KP duty, prac- the railroad tracks. Fred describes the Fred’s story luckily had a happy gives this credit on the book’s cover: ticing drills, doing calisthenics, and get- clothing issued to prisoners: one shirt, ending, after the many hardships he “As Recounted to Rear Admiral William ting through obstacle courses. one pair of pants, one set of underwear, endured. He tells it all in a kindly voice O. Miller.” Miller, known as “Dusty,” In October 1943, Fred was put on a a pair of socks, and an overcoat. (Most that does not dwell on the horrors, but suggested that Fred write down his POW ship to Europe, landing in Northern overcoats had a bullet hole.) The shoe emphasizes the everyday efforts of a experiences and subsequently helped Ireland to join the 5th Infantry Division. soles were so thin “we started to put young “20 something” managing to sur- him put the book together. Combat training followed for the next pieces of newspaper in them to keep out vive and of some of the everyday people, The story begins when Fred, who eight months. the cold.” French and German, who helped him. January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 45 Martin Luther King, Jr. - A Leader By David Geffen Auburn Avenue was the locale of most black businesses in Atlanta. Some were Reverend “Daddy” King, MLK’s quite successful - one insurance company father, was the chapel speaker at Emory was known nationwide. I was familiar with University’s Glenn Memorial Church in the the area a bit because my father, Louis mid-fifties when I was a student there. At Geffen, an attorney, had black clients. In the that point in time, segregation was rampant thirties, the early years of his law practice, in Atlanta, in spite of the Supreme Court he became known to the black community Martin Luther King, Jr., Mickey Shure Martin Luther King, Jr., and Decision. My fellow students and I won- because he was someone to be trusted. and Peter Geffen Professor Abraham Joshua Heschel dered how Emory could break the color line After his six years as a judge advocate so easily, since the school had no black stu- in the US Army in World War 2, he returned There was a big gap in my life between an “oasis in the desert.” He lauded the dents. Maybe Coca-Cola, the school’s to Atlanta and continued to have individuals that Emory chapel address of the father and Jewish people for assisting the blacks in the biggest donor, was behind the invitation. from this community who came to him for my actually hearing the son, Martin Luther early years of the century and now. The their legal work. I accompanied him often King, Jr. Truth to tell, I did not do much to atmosphere was electric and I recalled when he met them on Auburn Avenue to help overthrow segregation in the U.S. I “Daddy” King at Emory telling us what the find out what needed to be done. I must was not a part of sit-ins, teach-ins, or future held for his people. admit that it was only many years later that marches, but my cousin Peter Geffen was. In the summer of 1963, my wife, Rita, I came to know some of my black contem- In the spring of 1968 he gave me a ride up and I had come to Israel to study. We poraries. Segregation truly kept us apart. to the Rabbinical Assembly convention. missed the March on Washington, since we King continued that day in the past by Held at Kutshers Hotel, the great attraction were in Jerusalem. In an unexpected way citing the Bible. “When Moses was chosen was Martin Luther King, Jr. He was intro- we were able to feel that great moment in to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt, he was duced by his comrade in arms in the strug- US history. Here in Israel, in those days 49 hesitant because his speech was not perfect, gle, Professor Abraham Joshua Heschel. years ago, movies were accompanied by ‘tongue-tied.’ So he called on his brother Heschel gave a moving introduction newsreels. Without TV in Israel then, news Aaron to help him out,” King said. What we before King’s presentation, including these came by radio or by newspaper. Negros know is that we must lead our peo- words. “Martin Luther King, Jr., is a voice, We went to the Paladin Theater on ple out of Egypt and go forward into the a vision and a way. Martin Luther King is a Agrippas a week after the march for a Promised Land. Some of us realize that our sign that God has not forsaken the United movie, but we really wanted to see the speech is not too good, so we need some of States of America. I call upon every Jew to newsreel. There on the screen, we wit- Martin Luther King, Jr. you whites to help us. When you listen to hearken to his voice, to share his vision, to nessed portions of the march, and we heard me, like you are doing today, you are help- follow in his way. The whole future of MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Even Chapel in those days was always on ing us get on the path to a new life. I want America will depend on the impact and more uplifting were the words of a young Wednesday mornings when classes were you to know that by the time you are earn- influence of Dr. King.” man sitting behind us. “Zeh manhig,” he cancelled. You could not “cut” chapel ing a living, we blacks will be on the free- When King spoke, he praised Israel as said and we echoed, “that’s a leader.” because attendance was taken. We marched dom trail in schools, in business, in the arts into the big chapel that day not knowing and in sports. I am proud that Emory what to expect. Present was this all-white brought me here today, and I thank you for audience and a black minister. For all of us being so respectful. Hallelujah!” it was quite a sight and became a morning I told my parents about this experience, to remember. since I lived at home. “They are good peo- The university chaplain introduced ple” was their response. Some of my AEPi King, and we all sat on the edge of our fraternity brothers were in favor of black chairs waiting for him to begin. “Young rights, so they thought King’s message was men,” he began since the school had not great. The person who truly analyzed this gone co-ed, “you are most fortunate to be moment for me was my Professor of poetry, here. When I was your age, I was still per- Floyd C. Watkins. “David, I grew up in Ball forming miniscule tasks with my father. Ground, Georgia, where few people fin- Somehow I got the message, part of it from ished the eighth grade. I knew the local the girl I courted who became my wife, that Negro minister, and he kept saying, ‘Floyd, God had more in store for me. I became a Floyd you got a mind - use it.’ So I feel that minister of the gospel and, in time, became the Negros too have the ability to study and head of the Ebenezer Baptist church on be successful. David, just you wait and Auburn Avenue here in the city.” see.”

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The Jewish Georgian 8495 Dunwoody Place • Suite 100 • Atlanta, GA 30350 Page 46 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 fields at CDC, including chronic disease pre- vention, cancer prevention, smoking and health, food safety, public health preparedness, injury prevention, environmental health, and MISH MASH immunizations. ICDC members learned about how CDC works 24-7 saving lives, protecting people worldwide, and saving money through By Erin O’Shinskey prevention; they plan to incorporate this newly acquired knowledge into ICDC’s 2012 work- MAKING HISTORY. In honor of its 175th ing plan. anniversary, Emory University has designated Elliott Levitas, of the law firm Kilpatrick Marvin Botnick, Harold Berger, and Townsend, one of 175 Emory Historymakers. Morris Brown Mr. Levitas, a Rhodes Scholar, served in the Georgia Legislature (1966-1975) and the U.S. House of Representatives (1975-1985). He served on the plaintiffs’ litigation team in the historic class-action suit of Cobell v. Norton, which sued the federal government on behalf Phyllis Silverstein (from left); Rabbi of more than 500,000 Native Americans for Louis Feldstein, Federation COO; and breach of trust regarding U.S.-held lands and Ronette Throne at Federationʼs Major trust funds; this led to a $3.4 billion settlement, Donor Thank You event the largest class-action award against the gov- ernment in U.S. history. CASINO NIGHT. Nearly 200 people had a great time at Jewish Educational Loan Fund’s ICDC visits CDC: (front) Ross Mason, 2nd annual casino night, JELF: A Sure Bet on founder and managing Director HINRI the Future Casino Night and Silent Auction Labs, Inc.; (back, from left) Dr. Michal Fundraiser, December 3, 2011, at Le Fais Do- Bromberg, head, Infectious Diseases do. The event, chaired by Karen Goldstein, Unit, ICDC; Dr. Inbar Zucker, senior res- Marcey Alter, and Justin Wyatt, raised funds ident, Public Health, ICDC; Sharon for JELF, which provides interest-free loans for Kabalo, deputy consul general of Israel post-secondary study at accredited institutions to the Southeast; Anneke Ifrah, head, to Jewish students from communities in Publications Department, ICDC; Shelley Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Castaldi, director of Academic Affairs, Carolina, and Virginia. Applications for the SEPHARDIC BAKING. The Mt. Scopus Consulate General of Israel to the 2012-2013 academic year will be available at Group of Greater Atlanta Hadassahʼs Southeast; Opher Aviran, consul gener- www.jelf.org on March 1. Sephardic Baking Event with Sarah al of Israel to the Southeast; Michael Duwell took place November 6, at a Edmeades; Dr. Tamy Shohat, director, Elliott Levitas kosher home of a member. The money ICDC; Dr. Lital Keinan-Boker, deputy raised by this event will help Hadassah director, ICDC; and Talyah Aviran FEDERATION HONORED. At its biennial support its two state-of-the-art hospi- convention, the Union for Reform Judaism’s tals doing breakthrough medical Synagogue-Federation Relations Committee research in Jerusalem. Sarah Duwell presents the Shutafim Award for Outstanding holds a cookie sheet of biscochos de Federation/Synagogue Partnerships to three huevo, a sugar cookie, as Mt. Scopus communities—one small, one mid-sized, and member Julia Alvo looks on. one large. The UJA-Federation of New York, the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, and The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts were honored at URJ’s Casino Night guests at tables December convention, outside Washington, D.C. Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and ANNUAL MEETING. At JELF’s 135th nine other Federations (Princeton Mercer Annual Meeting, December 15, at Marcus Bucks; Springfield, Illinois; Tulsa; New Hillel Center, Emory University, a new presi- Mexico; Ft. Worth & Tarrant County; Broward dent was inducted—Ed Hyken, who is not only Etz Chaim Preschool students recently County; Greater New Orleans; and Greater a seasoned JELF volunteer, but also a past loan learned about “Parsha Bereshet,” the Toronto) were recognized for meritorious recipient. JELF also thanked and acknowl- story of creation. Sophie Levy and Milo cooperation and mutual support. edged outgoing President Jeff Alperin for his Medoff explore their shadows while excellent leadership over the past two years, learning about light and darkness. LOCAL PROFESSIONALS ON NATIONAL awarding him a place on the JELF Honor Roll. TEAM. Two Jewish Federation of Greater Lisa Salzman of Durham, North Carolina, and “Beyond Politics: Inspirational People Atlanta professionals have been selected to Howard Wexler, of Atlanta, were awarded the of Israel” was the subject of the Mt. serve on Jewish Federations of North Garber Family Service Award, which recog- Scopus Group of Greater Atlanta America’s 10-person Professional nizes newer board members and up-and-com- Hadassah meeting, November 9, at the Development Institute Leadership Team. ing leaders. Chamblee Library. Anita Levy presents Ronette Throne, vice president of Community speaker and author Ronda Robinson a Campaign, and Phyllis Silverstein, vice presi- Hadassah certificate in honor of her dent of Planned Giving & Endowment, will presentation. assist in planning this year’s skill-building con- ference, in coordination with other Federation DELEGATION VISITS ATLANTA. Top lead- professionals from around the country. The ers from the Israeli Center for Disease Control As part of a unit about Parsha conference will unite development profession- recently made an unprecedented working visit Bereshet,” the story of creation, Etz als to discuss new ideas about integration and to the Centers for Disease Control and Chaim Preschool students gathered new models of development, as well as address Prevention in Atlanta. The delegation consult- interesting objects from nature to timely and critical issues. ed with several directors and experts in various examine in the classroom. Pictured Jeff Alperin and Rob Smulian (from left) are Tzvi Gan, Julia Goldberg, January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 47 Sophie Levy, Ethan Efrat, Ellison Krivutza, Milo Medoff, Hannah Buxbaum, Daniel Barchichat, and Jackson Greiner Service! Where is it? COOKIN’. Support The Temple Early visor? Another supervisor? I am just Learning Center and get some delicious recipes living with it right now. in the bargain. The TELC cookbook, Not Just And then there was the office sup- Chicken Soup, is now available for just $20. It BY Marice ply company that did not want to give comes packed with recipes collected from me the rewards I had accumulated, Temple members, as well as helpful tips and Mrs. Dena Friedman and Mrs. Elana Katz because they said the answer I gave to tricks for every kitchen situation. Discount Shenk lead Torah Day School of Atlanta a privacy question was incorrect. The pricing is available for bulk orders, but act fast question: Where were you born? I told kindergarten students in singing A recent article in The Wall Street before they’re gone. To place an order, contact them Durham, North Carolina. They Chanukah songs for the residents at Journal Magazine featured a gentle- Karen Luscher at [email protected], Summerʼs Landing assisted living facil- did not accept that, and I heatedly told man who had been CEO of an exclu- or call The TELC at 404-872-8668. ity. (Photo: D. Kapenstein) them I certainly knew in which city I sive store some years ago. He talked was born. When I told this to the head JEWISH HERITAGE CONTEST. The 9th about how disgusting retail is now, not manager, he said, “Oh, for Pete’s sake; Annual Jewish Heritage Contest is a writing like in the old days, when the salespeo- I am so sorry you had to go through competition that offers a creative opportunity ple wore proper outfits and treated cus- that.” for fostering strong Jewish identity among tomers royally. It reminded me of how Of course, we have all had the middle-school students. Entries are judged on frustrated I often get when so little con- experience of being transferred from originality of thought and quality of writing in sideration is shown the ones paying one section of a company to another. three categories: creative writing (essay); true their wages: the customers. And it is story: personal or family; and poetry. The con- And still not getting the department we not just retail. test deadline is April 16. For details, visit needed. I don’t want to identify the ones at www.jewishheritagecontest.com. One final thing: I was on the phone fault, but take one of the big telephone all afternoon recently with someone companies. I was talked into signing up JOB SEEKER STRESS. Are you dealing with overseas, because my new printer has for a new service a few years ago, and the emotional stress of being unemployed and never worked, and the company from looking for a job? Job loss can take you on a my phones have not worked properly which I purchased it refused to roller coaster of emotions—anger, fear, relief, Epsteinʼs 4th-grade choir performed for since. Yes, I have had technicians out— exchange it for another. Why? Because and hope for a new direction. JF&CS offers a a group of Holocaust survivors at their three in a row—and the last was a the deadline for that was 14 days, and support group where you can release your monthly social gathering, Café Europa. supervisor. He fixed the new problem nobody told me that. Well, I got it emotions and reinvigorate with other job seek- Afterward, they worked on decorating that the previous tech created, but now cookies to be donated to a homeless fixed, but it took all afternoon. ers as you move through this transition. Come my fax rings when my phone rings. To shelter. Thanks for letting me vent. share stories, experiences, ideas, and whom do you complain about a super- resources—without the pressure of needing to be “on.” Contact Betsy Frasier at 770-677- 9310. Page 48 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 Atlanta Scholars Kollel at 25 Jewish Unity Live honors Rabbi Deutsch In late August 1987, three newly Jewish Unity Live 2012 will be an anniversary extravaganza for Atlanta Scholars ordained rabbis, from Baltimore’s Ner Israel Kollel, which is celebrating 25 years. The kollel rabbis will stroll down memory lane Rabbinical College, and their families packed and pay tribute to Rabbi Menachem Deutsch for his years of vision, creativity, and up all their earthly belongings and drove in leadership. caravan style to Atlanta to begin a brand new Jewish Unity Live 2012 takes place March 11, at the Woodruff Arts Center. To concept: the “outreach kollel.” (The term kol- register, visit www.atlantakollel.org, or call Marcia at the home office at 404-321-4085. lel, literally “inclusive” in Hebrew, was adopt- ed in pre-war Europe to refer to a group of advanced Torah scholars, typically married, who later taught part-time at Torah Day study on all levels of Jewish literacy. The who study in a post-yeshiva framework.) School. In July of 1990, Rabbi Deutsch Dome, in Dunwoody, is home to Kollel The idea was to create a cross between a teamed up with the Atlanta Jewish Federation Institute, a comprehensive overview program Jewish think-tank and a community outreach to hire Rabbi Michoel Lipschutz, to address for adults with minimal Jewish knowledge, center. The young rabbis would study Rabbi Menachem Deutsch, found- the acculturation of Atlanta’s Russian Jewish consisting of four courses: Jewish History, Talmudic law together and then go out into the ing dean of ASK, 1987-2010 immigrants. Jewish Living, Jewish Thought, and the Book community at large to teach, inspire, encour- In 1989, Rabbi Friedman helped organize (Bible). The Free Hebrew Crash Course age, and connect Jews to their precious her- The mission of ASK was simple: to pro- the Jewish Educational Alliance, a student- (offered in both locations) guarantees reading itage. What was novel about this new venture mote Torah study in Atlanta. Rabbi Herbert based organization at Emory University. proficiency in five sessions—or your money was the communal outreach component. The Cohen, of Yeshiva High School of Atlanta Eventually, in 1997, the kollel recruited the back! few dozen kollels in the states at the time were (today Yeshiva Atlanta), graciously offered talented Rabbi Ahron Golding, to expand the Although it now has the bricks and mor- full-time learning centers. This was the dawn the school’s Beis Midrash as a place to start. college outreach efforts to include Georgia tar, ASK continues to bring Torah learning to of a new beginning. Within a few weeks, the kollel rabbis were Tech, Life Chiropractic College, and the people throughout the metro area: adult begin- The story begins during the preceding passionately absorbed in their own Torah University of Georgia for Shabbatons and ners’ prayer services on both Sabbath and summers, when Ner Israel sent Rabbi study, as if they were still in Baltimore; now, weeknight learning. In 2005, Rabbi Golding weekdays; weekly learning and social events Binyomin Friedman and his wife, Dena, to to share that passion with the rest of the city! became the first kollel rabbi in the U.S. to be for singles and young couples; numerous lead the Atlanta Summer Kollel, which was It became evident to Rabbi Deutsch that, appointed as Hillel rabbi. In 2006 and 2008 lunch-and-learns in corporate and profession- hosted by Congregation Beth Jacob. Rabbi in order to make Torah study accessible to all respectively, ASK expanded the college pro- al offices, hospitals, the MJCCA, schools, and Ilan Feldman was then assistant rabbi to his Jews, the kollel would have to embrace an gram even further with the arrival of Rabbis private homes; women’s study groups, and father, Rabbi Emanuel Feldman, and, as he activist stance, seeking out local Jews and Shlomo Gelbtuch and Yaakov Fleshel. Today, Jewish teen clubs. Torah Media Atlanta contemplated his future in the rabbinate, the offering them multiple modalities for Jewish learning opportunities are offered at Emory (www.torahmediaatlanta.com), a privately idea of bringing a year-round kollel was very learning. This stance was reflected in the kol- University, Georgia Tech, Georgia State operated and funded website that is a veritable appealing. He and his brothers grew up in an lel’s original public mission statement: University, University of Georgia, Oglethorpe repository of thousands of Torah lectures and Atlanta that was warm and nurturing, but it “Whether you’re Reform, Conservative, University, and Kennesaw State University. classes delivered in Atlanta, was conceived was a time when only he and his brothers Orthodox, unaffiliated, or somewhere in Meanwhile, in 1994, Rabbi Silverman and first hosted on the ASK website. wore yarmulkes to Braves games or were between, the Atlanta Scholars Kollel (ASK) is began to take his experience working with In 2006, ASK recruited a full-time rosh Sabbath-observant. A kollel would provide your most vibrant source for Jewish learning Jewish teens on the road and reach out to the kollel (traditional title of the academic head of collegial support, model a spiritually commit- in Atlanta!” many who were enrolled in non-Jewish pri- a learning kollel), Rabbi Doniel Pransky, from ted lifestyle, and share the beauty of Judaism Rabbis David Silverman and Yaakov vate high schools. The students would meet the Columbus Community Kollel, in Ohio. with Georgians who might never set foot in an Schwartz began their day teaching at Yeshiva after school with the “cool” rabbi, in both Rabbi Pransky’s primary role is to direct the Orthodox shul. High School. In the afternoons, the rabbis’ group and one-on-one encounters. The pro- scholarly learning of the rabbis and other For Rabbi Ilan Feldman and the young learning took place in the school’s Beis gram was eventually embraced by school advanced students of Torah in the community. enthusiastic Rabbi Friedman, it was obvious Midrash. In the evenings, classes were formed administrators, and Rabbi Silverman was He is a first-class Talmud scholar, as well as a that this was the right idea. The question was: for those whose interest had been piqued, and invited to meet with the students at a “Jewish prolific teacher for both men and women on How? They brought the matter to the attention “homegroups” were created, leveraging social lunch club” to discuss topics of interest over topics ranging from Jewish philosophy to of the head of the yeshiva—Rabbi Feldman’s circles, for teaching introductory classes about kosher pizza. Over the years, Woodward, Tanach (Bible) to intricate matters of halacha father-in-law, the revered scholar and commu- Judaism. The topics were intriguing—some- Westminster, Pace, Paideia, International, and (Jewish law). nal leader, Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg z”l. times light and sometimes heavy. The rabbis Lovett schools have all hosted the rabbi. Rabbi Weinberg promptly suggested that recall with a chuckle that often, at the end of a Recently, North Springs High School, a public Rabbi Menachem Deutsch—who had just homegroup, as the rabbi thought he would school, opened its doors to the program. rejuvenated a once-floundering fundraising field one or two more questions before people One of the most far-reaching projects that campaign on behalf of Chinuch Atzmai, a pri- headed for the door, someone would innocent- ASK has facilitated to date is the development vate school system in Israel—consider taking ly drop a bomb, such as: “Rabbi, so how do of Jewish learning in Dunwoody. Together, the lead role in founding the Atlanta Scholars you explain the Holocaust?” or “Do you real- Rabbis Deutsch and Friedman implemented Kollel (ASK). A special bouquet of flowers ly believe that the Red Sea split?” the gradual process, first leasing a storefront for Shabbos, sent by the Feldmans to the After several months, Rabbis Shmuel in a strip mall off of Jett Ferry Road; then pur- Deutsch family, sealed the deal. Khoshkerman and Binyomin Friedman joined chasing a residential property on Sandell Would the Atlanta Jewish community the ASK team. Rabbi Khoshkerman set out to Court, which Rabbi Deutsch helped pay for support the kollel and its families? Chuck and address the needs of a fledgling Iranian com- through a second mortgage on his own home; Leslie Lowenstein were the first to answer the munity in Atlanta; today, he is rav and spiritu- and finally purchasing the present site of call. Their lead commitment, in July 1987, al guide to several hundred Jews across the Congregation Ariel on Tilly Mill Road, which blazed the trail for others to embrace a kollel, spectrum of Sephardic Jewry at Congregation is today the hub of a thriving community The current rabbinical staff of ASK even though most of the people didn’t know Ner Hamizrach, as well as a sought-after under the loving guidance of Rabbi Friedman exactly what a kollel was. authority and author of works on Jewish law. and his renowned rebbetzin, “Morah Dena.” In April 2011, Rabbi Deutsch spread his After the kollel arrived, Rabbi Deutsch Rabbi Friedman captured his audiences with Over the past decade, Rabbis Daniel Freitag wings and became the North American coor- configured an office in his basement, hiring his thought-provoking Torah classes. After a and Michoel Friedman (no relation to dinator of college outreach for the Wolfson- “Bubby” Ethel Cenker as the secretary, open- friendship with community activist Adrian Binyomin) have moved into the Dunwoody Horn Foundation. After months of “down- ing a business account, and setting the annual Grant was ignited on a Federation mission to community to assist the congregational rabbi loading” twenty-four years of experience and calendar. Many decisions needed to be made: Israel, the two friends piloted the first lunch- with classes and outreach. sheer memory to his successors, Rabbi When does the rabbis’ learning part of the day and-learn at Adrian’s CPA firm, Aarons Grant ASK’s two-pronged focus on Torah Deutsch handed the keys to Rabbis Silverman start? What is our mission statement? How do & Habif. Today, the lunch-and-learn concept learning and community outreach has been and Pransky to lead the kollel into its next we attract students when they don’t even is ubiquitous, adopted by many communal eternalized in the construction and dedicated phase of growth and success. know what a kollel is or what learning Torah organizations throughout metro Atlanta. use of its two learning facilities. The state-of- In mid-January, ASK launched its new is all about? When they find out, will they still Two years later, ASK expanded with the the-art ASK Beis Midrash on Lavista Road website, www.atlantakollel.org, to connect want to participate? How do we start a Beis addition of Rabbi Menashe Goldberger, (contiguous with Congregation Beth Jacob) is people to Jewish learning on the cutting edge. Midrash (Torah study hall)? What happens whose charge was to strengthen the learning occupied over 16 hours a day, by adults and when the initial funding runs out? in the kollel community Beis Midrash and teens in classes and one-on-one chavrusa January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 49 A note of gratitude from a rookie softball coach

By Marc Frost an extra dimension, and this family feeling spread throughout the team. While no one Having read and enjoyed Jerry hit the ball over the fence for a home run— Schwartz’s “Schwartz On Sports” column ever—the camaraderie and cohesiveness in The Jewish Georgian, I was motivated to melded for a winning combination. write about my firsthand experience as a Teamwork, defense, and respect for rookie coach at the Marcus Jewish fellow players during the game and in the Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA). dugout were paramount. We discouraged What a thrill it was for me. I only hope that negative remarks to one another on and off I can approach what Jerry does in capturing the field, realizing that mutual respect leads the excitement and camaraderie that is part to teamwork and focusing on the next of this scene. inning. This is what amateur athletics is While I played baseball in my younger supposed to be about. And if you can win, years in New York, 2011 was only my sec- that’s not too bad, either. ond year of playing at MJCCA. I so enjoyed Whatever the ingredients were, they the experience, that when the Fall League worked. concluded, I decided to try my hand at For anyone considering playing this coaching. The team ranged from people in upcoming Spring 2012 season, come on their 20s to those in their 60s, and some had out. Call the MJCCA, and, whether you’ve participated for over 30 years. played before or not, you’ll find a great MJCCA Menʼs Softball Tournament Champs: (front, from left) Todd Mitman Coaching added a new dimension to group of guys who take the league and com- (supersub), Neil Weisenfeld, and Josh Tolchin (supersub); (standing) my sports participation. Naturally, there petition seriously but know it’s a recreation- Jeremy Zisholtz, Dr. Barry Zisholtz, Josh Perlstein, Jack Arogeti, Captain were lows, including a 7-game losing al league. You’ll find an environment where Mark Frost, Michael “Diggs” Grosswald, Scott Arogeti, Wayne Aronson, and streak. But, like the World Series-winning you can make friends with people who have Jeremy Friedman. Not pictured: Harris Weinstein St. Louis Cardinals, our players got hot at respect for one another and the game. the right time. Although we were underdogs kept the book and would e-mail me recaps Scott Arogeti, Jack’s son; and Jeremy Special thanks to fellow coaches Jody in all three playoff games, we swept those of each game and season-to-date statistics, Friedman, whom we traded for after the Blanke, Gene Benator, Todd Schecter, and three teams, winning the season-finale which helped me tweak our lineup for the draft and who played outstanding shortstop Greg Eisenman, who set admirable coach- championship game by a 14-2 score. What upcoming game. and had many big hits. Catcher John ing and personal examples and helped make a thrill! Outfielders Wayne Aronson and Neil Perlstein performed yeoman’s duties as “a finding substitute players less stressful. Success in baseball and softball starts Weisenfeld played on our teams in both the pitcher’s catcher” and often batted as clean- I’m looking forward, G-d willing, to with a pitcher, and Jack Arogeti, who re- Spring and Fall Leagues, and their experi- up hitter. Michael “Diggs” Grosswald had coaching next year and would gladly take activated himself to play in the 2011 Spring ence, outfield dependability, and leadoff hit after hit, and it seemed as though he, the same ten players. While a competitive and Fall Leagues, filled that bill. Having batting consistencies were tremendous Neil, Wayne, Josh Pearlstein, and Jeremy draft is likely to preclude that, I am so glad played and become friends with Jack in the assets throughout our 24-game 2011 sea- would be on base every time I looked up. to be part of this fun and competitive Spring League on Michael Kornheiser’s sons. We also drafted young guys, including This was perhaps the first time ever at league. And that’s always worth giving championship team (we won 11 of 12 newcomer Jeremy Zisholtz, son of team- MJCCA that there were two father-son thanks for. games), I was excited to not only have him mate Barry Zisholtz; Harris Weinstein; combinations playing together. This added as a player but also to help me coach. Jack William Breman Jewish Home remembers residents at First Annual Memorial Service On Sunday, December 11, The handwritten chronicle of her experiences in William Bremen Jewish Home remem- concentration camps. She did this to help bered former residents who died in the past staff understand the needs of other sur- twelve months, with a candle lighting and vivors. Ms. Russ’ two sons attended the remembrance service in The Home’s memorial and expressed appreciation to Garson Auditorium. The new tradition pro- The Home’s staff for “making her life vided an opportunity for staff and current much richer.” residents to remember the deceased and to The remembrance service is part of provide comfort to their families. The Home’s ongoing Culture Change Led by The Home’s Culture Change efforts to create a place that looks and feels Team with assistance from in-house chap- more like home. Staff members are consis- lain Cantor Donna Faye Marcus, the tently assigned to the same “neighborhood” poignant non-denominational service was and the same residents. Staff members sprinkled with touching and sometimes become family with the residents, and the humorous anecdotes from family members, residents’ families become extended family current residents, and staff. Each of the 41 to others in The Home. residents was remembered individually. As The William Breman Jewish Home has the person’s name was read, a family mem- been providing skilled nursing care in the ber was invited to light a candle. For those Jewish tradition for over 60 years. As one who did not have family present, a staff of Atlanta’s leading senior residential care member close to that individual lit a can- Jewish Home Culture Change Team lights the final remembrance candle providers, the Home also owns and oper- dle. Many families expressed appreciation ates The Zaban Tower, an independent and to The Home’s staff, and some recounted our lives,” says Harley Tabak, CEO of The time and appreciate being part of their lives assisted living community for low-income stories about their loved ones’ experiences Home. “While the end of life is part of our for however long they were part of ours.” seniors, and The Cohen Home, an assisted at The Home. job, our residents become our extended Among the memorialized was Irene living community in Johns Creek. For more “The service gave our staff and resi- family. They are our grandmothers, sisters, Russ. A Holocaust survivor, she left a last- information on The William Breman dents a way to honor those who impacted uncles, and fathers. We feel the loss each ing legacy at The Home by donating a Jewish Home, visit www.wbjh.org. Page 50 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012 and former Scouts are cordially invited served as a Hadassah volunteer nurse in to attend this special Saturday morning a refugee transit camp during Israel’s Thought You’d Like To Know service. For more information, contact early days of statehood. Sponsorship Scoutmaster Benator at 404-634-2137 opportunities are available. For details, By Jonathan Barach or [email protected]. call 678-443-2961, or visit FUN RAISER. The Mt. Scopus group www.atlanta.hadassah.org. SHUTTLE BUS FOR OLDER of Greater Atlanta Hadassah will usher HEREDITY AND ENVIRONMENT. ADULTS. The Toco Hills Senior in the new year with a “Fun Raiser.” Nature vs. Nuture: How Heredity and LET IT SNOW. Visiting Nurse Health Coalition invites the community to hear The event takes place Saturday, January Environment Impact Learning and System is moving its annual Big-To-Do about and provide feedback on the pro- 28, 7:30 p.m., at the home of a member Behavior is presented by the Taylor to Stone Mountain Park’s Snow posed routes of a pilot shuttle bus to and will feature improv comedy group Family Speaker Series and The Amit Mountain. This event, benefiting serve older adults, age 60 and over. The Southern Fried Schnitzel. The cover Program. Guest panelists are Carol Ann VNHS’ Children’s Program, takes place meeting is January 25, 10:30-11:30 charge is $25/person. Kosher hors Brannon, MS, RD/LD, nutrition thera- Sunday, February 12, 3:00-6:00 p.m., a.m., at the Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams d’oeuvres and desserts will be served. pist; Leslie Rubin, MD, developmental and includes tubing down Snow Library, 1282 McConnell Drive, For more information about this pro- pediatrician; and Brocha Tarshish, MD, Mountain, other outdoor activities, and Decatur. The pilot is a collaborative gram, contact Suzy Tibor at 404-636- Emory Genetics. This event takes place hot snacks indoors. Attendees can enjoy effort of the Toco Hills Senior 8582 or [email protected]. For February 5, at The Epstein School, 335 Snow Mountain all day, plus two hours Coalition, the DeKalb County Office of information about Hadassah and other Colewood Way, Atlanta. Registration is of private use of the snow tubing slopes Senior Affairs, and the Georgia upcoming events, contact Edie Barr at 10:30 a.m., and the program is 11:00 between 3:00-6:00 p.m. Individual tick- Department of Human Services, with 404-325-0340 or a.m.-2:00 p.m. RSVP by January 27. ets are $60; ticket packages are avail- the support of Commissioner Jeff [email protected]. Register by phone at 404-961-9966. able at $5,000, $2,500, and $1,000. Rader’s office. Contact Karen Harvell Lunch is included with $18 pre-regis- Children under 36” tall are free. Tickets at 770-766-9318 or Kharvell@jfcs- FACING AGING. Aging: Facing the tration. are available at www.vnhs.org and atlanta.org for more information. Facts, Fears & Feelings is January 29, include free parking and a memorable 2:00-5:00 p.m., at Temple Emanu-El. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. The gift for kids. THE MATCHMAKER. One of the Aging is something everyone will deal GHA Players will present Beauty and favorites of the 2011 Atlanta Jewish with, whether it’s an aging parent, a the Beast, a musical directed by Mira HUNGER WALK/RUN. The 28th Film Festival, The Matchmaker is a spouse, or our personal journey. Just Hirsch, starring Zoe Aaron as Belle, annual Hunger Walk/Run is March 11, remarkable coming-of-age story filled after the holiday season is when we Brett Feldman as The Beast/Prince, and at Turner Field. The 5k event benefits with emotion and combining young often see red flags that tell us something Kevin Feldman as Gaston. Come sing the Atlanta Community Food Bank and love and Holocaust memory. The vivid, may not be quite right with a loved one. along with Belle, The Beast, Gaston, five other local nonprofits: Action quirky characters touch audiences in a This workshop, co-sponsored with the and the entire cast. Performances are Ministries-United Methodists, sensitive and sincere way. The Atlanta Rabbinical Association, will February 1, 4:15 p.m. (open seating); Episcopal Charities Foundation, Jewish Congregation Or Hadash Film Series explore various components of aging February 2, 7:30 p.m. (reserved seat- Federation of Greater Atlanta, Lutheran presents The Matchmaker, Wednesday, and caregiving and provide practical ing/opening night); February 5, 11:00 Services of Georgia, and Society of St. January 25, 7:00 p.m., at the congrega- resources and information. This event is a.m. (open seating), and February 5, Vincent de Paul. Gates open at noon; tion’s sanctuary on the Weber School free and open to the community. For 3:00 p.m. (reserved seating/closing the run/walk begins at 2:00 p.m. The campus. This event is free and open to more information contact show). Order tickets at tickets.ghacade- $25 runner’s fee includes a moisture- the public. Donations are requested. [email protected] or visit your- my.org or 404-843-9900. wicking T-shirt; walkers who donate RSVP to [email protected] or 404- toolsforliving.org/calendar/view/996/da $25 or more receive an official Hunger 250-3338. te/2012-01-29. SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE. Walk/Run 2012 T-shirt. Register online Congregation Or Hadash welcomes or the day of the event. For more infor- MONEY MATTERS—JEWISH BUSI- ON THE RUN. On the Run in Nazi Rabbi David Golinkin for its Scholar- mation or to register, visit NESS ETHICS. Is Judaism socialist or Berlin is Bert Lewyn’s vivid memoir of in-Residence Weekend at the congrega- www.HWR2012.org. capitalist? Who is responsible for pre- growing up in Nazi Germany. In 1942, tion’s sanctuary on the Weber School venting poverty? Is unionization a the Gestapo arrested Bert and his par- campus. David Golinkin is a rabbi, GUYS AND DOLLS. Jerry’s Habima Jewish ideal? Must Walmart pay its ents. His parents were deported to a author of many books, and president of Theatre kicks off its 19th season with workers a livable wage? Where would concentration camp, and 18-year-old the Schechter Institute of Jewish Guys and Dolls, March 22-April 1. you draw the line? Chabad of Cobb Bert was forced to work in a weapons Studies in Jerusalem. The weekend Featured in American Theatre presents an ethical, Talmudic, and legal factory. Co-authored with his daughter- begins February 10 with Shabbat Magazine, Jerry’s Habima Theatre is debate on current economic issues. This in-law, Bev Saltzman, Bert’s book is the Dinner and Conversations (immediately Georgia’s only theatrical company six-session series, accredited for 9 CLE story of his escape and courageous following Servicio de Shabbat); the cost directed and produced by professionals ethics credits for attorneys, takes place struggle to survive underground. The is $12 for COH members and $18 for and featuring actors with developmen- Wednesdays, 7:30-9:00 p.m., beginning Lewyn family will discuss the book at non-members; RSVP (required) to com- tal disabilities. All productions are held January 25. The fee is $89/individuals, 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 29, at [email protected] or 404-250- at the MJCCA’s Morris & Rae Frank $160/couples, and includes a book; Temple Kehillat Chaim. This event is 3338. There will be a post-Shabbat kid- Theatre. General admission tickets are there is a fee for credit based on free; refreshments will be provided. dush discussion, February 11, and Art $35, and $15 for children 12 and under. Georgia Bar rates. Register at Reservations are appreciated; contact and Midrash: An Illustrated Guide, Tickets for MJCCA members are $25, www.myjli.com. Call 770-565-4412 [email protected]. February 12, at 10:15 a.m. and $10 for children 12 and under. For x300 or e-mail tickets or additional information, call [email protected] for details. SCOUT SHABBAT. In observation of 100 YEARS. In commemoration of the MJCCA’s Box Office at 678-812- Scouting’s 102-year anniversary, Boy Hadassah’s 100th birthday, Greater 4002, or visit www.atlantajcc.org. Scout Troop 73 will observe the Scout Atlanta Hadassah will hold a Shabbat by participating in Saturday Centennial Celebration featuring FOR TEEN BOYS. Chabad of Cobb morning services at Congregation Or Celebrity Chef Tina Wasserman, offers a teen program for all boys in VeShalom, February 4, 9:15 a.m.-12:00 February 26, 1:00-4:00 p.m., at the grades 8-12, led by Noah Pawliger. noon. Troop 73 will observe its 62nd Greenfield Hebrew Academy, which is Snacks will be provided. The boys meet anniversary under the leadership of open to the entire community. Ms. for an evening of fun, current events, Scoutmaster Josiah V. Benator. Wasserman will treat attendees to a and community service. The fee is $10. Scoutmaster Benator will also observe lively presentation, and guests will Contact [email protected] or his 77-year anniversary in Scouting. enjoy a special tasting of her recipes. call 770-565-4412 x300 for more infor- During its 62 years, Troop 73 has seen The event will also honor longtime Life mation, dates, and times. 42 scouts earn the Eagle Badge. Current Member Florence Nathanson, who January-February 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 51 Page 52 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN January-February 2012