JewishTHE Georgian Volume 27, Number 5 Atlanta, Georgia July-August 2015 FREE WHAT’S INSIDE 88 is the new 13 At Congregation Dor Tamid, Bob May proves that it’s never to late for a bar mitzvah. By Rabbi Lauren S. Cohn Page 38 A New Rabbi for Congregation TBT Roswell congregation Temple Beth Tikvah welcomes its new senior rabbi, Alexandria Shuval-Weiner, this month. Page 26 The Man Behind the Statue The University of Virginia’s statue of Thomas Jefferson was the creation of artist Moses Jacob Ezekiel, the first Jewish cadet at Virginia Military Institute. By Stan M. Lefco Page 5 From Silicon Valley to the Pulpit Rabbi Spike Anderson, a former tech entrepreneur, is the new senior rabbi at Temple Emanu-El of Greater Atlanta. Page 7 On the Wing Honor Flight, a network of volunteer pilots, takes war veterans on unforgettable trips to Washington, D.C. By Leon Socol Page 30 A New Season MJCCA Arts & Culture opens its 2015- 2016 season, on August 16, with the beloved musical Mary Poppins. Page 16 Page 2 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015 Let the Bell ring and the horn sound of Independence. The seed of this of the Freedom of their Consciences, under the Civil Government, shall be document, all that went before its as to their Religious Profession and in any Case molested or prejudiced, in creation and all that has developed since Worship: And Almighty God being the his or their Person or Estate, because of its adoption, has grown and flourished in only Lord of Conscience, Father of his or their conscientious Persuasion of BY Marvin the fertile soil of our Practice, nor be compelled to frequent country to produce the The Liberty Bell or maintain any religious Worship, Botnick bounties of a crop of Place or Ministry, contrary to his or opportunities, medical their Mind, or to do or suffer any Act advancements, or Thing, contrary to their religious intellectual Persuasion. For me, July has always been a advancements, The casting of the Liberty highlight calendar month. In particular, human achievements, Bell was commissioned by the the fourth day of this month has special beneficent Pennsylvania Assembly to celebrate meaning for two reasons. contributions, and the 50th anniversary of the drafting and First, but certainly not the most human dignity. publishing of this remarkable document. important reason, is that this is the While not utopian, Knowing this, the significance of the day that we were told we could start our resulting nation bell, what it represents in its totality, and eating watermelon. Growing up in south has reached heights the importance as part of the narrative of Mississippi, watermelon and summer previously unknown, the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of this were synonymous, but we were told that which has afforded us wonderful land, takes on even greater if we ate this delicacy before July 4 we a greater chance for meaning and relevance. would get sick. The reasoning given for achievement and comfort than had been Lights and Spirits; and the Author as The Fourth of July is a happy, fun this was that the first melons to market known. well as Object of all divine Knowledge, day with family gatherings, picnics, got the best price, and that the farmers The day also focuses on Philadelphia, Faith and Worship, who only doth and community celebrations. But sometimes over-fertilized them to get the city in which the Declaration was enlighten the Minds, and persuade more importantly, it is a ceremonial this higher price. drafted and signed. When we visualize and convince the Understandings of acknowledgment and reminder of the But more important and significant the acts involved with the breaking away People, I do hereby grant and declare, bounties we, United States residents, is the annual national recognition from Great Britain, the iconic symbol of That no Person of Persons, inhabiting have had bestowed on us. It is not just and celebration on the Fourth of the bell in Philadelphia, which is now in the Province or Territories, who a day off from work. It is, and should July of the United States Declaration known as the Liberty Bell, is the one shall confess and acknowledge One be, a reminder to each generation of the that most commonly comes to mind. It is almighty God, the Creator, Upholder creation of this remarkable republic; a uncertain if the bell actually was rung on day to reflect on THE that July 4th, but its name came from the our good fortune Jewish Georgian inscription on the bell from Leviticus: to live in this “Proclaim liberty throughout the land S.S. Haverford land that offers TThe Jewish Georgian is published bimonthly by Eisenbolt, Ltd. It is written for Atlantans and Georgians by Atlantans and Georgians. unto all the inhabitants thereof.” opportunity. Lost in the narrative of the bell is the For me, there Publisher Marvin Botnick story of why it was cast. In 1701, William is an additional Co-Publisher Sam Appel Penn, “Proprietary and Governor of the attachment to Editor Marvin Botnick Province of Pennsylvania and Territories the significance Managing Editor Marsha C. LaBeaume Assignment Editor Carolyn Gold thereunto belonging,” published the of this holiday— Consulting Editor Gene Asher “Charter of Rights and Privileges,” Philadelphia Associate Editor Barbara Schreiber setting forth what rights and privileges itself. In 1906, Copy Editor Ray Tapley he had granted to “all the Freemen, the American Makeup Editor Terri Christian Planters and Adventurers therein.” Line ship S.S. Production Coordinator Terri Christian The first provision of this amazing Haverford sailed Designer David Gaudio Photographic Staff Allan Scher, Jonathan Paz document states the following: out of the port Graphic Art Consultant Karen Paz Because no People can be truly of Liverpool, Columnist Gene Asher, Jonathan Barach, happy, though under the greatest and Ruler of the World; and profess him England, to Philadelphia bringing Janice Rothschild Blumberg, Enjoyment of Civil Liberties, if abridged or themselves obliged to live quietly roughly 20,000 immigrants to this Marvin Botnick, David Geffen, Carolyn Gold, Jonathan Goldstein, country. On one of those crossings the R.M. Grossblatt, George S. Jordan, passenger manifest lists my grandmother Marice Katz, Balfoura Friend Levine, Marsha Liebowitz, Bubba Meisa, and seven of her children, including my Erin O’Shinsky, Reg Regenstein, mother. Despite what must have been a Stuart Rockoff, Roberta Scher, THE trying, difficult journey that started in Jerry Schwartz, Leon Socol, On The Cover Rabbi Reuven Stein, Ruben Stanley Belarus, for me and my family, what a Cecile Waronker Jewish Georgian Volume 27, Number 5 Atlanta, Georgia July-August 2015 FREE glorious landing did Philadelphia offer WHAT’S INSIDE SIX GENERATIONS OF JEWISH as they disembarked from that magic Advertising Ruby Grossblatt 88 is the new 13 At Congregation Dor Tamid, Bob May Michael Pelot proves that it’s never to late for a bar CAMPING — 1930 to 1980. Photos carpet that lifted them up from the fear mitzvah. By Rabbi Lauren S. Cohn Page 33 A New Rabbi for of Jewish Georgian campers and degradation to a future of hope, Congregation TBT Roswell congregation Temple Beth from Camp Barney Medintz, freedom, and liberty. Tikvah welcomes its new senior rabbi, Editorial Advisory Board Members Alexandria Shuval-Weiner, this month. Page 26 Camp Fendig, and Camp Daniel So when I hear in my mind’s eye Sam Appel Rabbi Alvin Sugarman Sam Massell The Man Behind the Statue Jane Axelrod William Rothschild Gil Bachman The University of Virginia’s statue of Morgan. These and hundred of the ringing of the Liberty Bell on the Thomas Jefferson was the creation of artist Moses Jacob Ezekiel, the first Jewish cadet at Virginia Military Michael H. Mescon Marilyn Shubin Paul Muldawer Institute. By Stan M. Lefco other images of Jewish Georgian Fourth of July, I also hear the sound of Doug Teper Page 5 From Silicon Valley campers can be found at the Cuba to the Pulpit the horn on the S.S. Haverford signaling Rabbi Spike Anderson, a former tech entrepreneur, is the new senior rabbi at Temple Emanu-El of Greater Atlanta. Family Archives for Southern the end of that crossing and the gift of 8495 Dunwoody Place, Suite 200 Page 7 Atlanta, GA 30350 On the Wing Jewish History at the Breman citizenship in this wonderful country—a Honor Flight, a network of volunteer pilots, takes war veterans on unforgettable trips to Washington, D.C. By Leon Socol (404) 236-8911 • FAX (404) 236-8913 Page 30 Museum and can be searched at gift of opportunity, responsibility, A New Season MJCCA Arts & Culture opens its 2015- [email protected] 2016 season, on August 16, with the thebreman.org/Research. Cover education, equality, and freedom. We beloved musical Mary Poppins. www.jewishgeorgian.com Page 16 art by David Schendowich. have been given this largesse: it is up to The Jewish Georgian ©2015 us to use it for the good of all. July-August 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 3

in commercial real estate. You can see part game. of the PSA and some of her other work at The guys enjoyed telling old frat tales http://youtu.be/CLE3HAa7x78. and catching up with each other, and a good Wanda certainly has the looks to be time was had by all. a film star, but acting is just part of what What’s she does for the film industry. Georgia has MARILYN PEARLMAN’S BUSINESS become a prime location for producing GOES TO THE DOGS. PR whiz Marilyn movies, TV shows, and videos, and some of Pearlman has branched out to include one of these were produced with the invaluable help the great loves of her life, taking care of pet of Wanda, who is CEO of FilmFriendlyGA, dogs—whether their owners are out of town a firm that helps the industry find locations or just wanna give their best friends a treat. HAPPENING for its filming. She represents the property At Marilyn’s boarding digs, dogs can owners, who get paid up to a few thousand enjoy a spacious, natural-grass backyard; Honorary dollars a day, and sometimes get temporarily walks for exercise; lots of love and kisses; Co-chair relocated to luxury hotels, with meals and a Dog Suite for sweet dreams at night. Steve Selig, thrown in, while the filming is taking place. She even offers a complimentary “Meet who has been BY Reg Wanda has found such unique locations & Greet,” before first booking a visit. honored a few as an authentic 1800s log cabin, petting zoos, Marilyn has great credentials for the times himself, Regenstein and lavish estates. Her firm also specializes job: she has owned dogs since her childhood calls Eliot in distinctive transportation (including in the 1960s, has worked for a dog walking “one of the airplanes, classic cars, and 18-wheelers), service, and, most of all, she says, “When most likeable, Georgia geography and history, and they meet me, dogs immediately love me, as dependable, ELIOT ARNOVITZ HONORED. Native negotiating with production companies. I do them.” trustworthy, Atlantan, philanthropist, and real estate Wanda tells us exclusively that she We wish Marilyn the best of luck in fun-loving tycoon Eliot recently helped set up an exciting stunt her new venture and are sure she’ll find her people I know. Arnovitz is Steve Selig scene, in which someone was thrown canine clients much nicer and easier to deal No one better the honoree through a window. What we never realized with than her human ones. deserves this award, or personifies the for this year’s is that such scenes are filmed using sugar Contact Marilyn Pearlman at 404-395- values it represents, than Eliot.” American glass, which breaks easily and harmlessly, 2602 or [email protected]. Jewish and it even melts in the rain. Who knew? PARADIES FEEDS THE TROOPS. The Committee For more on Wanda, visit www. JOE ALTERMAN’S HAPPENING Atlanta-owned and operated Paradies, the Selig filmfriendlyga.com. CONCERT. Joe Alterman’s fabulous nation’s largest and oldest U.S.-owned Distinguished performance at the Rialto Theater was a airport concessionaire and restaurateur, is Service Award. AEPI REUNION ROCKS. The UGA huge success, again providing free meals for America’s More chapter reunion of AEPi fraternity was with the theater military personnel. than 450 people held at Jerry Farber’s Side Door nightclub, filled with Between Memorial Day and Eliot Arnovitz turned out to in Buckhead, and drew fraters from New family, friends, Independence Day, Paradies has shown honor Eliot, at York, Chattanooga, Charlotte, Birmingham, and jazz its appreciation for our active and retired the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, raising nearly Jacksonville, aficionados military at all of its airport restaurants. $650,000. and Valdosta, from all over Bill Casey, Paradies’ senior vice The award is named in memory of in addition to Atlanta. president, states, “We are so grateful to our Caroline Massell Selig and Simon S. Selig all the local It was military service members for their brave and Jr., to honor their well-known and loyal guys. best summed heroic efforts all year long. It is our honor “dedication, commitment, and generosity to Martha up by one and privilege to offer this program, and we the enhancement of the Atlanta community.” Jo Katz was guest, family hope our incredible servicemen and women Since 1985, Eliot has served as there with friend Bonnie allow us to serve them for a change.” Joe Alterman president and CEO of M & P Shopping her husband, Wolloff, who We thank our military and Paradies for (photo: Willie T. Jacobs) Centers, the family real estate business, Jerry, and described their distinguished service to our country. which specializes in neighborhood shopping she tells us it as “electric….His intensity was centers in the Southeast. exclusively overwhelming.” WANDA MORGANSTERN’S PSA WINS Eliot has a long record of service that Farber “The house was rocking, people AN EMMY. Actress Wanda Morganstern “Beauty and the to the community, holding leadership was in good dancing in the seats, as our very own recently received that knock on the door Beast”—Martha Jo positions with practically every major spirits and nobody wants: Katz, with comic Jerry group, including Jewish Federation of on top of his See HAPPENING, page 4 Greater Atlanta, The American Jewish it was a police Farber Committee, Ahavath Achim Synagogue, officer, coming Jewish Educational Loan Fund, Marcus to tell her that Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, Anti- her son had left Defamation League, State of Israel Bonds, a party after The American Jewish Joint Distribution drinking and Committee, Jewish Federations of North was killed when America, the Greenfield Hebrew Academy, he wrecked his and the Center for Jewish Education and car. Experience. She A native Atlantan, he attended Tulane was so grief- University and pilots his own airplane. (His Wanda Morganstern stricken and father was a B-17 navigator with the famed distraught, she 8th Air Force, flying 26 missions out of collapsed at the funeral. England against German targets, being shot Fortunately, all this took place in a down on his last flight, but making it back recent public service announcement in home after the war.) which she performed, warning of the He is married to Phyllis Kozarsky, who dangers of drinking and driving—and which has a distinguished career in her own right, just won an Emmy! AEPi fraters (top row, from left) Bobby Weinberg, Steve Kahn, Karl Mollin, being a physician specializing in travel and The PSA was filmed in Augusta, where Martin Cohen, Bruce Gillett, and Jerry Katz; (bottom row) Ronnie Pollock, tropical medicine. Between them, they have Wanda grew up. She has lived and worked Steve Firestone, Sam Banks, Sidney Morris, Stan Steinberger, and Gary four children and two grandchildren. in Atlanta for the last two decades, mainly Goldstein Page 4 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015

dentists in town. She would be great at without being awakened by pain issues. who knew Morris when both were Happening filling any cavities caused by all that In addition to becoming a regular client stationed in the Philippines 71 years ago. sweet gelato and pastry. of Karen¹s, we’ve reconnected as friends It’s a small world indeed! From page 3 and as business associates. I¹ve been EXERCISE INSTRUCTOR KAREN helping Karen stage MELT workshops GOLDEN YEARS GO-GETTER. The hometown boy, Joe Alterman, absolutely WELLS. Exercise instructor Elena at health clubs where I’m an instructor.” July issue of Simply Buckhead, a lifestyle ripped apart the piano with his fantastic Bennett says she is part of our “very To learn more about MELT, check magazine, has named Eva Friedlander music, his blues and jazz reverberating large, aging, baby-boomer population out Karen’s website, www.meltatlanta. one of the “Golden Years Go-Getters.” throughout the theater,” she continued. who suffer with chronic pain,” and that’s com, where you can find info on classes, At 94, she is a writer, volunteer, and “As Joe sat at the piano, you could how she found out how small our Jewish workshops, and one-on-one sessions, or a Holocaust survivor, as well as an almost see the music going from his foot world can be! contact Elena at [email protected] antiques and art maven, a memoirist, and on the pedal, up his legs, back down to Elena happened to see a feature or 404-510-6042. a much in-demand speaker. his hands, up to his neck and head.” on “Good Morning America,” about a She is known for her lively talks Joe is the son of our friends Richard new therapeutic self-treatment exercise EDGEWISE. Every week, the Marcus and discussions of her book, Nine Lives and Marty Alterman. Marty is the program, called MELT, that is reputed Jewish Community Center of Atlanta of a Marriage — a Curious Journey, founder of the chic fashion line Jane to help people live pain-free, while also Edgewise Speaker Series features a written with Mickey Goodman (www. Darling by Me. improving their posture, core strength, speaker on such topics as history, World ninelivesofamarriage.com). As our energy, balance, and overall well-being. War II, international affairs, politics, columnist Carolyn Gold wrote in her DAVID ABES’ CORSO COFFEE. Elena says she was intrigued enough religion, current events, health, and Corso, David Abes’ popular coffee to try to locate a MELT instructor here wellness. The talks, always interesting house, has become a big attraction in Atlanta. “I ended up finding Karen and informative, are open to the public. at the new upscale Buckhead Atlanta Wells, who happens to be the only Coffee and treats are provided. development, at Peachtree near Pharr Advanced MELT instructor in Georgia,” Past speakers have included Georgia Road. said Elena. “It turned out that we knew Attorney General Sam Olens, Buckhead A true Italian coffee house, Corso each other—from our Atlanta Jewish Mayor Sam Massell, numerous authors, has become a popular destination for backgrounds and a place where we both political leaders, sports stars, and other people who love to spend time relaxing, taught Pilates years ago. such notables. people watching, hanging with friends, “So I took a private class from George Jordan and Sid Stein co-chair and dining, after shopping the glamorous Karen—and it was amazing. I left the series. Sid himself, a great raconteur, new stores and strolling the streets. The completely pain-free—and, for the first is a frequent and much sought-after outside seating area is relaxing and time in years, slept through the night speaker on World War II and America’s almost makes you feel like you are in veterans. If you’d like to have him come Manhattan, L.A., or even Italy. speak to your group, he can be reached Corso is a beautiful space, where at [email protected]. you can partake of wonderful Italian The next 10-session Edgewise coffee and sandwiches, irresistible Speaker Series will be held on pastries, salads, and a full bar. Thursdays, beginning August 13, 10:30 David, a seasoned restaurateur, a.m.-12:00 noon, at the MJCCA-Zaban is also in the midst of opening Dolce Park. Italian, just around the corner, which will be modern Italian, emphasizing A CHANCE ENCOUNTER AT THE Northern Italian cuisine, along with MJCCA. Seventy-eight year old Sid some traditional Southern Italian dishes. Stein, who grew up in Mount Pleasant, review, “The book starts out in her David has long been an active Tennessee, spends lots of his time native Hungary, where teenager Eva member of the community, involved giving speeches about World War II and her mother have started a secretarial with several charities, along with his and especially his two older brothers, business in order to earn a living. Her lovely wife, Julie, the mom of their two Morris and Hyman, who were killed, father has left to live with his mistress. Elena Bennett and Karen Wells wonderful boys. His sister, Dr. Lauren respectively, in the jungles of the Eva meets the handsome and brilliant Abes, is one of the most respected Philippines by a Japanese sniper and in George Friedlander, who comes to France shortly after D-Day. her as a customer. They both recount The other day, Sid was at the MJCCA their wartime experiences. George was and ran into 99-year-old Irving Schiff, interned in three Nazi labor camps. During the bombing of Budapest, Eva and her mother lived with strangers in a cellar, where the one delicacy she had was fresh horsemeat. George later became a prisoner of the Communists and suffered horrible interrogations and beatings.” Fortunately, Eva and George make it to America, and Eva ends up working at Rich’s. It is a fascinating read. As The Temple’s Rabbi Peter Berg wrote of it, “This is one of the most important books of the day; it is different from every other survivor story that has been written. Readers will be consumed by Eva and George’s story of love and tears.... Eva’s strength and persistence will serve as a role model for others. We will use this book in our congregation for book clubs and potentially even Irving Schiff, holding a photo of support groups.” Morris Stein, and Sid Stein July-August 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 5 Moses Jacob Ezekiel: Discovered By Stan M. Lefco

A statue of Thomas Jefferson stands in front of the Rotunda, the iconic building, designed by Jefferson that identifies the University of Virginia, which he founded in 1819. Everyone who visits the University walks past both on the way to the Lawn, the expanse of greenery bordered by student rooms and flanked by white columns. Yet, it is likely that very few have ever taken the time to stop and observe in detail this life-size statue of Jefferson. During our formative four years at the University, we probably walked and more likely rushed past the imposing Mr. Jefferson a Virginia Mourning Her Dead at Virginia thousand times on our way to class or Alderman Military Institute (photo: William Maury Library. Yet, had we stopped and studied the Morris) statue, it still would not have led us to Moses Thomas Jefferson statue at the Jacob Ezekiel. University of Virginia In 1870, Ezekiel moved to Berlin, to study at the Royal Art Academy. While in Berlin, he won the prestigious Michel-Beer Prix de Rome Unleavened Bread.” Competition, at the age of 29. The winning May 13, 1864. The Civil War was raging. stipend allowed him to move to Rome, where VMI sent a cadet battalion of 257 to fight in he remained for 31 years. the Battle of New Market, in the Shenandoah B’nai B’rith, an international Jewish Valley. It marched a tough 80 miles to fight organization, commissioned him to sculpt a General Grant’s Union forces. Outnumbered, statue for the 1876 Centennial Exposition, in untested college students fought veteran Philadelphia. He created Religious Liberty, soldiers. It was hand-to-hand combat. The which now stands at the Philadelphia Museum ground was wet. Some of the cadets lost their of American Jewish History. shoes in the mud. The battle lasted for hours. It He designed a stained-glass window for has been described as an “incredible moment Temple Knesseth Israel, in Philadelphia. During in American military history.” The students his life, he executed nearly 200 monuments in were victorious, but paid dearly. Ten cadets bronze and marble. His last work was a bronze lay dead or dying, while another 45 were statue of Edgar Allan Poe, who had been a wounded. student not only at the University of Virginia, One fatally wounded cadet, a freshman, but also at West Point. Poe also lived for a short Statue of Thomas Jefferson was Thomas Garland Jefferson, the grand time in Richmond. nephew of Thomas Jefferson. He had been Moses Jacob Ezekiel During his lifetime, Ezekiel was honored So who was Moses Jacob Ezekiel? He hit by cannon fire. His roommate was Moses by Italian kings, U.S. presidents, General Robert was born on October 28, 1844, in Richmond, Ezekiel. Although wounded and shoeless, A one-page article in the fall 2014 issue E. Lee, Mark Twain, Kaiser Wilhelm II, and J.P. Virginia, one of 14 children of Jacob Ezekiel Ezekiel searched for Jefferson after the battle of the University of Virginia Magazine, entitled Morgan, among others. and Catherine de Castro. His grandparents were ended. Upon finding his weakened and dying “God Is In the Details,” did. It related the story He died in Italy, on March 27, 1917, but of Spanish-Jewish origin and had immigrated classmate, he managed to procure a wagon of an unnamed visiting professor, who pointed due to World War I, his body was not returned to Philadelphia in 1808. From there, the and had him taken to a nearby house where he out a curious feature on the base of the statute, to the U.S. until 1921 and was buried at the family moved to Richmond, a city historically lingered for three days. which he brought to the attention of W. Scott foot of the Confederate Memorial, Section 16, documented for its anti-Semitism in the 1860s. Jefferson asked Ezekiel to read to him Harrop, an adjunct lecturer in the University’s at Arlington National Cemetery. His marker On September 17, 1862, just before his from the Bible. He read from John 1:4 of the department of Middle Eastern and South Asian reads simply: “Wounded Sergeant of Company 18th birthday, Ezekiel boldly entered the New Testament: “In my Father’s house there languages and cultures. The names of deities, C Battalion of the Cadets of VMI.” A dispatch Virginia Military Institute, America’s first state are many mansions….” Ezekiel held Jefferson including God, Jehovah, Brahma, Atma, Ra, from the New York Times reported: “The death military college, founded in 1839. Not only did in his arms, as the 17-year-old uttered his Allah, and Zeus, are carved on a tablet, held of Moses Ezekiel, the distinguished and greatly it hold this distinction, but Ezekiel became its final words, “Moses, it is getting darker and by one of the statute’s four spirits, representing beloved American sculptor, who lived in Rome first Jewish cadet. darker.” religious freedom. The others represent liberty, for more than forty years, caused universal Being the first Jew was not without Six of the 10 cadets killed at New Market justice, and freedom. regret here.” incident. While his cadetship was typical, he are buried at VMI, beneath a monument Intrigued, Harrop began investigating. Although a book has been recently was targeted for special attention by his upper surmounted by a bronze statue. The sculptor Who was the sculptor and what was he—or published about him, Ezekiel is one of those classmates for being Jewish. He apparently is Ezekiel, who returned to VMI after seeing she—attempting to do? He discovered Moses historical figures who has all but faded from later remarked that he successfully resisted more action, defending, somewhat ironically, Jacob Ezekiel, who completed the statue in memory. Yet, his intriguing and fascinating life their attempts at physical abuse. One’s religion his hometown, Richmond. He graduated in the 1910. He also came upon a letter Ezekiel had presents a convergence of the Civil War, anti- quickly becomes a matter of public knowledge, class of 1866. He went on to study anatomy at written to his father in which he explained that Semitism, true loyalty, courage, U.S. presidents, if not a target of scorn. Yet, he later wrote of it as the Medical College of Virginia the following “under our government, they mean, and are all remarkable talent, and a voice for religious “The VMI where every stone and blade of grass year. God—and have no other meaning and have freedom, to name a few. is dear to me, and the name of the cadet of the The sculpture is known as Virginia each an equal right and protection of our just Like so many great artists before and after, VMI, the proudest and most honored title I can Mourning Her Dead. Annually, on May 15, laws as Americans.” Was Ezekiel aware of the his works live on. People will enjoy great music ever possess.” VMI solemnly commemorates New Market three accomplishments Jefferson wanted on his and plays and observe great art or sculpture. While a student, Ezekiel sought a furlough Day. A roll call is held. A representative of the grave marker? Buried at his beloved Monticello, They will not know the artists, long forgotten, to join his family for Passover. VMI never same companies from which the fallen cadets his gravestone notes: “Author of the Declaration but they will live forever in their genius and had to deal with such a request. It was a first. had been members answers, “Died on the field of American Independence, the Statute of talents through their creations. Behind every Superintendent Major General F.H. Smith had of honor, Sir.” There is three-volley salute, Virginia for Religious Freedom and Father of form of art, there is a life story. How often we to obtain the permission of the Board of Visitors followed by taps. The entire school passes the University of Virginia. “ Noticeably missing listen, but do not hear. How often we look, but for Ezekiel to join his family for the “Feast of Ezekiel’s sculpture. is his service as president. do not really see. Page 6 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015 Capturing the meaning of Fourth of July burned, and died in the exuberance expressed. Citing the Jewish educator Ben Edidin, Jews, like all ethnic groups and in his manual on Jewish Holidays (of which immigrants, were urged to enjoy the festivities American Independence Day was one), that were being safely organized. “Jewish BY David Professor Wenger notes: “The Declaration of groups,” Wenger writes, “took part in these Independence granted Jews unprecedented coordinated communal exercises, but, like Geffen freedoms, and therefore, they should celebrate most other ethnic associations, also sponsored as a sacred occasion, the holiday that events in their own neighborhoods and under commemorated the document’s adoption.” the auspices of their own institutions. In 1911, Over a century ago, the noted novelist Taking it one step further, Wenger stresses Chicago Jews joined in the official parade and publicist Abraham Cahan wrote about that American Jews should recognize that organized by the Sane Fourth movement but the “empowerment and energy” he derived their “liberties” in the U.S. stem from the staged their own celebration at the Chicago from American life. “I felt America’s freedom birth of the nation, so the “fourth” should be Hebrew Institute.” every minute. I breathed freer than I had celebrated as Passover, our original festival of The following year, in Chicago, Mark ever breathed before.... America was, in a freedom. Weinberg put out a handwritten book, literal sense, a new world, a strange world, Tracing the history of the Jewish in Hebrew, of the Psalms, with his own a disagreeable world, but also a challenging observance of American Independence Day, illustrations, and a title page that included the world, that strengthened me with a strong, Wenger pinpointed the origin: “As early as words degel artzot habrit (flag of the USA) healthy odor like that of a freshly plowed 1858, the prominent Reform leader Isaac and a drawing of the stars and stripes with 46 field. America intrigued me, puzzled me. It Mayer Wise declared that ‘next to the Passover stars. seemed to me that America lives more in one feast the fourth of July is the greatest, because day than Russia does in ten.” it is a memorial of the triumph of liberty.’ How did a Southern boy like myself— Always a champion of the notion that the and my contemporaries—experience feelings freedoms of the United States constituted Drawing accompanying Psalm 150 for our nation? a fulfillment of biblical principles, Wise includes all musical instruments and “Where in the World (But in America),” referred to Independence Day as ‘the second Victrola “This is My Country,” “God Bless America,” redemption of mankind from the hands of ----- and “America the Beautiful” had their own their oppressors.’” potency. These were songs that I recall singing The Athens, Georgia, Daily Banner was a enthusiastically and with deep feeling, in ----- very enlightened newspaper and carried many school, at Camp Daniel Morgan, at Camp stories about the local Jewish community; it Blue Star, and at Lakewood Park for Fourth In a short story on July 4, 1900, in also wrote about the state of world Jewry. of July celebrations. We were young then; our the Yiddish Jewish Daily Forward, is a In the summer of 1915, the following counselors, World War II vets, and other old- description of Joseph Feldman, an immigrant appeared: “War is always the hardest on the timers expressed that patriotic spirit. We just who came alone to American shores. It was Jews. They have no voice in the government. followed along in an exciting fashion. difficult for him to become a part of his They are subjects of personal and official What was transpiring in the 1940s and adopted land. Fortunately, he discovered a persecution.” early 1950s had deep roots in the Southern Yiddish translation of the Constitution, and The story emphasized how they were Jewish mind, as a part of the larger framework excitement reigned. “Joseph Feldman came to able to reach American shores. “Jewish of what Professor Beth Wenger, of the regard this small booklet as a little Torah…. immigration to this country is assisted, as is University of Pennsylvania, has described only after reading it was he able to grasp the that of other nations, by friends already in the in her book, History Lessons: The Creation nature of the land in which he had settled, the country, who give generously to the oppressed of American Jewish Heritage. (Wenger is sort of rights with which this land endowed of their race. From all over the world Jews professor of American Jewish history and the him.” The story stresses that this “holy book,” enter and become devoted Americans. The chair of the university’s Judaica department. the United States Constitution, became so stars and stripes hang proudly in their hearts.” Her father, Dr. Julius Wenger, passed away important to him that he was never without it. Author of handwritten book of Psalms this year. Her mother is the noted Dr. Nanette (these photos courtesy of David Moss, ----- Wenger, of Atlanta.) ----- Jerusalem) In World War I, the Jewish Educational ----- In a story in The Atlanta Georgian, Alliance was a center for several thousand on July 3, 1905, there were many noted Jewish soldiers stationed in the military In a July 5, 1902 article in Sunny South, Americans quoted as to why the United States training camps in the Atlanta vicinity. In a weekly printed in Atlanta from the 1880s of America was such a bulwark of freedom addition to the Jewish holiday events prepared until the first decade of the 20th century, and why that should always be the case. by the local Jewish community volunteers, a professor provides some of the history Dr. Cyrus Adler, who had been a curator at there were celebrations on Thanksgiving of the 4th of July observance. “The first the Smithsonian Institution, in Washington, and July 4. A story about soldiers in Atlanta organized celebration of independence was in and later president of both Dropsie College appeared in a July 1919 issue of the Yiddish Philadelphia on July 4 1777.” Imagine that, and the Jewish Theological Seminary of newspaper Der Tag, probably sent in by a even during the Revolutionary War itself. America, was quoted: “We in America have local person. “Hurray America—was felt “The ships in the harbor were decorated in the every reason to be thankful to God and to our by all of us as our children marched before nation’s colors, red, white and blue. Cannons country for the freedom and happiness we, as the soldiers with flags. These youngsters roared out thirteen gun salutes in honor of Jews, enjoy here in the United States.” wanted our defenders to know how much they each state. Parades and fireworks spiced up Alongside that story were reports of the enjoyed meeting them—shaking their hands the festivities.” tragic events in Russia, where the Jews were and then singing Yiddish songs for them. For By the time of that article, there were being massacred. One subhead read, “Hebrew me the American flag teaches happiness, joy enough Jews in Atlanta that, on July 4, in girls are going mad after horrid attacks.” and freedom too—happy birthday—to our front of The Temple, “an American flag was country.” proudly displayed outside on the street.” ----- Surely, Dr. David Marx, the rabbi, must have ----- given a very patriotic address. Wenger explains the process of sanitizing the 4th of July celebrations, starting with Title page of book with American flag, In 1931, The Southern Israelite assisted ----- 1906, since participants had lost eyes, been Chicago 1912 the Atlanta Jewish community by describing July-August 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 7 the July events that captured the patriotic ‘20s and ‘30s, Christmas was also a ‘cracker Hirsch (sergeants-at-arms), and Aleph Sopher ----- spirit in the community. One of those holiday.’ I am not sure who supplied my Arthur Gottesman (publicist). participants, Professor David Macarov, who friends and myself, but we never missed a Hirsch dedicated the room and urged On July 4, 1942, an American service has lived in Jerusalem since 1947, has offered trick. I know that we sold both to Christians these young men to be “good Jews and good flag was dedicated at Temple Beth Israel, me an insight about those printed descriptions and Jews—we had a good reputation.” Americans.” Fireworks, sold by the Macarov in Birmingham, Alabama. The speaker was almost 85 years ago. Professor Macarov and Atlanta downtown was filled with flags crowd, flared brightly. Rabbi Isaac Marcuson, who had been a his wife, Frieda, are well known to the Jewish in Macarov’s youth. Jews did participate in Reform rabbi in the South for more than 30 citizens of Atlanta and to the readers of The some parades—younger Jewish musicians years. His words were printed in The Southern Jewish Georgian. Only recently, a story about were in marching bands. “I am not sure how Israelite. their 1948 Jerusalem Seder, with two other much celebrating the Atlanta Jews actually “Whenever men fought for liberty and Southerners, Bea Renov, of Atlanta, and the did on the Fourth, but they were mighty justice, the Jew gladly fought at his side. The late Jerry Renov, of Shreveport, was the front- happy to be Americans, especially with what only banner which could rightly be called a page feature in a Jerusalem Post Passover was transpiring in Europe. I now know that Jewish banner is one inscribed with freedom Eve magazine. all the Yiddish papers reaching Atlanta then and brotherhood. In every land American Here is the story in The Southern Israelite, were filled with stories encouraging Jews to Jews are heroically rallying under the banner on July 15, 1931, titled “The Herzlite Club”: appreciate their American homeland. My age of our nation and will be found in the front “The Herzlite Club of the Southern Young group in the Ashkenazic sector of Atlanta ranks of those fighting for democracy.” Judean Association entertained members and could already live it up, because our families a few friends at a straw-ride and swimming had earned some money, and the hatred of party at Idlewood Park, July 5th.” Atlanta was Jews in Atlanta after the Frank lynching had one of the most exciting centers for Young been watered down. My personal goal was to Judea in the United States, according to be a good American—did that by serving in Macarov. He said that as soon as an Atlanta the U.S. Army in World War II. As a Zionist, I Jewish boy or girl reached the age of 12, he or wanted Jews to possess the Jewish homeland, she was eligible to join or form a club. “Some not the British. My wife and I are fortunate Young Judeans remained active into their that we had the chance personally to bring early 20s,” Macarov stressed. I can attest to Israel into being in 1947-1949. that fact, since my late father, attorney Louis “Then, in my field of social work and Helen Elsas (Asher) riding her bike Geffen, was the regional president of Southern my wife’s field of nursing, we have made a and carrying an American flag, 1912 Young Judea when he was 26 years old. He contribution throughout our lifetimes. Our (Courtesy of The Cuba Family Archives was not the only one—Max Cuba was even children and our grandchildren and our great for Southern Jewish History at The a bit older when he held regional office. His grandchildren are among the citizenry who Breman Museum) brother Joseph Cuba was regional president in will see Israel grow in the future.” his twenties as well. However, David had a little more to share. Rabbi Marcuson, from a Temple Beth Macarov informed me that the event was “You realize that without the United States’ Israel Confirmation class, undated held in a July 4th celebratory spirit, since all openness to accepting Jewish immigrants (Courtesy of The Cuba Family Archives the members were free for the brief summer from 1881 until the immigration quotas of for Southern Jewish History at The vacation. The winners of the day’s events 1924, there would not be an American Jewish Breman Museum) were officially recognized before listing community today of 6 million as successful as those present. “Gold and silver medals were it has been. Moreover, too many people have awarded respectively to Israel Orenstein and forgotten about how boldly the U.S. fought to Leonard Orenstein for winning the club tennis defeat Hitler and his partners and the Japanese tournament.” Many Atlanta Jewish tennis and their allies. I was one of 550,000 Jews enthusiasts were inspired by the example of who served in the U.S. military forces, and Group of young children holding an the local amateur champion, Bitsy Grant. now we know that more than a half million American flag, 1914 (Courtesy of The Grant attended many parties held by Young Jews fought in the Red Army. That victory Cuba Family Archives for Southern Judea and AZA since he was the closest to a seven decades ago saved the world and Jewish History at The Breman star in the community of that period. saved the world for Jews. Always remember Museum) Bobby Jones, the golfer, won that American Jews who came from Europe championships on the national and from the 1880s and people like myself international level, but he was a part of the have celebrated ‘July Fourth—American Rabbi Spike Anderson at Temple Emanu-El Atlanta social set that was then “forbidden” Independence Day’ every day of our lives. I for the Jews. Of course, there have been many believe only a Jew, like Irving Berlin, could Rabbi Spike Anderson assumed the the “children’s rabbi” at the Early Childhood changes since then. have written ‘God Bless America.’” position of senior rabbi, at Temple Emanu- Center and in the early elementary school Present at the Herzlite summer event In addition to the Young Judeans who El of Greater Atlanta, on July 1. grades. He conducted weekly Shabbat were Wolfie Bromberg, Leonard Orenstein, shot off fireworks at Idlewood Park, in 1931, Rabbi Anderson services, as well as lively “Tot” and “Family Israel Orenstein, Isadore Oxman, Louis there were members of AZA 134, my chapter, was born and Shabbat” experiences throughout the year. Siegal, Sam Turetsky, David Macarov, of who made that month special, as well. raised in Boston. Using song, movement, puppet shows, and course, and chaperones Miss Lena Whiteman, The Hebrew Orphans Home, on He entered the ridiculous costumes, he created a dynamic, Miss Bernice Smullian, Mr. Oscar Fineroff, Washington Street, closed at the end of the rabbinate after yet comfortable, environment for the and Mr. Edward B. Vajda. Growing up, I knew 1920s. District Five B’nai B’rith, which a successful children to learn and love their Judaism. Bernice, because her daughter, the late Gail owned the building, made it available for use career as a In response to the economic crisis, he Orenstein, was in my 1955 graduating class by Atlanta youth. Not that many activities Silicon Valley created and implemented the Kehillat Wise at Henry Grady High School. My classmates occurred there, but AZA 134 used it quite a entrepreneur. He program, designed to empower congregants and I chose her as the most beautiful girl in our bit. Late in July 1931, its new officers were was ordained at to help other congregants in need. The class. Sadly, she died young, while enjoying installed at the Orphan’s Home building, Hebrew Union program went on to earn nationwide the Gator Bowl with her husband, Jerry Kahn, and an AZA room was dedicated for use by College-Jewish recognition. Institute of For Wise Hearts, the caring community who also lost his life. the chapter. The leader of the Atlanta Jewish Rabbi Religion, in New initiative for Stephen S. Wise Temple, he “We were firecracker people,” Macarov Welfare Fund, Attorney Harold Hirsch, was Spike Anderson emphasized to me. “Atlantans loved cherry the installing officer. Installed were Aleph York City, and guided a committee of temple members who bombs, whirling dervishes, sky rockets, Gadol Simon Wender (president), Aleph began his rabbinic service at Stephen S. provided ongoing pastoral-care training. small crackers and all the others which were Sgan Nathan Gershon (vice-president), Aleph Wise Temple, in Los Angeles, in 2008. Rabbi Anderson and his wife, Marita, manufactured sometimes legally—sometimes Mazkir Joe Blass (secretary), Gizbar Sidney Among his numerous duties and are the proud parents of Maccabee, Moses, illegally. The big sales were for New Year’s Parks (treasurer); Aleph Shotare Gadol Sylvan accomplishments at Stephen S. Wise and Hallelujah. and July Fourth, but in those days, in the Makover and Aleph Shotare Katan Raymond Temple, Rabbi Anderson enjoyed his role as Page 8 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015

took part in the important mitzvah of bikur of the participants shared personal stories cholim (caring for those who are sick). The of dealing with sick family members. teens gathered together to make decorative Nonetheless, the overall mood at these JSU News pillowcases for children requiring long-term events was positive, as all participants were care at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. As overjoyed to do something meaningful to RABBI NEIDITCH ADDRESSES Jewish Student Union, was integral part of the teens hand-decorated the pillowcases, help bring smiles to the faces of children GRADUATES. For the fifth time, Jewish their children’s momentous occasion. Rabbi Chaim Neiditch led a discussion struggling with illnesses. Student Union Executive Director Rabbi on why bad things sometimes happen to Chaim Neiditch was selected to be the guest good people. During the discussion, many speaker at public high school graduation baccalaureates. This year again, he did double duty, being the guest speaker at both the Centennial and Chattahoochee high schools graduation baccalaureate ceremonies. Rabbi Neiditch offered the graduates advice about setting life goals, believing in themselves, and the importance of treasuring family, especially parents and siblings. Parents were thrilled to have Rabbi At Chattahoochee High School, Neiditch, a hero, role model, and mentor to Rabbi Chaim Neiditch teens display pillowcases they made hundreds of local teens, as the guest speaker. Teens at Centennial High School for children in the hospital. Moreover, they were specifically quite CARING FOR THE SICK. More than 400 make decorative pillowcases. pleased that the organization they love, the teens at a dozen JSU Public School Clubs Joan Kaplan establishes a family foundation Long-time DeKalb County resident and Gatherings with friends and family outpatients and relatives of hospitalized years of her real estate career with Marshall Oak Grove/Toco Hill/Emory area real estate around meals and events inspired Kaplan to patients in 30 Atlanta-area hospitals and Berch & Associates of Palmer House agent Joan Kaplan is celebrating 10 years create a simple, hand-bound book, Heartfelt medical facilities. Properties, which was named the No. 1 Mega in residential real estate during 2015 by Fare: A Collection of • Contribute2America Team for 2014 by the DeKalb Association of launching The Kaplan Family Foundation, as Favorite Recipes from (C2A), which creates Realtors. Kaplan has developed a reputation well as completing a recipe book, which will our Home to Yours, an effective change for being a go-to realtor in her home benefit the foundation’s local grantees. assortment of recipes in the lives of community, near Oak Grove Elementary adapted from friends homeless or near- School. and other cookbooks. homeless individuals Last year, the DeKalb Association of With each recipe, through one-on- Realtors awarded Kaplan the prestigious Kaplan shares a little one interaction Clark Harrison Community Service Award. story about how the and consistent At the awards ceremony, she said, “I just do simple fare originated involvement in their what I love, which is to help people, pets, and and how it was served lives. nature, in simple and small ways, as often as and enjoyed. She • One Good Deed, possible.” plans to donate the which matches Now, she adds, “my family is happy recipe books in local community to have a formal outlet for helping well-run stores and at events, in volunteers of all ages non-profits that benefit people and animals exchange for a contribution to the foundation. to older adults and people with disabilities to needing help in our broader community.” Funds raised will provide grants to help aid them with simple daily tasks. Kaplan and her husband of 25 years, these non-profit recipient organizations— • Ruffus Rescue, which is dedicated to Brian, hope to pass down her love of local charities, based in the Oak Grove area, reducing needless euthanasia of adoptable philanthropy to their two daughters, ages that focus on housing: dogs in North Georgia, most of whom come 14 and 10, through their foundation and by • Atlanta Hospital Hospitality House, which from rural animal control shelters. continuing to engage them in community Joan Kaplan (photo: Karin Koser) provides a “home away from home” to Kaplan has been affiliated almost all 10 service activities. Spandorfers are top fundraising family for CCFA On May 2, the Crohn’s and Colitis colitis). Pediatric Crohn’s/IBD affects have the encouragement of the community Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter, 80,000 children in the U.S. There is no cure and other families going through the same presented its 7th annual walk in Georgia, for Crohn’s disease at this time. Each year, things we are.” 2015 Atlanta Take Steps for Crohn’s and CCFA has a walk in Georgia to raise money Colitis. and awareness for the disease. Jack Spandorfer was this year’s This year, the Spandorfer family was Honored Hero. Both of Ellen and Pip CCFA’s top fundraising family, having Spandorfer’s children, Carly (age 12) raised $50,600 to fund programs like and Jack (age 14), have been diagnosed summer camp for kids with IBD, patient and with Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease is a professional education, and critical research painful, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to find new treatments and an eventual cure. that causes inflammation, or swelling, “With everything I went through and across the lining of the digestive tract and everything I’ve learned, I’m hoping to can affect other parts of the body as well. Jack, Pip, Ellen, and Carly Spandorfer make it a little easier for other kids with Approximately 1.6 million Americans suffer raised $50,600 for the CCFA Walk on this disease,” said Jack. “Through CCFA Take Steps Atlanta 2015 Honored from IBD (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative May 2. (photos: Heidi Morton) and Take Steps, my family feels so lucky to Hero Jack Spandorfer July-August 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 9 The Cousinhood is a fascinating history of England’s Jews of that family’s tree showing the (usually the Derby, and marry the richest woman Cousinhood saga is to the Sassoons. Sir arranged) marriages (which included huge in England. While visiting the Newmarket Victor Sassoon was a playboy bachelor, dowries) to in-laws, nieces to uncles, and races, he was introduced to Hannah with roots in Iraq and India. (His ancestor many inter-family unions—hence the Rothschild by Mrs. Disraeli. Hannah Abdullah Sassoon was knighted some time BY Balfoura book’s title. Money and titles married each inherited millions of pounds sterling and after moving to England, and he changed other, and vast estates (100-room homes numerous properties when her parents died. his name to Sir Albert Sassoon.) Victor “Bo” Levine were common) were bequeathed to children She fell in love with Roseberry, and to the Sassoon built his shipping, banking, and and other family members. horror of her very pious Jewish family building empire in Shanghai, China. When Thousands of English pounds sterling (his gentile family wasn’t too happy over my father, Jacob Friend, fled the repressive The Cousinhood: The Anglo-Jewish Gentry are mentioned throughout the book. Not the union, either), they were married first Tsarist regime in 1913, his first job was at By Chaim Bermant surprisingly, most of the men were bankers; in the Registrar’s Office, then at Christ the Sassoon House, now called the Peace Eyre and Spottiswoode, 1971 business was done with Europe, Africa, Church, Piccadilly. The Prince of Wales Hotel. Papa learned his first English words 466 pages India, and later, America. Royal Dutch Shell and future King Edward VII, a friend of working as a clerk (pronounced “klark” in is part of the story, as is the connection with Roseberry, entertained his actress friends British English) at the Sassoon Company, I’ve just finished reading the 400+- our American Civil War, when the British at the Roseberry estate, which provided the at the famous Bund location. The Sassoons page The Cousinhood, by Chaim Bermant, flooded the world with cotton from India, married prince the place for his trysts. were an extremely wealthy Sephardic a meticulously researched and vivid history since our South was blockaded and couldn’t When Hannah Rothschild died, at only family, as were many other such families in of England’s export cotton. 39, leaving behind two young sons, the Shanghai, but not part of The Cousinhood of Jews from the Fascinating anecdotes are told, such four ladies of the chevra kadisha prepared the book. 1770s through as the time in 1875, when the Khedive of her body for burial in the Jewish cemetery. The Cousinhood is one fabulous our World War Egypt needed to sell his shares in the Suez Large crowds, including many of the book—a veritable history of world Jewry. II days. It is Canal. (France owned the majority of the English royalty, attended her funeral. Queen In particular, it tells the mind-boggling, very a formidable shares.) Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli Victoria even wrote a personal letter of entertaining, well-researched saga of those account of the (a Jew converted to Christianity) went to condolence to Lord Roseberry. special English Jewish families who built families named his friend Nathaniel Rothschild and said he The book includes the story of synagogues, schools, and settlements for Rothschild, needed four million pounds “tomorrow,” Palestine, the Balfour Declaration, the thousands of less fortunate Europeans Jews, Cohen, which he got. He then went to Queen Zionist Movement, World Wars I and II, who fled pogroms and wars and eventually Goldsmid, Victoria and said, “Madam, you shall have and the Jewish connections during those became proper (many of them titled) British Montifiore, it.” The British government was the security tumultuous times. (My father, an ardent citizens, professionals enriching the British Samuels, for that loan, and Nathaniel was raised to the Zionist, named me Balfoura, after Lord nation for the past three centuries. And us, Sassoon, and a peerage in 1886, to Lord Rothschild. Arthur Balfour, who promised Palestine to in their former colony. few others. At Lord Archibald Roseberry had the Jews in his declaration). God Bless America. the end of most chapters, there’s a centerfold ambitions in life: to be a prime minister, win My other personal connection to The

Kiddush Luncheons, Friday Night Dinners, Simcha Celebrations Jewish Holidays & Bris and Baby Namings Page 10 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015 Holocaust Memorial Day in Fitzgerald The Fitzgerald Hebrew Congregation programs at a reduced rate, and the county observed Holocaust Memorial Day, on April provided a school bus to transport the 17, at the Jewish Cemetery in Fitzgerald. students and their faculty chaperones to the cemetery for the service. Penson Kaminsky, Trustee of the Synagogue, welcomed all to the service and introduced Rabbi Yadin.

Entrance to Fitzgerald Hebrew Congregation Cemetery, with the Holocaust Memorial The service was composed and conducted by student Rabbi Max Yadin, in Ann Jordan (from left, front), Claudia front of the Holocaust Memorial Monument, Kaminsky, and Sherri Dorsett; (back) at 11:30 a.m., and attended by 60 Fitzgerald Cam Jordan, Penson Kaminsky, and High School students and about 15 adults. Tim Anderson Participating in the service were local non- Jewish adults. The students decorated assorted rocks Because there was a threat of rain, the to leave in the cemetery, according to Jewish Paulk Funeral Home provided tents, as well tradition. The Holocaust Memorial as seating for 75 people, a lectern, and a Student Rabbi Max Yadin and wife sound system. A local printer provided the Joy Yadin From if to when National Infertility Awareness legal experts will be speaking at a Week took place in April, but for those community-wide Wo/Men’s Infertility struggling with infertility, awareness Education Event on Sunday, August of the issue is an everyday occurrence. 30, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Sinai One in eight couples deal with in Atlanta (5645 Dupree Drive, NW, infertility issues, and the demographics 30327). Panelists include: Dr. Daniel encompass all socioeconomic, racial, Shapiro, a reproductive endocrinology ethnic, and religious groups. If you and infertility expert with Reproductive haven’t experienced infertility yourself, Biology Associates; Dr. Angela Arnold, Dr. Daniel Shapiro Lynn Holland Goldman Jenn Hobby most likely you have a friend, relative, a psychiatrist specializing in infertility or neighbor who is attempting to cope issues, post-partum depression, and with the medical and emotional aspects psychopharmacology; and Lynn Holland co-host of Falcons Playback on family and know how vital it is to share of infertility. CW69, and former co-host of The information and provide support for The media Bert Show on Q100, who will others experiencing infertility. As Jaime reports on share her personal struggles with Gimpelson Ackerman expresses, “I medical infertility. These panelists will always knew it was going to be hard for advances, provide important information and me to have children, but I never knew publicizes resources to support your family- how hard. Infertility affects every aspect new building journey. Following of your life and can make you feel so statistics, and the panel’s insecure and guilty about spotlights the presentation, there experiencing it. It is one of importance will be a Q & A. the hardest things a person of a healthy For those attendees can go through, and no one lifestyle, but wishing to speak should ever go through the science to the experts it alone. I found asking can be personally, the questions and talking about confusing, panelists will be it helped me understand it the numbers available to answer more and made me realize I can be your questions and was so not alone. We should misleading, provide additional all help and support each and information after other!” guidelines the program. There is no cost to are always This community- attend this event. Please changing. Answers to your questions are Goldman, an attorney specializing in Jaime Gimpelson wide event was inspired RSVP online at wish@ available. Nobody should have to face adoption and surrogacy. They will be Ackerman by a group of women templesinaiatlanta.org, or infertility challenges alone. joined by expectant mom Jenn Hobby, from Temple Sinai who by calling 404-252-3073. An expert panel of medical and local radio host with KICKS 101.5, have faced challenges trying to create a July-August 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 11 LimmudFest offers a lively approach to Jewish learning Where can you find Jews wearing yarmulkas and studying holy texts alongside Jews with tattoos? Or Jews chanting in Hebrew as they practice meditative yoga? Or kids and their parents creating Jewish prayer shawls decorated with duct tape? Those are just the kind of Jewish mashups that happen daily at LimmudFest, the annual Labor Day weekend retreat of Limmud Atlanta + SE. This year’s LimmudFest is September 4-7. Billy Jonas rocked the LimmudFest gala with vocals and incredible percussion instruments. “No other place in Jewish Atlanta an organization that brings teens and havdallah bonfire, complete with kosher looks like Limmud,” says board chair college students to Israel build lifelong s’mores.” Nina Rubin. “We are a crossroad for connections When Limmudniks aren’t in singles, young families with kids, Gen • Brooklyn foodie Liz Alpern, of The learning sessions, Camp Ramah offers Xers, millennials, boomers, and beyond. Take the next step on your And we’re a comfortable place for every Gefilteria outstanding recreation options— • Storyteller and Limmud favorite Janie swimming, boating, hiking, ropes, level of Jewish observance. Limmud makes it work with love and respect for Richard and Phyllis Franco making Gracken and rock climbing. By day, the dining all.” bourekas at last year’s LimmudFest.Jewish• Billy Planer, journey director of Etgar 36, a atroom LimmudFestporch is “schmooze central,” and civil rights travel program for teens and by night it’s the hangout bar for ages Registration includes all meals (kosher) and lodging. Accommodations Limmud Atlanta + SE is part of adults 21+. LimmudFest’s Sunday night gala, include bunks and standard and deluxe a worldwide Limmud network which • Helene and Michael Kates, The Baal featuring musical performances, is a motel rooms; there is also a camping began 30 years ago in the U.K. and has Shem Tones highlight of the weekend. option. Find complete registration spread to more than 60 nations.Labor Limmud • Tamara Day Cohen, of MovingWeekend Traditions, | September 4-7 information at limmudse.org/ promotes a lively, open approach to promoting self-discovery through work limmudfest.html. Jewish learning. Now in its seventh year, on body image and gender identity Atlanta’s LimmudFest attracts Jews of • Ruth Abusch-Magder, a writer and teacherat who editsCamp the Be’chol LashonRamah Darom all backgrounds, lifestyles, and ages, Coldwell Banker from across the Southeast and beyond. blog, on MyJewishLearning.com #1 TEAM Metro Atlanta Craft Who your comes own to Limmud? Jewish Jews experience of all with the Southeast’s ages and all beliefs who love to learn andmost want towelcoming craft their own and personal diverse Jewish community. Jewish journey. Limmud attracts Chooseregistrants from from more communities than 100across sessions • Celebrate Shabbat • the Southeast, congregants and clergy Kosherfrom the meals region, included and many unaffiliated • For Kids: Camp Ramah @ Limmud Jews. Refreshingly, at LimmudFest, Presenterstitles like & Performersrabbi, doctor, Include:and professor | Yaffa Epstein | Richard Elliott Friedman are dropped and everyone is on a first- Thename Gefilteria basis. Limmud | Ari is& notLeah aligned Sollish with | Tamara Cohen of Moving Traditions any religious denomination or ideology Janie Grackin | Kirtan Rabbi | Billy Planer | Peter Geffen | Rachael Bregman THE SONENSHINE TEAM andThe encourages Baal Shem multiple Tones points | Ruth of view. Abusch-Magder | and many more! Atlanta’s Favorite Real Estate Team! Emory professor Deborah Lipstadt Anyone who registers can propose a 404.252.4908 (Office) leads a session at LimmudFest. session. 404.250.5311 (Direct) Once again, LimmudFest will offer SonenshineTeam.com Throughout the weekend—which Camp Ramah @ Limmud for children includes observance of Shabbat and ages 5-12,Learn run by the more professional and staff register online at Selichot—participants choose from of Camp Ramah Darom. “My daughter a packed schedule of more than 70 looks forwardwww.limmudse.org/limmudest to LimmudFest all year workshops, discussions, speakers, long,” says Jennie Rivlin Roberts, a Put some overtime musical performances, arts, text study, past chair of LimmudFest. “She loves Jewish culture, and ritual, all planned her Limmud friends and especially the toward yourself. by Limmud’s diverse community of volunteers. Don’t let the 9-to-5 grind you down. With regular massage treatments, Internationally recognized scholars you’ll find the energy to climb even NORTH DRUID HILLS and metro Atlanta presenters are part of higher on the corporate ladder. 2484 Briarcliff Rd. Suite 35 the Limmud mix. This year LimmudFest Atlanta Ga 30329 welcomes these presenters: Introductory 1-hour massage 678 932 8204 • Midrash scholar Yaffa Epstein, from with free aromatherapy Israel’s Pardes Institute $4999 Monday – Friday 9 AM to 9 PM • Leah & Ari Sollish, of Chabad Intown Saturday – 9 AM to 7 PM • UGA professor Richard Elliott Introductory 1-hour essential custom facial Sunday –10 AM to 6 PM Friedman, author of Who Wrote the with free aromatherapy Bible? Camp Ramah @ Limmud engages $5999 • Peter Geffen, founder of KIVUNIM, children in fun Jewish activities. Page 12 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015

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THE EPSTEIN SCHOOL Solomon Schechter School of Atlanta Page 14 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015 Help us celebrate our 22nd: If you’re one of the first 22, get 22% off on August 22!

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Amsterdam Walk + 500 L-3 Amsterdam Ave + Midtown + 404/892-8294 Decatur Square + 117 East Court Square + Decatur + 404/370-3979 www.worthmorejewelers.com July-August 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 15 Leveling the playing field: Building forts and building friendships By Sylvia Miller the other. These forts have been built with love even into the fifth grade. in, at the expense of their “old” friends? and creativity. Occasionally, a group knocks Forts are terrific opportunities for kids Each step in the fort-building process Play is universal. Play is natural. It is down a structure—just for the fun of it—and to have unstructured playtime. Fort play has reinforces the classroom and life skills we teach spontaneous, exploratory, and intrinsically the woods echo with the prolonged cry of also leveled the playing field when it comes at AJA: planning, goal setting, interpersonal motivated. Play for children and adults can “tiiimmmmmber…” to the natural social hierarchy created in the skills, hard work, perseverance, and pride in alleviate anxieties, inhibition, and fear. classroom. something bigger than oneself. “I wait all day for recess,” says one student The hard truth is that social stratification at the Atlanta Jewish Academy, zipping up her is a real thing. The research states that social jacket in a circle of friends. stratification starts early, somewhere around Students rush out the door. Some flock to age four, and happens everywhere…regardless the soccer fields with white and black spotted of class, race, culture, or geography. In fact, balls. Others race to see who will be first down researchers have found this same social the slides. hierarchy emerges in groups of children living At the other end of the playground, a dozen not only in developed media-rich countries, or so third- and fourth-graders dart in and out but also in remote villages in third world of the woods surrounding the playground. The countries around the globe. area is dotted with structures built of teepee- Social relationship formation is also like formations of sticks or stacks of thicker related to some aspects of playground design. limbs and branches of pine piled one on top of Searching for materials In playgrounds dominated by fixed play structures, children tend to establish social Fort play emerges here at AJA naturally, hierarchy based on physical prowess, while without adult promotion, usually between in playgrounds with natural features and late second through fourth grade—sometimes vegetation, social hierarchy is based more on communication skills and creativity. (Malone and Trant, 2003.) Adam Berkowitz and Jordan Joel One of my favorite books on this subject construct a fort. is Best Friends, Worst Enemies by Michael Thompson, Ph.D. He breaks down the social What I have witnessed is that fort hierarchy as follows: building helps to encourage a greater feeling • For boys, dominance is based largely on of healthy power and a sense of belonging in physical ability. Who’s the fastest? The our students. On their own, our children have strongest? Who can do the most “epic” trick leveled the playing field by building forts and on a skateboard? building friendships. • For girls, dominance is based on social skills. Who is the most persuasive? The funniest? Sylvia Miller is director of Greenfield Lower The most confident? Who can draw other girls School at Atlanta Jewish Academy. Gabriella Schakett (from left), Zellik Sammy Lebowitz (back, from left), Silverberg, and Ethan Wolkin bringing Miriam Burmenko, Gavriella Bader, and materials to construct a fort Lillian Zaidel; (front) Shira Lynn MISH MASH By Erin O’Shinskey this fall and attend a public or non-Jewish private school. Eligible students must fill ISRAEL IMPACT FELLOWSHIP. The out an application at jnf.org/atlfellowship Shirlye Kaufman Birnbrey Alexander Muss by August 31. High School in Israel Impact Fellowship Program is a new program that will send KOSHER KAR SHOW. Congregation Atlanta teenagers to Israel in the spring Or Hadash’s second annual Kosher Kar of 2016, free of charge. Established by Show was held on Sunday, May 31. Best Shirlye’s children, the Shirlye Kaufman in Show was awarded to Bill Gillison; Birnbrey Impact Fund is a merit-based Ken Rosenberg received the People’s scholarship, funding two Atlanta high Choice Award; Rabbi’s Choice Award was school students per year to attend a semester presented to Karyn and Thom Bosco; and at AMHSI. To be considered, students must Scott and Adina Bradshaw won the All be entering their junior year of high school Electric Vehicle Rally.

Best in Show People’s Choice Award Rabbi’s Choice Award Page 16 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015 See one of the most beloved musicals at the MJCCA MJCCA Arts & Culture presents mystery, fact to fiction, politics to religion, and its season opener, Disney and Cameron humor to political satire, the Book Festival’s Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, August 6-16, exceptional repertoire has something to offer at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of MJCCA News all book lovers. More than 10,000 visitors Atlanta’s Morris & Rae Frank Theatre, 5342 come together each year, to listen to, meet, Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. for the Very Young, January 17, 2016; Moon and interact with their favorite authors, in a Mary Poppins will be produced by WHO DO YOU LOVE. On August 13, at Mouse, presented by Lightwire Theater, variety of forums, such as author meet-and- MJCCA’s director of Arts & Culture Brian 7:30 p.m., a Page From the Book Festival of the January 31, 2016; Fancy Nancy, presented greets, book signings, a community read, panel Kimmel, with direction by Levi Kaplan, MJCCA welcomes New York Times bestselling by Synchronicity Performance Group, March discussions, children’s and teen activities, and musical direction by Annie Cook, and Author Jennifer Weiner, as she presents her 20, 2016, and Children’s Theatre features the more. choreography by Casy Walker. It features newest novel, Who Do You Love, a story about MJCCA Youth Ensemble’s production of Featured authors include Arlene and Alan Meghan Dresdner (Mary Poppins), Tyree what happens when the one you love is the one James and the Giant Peach, May 8-9, 2016. Alda; David Gregory; Faye, Jonathan, and Jones (Bert), Avi Kaplan (Michael Banks), who got away. The event will be in conversation Jerry’s Habima Theatre presents Shrek the Jesse Kellerman; Ted Koppel; Ambassador Charlotte Lichtenfeld (Jane), and Michael with Holly Firfer, CNN Correspondent. Tickets Musical, February 24-March 6, 2016. Dennis Ross; and Dr. Ruth Westheimer. The Reece Shelton (as George Banks). are $24-$29 and include a first edition the book Visual arts at the MJCCA’s Katz Family festival is presented by Greenberg Traurig. This production is appropriate for and a complimentary glass of wine. The event Mainstreet Gallery include “Israel’s Attic: Most events will be held at the Marcus all audiences. Tickets are $15-$28. For will take place at the MJCCA, with a book Yesterday, Inspiring Tomorrow,” August; Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, 5342 information, visit atlantajcc.org/boxoffice, signing following the program. “Jewish Cuba – Then and Now,” January 2016; Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Tickets go on sale or call 678-812-4002. Jennifer Weiner has become a beloved and and “Bagels & Grits: Exploring Jewish Life in September 1. To purchase tickets, call 678- influential voice for a generation of women. the Deep South,” March 2016. 812-4005 or visit atlantajcc.org/bookfestival. Originally from This season’s “Jazz at the JCC” series Louisiana, she includes Joe Alterman, October 11; Andy HARRY MAZIAR CLASSIC MOST grew up in Statman, January 10, 2016; and Turtle Island SUCCESSFUL EVER. The Marcus Jewish Connecticut String Quartet: “Birth of the Cool,” January 24, Community Center of Atlanta’s annual MJCCA and graduated 2016. BB&T Harry Maziar Classic golf tournament from Princeton Comedy offerings for adults 18 and over was held June 1, at the Atlanta Country Club, University. are Lenny Marcus, September 12, and Upright in Marietta. This event, the most successful She worked as Citizens Brigade, March 13, 2016. in the tournament’s seven-year history, raised a newspaper For more information, visit atlantajcc.org/ $370,000 through sponsorships, contributions, reporter in Central boxoffice, or call 678-812-4078. raffle tickets, and a silent auction. This year, Pennsylvania, 124 golfers participated. Lexington, This year’s event honored Howard L. Kentucky, and Halpern, chairman of Halperns’ Steak & Jennifer Weiner Philadelphia, Seafood, a division of Gordon Foodservice, for (photo: Tamara Staples) before the his long-standing dedication to the MJCCA and publication of her philanthropic leadership in our community. first novel, Good Howard L. Halpern is the founder of in Bed, in 2001. Weiner is author of 11 books, Buckhead Beef Company, which grew into including All Fall Down, In Her Shoes, and the largest, privately held meat purveyor in The Next Best Thing. There are more than nine the U.S. In 1999, Buckhead Beef merged million copies with Sysco Food Service. Halpern currently Meghan Dresdner as Mary Poppins of her books Joe Alterman serves as chairman and CEO of Sysco’s East (photo: Karen Rooker) in print in 36 Coast meat companies and on the company’s countries. Weiner director’s council. currently lives in Halpern also currently serves as chairman Philadelphia with and CEO of Halperns’ Steak & Seafood, a her family. company he founded in 2005. When he moved to Atlanta in 1966, Seating for this the Jewish Community Center was the first event is limited; organization Halpern joined. Along with wife, reservations are Lynne, he remains a committed supporter. recommended. Thousands of campers at the MJCCA’s Camp For information, Barney Medintz in North Georgia have enjoyed visit atlantajcc. both the Lynne M. & Howard I. Halpern Drama org, or call 678-812-4002. Andy Statman Camp and the Lynne M. and Howard I. Halpern Meghan Dresdner as Mary Poppins, Aquatic Center. Halpern has also served as a Leah Dresdner as Jane, and Avi ARTS & CULTURE AT THE MJCCA. co-chair of the MJCCA BB&T Harry Maziar Kaplan as Michael (photo: Jennifer The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Classic golf tournament for the past four years. Bienstock) Atlanta’s 2015-2016 Arts & Culture Season In conjunction with the tournament, a offers programs for audiences for every age women’s event and luncheon was held in and interest. the Atlanta Country Club Ballroom. “Your Unless otherwise noted, all events take Hidden Treasures” was presented, “Antiques place in the MJCCA’s Morris & Rae Frank Roadshow”-style, by Pall Mall Art Advisors. Theatre. Guests were invited to bring one item—such as Family Theatre productions are Play a painting or print, silver piece, or jewelry—to the Play with Cat the Cat, presented by be assessed by Pall Mall appraisers. Alliance Theatre for Very Young, October Turtle Island String Quartet A cocktail reception, awards presentation, 25; The Reluctant Dragon, presented by and auction followed the tournament, as guests Birmingham Children’s Theater, November BOOK FESTIVAL. One of the community’s and golfers gathered to honor Howard Halpern. Tyre Jones as Bert and Meghan 1; MJCCA Youth Ensemble’s production of most anticipated cultural events, the 24th The 2015 MJCCA BB&T Harry Maziar Dresdner as Mary Poppins (photo: The Music Man, Jr., December 13-14; Bucket Edition of the Book Festival of the MJCCA, Classic Tournament Winners are: Jennifer Bienstock) of Blessings, presented by Alliance Theatre takes place November 5-22. From history to • Putting contest: Rick Suid July-August 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 17

• Longest drive (male): Leo Yerashunas “I could not be more proud of all of our agency has implemented some of the grant’s • Longest drive (female): Alina Lee competitors,” says Stacey Harris, director of requirements through its annual facilities plan. • First-place team net score: Michael Coles, the MJCCA’s Perimeter Gymnastics program. The agency began greening its campus at the Madison Mongin, Jared Ingley, and Rick Suid “These talented girls not only excelled on the first of the year, with internal staff making a • Second-place team net score: Isador Mitzner, state level, they performed exceptionally at the commitment to reuse, reduce, and recycle. Ronnie Galanti, Mark Rosenberg, and Kevin regional meet, competing against more than As part of the Values in Action program, the Rabinowitz 1,600 gymnasts from eight states.” MJCCA has incorporated environmental • Third-place team net score: Leo Yerashunas, efforts into many of its programs, including Keith Brennan, Andrew Steinberg, and Jim GREEN GRANT. The Marcus Jewish the development of a Community Supported Pfeifer Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) is Agriculture (CSA) initiative. Through CSA, • Fourth-place team net score: Rich McKay, the recipient of a grant from The Community members and staff can purchase shares of Reggie Roberts, Kevin Winston, and Ryan Foundation for Greater Atlanta’s Grants local, seasonal, and organic produce, provided Teague to Green initiative. This matching grant of by Rise ‘n Shine Organics. The 2015 MJCCA BB&T Harry Maziar Past Honorees Harry Maziar, Bernie $370,074 will enable the MJCCA to upgrade Classic was chaired by Ron Brill and Garrett Marcus, Howard Halpern, Jack Halpern, its interior lighting, HVAC equipment and NEW CYCLING STUDIO. The MJCCA Van de Grift. and Ron Brill controls, and kitchen ventilation, among other celebrated the opening of the Axelrod Indoor The Host Committee included Adam facility systems. Cycling Studio, with Bike Week, May 4-10. Beckman, Gerry Benjamin, Michael Coles, A partnership between The Community The community sampled group fitness classes, Abraham Cox, Steve Ginsburg, Lynne M. Foundation and Southface, Grants to Green while checking out the studio. Halpern, Scott Jordan, Doug Kuniansky, Mark gives metro Atlanta nonprofits the opportunity Indoor cycling is not new to the MJCCA, Lichtenstein, Harry Maziar, Josh Rosenberg, to renovate or build healthier work places, but now there is a top-notch, dedicated studio. Mark Silberman, and Andrew Steinberg. stressing energy, water, and environmental With classes for beginning, intermediate, and The Women’s Event Committee included efficiency. The ultimate goal is to reduce an advanced levels, these high-energy workouts Co-Chairs Debbie Kuniansky and Gayle Siegel organization’s environmental impact and are popular among members who want to and committee members Lisa Brill, Lynne M. increase operational cost efficiency, so that the burn calories in an intensive, pack-like setting. Halpern, Lynne P. Halpern, Sherry Maziar, savings can be passed along to the communities According to MJCCA Director of Membership Cheryl Rosenberg, Ruth Rosenberg, and these organizations serve. and Fitness Tina Luftig, the new Axelrod Rachel Van de Grift. “These funds will enable us to address the Indoor Cycling Studio features a thumping The 2015 MJCCA BB&T Harry Maziar Tournament winners (from left) Rick greening of our campus and reduce our energy sound system with Bluetooth connectivity and Classic Tournament Sponsors were BB&T Suid, Michael Coles, Jared Ingley, and costs,” says MJCCA CEO, Gail Luxenberg. music-responsive L.E.D. lighting, with bikes (Title Sponsor); The Ron and Lisa Brill Madison Mongin “This grant also illustrates our commitment set on elevated tiers to optimize every rider’s Family Charitable Trust, Lynne and Howard to Shomrai Adamah (Guardians of the Earth), experience. Halpern, Elaine and Ken Langone, The Marcus GYMNASTS SCORE BIG. For the second an important Judaic value we have pursued For more information on the facility and Foundation, PGA TOUR Superstore, United year in a row, gymnasts representing the through our Values in Action initiative.” classes, contact the MJCCA fitness center staff Distributers, and The Van de Grift Family MJCCA’s Perimeter Gymnastics program Environmental initiatives are not new to at [email protected] or 678-812-4060. (Presenting Sponsors); and BB&T Insurance, brought home regional and state championship the MJCCA, and Luxenberg explains that the BB&T Wealth Management, Sherry and wins. Harry Maziar, Pall Mall, and Pure Insurance Lauren Henderson, 11, was named Region (Women’s Event Sponsors). 8 Xcel Gold All-Around Regional Champion at the 2015 Xcel Regional Championships, held May 1-3, in Savannah. A student of Woodward Academy, Henderson placed first in floor exercise and was named Region 8 Xcel Gold Floor Exercise Champion, with a score of 9.575. Her all-around regional score of 38.075 included scores of 9.55 on vault, 9.45 on bars, and 9.5 on beam. At the Xcel State Championships held in Lawrenceville, in April, she ranked second all-around, placing second on vault and floor exercise. In addition, Halle Kwatnez, 12, who attends The Davis Academy, was named Xcel Platinum State Bar Champion and Region 8 Xcel Platinum Bar Champion, with scores of 9.15 and 9.25 respectively. Fourteen-year-old Maja Jovanovic, a student at Henderson Middle School, was named Xcel Level 6 Georgia State Beam BB&T’s Scott Jordan and MJCCA Champion, with a score of 9.225. Chairman Doug Kuniansky

At the MJCCA’s gymnastics facility: Tournament namesake Harry Maziar (from left) Maja Jovanovic, Halle (left) and honoree Howard Halpern Kwatnez, and Lauren Henderson Page 18 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015

“dad agent” he was, Atsmon found her a team I am today. It has taught me discipline, scarifies, to practice with when she would come to visit, commitment, and teamwork. There have been with the fields only a two-minute walk from her very challenging moments in my soccer career dad’s house. that have made me a stronger person and taught travel soccer with ODP (Olympic Development “They offered me a contract to come play me a lot about myself. It has made me a better Program), she did not like to spend the night with them,” Dani recalled. “I didn’t take them person and I am thankful for every opportunity I away from home, but it was wanting to play up on the offer at first because I had previous have gained through the game.” on this team that made her finally able to plans back home in Atlanta. But when I decided Her mother has enjoyed watching her grow BY Ashley successfully overcome this fear. Now we like I wanted to make Aliyah, I got back in contact with the sport that has given her so much. to tease her that she never is home and loves to with them and my offer still stood.” “It’s a rare gift that a child is able to follow Rosenberg travel.” Dani has had the privilege of playing their passion and continue to grow with it into Her dad agreed that soccer has opened on the national team and representing Israel, adulthood,” Karen said. “Soccer will always be doors for her, teaching her more than simply the country she has called home for the past a part of Dani’s life. It is just a part of who she is. how to kick a ball. two years. This year, she finished her second It has been a wonderful adventure to watch her Almost all of you can agree that at some “She has learned to build relationships winning season playing at the midfield and grow from a timid four-year-old to being part of point in your life, you played soccer; whether it among cultures, race, and nations by playing attack slot for ASA Tel Aviv, a participant in the a winning international soccer program.” was on a little league team when you were five, all over the US, Europe, and Israel,” Atsmon women’s professional football league run by the Atsmon’s most memorable moment as for your middle school team, or continuing on suggested. “She has also shown appreciation Israel Football Association. a spectator was when he stood in the stadium in high school. At for the family “This year was a very different than the in Switzerland watching Dani wear the Israeli some point, you commitment previous year,” she said. “It was actually a very national uniform with the Israeli flag, hearing ran around a big it took, as she challenging year for us as a team because we the national anthem play through the speakers. green field, kicked now coaches lost a few important players and had to rebuild “Dani and her teammates stood on the field around a ball, and and takes as a team.” and sang the Israeli anthem,” Atsmon recalled. tried to get the ball her younger The previous season, ASA Tel Aviv went “I was so proud of her, and I’m sure I had tears in the net to score. brother, Idan, up against one or two tough opponents, while in my eyes.” Some of you may to soccer this year, almost every game was extremely This year her bother Jonathan took vacation admit the real practices. Dani crucial and competitive. time from his job in Atlanta to travel to Israel reason you were is now calling “We had to be focused at all times to watch his sister play and celebrate her 21st on the team was herself a especially towards the end of the season when birthday. “I could feel and see the pride Dani post-game snacks ‘soccer mom.’” games became very stressful because the top took in her Jewish roots,” Jonathan commented. the team mom Dani’s few teams were all so close in points,” Dani “It was probably the coolest setting in which I would hand out. dad was explained. have ever watched her play.” But there is involved in ASA Tel Aviv found itself constantly only one person the recruiting moving back and forth between first and second I know who can process when place. claim to have she was “We had enough points to position played at all of looking to play ourselves in first for most of the season,” she those levels. And in college and added, “but it was not enough points to where although she later in Israel. we could relax.” obviously loved “ W e Even better than a winning season was a those snacks, she joke and tell clinching of the title for ASA Tel Aviv in Israel’s now represents people he is my Women’s Adult soccer league. This meant Dani one of the two agent because and her team will head to Holland in August countries she has he is the one to represent Israel in the UEFA Women’s had the honor to who takes care Championship League played around Europe. call home. of the business Danielle side of my Paz, 21, has soccer career,” Danielle with her brother Jonathan, who played soccer Danielle Paz’s victory lap after her team won Dani laughed. was able to watch her play while on since she could the Israeli Women’s Premier League 2015 Her vacation in Israel walk. Growing Championship older brother, up in Atlanta, Jonathan, He is more than proud to call Dani his she always had a ball at her feet. Her parents, watched Dani grow up with the sport. sister. Karen and Atsmon Paz, have supported her “Soccer and Dani have gone together for “She has become a beautiful young lady tremendously along the way. as long as I can remember,” Jonathan said. “It’s and has proved to herself that anything is “Dani was four years old when she started what she does, and who she is. For most of her possible if you want it bad enough. Her love playing soccer at Atlanta’s Marcus Jewish life, she breathed and played soccer.” for the game is undeniable, and I am eternally Community Center,” Karen reflected. “For the Her brother explains that she has a natural grateful for the way this game has transformed first few games she would cry because she was gift in the way she sees the game as well as life. my sister into the stand-up person she is today.” not sure what to do. In one game, she finally “She is inspiring to me. She always leads When Dani is not scoring goals on the figured it out and scored three goals.” with her heart and soul. When I think about the soccer field, she is making goals for her While mothers tend to get the “soccer way Dani approaches the game, it is very similar future. She is studying communications at mom” label, Dani insists that her mom was “the to how she tackles her daily life tasks. She is Danielle Paz (center) holding her trophy, IDC Herzliya, where she is captain of her ultimate soccer mom.” very practical, and yet extremely tactful in how celebrates winning the championship school recreational soccer team, which finished “My mom dedicated a lot of her time she goes about achieving whatever it is she’s with teammates second out of 12 teams in this year’s intramural driving me to soccer practices and tournaments after.” competition held in Eilat. all across Georgia and would drive me an hour Both her parents and her grandparents “It is defiantly an honor to be able to “She said that she would like to find a every other day to practice just so I could play have had huge influences in her life, supporting represent Israel on the soccer field, especially way to use soccer to bring kids together from on the best team,” she explained. her in the classroom and on the field pushing when playing in Europe,” Dani said. different backgrounds,” Karen said. “So Karen notes that soccer has taught Dani her to stay positive in all situations as well as She has had the opportunity to travel much of soccer is about working together and much more than just being an athlete. Playing reminding her to always believe in herself. around the world because of her love for the communicating with your team. It is a universal, at a high level takes discipline, commitment, Dani found herself playing in Israel before game. Already stamped on her passport are nonverbal language.” and sacrifice, especially while balancing soccer, she decided to move and live there full time. places like Switzerland, Cyprus, and Portugal, For now, it’s just a waiting game to see school, and social life. Two years before making Aliyah, her dad and she may add Holland, Finland, or Ireland to where Dani’s team will play as it represents “One of the biggest thing she has gained moved to Israel. When she came to visit, she that list this year. Israel. You can bet that every day leading up from growing up with sports is self-confidence,” wanted to make sure she was staying in shape “Playing soccer has defiantly shaped me as to the first game, you will find Dani Paz with a Karen said. “When she first started playing for her college team, Georgia State. Being the a person,” Dani concluded. “It has made me who soccer ball at her feet. July-August 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 19 TDSA’s Main Event celebrates the school and the people who make it a success On May 10, Torah Day School of positions and committees, while Martine vital part of the Atlanta Jewish community. Rhoda Gleicher, who has given 25 years Atlanta’s annual Main Event beautifully lent her professional expertise to many of Agreeing heartily was Dr. Ramie Tritt, who, of love, dedication, and education to incorporated all of the elements of TDSA dinners and auctions, guaranteeing when presenting greetings on behalf of the two generations of Torah Day School a stunning evening: delicious food, that everything not only looked gorgeous but Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, stated students. She began her career at TDSA entertaining company, and a worthy mission also ran without a hitch. Long-time TDSA that Torah Day School has a proven track as a kindergarten teacher and is now the to honor people who have made a significant parents and supporters, they graduated the record of providing Jewish continuity, with middle school social studies teacher. She difference in TDSA’s twenty nine years of last of their five children from the school in almost 100% of its graduates continuing on is beloved by her students for her love of existence. June. to Jewish high school. sharing knowledge, her generous laughter, For too many years to count, Dr. Ms. Sara Robbins, dedicated member For the third year in a row, TDSA and her smile. She is a life-long learner and Raphael and Mrs. Martine Gershon have of TDSA’s board of rustees and incoming presented the Distinguished Educator encourages her students to be the same. given generously of themselves in a president of the board, received the Sadell Award. This year’s recipient was Mrs. multitude of ways. Dr. Gershon served Sloan Volunteer Award, which was instituted on the Board of Trustees in a variety of in 2014. Dr. Sloan graciously reflected the values and mission of TDSA as a parent, supporter, and board member. Ms. Robbins has proven to be very worthy of this honor. Although she has no children in the school, she has chosen TDSA to be a focal point of her life, despite a very active professional and personal life. She views the school as a

Mrs. Gleicher (second row center), surrounded by former and current Martine and Raphael Gershon Sara Robbins students in attendance Trying situations and he had the printer working in 15 minutes. He had just gotten a computer certification, but my gosh, the guys at BY Marice that big company should have known more for sure. Katz Since I had bought the warranty only a few weeks before, I called customer service to get out of it. I did not want It started when my printer stopped to deal with them any longer. The lady working. I had a warranty with one of the I talked to was very nice and could not big tech companies, believe my story. so naturally I called She assured me she them. The first thing would talk to her they told me I was supervisor right low on ink. I was away. aware of that, so Two weeks when they asked if later, I got a call they could send two from the big cartridges to me, I company—at about said okay. 10:00 p.m.! The The color and gentleman sounded black cartridges very nervous, I came in the next guess because he day. The color one wanted me to know was defective. They I was getting a refused to believe that, until I told them $19.38 refund (on my $44.00 warranty). ink was all over my hands. They said You want to know what I did? I thanked they would send me another one. They him. I will not use that company again. never did. Never got a refund. Just one more thing. A couple of I was on the phone with them for nights ago, oh me, I could not access my several hours; they never fixed my Internet. But on my computer screen, printer. I think they tried? The next there was a page of directions on how I day, a good friend of mine came over, could fix the problem. And, I did it. Page 20 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015 Rabbi Deutsch, Temima honoree, shares the spotlight By R.M. Grossblatt “Because you thought of yourself less and feet. That person, he announced, was this Jean Katz High School for Girls.” Then, more of what Hashem wanted, Temima year’s outgoing president, Harold Stiefel, the 10 seniors moved the yellow tassels on At its June 11 graduation, Temima, High School is here.” Then, Beth Jacob’s who worked hard to implement his plan. their caps from right to left and beamed The Richard and Jean Katz High School leader gave Rabbi Deutsch a plaque and Then he presented Stiefel with a framed as they walked down the aisle, past Rabbi for Girls, honored its founder, Rabbi said, “On behalf of Temima High School, picture of Temima’s new school building, Menachem Deutsch, who cared enough to Menachem Deutsch. It was an honor long and all of the graduates from inception with a superman insignia as its roof. start a school where they could flourish. overdue, since the school is in its 19th year until now, and all the graduates from now While touching speeches by the graduates of existence. on, including those that aren’t even born, brought tears, this presentation brought Rabbi Deutsch, the former director I present you with this expression of our appreciative laughter. of the Atlanta Scholars Kollel, used the love and appreciation.” As the audience looked on, Principal occasion to honor others. When Rabbi Deutsch stood at the Miriam Feldman pronounced the girls Starting with Beth Jacob’s Rabbi Ilan podium at Beth Jacob’s Heritage Hall, “graduates of Temima, The Richard and Feldman, who spoke early in the program addressing about 300 supporters of so he could catch a plane to attend his Temima, most of his speech was about grandson’s bris, it wasn’t surprising appreciating them and others. He shared that Rabbi Deutsch wanted to share the two special moments in the history of spotlight. Rabbi Feldman praised Rabbi Temima. One was about two decades Deutsch for “building or strengthening every Torah institution in Atlanta.” He ago, the night that the founders met at the Deutsches’ home to choose a name for Rabbi Menachem Deutsch, wife Dena described Rabbi Deutsch as “...a motivator, with Temima graduate Malka Deutsch the school. He credited Moshe Esral z”l manager, visionary.” But mostly, he called and family him humble. (whom he called “our dear friend”) for Citing a known saying, “‘True humility finding the word temima, which means is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking complete in that week’s parsha (Torah Richard and Jean Katz of yourself less,’” Rabbi Feldman added, portion). The second memory that Rabbi Deutsch related happened several years ago, when the school was in dire financial straits. He said that one person came forward with a plan to put the school on its Beware the grandparents’ scam There’s a nice lady lawyer here who’s going to help me, but I need some money.” I asked, “How can I help you? How BY Carolyn can I get money to you?” “The lawyer will get on the phone Gold and tell you. Promise me you won’t tell anyone about this.” Of course I promised. Rabbi Feldman presenting a A professional-sounding woman plaque to Temima honoree Rabbi picked up and proceeded to tell me to Menachem Deutsch. The Hebrew I was scammed! I felt so get cash and go to a store that sold words transposed on a blueprint embarrassed I couldn’t talk Pay Pal cards with scratch-off of Temima’s building translate as about it—much less write numbers. Then I could give Rabbi Menachem Deutsch and “Behold I am building a home for the about it. Now, months her the numbers and she Harold Stiefel name Hashem, my G-d.” (photos: later, I think I can do so would take care of my R.M. Grossblatt) as a warning to others. grandchild’s bills. It went like this. Completely My phone rang, and upset over this whole a female voice said, story, I dutifully “Grandma, this is followed the Marci.” instructions, keeping I answered, “You my promise of not Get The Jewish Georgian At Home don’t sound like yourself.” telling anyone. Hours She said, “I have a cold. later, I started worrying Receive the next 6 issues for only $20 I’m in Miami. I came down about Marci’s safety and here with a friend, because I needed asked my Atlanta daughter to a change of scene.” please come by my house. I could believe that, because only Upon hearing my tearful broken Name:______days before, she had called me to say that promise, she immediately said, “Mother, a romantic situation she was in had gone you’ve been scammed.” She picked up bad. her cell phone and called her out-of-town Address:______Her present conversation continued. brother, Marci’s father, and asked where “I had dinner here last night and had two his daughter was. “She’s right here in the glasses of wine. Then I got into a slight house,” he answered. City:______State:______Zip:______accident in the rental car I was driving. Oh, how devastated, foolish, gullible Please mail this form together with your check to: The policeman smelled alcohol on my I felt. Embarrassed that I had fallen for this breath and took me to jail. Promise me scam and that I had been so naïve to have never heard of this trick before. Evidently, The Jewish Georgian you won’t tell anybody.” I interrupted, “Honey you’ve got to it’s been around for some time. 8495 Dunwoody Place • Suite 200 • Atlanta, GA 30350 tell your mother and daddy.” Grandparents, beware, there are folks She answered, “I will, as soon as I out there eager to take advantage of your get home. I’d rather tell them in person. concern for and your willingness to help those you love. July-August 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 21 Before Baby: How to prep for pregnancy the lab for processing. If a person or couple’s risk is elevated, a certified genetic counselor from Emory University will contact them to discuss their results. If you or someone you know is considering getting pregnant now or in the future, go to www.jscreen. org to learn more and order a screening kit. You can even give the gift of screening to a friend or loved one, by purchasing a JScreen gift card at jscreen.org/gift.

ACT LIKE YOU’RE ALREADY PREGNANT. Don’t do anything you wouldn’t do while pregnant, and make sure your partner follows suit. This means being mindful of one’s seafood intake, to avoid Can you hear that? There’s a storm ingesting too much mercury. This also means on the horizon—a very good and happy that those who smoke or consume alcohol one. Soon, the rolling thunder of baby on a regular basis will need to rethink those announcements will drench your social habits. Smoking and consuming alcohol media feeds and flood your mailboxes with can both adversely affect fertility, lowering the joyous news that another friend or loved FOLIC ACID. Sometimes referred to as GET “JSCREENED.” Eighty percent of sperm count and motility in men and egg one is hearing the pitter-patter of little feet. folate or vitamin B9, folic acid is found in babies born with a genetic disease have production in women. If you have diabetes, With more babies born in September than leafy greens, like kale, fortified breakfast no known family history of that condition. talk to your doctor about getting your blood any other month of the year, baby season is cereals, peanuts, and even orange juice. Also, one out of every four Jews is a Jewish sugar under control before you get pregnant. ramping up. Folic acid helps prevent birth defects genetic disease carrier. Carriers are healthy, High blood sugar is known to increase the If the influx of birth announcements relating to the brain and the spine, most but when both parents are carriers for the risk of birth defects. happens to spark your or a loved one’s notably spina bifida. same disease, each of their children is at 25% As always, please talk with your doctor interest in adding to your family, there are a Because the problem leading to spina risk. One of the most convenient and easiest about the most appropriate practices for you. few things future moms and dads can do to bifida happens in the first few weeks of ways for future moms and dads to screen The best chance of having a healthy baby is prepare for pregnancy. (Future grandparents pregnancy, often before a woman even themselves for more than 100 different to be the healthiest you can be. By making can join these conversations as well.) These knows she is pregnant, the Centers for genetic diseases, including 40+ that are a few lifestyle tweaks, communicating tips for pre-prenatal health can help ensure Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) common in Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews, openly with your doctor, and gaining vital that when the time comes to start trying for urges women to start taking 400 mcg of is with JScreen (www.jscreen.org). knowledge about your genes, you might that new addition, couples can feel confident folic acid every day, well before they begin Based out of Emory University, JScreen very well find yourself “singin’ in the rain” they are in great health, leading to a happy trying. Studies have also found folic acid is a national program that offers saliva-based when the baby announcement storm makes pregnancy and a healthy child. may help prevent some heart defects and genetic testing. Saliva is collected from the landfall next year. even cleft palates. comfort of one’s own home and then sent to

Guy Tessler appointed president of Conexx; Andre Schnabl to serve as strategic advisor Conexx: America Israel Business Born in Haifa, and raised in Jerusalem, 2005-2007, Going forward, he will use his vast Connector has selected COO Guy Tessler Guy served in the IDF as a paratrooper and has agreed experience to help elaborate on Conexx’ as its president. Conexx is a non-profit, later became a member of Kibbutz Misgav- to serve as strategic direction and help articulate non-governmental agency committed to Am, in the Upper Galilee. He holds a BA in the organiza- Conexx’ vision and mission to key connecting sociology and management from the Israel tion’s constituencies. Americans Open University. strategic Conexx is one of most successful and and Israelis “We went through a rigorous search advisor. effective bi-national business organizations through process and vetted over 50 candidates for Schnabl in North America. Founded more than 22 business. this position,” said Conexx Chairman Joel was key in years ago, Conexx continues to deliver great Tessler Neuman, vice president and senior managing developing value to Israeli companies seeking U.S. joined counsel, Customer and Commercial the organi- market entry and to American companies Conexx in Leadership, at Coca-Cola North America. zation’s seeking entry into Israel and access to 2007. As “Our process reinforced that Guy was the strategic groundbreaking technologies. Conexx COO, he best person for this role, and we’re so glad growth offers a powerful network to help its was charged he will remain with Conexx and continue to Andre Schnabl throughout members promote their products or services with deal- take advantage of his wealth of knowledge the years. to the entire Southeast and beyond. flow between and incredible connections with both Israeli U.S. and and American businesses.” Israeli firms, In his new role as president, Tessler Guy Tessler seeking will lead and implement the strategic plan partnerships, to grow the organization and enhance the investments, joint R&D, and business Conexx brand. He will continue to work development. Previously, he served as closely with U.S. and Israeli businesses, as general manager of Falcon West Security well as strengthen the relationship between and Investigations, in Los Angeles, and as the Southeast U.S. and Israeli business ties program manager for the Israel Association and economic partnerships. of Community Centers, in Jerusalem, where Conexx also announced that Andre many of the skills he brings to Conexx were Schnabl, former managing partner of Grant formed and developed. Thorton and Conexx chairman between Page 22 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015 Community leaders gather in support of IDF’s women soldiers On May 19, more than 500 community a great opportunity for us to show our love leaders gathered, at the Georgia Aquarium, and appreciation to the brave young men for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces and women of the Israel Defense Forces Atlanta Gala Dinner, raising more than who served in Operation Protective Edge, $500,000 to support the brave men and including a number of our Lone Soldiers women of the Israel Defense Forces. from the Atlanta community.” The evening, one of the Atlanta Jewish All event proceeds will go towards community’s largest events (attended by FIDF’s wellbeing and educational programs about 100 more people than last year, a for Israeli soldiers, including: the Adopt a 25% increase) saluted the women soldiers Brigade Program, which supports soldiers in of the IDF who served during last summer’s need and funds rest and recuperation weeks Operation Protective Edge, in Gaza. Several for the FIDF Southeast Region’s adopted of these soldiers attended the gathering. brigade, the IDF Combat Intelligence The event featured keynote speaker Corps; the IMPACT! Program, which Brig. Gen. (Res.) Gila Klifi-Amir, a 30-year grants full academic scholarships to combat veteran of the IDF, who served as the Chief veterans; the Lone Soldiers Program, of the General Staff’s advisor on women’s which supports soldiers with no immediate affairs and handled all matters relating to family in Israel; and the Wounded Veterans women’s service in the Israeli military. Program, which provides physical, social, and psychological services and special prosthetics. Rachael and E. Jay Abt and Dorit and Women IDF soldiers at the FIDF Atlanta Gala Dinner (photos: Gregg Mooney) Natan Morde co-chaired the event. Distinguished guests included several “As a woman officer, I often found barriers and allow tomorrow’s women to active-duty IDF soldiers; FIDF National myself trying to break the glass ceiling,” rise to leadership roles with less difficulty.” Board Member and Southeast Region Chair said Brig. Gen. (Res.) Klifi-Amir. “Up until The gala also honored Consul General Garry Sobel; The Home Depot Co-Founder 20 years ago, women in the IDF served in a of Israel to the Southeastern United States and Georgia Aquarium Founder Bernie narrow range of administration and support Ambassador Opher Aviran and his wife, Marcus and his wife, Billi; FIDF National roles. Today, 95% of the jobs in the IDF are Talyah. Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir open to women, but there are still barriers “Tuesday night’s gala was especially Klifi-Amir; and FIDF Southeast Region impeding women’s success. For future meaningful,” said FIDF Southeast Region Executive Director Seth Baron. generations, we have the power to break Executive Director Seth Baron. “It presented

Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States Ambassador Opher Aviran with his Brig. Gen. (Res.) Gila Klifi-Amir wife, Talyah

Bernie and Billi Marcus, with Brig. Gen. (Res.) Gila Klifi-Amir and Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir July-August 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 23 JewishGeorgian.qxp_Layout 1 6/29/15 5:43 PM Page 1 Page 24 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015

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770 532-1115 • www.slotinfolkart.com July-August 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 25 JewishTHE Georgian Atlanta-based Savannah comes to The Breman Museum project wins The new home for the Savannah Jewish Archives is the Cuba Family Archives for Southern Jewish History at the Breman Museum. This Best Film at substantial collection consists of approximately 175 linear feet of material, including 6,000 2015 Disability photographs and 150 oral histories, all pertaining to Savannah and the greater Chatham County Film Challenge Jewish community, from the 1750s to the present. This addition increases the size of the current Breman Museum archives by approximately 20%. The Savannah Jewish Archives and Savannah Jewish Federation, in an effort to increase access to their holdings, began a search for an appropriate venue. After an extensive review process, The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum in Atlanta was selected as its new home. “After much deliberation,” states Kaye Kole, one of the founders of the Savannah Jewish Archives, “we determined that the logical choice was The Breman Museum in Atlanta, which collects Jewish historical items from all over the state of Georgia.” Jeremy Katz, director of the Cuba Family Gottlieb’s Kosher Delicatessen, undated. Gottlieb’s was located at Archives at The Breman, commented, “The Whitaker and Duffy streets, before moving to Bull and 43rd streets. Breman Museum will provide Jewish oversight to It was one of several locally owned Jewish delis. (Savannah Jewish Archives photo courtesy of the Cuba Family Achieves for Southern See SAVANNAH, page 27 Jewish History at the Breman Museum) OVS rededicates renovated chapel Rachel Wasserman named executive Bumblebees, a four-minute movie written, filmed, and edited by an all- director of JWFA Atlanta crew over a 48-hour period has The Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta has been named Best Film of The Disability named Rachel Wasserman as its first full- Film Challenge of 2015. time executive director. The Disability Film Challenge is a In the national competition in which entrants three short are allotted two days to initiate and years since complete production of a short film, inception, while meeting specific requirements JWFA has pertaining to genre, props, locations, and experienced themes. unprecedented The Challenge’s purpose is to growth, both motivate disabled and non-disabled in the number filmmakers to be proactive in the film of women industry, to supply them with a means involved and in of exposure for themselves and their the breadth and projects, and to generate entertaining sophistication content that is inclusive of individuals of its grant- who might otherwise go unrepresented making on film. Entries must include a disabled Rachel Wasserman process. actor, director, writer, and/or producer. Wasserman, 34, began in 2012 as part-time This year’s genre was romantic comedy. The newly refurbished ark and reading stand, with the new stained glass director of JWFA. As a result of the fund’s windows depicting the tree of life and the burning bush rapid success, it has decided to expand the See BUMBLEBEES, page 29 See WASSERMAN, page 27 See OVS, page 29 Page 26 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015

A special opportunity to experience Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner Jewish American History at Temple Beth Tikvah as we kick off our 2016 Community Campaign Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner is the dynamic congregation,” said Rabbi Shuval- new senior rabbi of Reform congregation Weiner. “I look forward to worshiping and Temple Beth Tikvah, in Roswell. Rabbi learning alongside Temple Beth Tikvah Shuval-Weiner, who previously served at congregants, as we strengthen the bonds to Congregation B’nai Jehudah, in Overland our Jewish faith.” Park, Kansas, was selected by Temple Beth “We are thrilled to welcome Rabbi Tikvah after a thorough search process that Shuval-Weiner as Temple Beth Tikvah’s HERSHEY FELDER included interviews, a preliminary site visit, new spiritual leader,” said Ron Swichkow, and an “immersion weekend,” during which president of the congregation’s board of as congregants and Rabbi Shuval-Weiner trustees. “Rabbi Shuval-Weiner is uniquely studied and worshipped together. prepared to support individuals of all irving berlin ages along their Jewish journeys, through meaningful worship, innovative education, and relationship-building within the congregation and the broader community.” Rabbi Shuval-Weiner earned a bachelor of arts in education and humanities from Bar-Ilan University, in Ramat Gan, Israel. She holds a master’s in education, from the Proudly hosted by University of Central Oklahoma, and master Judy Zaban Miller & Lester Miller of arts degrees in Jewish studies and Hebrew letters, from Hebrew Union College. Prior to becoming a rabbi, Rabbi Shuval-Weiner served as a Jewish educator for 10 years, in Portland, Oregon. She was ordained as a rabbi in 2008, by Hebrew Union College, in Los Angeles. A mother of five grown children, Rabbi Shuval-Weiner is married to Jay Weiner, a consultant with The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Temple Beth Tikvah, a Reform congregation, attracts congregants from across Atlanta’s northern suburbs and offers a dynamic spiritual community that includes worship, religious school, pre-school, Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner community outreach, and a variety of Author of “God Bless America”, special programming. In addition to Rabbi “From the moment I stepped into the Shuval-Weiner and Rabbi Emeritus Donald Berlin was a Jewish American legend beautiful Temple Beth Tikvah sanctuary Tam, the synagogue’s clergy includes who wrote more than 1500 songs and was warmly welcomed by so many Cantor Nancy Kassel. and 27 scores in his lifetime committed congregants, I knew this was a

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of Edwin Byck, Jeff Kole, and Susan academic institutions. Breman Museum The Breman has established the Savannah Savannah Lieber-Lozada, met for hours to make the Executive Director Aaron Berger says, “It Jewish Archives Fund, to address expenses important decision to move the archives to is a testimony to The Breman and the Cuba related to the preservation, processing, From page 25 the Breman Museum. The Savannah Jewish Family Archives that we were selected out digitization, promotion, and growth of the Federation board members Byck, Marilyn of such esteemed company.” collection. Kaye Kole commented, “We the collection, in a facility where it will be Farley, Nancy Feldman, Sharon Galin, Breman Board members Judith Taylor, would like to maintain our membership a major addition. It will be highly regarded Jerald Gottlieb, Peggy Harris, Kole, Margie Laura Dinerman, and Jerry Rosenberg base, with money going toward the costs of and publicized and featured in exhibitions Levy, Lieber-Lozada, Bill Raffel, and Arlene guided this process over the last eight maintaining and growing the collection.” highlighting Jewish contributions to Ratner, and volunteers Carole Cohen, months. “We feel this is the ultimate win- She has encouraged those in Savannah the history of Georgia. Additionally, Suzanne Kantzipper, Harriet Meyerhoff, win. Savannah’s tremendous historical to continue to support the archives with the collection will be made available Diane Kuhr, Bobbie Levy, Jane Rosenblum, documents will gain a broader audience, memberships or make contributions in to researchers, genealogists, scholars, and Sue Solomon voted unanimously to and The Breman will be able to tell a honor or in memory of others. historians, and students in Georgia and deed the collection to The Breman, based more comprehensive story of Jewish life Once the Breman integrates the around the world.” on committee recommendations.” in Georgia,” says Taylor, The Breman Savannah material into its own archives, the Kaye Kole recounts the team effort that While exploring options, the Savannah Museum’s Collections Committee chair. museum hopes to draw upon the collection led to the selection of the Breman Museum. Jewish Archives considered the Sylvia “There are so many families in Atlanta that for in-house exhibitions and programs, as “Thanks to the tireless work of many people Vlosky Yaschik Jewish Studies Center, have Savannah roots and vice versa. We’re well as on-line exhibitions, so these critical in Savannah and Atlanta, the archives will at the College of Charleston; the Carolina proud and honored to have this collection as stories of Jewish history from the South can be more accessible than ever before,” she Center for Jewish Studies, at the University a jewel in our crown.” be explored by people around the world. said. “The Savannah committee, consisting of North Carolina; and several other notable To ensure the future of the Archives,

positioned to act as a catalyst for positive Wasserman change. JWFA is an active member of the From page 25 Jewish Women’s Funding Network, a national collaborative of 20 organizations position and has promoted Wasserman into engaged in social change fundraising, and the role. grant-making, with more than $41 million “Rachel is the consummate in assets and grant awards totaling almost professional. She is strong, smart, positive, $27 million. and inspiring,” said JWFA Chair Ilene Engel. “JWFA is blessed to have Rachel JEWISH WOMEN’S FUND OF ATLANTA guiding us. Our community is lucky to AWARDS $100,000. The Jewish Women’s have Rachel as one of its shining stars.” Fund of Atlanta (JWFA) has issued its “I am so appreciative to the trustees for 2015 grant allocations to 15 programs that giving me this chance to work with them expand opportunities for Jewish women JWFA trustees work collectively to facilitate social change for Jewish women on our collective mission, which fills my and girls. The grantees, located both and girls. heart every day with so much pleasure and in Atlanta and throughout Israel, share inspiration,” said Wasserman. JWFA’s mission to promote social change relationship choices. improve their financial literacy. In 2014, Wasserman was named among through a gender lens. Eighty-two JWFA • Women in Crisis Fund, Jewish Interest • Supporting and Empowering Adolescent Atlanta’s top “40 under 40” Jewish leaders trustees, all female philanthropists from Free Loan of Atlanta ($7,500)—To Girls at Risk, Orr Shalom ($4,000)—To by The Atlanta Jewish Times. She comes the greater Atlanta area, participated in the prevent Atlanta’s Jewish single women in provide adolescent girls who have suffered to JWFA with experience in grant writing collective grant-making experience. temporary financial crisis from losing their extreme abuse, violence, and neglect with a and implementing programs, as well as a The grant recipients are: independence and give them the capacity safe and loving home, in order to help them vast knowledge of the nonprofit sector. • Legal Education and Outreach for Civil to fulfill their potential by providing loans recover from their traumas and fulfill their Wasserman received her bachelor’s degree Action Against Get Refusal, Center for and budgeting skills. personal potential. from Brown University, in psychology and Women’s Justice ($10,000)—To intensify • Education on Dating Abuse and Sexual • FOCUS Program (Finding Occupations, Judaic studies, and master’s degrees from the impact of damage suits for get refusal, Assault, Jewish Women International Careers, Universities, Success), Temima, Columbia University, in social work, and by making them available to all Jewish ($7,500)—To engage and empower Jewish The Richard and Jean Katz High School Jewish Theological Seminary of America, women in Israel. students at the University of Georgia in for Girls ($6,500)—To provide Jewish in Jewish studies. • Securing Israel’s Future through meaningful education through in-person high school girls with guidance in choosing “Recognizing that people enter Jewish Employment, IT Works ($10,000)—To workshops, a public awareness campaign, careers and post-secondary options suited to life and philanthropy through a wide variety raise the position of low-income and faith-based resources, and a partnership their interests, skills, and abilities, through of doors, Federation is excited to nurture unemployed women in Yokneam, by with Hillel and the Jewish Greek workshops, testing, and counseling. this endeavor. We are pleased to see JWFA imparting technological and soft-skills organizations. • Women’s Leadership Development grow and instill philanthropic passion in training. • Cracking the Glass Ceiling, Kol Israel in the Galilee, WEPOWER ($5,000)— addressing the needs of, and expanding • Alma Pre-Army Academy for Women, Haverim ($6,500)—To promote young To nurture, expand, and promote social opportunities for, Jewish women and girls Jewish Agency for Israel ($10,000)—To women from underprivileged areas in Israel activism and social change with a gender in Atlanta and Israel, including at-risk offer young Israeli women from socially to scholastic excellence, with emphasis on lens. populations and the leaders of tomorrow,” and economically disadvantaged areas science, math, and technology. • Girls Lead: A Theater-Making Workshop, said Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta access to tools, skills, and strategies to pave • Resetting Jewish Women’s Body & Self William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum Chair Howard Feinsand. the way for upward social and financial Images, Limmud Atlanta & Southeast ($5,900)—To provide Jewish girls in the The Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta mobility. ($3,000)—To explore historical, cultural, metro Atlanta area with tools to become comprises more than 80 trustees, all female • Interest-Free Loans for Secondary and psychological challenges facing authentic, assertive, and self-aware leaders. philanthropists from the greater Atlanta Education, Jewish Educational Loan Fund modern Jewish women and girls, as they • Crossing the Street, Women’s Spirit area, who use the power of collective giving ($5,000)—To provide Jewish women in develop a healthy and realistic body ($9,000)—To provide Israeli female to find long-term solutions to problems and Atlanta with last-dollar loans, to attain the image through a series of facilitated, victims of violence with tools to achieve issues that impact Jewish women and girls. degrees they need to be successful in life. intergenerational, cross-denominational, self-reliance and become financially JWFA is a proud philanthropic partner • Shalom Bayit Teen Domestic Violence and mixed-gender discussions. independent and integrate successfully into of Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Prevention Initiative, Jewish Family and • Ehete Center, New Israel Fund ($2,600)— the job market. Federation has served as the incubator for Career Services ($7,500)—To increase To foster economic independence for Women interested in JWFA can learn JWFA and continues to support the fund by awareness of teen dating violence in the low-income Ethiopian-Israeli women, by more at jewishatlanta.org/jwfa. For more providing resources that ensure its success Jewish community and empower girls and providing a cooperative to sell traditional information, contact Rachel Wasserman at and growth. More than ever, JWFA is now young women in Atlanta to make healthy handcrafts, develop their skills, and 678-222-3716. Page 28 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015 an alumni group mixer, and a kid zone. PAL is Atlanta’s only Jewish Big Brother/Big Sister Program. “PAL has made JF&CS News an impact on more than 1,000 Jewish lives over the past 30 years. We hope to gather Association of Woman Lawyers, is active in as many PALs as we can to celebrate and NEW DIRECTORS. JF&CS welcomed two several local organizations serving Atlanta’s honor the program’s success in supporting new directors in June. Bonnie Klein will lead women and girls, and is a development and families, children, and volunteers in our Career Services–Tools for Employment, engagement consultant to C4, a nonprofit Atlanta Jewish community,” said Ellen and Deborah that trains artists to run their businesses. Moore. Zisholtz will Klein lives in Northeast Atlanta with her Everyone is invited to this free, head up Aviv son, Ethan. family-fun event. For more information, Ben Gilkerson Older Adult Zisholtz spent nine years at the Jewish or to inquire about sponsorship and tribute Services–Tools Federation of opportunities, contact Carly Sonenshine, for Aging. Greater Atlanta. PAL program manager, at 770-6779390 or Klein Her roles there [email protected]. comes to as manager of JF&CS with Community extensive Planning & recruiting, job Impact and Bonnie Klein placement, and project director business/legal for NORC experience. After practicing law as well (Naturally as recruiting for law firms for nearly 20 Occurring years, she left her practice in 2012 to launch Deborah Zisholtz Retirement Anna Maki MasterPlan Career Navigators, which Community) focuses on helping attorneys plan, execute, make her a familiar face at JF&CS. IN GOOD TASTE. The Tasting, held on and achieve new career goals through In her former role, she oversaw PAL Hanukkah bowling party May 14, benefits JF&CS’ Zimmerman- effective career and life planning. the Federation’s Caring Outcome Horowitz Independent Living Program. Klein is a graduate of Michigan State portfolio (health & well-being, financial SPECIAL OLYMPICS TORCH RELAY. This highly individualized, nonsectarian, University and Brooklyn Law School. A independence); engaged Federation The 2015 Special Olympics World Summer person-centered supportive living program native of Michigan, she lived and worked professionals and volunteers on domestic Games begin July 25, in Los Angeles. And enables people with disabilities to live as in Taipei, New York, Washington, D.C., community planning efforts; and partnered like the other Olympics, these games are independently as possible. Clients receive and Philadelphia, before coming to Atlanta, with affiliate and partner agencies to support preceded by a torch relay across the country. training in money management, cooking, in 2001. She is on the board of the Georgia collaborative problem solving to better Ben Gilkerson, a client of JF&CS’ cleaning, household management, laundry, serve people with disabilities, older adults Developmental Disabilities–Tools for social skills, and other areas. and their families, and support financial Independence (TFI) division, held the independence. torch as the Special Olympics Unified Before starting at JF&CS, Deborah Torch Relay passed through Atlanta. The left the Federation to run ClubZ!, which relay marked the first time the torch was provides in-home tutoring and test carried across the country, with three routes preparation services for students pre-K to covering all 50 states, over six weeks. Anna adult in the North Metro Atlanta area. Maki, the program coordinator for Tools Born in Washington, D.C., and with for Independence WORKS, also carried the family roots in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, torch, with her son by her side. Zisholtz moved to Atlanta at age two. “I had the best time of my life,” said She received her bachelor’s degree from Anna. “It was just an incredible and Washington University in St. Louis, her amazing event, and I was honored to have a master of social work from Boston College, team participate. To be part of this once-in- and a master of business administration in a-lifetime event was a true inspiration.” human services from Brandeis University. Ben participates in TFI WORKS’ In Boston, she worked as an outreach Supported Employment program. Lani Preis and Mindi Sard chaired this counselor, providing support to clients with “Supported Employment” is an approach to year’s Tasting with their husbands, a mental illnesses. helping people with disabilities participate Spencer and Mike Following graduate school, she moved in the competitive labor market. As one of back to Atlanta, where she worked as 10 clients currently part of the program, Ben director of education and later executive recently started working at a local art studio. director at Life Enrichment Services, Inc., He helps set up art supplies for classes and a senior center that later became a part then clean up afterward. of Senior Connections. Zisholtz and her TFI WORKS’ program started more husband live in Cumming with her two than five years ago. Since then, it has young sons, Samuel and Elliott. evolved into a true person-centered initiative that helps individuals find meaningful jobs. PAL’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY. Have you Its team of professionals provides ongoing ever been a PAL? Are you a family member support and job coaching. TFI WORKS or friend of a current or former PAL? Or also can explore customized employment, have you ever supported JF&CS’ PAL meeting the unique needs of both the program? individual and the employer. Currently, six PAL (People are Loving), a program of the 10 participants in the program have of JF&CS Child & Adolescent Services– jobs, while four are in the job development/ Pearl Ann Horowitz and guest at The Tools for Families, will celebrate its 30th discovery phase. Tasting anniversary on February 28, 2016. Honoring For more information about Supported founder Ellen Moore, the event will feature Employment and other TFI WORKS food and beverages from Goodfriends, programs, contact Rachel Miller at 770- music, a photo booth, a PAL decade board, 677-9450. July-August 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 29

is a native of Omaha, Nebraska. He holds a director of education, at Temple Beth El, in bachelor of accountancy degree from The Charlotte, North Carolina. George Washington University and received BUSINESS BITS a master of taxation degree and master FLOM AT TKE. Temple Kol Emeth has of business administration degree, with a hired Ezra Flom as its new Youth and Family By Marsha Liebowitz freelance professionals, including stage and concentration in finance, from Georgia State director. For more musical directors, technicians, engineers, University. He currently lives in Buckhead than 10 years, FAREWELL TO THE SOUTHEAST. and backstage staff, to create productions for with his family. Flom has crafted Ambassador Opher Aviran, consul general both Upper and Lower School students. Ms. experiences for of Israel to the Gorsetman served as Chagiga adviser for BERKOWITZ AT AJC. Leah Berkowitz learners, both Southeast, is the longtime AJA Upper School all-female is American Jewish Committee Atlanta’s young and old, leaving Atlanta musical as well as directing the Upper School new senior associate of Fundraising and that ignite an after a five-year play in past years. She has acted professionally Leadership Development. She graduated in excitement for appointment. He since 1999, appearing in plays in Israel and May 2015 from Brandeis University, with a life and Judaism, will be succeeded New York, including an off-off-Broadway B.A. in international and global studies and uncovering the as consul general performance. anthropology. She worked for AJC Atlanta as mysteries of by Ambassador a Goldman Fellow, in the summer of 2014. gardens with Judith Varnai- AJA STRATEGIC LEARNING At Brandeis, Leah worked for Hillel and also Ezra Flom preschoolers; Shorer, who will INSTRUCTOR. Andy Hurwitz has joined taught for the Boston-area Jewish Education leading Negev assume her duties the AJA faculty as an instructor in the Upper Program. She also spent many summers at hikes for retirees; teaching in Jewish day on July 24. Her School’s Strategic Learning Program. Mr. Camp Ramah Darom, both as a camper and schools, Hebrew school, and universities; Ambassador husband, Oded Hurwitz holds a bachelor’s degree from staff member. and facilitating youth engagement across the Opher Aviran Shorer, will Elon University, Elon, North Carolina, and a spectrum. Flom earned a master’s degree in serve as director of Economic Affairs for the master’s degree in special education from the education at American Jewish University, a Consulate. University of Washington, Seattle. He also California Teaching Credential from Hebrew completed the Education for Environment and Union College, and bachelor’s degrees in AJA DIRECTOR OF HEBREW LANGUAGE Community graduate program at IslandWood, rabbinic literature and Spanish culture and STUDIES. Liat Kadosh is Atlanta Jewish Seattle. While in Seattle, Mr. Hurwitz worked literature. Academy’s new director of Hebrew Language in several schools with a wide range of Studies for grades 7-12 and a Hebrew language educational philosophies. He also served with JOEL & GRANOT TAKE THE GOLD. Joel consultant for grades K-6. Ms. Kadosh has CityYear Seattle/King County, an AmeriCorps & Granot Real Estate, the principals of which more than 25 years of experience teaching organization. NEW AT AJC: (from left) Leah are Alan Joel and Dan Granot took home the Hebrew as a second language to students in Berkowitz, senior associate for gold at the CORFAC International Standards both Israel and the United States. She will SKID PROMOTED David Skid, CFA, CFP, Fundraising and Leadership of Excellence Awards, which took place at the write and implement AJA’s new Hebrew has been promoted Development; Goldman Fellow CORFAC International 2014 Fall Summit, in curriculum, which will include an option to executive Emily Rapport; and Goldman Bridge Chicago. This program recognizes CORFAC for M’silot students. Ms. Kadosh previously director, financial Fellow Dara Gever firms that exceed industry standards and served as coordinator of Hebrew Language advisor in Morgan operate with CORFAC’s core values, mission, Studies at AJA Upper School; before that, she Stanley’s Wealth GOLDMAN BRIDGE FELLOW. Dara Gever and vision in mind. The winning firms are was director of Hebrew Language Studies at Management is AJC Atlanta’s first ACCESS Goldman CORFAC affiliates that participate the most The Epstein Middle School. office in Atlanta. Bridge Fellow. She will work with ACCESS in the CORFAC network, are recognized in Skid, who has and help expand its ethnic and religious the industry for excellence and leadership, AJA DIRECTOR OF PERFORMING ARTS. been with Morgan relationships, specifically for the young and consistently represent the CORFAC Talya Gorsetman has joined AJA in the Stanley Wealth professional community. After graduating brand. Established in 1989 as a not-for- newly created position of Performing Arts Management and from Emory University with a double major profit association, CORFAC is a network of director. She will expand the school’s Theater its predecessor in political science and religion, Dara served independently owned commercial real estate David Skid Department and lead a staff of highly talented firms since 2006, as director of youth engagement and assistant firms.

cause. Bumblebees was also accepted into and Bumblebees The movie stars screened at The New Media Film Festival, Jenna’s younger in Los Angeles, in the “Socially Responsible From page 25 brother, 19-year- Content” block, and The CTLPDX old Vance Kanell, International Film Festival, in Portland, in the Bumblebees was written and directed who as a child was “Family” block. It will screen again, in Los by Jenna Kanell. A graduate of the Epstein and diagnosed with Angeles, as an award-winning project, during Paideia schools and a member of Congregation autism, cerebral the Hollyshorts Film Festival, in August, at Shearith Israel, she has been working as a palsy, and epilepsy, TCL (formerly Grauman’s) Chinese Theatre. union actor and stunt performer for years, as he ventures out To read more about the Disability but this is the first project she has written on his first date. Film Challenge and view Bumblebees, and directed. Bumblebees was produced by Jenna Kanell Vance has for years visit disabilityfilmchallenge.com. To view fellow actor Katy Tulka and supported by been a student at a subtitled version for the deaf and hard an Atlanta-based professional film crew. All The Lionheart School, in Alpharetta, Georgia, of hearing, visit vimeo.com/127148674 those involved in Bumblebees volunteered Jenna and Vance Kanell, on the set of which serves children with autism spectrum Bumblebees (password: 48disability). their talents and time out of a passion for the disorders and other sensory issues.

result of “memorial donations received from the only his parents, but Albert as well.” come.” OVS families of Rachel and David Maslia and many Albert D. Maslia’s daughter, Elise Meyer, OVS Rabbi Hayyim Kassorla also From page 25 other OVS families, friends, and acquaintances reflected upon the meaning of the Maslia expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone of Albert D. Maslia,” one of the sons of Rachel chapel: “As a third-generation member of OVS, involved in the project, without which “this Congregation Or VeShalom held the and David Maslia, who passed away in April of the Maslia chapel holds a special significance holy chapel renovation would not have come to rededication ceremony of its renovated Rachel last year. for me. This is a tribute to my grandparents fruition.” and David Maslia Chapel on Saturday, June 13, “Albert was the initial spark behind the and other founding men and women, who “The new chapel is beautiful and in memory of the late members. chapel’s renovation, a plan that ultimately grew poured their hearts and souls into building our inspiring,” Rabbi Kassorla added. “It has been, OVS President Scott Galanti said the into a beautiful project,” Galanti said. “This congregation. This is a beautiful space that our truly, a labor of love for all.” renovation of the chapel came about as the renovation is a wonderful way to remember not OVS community may enjoy for many years to Page 30 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015 legislation and funds for the building of the Glenn was most attentive and really spoiled memorial. me, insisting I ride in the wheelchair much of Honored to be honored The memorial is a large, open, circular the day. We found we had a lot in common, structure with a large pool and fountain in as he is an aviation enthusiast like me and to 96. We would each have a guardian, who the center. The outer structure features 50 has a private pilot’s license. would be our companion and aid throughout towering granite columns, each with the the trip. Guardian volunteers pay their own name of a state inscribed on it. Tourists from BY Leon expenses ($500 each) for this privilege. all parts of the country were present, and Two weeks before our scheduled flight, we were constantly approached by people Socol we met at the American Legion headquarters thanking us for our service and wanting to in Conyers. We were introduced to our shake our hands. Most veterans wore caps guardians and briefed on all aspects of the identifying their military branch. trip. Eleven years ago, President George W. The venture was to be a grueling one-day Bush dedicated the National World War II trip, with much walking, so 25 wheelchairs Memorial to honor our nation’s “Greatest were placed on board the airliner and Generation.” That generation was beginning transferred to our sightseeing motor coach. to feel the ravages of old age, and its ranks Our schedule called for us to leave the Glenn Woods and Leon Socol were thinning. It was good to have a beautiful Legion post at 4:00 a.m., on a cold, rainy memorial to recognize the servicemen who morning. Our motor coaches would be We drove back to Reagan International fought our country’s greatest war, but many escorted to the Atlanta airport by a convoy Airport, where we were again greeted by a realized that few of these veterans would be of motorcycle volunteers and police from cheering, flag-waving crowd and escorted able to visit Washington, D.C. Many were Conyers. We were driven to the International into a private dining room for our evening weak, sick, or unable to afford a trip to visit Terminal so we could be easily processed. meal. Glenn and I sat at table with Lt. Col. this impressive tribute. We were feted with a hot breakfast, and Raymond Clay, a 94-year-old Air Force the few travelers in the terminal applauded officer who wore his original uniform, as we boarded our airplane. Delta Airlines A bagpipe band paraded around the resplendent with ribbons and command pilot provided the flight and terminal activities. As memorial and entertained veterans wings. His daughter was his guardian. He we taxied out to the airport runway, we were and other visitors. didn’t speak too much about his military saluted by a Delta honor guard and given a service, but through his daughter, we learned water cannon salute over our aircraft. Although I shook hands with dozens he had piloted four-engine B-17 bombers for Fortunately, the weather at Reagan of well-wishers, the one that really got to over 30 missions into Germany. She said International Airport was perfect. As our me was an 11-year-old girl from up East. that he had been awarded the Distinguished plane approached the terminal, we were She came up to me and thanked me for my Flying Cross after his plane was hit by flack again greeted by an honor guard and a service and then paused to ask if she could on the way to a target, in Frankfurt, Germany. water cannon salute. As we made our way give me a big hug. I readily consented and The plane lost an engine and its hydraulic through the crowded airport to our buses, had a lump in my throat. system, but instead of turning back, Col. The World War II Memorial, shown people in the terminal shouted, clapped, and Clay continued the mission, dropped his with its pool and fountain. rushed up to thank us for our service to the bombs on target, and safely piloted his plane country. I was blown away by the warmth back to its English base. A retired Army Air Corps captain, Earl and appreciation of the crowd. Morse, who became a physician’s assistant Our tour buses headed for the WW II and worked in VA hospitals, wanted to honor Memorial. Veterans wore blue T-shirts, and those vets by flying them, free of charge, to guardians wore red T-shirts. A picture of our Washington to visit the memorial. Morse group was taken at the memorial. We were knew that these veterans were, for the most informed that former Senator Bob Dole was part, in their eighties and had little chance of present and agreeable to posing for pictures. ever getting to D.C. Senator Dole was instrumental in getting the Earl had continued to fly as a private pilot and belonged to a large flying club in A schoolgirl offers Leon Socol a hug Ohio. He proposed to club members that of thanks for his service. they organize a service to fly veterans to Washington, with expenses borne by the After leaving the WW II Memorial, we volunteer pilots. Eleven pilots accepted the visited the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial program, and so, in 2004, the Honor Flight (Iwo Jima Memorial), and then went on to Lt. Col Raymond Clay registers for network was begun. Arlington National Cemetery. A reverent Honor Flight. He was the only veteran The program has grown to 130 hubs silence was observed on the bus as we drove in uniform. The rest of the veterans throughout the nation, so veterans can easily past hundreds of grave markers, all in perfect had outgrown theirs years ago. find a hub near their homes. The network alignment, where our true heroes rest. We Veterans sit for a formal photograph charters airline jets for their flights, and, in then visited the Tomb of the Unknown Solder After dinner, we boarded our plane and to chronicle their visit to the WWII the space of a few years, has flown more than and witnessed the changing of the guard and flew back to Atlanta, where we were met Memorial. 110,000 veterans to visit their memorials. the placing of a wreath at the tomb. by our motorcycle escort and driven back Organizers knew that many older veterans From Arlington, we visited the Korean to the Conyers American Legion Post. Our would not live to make the trip, as the World War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans whirlwind trip had taken us 18 hours to War II vets were dying out at the rate of Memorial Wall, and the Lincoln Memorial. complete, but the memories will last much more than 900 per day. All were inspiring sites. We snapped dozens longer. I first learned about the Honor Flight of pictures, even though our group was Honor Flight Conyers, Inc., is an all- program from a cousin in Dallas, Texas, accompanied by professional photographers. volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization who took the trip last year. He urged me to I can’t say enough about our guardians. that depends on tax-free donations from apply to the program. I applied to Honor These men and women were at our beck individuals, corporations, and other Flight Conyers, a hub established in 2011. I and call all day long. Throughout the tour, organizations to support its mission of confirmed that the flight was absolutely free many pushed the veterans in wheelchairs. serving our veterans. Contact Honor Flight to each veteran and preference was being My guardian was Glenn Woods, an Conyers at P.O. Box 81122, Conyers, GA given to WW II veterans. Senator Bob Dole posed with many anesthesiologist from Auburn, Alabama. 30013 or HonorFlightConyers@comcast. After receiving an invitation to join an of the veterans. He was responsible He was not a veteran, but he made the trip net, or visit honorflightconyers.com. Honor Flight, I learned that our trip would to learn all about it, so he could bring his consist of 25 veterans, ranging in age from 83 for making the WW II Memorial a reality. veteran father on an Honor Flight next year. July-August 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 31 Gabi, who aspires to be a fashion designer, said she found retail to be different than she expected and noted she was surprised at Davis Academy News how big the store actually is. “Something I learned from the day is that a job in the real unique opportunity to learn what it’s like to world requires a lot of responsibility,” Gabi C-SPAN HONORS. Four Davis Academy get a job and work in the real world. said. students have received honorable mention Each spring, Davis Language Arts Lauren and Max were assigned to work awards for their videos submitted to the teacher David Rifkin gives his 7th-graders in the women’s shoe department, where 2015 C-SPAN StudentCam competition. an assignment to write a persuasive essay they also shadowed sales associates. Max A C-SPAN representative presented the on why they should be selected to work thought it was “really fun” and was amazed students with the awards at The Davis at Macy’s for a day. It’s the first part of at how the shoeboxes are stacked floor-to- Academy Middle School, during an April a process that gives the students some ceiling in the stock room and how iPads are 28 ceremony. insight about choosing a career and seeking used on the sales floor to check inventory C-SPAN StudentCam is an annual work—something most of them have not for customers. video documentary competition that yet thought about. This year, Mr. Rifkin Said Macy’s Perimeter Assistant Store encourages students to think critically about selected a total of 16 students, whose essays Manager Brad Vick, “It was a pleasure and issues that affect our communities and made the cut and who could proceed to the an honor to have these wonderful kids from nation. The competition is open to students interview round to compete for the four job Davis Academy spend an afternoon with us Lauren Cohen (from left), Gabi Lewis, in grades 6-12, who submit five-to-seven openings. here at Macy’s Perimeter. These kids are Max Murray, and Jonah Medoff minute videos that must contain some The interviews were conducted at amazing, professional, and so smart. They earned the opportunity to work at C-SPAN footage supporting the chosen school, on May 12, with retired Macy’s were fully prepared for the day, gaining as Macy’s Perimeter for a day. topic. This year, C-SPAN received 2,280 executive Michael Pomerantz, who, just as much knowledge as possible about the real- documentaries from nearly 5,000 students in in a real job interview, asked the students life work experience.” almost every state, the greatest participation about their qualifications and why they At the end of their workday, the four in the contest’s 11 years. should be chosen. Davis students agreed that retail work is a The competition’s 2015 theme was “The The winning students—Gabi Lewis, lot harder than it looks, especially when it Three Branches and You.” Students were Max Murray, Jonah Medoff, and Lauren comes to helping several customers at once, challenged to tell a story that demonstrates Cohen—all agreed that the interview and all were glad to give their feet a rest. how a policy, law, or action, by either the process was a little nerve-wracking, but all They all also agreed that, no matter what executive, legislative or judicial branch, has were able to hold their own. career they eventually choose, this unique affected them or their community. Gabi, who was the very last interview experience was invaluable and made a Eighth-graders Taylor Herold and Evan candidate, said she told Mr. Pomerantz lasting impression. Nathanson won for their video “Homeless that she would do a good job because Not Hopeless,” a documentary shedding she is “outgoing, a team player, and has light on the problem of youth homelessness. determination.” Jonah recalled that despite Eighth-graders Sarah Cohen and Madison his nerves, he thought it had gone well, after Tessler won for their documentary “Liberty, telling Mr. Pomerantz that he is “responsible, Justice and Equality for ALL,” which organized, a good listener, and loves to help explores the issue of marriage rights for people.” LGBT individuals. Each student received a Lauren said she wasn’t sure if her certificate and a $250 cash prize. queasiness had to do with interview nerves Special guests in attendance at the or the fact that she had just come from ceremony were Brianna Alexander, of dissecting a frog in biology. Still, she the United Way; Karla Drenner, Georgia found her composure and talked about her Representative, District 85; Robbie experience with responsibilities, from doing Medwed, executive director of The house- and pet-sitting jobs, and that she has Southern Jewish Resource Network for the dedication to play three instruments. Gender and Sexual Diversity (SOJOURN), When it was Max’s turn, he said he should and Rebecca Stapel-Wax, assistant director, be picked because he is “cheerful, focused, SOJOURN. Each of these individuals had and always gets things done.” been interviewed for and appeared in the This is the third year that Mr. Pomerantz student documentaries. has conducted the interviews for this project. “I am always impressed how seriously the students both prepare for the interview by completing an essay on why they should be hired by Macy’s and the skill they display during the actual interview,” he said. “These are 7th graders, who, for the most part, sit opposite me, very poised and articulate in defending why they deserve to be hired.” The day of work was Sunday, May 17, at Macy’s Perimeter. The students were given a tour, which included many behind-the-scenes locations, such as where C-SPAN’s Sara Zou presented awards employees check in and security monitoring to Davis Academy 8th-graders areas, which impressed the students. Madison Tessler, Sarah Cohen, Gabi and Jonah were assigned to work Taylor Herold, and Evan Nathanson, in men’s jeans, where they shadowed an pictured here with Kendrick Phillips, employee helping customers and organized Director of Visual & Performing Arts. merchandise, folding the clothing by size. “I thought it was harder to assist REAL-WORLD WORK EXPERIENCE. customers than it looks,” said Jonah. “I Before the school year’s end, four Davis realized that there are many different types Academy Middle School students earned a of customers and some are hard to satisfy.” Page 32 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015 Temple Sinai. Panelists include: Dr. Daniel Shapiro, a reproductive endocrinology and infertility expert with Reproductive Biology Thought you’d like to know Associates; Dr. Angela Arnold, a psychiatrist specializing in infertility issues, post-partum By Jonathan Barach is open to the community and will be the Israel and American South Initiative, a depression, and psychopharmacology; conducted by rabbis from both synagogues. series of forums and dialogue programs to and Lynn Holland Goldman, an attorney EXPECTING? Ahavath Achim For additional information, contact strengthen ties between Israel and seven specializing in adoption and surrogacy. Synagogue’s bi-annual Jewish parenting Stephanie Stone at sstone@aasynagogue. Southern U.S. states. This upcoming forum They will be joined by radio host and course, “Bet is for Baby” is a three-part org or 404-603-5745. is presented in partnership with Conexx. expectant mom Jenn Hobby, who will share program for first-time expectant parents, For more information and to register, her personal struggles with infertility. There with information and guidance about THE LEO FRANK CASE. The Southern visit bakerdonelsonglobalinitiatives.com/ is no cost to attend this event. RSVP at Jewish traditions and parenting. Classes Museum of Civil War & Locomotive forums. [email protected] or 404-252- include: “Raising Jewish Children: A Guide History, in partnership with The William 3073. for the Perplexed,” Sunday, July 19, 10:30 Breman Jewish Heritage Museum and GIRLS LEAD THEATER WORKSHOP. a.m.; “Brit Mila and Baby Naming—All The Museum of History and Holocaust Girls Lead Theater Workshop is a fun activity THE 27TH ANNUAL FRAN EIZENSTAT You Wanted to Know,” Sunday, July 26, Education at Kennesaw State University, is for Jewish girls, ages 11-14, developed in AND EIZENSTAT FAMILY LECTURE. 10:30 a.m.; and “Networking, Resources, presenting the exhibition “Seeking Justice: collaboration with Out of Hand Theater. The Eizenstat Lecture series has featured and Connecting,” plus “Bet is for Baby” The Leo Frank Case Revisited,” August This three-hour workshop will deepen well-known distinguished world figures reunion Shabbat lunch, Saturday, August 17-November 29. Related programming girls’ confidence, creativity, collaboration, addressing current and thought-provoking 1, 1:00 p.m. Classes are free and open to will include two stagings of Alfred Uhry’s and communication, all essential skills for national and international issues. Past the community. To register, contact Marcia musical Parade, community conversations, leadership and life. Acting is role-playing, a lectures have featured former presidents, Lindner at [email protected] or and more. For more information, visit www. perfect way to try on new roles before trying ambassadors, Supreme Court justices, and 404-603-5748. southernmuseum.org. them out in the real world. The workshop Pulitzer and Nobel Peace Prize winners. can be taken August 23 or 30, 1:00-4:00 This year’s topic will address “Challenges HISTORIC COLLABORATION. Ahavath CYBER SECURITY. “Securing Your p.m. A snack will be provided. Space is Facing the U.S. and the World in the 21st Achim Synagogue and The Temple will Future: Staying Ahead of Developments in limited. To register, visit thebreman.org/ Century.” The lecture, which is free and collaborate for the first time with a joint Cyber Security and its Impact on Technology, Events. open to the public, takes place at the Tisha B’Av service, Saturday, July 25, 7:30 Advanced Manufacturing, Logistics, Health Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree p.m., at Ahavath Achim Synagogue. Tisha Care, and Energy” is August 20-21, at the INFERTILITY PROGRAM. On August Battle Avenue, September 3, 7:30 p.m. For B’Av commemorates the destruction of the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center. In 30, 7:00 p.m., a panel of medical and legal more information, visit aasynagogue.org or First and Second Temples and the exile of partnership with the Government of Israel, experts will speak at a community-wide call 404-355-5222. Jews from the land of Israel. The service the law firm of Baker Donelson presents Wo/Men’s Infertility Education Event, at

is an ideal we both share, and the success of buddies learned about water pollution through this year’s celebration is yet another shining a hands-on activity. Called “Fred the Fish,” example of the effort the Epstein School puts it is based on the story of a young fish who Epstein News forth to keep that tradition strong in the Atlanta meanders downstream and encounters all types community.” of water pollution, including fertilizers, trash EPSTEIN CELEBRATION. On May 3, from a park, oil from cars, and chemicals from approximately 500 guests came to the GLOBAL EDUCATION. Epstein students nearby factories. As he travels downstream, InterContinental Buckhead, to honor two of have been connecting and engaging with his life becomes harder because of all the the community’s most dedicated leaders, Leah students and educational leaders from around pollution in the water. This type of activity is a and Ted Blum, and recognize educator Leora the globe. “I am very excited about what Epstein wonderful way to build on the students’ science/ Wollner for 36 years of service. Epstein parents, students have been doing as part of our global environmental studies, while developing their faculty, staff, and the community shopped at the education throughout this school year. Students understanding of the importance of taking care extraordinary auction, ate delectable food, and have been ‘opening up their classroom walls’ of the earth and the vital role their daily actions rocked out to music by The Helpers. and connecting with the world around them,” play. Atlanta City Council President Caesar stated Ali Berman, Global Education project manager and fifth-grade teacher. Mitchell presented a proclamation honoring Leora and Herb Wollner Ted and Leah Blum for their many years of Utilizing a variety of advanced technologies hard work and dedication to The Epstein School in a blended learning environment is a key and greater Atlanta community. Epstein’s new component of global education. For example, incoming head of school, Dr. David Abusch- fifth-grade students are working collaboratively Magdar, made his first official address to to research and learn about Perth, Western community as the school’s new leader. Gary Australia, using laptops and sharing information Snyder, a colleague of Ted Blum’s and a and multimedia content they encounter online shareholder at the international law firm of via ActivBoards. Ultimately, they will connect Greenberg Traurig, the title sponsor of the via Skype to an elementary school in Perth and event, stated, “Greenberg Traurig is proud to begin building relationships with students living support The Epstein School in its mission of on the other side of the world. Rebecca Kann (from left), Ali Berman, providing children with unsurpassed excellence Gary Snyder (from left), Ted Blum, and Fifth-grade students have also used their Asher Force, and Harris Dankberg in education. Setting high academic standards Ernest Greer leadership skills to take charge of multi-aged groups (MAG), teaching third- and fourth- graders about festivals around the world, comparing and contrasting them to festivals in America. They have also taken virtual field trips to locations including Civil Rights Movement sites and the secret annex in which Anne Frank and her family hid in Amsterdam; via an interactive map, they saw a panoramic view of Amsterdam. “Global education isn’t just about exploring Ernest Greer (from left), Don Perry, Ted different countries and cultures; it encompasses Zoe Siegel, a fifth-grade student at The Atlanta City Council President Caesar Blum, Matt Gorson, and Joel Katz, of the impact that we have on the environment Epstein School, uses an ActivBoard to share Mitchell presented a proclamation the international law firm of Greenberg in which we live,” stated Mrs. Berman. For online and multimedia content regarding honoring Ted and Leah Blum. Traurig example, fifth-graders and their kindergarten events occurring around the world. July-August 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 33 Page 34 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015 Kosher Affairs Simply delicious, and no guilt! Owner Sarah Polon, with the help of her soupermom, Marilyn Polon, created the BY Roberta concept. The accolades keep coming for this company; it was just voted Washington City Scher Paper’s Reader’s Choice for best vegan/ vegetarian restaurant in the D.C. area. There are currently two locations—takeout only, It’s summer in Atlanta—time for squash, at M Street in downtown Washington, and a cucumbers, and all the other wonderful larger location, in Takoma Park. By the way, vegetables of the Southern summer garden. we encourage our own Souper Jenny (Jenny In my house, July provides my favorite Levison) to consider a kosher location here. meals, and almost every dish includes olive Wouldn’t that be great? oil, tomatoes, and basil. Of course, it’s also Then we headed to Potomac, to the new time for the fresh blueberries and peaches. kosher location of artisan bakery franchise Yumm. By the way, even if you live in an Breadsmith. What a treat! We purchased apartment with just a tiny outdoor space, chocolate and cinnamon babka, whole you can have fresh veggies and herbs, wheat bread, and challah. The owners, Tami Soupergirl owner Sarah Polon, at the counter of her Takoma Park store with a container garden. The Home Depot, and Brenda Bennaim, are providing a much- Pike Nurseries, and Farmer D Organics are needed, convenient resource for the kosher made us smile. excellent resources for these. bread lover. We can’t wait to go back—or By the way, if you would like to even better, how we wish Breadsmith would volunteer at the Berman Commons, to ----- choose a kosher location in Atlanta. interact with or share activities with the residents, contact Engagement Director I recently traveled to Silver Spring, ----- Ellen Frisch, at 678-222-7507. Maryland, for a family event. Naturally, along with a visit to our dear children and BERMAN COMMONS. Recently, I had the grandchildren, my husband, Allan, and I pleasure of touring Atlanta’s new Berman visited the newest kosher food spots. First Commons Assisted Living and Memory there was the healthful Soupergirl, a casual Care building. This beautiful facility is a eat-in or take-out restaurant and caterer milestone for Atlanta’s Jewish community. that features vegan soups and sandwiches. It has a total of 90 rooms: 32 for memory care (10 still available), seven studios (wait listed), and 41 units that include a living room and bedroom (wait listed). Fred Glusman, chaplain, kashrut supervisor, and my dear friend, guided us on our visit. We saw the comfortable and lovely rooms, but our area of interest was, of course, the AKC-certified Berman Commons Executive kosher kitchens (one dairy, one meat), Chef Edward Kraitman, Kashruth which are supervised by Rabbi Ephraim Supervisor and Chaplain Fred Davidson. The community owes a huge Glusman, and Chef Marina Sirota thank-you to Fred Glusman, Rabbi Reuven Stein, and Betty Minsk, who together made this official kosher certification happen. Executive Chef Edward Kraitman and Chef Marina Sirota head the team that prepares the food—three meals daily, plus foods for special diets, plus Shabbos food. I enjoyed meeting both! Chef Kraitman arrived in the U.S., from Israel, in 1996. His professional experience includes the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead and other hotels, other retirement facilities, Chateau Elan, and working with Steve Gilmer, of Kosher Gourmet. Chef Marina attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, and she worked at the Renaissance retirement facility. Her philosophy is that cooking is comparable to composing a symphony. She adds layers of fresh Eastern European flavors to her creations. By the way, almost everything in the Berman Commons kitchens is cooked from scratch. Both of these hard working chefs ”want the kitchens to smile all the time”. My husband, Allan, and I enjoyed Berman Commons Executive Chef a delicious lunch of salad, curried lentil Edward Kraitman and Chef Marina soup, meatballs, roasted chicken, mashed Sirota potatoes, and vegetables. And yes, the food July-August 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 35

one of nine new or renovated kitchens on She understands contemporary ingredients grandson of owners Judith and Ed Bloom, the tour. It was wonderful seeing longtime and presents more than 160 recipes in the plans a July opening of his new eatery. Hadassah friends and visitors from the book. Working closely with bestselling According to the young entrepreneur, Avi community. Edie Barr and Barbara Fisher cookbook author and food luminary Norene hopes to create an up-tempo place to eat, organized this well-attended event. Gilletz, Daniella creates dishes that are a where both diners and staff will have smiles delight to prepare, to serve, and, of course, on their faces. In addition to Broadway’s NEW — AND NOT TO BE MISSED — to eat. It has become a bestseller in the few classic vegetarian menu and pizza, the COOKBOOKS short weeks since its publication. new Broadway Café will open in the early morning, offering fresh bagels (made in- The Silver Platter: Simple to Spectacular The Vilna Vegetarian Cookbook by Fania house), eggs, gourmet omelets, and coffee. Wholesome, Family-Friendly Recipes by Lewando, translated from the Yiddish and Seating will be available, but the casual, Daniella Silver, with tips and techniques annotated by Eve Jochnowitz (Schocken contemporary eatery will feature counter Delicious luncheon plate at Berman by Norene Gilletz (ArtScroll/Mesorah Press, a division of Random House) service and take-out as well. Commons Publications) How I treasure my vintage cookbooks. The Silver Platter reflects its name. The Vilna Vegetarian Cookbook is such ----- HADASSAH KITCHEN TOUR. Mt. It shines! Daniella Silver is a fresh, new a treasure. It was published in 1938, in Scopus Hadassah hosted a Taste of Toco personality in the world of Jewish cooking. Yiddish, and has now been translated to KOSHER FOOD FESTIVAL. Chabad of Hills kitchen tour, in June. My kitchen (just English. Author Fania Lewando was a Atlanta will host its first Kosher Food and remodeled, but that’s another column) was trailblazer—some call her the Jewish Alice Wine Atlanta festival Thursday, August 27, Waters. She was a restaurateur, a health 7:00 p.m., at the Georgia Railroad Freight food advocate, and a culinary lecturer. From Depot. A selection of food and wine will be Joan Nathan: ”Her book gives you a sense available from local vendors and restaurants. of the life that was, and the life that was Additionally, there will be sample cuisine lost.” Fania and her husband were killed in from some of Atlanta’s kosher caterers World War II. along with an international wine tasting. The The cookbook is instructive, creative, evening will also be a tribute to longtime and touching. Reading and cooking Fania’s Atlanta kosher caterer and event planner, innovative vegetarian recipes, written for Sandra Bank, of A Kosher Touch Catering. “a time gone by,” is a stirring, emotional For more details, sponsorship information, experience. and to order tickets, visit kfwatl.com.

------Hadassah Taste of Toco Hills kitchen tour: (from left) Sheila Elkon; Edie NEW! Broadway Cafe, Atlanta’s “longest Barr, vice president, programming; running” kosher restaurant, has a new See KOSHER AFFAIRS, page 36 and Malka Shulman, president, Mt. concept and a new owner. Avi Alzadeh, Scopus Hadassah

new event kosher is cool Embark on an unexpected culinary adventure Delectable 30 YEAR CELEBRATION OF CHABAD OF GEORGIA & HONORING KOSHER CATERER SANDRA BANK Kosher FOOD & WINE Atlanta will be a delectable journey into AUG. 27, 2015 the exciting, new world of kosher cooking with food and wine, Georgia Railroad demonstrations, chef highlights and more. Held Aug. 27 in Freight Depot in downtown Atlanta, the event will celebrate Chabad of Georgia’s downtown ATL 30th year and honor Kosher Touch Catering’s Sandra Bank. Radicalize your taste www.kfwatl.com Page 36 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015

On Shabbos and Yom Tov, we do not • Fountain Drinks (Non-Dairy): Cherry separate challah. Additive, Rooster Booster Energy, Rooster Kosher Korner It is forbidden to eat the piece of challah Booster Lite, Vanilla Additive that is separated. In effect, it is a non-kosher food. Care should be taken that it does not No QT Smoothies or Frozen Cappuccinos are Any flour made into dough derived from touch the rest of the baked goods, either in or kosher at this time. the five species of grain—wheat, barley, spelt, out of the oven. If the challah is burned inside BY rye, and oats—requires the separation of an oven in which other items are being baked, JOIN THE AKC. AKC annual membership Reuven challah. Rice, corn, and soy flour are exempt. it should be tightly wrapped in aluminum foil, started July 1. If you are already a member, When one makes bread, cake, or cookie so that steam from the non-kosher challah does please renew your membership. If you are not Stein dough with more than 2.6 pounds or 8 2/3 cups not penetrate the other baked good. already a member, please consider joining. of flour, one must take challah. (For a liquid The piece of challah should be burned until Membership is only $45. The AKC needs your batter, like cake batter, wait until it is baked and it is inedible. Under extenuating circumstances, support so we can continue to support you TAKING OF CHALLAH. An important becomes a solid.) One must then separate an when the challah cannot be burned, some and provide better community service. With mitzvah that deals with kosher food is the amount of dough equal to one fluid ounce (half poskim permit carefully wrapping the challah AKC membership you receive a Kosher Kard Taking of Challah. Below are some of the laws the volume of a large egg), without a blessing. in a bag and throwing it in the garbage. discount card (valid through June 30, 2016), of Taking Challah. If it is more than 4.95 pounds or 16 1/2 cups of However, if it was not wrapped, the oven an AKC Kosher Guide, and an AKC Passover Challah is a type of braided bread eaten flour as solid dough, a blessing is made. does not need to undergo a koshering process. Guide. on Shabbos. It is also a biblical term used to A designated piece of dough should be If the challah comes into physical contact You can join or renew at www. describe a special mitzvah: whenever a person held with the right hand. A left-handed person with other baked goods in the oven, the baked kosheratlanta.org; click on the Pay/Donate bakes bread (even matzoh, flatbread, or cake), should hold it in the left hand. Immediately goods may become non-kosher. A rabbi must button, then click on the Pay Now button. he or she has a mitzvah to separate a piece of before the separation of the designated piece, be consulted. You can pay by check (mail to: 1855 the dough. In biblical times, this piece was with no talking in between, the following If one accidentally discards the challah LaVista Road N.E., Atlanta GA 30329), or given to a Cohen. blessing should be recited: “Baruch Ata before burning it, nothing further is required, you can call the office, at 404-634-4063. All Hashem Elokaynu Melech Haolam Asher as the separation (which constitutes the main donations are appreciated. Kidshanu B’mitzvosav V’tsivanu L’hofrish part of the mitzvah) has been performed. In this Challah.” Some follow the custom of adding case, one may eat the bread as usual. ----- two words to the end of the blessing: “Min If one forgot to separate challah until after Ha’eesah.” One who does not have this baking, one may do so on fully baked goods. To receive timely kosher alerts, subscribe tradition should not add these words. A blessing is recited (if enough flour was to our mailing list, by e-mailing kosheratlanta- The challah may be separated with a originally used) and one pulls off a piece of [email protected]. Names on this utensil, but one must be careful, as the dough bread from a roll or loaf of bread and burns it. list are not passed on to other groups. might stick to the utensil and render it non- A rabbi should be consulted if challah kosher if it is washed with hot water later. was inadvertently mixed back into the regular ----- Store-bought frozen dough with kosher dough or if one is unable to burn the dough that certification does not require separation of was separated. This year, the AKC will once again publish challah. a kosher guide, with valuable AKC kosher QT BEVERAGES. The AKC does not information and lists. Hundreds of people will formally certify any QT location, but based on receive these guides, hold onto them, and refer our understanding of how these facilities work, to them. You have the opportunity to publicize we feel a consumer can reasonably purchase your business by purchasing an ad in the guide. THE RIGHT the following products at this time. For more information, contact the AKC, at 404-634-4063. has merged with COVERAGE • Freezoni (Non-Dairy): Blue Raspberry, Cola, Orange Crème, Rooster Booster, Strawberry ----- MAKES THE Banana, Wally Puckerberry, White Cherry Pointe North • Hot Cappuccino (All Dairy): Almond The AKC would like to wish everyone a INSURANCE GROUP Amaretto, Caramel Macchiato, Fat Free French safe, healthy, and happy summer season. DIFFERENCE Vanilla, French Vanilla, Hershey’s Cookies Same people, same service, same address, ’N Cream, Hot Chocolate (Supreme Cocoa), Rabbi Reuven Stein is director of supervision just the name on the door is different Mighty Mocha, Raspberry Caramel, Salted for the Atlanta Kashruth Commission, a non- • Personal Insurance Caramel Mocha, Sugar Free White Chocolate profit organization dedicated to promoting Caramel, Toffee Latte, Vanilla Cupcake, White kashruth through education, research, and • Business Insurance Chocolate Macadamia supervision. • Employee Benefi ts • Executive Benefi ts Kosher Affairs From page 35 Call Rick Swerdlin Do you have a scrumptious recipe that CIC, ARM, Sr. Vice President you would like to share with our readers? 678.336.7370 We will be working on our Jewish New Year column in July. If your family has a 888.297.6317 treasured recipe that you would like us to consider for feature, please send it to me ([email protected]), along with the 1215 Hightower Trail brief story behind it. What’s cooking? Email kosheraffairs@ Building B • Suite 120 gmail.com This column is meant to provide the reader with current trends and Atlanta, GA 30350 developments in the kosher marketplace. Since standards of kashruth certification See RECIPES, page 37 vary, check with the AKC or your local PointeNorthIns.com kashruth authority to confirm reliability. July-August 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 37 Recipes continued from page 36 1 avocado, cut into 1/2-inch cubes Chef Edward’s Meatloaf as cute appetizer bites at parties, or as a 1/2 pound faux kosher crabmeat Adapted from a recipe by Executive scrumptious side dish with fish. 1/4 cup scallions or red onions, minced Chef Edward Kraitman, of the Berman Fresh Cool Summer Recipes 1/4 cup cilantro or basil, chopped Commons. We thank Chef Edward for Approximately 6 servings providing one of his signature recipes. Summer Gazpacho Dressing: 24 mini potatoes—1 1/2 lbs. Adapted from a recipe by Alton Brown, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Makes approximately 4-6 servings 2 tbsp. olive oil The Food Network Zest of one lime kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 lb. ground beef 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Cheddar 1 1/2 pounds vine-ripened tomatoes, Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 2 onions, finely chopped cheese peeled, seeded, and chopped* 1 rib celery, finely chopped Tomato juice In a large serving bowl, combine 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed 1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, and salad ingredients. 1 carrot, finely chopped baking sheet with parchment paper. chopped Mix dressing, and pour over the salad. 4 cloves garlic, minced Arrange potatoes in a single layer on 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper Gently toss to mix, and taste for seasoning, 1/2 bunch parsley, chopped prepared baking sheet. Bake, uncovered, 1/2 cup chopped red onion adding salt or pepper, if desired. 1 egg for 45 minutes, or until a skewer can be 1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced Garnish with additional cilantro or ½ cup ketchup inserted easily into the largest potatoes. 1 medium garlic clove, minced basil, if desired. Salt and pepper to taste Place a large piece of parchment ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil paper over potatoes. Place a second baking 1 lime, juiced ----- Sauté onions, celery, bell pepper, pan or cookie sheet on the parchment; 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar and carrot, until softened. Add garlic, and press down gently, flattening each potato 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce Papa Al Pomodoro sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. to about half of its original thickness. 1/2 teaspoon toasted, ground cumin** By Soupergirl Combine all ingredients. Shape into Remove pan and parchment paper. 1 teaspoon kosher salt a loaf. Place in a baking dish, and bake Drizzle smashed potatoes with olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper The delicious soups change daily and at 350 degrees, covered, for 45 minutes. sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chiffonade seasonally at Soupergirl eateries. We Uncover, and bake for another 10 minutes. cheese. thank Sarah Polon, founder of Soupergirl, Serve alongside garlicky mashed potatoes. Bake, uncovered, an additional 10 Place the tomatoes and juice in a large for providing this lovely, summery fresh minutes or until cheese is golden and mixing bowl. Add the cucumber, bell tomato soup recipe. ----- bubbling. pepper, red onion, jalapeno, garlic clove, olive oil, lime juice, balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil Chef Marina’s Norene’s Notes: To shred cheese in a Worcestershire, cumin, salt, and pepper, 1 medium onion, chopped Mediterranean Quinoa Tabbouleh food processor, freeze cheese first for 15 and stir to combine. 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped Adapted from a recipe by Chef Marina minutes. Use medium pressure on pusher Transfer 1 1/2 cups of the mixture to a 2-3 pounds very fresh tomatoes Sirota, of the Berman Commons. We when grating. No food processor? Use a blender, and puree for 15 to 20 seconds on 1 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into slivers thank Chef Marina for providing one of box grater. Four ounces cheese yields 1 high speed. Return the pureed mixture to Remaining basil stems her signature recipes. cup shredded. the bowl, and stir to combine. Cover and 3/4 pound (12 oz.) day-old country bread, chill for 2 hours or up to overnight. Serve crusts removed, broken into large crouton- 1 cup cooked quinoa Note: If you omit the cheese, these with chiffonade of basil. sized pieces 2 medium tomatoes, diced smashed potatoes will be parve and go salt to taste 1 English cucumber, diced well with a meat meal. *To peel and seed tomatoes: Fill a 6-quart pepper to taste 1 small red onion, diced (optional)* pot halfway full of water, set over high pinch of sugar 2 cloves garlic, minced ----- heat and bring to a boil. Make an X with a 1 bunch parsley, chopped paring knife on the bottom of the tomatoes. Peel half the tomatoes; chop and core 1 bunch mint leaves, chopped Fania Lewando’s Vegetarian Drop the tomatoes into the boiling water both the peeled and unpeeled tomatoes. 1 lemon, squeezed Chickpea Cutlets for 15 seconds. Remove, and transfer to an Keep the juice. 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Excerpted from The Vilna Vegetarian ice bath; allow to cool until able to handle, Heat the olive oil. Add the onions and Salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste Cookbook by Fania Lewando. Copyright approximately 1 minute. Remove and pat pinch of salt. Cook gently for 10 minutes, 2015 by Random House. Excerpted by dry. Peel, core, and seed the tomatoes. until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic, Combine all the ingredients, and permission of Schocken, a division of When seeding the tomatoes, place the cook for a few minutes more. voila! Enjoy this refreshing beautiful dish Random House LLC. All rights reserved. seeds and pulp into a fine mesh strainer Stir in the tomatoes, their juice, and a on a hot summer day. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced set over a bowl, in order to catch the bit more oil. Raise the heat, and bring to a or reprinted without permission in writing juice. Press as much of the juice through simmer. If there is not a lot of juice, add a * “When preparing this recipe, I omitted from the publisher. as possible, and then add enough bottled cup or two of water. Add the basil stems. the onion due to the dietary constraints of tomato juice to bring the total to 1 cup. Cook for about 5-10 minutes. Taste for salt our guests,” says Chef Marina. “This dish Try this 1938 version of a veggie burger. and sugar. is still scrumptious. The fresh herbs and ** If you prefer, substitute cilantro for Remove and discard the basil stems. lemon juice add layers of flavor.” After soaking them overnight, cook cumin Add the chopped basil. 3 cups dried chickpeas, until soft. Push Stir in the bread. Be sure to submerge ----- them through a food mill or puree in a ----- it under the liquid. Cover the pan. Remove food processor. Add 3 raw eggs, some from heat, and let sit for 15 minutes, so the Cheesy Smashed Roasted Potatoes salt, 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs, and 3 Avocado Corn Salad with bread can absorb soup. Serve hot or at Reproduced from The Silver Platter tablespoons melted butter. Shape into Faux Kosher Crab room temperature. Cookbook by Daniella Silver with Norene cutlets, dip in breadcrumbs, and fry in Gilletz, with permission from the copyright butter until brown. You may also serve Serves approximately 6-8 Serving suggestion: Top with Parmesan holders, ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications some boiled, thinly sliced potatoes along cheese, or drizzle on a bit of olive oil. Can with these. Salad: also be topped with pine nuts. Only four ingredients, yet these smashed, 2 cups corn (fresh, if available, or frozen cheese-drizzled taters are mouthfuls of and thawed) ----- comfort and joy. My kids are in food 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved heaven every time I make a batch. Serve Page 38 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015 supporters, and the entire community.” ensure a Jewish future for my children and Tickets are $18 per person. For more generations to come.” information and to purchase tickets, visit Sheila lives in Dunwoody with her Federation News www.jewishatlanta.org/hersheyfelder. family and belongs to Congregation Or Hadash. HERSHEY FELDER AS IRVING incredible life and success, writing more SHEILA KATZ COHEN LAUDED. Jewish BERLIN. The Jewish Federation of Greater than 1,500 songs and 27 scores. From the Federation Chief Financial Officer Sheila NEW COMMUNITY IMPACT & Atlanta will host the nationally renowned depths of anti-Semitism in Czarist Russia to Katz Cohen was PLANNING ASSOCIATES. Federation’s performance, “Hershey Felder as Irving New York’s Lower East Side, and ultimately named a finalist Community Planning & Impact department Berlin,” on Sunday, August 30, at 5:00 p.m., all of America, Irving Berlin’s story for CFO of the recently welcomed two new associates. at the Buckhead Theatre. epitomizes the American dream. Some of Year, by The Noah Alhadeff has joined the Hailing from Los Angeles, Felder his most popular songs include “God Bless Atlanta Business department as Israel and Overseas senior entertains audiences with his one-man America” and “There’s No Business Like Chronicle. Sheila associate. Born and raised in Atlanta, Noah show about “America’s Composer” and his Show Business.” was selected studied at Yeshiva Atlanta before attending The show is hosted by Judy Zaban as a finalist in Georgia State University, where he received Miller and Lester Miller. “When Judy and the Business two bachelor of business administration Lester brought this idea and their enthusiasm Chronicle’s 8th degrees, in managerial sciences and to us, we jumped at the opportunity to Annual Awards international marketing. Noah served in share it with the community,” said Michael in the nonprofit the Israel Defense Forces’ Social Media Horowitz, CEO of Jewish Federation of organization Spokesman unit in Israel. He most recently Greater Atlanta. “The event will celebrate Sheila Katz Cohen category. held positions at XCite and Blue and White the start of our 2016 Community Campaign As CFO of Media. He lives in Sandy Springs with his with our volunteers, campaign workers, the Jewish Federation, Sheila processes family. charitable funds of approximately $45 Andrea Deck has joined the department million per year, from thousands of donors. as senior associate. Originally from the Additionally, she oversees Federation’s Washington, D.C. area, she holds a master investment portfolio of more than $200 of arts in Jewish communities, from the million, while distributing funds to more Jewish Theological Seminary, and a license than 60 primary organizations and hundreds and masters of social work, from Columbia of additional organizations. University. A graduate of Franklin and Federation CEO Michael Horowitz Marshall College, she received a Jewish said, “Since joining Federation five years Federation of North America’s FEREP ago, Sheila has significantly improved the (Federation Executive Recruitment and early preparation of complex budgets and, Education Program) scholarship and has ultimately, the validity and integrity of those held graduate internships at UJA Federation budgets.” of New York and Jewish Federations of Sheila says she “feels fortunate to work North America’s Washington office. Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin Judy Zaban Miller and Lester Miller every day to care for Jews in need today and Never too late to become a bar mitzvah

BY Rabbi Lauren S. Cohn, RJE

About four months ago, Robert (Bob) May contacted Congregation Dor Tamid. He wanted to become a bar mitzvah. This was no ordinary phone call, though, and Bob is not your typical bar mitzvah boy. Bob is 88 years old. He did not have the opportunity to become a bar mitzvah at Rabbi Lauren Cohn, Bob May, and Rabbi Michael Weinstein the traditional age of 13. Since that time, he Bob May (photos: 7th Wave Pictures) always wanted to finish his journey. When my colleague, Rabbi Michael Weinstein, and I Torah portion, and most importantly, sharing initially met with Bob, we were struck by his a bit about himself and why this journey is so sincerity, tenacity, and quick wit. important to him. Bob first conceived of the idea for his I doubt that I will encounter another own bar mitzvah after his oldest daughter, b’nai mitzvah student who works as hard Laura, became a bat mitzvah as an adult, in and cares as much. Bob no longer wanted 2008. Bob toyed with the idea for some years, to carry around the feelings of discomfort before deciding that he was ready to make his and incompleteness from not becoming a bar mitzvah dream a reality. Bob and I met for bar mitzvah when he was 13. On June 6, at two months in preparation for his big day. 88, he carried the Torah. On that day, Robert On the afternoon of June 6, Bob read May became a bar mitzvah, before his family, from the Torah (Parshat Shelach-Lecha), friends, and community at Congregation Dor enlightening us with his thoughts on the Tamid. Rabbi Lauren Cohn and Bob May July-August 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 39 of the parent breakfasts, when he rapped, for best players, but I do recall him as an “I’m not here to cause no trouble, I’m just excellent one. gonna do the Big Bro Shuffle.” Very funny. It’s always a great experience for me Schwartz on Sports Gene Benator, who is also the organizer to see guys I played with and against and Last year’s winner, George Wise, of the annual Alta Cocker Softball Game, who have shared lots of good memories. finished second. There were four tables always has good stories to tell pertaining We’ll get together sometime in the fall for full of basketball memorabilia, including to the softball and basketball leagues. the ninh meeting. I’m already working on BY Jerry clippings, rosters, pictures, and schedules, (By the way, Gene, thanks so much for the Trivia Contest. covering the period 1965-1985. the article you wrote about me in the May Schwartz We had 32 guys in attendance, tying our - June edition of The Jewish Georgian. It REMEMBERING ARNOLD “GABBY” record for participants. First-timers included was really appreciated, and I received lots BALSER. Gabby Balser passed away in Steve Weiner, Gene Benator, Joel Gross, of positive feedback about it.) late April 2015. I remember him for his The eighth meeting of the Basketball Howard Wertheimer, and Allan Bleich. I spent some time trying to convince outstanding ability on the softball fields Bunch At Lunch (BBAL) was held at the Robbie Baron and Barry Brouner to at the Peachtree JCC. He was a smooth- Hudson Grille, on Roswell Road, on May consider joining us on the Pickleball fielding first baseman and consistently 19. We had great accommodations, good court. Howard Wertheimer played in the good hitter. Always seemed to come lunch choices, and a full program that 40+ Cross Court League the night before, through with a clutch hitter. included attendees introducing themselves and I’m certain he can still score with that Gabby was a friendly, likeable and sharing some recollection about their bank shot of his. Jon Miller told me that person. I sat with him at lunch after an participation in the Men’s Basketball he had a ticket to the Hawks-Cavaliers Alta Cocker softball game, and he gave League. playoff game that night. At that time, he me a team picture of the 1948 Grady It’s always funny listening to these didn’t know he’d be watching the Hawks High School baseball team. He was in stories. I read some excerpts from the lose. Alan Wolkin came one day early and the back row, and Harris Jacob, another “Athletes Footnotes,” a column Hal walked into a Georgia Tech get-together. star JCC player, was kneeling in the front Krafchick wrote for The Southern Israelite, On the other hand, Michael Feldman came row. He was really proud of that picture; in 1982, about the Men’s Basketball League. one day late, even after I had personally I’m going to work on identifying some of Hal liked to give guys nicknames, and he Basketball Bunch at Lunch first- given him a written invitation. (Maybe the other guys. wrote a very witty column. Everyone also timers: (from left) Steve Weiner, Allan next time.) participated in the second BBAL Trivia Bleich, Joel Gross, Gene Benator, I hadn’t seen Steve Weiner in a long REMEMBERING ROBYN BERGER. Contest, which Stan Sobel won with eight and Howard Wertheimer time and have fond recollections of his Robyn Berger never scored a basket to correct answers. family: father Charles, mother Laurel, win a game at the “J” or get a game- The goal of the planning committee, sister Toby, and brother Barry. He wanted winning hit in softball, but she was a which included Stan Sobel, Raymond to know why I never included Jack Kurtz true champion in everything she did as a Taratoot, Howie Frushtick, and myself, among the great ball players in the league. daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. was to contact more and more guys and Jack was a star at Druid Hills High, but, I knew Robyn through my association invite them to attend. Everyone who if I remember, only played a few years in with her husband, Marty. We played does enjoys the experience. I had an the Men’s League. He didn’t pass the “5- basketball together and had been friends opportunity to greet and talk to most of year longevity test” to be in the running for almost 50 years. I also knew of her the 32 in attendance. through my position as a principal in Whenever I see Martin Cohen, we DeKalb County. always reminisce about our sons’ wrestling Robyn was an advocate and a force days in high school. I told Larry Brown to be reckoned with when it came to that I had met his brother-in-law, David services for children with developmental Whitt, at a North Atlanta Men’s Club disabilities. She was a champion of that function and enjoyed talking with him. cause. Her funeral was one of the largest Hal Krafchick’s brother, Stan, was there I’ve ever attended, and the eulogies by and told me that Hal grew up as Harold, Rabbi Peter Berg of The Temple, son but once he got to Atlanta, he became Hal. Eric, grandson Ross Boardman, and He also had a picture of Hal, as a kid, friend Sheryl Arno were some of the most boxing. Stan said he was glad he could be moving, poignant, and heartfelt words I’ve ever heard. She will be missed. with so many of Hal’s friends. Howie’s Let’s get this party started: (from left) Stan Sobel, BBAL Trivia contest son, David Frushtick, was a Big Brother Jerry Finkelstein, Allan Carp, Stan winner of my daughter Mindy’s DPhiE Sorority So until next time, drive for the Krafchick, Robbie Baron, and Jon bucket and score. at UGA. I always remember him at one Miller Israeli teens benefit from the Joe Cohen ORT Scholarship Fund More than 20 students at the Hodayot has raised more than $240,000 to upgrade and the ORT organization.” ORT Atlanta, at 404-327-5266 or visit www. Religious Youth Village in the Lower Galilee outfit smart classrooms, renovate the student For more information on Hodayot, call ortatlanta.org. are equipped with everything needed for the lounge, and remodel the dining hall and school year, thanks to a grant from the Joe kitchen. Cohen Scholarship Fund. This is the fourth gift from the Joe Cohen Located in the lower Galilee, Hodayot is Scholarship Fund to ORT students worldwide. home to some 230 teens from all over Israel Previous scholarships were given to students who live and study in this rural complex. in France, Israel, and Argentina. The majority of Hodayot’s youngsters come Joe Cohen, who passed away in 2009, was from underprivileged families and have been an Atlanta CPA, a long-time ORT supporter, identified as at-risk. For many, it is their first and a former ORT student in Paris, who went chance to receive a quality Jewish education on to become ORT’s national president. and technology-driven training for rewarding According to Mr. Cohen’s widow, careers and a better life. Phyllis, “This gift to Hodayot is just what ORT America’s Atlanta Region has Joe would have wanted—to enable others adopted Hodayot as the focus for its strategic to have the opportunity for education and fundraising initiatives. Thus far, the campaign advancement that was given to him through Teens at Hodayot Religious Youth Village express their gratitude. Page 40 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015

associate head of AJA Lower School, asked with visits to The White House, Newseum, the students how the chumash was like a the United States Holocaust Memorial GPS. They knew right away that like a GPS, Museum, and more. The boys’ graduation a chumash is a guide...a guide for life. Left class (bottom) visited Georgia Senators to right, Kayla Wallenstein, Lily Knapp, Johnny Issakson and David Perdue. and Danit Kutner pose with their new chumashim.

By Belle Klavonsky ceremony and received recognition for their achievements in their academic careers. The Keter Shem Tov Award went to Datiel Dayani and Brad Flory; the Hadassah TOUGH COMPETITION. On the last day Chesed Award was presented to Shani of school, the TDSA middle school boys Kadosh; the Head of School Award was ONEG SHABBAT. At AJA’s last Oneg reveled in a highly competitive game of taken by Micah Frankel and Zoe Sokol; Shabbat of the year, a monthly gathering of basketball with their rebbeim. Pictured are and the Ephraim Frankel Award went to kindergarten through eighth-grade students Rabbi Gopin, Rabbi Alterman, and Rabbi Nathaniel Robinson and Ruthie Stolovitz. on Friday afternoons before Shabbat, Oratz. Additionally, the Linda Gross Scholarship students had a chance at the microphone. was presented to rising eighth-grader Aden Director of Lower School Judaic Studies Dori. Here, Brad Flory receives a hug from Debbie Bornstein asked students to share his proud mom, Julie Flory. what they were thankful for during the A NIGHT AT THE ZOO. Atlanta Jewish school year, and students cited inspiring Academy first-graders created and sold teachers, exciting field trips, and Color bookmarks to raise funds for their annual War. One student thanked her parents for overnight trip to Zoo Atlanta, which sending her to such a great school. Here, took place at the end of the school year. rising fourth-grader Erin Gabbai shares her Accompanied by parents and teachers, the gratitude with Mrs. Bornstein, holding the students watched presentations and had microphone. the chance to meet some animals up close, before they retired to their sleeping bags. SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE. Amid a In the morning, they enjoyed a private tour song-filled production, showcasing much of the zoo. Here, Ryan Brill poses with a acquired knowledge, the TDSA kindergarten panda. students, shown here, celebrated with family, friends, and teachers.

EMPOWERING GIRLS THROUGH ART. The young women at AJA Upper REUNION. Five Torah Day School of School created “Discover Your Voice,” Atlanta alumnae (pictured) recently a new performance with the goal of celebrated their 19th reunion. They met at empowering girls through art. The a local kosher establishment for dinner and production incorporated dance, music, and talked and reminisced until the restaurant dramatic performances, as well as artwork was ready to close. All of the children of FIRST GRADUATING CLASS. AJA submitted by the Lower School students, these alumnae are currently enrolled in Upper School graduated its first class, the on the themes of women who inspire them Jewish day schools, which is clear evidence PROUD GRADUATES. It was a Class of 2015. Speakers included President or self-portraits. The performances were of achieving the goal of Jewish continuity. celebratory evening, with Torah Day School of the Board Ian Ratner, Head of School thought provoking and beautiful studies of of Atlanta graduating its largest class in its Rabbi Pinchos Hecht, Valedictorian Eliott the female experience. Here, Shira Solomon 29-year history. Shown here are three TDSA Dosehtareh, Salutatorian Dafna Kadosh, demonstrates her guitar chops. graduates. and Chief Development Officer Michael Balaban, at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Pictured are Eliott Dosehtareh and Dafna Kadosh.

A GUIDE FOR LIFE. AJA second-graders LIVING HISTORY. After reading received their very first chumashim at biographies, the TDSA second-grade the annual Chagigat Chumash, and they girls dressed up as the subjects of their ON TO HIGH SCHOOL. AJA’s Middle demonstrated their knowledge of the five A TRIP TO WASHINGTON. The TDSA’s biographies and were able to share salient Schoolers marked their promotion to books of the Torah with posters, songs, eighth-grade girls’ graduation trip to facts with visitors to their Living History high school with a beautiful graduation recitations, and dance. Leah Summers, Washington (top) is a milestone occasion, Museum. July-August 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 41

first-grade class at The Epstein School Carly Judenberg; (front) Yaron Bernstein, began harvesting some of the kale and Brandon Sherman, Asher Fitterman, Chloe lettuce growing in the school’s Hydroponic Capes, and Hannah Feldstein Garden, for use in the lunchroom salad bar. The garden is flourishing under the STUDENTS EXHIBIT THEIR ART. guidance of Epstein’s Elementary Science Rising Weber sophomores Rem Hellmann Specialist, Gayle Harrell. The concept of and Miles Barkowitz will have their soil-less gardening or hydroponics offers piece Plastic Jumpman featured at the several benefits to the environment and uses “Parallelograms Exhibition of Teen Art,” at considerably less water than soil gardening. The Woodruff Arts Center. The exhibition The school is grateful to the Jon and Natalie was produced in partnership with VOX Rosenthal, who generously donated the Teen Communications, a nonprofit youth- MORE MATH. Davis Academy Lower Hydroponic Garden Towers. Pictured are development organization that produces the School students did well in the Spring first-grade teacher Allee Burka and Ari VOX Teen Newspaper, the city’s only large Online Noetic Math Contest. Of the 48 Rosenthal. publication created by and for teens. Earlier participating Davis students, 23 earned this year, Rem was honored to be selected as Honorable Mention and seven earned Honor one of 25 Atlanta-area teens to be part of the Roll. Honor Roll students are: (back row, VOX Teen Communications writing staff. from left) Ryan Reiss (third grade, Team Winner), Jordan Frank (third grade, Team WEBER ATHLETES HONORED. Weber Winner), Mick Shrubstok (fourth grade), Junior Karin Videlefsky was named a Bradley Amato (third grade); front row: statewide winner for the Positive Athlete Caleb Mahle (fourth grade, Team Winner), Georgia Award for Girls Basketball; Karin Ezra Mahle (fifth grade, Team Winner), and received this prestigious award at the State Matthew Szabo (fifth grade, Team Winner). Sullivan (shown here) was ranked first in Awards Ceremony, at The College Football the state in the high jump. She is the first Hall of Fame, on June 2. Junior Emily Duner Davis athlete ever to be ranked first in the was named to the GISA AAA All-State state in any athletic event. LEARNING ABOUT EARTHQUAKES. Team, as one of the top girls soccer players

Epstein School fourth-graders recently in the state. Coach Kristan Moses was learned about earthquakes and the important named Weber Coach of the Year, and seniors principles behind earthquake-resistant Joni Seligson and Rourke Rabinowitz were architectural design. Students built two- named Weber Rams Student Athletes of the story structures out of 30 toothpicks and Year. 30 marshmallows, containing at least one triangle and one square. Then they tested OFF TO COLLEGE. The Weber Class their sturdiness by mimicking earthquake of 2015 received acceptances to a variety conditions—placing them on a cart and of colleges and universities, including shaking them back and forth. This STEM- MIT, Wesleyan University, University of based activity is timely, given the recent Chicago, University of Georgia, University tragedy in Nepal. Additionally, students in of Virginia, and Emerson College. Sixty all levels raised money for the earthquake students received 186 acceptances from 78 victims, through activities such as such different colleges, universities, and overseas as dress-down days, pizza lunches, and programs and received $1,356,654 million tzedakah collection. Pictured are Eitan in offered scholarships. These scholarships MITZVAH DAY. In their year-end mitzvah Prizker and Kayla Kornfeld. do not include Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship project, Davis Academy fifth-grade students funds. (pictured) spent a day at Camp Coleman, preparing supplies and the campgrounds for PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARDS. less privileged kids attending Camp Jenny The following Weber students received over Memorial Day weekend. Presidential Service Award recognition: YOUNG AUTHORS. Each spring, Davis Maddie Grosoff and Becca Nadolne (gold); students have an opportunity to become Relly Hayut (silver); and Zoe Aaron, Emily published authors and showcase their Berlin, Brooke Berman, Ayelet Bernstein, writing. Students in every lower-school Reanna Edlin, Meredith Galanti, Ilana grade work hard to write and often illustrate Gorod, Noah Jones, Sophie Jones, Rachel a type of written work (assignments vary HIGH ACHIEVERS. Eighteen Epstein Kaplan, Gabrielle Kasten, Alex Kaye, Noa by grade level), which they share with seventh-graders scored high enough on the Levy, Michelle Nelkin, Samantha Nozick, their classmates and families during Young ACT to receive State Level recognition Samantha Schiff, Joni Seligson, Samantha Authors Night, in May. Here, Jack Tolk, and/or be eligible to participate in Duke Shapiro, Zoe Toporek, and Isaac Weissman third grade, and his little sister Sydney, a University’s Center for Summer Studies (bronze). Mechina student, show off their project with or Academy for Summer Studies; they their parents, Jerry and Ilana Tolk. are: Elaine Berger, Samantha Berke, Tal GRADUATION. Davis Academy’s Class of Brill, Chloe Capes, Hannah Feldstein, 2015 celebrated its graduation, on May 28. Asher Fitterman, Samantha Hertz, Carly Of the 71 members of the class, 51 became Judenberg, Sylvia Kershteyn, Marin members of the school’s Emet Society, Londe, Avi Pearlman, Josh Peljovich, meaning that they completed all their lower Micayla Pollak, Zoe Rosenberg, and Jay and middle school years at Davis, beginning Satisky. Yaron Bernstein, Galya Fischer, either in the Mechina class or kindergarten. and Brandon Sherman qualified for Grand

Level recognition. Pictured: (back, from MAKING DAVIS HISTORY. Five Davis left) Zoe Rosenberg, Josh Peljovich, Galya Middle School students, Katy Sullivan, Fischer, Marin Londe, Tal Brill, and Sylvia Nicholas West, Hailey Rubin, Olivia Kershteyn; (middle) Avi Pearlman, Jay Sidman, and Jake Rubin, qualified this year Satisky, Elaine Berger, Samantha Hertz, for the State Track and Field Championships. HYDROPONIC HARVEST. As part of their Samantha Berke, Micayla Pollak, and Going into the state championships, Katy science studies, students in Allee Burka’s Page 42 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN July-August 2015

EVERY BEAT COUNTS. The Metulla L’CHAIM. Greater Atlanta Hadassah’s Group of Great Atlanta Hadassah held Ketura Group and Jewish Family & Career Hadassah News its Second Annual “Every Beat Counts” Services of Atlanta partnered for Ketura’s Fashion Show Brunch and Silent Auction, Fifth Annual L’Chaim program, on April CHESED AWARDS. Twenty Atlanta- May 3, at the Country Club of the South. 26. The theme this year was “Being area Jewish teens were honored May 3, at The proceeds went to Hadassah’s “Every Connected.” Panelists were Rabbi Judith Greater Atlanta Hadassah’s 24th Annual Beat Counts” initiative, focusing on Beiner, community chaplain, JF&CS; Chris Marian F. Perling Hadassah Chesed Student women’s heart health education and Brannon, Esq./partner, Brannon & Black, Awards Program, held at Congregation Beth research. The program empowers women LLC; Ruthanne Warnick, founder, Capture Shalom. of all ages to make appropriate lifestyle the Journey; and John Kunihiro, founder and The Chesed awards have been given choices for themselves and their families. CEO, Art of Healing, Inc. The four discussed annually since 1992 to one student from Michele Weiner-Merbaum, president, caring for the spirit, for our practical needs, each of the Atlanta-area Jewish day schools introduced guest speaker Rene Serrate, of for ourselves, and for others. and synagogue religious schools. Students U First Fitness. Fashions were provided by The afternoon began with a warm in grades 7-12 are eligible to receive the CJ’s Talk of the Town. welcome by Ketura President Amy Jampol award, and each school chooses its own and light refreshments, followed by an recipient. introduction of the panelists. Panelists Nominees are chosen based on criteria briefly discussed their areas of expertise that are of paramount importance to the along with their plans for sharing and Hadassah organization and its members: teaching during each of their two breakout love for Israel, concern for Jews and Jewish sessions. All sessions were very informative culture and heritage, concern for fellow and successful. human beings as exemplified through The Ketura Group and JF&CS look manner and deed, and good academic forward to working together and hosting standing. their next L’Chaim program, “To Life.” Recipients of the 2015 Marian F. Perling Greater Atlanta Hadassah leadership Hadassah Chesed Student Awards were: at the 2015 Marian F. Perling Hadassah Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Mr. Isadore Chesed Student Awards: (from left) “Izzy” Jackson; Atlanta Jewish Academy Linda Weinroth, Paula Zucker, Phyllis CJ’s Talk of the Town Owner, C.J. Middle School, Ms. Shani Kadosh; Atlanta Cohen, and Eileen Cohn Bognar and Metulla Hadassah Jewish Academy High School, Ms. Tova President Michele Weiner-Merbaum Asher; Congregation Beth Shalom, Ms. Tal HELP AVAILABLE FOR WOMEN IN Nechmad; Congregation Dor Tamid, Mr. CRISIS. Greater Atlanta Hadassah presented Representatives of JF&CS and Ketura Sam Latzsch; Congregation Etz Chaim, Ms. “Women in Crisis,” May 31, at the Berman with L’Chaim panelists: (from left) Hannah Wittenstein; Congregation Gesher Commons, in Dunwoody. Molly Levine-Hunt and Debbi Dooley, L’Torah, Mr. Justin Rubin; Congregation Or The program highlighted available JF&CS; Sheila Dalmat, Ketura event Hadash, Ms. Deanna Lalo; Congregation Or community services, with three presenters chair; panelists Chris Brannon, John VeShalom, Mr. Jared Ladden; Congregation explaining how their programs give Kunihiro, Ruthanne Warnick, and Shearith Israel, Ms. Kira Lewitt; Temple assistance. Wendy Lipshutz, LCSW, Rabbi Judith Beiner; and Ketura Beth Tikvah, Ms. Leah Faupel; Temple program director of Jewish Family & program VP Marj Friedman Emanu-El, Ms. Olivia Lesnick; Temple Career Services’ Shalom Bayit program, Kehillat Chaim, Mr. Jacob Best; Temple talked about resources available to victims Kol Emeth, Mr. David Ostrow; Temple of domestic violence, emphasizing that the Sinai, Ms. Rachel Morochnik; The Davis Jewish community is not immune to this Academy, Mr. Jacob Rubin; The Epstein problem. JF&CS’ Helen Kotler, PhD, LPC, Guest speaker Rene Serrate of U School, Mr. Syd Pargman; The Temple CADC, who facilitates the ”Starting Over” First Fitness and Michele Weiner- Breman Religious School, Mr. Mark program, talked about family counseling Merbaum “Elliott” Williams; The Weber School, Ms. resources and support groups available for Jenna Rubin; and Torah Day School, Mr. families going through divorce. Laura Kahn, Yosef Spotts. president of the Jewish Interest Free Loan of Atlanta (JIFLA) and a senior vice president with Bank of America, talked about JIFLA’s Hadassah President Amy Jampol new Women in Crisis loans, giving examples (left) and Molly Levine-Hunt LCSW of loans that saved women from financial ruin and restored their independence. To contact JIFLA, visit jifla.org. For information on Greater Atlanta Hadassah programs, visit hadassah.org/atlanta.

Metulla Hadassah members Gail Golden and Sydelle Silberman

John Kunihiro leads a workshop on Marian F. Perling Hadassah Chesed “The Art of Healing.” Student Award recipients: (back, from left) Kira Lewitt, Sam Latzch, Jenna Rubin, Jared Ladden, and Mark “Elliott” Williams; (middle) Isadore Jackson, Rachel Morochnik, Olivia Lesnick, Tal Nechmad, Shani Kadosh, and Justin Rubin; and Women in Crisis panelists (from left) (front) Jacob Rubin, Deanna Lalo, Wendy Lipshutz, Helen Kotler, Laura Leah Faupel, Hannah Wittenstein, Kahn Travis, with Greater Atlanta Tova Asher, and Yosef Spotts Hadassah program chairperson Edie Metulla Hadassah’s fashion models Barr (far right) July-August 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 43

Wednesday, August 19, 2015 Steve Maggiano’s Buckhead – 7 p.m. KOO NIN CEO of the Atlanta Hawks

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