Voice of Chaim

February 2019 ▪ Shevat/Adar I 5779 ▪ Volume 43, Issue 2 www.etzchaim.net

Inside this issue:

From Rabbi Dorsch Page 2

From Rabbi Lewis Page 2

From Our Executive Director Page 3

From Our President Page 3

Education News Page 4

Director of Engagement Pages 6

From Our Youth Director Page 6

Our Etz Chaim Community Page 7

B’nai Mitzvah Page 9

Sisterhood Scoop Page 10

Men’s Club Update Page 11

Lilmode Pages 12 and 13

Purim Sponsorship Information and Form Pages 15 and 16

Yahrzeits Page 20

Calendar

Page 21

Tzedakah Pages 28 - 30

Daily Minyan Times:

Monday - Friday: 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Shabbat Services: Friday, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m.

Sunday: 9:15 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

From Rabbi Dorsch From Rabbi Lewis Amy and I are excited to announce We live lives of presumption and assumption. The that we are making the investment momentum of years hardens our notions as we blunder to send Zev to kindergarten at through myth, habit and history. So, I thought, at this the Epstein School—a Solomon quiet time on the calendar, I would list such bubba meisas Schechter affiliate—next year. I and misconceptions to set the record straight as a departure from the typical monthly message. Hopefully, such information call this is an investment not only will prepare us for cocktail party banter, friendly debates and because we anticipate investing possibly, a quiz-show appearance. Enjoy. significant funds over the next decade, but because we expect Sunset is not the end of Shabbos. It is sunset plus 40 to 50 that the guaranteed return on our investment—a minutes depending on local custom. One is required to mourn, only for a parent, a sibling, a child or a spouse. Judaically and Hebraically literate mensch—will be If seated holding a Torah and a second Torah is raised, the seated Torah priceless. holder remains seated. At one period in our history, Etz Chaim was a large The multi-tiered seder plates were created to add surface space on small tables. feeder to many of our local Jewish day schools. There When giving charity, the benefactor is to say ‘Thank you’ to the recipient. are many reasons this has changed. As my wife Amy The Maccabees never ate a potato latke nor a jelly donut. has discovered from beginning to teach at Epstein, Rosh Hashanah in Israel is two days. The Chassidic movement and Reform Judaism are pretty much the same age. the trip to Epstein from Etz Chaim may take upward The only pristine, non-copy catted, culturally non-appropriated Jewish foods are of thirty minutes in traffic. Our Cobb Public Schools matza, gefilte fish and cholent. are academically excellent. Etz Chaim’s top-notch Male head coverings became ritually mandated in the early middle ages as religious school, while not an immersive experience, our contrarian practice to Christians baring their heads when entering a also continues to produce quality, literate Jews, church or sitting down to a meal. which for many of our families is sufficient. An illegitimate child, mamzer, comes only from an incestuous or adulterous union. Children born out of wedlock are 100% legitimate. However, I suspect that for families who might want The Israelites did not wander for 40 years but encamped at an oasis in the to consider sending their child to Epstein, what puts north of the Sinai, for 38 years. this otherwise priceless, guaranteed educational A giraffe is a kosher animal. investment in our children’s future out of reach is Polygamy is acceptable depending on the law of the land. the actual price tag itself. Judaism absolutely believes in an afterlife and an ultimate resurrection. The Magen David was a geometric shape chosen to represent Judaism to the Leaders in our community realize this and have local authorities in the 1600s. worked together to create an innovative program to Rabbis typically were legal decisors and spoke publicly only twice a year, create additional avenues of access to Epstein while before Pesach and between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. bolstering its excellent academic program. Thanks to It is impossible for even the most saintly soul to perform all 613 mitzvot. the generosity of donors in our Atlanta community The door was opened at the seder to show gentile neighbors we were not (some of whom come from Etz Chaim), the Epstein involved in blood libelous acts of murder. School is introducing the Pay It Forward Program; a There is no prohibition of a tattooed Jew being buried in a Jewish cemetery. game changer that will make attending a day school There are no consistent, definitive borders in the Bible defining Israel’s boundaries. more affordable for many of our families. We do believe in angels and have a vast literature of angeology from Biblical times on. A Jewish father does not make a Jewish child. Patrilineality is not universally accepted. The program is an additional avenue to traditional Abortion is not considered to be the murder of a human being by any rabbinic financial aid based on a family’s adjusted gross authority from the far Left to the ultra-Right. income (AGI) and includes a much simpler and A rabbi is not needed for any rite or ritual in Judaism. The laity can do it all. confidential application process. It is available to The messiah is a mortal and not the son of God nor a supernatural personality. current and new families and is a multi-year tuition Salvation is possible for non-Jews if they follow seven basic moral principles reduction program. You can learn more about Pay It known as the Laws of Noah. Forward on their website: epsteinatlanta.org/ The definition of prohibited Shabbos work has nothing to do with energy payitforward, or by being in touch with the school expended. It is based on the 39 forms of labor used in building the Tabernacle that were suspended on Shabbos. directly to take a tour and see if this might be a good Chicken at one time was parave but declared to be fleishig to enable poor shidduch for your family. Jews to honor Shabbos, by eating the now less expensive ‘meat’. Our rabbis famously point out the similarity between A convert is a Yisroel. A child convert is a Yisroel even if the father is a kohein or levi. the words banayich, meaning children, and bonayich, We do not kiss a kippa when it falls to the floor. meaning our builders. For Amy and me, who are Judaism requires pre-emption when war threatens and in self-defense. Peace is a lauded quality; pacifism is not. both products of day school, we can think of no The Maccabees were despised by their contemporaries for assimilation and better investment than building our child’s Jewish spiritual arrogance. future through a day school education. We hope The Kotel is not the wall of the ancient Temple but of a retaining wall to that many of our friends or those with grandchildren preserve the Temple Mount. who may have been reluctant to apply to the Epstein The Hebrew word for scribe, sofer, means ‘counter’. His sacred job was to School may take a moment to see if this new count the words of the Torah to insure its integrity. opportunity works for them, and by doing so, will God when written in any language other than Hebrew requires no adjustment help us build a vibrant, committed Jewish future for with a dash or any similar gimmick. our children and our Etz Chaim family. Any questions? Please be in touch if inquiring minds wish to know more.

Rabbi Dan Dorsch Rabbi Shalom Lewis

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

From Our Executive Director From Our President “February is always a bad month for TV I recently had a conversation with a friend about sports. Football is gone, basketball is sleep habits. I often wake up in the middle of the plodding along in the annual midseason night, as many my age do; only once I am awake, my doldrums, and baseball is not even mind starts racing with a list of things that I must mentioned. “ - Hunter S. Thompson complete and I cannot fall back asleep. My solution is to turn on the TV at 4:00 a.m. (yes, Scott, my husband, Up North in February, I would always is kind enough to allow me this transgression) and notice the days were getting longer and search out re-runs of “Law & Order” to distract me begin to realize spring would be here soon. Of course, here from my sleep depriving thoughts; much to my chagrin, TNT stopped in Georgia, especially this year, no number of strangely airing episodes every night a few months back. I focus on the show to named large rodents from various parts of the country free my mind of the endless tasks I have to accomplish; however, because seem to be able to add on six more weeks of Winter. I have seen all 456 episodes many times over, I don’t feel obligated to stay The somewhat absence of brutal winter weather here does awake to see how they turn out and easily drift off to sleep. Scott jokes give us the ability to focus on things other than shoveling that I have a Pavlovian response to the iconic sound that opens each snow, salting walkways and donning 17 layers of clothing episode of Law & Order - Dun Dun, officially known as “the Clang” - and to venture outside. Besides picking out which flannel shirt that I instantly fall asleep as soon as I hear it. or hoodie sweatshirt I want to wear with my shorts, as I sit It is important that we all find ways to free our mind from our daily on my deck in a “wintery” 60 degrees, I wanted this stressors so that we can recharge and refresh. Many years ago, when I month’s column to focus on our new website. was at a particularly stressful time in my life, not burning the candle at Hopefully most, if not all of you, have had the opportunity both ends, but creating nicks along the wax and burning it the entire way, to visit our new website: www.etzchaim.net. As I mentioned I decided to attend Shabbat services to see if it would offer relief from my when we announced the launch in early December, hectic schedule and obligations. I am not sure what made me turn to this building it was an intense labor of love. A website is a living as an outlet, but I quickly came to realize that Shabbat is a wonderful gift media entity. Sure, the basic format won’t change but we that can help us with this. When we say “Shabbat Shalom”, it is the most have been and will be constantly adding information to the appropriate greeting I can think of – it is true, if you observe Shabbat, it site to keep it fresh, interesting and informative. All our will bring you peace. I don’t say this to tell you to observe Shabbat, but communication will focus back to the website in some way. rather to share my story of what Shabbat means to me. It is a time when This serves several purposes. we can allow ourselves to put down our mobile devices and not feel the pressure to instantly respond to every call, email or text. We give First, we want you to be able to get the information you ourselves permission for a few hours not to think about work, errands, want any time you want it. At some point, when we launch laundry, or Facebook. I love attending Shabbat morning services because it the new Etz Chaim mobile app, it will be even more offers me a few hours to unplug every week and get lost in the music and evident. routine of the service; I don’t worry about anything else going on in my Secondly, we want to make Etz Chaim visible to the life, I just enjoy listening to the Torah and Haftarah readings, the Rabbi’s community and potential new members. An easily sermon, and getting lost in the melodies that are engrained in my being. I navigated site helps all of you get the information you love that we have a communal kiddush and that I get to visit with my want and helps prospective and new members see what we Shabbat friends. It is so enjoyable to have a conversation with someone offer. where everyone is actually paying attention to each other and the discussion as opposed to volleying between the conversation and their Thirdly, as we add new content, we move higher up on the phones. It is so rare that people truly engage with one another without Google search engine. Currently, we are the 4th listing if distractions anymore. you Google “Jewish Marietta.” As we add and refresh content, along with your searching the website, we will Shabbat is not the only time where you can escape from your daily help move our listing “above the fold” so to speak. worries; weekday minyan provides an opportunity to clear your head before heading out for your daily mission, whether it be work, volunteering, Throughout this year, we will begin to move away from carting and chasing children, shopping or retirement activities. While I many of our existing forms of communication like Constant do not attend daily, I do try to attend morning minyan on Rosh Chodesh Content, Wufoo, etc., so we can take advantage of what and find Hallel to be as invigorating as a cup of coffee, without the shakes the website and the ShulCloud platform have to offer. that I get from caffeine. If mornings don’t work for you, you can take Besides the mobile app, the next step will be putting advantage of evening minyan to recharge and relax by shedding your daily Religious School registration and Camp Ruach registration tension before heading home to enjoy your evening with your family, online as well. To this end, it is important for all of you to your friends or yourself. While minyan provides each of us personal be able to log on to the website and access your account. restorative benefits, it also fulfills another need within the congregation; Your login is your email address and you create your own minyan allows those who have recently lost or are remembering a loved one password. This link, www.etzchaim.net/members/my-account.php on their yahrzeit an opportunity to say kaddish. In addition to saying should take you to the “create a password” screen. Once kaddish, communal gathering surrounds those grieving, providing them you have access to your account, you can verify your support to get through difficult times. In addition to our members, many account information, yahrzeits, etc. One of the most local non-members or visitors to the area have taken advantage of our important pieces is making sure that your email address is minyans as well. Although we have 560+ families in our congregation, we correct. often times have trouble gathering 10. I have heard many congregants talk about how meaningful it was for them to be able to say kaddish on a daily Last month, we started emailing monthly statements. Now basis when losing their parent, spouse, sibling, or child. Etz Chaim is the that you can access your account by logging in, an emailed only synagogue in our area (outside the perimeter) that has daily minyan statement makes more sense as a current snapshot. morning and evening. We want to be able to continue to offer that to our

As I mentioned several months ago, our new website and congregation and our community. To do so, we need to have 10 people database platform will help us improve communication commit to attend every morning and every evening. If every adult aged and efficiencies. We are learning together and will 13 and older in our congregation would commit to attend evening continue to explore how we can utilize these tools as a way minyan 3 times per year (evening minyan occurs Sunday through of strengthening our connection to each other. Thursday evenings), we would be able to make a minyan every night. Please consider giving yourself and the mourners in our congregation this gift. Happy February!

Marty Gilbert Allison Saffran 3

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

From Our Director of Engagement

As most of you know, I had the privilege to study at Pardes Rabbi Dorsch will be leading the Lilmode Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem for three weeks as part of Class: The Sedra of Seinfeld on Tuesdays, their summer program. I learned so much and had such an February 5 and 12. The class will utilize the incredible time. I am excited to continue learning at Pardes Beit shows Seinfeld and The Nanny. This is going to Midrash B’Darom which is a Pardes Retreat held at Ramah be an entertaining class that you do not want Darom over President’s Day Weekend, and the theme is to miss out on! See page 12 for more details. “Building Civil Dialogue in a Fragmented World: Arguments for You do not have to schlep out to an art studio the Sake of Heaven”. I share this because the joy of Jewish to paint and drink wine as we have our own congregant that is a learning doesn’t have to end after one experience; we can talented art teacher - Rob Foster! Join us for The Art of Jewish continue to learn at every age and we can all learn from each Art: Paint Night on Tuesday, February 26, from 7:00-9:30 p.m. other with our different opinions. We are fortunate to have such Rob Foster will give you step-by-step instructions to create a an outstanding Lilmode Adult Education program here at Etz beautiful piece of art. Grab your friends for a fun evening out! No Chaim. Every day, we can choose to learn more, and I hope that art experience necessary. See page 12 for more details. you will take advantage of the Lilmode classes being offered here in February and March. The Art of Italian Cooking was such a success, and now you can learn how to make delicious Persian food with the Art of Jewish It is hard to believe, but we will start planning for programs for Persian Cooking on Sunday, March 3, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. taught the next fiscal year already. I would love to hear your suggestions by congregant Safa Nooromid. See page 12 for more details. for a Lilmode class or other program idea for next year. You can call me at the office, email me at [email protected] or set up Rabbi Lewis will teach two classes in March. Shalom in the Shul a time to chat. I am always happy to talk over coffee or tea. Your (formerly Shalom in the Home) will begin on Monday, March 4, opinion matters. at noon in Phillip’s Library. The topic is the Ethics of Our Fathers, Pirkei Avot. The Art of Answering Tough Jewish Questions will be We start off February with a bang! Beatles Blue Jean Shabbat is held on Tuesdays, March 5 and 12, at 7:30 p.m. See page 13 for on Friday, February 1, beginning at 6:15 p.m. with dinner catered more details. by Harmony Vegetarian Chinese Restaurant followed by the service around 7:00 p.m. This is always an enjoyable and groovy I hope to see you at one of these great programs. musical service. The next day is Hunger Awareness Shabbat on L’shalom, Saturday, February 2, which will include a speaker from the Atlanta Community Food Bank. See page 7 for more details. Heather Blake

From Our Youth Director Shalom Chaverim! Chaired Mercaz Convention in 2005. What you may not know is that I was also pretty involved in our local BBYO Chapter! I think I My articles in this bulletin have been a little gained a ton of skills from both organizations, but USY is really heavy lately, so let’s lighten this one up! where I was able to create my Jewish identity. How many of you have been personally affected by participating in youth groups when So…what’s the point of me telling you all this? You have a very you were younger? Perhaps it was USY…or it may have been limited opportunity to be involved in youth groups during your another group, like BBYO, NFTY, or even GORFTY. Recently, I lifetime and I implore you to get involved! You’re on BBYO Board? asked a few of my friends if they though being involved in youth Awesome! Come check out a USY program! Are you in NFTY? groups when they were younger had a positive impact not only Fantastic! Why not make new friends at a C-Teen program? After all: the more involvement, the more opportunity! on their social lives, but on their professional lives, even though they hadn’t started them when they were in middle or high L’shalom v’ahava, school…and their answers were surprising. Steven Resnick Overwhelmingly, they all agreed. I asked this question to friends Youth Director who work in all different fields: from Social Work to Aerospace, [email protected] from Accounting to Acting. They all had the same sentiment: that not only did their confidence level go up from their experiences, For details on upcoming Youth Group events, you can follow us using the following links: but they also learned communication skills that they still use today. One of them even told me that they use the same mixer https://etzchaim.net/youth_programs with new employees that they learned at their first Kadima https://www.facebook.com/etzchaimyouth/ Convention! https://www.facebook.com/groups/EtzChalutzim/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/EtzAtid/ This got me reminiscing about my time in youth groups. As most of https://www.facebook.com/groups/EtzChaimKadima/ you know, I was pretty heavily involved in USY, as I was on Chapter https://www.facebook.com/groups/EtzChaimUSY/ Board for 3 years, Regional General Board for 1 year, and Co- https://www.instagram.com/sababa_usy/

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

Mazal Tov to… Thank You to our Office Volunteers… Welcome! We are pleased to Debbie and Gary Deutsch on the birth Wendy Feinberg introduce these new members… of granddaughter, Mira Lou, to Virginia Lou Rosengarten Susan McCarthy and Jim Bauer Rosenberg and Craig Deutsch Sandy Smith 154 Ennisbrook Drive Helen and Lou Rosengarten on the birth Linda Weinroth Smyrna, GA 30082 of their great-granddaughter, Mira Lou [email protected] Members on the Move… Condolences to… [email protected] Judy and Stan Fineman Home: 678-842-0213 Harris Fogel, on the loss of his beloved 2700 Paces Ferry Rd., Unit 903 Susan Cell: 404-918-1326 mother, Sylvia Fogel Atlanta, GA 30339 Jim Cell: 503-400-0440 Donna Krodman, on the loss of her Rochelle Spandorfer beloved husband, Steve Krodman 8592 Roswell Rd., Apt. 224

Sandy Springs, GA 30350

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

A hearty Mazal Tov to This student Upcoming B’nai Mitzvah

The Voice of Chaim features Celebrating his bar Mitzvah! information on upcoming B’nai Mitzvah. Ian Mintz will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah Saturday evening, February 16, 2019 – 12 Adar I 5779. He is the son of Janice and Scott Mintz. If your child has a Bar/Bat Ian’s Bar Mitzvah parasha is Ki Tissa. He is a 7th grader at Dickerson Middle Mitzvah in the coming months, School. Ian has been a student in Etz Chaim’s Religious School for three years. we would like to feature your child’s: His hobbies and interests include playing the trombone, listening to music, learning to play new instruments and playing video games. ▪ Biographical information ▪ School information Ian’s D’var Torah quote is “And the Lord said to Moses: You shall keep the ▪ Photo Sabbath, for it is holy for you.” For his mitzvah project, Ian is volunteering with ▪ D’Var Torah Quote different organizations, such as the Salvation Army. ▪ Mitzvah project

To have your child’s simcha included in the Voice, please email the Bio form which is included in the B’nai Mitzvah Handbook from the Religious School along with a high resolution photo to Bernice in the Synagogue office :at [email protected]

All materials must be received no later than the 1st of the preceding month. We will gladly accept material earlier.

Shabbat Sasson Friday, February 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Join us for a new musical Kabbalat Shabbat service organized by our rabbinic intern Natan Freller. Shabbat Sasson will take place the Daily Minyan Times: second Friday of every month in Phillip’s Library and will be in place of the regular Friday night service. Sasson means "joy" and it is with happiness and celebration that we will welcome in Monday - Friday: Shabbat accompanied by musicians of all ages from our congregation. This energetic prayer 7:00 a.m. experience will be accessible to everyone no matter their level of Judaic knowledge. It will be 6:30 p.m. followed by a dairy potluck dinner. Sunday: Co-chairs are Cheryl Eppsteiner and Fern Meharg. For more information, contact Cheryl at 9:15 a.m. [email protected] or 770-330-6736. Please see the Etz Blast for the RSVP link. 6:30 p.m. www.tinyurl.com/shabbatsasson2

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

Minyan Makers The Sisterhood Scoop If you are available to help 2019 is off to a fun and busy start. We hope you enjoyed Sisterhood make minyan on a Thursday at Shabbat as much as we enjoyed leading services. It was a very special 6:30 p.m., sign up at: https:// morning for us as we had the opportunity to show our appreciation for preview.tinyurl.com/Thursday those who helped throughout the year. Yasher Kochech to the Torah readers. minyan. For more information, contact Marsha Bernstein at We are looking forward to our annual Intergenerational Cooking Event with Sisterhood and the [email protected]. Youth Department on Sunday, February 10, at Noon. Learn how to make Babka and Challah with

Funky Challah founder Liat Tzionov. See our ad below. Centerpiece Rental Consider using our beautiful Rosh Chodesh Adar will be on Tuesday, February 5, at 7 a.m. Please join us in solidarity with new topiary centerpieces Women of the Wall. See page 23 for details. for your Friday night dinner, Kiddush luncheon or Saturday Join us for Book Club on February 3 at 9:30 a.m. We are reading Fine September Morning by Alan evening affair. Contact the Gift Fleisman. Thank you, Suzanne Rivchun, for hosting this month’s meeting. See our ad on page 11 for Shop for more information. more information.

JNF Trees for Israel By now you should have received an email containing a personalized code which will allow you to Honor someone special by access the Happy Purim website. Please support this fundraiser and perform a wonderful mitzvah by purchasing a tree in the Etz sending Mishloach Manot. Sisterhood’s adorable themed Purim Baskets are sure to make your Etz Chaim Sisterhood grove. For Chaim family members who are lucky recipients smile. more information, contact the Sandy Bailey at 770-490-7874 or Sisterhood is in charge of making minyan on Thursday evenings. Please help those who need to say the Gift Shop. Kaddish by attending and participating in this mitzvah.

For more information about Sisterhood Judaica and Gifts: The Gift Shop is open Tuesdays 4:30-6:30 p.m., Thursdays 11:30-1:30 p.m. Sisterhood, please contact: and Sundays 10:30-12:30 p.m. Please note: Thursday hours have changed. Also, we are only open

Cathy Goodman at 954-655-4867 Tuesday and Sunday when Religious School is in session and Thursday when the Synagogue is open. We hope you will take advantage of this convenience as Sisterhood is always striving to meet

or the needs of our congregation. Please come and see our wonderful new merchandise - Mezuzot, Seder Plates, jewelry and more. Please see our ad on page 35. Donna Bruckner at 678-492-1008 [email protected] Want to feel a part of Sisterhood? Volunteer! Minyan, gift shop, committees. The possibilities are

Don’t forget to check us out endless. Feel connected, get involved, have fun and meet people. If you are interested, please call on Facebook or at etzchaim.net Cathy Goodman at 954-655-4867, [email protected] or Donna Bruckner at 678-492-1008, [email protected].

Until next time…

ATTENTION ETZ CHAIM Cathy and Donna Co-Presidents, Sisterhood MEMBERS:

If you are planning to be away for an extended amount of time, please inform the office.

Judaica and Gifts Shop Hours

Religious School in Session: Sundays 10:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.

Tuesdays 4:30 p.m.—6:30 p.m.

Thursdays 11:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m.

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

Men’s Club Update Men’s Club is a vital part of our congregation. Our ongoing World-Wide Wrap Sunday, February 3, at 9:15 a.m.: Join us for the annual programs include: FJMC World Wide Wrap as we join with Conservative/ Masorti Men’s Clubs ▪ Supporting daily minyan around the world on this day for our annual event and with our Hebrew ▪ Sponsoring picnics School students and parents. ▪ World Wide Wrap

Annual Men's Club Retreat February 8th - 10th: Join us for our annual Men's Club Retreat at Camp ▪ Providing scholarships

Ramah Darom. This year's content will be focused on "Adapting Judaism and the Synagogue for the ▪ Men’s Club Shabbat 21st Century". We are honored that Rabbi Dorsch will be joining us as a special guest this year. ▪ Anshei Darom Retreat Please plan on joining us for this fun and meaningful weekend. ▪ Synagogue Softball League

Kosher for Passover Brisket: It’s early, but we are already starting to plan our annual brisket sale ▪ Usher for High Holidays for Passover. Please remember to order your cooked kosher brisket when available. All orders will ▪ Support Holocaust Garden once again be presold. Our goal is to provide our Hearing Men’s Voices: We will be hosting a Hearing Men’s Voices session early in the year - members with opportunities planning is in the early stages. We will communicate the date, time and topic when available. to meet one another and make new lasting friendships, Again, if anyone has any ideas for programming at any time during the year, please contact Alan or support our community and Chuck. have fun during the process.

Chuck Bernstein and Alan Lightstone JOIN MEN’S CLUB and make a Co-Presidents difference in our Etz Chaim community.

GET ON THE LIST - CONTACT: Chuck Bernstein at [email protected] or Alan Lightstone at [email protected]

PLEASE JOIN US FOR EVENING MINYAN— Sunday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

Lilmode Happenings

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

#RENEWAL2020

We are thrilled with the progress of the #renewal2020 campaign since our launch in late November and would love to share our excitement with you face to face. We have been reaching out to our established havurot, but we would like to reach even more congregants. Your help would be greatly appreciated; if you can coordinate your friendship circle, we will do a small group presentation to give all of you more details and to share our passion about #renewal2020. Please contact Cheryl Miller at [email protected] or 678-895-6922 to schedule a date and time.

In addition, David and I will be hosting open house presentations at our home on the following Sundays at 11:00 a.m.: February 3, February 24, March 17, March 31. Please RSVP directly to me (email and phone above), so we know how many to expect. More dates will be added. Check back at www.etzchaim.net/renewal2020 and follow our transformation.

Thank you for your commitment to the future of Etz Chaim – let’s Raise the Roof!

Cheryl Miller Campaign Co-chair

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

Bereavement Services February Yahrzeits Offered to Congregants Memorialize a loved one with a Brick in our Holocaust Memorial Garden or a Etz Chaim’s Chesed Committee Plaque on our Yahrzeit Wall. For information, please contact the synagogue office.

Will offer to provide meals *Denotes a memorial plaque in our sanctuary to be lit on the day of the yahrzeit and on all Yizkor holidays. of consolation to members. This meal is traditionally a 1 February Harry Shrago 26 Shevat dairy meal eaten by mourners 1 February Nathan Greenstein 26 Shevat upon their return home from 2 February Cynthia Freeman 27 Shevat the funeral. It includes whole 2 February Estelle Weinberger 27 Shevat hard-boiled eggs, symbolizing 3 February Clara Beker 28 Shevat the continuity of life. This 3 February Herbert Sackett 28 Shevat service provided by the 4 February Lillian Cohen 29 Shevat Chesed Committee allows 4 February Sadie Feinberg 29 Shevat the family and friends who 6 February Andrea Taratoot 1 Adar normally provide the meal *6 February Antonia Weitz 1 Adar I 6 February Jeanette Karp 1 Adar to attend the funeral them- 7 February Harriet "Carol" Shapiro 2 Adar selves and give the emotional 7 February Richard Rosenbaum 2 Adar support to the bereaved. 7 February Rose Etscovitz 2 Adar I Members attending out of 8 February Leona Weitz 3 Adar I town funerals, who sit shiva 9 February Isidore Lewis 4 Adar or hold a memorial Service 9 February Sarah Shultz 4 Adar I in Atlanta, will be offered a 11 February Lorraine Allen 6 Adar fruit tray. 11 February Lou Martin 6 Adar

Contributions made to the 11 February Melinda Stern 6 Adar Chesed Fund will help to 11 February Nathan Shectman 6 Adar I fund these services. 11 February Sarah Coplon 6 Adar 12 February Charles Strasburger 7 Adar Would you like additional 12 February Harvey Cohen 7 Adar information or want to 12 February Herbert Berke 7 Adar assist in performing these 13 February Irving Shatzman 8 Adar mitzvot? Please contact: 13 February Jack Caras 8 Adar I Cindy Lewis—770-977-0240 13 February Leona Marinoff 8 Adar Wendy Feinberg—770-973-1217 14 February Estelle Mellman 9 Adar *14 February Eve Greenstein 9 Adar I 14 February Jack Schwartz 9 Adar 15 February David Pollack 10 Adar Your cooperation please! 15 February Rhoda Rosenblum 10 Adar 16 February Deloris Harris 11 Adar The disabled parking spots are 16 February Marian Klebanoff 11 Adar I reserved for the exclusive use 17 February Irving Marinoff 12 Adar of those with permits. These 18 February Richard Fagin 13 Adar spaces are not to be used by 19 February John Pransky 14 Adar I anyone else at anytime. *19 February Judith Taylor 14 Adar There is no parking under the *19 February Marvin Rosenberg 14 Adar Education Wing overhang. It 19 February Ruth Needle 14 Adar is a fire code violation. *19 February Sarah "Bebe" Smith 14 Adar *20 February Monavar Nooromid 15 Adar 21 February Bernard Bierman 16 Adar I Family Member 21 February Muriel Joanne Ziskend 16 Adar 22 February Albert Simon 17 Adar In the Hospital? 22 February Bessie Kahn 17 Adar

The rabbi has 24 February Anita S. Beer 19 Adar asked that you *24 February Morris Beker 19 Adar notify the synagogue office 24 February Philip Turner 19 Adar in the event of a family *25 February Trudy Knauer 20 Adar member’s hospital stay or 26 February David Bodenstein 21 Adar serious illness. 26 February J.R. Shaw 21 Adar 27 February Irving Kaufman 22 Adar 28 February Sonia Gordon 23 Adar I 20

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

FEBRUARY 2019 FEBRUARY

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

NPO# KY946

March Voice of Chaim All submissions are due to the office no later than Wednesday, February 1 by end of business.

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

AgeWell East Cobb/Roswell Presents:

Gentle Yoga with Ling Olaes Wednesday, February 13 11:15 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

Come learn from Ling Olaes, Yoga Instructor at JF&CS and certified group fitness instructor. Come breathe, stretch and relax in a meditative slow flow class designed to bring comfort to your body and peace to your mind. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in and bring a yoga mat if you have one. Free to the community.

Healthy Aging and Spirituality Wednesday, February 27 11:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

Can a well-rounded spiritual life help you stay healthy and live longer? Join us for this informative non- denominational program with Rabbi Judith Beiner and Debbi Dooley. We’ll look at spiritual tools, including music, and discuss topics such as legacy, ethical wills and writing a “last letter.” The program will highlight the research of Dan Buettner, author of “The Blue Zones,” which studied communities, where many people live to age 100 or more, and pointed to the importance of spirituality in promoting health and longevity.

All programs are free and open to the public.

Please RSVP to Bernice Mellman 678-860-6330

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

Congregation Etz Chaim is proud to announce that Cheryl Eppsteiner, Cindy Lewis and Marsha Shrago will be honored as “Synagogue Heroes” this year at the 3rd Annual Mitzvah for the Mikvah on Thursday, March 7, 2019. The three women serve as coordinators for the monthly Rosh Chodesh minyan.

Five years ago, the Rosh Chodesh minyan held its first service. Each month since then, women – many of whom had never before davened Shacharit, read Torah or chanted Musaf – join the regular morning minyan to conduct all parts of the service in support of the Women of the Wall (WoW). A breakfast sponsored by Sisterhood brings both the “Rosh Chodesh women” and the regular minyannaires together afterwards to hear a report on what happened at the Kotel that morning. The breakfast also provides an opportunity for learning; for several years, a different woman every month spoke about a notable Jewish woman in history. For each month during the past two years, different women have spoken about their journeys through Judaism.

Because of its commitment to Women of the Wall, the women of Etz Chaim were honored last year to host the WoW executive director, Lesley Sachs, for three days of lectures and learning at both the synagogue and at the Weber School.

The mission of the Metro Atlanta Community Mikvah (MACoM) is to provide a safe, sensitive, welcoming, halachic and aesthetically beautiful environment for Jewish ritual immersion and conversion, allowing for ongoing fulfillment of spirituality, Torah awareness, healing and wellness. For more information on MACoM or to register to attend the Annual Mitzvah for the Mikvah, please visit www.atlantamikvah.org.

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

Did you know… Questions about

You can make your donations online. For step-by- purchasing a step entry, go to: cemetery plot? https://www.etzchaim.net/payment.php

Call Marty Gilbert For assistance, contact Lisa at 770-973-0137 770-973-0137

Torah Reader Communications

We are in the process of restructuring how we recruit Torah readers here at Etz Chaim for Shabbat and Festivals. If you are interested in periodically reading Torah on Shabbat, Rabbi Dorsch would be interested in hearing from you!

If you are currently receiving the weekly emails looking for Torah readers and are no longer interested in receiving the emails, please contact Rabbi Dorsch.

If you are not currently receiving the emails and would like to be placed on our list to read Torah, please contact Rabbi Dorsch.

Thank you in advance.

Rabbi Dorsch [email protected]

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

Contributions processed from December 1 through December 31, 2018

GENERAL FUND and your warmth was felt by all. Thank In celebration of:

In appreciation of: you so much for all you did for us! Rabbi Lewis' 70th birthday. Happy birthday Leslie Jeter and Rich Karol and Mazal Tov! honors received In honor of: Judy and Allan Bart Richard Karol and Leslie Jeter the inspiring sermon Rabbi Dorsch In honor of: In celebration of: delivered on the Shabbat of Rabbi Lewis' Rabbi Lewis' 70th birthday the marriage of Erica Daniel Krodman 70th birthday Arthur and Bonnie Steinfeld

Laura and Donald Zugel Kenneth and Grace Graiser Rabbi Lewis' 70th birthday

In honor of: In memory of: Charles and Marsha Bernstein

Phyllis Frankel our mothers' yahrzeits - Mollie Nelson Rabbi Lewis' 70th birthday. Nicole and Steve Frankel and Sylvia Berman Love, Suzanne and David Alan and Sherry Berman David Lieberman and Suzanne Rivchun In loving memory of: Robert Coltman Rabbi Lewis' 70th birthday Lora Coleman Barnet Coltman Etz United - The Havurah of Champions Bernie and Helene Grablowsky Grandpa Harry Phillips. With love, Rabbi Shalom Lewis' 70th birthday!! Here's my parents, Albert and Adeline Gelb, Elaine, Jay, Josh and Rachel to a wonderful year filled with much joy on their yahrzeits Jay and Elaine Schwartz and happiness! With love from all the Pierces, Cheryl Eppsteiner from near and far! Lora Coleman, mother of Julie Golsen. In memory of: Jackie and Steve Pierce Our deepest condolences on the loss our dear mother, Reva Epstein of your mother. Rabbi Shalom Lewis. Mazal Tov, Rabbi Lewis, Barney and Ellen Epstein Kent and Julia Goodman on your milestone birthday. May you be

Michael Levin. Wishing you and your Carl Zager happy and healthy and have many more family long life on your loss. Lee and Deborah Elfenbein birthdays. Til 120!!! Love, Barbara and Jerry Jerold and Barbara Mayer Gary Wolfson Michael Lance Gordon Jen Cohen, sister of Art Cohen. Our Vickie and Paul Olson Rabbi Lewis' 70th birthday deepest sympathies on your loss. Jim and Mindy Intner RABBI LEWIS DISCRETIONARY FUND May your sister's memory always Rabbi Lewis' 70th birthday be a blessing. In honor of: Kenneth and Grace Graiser Rabbi Lewis. Wishing the happiest of Kenneth and Lauri Winkler Rabbi Lewis' 70th birthday milestone birthdays thus far, and my mother's yahrzeit Mazal Tov on all of your wonderful Nancy and Wayne Freedman and Family Philip Westerman accomplishments along the way. Rabbi Lewis' recent birthday Myra Fineman, beloved mother Love, Arlene and Glenn Philip and Elise Goldstein of Stan Fineman. Our deepest Glenn and Arlene La Vine Rabbi Lewis' 70th birthday. May you enjoy condolences to you and your family. Rabbi Lewis. Wishing you a happy this birthday and many more to come. Thank May her memory always be for a birthday Yom Huledet Sameach. Best you for your friendship and caring for all blessing. wishes, the years we have known you. Robin and Yaron Brill Rochelle Spandorfer Richard and Sandy Smith RABBI DORSCH DISCRETIONARY FUND Happy birthday to Rabbi Lewis and a Rabbi Lewis' birthday In appreciation of: wish for many more happy, wonderful Robert and Stephanie Foster

Rabbi Dorsch for a beautiful baby birthdays Rabbi Lewis' birthday Sharon Kavanagh naming for Teagan Ronni and David Beker Elliot and Mallory Low In appreciation of: Rabbi Lewis' 70th birthday Rabbi Dorsch conducting a wedding Rabbi Lewis for a beautiful baby Stan and Luci Sunshine ceremony for Alisa and David Feldman naming for Teagan. Elliot and Mallory Low Rabbi Lewis' 70th birthday. Ad Me'ah V'esrim! Joe Freeman Steve and Shelley Buxbaum Rabbi Dorsch for helping us prepare for Rabbi Lewis for assistance with my brother’s death this past January. wishing Mazal Tov to: and conducting a beautiful wedding Paul and Vickie Olson Rabbi Lewis on his special birthday ceremony. Your words were inspiring, Steven and Janet Cadranel 28

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

Contributions processed from December 1 through December 31, 2018

RABBI LEWIS ENDOWMENT Vivian and Allan Levine on the In honor of:

In loving memory of: engagement of their son, Stewart, to Alisa Feldman. My wife, Rita, would have our mothers, Anne Leibowitz and Jocelyn Chun been in her glory if she could have seen how Bob and Shelley Brodsky lovely her granddaughter Alisa's wedding Jean Bart, always in our hearts. Love, ROBERT KLEIN MEMORIAL CHESED FUND was and looked so beautiful in her gown. Judy and Allan Bart Rita, we all missed you. In honor of: Alexander Freeman

In memory of: Rabbi Lewis' 70th birthday. May you In loving memory of: Carl Zager have many more! our mom, Rita Freeman, on the anniversary Lee and Deborah Elfenbein Helene and Phil Jacoby of her yahrzeit. We love and miss you.

Wishing Mazal Tov to: In loving memory of: Kevin and Deborah Robbins

Rabbi Lewis on his birthday our mothers, Esther Gersten and Gizella In memory of: Debbi and Randy Chartash my sweet mother, Rita Freeman. I miss you Jacoby. You are missed. LINDA H. WEINROTH EDUCATION FUND Helene and Phil Jacoby every day. Alan and Lisa Freeman In honor of: In memory of: Cynthia Freeman - a wonderful wife, mother Alexis Needle. Mazel Tov to Hank and Lora Coleman. Our heartfelt condolences and friend Karen Needle as Alexis becomes a Bat to Julie Golsen and family on the loss of Joseph Freeman Mitzvah. your beloved mother. GERTRUDE AND JOE WILENSKY MEMORIAL Alexis Needle. Mazal Tov to Michelle Mark and Laurie Lavinsky ENDOWMENT FUND and Ben Needle as Alexis becomes a Wishing Mazal Tov to: Bat Mitzvah. In appreciation of:

Allan and Vivian Levine on the Alexis Needle. Mazal Tov to Mindy engagement of their son, Stewart Barbara Wilensky. Thank you for a wonderful Elkan as Alexis becomes a Bat Mitzvah. Barry and Joyce Teitelman challah experience. Love, Randi, Evie, Liam Fred and Carol Salmons and Lynn SANCTUARY WALL SCULPTURE Robert and Lynn Sustak the engagement of Vivian and Allan In honor of: Levine's son, Stewart, to Jocelyn Chun. JOAN H. RABIN MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT

Mazal Tov. Love, Lynn and Bob Rabbi Lewis' 70th birthday with love In honor of: Robert and Lynn Sustak from his friends Friends of Rabbi Lewis Daniel Rabin. Dear Dad/Grampsy - Thank In loving memory of: you for everything you do for us and BUILDING ENHANCEMENT FUND Gert Silverstein, mother and grandmother. instilling the value of family and giving. You are missed every day. In honor of: Here's to another year of fun and new

Marley Rogers and Stephanie Matheny Sherry and Mark Hersh's 50th wedding memories. Love, Michelle, David, Jonah and Lila In memory of: anniversary Michelle, David, Jonah and Lila Manne Phillip and Peri Rosner my mother, Mae Slone Reich, on her KITCHEN FUND yahrzeit Rich Karol. Mazal Tov on the marriage of Joanne Reicher my brother, Richard, to Leslie, my new In honor of:

sister-in-law the Bat Mitzvah of Alexis Needle - wonderful Sarah Klemes Yucht. You are still cherished Sandy Bailey by all who knew you. life event, congratulations. Love, Suzanne Jonathan and Maxine Schein COLLEGE CONNECTION FUND and David

David Lieberman and Suzanne Rivchun Morris Shapiro. We always remember you In loving memory of: and your smile. Debbi and Randy, Jeremy, In memory of: Elaine P. Waterman, mother of Kelly and Brian Tammy Cohen Ron Toron - forever in our hearts Randy and Debbi Chartash Dana and Ari Greenberg David Lieberman and Suzanne Rivchun

Wishing Mazal Tov to: CYNTHIA R. FREEMAN Sandra Sandrowitz

Barbara and Frank Wilensky on the MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT Lee and Deborah Elfenbein marriage of their daughter, Robyn, In celebration of: Marcia Karol. You are missed and loved. to Christian Leard Sandy Bailey all the simchas of 2018 Sarah Freeman 29

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

Contributions processed from December 1 through December 31, 2018

MORRIS FRANK SACRED TEXT FUND love you forever. Bobby SISTERHOOD FUND Robert Silverman In loving memory of: In memory of: In memory of: Lora Coleman, mother of Julie Golsen. Rubin Plotkin, inspirational Jewish teacher Love, Candy, David, Hannah, Jason, Audrey Cohen and beloved grandfather Allie and Everleigh Art and Liz Cohen Bessie Plotkin, inspiring, wonderful, caring, Faye Ellen Slutsky, wife of Bernard Slutsky. Esther Cohen and Isadore Cohn beloved grandmother and great grandmother Love, Candy Frank and Family Beverly Cohen Barbara and Jerry Mayer

Morry Frank, our beloved husband and Lora Coleman and Elaine P. Waterman Elaine P. Waterman, mother of Tammy Cohen father. We feel your presence every day. Stan and Luci Sunshine Charles and Marsha Bernstein

All our love, Candy, David, Hannah, Jason, PRESCHOOL FUND Elaine Waterman, mother of Tammy Cohen. Allie and Everleigh May your mom's love and memory be Candy Frank In appreciation of:

forever a blessing. PHILLIP MICHAEL SILVERMAN Debbie Deutsch Cindee and Al Sapoznik MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT The Schwebel Family

SOCIAL ACTION FUND In memory of: In honor of:

In loving memory of: our Great Grandparents, Lee Silverman the birth of the Deutsches’ granddaughter Claire Satlof-Bedrick. May her memory be and Sidney Silverman, on their yahrzeits. Robert and Stephanie Foster for a blessing. With loving thoughts, Remembering you with love. Maureen Levy. Wishing you a speedy Rochelle Spandorfer Bonnie, Alan and Laura Silverman recovery. We miss you! YOUTH FUND Shirley Sarlin, a wonderful mother, mother- Etz Chaim Preschool Students and Faculty in-law and grandma. We miss you! In honor of: SISTERHOOD ENDOWMENT FUND

Lewis and Janet Duncan Grant Chernau's birthday In memory of: PHILLIP'S LIBRARY FUND Frank and Barbara Wilensky Elaine P. Waterman, beloved mother of In loving memory of: Tammy Cohen. Our deepest condolences my mother, Lee, and father, Sidney, on to you and your family. May her memory their yahrzeits. After all these years, I always be for a blessing. still miss you both very much and will Robin and Yaron Brill

Please note:

The Voice of Chaim is produced one month prior to delivery. Donations received after the first of each month may not appear in the current issue.

Thank you. We appreciate your Generosity.

For more information, contact Robert Gray at [email protected]

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

KY946

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

Publication’s Title and Number: Voice of Chaim ▪ Volume 43 ▪ Issue 2 Issue Date: February 2019 Frequency: Monthly Authorized Organization’s Name and Address: Congregation Etz Chaim▪ 1190 Indian Hills Pkwy. ▪ Marietta, GA 30068

The Voice of Chaim ▪ February 2019

Place An Advertisement In the Voice!

For more information, Contact Bernice in the Synagogue office. 770-973-0137 [email protected]

Daniel I. Dorsch Officers Trustees Past Presidents Congregation Etz Chaim Rabbi Allison Y. Saffran Donna Bruckner Todd H. Surden President Marc Chernau Cheryl Cohen-Miller 1190 Indian Hills Parkway Shalom J. Lewis Ken Danis Scott Rittenberg Marietta, GA 30068 Rabbi Linda Pollock Executive VP Audrey Fried-Sheets Stephen Friedman Synagogue Office 770-973-0137 Martin Gilbert Barry Gang Irwin Berman Executive Director Billy Balser Education Office 770-977-3384 Robert Gray Bob Bachrach Chief Financial Officer Lynne Johannesen Judy Fineman Debbie Deutsch Fax 770-977-0829 Director of Education Randy Figur Allison Karp Norman Radow VP of Fundraising Alan Lightstone Debbie Milstein www.etzchaim.net Heather Blake Delores Lazerson Sue Rothstein Director of Engagement Tanah Barchichat Bethany Levee David Witt Co-VP of Religion Steven Resnick Jay Liban Ken Schlenker Youth Director Stephanie Foster Helaine Mark George Pristach Non-Profit Org. Co-VP of Religion Jerry Mayer Richard Smith U.S. Postage Aram Blankenship Facilities Manager Jamie Lyons Rob Miller Allen Shulman PAID Marnie Nadolne Noah Levine VP of Education Permit #433 Bernice Isaac Karen Needle Barry Forrest z”l Newsletter Production Elliot Okrent Angie Nothdurft David Tinkelman Marietta, GA VP of Communications Elliot Okrent Ellis Abrams Lauren Levetan Stefan Pollack Stephen King RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED VP of Membership Roz Reiss Organizations Services Terri Rittenberg Cathy Goodman

Suzanne Rivchun Donna Bruckner Dani Oren Josh Schwartz VP of Affinity Groups Sisterhood Marsha Shrago Co-Presidents Todd H. Surden Immediate Past Chuck Bernstein President and Alan Lightstone Parliamentarian Men’s Club Co-Presidents

Grant Chernau USY President