JewishTHE Happy Georgian Passover

Volume 21, Number 3 Atlanta, Georgia MARCH-APRIL 2009 FREE JEA Reunion is all about the 3 R’s: reconnecting…reminiscing…reflecting What’s Inside By Leon Socol he Atlanta Jewish Educational Alliance (JEA) was founded nearly T100 years ago as the place for Blurring the Boundaries Atlanta’s Jewish youth to gather for social, A new exhibition at the Dunwoody educational, and sports activities and to Public Library moves effortlessly strengthen their connection to their between poetry and visual art. Judaism. Page 27 The JEA, which was located on Capitol Avenue, was the Sunday gathering place for many young people and home to Part of the Family some 30 clubs. During the ‘20s, ‘30s, ‘40s, Chancer, the country’s first fetal alco- and ‘50s, boys and girls participated in hol spectrum disorder service dog, basketball, softball, track, carom, and ten- has brought calm and joy to a young nis. Many young Jews excelled in these boy and his family. sports and learned teamwork and skills at the JEA. Lasting friendships were formed. Page 27 JEA Reunion Steering Committee (from left to right): Archie Merlin, Sylvia Coming up on the century anniversary Schwartz, Ken Levenstiem, Rachelle Berliner, Arnold Balser, Fran Landau, of the JEA, Dan Maslia realized that there Larry Greenberg, Leonard Sherman, Raymond Taratoot, Helen Alperin, Sam had never been a reunion of those boys and Pinsky (Not pictured: Pat Aronoff, Asher Benator, Johnny Benator, Josiah Holocaust Sculpture girls of yesteryear. Many of them had Benator, Ted Frankel, Hilda Goodelman, David Kletzky, Harriet Mills, Frieda reached their senior years and lost track of Dedicated Socol, Paul Teplis) (all photos: www.heidimorton.com) A new sculpture honoring Holocaust See JEA REUNION, page 5 survivor and author Alex Gross graces the campus of Greenfield Hebrew Academy. Brighton Beach Memoirs wraps up Genesis Stage a dream Page 7 Center Theatre’s inaugural season come true for Mira Hirsch enter Theatre is closing its inaugural season with Neil Simon’s By Bill Sonenshine Leaving India autobiographical comedy Brighton Beach Memoirs. Running CApril 30-May 24, Brighton Beach Memoirs is directed by here is exciting news for Atlanta The recent attacks in Mumbai bring Robert Egizio. This stage production will be brought to life in Center theatergoers. Mira Hirsch— back memories of harrowing experi- Theatre’s beautiful Morris & Rae Frank Theatre, located at the founder of Jewish Theatre of the ences and the kindness of strangers in T Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, South and its sole artistic director for India during the early ‘70s. Dunwoody. the whole of the company’s 13 years— By Janice Rothschild Blumberg Tickets are $22-$30, with discounts for MJCCA members, has formed her own production compa- Page 13 groups, seniors, and students. ny, Genesis Stage. She says it will Brighton Beach Memoirs is set focus on plays relevant to the Jewish in pre-World War II Brooklyn, where experience. In the Cards Eugene Jerome, an ambitious, some- The company’s first production will what starry-eyed teenager who Three postcards tell the story of a life be Hard Love by Israeli playwright wants to be a writer, lives with his Motti Lerner, which was staged last well lived. extended Jewish family in a lower- Mira Hirsch season by Jewish Theatre of the South. By Balfoura Friend Levine middle-class home that is filled with Page 16 tension, love, and plenty of laughs. Brighton Beach Memoirs stars See GENESIS, page 6 15-year-old Benjamin Appley- JELF Announces Epstein as Eugene, Tess Malis Jerry’s Habima Theatre Kincaid as Kate, Erin Considine as presents Once Upon a New Fund Blanche, Larry Ruth as Jack, Joshua Mattress , March 25-29, The Jewish Educational Loan Fund Waterstone as Stanley, Laura Floyd at the MJCCA’s Morris has launched a new program for stu- as Nora, and Rachel Whiteman as and Rae Frank Theatre. dents pursuing careers in medicine. Lori. Pictured: (from left) Page 35 For a complete schedule and Bret Brannan, Cynthia Benjamin Appley-Epstein tickets, call the Center Theatre Box Outman, Katie Rouille, as Eugene (photo: Office at 678-812-4002, or visit and Marc Wollam. See www.twmeyer.com) www.CenterTheatreAtlanta.org. page 30. Page 2 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009 “You Were Strangers in the Land of Egypt”

have always had an interest in and subsequent seven years of famine came to enemies in fighting against us and rise from curiosity about history and historical pass. But because of the preparation made the ground.’ So they set taskmasters over Ievents, the insight that can be gained during the years of plenty, there was food them to oppress them with forced labor.” into how we have evolved into who and available in Egypt. Fast-forward to today. We have seen what we are, and the relevance of the past to BY Marvin Joseph’s family was living in Canaan the years of plenty, and we are now wit- current events. As Jews, we are fortunate to Botnick as shepherds, and there were no pastures for nessing the lean years, which brings with it have a sacred text, which, while dealing their flocks, as the land of Canaan was suf- a scapegoat mentality. We have and are see- with the deity concept, also is the history of fering from the famine. Jacob, Joseph’s ing the xenophobic plague that is spreading a people and the rules necessary for the reflect on this, for it seems to me that father, learned of the food that was avail- around the world and the evil head of anti- operation of a nation. this year, more so than in any recent able in Egypt because of the storehouses Semitism rearing itself out of the dunghill As we approach the observance of years, these circumstances might have that had been built and filled in anticipation of humanity. Passover, we will once again open our greater relevance. of the famine, and he sent ten of Joseph’s So as we gather with our families to Haggadahs to fulfill our obligation to tell As we are told in Genesis, Joseph was brothers into Egypt to buy corn. Joseph rec- celebrate the bounties bestowed on our the story to our children of our freedom sold into slavery by his brothers, and he was ognized his brothers, and eventually he ancestors as they were freed from Egyptian from slavery. Not only is the story told, but slavery, let us take an extra moment to also the format is such that it instills in our remember how we got there. When we open children the concept of inquisitiveness in As Jews, we are fortunate to have a sacred text, which, while the door for Elijah, let us not only offer a the development of one’s mind: hence, Di dealing with the deity concept, also is the history of a people welcome into our midst the spirit of what Fir Kashes, The Four Questions. Elijah means but also eject through that por- By retelling this story each year, we and the rules necessary for the operation of a nation. tal any bad inner feelings we may have for remember the blessing that was bestowed those who are in need and looking for relief on us by God in delivering us from a life of moved his whole family to Egypt. Thus did from their famine, however it may have oppression and servitude to freedom; we taken to Egypt. Through a series of events, the Israelites, looking for a better life, remind ourselves that we were strangers in he eventually was rewarded by Pharaoh for become immigrants in the land of Egypt. manifested itself. Hermann Cohen wrote, another land; and we reinforce our respon- using the gift given to him by God to inter- In Exodus 1:7 - 12, we read: “…the “The alien was to be protected, not because sibility to show the way to a just and moral pret the Pharaoh’s dreams. Joseph Israelites were fertile and prolific; they mul- he was a member of one’s family, clan, reli- life. It is important for us to reinforce all explained that the dreams portended the tiplied and increased very greatly, so that gious community or people; but because he that Passover stands for each year and not coming of seven years of plenty, to be fol- the land was filled with them. was a human being. In the alien, therefore, go through the service by rote. lowed by seven years of famine. No one “A new king arose over Egypt who did man discovered the idea of humanity.” But there is another dimension to the other than Joseph had been able to interpret not know Joseph. And he said to his people, In many synagogues, there is the fol- story of our sojourn in Egypt that we some- these dreams, and, as a result, Pharaoh put ‘Look, the Israelite people are much too lowing inscription appearing above the Ark: times do not think about. How did we get Joseph in charge of his court, a position sec- numerous for us. Let us deal shrewdly with Dah Lifnei Mi Atah Ohmed (Know Before there in the first place, and why were we ond only to Pharaoh. As revealed to Joseph them, so that they may not increase; other- Whom You Stand). Know, also, what we as enslaved? It might be well this year if we by God, the seven years of plenty and the wise, in the event of war, they may join our Jews stand for. JewishTHE Georgian

The Jewish Georgian is published bimonthly by Eisenbot, Ltd. It is written for Atlantans and Georgians by Atlantans and Georgians. Publisher Marvin Botnick Co-Publisher Sam Appel Editor Marvin Botnick Managing Editor Marsha C. LaBeaume Assignment Editor Carolyn Gold Consulting Editor Gene Asher Associate Editor Barbara Schreiber Copy Editor Ray Tapley Assistant Copy Editor Arnold Friedman Makeup Editor Terri Christian Production Coordinator Terri Christian Medical Editor Morris E. Brown, M.D. Photographic Staff Allan Scher, Phil Slotin, Phil Shapiro Graphic Art Consultant Karen Paz Columnist Andi Arnovitz (Israel),Gene Asher, Jonathan Barach, Janice Rothschild Blumberg (Washington), Marvin Botnick, Shirley Friedman, Carolyn Gold, Jonathan Goldstein, George Jordan, Marice Katz, Balfoura Friend Levine, Marsha Liebowitz, Howard Margol, Bubba Meisa, Erin O’Shinsky, Ben Rabinowitz (Israel), Lew Regenstein, Roberta Scher, Jerry Schwartz, Leon Socol, Rabbi Reuven Stein, Hannah Vahaba, Cecile Waronker, Evie Wolfe Special Assignments Susan Kahn, Lyons Joel Advertising Michael Pelot Marsha C. LaBeaume Bill Sonenshine

Editorial Advisory Board Members Sam Appel Rabbi Alvin Sugarman Sam Massell Jane Axelrod Albert Maslia William Rothschild Gil Bachman Michael H. Mescon Marilyn Shubin Asher Benator Paul Muldawer Doug Teper

8495 Dunwoody Place, Building 9, Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30350 (404) 236-8911 • FAX (404) 236-8913 [email protected] www.jewishgeorgian.com The Jewish Georgian ©2009 January-February 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 3 and supporters led the effort to build what is faced with foreclosures and evictions or now one of our most important Jewish edu- who cannot afford to keep their pets have cational institutions. had to abandon or give up their best friends. What’s Fortunately, some local teens have come to HAPPY 100TH TO LES FRASER. One of the rescue, helping some families stay our great heroes, John Sherman, and our together and keep their furry companions. good friend Jill Berry remind us that former The North Springs High School animal Casual Corner president Les Fraser’s 100th protection club, A.R.K., has sponsored a pet birthday is coming up in May. John and Les food drive for the Save Our Pets Food Bank are old friends going way back. Les served (www.saveourpetsfoodbank.org). Inman HAPPENING in World War II as a lieutenant commander, Middle School 8th-grader Olivia Landey the executive officer of a U.S. Naval flight Kleinman is also working on pet food dona- hat a column we’ve got for you group based in England. John served with tions at Inman for her bat mitzvah project, this issue—the best one yet! The the 5th Army in North Africa and Italy, and as well as setting up drop-off locations at W20th anniversary of the start of for eight years has been the courageous pet food stores and the Atlanta Dog Spa for the Davis Academy; kids helping struggling president of the Fulton County Taxpayers pet food donations, volunteering at the food families keep their pets; some star high BY Reg Association. And Jill often serenades our bank, meeting clients, and getting other school athletes, including wrestler Avi the wonderful veterans as well as other citizens teens involved. Maria Siegel is doing simi- Terrible; two 85-year-olds fall in love; Regenstein with some of the great songs of the war and lar work for her ceremony, and Stephanie Mendel Romm honored on his 80th birth- other musical merriment. Thanks to them Goldstein led the effort at Riverwood High day; Les Fraser’s 100th birthday; and so mittees set up from the very beginning...a all for their valuable service to our country School. much more. Read on. tremendously talented group of individu- and our community. Olivia and her adopted dog, Duchess, als.... Without them, the school would not are even being featured by the nation’s 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DAVIS have gotten very far. The academy took largest animal protection group, the ACADEMY. One of our community’s bold steps and was the pioneer on bond Humane Society of the United States, in great institu- financing in the Jewish community. That’s its Humane Teen publication (humane- tions, The part of how we built so much so quickly.” teen.org). “I began my volunteer work at Alfred and Carol’s late dad, the legendary William the Homeless Pets Foundation,” Olivia Adele Davis Breman, one of Atlanta’s most renowned told Humane Teen, “which rescued ani- Academy, will leaders and philanthropists, gave the school mals that were ‘hard luck’ cases—Many be 17 years old its first major gift of $100,000, so that it of these animals were blind, deaf, three- this year, but could operate before its official opening— legged, or emotionally scarred—my this will also be just one of the many important gifts he gave reward is seeing these animals find a ‘for- the 20th anni- that our community will enjoy and benefit ever’ home.” versary of the from in perpetuity. Les Fraser then and now school’s begin- Through the great dedication and gen- ning—those erosity of these founders and the early bene- Jan Epstein early years of factors—especially Dulcy and Jerry hard work by a Rosenberg and Ann and Jay Davis, whose few dedicated support was crucial to the school’s early volunteers with success—The Davis Academy began opera- a dream of tions on August 19, 1992, in the basement starting a of the newly renovated Junior Achievement Reform Jewish building in Sandy Springs (next door to the day school in location that is now the Weber School). The Atlanta. Here’s first head of school was Mollie Aczel, who the inside, set the standard for all of the fine leaders never-before- and staff who followed her. told story that Those primarily responsible for this we have exclu- historic achievement—the Nemo, Breman, sively. Epstein, Davis, and Rosenberg families— Carol Nemo It was two were proudly in attendance that first day, John Sherman and Jill Berry decades ago, in along with some 200 family and communi- 1989, when Carol Nemo, Jan Epstein, and ty members. Davis began with 20 “pre- HONORING MENDEL ROMM. Our Jack Greene first began working on cious” students, as Carol calls them, 12 friend Mendel Romm was recently hon- founding the school, which was incorpo- boys and eight girls, in Kindergarten and 1st ored at the Breman Jewish Heritage and rated as The Atlanta Reform Jewish Day grade. It was definitely a “shechiyanu Holocaust Museum for his many years as School on March 20, 1991. moment,” she remembers. (Shechiyanu, a a dedicated and valuable volunteer. A Jan and Carol served as co-presidents Jewish prayer for miracles and for things chair was established in his honor to con- of the interim board, and attorney Michael happening for the first time, is translated as: tinue his work on Jewish history in Alembik drew up bylaws, even as he was “Blessed are you, O Lord our G-d, for giv- Atlanta. Mendel, a 4th-generation dying of cancer, as Carol notes. ing us life, for sustaining us in life, and for Atlantan, just turned 80 on January 11, Another key player was attorney Brian bringing us to this day.”) and he and the lovely Anta have four kids, Olivia Kleinman with her adopted Schleicher. He donated literally thousands Brian calls the first students and their eleven grandchildren, and two great dog, Duchess of hours throughout the entire process of families “our pioneers.” grandkids. Some 100 friends turned out opening the school, from the end of 1989 As Jan Epstein recalls, “We jumped for the ceremony, many making gifts to Olivia, the daughter of long-time ani- until 1992, and far beyond, forming the cor- over some high hurdles when we first start- the museum in his honor. It was a surprise mal advocate and PR expert Judy Landey poration and, after the passing of Mike ed talking about a Reform Jewish day for Mendel, especially since so many and civil engineer Marty Kleinman, says of Alembik, drawing up the permanent by- school—not from the then-existing schools, folks had to keep the secret. (In fact, it Duchess, “My family adopted her from the laws. His children were students at Davis, because we met with each and every one of was kept a secret from us, or we certainly Atlanta Humane Society. She had been so he was a parent, interim board member, them—.they all were supportive, as was would have been there.) given up by her owners at thirteen months. board member, legal counsel, and much each and every pulpit rabbi and educator.” Now she is three years old! We can’t imag- more. The original directors were Carol, Twenty years later, we may sometimes HELPING FAMILIES KEEP THEIR ine anyone wanting to give her up. She Jan, Brian, Richard Becker, Baron Frankel, take for granted the existence of this pillar PETS. The current economic downturn has means so much to our family. Duchess vis- and Rabbi Steven Lebow. of our community. But we should never for- been so severe that even family pets are Brian recalls, “We had numerous com- get how a handful of dedicated volunteers falling victim to the crisis, since people See HAPPENING, page 4 Page 4 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009

as MVPs, even printed in calligraphy for the wedding Happening though they announcement, “You’re never too old to fall were the short- in love.” From page 3 est players on ited a senior citizen home, participated in a their teams. THE DAVID GALLERY ROCKS. David doggy fashion show, and has been involved Nielson’s exciting art gallery in Peachtree in fundraising events to raise money for Congratulations Hills carries some of Atlanta’s most beauti- charity. She was even invited to an event to these two ful works of art. But what makes the two- where she made a grand entrance with the great athletes, year-old gallery unique is its emphasis on lieutenant governor of Georgia!” who have made being a sort-of art exchange—David resells, Thanks to all these dedicated and com- our community for a nominal fee, paintings for clients and passionate kids for their valuable work. proud of their others who want to recycle their art. Please check out the food bank’s website to amazing and David features a variety of local artists see how you can help families and pets stay Mitchell Alterman, inspiring per- plus an eclectic mix of 19th-century and together. son of Marty and formances. contemporary art. “This is probably the Richard Alterman most diverse gallery in Atlanta,” he says, Wrestling champ Avi the Terrible NEVER TOO and you really have to see his collection to RIVERWOOD BASKETBALL STARS. (center) Decades ago, Jewish players dominated the OLD TO FALL IN LOVE. The lovely and appreciate it. To view his magnificent art- sport of basketball; now, they’re making a talented Jackie Howard, our friend from works, visit the gallery at 365 Peachtree comeback, at childhood, e-mailed us the other day to let Hills Avenue, or check out davidgalleryfin- Benny Elon, and Avrami Blaut. Coaches are least at us know exclusively that her beautiful and eart.com. For more info, call 404-841-5500. Rick Halpern, George Ellman, Jan Riverwood always youthful and delightful mom, Joy Siegelman, and Andy Perkel. High School in Garson Howard, was marrying Art A. NEW BOOK ON COMMUNISM BY Rick Halpern (Akiva’s dad) says, Sandy Springs. Chase, her neighbor at Parc at Buckhead, on HARVEY KLEHR. One of Atlanta’s most “Yeshiva students cannot compete in state Two Epstein February 28. respected scholars and authors is Emory tournaments due to Shabbos, so this tourna- graduates have “They are so happy and in love!” University Professor Harvey Klehr, who ment is the big event of the year. Yeshivas become star Jackie tells us. “Art is 85 years old—Joy has written several important books on from New York, New Jersey, Chicago, players there as will be 85 in May. They both have a large Stalinistic communists, some of whom, Cleveland, and Atlanta compete.” starting point collection of Asian art, furniture, lamps, and puzzlingly and unfortunately, have been of Congratulations on a great season to guards, both accessories. Everything melds so well Jewish ancestry. all the great wrestlers and coaches at winning the together—.it’s gorgeous. Art spent most of Professor Klehr is co-author of Spies: Yeshiva Atlanta. his career living in the Far East, starting in The Rise and Fall of the KGB in America. Andy Halpern, son of prestigious 1949. They met last year, when they both This new book discusses the Julius MORE HONORS FOR PARADIES Lisa and Marty Coach’s Award moved into the brand-new building. Art was Rosenberg spy ring, which delivered atom- SHOPS. The Atlanta-based Paradies Shops Halpern for their teams: Senior Andy the 2nd person to move in and Joy was the ic bomb secrets to the Soviet Union, and swept the field at the recent Airport Halpern, for the varsity, and sophomore 4th person. They would meet at lunch and reveals a second, unknown Soviet spy Revenue News (ARN) Conference and Mitchell Alterman, for the JV. At their dinner and fell in love.” recruited by Rosenberg. The book exoner- Exhibition in Orlando, Florida, winning recent basketball banquet, they were given Jackie, who runs Paces Papers, the best ates Dr. Robert Oppenheimer from the four prestigious awards: Best Airport the awards for their leadership and serving stationery store in the country, even had long-held suspicion that he was a Russian Retailer, Retailer with Highest Regard for spy. It also proves that KGB agents can be Customer Service, Best Specialty Retail just as scatterbrained as the rest of us, who Brand Operator (for Brooks Brothers, the so often lose things and forget where we put clothier brought exclusively to airports by them. Because of frequent turnover at the The Paradies Shops), and Best Retail Store Soviet Consulate on East 61st Street in New Design (for Bass Pro Shops at George Bush York, when the lease expired in 1948, no Houston Intercontinental Airport—Bass one could find the secret hiding place for Pro’s first airport location). Paradies is the weapons and explosives built into the struc- only retailer to win Best Airport Retailer in ture years earlier. the history of ARN’s annual Best Of We have never been able to figure out Concessions Poll, snagging the honor for 14 why so many Jews were sympathetic to years in a row. Stalin’s brutal regime, which killed far Congratulations to President and CEO more people than Hitler did. Stalin was Gregg Paradies and his talented team. The even planning his own deportation and family-owned and operated Paradies Shops mass murder of Jews when he died in 1952. was established in 1960, and operates over As noted by a top FBI official who helped 500 stores in some 70 locations across the prosecute Julius and his wife, Ethel, both of United States and Canada. Check them out whom were executed, “The Rosenbergs at www.theparadiesshops.com. gave their lives for an anti-Semitic dicta- tor.” HOW TO STAY HEALTHY. Our friend Cindy Thammaset never gets a cold or the WRESTLING CHAMP AVI THE TERRI- flu. She’s the chef, server, reservation-taker, BLE. Just got a call from NYC from and cashier at Sawadee Thai restaurant at Marnin Steinberg, whose 10th-grade, 103- Sandy Springs’ Fountain Oaks shopping pound son, Avi, has just won the Wittenberg center, off Long Island at Roswell Road. We Tournament at Yeshiva University. Avi the go there all the time for her special rice noo- Terrible, as we call him, is a star athlete at dle soup, full of herbs, peppers, ginger, Yeshiva Atlanta and is known to pin his galanga root, lemon grass, and, if you like, opponents in 20 seconds or less. New York garlic, scallions, and onions and other can be a tough city, so we’re glad Marnin healthy, germ-fighting, immune-system- has some good protection for himself while boosting foods. She keeps us healthy all he’s there. winter, so we never have to get one of those Other key wrestlers on the squad are flu shots packed with toxic mercury, and we Kobi Weener (captain), Akiva Halpern, recommend her delicious and healthy food Yoel Lasker, Ben Botnick, Daniel Herman, to all our readers. March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 5 food arrangement and service were under Everything was organized and very impres- him look good. He insisted that members JAE Reunion the capable direction of MJCCA Food sive. Pat yourselves on the back for a job of the committee be named in this article, Service Director Alan Barney. well done. Perry and I had a great after- and so they shall: Helen Alperin, Pat From page 1 And how did this amazing crowd react noon.” Aronoff, Arnold Balser, Johnny Benator, their friends and teammates. Dan thought a to their first reunion? Below are some e- • Jack Horowitz: “Hats off to you and your Josiah Benator, Asher Benator, Rachelle reunion was in order and persuaded his mails from the attendees: committee; everyone did a wonderful job. Berliner, Ted Frankel, Hilda Goodelman, friend Archie Merlin to form a committee to The only thing I noticed was there were cer- Larry Greenberg, David Kletzky, Fran plan one. • Scoutmaster Josiah V. Benator: “What an tainly a lot of old people there. Let’s do Landau, Ken Levenstiem, Harriet Mills, Archie enlisted the aid of 20 Atlantans, incredible gathering. We believe it is the lunch soon.” Sam Pinsky, Sylvia Schwartz, Leonard people who had grown up participating in first time that we had so many leaders of Archie Merlin would be the first to say Sherman, Frieda Socol, Raymond the alliance’s activities. After months of our community from all of our organiza- that his Alliance Reunion Committee made Taratoot, and Paul Teplis. planning, preparation, and hard work, the tions here together and a wonderful gather- reunion became a reality. Group photos of ing of long-time friends getting together for those 30 clubs were gathered, and the task the first time in many years. I’ve had scouts of identifying each person began. A suitable from over 50 years back who came up to location was secured and transportation talk about past memories. The reunion was arranged for those who needed it. Contacts more than we could have dreamed possible. were made by phone and e-mail. The event The memories of this reunion will be with was publicized in The Atlanta Jewish Times all of us for a long time. and The Jewish Georgian. The committee “With great respect for all of you who expected to draw about 125 attendees, but made this reunion day such a joy to all our to the amazement of everyone, over 400 community.” crowded into the Marcus Jewish • Papa Herb Mendel: “Fantastic, great Sandy Springs residents Jack Hirsh Community Center of Atlanta. event; fabulous time was had by all. For JEA Reunion Committee member and Arnold Balser reminisce about There were cries of joy and a sea of February 22, the Oscars came in second to and longtime scoutmaster Josiah basketball, girls, and the good ol’ smiles as old friends met for the first time in the JEA reunion. Thanks for putting it Benator and Leon Socol peruse days at the JEA on Capitol Avenue. many years. Rabbi S. Robert Ichay noted in together; you had a great team.” memorabilia and photography from his invocation that he was gazing out at • Shirley Brickman: “Thanks Archie to you the ‘40s and ‘50s. people who were the leaders of the commu- and to everyone on your committee for pre- nity and exerted a major influence on the senting such a wonderful event. It was so development of Atlanta. MJCCA much fun visiting with old friends and play- CEO/Executive Director Michael Wise told ing ‘remember when,’ while at the same his audience that he held them in high time, trying to read each other’s nametags. regard for paving the way for today’s “I realized it had been 1953 since I had Jewish community center; he noted how fit- seen some of the folks who came to today’s ting it was to make the MJCCA’s facilities reunion. We are so lucky to have such a available for the reunion. wonderful agency as our MJCC today, The group photos of all the clubs were where our kids, our grandkids, and we can displayed on the walls of the reunion room, come to enjoy the multitude of programs Stella Firestone and Edenbrook resi- as well as projected on a large screen so the offered to all of us. It’s up to us to continue dent Harold “Baby” Mizell embrace Club members renewed old friend- old folks could easily recognize their to support the JCC, to be sure that it will be warmly, meeting again after many ships dating back five decades or friends and themselves. Alex Borukhov of around for generations to come. years. Stella’s husband, Stanford more. Alex’s Catering and Allen Gottlieb Catering “Thanks for a wonderful idea and Firestone, looks on. of Savannah provided delicious anniversary thanks so much for all the hours of planning cakes. Bruce Gadlin donated the wine. The that you all dedicated toward the event. JEA reunion an unforgettable experience Halpern first met Sherry King at the old Alliance Reunion Committee, and it was Stein, Paul Muldawer, Herb Mendel, Progressive Club swimming pool. I don’t love that motivated everyone who volun- Leon Tuck, Herb Axelrod, and too many think either one ever dated anyone else. teered to serve on that committee. others to mention. It was love at first sight when I first There were plenty of basketball Thanks to everyone who contributed BY Gene saw Dell Spector. I was down on my knees greats there, including Clyde Rodbell, and to the 400+ who attended—all those singing “Mammy,” and when I stood up, I Donald Wender, Freddie Benamy, Sidney who made this a truly unforgettable day. Asher asked her for a date. “By the way,” I said, “what is your name?” We were married nine months later. Unbelievable...incredible...amazing. It was love when I called Leonard These adjectives and more are the only Bock to sell him life insurance in 1963, and way to describe the crowd of 400+ who he did not want to turn me away, so he attended the Jewish Educational Alliance bought policies on his two sons, David and Reunion at the Marcus Jewish Community Richard. Center of Atlanta. It was love whenever I walked into the It was a turnout of love—love of our S. L. Gillman Paint Co., and Bernie fellow human beings, love of our clubs, Gillman welcomed me with open arms. love of the Alliance, and, yes, love of our- Love. That is what the reunion was all selves. about—like the time I drove to Camp It was love when Harold (Baby) Lejeune, North Carolina, for Marine Corps Mizell, the most courageous man I ever summer training and stopped by the knew, greeted me like a lost brother. Dwoskin office in Charlotte. I wanted to And it was love when I was hugged by see the boss, Lew Kurtzman, and he wanted my TNL championship basketball play- to keep my sales going, even though I was ers—Dee Moltak Sater and Pauline going to be at summer training. Bregman Breiner. It was love that motivated Archie It was love at first sight when Alvin Merlin to take on the job of chairing the Page 6 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009

York, June 3-11. All contributions are tax Genesis deductible. For your donation, you will be From page 1 allotted tickets as follows: $1,000 (50 tick- ets), $500 (25), $200 (10), $120 (6). Hard Love will “When I was invited to bring Hard run in Atlanta Love to the Festival of Jewish Theatre, it for one week in became the impetus to kick-start my own May before company,” says Mira. “The current eco- traveling to nomic climate makes this a tough time to New York in start a theater, but my plan for Genesis is June. Mira will to begin slowly, on a project-by-project reprise her role basis.” as Hannah, and Mira says that she, David, and director new co-star Susan Reid are proud to represent Atlanta David at the festival. “I’m thrilled to bring this Silverman will show back for Atlanta audiences and am David Silverman play the role of honored to take it to New York, where we Zvi. Atlanta audi- can demonstrate to our Northern neighbors ences may be familiar with Silverman from that Jewish culture is alive and well in the his stage roles in Tuesdays With Morrie at South. If you have friends and relatives in Theatre in the Square, The Immigrant at the New York area, tell them to come to this Theatrical Outfit (in which he also starred show and help make Hard Love the hit of with Mira Hirsch), and a number of Jewish the festival!” Theatre of the South productions. I urge everyone to come out and sup- Hard Love will be presented in Atlanta port Mira in her new venture and show her for five special-dress rehearsal performanc- what her many contributions have meant to es only. These local performances will take Atlanta. Even if you have previously seen place at the 99-seat Lovett School the play, come see it again. It is very Woodward Theater, May 27-31. Tickets provocative, and I guarantee you will be will not be sold individually but will be dis- discussing the plot long after the final cur- tributed in blocks to patrons who make a tain. contribution to Genesis Stage in support of For reservations and infor- the production’s participation in the First mation, contact Mira Hirsch at International Festival of Jewish Theater [email protected]. and Ideas, which will take place in New March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 7 GHA dedicates new Holocaust sculpture on campus

reenfield Hebrew Academy (GHA) is now home to a Holocaust sculp- Gture honoring Mr. Alex Gross. This project was spearheaded by Mr. Gross’ daughters, GHA alumnae Stephanie Weiss (also a GHA parent), Robin Gross-Lehv, and Etta Zimmerman, who raised money from friends and family to honor their father on his 80th birthday. Mr. Gross came to Atlanta from Miami, where he and his wife, Daisy, now live, for the occasion. Mr. Gross, a Holocaust survivor and author, was in Atlanta for the March 6 ded- ication. Rabbi Ephraim Silverman deliv- ered a D’var Torah. The Weiss daughters, Mr. Alex Gross with his granddaugh- GHA 5th-graders Eliana and Hannah, read ters, GHA 5th-graders Eliana and a poem in honor of their grandfather. Hannah Weiss Corrina Sephora Mensoff spoke briefly about the beautiful piece she created. The base of the sculpture is decorated with stones that Atlanta day-school students hand-painted with the names of children who perished in the camps. Mensoff worked on The Alex Gross Holocaust Sculpture for more than a year. “I was honored and very excited about the possibility of creating the piece and very interested in the location, as well as the family’s earnest intention behind the proj- ect,” says Mensoff. “I was especially touched by the stones that the children had hand-painted. Integrating the metal sculp- Student painted-stones on the base Artist Corrina Sephora Mensoff ture with the children’s work really elevat- of the sculpture speaking at the dedication ed the piece.” Mensoff, who received her BFA in Georgia State University, is owner of sculpture and metalsmithing at the Phoenix Metalworks, specializing in sculp- Massachusetts College of Art and MFA at ture, furniture, and architectural works. On a clear day…

panying himself on the guitar. The reception afterwards was a lot of fun, and I was especially intrigued by a BY Marice gentleman I met who was a good friend of the groom. This friend was a magician. Katz He asked me to think of a card, and I picked the ace of spades. After shuffling ...you can see forever. And it was so quickly through two decks of cards, what at my cousin Gail’s wedding. It was in did he come up with but the ace of New Canaan, Connecticut, at Waveny spades? I had not whispered it to anyone Castle, built in 1912. It was a perfect fall or even kept it in my mind, as I was busy day, and the wedding was held outside watching him and his cards. I had never under a beautiful blue sky, with not a met a magician before, and I was truly cloud in sight. There was a rolling green overwhelmed by his cleverness. lawn as far as your eyes could take in. After a delicious dinner, I danced all The bride was lovely and the groom night—with all the men and my 5- and 6- handsome. A nice touch to the ceremony year-old cousins. was the rabbi singing a love song, accom- And guess who caught the bouquet? Page 8 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009 Happy Passover Asher Benator’s influence is felt throughout Atlanta playing the upcoming Saturday. On game day, with Georgia Tech at home, he established himself in the morn- ings in front of the old Dinkler and Henry BY Gene Grady hotels, where he got first crack at the Asher visiting fans. He would then move to Herren’s Restaurant, where the fans would enjoy an early lunch. And then it was on to This story first appeared, in part, in the the stadium: Grant Field, home of the January 2009 issue of Georgia Trend mag- Jackets. azine. When the Jackets were away and the Georgia Bulldogs at home, he would take a sher Isaac Benator, who, as a six- three-dollar bus ride to Athens, where he year-old, sold shopping bags in sold his wares at the Varsity, Tony’s front of the old, downtown A Restaurant, and under the Arch, before Davison-Paxon department store for five moving on to Sanford Stadium. A good sell- cents apiece, heads a group that purchased ing day would net about $50. part of that building for Not bad for badges that sold $30,000,000. for 50 cents apiece. Asher Isaac Benator was The big money came at born and grew up during the the Sugar Bowl. After buy- Depression on downtrodden ing groceries for the family, Central Avenue. He lived in Benator put aside enough an old, wooden home, where money to purchase the colors he shared a bed with one of for the two bowl teams. Plus his brothers. 150 horns, which he would Today, Asher Isaac sell on New Year’s Eve. He Benator is 77 years old. He sold out of colors and horns. lives in a seven-bedroom, Benator netted more than six-and-one-half-bath house $100. It was enough to con- in fashionable Dunwoody. Asher Benator vince him that he wanted to Not bad for a boy who, be in sales. with brothers Morris, Max, and Johnny, Back in Atlanta, he was able to obtain sold newspapers on the street and on street- routes for Liberty Magazine and The cars to help put food on the table for his Saturday Evening Post. And then he was on parents and his sister, Alice. his way. Not bad for a boy who kept the family With the help of one of his uncles, he clothed by home-delivering The Atlanta bought half interest in the Butler Street Constitution before school and The Atlanta Super Market, then the Economy Super Journal after school. Market on Boulevard, and, with his broth- This is the same Asher Benator who ers Max and Morris and his cousin Ike won the state and Southeastern flyweight Galanti, the Perry Homes Super Market. Golden Gloves championships in 1949 at Asher extended credit to those who age 18, and the Southeastern AAU fly- couldn’t pay at Perry Homes. When a tor- weight title and reached the quarterfinals of nado leveled the store in 1975, those credit the National AAU championships. customers stood guard and made sure no Benator was probably the best fighter vandals walked off with any merchandise. to come out of Georgia since the days of Asher is now a major player in the real Young Stribling and Ben Brown. He was estate business, not only in Georgia but also certainly better than I, and I was pretty in Honduras. He has been a major player in good. In 36 fights, his only loss was at the community activities, serving as president AAU Nationals. of his synagogue, commander of Jewish Benator could have turned pro, but he War Veterans Post 112, chairman of the wanted a college education instead. So he board of the Butler Street YMCA, chairman enrolled at Oglethorpe University and later of Atlanta State of Israel Bonds, founder transferred to Georgia State, where he and president of the Bedford-Pine Civic received a business degree with a major in Association, and past director of the old accounting. Atlanta Boys Club. When he was a pre-teen, during foot- Asher has been married to the former ball season, I spent many a night at his Grace Levy for 55 years. They have two Central Avenue home, helping him assem- sons, Michael and Sam, and one daughter, 4455 Roswell Road ble football badges with colorful ribbons, Michelle. Atlanta, Georgia 30342 the same colors as the teams who would be 404-255-4312

www.presstine.com March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 9 Page 10 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009 March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 11 Page 12 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009 March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 13 The Blumberg Report ay Waronker’s very interesting for public schools made it impossible to So much for our first visit to Bombay. piece about Mumbai Jewry in the organize a religious school, and the public Mr. Jacob, our friendly clerk at the airport, J last issue of The Jewish Georgian school requirement of teaching the children booked us in the last available seats on the reminded me of the encounters that BY three languages (the local one plus Hindi flight to Tehran, which was due to arrive Rabbi Jacob Rothschild and I had with Janice Rothschild and English) hampered their ability to learn from Darwin at about 10:00 p.m. With six our coreligionists in that city, back Blumberg Hebrew. Many families would soon immi- hours to wait, we called Dan and Naomi when it was known as Bombay. They grate to Israel; others, including the Reuben, who warned us against coming into were friendly, warm, and certainly Reubens, went to Australia and other town. (There was a blackout due to rockets nounceable name of a small village in memorable. English-speaking countries. They estimated having been fired over the city the night Southern India, from which the family We were there twice in 1971, once by that only about 6,000 Jews remained in before.) They joined us for dinner at the air- traces its roots. Jews from that part of the design, the next by harrowing necessity. As Bombay in 1971, whereas there had once port, where we watched planes land and subcontinent believe that their ancestors we were about to end our wonder-filled been approximately 30,000. take off without lights, on a moonless night first arrived from Judea in biblical times, on three weeks in India, the country went to Our evening at the synagogue was and blackened runway. At midnight, our the ships of Tarshish sent by King Solomon war with neighboring Pakistan, closing all especially memorable. The people were flight had not yet arrived. We learned that it to search for gold, ivory, and peacocks. The airports except Bombay to international “warm, cordial, eager to glean every little was circling an area of the sea nearby, similarity of the Tamil and Hebrew words flights, including the one on which we were bit,” as I quoted from the rabbi’s message in Indian authorities refusing the pilot permis- for those commodities gives some credence scheduled to depart for Tehran. We were not one of my letters home. Among the women, sion to enter the nation’s airspace. to the theory. the only “refugees” in New Delhi at that there were the presidents of the Indian affil- At about 2:00 a.m., Mr. Jacob’s early Mr. Kelley supplied that information time trying to reach Bombay. It took us iates of National Council of Jewish Women, morning ground crew replacement at while awaiting our luggage, then drove us to three days to get space on a flight to that Women’s ORT, and National Federation of BOAC tiptoed over sleeping bodies to get the magnificent Taj Mahal Hotel, site of the city, and even then, neither we nor anyone Temple Sisterhoods (now Women of us. Our flight had finally landed, the very recent terrorist attacks. He accompanied us else of the hundreds pouring into its airport Reform Judaism). Rabbi Rothschild had last to be allowed in for the duration. We to the desk, consulted with the clerk on our terminal could be assured of lifting off in previously met Mrs. Sophia Kelley, head of must be very quiet, he cautioned, lest we behalf, then led us to a gorgeous room with the foreseeable future. The passenger hall B’nai B’rith Women in India, who also alert others and cause a stampede. fruit and flowers on the VIP floor, obvious- was wall-to-wall with people, many belonged to that congregation, but could not Then he led us and a few others, includ- ly an upgrade from the one designated on stretched out on the floor asleep. be present on the evening that he spoke. The ing several children, onto the completely our prepaid reservation. He is a friend of the This was the sort of situation that most hilarious highlight of the event for us blackened runway and the waiting plane. public-relations director for the hotel, also makes one thankful not to be traveling was the customary Indian ceremony of pre- Attendants brought warm milk for the chil- Jewish. We soon received an unsolicited alone. “You see to the bags while I plead senting flowers to special guests. While I dren. I closed my eyes as the plane moved visit from the housekeeper (his sister) to see with British Airways,” my husband direct- received a lovely bouquet, the rabbi was forward and prayed. From that point if we needed anything else. She saw that I ed. When I rejoined him at the BOAC bedecked with a huge wreath of flowers— onward, the flight was uneventful. was suffering from a very bad cold, aggra- counter, luggage in tow, he introduced me to not a lei, but the kind that adorns the winner Passengers asleep since they left Australia vated by the flight and long, dusty drive the attendant, Mr. Jacob, who identified of the Kentucky Derby! He wore it bravely, learned of the near disaster only as we from the airport, and suggested that dinner himself as a landsmann (my word, not his) without even wincing visibly. approached Iran. be served us in our room. It was—and with and ushered me and our bags into his pri- the most elegant service I was ever privi- vate office, which he invited me to use for leged to enjoy. changing into the warm clothes that I would The following afternoon, we met offi- need in the event that we actually reached cials of the synagogue affiliated with the our destination. It was steamy hot in World Union for Progressive Judaism (the Bombay, snowing in Tehran. international organization of Reform), then On our previous arrival in Bombay— the only such congregation in Asia outside the one on our itinerary—we learned about of Israel, where Rabbi Rothschild had been Jewish predominance in India’s travel invited to speak. The congregational secre- industry. As I wrote at the time, “Our couri- tary, Dan Reuben, and his wife, Naomi, er turned out to be two people, the one who became instant friends, giving us insights was supposed to come and another who into the reasons why they and many other seemed to be running things. The latter middle-income Jewish couples with chil- finally explained that he looks over files of dren were planning to leave India in the Jewish clients because he is Jewish and tries near future. For them, the problem was that to get the best for them.” of obtaining Jewish education for their chil- His name was Kelley, but he was not dren. Traffic and transportation problems, from Ireland. This Kelley is the first two the absence of a rabbi, plus a six-day week syllables of the multi-syllabic, unpro- \àËá `ç ctÜàç? \ÇvA YâÄÄ fxÜä|vx XäxÇà cÄtÇÇ|Çz

weddings • bar/bat mitzvah • corporate f{tÜÉÇ Y|á{xÜ 275 Spalding Springs Lane tel. 770.395.1094 Atlanta, Georgia 30305 cell 678.637.2030 [email protected] fax 770.396.8844 Page 14 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009

Kevin said that the feedback they got Mel Gorowitz do a great job of getting was positive with very few negative com- speakers for the center’s “EdgeWise” pro- Schwartz on Sports ments. A lot of people told Steak that they gram. I try to attend the weekly sessions really enjoyed the show. But neither broth- and find the speakers informative, interest- er has quit his day job, and right now their ing, and, in Jerry Farber’s case, hilarious. RUBIN BROTHERS ON 790 THE broadcasting career is on hold. Who knows, I’m keeping up with my racquetball ZONE. During the winter holidays, I was we may be hearing the Rubin brothers friends. I see Randy Feinberg and Leonard driving down GA 400 on the way to the again sometime in the future. Sherman playing their weekly game, as Marcus Jewish Community Center of BY Jerry well as Harry Robbins and Ronnie Urken. Atlanta and listening to 790 The Zone. ————— I’m glad to see the center is leaving one rac- Instead of hearing Steak, Chris, and Schwartz quetball court. Marty Berger and Jamie Nick, the guys from “Mayhem in the The hottest MJCCA basketball game is Harrison, who staff the Brill Center front A.M.,” I was suddenly listening to guest home games. Neither of the brothers has on Saturday morning, starting at 8:00 a.m. desk, continue to keep me updated on ACC hosts Jeremy and Kevin Rubin. What a had any formal training or preparation for What began with four guys in early basketball. I see Dick Wolf working out at shock that was! I know both guys love to this kind of broadcasting. They did have a January, when the “J” started staying open the Brill Fitness Center, and he reminds me talk sports, but to do this for three or four producer, Adam Klug, and co-host, Justin on Saturday, has now expanded to 20-25 of the days when I used to moonlight at the hours, without any broadcasting training Hanover, who took care of all the technical guys waiting for the first game to start. Tower Health Club in the late ‘60s. Richard or experience, is pretty remarkable. things and kept the show rolling. Thanks go out to Steve Peltier for sending Luftig continues to be the baseball maven. I’ve known the Rubin brothers for over Since the show came on after Falcon out e-mails to all the guys and helping to He knows his stuff. Howard Schwartz 20 years. Jeremy and Philip were friends games, the major topic of discussion and select four equal teams for the first set of keeps up with my AJC editorials. I don’t with my son, Michael, and daughter, Cathy, calls were about Falcon football, with some games. It’s nice to see Steve Handmaker know if he agrees, but at least he reads at Henderson High School. I have played in college football thrown in. They did a lot of back on the court. His back is feeling good, them. I recently saw Bill Loventhal in the the Men’s Basketball League at various preparation for the first show, but found and that Larry Bird three-pointer is coming Brill Fitness Center. It’s been a while since times with all three brothers. Jeremy is the that it was more natural to just wing it. back. Mike Soble is also a returnee who I’ve seen him. He used to be a regular at the point guard and good defender who still They initially had a lot of friends calling in, hasn’t lost his scoring touch. It makes for Peachtree center, where he swam and also needs to work on his jump shot. Philip is but soon had plenty of other calls. great basketball because of the ability of the played softball. the all around good player, and Kevin is a Over the winter holidays, they also guys who are showing up. good defensive player who works hard on had a three-day show from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 The whole evolution of the four-on- OBSERVATIONS FROM THE STATION- the court and at being a team captain. p.m., during which they threw out some four crosscourt game has been interesting. ARY BIKE. Since it’s now March, we look I decided to call them and find out interesting questions to stimulate discus- At one time, everyone played four-on-four around our health clubs and fitness centers what led up to a guest appearance. I found sion. They asked callers to think of any half-court during free play times. Mike and notice that some of the new people who out that Jeremy, who has known 790 The two people they would like to sit on either Nemeroff, who was a regular player, had were there in January must have given up Zone co-owners Steak Shapiro and Andrew side of them for an evening; you can come back from spending the winter in on their New Year’s resolutions to get back Saltzman for a long time, had assisted them imagine what kind of responses they got. Florida and lobbied for the crosscourt in shape. This inspired me to think of some in getting David Pollack to join their 4:00- They also asked listeners to name the NFL game. He had played at the “J” down there of the other odd, humorous things that go 7:00 p.m. “Afternoon Saloon” show. As a player, past or present, they would like to and encouraged us to give it a try. It actual- on in health clubs: way of returning the favor, Jeremy and see playing for the Falcons. Couldn’t you ly is a better workout than playing full • Whatever happened to those vibrating Kevin were given the opportunity to host just imagine Lawrence Taylor lining up to court, with the transition from defense to belts that were supposed to burn off fat? the 7:00-9:00 p.m. slot after all Falcon rush the passer? offense and back in a shorter time. You’re • Why are people who are 30 pounds over- playing on a smaller court, so you have to weight and have bad knees doing squat be more skilled in handling the ball and thrusts? finding open shots. The game has really • Just like everything else, fitness classes caught on, even to the point of there being have become so specialized, with crazy- a four-on-four crosscourt league that is very sounding names. Whatever happened to competitive. good old-fashioned calisthenics? • Why do people exercise at health clubs, THIS AND THAT yet don’t shower there? • How come the sauna is always out of One of the great things about working order because someone poured water on the out at the MJCCA is getting to see and talk with guys I’ve known for many years. I had hot coals? a very interesting conversation with Brian • Why is it that, when you get in front in an Wertheim, who, along with his wife, Alice, exercise class so you can see the instructor, attended the inauguration of Barack someone who comes in late stands right in Obama. Brian, who was a real supporter front of you? and campaigner for Obama, said it was a • Why do people who don’t know how to wonderful experience, and the spirit and the use the equipment try to learn without any attitude of the people there was uplifting. help? Alice had a broken foot and attended in • How come the women and men you see at spite of it. She and Brian weren’t going to a health club don’t look like the people in miss history in the making. the advertisements on TV? It’s good to see Eddie Ullman back and working out after a bout with pneumonia. Hope you enjoyed the column. Until You can’t keep a good man down. He and next time, drive for the bucket and score. March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 15 ty and pioneering valor of Israel.” JNF is fiscally responsible. This had I am JNF, I am Israel been recognized by multiple charity watch organizations. The JNF has been awarded an “A” from the American Institute of By Todd Starr ate impact on the country. Donors have the Philanthropy, has received the Better flexibility to direct their donations to spe- Business Bureau seal for meeting its Wise t a time when the U.S. economy is cific JNF projects. The JNF uses your dona- Giving Alliance standards, and has earned a in distress, Israel continues to tions to support and grow many areas of prestigious four-star rating from Charity Aneed our help. The Jewish Israeli society, including water, security, Navigator. National Fund (JNF) is a charitable organ- community development, research and Supporting the JNF means directly ization that makes a direct impact on development, forestry, education, tourism, building and securing Israel’s future. We at everyday Israeli society. The JNF has and recreation. the Southeast Region of JNF are committed kicked off its 2009 campaign, and I am JNF’s Southeast Region is focused on to this cause. honored, along with Lauren Mescon, to be raising money to support a two-kilometer We are planning multiple events this chosen as co-president of the JNF section of the new Beersheba River Walk in year to help raise awareness of JNF’s Southeast Region. I am writing this to the Negev desert. This project is a 900-acre efforts to fund vital Israeli projects. Please help you better understand what the JNF civic paradise that will include 750 acres of join us in our effort, and show your support will be focusing on this year and how you new parks, a large restaurant and shopping Zelig Chinitz (JNF senior advisor), for Israel. can get involved, as well as highlight the district, multiple gardens, over 40,000 new Atlantan Gregg Cohen, Russell For more details and to make dona- importance of this organization. trees, and an 8,000-seat amphitheatre. This Robinson (CEO of the JNF), Todd tions, contact JNF, 6065 Roswell Road, The JNF serves as the caretaker of the revitalization project is critical for Israel’s Starr, and our guide at the “Illegal” Suite 214, Atlanta GA 30338. Telephone land of Israel on behalf of Jewish people long-term future. Sixty percent of the land Immigrant Detention Camp at Atlit 404-236-8990, or e-mail [email protected] or everywhere. Given the difficulties of our of Israel is in the Negev desert; however, [email protected]. current economy, the idea of giving money only eight percent of the population lives to an organization right now is a stretch. there. Israel’s goal is to move 500,000 Jews toward life in Beersheba. David Ben- Gurion, the first prime minister of Israel, Todd Starr lives in Alpharetta with his wife, Importantly, 83 cents of every dollar donat- from the diaspora and heavily populated Gabrielle, and their two daughters. ed to JNF is sent directly to Israel and is areas of Israel to the Negev. This project shared this vision when he stated, “The used in tangible ways to make an immedi- will serve as a catalyst for movement Negev will be the test of the creative abili- More JNF News NATIONAL CONFERENCE COM- REMEMBERING THE PAST, SECUR- Emanu-El. vivors were settled there—leading, a few ING TO ATLANTA. The Jewish ING THE FUTURE. The Jewish National The theme for the breakfast is years later, to the Independent State of National Fund has chosen Atlanta to Fund Southeast Region will host the 6th “Remembering the Past...Securing the Israel. Annual Jack Hirsch Memorial Breakfast in Future.” JNF had purchased lands in Eretz For more information on attending this host its 2010 national conference, honor of Holocaust survivors and their Israel since 1901. Many Jewish towns, event, call 404-236-8990, or e-mail rpo- which will take place October 9-11, at families. The breakfast will be held on moshavim, and kibutzim have been estab- [email protected] or [email protected]. the InterContinental Hotel in Israel’s Independence Day (Yom lished on these lands. After World War II, Buckhead. Ha’atzmaut), April 29, 7:30 a.m., at Temple hundreds of thousands of Holocaust sur- JNF Board Chairman Ronald Lauder and other leaders of the inter- national Jewish community will head- line the educational meeting. “The selection of Atlanta as host city is validation of all the tremendous momentum JNF Southeast has experi- enced in the past year,” said Lauren Mescon, co-president of JNF Southeast. JNF Southeast is one of the fastest-growing chapters of the nation- al organization, posting a record finan- cial performance in fiscal 2008 with $3.3 million in fund-raising, up from $602,000 in 2007. Added Co-President Todd Starr, Students plant trees on Tu Bishvat “We are thrilled and gratified by this at the JNF Be’er Sheva River Park First planting at Martyrs’ Forest, near Kisalon on the road to Jerusalem in recognition and are working hard to Project in the Negev the early 1950s ensure 100 percent participation by the local Jewish community. It is our goal to secure the best attendance in JNF conference history.” Volunteers are needed to help with all aspects of the conference, including planning and marketing. For more information on how to get involved, contact Steven Green, regional director of JNF Southeast, at 404-236-8991 or [email protected]. Page 16 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009 Postcards from the Past: from Peachtree Street to Bund and back

’m looking at three postcards. The first one shows Atlanta’s famous Peachtree Street, The Bund Ihome of Gone With The Wind author Margaret Mitchell, Atlanta’s stately mansions, and the modern skyscrapers of our bustling, BY Balfoura Friend commercial center of the Southeast. Levine Further downtown stands our gold- domed State Capitol. Among the statues on its beautiful grounds is one of the larger-than-life Papa took me there once and explained to Confederate general, late governor, and sena- me that you would give the man in the “cage” tor of Georgia, General John B. Gordon, on behind the shiny bars a piece of paper called a horseback. It just so happens that the ocean check, and he would give you some money in liner bringing me from Shanghai, China, in exchange. That was a very heady thought for 1947, was the General Gordon; 400 of us a seven-year-old. Later, when Papa’s friend, boarded it on the Whangpoo River, just down- his barber, said he’d like to add another chair stream from the Bund, our internationally to his shop but didn’t have the money for it, known waterfront. Miss Precious here piped up with advice to Postcard #2: The Bund. This was a 19th- take a piece of paper to the Hongkong and century cosmopolitan center of culture and Shanghai Bank, where he would get lots of my beloved American South. buildings, stood the Grand Theater, where a commerce. Prominent among the many neo- money for it. As World War II progressed, the Italian group of us teens attended the Shanghai pre- classical buildings was the Sassoon House, That same bank had two life-size bronze Navy scuttled its one gunboat in the harbor miere of Gone With The Wind. That movie employing many hundreds of clerks (pro- lions at the main entrance, and passersby rather than hand it over to its Axis partners, was so memorable, with its saga of the Old nounced “clarks,” in the British style), in their would rub the lions’ tails for good luck. And the Japanese. We were fascinated watching South, lovely ladies, gallant gentlemen, grand multi-million dollar shipping and import- being that Shanghai was full of high- and low- Japanese efforts to raise the sunken boat by homes, soft-accented speech, and, of course, a lifes, people would joke that if a virgin walked export business, and where my father worked, attaching heavy chains to it and then around country in the throes of the Civil War. Back by the bank, the lions would roar! too. The Customs House, which included a pri- the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank building, in then, I never dreamed that, one day in 1947, I At one end of the Bund were the lovely vate club that boasted the longest bar in the order to raise it out of the muddy Whangpoo would be studying at the University of Public Gardens. Sad to say, they were not real- River. In the meantime, the Italian sailors had world; the Palace Hotel, with its first-class hos- Georgia—that I, too, would someday be a pitality, service, and food, hosting world- ly open to the public. A sign at the gate said, escaped among the city’s 10 million inhabi- Southerner, with my own family of Georgia- famous visitors; the Glenn Line Building “No Chinese or Dogs Allowed.” I cringe tants and were never seen again. born children and grandchildren. (housing an American shipping company); and thinking of its similarity to signs in Nazi Postcard #3: This shows a segment of I have now come full circle and am living the British and American consulates fronted the Germany that read “No Jews or Dogs Bubbling Well Road. There actually was a lit- at that famous address—Peachtree Street, in Bund as well. And then there was the magnifi- Allowed” and, of course, the Jim Crow-era tle bubbling well at one end of the street. At Atlanta, Georgia. I am truly blessed. cent Hongkong and Shanghai Bank. “Whites Only” and “Colored Only” signs in the other end, near the YMCA and Park Hotel March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 17 Shearith Israel Night Shelter searching for past volunteers and their remembrances

he Shearith Israel Night Shelter for cial video presentation of the shelter’s his- women. Former volunteers can contact the gregation’s then-spiritual leader, Rabbi Homeless Women wants to say tory, recognition of volunteers, and a keep- shelter and share their stories at Marc Wilson. Accommodating 134 resi- T“Thank You” to the hundreds of peo- sake booklet of memories for all who [email protected] or dents at a time, the shelter, which is run ple who have volunteered there over the attend. [email protected], or they almost entirely by volunteers, operates past 25 years. The shelter’s founders and While the volunteer database includes can contact Shelley Alperin at info@sishel- seven days a week, November-March, and volunteers will be honored on Sunday, May hundreds of names, there are hundreds ter.org or 404-724-0078. is open to women of all races, religions, and 3, 2:00 p.m., at Congregation Shearith more volunteers for whom the shelter no The Shearith Israel Night Shelter, backgrounds. Over the past 25 years, it has Israel, 1180 University Drive, N.E., in longer has information. Their stories are founded in 1983, was the first women’s served nearly 1,000 women in transition. Atlanta. Rev. Joanna Adams of wanted as well—stories of bringing chil- shelter in the city of Atlanta and the first The event is free. RSVP to Morningside Presbyterian Church, one of dren to help serve meals, of talking with the U.S. homeless shelter in a synagogue. It [email protected] or 404-873-1743. the shelter’s partners, will speak; a dessert women and learning about their lives, of was founded under the leadership of volun- reception will follow. There will be a spe- making a difference in the futures of these teers Helen and Frank Spiegel and the con- Specialists will address men’s cancer Camp Judaea remains strong, continues concerns at breakfast forum to offer $1,000 incentives to new families olon and prostate cancers will be the books Breast Cancer Answers and Colon arents of campers at Camp Judaea, The spike in registration is due, in part, topic of discussion at a medical Cancer Answers. the Young Judaea Camp in the to the Campership Incentive Program. Cforum co-hosted by Greater Atlanta Szabo is a board-certified oncologist, PSoutheast, were understandably con- Funded through a partnership between Hadassah Associates and the Congregation hematologist, and internist who also prac- cerned when news of Hadassah’s financial Hadassah and the Foundation for Jewish Or Hadash Men’s Club, Sunday morning, tices at difficulties and subsequent layoffs became Camp, the program provides $1,000 to all March 29. Bruce A. Feinberg, DO, and Georgia public. Pleas of support from Hadassah first-timers attending any one of Stephen M. Szabo, MD, will speak at the Cancer National President Nancy Falchuk left them Hadassah’s five regional camps or Tel forum, which will be targeted to a male Specialists. A concerned that their children wouldn’t have Yehudah, Young Judaea’s National Senior audience. member of the a place to go this summer. Leadership Camp. Feinberg, a recognized expert in oncol- Georgia Campers and parents have nothing to Camp Judaea is located in ogy care, is chief executive officer and pres- Center for worry about. “Registration is actually up Hendersonville, North Carolina. For more ident of Georgia Cancer Specialists, the Oncology from last year,” said Camp Director Sandra information about Camp Judaea, visit largest private oncology/hematology prac- Research and Bass, despite the troubled economy. www.campjudaea.org, or call 404-634-7883. tice in the Southeast and a national leader in Education Inc., advanced cancer treatment and research. He his special has expanded interests are in community cancer genet- access to oncol- Dr. Stephen M. Szabo ics, breast ogy care by malignancies, bringing the gastrointestinal malignancies, and blood latest cancer disorders. treatments, The forum will be held at Congregation technologies, Or Hadash at The Weber School, 6751 and clinical tri- Roswell Road, in Sandy Springs. Minyan als closer to the will begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by pro- patient. gram registration at 9:30. The program will Feinberg is also run from 10:00 a.m.-noon. Dr. Bruce A. Feinberg the author of The cost to attend is $12 at the door and the best-selling includes breakfast.

Wishing All Our Family and Friends A Happy Passover

ENTERPRISES, INC. Shopping Centers Leasing • Management • Development (770) 451-0318 Shirley Halpern Jack & Lynn Halpern Carolyn & Steve Oppenheimer Page 18 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009 After a stint in Mississippi, a deepened commitment to Jewish professional life hy are young Jewish profession- ty to help preserve and document the Cantor Sharon Kunitz interned with the year of the Rabbinic Program at Hebrew als and recent college graduates South’s rich Jewish history. And rabbinic Rabbinical Department that same summer, Union College in Los Angeles. Wflocking to Jackson, Mississippi? students can intern with the ISJL’s Rabbinic leading services for small congregations in Atlantan Amanda Abrams helped This unlikely destination has become a Department, gaining valuable experience Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama. As a stu- launch the ISJL’s education program six regional center of Jewish activity, thanks to leading services and providing a rabbinic dent at the Hebrew Union College School years ago and now works with the Jewish bountiful internship and fellowship oppor- presence in small Southern communities. of Sacred Music, Sharon relished the oppor- Federation of Greater Atlanta. As she puts tunities provided by Jackson’s Goldring / Former interns and fellows see ISJL as tunity to put her skills into practice. She it: “Having the fellowship, hands down, led Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish a springboard to their current careers across reflects that “having the opportunity to me to pursue a career in Jewish communal Life (ISJL). the Jewish professional world. Jason serve so many communities...allowed me to services.... Seeing what value we were able Dedicated to promoting every aspect of Schulman, currently a Ph.D. candidate in see the diversity of the many congregations to offer the communities made me realize Jewish life in Southern communities, ISJL American Jewish History at Emory I served and appreciate the different ways in there was a tremendous need for Jewish programs offer meaningful work experience University, considers his history internship which I connected with the people there.” professionals, and I could contribute my in many different fields. Recent college during the summer of 2007 as a pivotal After their two-year fellowships with own skills.” graduates interested in Jewish education career experience. the Education Department, ISJL alumni When ISJL interns and fellows arrive can apply for a two-year education fellow- “Living in Mississippi and working at have fanned out across the Jewish profes- in Jackson, they bring all types of passions ship. ISJL Education Fellows travel exten- the ISJL was one of the most significant of sional world. For example, after finishing with them. But they all share a common sively throughout the South, helping con- my summer experiences,” he recalls. “The her fellowship in the summer of 2007, Amy commitment to building strong Jewish gregational schools deliver the best possible ISJL is where my fascination with the South Steinberg continued her commitment to communities. As Jason Schulman found to Jewish education. For those with a histori- really began and is probably why I ended up Jewish education by pursuing a master’s his surprise: “I didn’t know what I would cal bent, internships with the History at Emory. Having grown up in and around degree at Baltimore Hebrew University. find when I came to Jackson...but I never Department and the ISJL’s award-winning New York City, my time at the ISJL opened Amy’s coworker Greg Weisman opted for a expected to find myself.” Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience up a whole new vista of what it means to be rabbinic career after finishing his education give current college students the opportuni- an American Jew in the 21st century.” fellowship; he is currently in his second Morris Benveniste August 2, 1932 - February 25, 2009

or over 21 years, The Jewish interviews, he was able to capture the Georgian has been reporting to the essence of the people he wrote about. He FJewish community of Georgia on carefully constructed his questions to bring people and events out interesting back- that have, are, and ground and insight, will affect the and his pieces were Jewish population. always of great We have always interest. emphasized the It was with need to convey a great sadness that personal feeling to we learned of his what is reported death on February with an attempt to 25. He had served make the content the Jewish commu- feel as if the reader nity in many ways, is having a personal including as presi- conversation. Over dent of the Marcus the years, we have Jewish Community been fortunate to Center; had profes- have a number of sionally treated a writers who have great number of lovingly molded a patients in his dental story to meet this Morris Benveniste practice for over 52 objective. years; and was a One such con- valuable member of tributor was Morris Benveniste. One only the general Atlanta community. had to have been around Morris for a short We are proud to be able to say that time to be put at ease by his comfortable, Morris was a writer for our paper, and we, easy-going demeanor, and to be won over as well as society in general, are the better by that warm smile and soothing conversa- off for having Morris in our midst. He will tion. It was only natural, therefore, that be missed, and our thoughts are with his when Morris decided to do a series of inter- family during this difficult time. views and create articles containing these March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 19 Page 20 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009 SPRINGSPRING CLEANINGCLEANING INVOICEINVOICE SALESALE 2009 VOLVO S40 2.4i 2009 VOLVO XC90 3.2 LEASE LEASE

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northpointvolvo.com 678-365-0600 1570 Mansell Road • Alpharetta March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 21 JewishTHE Happy GeorgianGeorgian Passover Kosher Affairs By Roberta Scher years as a caterer. His catering service OURMETS REJOICE! Steve Gilmer is opening a offers numerous brand-new store, Kosher Gourmet, located at 2153 dairy specialties, GBriarcliff Road (at LaVista); phone 404-636-1114. including hand-rolled According to Steve, the store will offer a wide selection of bourekas. I tasted both the meat, wine, food-to-go, sandwiches, soups, niche groceries, delicious spinach/feta and and catering. The full-service Glatt Kosher catering and caramelized onion/potato vari- take-out department is being launched under the culinary eties. A full-service, meat-cater- direction of Randy Adler, longtime owner of Preferred ing menu is also available, and Caterers. We wish Steve the best of luck! delivery is available for home parties of 15 or more. Visit www.cafeofi.net for MORE KOSHER AT KROGER. Toco Hill Kroger is taking details. kosher to the next level. As a significant part of a multi-mil- lion-dollar, yearlong store renovation, Kroger is expanding SCHAKOLAD CHOCOLATE FACTORY is its kosher department to reportedly include prepared take- now fully certified under the Atlanta Kashruth out foods, additional groceries, and an enlarged frozen food Commission. Except for two items—a Jamaica rum selection. truffle and chocolate-covered strawberries—all items grow- Sushi form Eilat Café from the factory are kosher and dairy. Parve products are ing selection of parve CAFE OFI. I recently had the pleasure of sampling Café available by special order. Check out schakolad.com, or pastries and breads) a full line Ofi’s catering. Owner Doni Tamli will soon celebrate nine visit the store at 1100 Hammond Drive (near Publix). of imported and domestic packaged cheeses, candies, and years as the proprietor of the Café Ofi restaurant at the New York’s famous H & H bagels. For more information, Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta and eight SIMONE’S BAKERY, Toco Hill, now offers (along with a See KOSHER AFFAIRS page 24 Jewish Thai chef featured in AKC award-winning cookbook Kosher Korner Approved

By Rabbi Reuven Stein Many matzos are baked with flour that has come in contact with water and would assover, the Jewish holiday of free- be considered chometz or leavened. dom, is one of the only holidays Make sure the matzo has a kosher for Palso identified by its food. Passover Passover sign on it. is called the Holiday of the Matzos or the • What about grape or egg matzos? Holiday of Unleavened Bread. These matzos, according to Jews all over the world, many authorities, are not consid- throughout the ages, even ered the poor man’s bread. Real those who do not necessarily matzo can be only bread and follow the dietary laws, try to water. keep some of them for • Are meat and fish kosher for Passover or at least at the Passover? Seder. All raw poultry, meat, and fish are kosher Be alert to many caterers, restau- for Passover year-round. Delicatessen, rants, and supermarket chains that adver- seasoned, or pickled products; pre- tise or imply that their foods are suitable cooked products; or products in sauces for Passover. Unless an item is endorsed must have a special kosher-for-Passover Chef Philippa Kingsley with rabbinic supervision, it’s not kosher symbol. for Passover. • Is kosher wine always sweet? By Susan Kay Asher Philippa Kingsley, who provides traditional Kosher wine does not have to be sweet. and kosher Thai cooking classes and cater- ————— Today, one can find all varieties of kosher hen you think of one of the coun- ing around metro Atlanta. wine. try’s foremost Jewish chefs, you “Her level of Thai cooking is much On Passover, our tradition is to ask questions: • What are some items that are kosher for Wdon’t exactly imagine a blonde higher than what you’d get in a typical Thai Passover without any special marking on Londoner who is world famous for cooking • Are all matzos kosher? Thai cuisine. But that describes Chef See THAI CHEF page 23 See KOSHER KORNER page 23 Page 22 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009 Weinstein Hospice partners with Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta einstein Hospice, a nonprofit Hospice Atlanta has served the metro Atlanta organization serving patients at community for 60 years and started its hos- Whome in metro Atlanta, has never pice program in 1983. The Hospice Atlanta had an inpatient facility, but its leadership Center was built in 1996 to provide the finest team has found a unique way of caring for inpatient hospice services to the Atlanta com- people who need inpatient care. It is now munity. partnering with another nonprofit, Visiting Weinstein Hospice Executive Director Nurse | Hospice Atlanta, which has such a Talya Bloom, RN, and Manager of facility. Weinstein patients who need inpatient Community Education and Marketing Heidi unit care can now enjoy the peaceful sur- Schultz, RN, are both former employees of roundings and quality care of the beautiful, Hospice Atlanta and have high praise for the 36-bed Hospice Atlanta Center in Buckhead. quality of care at the Hospice Atlanta Center. When Weinstein Hospice patients are “We have tremendous respect for the admitted to the Hospice Atlanta Center, their work they do,” says Bloom. “Both our organ- medical needs are managed by the Hospice izations are patient-focused and non-profit- Atlanta team. As a result of this new agree- focused, and it’s our shared philosophy that ment, the Jewish population has the option of makes this arrangement so beneficial for a Jewish social worker and a rabbi managing patients, families, and referring physicians.” the psychosocial and spiritual care of the For information about Hospice Atlanta, patient and family. contact [email protected]. For infor- Weinstein Hospice was launched in 1999 mation about Weinstein Hospice, contact The soothing, beautiful grounds of Hospice Atlanta Center, where Weinstein by the Jewish community, but has always Tanya Bloom, Hospice patients can now receive inpatient care been inclusive of other faiths. Visiting Nurse | [email protected]. March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 23

years, the popularity of kosher Thai cooking Kingsley has been featured in dozens a party for his family and friends. He said Thai Chef has grown so much that many kosher Thai of food and consumer publications, and has the children helped baste the duck, break items are now available online, including a been a guest chef on Turner South’s “Home open coconuts to make coconut ice cream, From page 21 kosher fish sauce made from anchovies. Plate” television show. She is one of a hand- and decorate the table with exotic fruits and restaurant,” said Bev Lewyn, who has host- Whether her guests are kosher or vege- ful of renowned chefs around the world cloths. “She gets the whole family involved, ed a kosher Thai cooking class and dinner tarian, Kingsley caters to their dietary pref- whose recipes are featured in The Thai and everybody just wants to help her cook for a dozen guests with Kingsley. Lewyn, erences. She trained as a traditional Thai Table. This cookbook was released last year because it’s such a fun preparation.” who enjoyed Thai food in restaurants before chef in London and Thailand and later in Europe and won a 2008 Gourmand Rabbi Yossi Lerman of Chabad of becoming kosher, said Kingsley’s dishes are moved to the Netherlands, where she began Award (Best Foreign Cuisine Cookbook Gwinnett had Kingsley prepare a kosher above most anything that you’d be able to her own Thai catering company and cook- category), which recognizes the best cook- Thai dinner and give a cooking lesson for eat anywhere, because all ingredients are ing school. There, she cooked for business books from more than 100 countries around about 20 of his congregants. “We were fresh, and everything is made from scratch, clients, ambassadors, and embassy events. the world. In April, The Thai Table will be transported to a whole new cuisine,” said including the curry pastes. Since moving to Atlanta 13 years ago, she released in the U.S. Lerman. “People weren’t used to the spicy When cooking for guests who keep has been invited to Washington, D.C., to “Cooking with Chef Philippa and flavors, but they are so balanced with sweet, kosher, Kingsley substitutes items that are serve as a guest chef for the Thai ambassa- watching her cook was a lot of fun for our sour, salty, and spicy, that, just as your similar in flavor to traditional Thai ingredi- dor to the U.S., to Miami to cook for the entire family and guests,” said Rabbi Yossi mouth is heating up, you crunch into a ents. For example, instead of using shrimp Thai Trade Center, and to New York to cook New of Congregation Beth Tefillah, who peanut or something sweet to balance the paste, she uses sea salt. Luckily, in recent for the Thai Tourist Board. hired Kingsley to prepare a kosher meal for flavors. We’ll definitely have a class again.”

Kosher Korner • Why does a soft drink need a kosher-for- love that went into making these dishes scheduled for Congregation Ariel, Passover symbol on it? kosher for Passover certainly are what Congregation Beth Jacob, and Young Israel From page 21 Many soft drinks use corn syrup, which we make them so memorable. of Toco Hills. For more details, contact the do not use on Passover. Coca-Cola makes a The following caterers are producing Atlanta Kashruth Commission office, 404- the label? special run with pure cane sugar for kosher-for-Passover food: Bagel Break 634-4063. Aluminum foil, silver polish, oven Passover; look for the specially marked bot- (404-255-6055), Bijan Catering (404-633- tle cap. cleaner, detergent, pure cane sugar, bottled 9288), Elegant Essen (770-451-3065), and Rabbi Reuven Stein is director of supervi- water, plastic containers, and plain, unfla- the Glatt Smokehouse and Barbeque (404- sion for the Atlanta Kashruth Commission, vored, caffeinated tea bags are all kosher ————— 771-6075). a non-profit organization dedicated to pro- for Passover with special labeling. (The Atlanta Kashruth Commission, Many of us remember our mothers’ and Kroger does a special production of moting kashruth through education, Kashrut.com, and other sources have grandmothers’ special desserts and Passover milk and orange juice. research, and supervision. Passover lists with updated information.) Passover dishes. All of the hard work and Pre-Passover preparation classes are Davis Academy focuses on health and wellness he Davis Academy has kicked off a • expansion of the school’s track and field new Health & Wellness initiative, program, with new equipment such as high THearts & Soles, which will bring jump and runways for triple jump and pole expanded athletic, fitness, and wellness vault. programs to the school. Davis students in • enhancement of the Lower School play- all grades will benefit, acquiring tools and ground with climbing equipment, a basket- receiving the encouragement to begin a life- ball court, kickboard for soccer long commitment to a healthy lifestyle. striking/wall ball, and foursquare courts. Piedmont Healthcare is the primary • adding new activities such as rock climb- sponsor. “Piedmont’s generosity and pro- ing, golf, archery, yoga, and dance for all fessional resources will add a level of cred- students to the current PE curriculum. ibility and expertise as we implement new • adding lacrosse to the Lower School health and wellness programs within our Developmental Sports Program. curriculum,” said Head of School Sid • hosting guest athletes or other profession- Kirschner. als for special seminars and presentations. The Hearts & Soles initiative is headed Everyone at Davis is getting on board. up by Chairs Steve Selig and Sherry Frank To begin to raise awareness and support (Davis grandparents) and Parent Chairs Reg their own healthy lifestyles, Davis faculty and Jeff Kamean and Lesley and Gyl members are using personal pedometers. Grinberg. Volunteer teams have already More than 50 of the 100 Parent Team reached almost one-half of the overall Ambassadors participated in a kickoff fundraising goal of $150,000, which will meeting and yoga session. support the following: The Alfred Adele Davis Academy is • creation of integrated curricula (with sci- Atlanta’s Reform Jewish day school, edu- ence, physical education, and counseling cating 700 students in grades K- 8. The programs) in areas such as nutrition, sex Hearts & Soles initiative supports the acad- education, CPR/first aid, body image and emy’s philosophy of developing the whole self esteem, and drug and alcohol aware- child via a challenging secular and Jewish ness, with corresponding parent education education and a variety of enriching activi- programs. ties and experiences. Page 24 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009

reminiscent of Whole Foods. (So are the The Herzog family has created two Kosher Affairs prices.) I could hardly believe the well- wine clubs that give members the opportu- stocked aisles of homemade, ready-to-heat, nity to purchase limited-production fine From page 21 and take-home soups, kugels, chicken wines. The Cellar Club offers a variety of visit simonesbakery.com, and sign up for (stuffed, fried, rotisserie, flavored, grilled, reserve wines that are available almost their newsletter The Nibble. etc.), side dishes, hors d’oeuvres, and pre- exclusively in the Herzog Tasting Room; pared entrees; the huge variety of neatly the World Tour Club offers rare wines from KOSHEREYE ON FLORIDA. Where to stacked packages of refrigerated fresh poul- many regions of the world. The wines are eat on your next visit to the Palm Beach- try, beef, lamb, and veal; and the brimming selected quarterly; members can have them Boca Raton area? Following the recommen- shelves of sauces, groceries, and conven- shipped directly to their homes or can pick dation of Atlanta friends, we chose the Eilat ience foods. It is a gourmet resource for the them up at quarterly gala tasting parties at Café, a French bistro. This dairy restaurant kosher cook, as well as an invaluable desti- Tina McCain the Herzog Cellars near Los Angeles. Join specializes in fresh fish. Our party of three nation for busy families. Only four stores both clubs, and become a Herzog VIP! For enjoyed a dinner sampling of Chef Eli away is its companion kosher wine shop. TIME FOR WINE. Did you know that more information, visit, herzogwinecel- Mazor’s menu favorites. Our feast included Plan to spend an afternoon—the wine store Passover is the number one holiday for lars.com/html/wineclubs.html. a scrumptious creamy brandied mushroom opens at noon, and there is a nearby kosher kosher wine sales? That is why many soup, followed by a generous plate of hand- restaurant. Anyone planning to open a kosher wine importers promote their newest ————— wrapped sushi and sashimi, a three-fish (sea kosher food store would be wise to make an selections in late winter. bass, tuna, and mahi mahi) bouillabaisse, a exploratory visit to the Kosher Market Dalton Wines from Israel are now avail- Daron Joffe, a.k.a. “Farmer D,” has salmon flounder roulade, and a snapper Place, 22191 Power Line Road, Boca able in Atlanta at Tower East Wine and opened his first organic gardening supply provençale. Needless to say, we barely had Raton. Telephone 561-391-3318. Spirits, 223 Moreland Avenue, and at store at 2154 Briarcliff Road, near the cor- room for dessert—but worry not, we man- Kroger Toco Hill. The Canaan White and ner of Briarcliff and Lavista roads. Born in aged to share a slice of rich chocolate-filled YES, IT’S PASSOVER 5769! Red were recently sampled at a Johannesburg, South Africa, Daron is work- mousse pie. Along with the excellent food, Congregation Beth Jacob community dinner ing to make a difference in the world by Chef Eli and owner Michael Harouni were PESACH FOR PETS. Preparing for and extremely well received. Dalton Canaan personable and friendly. Catering is avail- Passover can be easy this year, at least for Red is a medium-dry blend of Cabernet, able. Telephone 561-368-6880. your pets. Passover friendly Evanger’s Merlot, and Shiraz; Dalton Canaan White is And, speaking of Boca Raton, again on grain-free dog and cat food can be pur- a fruity semi-dry blend of Sauvignon Blanc, the advice of friends (thank you Shelly and chased at Merry Mac Dog Training & Chardonnay, and White Riesling. Both are Betty), I headed straight to the Kosher Nutrition Center in Marietta’s Sprayberry priced at approximately $18. Market Place—an upscale kosher super- Square. While you’re there, meet trainer Recanati has some excellent new market on Powerline Road in Boca Raton. I Tina McCain, one of Atlanta’s leading “pet Israeli wine selections as well—some of had been told that this store is “one of a whisperers.” For more information, visit which are available at Kroger and Publix in kind” for the kosher consumer. And, dear MerryMacDogTraining.com, or call 770- Toco Hill and occasionally at Sam’s Club, readers, it certainly is! The atmosphere is 579-3865. Clairmont Road. I particularly like the Chardonnay 2007, and the Cabernet Sauvignon 2007—both priced at Farmer D (Daron Joffe) around $15—as well as the full-bodied Cabernet using earth-friendly, biodynamic method- Franc Reserve 2006 ologies, while he inspires and educates peo- priced at about $25. If ple to create sustainable gardens. Farmer D you’re in the mood for a is an organic/biodynamic farmer, environ- s splurge or want to add mental educator, and social entrepreneur. oe to your wine cellar col- Brought up in Atlanta, he is currently vice Serving Atlanta Sh since 1912 lection, try the Recanati president of Georgia Organics and presi- ’s ho Special Reserve 2005, dent/founder of Farmer D Organics. Some nie S Recanati Bennie’s ShoHappyen Passover ’s $48. Last year, wine of you might remember Daron’s work at the B ie Special MJCCA edible garden project. His new nn Reserve 2005 expert Daniel Rogov es Be wrote: “This full-bod- store offers raised-bed “gardens to go” o Buckhead (frames created by his father, Stanley), gar- Sh es ied blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and ’sBuckhead Crossing • 2625 Piedmontho Road 16% Merlot from the Upper Galilee is dening tools, and installation of raised gar- nie S den beds. Farmer D biodynamic organic en (moved across Sydney’s Marcus) ho approachable and enjoyable now, but best B nie ’s S 2009-2014—Score 93.” And for the budget compost is available at his store and at other en ie minded, Recanati Yasmin, a red table wine, local retailers, including Whole Foods. 404-262-1966B nn es Be is currently available on kosherwine.com at More about Farmer D can be found at ho s $7.99. Think about a few bottles for the farmerd.com. ’s S Kennesawoe Seder. If you would like to learn more about ie h Total Wine & More recently opened its growing your own food, an excellent n Town Center • 2700 Town’s S Center Drive en ie o 2nd Atlanta location at 124 Perimeter resource is the fascinating book Animal, B nn h Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver, 770-955-1966Be ’s S Center West, near Perimeter Mall. This nie mega retailer, the leading non-supermarket which details her year of eating locally. oes en seller of fine wines in the U.S., carries Information and recipes are available at ani- Sh Norcross B upwards of 40 different kosher wines, rang- malvegetablemiracle.com. After the har- ie’s oes ing in price from $4 to $25 per bottle. vest, if you would like to put up, freeze, or enn 5192 Brook-Hollow S Parkwayh According to wine manager Michelle preserve your fruits and vegetables, read B ’s S Schmitt, “The store offers many well- Canning & Preserving for Dummies by 770-447-1577ie ie’s enn nn known labels such as Baron Herzog Karen Ward; this Wiley publication is great B Be (California) and Yarden (Galilee), along for beginners. es s with single-vineyard, hard-to-find boutique And lastly, if you are not interested in o oe wines from Israel such as Ben Ami, from growing your own but would like to eat Sh h ’s ’s S the Judean Hills, starting at $12.99, and farm fresh fruits and vegetables this spring ie ie and summer, consider joining the Tuv ewww.benniesshoes.comnn nn Yogev, a great value starting at $9.99.” For B Be Benni more information, call 770-395-1678. See KOSHER AFFAIRS page 25 March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 25 Recipes…for Passover or every day Save money on your Passover cooking. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about Place quinoa in about 6 cups of cold Place butter and chocolate in large Before you shop, obtain a copy of the 2009 5-6 ounces each) water. Add 3 teaspoons of bouillon powder. bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, Atlanta Kashruth Commission Passover Oil to coat baking pan Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until stirring each time, until melted; cool slight- newsletter (call 404-634-4063) to check out “squiggly”—approximately 20 minutes. ly. Whisk in yolks. the list of which foods do not require spe- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Drain well. In another bowl, beat egg whites to soft cial Passover certification. Then remember In a shallow bowl, combine matzoh Sauté vegetables in remainder of olive peaks. Gradually add granulated sugar; beat to take it with you to the supermarket. meal, lemon zest, paprika, pepper, and salt. oil. Season with black pepper and 1 tea- until stiff and glossy. Whisk 1/4 of whites A few tips: In another shallow bowl, mix lemon juice spoon of bouillon powder. Stir. Add cooked into chocolate mixture; gently fold mixture • Instead of buying artificial vanilla or and 1 tablespoon water. and drained quinoa. Stir to combine. into remaining whites. Pour into prepared vanilla sugar, use whole vanilla beans to Coat baking pan liberally with oil. Dip Put in oven-safe dish and bake for pan; smooth top. flavor your sugar. In an airtight container, chicken in liquid mixture, then in bread- approximately 20 minutes, until just heated Bake until cake pulls away from sides bury 1 whole bean in 5 lbs. of granulated crumb mixture, coating entire breast, and throughout. Serve warm. of pan and is just set in center, 45 to 50 min- white sugar. Keep at room temperature for place on baking pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Optional: Add almonds, apricots, utes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Serve at least 2 weeks Shake daily. (I buy my Bake 20-25 minutes or until chicken is raisins, currants, or sautéed mushrooms. dusted with confectioners’ sugar. beans at Costco.) cooked through. Enjoy hot, warm, or at • Make your own matzoh meal. Grind room temperature. Recipe can be doubled. ————— ————— whole, inexpensive matzohs in a food processor to a fine consistency. ————— Jam Macaroons New York Vanilla Egg Cream • Buy bulk bags of plain nuts (no Adapted from “PBS Everyday Food” preservatives or added ingredients), such as New England Cod Cakes (www.pbs.org/everydayfood/recipes/) First, you will need vanilla syrup: Boil whole raw almonds and walnuts, instead of 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar with a whole those costly Passover-certified six-ounce 1 lb. frozen cod fillets, skinless and bone- 3 cups sliced, blanched almonds* vanilla bean until sugar dissolves. Cook for packages. less, cut into 2” pieces 2/3 cup sugar about 3 minutes, or until mixture thickens. 2 large potatoes, peeled and halved 1/4 teaspoon salt Pour mixture (with vanilla bean) into a jar ————— 1/4 cup chives, finely chopped 2 large egg whites and refrigerate overnight. Remove vanilla 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract bean and keep syrup refrigerated. (OK, if Crispy Salami Potato Frittata 2 eggs, beaten well 1/4 cup apricot (or other) jam you must, use Fox’s U-bet vanilla—or Adapted from a recipe by chef/author 1/2 cup matzoh meal chocolate—instead of making your own Eileen Goltz, found on salt and pepper to taste Preheat oven to 350 degrees. syrup.) ou.org/shabbat/recipes/archive.htm 1/2 cup olive oil or butter In a food processor, finely grind For the egg cream: In an 8-ounce glass, almonds, sugar, and salt. Add egg whites place 1 inch syrup and 1 inch whole milk, 1 1/2 pounds thinly sliced, peeled potatoes Place the potatoes in a large pot of and vanilla; pulse until a ball forms. and then fill the glass with cold, unflavored 1/4 cup oil water and bring to a boil. Let cook until With wet hands, shape tablespoons of seltzer. Mix well with spoon. If it foams 3 tablespoons water almost tender. Add fish pieces, and contin- dough into little balls. (Dough will be very over, you have made it correctly. Enjoy! 1/2 cup chopped scallions ue to cook until soft. Drain well. Flake fish sticky.) 1/2 cup chopped red or green pepper and mash potatoes. Place on parchment-lined baking 2/3 cup salami, chopped into bite-size In large bowl, combine chives, parsley, sheets; flatten slightly. Use moist finger to pieces mashed potatoes, seasonings, beaten eggs, make an indentation in the center of each Kosher Affairs 7 large eggs and flaked cod pieces. Mix gently. cookie. 1/2 teaspoon salt Put matzoh meal crumbs in shallow Bake until crackly and light golden, 15 From page 24 pan. Shape cod mixture into small patties, to 20 minutes. Cool 5 minutes; transfer to a On low, heat oil in a 12” non-stick fry dip in crumbs, and place on waxed paper. rack. Ha’aretz CSA at Shearith Israel pan. Add potatoes, onion, pepper, garlic, Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, warm jam over low heat or (shearith.organic.googlepages.com). and water. Cover. Turn occasionally, until Heat oil or butter in sauté pan. Add in microwave, until slightly liquefied and Hurry—there has been a waiting list for potatoes are tender. Uncover, and let brown cakes, and sauté until golden brown on both easy to spoon. Spoon jam filling into each the past two years! a bit. sides. Drain. cookie. Let cool and set at room tempera- In a separate bowl, beat eggs well with Serve warm with tartar sauce or may- ture. What’s cooking? salt. Add salami, then pour mixture over onnaise with lemon or dill. Makes about 30 macaroons. vegetables. Sauté uncovered over medium This column is meant to provide the reader heat. As eggs set, use edge of spatula to lift ————— *To blanch almonds: Immerse almonds in with current trends and developments in the cooked edges of eggs and veggies so boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain in a the kosher marketplace and lifestyle. Since that the uncooked egg on top flows under- Quinoa Pilaf colander, and let cool. Use clean fingers to standards of kashruth certification vary, neath. Flip omelet with a very wide spatu- (Due to several requests, I am including peel almonds; the skins will peel off easily. check with the AKC or your local kashruth la or place pan in a pre-heated, 350 degree this recipe once again. It originally authority to confirm reliability. If you are oven for about 10 minutes. appeared in a 2004 pre-Passover column.) ————— searching for a hard-to-find kosher ingre- For a vegetarian version, omit salami. dient, need help with a kosher substitution, For dairy, omit salami and add cheese in 1 lb. package quinoa Flourless Chocolate Cake or have a kosher food question, please last 5-10 minutes. 1 sweet red bell pepper, diced Adapted from “PBS Everyday Food” contact us, and we will do our best to find 1 onion, diced serves 10 the answer. Also, we ask that you share ————— 2 stalks celery, diced your discoveries with us and look forward 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (or 8 to hearing from you. E-mail kosheraf- Lemon Oven-Fried Chicken Black pepper to taste ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate) [email protected]. 1/3 cup olive oil 6 large egg whites 1/2 cup matzoh meal 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest Preheat oven to 325 degrees. pan 1/2 teaspoon paprika Rinse quinoa 3 or 4 times in a fine 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt strainer to remove bitter coating. (Rinsing is 6 large egg yolks 1/2 teaspoon pepper the key to success—and since quinoa is so 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice fine, it requires a strainer with tiny holes.) Preheat oven to 275 degrees, with rack 1 tablespoon water Sauté in some of the olive oil until toasty in center. 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil brown. Butter a 9” springform pan. Page 26 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009 March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 27 Three artists expand the written word into multi-dimensional artwork On Wednesday, April 1, “Disappearing Golden Generation (2004, 2006, 2008). She Edges,” an exhibition by three local edited and coauthored two poetry chap- artists—poet Gelia Dolcimascolo, poet- books and wrote the poetry for the pictorial artist Marianne Patty, and artist Aviva book Dancing Without Walls. Her works Stern—opens at the Dunwoody Public appeared in the GPC exhibits “The Colors Library, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, of Poetry” (2007) and “Shapes, Shadows, Dunwoody, during National Poetry Month. and Reflections” (2008). The exhibition combines original poetry, as Mixed-media artist Marianne Patty well as paintings and sculptures using a incorporates words from her original poems variety of media, creating a “visual dia- into unique mixed-media collages. She has logue” of the artists’ personal reflections. exhibited and won awards in Atlanta and The title of the exhibition, online and has designed for local and out- “Disappearing Edges,” reflects the artists’ of-state companies. In 2007, she won 3rd goal of erasing the hard lines that some- place in the North American Review poetry times separate art forms—as well as their contest. individual desires to move between the dis- Aviva Stern, an accomplished artist, Aviva Stern, Magical Sea Garden, ciplines of poetry and visual art. The exhi- has exhibited widely in Atlanta and on the acrylic/mixed media (photo: Aviva bition runs through April 30. West Coast. Her work includes ceramic and Stern) Gelia Dolcimascolo has facilitated the mixed-media sculpture and painting. Writers’ Circle and served as a writing tutor Surface treatment is an important compo- poetry as an integral part of her art, incor- at Georgia Perimeter College (GPC), nent of her work. In Stern’s use of both porating portions of poems onto the canvas. Library hours are Monday-Wednesday, Marianne Patty, Thief, mixed media, Dunwoody, for 20 years. She won 1st place acrylic paint and ceramic glaze, layers of 14” x 19”, (photo: Marianne Patty) for a poem in The Art of Music, Volume I. color and texture are built up, creating 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., and Thursday- Her poems have been published in numer- depth and mystery. For this exhibition, Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. For more ous literary journals, including Poetry of the Stern has expanded her interests to include information, contact the artists at three- [email protected]. Local boy is a pioneer in the use of service dogs n 2008, the organization 4 Paws for Generally, people love dogs and natu- Ability placed its first fetal alcohol rally want to interact with them. This inter- Ispectrum disorder (FASD) service dog action often transfers to children and offers with nine-year-old Iyal Winokur, of them opportunities to improve their social Roswell. skills. Further, the desire to give verbal “Our son was born in Astrakhan, commands can increase expressive lan- Russia.... Iyal was adopted at 14 months guage. 4 Paws teaches the children how to and was diagnosed with FAS (Fetal Alcohol command simple tricks from their service Syndrome; a severe form of alcohol expo- dogs. The kids love to show off their smart, sure on the spectrum of FASD) when he special friends, which also enhances their was around four,” says his mother, Donnie self-esteem. Winokur. An FASD service dog can also help FASD is a lifelong birth defect that children advance in abstract and concrete occurs when a pregnant woman drinks alco- thinking, improve in focus, and increase hol. This “hidden disability” leaves an indi- attention span. vidual with neurological, behavioral, and emotional impairments. Most people don’t “Perhaps the know that FASD is the leading preventable most profound cause of cognitive disabilities. In the United ‘untargeted States, one out of every hundred live births Chancer (FASD service dog) and Iyal Winokur behavior’ that is affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. changed after 4 Paws for Ability is the largest organ- the dog offers tactile stimulation and “con- whenever obtaining ization in the U.S. placing skilled autism tact comfort.” we are going Chancer was an service dogs, so it was a natural progression An FASD service dog is a calming out. He is so emergence of to train a service dog for a child affected by influence. Like children who are affected by proud of language,” says FASD. ADHD, many children suffering from fetal Chancer and Iyal and Chancer training to sleep Iyal’s mother. Many children with FASD engage in alcohol exposure have difficulty sitting still tells other “Within two involuntary repetitive movements or behav- or focusing. kids immediately that Chancer is his work- weeks after our return from our training at 4 iors that seem out of place in a social con- “We have noticed Iyal spending up to ing dog.” Paws, we noticed that Iyal was now using text. These movements thus become the 30 minutes just lying on top of Chancer, “While waiting to enter an exhibit at the multi-syllabic words in complex sen- “signal” or “command” taught to the dog. hanging out,” says his dad, Rabbi Harvey World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Iyal sponta- tences.... Not only was he using more The dog is then trained to disrupt the behav- Winokur. “Iyal will have his head on top of neously introduced Chancer to a family sophisticated language, but his words ior by nuzzling or putting a paw on the Chancer and the two of them will be quiet standing next to us in line. Iyal grinned and showed self-reflective thinking: a different child. together. This is huge! Before having said, ‘Chancer is my service dog and my self-awareness was also emerging. In many Many children require deep pressure to Chancer, when Iyal didn’t know what to do best friend...my brother. He makes me feel children with developmental disabilities, a quiet an over-aroused regulatory system. A with himself, while waiting during a transi- better when I’m upset. And if I’m crying, he sense of identity is often compromised,” large service dog can lie on top of the child tion, he would run around the house, out of comes over and gives me kisses all over my she said. “We could never have anticipated and provide this much needed, calming control, and become increasingly irritated. face! I don’t feel as lonely with Chancer.’ I this sort of transformation for Iyal.” weight. A dog is much more interesting than Shortly after Chancer joined the could not have written a better script for a weighted blanket! For those children who Winokur family, Iyal’s mom told 4 Paws, Iyal. I was thrilled to hear him say these need sensory input, the physical presence of “Iyal asks us if we can take Chancer with us words to folks he had just met!” Page 28 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009 JF&CS NEWS

MERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSIS- munities as independently as possible. TANCE. In keeping with its mission, Every dollar raised at the benefit goes to E“No one in our community should be servicing these clients. in need, alone, or without hope,” Jewish “People who live with disabilities need Family & Career Services has recently assistance all the time—good economy or enhanced its Emergency Financial bad. Their needs don’t take a break, so it’s Assistance Protocol in response to the dra- important now more than ever to raise matic increase in community need. awareness and funds for the program,” said JF&CS is seeing a 300% increase in Caren Merlin. She and her husband, requests for basic services and a 500% Michael, are chairing the event with Allison increase in requests for Emergency and Dan Fellner and Lara and Michael Financial Assistance. On December 8, Balser. “We are so appreciative of the 2008, JF&CS began administering the restaurants and distributors that donate so Federation Emergency Crisis Fund. This much to make it a great evening, especially fund was seeded with $100,000 from the in the current economy.” Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Since When The Tasting started about 10 the fund was announced, private contribu- years ago, it was a small party held in the tions have added another $50,000, totaling restaurant of the Grand Hyatt. It has grown $150,000. Together with its partners and each year, and over the past few years has affiliates, the Jewish Federation intends to become large enough to fill the Hyatt’s actively market the fund to prospective grand ballroom, incorporating food, wine, donors and clients in need. and a silent auction. This year, there will be Additional emergency funds are antici- a gallery of photographs where guests will pated from United Way of Metropolitan be able to see how their support touches the Atlanta, with JF&CS serving as an adminis- lives of the program’s beneficiaries. Last trator. The goal of the agency is to ensure year, nearly 800 people attended, and more the best opportunity for recipients to recov- are expected this year. er and stabilize. Synagogue leaders and “It has become something people look other communal organizations are encour- forward to attending,” said Lara Balser. aged to refer individuals seeking emergency “Not only is it a lot of fun; it gives people financial assistance directly to JF&CS at the chance to give something back to the 770-677-9474. community. I know it’s been a hard year, but I think if you’re going to go to dinner on THE TASTING. Sample some of Atlanta’s a Saturday night, then do this instead. Aside best food and drink on Thursday, April 2, from great food and wine, the money will 7:00 p.m., when JF&CS hosts its annual be going to a great cause.” fund-raiser, The Tasting. Benefiting the Through the Z-H ILP, individuals agency’s Zimmerman Horowitz receive training in money management, Independent Living Program (Z-H ILP), the cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, social event highlights some of Atlanta’s top skills, and other areas. The program, which restaurants, as well as high-end wines, at a serves adults with developmental disabili- fun, festive, elegant affair at the Grand ties who are 18 years and older, offers a Hyatt in Buckhead. range of support, from a few hours a week of case management to full-time, direct- care support in a client’s home 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Without proceeds from The Tasting, the range of services would be much smaller. “Year after year, the Hyatt, the restau- rants, and the wine distributors help us limit the cost of The Tasting, so more money goes to those who benefit from the pro- gram,” said Allison Fellner. “And one of the nice things about this event is the way we increase visibility of the cause—not through a sit-down dinner and speeches, but Pearlann and Jerry Horowitz are the in a way that lets people see where their honorary chairs of The Tasting each money goes and meet the people they help. year. Their daughter, Michelle, is a They can see how their support allows oth- participant in the program. Jerry and ers to live independently and get through son Scott headed up the restaurant everyday obstacles that many of us don’t committee. Pictured, from left: Scott, have to face.” Pearlann, Michelle, and Jerry For more information about The Horowitz Tasting, visit www.thetasting.org.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE. Volunteers are The nonsectarian Z-H ILP serves indi- the lifeblood of JF&CS, and nothing makes viduals with developmental disabilities—as the organization more proud than honoring well as their families and caregivers—so those who do so much. Gennadiy they can work, live, and thrive in their com- Skvirenko, February’s Volunteer of the March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 29 Month, is a bit different. Shortly after they arrived, Anna began Patrol to educate the Russian immigrant more easily. He also translates Romanian Gennadiy Skvirenko moved 10 years working with JF&CS’ Holocaust Survivors community about the costs and dangers of and French documents into Russian. “The ago from Russia to Atlanta, where he and his Assistance Program. She now works with committing fraud and to raise awareness of most important thing in translation is to be wife, Anna, settled with help from JF&CS. elderly Russians in the AVIV Older Adult those who do. Using his skills as a fiction able to write well,” he said. That he does! He has been volunteering at the agency for Services Division. And Gennadiy is right writer, he has written these brochures to nearly as long in a multitude of ways. there with her, driving her places, deliver- read like detective stories. Not only did he CREW PARTY STORE. The JF&CS ing donations, and doing all kinds of things write them; he printed them himself. He Dunwoody office, 4549 Chamblee Anna says she couldn’t do without him. At also gives presentations on the subject. Dunwoody Road, offers a wide variety of the same time, he teaches computer classes “Gennadiy’s work is so important for party supplies, plates, greeting cards, stick- to participants and writes articles for local the Russian-speaking older adults in our ers, and much more. Hours are Tuesdays Russian papers. He and Anna also bring community,” said Carrie Bellware, director and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Profits gifts and food to a Roswell nursing home on of AVIV Older Adult Services. “His help support those in Tools for all Jewish holidays, and they brought dona- newsletter provides vital information that is Independence, formerly the Division of tions to Katrina victims. Married 45 years, not available anywhere else. He connects Developmental Disabilities Services. they are always on the go. these individuals to JF&CS, but also to the “The clients are paid to run the store, An engineer in his first career and a broader community, with articles on arts and they also learn skills such as customer journalist and book author in his second, and culture, current events, and health and service, retail, stocking, running a cash reg- Gennadiy writes the semi-monthly Russian- wellness. Gennadiy is a dedicated journalist ister, problem solving, and teamwork,” says language newsletter that JF&CS publishes and JF&CS champion, and it shows in his Rachel Miller. “They have been doing a for the Russian immigrant community here. newsletter.” fabulous job and have learned so much Gennadiy and Anna Skvirenko He also has written two 36-page brochures Though his spoken English isn’t per- already.” called Atlanta Senior Medicare Fraud fect, Gennadiy understands it and translates

The Jewish community response to the employment crisis: an open letter nemployment in Georgia is at a 25- more directly with specific agencies. Six • Mentorship offers job seekers access to a Jewish business owners/employers year high, at 7.5 percent as of Atlanta agencies were selected for featured mentor in their field of interest. may contact our job developer at 770-677- UNovember 2008, and predicted to consideration; JF&CS was one of the fea- 9306 with information on job leads and reach 9 percent in early 2010. Impact on our tured agencies. OUR APPEAL TO COMMUNITY TO mentorship opportunities. Job seekers can community is witnessed daily at Jewish ENSURE SUCCESS reach our career counselors through our Family & Career Services, with requests for JF&CS has undertaken a multi-pronged main line at 770-677-9300. career services tripling since this time last approach in responding to this crisis. Success for these programs requires This is a vital link to our success in year and emergency financial assistance Sharpening our tools, the agency has redou- the commitment of the Jewish community. building the pathway to placement for those requests increasing five-fold. Simultaneously, bled efforts to collect and report on the JF&CS appeals to the Jewish business com- seeking employment. funding sources have decreased along with impact of the crisis to strengthen manage- munity, the synagogue leaders, and all Healing from this crisis takes a com- fee-for-service revenues. ment of programs and services. Accurate Jewish communal leaders to funnel job munity working together. JF&CS is pre- Steadfast in our mission to serve our data is vital in making the right decisions. seekers and employment opportunities pared and poised to serve as a central community, JF&CS is reaching out to our Concurrently, JF&CS Career Services is through the JF&CS Career Services depart- resource. partners in crafting and implementing a sys- expanding. It is vital to communicate the ment. Employers will benefit from our pro- tematic and collaborative response. Atlanta JF&CS Career programs to those in need of fessional services providing well-vetted, Sincerely, is truly a unique family of communities, services. It is equally critical to inform our prepared candidates. Job seekers benefit David Witt, President, JF&CS and the strength and compassion of our community about how potential employers from the resources, networks, and profes- Gary Miller, Chief Executive Officer, JF&CS leaders are demonstrated in the develop- can become a part of the solution. sional counseling that promote long-term ment of a collaborative response. solutions. JF&CS has heard directly from syna- The following JF&CS Career Services are gogues and other Jewish communal organi- complimentary to job seekers and employers: zations about escalating needs of individu- als and families. The recurring theme from • Jewish Connections offers complimentary their leadership is a preference to design a career counseling sessions, workshops, and collective method of response through individual support/direction with a job JF&CS. Our partner funders clearly support developer. From July-December 2008, 42 collaborative solutions. Jewish Connections clients were seen and 31 are now employed, representing a place- To date, collaborative resource initia- ment rate of 73 percent. Get The Jewish Georgian At Home! tives include: Expanded services include: addition of • Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta seed- a full-time job developer to act as a liaison Receive the next 6 issues for only $15.00 ed the Federation Economic Crisis Fund between job seekers and employers; and with $100,000 from its own budget, has dedicated database to aggregate networking raised an additional $50,000 in private opportunities and job leads provided by Name:______donations, and has designated JF&CS as synagogues and the Jewish business com- the administrator of these monies. JF&CS munity. This database is used across multi- Address:______has developed a comprehensive protocol ple communities by the country to solidify based upon a case management model to pathways to placement; enhanced career ensure a higher level of recovery for each counseling to ensure the client is prepared City:______State:______Zip: ______recipient. for a competitive job market; workshops • United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta is designed to prepare job seekers for employ- Please mail this form together with your check to: driving a similar campaign with a goal of ment in the new economic reality; assess- $2.5 million, some of which JF&CS will ment tools designed to identify areas of administer. strength and interest to optimize chances of The Jewish Georgian • The Community Foundation of Greater a fit between prospective employee and 8495 Dunwoody Place • Building 9 - Suite 100 • Atlanta, GA 30350 Atlanta, in an unprecedented initiative, has employer; and networking groups present- hosted town hall meetings for its 700+ ed in conjunction with community and syn- All comments and suggestions are welcome. donor advised funds to connect donors agogue partners. Page 30 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009 The festival will feature a wide array of fami- MJCCA’s Door and Ladder Society (DLS), a ly activities including entertainment, camel philanthropy program for Jewish 10th graders, rides, cruising across the Mediterranean, awarded $10,000 in grants to special needs MJCCA NEWS climbing Masada, baking pita bread, and programs for children. Recipients of this shopping in the SunTrust Shuk (marketplace). year’s grants were Amit’s B’Yachad Buddy Admission is: MJCCA members, $5/adults, program and the MJCCA’s Camp Isidore WEET DREAMS. Jerry’s Habima minute, accurate reflections of real-life con- $3/children 13 and under; non-members, Alterman. This effort was led by committee Theatre, Georgia’s only theatrical com- cerns and situations experienced by today’s $8/adults, $5/children 13 and under. For more co-chairs Ellen Arnovitz and Lois Kuniansky. Spany directed and produced by profes- middle and high school students. Project information, contact Marcia Dworetz at sionals and featuring adult actors with devel- Impact Theatre incorporates drama, music, [email protected] or 678-812-3985. opmental disabilities, will present the musical dance, poetry, striking visual imagery, and comedy Once Upon a Mattress, March 25-29. even comedy in its performances. ATLANTA TEENS ARE BBYO LEADERS. Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, this The Imagine the Truth ensemble includes Fifteen Atlanta teens representing BBYO’s rollicking spin on the classic fairy tale The Metro Atlanta high school students Tyler Atlanta Council were among the 750 teen Princess and the Pea promises to amuse and Smith, Evan O’Reilly, Heather Marcus, leaders who gathered in Long Branch, New delight audiences of all ages. Each year, Rachel Whiteman, Kelli Hall, Jason Jersey, February 12-16, for BBYO’s largest together with local professional actors, Friedman, Laura Snyderman, Samantha International Convention (IC) in its 85-year Habima Theatre performers (ages 18+) pres- Westheimer, and Eh-den Perlove. Hampton history. IC sets the course for the upcoming ent a full-scale adaptation of a musical theatri- Whatley is the play’s facilitator and director. year, determining strategies for strengthening The Door and Ladder Society (top row, cal production. All productions are held at the BBYO as a youth-led movement and connect- from left) Jonathan Berger, Aaron Marcus Jewish Community Center of ing teens to the larger Jewish community. Maslia, Noah Adler, Benjamin Harris, Atlanta’s Morris & Rae Frank Theatre, 5342 The convention was coordinated by Kyle Schaffer, Nick Myers, (Middle row, Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. BBYO International Vice President of from left) Shayna Brandi, Alex Rubin, In the 16 years that Jerry’s Habima Programming Joel Feinberg, 18, of Kelli Regenbaum, Nicole Gillman, Theatre has performed on stage, the produc- Dunwoody. Joel led a team of 10 teen leaders Rebecca Gaillard, Nikki Cohen, Tammy tions have expanded in sophistication and in from around coun- Bronstein (bottom row, from left) Erin the number of people involved. The audience try, including Smith, Bradley Maran, Marisa Alzadeh. has grown from family and friends to include Atlanta Council Not pictured: Maia Hoberman, Blair the broader community. The participants President Ryan Siegler achieve new levels of self-confidence, motiva- Jones, 17, of tion, and socialization from the intensive Project Impact Theatre performers Dunwoody. Joel and The B’Yachad Buddy program received three-month process of rehearsals and per- (from left) Tyler Smith, Evan O’Reilly, his team worked $3,000 for its social programming for children formances. This unique program provides a Heather Marcus, Rachel Whiteman tirelessly over the with and without disabilities. Amit, a central- wonderful opportunity for developing new (rear), Kelli Hall, Jason Friedman, past few months on ized Jewish special-education agency, provides skills through a meaningful theater experience. Laura Snyderman, Samantha program planning, a continuum of services to ensure that children, Through the success of these produc- Westheimer, and Eh-den Perlove convention schedul- regardless of ability, can maximize their poten- tions, Jerry’s Habima Theatre has begun to ing, bringing in out- tial and participation in all aspects of Jewish increase the visibility of people with develop- Every year, Project Impact Theatre tours Joel Feinberg side speakers, and education through partnerships with families, mental disabilities in the Atlanta community across Georgia. Each distinctive performance coordinating logistics to bring teens together educators, and the broader community. in a manner that emphasizes their strengths, may be followed by actor-led discussions. from across the world. DLS member and Riverwood High abilities, and contributions. Project Impact provides show-specific study “Planning IC was a truly an honor and an School student Tammy Bronstein said, “I have guides, complete with pre- and post-show dis- amazing experience,” says Joel Feinberg. “I been to an Amit buddy program and have seen Once Upon a cussion questions, activities, and resource am so grateful to have experienced all BBYO the fun that the kids were having. I am proud Mattress perform- guides. has to offer. It has given me such great leader- to be a part of the reason why they can con- ances are March 25, To schedule a performance, contact Dina ship skills that I know I will continue to use in tinue enjoying themselves. And I know that 7:30 p.m.; March 26, Shadwell at 678-812-4072 or dina.shad- the Jewish and secular communities during going to camp and being a part of that com- 7:30 p.m. (Laura [email protected]. and beyond college.” munity is a great opportunity for them.” Dinerman Benefit With “The Future is Now” as the conven- Performance); FAMILY FUN. Join the MJCCA for the tion’s theme, participants set their focus on March 28, 8:30 p.m.; Celebrate Israel! Festival, Sunday, May 17, making an immediate difference in the world. and March 29, 1:30 12:00 noon-6:00 p.m. Celebrate Israel’s They participated in social justice program- p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Independence Day (Yom H’Atzmaut) and ming and community service learning that Laura Dinerman commemorate the historic occasion of Tel centered on launching “Stand Up: A Aviv’s 100th anniversary. Savor the sights, Campaign to End Poverty.” Teens also partic- Tickets are: MJCCA members, sounds, and scents of Tel Aviv as recreated at ipated in skill-building sessions on creating $22/adults, $10/children 12 and under; non- Zaban Park. Sample the blend of styles, cul- social change through community organizing, members, $32/adults, $15/children 12 and tures, textures, tastes, and wares its Sephardic, coalition building, philanthropy, and commu- under. Senior discounts are available. To pur- South African, South American, Iranian, nity service; these were followed by regional From left: Aaron Maslia, Karen Paz of chase tickets, call the MJCCA’s Box Office at Russian, and American citizens bring to the meetings so teens could continue to develop Amit, and Alex Rubin 678-812-4002. Israeli scene. on-the-ground implementation plans. At the end of the program, they signed the BBYO Camp Isidore Alterman, a leader in PROJECT IMPACT THEATRE. The Hertz “Stand Up” pledge, committing to stand up Jewish day camping for more than 60 years, Family Project Impact Theatre, a compelling for people in need. received $7,000 towards the creation of an theater program designed to educate and “This year’s IC was incredibly inspir- inclusionary camp program for children with inform young audiences, opened its 15th sea- ing,” says Atlanta Council Vice-President of autism. son with Imagine the Truth. Under the aus- Programming Marisa Ahlzadeh, 15, a Walton pices of Center Theatre, Project Impact High School student. “Having the opportunity Theatre tackles difficult subjects such as to network with different BBYO members hatred, racism, injustice, and intolerance, mak- throughout the country and learning about the ing these issues relevant to teen audiences. things they do was amazing. It is great to able Using an entertaining format to depict to learn about new ideas to bring back to contemporary scenarios, Project Impact is Atlanta and be able to share with others the highly regarded by young audiences. great things we do.” Reaching more than 40,000 middle and Visit http://bbyoic2009.spaces.live.com/ high school students across Georgia since its to see BBYO’s 2009 International Convention inception, Project Impact is unique, in that Live Blog, featuring videos, photos, and testi- From left: Nikki Cohen; Marisa each show is created and performed by teens. Enjoying a camel ride at the Celebrate monials. Alzadeh; and Jared Powers, director, Each year, there is a new company-developed Israel! Festival (photo: www.heidimor- MJCCA Day Camps play, allowing for scenes that offer up-to-the- ton.com) TEEN FUNDERS. On February 2, the March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 31

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Atlanta’s Best • Nova Lox & Bagel Finest Breakfast in Desserts Town • Fresh Brisket • Corned Beef & Pastrami Reuben • Homemade Short Ribs • Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage • Where Traditional Matzo Ball Soup is Made Fresh Everyday Open 24/7 3620 Roswell Road • Atlanta, GA Call for Reservations 404-816-9090 March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 33 Page 34 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009 Special party for special people ast December, for the 39th time, a special holiday party was held for LAtlanta citizens who have physical and mental disabilities. The idea of a holi- day celebration for these people was the BY Leon brainchild of a transplanted Canadian Socol named Bernie Eisenstein. Everyone dances to the lively music Bernie came to Atlanta in 1971 to man- plete lunch by volunteers wearing green of Bobby Don Bloodworth and the age a spaghetti restaurant, which he later staff logo T-shirts and elf hats. Gopher Broke Band. purchased. In Canada, he had been a mem- The guests don’t just sit around, either. ber of a Variety Club that hosted a Yuletide Laughter fills the ballroom as they interact Guests are served a delicious lunch party for special children. As someone with with cavorting clowns and other entertain- by over 100 volunteers. attention deficit disorder, he had empathy ers, and they dance with MC Mello of for those who contended with disabilities. Contagious Entertainment. Bobby Don Bernie operated the Spaghetti Mill in Bloodworth and the Gopher Broke Band Underground Atlanta and decided to use his have been performing at the party since the restaurant to host a Christmas party for spe- beginning. The highlight of the party is the cial kids. Other businesses in Underground arrival of Santa Claus and the elves, accom- donated goods and services, and Bernie panied by the Seed and Feed Marching made the party an annual event. Abominable. Santa makes his entrance rid- The Atlanta Special Citizen’s Party ing a Segway. Over the years, Santa has grew year by year, and a larger site was need- made his entrance in numerous ways, Enid and Jerry Draluck, Bernie and ed, so the Colony Square Sheraton hosted it including riding on the back of a baby ele- Susan Eisenstein, and Omni Hotel for over 20 years. Two years ago, still more phant and driving a specially built sled. Manager John Hudson space was needed, so the party was moved to Twelve years ago, Bernie enlisted Jerry the Omni Hotel ballroom to accommodate Draluck to take over as event chair. Jerry, an Shriner Clowns bring smiles to the supported through donated goods and serv- over 700 guests and 150 volunteers. Atlanta native and experienced food indus- faces of all the party guests. ices. No solicitation of money is made. This holiday party includes presents for try executive, was a longtime party volun- There is little advertising. Volunteers come all the guests, clowns, bands, team mascots, teer, helping to prepare and serve the meals. enjoyed the support and help of their wives, back year after year to experience the hap- gala decorations, and more. It has all the Bernie recognized his enthusiasm and talent Susan Eisenstein and Enid Draluck, as well elements of a three-ring circus. The guests and knew Jerry was the man to carry on the as their children, in staging the party. piness and love of these special guests. literally eat it up—they are served a com- annual event. Both Bernie and Jerry have The Atlanta Special Citizens Party is See SPECIAL PARTY page 35 March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 35 It’s time for house guests to come clean hey’ve sent men to the moon with fingers. One thing is certain—they could be printed on it, but it just hung there. And you tricky, nutritious meals conveniently employed in a restaurant, because they all needn’t try removing all of the family tow- Tpackaged so that they may be eaten wash their hands. els; they’ll go for the window curtain or the in weightless wonder. They’ve come up BY It’s strange how folks act as though shower curtain overlay. Don’t offer pretty with diet colas and cheeses, breads and gel- Shirley there’s something sacred about these little paper ones; they won’t use those either. atin, and five full somersaults on the tra- Friedman towels. They’re really not an endangered Even the scoundrels who go around peze. But no one has been able to put a species. And I don’t fall for that stuff about defacing walls and buildings with graffiti small linen guest towel in a powder room dainty linens? Maybe they think you aren’t not wanting the hostess to spend so much wouldn’t dream of soiling a guest towel. that anyone would use. No matter what the going to wash them. Maybe they think you time laundering and pressing them. I’ve People should hide all of their jewels and size or color, no matter what the embroi- like to hop out of the shower and dry off on never seen a guest yet who was reluctant to money in them and hang them in the bath- dered design or appliqué or cut work may a towel everyone and his boss’s wife has indulge in a feast in a few palatable room—a thief wouldn’t touch them. depict, the nice little fingertip, freshly laun- been dallying with. moments that took you days to prepare and Soon, there’ll be a flea market, and dered rectangles are left hanging there like Of course, it’s not always the bath tow- then tidy his lips (or hers—with lipstick) you’ll see for sale little linen towels with a starched dry soldiers, while your guests, els they use. Sometimes it’s a face towel or with a damask napkin that’s a pain to iron; notation: “Like new, never used—laun- ladies and gentlemen all, surreptitiously dry wash cloth. Some very conscientious folks but all of them become conscience-stricken dered 90 times.” their hands on a bath towel. grab a tissue, and some ladies actually around those tiny towels. What makes them think you’d rather touch the hem of their petticoats to dry their I even had a guest towel once with the run a load of thick terry than a few little message, “Not the bath towel, please,” New fund President Obama and our Jewish tradition benefits am writing these words to you on the moment—no matter that she turned 105 day after our presidential inauguration. years old only the previous week. Her medical IPlease take a moment with me to reflect name is Ella Mae Johnson, a woman of on what that historical event meant for us courage and vigor, who was indomitable in students who are part of the Jewish tradition. For BY Rabbi Alvin her determination to see the swearing in of some 4,000 years, we have been trying to Sugarman our first black president. “We were all he Jewish Educational Loan teach the world that we are all children of there; we were there waiting,” she said. “It Fund (JELF) has established the one living God. That task has not been didn’t matter what my color was. It didn’t plishment in our great nation’s election of TLeonard Burton Pearson Medical easy, for if indeed we believe in one God of matter what your color was. And I could not President Obama. When our new president Loan Fund, which will provide interest- all creation, then as Jews we must teach the ask for anything better.” placed his hand on Lincoln’s Bible as he free educational loans to students pursu- world that as there is one God in heaven, Ms. Johnson stayed outside in the bru- took the oath of office, the prophetic dream ing careers in medicine. The fund, there is only one human family here on tal cold for seven hours. She was tucked that all people are created in the image of established with a generous gift of earth. inside a huge sleeping bag, unable to move. God came true. That is no small task for $106,000, honors the memory of the In the election of Barack Hussein And she said she never felt the cold, this nation. And it is a great gift from the late Leonard Burton Pearson of Obama, good old America the Beautiful has because she was just too happy and all Jewish tradition to the whole world. Marietta. shown the rest of the world that that lesson sealed up. But I believe it was something Among the millions across the planet A native of Brooklyn, New York, has been learned by at least the majority of else as well keeping this old soul warm. I who witnessed the inauguration of our new Mr. Pearson, a retired police officer, Americans who voted. Other than our believe it was two hands wrapped around president was one among many who braved moved to Marietta in 1994 and lived African-American brothers and sisters, no her, one the hand of God, and the other the the cold and crowds to be there. A black there until his death in 2008. “Leonard people on earth can better understand the hand of our Jewish faith, ever proclaiming woman from Cleveland had made up her was the kind of person who, if you overwhelming feelings of pride and accom- the unity of God and humanity. mind to be in Washington for that special asked him for something, gave you 200%,” said his sister, Bonita Rosencrantz, of New York. “He was Jerry Draluck emphasized that the tions and increasing demand for services. quiet, modest, unassuming, and never Special Party Atlanta Special Citizens Party is a collab- Providing 73,000 meals per year requires bragged about what he did for people.” From page 34 oration between the public and private tremendous effort. So the party benefits a JELF provides interest-free loans sectors. The reward is the deed itself, and greater number of Atlanta’s population for post-secondary study at accredited Sponsors who make the party an annual that’s the only pay the volunteers and than most realize. institutions to Jewish students from reality include: OMNI Hotel, Charley and sponsors want. The 40th Atlanta Special Citizens communities in Georgia, Florida, South Sons, LogoBuy, Georgia’s Own Credit Jerry and his host volunteers also Party will be held Sunday, December 13, Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. Union, Buckhead Beef, Meridian Water, work with Crossroads Community at the Omni Hotel in the CNN Center in JELF loans are “last dollar,” meaning they supply the final funds that a student Engelman’s Bakery, Let’s Celebrate, Ministries Executive Director Stan Downtown Atlanta. Bernie and Susan needs to attend school. While JELF cur- Bobby Don Bloodworth and the Gopher Dawson, giving all leftover food to the Eisenstein will be honored for founding Broke Band, Contagious Entertainment, rently administers approximately $2.4 ministry, which it then uses in its lunch the party and for their service to the com- million in outstanding loans, it main- the Seed and Feed Marching program for homeless individuals. munity. To volunteer or become an event Abominable, the Atlanta Bar Association, tains an impressive 98 percent repay- Mr. Dawson said that with the bad sponsor, call Jerry Draluck at 404-642- ment rate, enabling the organization to City Segway Tours, the Fulton County economy, providers to homeless people 7025, or e-mail atlantaspecialciti- meet the needs of new students. Sheriff’s Posse, Clik Simple, Shriner face two challenges: decreasing dona- [email protected]. Applications for the 2009-2010 aca- Clowns, George’s Motor Coach, Harmon demic year are now available at Brothers, Samson Trailways, Georgia www.jelf.org. Department of Agriculture, Bighead To learn more about the JELF, Cartoons, Build-a-Bear Workshop, the including opportunities to establish des- Georgia Aquarium, University of ignated named loan funds, contact Georgia, and Georgia State University. Executive Director Lara Dorfman at 770-396-3080. Page 36 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009 top divorce professionals how to evaluate information, contact Dr. Liliane Kshensky their circumstances, hear powerful stories Baxter, 404-870-1872 or lbaxter@thebre- Thought You’d Like to Know from divorce survivors, and learn some of man.org, or visit www.thebreman.org. Judaism’s healing wisdom. The course is By Jonathan Barach Senesh (Best Documentary Film) will be based on Katz and Winston’s new book, A FOR TEEN AND TWEENS. My Big Fat screened at 4:00 p.m., and The Little Traitor Woman’s Guide to Managing a Mid-Life Moroccan Fiesta is April 19, 5:00-9:00 p.m., COOKIE ALERT. Girl Scouts of Greater (Best Narrative Film) will be screened at 7:00 Divorce. The course is April 6 and 13, 7:00 at Congregation Or VeShalom. A celebration Atlanta has partnered with Simon Malls in p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at p.m., at the Halpern Center, 4381 Beech traditionally held on the last day of Passover, Georgia to offer customers an easy way to www.ajff.org or 404-806-9913. Haven Trail, Smyrna. For information, call this event is for students in grades 9-12. The purchase Girl Scout Cookies. Through March 770-438-2926. evening includes food, music, games, and a 29, Girl Scout troops are hosting booth sales SIP. SAVOR. SPLURGE. The Tasting, the belly dance class for girls. Admission is at Phipps Plaza, Lenox Square, Northlake annual Jewish Family & Career Services A GIVING SEDER. Congregation Bet $10/MJCCA members, $15/non-members. Mall, Gwinnett Place Mall, Mall of Georgia, (JF&CS) event benefiting the Zimmerman- Haverim, is hosting “Pass it Forward for Contact Robbie Medwed at teen- Town Center at Cobb, and Discover Mills. Horowitz Independent Living Program, is Passover,” a second night Seder, April 9, 6:30 [email protected] or 678-812-3978. Hours are: Monday-Friday, 4:00-7:00 p.m.; April 2, 7:00-10:00 p.m., at the Grand Hyatt p.m., at the Historic Kirkwood Library, 106 Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; and Sunday, Buckhead. Z-H ILP serves adults with devel- Kirkwood Road, Atlanta. Instead of paying TEXAS HOLD ‘EM. Join JF&CS on April 26 12:00 noon-6:00 p.m. Cookie are $3.50 per opmental disabilities. Visit admission, participants are asked to bring a for the 5th Annual Young Adult Texas Hold box or $42 per case. For a list of other booth www.TheTasting.org for more information. local grocery store gift card ($10-$50), which ‘Em & Blackjack Tournaments. Tournaments sale locations, visit the Cookie Locator at will go to the Kosher Food Pantry, a service begin promptly at 4:00 p.m., at Eclipse Di www.girlscoutsofgreateratlanta.org. New SENIORNET COMPUTER CLASSES. provided to those in need by JF&CS and the Luna, 764 Miami Circle. There is no charge, locations are posted daily. SeniorNet is an international, non–profit, pro- Atlanta Community Food Bank. Seating is but donations are requested. This event bene- gram designed to teach computer literacy to limited; reservations are required. RSVP to fits the Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent PASSOVER PLAY DAY. On March 29, 2:00- adults aged 50+. The MJCCA is offering a [email protected] or 404-315-6446. Living Program, a non-sectarian program of 4:00 p.m., at the Marcus Jewish Community number of SeniorNet classes this spring, JF&CS. Reservations are required. RSVP to Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) Zaban Park, cross including Buying & Selling on eBay, BREAK THE BREAD, a post-Passover party [email protected]. the Red Sea and enter a world of Passover Beginner, April 6 and 13; Exploring XP, Level for adults in their 20s and 30s, is April 16, 7:00- fun. Participate in holiday themed crafts, 2, Intermediate, April 1-22; and Photoshop 10:00 p.m., at Lola, 3280 Peachtree Rd. The TEENS HELPING OUT. J-Serve Atlanta including decorating matzoh covers and Elements: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques, Level first slice of pizza is on MJCCA Young Adults, 2009 is April 26, 1:00-6:00 p.m., at MJCCA Elijah’s cups, as well as dipping chocolate- 2, Intermediate, April 2-May 14. For details and drinks are discounted. Admission is Zaban Park and other locations. Join thou- covered matzoh. The fee is $10/MJCCA on these and other SeniorNet offerings, con- $5/MJCCA members, $10/non-members. sands of teens from Atlanta and all over the members, $12/non-members. For details, con- tact Kristin Felix at 678-812-4093 or Contact Emily Stemer at youngadults@atlanta- country on this National Day of Jewish Youth tact Jessica Dickson at shalombaby@atlanta- [email protected]. jcc.org or 678-812-4173. Community Service. Visit jcc.org or 678-812-4173. www.atlantajcc.org/tcs, or call 678-812-3978 COPING. Susanne Katz and Marilynn HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY. The for more information. AJFF ENCORE SCREENING. On March 29, Winston, Ph.D., will offer the course “When public is invited to the 44th Annual the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival will screen More Than Matzah Is Broken: How to Community-wide Holocaust Remembrance HONORING SURVIVORS. Jewish National the AJFF Audience Award Winners at Regal Survive a Mid-Life Divorce,” for people Day Commemoration, Yom HaShoah Sunday, Fund (JNF) in the Southeast presents its 6th Cinemas Atlantic Station Stadium 16. Blessed going through divorce, as well as their loved April 19, 10:30 a.m., at the Memorial to the Annual Jack Hirsch Memorial Breakfast, Is the Match: The Life and Death of Hannah ones. Participants will learn from Atlanta’s Six Million, Greenwood Cemetery. For more April 29, Israel’s Independence Day, at

Atlanta’s Intown Reform Synagogue

LOX in the CITY Men’s Club • Sunday, April 26, 10:00 a.m. Outreach to Intown interfaith Guest Speaker - Ronnie Porat, Lt. Colonel, couples and families Israeli Army Reserve & Special Emissary Wednesday • 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. • April 1 Wasn’t the Last Supper a Passover Seder? Mini Mitzvah Day at MedShare with Rabbi Frederick Reeves Sunday, April 26 • 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p..m. Israel: Key Contention points and To volunteer contact Jane Gole at (404) 874-9650 ramifications for the country’s future or [email protected] Monday, April 6 • 7:00 p.m. & Operation Cast Lead: A just war & the right Monday, April 27 • 7:00 p.m. for self-defense in a threatening neighborhood 92nd Street Y Broadcast Yom Hazikaron & Rosh Hodesh Service Monday, April 13 • 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2009 • 8:00 p.m. With Rabbis Maya Leibovich & Loren Lapidus Presented by Professor Robbie Friedman, Comedienne Carol Leifer in Conversation & Cantor Numark GA State Univ. with Jerry Seinfeld Programs for 20s30s Coming Soon 20s30s Dinner following A Conversation About Bereavement More Great Synaplex Evenings Join Friday Night Live service - April 3 Monday, April 13, 2009 Friday, May 8 Thursday, April 9, 2009 • 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Our 20s30s iSeder “It’s Been a Year or Two Since Your Loss: Featuring Beth Schafer & her band 2nd night of Passover How Are You Doing?” Dynamic writer & performer Family Monday, April 27, 2009 Catch the vibe that keeps her fans coming back May 14 - 17, 2009 for more! Join Rabbi Reeves & sign up for a 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Service Corps trip to Savannah and heed Facilitator: Dr. Elaine Levin President Obama’s call to service for only $44. Saturday, July 4 Price includes transportation, lodging, and meals. Tot Shabbat • A Birthday Party for Israel! Back by popular request Plant sustainable gardens, create affordable and healthy Friday, April 17 • Service at 6:30 p.m. Havdalah, dinner, concert & fireworks food options for local residents, learn about local Followed by dinner Featuring Doug Cotler, 1589 Peachtree Street, NE communities, gain the Jewish perspective on this issue Grammy award-winning composer, singer, Atlanta, GA 30309 Don’t delay. To register, visit JFSJ on the web at song writer & musician http://jewishjustice.org 404-873-1731 www.the-temple.org For Reservations & Costs Call 404-873-1731 March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 37 Temple Emanu-El in Atlanta. This year, instead of highlighting one honoree, JNF will honor all Atlanta-area Holocaust survivors, to celebrate their lives and commemorate their BUSINESS BITS sacrifices. As in years past, the breakfast is free of charge and will be sponsored by donors across Atlanta. Proceeds will benefit By Erin O’Shinskey FACULTY SERVICE AWARD. Smith the Be’er Sheva River Project, part of JNF’s College School for Social Work recently Blueprint Negev campaign to bring life to the HONORING A LEADER. The Atlanta Bar honored JF&CS Negev Desert. RSVP to Steven Green, 404- Association presented its prestigious Director of 236-8990 or [email protected]. Leadership Award to Presiding Justice Clinical Services Carol W. Hunstein, Rhoda Margolis, COMMUNITY OF CARING. The 3rd Georgia Supreme LCSW, with a Annual Community of Caring Luncheon is Court, and Miles J. Certificate of Aviva Stern with her ceramic wall May 1, at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead. Alexander, co- Recognition and sculpture Secrets and Whispers, at Learn about the life-changing work of chairman of Appreciation for dkGallery JF&CS, and become a meaningful partici- Kilpatrick Twenty or More pant in its Community of Caring. The fea- Stockton, at The Years of Adjunct CONNECTING. More than 30 U.S. and tured guest speaker is Clark Howard. Visit Temple on Faculty Service. Israeli companies attended the first U.S.- www.YourToolsForLiving.org/CofC, or February 18. Mr. Margolis is a clini- Israel TeleHealth Business Exchange, Rhoda Margolis email [email protected] for more Alexander joined cal associate pro- February 24-25, in Atlanta. Presented by information. Kilpatrick fessor and has been involved with Smith Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia and the Stockton in 1958 College interns, either directly supervising American-Israel Chamber of Commerce, ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVE. The next Jewish Miles Alexander War Veterans Atlanta Post #112 City Wide after teaching at or overseeing placements, since 1977. Southeast Region (AICC), the exchange Blood Drive is May 3, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., at Harvard Law presented an unparalleled opportunity for Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree School and serving two years as a U.S.A.F. ISRAELI EMISSARY. Noa Dolev recently emerging telehealth companies in Israel and Battle Avenue N.W. Bring a picture ID. judge advocate. He was admitted to part- joined the Marcus Jewish Community the Southeast U.S. to present and hold pre- Appointments can be made at nership in 1963. In addition to his activities Center of Atlanta Teens & Tweens arranged, pre-qualified meetings with lead- www.givelife.org; use code JWV. Walk–ins in all aspects of trademark and unfair com- Department as the community sh’licha ing companies in North America. The goal are always welcome, but donors with petition practice, he counsels clients in (Israeli emissary) to area Jewish teens. was to foster joint venture R&D, invest- appointments are given priority. For ques- other intellectual property fields. He is a Since her arrival, she has provided quality ment, and marketing alliances. The event tions about eligibility, contact the American past chairman of the Antitrust Law Section, Israeli educational programming for more was held at BCBS headquarters. Red Cross at 1-866-562-7156. For other State Bar of Georgia. than 1,000 teens from NCSY, NFTY, blood drive information, call Gail Solomon at BBYO, Israeli Scouts, The Weber School, 404-351-1900. JEWISH BIOETHICS. Paul Root Wolpe, and more than 18 synagogues. Ph.D., director of the Emory Center for AN UNFORGETTABLE TRIP. The Poland Ethics, has been appointed to the Raymond Holocaust Remembrance Journey, May 10- F. Schinazi Distinguished Research Chair in 15, will be hosted by Rabbi Albert Slomovitz, Jewish Bioethics, in the Department of founding rabbi of Gesher L’Torah and profes- Pediatrics, Emory sor of history at Kennesaw State University, University School and Holocaust survivor Avraham Pukacz, of Medicine. who moved to Eretz Yisroel in 1947, served with the Israel Defense Forces, has escorted Wolpe, who many students from Israel on the March of received his doc- the Living, and is a noted teacher of the torate in medical Holocaust in Israel. The trip includes tours of sociology from Warsaw and Krakow, as well as visits to Yale University, Former U.S. Speaker Newt Gingrich Auschwitz, Birkenau, Kolo/Chelmno, and was on the and Laurie Olivier, chairman of the Majdanek. For details, visit University of American-Israel Chamber of http://www.hmbrickfund.com/images/war- Pennsylvania fac- Noa Dolev (foreground) with (from Commerce, at the U.S.-Israel saw%20trip.pdf. Paul Root Wolpe ulty until his left) Eitan Levy, Noa Erlitzki, Rotem TeleHealth Business Exchange recruitment to Raviv, Ofir Stolarski, Eden PROMOTING SOUTHEAST-ISRAEL Emory in 2008. In addition, Wolpe is the Grichener, and Andrew Parmet of BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS. Georgia Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Bioethics; Shevet Lavie, Atlanta’s Israeli Scouts A WEIGHTY HONOR. Shelly Bloom, Power will host the Eagle Star Awards Gala professor of medicine, Emory University branch, at Camp Alterman president of Crystal Collection, designed a at its headquarters, May 27, 6:00-9:00 p.m. School of Medicine; professor, Emory paperweight for the National Association of The gala is the American-Israel Chamber of Graduate Department of Religion; and Women Business Owners (NAWBO), for Commerce, SE Region’s community flagship adjunct professor, Emory College NEW GALLERY. Marietta Square’s newest its annual contest involving the NAWBO event, honoring the people and companies Department of Sociology. fine art gallery, dk Gallery, is presenting logo on member-created products. Bloom’s who have contributed most to the Southeast- “The Sculpture Show” through April 30. Israel business relationship. Four major paperweight was one of this year’s winners recognitions—Chamber Founders Award, The exhibition features the work of Helen and will be displayed at www.nawbo.org, Community Partner Award, Israeli Company GETTING PAST DIVORCE. A Woman’s DeRamus, Marygrace Perkins, Carolyn under NAWBOgear, and on her company of the Year, and Deal of the Year—are pre- Guide to Managing a Mid-Life Divorce is a Schlam, Aviva Stern, Lincoln Stone, and website, www.crystalcollection.com, under sented. For more information, visit new book by Atlanta columnist and curator Fonde Taylor. Most of the pieces can be Custom Paperweights. Bloom has been a www.eaglestargala.com/2009/index.html. Susanne Katz and psychologist and educa- viewed at www.dkgallery.us. The gallery member of National Association of Women tor Marilynn Winston, Ph.D. This new book hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 11:00 a.m.- Business Owners since 1992. She was pres- CHALLAH FOR CHAGIGA. Support is a guide for women dealing with divorce 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 1:00-5:00 p.m.; and by ident of the Boca/Delray Chapter, in Yeshiva Atlanta Girls’ Committee. Fresh and for the professionals who are helping appointment Monday-Tuesday. dk Gallery Florida, for two years and on the national challah is available every Friday from them. The book includes advice from represents emerging and established con- board of directors as the Southeast regional Simone’s Bakery. Challahs are $5 each. Pick divorce professionals dealing with finan- temporary painters and sculptors of the director for four years. up at YAby 2:00 p.m. on Friday, or add $1 for cial, legal, and mental health issues, as well South. For more information, contact delivery. Place your order by 12:00 noon as stories and advice from women who Donna Krueger at 770-427-5377 or Wednesday by e-mailing have gone through mid-life divorces. Order [email protected]. [email protected], or contact the school at http://susannegkatz.com/midlife. office at 770-451-5571. Page 38 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009

Gesher L’Torah, 4320 Kimball Bridge Road, dedicated its new building and Holocaust Memorial Wall on January 25. The Holocaust Memorial Wall is the cor- MISH MASH nerstone of a community outreach program; it is also the beginning of Gesher L’Torah’s By Erin O’Shinskey commitment to develop community-based DINNER OF HONOR. On January 25, educational programming to teach toler- HONORING FAMILIES. Amit, Atlanta’s Greenfield Hebrew Academy paid tribute to ance and understanding, along with lessons centralized Jewish special education Charlotte and Joel Marks, life-long GHA, learned from the Holocaust, to people of all agency, honored its families at the 8th Atlanta, and Jewish community volunteers. faiths, specifically children of an appropri- Annual Community Event, March 22, at the About 650 people joined in the festivities. ate age. For more information, visit Grand Hyatt in Buckhead. The evening fea- Charlotte (GHA Class of 1969) and Joel are www.hmwallfund.com. tured carnival-style entertainment and games, a buffet dinner, live auction, raffle, the parents of three GHA alumni, Andrew and a program and award presentation. (1997), Steven (2000), and Megan (2005). Margie and George Stern received the Also recognized were volunteer Ron Heidt, Dulcy and Jerry Rosenberg Shorashim a six-year board of trustees member and Susan and Ron Heidt Award, Jan and Warren Epstein received the technical director, consultant, advisor, and Sam P. Alterman Family Foundation Etz video producer for the Dinner of Honor and CAMPING FOR ALL. For the second year, Chaim Award, and Miriam Pass Botnick theatrical performances since 2000; and the Bubel/Aiken Foundation has awarded a was honored with the Amit Volunteer of the Meta Miller, who began teaching at GHA $20,000 grant to the Marcus Jewish Year Award. 26 years ago and has been early childhood Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) for director since 1997. Let’s ALL Play—Inclusion in Recreational Programs. The grant supports the Barbara and Sanford Orkin Camp Chai inclusionary program for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. This funding will allow One of the nine interconnected the camp to offer 10 one-week sessions this Holocaust Memorial Walls construct- summer for children with autism for the ed by Congregation Gesher L’Torah same fee as a regular camp session. in Alpharetta

UNPRECEDENTED RESOURCE NOW ONLINE. The Jewish Women’s Archive At the host reception for the Amit Annual (JWA) has launched a free, online version Event (from left): Lisa Greenberg and of Jewish Women: A Comprehensive Etta Raye Hirsch, co-chairs; Miriam Botnick, 2009 Amit honoree; and Karen Megan, Charlotte, Joel, and Steven Historical Encyclopedia, edited by Paz, development director Marks Professors Paula Hyman of Yale University and Dalia Ofer of Hebrew University of Jerusalem, originally published by Alice and Moshe Shalvi of Shalvi Publishing, Ltd. This path-breaking work was previous- ly available only on CD-ROM. Now every- one will have free access to 1,700 biogra- phies, 300 thematic essays, and 1,400 pho- tographs and illustrations on the JWA web- site. Visit http://jwa.org/encyclopedia.

After being selectively mute for most MISSION TO SDEROT. On March 10, 24- of her young life, Sammie Hixson year-old Atlanta native Justin Deville and shocked camp staff and her family Jewish National Fund Southeast Regional when she began speaking while at President Lauren Mescon, currently of Camp Chai’s inclusionary program. Columbus, Georgia, joined select JNF sup- porters in Sderot, Israel, for the grand open- CIVIC PRIDE AND COMMITMENT. Joel ing and dedication of the Sderot Indoor Isenberg recently received the inaugural Recreation Center. The largest indoor facil- John W. Pickelsimer Founder’s Award for ity of its kind in Israel, it provides general meritorious service with the Buckhead recreation, therapy rooms, movie theaters, Fifty Club, where he served as past presi- an indoor soccer field, and activities for the dent. The organization, founded in 1932, is elderly. Funded and built by JNF, it pro- a civic club with a focus on fellowship and vides some normalcy to the town, which support of civic programs. has taken hits from thousands of Gaza- Joel Isenberg (center) with Phil launched missiles for the past eight years.

ADVOCATING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. The Winokur family of Roswell joined more than 1,700 demonstra- tors who rallied on the Capitol steps, February 25, in support of Disability Day 2009. Rabbi Harvey Winokur, of Temple Kehillat Chaim, delivered a poignant mes- sage in memory of those whose disabilities ultimately took their lives. With Rabbi Curtis (left) and Bob Leathers Winokur were his wife, Donnie, their daughter, Morasha, and their son, Iyal, who ONE BRICK AT A TIME. Congregation lives with permanent brain damage as a March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 39 result of fetal alcohol syndrome. Joining the JF&CS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES. family was Chancer, Iyal’s service dog, the JF&CS is seeking volunteers for numerous first certified fetal alcohol syndrome disor- programs, including the Alterman/JETS der service dog in the United States. Transportation Program (drivers, dispatch- er), Meals on Wheels (driver), the senior art therapy group (art therapy assistant), Ben Massell Dental Clinic (front desk help), and Bikur Cholum (hospital visitors). For infor- mation on these and other opportunities, contact Denise Deitchman at [email protected]. World-renowned Argentinean-born A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE. Housemate composer Osvaldo Golijov was fea- Match at the Marcus Jewish Community tured in Congregation Or Hadash’s Center of Atlanta helps people find afford- Event of Honor, on January 13. More able housing. Beautiful homes in safe than 400 attendees honored Rosi neighborhoods are available. Confidential and Arnoldo Fiedotin, seen here with interviews are scheduled for Mondays, Golijov (center), Rabbi Analia Bortz, Wednesdays, and Fridays. For more infor- and Rabbi Mario Karpuj. mation, contact 678-812-4081.

L.B. Joel wins the heavyweight Georgia State Wrestling Championship in Division AA. L.B. is the son of Ben and Teresa Joel and Rabbi Harvey and Donnie Winokur, the grandson of L.B. Joel, Jr. His with Morasha, Iyal, and Chancer, join season record is 51-1, with a school Executive Director of the Governor’s record of 136 career pins. L.B. is also Council on Developmental MJCCA preschoolers deliver the tra- Special guest Lois Reitzes of WABE a varsity starter for the football and Disabilities Eric Jacobson at ditional Purim Shalach Manot bas- Radio greeted Osvaldo Golijov on track and field teams at the Disability Day 2009. kets (gift baskets of food) to the stage at the Congregation Or Hadash Westminster Schools. community. (Photo: www.heidimor- Event of Honor. ton.com, courtesy of the MJCCA)

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dents to attend the school, creating a rich- Award winners were: (pictured, from left) ness that only a diverse population can Jon Adelman, 2nd place; Daniel Chase, bring. honorable mention; Sarah Resnick, 3rd place; and Ariel Pinsky, 3rd place. WINTER SPORTS WRAP-UP. The winter sports season at Weber was one filled with challenges and successes for both players and coaches. Teams continue to grow more competitive in Region 1-AAA of GISA. Senior Jessie Ginsberg and junior Daniel Maloon both earned All Region honors for their basketball efforts this season. Six Weber wrestlers qualified for state: senior Jonathan Gaynes, sophomore Adam By Belle Klavonsky in support of Israel. Pictured: (from left) Schweber, sophomore Angel Iskhakov, honored students Ari Axler, Shira Berman, sophomore Josue Nunez-Torres, freshmen LITERARY MEET. As a result of their per- Michal Swerdlow, and Rosie Arkin; Ross Ari Videlefsky, and Ari Feldstein. Feldstein SEUSSICAL! A cast and crew of more than formance at the GISA 1-AAA Kogon; and teacher Beth Brown qualified for state as region champ and 200 Davis Academy students (plus some Literary/Music Meet, five Weber students made it all the way to the quarterfinals in dedicated Davis alumni) spent months now qualify for the GISA State Literary the consolation bracket. preparing for Seussical, this year’s annual Meet in Valdosta. The students are: Anna musical presented by the Rosenberg Family Perling, argumentative essay, 1st place; Fine Arts Institute. Pictured: a scene from Maxwell Hellmann, piano, 1st place; the Saturday night performance with (from Rachel Leff, extemporaneous speaking left) Juliana Abel as Thing 2, Samantha (domestic), 2nd place; Laura Snyderman, Tuchman as Jo Jo, Matt Antonio as the Cat girls solo, 2nd place; and Jason Schwarz, in the Hat, and Becca Nadolne as Thing 1 spelling, 2nd place. Seth Parker and Dana Huff organized and chaperoned this event.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS. Artworks from the Weber School exhibition “adDRESSING women’s lives,” which cel- ebrates the lives of Jewish women that BUILDING A GREAT CITY. With thou- Weber students chose to honor, are now on sands of colorful Lego blocks, New Jersey- view at the Marcus Jewish Community based architect Stephen Schwartz guided Center of Atlanta as part of its Women’s Davis Academy 3rd-5th graders (pictured) History Month programming. The exhibi- in building the Old City of Jerusalem on a tion is also featured on the Jewish Women’s 400 square-foot floor map. The construction SNOW CAN’T STOP SEUSS. The unex- Archive website and will be in an upcoming was done in an hour and 25 minutes, and the pected snow did not put a damper on the MATH MINDS. Weber student Adam Kaye article in the JWA publication InAction. model was used to teach and tell stories Davis Academy’s Sunday afternoon (pictured) scored among the top 5% of U.S. Pictured: (front, from left) Brandon Estroff, about the great city. Seussical performance, another sold-out math students in the 11th-12th grade level Simon Ludwig; (back, from left) teacher show. In this scene from Sunday, Matthew of the American Mathematics Competition. Barbara Rosenblit, Anna Perling, Perrin Greene is Horton the Elephant, and Emily Adam has qualified to move up into the Shapiro, Celia Feuer, Sara Besmertnik, Perlman performs the role of Gertrude next level of competition, the American Sarah Furhman, and Jennifer Bachar. Not McFuzz. Invitational Mathematics Examination. pictured: teacher Sheila Miller School-wide, the winners at the 11th-12th grade level were Adam Kaye (1st place), Abe Levy (2nd place), and Naomi Shavin (3rd place); 9th-10th grade level winners were Zev Beeber (1st place), Zane Hellmann (2nd place), and Julia Franklyn (3rd place). ARTISTIC INNOVATION. Visiting artist Candice Alexander spent the entire last week of January at The Davis Academy, doing demonstrations and making collabo- rative art with Lower and Middle School students. Pictured: Third-Grader Talia Spitzler helps Ms. Alexander, whose inno- vative contemporary art merges old tech- A TASTY PURIM. What’s Purim without nologies with new, make an original print those deliciously filled triangular cookies? using a printing press. Here, kindergarten students Alana Kramer and Lili Stadler from Mrs. Weiser’s class 2009 EVENING OF HONOR. The Weber make hamentashen. It was just one activity School held its annual Evening of Honor in a fun and festive two-day Purim celebra- ADVOCACY AWARD. At the AIPAC event March 8, at the Westin Buckhead. A tion throughout the Davis Academy Lower Atlanta 2009 Community Event, Weber fac- large crowd attended, many dressed in fes- and Middle schools. ulty member Beth Halpern Brown received tive Purim costumes, to honor Weber the first Jonathan R. Barkan Israel School leaders Gita and Steve Berman (pic- TECH FAIR. Twenty-six Greenfield Advocacy Award. This award recognizes a tured in costume). As in years past, pro- Hebrew Academy students participated in person under the age of 40 who has demon- ceeds from the event support The Weber the 2009 Tech Fair, held February 1. strated an extraordinary commitment to School’s tuition assistance fund. The gen- Students competed by grade in categories Israel. In addition, four Weber students erosity of attendees and tribute journal WINNERS. Davis Academy 8th-graders including 3D modeling, animated graphic received special recognition for their efforts donors allows over one-third of Weber stu- did well at the Fulton County Science Fair. design, hardware, robotics, multimedia March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 41

teacher Rabbi Ari Karp also spoke to the students about his personal connection with the tragedy; he went to school with Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, who died in the attack. Students understood that as Jews, they have a connection to the tragedy, although it happened far away. Pictured: A Smicha can- didate with GHA students

pete in the 2009 State Technology Fair. 1st- place winners in alphabetical order are Jamie Albert, Jake Bardack, Asher Berman, tasting a variety of fruits from Israel and Rebecca Cohen, Peter Danis, Alex Duner, applications, project programming, and dig- other countries. Pictured: Carmela Horwitz, Sam Durham, Molly Hirsh, Talia Katz, ital photography. Students who placed 1st in Mai Dori, and Hannah Wiess Katy Leitz, Zack Neil, Kayla Rakitt, Elliot their category went on to the State Tech Fair Salzberg, Alyson Satisky, Jack Schneider, in March. GHA students who presented on Rachel Schwartz, J.R. Stein, Karin the state level are: Rem Hellmann, Andrew Videlefsky, Rachel Wachtel, and Samantha Asher, Daniel and Joseph Nixon, David Weinberg Goldfarb, Shaun Regenbaum, Ben Stolovitz, Alex Moses, Michael Asher, Ben SOLIDARITY SERVICE. At the height of Reich, and Jeremy Tepper. Pictured: 5th- the Israel/Gaza War, GHA middle school grader David Goldfarb with his 1st-place students held a solidarity service, dedicat- ribbon ing morning tefillah to Israeli soldiers and all the Israelis who are affected. The stu- dents also recited the Prayer for Israeli Soldiers. Israeli Deputy Consul General of Atlanta Sharon Kabalo (pictured) spoke to the students about the war and read a letter INVENTIVE. Epstein School 6th-grader from an Israeli teenager. Students left the Carly Kaplan (pictured) was honored by the service with a greater understanding of why National Museum of Education for her Israel was at war, as well as appreciation for entry in the “Students Ideas for a Better those fighting in the war. America” competition. Her invention, the MATH MINDS. Epstein matheletes Jamie Snug-Bug Pillow, was originally created for Albert and Jack Gindi (pictured) competed The Epstein School Invention Fair, under in the Atlanta-area MathCounts the direction of her teachers Becky Colker Competition at Georgia Tech and Temple and Donna Goodson. The Snug-Bug Pillow, Emanu-El and have qualified for the 2009 designed to prevent homesickness, can hold Georgia State MathCounts Competition. HOLOCAUST SPEAKER. On November photos of a child’s family members and Epstein’s mathletes are led by mathematics 26, Mr. Herbert Kohn, in association with record and play back a parent’s voice. Carly educator Abby Suss, who said that this was the Breman Jewish Heritage & Holocaust received a certificate and a check for $100; a rebuilding year for the team, since last Museum, visited GHA. He spoke to 6th-8th her name will be listed on the museum’s year’s participants all graduated. graders about events surrounding website with other national winners. MathCounts tests students’ math skills, Kristallnacht, how he nearly lost his father, develops their self-confidence, and rewards and his family’s journey from Germany to them for their achievements. the United States. Mr. Kohn said it has been his mission for the past 25 years to tell his story. His message is that as a socie- SIDDUR PRESENTATION. Forty-one ty, we must stop crimes against humanity. GHA students participated in the 2009 1st- He encourages people not to be bystanders, Grade Siddur Presentation, February 6. but to stand up for what’s right. Pictured: Dedicated mothers decorated the stage, Mr. Kohn addressing students, faculty, and turning the theater and Arnovitz Commons guests into a wonderland. The children sang sever- al songs, including “Yesh Li Siddur,” “Hashivenu,” and songs about Jerusalem, Tefillah, and Israel. The children, all in spe- cial costumes, did individual dances and FOUR’S A CHARM. Epstein’s Pre-School, received a standing ovation. Then, the headed by Early Childhood Program moment the children were waiting for—the Principal Cathy Borenstein, passed a EAGLES FLY. The Epstein Eagles Boys A- presentation of the siddurim by the 1st- detailed annual inspection conducted by Basketball Team is the undefeated champi- grade Judaics teachers. After the show, the Bright from the Start, the agency that on of the Metro Atlanta Athletic Conference audience enjoyed a catered reception. licenses providers of educational services (MAAC) league for the second time in three Pictured: Sela Ratner receives her siddur for preschool children. It received a perfect years, with a record of 15-0. The team was from teacher Cheryl Tobin score for the fourth year in a row. coached by Jason Gibson. Earlier in the Pictured: student Emma Nowitz school year, Middle School Principal TU B’SHEVAT SEDER. GHA 5th-grade Myrna Rubel promised she would come to students had a Tu B’Shevat Seder, recog- TOPS IN TECH. Under the leadership of school dressed like a clown for a week if the MUMBAI LEARN-IN. In the wake of the nizing the fruit of Eretz Yisrael and the land technology educator Leora Wollner, 20 team won the championships. Pictured: Chabad House attack in Mumbai, GHA itself. The students spoke about each of the Epstein students took 1st-place honors (pic- (front, from left) Josh Wayne, Josh Edelson, middle school students and teachers held a seven species and how the Jewish people or tured) and 33 placed in the top three at the Geoffrey Nathan, Jordan Rich; (back, from Mishnah Learn-In and studied Torah in the Torah are compared to them. The stu- 2009 NAJSTF Technology Fair, which was left) Josh Blum, Gavri Schreiber, Sam honor of the lives lost. On December 2, dents also baked bread in the shape of the hosted by The Epstein School. All of the Grosoff, Middle School Principal Myrna some Smicha candidates from Beth Tefillah Shivat Haminim (seven species). They sang 1st-place winners are now qualified to com- Rubel, Aaron Simon, Natan Gorod, and came to learn with the students. GHA songs about the land of Israel and enjoyed Jonah Jacobson Page 42 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009 March-April 2009 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 43 Page 44 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2009