JewishTHE Georgian Volume 27, Number 3 Atlanta, Georgia March-April 2015 FREE WHAT’S INSIDE History in the Re-Making Raise the Roof, which premiered at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, follows Atlanta native Laura Brown and husband Rick Brown as they reconstruct the roof of an historic Polish synagogue. Page 17

A National Honor Atlanta native and Emory University softball player Megan Light was recognized by the NCAA with a Today’s Top Ten Award, for her achievements on and off the field. Page 6

A Bat Mitzvah for All The bat mitzvah of Dalia Cheskes, who has several developmental challenges, was made possible by the creativity and hard work of an entire community. By Leon Socol Page 35

Music to Our Ears Warner Robins native and Atlanta resident Zale has a message for her fans: be yourself. By Tali Benjamin Page 46

On Their Own Terms Moishe House, an innovative program for Jewish twenty-somethings, has opened a new location in Decatur. Page 41 Fun and Meaning at the Seder Table Our Family Haggadah, created by three generations of the Asher family, sets the tone for an inclusive, participatory Seder. Page 42 Page 2 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015 Regardless of language, clothing, or geography, we remain one immigrants in foreign lands, our spoken language was influenced by the local “Why and how have the Jews survived under exile, tongue, our clothing took on the appearance persecution, and the unbelievable limitations of of those around us, and the food was BY Marvin influenced by the crops and seasonings of Botnick bigotry, hatred, envy, and demonization?” the region. But universally we came with something different than others. We came with the overriding guide and dictates of a culture built on the foundation of a belief One of the unresolved questions that once again drawn to this topic. with others as does rice. Independence and in a purpose and religion that spoke to has been discussed over the centuries is As it happens, for me, an article by T. self-reliance is more the norm, and this, too, all aspects of life, not merely ceremonial why and how have the Jews survived under M. Luhrmann on “The Opinion Page” of affected the development of these societies. worship. Where permitted, we readily exile, persecution, and the unbelievable the December 3, 2014, edition of the The Rice and wheat are not the unique accepted citizenship in and allegiance to limitations of bigotry, hatred, envy, and New York Times entitled “Wheat People vs. determinants of this concept of societal the country in which we lived; however, demonization. It is a conundrum for which Rice People” focused a different perspective interdependence and independence; rather, even though most of us never dwelled many theories have been put forth, but on a basis for the continuation of Judaism they are merely used to focus on these in the ancestral land of the Jews, we still there has not been one single response that over these many centuries. The article had influences. maintained a mystical relationship with it. summarizes the reason, for—in truth—there to do with a study led by Thomas Talhem So what is the significance of and how Wherever we settled, we came with a is no single explanation. published in the journal Science that dealt do I relate this concept to the continuation of clear understanding and appreciation of our For me, it is a worthwhile exercise with the differences in the influence of Judaism and Jews over so many centuries? responsibility to one another. There was and to periodically ask myself this question, independence and interdependence. The While for centuries we historically have is a brotherhood that is more than ethnicity: for I find that by doing so I sharpen my study focused on the influence on the culture not been an agrarian people and have been there is a commitment to a responsibility to understanding of what it means to me to be a that evolved in a society that farmed rice as disbursed in groupings all over the world, fellow Jews wherever they may be located. Jew. Many events throughout the year act as opposed to wheat. because of severe restrictions imposed on We have survived because we are a markers to turn my attention towards such The point was made that rice farming us, we universally became interdependent people, interdependent on one another, a contemplation, and this, being the season requires a complex irrigation system to to survive. Like the rice farmer, a structure guided by a sacred central concept and when we recount overcoming the slaughter supply the water to the paddies. Because and communal organization was developed doctrine, committed to education and envisioned by Haman and the deliverance of these requirements, interdependence for mutual support. Somehow, this concept the pursuit of knowledge, and seeking from bondage in Egypt, my thoughts are between neighbors is a necessity, and this came into being in geographically diverse mutual reliance influences the communal regions and that had little or no contact with understanding. This is who we are, and it relationship that affects these societies in other parts of the world. goes with us regardless of the country in THE general. Wheat, on the other hand, does Like many others who became which we reside. Jewish Georgian not require anywhere near the coordination

TThe Jewish Georgian is published bimonthly by Eisenbolt, Ltd. It is written for Atlantans and Georgians by Atlantans and Georgians.

Publisher Marvin Botnick About The Cover Co-Publisher Sam Appel Editor Marvin Botnick Managing Editor Marsha C. LaBeaume Assignment Editor Carolyn Gold THE Consulting Editor Gene Asher Associate Editor Barbara Schreiber Jewish Georgian Volume 27, Number 3 Atlanta, Georgia March-April 2015 FREE Copy Editor Ray Tapley WHAT’S INSIDE Makeup Editor Terri Christian History in the Re-Making Raise the Roof, which premiered at the Production Coordinator Terri Christian Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, follows Atlanta native Laura Brown and husband Rick Brown as they reconstruct the roof of an historic Polish synagogue. Designer David Gaudio Page 17

Photographic Staff Allan Scher, Jonathan Paz A National Honor Atlanta native and Emory University softball player Megan Light was recognized by the NCAA with a Today’s Graphic Art Consultant Karen Paz Top Ten Award, for her achievements on and off the field. Page 6 Columnist Gene Asher, Jonathan Barach, A Bat Mitzvah for All Janice Rothschild Blumberg, The bat mitzvah of Dalia Cheskes, who has several developmental challenges, was made possible by the creativity and hard work of an entire community. Marvin Botnick, David Geffen, By Leon Socol Carolyn Gold, Jonathan Goldstein, Page 35 Music to Our Ears R.M. Grossblatt, Marice Katz, Warner Robins native and Atlanta resident Zale has a message for her fans: be yourself. By Tali Benjamin Balfoura Friend Levine, Page 46

Marsha Liebowitz, Bubba Meisa, On Their Own Terms Moishe House, an innovative program for Erin O’Shinsky, Reg Regenstein, Jewish twenty-somethings, has opened a new location in Decatur. Stuart Rockoff, Roberta Scher, Page 41 Fun and Meaning at Jerry Schwartz, Leon Socol, the Seder Table Our Family Haggadah, created by three generations of the Asher family, sets the Rabbi Reuven Stein, Ruben Stanley tone for an inclusive, participatory Seder. Cecile Waronker Page 42

Advertising Ruby Grossblatt Michael Pelot SEDER PLATE. Antique Limoges Anne Bender Seder plate depicting a family

Editorial Advisory Board Members Seder meal from the Cuba Family Sam Appel Rabbi Alvin Sugarman Sam Massell Archives for Southern Jewish Jane Axelrod William Rothschild Gil Bachman History at The Breman Museum. Michael H. Mescon Marilyn Shubin Paul Muldawer Doug Teper Cover art by David Schendowich.

8495 Dunwoody Place, Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30350 (404) 236-8911 • FAX (404) 236-8913 [email protected] www.jewishgeorgian.com The Jewish Georgian ©2015 March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 3 What’s HAPPENING

fortunately not snowed out, as happened last year, forcing a postponement of one day. BY Some highlights of the Opening Night Reg Gala: Regenstein • Striking redhead Bonnie Wolloff asking investor Eddie Mendel about his Atlanta Coldwell Banker Falcons pin, saying, “What is your #1 TEAM Metro Atlanta MOTHER-SON ART SHOW. Robin connection to the team?” “I’m an owner,” Moses Pollack and her son, Andy, kicked Eddie replies. off their first ever mother-son art show at • Talking with Garry Sobel, of the Friends the Ventulett Gallery, at Holy Innocents’ of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces), on Opening Night Gala Episcopal Church, in Sandy Springs, with a the perilous plight of Israel, facing well- (photos: Duane Stork) fabulous reception featuring her intriguing armed enemies on almost every border totem poles and his gorgeous hand-blown and Iran threatening to destroy the state, as it enriches more uranium for its nuclear TOP FBI OFFICIAL SPEAKING AT glass works. MJCCA. Our friend Sid Stein, chairman of Sales were brisk. Andy’s fantastic, weapons program. • The food, as always, was superb. We the Edgewise speaker series at the Marcus brightly colored-glass birds flew off the Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, tells shelves, along with a stunning trio of didn’t see any popcorn, but there were lots us exclusively that they have a great speaker THE SONENSHINE TEAM opaque black and white beauties. Robin’s of other great dishes. Tel Aviv’s famous Atlanta’s Favorite Real Estate Team! stone works and garden art were the talk of Aria restaurant served up its delectable 404.252.4908 (Office) See HAPPENING, page 4 the evening. Jerusalem artichoke soup, which Chef 404.250.5311 (Direct) The family matriarch, mom/grandmom Guy Gamzo—with his lovely wife, Nama, SonenshineTeam.com Rita Moses, presided over the affair, beaming by his side—prepared in his unique way. with pride, sparkling in her beautiful black Other fine establishments were offering sequined top, and keeping any critics at bay. such delights as: grouper Francaise from Let’s hope there will be another show soon. the Atlanta Fish Market; smoked trout from Andy now lives in New Orleans; check Coast; spiced smoked salmon tartare from Happy Birthday, Israel! out his works at andrewjacksonpollack. the Cobb Energy Centre; hand-rolled potato com. gnocchi, with organic mushrooms, basil, and truffle oil, from Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse; potstickers from Hong Kong Star; and boiled peanut “Bubba Ganouche” from South City Kitchen. To make sure no one got drowsy after such a feast, renowned restaurant manager David Abes was there, serving samples from his new Italian coffee bar in Buckhead, Corso Coffee, which his many fans are so excited about. • Photo booth Button It Up gave everyone a great souvenir photo of their evening, Andy and Robin Pollock against a backdrop of the AJFF, making everyone feel as if they were at a Hollywood awards ceremony. (A great addition to any party, they can be reached at 770-664-4049.) Save the Date Finally, a word of advice: if you wanna Join us at a community-wide festival to celebrate attend next year’s opening night, better get Yom HaAtzmaut Israel’s 67th birthday working on tickets right now—this year’s Food - Shopping - Fun & Games highly anticipated event sold out weeks beforehand. Sunday, April 26, 2015 | 1 - 5 pm (Location to be announced soon on JewishAtlanta.org)

This event is free and open to the public thanks to a generous grant.

For questions or more information, please contact Cheri Levitan, Black and white birds by Andy Director of Israel and Overseas, at [email protected].

ATLANTA JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL. THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. Chaired for the third year in a row by Martha THE POWER OF A COMMUNITY. Jo Katz, the AJFF’S spectacular, sold-out Opening Night Gala was held at the Cobb 1440 Spring Street NW | Atlanta, GA 30309 | 404.873.1661 | JewishAtlanta.org Energy Performing Arts Centre and was Page 4 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015

Ukraine, where met up with another group in Milan; Blues Alley, in Washington, D.C.; Russia, now known as Dokshitsy, in Belarus. Happening of Jewish resistance fighters, in the town and Preservation Hall, in New Orleans. He “During the Holocaust, 95% of the of Krementchuk, where Hershel’s mother, has opened multiple times at the Blue Note Jews in the area were killed, including at From page 3 Mania Mutchnik, was born. In early August for such greats as Les McCann, Ramsey least 70 of my own relatives,” Aaron writes. of 1940, Mania and Tolek were married and Lewis, and Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip “In Dokshitz itself, 5,000 were shot and coming up on Thursday, May 14, from had to hide in the fields and caves around Bailey. buried (dead and alive) in a sandpit across 10:30 a.m.-noon. the Priest’s Grotto network. It was there that Now, the Joe Alterman Trio with the street from the Jewish cemetery.” It is Georgia native J. Britt Johnson, Hershel was born, in the caves, on April 24, Houston Person will appear right here, in Aaron discovered all this, he says, when special agent in charge of the FBI’s Atlanta 1941. Joe’s hometown, Sunday, April 26, 7:00 “I sought out my family, which had dispersed Division. He was formerly deputy assistant Hershel gives talks about the resistance p.m., at the Rialto Center for the Performing throughout the United States. Eventually director of the Criminal Investigative activities of his parents, who changed their Arts. For information, call 404-413-9800. relatives were found in Minsk, who had no Division, where he oversaw investigations names to Abraham and Mary Greenblat, and The son of our friends Marty and idea about their American cousins.... Along into violent crime, violent crimes against on their struggles to get the family out of Richard Alterman, Joe moved to New the way I reunited several families that had children, transnational organized crime, and Eastern Europe to the American Zone of York, in 2007, to study music at New been separated by geography, by the war Southwest border crimes. Austria and later to a Displaced Persons York University, where he earned both his and the Holocaust, and the passage of time. He will be talking about the history of (DP) camp. bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He and his “I realized that I enjoyed helping the FBI and its current actions on counter- In 1950, they reached the United States. trio have received rave reviews from some families reunite. Since then I have done it terrorism, organized crime, espionage, and They were among the founders of the of the top critics and stars in the field. many times. It is particularly moving for other such global threats. Memorial to the Six Million at Greenwood Writer Nat Hentoff says that Joe “really Holocaust survivors or their descendants Sid’s series has featured such speakers Cemetery. Hershel is the co- chair of the is the personification of the past of jazz— who have lost contact with their extended as Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens, planning committee this year, which is he’s really deep into that, the present of families and lost most of their immediate Buckhead Mayor Sam Massell, and working on the 50th annual Service of jazz—he has his own voice—and that leads family, and for Jews from behind the Iron numerous authors, political leaders, sports Remembrance. him into the future of jazz, and he’s so Curtain who lost contact under Communism stars, and other such notables. Sid himself is important in terms of the validity of jazz... with their extended families, as well as a frequent and much sought-after speaker on they’re ‘beyond category’ because they’re with their roots. It is exciting to reestablish World War II and America’s veterans. timeless.” a connection that was interrupted... after Edgewise events are open to the public, And Hot House Jazz Magazine says, 20 years, 40 years, 80 years, or even 100 so if you are interested in attending, just “A pianistic wunderkind whose style years!” show up, or call Sid at 770-232-4887. These recalls the elegantly swinging trappings of In 1965, the cemetery of Dokshitsy events are free for MJCCA members and $5 artists like Erroll Garner and Red Garland, was destroyed, which the post-Communist for the community and SilverSneakers. Joe Alterman quickly made his mark as a government called “an error done many swiftly rising talent.... Alterman brandishes years ago” that it wanted to “correct.” Aaron a lyrical pianistic touch and an intuitive proceeded to co-found the Friends of Jewish sense of swing that are a uniquely wonderful Dokshitsy, a group dedicated to preserving joy to hear. Alterman’s remarkable gifts are the memories and history of that and other enough to reassure anyone that the future of nearby Jewish communities destroyed by jazz is in good hands.” the Germans. It all sounds too good, but you can see Among his family members, Aaron Joe in person in a few weeks and decide for discovered Gussie and Hyman Minkovitz, yourself. C U there, as Joe’s friends might the grandparents of David and Donna be texting. Minkovitz (Darracott), who grew up in Statesboro and have many friends here in Atlanta and from the University of Georgia. Donna says, “The story goes that my grandfather escaped from the Russian Army in the late 1800s. He was 16 and hid under a Hershel Greenblat and his two horse and buggy to get across the border and sisters, Ethel (left) and Ann (right), to a ship for New York and Ellis Island.” circa 1949 For the whole amazing story, check out aaronginsburg.com or jewishdokshitsy.org. GOLDBERG’S TEAMS UP WITH THE Sid Stein holding photos of his two BRAVES. The popular Atlanta deli has hit a brothers Morris and Hyman home run with its just-opened 11th location, The Atlanta Braves Bar and Grill, downtown GREENWOOD CEMETERY HOLO- at the old Davison’s/Macy’s building, at 200 CAUST COMMEMORATION. We always Peachtree Street. meet interesting people when we are at As co-owner, Howard Aaron tells us Debby and Joe Berger’s home, but never exclusively, it is built like a ballpark, with a before have we met someone as fascinating dugout, plus a huge bar, and most everything Joe Alterman as Hershel Greenblat. else you’d expect to get at a Braves game. During the Holocaust, his father was We’re still partial to the location at TRACING A LOST FAMILY TO a member of the resistance in the Lublin Roswell Road and Wieuca, with its extensive GEORGIA. Aaron Ginsburg, Boston area Ghetto, in Poland, later escaping and fighting gluten-free menu (pancakes, veggie burgers, public speaker, tour guide, and genealogist, Donna Minkovitz Darracott the Germans in the fields of Ukraine. etc.). But although we rarely leave our zip has written a fascinating story of his family His father, Tolek Grinblat, was born in code, we can’t wait to try the new venue. from Poland, some of whom ended up here PHOTOGRAPHER BOBI DIMOND. Is Lublin, Poland, in 1919. In September of in Georgia. this the end of an era? 1939, when the Germans invaded Poland, JOE ALTERMAN COMING TO “On The Trail Of Hyman Kaminkowitz,” Renowned photographer Bobi Dimond he and his family were rounded up and put ATLANTA. Native Atlantan and child appearing in Mass-Pocha, the journal of the took a trip to Miami to visit her family, into the large ghetto there, where he and prodigy jazz pianist and composer Joe Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater visiting her two sons and daughters-in-law, some of his friends became a resistance Alterman has seen his career soar to the Boston, describes the journey of Aaron’s 9-year-old granddaughter Leah, 6-year-old group. With the Germans on the lookout stars, performing at such renowned venues father, Maurice Ginsburg, who was born for him, he escaped across the border into around the world as the Blue Note Jazz Club, near the small town of Dokshitz, in White See HAPPENING, page 5 March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 5 Dr. David Abusch-Magder to lead Epstein The Epstein School has announced that David nature of the program, and a MAP assessment tool; and Dr. David Abusch-Magder will be the new also shared school. managing budgets and overseeing capital head of school effective July 1, 2015. David some As the improvements, including a major middle brings a true passion for learning to Epstein of what current head school and science laboratory construction and he arrives with undergraduate degrees impressed of middle project. from Brown University in math, physics, him about school and Prior to his position at Brandeis and Judaic studies, a Ph.D. in physics The Epstein assistant Hillel, he worked at Bell Laboratories from MIT, and with ongoing professional School head of in nanotechnology, silicon, and wireless development including the year-long Senior and the campus at networking research. His shift to Jewish Educators Program in Israel. commun- the well- education was born from the desire to touch David stated, “I am excited and ity: the known the lives of others in a meaningful way, honored to have been chosen as the Head warmth and Brandeis to build a passion for learning, and from of School for The Epstein School—a nurturing Hillel Day a love of Judaism in the next generation. strong educational institution recognized attitude of School David grew up in the Boston area. He nationally for its leading programs. My the school in San and his wife, Rabbi Ruth Abusch-Magder, family and I are eager to make Atlanta and its Francisco, have two children: Oren, 17, and Aliza, 14. home and to become part of the Epstein community; Dr. David Abusch-Magder David has The Epstein School’s search for a new and broader Atlanta communities. In my engagement valuable Head of School was extensive, attracting visits to The Epstein School, it has become of the experience candidates from various backgrounds clear to me that this school is not only one students and teachers in creating a positive in guiding student learning, instruction, and parts of the country. The search was of the best independent schools I’ve seen, learning environment; strength and and curriculum development by working headed by Search Committee Chair Linda in Atlanta and beyond, but that it is also a quality of the professional and volunteer with teachers, students, and parents; Schear, a past president of the board. The very special, warm, and caring place. It is leadership teams; depth of Hebrew learning developing and pioneering new faculty search committee truly believes that David my goal to build on the incredible strengths which makes Epstein a national leader; evaluation and teacher induction systems; embodies the qualities that the Epstein of the institution and educational programs, commitment to reaching a wide range hiring and supervising faculty; developing, community prioritizes, particularly his while nurturing and nourishing the soul that of learners; thoughtful approach to 21st- leading, and implementing school-wide ability to articulate an inspiring vision and I’ve seen in each of my visits and about century learning and integration; Kavod strategic projects that include a multi-year push Epstein into the future as an academic which I have heard so many stories.” (Hebrew word for respect) and collaborative science initiative, a middle school advisory institution and as a Jewish community.

But if you ever want a perfect Happening photographic portrait of your family, Bobi is still available, and there’s no one better. From page 4 She can be reached at 770-937-0007. grandson Eli, and 10-year-old grand-dog GAME AND BAKE DAY AT THE Margarita. JEWISH HOME. The Breman Jewish Bobi’s favorite part was having her first Home Auxiliary had its annual Game Day sleepover with Leah. “We talked for hours and Bake Sale at Temple Sinai, co-chaired and discovered so very many similarities. by Ellen Goldstein and Jennifer Weiss, She is also one of the few people that gets where more than 150 guests played mah my puns! Everyone says we even look alike. jongg, bridge, and canasta. Guests enjoyed a I can’t wait to go back and see everyone beautiful lunch from Goldberg’s and sweets more grown up.” baked by Sherry Habif, who also did the But for the first time in her life, decor. she traveled without her heavy camera Members prepared an array of delicious bag, “taking cell phone photographs and baked goods. Sara Z. Franco baked sending them off immediately,” she tells challahs, of course. Martha Jo Katz made us exclusively. “I know the quality is not a chocolate pound cake with burnt butter as good, but it was a lot easier,” she says. icing (purchased by Rita Bodner), a recipe “Of course, my great mentor and legendary from South Georgia, from where MJ hails photographer Ansel Adams is probably and people still know how to take the time rolling over in his grave!” to do it right.

Bobi Dimon (center) with grandchildren Leah and Eli Martha Jo Katz Page 6 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015 Megan Light honored as a Top 10 Athlete

Atlantan Megan Light was among a include 10 honorees to recognize the as the softball team’s representative on group of extraordinary student-athletes increased number of student-athletes, sports Emory’s campus Student-Athlete Advisory honored in January as the NCAA Today’s and championship opportunities. Committee. In 2014, she was named the Top 10 Award winners. A two-year softball team captain for Capital One Division III Academic All- The award recognizes former student- Emory University (University Athletic America of the Year for softball. athletes for their successes on the field, Association), Light established herself as Light also volunteered at a homeless in the classroom, and in the community. a campus leader both on and off the field. shelter and Global Health Action, where Recipients completed their athletics Light was a four-time conference champion she worked with donors on the Left-Behind eligibility during the 2013-14 academic and earned three All-America honors from Children program in China. year and were recognized at the Honors the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, Light was a recipient of Emory’s Celebration, during the NCAA Convention, including two first-team nods. Light is Brittain Award, Emory’s highest student in the Washington, D.C. area. Emory’s career leader in home runs, slugging honor, which recognizes a graduate who The NCAA Honors Committee, percentage, runs batted in, doubles and total has demonstrated exemplary service to the which selects the honorees, is composed bases. She also holds seasonal records for university and the greater community. She of representatives of member schools Emory in home runs, slugging percentage, was also named the 2010 Atlanta Sports and conferences, as well as nationally and runs scored. In 2013, she competed for Award Female Scholar Athlete of the Year. Megan Light distinguished former student-athletes. Team USA at the Maccabiah Games. She Light majored in anthropology and Before 2013, the award recognized received Emory’s 2013-14 Partin Award, human biology and maintained a 3.95 Postgraduate Scholarship. Light was also eight student-athletes and was known as which recognizes a student-athlete for an GPA. She went on to earn the 2014 Charles one of nine finalists for the 2014 Woman of Today’s Top VIII. The NCAA Honors outstanding career or season performance Shepard Scholarship as she pursues her the Year Award. Committee then expanded the award to in a team-based sport. She served four years graduate degree, in addition to an NCAA

Eyewitnesses describe the 1941 murder of Lithuanian Jews giving him money or that he was in love for burial. They were quickly found and It is not known exactly how many with my wife. He said he was going to tell murdered. One man told the Nationalists Jews were murdered in Pusalotas, as us all about how the Jews in Pusalotas were leaders he had 50 gold coins hidden away the remaining Jews were forced into the BY Howard murdered, in 1941, two days before the and would give the coins to them if they did Panevezys Ghetto, about 20 miles to the German Army arrived. That is when our not murder him and his family. Naturally, south. They were murdered by the Germans Margol guide got rid of him and lied to us about they agreed. As soon as the gold coins were and buried in a mass grave in a wooded area what he had said. given to the Nationalists, he and his family outside of Panevezys. I did see a small mass When I left Pusalotas in 1993, I was were murdered. I was then told that two of grave in a thick wooded area just outside of In 1993, I went to Pusalotas, Lithuania, disappointed in not learning about the the bandits got into an argument over the Pusalotas. None of the mass burial sites in where my father was born and lived until he killing of the Jews there, as well as the fate 50 gold coins; one killed the other, and the Lithuania gives the number of Jews buried left, in 1906, at the age of 20. His youngest of my aunt and her family. Now, learning matter was settled. there. sister, her husband, and their three small what the old man had really said, I was even One Lithuanian woman told the bandits My trip to Pusalotas was very emotional children were still living there in 1941. I had more disappointed. to spare the life of Doctor Shapiro, so she and meaningful, while, at the same time, hopes of finding someone in the village who My wife and I returned to Pusalotas in could marry him. He would no longer be a very disappointing. I failed to find anyone knew them and could tell me what happened 1994 and again in 1995. During the two trips, Jew, but would be a Catholic. They ignored who knew my aunt and her family or had to them. we took Rachel along as our guide, so we her pleas and murdered Dr. Shapiro. I do not information about other Jews who lived in My wife and I arrived in Pusalotas could learn the truth. We interviewed about think she was trying to save a Jew, but was Pusalotas in 1941. When I was growing up with a driver, car, and a Lithuanian woman ten different females who were old enough really trying to save a doctor. Dr. Shapiro in Jacksonville, Florida, during the 1930s, who was a professional guide/interpreter. in 1941 to have known what was going was the only doctor in Pusalotas and, with a 30 Jewish families in Jacksonville had come After we asked the three-man police force on and what happened. The population of war going on, could not be replaced. from Pusalotas. Consequently, I knew the to bring someone in their 80s who lived in Pusalotas was 1,100 in 1941; this included Another woman said she did not see names of some of their family members Pusalotas, an elderly man appeared. After about 200 Jews. Clearly, they could tell us the actual killings, because her husband, the who were still living in Pusalotas in 1941. we asked him to tell us about the Jews who what happened and give us names of the police chief of Pusalotas, told her to stay My trips to Pusalotas did have a positive lived in Pusalotas in 1941, he began talking Jews who lived there, including my aunt and in their house and not get involved. That side, however. I found the property where in a very animated fashion, waving his arms her family. told me he did nothing to prevent or stop my grandparents had lived, but the house no and speaking rapidly. The various accounts gave us a very the murders of innocent men, women, and longer existed. It accidentally burned down After about 10 minutes of his talking, vivid picture of how the Jews were killed children, who were murdered only because just prior to World War II. I also found the our guide got rid of him. She said he was by a group of Lithuanian “bandits,” as they were Jews. house where my grandfather’s brother lived, drunk, talking a lot of nonsense, saying they were called by the villagers. Actually, I asked what happened to the two until he died in 1933. An elderly Lithuanian we should give him money because all they were Lithuanian Nationalists, wearing leaders of the Lithuanian bandits. They each man lived there, and he allowed us to go Americans are rich. He also said he was in white armbands, and not bandits at all. took over the two largest and best houses inside. Other than a tin roof in place of a love with my wife. They lived elsewhere in Lithuania and were formerly owned by Jews and their property, thatched roof and electricity in place of I did not speak Lithuanian, so I did not residents of Pusalotas. The Lithuanian including horses, cows, and other valuables. candles, nothing else had changed. The not understand a word the old man said. Nationalists picked up the small Jewish After the war ended, one went to Australia house still had no indoor plumbing. In fact, However, I took video of the entire episode children by their ankles, swung their bodies and the other one went to the United States. the village of 1,100 inhabitants still had no with my new video camera. Six months later, around, and smashed their heads against a Very sad indeed. indoor plumbing in 1993. my wife and I brought Rachel Kostanian, tree or a wall. The parents, and their older Other than Dr. Shapiro, they could not Walking the same streets where my assistant director of the Holocaust Museum children, were forced to watch the killing give me a single name of a Jew who lived in father and his family had walked and seeing in Vilnius, to Atlanta for a visit. Rachel before they themselves were murdered. Pusalotas. Even as late as 1941, they knew the property owned by my grandparents viewed the video and understood every About 25 Jews hid in the small house Jews only by first name and occupation— and my grandfather’s brother was very word the old man in Pusalotas had said. at the entrance to the Jewish cemetery. The for example, Moshe the tailor or Abram the gratifying. It took some of the sting out of He never mentioned a word about us house was normally used to prepare bodies shoemaker—not by surname. my disappointments in going to Pusalotas. March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 7

meal, honey, apples, blueberries, and items Harris Jacobs, who died shortly before the from other local growers to supplement its inaugural race. CSA shares. Egg shares are offered by the The Harris Jacobs Dream Run course is MJCCA News dozen and are also available in either full or certified as a Peachtree Road Race qualifier half shares. (allowing runners to use their time to qualify MJCCA TO HOST ITS FIRST critical sector of the Jewish community. The Examples of in-season winter vegetables for a start wave in the 2016 Road Race). HEBREW IMMERSION CAMP. A program is run by the Jewish Community are arugula, beets, bok choy, cabbage, New this year, all participants will be chip- Hebrew Immersion camp is being added Center Association’s Merrin Center for Teen collards, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, green onion, timed at the start and finish lines. to the impressive roster of day camps at Engagement. radishes, spinach, Swiss chard, tomatoes, All pre-registered runners will receive a the Marcus Jewish Community Center “I am excited and honored to be a part of turnips, salad mix, and cilantro. The current high-performance T-shirt, and there will be of Atlanta this summer. Gesher, a seven- the 9th Merrin Cohort,” said Graff. Through or “cool” growing season ends in mid-April. awards and prizes following the race. week intensive language program for rising speakers, educators, tours, seminars, and At that time, the “main” growing season Following the race will be a family- kindergarteners through first-graders, will be networking with begins and lasts through November. friendly party, featuring food, drinks, and held at the MJCCA’s Zaban Park Dunwoody colleagues across “CSA has become a popular way for local vendors and organizations, including campus, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. the field, the Merrin health-conscious people and those concerned Dick’s Sporting Goods, the Atlanta Hawks, According to Meryl Rindsberg, MJCCA Fellowship provides with their impact on the environment to Massage Heights (offering complimentary cirector of Day Camps, from the moment camp an opportunity to buy farm-to-table produce directly from a massages), and Mizuno. begins, most instructions and conversations learn and grow, within certified organic farmer. A farmer offers a HJDR Registration Forms are available will be conducted in Hebrew. “The campers an environment of certain number of ‘shares’ to the public, in at www.atlantajcc.org/HJDR, www. will have a fun, full day of traditional camp supportive leaders exchange for knowing that his/her harvest active.com (keyword: Harris Jacobs), or at activities, including swimming, sports, arts and colleagues. “I will be paid for in advance of the season,” MJCCA’s Zaban Park. and crafts, archery, and a ropes course, while see the fellowship as said David Hoffman, director of BBYO Fees for the 5K Road Race are $25 by learning to comprehend and speak Hebrew a space to explore at the MJCCA and the co-director of the April 20, $30 after April 20, and $35 on Race naturally by listening to and engaging with Stacie Graff the boundaries of center’s “greening” efforts. Day. The fee for Phantom Runners is $30. counselors and peers throughout the day,” our conventional “Our new partnership with Rise ‘n Shine The Special Needs Community Walk is $15. said Rindsberg. programming and develop innovative ideas Organic Farms is a great way to illustrate our Discounts are available for teams of five or Camp specialists will give instruction from experts in the field and colleagues commitment to a healthier and more eco- more runners or walkers. in English during traditional camp activities. across North America.” friendly community,” Hoffman continued. The Race Expo and Packet Pick-Up, at The instructions will be repeated in Hebrew She is the seventh MJCCA Teen “There are so many well-documented the MJCCA Zaban-Blank Building, is April by the language counselors, to provide Department professional to be accepted problems with the mass produce industry, 30, 5:00-9:00 p.m., and May 1, 9:00 a.m.- continuity and enable the campers to into the Merrin Teen Professional Fellows and we think that this is a wonderful way 1:00 p.m. integrate Hebrew into all activities. Program. to support our local economy, cut back on On Race Day, May 3, registration begins Rindsberg notes that the camp is perfect The program features five seminars carbon emissions, and enjoy a healthier on-site at 7:00 a.m. The 5K Road Race is for children who attend Jewish day schools, held over 14 months; the first gathering was lifestyle, by eating foods that are not tainted 8:00 a.m. and the Special Needs Community as well as children from Israeli families held in New York in January. This selective by processing and pesticides.” Walk is 8:15 a.m. who want their children to have more of a professional development program focuses The “cool” season began January 6 Parking is at Georgia Perimeter College; connection to Israel. on helping participants develop leadership and runs for 16 weeks. Participants may shuttle service begins at 6:45 a.m. on the day “Gesher represents an overall and management skills, learn how to serve join at any time for a pro-rated cost. Costs of the race. commitment by the MJCCA to increase teens more effectively, plan their career are the same for MJCCA members and the Participants in the race are invited to its outreach efforts to the local Israeli and paths in the JCC Movement, and deepen community. visit the MJCCA’s state-of-the-art Fitness Hebrew-speaking community,” said Tomer their Jewish knowledge. One of the seminars A full share, which feeds 2-5 people and Center. All runners are entitled to two Barash, the MJCCA shaliach (an Israeli is held in Israel. is picked up weekly, is $354. A half-share, complimentary guest passes. For more emissary who acts as a cultural bridge Graff graduated from Muhlenberg which feeds 1-2 people and is picked up information, contact Rachael Rinehart, between Israel and the Atlanta Jewish College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, with every other week, is $184. MJCCA Total Health fitness director, at 678- community). “This camp is just one of the a degree in political science and Spanish. A full egg share, one dozen eggs picked 812-4022. ways in which we, as an agency, are reaching After graduation, she worked at the JCC up every week, is $88. A half egg share, one The race requires approximately 60 out to the Israeli community in Atlanta, Association, in New York, coordinating dozen eggs picked up every other week, is volunteers to help with registration, the which numbers around 3,000-4,000.” the JCC Maccabi Games and JCC Maccabi $44. starting line, water stations on the course, and “We have enhanced our outreach efforts ArtsFest. Pick ups are Tuesdays, 3:30-7:30 the finish line. To volunteer, contact Bonnie and are bringing Israeli speakers, entertainers, Graff enjoys working directly with p.m., at the MJCCA, 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Brodsky, MJCCA development associate, at musicians, and experts on the Middle East teens and watching as they teach and learn Dunwoody. 678-812-4151, or visit www.atlantajcc.org/ to the MJCCA, and we host several events from one another. She is passionate about For details, call 678-812-3974 or e-mail HJDR. for young Israelis in Atlanta,” Barash said, preparing the next generation of Jewish [email protected]. The HJDR was created 21 years ago adding that the MJCCA is already becoming young adults to lead the way for their to serve the community with a fun, active, known as a home away from home for the community. HARRIS JACOBS DREAM RUN. The and family-friendly event. It honors the Atlanta Israeli community. MJCCA’s 22nd annual Harris Jacobs Dream memory of Harris Jacobs, a past president of The MJCCA is one of the few Jewish MJCCA LAUNCHES COMMUNITY- Run is Sunday, May 3, at Zaban Park. The the MJCCA, beloved member of the Atlanta camp programs in the country to offer SUPPORTED AGRICULTURAL popular community event features an 8:00 Jewish community, and staunch children’s Gesher this summer, which is made PROGRAM. The Marcus Jewish a.m. 5K Road Race, which begins and advocate. possible through the support of the Areivim Community Center of Atlanta has kicked ends at Zaban Park and follows a certified, Philanthropic Group, with a grant from The off a new, values-based initiative, “Values family-friendly course through Dunwoody Marcus Foundation. in Action: Guardians of the Earth,” with neighborhoods. At 8:15 a.m., there will be a For information on this and other camp a Community Supported Agriculture one-mile Special Needs Community Walk, offerings, call 678-812-4000, or visit www. partnership with Rise ‘n Shine Organic for youth and adults, around the MJCCA’s atlantajcc.org. Farms. The community is invited to purchase lake. full or half shares of local, seasonal, 100 This year, proceeds will support the STACIE GRAFF SELECTED FOR percent organic fruits and vegetables, and/or Blonder Family Department for Special PRESTIGIOUS FELLOWSHIP. BBYO organic eggs, direct from the farmer. Needs, a unique and welcoming home for Operations Director Stacie Graff has been A share consists of a box of in-season individuals of all backgrounds and abilities selected to participate in the Merrin Teen fruits, vegetables, and/or eggs. Offerings to socialize, learn, grow, and deepen Professional Fellows Program. vary from week to week, depending on what their connections to one another and the Each year, 15 fellows from throughout is in season and harvested. Each week’s community. The 2014 Harris Jacobs Dream Run North America are selected for this share will offer five to 10 different items. The race co-chairs are Brian Ross (photo courtesy of the MJCCA) acclaimed program, which gives those Additionally, Rise ‘n Shine Farms may and Larry Gordon. Gordon had originally working with teens the skills to better serve a buy locally grown and milled grits and corn recommended that the race be named after Page 8 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015 Civil Rights and 50th anniversaries away, I had to move fast. And carefully. next day. was author Hank Klebanoff, James M. Segregationists abounded, loudly voicing I had one more question before hanging Cox Jr. Professor of Journalism, at Emory their denunciation of Dr. King and of the up: how much would it cost? In order to University. BY Janice Rothschild Nobel committee for having honored him. keep the price of tickets very low, so that The 2015 evening was exciting for all Premature publicity about the dinner could a maximum number of King’s followers who attended. More importantly, it reminded Blumburg release a spate of venom that might lead could afford them, the committee had a us of a pivotal point in Atlanta history, to violence, even cause the event to be very tight budget. The estimated price for the significance of which few Atlantans cancelled. Fearful of a leak if a local retailer the bowl was almost twice the amount recognized at the time. At the dinner 50 were to handle the order, I determined to budgeted for it. years ago, attendees understood. From the “What do you think we should give speak only with a top executive at the When I reported this to Mayor Allen, dais of the Dinkler Plaza Hotel ballroom, Martin at the dinner?” my husband asked Steuben headquarters, in New York. he replied, “Whatever it costs, we’re going we could see the entire opposite wall me one night, little more than 50 years ago. Meanwhile, I picked up a discarded to do this thing right. I’ll pay the difference massed with photojournalists and standing Rabbi Rothschild was referring envelope nearby and began sketching my personally if need be.” cameras, bleacher-style to the ceiling. The to the dinner on January 27, 1965, the idea for the bowl’s inscription. Because To my delight, it wasn’t needed. As joyous celebration they recorded went groundbreaking event at which Atlanta Atlanta is the Dogwood City and also a tribute to Dr. King, Steuben authorities around the world. Had it not occurred, honored Martin Luther King, Jr., for because of a Christian legend connecting voluntarily cut the price to fit our budget, had the city bowed to segregationists and receiving the Nobel Prize for Peace, which the dogwood tree with the Prince of Peace, and when the engravers learned for whom ignored its native son the Nobel Peace the rabbi co-chaired. I roughed out an image of a dogwood the bowl was being prepared, they agreed laureate, a very different story would have I suggested a crystal bowl from blossom for the center of the design. to forego their vacation to finish it on time. emerged. Arguably, Atlanta would not be Steuben. Early the next morning, I called the The rest is history. The bowl currently the city that it is today. The next evening, he returned from a Steuben headquarters and asked to speak to resides in a showcase at the King Center. In my view, Mayor Ivan Allen meeting of the committee with Mayor Ivan the president. A vice president came on the (It was temporarily moved to the National deserves to be remembered for his courage Allen, Jr., and said, “Ivan likes your idea. line, heard my request, and said he doubted Historic Site museum across the street, and foresight in enabling this to happen. He says to go ahead and get it.” that the order could be filled in time for during the recent events commemorating Initially, he acted contrary to the wishes of Who, me? This dinner, unprecedented the presentation. With Christmas less than the 50th anniversary of the Nobel award.) the city’s business leaders, whose about- in Atlanta for being racially integrated, two weeks away, he explained, his workers On January 27, the Atlanta History face came at the behest of Coca-Cola only would surely draw worldwide attention. had their hands full filling those orders and Center observed the 50th anniversary of the days before the event itself. The four co- It was awesome enough to me to be were customarily rewarded with time off dinner itself, honoring those who sponsored chairmen—Rabbi Rothschild, Archbishop personally acquainted with a winner of the to decompress afterward. Nevertheless, he the event and their survivors. The program Paul Hallinan, Dr. Benjamin Mays, Nobel Peace Prize. To be entrusted with offered to ask the engravers if they were featured four of us who remember it well, and Atlanta Constitution Editor Ralph selecting an official gift for him was beyond willing to forego their vacation in order to Mayor Sam Massell Jr., Ambassador McGill—could not have succeeded without imagination. inscribe the bowl—in strictest confidence— Andrew Young, Billye Williams Aaron, his support on behalf of the city. With the dinner only six weeks for Dr. King. He told me to call back the and myself, as panelists; the moderator New Davis CD celebrates Shabbat In Davis Academy’s second Like Davis Academy’s first music from Egypt. album of original Jewish music, A Palace album, released two years ago (Be A In working on this in Time, the theme is Shabbat. Released in Blessing), A Palace in Time is another album, Rabbi Lapidus December, the CD is a timeless musical Davis community collaboration. All 18 took inspiration from exploration of the psalms and other liturgy songs are original melodies written by a variety of sources. that make up the traditional Kabbalat Rabbi Lapidus and feature performances by The title of the album, Shabbat service, the portion of the Friday Davis students, alumni, and faculty. A Palace in Time, for evening service that precedes Maariv. Like Be A Blessing, which included example, was inspired The album’s music, according to the rich talents of a community church by Rabbi Abraham composer Rabbi Micah Lapidus, who serves gospel choir, A Palace in Time also features Joshua Heschel’s as Davis other voices. In “Hineih Mah Tov,” 8th- classic book, The Academy’s grade Davis students blend their voices Sabbath, in which director of with 8th-grade students from the Marist Heschel speaks Jewish and School; the song was recorded during one of the beauty of Hebrew of the meetings between Marist and Davis this holy day of studies, was students that occur as part of a year-long the week. The inspired by learning interfaith partnership. The message melody for the this special of “Hineih Mah Tov”—that it’s good for album’s version time in the brothers and sisters to dwell together in of “L’chah Dodi” unfolded week when peace—is a perfect message for Jewish and for Rabbi Lapidus during an annual typically “we focus Catholic teens to share with the world. journey to Israel, with Davis Academy 8th- comes towards the on opening The album’s beautiful artworks are grade students. In this instance, the group beginning part of the worship service, our hearts, Davis Academy students’ interpretations happened to be in S’fat, on Erev Shavuot, followed by devotionals. By making it the minds, and of each song. The students worked under where the L’chah Dodi prayer was said to be closing song on the album, Rabbi Lapidus Rabbi Micah Lapidus souls to the the direction of Davis visual arts teacher discovered. Said Rabbi Lapidus: “Another explained that it is a subtle invitation to the possibility Rebecca Ganz, who created the vibrant way of saying that I want these songs to listener. Having taken this unique musical of Shabbat. album cover art. Using bold colors and sound familiar or that I ‘found’ them is to journey, his hope is to encourage listeners Kabbalat Shabbat is about creating within drawings, the album art merges the say that the melodies are mi-Sinai, from to think differently about what they’re ourselves the capacity for active receptivity. traditional Hebrew illuminated manuscript Sinai. That’s a Jewish way of saying that about to do next. It’s about fine-tuning our ears, our eyes, and with the ‘60s-era psychedelic music poster. they’ve always been here, waiting for us to A Palace in Time is available for all of our senses, so that we might behold Ganz’s cover captures one of Shabbat’s key find them.” free download at cdbaby.com/Artist/ the beautiful imperfection of our lives and ideas: the dual remembrance of the original The closing song, “Bar’chu,” is TheDavisAcademy. our world, all with God’s blessing.” act of creation and the liberation of the Jews traditionally known as the call to prayer and March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 9 Hadassah News TU B’SHEVAT DINNER WITH SOUTH VP of Programming, explained Tu B’Shevat AMERICAN FLAIR. The Mount Scopus and the history of the Jewish-Latin America Group of Greater Atlanta Hadassah hosted a connection. Tu B’Shevat dinner, on February 4, catered by Fuego Mundo South American Wood-Fire CHAGALL WINDOWS INSPIRE KETURA Grill. Guests enjoyed dishes from several South HADASSAH’S INSTALLATION. Greater American countries and a special appetizer Atlanta Hadassah’s Ketura Group held its made of fruits (donated by Briarcliff Whole 2015 Installation of officers and board, January Foods) that grow in Israel, to commemorate 6, at la Madeleine Country French Café, at 2015 Ketura Board: (from left) Rita Goldstein, Fran Redisch, Nancy St. Lifer, the Jewish New Year of the Trees. Fuego Perimeter. Arlene Glass, current Ketura board Joan Solomon, Amy Jampol, Arlene Glass, Cindy Tracy, Rhea Resnik, Marj Mundo also donated a $480 gift certificate as member and past president of both the Greater Friedman, Ellen Frank, and Reina Nuernberger. Not shown: Marcy Caras, a silent auction gift. Having just returned from Atlanta Chapter and Ketura, installed the new Elaine Clein, and Helen Ehrlich Israel, President Malka Schulman welcomed president, Amy Jampol, and the 2015 Ketura everyone and told of her inspiring visit to Board, using slides of the Chagall Windows at portfolios. The windows, by artist Marc Ketura, the chapter, and the Atlanta community. Hadassah Hospital, in Jerusalem. Edie Barr, the Hadassah Medical Center, in Ein Kerem, Chagall, depict the 12 tribes of Israel. Outgoing For more information about Ketura and Greater Jerusalem, as inspiration for their individual Ketura President Annie Kohut presented the Atlanta Hadassah, visit www.hadassah.org/ 2014 Hadassah Leadership Award to Sheila atlanta. Dalmat for her outstanding contributions to

Mt. Scopus guests observe Tu B’Shevat with South American cuisine: (back Arlene Glass (left) congratulates new row, from left) Edie Barr, Suzi Brozman, Barry Yaffe, Malka Shulman, Bernie Annie Kohut (left) presents 2014 Ketura President Amy Jampol. Idov, Cynthia Shulman, Gerald Shulman, Mort Waitzman, Aviva Waitzman, Leadership Award to Sheila Dalmat. and Regine Rosenfelder; (front) Marilyn Perling, Lynn Koffsky, and Nancy Gastel Page 10 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015

THERE'S MORE TO EXPLORE AT YOUR The Davis Academy wishes our

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MJCCA SUMMER DAY CAMPS 2015

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Proud Affiliate of:

WITH AN MJCCA Where the Journey Begins 8105 Roberts Drive • Atlanta, GA 30350 • 770.671.0085 www.davisacademy.org

mid-May through mid-September JOIN TODAY and receive a FREE WEEK KATZ FAMILY of DAY CAMP! NO REGISTRATION FEE! * ($360 Value)

For more information, contact the Membership Department at 678.812.4060 or [email protected]. * Free week of day camp for members who haven’t had an MJCCA membership in the preceding 24 months. Does not apply to preschool/preschool camp or Camp Barney Medintz. May not be combined with any other offers or discounts. Please see atlantajcc.org/specials for complete offer details. Restrictions apply.

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7 Convenient Locations 820 Holcomb Bridge Rd 2730 Town Center Dr. NW 463 Glynn St. N (East of Alpharetta Hwy.) (Across From Town Center Mall) (Hudson Plaza) Lisa F. Brill Institute for Jewish Learning Roswell, GA Kennesaw, GA Fayetteville, GA Recipient of the 2014 Florence Melton Award for Outstanding Achievement and Exemplary Practice 770-998-2974 770-425-5300 770-461-7731

SPRING SEMESTER CLASSES BEGIN IN JANUARY 920 Northside Dr. NW 1764 Cobb Parkway S 224 N. Main 1105 Johnson Ferry Rd (Across From GA Tech.) (North of Windy Hill Rd.) (Corner of Mayfield) (2 Miles South of Merchant Walk) QUESTIONS? Atlanta, GA Marietta, GA Alpharetta, GA Marietta, GA Contact 678.812.3723 or [email protected] 404-876-5879 770-952-0151 678-689-2139 770-509-1838 For a full list of classes and locations, visit atlantajcc.org/brill FULL SYNTHETIC OIL CHANGE

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THE EPSTEIN SCHOOL SolomonHappy Schechter School of Atlanta Passover from The Epstein School THE EPSTEIN SCHOOL Solomon Schechter School of Atlanta 335 COLEWOOD WAY NW | SANDY SPRINGS, GA 30328-2956 | EPSTEINATLANTA.ORG

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Jewish National Fund THE EPSTEIN SCHOOL Solomon Schechter School of Atlanta Invites You to Celebrate Israel Independence Day at the THE EPSTEIN SCHOOL Solomon Schechter School of Atlanta 12TH ANNUAL JACK HIRSCH THE EPSTEIN SCHOOL MEMORIAL BREAKFAST Solomon Schechter School of Atlanta Not only in crisis, but in celebration we unite for Israel. THE EPSTEIN SCHOOL Solomon Schechter School of Atlanta Thursday, April 23, 2015

Registration 7:30 am • Program 8:00 - 9:00 am The Temple • 1589 Peachtree Street • Atlanta, GA 30309 Honoring DR. CHARLES STANLEY Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta with the Tree of Life™ Award

YEDIDYA HARUSH Representative of Israeli Residents on Gaza-Egypt Border with the Cantor Isaac and Betty Goodfriend Community Service Award

CO-CHAIRS: Julie and Danny Kleinman & Charlotte and Joel Marks

RSVP required by April 17, 2015 at jnf.org/hirsch2015 or contact Mallory Butler at [email protected] or 404.236.8990. jnf.org • 800.JNF.0099 Page 12 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015

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HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT TDSA’S חג פסח כשר ושמח ?K for Kids Transitional Kindergarten We wish you a happy & kosher Passover!

GROW & BLOSSOM IN AN ENRICHED ENVIRONMENT Torah Day School of Atlanta has created a unique transitional kindergarten program, K for Kids, for students who are not yet ready for kindergarten or whose birthday falls between September October. It’s the gift of a year to grow and blossom. Honoring Michael and Andy Siegel Monday, May 4, 2015 TDSA’s K for Kids premieres 2015-2016. Dunwoody Country Club For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact Mrs. Leslee Morris, Admissions Director at 404.982.0800 ext. 100 Contact Jill Rosner: or [email protected] [email protected] or 678-298-5359 for sponsorship and tribute journal opportunities or register online for the tournament at Learning for Life www.atljewishacademy.org/upcomingevents Enriching minds. Inspiring souls. Critical Minds • Compassionate Hearts • Committed Leaders

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First Night Seder at The Temple: PASSOVER@ Passover Around the World EXPERIENCE TRADITIONS YOU KNOW AND LOVE THE TEMPLE AS WELL AS CUSTOMS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE. Join us for these upcoming events! Friday, April 3rd | 5:30 PM MEMBERS: $50 Adults / $25 Children NON-MEMBERS: $60 Adults / $35 Children RSVP: By March 24th to [email protected] Chag or online at the-temple.org/passover Sameach! First Friday Presents: 8th Night Kabbalistic Passover Seder for Young Professionals 1589 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 Friday, April 10 | 8 PM 404.873.1731 | the-temple.org | [email protected] COST: $25 / Proceeds benefit The Blessing Box Project Follow us! REGISTER ONLINE: http://tinyurl.com/plp7qug facebook.com/thetempleatlanta @the_templeatl @the_templeatl March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 15 A Holocaust survivor in Atlanta of the terror. Klara, her mother, and little blond, blue-eyed Klara begins between Dr. of her son’s affections, and her conflicting brother narrowly escape to Paris. Thomas Compton and her rescuer, Pvt. Sam. emotions about Atlanta’s racial mores, Klara tries to save her family by Some pulling of rank and deception results. Klara with a K keeps the reader on a ride BY Carolyn becoming a maid in the home of a Nazi Klara has fallen in love with Sam, but thinks that is both riveting and historical. SS officer. For two years she is abused and he has deserted her. Scared and alone, she Sandy Berman has done an imaginative Gold raped daily. After the Allied invasion, as the marries Thomas, in order to go with him to blending of love and Holocaust aftermath Germans retreat from Paris, Klara is sent to Atlanta. with an Atlanta backdrop that moves through a labor camp For those of us who live here, the our times with clarity and emotional depth. Klara with a K and then to descriptions of Atlanta after the war are The book, her debut novel, is as interesting By Sandy Berman Buchenwald. familiar and interesting reading. Compton’s from start to finish as it is enlightening. $7.98 Kindle, $11.68 paperback She is found, family members are descendants of a sandybermanauthor.com still breathing Confederate general and active members of among dead the Piedmont Driving Club. Thomas’ mother, Atlanta’s own Sandy bodies, by Eugenia, has a stately home, complete with Berman has written a an American cook and chauffeur. The mention of such compelling novel, Klara with a soldier, Sam places as Piedmont and Grady hospitals, K. This work of fiction is, first Rosstein, Westminster Schools, Peachtree Street, The of all, a love story, but one that who is Temple, Peachtree Presbyterian, Rich’s, and encompasses a host of human liberating Regenstein’s all bring the setting home. and civil issues, among them the camp. In Klara never discloses to either her genocide, segregation, religion, Part I of the doctor-husband or his mother that she is bigotry, and paternity. book, Klara Jewish. Then another charade presents itself The story begins in recuperates shortly after her arrival in Atlanta: she finds Germany, just as Hitler comes from typhus that she is a few weeks pregnant. The issues to power. Klara is a beautiful and tries of segregation, civil rights, and The Temple Sandy Berman Jewish teenager whose to recover Bombing come up in Atlanta life. Klara is father is a doctor in Berlin, from her war also faced with raising a son as Christian. Berman’s work as a curator and archivist a sixth-generation German. nightmares in Later in the book, Klara meets Sam again at The Breman Museum undoubtedly has He is convinced that the an American and becomes involved in a war crimes trial exposed her to many survivor’s stories. She Nazi restrictions on Jews are field hospital, of the German officer who had so violated has taken from their factual histories and only temporary, but with Kristallnacht, under the kind care of an Army doctor from her and let her family be killed. Through emotional recollections such content as to November 9, 1938, he becomes a victim Atlanta. all the guilt of hiding her religious identity, make Klara with a K a work to be applauded. A competition for the affection of the her true feelings of love, the complications he Senior Living and Memory Care

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Senior Communities Explore the Carlton Senior Living and Memory Care Centered Around Family Page 16 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015 Camp Ramah Darom provides Southeast’s first camp experience for children with ASD Children 12 to 17 throughout the staff with a ratio of one staffer for every level of maturity.” children with ASD. Ramah Darom also is Southeast diagnosed with autism spectrum three campers. Campers will benefit from Dr. Kaplan received her doctorate of expanding the reach of the National Ramah disorder now have the small group focus psychology from The Illinois School of Tikvah Network of programs that serve a special Jewish and from counselors Professional Psychology, in 1996, and has a Jewish children, teens, and young adults summer camp who come from a private practice in clinical psychology. The with a variety of disabilities. with a supportive variety of disciplines, mother of four children, she has decades Celebrating its 18th anniversary, environment that including college of experience in day and residential camp Ramah Darom (Ramah of the South) is a encourages social students majoring in programs as a camper, counselor, educator, world-class Jewish overnight camp and interaction and special education and director, and consultant. Since 2010, Dr. retreat center nestled on 122 acres in the personal growth. foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Beginning this Ramah Darom offers exceptional summer, Camp experiences in Jewish living and learning Ramah Darom will to youth, adults, families, and communities offer a new Tikvah year-round. Ramah Darom features crystal- program, with two clear mountain brooks feeding a picturesque four-week summer lake, an inspiring 100-foot waterfall, and Dr. Audra Kaplan experiences designed more than 10,000 acres of wilderness and specifically for ASD hiking trails in the adjacent Chattahoochee campers. National Forest. Camp Ramah Darom’s Tikvah Program Camp Ramah Darom is an award- will be the first program in the Southeast winning, ACA-accredited program that focused on providing a traditional, integrates experiential Jewish living and immersive, Jewish summer camping learning with an experience to teenagers with autism atmosphere of spectrum disorder. The program will be friendship and fully integrated into a community that is fun. In addition to steeped in Jewish celebration, learning, and renowned sports ritual. and arts programs, “We are thrilled to open our doors wider campers find a and give more children the opportunity to caring approach to experience the magic of our camp,” said social, intellectual, Camp Ramah Darom Director Geoffrey and spiritual Menkowitz. “The Tikvah program will growth. enhance the entire camp, enabling us to Dining room Ramah is the teach our campers by experience what a camping arm of truly inclusive Jewish community can look Enjoying the lake at Camp Ramah Conservative like and inspire them to bring that model language therapy. Kaplan has been the Darom Judaism. Its home to their schools and synagogues.” “Our Tikvah program supports the director of Camp programs Ramah Darom has added Dr. Audra varied aspects of autistic children, providing Firefly, a residential provide Ramah Kaplan to its professional staff to serve more transition time for programs and summer camp program for children with experiences to more than 10,000 children, as director of the new program. A clinical activities so campers feel comfortable and social disorders. teens, and young adults annually. psychologist, Dr. Kaplan has extensive involved,” Dr. Kaplan pointed out. “When With the new program, Ramah Darom Applications are being accepted now experience with Jewish camps and in campers can participate within their own will build upon expertise gained during 10 for Ramah Darom’s Tikvah program. To working with children with disabilities. atmosphere, it creates a powerful experience years of operating its nationally recognized learn more, visit www.campramahdarom. She will employ an experienced, mature for them, and they return home with a new Camp Yofi, a five-day camp for families of org. The Guardians of the Torah By Rabbi Richard Baroff DD public safety who are not Jewish, we offer supporters as well. Most of our supporters allows all people to live lives of dignity bereavement support are in the Atlanta and righteousness. We believe that Israel So far as we are aware, there is not and educational area, but we are should be a Light unto the Nations. We another organization quite like Guardians opportunities. also supported by welcome the God-fearing, of all nations, of the Torah (Shomrei HaTorah). Formed We have folks around the who wish to create a better world. in 2007, we are a Jewish congregation that supporters, both country. We are a congregation without walls is “a tent open to all who wish to enter.” Jewish and Christian, We profess love who welcome all who share our vision. We are inspired by the hospitality of who are not part of for the Republic of We welcome all of you. our father Abraham. But we have a special the public safety the United States We do not have dues or fees. We are focus, a particular mission. and first responder and for the State supported through the generosity of those We make a conscious effort to reach community. Our of Israel. We are who believe in our mission. out to those who serve the community as Jewish supporters devoted to the If you are looking for such a public safety officers, first responders, and enjoy life cycle study of Torah in community, please join us. Visit those who have served or serve currently events, High Holy both its narrow and guardiansofthetorah.com, or look up in the military. Days, Hanukkah, broader senses. We Guardians of the Torah on Facebook. For Jewish police, firefighters, EMTs, a Passover Seder, study the issues of and others who serve the public, we Shabbat, and other our time from our offer religious, pastoral, and educational celebrations, as well as classes. We have religious and patriotic viewpoint. support. For those in law enforcement and classes and social events for our Christian We are dedicated to our Creator, who March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 17 The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival opens with a fascinating glimpse into Israeli’s war for independence By Brian Katzowitz group of Jewish-American combat pilots who The film recounts—with a mix of Given the complexities of the conflict, aided in Israel’s war for independence. archival footage, talking head interviews, the various factions that played a role, and As it rolls into its 15th year of its The story itself is one that seems to have and re-creations—how efforts from this the grandiose scope of the effort, Above and existence, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival has fallen through the cracks of history. Just three Machal—“volunteers from abroad”—helped Beyond unfortunately is unable to cover all experienced a rebirth. years removed from the World War II, the alter the course of the Arab-Israeli War and the ground needed to tell a complete story. Prior to the reveal of the 2015 line-up, relocation of thousands of Jewish refugees subsequently turned the page of Jewish history Its focus on Schwimmer, for instance, is far festival organizers announced that the AJFF into Palestine, coupled with a United Nations’ from the atrocities of World War II. too brief for someone who spearheaded the would be moving forward as an independent, vote to partition Palestine into two new states, Produced by Nancy Spielberg, sister of American effort and became known as the nonprofit organization. created a firestorm of tension between Arabs the famed director, Above and Beyond is a “Father of Israel’s Air Force.” The future of the festival as it leaves the and Jews in the region. Once the British began crowd-pleasing selection for an opening night The story also fails to address the nest of its founding agency, the American vacating their military forces from the area, film, as it nicely balances the gripping tension implications of the war’s aftermath. Obvious Jewish Committee, is unclear. But if its first the stage was set for war, for which the Jewish of the conflict with levity from the cast of parallels exist between the two groups of night as an independent entity is any indication, state was wholly unprepared. surviving pilots, who recount their experiences refugees who bookend the film—Jewish the festival will continue projecting stories of As they watched these events unfold from on camera with chutzpah and humor. refugees unable to return to war-torn the Jewish experience on the big screen for the United States, which remained neutral in On the surface, the narrative of the communities in Europe and Palestinian many years to come. the escalating conflict, a small contingent of story seems simple. Jews from around the refugees who abruptly found themselves with Fittingly, the 2015 AJFF opening night Jewish Americans, led by a flight engineer world unite in the promised land, overcome no home of their own. It could be said that selection tells the story of another rally for named Al Schwimmer, began mobilizing long odds, and gain victory in the fight for the inability of these refugees to peaceably independence, albeit one significantly larger support for the new Jewish state, in the independence. As the film explores, though, coexist is why the fighting continues to this in scope. form of discarded U.S. military equipment. the events that transpired were far more day. But the credits for Above and Beyond roll Understanding that artillery and junked nuanced. on before that perspective is provided. American war planes wouldn’t be enough to The motivations of some of the American Ultimately, Above and Beyond is an stop the invasion of Arab nations, Schwimmer pilots who risked their U.S. citizenship to engrossing film that skillfully chronicles the started recruiting Jewish-American fighter aid in the efforts were more hedonistic than formation of a new Jewish state, as well as the pilots who were eager to join the fight. heroic. Many of the Machal seemed to be formation of a brotherhood of Jewish people disenfranchised veterans, with few prospects, that spanned borders, continents, and oceans. who jumped at the opportunity to return to In many ways, it is the perfect their adrenaline-fueled cockpits. encapsulation of how the AJFF continues to Others were not practicing Jews, but mine fresh perspectives on age-old themes, vividly recalled the anti-Semitism they year after year. The Jewish experience is encountered as children and were simply one that lends itself to storytelling, with Above and Beyond looking to correct an injustice. tragedies and triumph often viewed with a wit Another subplot for which director that defies its solemnity. Given the rousing On Wednesday, January 22, a crowd of Roberta Grossman provides insight is the ovation it received following the Opening almost 2,200 jammed into the Cobb Energy underlying tension between the hard-partying Night festivities, Above and Beyond clearly Performing Arts Centre, for Above and foreign pilots and the Israelis, who were trying exemplifies these traits of storytelling. Above and Beyond Beyond, a documentary focusing its lens on a to settle into new homes during a war. Acclaimed film has an Atlanta connection “This film is about a remarkable dream Raise the Roof documents the challenges Raise the Roof had its worldwide and a journey of re-discovery. It is a story of of the Browns and the Handshouse Studio premiere at the Atlanta Jewish Film larger-than-life characters—one that starts team, as they begin building the new Festival on February 3. This uplifting film with tragedy and ends in triumph,” said Gwozdziec roof in Poland. The crew has six captures the journey of Rick and Laura director Yari Wolinsky, of Trillium Studios. weeks to hew, saw, and carve 200 freshly Brown, as they reconstruct the elaborate “It highlights the cautious optimism of a logged trees and assemble the structure roof and painted ceiling of the Gwozdziec new generation and a growing dialogue with period hand tools and paints. Working Synagogue, an 18th-century structure that between Jews and Poles about the past and against this deadline—and despite torrential rivals the greatest wooden architecture in the future, providing a unique and positive history. way to connect with Jewish history.” The film has a strong Atlanta Yari Wolinsky, director and editor connection. Laura Brown is an Atlanta of Raise the Roof, during a shoot native and University of Georgia graduate. at Handshouse Studio, Norwell, Her husband, Rick, is also a University of Massachusetts, in 2012. (Photo by Georgia graduate. They are the principals Trillium Studios; copyright 2012 of Handshouse Studio, a nonprofit, Trillium Studios) educational organization in Norwell, With the Browns leading more than Massachusetts. 300 students and professionals from 16 Filmmakers Cary Wolinsky, also an Students and painting leaders work countries, the film captures the echoes of side by side to complete a 30’ cove award-winning National Geographic Students and professional timber World War II, while revealing an optimistic panel for the Gwozdziec ceiling photographer, and Yari Wolinsky go behind framers raise a hand-hewn timber into and creative time in Jewish history that has reconstruction, in Wroclaw, Poland, the scenes to reveal the Browns’ decade- place on a sidewall of the Gwozdziec been lost. At one time, there were some in 2012. (Photo by Trillium Studios; long endeavor to recreate a nearly lost Synagogue reconstruction, at the 200 wooden synagogues across the Polish- copyright 2014 Trillium Studios) piece of Polish Jewish history. This briskly Lithuanian countryside. None survived Museum of Folk Architecture, in paced detective tale examines how the destruction during the Nazi occupation of Sanok, Poland, in 2011. (Photo by synagogue was built, who built it, and why. Poland. Handshouse Studio; copyright 2011 See AJFF, page 19 Handshouse Studio) Page 18 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015 River pollution knows no borders In 2000, Israeli Navy SEALs who did Israel was that all sewage be purified for the rehabilitation work is far from over. their diving exercises in the Kishon River use in agriculture. Indeed, today the State of JNF-KKL was a major partner in claimed that the large number of cancer Israel ranks first in the world in this effort, rebuilding the streams, most notably the BY cases among them was not accidental. The with the return of 73% of all liquid wastes to Yarkon, Alexander, Hadera, Kishon, and Ezra chief of staff appointed a committee that agriculture. (Spain is ranked second in the more. JNF-KKL partnered in the huge Ravins established a direct connection between world.) More than 18% of this ambitious undertaking of Nahal Be’er Sheva River the soldiers getting sick and the river’s goal was achieved thanks to many projects Walk, and this led to a radical change in the pollution. The pollution in the Kishon sponsored by Keren Kayemet LeYisrael- quality of life in the capital of the Negev. River came from petrochemical plants in Jewish National Fund (JNF-KKL) and Nahal Be’er Sheva, in the Negev, is the Haifa Bay, along with other industries. Jewish contributions worldwide. one of the major dry riverbeds into which The borders in the Middle East may These two serious events were the In 1993, the Ministry of Environment a large area drains, including contaminated sometimes consist of barbed wire and walls main cause of the State of Israel changing was established and began to work with water from the South. The Mount Hebron as security measures, but they cannot keep its approach to treating river pollution. environmental organizations such as the area has marble factories and other sources out environmental threats, such as pests and Finally, there was an understanding of how Society for the Protection of Nature and that are not treated. In addition to odors and diseases in agriculture and contaminated pollution could have implications for the JNF-KKL. The Israel Rivers Restoration pollution, the river was used as a dumping water sources. The issues Administration’s aim was to restore the ground for all types of trash, including affecting the environment in Be’er various rivers and the ecosystem balance. hundreds of cars. Israel and its contaminated Sheva If you go back to the inherent Fourteen years ago, a master plan was water sources is another River Park, complications of cleaning streams, approved to rehabilitate the river. In 2009, a huge challenge facing the built by thinking that it is enough to simply prevent budget of 150 million shekels was approved Middle East. the JNF contaminated materials from flowing into by the Israeli government, in cooperation Over the years, as Israel rivers turns out to be wrong. Rivers like the with the Jewish National Fund, for seven grew as a nation, its streams years, to rehabilitate the area and the River and rivers became polluted. Walk Park. The total budget of the park (an When I was a child in the 8 km. area of 5,200 hectares) is estimated ‘60s, my parents took us at more than $100 million. A beautiful park on an annual trip to the is being built with an artificial lake and Alexander River, which included a lunch at Israel’s largest amphitheater (12,000 seats), a fish restaurant on the river. The restaurant which is already active. Hiking and cycling was closed due to the polluted river and paths and historical and archaeological destroyed. Since that time, many of the sites (Be’er Abraham) will also be in the rivers of Israel have become contaminated. park. When I was in the Army in the ‘70s, I The southern neighborhood adjacent decided to go sailing on the Yarkon River. to Nahal Be’er Sheva was one of the The color and smell of the water convinced most neglected places in the city, but it is me to hurry up and get back to shore. These now one of the most desirable. This is all are just two small examples of my personal thanks to the faith and vision of many good experiences witnessing pollution in Israel’s people, including KKL-JNF. And as befits water sources. the capital of the Negev, Be’er Sheva will It was only a few years after the end of be blessed with a beautiful park, which will the Six-Day War that Israel began to realize enhance the quality of life for the residents the harmful impact of trans-border river and Bedouin inhabitants. pollution. The ridge of Judea and Samaria The amphitheater in Be’er Sheva River Park Strict enforcement includes mandatory (now called the West Bank) extends from trials and heavy fines for polluters. Large Hebron in the South to Genin in the North. amounts of pollution from the West Bank Approximately 12 polluted rivers spill into future of all citizens and that this threat was Kishon and Yarkon formed precipitation (estimated at 75 million cubic meters), the Mediterranean Sea westerly, via the as serious as security threats. of decades of contaminants at the bottom most of which is streamed to cesspits and coast. There are about 15 rivers going east One realization was that contaminated of the streams including heavy metals streams, causes the most serious problems to Jordan and the Dead Sea. Only in 2005 groundwater was polluting rivers and and other substances, and the cleaning for the Israeli water economy. The solution did environmental monitoring begin with aquifers and causing illness. The flora, process required a large removal of the to the problem requires cooperation between some of the streams in the West Bank. fauna, and ecosystems along the rivers contaminated soil. Israel and the Palestinian Authority, The pollution of rivers lasted decades were damaged. Tourism and recreation Drainage authorities were established finding ways to increase supervision of the and was mainly due to industrial waste, along the rivers were harmed. There was throughout the country and were discharge of effluents, and finding effective sewage, and agricultural pollution. Pollution also marine pollution and damage to the responsible for all the cleaning of streams. enforcement methods. has worsened, due to pumping caused by fishing industry. The river rehabilitation program invested The environment belongs to everyone. the water crisis in the Middle East. Many A long-term, multi-pronged program tens of millions of shekels. Its operations Everyone enjoys it, and everyone has a stories are told about the early days of was needed to cleanse and restore the included the construction of sewage responsibility to protect it. In the complex the country and its beautiful recreational streams and rivers. The water authority treatment plants, agricultural wastewater and conflicted world of the Middle East, we spots along the Yarkon, Kishon, Alexander, would stop pumping water and allow the treatment, and purified water absorption must find a way to cooperate. If we don’t, Sorek, and Hadera rivers, and others. natural rivers that had dried out to replenish. reservoirs for agriculture. They also began we all lose. In 1997, during the opening ceremony Legal action was taken against large to determine water quality standards of the Maccabiah Games, a bridge collapsed factories, including the Hadera Paper in streams. Following these activities Ezra Ravins is JNF-KKL Israel emissary to over the Yarkon River. Many members Factory, the main polluter of the Hadera and many other activities, there was a the Southeast USA. of the Australian delegation fell into the River. Municipalities and cities were significant improvement in the rivers. But contaminated water and were exposed required to set up “polluter pays” water to toxic substances. Four members of the treatment centers. With the government’s delegation have died, and many others were encouragement, farmers began to recycle injured as a result of bacterial infection. It and use desalination methods. The turned out that the bacteria that attacked the government built an aggressive enforcement athletes thrived in the extreme pollution of system, without any compromises. the Yarkon. One of the objectives of the State of March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 19 Seranading Sid Cojac on his 101st birthday By Ed Feldstein celebrated the 101st anniversary of his birth this song to him, celebrating 101 incredibly Sid has been and continues to be the at the independent living part of Sunrise of active and productive years. role model for every mature adult who has One of the major personalities of the Huntcliff Summit I, in Sandy Springs. Before the serenade, we offered Mr. the good fortune to meet him. Sandy Springs-Dunwoody-North Atlanta We were wined and dined, and we Sid Cojac, also known as the “Mayor of area is 101-year-old Sid Cojac. Members serenaded Sid with new lyrics to the classic Main Street” at the MJCCA, the following Ed Feldstein is a charter member of the Sid of Talking Heads, the Marcus Jewish tune “On Top of Old Smokey.” The words traditional toast: “May the rest of your years Cojac Fan Club. Community Center of Atlanta discussion tell the life story of this amazing centurion be the best of your years, and may all of group Sid co-founded about five years ago, (plus one). Approximately 50 of us sang your pain be champagne.” CHORUS: CHORUS CHORUS He was born in Manhattan, 4. His family’s essential, 8. He never stops learning, Sid Cojac One-O-One years ago. Multiple members you’ll see. Change is basic to him. (seated, He’s everyone’s hero, They love and adore him, E-mail and a cell phone, center) with He still has that glow. Ed Feldstein He’s their Kunta Kinte. Tech up to the brim. 1. Three brothers, three (from left), Sid’s CHORUS CHORUS son-in-law and sisters, daughter Alan Observant for years. 5. An F.D.R. loyalist, 9. The mayor of Main Street, and Roni Mintz, Bar mitzvah and tefillin, Now he’s outside that box. At the MJCCA. the MJCCA’s Like most of his peers. He has found so much comfort, At Huntcliff he’s a legend, He listens to FOX. He’s much more than OK. Shanna Levy, CHORUS and Judy CHORUS CHORUS Feldstein, at 2. Education was crucial, Sid’s 101st As the path to succeed. 6. He’s lived in the Northeast, 10. He’s a mensch and a maven, birthday party P.S. and the night school, He’s lived in the West. In whatever he does. His brain he did feed. He resided in Charlotte, He’s everyone’s champion, But Atlanta seems best. Because and Because. CHORUS CHORUS FINAL CHORUS 3. A printer apprentice, Sid Cojac’s step one. 7. He’s our Pickleball guru, Then started a print shop, Talking Heads was his plan. The fun had begun. Many groups look to Sidney, He’s always their man.

Sid Cojac’s 101st birthday was Sid Cojac on his bench in the front recognized during the Book Festival foyer of the MJCCA. The bench was of the MJCCA. Here, he holds a given to Sid on his 100th birthday. cookie cake with a picture of him, in his Pickleball clothes, on his 100th birthday.

2014 as the centerpiece of the POLIN Museum AJFF of the History of Polish Jews, in Warsaw. From page 17 Raise the Roof is a story of hope and downpours and exhaustion—the team must discovery. It offers descendants of Polish Jews create the structure and disassemble it for insight into the vibrant community and center shipping and eventual installation. of global Judaism that existed in Poland for In this epic story, the team recovers more more than 1,000 years. than an object; it recovers a lost world. The magnificent, hand-made, nearly full-scale replica of the Gwozdziec roof was unveiled in

The Gwozdziec Synagogue and bimah reconstructions are now the Laura Brown of Handshouse Studio centerpiece of the core exhibition of places a ceiling board into position the POLIN Museum of the History of during the installation of the Gwozdziec Polish Jews, Warsaw, Poland. (Photo Synagogue in the POLIN Museum of the by Magda Starowieyska; copyright 2014 History of Polish Jews, Warsaw, Poland, Magda Starowieyska) 2013. (Photo by Trillium Studios; copyright 2014 Trillium Studios) Page 20 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015 Patriotic excitement, communal sadness, and challenges during Passover 1943 War I’s final numbers were $35 billion. So this program very seriously. The local In Atlanta, spring 1943, the patriotism of the the Secretary of the Treasury had quite a nut chairperson for the Hadassah Bomber bomber bond sales went hand-in-hand with to crack, in general, and an even tougher one Campaign was Ida Goldstein Levitas. She the work of Hyman Jacobs, Jewish Welfare in terms of saving Jews. was a member of the venerable Goldstein Board Southeast regional chair, and two of BY David As successful as Morgenthau had family, who were leaders in both Ahavath his leading volunteers, Mrs. Irving (Helen) been in raising funds for the “American Achim and Shearith Israel. Several of her Goldstein and Mrs. I.T. Cohen. Their job Geffen homeland” through the previous bond issues, nephews were to become distinguished was to provide Seder meals for hundreds which millions of Americans bought—our presidents of the Atlanta Jewish Federation. of soldiers at Forts Benning, Gordon, and grandparents, in particular—the magazine Her older son, Dr. Theodore (Teddy) McClellan and for recuperating patients The start of 1943 was a terrible moment cover focused on his dilemma and showed at Lawson General Hospital. Jacobs’ JWB of awakening for the Jewish community of him staring out intently from a bed of dollar work stretched into parts of North and South America. Even though by August 1942, bills and coins. The cover had twofold Carolina and south to Daytona Beach and U.S. government officials had information symbolism. Morgenthau was in the hospital Tampa, Florida. that 2 million Jews in Europe were brutally with pneumonia, and he was, of course, “ill” The Hadassah Bonds for Bombers executed by the Nazis, FDR did not allow trying to figure out how to handle the vast campaign attracted attention in the that number to be released to the public until project of selling the new bonds. American press. The Yiddish term Bomber December 1942. In the book The Jew Who Defeated Arbeit made the front pages of the four At a news conference in Washington Hitler, a meeting between Hadassah officials Jewish newspapers published in the U.S., as D.C., Rabbi Stephen Wise wept as he told and Morgenthau’s wife, Elinor, is described. well. the world of that horrific tragedy. One of “She could not help but be affected by the We can listen to Ida’s inspiring words the people hardest hit by this was a key plight of the European Jews.” Recognizing about the Atlanta bomber efforts, on April administration figure, Secretary of the the breadth of concern of that Zionist 16, 1943, because they were recorded. Treasury Henry Morgenthau Jr. A major organization, one part of Morgenthau’s Moreover, since my father was stateside U.S. government official since FDR’s first financial plan in 1943 rested on activating in the service that year and my mother term, in 1933, “Hen” finally expanded his Hadassah women to sell E-bonds, thereby and I were on base with him, it has been a power in the direction of the European providing funds for the purchase of bombers treat to learn about what Atlanta Hadassah Jewish refugees and began prodigious for the U.S. Air Force. accomplished—one of the real American- efforts for his “brothers and sisters.” In March 1943, an announcement Jewish triumphs in the homefront dedication On January 25, 1943, Time magazine was made via the Jewish Telegraphic to the military needs of the U.S. in World placed Morgenthau on the cover and Agency, which hit the front page of The War II. titled the lead story “U.S. At War: Southern Israelite: “Hadassah Bomber For me, there is a personal touch as we $51,000,000,000-a-Year Man.” Then it Plan—$175,000 of E-Bonds Gets Another all celebrate Passover this year. Somehow, continued: “The horrendous cost of covering Plane off the Ground to Beat the Nazis.” A Ida Goldstein Levitas (photo courtesy Ida learned my name, so whenever I would the war in 1943 alone would be $70 billion.” Hadassah bomber armada was proposed. of the Cuba Family Archives for see her at the Alliance, on Capitol Avenue, The Civil War cost $3.5 billion; World The Atlanta Hadassah chapter took Southern Jewish History at The and the Jewish Community Center, on Breman Museum) Peachtree Street, she would ask, “David, how are your bubbe and zayde, the rebbetzin Levitas, is known to many Atlantans. Her and the rabbi, and your glamorous mother, younger son, the Honorable Elliot Levitas, Anna?” She always made me feel good, so is a Rhodes Scholar, and he served five I am pleased that one of her many Jewish terms in the United States Congress. communal triumphs can be recalled. Ida’s husband, L.J. Levitas, emerged “Only through this citywide cooperation as a leading Zionist figure in Atlanta, as can the Atlanta quota be realized,” Ida began. soon as he arrived in the city over a century “This project by Hadassah is a tribute to our ago. For individuals like myself, who were flying men.” Everyone cheered loudly. “We members of AZA Chapter 134 in the 1950s, mothers, wives, and sweethearts, who have he was our senior advisor, who teamed with given so many of our boys to the air service, our junior advisor, architect Allen Saltzman. will now, in the name of Hadassah, give They were quite a duo. these same boys the planes with which to

Hyman Jacobs, second from left, with Joseph Cuba, I.J. Paradies, Max Cuba, Thomas Makover, Joe Zaglin, and Simon Bressler at the Achavath Achim groundbreaking ceremony on Peachtree Battle, circa 1957 (photo courtesy of the Cuba Family Archives for Southern Jewish History at The Breman Museum) March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 21 hasten a democratic victory.” under the aegis of the Jewish Welfare Board, thousand soldiers, spouses, and local Jewish spirit in the synagogue’s annual communal This was a significant moment for the it was accomplished. The late Dr. Philip citizens attended a communal Seder in 1943. Seder, even before World War II. Once organization. She continued, “We will fill the Goodman, JWB rations coordinator, oversaw Hyman Jacobs had made sure the JWB the conflict began, thousands of military air with a fleet of Hadassah bombers, thus the shipping of tons of matzoh, canned planning committee there received all the personnel poured into the Tampa area for making concrete our organization’s goal, kosher chicken, gefilte fish, sponge cakes, supplies they required to make it a memorable training, before they were sent overseas. Dr. which is both to help with war and to help macaroons, and enough wine for the four cups evening. Carl Zielonka sent a picture of the Seder at assure during the peace a just and rightful for an incredible number of Jewish GI Seder Dr. Carl Zielonka, of Tampa, assisted Schaarei Zedek, in 1943. Among those in solution of the frightful Jewish problem.” participants. I knew Goodman personally, in me in helping capture the spirit of the attendance are soldiers, sailors, pilots, and Then she looked out with great resolve and Jerusalem, for almost 20 years. He regaled me Congregation Schaarei Zedek communal merchant marines. The joy of the Seder is concluded, “Our people, who were the first with stories of how all the food was delivered, Seder for soldiers. The Zielonka family is reflected on their faces. Many of them knew victims of Nazis, will use this [bonds for in time, from 1942 through 1945, by dog sled, most notable in the annals of the American that soon they would be in the heat of battle in bombers] as our method of fighting back.” helicopter, and even gondolas. rabbinate. The doctor’s grandfather was Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The co-chair was Mrs. M.J. Kline. Hyman Jacobs served as the regional Rabbi Martin Zielonka, who, in 1900, was At the Venice Air Force Base, near Remember, too, the names of the captains in this JWB chair throughout World War II. He was the last rabbi ordained by the founder of the Tampa, a Seder was held for 250 servicemen drive, so that their descendants can take great the volunteer par excellence. In the mid- Hebrew Union College, Rabbi Isaac Mayer and women. In the JWB’s publicity regarding pride in what their mothers, grandmothers, 1960s, he was honored by the Atlanta Federal Wise. That first Zielonka was the rabbi of the military Seder in 1943, it was emphasized aunts, and sisters accomplished: Mrs. J. Penitentiary for a half century of service to Temple Mount Sinai, in El Paso, Texas, from that, for the first time, almost all Jewish Abelson, Mrs. H. Dwoskin, Mrs. Abe Adair, the Jews incarcerated there. 1900 to 1939. WACs and WAVES were able to attend the Mrs. Dave Spielberger, Mrs. Murray Shure, In 1930, the doctor’s father, Rabbi David Passover celebration. Mrs. Mose Taylor, Mrs. Louis Smith, Mrs. ----- Zielonka, came to Tampa and served Schaarei Looking back now at World War II, we Max Orenstein, Mrs. Max Berger, Mrs. J.J. Zedek, until his death in 1977. Another Rabbi recognize that 1943 was but a moment in the Hellman, Mrs. Frank Garson, Mrs. Sidney While the 321 Jewish chaplains in Zielonka, the doctor’s brother, was a Reform continuing tragic destruction of six million Goldstein, Mrs. S.A. Goldberg, Mrs. D.N. the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines rabbi, and he held the pulpit in Gastonia, Jews. Mostly forgotten now is a proclamation Meyer, Mrs. I.F. Friedland, Mrs. M.D. coordinated Sedarim in locations throughout North Carolina, until he died in 2003. issued by Dr. Israel Goldstein, in the name of Horowitz, Mrs. Louis Adiger, Mrs. Morris the world, local American communities did Working with Hyman Jacobs in Atlanta the Synagogue Council of America, of which Miller, Mrs. Sidney Zimmerman, Mrs. their share, as well. was Louis Wellhouse Jr., the Tampa area he was the president: “At the conclusion Charles Shinas, and Mrs. Sylvia Sandler. This touching letter, sent to Hyman JWB chair. There were many military training of Passover, let all Jews in the free world The Passover spirit, the hope for Jacobs for Helen Goldstein and Mrs. I.T. installations in that area. The local USO participate in a six-week period of mourning freedom for all enslaved Jews, the desire to Cohen, from a patient at Lawson General was headed by Harry Hyamson, who had for the two million Jews massacred by the ensure the American pilots the best possible Hospital, shows how carefully meals were “gratifying results” in a number of Sedarim Nazis in Europe. As the Sefira is observed planes, and the strong need to demonstrate to prepared: he planned. in 1943, we must be alert to the continuing all Americans what the Jewish woman could “I want to thank you and especially Mrs. Rabbi David Zielonka was the leading tragedy of our people.” do for her nation were the key motivating Irving Goldstein and Mrs. I.T. Cohen, co- forces. Endowing one small bomber required chairs of the Hospital Visitation Committee, the sale of E-bonds worth $175,000. Under for the wonderful Seder they so kindly Ida’s leadership, Atlanta Hadassah’s total was brought. $600,000, enough for a big and a medium “When I tasted the food, I could almost bomber, which were each proudly inscribed imagine being at home at our family Seder. It “gift of Atlanta Hadassah chapter.” was delicious, just like my mother’s cooking, Almost 5,000 Jews from the Atlanta area and I never thought anyone’s cooking could enlisted and fought. Tragically, some were compare with that. When I tasted the knadel, I killed. The women, at home, did their share really thought it was home, it was wonderful. in fundraising and arranging for soldiers to “I am sorry that I didn’t see you attend Seders, as well. personally, but I hope this letter will let On March 16, 1943, a bold headline you know I appreciate your kindness and read: “Largest Number of Soldiers in U.S. generosity very much. Thanking you again History Observe Passover this year.” No for making my Passover holiday so much paper offered a guess as to the actual number. more enjoyable, Via calculations of American Jewish women I remain, and men entering the service by the spring Joseph Cohen.” of that year, I suggest that around 200,000 Jewish soldiers all over the world celebrated ----- Passover in 1943. 1943 Congregation Schaarei Zedek communual Seder for soldiers at the Imagine the logistical problems—but In Columbus, Georgia, more than a Hillsborough Hotel (photo courtesy of Schaarei Zedek Synagogue)

30; Scott, 25; and Tom, l6. I am certain she’d take long walks in our garden, the way she be ecstatic to see those beautiful youngsters. used to do in Shanghai and later when we I remember mama Mama would love the baby-grand lived in Hawkinsville, Georgia. Things are Along the same lines, I’m thinking now piano in our meeting room, and I’d get so different these days, medically speaking, that I’d give anything if I could bring back her to play her old “romances” that we all so her health could be much better, as my beloved mother, not for just a day but for enjoyed years ago. Without any formal well. I bet she’d love to own a cat, like we BY Balfoura keeps. I would ensconce her in my second training, she played all the old tunes by ear. always did, and she’d find many interesting bedroom, with its large walk-in closet, and We’d speak in Russian, as usual, about the programs on TV. I would even get her the “Bo” Levine her very own bathroom. We would be of the old times in Shanghai, China, even the war Russian channel, from New York, for her same age, late eighties, both grey-haired and years, and then our lives in America. Then pleasure. enjoying life here at the Renaissance. we’d go down to our dining room for dinner Whenever I don’t feel well, I wish Maybe I’d still be driving, so l could every night, together. There’s another lady Mama would make me some chicken soup Back in 2008, I wrote a piece for The take her to visit her grandchildren and in our building, who, too, is from Russia, so and take care of me. We never get too old to Jewish Georgian about Mitch Albom’s book great-grands, too. She’d be so happy to they could chat about their lives in that far- need our mamas! We’d just live a wonderful The Five People You Meet in Heaven, and I see her first grandchild, Sandy, now 60, in off land of their birth. What could be more life together. Oh well, I’ll just have to settle speculated then on spending one day with a Athens, Georgia; grandson Ronnie, 58, in enjoyable for both of them? for wishing her alive again, yet cherishing special person who was long gone—my first Brookhaven; and Laurie 53, in Flowery Now that I know how old age feels, I the old memories of my life with my sweet, husband, Hans Mayer, father of my three Branch. Then meet the great-grands, Erica, would be more sympathetic to her needs gentle Mama, a long, long, time ago. children. than I once was, 45 years ago. We would God Bless America. Page 22 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015 Happy Passover 5775 FOR ONE WEEK WE GO WITHOUT BREAD

חג כשר ושמח Boris Savchuk borisviolin.com

FOR DAYS On Passover and always, SOME GO WITHOUT may we rejoice in our traditions. May the FOOD triumph of liberty and Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta cares for Jews religious freedom central in need today and builds a strong Jewish community for tomorrow here at home, in Israel, and around the to the Passover story world. Through our efforts and your Passover gift, a hungry child in Kiev receives hot meals. Medicine is always prevail – here delivered to a fragile Holocaust survivor in Haifa. And a homeless family in Atlanta has shelter. at home and around Help us change hardship to hope. the world. Donate. Volunteer. Make a Difference. The Board of

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF A COMMUNITY. Trustees www.ajcatlanta.org 1440 Spring Street NW | Atlanta, GA 30309 404.873.1661 | www.jewishatlanta.org March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 23 Page 24 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015

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Bartenura Red Harmony Moscato Potatoes Bouquet 750 ml 5 lb Bag 12 Stem Bunch Celery 2$ $ 99 ¢ for 4 With10 Card 12 89 With Card With Card With Card Copyright ©2014 – Kroger. None sold to dealers. We reserve the right to limit quantities and to correct printing errors. Price and items good at your 2205 Lavista Rd., Atlanta, GA; 2090 Dunwoody Club Dr., Atlanta, GA; 4880 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta, GA; 4920 Roswell Rd., Atlanta, GA; 227 Sandy Springs Place, Sandy Springs, GA Kroger stores Monday, March 23, 2015 thru Saturday, April 11, 2015. Friday 3/13 Jewish Georgian 1506 March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 25 JewishTHE Georgian Jewish Home Life Communities news: Pola and Sam The beauty of the fifth commandment Arbiser family Numerous elements produce say the décor is more like an exclusive a lovely, inviting place to visit and resort.” papers gifted live. Warm and friendly people, of Offering concierge services, course, set the tone, but the physical Berman Commons certainly caters surroundings speak volumes about to the individual, but unlike a posh to The Breman the thought that went into building resort, takes a more personal approach The Cuba Family Archives for Berman Commons—the newest and feels like home. Moreover, Southern Jewish History at The Breman assisted living and memory care all of the beautiful design choices Museum is the new home of the Pola community in the Jewish Home Life serve a deeper purpose, as JHLC’s and Sam Arbiser Family Papers. Communities family of services. guiding principle, “Honor thy father This historic collection of documents Indeed, those who have visited simply and mother,” lies at the heart of this includes correspondence, appointment can’t get over all of the meticulous special place. books, a poetry book, passports, choices made to delight and inspire “By following the Fifth wedding invitations, immigration residents and their families. Commandment, we’ve created a space documents, and school records. Of “We’re right next to the MJCCA worthy of the people who live there,” special interest is Sam’s passport, which [Marcus Jewish Community Center says Jewish Home Life Communities was one of the last issued by the Polish of Atlanta], so quite a few have President and CEO Harley Tabak. government before it fell to the Nazis, watched the building take shape from “We want all of our seniors to live the and Pola’s poetry diary, which she kept the outside,” says Berman Commons best possible life every minute.” Candy (left) and Steve Berman (right), with their while in hiding during World War II. Executive Director Jenice Holtz Named for JHLC Past Board Chair son Justin Berman (center), at the official ribbon- Both Holocaust survivors from Cunningham. “Even so, I can’t tell Steven M. Berman to honor his cutting ceremony held before the Grand Opening Poland, Pola and Sam were able to you how many people step into the Celebration (Photos: Renee Brock, courtesy of escape the throes of Nazi Europe lobby and look around, as if they’re Berman Commons) See BERMAN COMMONS, page 29 through resistance, resourcefulness, in the wrong place. Inevitably, they’ll resilience, and rescue. Being issued one of the last passports by the Polish government before it fell to the Nazis, Sam was able to escape to Russia, where JF&CS board of directors announces he worked at a machine shop in Siberia the agency’s succession plan for the duration of the war. The Board of Directors of Jewish 11 years, will assume the role of CEO on Family & Career Services of July 1. An Ad Hoc Transition Committee, Atlanta announces the realization appointed by the organization’s of a long-term transition plan that Executive Committee, has guided the will ensure the continuation of its transition to ensure the legacy of strong best-in-practice services and the leadership. accomplishment of its strategic The Board of Directors has goals. unanimously approved the management Gary Miller, chief executive succession plan and wishes both officer of JF&CS for 24 years, professionals every success in their new Sam’s Polish passport was one will step into a strategic advisory roles. of the last issued by the Polish role, effective July 1. His vision government. (photos courtesy and leadership has resulted in the ----- of the Cuba Family Archives for transformation of this organization, Southern Jewish History at The demonstrated by tremendous Message from Gary Miller, CEO of Breman Museum) growth in service capacity and Jewish Family & Career Services delivery, resource development, and Meanwhile, Pola was surviving talent management. The organization is Recently, my wife and I moved from the Holocaust in a very different way. recognized as a leading national model our Sandy Springs home to an intown She was saved by her nanny, Frania in the human service arena. highrise. I now view life on a perch from Sobkowa, who hid Pola, Pola’s sister, Rick Aranson, who has served Gary Miller and Rick Aranson as the chief operating officer for the past See JF&CS, page 32 See ARBISER, page 33 Page 26 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015

Passover Menu 2015 Appetizers Vegetables Matzo Ball Soup (2 Matzo Balls)- 8.95 qt Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes - 7.95 lb Chopped Chicken Liver- 11.95 lb Oven Roasted Potatoes- 7.95 lb Chopped Herring- 12.95 lb Broccoli & Cauliflower with Lemon & Fresh Herbs - 9.95lb Charosis- 11.95 lb Tzimmes -12.95 lb Gefilte Fish - 3.50 each Squash Casserole ( serves 3) - 5.95 Entrees Squash Casserole ( serves 10) - 10.50 Orange Roasted Chicken Quarters- 10.95 lb Dessert Turkey Breast & Gravy- 12.95 lb Coconut Macaroons- 13.99 doz. 1.50 Each Goldberg’s Famous Brisket- 15.95 Chocolate Dipped Macaroons-13.99 doz. 1.50 Each Matzo Farfel Kugels Menu Additions Extra Matzo Balls- 2.00 Each Plain Farfel (serves 6) -10.95 Shank Bones- 5.95 Each Spinach, Mushroom Onion Beet Horseradish-3.95 Each Farfel Kugel (serves 6)-12.95 Seder Plates- 15.00 Each Six Atlanta Locations 3003 N. Druid Hills, NE Atlanta 30329 4520 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta 30338 (404) 329-5000 (fax) (404)329-5010 (770) 455- 1119 (fax) (770) 454-9524

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[email protected] Contact Howard at (404) 256-3751 March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 27

JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER ATLANTA PRESENTS

HAPPY PASSOVER! Dedicated to enhancing the quality and security of your life by providing in-home services customized to your needs since 2006. Join the Movement Honoring Lifetime of Achievement Award Winner Dr. S. Perry Brickman

www.careminders.com/dunwoody THE LINEUP JOEL PERESMAN President & CEO The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc.

JAN SINGER CEO, Spanx, Inc.

DR. JOSHUA GREEN Chair Designate, Nat’l Young Leadership Cabinet (JFNA)

Tuesday, May 12, 2015 | The Buckhead Theater 7 pm doors open | 8 pm program | $36 per person Event open to donors who contribute to the 2015 Community Campaign.

Event Chairs: Lynne P. Halpern & Samantha Schoenbaum

Register online at JewishAtlanta.org/FEDTalks Questions? Kim Watkins at [email protected] or 404.870.1614

This event is generously sponsored by

THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF A COMMUNITY.

1440 Spring Street NW | Atlanta, GA 30309 | 404.873.1661 | JewishAtlanta.org Page 28 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015

audition (required), e-mail stephanie.friedman@ Atlanta, will receive the Tree of Life Award. atlantajcc.org. JNF-Halutza Liaison Yedidya Harush will receive the Cantor Isaac and Betty Goodfriend Thought you’d like to know MATZAH AND MAGIC. On March 29, families Community Service Award. Registration opens with young children are invited to the MJCCA at 7:30 a.m.; the program will take place 8:00- By Jonathan Barach information, contact David Hoffman, 678-812- for a morning of Passover songs, a spectacular 9:00 a.m. Sponsorship opportunities start at 3973 or [email protected]. magic show, activities, and crafts. What’s the $1,000 and are fully tax deductible. Registration CHOCOLATE SEDER. Enjoy a Chocolate best topping for matzah? Find out as children is now open at jnf.org/hirsch2015. For more Passover Seder for Adults, March 18, 7:30-9:30 FAMILY SHABBAT. The Atlanta Council enjoy a “matzah topping bar,” craft stations, and information or to RSVP, contact Mallory Butler, p.m., at Congregation Etz Chaim. The cost is BBYO Annual Family Shabbat Dinner, Friday, more. The program, which is free and open to at [email protected] or 404-236-8990. $25 per person. March 20, 6:00-9:00 p.m., welcomes all BBYO the community, will begin with Passover songs At this decadent twist on the traditional families and prospective 8th-graders for dinner in the Morris & Rae Frank Theatre at 10:00 AVODAH AWARDS. This year’s Lights Passover Seder, candy, sweets, and spirits are and a meaningful service, while reconnecting a.m. For more information, contact Rabbi Brian of TKE—Avodah—Evening of Honor used to symbolize traditional Passover foods. with and meeting the rest of the BBYO family. Glusman, 678-812-4161 or brian.glusman@ recognizes the past and current presidents of A formal meal will not be served, just lots of This event is at Holiday Inn Perimeter, 4386 atlantajcc.org. the synagogue’s Women of Reform Judaism, delicious chocolate. Register at atlantajcc.org/ Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, and is for since the organization’s establishment in the pldb-live/23679. For more information, contact teens in grades 8-12 and their families. The cost GALANTI AT THE EXCHANGE. The Jewish mid-1980s. Among these 12 honorees are: Rabbi Brian Glusman, 678-812-4161 or brian. is $36 per person. Register at atlantajcc.org/pldb- Federation of Greater Atlanta hosts Costco Laura Jacoby Hale (president 1989-91); Susan [email protected]. live/26670/?back=pldb_active. For information, Executive vice president and CFO, Atlanta native Eisen (1995-97); Cheryl Raskind-Hood (2007- contact Amy Helman-Darley, 678-812-3978 or Richard Galanti, at The Exchange 2015, JFGA’s 08, 2012-14); current presidents Karyn Parker CYSTIC FIBROSIS EXPERT SPEAKS. On [email protected]. largest networking event for its legal, medical, and Wendi Verzosa; and Blair Marks, current March 18, 7:00-9:00 p.m., at Congregation Or financial, real estate, and general business president of International WRJ and a past Hadash, Greater Atlanta Hadassah presents HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE CONCERT. affinities, March 30, 6:30 p.m., at Puritan Mill. president of WRJ in Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Eitan Kerem, of Hadassah Medical Center Kennesaw State University’s School of Music Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served, and at TKE. The Evening of Honor is April 25, at and the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical presents “Music of Resistance and Survival: A followed by remarks by Mr. Galanti and JFGA Temple Kol Emeth, in Marietta. For details and School, speaking on the topic of cystic fibrosis Holocaust Remembrance Concert,” March 23, leaders. A minimum gift of $365 to the 2015 ticket information, visit www.kolemeth.net. research. While visiting Atlanta, Kerem will 8:00 p.m., at The Temple. The program includes Community Campaign is required (or $180 for also meet with colleagues at Emory University partisan, ghetto, and concentration camp songs; first-time or under-40 donors). Register at www. ISRAEL AT 67. The Jewish Federation of Medical Center to address the topic “Cystic piano trios by Mendelssohn and Korngold; and jewishatlanta.org/exchange or call Stephanie Greater Atlanta will host a community-wide Fibrosis: The Story of a Journey Through “Sonata for Cello and Piano—Mir zaynen do!” Oreck, 678-222-3718 for more information. festival to the celebrate Israel’s 67th Birthday, Phenotype, Genotype, and Drug Development.” by KSU composer-in-residence Laurence Sherr. Yom HaAtzmaut, Sunday, April 26, 1:00-5:00 Professor Kerem founded the Center for Chronic Performers include the Summit Piano Trio, ACCESS 25TH ANNIVERSARY GALA. The p.m. There will be food, shopping, fun, and Diseases in Children, serving the Druze, Cantors Deborah Hartman and Nancy Kassel, ACCESS 25th Anniversary Celebration, April games for the entire family. The location will Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities. and pianist Judy Cole. This is the final concert 18, at 8:00 p.m., will be a reunion of Young Jewish be announced soon on JewishAtlanta.org. This The suggested contribution is $5.00, at the door. of the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival. The event Leadership. This Roaring ‘20s themed event event is free and open to the public thanks to a RSVP to 678-443-2961 or atlanta@hadassah. is free with registration. For registration and also represents an opportunity to raise funds for generous grant. org. information on related programming, visit www. the Sherry Frank Endowment, a restricted fund musicKSU.com, or call 470-578-3214. that supports ACCESS Atlanta programs and EMORY CONCERT PLAYERS. Three Emory MORE GLORY DAYS. More Glory Days: A initiatives. Tickets are $65 through April 3 and University professors and members of the Community Theatre Event runs March 19-29, MAH JONGG SKILLS BUILDER CLASS. On $75 thereafter. Visit the AJC ACCESS Atlanta Emory Chamber Players will present a concert at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of March 26, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Michele Frizzell 25th Anniversary Facebook page for details. on April 26, 2015, 4:00 p.m. at Congregation Atlanta’s Morris & Rae Frank Theatre. This will lead a class at the MJCCA for people who Join the Facebook group ACCESS Atlanta 25 Shearith Israel. Cynthia B. Patterson, violin; sequel to last year’s sold-out production, Glory know the basics of mah jongg, but want to play and follow on Twitter at #AccessAtlanta25. Richard Patterson, cello; and Don E. Saliers, Days, is an all-new revue, with great tunes better and faster. The class will apply tactical For additional questions, contact ACCESS25 at piano will perform selections by Haydn, Mozart, and tons of talent from MJCCA members decision making and strategic principles to help [email protected]. Schubert, Brahms, and Beethoven. Tickets are and performers. Tickets are $12-$25 and are take participants’ playing ability to a higher $5. For more information, contact Don E. Saliers available at 678-812-4002 or www.atlantajcc. level. The cost is $40/MJCCA members, $60/ THE MACCABEATS. The Maccabeats will at 404 493-2370. org/boxoffice. community. For information on this and other perform April 19, 4:00 p.m., at the MJCCA. adult programs, contact Barbara Vahaba, 678- Using nothing more than the unadulterated SLEEPING BEAUTY KIDS. MJCCA Youth SHABBAT RUACH MUSICAL 812-4142 or [email protected]. human voice, a clean-cut presentation, and a Ensemble Presents “Disney’s Sleeping Beauty CELEBRATION. Join the Atlanta Jewish little Jewish humor, this unique group of singers Kids,” May 11 and 12, at the Morris & Rae Music Festival and MJCCA for a spirited BBYO CONNECT BOWLING AND LASER is able to connect with fans of all backgrounds Frank Theatre. Songs from the beloved film musical Shabbat celebration, featuring Rabbi TAG. Join BBYO Connect for a fun afternoon and ages. Tickets are $8-$15 and are available at accompany fun new songs to bring a fresh Brian Glusman, Sammy Rosenbaum, and local of bowling, laser tag, and pizza. Don’t forget 678-812-4002 or www.atlantajcc.org/boxoffice. telling of the story to a new generation of kids AJMF musicians, March 20, 6:30-8:00 p.m., to bring your socks! This event, for sixth- and and families. This program is ideal for ages 4-10. at Congregation Beth Shalom, 5303 Winters seventh-graders, is March 29, 4:00-6:00 p.m., ISENBERG LECTURE SERIES. The 2015 Tickets are $5-$10 and are available at 678-812- Chapel Road, Dunwoody. The Shabbat service at Stars and Strikes, 8767 Roswell Road, Sidney Isenberg Lecture, April 20, 8:00 p.m., 4002 or www.atlantajcc.org/boxoffice. is free and open to the community; the optional Sandy Springs. The cost is $35 by March at the Atlanta History Center’s Woodruff dinner is $15/adults, $10/children 9 and under. 23, $40 after. Register at atlantajcc.org/pldb- Auditorium, will feature author Abigail Thomas. HONORING PERRY BRICKMAN. FED For information, contact Rabbi Glusman, 678- live/26381/?back=pldb_active. For information, Her new memoir What Comes Next and How Talks: 2015 Community Event, takes place 812-4161 or [email protected]. To contact Stacie Graff, 678-812-3972 or stacie. to Like It is about dealing with the loss of her Tuesday, May 12, 8:00 p.m., at the Buckhead RSVP for dinner, call 770-399-5300. [email protected]. husband, her daughter’s illness, friendship, aging, Theatre. This year’s event will honor Lifetime and life. Thomas is the author of six other books, of Achievement Award Winner Perry Brickman BBYO KALLAH. Atlanta Council Kallah, TEEN SUMMERSTOCK OPEN AUDITIONS. including A Three Dog Life, which was named and will feature FED talks from Jan Singer, CEO March 20-22, is a weekend focused on Judaism, MJCCA Teen Summerstock will have open one of the best books of 2006 by The Los Angeles of Spanx; Joel Peresman, CEO and President of social action, and community service. Open to all auditions for its summer production, Mary Times and The Washington Post. For more the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation; BBYO members, this convention gives teens the Poppins, March 29, 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the information, visit www.AtlantaHistoryCenter. and Dr. Joshua Green, community leader and opportunity to further connect to Judaism, learn MJCCA, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. com or contact Kate Whitman at 404-814-4114 Chair of National Young Leadership Cabinet how to be an advocate for Israel, get involved in All roles are available. Actors ages 13-19 are or [email protected]. for Jewish Federations of North America. Doors the community, and have fun with their BBYO encouraged to audition. Please be prepared with open at 7:00 p.m. for wine and hors d’oeuvres. friends. The Kallah takes place at Holiday Inn 16 measures of a song from the style of the JACK HIRSCH MEMORIAL BREAKFAST. Admission is $36 per person. This event is Perimeter, 4386 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, show, and a one-minute comedic monologue. Jewish National Fund hosts its 12th Annual Jack open to donors who contributed to the 2015 Atlanta, and is for boys and girls in grades 9-12. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring Hirsch Memorial Breakfast, at The Temple, on Community Campaign. Register for the event The fee is $299, which includes the Shabbat a current headshot and resume. Rehearsals Israeli Independence Day, April 23. Dr. Charles online at jewishatlanta.org/fedtalks or call Kim dinner and service. Register at atlantajcc. begin on June 7, with performances August Stanley, senior pastor of First Baptist Church Watkins at (404) 870-1614 for more information. org/pldb-live/24689/?back=pldb_active. For 6-16. For more information and to schedule an March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 29

community isn’t quite so bright. Instead, Berman Commons they find that Berman Commons retains its allure throughout. Resident apartment From page 25 hallways, for example, all display captivating pictures of synagogues from dedication and support for the elderly for around the world, including South America, more than 40 years, Berman Commons— Eastern Europe, Maryland, and New York. which opened on March 8—became a Equally mesmerizing are photographs of labor of love over the past seven years for famous sites in Israel, such as Masada, the a dedicated team of volunteers, dubbed by Dead Sea, and the Old City. Once again, JHLC leadership as the Berman Commons the fifth commandment drives the choices. The Ackerman Memory Care dining “Dream Team.” In addition to Steve The oversized photos inspire memories and Berman, community leaders Joe Rubin, room has tasteful Judaica, mixed The grand foyer and main floor of honor the residents and their own personal Jerry Weiner, David Weiss, Fred Halperin, with elegant, contemporary décor Berman Commons is a beautiful histories, travels, and experiences. and Bob London were each responsible for and comfortable furnishings. mix of art, Judaica, and comfortably One of most appealing areas of Berman different components of the project, from elegant furnishings and décor Commons is the third-floor porch located in includes use of the terrific facilities and financing and board leadership (Weiss and the Ackerman Memory Care Neighborhood. Weiner), to design/build management and extensive programs. older adults with dementia. While relaxing in the fresh air, residents “All things considered, Berman interiors (Rubin and London). All were enjoy what staff members refer to as “club- equally responsible for the successful Beautiful colors and textures also Commons probably seems rather fancy,” nourish the senses and exist in many forms. level seating” for whatever ballgame is in said Steve Merlin, JHLC Board Chair. completion of the new community, on play just below them at the MJCCA. budget and on time. Perfectly positioned, charming flea market “Well, it is, but after a look around, people antiques mingle with fantastic replicas, Numerous aspects of nature flow Led by Fred Halperin, the Berman quickly find all of the comforts of home whimsical trinkets, stunning modern through Berman Commons. Picturesque Commons capital campaign raised more and a feeling of warmth and hospitality that objects, and meaningful Judaica. outdoor gardens with a waterfall and than $10 million from 170 families and can’t be manufactured.” “By surrounding our residents with pretty wooden benches provide ideal spots Jenice Cunningham added, “We’re here several foundations that were impressed for taking in the scenery, socializing, and with JHLC’s reputation for quality and beautiful Judaica and infusing activities to make older adults feel cared for, loved, with traditions and foods reminiscent walking. A walking path also leads directly and appreciated. Every one of our residents service. To acknowledge the donors, the to the MJCCA. Encouraging a healthy, walls of the entranceway, distinguished of their heritage, both Ashkenazi and is someone’s parent, grandparent, sister, or Sephardic, we provide moments of context active lifestyle, Berman Commons pays for brother, and our staff honors each one like as Founders Hall, bear the names of each resident’s MJCCA membership, which individuals and families who contributed and familiarity,” said Cunningham. “Even they would a beloved family member.” to the spectacular look and feel of Berman those who were not observant later in their Commons. lives appreciate and enjoy the comfort of memories evoked by our shared culture and experiences.” Schwartz on Sports Adding an important layer of Judaica, an impressive ark stands beneath a vivid variations unique to the Men’s League. stained glass Mogen David window, made Steve Gruenhut served as a captain by local artist and friend of JHLC, Dr. Gary from 1970-1993 and holds the record for Saban. Chaplain and Kashrut supervisor BY Jerry the most years as the league’s commissioner Fred Glusman has arranged for a daily (18). minyan and hopes to hold high-holiday Schwartz Jeff Kess first became a captain in 1985 services for anyone wanting to participate. and has been one every year since. He holds For other occasions, the assembly hall the record for 30 consecutive years and has contains a giant screen for movies and other Berman Commons Project Team (L- OH CAPTAIN! MY CAPTAIN! This has also had the opportunity to be a captain entertaining programs for residents all year R) Joe Rubin, Fred Halperin, JHLC nothing to do with Walt Whitman’s poem in a variety of leagues: 18+ Full Court, round. Board Chair Steve Merlin, Steve about the death of Abraham Lincoln or 30+, and 40+ Cross Court at both the old Berman, JHLC President & CEO Robin Williams in Dead Poets’ Society as Peachtree AJCC and the MJCCA Zaban Harley Tabak, Jerry Weiner, and Bob a teacher talking to his students. Instead, Park. I have played on nine of his teams, London. Not Pictured: David Weiss this is about captains in the Men’s and he’s always been friendly and fair with Basketball League, spanning a 50-year his players. Jeff is also the guy who gives Family names also differentiate rooms period and many of the hundreds of guys players nicknames. For example: I’m the and cozy nooks throughout the building. who played during that period for those Cagey Vet, Maury Kerben is Big Boi, Jeff More than a dozen seating areas in the open- captains. Scott—Big Country, Bruce Hagen—The concept main floor offer plenty of places for For the last five years, this column idea People’s Lawyer, Hadley Cooper—Coop, residents to socialize, play cards or mah- has been in the “Future Columns” section Jay Roth—The Judge, Mark Itzkowitz— jongg, or read. Private rooms also offer of my notebook. So now it’s an idea Itsy Bitsy, and Barry Benator—Old School. families their own areas for an occasion whose time has come. (My horoscope the I included myself in the story because like a birthday party, while floor-to-ceiling day I wrote it said, “Now is the time to I’ve been a captain for eight years, starting windows allow for them still to feel part of take that idea that’s been floating around at the Peachtree AJCC, in 1980, and the the community. Inviting furniture, too, adds in your mind and implement it.”) 30+ Cross Court League at Zaban, and I’ve elegance and feels so comfortable. In trying to organize this column, collected some good stories to share. Berman Commons has a gorgeous I thought of captains who would be I asked everyone to respond to four reception area, featuring contemporary representative of the league over such a questions and share their experiences. crystal chandeliers, natural stone accent Stained glass window, created by long a period of time and who would be Below is a sample of their responses. walls, and vibrant fabrics and carpets. Two local artist Gary Saban, is visible willing to share their experiences. other chandeliers establish a stately quality from the street and sits above the Ark Stan Sobel came to mind, because he Why did you choose to be a captain? for the adjacent study, as does a massive inside the assembly hall of Berman was an excellent captain for a 24-year bookcase with large-print books. Commons period, starting in 1970, and served as All four of us had a common answer: Consideration for the residents has the league commissioner many times. We all wanted to be able to choose our own guided every appointment. A grand piano, Other well-appointed, yet functional He was initially asked to be a captain by team and the guys with whom we played for instance, which sits in a dignified corner, spaces on the main level include a beauty JCC Athletic Director Harold Post. Stan with. Steve Gruenhut felt strongly about is a player piano. Residents will hear music salon and physical therapy room. was involved in the basketball leagues in every day, which studies indicate has a While wowed by the public areas, Philadelphia before he moved to Atlanta. See SCHWARTZ ON SPORTS, page 43 positive effect on the mind—especially in some might imagine that the rest of the He was responsible for many of the rule Page 30 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015 50th Annual Holocaust Commemoration marks major anniversaries This year’s community-wide Holocaust The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of April 19, Commemoration, Sunday, April 19, 11:00 a.m., 1943 (27th of Nissan), was the first revolt in marks two important anniversaries: the 50th occupied Europe against the German Army by an Stones of Remembrance Essays anniversary of Atlanta’s important and unique urban, civilian population. This legendary effort Memorial to by Jews to defy the Nazis in armed struggle began Below are essays written by 5th-grade the Six Million, on the eve of Passover. Lasting longer than the students, in Mrs. Newman’s social studies class, where the defense of some European countries, it ended at DeKalb PATH Academy, who participated commemoration on May 19, 1943. In those four weeks, a group in the Stones of Remembrance Project. Along is held annually, of young Jewish men and women, armed with with their classmates, these students took part and the 72nd little more than pistols, faced down the heavily in a lesson on the “Significance of Names,” anniversary of the armed and much larger German military. Israel then painted on a stone the name of an actual Warsaw Ghetto and the United States hold their annual Holocaust child killed in the Holocaust in honor of that Uprising, which commemorations on the anniversary of the child’s memory. The names come from a list began on April 19, Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943. of children who perished in the Holocaust and 1943. Providing In keeping with tradition, the hour-long who are related to Atlanta families, as well as remarks on this Holocaust Commemoration program will be from the Names Recovery Project at Israel’s occasion will be marked by survivors lighting the six 19-foot Yad Vashem. celebrated native torches that soar from the crypt containing human Ambassador Stuart son Ambassador ashes from Dachau. Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat Eizenstat Stuart Eizenstat. will address the gathering on the question “Is I n Justice Possible for Holocaust Survivors?”—a the aftermath of the Shoah, as Atlanta’s small subject on which is he eminently qualified. community of Holocaust survivors began Ambassador Eizenstat worked under rebuilding their lives, the yearning to say Kaddish three U.S. administrations. He served as U.S. for family members murdered during the Nazi ambassador to the European Union, and as the Stones of Remembrance placed on the persecution weighed heavily. The victims were U.S. deputy secretary of the Treasury. As special crypt at the Memorial for the Six Million buried in unmarked graves; they had no gravesites, adviser to the Department of State for Holocaust at Greenwood Cemetery Issues during the Clinton Administration, he the place where Kaddish traditionally is said. Stones of Remembrance It was this heartfelt desire from which the successfully negotiated major agreements with Memorial to the Six Million arose, in 1965, at European countries covering restitution of Laney Gonzalez Rico painting the stone. I made it colorful. Then, when Greenwood Cemetery. Designed by architect Ben property, payment for slave and forced labor, I finished, I put it to dry. So, for the next day I can Hirsch and constructed by builder Abe Besser, recovery of looted art, bank accounts, and Yom HaShoah is when we remember a paint the other side of the stone. I used different both Holocaust survivors, the memorial was paid payment of insurance policies. person who died in the Holocaust with a stone. colors of paint and we had different types of for by the survivor community itself through their Ambassador Eizenstat will speak at greater The Holocaust was a bad and negative thing that brushes to paint the stone. But after each group organization, Eternal-Life Hemshech. Lining length, at 2:30 p.m., at The Breman Jewish happened. Adolf Hitler killed lots of people he finished, we had to clean up. Someone washed the the walls inside the memorial are more than 100 Heritage Museum, on “The Future of the Jews.” disliked; for example the Jews, homosexuals, brushes, while another classmate washed the jar inscribed Yahrzeit plaques, bearing the names of He will be followed, at 4:00 p.m., by the world- Gypsies, Jehovah’s Witnesses, etc. Adolf Hitler with water. We used the jar to clean the brush and Atlanta survivors’ family members who were renowned Atlanta Boy Choir, performing “I and the Nazis were firmly in power. That meant then got a different color. murdered in the Holocaust. Never Saw Another Butterfly”—comprising they could do whatever they wanted. Jews were So that is why I was happy to paint the stone. poetry written by children imprisoned in the told to live in the basement or concentration For the Stone Project, we had lots and lots of lists Terezin concentration camp and set to music by camps, so other people could live in their houses. of names of children who died in the Holocaust. Cantor Charles Davidson. The Breman Museum When the people Hitler disliked got captured, they There were like three or more lists of names. The will also feature an exhibit of the memorabilia of were sent to concentration camps, but first they lists of the children’s names included: their name, Hemshech and Ben Hirsch’s Memorial to the Six put them into groups: people that can help work family name, father’s name, and their age during Million drawings and plans, from April through and people that get killed. Families got separated the Holocaust and when they died. The person mid-June. and some never heard from their relatives again. I chose was Mano S. I put a check next to the In preparation for the annual In the concentration camps, people lost name. On a slip of paper, I wrote the information. commemoration, students at schools throughout their names their parents gave them. They were So then, when the stone was dry, I wrote all the Metro Atlanta paint “stones of remembrance” given a number. Some people got their number information down. If all the information did not with the names of children who perished in the tattooed to their skin, like an animal in a farm or fit on the stone, I just wrote the name and the age. Holocaust. These stones are placed by those barn. Everyone called them by their number, not This is all about what I learned and what I Memorial to the Six Million at Greenwood gathered at the memorial, upon the crypt inside, by name. That is why our names are important. experienced. This was all about the Holocaust, the Cemetery as if they were visiting an actual gravesite. In concentration camps, people were killed in gas significance of names, painting the stones, if and The commemoration is jointly sponsored chambers. They convinced the people to go into how I will act differently, what the project meant Over time, the Memorial to the Six by Eternal Life-Hemshech, Organization of gas chambers by telling them they were going to to me, and the list of children’s names to paint on Million has become everyone’s Holocaust Holocaust Survivors, Their Descendants and get a shower or something else. the stones. gravesite—the place where survivors, their Those Dedicated to Commemorating the Six When I painted the stone, to me it meant a children, grandchildren, and friends have come Million Victims of the Nazi Holocaust; The lot, because what if that happened to us and our ----- to remember and mourn their loved ones. The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum; and families got separated or killed? I also remember John Yerena second-oldest Holocaust memorial erected in The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. It is lots of innocent people being killed just because the United States, it was listed in the National coordinated by the Lillian and A.J. Weinberg some people did not like them. It also meant to When I was painting the stone, I thought Register of Historic Places in 2008, seven years Center for Holocaust Education at The Breman. me: remembering someone who died for a cause it was sad that lots of Jews had died in a bad before the usual 50-year requirement. with a stone, Yom HaShoah. Since I got involved incident. I just want to know why Hitler did this in the Stone Project, I will act differently. I will and why he would want to do something so evil. act better and more proud. Because it is not like Not anyone I can name would do something so every day you’re going to paint a stone. Also, not evil. It was so beyond evil. It was just so wrong. everyone has a chance to have a guest speaker That made me think of a scene that could come to school and talk about the Holocaust, and have happened in the deadly camps. Everyone then paint a stone for a boy or girl that died. must have been so scared about where they were When I painted my stone, I felt happy going. So many people wanted to live their lives because not every school does that. I had fun and be happy. How would Hitler like it if his March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 31 family was Jewish and they were taken away? not names, and they had to wear a star that said because it lets us remember that people died that we should be equal, no matter what anything It’s just so sad that people died in a horrible way. “Jew.” Jews were taken to camps where some because of the Holocaust. The stones we made else thinks, because we are all human beings that Many people would call this bad and leave it at were killed. Hitler was the leader of the Nazis and were for the kids that passed away. The Jewish should be treated the same. It also means that that, but I would call this extremely evil. How Germany. Jews’ things were taken away. They kids were separated from their parents and were our names are what make us unique and special, could Hitler live with this? were treated like property. During the Holocaust, forced to work. because we are all different from each other. This I usually like painting, but this is what I Jews were hiding and took cover because Hitler’s What happened to the Jewish people made project means a lot to me, because we should felt about the Holocaust. Now you know how team was looking for Jews. They were forced to me feel bad. They died and suffered and were all be fair toward each other, because we are all the Holocaust was extremely bad and incredibly work, and if they were sick or old, they were taken treated like property, not like humans, just because alike, no matter what. It you’re German, French, evil. I am very glad I can share my feelings with to a camp and they were killed. Hitler’s team took of their religion. My reaction to this is that it’s Irish, American, or Japanese, it doesn’t matter— you. I would like to send this message of how I Jews and tricked them. horrible. Their names were taken away, and they we are all equals. It also means to me that we are feel about the Holocaust to all the Jewish people. In my opinion, it doesn’t matter what were located with numbers. Another thing was all humans and are special and different in many Please let this be a piece of humanity. religion you are. You can’t be killed just because they had to wear stars and had tattoos to say they ways, but we are all similar in one way, so that’s How I felt about the Holocaust was bad and of your religion. Some kids found hiding places. were Jews and a number. what makes us the same. terrible. When our teacher showed us the names, The kids knew if they left their homes, it would So don’t think your name is just a name. I think that the significance of names is I felt sad. It was the saddest thing I ever laid my be good for their families, so they would never Your name is who you are. When I painted the quite valuable, because our names mean different eyes on. I knew there were many more names. If be found by Hitler’s team. Many of them spent stones, I thought this was a great thing to do for things, and that’s the part of us that is unique. The I saw a total list of names, I would start crying their childhood in orphanages with strangers. The the kids. What we did was pick a name and paint meanings of our names make our personality special, so that means that we are special in many and hating Hitler and cursing the day he was ever Holocaust made a lot of Jews suffer, and they the stone. Every stone had the name of one of ways, which is great. Our names are what we are. born. were forced to leave their homes to work. those children. The Holocaust claimed the lives of They describe us and give us our personality and When I got home, I wanted to know all about The Nazis blamed Jews for no reason. Jews six million men, women, and children. tell us who we are. Our names are powerful, they the Holocaust and its causes. The project was sad were taken to concentration camps to die, suffer, ----- tell us about our character. The significance of and fun because the painting of the stones was or work. The war started when the Nazis took your name is what makes you who you are. You fun. The sad part was that all of the kids, parents, over Poland. At the end, Hitler killed himself Jennifer Herrera Cano are special and unique in your very own way. and families were all dead and gone. Every part because he did not want to go to jail. Who you are is displayed by how you act and of the project was sad, but mostly the part when When the guest came to our school, I learned My experience with the Stones of what you do. It is also displayed by our name. The I saw all the names on the paper that the teacher how her parents met and that most of her family Remembrance project has brought me to realize name that you were given at birth is what and who handed out. had died. So when her family had a party, they that the world should never let another person you are. invited the people that lived close to her. We come to have so much power again. It also made ----- While we were painting the stones, we watched a video, and it told us what happened me realize that all of these young victims of the would write the victim’s name and last name on Jenifer Martinez in the lives of some Jewish people. In the video, Holocaust were harmed and that we should care the stone. First, we would paint and decorate the the lady that was talking said she was too sick to about them. Victims such as small children, stone. We would put the age of the victim and the We honor the kids and people that died in the work, and one of the managers pulled her and told adults, elders, and other children were harmed place they were from. We would also try to put as Holocaust. Our class painted stones to remember her, “Work so you won’t die.” So the manager, just because the Nazis didn’t like them. It also much information as possible about the victim. I the kids that died. What this project made me feel who was in the Nazi group, helped the lady, so reminds me of this depressing time where many think this is an awesome, amazing, and creative was honorable about what we are doing this for— they wouldn’t take her away to kill her or make were murdered, but most of them were Jewish project to do, so that we remember the victims the people that have died. I felt great that we did her suffer. people. It also reminded me that our names are of the Holocaust, where over six million Jews this. I feel great about myself. Jews were treated When I saw the list of those kids that died, important because many victims were given a were killed. I think this is also a quite sad project, unfairly just because of their religion. I felt bad when our teacher told us to pick a name, I was number in place of their names. because of how many people were killed in this for the Jewish people. They died because of their really shocked because a lot of kids died. The This project meant a lot to me, because when act by the Nazis. After this project, I have noticed religion. whole 5th grade did this project, and we painted I did it, I remembered that many people were that the world can become a better place for Jews were captured and they had numbers, the stones. The stone project made me feel good, harmed and hurt, which is sad. It means to me everyone, as long as no one has too much power. The gift of spit: how you can preserve the health and happiness of your family legacy You burped and bathed them. You taught not exhibit any symptoms or have any family the JScreen website and, soon after, receive them to look both ways before crossing the history of genetic disease, they are still able to their test kit in the mail. Then, they simply put street, wiped tears from their faces, and kissed pass the condition to their offspring. You’ve a saliva sample into the tube and send it off in their boo-boos. Now that they’re grown, your probably heard of Tay-Sachs disease and the pre-paid packaging. Results are received job ensuring their health and wellness might cystic fibrosis; however, other less-publicized seem complete—except for giving them the gift conditions, like Canavan disease and familial of spit. dysautonomia, are also more common in the But what kind of power can saliva hold? Ashkenazi Jewish community than in the Whether your child, general population. resources to help ensure a healthy pregnancy niece, or nephew (or Preventing these and baby. even a family friend) diseases is as simple Participants can rest assured that their recently became as spitting into a tube. spit kit is in good hands, too. JScreen, which engaged, tied the The “gift of spit,” is based at Emory University’s Department of knot, or discussed the JGift is the first-of- Human Genetics, is a nationwide, community- potential of adding a its-kind program from based health initiative dedicated to preventing little one to his or her the non-profit JScreen Jewish genetic diseases. JScreen’s test screen own family, a simple initiative. It allows you for more than 85 different genetic diseases, saliva test can help to to help purchase genetic including those that are common in the Jewish ensure the health and screenings for your community. happiness of future friends or loved ones So while you may not be reminding your family members and your legacy. who might be recently engaged, married, or loved one every morning to brush their teeth, One in four people of Ashkenazi Jewish considering pregnancy. there is still something you can do to ensure your heritage is a carrier of at least one of 19+ The process is easy: visit www.jscreen. in approximately four weeks. If a person or legacy stays happy and healthy for generations different Jewish genetic diseases and Sephardic org/gift and purchase a gift certificate, which couple’s risk is elevated, a genetic counselor to come. You might even say providing your and Mizrahi Jews are at risk for carrying other will be sent to the recipients of your choice. from Emory University’s School of Medicine family the gift of JScreen is your own personal disease genes. This means that while they may Gift certificate recipients can then register on will privately address the results, options, and way of safeguarding your “spitting image.” Page 32 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015

response manifested in personal ways, from new programs and grow…and the courage of $1 million and 27 employees. The JF&CS organizing a wedding for a young couple to shrink or transition out of programs as the annual fundraising goal was $8,000. In whose plans were drowned by the storm to needs in community changed; and authentic 2014, the agency raised more than $3.2 From page 25 finding homes, transportation, and medical collaboration amongst lay leaders and the million through its fundraising efforts. In assistance for hundreds. professional team. Our volunteers, and a little more than two decades, revenues 16 floors above our city. Metaphorically The horrific events surrounding especially our board, have served their roles have grown to nearly $14 million, and the speaking, it is from this bird’s eye 9/11 revealed an enlightenment from our clearly and tirelessly, separating governance organization now has 269 employees. The perspective that I share these thoughts. internal culture. That day, our 100-plus from operations. This clarity feeds success. numbers only tell a small part of the story. Reflecting on the last quarter century, I employees watched the news accounts, all They have opened doors, advocated with Throughout Gary’s tenure, his vision, have been, in a word…lucky. I was recruited huddled together in our conference room. passion, and built the foundation for passion, and insistence on excellence have from Montreal to lead a very small Jewish I experienced a special kind of intimacy confidence within our walls and throughout guided the agency in its meteoric growth nonprofit, and it has been an extraordinary in our shock and sorrow. This nurtured a the community. and countless accomplishments. experience. We are now a nearly powerful, collective courage that continues Our most recent example of this As CEO, Gary’s achievements have $14-million operation. My overarching to influence our culture today. successful collaboration is the launch of a been many. He has successfully diversified observation is this: Regardless of the size of Navigating the economic plunge 2015 Capital Campaign to Complete the funding streams by creating a more secure the organization or the community it serves, following these events, we were chosen JF&CS Campus. We are building needed financial foundation. He led a highly we are all transformed by global events. to manage emergency financial assistance and specialized space for the vocational successful funding campaign to support And as much as we may hope to behave like distributions through larger entities, like training/support programs serving adults the construction of the new Ben Massell a “village” in serving our community, we Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, with developmental disabilities. In addition, Dental Clinic. Gary oversaw multiple, are impacted on a granular level by forces United Way, and government programs who the plan includes the reconfiguration of highly positive accreditation reviews. He from near and far. These events have helped demonstrated confidence in our diligence. space serving counseling clients with insisted upon a disciplined, analytical, and shape both our world and our agency. We understood the significance of discipline psycho-social service needs that embraces a visionary approach to strategic planning Case in point: In my early years in the in service delivery and sharpened our skills private practice model. I am, indeed, proud that ensured that the agency focuses on the States, I was t a conference in Los Angeles, in talent management and outcomes. In to continue to participate in this exciting most important priorities and capitalized where I witnessed the Rodney King riots. serving basic needs, we knew more was expansion. on the most sustainable opportunities. Returning to my home and small agency in needed, and we reorganized our career With JF&CS in the hands of consistently He envisioned the launch of the Tools for Atlanta, I knew we had a larger role to play services. Over the next few years, we placed solid lay oversight and longstanding Leaders program, which ensured a steady in our community. I led our organization to more than 1,400 individuals in jobs. As professional management, I have made the stream of highly qualified committed adjust our mission to serve our community the diversity of our clients escalated, our decision that the time has come for me to volunteers were available for leadership on a nonsectarian basis. When Katrina mission matured. Our decision to diversify transition into a different role. I am ready positions. He also led the vision of the Scope ravaged New Orleans, we received our board of directors (to better represent to consider my future in concert with what of Services initiative that served to tighten hundreds of storm-worn refugees. The gift the community we serve), combined with is best for the organization and to evaluate agency services and right-sized staffing in in this experience was seeing hundreds of our stellar programmatic outcomes and how I can continue to direct competitive response to the sputtering economy. Gary led volunteers rush to our doors to help. Our delivery, ultimately led to the esteemed advantages to the agency, while dialing a Guardians of Human Dignity fundraising recognition by the Community Foundation back my day-to-day responsibilities. The campaign that replaced funding losses of Greater Atlanta with the Managing for executive committee and I entered into from the depressed economy and inspired Excellence Award, in 2012-2013. discussions about transition in early 2014, the vision to complete the current JF&CS Of equal impact are the milestones of and it has been a diligent and thorough campus to provide comprehensive client our community-centered responses. Some process. services in a confidential and secure space. of our proudest benchmarks include moving While the details are presented through In less than three months, his leadership out of the basement of a Midtown homeless the following voice of the lay leadership, I add and expert fundraising capabilities with the shelter space, in 1995, and onto our own that no person has had greater fortune than Capital Campaign have resulted in raising campus. Soon to follow this move was the I to work with volunteers that are boundless more than 30% of the campaign goal. merger of Jewish Vocational Services with in sharing their wisdom and resources and When Gary decided he would like to Jewish Family Services, uniting two service fearless about supporting the dreams of this consider stepping down from day-to-day groups and boards of directors into a one- organization. These are the people I see as management of the agency, he conferred stop, comprehensive human service entity. the true guardians of human dignity for our with me and the president-elect of the board, Ongoing achievements include the creation community’s welfare. Moreover, no person John Perlman, a little more than a year ago. of new programs to support the underserved, has had a greater privilege of working with a After thoughtful consideration, we formed like our comprehensive division to serve staff who, day in and day out, demonstrated an ad hoc transition committee, composed adults with developmental disabilities, and greater dedication, commitment, courage, of four former board presidents of JF&CS, programs addressing those “unspeakable” and endless care for the clients they serve… John, and me. In January 2014, the needs, such as our Shalom Bayit program, and for each other. They are and will always JF&CS executive committee unanimously which offers a Jewish-centered domestic be my lasting definition of heroes. I look commissioned the transition committee violence resource. forward to sharing the next chapter with to address a broad range of issues relating The Capital Campaign to build a new each and every one of you. to CEO succession at the agency. The state-of-the-art Ben Massell Dental Clinic committee then focused on evaluating helped double the number of volunteer ----- potential internal candidates, the board role dentists. A unique national model, it in succession planning, whether or not to provides comprehensive dental care with Commentary from Lynn Redd, president of engage a national search firm, and Gary’s social service and health screening supports Jewish Family & Career Services ongoing advisory role. on site, and has become, as our former The key decision made by the Mayor Shirley Franklin stated, “one of The term “legacy” at JF&CS means committee was that the JF&CS COO Rick Atlanta’s crown jewels.” different things to different people. It is used Aranson was best qualified to assume the Our most recent introduction of to describe our planned giving/endowment position of CEO. Rick has served as COO H.A.M.S.A. (Helping Atlantans Manage program. It is also the name of our Aviv for 11 years and has the breadth and depth Substance Abuse) demonstrated the Older Adult Services Home Care services. of operations knowledge, management astounding, unmet need for resources to But there is no greater legacy than the one experience, strategic vision, and external address preventive and existing issues created by our CEO, Gary Miller. After 24 relationships that we felt we could not match around addiction. years of dedicated service and leadership, in an external search. His leadership in such I believe that this kind of success is Gary has had an enormous impact on initiatives as our program planning and the result of key influences: the community the growth of JF&CS and its influence evaluation process, our scope of services itself, as we have ridden the wave of throughout the metro Atlanta area. analysis, program design, and earned income exponential growth in the Atlanta and Jewish When Gary joined JF&CS as its CEO planning have brought discipline, structure, communities; leadership courage to start in 1991, the agency had total revenues and vision to our delivery of services. Rick’s March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 33 qualifications to lead a social service agency agency is coming to a close, his legacy of dentistry at In 2011-2012, Dr. Zelby helped steer similar to ours were confirmed as he was will live on for many, many years to come. Georgia Regents the discussion about diversification of vetted (among 150 applicants), selected, We are confident that Rick has the ability University the JF&CS board as well as the BMDC’s and offered the position of CEO at a large to forge a new path, with virtually no School of Dental executive committee, which led to Dr. and highly respected Jewish family service disruption to our clients, employee, key Medicine, began Bankston’s appointment to both. agency in another community. He has also partners, or volunteers. In its new respective volunteering with “His vision for a successor spoke to been mentored by Gary in recent years, to roles, JF&CS will continue to flourish and BMDC in 1978. the need for younger, wired, expert dentists help him prepare for assuming the CEO serve the needs of more than 30,000 metro He played a major of diverse backgrounds to help reflect the position. We are extremely fortunate to have Atlanta clients each year with compassion role in the clinic population we were serving and the outreach had a thoughtful, well executed succession and dignity. as it moved, in that was necessary to continue thriving and plan at the agency. 2008, from its surviving,” said Miller. “His impact has Rick will assume the role of CEO on NEW CHIEF OF STAFF AT BMDC. Dr. David Zelby former home on been enormous.” July 1, 2015. The transition committee After 15 years, 7th Street to its “As the new chief of staff, Dr. Bankston has defined a consulting role for Gary that Dr. David Zelby current state-of-the-art building on 14th will provide the kind of stature that will will commence on July 1 and continue for will be stepping Street. help lead the clinic to greater impact, as approximately two years. His primary role down from his “There is a reason why leaders are we continue to improve our services, build for the near-term future will be to lead the role as chief of picked at certain times and are placed in our inventory of expertise, and inspire agency’s Campaign to Complete the JF&CS staff at The Ben positions to help effect the change needed other, more diverse volunteers to follow Campus, a $4.9 million capital campaign Massell Dental at that time,” said Gary Miller, CEO of in building a strong professional volunteer to provide comprehensive client services Clinic. In March, JF&CS and BMDC. “For Dr. Zelby, his base,” he said. A specialist in facial in a confidential and secure space on the he will hand appointment marked a new era in the history trauma, pathology, and facial cosmetic and Dunwoody campus. He will also continue over the reins of the BMDC.” reconstructive surgery, he already serves as to provide advisory and fundraising to Dr. Stephen Dr. Zelby helped lead the clinic—and director of oral and maxillofacial surgery at service to the agency overall. This role will Dr. Stephen Bankston, a long- the agency—in a capital campaign that lasted BMDC. His primary office is in Marietta. allow JF&CS to benefit greatly from his Bankston time volunteer more than two years and continued through Dr. Bankston will step in for a two- passionate commitment to the agency and with the midtown a deep recession to result in a modern, his fundraising expertise, while he steps Atlanta clinic. Dr. Bankston currently year term that can be renewed once for LEED Gold Certified facility unlike any away from all management responsibilities. serves on the board of directors of Jewish another two years. In the beginning of the other dental clinic in North America. After Over the next year, he will transition his Family & Career Services, BMDC’s parent second term, plans call for naming another the transition to the new space, he provided external relationships with key collaborators organization. volunteer who can be groomed to take steady and reassuring leadership to secure a and major donors to Rick. Dr. Zelby, a prosthodontist with a over the role, similar to JF&CS’ board of smooth transition. While Gary’s time at the helm of the practice in Cobb County and a professor directors process.

After the war, both Pola and Sam in 1998. Sam passed away on January The exhibition explores the history of Arbiser attended school in Poland and tried to 12, 2014, and Pola passed away on July Jews in Atlanta through artifacts, images, regain the life they had before the war. 20, 2014. They are survived by their two and oral histories. As visitors encounter From page 25 Unfortunately, life under Communist- children, Jack and Sherry. these 18 artifacts they are encouraged to controlled Poland proved difficult, and Their papers are now available for consider and share their own connections to and Pola’s mother for three years in her one- both of their families immigrated to Israel. researchers to examine in the Cuba Family the Atlanta’s history. bedroom apartment, which happened to be Pola and Sam met in Tel Aviv and married Archives at The Breman Museum. The The following individuals lent their across the street from a Gestapo office. In in 1954. Several years later, Pola’s mother archives also plans to release digital copies time and expertise to the development fact, Frania worked as a maid at the Gestapo passed away, and they decided to immigrate of the papers online in the near future at and creation of this exhibition: Dr. office and would regularly steal food for to America. thebreman.org. To make an appointment Mark K. Bauman, Ph.D., editor of the Pola and her family. She even stole a deck They thought about moving to Chicago to view the collection, contact Archives journal Southern Jewish History; Dr. of cards to help keep the family entertained but settled on Atlanta, because they liked Director Jeremy Katz, at jrkatz@thebreman. Ronald Bayor, Ph.D., emeritus professor while quietly hiding under her bed all day. the weather and people. Sam started a org or 404-870-1862. of history, Georgia Institute of Technology; These cards are now located in the archives successful machine building company and Janice Rothschild Blumberg, author One at The Breman Museum, along with a diary Pola found work at Emory University. Voice: Rabbi Jacob M. Rothschild and that Pola kept while she was in hiding. The Arbiser family brought Frania over BREMAN NEWS the Troubled South; Judith Bauer Cohen, for a visit and wanted her to stay, but she descendant of David Mayer and Volunteer Museum Educator; Dr. Marni Davis, Ph.D., The diary would not leave her homeland. She died HISTORY OF JEWISH ATLANTA IN 18 associate professor of history, Georgia State Pola kept on February 15, 1977, and is listed as a OBJECTS. Jews played a role in every University; Eric Goldstein, Ph.D., Judith while in “Righteous Gentile” by Yad Vashem, the significant event in Atlanta’s history, and in London Evan Director, Tam Institute for hiding Israeli Holocaust Remembrance Authority, many cases Jewish men and women were Jewish Studies, Emory University; Melissa until instrumental in creating essential social, Fay Greene, author The Temple Bombing; shortly business and educational organizations and Dr. Clifford M. Kuhn, Ph.D., associate after the over the last 170 years. EIGHTEEN war ARTIFACTS: A Story of Jewish Atlanta, on professor, Georgia State University. view March 29 through December 31, 2015, is an original exhibition, providing a much- needed Jewish perspective to our city’s history. Visitors will leave with a sense of the significant ways the Jewish community has shaped the city of Atlanta. In addition to the 18 artifacts on display, the exhibition includes a timeline focused on the history of Atlanta and the Jewish community; an interactive display allowing visitors to scroll through 100 digital images Peddler Teddy Blumenthal with his of Jewish Atlanta; an iPad and video display horse and cart, circa 1910. (photo Playing cards and leather case, stolen to experience the brand new Historic Jewish courtesy of Teddy Blumenthal Family from the Gestapo office by Frania, to Atlanta app; and an online component Papers, Cuba Family Archives for give to Pola and her family to keep Wedding of Pola and Sam Arbiser, providing images and educational text of all Southern Jewish History at The them entertained while in hiding. 1953, Tel Aviv, Israel 18 artifacts. Breman Museum) Page 34 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015 March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 35 One on one with everyone Issy’s son, Ilan, was born. He is a wonderful Late this past January, I passed the brother to Dalia and a great help in raising Shearith Israel sanctuary on my way to a and nurturing her. meeting and heard music and laughter. I BY Leon Rebecca has tutored at several other looked in and saw a small crowd of people schools, including 10 years at B’nai witnessing a service involving Dalia. I had Socol Torah. She still considers CSI her primary never known about this young girl, but I synagogue for tutoring. She relishes her walked in, sat down, watched, and listened. relationships with her students’ families, Towards the end of the service, Dalia carried who have been so supportive as she raises a miniature Torah around the sanctuary just Rebecca Cheskes grew up in Houston, her family, while working hard to teach as in a regular Shabbat service. I learned that Texas, and developed a love of music as a their children. She considers her work in the even though Dalia couldn’t speak, she had a student of a wonderful teacher named Debbie Atlanta Jewish community to be a blessing. recorder that contained the prayers, and she Friedman. Rebecca sang in Friedman’s Last year, Rebecca called a meeting activated it by pushing buttons. This service children’s choir. After she finished high to discuss her ideas about how to get Dalia was a dress rehearsal for Dalia’s real bat school, Rebecca attended Tulane University more involved in the Jewish community. She mitzvah, which was held in mid-February at and did her junior year in Israel. envisioned having a special bat mitzvah for the family’s congregation, Beth Shalom. She took a year off from school, thinking Dalia, and invited the families of children It was fitting to have Dalia’s bat she might want to be a rabbi, but instead she had tutored at Congregation Shearith mitzvah in February, because that is Jewish ended up in graduate school, at Brandeis Israel, B’nai Torah, and Beth Shalom to Disability Awareness Month. The Jewish Dalia Ruth Cheskes taken prior to University’s Hornstein Jewish Professional offer ideas and suggestions. Federation of Greater Atlanta sponsors an her bat mitzvah (photo Lilly Bloom Leadership Program. In 1995, after Rebecca wanted to show that Dalia annual awards reception honoring Atlantans Photography) completing that program, she came to work could do it. She wondered how she could for their service to the disabled. Among this at the Marcus Jewish Community Center tutor hundreds of kids (some with learning year’s honorees was Rebecca Cheskes. of Atlanta, in Family Education, working disabilities and other challenges, although for four years in family programming and none as severe as Dalia’s) as they prepared as a Judaic specialist in the MJCCA’s three for their bar and bat mitzvahs, without preschool locations. having the same thing for her own child. While working at the MJCCA, she She also wanted Dalia’s bat mitzvah decided to earn some extra money by doing to be a lesson to her son—that his sister bar/bat mitzvah tutoring. In the summer was capable, even though she has many of 1997, she was hired by Congregation challenges. Shearith Israel. Over the years, she has Rebecca wanted Dalia to feel tutored hundreds of students, gaining a comfortable in the synagogue. It used to be reputation as a caring and skilled teacher, that Dalia would scream when Rebecca was Rebecca Cheskes (mother) who inspires her young students. driving her to the synagogue, but in order to places the miniature torah in her Rebecca married Issy Cheskes and get her more involved, she brought her into daughter’s arms (photo Lilly Bloom the main sanctuary with older students and had her children while tutoring at CSI. Photography) She decided to move into formal Jewish gave Dalia a small part in the service. education and became a Hebrew/Judaic It was a huge undertaking. Rebecca teacher at the Davis Academy, working never dreamed how amazing the service Rebecca Cheskes holds her Power of there several years until her daughter, Dalia would turn out when she first began thinking One certificate Ruth, was born in 2001. about it several years ago. Rebecca spread Dalia is on the autism spectrum, with her search for ideas and help to rabbis and Dalia’s bat mitzvah was a huge success, fairly significant sensory issues, and is non- educators all over the country, via e-mail with more than 180 people attending in bad verbal. Although Rebecca’s life changed and Facebook. Her main goal was to make it weather. They couldn’t believe the service considerably after Dalia’s birth, she feel like a real service, not just a few songs and wondered just how much she derived continued tutoring at CSI on Sundays. Many Dalia likes. Rebecca wanted it to have a from it. One thing is for sure—with all her congregants watched Dalia grow up, as she nod to tradition, to be modeled on a real challenges, she must feel a great deal of love was often brought to services and stayed in service, but modified to work within Dalia’s for her wonderful and caring mother and the babysitting room. In 2004, Rebecca and abilities. supportive father and brother.

Issy Cheskes (father), Dalia, Rebecca (mother), and Ilan (brother) (photo Two enjoyable concerts and one bad movie Lilly Bloom Photography) The Temple. Lisa joined the ASO’s first singers Sarah Uriarte Berry and Heather violin section in 1984. At the concert, Lisa Johnson were really good. I was partial to BY made the violin talk beautifully. Her pianist the Gershwin, as I love every song he ever Marice partner, Ann Rollins, added to the charm of wrote. Don’t get me wrong—I really liked Katz the music. I can only say it was music with the Bernstein music, too, especially the an ethnic flair. After Lisa played, Mark three selections from West Side Story. gave a great talk about the instruments of As for the movie, it is amazing how their trade. Among many other activities, people all have such different ideas. Look he is on the percussion faculty of Emory at politicians who can’t agree on anything. As the holidays wound down, I had a University. The crowd gave them a standing Well, that is the situation with the movie little time on my hands. So I start 2015 with ovation. Birdman. I did not like it at all! Not at all two enjoyable concerts and one bad movie. On January 15, I enjoyed the “Gershwin my cup of tea. However, it won the Oscar On January 9, Lisa and Mark Yancich, and Bernstein” concert at The Breman. for Best Picture at this year’s awards. I who have been with the Atlanta Symphony The auditorium was packed. Pianist and cannot understand that, but if you like dark Orchestra for many years, performed at host Gerald Steichen was excellent, and comedy, you will like this movie. Page 36 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015 from this historic factory, and I know that I underground tour, and all came home with will be choosing Streit’s this year. a vial of real gold. There are picnic tables By the way, if you didn’t see Streit’s: for lunch, and of course, lovely scenery for Kosher Affairs Matzoh and the American Dream at the a mountain drive. 2015 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, do seek By the way, this mine is highly without additives; salmon (such as Kirkland out a future screening. This documentary recommended on TripAdvisor. And did you brand frozen); Real Lemon and Real Lime is an inside view of the legendary matzoh know that the Dahlonega Walmart was built juices; plain tea; and plain ground coffee. factory and a look back at the Jewish Lower right over “them there” gold mines? BY Roberta Some everyday food brands have year- East side. round kosher-for-Passover certification COOKBOOKS Scher designated on the label, e.g. Domino’s light and dark brown sugar. Prior to Passover, Many of you often ask which cookbooks Breakstone and Publix dairy products with I really, really recommend. That is like Passover certification are usually available asking a mother which child is her favorite. Spring is here, and that means at Publix. Perhaps it is better approached by topic, Passover preparation begins soon in the Always check with your rabbinical author, or level of expertise. I present a few Jewish home—time for cleaning, cooking, authority or contact the AKC, because of my favorite cookbooks and authors— celebrating, and spending. It is a holiday guidelines change year to year. By the some old, some new. that requires extraordinary energy, detailed way, the AKC offers an annual Kosher for • Norene Gilletz: I have three of her organization, and meticulous preparation. Passover food guide—perfect for local cookbooks, including The New Food It is also a time that seriously stretches the shoppers. To receive a copy, call 404-634- Processor Cookbook, her latest. Her books food-shopping budget. You can easily spend 4063. offer up-to-date, easy-to-follow kosher twice your normal monthly grocery budget WHAT’S NEW FOR PASSOVER 2015? recipes. If you are on Facebook, join for just one week’s worth of food. AND SPEAKING OF PASSOVER.... her community of foodies in her group, According to Kosher Today, this year, Norene’s Kitchen. PASSOVER SHOPPING TIPS We were sad to hear that the Streit’s 300 new Passover items will be on market • Ina Garten: I want all of her cookbooks, Matzo Factory is closing its 90-year-old shelves. Look for the following: but have just one. She is a sensational Think outside the box (and bottle facility and moving to New Jersey. The • Manischewitz Gluten Free Noodle cook and former caterer. I am a fan of her and jar)—consider making it instead of decision was an agonizing one for this Soup Mix and Carrot Cake Macaroons Food Network cooking show, “Barefoot buying it. Be familiar with which items family-owned business, and reports indicate (Kosherfest 2014 winner, “Best New Kosher Contessa,” and tweak her recipes for my can be purchased without special Passover that it was due to the gentrification of the for Passover”). kosher kitchen. certification, such as pure granulated sugar; neighborhood and aging equipment. Word • Rebecca and Rose all-natural Chocolate • Susie Fishbein: I have all of her cookbooks, non-iodized salt; sea salt; most whole has it that the Rivington Street location was Covered Donuts, Cookies, and Cakes, and including a directory to the recipes, by spices; baking soda; unflavored cocoa, such in much demand by real estate developers. the first Gluten Free Brownie Brittle (and category, in each. as Hershey’s; extra-virgin olive oil; raw, This will be the last Passover season Blondies). • Molly Katzen: The Moosewood Restaurant whole nuts, such as pecans and almonds with matzoh manufactured and shipped • Streit’s is distributing Foodman’s Original Cookbook, a vegetarian classic, is my “go- Matzolah and Matzo Granola Breakfast and to” cookbook for vegetarian and dairy Nosh. recipes. • Aviv is introducing Fruit and Nut bars, • For my Southern side, some of my favorites made from Israel-grown dried dates and are: Bon Appetit Y’all by the wonderful fruit. Chef Virginia Willis, Mary Mac’s Tea • Kosherific has a new gluten free Room Cookbook, and The Johnny Harris Cauliflower Cheesy Pie. Cookbook. Let me know if you find something new • For classic Jewish Food: Jewish Home and delicious! Cooking by Arthur Schwartz, Joan Nathan’s books, and, of course, The Hadassah and STRIKING GOLD ON CHOL CHOMOED. ORT cookbooks. I treasure my vintage I have discovered a fun activity for Chol Ratner’s and Jennie Grossinger books as Chomoed—the days between the first two well! and the last two days of Passover, when you • For contemporary takes on kosher, some are wondering what to do with all of your books I recommend are The Kosher Baker, company. Try gold mining in Dahlonega. Cooking Inspired, Secret Kosher Restaurant I recently enjoyed a visit Recipes, and Entrée to Judaism. to the Consolidated Gold Mine • And what could be better than my much (consolidatedgoldmine.com), about an hour loved, stained, and dog-eared community north of Atlanta, with my grandchildren. cookbooks: The 1st Hebrew Academy Everyone had a gem of a time at the Cookbook, The Beth Jacob Cookbook, The Breman’s Seasoned with Love, Gatherings, and California Kosher. • And now, with Passover approaching, I recommend: Passover Made Easy by Leah Schapira and Victoria Dwek; Passover by Design—a classic—by Susie Fishbein, and a new book, The Passover Menu by Paula Shoyer. Paula, a trained chef, is well known for her two previous baking books…and now she has ventured into cooking and has shared some wonderful recipes for the Passover table. Do remember that almost all cookbooks Grandchildren Shaya, Sara, Rifki, and have Passover friendly recipes, and many Bracha Scher at Consolidated Gold Mines See KOSHER AFFAIRS, page 38 March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 37 Passover friendly recipes The Deli Man was another film I enjoyed cover tightly. 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. The Place in a 300-degree oven, and bake for 1/4 cup chopped onion Chicken in a Hurry documentary featured the charming Ziggy 3 1/2-4 hours. 3 cloves garlic, chopped Gruber, chef, culinary school grad, Yiddish- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth, heated 4 ingredients, easiest ever, Seder friendly. speaking Texan, and a third-generation owner ----- Adapted from a Facebook posting. of Kenny & Ziggy’s, the popular Houston Rinse leeks and chop coarsely. Place in a deli. Naturally, I went home and searched for Parve Chocolate Truffles colander and rinse again; drain. Serves about 4-6 his best deli recipes. By Cindy Hodkin, cooking instructor, Heat oil in a large Dutch oven. Add reformed attorney, and food writer leeks, potatoes, onions, and garlic. Sauté for 1 cut-up chicken (8 pieces), seasoned as you 5-10 minutes, until vegetables seem softened wish 6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped a bit. Add hot broth. Stir. Let mixture come 2 cloves minced garlic 1/4 cup parve whipped topping to a full boil; reduce heat, and simmer for 30 1/4 cup brown sugar Pinch of salt minutes until vegetables soften. Puree in food 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 Tbsp. margarine processor. Herbs and spices to taste 1 1/2 ounces dried cranberries or black raisins 1 1/2 ounces unsalted nuts, chopped (walnuts, ----- Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. pistachios, cashews, or almonds) Rub chicken with your favorite herbs and Gourmet Snowballs spices, or just sprinkle with salt and pepper. Put heatproof bowl over boiling water— Coconut Macaroons—Adapted from Bake chicken for about 20 minutes. do not let bottom of bowl touch water. Remove Gourmet magazine While chicken is baking, sauté garlic from heat when margarine and chocolate are with olive oil, until soft and fragrant. Remove almost melted, mixing with a wooden spoon. 2 cups sweetened flaked coconut (about 4 oz.) from heat and stir in the brown sugar.* Be careful not to burn or overcook. 1 cup unsweetened coconut (3 oz.), finely Remove chicken from oven; pour Add salt and whipped topping; combine grated mixture over chicken, and bake another 15-20 until completely smooth. 2/3 cup granulated sugar minutes until done and juices run clear. Kenny & Ziggy’s Stuffed Cabbage Remove from heat; stir in cranberries 1/4 teaspoon salt Inspired and adapted from a recipe and nuts. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or 2 large egg whites *Instead of the garlic, olive oil, and brown by Ziggy Gruber, as shared in the overnight. 2 teaspoons water sugar mix, you can pour a jar of duck sauce book Save the Deli Form balls, then roll balls in cocoa, 30 squares good quality bittersweet or over chicken, rub in with gloved hands, and finely chopped nuts, confectioner’s sugar, or semisweet chocolate (I use parve Alprose or bake as instructed. coconut, or sprinkle with Maldon salt. Store Schmerling) Makes six to eight pieces in refrigerator. Recipe can be doubled. 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar ----- Cindy is happy to respond to any parchment paper Sauce: questions. Contact her at koshercookinggn@ Simone’s Cranberry Salad 2 cans chopped tomatoes gmail.com. 2 tablespoons tomato puree My dear friend Simone Wilker shared 2 cups onions, roughly chopped ----- this with me. All I can say about this easy- 2 cups brown sugar to-make side dish is yumm. It is a new staple 1 tablespoon paprika Avocado Guacamole Salad in our house. By the way, Simone is a Jewish 1/2 cup white vinegar From my personal recipe files Georgian, a Savannah native living in New 1/4 teaspoon sour salt (source unknown) Jersey. 3 to 4 cups water Serves about 6 Serves about 6-8 Stuffing: 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 3 avocados 1 can whole cranberry sauce 3/4 cup cooked rice, or substitute quinoa 3 cups tomatoes 1 can mandarin oranges, drained (cooked) for Passover 3 hard-boiled eggs 1 can crushed pineapple, drained 1 1/4 cups finely chopped onion 1 medium red onion Optional add ins: 4 eggs, beaten Gourmet Snowballs Lettuce 1/2 cup diced celery 1 teaspoon granulated garlic Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans 2 teaspoons salt Creamy avocado dressing: Prepare a parchment lined baking sheet. Diced carrots 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 avocado, mashed Pulse sweetened and unsweetened 1/2 cup golden or regular raisins 1 Tbsp olive oil coconut, granulated sugar, and salt together in 1/2 cup chopped apples or pears Cabbage: Juice of 1 lemon a food processor, until flaked coconut is finely 1 large cabbage, whole Salt and pepper to taste chopped. Add egg whites and water, and pulse Combine all ingredients. Chill. This is 1 medium cabbage, chopped until mixture is moistened and holds together best made a day ahead, so that flavors meld. 2 cups sauerkraut Cube the tomatoes and hard-boiled eggs, when squeezed. and chop the onion; about an hour before Roll level tablespoons of coconut Place all sauce ingredients in pot and serving, combine these ingredients in a bowl. mixture into balls with wet hands. Make an Whole Foods Market Expands Kosher For bring to a boil. Mix all dressing ingredients. indentation in center of each ball, and insert a Passover 2015 with New Selections from Mix all stuffing ingredients together and Chunk the avocados and add to salad piece of chocolate, then pinch hole closed and Kedem set aside. ingredients. Pour dressing on salad; toss re-roll into a ball. Arrange balls 1 inch apart In a large pot, bring water to boil. Core gently. Serve over a bed of lettuce. on prepared baking sheet. First Ever Kosher For Passover Biodynamic the large cabbage and blanch in the boiling Bake macaroons in middle of oven, until Grape; water, until soft; remove from water, and ----- bottoms are golden and balls are puffed but remove each individual leaf. still white, 13 to 15 minutes. Slide macaroons Dairy Free, Gluten Free, All Natural, Organic Place 6 ounces of meat mixture on each Potato Leek Soup onto a rack while still on parchment; cool and Vegan for Passover cabbage leaf and fold in the sides to the center From the kitchen of Tosca Renl, of completely, then peel off paper. and roll up, like an egg roll. ABCnews.com Dust macaroons lightly with • Kedem Biodynamic Grape Juice: The Layer the bottom of a disposable half- confectioner’s sugar just before serving. first grape juice produced in the USA pan with half of the chopped cabbage, then Serves about 8 certified by Demeter USA reaches the layer with one cup of sauerkraut. Note from Gourmet: Macaroons keep in an Place cabbage rolls on top, then add 6 leeks, white part only airtight container at room temperature 1 week. See RECIPES, page 38 remaining shredded cabbage and then 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1” remaining sauerkraut. Pour sauce on top and chunks ----- Page 38 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015

cookbooks are now unnecessary—almost Kosher Affairs all recipes can be found online. But please don’t tell my husband, Allan! From page 36 Do share your favorite cookbook picks with me at [email protected]. kosher cookbooks have full Passover sections. ----- For more details on most of these cookbooks, and many more, visit my “In every generation a person must website, KosherEye.com—try sample see himself as if he has himself come out recipes, and read the reviews. Also, of Mitzrayim (Egypt).” As we re-live our remember that Google is your best friend heritage, may Passover and our Seders when it comes to recipes and cooking be joyous—a celebration of our freedom. and baking ideas. Confession here: I own Wishing our readers a wonderful, delicious, a treasured 300-volume (and growing) and kosher holiday! cookbook library, but the truth is that

What’s cooking? Email [email protected] This column is meant to provide the reader with current trends and developments in the kosher marketplace. Since standards of kashruth certification vary, check with the AKC or your local kashruth authority to confirm reliability.

Cookies and the first commercially Recipes available boxed Passover Donut (chocolate frosted, of course). From page 37 • Gefen Apple Crisps: Make snack time more convenient with these tree-ripened highest level of farming and organic snacks available in two varieties. Look standards. (Available January 2015; for the Jonathan or Golden Apple exclusive to Whole Foods.) snacks. • Zeta Oil: Already a staple in the Whole • Rebecca and Rose Bakery Products: A Foods Passover program, but with the twist on Brownie addition of the Hot Pepper, the cooking Brittle and other options multiply. Zeta Olive Oil picks baked goods, the olives from some of the oldest Rebecca and orchards on earth, including orchards on Rose brings Mount Carmel, ancient orchards on the a uniquely Jerusalem Mountains, and on the Hills delicious and of Galilee. gluten-free • Other new items include Gluten-Free version of Cajun Panko from Chef Jeff Creations, Brownie and Gefen Cashew Butter, and handmade Blondie Crunch, Shmura Matzo.

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The Tam Institute for Jewish Studies and The Laney Graduate School at Emory University invite you to The Brickman-Levin Symposium

Celebrate the establishment of the Brickman-Levin Fellowships supporting PhD-level work in Jewish Studies; Honor Dr. Perry Brickman and the late Arthur Levin, the community leaders who played a crucial role in bringing the story of discrimination at Emory’s Dental School to light.

The program will highlight recent Laney Graduate School alumni whose work was in the area of Jewish Studies:

. Dr. Marian Broida 13PhD ~ Hebrew Bible . Dr. Michael Karlin 14PhD ~ American Religious Cultures . Dr. Craig Perry 14PhD ~ Medieval Mediterranean History

Monday, March 30, 2015 at 7:30pm Robert W. Woodruff Library, Jones Room, 540 Asbury Circle, Atlanta 30322

Dessert reception to follow ~ RSVP by March 25 to 404.727.6301

Consider making a gift to the Brickman-Levin Fund here: http://www.gs.emory.edu/giving/priorities/brickman_levin.html Page 40 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015

Stoneware Shampoos Synthetic rubber Shaving cream and gel Kosher Korner Teflon Shaving lotion Toaster oven Silver polish Manischewitz Passover Tams are in this Waffle iron Skin cream category. Soaps • Maror (bitter herbs)—Many use romaine ITEMS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE Stick deodorant BY Reuven lettuce for the mitzvah of maror. Some CERTIFICATION ON PASSOVER Styrofoam cups or plates insects, which may blend into the green Suntan lotion Stein leaves, can be found on the lettuce and Aluminum foil Talcum powder (100% talc) are forbidden to be eaten. Check very Aluminum foil baking pans Toilet bowl cleaner thoroughly. Baby ointments Water filters • Even though some produce may have a Bags (paper or plastic) Wax paper PASSOVER 2015-5775. We look forward wax coating, the AKC policy is that it can Body wash to another exciting Passover season. be used without peeling. Bowl and tub cleanser PRE-PASSOVER CLASSES Many new products are available this • Double-check labels. Many brands have Candles year—including gluten-free products that year-round products and kosher for Pesach Cardboard Congregation Ariel: Sunday, March 15, look like matzoh, but, because they are products that are similar. These products can Carpet cleaner 7:00 p.m. not unleavened bread, cannot be used like get mixed up on the shelves. Charcoal Beth Jacob: Wednesday, March 18, 8:00 matzoh during the Seder. • Not all wines are kosher for Passover. Conditioner p.m. There are many new, high-quality Some companies (e.g. Manishewitz) Copper and metal cleaners Congregation Beth Tefillah: Wednesday, Passover wines for the four cups. produce the same types of wines for both Cork March 25, 7:45 pm There are many new products for Pesach and year-round use. The bottles look Cosmetics (except possibly lipstick) Sephardic Jews that are not kosher for almost identical. Check the label. Cupcake holders CATERERS AVAILABLE FOR Passover for Ashkenazic Jews. • Items such as raisins and dried fruits Cups (paper, plastic, or Styrofoam) PASSOVER Unfortunately, some people try to should have reliable supervision for Pesach. Dental floss (Any unflavored, including take advantage of Jewish people trying • The following medicinal ingredients are waxed) The Goodfriend Catering Company, 678- to make a Seder. They will sell food they not kosher for Pesach: avina sativa, beta Deodorants 222-3719 call “Passover-style,” from non-kosher glucan, prolamine, secale, sodium lauroyl Detergents Dolce Catering and Bakery, 770-451-3065 restaurants, bakeries, or bagel stores; they oat amino acids, and triticum vulgare. Dishwashing detergent The Kosher Gourmet, 404-636-1114 will even sell non-kosher shank bones for • After Pesach, one may not eat chometz that Drain opener the Seder plate. was in the possession of a Jew who did not Fabric protector ----- Even those who never eat kosher sell it according to Jewish law. Furniture polish will try hard to have authentic kosher for Glass cleaner KOSHER DAY AT THE BRAVES. Kosher Passover food at their Seder. ITEMS THAT CANNOT BE Hair gels, sprays, and mousse Day at the Braves Stadium will take place Below is some of this year’s Passover KASHERED FOR PASSOVER Hair removers and treatments Sunday, May 3, when the Braves play the information. Insecticides Cincinnati Reds. Bread machine Isopropyl alcohol PASSOVER ALERTS China Jewelry polish ----- CorningWare Laundry detergents • For those who use quinoa: This year, the George Forman Grill Lotions PASSOVER GUIDELINES. Complete AKC recommends using only quinoa with Grater (any) Napkins (paper) Passover guides are available in the Pesach certification. Knives with plastic handles Oven cleaner Atlanta Kashruth Commission office and at • Joyva and Irene’s products, even with Melmac Paper cups, plates, and towels kosheratlanta.org. Pesach certifications, are not recommended. Pasta maker Perfumes • Egg matzohs should not be eaten on Plastic utensils Pipe openers Rabbi Reuven Stein is director of supervision Pesach, except by sick and elderly people Porcelain Plastic bags, cups, and plates for the Atlanta Kashruth Commission, a non- who cannot digest regular matzoh. Please Porcelain enamel pots Plastic containers profit organization dedicated to promoting note that even the sick and elderly cannot Pyrex Plates (paper in U.S. only, plastic, or kashruth through education, research, and fulfill their obligation at the Seder with Sandwich maker Styrofoam) supervision. these. Chocolate-covered matzohs and Slow cooker Scouring pads and powder

Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner to become senior rabbi at Temple Beth Tikvah Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner will interviews, a preliminary site visit, and innovative education, and relationship In July, Rabbi Fred Greene, who has led become senior rabbi of Temple Beth Tikvah, an “immersion weekend,” during which building within the congregation and the Temple Beth Tikvah for the past nine years, a Reform congregants and Rabbi Shuval-Weiner studied broader community.” will become senior rabbi at Congregation congregation and worshiped together. Rabbi Shuval-Weiner earned a bachelor Har HaShem in Boulder, Colorado. His many in Roswell, in “From the moment I stepped into the of arts in education and humanities from contributions to Temple Beth Tikvah will be July. beautiful Temple Beth Tikvah sanctuary and Bar-Ilan University, in Ramat Gan, Israel. celebrated during a special Shabbat service on Rabbi was warmly welcomed by so many committed She holds a master’s in education from the Friday, May 15. Shuval-Weiner, congregants, I knew this was a dynamic University of Central Oklahoma, and master Temple Beth Tikvah attracts congregants who has served congregation,” said Rabbi Shuval-Weiner. of arts degrees in Jewish studies and Hebrew from across Atlanta’s northern suburbs and at Congregation “I look forward to worshiping and learning letters, both from Hebrew Union College. offers a dynamic spiritual community that B’nai Jehudah alongside Temple Beth Tikvah congregants, as Prior to becoming a rabbi, Rabbi Shuval- includes worship, religious school, pre-school, in Overland we strengthen the bonds to our Jewish faith.” Weiner served as a Jewish educator for 10 community outreach, and a variety of special Park, Kansas, “We are thrilled to welcome Rabbi years in Portland, Oregon. She was ordained programming. since 2008, Shuval-Weiner as Temple Beth Tikvah’s new as a rabbi in 2008 by Hebrew Union College, In addition to Rabbi Fred Greene and was approved spiritual leader,” said Ron Swichkow, president in Los Angeles. Rabbi Emeritus Donald Tam, the synagogue’s by the Temple of the congregation’s board of trustees. A mother of five grown children, Rabbi clergy includes Cantor Nancy Kassel. For Rabbi Alexandria Beth Tikvah “Rabbi Shuval-Weiner is uniquely prepared Shuval-Weiner is married to Jay Weiner, a more information about Temple Beth Tikvah, Shuval-Weiner community to support individuals of all ages along their consultant with The United Synagogue of call 770-642-0434, or visit www.bethtikvah. after a thorough search process that included Jewish journeys through meaningful worship, Conservative Judaism. com. March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 41 Moishe House opens new location in Atlanta, expanding community for Jewish 20-somethings Moishe House Atlanta Decatur first received support from Federation’s proud native and recent Georgia Tech sponsors young Jewish leaders as they (moishehouse.org/houses/atlanta-decatur) Innovation Fund, when launching their first graduate, is employed by a start-up that create vibrant home-based communities for recently opened its doors, as residents look house in Atlanta,” said Amanda Abrams, designs toilets for the developing world. themselves and their peers. Moishe House to expand their Jewish footprint in the city senior vice president of strategy, planning, Samantha Morton, also born and raised in place resources directly in the hands of by providing 20-somethings a home for and impact. “After two years of funding the city of Atlanta, attended the University passionate and energized 20-somethings connecting with one another. across the globe. The second Moishe Founded in 2006, House in Atlanta, this new Moishe House was born out location will be home to four of the innovative notion that dynamic residents. Eager to young Jewish involvement build and create their own should be driven from the grassroots community, plans ground up. What originally are to host weekly programs began as four friends that will ultimately reach hosting a Shabbat dinner more than 1,000 young for their peers in Oakland, adults over the course of the California, has now grown first year. They are eager to into the largest organization create a broader audience by of its kind, with 75 building off the continued houses in 17 countries. successes of Moishe House Moishe House’s rapid and Atlanta Toco Hills, which successful growth is due to opened in June 2013. Moishe House Decatur residents (from left) Sarah Moishe House residents hosted their inaugural the 20-something leaders The opening of Moishe Lashinsky, Sammy Rosenbaum, Tyler Brown, and Shabbat kickoff program, with local community who are reinventing young House Atlanta Decatur is Samantha Morton are ready to open their doors members coming to The Temple for a jam session, adult Jewish engagement part of a major Moishe and create their own vibrant Jewish community. led by Moishe House Atlanta Decatur resident through more than 5,200 House international growth (Photos: Moishe House) Sammy Rosenbaum. unique programs and 88,000 initiative aiming to double in total attendance annually. the number of Jewish, young adult, peer- and collaborating, we are thrilled that of Georgia and participated as a Trek “The opportunity to build off the led communities worldwide by 2017. Moishe House is thriving and opening a leader for Adamah Adventures. Sammy momentum of our current house in the Together with leading local funders, Moishe second house in our community. It is so Rosenbaum received his bachelor of science Atlanta community will allow us to serve House Decatur is generously supported by important for our community to embrace degree from the University of Florida and a broader audience of young Jewish Emanuel J. Friedman Philanthropies, the and help support young adults in their 20s, works as a musician, writing and recording professionals,” said David Cygielman, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, The encouraging and ensuring that they can live his own music. Eager to create his own founder and CEO of Moishe House. “With Marcus Foundation, Inc., and the Wexner Jewish lives and have meaningful Jewish grassroots community, Sammy said, “We so many young Jewish adults living and Atlanta 10 Giving Collaborative. Through experiences.” hope our house is a fun place where young working in Atlanta, we are very excited to their loyal and dedicated support, Moishe The residents of Moishe House Atlanta professionals can engage and share in great be opening a Moishe House in Decatur.” House was able to accept the growing Decatur are between the ages of 22-25 and experiences together.” To find out more about Moishe House network of impressive young adults who bring their own unique story to the Decatur Moishe House, a pluralistic international Atlanta Decatur and its residents, visit want to open up their homes. community. For example, Tyler Brown organization, provides meaningful Jewish www.moishehouse.org. “The Jewish Federation of Greater currently works for Federation in the Atlanta experiences to young adults in their 20s. Atlanta is proud that Moishe House Jewish community. Sarah Lashinksy, a Its innovative model trains, supports, and

JEWISH NAMES. While Shakespeare might have said, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” Judaism, in JSU News fact, attaches a very special importance to one’s Hebrew name. More than 400 teens bags, the teens also decorated the bags with learned this firsthand recently while making FIGHTING HUNGER WITH TIKKUN messages of positive thought, well wishes, Hebrew name bracelets at 11 JSU Public OLAM. Recently, a special charitable encouragement, and hope. Thousands of School Clubs in Atlanta. Guided by Rabbi project was spearheaded by Rabbi Chaim sandwiches were then brought to a children’s Chaim Neiditch, the teens learned about Neiditch, director of the Jewish Student shelter in downtown Atlanta for distribution the divine inspiration their names carry and Union, as he led members of 11 clubs to the homeless. how maintaining Jewish names has been across greater Atlanta in preparing food Teens from JSU at Centennial High one of the ingredients in the Jewish nation’s for the region’s homeless. Inspired by the School display their new Jewish survival for millennia. idea of tikkun olam, making the world a name bracelets. Ensuring that the night’s lessons better place as commanded by G-d, Rabbi also carried some added meaning for all Neiditch spoke of how important it was, as the participants, the students learned the a central tenet of Judaism, to give of one’s translations of their Hebrew names and time to help others—a true form of charity, discussed how their names related to them tzedakah. personally. Many of the teens also shared Since the ideas of tzedakah and tikkun stories of their families’ Jewish background olam hold true regardless of a person’s and about ancestors after whom they were religion, as it’s important to care for all the named. In addition to memories of a great world’s inhabitants, it was thus, with great time with their friends, every teen took vigor, that hundreds of teens participated in home a bracelet, necklace, or keychain to this noble program of preparing food for the JSU teens at Chattahoochee High proudly display their Jewish name. homeless. School make sandwiches to feed the Teens from JSU at Dunwoody High Aside from packing the food into lunch homeless. School display their new Jewish name bracelets. Page 42 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015 New user-friendly Haggadah includes children’s art and memory makers There are over 100 Haggadot available personal book. As the family musician, for your Passover Seder, and now comes Johanna added guitar cords to the book. This one more: Our Family Haggadah. So, why initiates an interactive, highly participatory is this Haggadah different from all other read and sing around Seder. Haggadot? The book retells the story of the Exodus It is the illustrations. and includes all the greatest hits from a The illustrations, done by traditional Haggadah. It takes you through the Asher family grandchildren, the Four Questions, Dayenu, have that wonderful, innocent hiding the quality that characterizes afikomen, children’s artwork. Spring opening Asher, creator of the book, the door for quotes Pablo Picasso: Elijah, Had “All children are artists... Gad Yo (“An The problem is how Only Kid”), to remain an artist all the key Our Family Haggadah is user-friendly it in Hebrew. During the Seder, we are when we grow blessings, and, (i.e., shorter!), especially for first-time learning the history of the Exodus and we up.” Designer of course, all Seder participants, interfaith families, or are creating our own history of memories Jim Badonsky four glasses of any family that doesn’t want a lengthy and traditions that keep us connected to incorporates the wine. Seder. And the children’s drawings really family and faith.” children’s art in a In addition, emphasize the family nature of the Seder. Our Family Haggadah ends with a beautiful book that has been it is useful for They help all who sit around the Seder table slight twist on the usual Passover Seder. The chosen to be offered for sale at The those who have connect to the holiday in meaningful ways final song of the evening is “The More We Jewish Museum in New York. never actually as they use it over the years. Are Together.” Haggadah “We’ve been using this at conducted their own Seder. It As an Emmy Award-winning television “That was a tradition at my parent’s our Seders for several years,” said Dr. Juliet includes a page on how to set a Seder table producer of children’s programming and co- house,” said Spring Asher, who grew up Asher Golden, who hosts the Asher family and how to construct a Seder plate. The author of The Lip Smackin’ Joke Crackin’ in Hartford, Connecticut. “Every family Seder at her house, in Atlanta, every year. illustrated Seder plate has a slight feminist Cookbook for Kids, Spring Asher knows event ended by singing ‘The More We Are “Our Seders are very inclusive not only of twist: it includes an orange. Spring Asher that the goal is to keep the viewer tuned Together.’ So we include it, L’Dor V’dor, children, but also of families of all faiths.” explains: “As the story goes, a rabbi was in. “Each year,” she says, “we come to the from generation to generation.” The book came to be when Juliet took asked, ‘When will we have women in the Seder at a different level…as a first time This Haggadah is meant to build over the family Seder from her mom, and it rabbinate?’ The rabbi answered, ‘We need reader at six, Samantha Golden asked the memories and traditions. grew from 15 to 30. Sister-in-law Johanna women rabbis like we need an orange on the first question and Aaron Asher, at 10, asked Asher suggested that everyone needed a Seder plate.’ So now we have an orange.”

and excelled at so many sports—boxing, wrestling, baseball, swimming, rowing, Allen E. Kline — 1927-2015 archery, and more. Tennis was by far his also captained the rifle team, was a finalist favorite throughout his life, and his and for a Rhodes scholarship, and graduated Betsy’s love for the game was passed on to magna cum laude in 1950. He then went on their children and grandchildren. A cagey BY Miles to Harvard Law School and a prestigious southpaw, Allen continued playing into his clerkship on the U.S. Court of Appeals for 80s. Alexander the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco. In addition to always having a sharp He then came home to Atlanta in mind, Allen had a soft heart. He was 1954 and began practicing law with Louis unfailingly generous with his counsel, Regenstein and others at what was then hospitality, and financial resources. People Too often, accomplished native sons Atlanta’s largest law firm, Smith, Kilpatrick, couldn’t help respecting his intellect and and daughters of Atlanta who moved to and Cody, Rogers & McClatchy. He loved eloquence, but they were equally drawn to became community leaders in other cities Atlanta, but he had even a greater love in him as a true gentleman who exuded charm fall off of our radar screen. Thus, we often San Francisco—Betsy Stowell. In 1955 he and kindness. lose touch with old friends who impacted returned to San Francisco and married Betsy. After 87 years of vibrant living, he our lives growing up in Atlanta. Allen He also co-founded Feldman, Waldman and will be missed by his wife; three children, Eugene Kline was such a person. Kline, a leading San Francisco-based firm Bonnie, Kathy, and Jim; Kathy’s husband, So when the news reached Atlanta where lawyers such as Deborah Lauter David Dahl; grandchildren Evan, Erin, of Allen’s death, it touched a chord with began their careers, and where he headed Matt, and Sarah. He will also be missed so many of the people he had known and the tax and probate department for nearly by his old college, law school, iconic with whom he had grown up. Like others, three decades. Allen also lectured widely Allen Kline Boys High classmates, and other friends he was part of what fostered the growth and on taxes and estate planning and did pro Atlanta Bar Association because it would in Atlanta, where he was instrumental in character of what we know as Atlanta today. bono work for a myriad of charitable helping attract the best and brightest for Born in Savannah, Georgia, Allen organizations, including the Jewish Welfare not accept African Americans. He quit the NRA because of its opposition to reasonable the city’s post-World War II growth and its grew up in Atlanta and was a product of the Federation and the Traveler’s Aid Society future community. fabled Boys High, where he was an honors (for which he served as president and a board gun-control laws. And, with his Atlanta student, captain of the award-winning rifle member). Even after retiring in 1989, Allen roots, he actively supported the NAACP, team, and a leader of the ROTC program. volunteered countless hours to help family, the ACLU, the Anti-Defamation League, Having earned a private pilot’s license by friends, and community organizations with Planned Parenthood, and the Southern age 18, it was only natural that his service in legal matters. Poverty Law Center. World War II was as an officer in the Army Allen had a strong social conscience, a Slightly-built and soft-spoken, Allen Air Force. After his military service, having deep commitment to justice, and he actively grew up with the unlikely nickname of initially enrolled at Emory he studied participated in social action in Atlanta. As “Killer.” He earned that moniker at summer economics at Harvard University, where he a young lawyer, he balked at joining the camp because he competed tenaciously March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 43

for the next round. Their assessments were Schwartz on Sports hysterical and never shared with anyone. This ultimately led to a dinner between BUSINESS BITS From page 29 the three of them to pick the winner for the season. By Marsha Liebowitz multiphase selection process; peer nominations treating his players fairly in regard to the Jeff said that in the old days, he and evaluations are combined with third-party time played rule. Stan Sobel wanted to enjoyed getting together with the captains BEYOND GOODY BAG. Beyond Goody research. control playing time and try out some of because they held the draft in a restaurant. Bag was formed to make the world a better Morgan his coaching strategies. I had played in the The Hoffman brothers, Howard and Mark, place, one party favor at a time. Beyond served on league for 13 years before I asked to be a always added hilarious comments. Now the Goody Bag e-gifts, also known as BGB the board captain, and I felt that I knew all the players young guys like to draft online, and he hates e-codes, are virtual party favors used in place of Jewish really well. I also wanted to find out what it. of the traditional goody bags routinely handed Family happened behind closed doors during the My experience at the draft was both out at birthday parties. Children use their & Career draft. unique and bizarre. David Kebler was a BGB e-codes at beyondgoodybag.com to Services. captain, but he couldn’t make it, so he sent donate to a participating charity. The unused He has been What was the best team you had? List those his wife, Dori Taratoot Kebler, to represent portion of their e-code can be redeemed for involved with players you can remember. him. Dori was big and pregnant at the time, a gift card from a large selection of major the Jewish but did a good job selecting the team. I am brands. Beyond Goody Bag was co-founded Federation Stan said that he didn’t know which was certain that, in the 50-year history of the by Atlantan Robert Bock. For details, visit of Greater the best team, but he had the most fun with league, there has never been another draft beyondgoodybag.com. Richard Morgan Atlanta and Jimmy Burdine and Tommy Thompson. with a pregnant woman making selections. is on its (They are also two of my “Where Are They SUPER LAWYER. Estate planning attorney Planned Giving & Endowment committee. Now?” guys.) What special strategy that you used either Richard M. Morgan, of the boutique law firm Morgan was a founding member of Steve had many great teams, but the in selecting players or during the game Morgan and DiSalvo, P.C., has been named to Congregation B’nai Dorot, which merged with year Andy Harrison was his number one worked? the Super Lawyers of Georgia 2015 list. Super Temple Shir Shalom to become Congregation pick was the best by far. Andy averaged Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented Dor Tamid. more than 30 points a game and made all the Stan said that his best game strategy players around him better. The team went was to freeze the ball when you had to sit undefeated. out your best player at the beginning of the Jeff said that his current 40+ Cross game for four minutes. The other team wore Court team was one of the best he could themselves out and became frustrated trying remember. His team was composed of Steve MISH MASH to get the ball, and then the top player came Handmaker, Andy Dimenstein, Steve Horn, into the game, rested and ready to play. By Erin O’Shinskey contributions, a group of donors established Jonathan Ginsberg, and Bob Roth. They Steve said that you obviously needed a a fund to continue his legacy of teaching went 10-0 in the regular season and lost very good “A” player or, in some instances, 9TH ANNUAL BALSER SYMPOSIUM. professional advisors about planned giving. by one point on a “buzzer beater” by Barry two good “B” players. After that, he always The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Gorowitz, in the Playoff Championship looked for players who were unselfish and in conjunction with the Community game. He also remembered a team with maybe picked up a “D” player who traveled Foundation for Greater Atlanta and United Richie Oxman and me that ran the table a lot. Way of Greater Atlanta, hosted the Balser and won with Hadley Cooper, when Hadley Jeff said that many times he’d draft an Symposium, February 13, at the Georgia scored 60 points in a game. unknown player in the league. Sometimes Tech Global Learning Center. For 13 My best team was in the 30+ Cross he’d turn out to be a first round pick and years, Jack Balser was endowment director Court League in the late ‘90s. I remember sometimes a sixth rounder. of Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. that the captain ahead of me during the draft I can relate to selecting an “unknown” Through Jack’s efforts, planned gifts in the passed on selecting Howard Wertheimer, “player. The first year I was a captain, in community grew dramatically, and more and I told him, “Thanks for giving me the 1980, I selected Richie Oxman as my pick. donors and professional advisors were championship.” It also helped to have Jeff He was new to Atlanta and nobody knew educated about the importance of planned Steinbook as a third scorer. Other members him, but I had played pick-up ball with giving in philanthropy. To honor Jack’s Larry Frank and Jack Balser of the team were Ronnie Sheinfeld, Robin him and made him my first choice. We won Sherman, and Aaron Rickles. the league that year. It didn’t hurt either that I also drafted Bobby Hyman and Gary What was one of the most unusual, Shmerling. I also liked to use a box-and-one First it was the Flying Nun, and now… interesting, unique experiences you had defense, where I assigned my best defensive during the draft? player to guard the other team’s “A” player, the rappelling rabbi and the other players would be in a zone Stan recalled that in the early league One would have to be at least 50 years me, because the charity walks and other such defense and ready to double team. old to recall the original TV series “The events are usually on Saturdays. Besides, history, the commissioner and Hal Krafchick, There are dozens of captains who could the athletic director, used to make up the Flying Nun,” but don’t worry if you missed I am a bit of a thrill-seeker, and it sounded be featured here—but I’m writing an article, it. Lo and behold, now like something I’d teams. Once, captain Jerry Finkelstein was not a book, so I had to omit a lot of guys who given Andy Harrison and Buzzy Rosenberg, there is a “Rappelling actually enjoy.” could share their stories and experiences. Rabbi.” When Rabbi The end result was both outstanding players. The team was way Maybe this will make a good sequel. too strong. When they moved Buzzy off the David Sirull, of Adas that Rabbi Sirull had As long as there’s a Men’s Basketball Yeshurun Synagogue more contributors team, Jerry had a fit and didn’t talk to Stan League, there will be a need for guys who for a long time afterwards. in Augusta, found than anyone in all are willing to give their time to select, out about “Over the of Augusta. All Steve said that the best experiences organize, and captain their teams. he had at the draft were during the period Edge,” a recent charity together, more event benefiting the than $50,000 was when Hal, Stan, and he would leave the I hope you enjoyed this column’s draft room and reassess what had just Ronald McDonald raised to support the “history” lesson. Until next time, drive for House, he exclaimed Ronald McDonald happened and then set up the draft rotation the bucket and score. that he was “all in!” Rabbi David Sirull House Charities of The event invited Augusta. After the participants who could raise over $1,000 to exhilarating event, Rabbi Sirull said, “I guess rappel down the 11 stories of the Augusta there were a lot of folks who wanted me to Marriott. “It was scheduled for a Friday jump off a building. But seriously, for the sake morning,” Rabbi Sirull said. “That intrigued of tzedakah, it was really very gratifying.” Page 44 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015

to represent the qualities necessary to protect TU B’SHEVAT FESTIVITIES. Davis first- students from aggressors. Upper School student graders Anslee Kennedy, Ava Wilensky, and Mai Dori (pictured, left) with Nittai Shiff shared Sadie Ganz celebrated Tu B’Shevat in Morah a slideshow based on her photography project, Galia Sabbag’s classroom, with a classroom “What I Be,” in which she photographed By Belle Klavonsky in the world to run various races, including buffet picnic featuring foods eaten on this students with their vulnerabilities scrawled on Spartan races at 8,000 feet of elevation, trail holiday, such as dates, grapes, and olives. The their bodies; eighth-graders then repeated the runs, and he finished four marathons. Here, students also sang songs and recited the prayers project. students Dani Barnard, Ashley Glass, Lily for each item on the buffet. Fleischmann, Rami Fabian, and Alec Rosenthal hold up Eddy’s running blade prosthetic; they AJA UPPER SCHOOL HELPS COMMUNITY. are joined by Davis parent Laura Barnard and On January 19, Atlanta Jewish Academy Upper members of the EnduranceLeaders team, who School spent MLK Day as a service-learning coordinated Lychik’s visit to Davis. day. Community service options for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors included Sweetwater Creek State Park and Books for Africa. Seniors had the additional alternative of seeing the inner workings of a non-profit. No Place for Hate club TZEDAKAH PROJECT. The Davis Academy members could attend the No Place for Hate fourth grade recently made blankets, which Summit, at the Alliance Theater; at the summit, will be given to children battling cancer to use coordinated by the Anti-Defamation League for during their chemotherapy treatments. The students from schools across Georgia, students CHAGIGAT HaSIDDUR. AJA first-graders class partnered with the For A Day Foundation, and teachers engaged in a variety of activities celebrated their Chagigat HaSiddur with a which works with children battling cancer and and interactive presentations about the hate and wonderful musical performance for family other chronic illnesses. Pictured: (from left) Adi intolerance. and friends. They sang songs and tefillot, and Levi, Jacob Rubin, Ava Moradi, Leslie Moradi there was a cups-style performance for one of (parent), Delilah Cohen (parent), and Jamie the prayers. The students gathered under a giant Cohen. tallit to receive the Blessing of the Children, recited by Rabbi Israel Robinson. This was followed by the presentation of beautiful parent-decorated siddurim by teachers Morah Hilly Simchony and Morah Cheryl Kunis. And then…cake! Here, Noa Tzur and Mollie Engler show off their new siddurim.

A TORAH TRADITION. A longstanding tradition at The Davis Academy is when fifth- graders are invited to read from the Torah for the first time. Each class welcomes families as they BOOKS COME ALIVE. Third-through- lead their own service. Here, Kaden Husney eighth-graders at The Davis Academy were reads his portion, as Rabbi Micah Lapidus and excited to welcome Masterminds author classmate Rachel Binderman look on. Gordon Korman, who spoke about his books and creative inspiration process. Here, Mr. Korman (middle) gets acquainted with Middle VISUAL TEFILLAH. Two Atlanta Jewish CHAGIGAT MISHNAH. Atlanta Jewish School students (from left) Adam Prass, Phillip Academy 11th-graders, Abby Stein and Academy fifth-graders celebrated theirChagigat Weinstein, Isabelle McCullough, Sophia Gurin, Daniella Sokol, assisted Dalia Cheskes with Mishnah with music, drama, and a great deal and Eden Ornstein. her bat mitzvah, by drawing her a beautiful of learning. Students of Rabbi Ari Karp and visual guide to her tefillah. AJA parent Rebecca Mrs. Jill Mainzer-Jarecki demonstrated a truly Cheskes designed a modified bat mitzvah impressive knowledge of the six books of service for her non-verbal autistic daughter, Mishnah. After a musical performance of songs Dalia, that allowed her to perform the service, that provided information about the Mishnah, with visual cues from her tefillah guide. Dalia the fifth-graders sat down with their parents to responded to the appropriate tefillah pages teach them material from the ancient texts. Of GENERATION TO GENERATION. Davis by pressing buttons on her iPad to begin the course, this, too, was followed by cake! Left to Academy sixth-graders Lily Fleischmann recitations of each prayer, which had been right: (front) Max Pargman, Yonatan Levy, and and Hallie Kwatnez and fifth-grader Noah previously recorded by AJA graduate Liana Jonah Gordon; (back) Ella Goldstein and Kiki Hirschfield spoke to more than 2,000 teens, Slomka (GHA ’14). Pictured: the “Oseh Starr alongside 85-year-old holocaust survivor Trudy Shalom” page from the tefillahguide Album, at the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization EC SPIRIT WEEK. AJA’s Greenfield Early (BBYO) International Convention, about the NO PLACE FOR HATE. AJA Upper School’s Childhood students enjoyed Spirit Week, along INSPIRATION COMES IN ALL FORMS. importance of generational involvement in No Place for Hate Club visited eighth-graders with the rest of the school. Every year, the Davis Academy sixth- and seventh-graders community. Many Davis alumni, including to discuss bullying. ADL facilitator Dana week before Purim is dedicated to dressing up welcomed inspirational speaker Edward current Atlanta council AZA President Jake Smith led previously trained Upper Schoolers. in accordance with the theme of the day. This Lychik, a combat Army veteran who lost his leg Steele (Class of 2011), were a part of the Atlanta Eighth-graders shared personal stories and photo was taken on “Dress as Your Favorite in Afghanistan. Overcoming insurmountable delegation, welcoming teens worldwide. then split into groups to discuss ways to stand Person Day.” The Pre-K science class is odds, he went on to become the first hip amputee up for targets. Each group designed an “ally” posing with teacher Andrea Horowitz, dressed March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 45

The class of 2014 held a mezuzah dedication began at TDSA on Rosh Chodesh Adar. ceremony for its class gift, furnishings for the new middle school Think Center, created to CROSS-CULTURAL EXCHANGE. Working provide students a space to be creative and with Weber’s Associate Director of Jewish collaborate in small groups or as individuals. Student Life Samantha Davis, Weber students (and Atlanta Council BBYO members) Meredith Galanti, Amanda Abes, and Abby Seidel arranged a program for 95 BBYO International teen delegates visiting Atlanta for the BBYO International Convention. The teens becoming a six-time Multimedia Tech Fair traveled from Argentina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Champion. These students will now go on to Estonia, France, Georgia, Ireland, Israel, as Jane Goodall, the celebrated chimpanzee compete at the state level competition, the 2015 Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Serbia, expert. Pictured: (from left) Sivan Sarnat, Bess Georgia Educational Technology Fair. Pictured: Slovakia, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Krasner, Rahm Regev, Eden Moss, Siena Joel, (back row, from left) Micah Reich, Maya Kahn, Kingdom, and Uruguay and were excited to science teacher Andrea Horowitz, Isabella Galya Fischer, Sean Lewis, and Isabel Berlin; experience classes, tour Weber, and discuss Steinberg, Kedem Weismark, Ethan Shelnutt, and (front row) Ella Colker, Zack Naturman, SCIENCE FAIR. Torah Day School’s (TDSA) Jewish life in a frank, meaningful exchange. and David Katz Nolan Goldklang, Amir Dressler, and Gavriella sixth-graders held their annual Science Fair, For Weber students, the visit was a unique Mamane with judges ranging from a variety of doctors opportunity to bring classroom lessons to life. and researchers from the CDC to a former TDSA student who is a Grady paramedic. WEBER COMMUNITY The students researched their hypotheses, ACCOMPLISHMENTS. Amber Singleton, created displays of their data, and came up with Weber’s director of Fine and Performing Arts, conclusions. They were able to articulate each created the design for the 2015 Inman Park step involved to guests, parents, and judges. Spring Festival. Weber students Ilan Palte, Here, a student prepares her project. Aviv Rau, Zoe Toporek, Justin Wolozin, Jenna Rubin, Jenna Grossman, Rem Hellman, Lindsey Gillman, Samuel Fialkow, and Asher Stadler, were delegates to the Duke Model United Nations conference; students researched and prepared position statements on world issues, BADGES. Badges is an innovative program, ALTERMAN VISITS. Jazz pianist and negotiated with other countries, and drafted and introduced by Epstein Middle School composer Joe Alterman (pictured), an Atlanta voted on applicable resolutions. Weber alumnus Principal Myrna Rubel, in which students native and Epstein Alumni Hall of Fame Daniel Abravanel (class of 2014), a freshman at earn digital badges in areas such as leadership, recipient, flew in from Manhattan and visited BUILDING A MISHKAN. Torah Day School’s Duke, took current students on a personal tour communication, information literacy, Epstein to speak to and perform for fourth- first-grade boys and girls built and learned about of the Duke campus. acceptance, Jewish ethics, and play. Badges and fifth-grade students in the concert band. the intricacies of the mishkan (Tabernacle). is a self-paced program, designed to increase He also discussed the impact that music and Here, a first-grade boy (left) and girl (right) WEBER STAR STUDENT. The Professional motivation by enhancing self-directed, interest The Epstein School has had on his life. In an show their mishkan models. Association of Georgia Educators recognizes driven, and interdisciplinary learning, in a educational landscape where many schools are the senior from each participating high school blended learning environment. Pictured: (back cutting the arts, Epstein has been increasing who achieves the highest SAT score on one test row, from left) Sylvie Kershteyn, Micayla exposure to and programming in the arts. date. The highest test scorer must also meet Pollak, Elaine Berger, Avi Pearlman, Vanessa The school recognizes that the arts enhance additional requirements, including being in the Greenstein, and Zoe Rosenberg; (middle row) academic success through development of top 10% of the class. This year, Weber’s STAR Micah Reich, Hope Lindner, Carly Judenberg, the brain, language, and social and executive student is Samantha Leff. The STAR student Jamie Kornheiser, and Eitan Ventura; and function skills. program allows the STAR student to name the (front row) Sam Feldstein, Lauren Cohn, Hallie teacher who has been most instrumental in his/ Schiff, Hannah Dobkin, and Josh Aronstein her academic development. Samantha chose physics teacher Christina Stevenson as her STAR teacher. A VISIT TO THE STATE CAPITOL. Torah Day School eighth-grade boys (left) and girls TECHNOLOGY FAIR AWARDS. A number (right) visit the Georgia State Capitol. of Weber students placed in the North Atlanta Jewish Students Technology Fair. First HEBREW HONOR SOCIETY. Epstein eighth- place winners were: Amanda Kraun (Digital graders Jared Rakusin, Isabel Berlin, and Leo Photography, grades 9-10), Sindy Snider Sachs have been inducted into the prestigious (Digital Photography, grades 11-12), Justin American Hebrew Academy’s Honor Society, Cobb/Daniel Whitesides (Robotics, grades which acknowledges students who have 11-12), Rourke Rabinowitz (Programming demonstrated excellence in academics, Challenge, grades 11-12, and Technology INNOVATION. Epstein third-graders held an athletics, the arts, leadership, and service to Literacy Challenge, grades 11-12), and Parker invention fair to demonstrate how they would their communities. Left: Jared Rakusin and LEARNING ABOUT FAMOUS Zaglin (Hardware, grades 9-10). Second place solve real-world problems. Their creativity, Isabel Berlin. Right: Leo Sachs GEORGIANS. TDSA eighth-grade girls (left) winners were: Levi Durham/Ross Williams critical thinking, and problem-solving skills and boys (right) dress up like the famous (Robotics, grades 9-10) and Jake Burns resulted in inventions such as The Claw by Ava Georgians they researched, after which they (Programming Challenge, grades 9-10). All Kate Golberg (pictured), to reach for and pick up made a presentation to their class. first place winners went on to the state finals in objects out of one’s reach; Fooparoos, by Olivia Macon, March 7. Granot, reversible footy pajamas that convert to everyday clothes; and the Chooser-Rooser, by Elliott Furie, a system designed to help choose teams in a fair and impartial way. During the design process, students used STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills for measuring, mathematical computation, and model/prototype building and sketching. EPSTEIN EAGLES FLY HOME. More than 40 recent alumni (pictured) attended the STATE COMPETITION. Ten Epstein Alumni Reunion Homecoming game to visit students took 1st-place honors at the 2015 and reconnect with teachers and friends as they NAJS Technology Fair. Additionally, eighth- cheered on the Epstein Eagles Basketball Team. CELEBRATING PURIM. Purim simcha grader Isabel Berlin has broken the record by Page 46 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015 Soulful, sublime, and Southern By Tali Benjamin I’ll have a tune for days but the words won’t come for a while. It’s fun to see where the When she was growing up in Warner music will take you emotionally.” Robins, Georgia, in one of only a handful of Being Jewish was different in Middle Jewish families, no one could have predicted Georgia, but her pride in being who she that Zale would become a central figure in is and not apologizing for it has shaped the Atlanta Jewish Zale, not only as music community. a musician, but But, she has! as a person. “My Not only is she message to my on the Atlanta Jewish fans is that being Music Festival’s ‘different’ is OK,” Host Committee, but says Zale. “It’s she also regularly what makes us performs at Shabbat beautiful. You events at the Marcus don’t have to fit Jewish Community a mold based on Center of Atlanta, other people’s The Temple, and expectations.” Park Bench, and was This attitude of recently part of Jewish being yourself has Songwriters in the helped drive Zale Round at Redlight to go after her Café. Zale’s CD dreams. release party at Steve’s “Sometimes Live Music, on March it’s hard to take 14, is part of the AJMF a risk, but it’s line-up this year, something I really and she is a regular felt passionate performer there. about,” she says “I love being part of recording of this amazing community of musicians “Fortress” in just two weeks. “It was a crazy that shares my values and passions,” experience, because I had been writing these explains Zale. “Music to me is all about songs for years, and what’s in them took my your soul, and performing in front of people whole life to create. And, now—bam!—it’s you have a real connection with makes the all here on a CD for other people to rock out experience exceptional.” to in their cars.” With her first solo album, “Fortress,” For a list of upcoming performances released on March 24, Zale is excited to and to purchase the album, visit www. share her songs with the world. “I am a zalemusic.com. You can also find Zale on melodically driven storyteller. I like to set Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @hzale. a scene and make characters come to life. Meet Zale In the spirit of good luck, here are 18 things Zale wants you to know about her: • She is a University of Georgia alumna. • She is committed to inspiring young women through her music. • She is classically trained in opera. • She wrote her first song at age 14. • Her biggest musical influences are Amy Winehouse, Etta James, Alanis Morissette, Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The London Grammar, Jack White, and Carol King. • She wrote more than half the songs on her current record, “Fortress,” while in the shower. • She likes to pass along her passion for music to others through songwriting workshops and voice lessons. • She was a member of Sigma Delta Tau sorority at UGA. • Her favorite sidekick is her two-year-old nephew. • Her first name is Hannah. • She sang her first song in public at age three, at her sister’s bat mitzvah. • Her least favorite food is soft pretzels. • She plays guitar and writes her own songs. • Her record is an artistic experiment; each song has been carefully crafted to fit the sole narrative of the individual song. • She traveled to Israel on Birthright three years ago. • Her favorite movie is Across the Universe. • She is part of a singing duo called The Pussywillows. • She hopes to bring awareness to addiction and mental illness through her music. March-April 2015 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 47

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© 2015 Georgia Power. All rights reserved. Certain restrictions apply. Must be a Georgia Power customer. Valid through December 2015. Rebate eligibility varies based on improvements made and energy reduction achieved. Rebate request must be submitted with receipt within 60 days of purchase or installation of qualifying improvements. Full details available online. Page 48 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN March-April 2015

Have a joyous Passover. And share what it means to you. #PassoverPublix