and hiswork,visitbjtphotography.net. Taratoot” tolocatethearticle. the UnitedStates.Google“PPA Today Barry tion forseriousprofessionalphotographersin the mostinfluentialandprestigiousorganiza- the ProfessionalPhotographersof America, tured inanarticleonPPA Today, theblogof selected, Taratoot andhisexhibition werefea- orarium. Inadditiontothehonorofbeing presentation; exhibitingartistsreceiveanhon- its exhibitionproposalsandselectseightfor tion. ic andtechnicalskills,patience,imagina- notes—through acombinationofphotograph- or moderntechnicalmanipulation,”theartist terns. The effect iscreated—“withouttrickery enhance theirnaturalsurfaces,colors,andpat- positions themamidsoftlightandshadowsto than photos. backgrounds lookmuchmorelikepaintings colors oftheplantssetagainstsolid-black what heorsheisseeing. The soft,yetvivid, 4x6 feet. graphs, ranginginsizefrom30x40inchesto tour andmanyintricacies.” serves toemphasizeeachflower’s uniquecon- faces, andcolor. The rich,blackbackground create adynamiccompositionoftextures,sur- trolled arrangementandlightingoftheflowers Vogt, Airport Art Program manager. “Thecon- exquisite detailinnature’s design,”saidDavid surreal andfocustheviewer’s eyeonthe Atlanta International Airport. is featuredinthe Atrium atHartsfield-Jackson Collection,” byGeorgia artistBarry Taratoot, Taratoot exhibitionfeatured inAirportAtrium For moreinformationonBarry Taratoot Each year, the Airport Art Programsolic- Taratoot selectsfloralsubjectsandthen The imagesdefytheviewertobelieve The exhibitionincluded15framedphoto- “The piecesinthisexhibitarestunningly “The LesFleursPhotographic

What’s Inside Jewish Georgian Volume 24,Number4 think bigandactboldly. of TheTemplemembers to Reform Judaism,challenged head oftheUnion Rabbi RichardJ.Jacobs, On arecentvisitto Atlanta, Future the Embracing By MordecaiZalman THE Page 22 researchers. mation forgenealogical to atreasuretroveofinfor- A simpledocumentcanlead Internal Passport The Lithuania By HowardMargol how haveyouhadtimetobreathe?” grandmother of15,andasked,“Jackie, mother offourchildrenandnowthe through, Istoppedher, knowingherasthe ship andparticipationroles.Partway began tolistherpastandcurrentleader- or headed. At myinsistence,shemodestly Atlanta thatJackiehasn’t beeninvolvedin Montag. There ishardlyagoodcausein community leaders. beginning aseriesonwomenwhoare shatter thisnotion, work, andthemengetallcredit.” To nity leadership:“Thewomendoallthe By CarolynGold Jackie Montagisatirelesscommunityleader pio sai il rsaeCla alaLvne White&YellowOrchids DahliaLavender BrisbaneCallas Apricot AsiaticLilly We startwithaverybusylady, Jackie There isanoldsayingaboutcommu- Atlanta, Georgia Page 24 The JewishGeorgian & HolocaustMuseum. The BremanJewishHeritage among themanyvisitorsto races andreligionsare and schoolchildrenofall Spanish-speaking soldiers Welcome Mat Putting Outthe By JaniceRothschildBlumberg Page 35 is dent. Cadranel asitsnewpresi- The MJCCA installsSteven At theHelm See MJCCA News,page17 MAY-JUNE 2012 Jackie Montag obesity epidemic. innovative waytofightthe is adocumentaryaboutan Festival, the Atlanta JewishFilm An unusualoffering from A ChangeofMenu (all photos:BarryJTaratoot Photography) By BrianKatzowitz The Apple Pushers The Apple Hospital; shehashadalong-timeinterest Then shevolunteeredattheoldEgleston the helpingrolesatherchildren’s schools. tion, andcommunitylife.Shefulfilledall in familyissues:health,children,educa- First, aUnited Way agency.” League of Women Voters andFamilies “Montag womengetinvolvedinthe Jackie wastoldbyhermother-in-law, his militaryduty, returnedto Atlanta. School. They marriedand,after Tony did graduate studentintheHarvardBusiness she met Tony Montag,whowas thena side ofBoston. At aSouthernClubmixer, and attended Wellesley College,justout- Thus beganJackie’s life-longinterest Jackie grewupinMobile, Alabama, Page 7 grew fromthere. above acandystoreand started inarentedroom Macon’s firstsynagogue Macon The Jewsof FREE See MONTAG, page4 By StuartRockoff Page 30 In the treatment of type 1 Gaucher disease It’s All About the Details

Talk to your doctor about VPRIV. For more information, go to vpriv.com.

VPRIV is available by prescription only.

Indication VPRIV is a hydrolytic lysosomal glucocerebroside- specific enzyme indicated for long-term enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for pediatric and adult patients with type 1 Gaucher disease.

Important Safety Information The most serious side effects seen in patients in clinical trials with VPRIV were allergic reactions. Patients who have experienced allergic reactions to VPRIV or to other enzyme replacement therapy should proceed with caution. The most common side effects observed in clinical trials in patients treated with VPRIV were infusion-related and included: headache, dizziness, low blood pressure, high blood pressure, nausea, weakness/fatigue, and fever. Generally, infusion-related reactions were mild and, in newly treated patients, occurred mostly during the first 6 months of treatment and tended to occur less frequently with time. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Brief Summary of the full Prescribing Information on reverse side for additional Important Safety Information. VPRIV® (velaglucerase alfa for injection) Rx Only BRIEF SUMMARY: Consult the Full Prescribing Information for complete product information. Less common adverse reactions affecting more than one patient (>3% in the treatment-naïve group and >2% in the patients switched from imiglucerase to VPRIV treatment) were bone pain, tachycardia, rash, INDICATIONS AND USAGE urticaria, flushing, hypertension, and hypotension. VPRIV is a hydrolytic lysosomal glucocerebroside-specific enzyme indicated for long-term enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for pediatric and adult patients with type 1 Gaucher disease. Pediatric Patients All adult adverse reactions to VPRIV are considered relevant to pediatric patients (ages 4 to 17 years). DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Adverse reactions more commonly seen in pediatric patients compared to adult patients include (>10% The recommended dose is 60 Units/kg administered every other week as a 60-minute intravenous infusion. difference): upper respiratory tract infection, rash, aPTT prolonged, and pyrexia. Patients currently being treated with imiglucerase for type 1 Gaucher disease may be switched to VPRIV. Immunogenicity Patients previously treated on a stable dose of imiglucerase are recommended to begin treatment with VPRIV As with all therapeutic proteins, there is a potential for immunogenicity. In clinical studies, at that same dose when they switch from imiglucerase to VPRIV. 1 of 54 treatment-naïve patients treated with VPRIV developed IgG class antibodies to VPRIV. In this patient, Dosage adjustments can be made based on achievement and maintenance of each patient’s the antibodies were determined to be neutralizing in an in vitro assay. No infusion-related reactions were therapeutic goals. Clinical studies have evaluated doses ranging from 15 Units/kg to 60 Units/kg reported for this patient. It is unknown if the presence of IgG antibodies to VPRIV is associated with a higher every other week. risk of infusion reactions. Patients with an immune response to other enzyme replacement therapies who are switching to VPRIV should continue to be monitored for antibodies. VPRIV should be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Immunogenicity assay results are highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, CONTRAINDICATIONS the observed incidence of antibody positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors, including None. assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to VPRIV with the incidence of antibodies Hypersensitivity Reactions to other products may be misleading. Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients in clinical studies with VPRIV [see ADVERSE DRUG INTERACTIONS REACTIONS]. As with any intravenous protein product, hypersensitivity reactions are possible, therefore No drug-drug interaction studies have been conducted. appropriate medical support should be readily available when VPRIV is administered. If a severe reaction occurs, current medical standards for emergency treatment are to be followed. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy: Pregnancy Category B. Treatment with VPRIV should be approached with caution in patients who have exhibited symptoms of Reproduction studies with velaglucerase alfa have been performed in pregnant rats at intravenous hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or excipients in the drug product or to other enzyme replacement therapy. doses up to 17 mg/kg/day (102 mg/m2/day, about 1.8 times the recommended human dose of Infusion-related Reactions 60 Units/kg/day or 1.5 mg/kg/day or 55.5 mg/m2/day based on the body surface area). Reproduction Infusion-related reactions were the most commonly observed adverse reactions in patients treated with VPRIV studies have been performed in pregnant rabbits at intravenous doses up to 20 mg/kg/day in clinical studies. The most commonly observed symptoms of infusion-related reactions were: headache, (240 mg/m2/day, about 4.3 times the recommended human dose of 60 Units/kg/day based on the body dizziness, hypotension, hypertension, nausea, fatigue/asthenia, and pyrexia. Generally the infusion-related surface area). These studies did not reveal any evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to reactions were mild and, in treatment-naïve patients, onset occurred mostly during the first 6 months of velaglucerase alfa. treatment and tended to occur less frequently with time. A pre- and postnatal development study in rats showed no evidence of any adverse effect on pre- and postnatal The management of infusion-related reactions should be based on the severity of the reaction, e.g. slowing development at doses up to 17 mg/kg (102 mg/m2/day, about 1.8 times the recommended human dose of 60 the infusion rate, treatment with medications such as antihistamines, antipyretics and/or corticosteroids, Units/kg/day based on the body surface area). There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies and/or stopping and resuming treatment with increased infusion time. in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, VPRIV should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Pre-treatment with antihistamines and/or corticosteroids may prevent subsequent reactions in those cases where symptomatic treatment was required. Patients were not routinely pre-medicated prior to infusion of Nursing Mothers: There are no data from studies in lactating women. It is not known whether this drug is VPRIV during clinical studies. excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when VPRIV is administered to a nursing woman. ADVERSE REACTIONS Clinical Studies Experience Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of VPRIV have been established in patients between 4 and 17 The data described below reflect exposure of 94 patients with type 1 Gaucher disease who received VPRIV at years of age. Use of VPRIV in this age group is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled doses ranging from 15 Units/kg to 60 Units/kg every other week in 5 clinical studies. Fifty-four (54) patients studies of VPRIV in adults and pediatric [20 of 94 (21%)] patients. The safety and efficacy profiles were were naïve to ERT and received VPRIV for 9 months and 40 patients switched from imiglucerase to VPRIV similar between pediatric and adult patients [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and CLINICAL STUDIES]. The safety treatment and received VPRIV for 12 months [see CLINICAL STUDIES]. Patients were between 4 and 71 years of VPRIV has not been established in pediatric patients younger than 4 years of age. old at time of first treatment with VPRIV, and included 46 male and 48 female patients. Geriatric Use: During clinical studies 4 patients aged 65 or older were treated with VPRIV. Clinical studies The most serious adverse reactions in patients treated with VPRIV were hypersensitivity reactions [see of VPRIV did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should The most commonly reported adverse reactions (occurring in ≥10% of patients) that were considered be approached cautiously, considering potential comorbid conditions. related to VPRIV are shown in Table 2. The most common adverse reactions were infusion-related reactions. OVERDOSAGE Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in There is no experience with overdose of VPRIV. the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Table 2: Adverse Reactions Observed in ≥10% of Patients with Type 1 Gaucher Disease Treated with VPRIV VPRIV is manufactured by: [Naïve to ERT (N = 54), Switched from imiglucerase to VPRIV (N = 40)] Number of Patients (%)—Nervous system disorders: Headache 19 (35.2%), 12 (30%), Dizziness 12 (22.2%), 3 (7.5%); Gastrointestinal disorders: Shire Human Genetic Therapies, Inc. Abdominal pain 10 (18.5%), 6 (15%), Nausea 3 (5.6%), 4 (10%); Musculoskeletal and connective tissue 700 Main Street disorders: Back pain 9 (16.7%), 7 (17.5%), Joint pain (knee) 8 (14.8%), 3 (7.5%); Infections and infestations: Cambridge, MA 02139 Upper respiratory tract infection 17 (31.5%), 12 (30%); Investigations: Activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged 6 (11.1%), 2 (5%); General disorders and administration site conditions: Infusion-related VPRIV is a registered trademark of Shire Human Genetic Therapies, Inc. reaction* 28 (51.9%), 9 (22.5%), Pyrexia 12 (22.2%), 5 (12.5%), Asthenia/Fatigue 7 (13%), 5 (12.5%). ©2010 Shire Human Genetic Therapies, Inc. *Denotes any event considered related to and occurring within up to 24 hours of VPRIV infusion.

February 2010 40-0510 Rev. 1 US/VEL-00233

Please see full Prescribing Information at www.vpriv.com.

www.vpriv.com VPRIV is a registered trademark of Shire Human Genetic Therapies, Inc.

Shire Human Genetic Therapies, Inc. 700 Main St., Cambridge, MA 02139 ©2010 Shire Human Genetic Therapies, Inc. US/VEL-00223-Dec10 Page 4 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012 Laws, leaders, and followers

When I used to be asked if I had read a down to us from our Jewish Law. Not only freed from slavery in ancient Egypt, our certain book, often I would blithely reply, has our secular legal system been the inher- judgment and motivation is strongly influ- “No, I already know all that I want to itor of these writings, but the influence of enced by the personal benefits we see from know, and if I read, it just confuses me.” BY what Moses received at Sinai has and does accepting and/or following a concept or While the answer was given in jest, too Marvin reverberate throughout our total culture. course of action. There is nothing wrong often there was more truth than there Botnick Moses went up to the mountain and with melding in equal portions the concept should have been in my attitude. received the blueprint upon which a major of seeking to “repair the world” with bet- I have now come to appreciate that it is this document and its amendments. When portion of society has been constructed. Is terment of one’s own life, and, in fact, this unfair to try to understand current affairs this happens, the parties appeal to our it any wonder, therefore, why the giving of is what should be done. And this is the job and to attempt to evaluate opinions and courts to determine the proper legal inter- the Law at Sinai is such a key, critical ele- description that we should use in seeking positions without a historical background. pretation to the specific issue. Even our ment and one in which we rejoice each year leadership. The evolution that takes place from the courts are often unable to arrive at unanim- at this time with the celebration of Truly great leaders are rare. Just as genesis of concepts, which in most cases ity in interpretation. The decisions result- Shavuot? there were many false prophets, there are resulted from an interpretive application of ing from the deliberations in the U.S. of our While nothing can match the magni- many false leaders. It seems that in times of the thoughts as dictated by current events Constitution are set forth in writings, and tude of what transpired at Sinai, we cannot greatest need, such true leaders come forth. of the day, has brought us to our present these rulings become case law and form a be unmindful of the importance of Moses We only can hope that this will continue. understanding, practices, and laws. Past base for future interpretations. in this event, as well his part in the entire But we, too, have a responsibility in this conditions and circumstances and an To us as Jews, there is no more basic ending of the episode in Egypt and the scenario, for remember, there cannot be a understanding of those conditions do have document than our Bible. Unlike the march to new self-identity and freedom. good leader without good followers. an impact on the actions at that time. The Constitution, however, the Bible consists There were many divergent voices in the As we reflect on the enormity of the meaning and implications of the language of more than just the structure and laws wilderness, and there were those who saw events of that forty-day period –– a time at that time can convey a different under- under which a country functions. The Bible the present and the future with eyes looking when our people moved from slavery to standing of the contents from what such does contain these elements, but it has even back rather than forward. We know of the freedom; a time when our people moved words and expressions would convey broader horizons. It deals with the theolog- tribulations that faced Moses from the mul- from a tribe to a nation with a historical today. ical response and duty to a deity and sets titudes. Even in light of the beneficence mandate and moral code –– we each must To us as Americans, there is no more forth moral issues addressing our responsi- that was being showered on them by God, understand our place and responsibility in basic document than our Constitution. But bilities to our God, our fellow humans, our there were underlying questioning and striving to continue to implement and ful- as we all know, there are many situations environment, the land, and all entities, ani- doubts that had to be controlled and quiet- fill the challenges and duties that are incul- each year in which there is a difference of mate and inanimate. ed. It took a leader. cated in these holidays. opinion as to how to apply the precepts of Our Law is more than a legal docu- In today’s world, there are many who “Behold, a good doctrine has been ment; it is a legal document with a moral position themselves to be viewed as lead- given you, My Torah; do not forsake it. It is THE bent and a belief in power and source that ers. But it is hard to be a true leader if the a tree of life to those who hold it fast, and truly is a “Supreme” court. objective is to achieve personal gains and all who cling to it find happiness. Its ways Jewish Georgian We read and discuss matters sub- aggrandizement. are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths Most of us, however, are followers. are peace.” – Union Prayer Book For The Jewish Georgian is published bimonthly by Eisenbot, Ltd. It is ject to the secular rules, but most of us do written for Atlantans and Georgians by Atlantans and Georgians. not realize how much of that has come Just as was the case of the Jews who were Jewish Worship

Publisher Marvin Botnick Co-Publisher Sam Appel Editor Marvin Botnick was every member of our temple staff. No one on Southern schools and the other on Managing Editor Marsha C. LaBeaume Montag matter what problems our staff might have schools in the Northeast. Assignment Editor Carolyn Gold From page 1 encountered, Jackie was always there for Currently, she is working four days a Consulting Editor Gene Asher us, offering her keen insight and loving week, part-time, in her family’s investment Associate Editor Barbara Schreiber in Children’s Healthcare, where she serves support.” firm. Since 1986, Jackie has been in charge Copy Editor Ray Tapley on the board and nominating committee. Assistant Copy Editor Arnold Friedman Among other community activities, of marketing and business development Makeup Editor Terri Christian Mr. Louis Montag, her father-in-law, she chaired the local U.S.O. and served on “Atlanta is a wonderful city,” she says. Production Coordinator Terri Christian was one of the founders of the Visiting the United Way Allocations Committee. “You have to give back.” In listing Jackie’s Designer David Gaudio Nurses Association. Jackie has worked with One of her long–time interests has been the “giving back,” we may have omitted a Photographic Staff Allan Scher, Jonathan Paz VNA in the area of public relations and is a Graphic Art Consultant Karen Paz Atlanta Historical Society at the Atlanta chairmanship, a nominating committee, a Columnist Gene Asher, Jonathan Barach, past vice-chairperson there. She was on the History Center, where she is past board search committee that she has headed, or a Janice Rothschild Blumberg, original board of Camp Twin Lakes, which chair. Jackie was recently elected secretary recognition she has earned. Her contribu- Marvin Botnick, David Geffen, Carolyn Gold, Jonathan Goldstein, serves children who are ill or have disabili- of the Georgia Historical Society. tions are almost too numerous to count. In R.M. Grossblatt, Marice Katz, ties. In keeping with her interest in family addition, she has passed on her dedication Balfoura Friend Levine, Marsha Liebowitz, Bubba Meisa, Jackie served on and later chaired the health, she is on the board of Skyland Trail, to service to her grown children. Ned has Erin O’Shinsky, Reg Regenstein, religious school committee of The Temple. a rehabilitation center for people with men- been head of Atlanta’s Jewish Educational Susan Robinson, Stuart Rockoff, Roberta Scher, Jerry Schwartz, Leon Socol, In 1987, she was elected the first woman tal health problems. Loan Fund, and John is a third-generation Rabbi Reuven Stein, Cecile Waronker president of The Temple, a position she In 1990, Jackie participated in Montag involved in United Way’s Families Special Assignments Lyons Joel held until 1989. Leadership Atlanta, where she says she First. Advertising Anne Bender Alvin Sugarman was The Temple’s “learned a lot.” She is also a former board Rabbi Sugarman adds, “The same type Ruby Grossblatt rabbi during those years, and he had this to member of the Community Foundation of of caring concern and outstanding leader- Editorial Advisory Board Members say: “Jackie Montag is an incredible human Metro Atlanta. ship Jackie gave to our temple family, she Sam Appel Rabbi Alvin Sugarman Sam Massell Jane Axelrod Albert Maslia William Rothschild being. Her kindness and understanding are Jackie has served or is serving on has given as well to our community at large, Gil Bachman Michael H. Mescon Marilyn Shubin matched only by her intellect. Her family is numerous other boards, such as the Anti- from children to the eldest among us. I have Asher Benator Paul Muldawer Doug Teper foremost in her life, and they adore her. Her Defamation League, Atlanta Girls School, never known anyone who has given more leadership at The Temple provided a model Friends of Trinity School, Emory freely of herself to our community than 8495 Dunwoody Place, Suite 100 of what it means to lead a synagogue. Her University Board of Visitors, and Hughes Jackie Montag. How fortunate we all are to Atlanta, GA 30350 concern was for each and every one of our Spalding Hospital. She has been chair of be blessed with Jackie’s caring and loving (404) 236-8911 • FAX (404) 236-8913 temple members, from our newest members the Parents Council of The Westminster leadership.” [email protected] to those whose families had been part of Schools. Meanwhile, Jackie is not slowing www.jewishgeorgian.com The Temple for generations. As well, every Jackie collaborated with four other down a beat, but rushing off to the next The Jewish Georgian ©2012 temple program was important to her, as women to write two college guidebooks, meeting. May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 5 expert.” The wit, and good old-fashioned common answer really sense.” wasn’t that hard, Talkers magazine named Farber one of What’s since the issue the top ten radio talk hosts of all time. His also featured peers named him “Talk Host of the Year” in Jay, who was 1991. named a runner- For over thirty-five years, Barry Farber up for “Tax was a major fund-raising speaker for Bonds Person of the of Israel, United Jewish Appeal, and other HAPPENING Year.” Jewish charities. He’s a veteran of twenty- Jay Starkman three missions to Israel and speaks or has PHI EP REUNION AT THE WHITE some proficiency in 26 languages. HOUSE. When legendary UGA Phi Epsilon BARRY FARBER’S NEW BOOK. There’s something about Farber’s gen- Pi fraters Myles Osterneck and Richie Legendary New York-based talk show host tle Southern manner that side-steps hostility Reiman visited Atlanta the other day for Barry Farber’s claim to fame is not just that to his right-of-center views. His broadcast Passover, it was a good excuse for a reunion BY Reg he is Atlanta comic Jerry’s big brother. recipe: “Lots of opinions. Lots of laughs. with their old fraternity brothers—such Regenstein Barry is about to publish yet another book. Nothing mean. Nothing rigid. Just let it all movers and shakers and colorful characters Cocktails With Molotov will be pub- flow, like a student riot in Ecuador.” as Jeff VanTosh, Steve Selig, Jerry Gordon, lished in early May. Its title comes from the As one fan explains, “How can you not Andy Ghertner, and Sam Coolik. They fact that Barry was the first free-lance jour- love a guy who can recite ‘T’was the Night played a round of golf at the Standard Club nalist to enter the Soviet Union after Stalin Before Christmas’ in Yiddish and sings and had a power lunch a few days later at died, and he actually had cocktails with ‘Davy Crockett’ on the air in Norwegian?” the famous and beloved White House Molotov. The book has about 80 chapters restaurant in Buckhead. Myles has lived the and includes the true story of Charlie last few decades in Maui, Hawaii, and Fawcett, a Charleston Episcopal aristocrat Richie lives in Longboat Key, Florida— movie star (who made 135 films), who mar- tough assignments, but someone has to do ried and divorced six Jewish women within it. eighteen months. No, he was not fickle or Most of us are from the classes of ‘61 unstable; he married them to save their and 62’, but Osterneck stayed at UGA so lives, in Nazi-occupied France, from 1940- long, no one can say what his class year is. 1941. He may still be getting mail there. The main Barry has had an amazing career. school cafeteria still has a sandwich named Before graduating Phi Beta Kappa from the after him. University of North Carolina in 1952, he Barry Farber Somehow, we got invited to lunch, and Richie Reiman served with the Norwegian Merchant when we arrived a little early, there was Marine, represented America at internation- ENOUGH ABOUT JERRY FARBER Selig, his calendar book wide open, work- AMBASSADOR JOHN BOLTON al conferences in Yugoslavia and Brazil, ALREADY. Jerry has asked us not to men- ing his iPhone, making appointments, cut- SPEAKS TO JEWISH GROUP. When was an interpreter for units of the Chinese tion his name in our column any more. He ting deals, arranging meetings, and multi- Former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. and Nationalist Navy, and was the editor of a says every time it comes out and people see tasking to the max. Since he owns the prop- senior advisor to the Romney Presidential daily newspaper. his name, it erty, we guess it’s OK for him to treat it like Campaign John Bolton spoke at His official bio describes how he “sped reminds 50 peo- his office. Baltimore’s Royal Kosher restaurant two to Cuba after the fall of Batista, beating ple that he owes As always at The White House, lunch days before Maryland’s GOP Primary, our Fidel Castro to Havana by five days. Barry them money. was great. The remarks were stimulating, roving correspondent Dan Regenstein was reported on the repression of Soviet Jews But we the conversation brilliant, the repartee witty. there to record and report on the event. from the Moscow synagogue and covered do want to note Much of the conversation touched on the Ambassador Bolton has been one of the the Liberty City, Florida, race riots from an that his son usual Atlanta topic, how slow the real estate most outspoken commentators warning all-black bar. Joshua is fea- market is. We didn’t realize how bad it had about the dangers of Iran developing “During the Korean War, Farber served tured on a popu- gotten until we got an e-mail from Selig nuclear weapons and urging that whatever in the army as a Russian translator for lar YouTube listing all the places that give senior dis- action is necessary be taken to stop Iran American military intelligence. After Soviet video, “Joshua counts! from achieving nuclear capability. forces overwhelmed the Hungarian Farber sings— Freedom Fighters, Farber helped Hungarian I’m sexy & I refugees across the border to freedom in know it,” which Austria. He volunteered with Catholic documents his performance at Jerry’s 74th Relief to resettle Hungarian refugees in birthday party, at his Side Door nightclub. North Carolina. The American-Hungarian Check it out at Foundation honored Farber with its presti- www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0hvqSa6Lw gious George Washington Award in 2007.” A. Barry was the New York Conservative Party’s nominee for mayor in 1977; he was ISRAELI-AMERICAN BUSINESS edged out in that election by Ed Koch. His COOPERATION. Since 1992, under the nationally syndicated “The Barry Farber guidance of its tireless president, Tom Stephanie Rosenau, Dan Show” is heard Monday-Friday over CRN Glaser, the American-Israel Chamber of Regenstein, Ambassador John Digital Talk Radio and on Saturday after- Commerce (AICC), Southeast Region, has Bolton, and Lisa Spies, senior asso- noons on the Talk Radio Network, which worked to promote and increase economic ciate at Acharai Jewish Leadership can be heard in Atlanta. Barry recently development between Israel and the Development Institute interviewed local Vietnam veteran Marine Southeast. It has encouraged and helped Frank Cox, whose own new book, Lullabies complete deals worth over $1 billion, bring- CROSSWORD PUZZLE ENTRY: JAY for Lieutenants, describes his especially ing jobs, profits, and untold benefits to the STARKMAN. We had never before known hazardous experiences as a forward observ- economies of both regions. Lunching at The White House: (from anyone who was the answer in a crossword er, calling in artillery and air strikes on This June 12, from 7:00-9:00 p.m., the left) Steve Selig, Sam Coolik, Reg puzzle, but renowned Atlanta accountant enemy forces during firefights. AICC will celebrate its 20th anniversary at Regenstein, Jerry Gordon, Myles Jay Starkman was featured as 7 across in a When Barry is on the air, it is said, the 11th annual Eagle Star Awards Gala, at Osterneck, and Andy Ghertner recent issue of the industry publication Tax “The airwaves are filled with a mix of con- the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North Hotel. servative philosophy, eloquent poetry, Dixie (photo by Myles Osterneck) Notes, with the clue “tax simplification See HAPPENING, page 6 Page 6 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012

giving each animal parts to read. Every zoo Happening creature is eager to do its part in Pesach, From page 5 and has a role to play—“from the lion’s great big ‘Ma-Roar!’ to the vultures’ help Super Realtor Alan Joel The keynote speaker will be one of Israel’s finishing off the meal.” most renowned entrepreneurs and high tech Daniel Guttman’s and Phillip Ratner’s By Reg Regenstein the Atlanta Commercial Board of venture capitalists, Jonathan Medved, who new children’s book from Pelican Realtors Alvin B. Cates Award for the was prominently featured in the bestselling Publishing, The Passover Zoo Seder, pro- When Native Atlantan Alan Joel most outstanding real estate transaction Start-Up Nation. vides a fun, easy-to-read rendition of recently won one of the city’s most pres- of the year. Alan was the top producing The Eagle Star Gala honors the people Passover for kids, as well as many young- tigious business awards—being named broker for five consecutive years at his and companies who have made the greatest at-heart parents who enjoy a “roaring good Atlanta’s Commercial Realtor of the firm before founding Joel & Granot Real contributions to read.” Year—the press release was so well writ- Estate, which specializes in tenant repre- the Southeast- ten we thought it was one of our articles sentation, build-to-suit, investment sales, Israel business GREATER ATLANTA HADASSAH CEL- and mistakenly put our name on it in the property management, and leasing. relationship, rec- EBRATES HADASSAH’S CENTENNI- last issue. Alan’s distinguished family has been ognizing the AL. In celebration of a century of Since then, The Atlanta Business in the real estate business for over half a Israeli Company Hadassah’s history and achievements, Chronicle featured Alan in a front page century, so he’s literally got it in his of the Year and Greater Atlanta Hadassah presented article entitled, “Rocketing to the Top,” blood. He’s an avid Bulldog, having Deal of the Year. Hadassah’s Centennial Celebration, honoring graduated The chamber will February 26, at Greenfield Hebrew several bro- from the also recognize Academy. Tina Wasserman, noted chef and kers’ University of Asheville, North author of the popular cookbook Entrée to “stratos- Georgia, Carolina, attor- John Medved Judaism: A Culinary Exploration of the pheric which he ney Robert Jewish Diaspora, was the guest speaker. achieve- attended on a Deutsch with the The event honored Greater Atlanta ment” in swimming Chamber Hadassah life member Florence Kaplan “blasting scholarship. Founders Award Nathanson, one of the early Hadassah vol- through a He went on to and the Israel unteer nurses serving in the newly founded sluggish” get his degree Economic Office state of Israel. Mrs. Nathanson and five market. in finance to the U.S. other nurses set sail to Israel in 1950 to We are from Southern Region work in a transit camp for new immigrants really Georgia’s with the pleased, Terry College established at Rosh Ha’Ayin. Her job was Alan and Sophie Joel Community to care for Yemenite children who were though not of Business, Partner Award. malnourished and sick with life-threatening surprised, where, as a The event web- illnesses. She served for nine months before that he has risen so quickly to the top of Dean’s List student, he was a member of Tom Glaser site,returning to the U.S. Atlanta’s super competitive real estate the Phi Eta Sigma Freshman Honor www.eaglestar- industry. Society. He obtained his master’s degree gala.com, features all the event details and A founding partner of Joel & Granot, in Real Estate from Georgia State offers the ease of online ticket purchasing. Alan received the Realtor of the Year University. For further information, contact Award—his latest award—at the Atlanta In 1981, he participated in the [email protected], or call 404-843-9426. Commercial Board of Realtors’ holiday Maccabiah Games, held in Tel Aviv, as a party at the InterContinental Buckhead member of the United States swimming WHO STOLE MY RELIGION? Professor hotel. The award recognizes “spirit, civic team. But his greatest accomplishment and author Dr. Richard Schwartz knows activity, and business accomplishments was marrying the beautiful and delightful more about Jewish law relating to the treat- [and] what the individual has done for Sophie Mantler, who has a landscape and ment of animals and the environment than the real estate community as a whole and floral design company. Their daughters anyone alive. He has just published a new the size and complexity of deals.” are also excelling. Holly is a freshman at book on Judaism, Who Stole My Religion?: Alan, an Olympic-class swimmer, Georgia. Helen just graduated with a 3.4 Revitalizing Judaism and Applying Jewish has often been in deep water, but he’s GPA from University of Alabama and is Values to Help Heal Our Imperiled Planet. never been in over his head. This latest now looking for a job in the PR/commu- Richard laments the ways in which he honor followed his receiving, in 2004, nications business. believes his beloved religion—Orthodox Diane Nevins presenting the Judaism—has been “stolen” by partisan Hadassah Centennial Award to THE WORLD’S GREATEST FOLK ART auctions during the year, so be sure to get politics and suggests ways in which Florence Nathanson, R.N. Judaism can “get back on track as a faith SHOW. Mark your calendars; it’s almost on their e-mail list. For more info, check based on peace and compassion.” time for Folk Fest 2012, which Amy and out slotinfolkart.com, or call 770-532- Although Richard is a lot more liberal Steve Slotin have made the world’s largest 1115. than we are—who isn’t?—there is no one and best folk art show and sale. There will more brilliant when it comes to discussing be over 100 galleries and dealers from HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARTHA JO. the fate of our planet, the many environ- around the nation, selling thousands of Although she never seems to get any older mental issues that threaten human civiliza- works of some of the most beautiful art or less youthful looking, Martha Jo Katz tion, and the religious and moral obliga- you’ve ever seen, especially folk art, recently had another birthday. tions of Jews to take action to avert the Southern folk pottery, and anonymous On April 2, her daughter, Roben, and impending ecological disaster we face. antique pieces. daughter-in-law, Tascha, planned an Check out the book’s blog, As always, Folk Fest will be held at “usher in a new decade” ladies luncheon WhoStoleMyReligion.com, and Richard’s the North Atlanta Trade Center, I-85 and for her with friends and family. Martha Jo website, www.jewishveg.com. Indian Trail Road, Exit 101, and there will says, “It was a perfect ‘10’ day and a fab- be every kind of art work at every price ulous event.” Among the guests were MJ’s PASSOVER AT THE ZOO. What to do level. The show begins Friday, August 17, first cousins, Raye Coplin, Joan Kent, when Passover comes to the zoo, and all the 5:00 p.m.-10 p.m.; $15 gets you admis- Suzy Engelhard, and Brenda Caghan. sion to the Meet-The-Artists Party and Roben recited a great poem she wrote, animals’ Haggadahs are too old and worn Greater Atlanta Hadassah President out to read? You turn, of course, to the ele- first crack at the amazing art featured in titled MY MAMA! “ It sure made my heart Diane Munzer Fisher addressing the the show, which continues through sing,” says MJ, “as did the entire party.” phant, Shai, who never forgets, and remem- audience at the Hadassah bers every word of the Exodus story, even Sunday. Centennial Celebration The Slotins also have several folk art See HAPPENING, page 8 May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 7 The Apple Pushers, an unusual AJFF offering Brian Katzowitz that increasing people’s access to healthy unique stories about their arrival in this even more. food will slowly lessen their reliance on country. They share, however, a pride in Like the previous generations of At first glance, The Apple Pushers greasy fast food. the work they are doing and seem to har- immigrants, the street cart vendors are, appears out of place amidst the line-up The film highlights five immigrant bor genuine affection for the people they sometimes unknowingly, carrying on the of Holocaust dramas, Middle East docu- street vendors, who serve as oases in serve and the communities in which they tradition started by Chinese and Irish mentaries, and Old Testament satires that immigrants building the railroads in the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival attendees 19th century. With the reference to have become accustomed to throughout immigrants often serving as the back- the years. bone of America’s economic engine, fill- Focusing on the American obesity ing the jobs that others don’t want, epidemic, the compelling documentary Mazzio draws a thinly veiled parallel to may be only tenuously connected to spe- the current immigration reform contro- cific Judaic issues. However, the gravity versy that has become a prominent issue of the film’s core message reaches across of the election season. all communities and exemplifies the fes- Unfortunately, the film suffers as a tival organizers’ efforts to reach a broad- result of its attempt to take on too much. er audience. With a variety of complex issues to Obesity’s increasing rates and its cover, interesting subplots about the pol- effect on the nation’s health have been itics and bureaucracy of public health are explored in depth by the film industry introduced, but not fully developed. over the past decade. But while Morgan When focused strictly on the problem Spurlock’s Super Size Me and the and solutions of the obesity epidemic, acclaimed Food, Inc. utilize a muckrak- the film thrives. Edward Norton’s narra- ing style, delving into a facet of this tion is tightly woven with captivating complicated issue to uncover the root of interview subjects. However, the film the problem, The Apple Pushers offers a strays from this formula too often in the possible solution. these so-called “food deserts,” as they operate. latter third. Writer, director, and producer Mary carry out this initiative and contend with The story of immigrant food vendors The Apple Pushers tackles a national Mazzio explores New York City’s initia- complicated city ordinances, expensive placed on the front lines of the fight issue on a local level and asks the right tive to send street cart vendors, armed products, and hostile business owners. against obesity would have made for an questions. It simply gets distracted with fresh fruit and vegetables, into low- These five vendors, who hail from interesting documentary on its own. before attempting to provide the income neighborhoods—the hope being different regions of the world, tell Mazzio chooses to flesh the story out answers. Page 8 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012 Jewish Nation Fund – doing something about an idea attracted over 300 attendees. As is well known in the Atlanta area, water is a primary element in the ecological BY support of a populace. While JNF is best Marvin recognized by its reforestation of the land Botnick that had been reduced to a blighted area through centuries of abusive misuse of the natural growth, it has also played a major If you will it, it is no dream. roll in addressing the dire need for water. Theodore Herzl The short program focused on this critical problem highlighting the more than 220 The Brickman family: Jeffrey I had a friend who, when discussing an reservoirs that have been constructed and Brickman, Teresa Brickman Finer, provide almost half of the water used by the idea, would say, “I had that idea ten years Shirley Brickman, Perry Brickman, Opher Aviran, consul general of ago.” Well, it is one thing to have an idea; it agricultural sector, saving the equivalent and Lori Brickman amount of freshwater for 4.4 million people Israel to the Southeastern United is something completely different to do States, Dr. Kennith Stein, and Beth something with an idea. a year. acknowledged authority on the origins of At this year’s function, Atlantans Dr. Gluck, JNF Southeast Region direc- In 1884, Hermann Schapira, a Russian modern Israel, Palestinian social history, tor mathematician, put forth the concept of the Perry and Shirley Brickman were the recip- the British Mandate in Palestine, the Arab- ients of the Cantor Isaac and Betty formation and founding of an organization Israeli negotiating process, American for- that were made by organizations such as the to acquire land in Palestine, which he Goodfriend Community Service Award, eign policy toward the region, and the mod- and Dr. Kenneth Stein was honored with the JNF prior to and since its formation. It was voiced again at the First Zionist Congress ern Arab world. In accepting the award, a dream of many that blossomed into reali- of 1897. In 1901, three years after his death, Tree of Life™ Award. which was presented by Georgia Attorney There is little in the Atlanta Jewish ty through the support and commitment of the Fifth Zionist Congress, with Theodor General Sam Olens, last year’s recipient, Jews throughout the world and the blood Herzl’s support, founded what is now the community in which Perry and Shirley are Stein spoke to the issue of Israel and its sit- not involved. To say that they are commit- and sweat of those who became citizens of Jewish National Fund, to purchase land in uation. this amazing country. Palestine. ted to our community and our people is, at In 1901, it would have been hard to best, an understatement. No person or per- Israel is proof of Theodore Herzl’s Since that time, the organization, picture what Israel has become. But we statement. which receives worldwide support for its sons knows of their character and devotion need to remember the efforts and sacrifices mission, has gone on to be a key element in better than their children, who have been the acquisition and development of the land the beneficiaries of their parents’ support, that became the State of Israel. Its mission teachings, and legacy. It was these heirs to has been not only to acquire but also to their parents’ character and principles that Happening spoke so eloquently and with such love on reclaim destitute land and make it produc- From page 6 tive. behalf of Perry and Shirley in the acknowl- For nine years, the Southeastern edgment of the award, which was presented Regional Office of JNF has sponsored an by David Birnbrey and Mechal Perl, co- Annual Jack Hirsch Memorial Breakfast to presidents of the JNF’s Atlanta Region. recognize individuals who have contributed Ken Stein, the William E. Schatten to the programs of the organization and to Professor of Contemporary Middle Eastern publicize its activities. This year’s program, and Israeli Studies at Emory University, has which was held at The Temple in Atlanta, spent his life as an academician and is an Craig Kunkes (from left), Republican Jewish Coalition Executive Director Matt Brooks, and Dan Regenstein outside of Republican Jewish Coalition event in Washington, D.C. BIRTHDAY BASH. (standing, from left) Suzy Engelhard, Joan Kent, and Raye Coplin; (seated, from left) Judy Kogon, Gina Shapiro, Pearlann Horowitz, Martha Jo Katz, Janis Cannon, and Harriet Karesh

The Dream Supremes, the WNBA Dreamsʼ senior dance and cheer team, perform at The Bremen Home on St Patrickʼs Day, as the residents swing their pom poms. From left: Abe and Linda Schear (left) with back row: Captain Marcia Jaffe, Judy and Marty Kogon, at the AIPAC Coach Karen Schatten Shmerling; Policy Conference, in Washington, from left, middle row: Annette D.C., which had a record 13,000 Marcus, Barbara Cox, Marianne attendees this year Broadbear, Sandy Bailey, Bobi Dimond, Marci Steinberg, VonCile Hodges; front row: residents Don Mendel (left) and Ruth Gross (photo: HMendel) May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 9 Summer’s Landing is now The Carlton

MedHoldings, Inc., has acquired Highway. The 55,400-square-foot facility Summer’s Landing Mt. Vernon, an assisted will be leased to Insignia Living of living and Georgia, memory care LLC, and community. managed by The The community, Jennings which has Group, of been LaGrange. renamed The “We Carlton, is a are excited specialized to continue retirement our growth community throughout that follows the state of Jewish tradi- Georgia and tions, includ- to bring to ing kosher new com- food. It is munities one of a few safe and assisted liv- Jenice Holtz Cunningham, The Carlton executive joyful envi- ing communi- director, and Fred Glusman, kashruth supervi- ronments. ties in the sor/chaplain This is our United States sixth retire- providing such services. The Carlton offers ment community in Georgia and our seven- assisted living and memory care services teenth in the Southeastern United States and is licensed for 74 beds. Its memory care and Puerto Rico,” stated Milton L. Cruz, area, called The Terrace, has a specialized Esq., president of MedHoldings, Inc. program for Alzheimer’s disease and other MedHoldings, Inc., is a diversified memory care conditions. The Carlton is healthcare real estate and investment com- located in Sandy Springs, next to pany with holdings in Georgia, Florida, and Congregation B’nai Torah, on Mt. Vernon Puerto Rico. Page 10 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012 Company J continues season with diverse productions

Company J at the MJCCA continued cal adaptation of the controversial 19th its inaugural mainstage season with the century play that explores, with poignancy family musical A Year With Frog & Toad, and passion, the turbulent journey from which ran May 9-13. Conceived by adolescence to adulthood. This show is Adrianne Lobel, daughter of Frog & Toad recommended for audiences 17 years and author Arnold Lobel, A Year With Frog & older. Performances are August 8-19; tick- Toad remains true to the spirit of the origi- ets are $12-$25. nal stories, following two friends through Company J at the MJCCA brings a the seasons: waking from hibernation in variety of theatrical offerings to audiences the spring, planting gardens, swimming, of all ages and provides a nurturing envi- raking leaves, and sledding, all while ronment for theater artists to train and learning life lessons, including a most develop their creative potential. Through important one about friendship and rejoic- dynamic productions and classes, ing in the attributes that make each of us Company J challenges the community to different and special. embrace its cultural life through the art of Company J’s season will conclude live performance. with the 2012 Teen Summer Stock For tickets to Company J performanc- Musical, Spring Awakening. Winner of es, call 678-812-4002, or visit www.com- eight Tony Awards, including Best panyjatl.org. Musical, Spring Awakening is a rock musi- (photo: Heidi Morton) Jewish Interest Free Loan of Atlanta moves to new offices

By Mordecai Zalman support fellow members both directly and through religious and social agencies. There is that little something about our For centuries, temporarily making avail- Jewish traditions and heritage that spills over able to fellow Jews resources by which to meet into our secular lives and helps to create that immediate needs without any interest cost has prism through which we view the world. been a basic principle. This could be the loan- Living in and being part of this community ing of utensils, tools, supplies, money, etc. — carries with it the commitment to interact and anything to enable someone to become pro-

Lester Czuper (from left), Howard Newman, Stephen Filreis, Edie Barr, Merrie Edelston and Maureen Klesmer affixing the mezuzah

ductive and self-reliant. able. In the history of Atlanta, this communal For the past two years, Congregation concept has been best evidenced by the Jewish B’nai Torah temporarily made available to Educational Loan Fund (JELF), an organiza- JIFLA a home in a property adjacent to and tion that has existed for over 120 years and owned by it in Sandy Springs. Barr empha- presently makes interest-free loans to help sized that, “B’nai Torah not only provided a young people acquire a college education, and home for JIFLA but, in fact, they made it hap- the Jewish Interest Free Loan of Atlanta pen.” Barr continued, “The personal support (JIFLA), which has been in existence since of B’nai Torah’s Executive Director, Don 2010 and makes interest-free, non-educational Kaye and Rabbi Joshua Heller were critical to related loans to members of the community our development.” who have a temporary need of financial help. As JIFLA knew, the availability of the Although JIFLA is a relatively new B’nai Torah space was limited. The organiza- organization, up until the 1960s, Atlanta had tion has now moved into its new office at 5115 other organizations performing this same func- New Peachtree Road, Suite 200A, Chamblee, tion as far back as the 1880s. Realizing the GA 30341 (corner of Clairmont Road), but its need for this service, a group of individuals telephone number remains the same, (404) banded together to once again have this serv- 410-6886. ice available in the Atlanta community. Under Barr said that he and the organization the volunteer leadership of Mort Barr, and were deeply indebted to Eliot Arnovitz, with the help of volunteer members of the Jeremy Rosenthal and M&P Shopping Centers community, the service is once again avail- for their help in this relocation. May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 11 Page 12 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012 May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 13 National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors.

HEALING HEARTS. The Marcus MISH MASH Foundation, which is dedicated to Jewish causes, children, medical research, free enter- prise and the commu- By Erin O’Shinskey National Paper Trade Association, Jewish nity, recently made a Federation of Greater Atlanta, the American $20 million gift to COMMUNITY LEADERS. Guenther H. Israel Chamber of Commerce, Hillels of Piedmont Heart Hecht and The Temple’s Rabbi Emeritus Georgia, B’nai B’rith, and Israel Bonds. He Institute for the Alvin Sugarman were honored at this year’s has served in numerous capacities at development of the Ketura members assist Huntcliff resi- 11Alive Community Service Awards. Hecht American Jewish Committee, Atlanta, includ- nation’s first heart- dents in preparing charoset. was recognized for creating Second ing as a board member and development chair valve reference cen- Residents reminisced about their own Helpings, a food rescue and distribution serv- for the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. ter at Piedmont past Seders and shared recipes. ice for those in need, rescuing food from Hospital. As a region- Pictured: (seated, from left) Murray restaurants, supermarkets, schools, and cater- HONORARY DOCTORATES. Columbus al reference center, Steinberg, Edith Wolff, Sheila Shor, ers and delivering it to shelters. Rabbi State University presented honorary doctor- the Marcus Heart Ketura member Rita Goldstein, and Sugarman, who received the Boisfeuillet ates to Henry and Joyce Schwob during the Bernie Marcus Valve Center will be a Ketura member Helen Sharfstein; Jones Award, has served on countless boards; 2012 spring commencement, May 7, at the one-stop shop for (standing) Ketura members Roni was a founder of the Genesis shelter; and Columbus Civic Center. The Schwob fami- patients with heart valve problems as well as Mintz, Shari Silvers, and Marylan Karp recently joined with three longtime Atlanta ly’s support of Columbus State has been for physicians wanting to learn the latest (photo: Bernice Mellman) faith leaders to form Higher Ground, raising strong for decades. Family members were advancements in treatment for these complex awareness and inspiring action on key issues among prominent Columbus businessmen patients and increase access to care. affecting the greater Atlanta community. and educators who led the push to establish a junior college in Columbus in the 1950s. AWARDS ABOUND. Nuzzle: Love Between Henry Schwob was among the charter mem- a Boy and His Service Dog, written by bers of the Columbus College Foundation’s Donnie Kanter Winokur and designed by Board of Trustees in 1964. Because of gener- Jodee Kulp, has received five national recog- ous donations over the years, CSU’s Schwob nitions. The book received a gold Mom’s Memorial Library and the Schwob School of Choice Award (Juvenile 1—Inspirational/ Music bear the family name. Motivational); First Place, Reader Views (Early Reader Children 6-8); and was named a Finalist, Reader’s Choice, About.com (Special Needs Children’s Book). The audio Hadassah members (from left) Sue book received a gold Mom’ Choice Award Rothstein, Ellen Frank, and Joan (Audio Books) and was recommended by Solomon prepare Seder plates. Parent Choice (Audio Books). For more (photo: Joan Solomon) information on this and other books about Chancer and the Winokur family, visit AN UNUSUAL VISITOR. The Temple thechancerchronicles.com. Early Learning Center (TELC), a Georgia- Brenda Wood and Rabbi Alvin M. licensed preschool, welcomed a visit from Sugarman (photo: courtesy of 11 A DAY FOR CELEBRATION. On Sunday, Hannah, one of thirteen traveling mitzvah Alive) April 15, family and friends honored Andrew bears sent from the URJ (Union for Reform Lewis on his 50th birthday at a Torah dedica- Judaism) to over 100 early childhood centers tion to benefit Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael. At the across the country. The purpose of the visit same time, the Habif family honored Isaac was to teach young children the importance Habif on his 90th birthday. Rabbi Ariel Asa, of doing mitzvot and the value of hospitality Atlanta sofer (scribe), completed writing the and welcoming a guest. Each bear comes last letters of the Torah at Congregation Beth with a journal; the book Bim and Bom, by Jacob. Then, amid dancing and singing, the Daniel Swartz, donated by The PJ Library; Torah was carried under a chuppah to and ideas about what to do with the bears. Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael. Henry and Joyce Schwob

FOUNDATION GRANT. William (Bill) G. Jeff Hullinger and Guenther H. Hecht Loventhal III has secured a $5,000 grant from (photo: courtesy of 11 Alive) the MDRT Foundation on behalf of the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children (BTFC). A LICHTENSTEIN HONORED. The 37-year MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table) American Jewish Committee Atlanta member, Loventhal is an active supporter of Regional Office has the Atlanta-based BTFC. The grant will sup- given Mark port the BTFC’s pro- Lichtenstein the pres- gram to provide Swinging with Hannah the Mitzvah tigious Selig emergency financial Bear Distinguished Service assistance for the Award. The CEO of families of children Sydney Rubin Lewis and husband VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Jewish Family & Industrial Packaging with brain or spinal Andrew Lewis Career Services is seeking Bikkur Cholim vol- Corporation, he cord tumors. unteers to make hospital visits to Jewish earned his B.A. from Representing the MODEL SEDER. Members of Ketura patients at Emory, Piedmont, St. Joseph’s, and Tulane University and foundation, Hadassah joined Huntcliff Summit residents Northside hospitals. The visits are made week- M.B.A. from Georgia Loventhal presented and staff to prepare food and set tables for a ly, bimonthly, or monthly, depending on the vol- State University. He this grant to the Passover Model Seder, which took place dur- unteer’s availability. Community chaplains at has held leadership BTFC on March 30, ing lunch on March 29. All residents were each hospital will provide on-site training. For Mark positions or been at a meeting of the invited to attend, and more than 104 respond- more information, contact Sheri Schwartz at Lichtenstein active with the Bill Loventhal Atlanta Chapter of the ed. Bob Barr led the Seder. [email protected] or 770-933-0081. Page 14 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012 Freedman will participate in FREE merger of Augusta universities PICKUP & DELIVERY By June Kunkel Assurance Committee for Radiology for fif- teen years and was a member of the MCG Dr. Sandra Freedman, of Augusta, is Liaison Committee for Medical Education. one of twenty-one local professionals— Dr. Freedman has also been an active 50% OFF eight from Georgia Health Sciences community volunteer. At Congregation FIRST ORDER University (GHSU—formerly The Medical Children of Israel, she has sung alto in the College of Georgia), eight from Augusta choir since 1964 (her first year in medical State University (ASU), and five from the school), chaired the Music Committee, and community—who have been appointed to served on the board of directors; she is cur- serve on the Georgia Health Sciences rently 2nd vice president of the board. She University and the Augusta State University says that music is what brought her to Merger Committee. Judaism. (Her conversion was performed at Similar committees are working on the Temple Mikve Israel in Savannah.) She is mergers of Waycross College and South also on the Board of the Harrisburg Georgia College; Gainesville State College Community Family Health Center, a mem- and North Georgia College and State ber of Women in Philanthropy for the University; and Macon State College and CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) Middle Georgia College. These mergers are Community Foundation, and a past Board intended to save money for the state while member of the YWCA. preserving high-quality education. The goal Sandra is part of a medical dynasty. is to have the colleges and universities con- Her husband, Dr. Murray Freedman, who solidated and functioning by the fall of grew up in Savannah and was a member of 2013. The president of GHSU, Dr. Ricardo Temple Mikve Israel, received his B.S. Azziz, is chair of the Augusta committee. degree at the University of Georgia and his Dr. Freedman was appointed to the M.S. degree in endocrinology and M.D. Merger Committee because she is a former degree at MCG; he completed his residency faculty member, currently serves on and in OB/GYN at MCG. He served in the was past president of the board of the Army between 1972-74. His father, Louis GHSU Medical College of Georgia Alumni M. Freedman, received his M.D. degree Association, and is a current board member from the University of Michigan and was a of the Medical College of Georgia physician in Savannah for many years. Foundation. Sandra and Murray have two married Dr. Freedman holds a bachelor of sci- children and five grandchildren. Their ence degree from the University of Georgia daughter, Stacy White, is an administrator and an M.D. degree at the Medical College with Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, of Georgia (MCG), where she also com- Alabama; she has a bachelor’s degree from pleted her internship and residency in radi- UGA and MBA and master of health ology. She was on the faculty of MCG from administration degrees from the University 1972-2006, teaching students and residents, of Alabama at Birmingham. Their son, as well as performing the clinical radiology Allen, is a physician in an anesthesiology care of patients at the MCG hospital, and group practice at St. Francis Hospital in she volunteered in the clinical area follow- Greenville, South Carolina; he earned his ing her retirement. bachelor of science degree at UGA, and During her career, Sandra received sev- M.D. degree at MCG, and completed his eral teaching awards from the radiology residency in anesthesiology at the residents. She chaired the Quality University of Virginia.

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www.presstine.com May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 15 ASO presents special concert in observance of Yom HaShoah and Yom Ha’aztmaut On April 26, 27 and 28, guest conduc- Mendelssohn, though long dead by the tor Michael Christie led the Atlanta 1930s, was listed prominently in an infa- Symphony Orchestra mous book published in a program featur- by the Nazi propa- ing the ASO premiere ganda machine as a of Weinberg’s composer whose Rhapsody on music was banned in Moldavian Themes Germany. Tyberg and the orchestra pre- perished in miere of Schubert’s Auschwitz in 1944. Symphony No. 8, Although Weinberg “Unfinished,” as was able to escape to completed by Marcel the Soviet Union in Tyberg. Guest pianist 1939, every other Behzod Abduraimov member of his family made his Atlanta Michael Christie Behzod was murdered by the Symphony debut (photos courtesy of Abduraimov Nazi regime. playingthe Atlanta Symphony These works Mendelssohn’s Piano Orchestra) were presented in a single concert, in the Concerto No. 1. month of April, in recognition of Holocaust Both Marcel Tyberg, who completed Remembrance Day, Yom HaShoah, which Schubert’s immortal “Unfinished was observed on April 19, and Israel Symphony,” and Mieczyslaw Weinberg Independence Day, Yom Ha’aztmaut which were victims of the Holocaust. was observed on April 26. Desegregating a business in the 1960s

we began to integrate our facilities using looking for a job and wanted to know if I company. Our cafeteria cook, Luella, was a only one dining room for all. As you can would interview him. Well, I not only inter- good cook. She was very opinionated and well imagine, old habits and customs do not viewed him, but I hired the young man. In had a very independent personality. She did- change overnight, and the black employees, the end, we had all three of the Stembridge n’t depend on a civil rights act to assert her- BY Leon understandably feeling somewhat uncom- brothers working for the company. Each self. Even though she was outspoken on Socol fortable and intimidated, gravitated to their worked in a different plant department, but many topics, her sweet potato pies were in old dining room. In order to resolve this, we they all proved to be excellent and loyal such demand that she baked a dozen or more In 1893, in a bedroom of his house in converted that space to other use, thereby employees. every day and always sold out. Atlanta, a German immigrant named eliminating the option for continued separa- In spite of desegregation, there still When she died, I went to her funeral. Sigmund Guthman founded a small printing tion. remained a great deal of discrimination. Near the end of the service, the preacher business that eventually grew into the With the changes that were taking Once, during the height of the “hippie” era, called me to the dais to say a few words. I Atlanta Envelope Company. He was the place, opportunities that formerly were not a well-qualified young man with a lot of was flabbergasted, but I went up and stared only employee, but he lived to see the com- available to blacks began to open up, which facial hair applied for a skilled job, and the into Luella’s open casket. I then decided she pany grow into nine plants in locations from allowed them to move into the more skilled plant manager rejected him because of it. I and I would just have a farewell conversa- Florida to Maryland and westward to Texas. plant jobs. Black female employees became explained that we couldn’t by law exclude tion, with me doing all the talking. I praised I joined Atlanta Envelope Company in the majority of the machine operators, and him, especially since he was qualified. I her for being strong willed, but compassion- 1952. During my time there, I saw many black males became printing pressmen and finally made my point later, when I grew a ate in many ways, and told her I knew changes and improvements, not only in the skilled machine mechanics. beard for a part in “Fiddler On The Roof” everyone was going to miss her sweet pota- growth of the company but also in employ- Despite these advances, integration did- and continued to wear it in the plant. Facial to pies. ee relations. Most of this occurred after the n’t happen overnight. The atmosphere that hair was no longer an issue. passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. was created by the sincere commitment of Each December, the company gave a My initial job was that of an order the company’s executives to make all large dinner party and dance for all employ- clerk. At the beginning of my employment, employees feel respected and valued vigor- ees. Originally, we had two segregated par- the company was housed in several old ously helped move the process forward. ties, but I was fortunate enough to attend buildings near Atlanta’s West End, but a few In my position as personnel manager, I both of them. These were wonderful events; months later, it moved to a new and modern was proud to have had a small part in open- everyone got dressed up for the gatherings plant in Northwest Atlanta. After a period of ing job opportunities to all. Not surprisingly, and enjoyed the good food, dancing, and time, the president of the company offered we found that the diversity of the labor pool socializing. me a position as personnel manager. He said that evolved enabled us to maintain a supe- With the changes that took place in the that he wanted to develop a spirit of belong- rior work force to ensure the continued qual- 1960s, segregated parties were no longer ing among the employees and make the ity of product and service. permissible, so we decided to have just one. company a wonderful place to work. I was As the culture changed and the oppor- The idea wasn’t too well received by some to be the “heart” of developing this concept. tunities became fact, we benefited from the of the white employees. One white employ- As was the accepted practice in the expansion of the labor pool and the referrals ee asked me what to do if a black man asked South at that time, the company maintained from our existing employees. For example, his wife for a dance. I told him that would be “separate but equal” facilities for its Rufus Stembridge, who worked in the enve- his wife’s decision, but I doubted that the employees, which included separate dining lope-cutting department, came into my situation would arise. And it didn’t. rooms for food service from its cafeteria. office with a young man he introduced as There were many interesting experi- With the enactment of the Civil Rights Act, his brother. Rufus said that his brother was ences as the result of desegregation at our Page 16 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012 events, the four cups of wine, and the spe- Rabbi Neiditch visited over a dozen cial foods. Later on, the teens took part in a clubs at high schools around Greater hands-on activity, in which they used Atlanta, teaching kids about the signifi- JSU NEWS decoupage to decorate their very own Seder cance and origins of challah. All the stu- plates. dents had a blast making their own challahs which took place during the actual holiday In addition, everyone participated in an out of dough, rolling, matting, shaping, and CELEBRATING PURIM. Purim is one of of Purim. “iron chef” matzoh pizza competition, finally braiding them, before placing them the more festive occasions on the Jewish based on the popular Food Network series. into ovens to bake. calendar. Recently, hundreds of teens at Using a vast array of cheeses, sauces, veg- While the delicious aromas swept Jewish Student Union (JSU) clubs across etables, fruits, and other toppings, students through the room, teens learned that the the greater Atlanta area got into the full cel- created matzoh pizzas that were astonishing concept of challah originally came from the ebratory spirit. to behold—and consume! manna from Heaven that G-d provided to There are four main mitzvot of Purim: the Jews in the desert after the Exodus. reading Megillat Esther, matanot le’evyon- Today, it symbolizes G-d’s continued sus- im (giving alms to the poor), Shalach taining of the Jewish people. For most of manos (giving gift baskets to friends), and the participants, it was their first time mak- seudas Purim (the festive Feast of Purim). ing challahs. After tasting their handiwork, During their sessions, teens engaged in it will probably not be their last. activities related to all of Purim’s mitzvot. Director of Southern Region JSU Rabbi Chaim Neiditch taught teens the story of Purim, with an emphasis on the underlying message of the Megilla—that Devan Joel and Reed Turry making G-d works behind the scenes (His name shalach manos at Johns Creek High isn’t mentioned in the entire scroll), both in School JSU the Megilla and in individuals’ lives. During Rabbi Neiditch’s lesson, hamen- PASSOVER. Passover is all about passing Penny Kahn, Jenna Becker, and tashen that the participants had made were the story of the Exodus from one generation Rachel Shifrin enjoying matzoh pizza baking and creating a wonderful aroma. to the next, carrying on Jewish heritage. In at Dunwoody High School JSU Once the hamentashen were ready, the teens the weeks leading up to the Passover holi- placed them, along with a variety of other day, Rabbi Chaim Neiditch made the MAKING CHALLAH. As anyone who has foods, into baskets that they then decorated rounds of over a dozen JSU high school ever taken part in a Shabbos meal knows, and distributed to both their friends and the clubs around Atlanta to give hundreds of challah is much more than just a fancy loaf Sydney Benjamin and Hannah needy. teens firsthand exposure to what Passover is of bread. After Kiddush is made on Friday Sharpe braiding challah at Students at Centennial High School all about. night or Shabbos day, challah is the first Chattahoochee High School JSU went all-out and had a catered Chinese Teens learned about the Seder’s many food to enter a person’s mouth, to signal the Food Purim seuda during their club session, rituals, including the Haggadah’s order of beginning of the meal. Black-Jewish Seder a tremendous success The Atlanta Regional Office of American Jewish Committee, The Atlanta Black-Jewish Coalition, and The Temple successfully hosted the ninth biennial Black-Jewish Seder. The event attracted over 200 to The Temple to share a Passover- style feast and celebrate freedom from slav- ery and oppression. In addition, it com- memorated the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Black-Jewish Coalition by former AJC Atlanta Director Sherry Frank, Cecil Alexander, and Congressman John Lewis. “It’s very fulfilling to see teens and people of all ages still come together with the excitement demonstrated at the Passover Seder. The mission of the Black- Jewish Coalition—to bring folks together, find common ground, and support shared issues—still has relevance and meets a community need,” said Sherry Frank. “I was especially impressed with the leader- ship demonstrated by Rabbi Loren Lapidus, of The Temple, and Pastor Dr. Aaron Valerie Hartman and Imara Canady, Parker, of Zion Hill Baptist Church, who event co-chairs perfectly complemented one another in interaction between Atlanta’s black and their spectacular treatment of the revised Jewish communities, serve as a mechanism and improved Haggadah, while guiding us whereby each community can express its through a special and memorable evening support of the other, and respond with of celebration.” definitive action to critical issues as the Since 1982, the Black-Jewish Coalition need arises. has existed to increase understanding of and May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 17 Aquarium, Grady Health System, The Shepherd Center, the Marcus Autism Center, the Georgia Institute of Technology, MJCCA NEWS the Israel Democracy Institute in Jerusalem, Job Creators Alliance, The City of Hope, and Business Executives for National slide show and poem. Security. STEVEN CADRANEL IS NEW PRESI- Bernie and his wife, Billi, are recipi- DENT. At the 66th Annual Meeting of the Lay leadership award recipients are: ents of The Woodrow Wilson Award for Marcus Jewish Community Center of • Michael Dinerman, JCCA Esther Leah Public Service. Bernie was the inaugural Atlanta, Steven Ritz Emerging Leader Award recipient of Inc. 500’s Bernard A. Goldhirsh Cadranel was • Stanley Bernstein, Volunteer of the Year Award, was inducted into the Junior installed as president, Award Steve Cadranel and Gail Luxenberg Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame, succeeding Garrett Staff award recipients are: and has received the USO Patriot Award, Van de Grift. • Juan Arico, Head Tennis Pro, Customer the SeaKeeper Award, Jewish Federation of Owner and pres- Service Award MJCCA NAMED A TOP 100 ATLANTA Great Atlanta’s Lifetime of Achievement ident of Arris Realty • Deena Becker, preschool teacher, Raye WORKPLACE. The MJCCA has been The Atlanta Journal Award, Hearthstone Builder Humanitarian Partners, Steven has Lynn Banks Teacher of the Year Award selected by Constitution Award as a Builder Magazine Innovator, developed projects (The Weinstein School) as one of the Top 100 Atlanta and the Anti-Defamation League’s totaling over 8 mil- • Lisa Mallis, preschool teacher, Raye Lynn Workplaces of 2012. Each year, Workplace America’s Democratic Legacy Award. He lion square feet Banks Teacher of the Year Award (The Dynamics, LLC, a workplace survey spe- The Atlanta Journal was recognized with the TiE Award for his throughout the Sunshine School) cialist, and Constitution lifetime contribution to entrepreneurship. Southeast. He is a • Ryan Pollard, Zaban Park Sports Camp seek nominations for the best Registration for the Harry Maziar Steven Cadranel graduate of the and Youth Leagues director, Program of the workplaces; they then survey staff regard- Classic is currently open to sponsors only. (photo courtesy University of Year Award ing their work environment and satisfac- Sponsorship levels include: $1,000 (Silver), of Steven Georgia; a Kennesaw • Kim Sucan, director, The Weinstein tion. Results are tabulated and scored by $2,500 (Gold), $5,000 (Platinum), and Cadranel) State University School, Philip Bush Leadership Award Workplace Dynamics, and the top finishers $10,000 (Presenting). All sponsorships Foundation trustee; a • Rabbi Brian Glusman, Jewish Outreach are listed in a dedicated newspaper insert, include complimentary player registration, member of numerous business organiza- coordinator, Program of the Year Award as well as online at ajc.com. which includes cart and greens fees, a four- tions; a member of the Atlanta Jewish “This honor belongs to the MJCCA some caddy, breakfast, lunch, and an Federation’s King David Society, staff. It is a testament to the dedication and awards reception. Higher level sponsors Congregation Etz Chaim, and Congregation passion they have for their work and for our receive additional marketing and registra- Or VeShalom; an AIPAC Conference dele- community,” said MJCCA CEO Gail tion benefits. gate; and a past board member of Jewish Luxenberg. Register at www.atlantajcc.org/golf. Family & Career Services. Survey participants stated many rea- For more information, contact Erika Barnes However, Steven’s greatest volunteer sons why the MJCCA is a top workplace. at 678-812-4144. commitment has been to the MJCCA, Comments included: “The MJCCA oper- where he has been involved for nearly 20 ates by strong values and ethics.” “I feel years and has served on the agency’s genuinely appreciated.” “At the MJCCA, Governance Board. His association with the we do things efficiently and well.” “My job See MJCCA page 18 Atlanta Jewish Community Center began HONOREES. Juan Arico (from left), makes me feel like I’m part of something during childhood, at its former main branch Stanley Bernstein, Deena Becker, meaningful.” on Peachtree Street, where he learned to Ryan Pollard, Kim Sucan, Brian swim and play baseball; he then spent sum- Glusman, and Lisa Mallis. Not pic- HARRY MAZIAR CLASSIC HONORS mers at Camp Barney Mednitz and later tured: Michael Dinerman (all photos: BERNIE MARCUS. The Harry Maziar became involved in BBYO. When he and Heidi Morton) Classic takes place Monday, June 4, at his wife, Janet, moved to the East Cobb Hawks Ridge Golf Club. This 18-hole pri- area, they helped raise funds for the con- vate course, designed struction of Shirley Blumenthal Park, a by Bob Cupp, is satellite facility where their children would ranked as one of eventually attend preschool and summer America’s Top 100 Golf camp. He later oversaw the park’s two golf courses by Digest major expansions and served on and . Proceeds chaired numerous committees, projects, and from the HMC help task forces, while serving on the MJCCA’s the MJCCA enhance Board for over seventeen years and as an vital programs such officer for the past nine. as Alzheimer’s day- Steven is a native Atlantan. He and care services, pro- Janet have been married for over 26 years gramming for people with developmental and raised their children here. Their son, Michael Dinerman (left) and Steve Bernie Marcus Adam, will soon graduate from Emory’s Cadranel disabilities, Goizueta Business School, and their daugh- preschools, summer ter, Lauren, is completing her sophomore camps, and much more. year at the University of Georgia. Each year, the HMC honors an out- standing member of the community. This 66TH ANNUAL MEETING. The commu- year’s tournament honors Bernie Marcus, nity recently came together at the MJCCA’s chairman of the board of The Marcus 66th Annual Meeting, chaired by Beth and Foundation, which focuses on Jewish caus- Joel Arogeti, to honor lay leadership and es, children, medical research, free enter- staff achievements. New agency President prise and the community. Marcus co-found- Steven Cadranel was installed, and a fond ed The Home Depot, Inc., the world’s farewell was bid to Immediate Past largest home improvement retailer, and President Garrett Van de Grift. The MJCCA served as chairman of the board until his officially welcomed new CEO Gail retirement in 2002. In addition to the Luxenberg who, in lieu of a speech, provid- Stanley Bernstein (left) and Steve MJCCA, he has supported numerous organ- ed levity and entertainment with a creative Cadranel izations and causes, including the Georgia Page 18 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012

children. Family, which his wife, Gertrude, co-authored redesigned space, for children from infancy MJCCA Harris Jacobs served as president of the with renowned German author Mirjam to elementary school age. MJCCA and as a member of many boards and Pressler, recounts the letters, drawings, poems, “The Discovery Center’s new sensory From page 17 charitable organizations. He also was an active photographs, postcards, and other correspon- toys, computers, and Promethean board BULLY. More than 150 preteens, teens, and member of the Georgia Bar Association and the dence among the Frank family members—all (courtesy of the Weinstein School PTO) will their families attending the BBYO program American Bar Association. In honor of his deep found in a trunk in Helene Elias’ (Anne’s aunt be implemented into the Weinstein School’s and screening of Bully, April 15, at the love for children and his passionate belief that and Buddy’s mother) attic, following her death preschool curriculum. The Weinstein School Landmark Midtown Arts Theatre. Pre- and all children should be able to participate in in 2001. will utilize the Srochi Discovery Center dur- post-screening discussions, facilitated by Jake sports, the HJDR was founded in his name On April 22, a special Yom HaShoah pro- ing school hours for educational and innova- Cook, BBYO leader and Walton High School shortly after his death. HJDR proceeds make it gram featured Caroline Stoessinger, author of A tive programming,” says Sue Feig, chair of sophomore, and Rebecca Stapel-Wax, director possible for children, who might not otherwise Century of Wisdom: Lessons from the Life of the Srochi Discovery Center. “However, this of the Rainbow Center of JF&CS, focused on have the means, to participate in basketball, Alice Herz-Sommer, the World’s Oldest Living wonderful resource will be open to the entire personal experiences, the challenges that every swimming, tennis, baseball, and other recre- Holocaust Survivor. This book is the inspiring community each Sunday, from 9:00 a.m.- community faces as it relates to bullying, and ational and educational programs. story of 108-year-old pianist Alice Herz- 1:00 p.m., for imaginative play, cultural pro- the responsibility of the community to be The HJDR was a donation site for Project Sommer and her lifelong determination—in the grams, and storytelling events. We are “upstanders” and not bystanders. GIVE, which is collecting gently used running face of some of the worst evils known to thrilled to have this resource as a wonderful Bully, which tells the remarkable stories of shoes for Back On My Feet Atlanta, a nonprof- man—to find goodness in life. It is a testament new extension of our preschool.” five brave families, challenges viewers to move it organization that engages homeless popula- to the bonds of friendship, the power of music, Among the centers many additional from shock and resignation about bullying to tions in running as a means to build confidence, and the importance of leading a life of material features are age-appropriate fiction/nonfic- action, transforming schools and communities strength, self-esteem, and, ultimately, self-suf- simplicity, intellectual curiosity, and never- tion books, a puppet theater, cozy corner, into places where empathy and respect are val- ficiency. The HJDR and the Youth Triathlon, ending optimism. and tiered amphitheater seating. ued and bullying is unacceptable. As an exclu- which will take place May 20, are anticipated On April 23, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, author of For information about the Srochi sive partner of Bully, BBYO brought the film’s to be the two biggest collection days. For the novel Monday Discovery Center, call Robin Mittleman at director, Lee Hirsch, to BBYO’s International details on Project GIVE, contact Amy Helman- Mornings and CNN 678-812-3800. Convention, which took place in Atlanta in Darley, 678-812-3978. chief medical corre- March, for the first all-teen audience screening spondent, appeared in of the film and a private Q & A session. BBYO conversation with is also listed on The Bully Project website and Elizabeth Cohen, CNN in the film credits. senior medical corre- spondent. Monday Mornings follows the lives of five surgeons, who must confront their personal and pro- Sanjay Gupta fessional failings, often in front of their peers at Monday morn- Micah Parness (left) and Simon Tourial Natalie Rachael (left) and Cami ing morbidity and mortality meetings. (photo: Kim Sucan) Mittleman join hundreds of runners, young and old, at the 2010 Harris On May 7, Vanessa Williams, Former Samantha Jacober (from left), Sam Jacobs Dream Run. Miss America and star of “Desperate Getty, David Bernstein, Eli Harrison, Housewives” and “Ugly Betty,” appeared and Jake Cook (photo: Kelly Brown) SPRING AUTHOR EVENTS. The MJCCA’s with her mother and co-author, Helen Page from the Book Festival is presenting Williams, as they discussed You Have No DREAM RUN. The 19th Annual Harris Jacobs numerous programs this spring. On May 21, Idea: A Famous Daughter, Her No- Dream Run took place May 6, at the MJCCA- 7:30 p.m., meet Buddy Elias and Gertrude Nonsense Mother, and How They Survived Zaban Park campus. This year’s race featured a Elias, who will discuss the book Anne Frank’s Pageants, Hollywood, Love, Loss (and new 5K distance, as well as a half-mile agility Family at The Morris & Rae Frank Theatre, Each Other). fun run/walk for those 12 and younger. The Zaban Park. This event is presented in partner- When Vanessa annual event honors the memory of past presi- ship with the Georgia Commission on the Williams was dent of the MJCCA, beloved member of the Holocaust’s Anne Frank Exhibit. Tickets are growing up, her YOM HASHOAH. On April 22, more than Atlanta Jewish community, and staunch chil- $8/MJCCA members and $13/non-members. mother gave her 350 people came to the MJCCA to dren’s advocate Harris Jacobs. Proceeds from Buddy Elias is Anne Frank’s first cousin a list of things remember the victims of the Holocaust. the run help fund youth sports scholarships for and closest living relative. Anne Frank’s that she should The program, sponsored by the Atlanta never do— Rabbinical Association and the including “never MJCCA, included greetings from Abe ever pose nude Besser, benefactor of the Besser for anyone.” So Holocaust Memorial Garden, and when Vanessa Opher Aviran, consul general of Israel became the first to the Southeastern United States; the African- lighting of the Memorial Flames; a spe- American woman to win the title of Miss cial musical presentation featuring America, in September 1983, only to resign Cantor Daniel Gale, Temple Beth-El, 10 months later due to a nude photo scan- Birmingham, Alabama; and keynote dal, the lives of both Vanessa and Helen address by Caroline Stoessinger, took an unexpected turn. But Vanessa sur- author of A Century of Wisdom: vived this setback, and many others to Lessons from the Life of Alice Herz- come, to enjoy a thirty-plus-year career as Sommer, the Worldʼs Oldest Living an award-winning singer and actress. Holocaust Survivor. Pictured: (from left) Steven Cadranel, Marlene Besser, NEW SOPHIE HIRSCH SROCHI DIS- Abe Besser, and Opher Aviran. (Photo: COVERY CENTER OPENS. The Heidi Morton) Weinstein School, the MJCCA’s Dunwoody preschool, recently opened its new Sophie Hirsh Srochi Discovery Center, a totally May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 19 Page 20 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012 May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 21 JewishTHE Georgian $26 Million Raised at Friends of the Israel Defense Forces gala

On March 13, $26 million was raised Board President Michael Morris; Atlanta when over 1,300 business and philanthrop- Executive Board member and investment ic leaders from across the country gathered advisor and real estate professional Garry at the historic Waldorf-Astoria Hotel for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces National NY Gala Dinner. FIDF supporter Brad Oppenheimer Among the distinguished guests were (from left), Atlanta Executive Board FIDF National Director Maj. Gen. (Res.) member Gary Sobel, Atlanta Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon; FIDF National Region Executive Director Caryn Chairman Nily Falic; FIDF Chairman Liss, Sgt. Maor (Mark) Blank, Maj. Emeritus Arthur Stark; Israel Defense and Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Armed Forces Attaché to the U.S. and Gershon, Atlanta Local Board Canada Maj. Gen. Gadi Shamni; Chairman Howard Wexler, and Cpt. International Fellowship of Christians and Yoni Roth (photo: Shahar Azran) Jews (IFCJ) Founder and President Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein; and Israeli-American luxury fashion designer Elie Tahari. Mr. Benny Shabtai chaired the dinner Sobel; and Atlanta Executive Board mem- for his 15th year, and author and nationally ber and partner at Bell Oaks Executive syndicated radio host Dr. Monica Crowley Search Firm Todd Warshaw. once again served as the evening’s emcee. Keynote speaker Lt. Gen. Benny A special delegation from the FIDF Gantz, IDF chief of the General Staff, pre- Atlanta Region participated in the gala. sented his address from Southern Israel via Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz Among the delegation members were FIDF live satellite. “The Iron dome and active speaks via satelite Atlanta Region defense systems that we have now are a (photo: Shahar Executive Director serious and historic milestone. I think we Azran) Caryn Liss; Former did right, and we will do it in the future as Atlanta Region well,” he said. Gantz added that the IDF Executive hunted down 22 terrorists in the Gaza strip Director and Atlanta Local See FIDF, page 23 Dunwoody runner completes half marathon in Jerusalem Simon Italiaander On March 16, Simon Italiaander of experienced runner, captaining track & promenade, overlooking the Temple Dunwoody participated in the half field and cross country teams through all Mount from south of the city, before marathon of the Jerusalem four years at The Weber School, this was snaking through some of Jerusalem’s sub- International Marathon, help- his first half marathon. urban neighborhoods, to the finish line at ing to raise over $400 for The race began at 8:30 a.m., with rain Sacher Park. the charity Yachad, which and a little hail falling on the runners. Simon finished the race in an impres- provides assistance to Simon said, “Everything was going just sive 1 hour 44 minutes. “I was very sur- adults with disabilities in great, until I hit the 5K mark and started prised and impressed to find out that it is the U.S. and Canada. really pushing myself further than I ever actually a decent competitive time,” he Simon, 18, a imagined I could go. The route was beauti- said. “When I finished, I proceeded gap-year student at Bar ful, and the views were spectacular, but the straight to the snack tent and ate no less Ilan University, last 5K was the most painful event in my than eight bananas and five slices of cake. joined some life so far. This only made crossing the fin- After that, I welcomed a free calf massage 15,000 runners ish line so much more special and reward- from a volunteer masseuse. Thank you to taking part in ing.” whoever you are!” different events The route of the half marathon began In Atlanta, Simon belongs to both connected with outside the Israel Museum, circling the Congregation Ariel and Congregation Beth Jerusalem’s Knesset before heading into the city center, Jacob. He has also been involved in youth second annual passing the Mahane Yehudah open-air work as a madrich at The Temple. marathon. market, and continuing into the Old City. Although an The route also took runners along the Haas See RUNNER, page 23 Page 22 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012 Five cousins ride 100 miles for Debbie Flamm

For the fourth spring in a row, Stacey Flamm recently rode 100 miles for six hours on an indoor cycle at the Ovarian Cycle event to raise funds for ovarian can- cer research in memory of her mother, Debbie Green Flamm, at the Midtown Athletic Club at Windy Hill. This year four relatives joined her trib- ute — cousins Ashley Popkin, Lauren Marx, Jeffrey Marx, and Elliot Flamm. Together the five cousins, part of a team known as the “Little Debbies,” raised $11,418 to help fund ovarian cancer Five cousins ride 100 miles in mem- The “Little Debbies” team in purple ory of their mother and aunt, Debbie research. Tees: Stacey Flamm, Ashley Popkin, Stacey Flamm is a third-grade assistant Green Flamm, at Ovarian Cycleʼs 9th Ellen Fruchtman, Elliot Flamm, annual event: Lauren Marx (from teacher at Pace Academy; Lauren Marx is a Jeffrey Marx, and Lauren Marx PhD candidate for psychology at Emory left), Jeffrey Marx, Ashley Popkin, University; Ashley Popkin creates websites Stacey Flamm, and Elliot Flamm for physicians; Jeffrey Marx is employed donated $1,075,000 to ovarian cancer Bethany Diamond. “These guys know that. by Piedmont National Corp., a family busi- research in order to develop a reliable test For Gay Lenner (on cycle), an ovari- That’s why they participate each year, get- ness; and Elliot Flamm will graduate from for an early diagnosis. Currently, most an cancer survivor, riding for ting their bodies into shape and sacrificing UGA in December with a business degree. women are not diagnosed until it’s too late. Ovarian Cycle is a family affair. She weekends to train.” The cousins have been close since child- Atlanta-based Ovarian Cycle now has is joined by her daughter Alyson This year, 21,000 women will be diag- hood, and they couldn’t think of a better wellness fundraisers in New York, (left), husband Rick, and son nosed with ovarian cancer. Of that number, tribute to their aunt and mother than to par- Birmingham, Seattle, Tallahassee and Jonathan. 13,000 will NOT survive. Usually symp- ticipate in this annual spring event. Dallas. toms don’t present themselves until it’s too They joined more than 200 Atlanta fundraiser founded in memory of Debbie “The only way we can save women’s late. To learn more about Ovarian Cycle, go cyclers for an all-day event sponsored by Flamm, who died of ovarian cancer in lives is to find a reliable test for an early to www.ovariancycle.org. Ovarian Cycle, an annual wellness 2003. Since 2004, the organization has diagnosis,” reports Ovarian Cycle Founder Energizing the future

By Mordecai Zalman A career pulpit rabbi, Jacobs comes to the job with an appreciation of the dramat- At the June 2011 meeting of the Board ic challenges facing the community and a of Trustees of the Union of Reform vision to change the “revolving door of Judaism (URJ), Rabbi Richard J. (Rick) synagogue affiliation.” In his acceptance Jacobs was elected to succeed Rabbi Eric speech, Jacobs said, “Hoping is not a strat- Yoffie as president of the organization in egy; the Jewish world needs new approach- 2012. Rabbi Jacobs became only the fourth es for engaging the future.” person to take the helm of this organization These were not just words; they were a since its formation in 1943. The URJ is the roadmap. Since assuming his new duties, congregational arm of the Reform move- Rabbi Jacobs has engaged with congrega- ment in North America, representing an tional leadership, URJ lay leaders, URJ estimated 1.5 million Reform Jews in more staff, and Reform movement organization- than 900 synagogues across the United al partners. As part of this journey, while States and Canada. Jacobs was in Atlanta last month to partic- Rabbi Richard Jacobs ipate in the 14th Annual Scheidt Seminar, a As he has said in the past, he is striv- North American Training Institute for ing to guide the movement toward as Congregational Presidents and Presidents- meaningful a future as it has been in the Elect, he met with members of Temple past. In accepting the job, Jacobs said that Sinai and The Temple at The Temple to “too many Jewish leaders seem paralyzed continue his program of congregational by fear of the future. This moment in dialogue to “explore options rather than to Jewish history demands bold thinking with rule things out.” It was an informal setting, big ideas. This is not a time for staying the and there was a genuine feeling of concern course. It’s time to reinvent the architecture and interest by the membership and the of Jewish life. It’s a time to cast a broad rabbi. net, to explore options rather than to rule This was not his first trip and meeting things out, and to recreate a movement with synagogues in the area, and it was which will be as meaningful in the future as obvious that Jacobs was seeking input. As it has been in the past.” he travels around the country and visits The venerable Satchel Page, one of the with people from different areas and differ- illustrious characters of baseball, said it in ent size congregations, he is building his simpler terms: “Just take the ball and throw database to draw on in developing plans for it where you want to. Throw strikes. Home the future. plate don’t move.” May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 23

Iranian American Jewish Federation (IAJF); Remembering Furman Bisher FIDF National Young Leadership President Tony Felzen’s pledge of $180,000 on behalf of his wrote seemed farfetched, like an amateur From page 21 family, inspiring all FIDF Young boxer making his professional debut in the preceding three days. In his final Leadership members; and National against the heavyweight champion of the remarks, Gantz thanked the attendees for Chairman Nily Falic’s pledge of $500,000. BY Gene world. And then there was the freedom to their partnership with the IDF soldiers. In addition, American Astronaut Col. Paul be the promoter and director of The Atlanta “This is very important for us to know that Lockhart surprised the audience by pledg- Asher Journal High School All-Star football, we are not alone,” he said. ing support of $1,000. baseball, and basketball state champi- Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin The evening ended with heartfelt words onship games. Netanyahu also spoke from Israel regarding from bereaved mother Mir Hadassi, who There are no words to express the After I left Furman and went into the current affairs and expressed his apprecia- tragically lost her son Yonatan Hadassi z”l, deep sorrow I feel over Furman Bisher’s life insurance business, I wanted to take tion for the great work of Israel’s soldiers in 2006, at the onset of the Second Lebanon death. my sister, Laura Hope Asher Everett and their supporters in the U.S. “The Jewish War, while serving in the Special Forces I loved Furman Bisher, and I felt like Benator, to a World Series game. But tick- State has the capacity to resist attacks. The Unit of Maglan. he loved me. ets were next to impossible to get. Israeli army is the guarantor of our future. The funds raised during the evening I think I was the first person Furman Furman Bisher got me two tickets Thank you for standing by us,” Netanyahu will provide much-needed and well- hired when he came to Atlanta back in right under the press box to see the San said. deserved services, such as academic schol- 1950 to become sports editor of The Francisco Giants play the Los Angeles One of the evening’s highlights was a arships for former combat soldiers; finan- Atlanta Constitution. I was a senior at the Dodgers. What great seats, I thought. We video from Gilad Shalit, the IDF soldier cial support for soldiers in need and Lone University of Georgia. were seated in San Francisco’s Candlestick released last October after five years of cap- Soldiers from around the world; weeks of He made me his sports correspondent Park just in time for the start—not of the tivity by Hamas in Gaza. He thanked rest and recreation for entire IDF units; and for the University of Georgia, Athens, and game but of the 8.1 Richter-scale earth- American Jewry for supporting him while educational, cultural, and recreational facil- on weekend football games around the quake. he was held as a prisoner and said that it ities. The evening was a rare and exclusive Southeast. “I don’t know about you,” my sister warmed his heart and helped him to over- opportunity to pay tribute to the State of said, “but I am getting out of here.” And come a very difficult period. Israel and send a message of love and sup- Notable among the evening’s donations port to the brave men and women in uni- were: $9.25 million pledged by Rabbi form. Eckstein of the IFCJ; $500,000 from the

Furman Bisher, 2009 (photos cour- tesy of The Atlanta Journal- Constitution)

It was the beginning of a long, loving Furman Bisher, 1963 relationship. Furman was more than my boss. He we both did, along with some 50,000 other was my friend. When I was in Korea with fans. the First Marine Corps Division, Furman I always kidded Furman about his had The Sporting News air-mailed to me being the only person ever to get me two every week. I was the only Marine on the tickets to an earthquake. front to know who won the college football There are so many memories, all games. good. I don’t ever recall a cross word during I am still in shock as I write this col- the 10+ years I served on his staff. Furman umn. really was not a boss. He let me write what God may take Furman away, but God I wanted, although some of the things I never will take away the memories.

week; I help out at the Tel Aviv animal Runner shelter, and Michelle volunteers at a foster home in Bnei Brak. I also spend a lot of From page 21 time traveling across the country, and He and his twin sister, Michelle, are Michelle likes to stay a little closer to currently spending the year in Israel with home. Still, we both make an effort to have the Israel XP program at Bar Ilan some meals together and go out together University. They spend their mornings at with groups of friends.” Jewish learning seminars and devote three Michelle, who is interested in Pilates, afternoons per week to academic study at kickboxing, and yoga, leaves the running the university, earning credits that can be to Simon, who is already looking forward transferred to colleges in the U.S. “It’s to next year, when he plans to run the full great having my twin with me in Israel, marathon. Next year, Michelle will contin- although we don’t spend so much time ue her studies at the University of together on the program. We have some Maryland. Simon is weighing his options different interests, and we’ve made differ- and is considering extending his studies in ent friends. We volunteer one half-day a Israel for a second year. Page 24 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012 Lithuania Internal Passports, 1919-1940

WHY AN INTERNAL PASSPORT WAS IMPORTANT

BY Howard Because of the upheavals caused by Margol World War I, the Russian Revolution, and warfare among new nations, such as between Poland and Lithuania, people HISTORICAL BACKGROUND who wished to claim Lithuanian citizen- ship were required to prove that they In May 1915, during the first year were residents of the territory of of World War I, the Germans won a Lithuania before World War I. An inter- major battle against the Russian Army nal passport was very important to those in Lithuania. The Russian general was a who came to the territory of Lithuania relative of the czar, so he could not be after the war and wanted to stay there. blamed for the defeat. The czar blamed Even if it was their birthplace, Lithuania the Jews for the defeat and decided that was a new independent country, sepa- Jews may have become spies for the rate from the old Russian Empire, and Germans. A contributing factor to this an internal passport was required. erroneous thinking was the similarity of Without Lithuanian citizenship, after Yiddish to the German language. In a about 1922, an individual could be typical Russian reaction, the majority of forcibly repatriated to the land of his or Jews living in Lithuania, in the areas not her previous exile, Russia, which had already occupied by the German Army, become part of the Soviet Union. were deported en masse, deep into the German Ober Ost passport, issued 1917-1918 by the German occupa- tion authorities for those who spent the war years in Lithuania. The interior of Russia. OBTAINING AN INTERNAL passports were prepared in two languages—German, the official lan- After the war ended, Lithuania PASSPORT guage, and Yiddish, because the owners were Jewish. became an independent country, and many, but by no means all, of the The system for obtaining a perma- Lithuanian Jews returned. Nearly all of nent internal passport was very simple those who did return entered the territo- in the first years. All a person needed ry of the new Republic of Lithuania was some document showing where he through the Obeliai border crossing. or she lived before, during, or after Obeliai, which is known in Yiddish as World War I. It could be the passport Abel, is in the northeastern corner of the given by the czarist authorities to an former Kovno Guberniya, just east of individual as a resident of Kovno Rokiskis/Rakishok and just west of Guberniya before World War I; the doc- Daugalpils/Dvinsk. At the Obeliai bor- ument given in some places in Russia der crossing, returning Jews were pro- where the individual spent the war vided a temporary document authoriz- years; or the documents issued by the ing them to remain in Lithuania for a German military occupation administra- period of one month. During that time, tion, such as the “Ober Ost Pass” or a they needed to secure a permanent inter- personal “ausweis” (identity card)—any nal passport. If this was not done, limit- document that could give information ed renewals were possible, but when about the individual and establish the renewal was not granted, the returnee fact that he or she was born, or had par- was deemed to be a “foreigner” and sub- ents who lived, in the territory that jected to monthly fees for the privilege became independent Lithuania after the of remaining in Lithuania. war. After 1920, the date shown on the A second group of documents that application for a permanent internal could have made the procedure easier passport approximates the date upon were birth records, which were com- Internal Passport application card. Individually created by a registration which a deported Jew returned to piled by the Jewish communities in card, depending on the information supplied. Few actually remain in exis- Lithuania. The Republic of Lithuania which the individuals were born. tence. remained an independent state from the Unfortunately, in most cases these departure of the Imperial German Army, books of Jewish records could not be in 1919, until the first Soviet occupa- found or were believed to have been governmental certificates, such as those Lithuanian territory. tion, which began in 1940. During the destroyed during the war. One example of marriage, a child’s birth, active mili- The rules governing the verification inter-war period, every Lithuanian citi- is the Obeliai Jewish vital records. In tary service, and so on. of applications for and the updating of zen age 17 or older was required to have 1915, the Rabbi of Obeliai was forced to If none of these documents could be permanent internal passports became a permanent internal passport. Unlike evacuate, and he took with him all of the located within the brief 30-day period or more settled and detailed. As the body the czarist-era internal passports, which books of Jewish vital records. Later, he renewal intervals, a permanent internal of documents accumulated in the files were required only for movement with- gave those records to the archive in passport could still be issued on the of the new republic’s police authorities in specified areas, these internal pass- Moscow, where they still reside today. basis of the Obeliai document (frontier grew, those documents could be used to ports were personal identification docu- This fact was not known to the Obeliai border-crossing station) and the affi- confirm claims to citizenship. A child ments required of every Lithuanian citi- Jews returning to Lithuania, so birth davit of persons such as neighbors, rela- whose parents had Lithuanian citizen- zen, even those who had no intention of records were not available to them. tives, or friends, who could attest to the ship and internal passports could readi- traveling. The third group of documents were applicant’s birth or residence in ly be granted his or her own internal May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 25 passport by making an application to the of birth, address, nationality, religion, tained in a file, contact the LCVA: Kaunas Uyezd: 3,846 (completed) authorities. The authorities could usual- occupation, any special traits, family Klaipeda: 335 (in progress) ly confirm the facts forming the basis status, inscription about children, the Lithuanian Central State Archives Kretinga District: 131 (completed) for seeking the passport quickly, and the passport numbers, issue date, photo, the O. Milasiaus 19 Marijampole: 4,238 (completed) document usually could be issued with- registration stamp indicating where the Vilnius 2016, Lithuania Naujamiestis: 261 (completed) in a month, if not sooner. The same situ- individual lived, and some other short Panevezys: 10,383 (in progress) ation existed with changing the internal notes. Mr. Dalius Zizys, Director Pumpenai: 245 (completed) passport. Initially, an applicant needed Some files consist only of a list of Tel: 370-5-276-5390 Pusalotas: 178 (completed) only to mark the reason for the change, Internal Passport applications. Most Fax: 370-5-276-5312 Rokiskis: 187 (completed) such as marriage and a changed sur- files, however, include not only this E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Rozalimas: 67 (completed) name. As the inter-war period pro- information but also additional docu- (Attention: Valerija Juseviciute, Deputy Seinai District (includes Kapciamiestis gressed, Lithuania, like many other ments in the applicant’s file. Following Director) and Lazdijai): 453 (completed) nations, developed strong nationalistic are examples of the types of documents Siauliai District: 14,281 (in progress) tendencies. As a result, later application found in many of the files. The Kaunas Archives has similar Taurage District: 1,035 (completed) forms included questions about the To see illustrations of the types of records for the city of Kaunas/Kovno Telsiai District: 1,623 (completed) applicant’s knowledge of the Lithuanian documents that are found in the Internal (the inter-war national capital) and some Trakai District: 1,421 (completed) language, general education, and prop- Passport files, go to jewishgen.org/data- for the town of Jonava. For Kaunas, Troskunai: 504 (completed) erty. bases/Lithuania/InternalPassports.htm. there are 27,656 Jewish passport cards Ukmerge: 5,831 (completed) As with the czarist-era internal pass- with photographs and, in many cases, Utena District: 5,686 (completed) ports, Lithuanian internal passports LOCATION OF THE FILES additional records in separate files. For Vabalninkas (Birzai Uyezd): 488 (com- were utterly unrelated to foreign travel. all the other towns in Lithuania, except pleted) To go abroad, one had to obtain an The Lithuanian Central State Kaunas and Jonava, these records can be Vandziogala and surrounding area: 694 external passport. Such passports were Archives (LCVA) has 100,000 Internal found only in the fond number of local (completed) not issued by local municipalities or Passport files for persons who resided in municipality records maintained at the Vilnius: 4,968 records (in progress) local police, as the internal passports the north-central city of Lithuanian Central State Archives in Zarasai: 3,153 (completed) were—but rather by the officials of the Panevezys/Ponevizh during the 1919- Vilnius. Zeizmariai (Trakai): (completed) Lithuanian State Ministry of Internal 1940 periods, as an example. Of this For instructions on how best to Affairs. number, approximately 12,000 files are request copies of records, either to the TOTAL: 92,887 (as of 2-20-12) for Jewish applicants. The applications Central Archive or the Kaunas Archive, CONTENTS OF THE FILES show not only the applicants’ street go to: jewishgen.org/databases/ Internal Passport records yet to be trans- addresses in Panevezys/Ponevizh, but Lithuania/ InternalPassports.htm lated: Many of the Internal Passport files also their places of birth. A large per- Birzai District contain photographs as well as addition- centage of the applicants were born in TRANSLATING THE RECORDS: Alytus District al records—applications, affidavits, locations throughout Lithuania, as well THE STATUS Palanga copies of birth and marriage certificates, as in other parts of the former Russian Kretingos (Kretinga) City etc. Sometimes, when vital records were Empire—and beyond. One individual Total Internal Passport Records translat- missing, extracts from revision (census) listed was born in the Jewish Hospital in ed: OBTAINING THE TRANSLATED and family lists were produced to prove Brooklyn, New York! The breadth of the Alytus: 1,178 (completed) INTERNAL PASSPORT RECORDS one’s identity and right to Lithuanian towns and areas included make these Birzai (City): 2,739 (completed) citizenship. Even extracts from other- Internal Passport files extremely valu- Budbergis, Pumpenai, Zeimelis: 179 For information on how to obtain, wise currently missing 1858 revision able from the viewpoint of a genealogi- (completed) via the Internet, the records that have lists have been found in some files. cal researcher or someone just wanting Butrimonys (Trakai): 15 (completed) already been translated, contact Howard The Internal Passport itself consist- to know more about his or her ancestors. Eisiskes: 350 (completed) Margol, [email protected]. ed of four pages with the basic informa- Jonava: 840 (completed) tion: name, surname, date of birth, place For a copy of actual records con- Kaunas (City): 27,656 (completed)

the living area. Now here’s my favorite, cles, as well as my voluminous corre- much-used recliner (am crazy for each spondence with old friends from I love my little nest afternoon’s nap), with a phone and table Shanghai, who are now scattered all over on one side and a bookcase on the other. the world. A small patio and a motel-size es in England. What was once a huge wall-sized enter- strip of a kitchen, a large bathroom with Years later, after World War II and tainment center is now a double dresser shower stall, and two huge walk-in clos- now living in America, in the small (sans mirror), with a large flat-screen TV ets holding all my clothes and “stuff” Georgia towns of Eastman and then surrounded by family photos. complete my sweet little nest. BY Balfoura Friend Hawkinsville, we usually owned homes For years, I owned a set of encyclo- When I think of my life in China, big Levine with many bedrooms and baths to house pedias and all sorts of books. My small houses and all, and then my nest, with our family of three growing schoolchild- bookcase is now home to some photo running hot and cold water at all times ren. Moving to Atlanta in 1968, we rented albums, books written and signed for me and the luxury of heat and A/C to my apartments with multiple rooms and by my old Shanghai friends, my prized heart’s content, I feel truly blessed. I just found something interesting baths. Oxford dictionaries that I won in high What’s not to love about scaling amongst my “stuff”—it’s a 1936 As the children grew older, they school for academic achievements, and a down from big houses to this cozy place? Shanghai Street Directory, with a listing moved out of our large home to begin few tchotchkes I’ve collected over the Housekeeping comes in weekly, and so at Lane 1277, House 18, Yu Yuen Road, their own lives. I, widowed again, moved years. Family pictures and interesting art, many others see to all my wants and that shows Mr. J. L. Friend (my father) to The Renaissance, a senior retirement including a sketch of the UGA Arch and needs. No yard work—the garden here is and Miss B. Friend (me, age 11), living in community on Peachtree Street. And here my 1950 real sheepskin diploma from lovely, with yard crews tending to it. that three-story house. I was born in I am, for the twelfth year, having scaled UGA, are framed and hang above my More staff maintains our building’s com- another large three-story brick house, at down to a one-room studio apartment. desk and surrounding walls. mon areas—the library, meeting and exer- No 1. Chusan Road, where our neighbors I look around me and feel happy and A small table with two chairs is my cise rooms, the coffee shop and pub, the at No. 8 were my Rabbi Meir Ashkenazi cozy in my little “nest,” having every- dining area; it is rarely used, since we eat card rooms, beauty salon, and such. and his family, with our little synagogue, thing in life that I need or want. The dinner in our lovely, large dining room Bigger is not really better, while smaller the Ohel Moishe, a block away. All those sunny large room is divided by a beige downstairs. A desk with my IBM is cozier and quite enough for a single old large houses were built by their British sofa, which sort of separates the sleeping Selectric III typewriter sits alongside lady like me. I love it! owners to, I imagine, replicate their hous- area of bed, phone, and nightstands from another small wall; on it, I type these arti- God Bless America. Page 26 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012

TENNIS WINNERS. The Davis Academy Boys Tennis team (pictured) took 2nd place in through 8th grade, brought Beauty and the the MAAC Championships. The team mem- By Belle Klavonsky Beast to life on the Davis stage. With fun and bers are: Kyle Newman, Jared Coffsky, Ari fantasy, this beloved fairy tale encourages Levin, Brandon Jaffe, Josh Lipton, Jansen audiences to see not just with their eyes but Redler, Harrison Lipsky, David Leven, Miles with their hearts as well. The annual musical is Barkowitz, and Zak Leven. the highlight production of Davis Academy’s Fine Arts Program. Pictured: Abby Goldberg (Belle) sings with Charlie Rinzler (the beast- turned-prince).

Avenue K and attended by more than 400 sup- porters, it was a resounding success and an unusual Dinner of Honor. One highlight was ALL ABOUT MEXICO. The 6th-grade boys the premier performance of the TDSA Boys at Torah Day School of Atlanta concluded their Choir (pictured) accompanied by Mr. Hillel study of Mexico by celebrating with an in- Glazer and led by Head of School Rabbi DAVIS HONOREES. At The Davis class fiesta (pictured). The students planned Naphtali Hoff. Honorees Moshe and Diane Academy’s 2012 Community Celebration, the the menu, shopped, and prepared delicious Manheim and Pete and Leslee Morris, long- school honored Davis grandparents and board Mexican cuisine. time volunteers and former parents, were members Joe and Carol Rubin and Toby and roasted by their mutual friend, Rabbi Norm A GREAT PUBLIC SERVICE. Davis Arnie Sidman (pictured) for their leadership Schloss. Academy 5th-grade students used their and many contributions to the school, as well research, Hebrew, and technology skills to cre- as to the greater Jewish and Atlanta communi- ate video public service announcements for the ties. The event was held at Temple Sinai, on Jewish National Fund, which supports Israel’s March 31. Davis students warmed the evening natural infrastructure. The students worked in with a beautiful Havdalah service and a selec- small groups and wrote scripts in Hebrew to tion from the school play, Beauty and the create their video messages about the impor- Beast. tant work done by the JNF. Here, Shayna Fraley and Cydney Wolchock are seen in their group’s video, displayed on an iMac that was used for the video editing. PERFORMING FOR THEIR PEERS. The middle school girls Ivrit classes at TDSA dis- covered that practice makes perfect. They PREPARING FOR PESACH. TDSA kinder- learned a song in Hebrew and then performed garten students busily decorated and designed it, with dance, for the other middle school girls their precious Pesach kits, which include classes. Elijah’s cup, as shown here.

WINNING WRITERS. Fifth-grader Isabella Bercoon was one of eight Davis Academy stu- dents to win the honor of reading original sto- ries for Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters chil- dren’s program “Nana’s Land.” Writing on the theme of My Favorite Things, Isabella, shown here with “Nana’s Land” host Penelope Batts during the videotaping, presented an essay about how much she loves spending summers at Camp Barney Medintz. The other Davis Academy winners were: 1st-graders Leah LEARNING ABOUT CIVIL RIGHTS. At Moradi, Alexa Hoppenfield, Reese Baker, and A TASTY LESSON. The Matzah Factory TDSA, Ms. Smith’s fifth-grade boys complet- HISTORIC JOURNEY. Ross Williams (front), Leah Kallen, and 5th-graders Danny Samuels, came to TDSA! The 1st- and 2nd-grade girls ed a unit on the Civil Rights Movement and Josh Weintraub (left), and Max Friedman Abigail Goldberg, and Sophia Gurin. shown here had a great time making matzah. performed a play (pictured) for their parents (right) cross the Delaware River with General and siblings. THE MAIN EVENT. On February 26, the George Washington. Madame Tussauds Wax THEATRE UNDERGROUND. The Weber Museum was among the many notable places School offers a variety of Tefillah (prayer) Torah Day School Back to the Future Main BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. With dazzling Davis 7th-graders visited on their class trip to groups, with both liturgical and theme-based Event took place at Mason Murer Fine Arts costumes, sets, and surprises, more than 170 Washington, D.C. options. One theme-based option, “Theatre Gallery, in Midtown Atlanta. Catered by Davis Academy students, from Mechina May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 27

European Cup. Mr. Brody then led the students in a basketball clinic (where Morah Yaira Auz and Rabbi Eric Levy snuck in to sink a few baskets) and signed autographs.

Itai Kalal and Major Ofer Stern, Deputy Underground,” is led by Mira Hirsch, founder not only allows students and teachers to spend Consul General Sharon Kabalo, and two sis- of Jewish Theatre of the South. Recently, the time with one another outside the ordinary ters of Major Hagai Bibi z”l, who fell in battle group performed a piece called Am Yisrael school setting, but it also gives students the against terrorists on the Kissufin Route, in the Chai?, which explored the relationship opportunity to translate empathy into action Gaza Strip, in 2004. One of Bibi’s sisters between Israel’s ultra-Orthodox and secular with extraordinary maturity, commitment, and shared the touching story of the personal loss societies. The cast members were Whitney seriousness of purpose. Some of the organiza- of her brother. Pictured: (from left) students Barnard, Rebecca Boyer, Jordan Epstein, Ryan tions the students helped were Global Soap Nati Linsider, Nadav Yeglin, Aaron Gordon, Leeson, Zach Ribner, Aaron Schwartz, Dylan Project, The Names Project, Metro Atlanta Liana Slomka, Sarah Lewyn, Devorah Chasen, Shaban, Rachel Skinner, Sarah Skinner, Syndy Urban Farm, Books For Africa, MedShare, Jillian Gerson, and Bella Cantor Snyder, and Matt Taylor. Ronald McDonald House, Atlanta Community Food Bank, and Open Hand Atlanta.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD. Can you make a con- tainer that will prevent a raw egg from break- ing when dropped? Using paper, straws, beads, and tape, can you make a vehicle that can win a four-meter race? These were just two of the events in which 3rd-and 4th-graders competed on April 27, during GHA’s 2nd Annual LEARNING ABOUT THE CHEROKEE Science Olympiad. This nationally renowned INDEPENDENCE DAY. After the somber PEOPLE. GHA 2nd-graders enjoyed learning program engages students in a variety of ses- tone of Yom HaZikaron, Weber celebrated MOCK COURT. Competing against 22 other about the history and geography of the sions in physical, life, and earth sciences. At Israel’s Independence Day with great enthusi- Jewish high schools, the Weber School took 1st Cherokee people. Students learned about cus- GHA, teamwork was emphasized, with chil- asm. The day included educational sessions place—for the third time in its four years of toms, clothing, jewelry, games, and Sequoyah, dren working in pairs or small groups. and activities revolving around Israel. The stu- competition—in the National Moot Beit Din the inventor of the Cherokee language. They Pictured: 4th-grader Aden Dori with her egg dents learned about immigration policy, the (Mock Rabbinic Court) Competition, April 1, read legends, learned about the Trail of Tears, protector Ethiopian rescue mission, and tzedakah proj- in Fort Lauderdale. Teams must research and built winter and summer homes, and recreated ect opportunities in Israel. They also had the write a rabbinic court opinion on an issue, songs and dances. Sharing their knowledge opportunity to make Israeli food, learn Israeli applying Jewish law, then orally defend that with admiring parents are: (clockwise from dancing, and play Israeli trivia games. opinion before a panel of rabbis. This year’s left foreground) Danielle Slutzky, Josh issue concerned the ability and right of teachers Alhadeff, Hannah Cate Silver, Kiki Starr, J.J. to join a union and strike. Team members (pic- Brenner, Reese Bober, Max Schurvitz, Keren tured) are Seth Euster, Daniel Gordon, David Rose, Yonatan Levy, and Ella Goldstein Nelwan, and Eytan Palte. Judaics teacher Marc Leventhal (center) is team advisor.

PASSOVER STORY. At GHA, Mrs. Judith Swartz’s 2nd-grade students performed a dra- matic rendition of the Passover story. Back row: (from left) Shiraz Agichtein, Galia Cohen, Josh Asherian, Danielle Slutzky, STUDENTS HONORED. The Georgia Yonatan Levy, and Max Schorvitz. Front row: Commission on the Holocaust recently hon- Josh Alhadeff, Jaron Brenner, Daliya ored Weber students Elana Axler, Cole Frieder, Wallenstein, Sophie Knapp, and Ezra Miller Elizabeth Galaid, Robert Goldstein, Hilit Jacobson, Emil Nirkis, Marisa Schiff, Miranda TENNIS CHAMPS. The Weber boys and girls Siegel, Justin Silver, and Carly Silverman for tennis teams swept the finals of the GISA their participation in the Holocaust Learning Region 1-AAA Tennis Tournament. Next for Trunk Project. This recognition took place the team is the GISA State Individual and during the annual State Official Observance of Team Tennis Tournaments. Seniors Jenna the Days of Remembrance of the Victims of Kaye and Sophie Schneider are Region Tennis the Holocaust, at the State Capitol. The Girls Doubles Champs for the 3rd consecutive MR. BASKETBALL. Tal Brody, (pictured) Holocaust Learning Trunk Project provides year, while sophomore Lauren Rein is Region Israeli goodwill ambassador, Zionist hero, and student-decorated trunks to Georgia schools; Tennis Girls Singles Champ for the 2nd con- international basketball star, visited GHA and these trunks contain educational materials secutive year. spoke to 8th-graders about their upcoming trip about the Holocaust, WWII, and genocide. to Israel. Mr. Brody, who walked away from a YOM HAZIKARON. Greenfield Hebrew successful NBA career to play in Israel, mes- YOM HA’ATZMAUT. Greenfield Hebrew TIK WEEK. At the end of The Weber School’s Academy 6th-graders presented a respectful merized students with his description of play- Academy celebrated Israel’s 64th birthday on Tik Week, the entire school went into the and meaningful program in observance of ing the hostile Soviet team in 1977 and the cel- April 26 with excitement and pride. Students broader community to volunteer at various Yom HaZikaron, Israel Memorial Day. Special ebrations throughout Israel and the world as he Atlanta agencies and organizations. The day guests were Israeli Air Force Major Colonel led his team to victory with their first See CLASSNOTES, page 28 Page 28 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012 Classnotes From page 27 sang and danced, attended an Israel fair, and enjoyed a festive barbeque. Here, GHA stu- dent Nicole Dori marches for Israel with her fellow 6th-graders.

Point, NC; Epstein President Ted Blum; Jason St. Amand, Woodward Academy; Epstein GETTING FOGGED. Epstein 1st-graders in Head of School Stan Beiner; and Jennifer Mrs. Andrea Mielke’s science class recently Betts, Howard School. Not pictured: Susan explored some of the interesting properties of Weintrob, Addelstone Jewish Academy, dry ice (the solid form of carbon dioxide) that Charleston make it such a useful cooling agent. While in the science lab, they also saw how it trans- forms from a solid to a gas and how it reacts with a very common household item, liquid soap. The CO2 vapor (fog) and the bubbles created quite a bit of excitement. Pictured: MAKEOVER WINNER. Fourth-grader (from left) Eden Abt, Epstein Elementary A HARD KNOCK LIFE. Epstein 8th- Sydney Fialkow won a $50,000 cafeteria Science Coordinator Mrs. Andrea Mielke, and graders performed to a sold-out crowd in the makeover for The Epstein School in the Ben’s Noa Young middle school production of Annie, in Beginner’s Cooking Contest. After she entered Hebrew. Students demonstrated their mas- a video of herself cooking “Sydney’s Chicken DUAL ACCREDITATION. After it visited tery of the Hebrew language, musical tal- and Rice,” a family recipe, the Epstein com- The Epstein School, the SACS-SAIS accredi- ents, and creative side in this tale set in the munity embarked on a vigorous online voting tation team unanimously recommended that Depression. This family-style musical event campaign. On May 2, when Sydney was pro- Epstein retain its dual accreditation. The eval- was produced and directed by Michal claimed the winner on “The Rachael Ray uators praised the caliber of Epstein students Spiegelman, with the help of Assistant TOPS IN TECHNOLOGY. Seven Epstein Show,” the school held a rally and viewing and described the school as innovative, a tech- Director Jordan Rich, students, students placed in the top 3 at the 2012 party in the gym. Pictured: Tim Snyder, vice nology leader, willing to take risks, unafraid of Choreographer Karen Danello, and Set Georgia Technology Fair. Winners are: president of marketing, Uncle Ben’s, presents change, and open to feedback. Pictured: (from Designer Brandon Ross. Eighth-grade par- Isabel Berlin, 5th grade, 1st place, a check for $50,000 to Sydney Fialkow; Mrs. left) Esther Rosenfeld, Atlanta International ent volunteers spent countless hours prepar- Multimedia Applications; Lily Schneider Jane Escalera, food services manager; and School, Dr. Cobb Atkinson, accreditation team ing the set, props, costumes and accessories. and Sloan Wyatt, 6th grade, 2nd place, Web Head of School Stan Beiner. chair, Westchester Country Day School, High Pictured: Annie (Julia Stern) and Oliver 2.0 & Internet Applications; Asher Warbucks (Abby Blum) sing “I Don’t Need Fitterman, 4th grade, 2nd place, Technology Anything But You.” Literacy Challenge; Yoel Alperin and Darelle Davis, 7th grade, 3rd place, 3D Modeling; and Alexa Rakusin, 8th grade, 3rd place, Digital Photography. Pictured: (standing, from left) Sloan Wyatt, Alexa Rakusin, Darelle David, Yoel Alperin, and Lily Schneider; (front, seated) Isabel Berlin and Asher Fitterman

YAD L’YAD. As a part of his National Honor Society project, Yeshiva Ohr Yisroel 12th-grader Arthur Schoen helped Mrs. Laura Bogart organize and find volunteers for the annual Yad L’Yad food collection. Non-perishables were collected before Passover, sold in accordance with Jewish PRESCHOOL PICASSOS. Students in law, and distributed to needy families after Michelle Young and Sara Fran Neuwirth’s Passover. Students who assisted were: (from 2-year-old class at Epstein have been study- left) Solomon Barayev (11th grade), Rafi ing art. Recently, they learned about the Nir (11th grade), Moshe Warga (12th color wheel and were introduced to artists grade), Jacob Schonland (11th grade), Yitz like Matisse, Michelangelo, Van Gogh, and Wiggins (12th grade), Arthur Schoen, Manu Picasso. The students then created their own Gershon (12th grade), and Naftali Hollander artwork using clay, paint, and other medi- (12th grade) Not pictured: Chayim Deutsch ums and made Picasso-inspired collage self- (12th grade) and Yoni Fier (12th grade). portraits. They also learned about the art of (Photo: Yehuda Esral) photography, brought in some photographs of their favorite art from their home, and TOP DEBATER. Woodward Academy was then took some photographs of their own. the site of the Novice National Debate Pictured: Wren Woodman (left) and Jude Tournament, held in March. Over 400 9th- Beale See CLASSNOTES, page 29 May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 29 Out to the field: An Atlanta Jewish sports story, Part I By David Geffen Like all boys in their pre-teens in the Key School, Lee Sweat was the star. I was twice our opponents scored, and then we 1940s, I wanted to play football and soft- very jealous of him because his hands, even made a touchdown. “Boys, remember to keep your eyes on ball. We had no pro football teams in in the 6th grade, were big enough to hold “Recess is almost over,” shouted our the basket, and then shoot 500 foul shots a Atlanta, but we did have two noted college and throw a football. At recess, all of us captain. “We have to hold them so we will day so that you can be the best.” teams, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and wanted to be on Lee’s team. He was the not look so bad. Jimmie, John, David, it is Bunny Levitt, one of the great foul the Georgia Bulldogs. These state universi- best, and he knew it. I was in a few memo- up to you three to make sure that their team shooters in the early days of U.S. basket- ties had emphasized football since the 19th rable games, but one really stands out. does not score.” So we lined up as Lee went ball, came to the Jewish Educational century via noted coaches and players. In “David, you are going to be our deep to work. One pass good—one pass Alliance on Capital Avenue in 1947 to help fact, the Heisman Trophy, given annually to defensive back. If Lee tries to throw that dropped. A short run, and then the well all the fledging Jewish players. We were the most outstanding college football play- long pass, you have to block it.” What in known “bomb” heaved by Lee. amazed as he made shot after shot from the er, is named for John Heisman, a Georgia the world was my teammate thinking? I As deep back as I could be, I watched foul line—dropping the ball in whether he Tech coaching immortal. was a little shrimp. How was I going to stop the ball in the air as it moved quickly faced the basket or had his back to it. When I touched a football for the first a pass from Lee the Great? I shouted back toward me. I saw the boy from their team “I never would have thought, as a little time, at age eight, I realized that my hand that I would try. The game started up with running my way to catch it. Somehow, I got kid, in Newark, New Jersey, that basketball was not yet big enough to hold it or throw the ball first coming to our side. I was stuck my feet moving, trying to reach that player would be my profession,” he said. “You it. But I was always hoping my right hand in the line to block, but our team was and the ball. As it came down, I jumped up see, I am short and do not really look ath- would eventually be big enough. I thought I stopped. We had to turn over the ball. Now like never before, grabbing that football letic.” Then Bunny made us all laugh. could be a quarterback. Lee was in action. Smooth and confident, with my outstretched fingers from the “After I learned my haftorah for my bar At public school in Atlanta, we played he guided his team forward. My team was hands of the other player. I came down hard mitzvah, with my knuckles rapped, I on a rocky field. Without any equipment simply weak—we could not stop them. I on the rocky ground, my arms and legs all assumed that I could do anything. So here I other than the ball itself, our games were was stuck so far back on defense that even bloodied. Triumphantly, I got up and raised am now.” touch rather than tackle. At the James L. Lee’s passes could not reach me. Once, the ball in the air. 11th Annual Taste of Atlanta returns to Tech Square

After celebrating 10 years of culinary an extensive selection of the best in food, accomplishment, Taste of Atlanta is gearing wine, beer, and cocktails, along with engag- up to begin its second decade of bringing ing chef demos, specialty food-and-bever- together the city’s best restaurants. age tents, and other activities. Atlanta’s premier foodie event will return The family-friendly street festival will to Tech Square in Midtown, Friday, span eight acres and 10 city blocks in October 5, through Sunday, October 7. Midtown, including Spring Street and 5th Taste of Atlanta attracts food lovers from Street. throughout Atlanta, the Southeast, and General admission is $25 in advance, beyond to enjoy tastes from more than 80 $35 at the event, and includes 10 taste Atlanta-area restaurants. coupons; additional taste coupons are $1 On Friday evening, Taste of Atlanta each. VIP tickets are $75 in advance, $85 at kicks off with the Big Grill, A Salute To the event, and include 15 taste coupons and Atlanta Chefs, 7:30-10:30 p.m.; VIP entry entry into the Wine+Beer+Cocktail begins at 6:30 p.m. The festival continues Experience. on Saturday and Sunday, with seminars, Sign up for the Taste of Atlanta demonstrations, and participatory activi- newsletter at www.tasteofatlanta.com; fol- ties; the VIP Experience will take place low Taste on Twitter, twitter.com/tasteofat- 12:30-6:00 p.m. both days. lanta; and become a Facebook fan at face- Throughout the weekend, there will be book.com/tasteofatlanta.

Classnotes From page 28

grade students from across the United States competed individually and for their schools. After hard-fought preliminary rounds, the top 16 freshman debaters were announced and went on to compete in the elimination round. Jacob Chorches (pic- tured), a freshman at the Brentwood School, in Brentwood, California, was undefeated for the tournament and was declared the top speaker. Jacob is the son of Sandra and Alec Chorches and grand- son of Dr. Michael and Anne Chorches and Phillip and Rosalind Haber, all of Atlanta. Page 30 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012 as well. Still, the Jews of Beth Israel felt the the streets, and installed sewers. Even as far impact of the American Reform movement. back as 1884, Jews served on successive city The Jews of Macon, Part 1 When the first class of Rabbi Isaac Mayer councils, became charter members and officers Wise’s Hebrew Union College graduated, the of civic clubs, and were active in politics and called to serve the South. Some German immi- temple sent a letter requesting one of these civic affairs. Jewish women even sat on the grants living in the city organized the German newly trained rabbis, who were taught to con- board of Macon’s first organized charity, the Artillery Company, and many young men of duct services in the language of the new land non-denominational King’s Daughters. BY Stuart Congregation Beth Israel drilled regularly with and to lecture rather than chant. They began Beth Israel soon faced problems with its the group. Among them was Bernhart calling their rabbi “minister” and established synagogue. Across the street from the sanctuary, Rockoff Nordlinger, an Alsatian immigrant who had the confirmation ritual for their religious school a farmers’ market had grown up. Wagons, owned a store with his younger brother, Wolfe, students. loaded with produce, converged there on In 1821, Macon, Georgia, named for a U.S. in Macon before the war. Bernhart took over the In 1880, Beth Israel finally joined the Saturdays; watermelon rinds began piling up on Senator from North Carolina, was incorporated, position of hazan, a person trained to lead song- Reform Union of American Hebrew the temple steps. It was not possible to keep the and the neighboring farmland was distributed ful prayer, after the rabbi left the congregation. Congregations and, just a few years later, decid- windows of the un-air conditioned synagogue by lottery. By 1833, over 3,000 people lived in After the Civil War, a growing number of ed that men no longer had to wear hats during closed, and the noise became unbearable, espe- Macon, which had become a commercial center Jews settled in Macon; by 1866, twenty new services. (Incidentally, the congregation had to cially on the Sabbath. Finally, it was decided for the region, with farmers from across rural members were added to the temple’s member- resign from the UAHC just two years after join- that they should move and, on June 14, 1901, central Georgia traveling to the burgeoning ship. In 1869, a religious school was established ing, because of financial problems.) In spite of the congregation attended the final services in town to do business. Macon’s role as a trading with a trilingual curriculum (English, German, the continued change, there were some in the old building, which was subsequently razed. center also attracted Jewish merchants to the and Hebrew), and the Beth Israel board began to Macon who sought to limit these reforms. Congregation Beth Israel bought new growing seat of Bibb County. have regular meetings. That same year, a lot When, in 1891, certain Jewish communities dis- property, but was without a home temporarily. The first Jew to settle in town was Nathan was purchased in an area that would later cussed the possible changing of the Sabbath Until the new temple was built, Jews wor- Grossmayer, who opened a store there in 1840; become the center of town, upon which their from Saturday to Sunday, Jews in Macon spoke shipped at the First Baptist Church, whose own he later opened another store in Americus, synagogue would be built. Members of the con- out against the idea, claiming that such a change congregants had enjoyed Beth Israel’s hospital- Georgia. A handful of other Jews moved to the gregation pledged up to fifty dollars each, and, would go against tradition. ity when its church house had burned down in area in the early 1840s. In 1844, two young with additional funds from people outside of In 1894, Beth Israel hired a rabbi who 1883. To honor this kindness, the pastor of First Jewish brothers by the name of Bettman passed Macon, they were able to begin construction. In would come to Baptist, Rev. J.L. White, helped lay the corner- away, one in Hawkinsville and the other in 1879, Beth Israel established a new Jewish influence Macon’s stone of the new temple, along with Judge Max Perry. In response, Macon’s small Jewish com- cemetery on land donated by William Wolff; the Jewish communi- Meyerhardt, the grand master of the Georgia munity purchased a plot of land in Macon’s new burial ground was named in Wolff’s honor. ty for almost fifty Grand Lodge of Masons, and Rabbi Marcuson newly established Rose Hill Cemetery, and the The construction of the synagogue brought years. Isaac E. at the dedication, on October 30, 1901. The German-born brothers were buried there. This differences in religious practices to the fore. Marcuson, of names of the members of the building commit- cemetery was used by Macon’s Jewish commu- When a pipe organ was installed in the sanctu- Cincinnati, had tee, including congregational president Gustav nity for the next 35 years. ary, Mark Isaacs, one of the affluent members of just graduated Bernd, Jr., were inscribed on the cornerstone. Acquiring a burial ground was the first pri- Beth Israel, threatened to withdraw his pledge from Hebrew The new temple was formally dedicated on ority of the fledgling Jewish community. It to the building fund because the “faith of the Union College September 19, 1902. would be another fifteen years before Macon Fathers had been dishonored” by this musical and came to serve When the constitution and by-laws were Jews formally established a congregation. symbol of Reform Judaism. Issacs later returned Macon’s Reform published in 1903, Congregation Beth Israel Eleven men called together “the Israelitish com- to London, but he was not the only member who congregation. He had approximately 89 member families. Of munity” on October 30, 1859, at the home of did not like the congregation’s movement Rabbi Isaac Marcuson stayed initially for those, more than 75% had emigrated from or Emanuel Brown, to discuss the possibility of toward Reform. Others set up a separate served Beth Israel for nine years, but had parents who emigrated from Germany. forming a congregation. A week later, at the Congregation B’nai Israel and purchased a sep- almost fifty years. came back in Most of them were also merchants of some home of Elias Einstein, 28 men bound them- arate burial ground in the city cemetery. Though 1920, serving kind, dealing either in dry goods, clothing, or selves to maintain and support a permanent con- this splinter congregation did not survive, their until his death in shoes. gregation, to be known as the House of Israel, plot in the cemetery still exists today and con- 1952. He brought with him liberal reforms, such Kahal Kodosh Beth Israel. They agreed to fol- tains eleven marked graves and eight unmarked as the removal of the rabbi’s hat during servic- Next issue: Macon, Georgia Part II—By low the German Orthodox minhag (ritual) and graves. es, the adoption of the Union Prayer Book, and the late 19th century, the members of Beth to hold services in Hebrew and German, with reaffiliation with the UAHC. Israel would be joined by a new wave of Jewish lectures in German and English. Thus, even Rabbi Marcuson was quickly recognized immigrants from Eastern Europe, who had little though the congregation was traditional, it and accepted by the entire community. When interest in the Reform practices of the city’s incorporated elements of Reform Judaism the Spanish-American War erupted in 1898, the Jewish congregation. through these lectures. Elias Einstein was elect- young rabbi served as civilian chaplain for the ed the first president and appointed a committee wounded soldiers encamped in Macon. He also to prepare a constitution, which was adopted on was active on the board to save the Macon This history of Macon, Georgia, Part I, is December 4, 1859; ten days later, the Georgia Library, organized a Boy Scout troop, and a segment from the ISJL Encyclopedia of legislature granted a charter to the congrega- served on the Boy Scout Council for many Southern Jewish Communities. Readers are tion. There were 78 charter members, which years. The rabbi helped to pioneer the county invited to learn more about the history of Jewish likely means that some form of group worship welfare agency when he headed the Organized communities by visiting www.isjl.org and look- had taken place prior to the formal organization Service and was chairman of the Macon ing under the History tab. The of the congregation. Chapter of the American Red Cross. Rabbi Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Beth Israel bought a sefer Torah for $110 Marcuson also became well known throughout Jewish Life considers the encyclopedia to be a and first met in a renovated rented room above the entire Reform Jewish community through work in progress and encourages the public to a confectionary shop. Since the congregation Beth Israelʼs first synagogue, built in his 33 years of service as secretary of the contact Dr. Stuart Rockoff at [email protected] was already fairly large, they were able to hire 1870 Central Conference of American Rabbis. He not with additional information related to the histo- the services of a rabbi, Henry Lowenthal. only edited the CCAR Yearbook for thirty years, ry of Jewish communities in Georgia or other Originally from London, Lowenthal had been Beth Israel continued to debate how much but he collaborated on the revision of the prayer communities of the South. Throughout the thir- serving a congregation in New Haven, to reform its religious practices. In 1869, a book. teen-state Southern region of the United States, Connecticut. Upon his arrival in Macon, he con- member proposed the first ritual reform, sug- Rabbi Marcuson’s civic involvement mir- the eleven-year-old grassroots organization, secrated the rented room, placed the Torah in gesting that the Reform worship style of Temple rored that of his congregants, as Macon Jews Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern the ark, and began to hold regular services in Emanu-El of New York be introduced, but the moved quickly to become part of the larger Jewish Life (ISJL), is dedicated to providing both English and Hebrew. Before his first year motion lost. In 1872, the congregation consid- society. Macon Jews helped to establish and educational and rabbinic services, promoting a was completed, Rabbi Lowenthal’s wife passed ered but did not adopt the Minhag Jastrow, equip the Macon Hospital, now known as the Jewish cultural presence, and documenting and away, and the rabbi returned to England. which sought to balance both innovation and Medical Center of Central Georgia. Others preserving the rich history of the Southern Once the Civil War began in 1861, tradition. Two years later, there was a motion to served on the Board of Trade, which created Jewish experience. Maconites of all faiths, including Jews, were affiliate with the newly formed Union of municipal ownership of the water system, paved American Hebrew Congregations, but that lost May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN — K SHER LIVING Page 31 Page 32 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN — K SHER LIVING May-June 2012 Shifrah Devorah Witt. They have explored interested in receiving and sharing readers’ both of these cuisines and have translated opinions on this subject. Anonymity will be many popular recipes to kosher. Now that so maintained if requested. E-mail kosheraf- Kosher Affairs many “global” kosher-certified ingredients are [email protected]. available, it is simple and realistic for the Speaking of success, congratulations to kosher cook to prepare authentic Mexican and BLEND IT. I recently welcomed an amazing local celebrity Farmer D—Daron Joffe. Asian dishes at home. new appliance to my kitchen—the Vitamix Williams-Sonoma is prominently featuring While I don’t need step-by-step recipes blender #5200. It is truly an unbelievable, some of his products—his organic compost, for my comfort zone foods, such as basic state-of-the-art machine; but be warned, it is an BY Roberta fertilizer, and other items—as part of the com- Southern fried chicken, chicken soup, ham- investment. I initiated it at Passover, when I Scher pany’s new Agrarian line. I am a big fan of my burgers, or mashed potatoes, I do need all the proceeded to make matzo raised organic vegetable garden bed, construct- help that I can find to prepare international meal from whole matzos ed by Daron’s dad, Stanley; now in its 4th year, dishes such as pot stickers, hot and sour soup, and powdered vanilla it is refilled annually with Farmer D’s “magic” nachos, and burritos. I like these books and sugar from granulated Spring and summer mean lighter meals soil. Visit williams-sonoma.com/shop/agrari- highly recommend them if you want to branch sugar and vanilla beans, and higher temperatures, and there are predic- an-garden. out and be globally adventurous in the kitchen. mixed up smoothies tions for an extraordinarily warm season in Find them at mexicankoshercooking.com and from whole fruits, and Hotlanta. BOOKS FOR COOKS thecompleteasiankoshercookbook.blogspot. made almond milk. So why am I starting with soup? Because com. Now I am going to try I feel compelled to share the winning recipe of I’m certain that most of you grew up as I parve ice cream, sorbet, the 2012 Man-O-Manischewitz Cook-Off. did, with “fusion” home cooking—a combina- LOCAL NEWS and soup. Yes, soup. The This year’s winner, Eric Silberman, of tion of traditional Jewish food, Southern food, motor on this machine is so Lincolnwood, Illinois, is a 20-year-old and standard American dishes. That’s why I Cupz & Cake, a new AKC kosher certi- powerful that it purees Princeton University student. From a family of pay special attention when cookbooks come fied dairy coffee shop, has opened at 1171 and cooks the soup four boys, he assumed the responsibility of along that focus on LaVista Road, near Cheshire Bridge, just within the blender making matzo balls every Shabbat. After thou- other ethnicities— across the street from Cheshire Square. The container. I will report sands of cook-off entries were reviewed, test- especially when the shop is owned by Shaun Davenport, a former back—but to get a ed, and judged, Eric’s “Mod” Matzo Ball Soup recipes are conve- lobbyist who loves baking and has now redi- more in-depth look, (see sidebar for recipe) came out on top. A niently kosher. rected her career to follow her dreams. In addi- read the full review at panel of cookbook authors, food critics, and The Best of tion to French press coffee, fancy coffees, and http://tiny.cc/02ftcw. Chef Claire Robinson awarded him the Mexican Kosher teas, she offers coffee by the pound and Italian The machine has $25,000 grand prize, which included Maytag Cooking (Israel sodas. Davenport has created a limited eat-in Vitamix blender a seven-year warran- kitchen appliances and cash. If you want to Book Shop and take-out menu, currently featuring a bagel #5200 ty, and additional know more about this contest, visit manische- Publications) and bar with toppings. She plans to expand her accessories are available. After the honeymoon witz.com. Entering recipe and food competi- The Complete food offerings, and she welcomes customer is over, and if I continue to love it, I will likely tions has become a hobby and passion for Asian Kosher input. In addition, she offers celebration cakes, purchase a second container for dairy use. The many—and there are thousands of opportuni- Cookbook (Targum created by an in-house baker. Future plans basic Vitamix sells for $449. Visit ties to do so annually. Want to enter? See hun- Press) are by include additional dairy lunch specialties, such Vitamix.com. dreds of ongoing contests at contestcook.com. Zipporah Malka Heller and her daughter, as quiche, pizza, and sandwiches. Follow Cupz & Cake on Facebook, visit ccmarket.info, or A PRESIDENTIAL TOAST call 404-941-7200. TO HAGAFEN WINE

At the luncheon following the historic March meeting between President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, kosher wine from Hagafen Cellars was served. Hagafen Cellars presented its 2010 Lodi Roussanne, a luscious dry white wine, perfect for the occa- sion. (Yes I’ve sampled this excellent wine, but unfortunately not at the White House!) This marks a 30+-year relationship between the Hagafen Napa Valley winery and the White House. According to Hagafen winemaker/founder Ernie Weir, “It is an honor and pleasure to have had our wines enjoyed at the White House over the course of the past decades, by the leaders of our country and their guests.”

Shaun Davenport

An aside: Kosher restaurants have come and gone in Atlanta—most recently, we saw the demise of Moshe’s. As I have written pre- viously, in my opinion, all restaurateurs and food retailers must combine quality food, excellent service, good value, and high stan- dards of sanitation to be successful. A conven- ient location and an up-to-date web and Facebook presence are also important. The What’s cooking? E-mail goal should be to bring both kosher and non- [email protected]. This column is kosher eaters and shoppers to visit the estab- meant to provide the reader with current trends lishment, and create an experience beyond and developments in the kosher marketplace. their expectations, so they will become enthu- Since standards of kashruth certification vary, siastic repeat customers. Happily, there are check with the AKC or your local kashruth several kosher restaurants in Atlanta that are authority to confirm reliability. currently satisfying their customers. I would be See RECIPES, page 34 May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN — K SHER LIVING Page 33 Kosher KornerKorner

NEW KOSHER ALERTS

Dirty Potato Chips: Some 2 oz. pack- BY Rabbi Reuven ages of Sour Cream and Onion Potato Stein Chips were mistakenly labeled with a plain OU mark, without the D-Dairy designation. WHAT’S NEW This product contains dairy and should have been labeled OU-D. Corrective meas- Cupz & Cakes is a new Atlanta ures are being taken. Kashruth Commission (AKC) kosher certi- fied coffee and dessert shop, located at When warming Mon Cuisine frozen 1171 LaVista Road, near Cheshire Bridge, meals in a microwave, consumers should across from Return to Eden and Publix. double-wrap the carton. Mon Cuisine is Call 404-941-7200. changing its packaging to address this issue.

In the Atlanta area, there are now prod- ucts labeled with an LBD symbol, which stands for London Beis Din. This kosher symbol is acceptable to the AKC.

SUPERVISED ICE CREAM AND FROZEN YOGURT STORES

When purchasing ice cream and frozen yogurt, it is preferable to buy at supervised Shaun Davenport, Cupz & Cakes stores (listed below). In some of the stores, owner one should check the kosher letter, since not all items and toppings are kosher. In a OU For You in Dunwoody has remod- non-supervised store, one should purchase eled and plans to add sushi and other foods. only after personally checking each item for a hashgacha on the package. (Do not Chai Peking has teamed up with Mr. rely on what the attendant says or on a David Schakett to offer new Southern-style booklet of kosher letters, as they are not smoked Chinese barbeque products under always accurate.) the name Grillin’ Magic BBQ. The current Shabbos special includes one rack of BBQ Bruster’s, 2095 LaVista Road, 404-320- beef ribs, smoked and sauced to perfection, 7166. Ice cream steamed veggies, and rice for $27.95. Other Carvel, 2482 Jett Ferry Road, Ste 685, 770- side dishes are potato salad, coleslaw, BBQ 396-0555. Ice cream. This entire facility is baked beans, imitation crab and corn kosher. bisque (New Orleans style), sweet potato NEW: Cowlicks Yogurt & Floats, 1100 delite, bread pudding, and jambalaya. Hammond Drive, 770-913-0190. Check Everything is made onsite at Chai Peking, kosher letter under AKC supervision. Call 404-327- Menchie’s, 3011 North Druid Hills Road, 7810. 404-228-6229. Frozen yogurt TCBY, Loehmann’s Plaza, 2484 Briarcliff The AKC would like to thank all its Road, 404-325-8736. Frozen yogurt sponsors and friends who helped make Whole Foods, 2111 Briarcliff Road, 404- Kosher Day 2012 a big success! They 634-7800. Gelato include the Jewish Federation, Toco Whole Foods, 1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Printing, Goodfriend’s Grill, and Publix 678-996-9700. Gelato Charities. Rabbi Reuven Stein is director of supervi- sion for the Atlanta Kashruth Commission, a non-profit organization dedicated to pro- moting kashruth through education, research, and supervision.

Enoch Goodfriend Page 34 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012

Mod Matzo Ball Soup Fresh Tomato Salsa Adapted from Eric Silberman’s Man-O- Adapted from The Best of Mexican Manischewitz Cook-Off winning recipe Recipes Kosher Cooking Serves 6 2 1/4 pounds of tomatoes Homemade Tortilla Chips incorporate yolks: tilt the bowl to one side 1/4 cup chopped green onion and “pull” whites up and beat until frothy. Adapted from The Best of Mexican Kosher 6 medium carrots, sliced into 1-inch pieces 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice Then break yolks and beat together until Cooking by Zipporah Malka Heller and 2 medium turnips, peeled, cut into 1-inch 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped light yellow and bubbly. Add remaining 2 Shifrah Devorah Witt (Israel Book Store) cubes 1 clove fresh garlic, minced tablespoons vegetable oil, and whip again 1 large onion, diced 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until fully incorporated and bubbly. Add 6 eight-inch flour tortillas 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste packet of mix and stir just until combined. canola oil for frying 1 packet Manischewitz Matzo Ball Mix Refrigerate for 10 minutes. coarse sea salt 2 eggs Combine all ingredients; chill for an Combine 4 cups Manischewitz 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, plus a pinch hour. Serve and enjoy. Vegetable Broth, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and Stack the tortillas and cut them into 8 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes Optional: To spice it up, add any of 1/2-teaspoon cumin in a 4-quart pot. Bring triangles. 6 cups Manischewitz Vegetable Broth the following: 1-2 tablespoons fresh to boil over medium-high heat. Pour about two inches of oil in a fry- Kosher salt, pepper jalapeno peppers; 1 teaspoon to 1 table- Remove matzo ball mix from refriger- ing pan. Heat the oil on medium-high heat. spoon fresh Anaheim chili peppers, diced ator, form into balls just under the size of Using long-handled tongs, place the tor- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. fine; or 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper Ping-Pong balls, and drop into broth. tilla pieces individually into the frying Place carrots, turnips, and onion on a flakes. Cover, lower heat, and simmer for 12-15 pan. Do not crowd them. Fry in several sheet pan, and toss with 2 tablespoons veg- minutes. batches. etable oil, a pinch of cumin, salt, and pep- Beef Chow Fun Remove roasted vegetables from When they begin to turn slightly gold- per to taste. Roast in preheated oven for Adapted from The Complete Asian oven. en (usually after a few seconds), turn them 20-25 minutes until brown, mixing Kosher Cookbook by Zipporah Malka Remove cover from soup pot and add over and allow them to continue cooking a halfway to ensure even browning. Heller and Shifrah Devorah Witt remaining 2 cups Manischewitz Vegetable few more seconds. When they are lightly While vegetables are roasting, prepare (Targum Press) Broth and diced tomatoes. Add roasted golden on both sides, remove them to drain matzo balls according to package direc- vegetables, and return soup to boil. Cover in a paper towel-lined bowl. Add a sprinkle tions, but with a few “secret” changes. This is a favorite Chinese recipe of the and simmer on low for 10 minutes. of salt. Crack 2 eggs into a medium glass bowl. Heller-Witt family. Serves 6–8. Uncover and add salt, pepper, or cumin to Serve warm or at room temperature With a fork, beat egg whites first, and then taste. with your favorite salsa or melted cheese. 1 pound tender beef, cut into 2 x 1/4 inch slices 3 tablespoons canola oil 1 large onion, sliced lengthwise 4 cloves garlic, slivered 4 large green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces 1 14-ounce package wide rice noodles, soaked in warm water for 30 minutes or until soft, and drained* 1/2 cup water plus 1/2 teaspoon parve chicken soup mix, prepared according to package directions 5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 4 cups bean sprouts 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Marinade: 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 tablespoon water

Mix together marinade ingredients. Marinate sliced beef for 1/2 hour. In a frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add onions; saute about 1 minute. Add marinated meat; stir-fry 3–5 min- utes. Add garlic and green onions and stir-fry for an additional minute. Remove beef, onion, and garlic to a bowl. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in pan on medi- um-high heat and add noodles; stir-fry for 3–4 minutes. Add parve chicken soup and soy sauce to the noodles. Return beef and onions to pan and reheat. Stir in bean sprouts 1 minute before serving. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes.

* According to the AKC, plain uncooked rice noodles are acceptable without spe- cial kosher certification May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 35 The Breman reaches out to a surprising array of visitors

As in any major city, museums attract Thanks to many materials furnished in build ongoing support for this important visitors from all over the world, and the advance to their teachers, the students institution and have a minimum of 2,000 Breman is no arrive fully prepared; afterwards, they are members by the year 2000. We haven’t kept BY exception to this. encouraged to discuss what they have the faith with Bill. Surely, in a city with Janice Rothschild Most surprising of learned, both in class and at home. Most of 125,000 mostly middle-income Jewish resi- Blumberg all are the groups them write thank-you notes expressing their dents, we have at least 2% who care enough of Spanish-speak- reactions and the insights they have gained about their own legacy and Jewish survival ing soldiers who, from their visit. Here again is a story too big to help pay for it. Elinor Breman recently asked me if I’d for more than ten and too important to be combined with any Call 404-870-1632 or visit www.the- seen the Holocaust Memorial in Miami years, have been other. Stay tuned. More in our next issue. breman.org, and join. You’ll be glad you Beach. Yes, I told her. I saw it some years bused here each I can’t help thinking how thrilled Bill did. ago and felt profoundly moved by it. month from Fort Breman would be to see these examples of Probably because it was Elinor who asked, Benning, about education for good will constantly activated the conversation led me to think of The 100 in each group. as a result of his vision and generosity. On Breman Jewish Heritage & Holocaust Sponsored by second thought, however, I believe that Museum, and I began to wonder whether Reynaldo Morales, WHINSEC Bill’s pleasure would be shadowed some- memorials have more influence than muse- Assistant (Western what by the fact that we have not reached ums, or vice versa. Who visits them, and Coordinator, U.S. Hemisphere the goal that he set for us. He wanted us to what—if any—lasting effect do they have? Field Studies Institute for Program, Fort Security Benning Cooperation), this trip is part of their training in free enterprise and civil rights. They come from all the countries of South and Central America and the Caribbean, and include men and women of all ranks and all levels of society, very few of whom have ever knowingly even seen a Jew before visiting The Breman or heard of the Holocaust.

Before entering the gallery, these visi- Elinor and Bill Breman tors are shown a film with Spanish subtitles, orienting them to the Holocaust and provid- Memorials serve as perpetual ing historical and political context. Then, reminders, and that’s important. If we take they are introduced to a Spanish-speaking time to read or listen to the information pro- survivor or child of a survivor, who tells his vided with them, they also teach us some- or her own story, giving them a personal thing about the person or event that they perspective on what they are about to see as honor. But how many disbelievers visit they tour the exhibit, led by one of The Holocaust memorials? And if they do, does Breman’s trained museum educators. the experience change them from deniers to I sat with them one day in the muse- believers? um’s Arbiser Theater, watching their faces Not knowing where to find statistics as they listened to Erna Martino tell what about memorials, I turned to Judi Ayal, happened to her parents. The impact of her director of visitor services at The Breman, message was clearly apparent. Few took for answers that shed light on the impact of their eyes off her, even for a moment. Some Holocaust museums. Her records attest to expressed amazement, not understanding The Breman receiving about 40,000 visitors the term “anti-Semitism,” even though she per year. Approximately half of them are explained it in Spanish. Unquestionably, children, only some 20% of whom are they were deeply moved. This was a lesson Jewish. they would never forget. Almost every day during the school year, The Breman is crowded with children, 5th grade and above, many of whom are African-American and Latino. Holocaust studies are part of their class curriculum.

Breman docents Mark Brooks and Dede Thompson Students tour The Breman Page 36 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012

trol procedures based on climate; and “kills caterpillars of night-flying moths how to track the growth of chickens, – a common scourge for farmers world- YOU NEED TO KNOW... livestock and fruit, among other ideas wide – but unlike common commercial for running a modern, professional preparations, has minimal or no effect farm.” on any other creature.” During the last 60-plus years, meter for that keep both water and air out and 6. A better potato. Dr. David Levy 9. Fishing in the desert. Fish are meter, person for person, no other solved this spoilage. This Israeli- of The Hebrew University believes that one of the main sources of protein for nation has done more for the betterment designed product is now used “all over potatoes are one of the top sources of hundreds of millions of people, so it is of the health, economic, and technologi- the developed world, including Africa nutrition in the world and “in the potato critical that there be a method to sustain cal advancement of the world population and the Far East, and even in countries lies an answer to world hunger.” the supply. One solution would be to than Israel. It is a story, although criti- that have no diplomatic ties to Israel, The potatoes as we know them were find a way to raise them anywhere, even cally important, that is not heralded and such as Pakistan.” developed to provide good yields in in the desert. largely remains unknown. We plan to 3. Biological pest control. More northern, temperate climates at tempera- G.F.A. Advanced Systems, Ltd., present some of these unbelievable and more we are hearing and learning tures below 30 Celsius. Through Dr. with its “zero-discharge” system, has accomplishments in an attempt to dis- about the adverse side effects on the Levy’s and his colleagues’ research over made such a dream a reality. With the seminate the heart and soul of what and environment, ecology, and health that the past 30 years, varieties have been specially developed microbes, the sys- who Israel really is. are resulting from the use of chemicals developed that can be grown at tempera- tem purifies fish waste byproducts right and hormones. To offer an alternative to tures of 35 – 40 Celsius, and they have in the tank, thereby eliminating spillage In 1950, shortly after the establish- this, Bio-Bee Biological Systems breeds had success in using water with average and water refilling. A facility in New ment of the State of Israel, the world beneficial insects and mites for biologi- salinity for irrigation. York is presently using this system and, population was 2.55 billion people. In cal pest control and bumblebees for nat- The potential of this in the many in 2010, produced about 100 tons of sea 2011, this number had increased to 7 bil- ural pollination in greenhouses and open arid areas of the world to alleviate the bream, bass and tilapia. lion, and, according to the World Bank, fields. In addition, a subsidiary, Bio-Fly suffering and starvation is overwhelm- 10. Food from greenhouse gas. it is projected to continue to grow at a Company, sells sterile Mediterranean ing. As a side benefit, Levy feels that the Recently, Seambiotic Ltd. launched a compound rate of 1.1% per year. So how fruit flies to control this major pest in sharing of this knowledge with scientists commercial algae farm in China to pro- do we feed these masses, for if there is fruit trees. In Israel, these products have from neighboring countries will help duce feedstock for biofuel. Using the no food, there will be no peace. enabled sweet-pepper farmers to reduce build bridges between the nations in the technology, algae ponds, which use Many institutions and countries the use of chemical pesticides by 75 per- area. power-plant effluents, provide the raw have and are addressing this problem, cent. 7. Squeezing every drop of water material for the biofuel rather than rely- but probably no other single country has Bio-Bee’s products are exported to from the air. In the arid climate of ing on farmed produce that can be used contributed more breakthroughs than 32 nations from Japan to Chile. Its Bio- Israel, water is a precious commodity. In for human consumption. An added bene- Israel. What is more amazing, it has Fly collaborates with Jordanian and order to support the needs of the existing fit is that the material produces 30 times done this as a new, emerging nation with West Bank Palestinian Authority agri- population at the time of the creation of more feedstock than the land-based limited resources and people. cultural experts. the country and to meet the needs of the alternatives. ISRAEL21c, a not-for-profit organi- 4. Dairy farming. Israeli companies large percentage increase that has taken 11. Reintroducing carp to Africa. zation in the United States that regularly are producing advanced systems for herd place over the past 64 years, innovative Ugandan villagers formerly looked to publishes on the Internet a blog in which management, monitoring and feeding techniques and efficient use of available the Lake Victoria carp as an important it highlights intellectual developments, that are being sold and used on dairy resources had to be developed. part of their diet. But that was before the advancements, educational changes, and farms all over the world. It should not be surprising, there- Nile perch was introduced into the lake. advanced innovations, has just produced In Vietnam, ten Israeli companies fore, that their innovative efforts were The Nile perch, which is a much a piece by Abigail Klein Leichman enti- are involved in a five-year project, the directed to the moisture in the dew that larger fish than the carp and many other tled: “The top 12 ways Israel feeds the largest of its kind in the world, to imple- forms with the overnight temperature species, was introduced to the lake, and world.” The following is a synopsis of ment every aspect of a vast $500 million changes. In response, Tal-Ya Water decimated most of these smaller fish. the points in that narrative. dairy farm endeavor. The undertaking Technologies developed reusable plastic The villagers had neither the equipment 1. Drip irrigation. In hindsight, will encompass 30,000 cows at 12 state- trays to collect dew from the air, reduc- nor the expertise necessary to start fish- such a simple concept but so effective. It of-the-art mega-dairies and a milk pro- ing the water needed by crops or trees by ing the huge perch, and symptoms of was Simcha Blass, an Israeli water engi- cessing plant, which will supply 300 up to 50 percent. protein deficiency started becoming neer, who took an existing concept, rev- million liters per year. Made from non-PET recycled and apparent in their children. olutionized it and perfected a system to Their expertise is so well know that recyclable plastic with UV filters and a It took a team from the Hebrew produce a slow, balanced drip that China is sending groups to learn how to limestone additive, the trays are placed University to address and solve this resulted in substantial increases in boost milk production there as well. around each plant or tree so that the dew problem. The answer laid in applying growth. The new technology, which has 5. Tailor-made farm solutions. and condensation is routed straight to techniques developed over many years been sold around the world, has resulted Agricultural Knowledge On-Line the roots. It was reported that the system by Israeli fish farmers. In addition to in sizable production increase. (AKOL) has developed software pack- increases “the effect of each millimeter spawning the carp, training was provid- To appreciate what this Israeli inge- ages and computer programs for the of water 27 times over.” ed in the digging and filling of ponds to nuity did to help produce food, one just agriculture industry that make informa- An added benefit is that the trays raise the small fish. has to look to a recent installation that tional support and help immediately block the sun so weeds cannot take root. 12. Hardier seeds for better crops. took place in Senegal. In that country, a available to endeavors around the world. The improved efficiency in the use of Ilan Sela and Haim D. Rabinowitch of seven hundred farming family commu- Making use of IBM’s “cloud” host- water means there is more available for Hebrew University have developed tech- nity installed a system, which has ing, AKOL’s programs make it possible other uses, and the decreased need for nology that enables the introduction of allowed it to harvest crops three times a for users from around the world “to link, fertilizer means less groundwater con- genetic materials into seeds without year instead of just once, as previously stream, and manage information tamination. modifying their DNA. had been the case, on infertile land. between the different parties in the sec- 8. Unparalleled crop protection. Dortan Peleg, CEO of Morflora, a 2. Grain cocoons. According to the tor, in real time, using various applica- Hebrew University teamed up with company to which the technology has information on ISRAEL21c’s site, tions. AKOL systems link packinghous- Makhteshim Agan Group to develop and been transferred for use in curing fruit- Professor Shlomo Navarro, who prior to es, dairies, slaughterhouses (abattoirs), commercialize slow-release herbicides tree diseases, said, “The new ability to his retirement was the principal scientist regulatory bodies, food centers, labora- and a targeted insecticide that doesn’t deliver traits within days instead of in the Department of Food Science, tories, marketing centers, as well as harm beneficial insects. years, and to offer a treatment with Israel Agricultural Research crop, dairy and poultry farmers.” Among This joint effort has produced a results similar to breeding to all current Organization Israeli, is reported to have other services that are available are slow and controlled herbicidal release, species, answers a long and unmet need said that as much as 50% of every grain applications that inform “farmers on which reduces leaching to deeper soil that will revolutionize modern agricul- harvest and 100% of every pulse harvest when to plant, irrigate and harvest; how layers, thereby increasing efficiency and ture and significantly impact the veg- is lost to pests and mold. to cope with drought; how to choose the reducing the quantity of required appli- etable and commodity crop markets.” In response to this need, Professor crops best for their area; how to imple- cation. The result in an insecticide that Navarro invented the GraniPro Cocoons ment ideal storage and temperature con- May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 37 JF&CS NEWS

ART OUT LOUD. In conjunction with Older traveled the world, bringing his special blend Adults Month, Atlanta’s Jewish Tower and of fine art and photojournalism to all kinds of the Aviv Older Adult Services division of people and making the mundane special. He Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS) and his collaborator, Rachel Gottesman, set will host Art Out Loud // Wisdom in Paint, their sights on members of this year’s group, Sunday, May 20, 3:00-5:00 p.m. The show and the stunning results will be revealed at will feature 12 artists presenting nearly 100 the opening. All portraits will be on sale, with pieces of work, each under $50, ranging from proceeds benefiting the Aviv Art Therapy abstract painting to watercolor and collage. Group. The afternoon will include tasty treats, music, “It has been said that active participation video, and a live auction. in the arts and learning promotes physical Georgia O’Keeffe, Henri Matisse, and health, enhances a sense of well being among Frida Kahlo all created art beyond the time older Americans, improves quality of life for when they were able to see and move with those who are ill, and reduces the risk factors ease. While artists eventually grow old, the that lead to the need for long-term care,” said ability art has to transport, transform, and Molly Levine-Hunt, JF&CS Caregiver heal is timeless. JF&CS and The Jewish Support Services manager and an artist in her Tower have created a space for residents to own right. With this in mind, the Art Therapy express themselves and experiment with new Group was created in 1995. The group has materials. Art group members, who are presented its works with the Atlanta between 50 and 100 years old, meet weekly Contemporary Art Center, the Marcus to create works that inspire and move them. Institute, and Binders Art Supplies, among On May 20, others will have the chance to be others. Today, the group is maintained by inspired in turn. Levine-Hunt and Maxine Hull, art therapist For the first time, this year’s event will and artist. include portraits of the featured artists by Art Out Loud will take place at The New York City photographer Reed Young. Jewish Tower, 3160 Howell Mill Road. Named one of Photo District News’ 30 up- Families are welcome. RSVP to and-coming photographers in 2010, Reed has [email protected]. Give me that old time rock and roll

By Susan Robinson record player. We were absolutely delighted. The fact that we were too young to possess When my parents married, they merged more than a few records of our own didn’t con- their collections of vinyl records. The result cern us. What we did have, we played over and was a somewhat eclectic assortment, ranging over again, much to our parents’ chagrin. And from Patti Page and Glenn Miller to Guy we began our own collecting, saving our Lombardo and early Elvis. So, starting from allowance and chore money so we could pur- when we were very young, my sisters and I chase our favorite music. became familiar with the big-band sounds of We own no vinyl now. The small 45s, the ‘30s and ‘40s, as well as ‘50s and ‘60s rock which contained only a single song on each and roll. side, are long gone. My husband and I regret- We became acquainted with some fully gave away the last of our LPs—long- Broadway tunes as well. At school, our choir playing albums—several years ago, when we teacher led us in the motivational songs of the could no longer find new needles for our day: “The Impossible Dream,” “Climb Ev’ry phonograph. And that record player? Gone as Mountain,” “I Believe (For Every Drop of well, replaced with a CD player, computer, and Rain that Falls),” and the theme song from the two iPods. We have had to learn the complexi- movie Exodus—all performed in four-part har- ties of how to download, file, save, and open. mony. We learned early on that music has Ironically, much of the “new” music we meaning and can be inspirational. have downloaded is actually old. Sometimes, One summer, while I was away at camp, oldies are simply oldies and nothing more than my parents purchased a stereo console. that. Some oldies, however, are truly golden Without any fanfare, it simply showed up oldies, with messages than transcend time and unannounced in our living room. It was a huge place. A few years ago, my kindergarten class piece of furniture, with a deep mahogany sang Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young,” a tune Formica veneer. My parents hovered over this from the 1970s. From the song’s beginning, acquisition as if it were a newborn baby. They “May G-d bless and keep you always,” to the purchased several new albums that proudly final stanza’s “May your heart always be joy- proclaimed “Now in Stereophonic sound!” ful,” the words contain a positive and enduring across their cardboard jackets. Of course, these message. A music critic defined the song as an brand-new records had no scratches, so my “anthem.” One of my kindergarteners may parents guarded them like fine china teacups. have been more exact, by referring to it as a The downside of this situation was that my sis- bracha. Surely, most rock music is not on that ters and I were forbidden to handle the stereo level, but every once in a while, there is a poet- equipment without permission. The upside was ic spark that resonates with a sense of spiritu- that we three girls inherited the old, cast-aside ality. Page 38 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012 Atlanta students an opportunity to raise public write 10+ page papers on current issues. In awareness of some of the critical issues we face American Literature classes, students research If it ain’t broke... today. Juniors and seniors spend two months a controversial topic of their choice and write a researching philanthropic causes about which thorough research paper in which they argue they are passionate, write research papers on for their point of view on the issue. In AP Have you ever noticed, when walking in British and American Literature and their chosen topics, and then prepare public English Literature, one of the four major papers down the aisle of your favorite grocery store, Advanced Placement courses in English presentations to share their concerns and pro- students write requires them to read a work of how many items are labeled “New and Literature and Composition. The school will posed solutions with their peers. These presen- literature and write a paper on this book that Improved?” Be it diet soda or cereal or sham- expand its curriculum next year by adding a tations (which are supplemented with original disagrees with a critical essay by a noteworthy poo, manufacturers seem compelled to tinker new Creative Writing and Current Events display boards and informative literature dis- critic. All Yeshiva Atlanta English classes with their products, and consumers have course, as well as AP English Language and cussing the importance of the causes) are made involve assignments that challenge students, become trained to discount those products that Composition. to the entire Yeshiva Atlanta student body. Each while they learn about topics of their choice. have not been reformulated in the past six By the time students graduate Yeshiva of the students in attendance then has an oppor- months. Atlanta, they will have completed at least four tunity to vote on what he or she believes to be In the age of “No Child Left Behind,” this years of Language Arts studies and will have the most persuasive presentations, and the three sort of thinking has entered the educational read classic works of literature such as students whose presentations get the most arena as well. Schools increasingly feel pres- Beowulf, The Scarlet Letter, and Crime and votes receive cash donations from the school to sured to revamp curricula or introduce new Punishment. Generally speaking, the students donate to their charities. instructional methods. Just like the cereal aisle, do very well in these literature courses. if it’s not “New and Improved,” it must some- “Numbers don’t lie, even for an English how be lacking. teacher,” said Mr. Rojek, “and our students’ Yeshiva Atlanta respectfully disagrees. average AP scores (4) and average SAT critical For more than 40 years, the school has been reading and writing scores (both 630) demon- committed to providing students with high- strate the depth of our studies and the abilities level instruction, be it in math and science or in of our students.” Talmudic and Biblical studies. Over the years, However, graduating literate and articu- Yeshiva Atlanta has added courses and updated late students is more than a numbers game, as Mr. Rojek helps a student with his curricula to keep abreast of the latest educa- Dave Byron can attest to. Mr. Byron, who research project tional and pedagogical research. However, teaches American Literature, Honors British sometimes the old adage “If it ain’t broke...” Literature, Modern Literature, and Journalism, Through such projects, both Mr. Rojek really does hold true. Such is the case with sees the growth in the students’ writing abilities and Mr. Byron expect their students to demon- Yeshiva Atlanta’s Language Arts instruction between grades 9 and 12. As he notes, “High strate a commitment to academic excellence. (even if the Language Arts teachers do frown school freshman rarely write well. That’s a Yael and Ezra conduct project research Yeshiva Atlanta students understand the high on the use of “ain’t”). given. Our challenge is to raise their writing standards these two teachers have, and they According to Joel Rojek, assistant princi- and even their speaking skills to levels that will Mr. Rojek also challenges his Language consistently strive to meet or exceed them. All pal and English Department head, Yeshiva help them succeed in college and beyond.” Arts students to take their research and writing this contributes to making Language Arts Atlanta’s curriculum is as demanding as any in To this end, Mr. Byron annually organizes skills new levels. Beginning as early as 9th instruction one of the school’s strong points. the city, offering students honors-level courses a Cause Fair, which is intended to give Yeshiva grade, students are taught research skills and Mt. Scopus Group marks Hadassah’s centennial Hadassah, the Woman’s Zionist Organization of America, was officially creat- ed on February 24, 1912. This year marks Hadassah’s 100th birthday. The Mount Scopus Group has been involved in many events to cel- ebrate Hadassah’s centennial year. In February, the group sponsored the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival’s screening of Incessant Visions: Letters from an Architect, which chronicles the life of Erich Mendelsohn, who designed Hadassah’s Mt. Scopus hospital Loretta Bernstein (from left), Ellen Edie Barr with Ben Hirsh (left) and Kyle Mt. Scopus Board Members Marilyn in Jerusalem. On March 4, the group partici- Banov, Edie Barr, Rachel Schonberger, Epstein; Hirsch and Epstein moderat- Perling (left) and Lois Cohen (photo: pated in the Beth Jacob Purim parade. On Annie Kohut, and Jody Franco at the ed a panel discussion following the Jody Franco) March 21, a 100th birthday party was held at Congregation Beth Jacob Purim Parade screening of Incessant Visions: Letters the home of a member, as part of the group’s “Hadassah is the largest Jewish organiza- from an Architect. monthly Jewish study. which means ‘drop of milk’; well-baby clinics tion in America, with over 300,000 members. On the Shabbat after Purim, Edie Barr, in Israel are still called this today. Hadassah set vided sanctuary to children from Iran after the There are chapters in every congressional dis- president of the group, gave a talk on the histo- up the health services structure of Palestine and ayatollah’s takeover; Argentinian children dur- trict, as well as an international section with ry of Hadassah at Beth Jacob. Many people opened up hospitals throughout Israel. The run- ing the years when children were being kid- groups in many countries. Hadassah has have heard of Hadassah, but know little about ning of these hospitals was eventually turned napped; Ethiopian children; Russian children observer status in the UN and participates on its history or its accomplishments. The follow- over to the government, except for the two after Chernobyl; and Israeli children from dys- UN medical committees. Hadassah’s national ing are excerpts from her talk: Hadassah hospitals in Jerusalem. functional homes and bad neighborhoods. president is consulted by the U.S. president on “Hadassah started a nursing school, med- “Hadassah is the largest organizational issues pertaining to women and Jews. “Hadassah came about when a small ical school, and dental school, as well as a four- supporter of JNF (Jewish National Fund). Hadassah regularly sends groups to group of women decided to take action to alle- year technical college in Jerusalem. Hadassah has taken on projects to drain Washington to educate our legislators on issues viate the suffering in Jerusalem. This was a “In 1934, Hadassah helped organize swamps and build roads, reservoirs, and parks. of importance to women and Israel. Hadassah time when women did not have the right to Youth Aliyah. A German woman, Recha Freier, “In the 1960s, Hadassah took on sole is run by volunteers with very little paid vote and usually did not work outside of the discovered a loophole in German law that responsibility for funding the Zionist youth employee help. home. Yet, this woman-run organization man- allowed children to leave Germany to study movement, Young Judaea. Young Judaea was “National Hadassah is marking the cen- aged to raise enough money to send two stu- abroad. Eventually, over 11,000 children were the first movement to send high-school stu- tennial with a grand celebration of the opening dent nurses to Jerusalem. These nurses set up sent to Palestine through Youth Aliyah. dents to Israel for the summer. Young Judaea of its new Tower of Healing, at Hadassah’s Ein health clinics where eye drops eliminated tra- Hadassah organized the youth villages, which runs summer camps and summer programs in Kerem hospital. This event is in conjunction choma, and they taught hygiene, which helped received the children and educated them. Israel for American teenagers. Today, Young with the national convention in Jerusalem, lessen disease. They dispensed milk to chil- Today, Hadassah still funds three of these vil- Judaea is being run by former Young Judaeans, October 15-18.” For more information, visit dren, so their clinics were called Tipat Chalav, lages. Over the years, these villages have pro- but it still receives support from Hadassah. www. atlanta.hadassah.org. May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 39 saw Don and Diane Jaslow cheering on Dunwoody. their grandson, and I reminded Don that he Schwartz on Sports had coached our son, Michael, in basketball REMEMBERING ED JACKEL. An at the J, 30 years ago. Time marches on, and Atlanta Jewish Community Center icon, Ed that’s a good thing. Jackel, passed away on February 16, at age FURMAN BISHER, SPORTS WRITING 94. Ed moved to Atlanta from New York, LEGEND. It was with sadness that I read of when he became the athletic and camp the passing of Furman Bisher on March 18. director for the JCC. During his career, he I, along with thousands of other Atlanta BY Jerry was an assistant coach with the Georgia Journal-Constitution readers, looked for- Tech basketball team and was a college and ward to his columns, especially his annual Schwartz SEC basketball referee. Thanksgiving one. Although Furman was- Ed was an outstanding athlete and was n’t Jewish, he had a real connection to and even won a few T-shirts and bumper stick- a health/fitness enthusiast all his life. He an influence upon the Jewish Georgia com- ers. He pointed out a picture behind his ran in the first Peachtree Road Race and munity. desk, taken when he visited Russia. It continued to run for many more years. He I read I.J. Rosenberg’s tribute, “Passing showed a man standing next to a car, and on won several state handball championships of a Legend: My farewell to a friend and the back bumper was an “I Beat Bisher” and one national title. mentor,” in Score Atlanta. I.J. wrote that sticker. Furman Bisher was known every- In his retirement, Ed penned two Furman was his mentor during his 13+ where, and he will be missed. books, 65 and Going, and Lucky years at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Infantryman, an account of his service dur- He said that he loved the man, and he MJCCA—A BEEHIVE OF ACTIVITY. As ing World War II that was published in shared Bisher stories with his readers. One I came into the Blank Gym, at 8:30 a.m., for 2007. particularly funny one was when Furman the Sunday morning pick-up basketball Ed Jackel will be remembered fondly ate at a McDonald’s during a road trip they game, Steve Peltier said to hurry up and get by all those Jewish Georgians who knew took together. Furman had never eaten at dressed, because they needed me. Well, it’s and respected him. the Golden Arches before and ended up always nice to be needed, and I felt pretty Zach Schwartz getting ready for his ordering “one of those Happy Meals.” good, until I realized that I would make the first T-League baseball game ALTA COCKER. The deadline for this edi- There were also articles of tribute to eighth player, and 4x4 cross court basket- tion of “Schwartz on Sports” didn’t allow Bisher by Score Atlanta reporters Proctor ball could not start with seven players. Any I even saw an Adult Flag Football for coverage of the Alta Cocker V softball Fletcher and Josh Bagriansky. Jeff Schultz, warm body over 18, dressed to play basket- League game being played on one field and game, held on April 29, for those “veterans” a columnist for the AJC and colleague of ball, would do. an Adult Softball League game going on at who played softball in the JCC Adult Bisher, wrote that Furman Bisher was a true While we played on one court, a 30+ an adjacent field. Softball League between the years 1971- legend and was one of the principal figures 4x4 cross court playoff game was being As I watched Zach’s game, I thought 1992. Sorry, Gene Benator; I promise to in making Atlanta the sports town it is played on the next court. I have to marvel at this is what a Jewish Community Center include a story with pictures in the next today. Gene Asher, a columnist for The the level of competition and skill in that should be—a beehive of activity and posi- Jewish Georgian. Jewish Georgian, also knew Furman for league. tive experiences for all ages. What a treas- many years as a colleague and friend. Gene Down at the end of the hall from the ure we have here for the Jewish community Until next time, drive for the bucket used to send Furman copies of The Jewish Blank Gym was a full spinning class, with at Zaban Park, on Tilly Mill Road, in and score. Georgian, and he would read and enjoy people doing some serious pedaling. them. As I headed towards the locker room I had the opportunity to meet Furman and into the Marcus Gym, there was a when I visited the AJC in 2007. Alice group of girls getting ready for a volleyball Wertheim, a research writer at the AJC, had practice, in preparation for the summer arranged the visit and took me to the sports Maccabi games. The Brill Fitness Center department to meet Furman. He was in his was packed with people riding, rowing, office and took the time to talk with me and stepping, lifting, stretching, and jumping. show me around. He had just returned from People take their exercise seriously. The spring training and was getting ready to go Zaban pool was full of swimmers doing to the Masters. His office walls were cov- laps and water aerobics. ered with pictures of him taken with sports After I showered and dressed, I headed celebrities. It could have been a collage of out to Main Street and immediately saw the sports in Georgia over a 60-year period. marquee for the Jerry’s Habima Theater I told him that I used to take part in his presentation of Guys and Dolls at the weekly “I Beat Bisher” contest and had Morris & Rae Frank Theater, which would be performed later that afternoon. I headed down Main Street toward the front desk and saw a sign advertising a Rabbi Lunch ‘n Learn, with Rabbi Brian Glusman. Right before I went out the front door, I observed a reception being held in the Fine Family Art Gallery to celebrate the expansion of The Sophie Hirsh Srochi Jewish Discovery Museum. The museum is designed for children under the age of 12 and is a hands-on, interactive venue where Jewish values, traditions, and holidays are taught through role playing and experimen- tation. I exited the building and headed out to the baseball fields to watch my five-year- old grandson, Zachary, play his first-ever T- League baseball game. There were two Furman Bisher, Atlanta Sports Hall games being played enthusiastically by of Fame, 2006 (photo courtesy of five- and six-year-olds, and parents and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution) grandparents were there to cheer them on. I Page 40 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012 May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 41 Page 42 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012 Board of Directors of the Association for Snyder, Turner Broadcasting Animation, Corporate Growth and most recently found- Young Adults & Kids Media; Francis N. ed Next Generation Manufacturing. Spears, Balfour Beatty Construction BUSINESS BITS Georgia, and Brant J. Standridge, Branch TOP ADVISOR. The Atlanta chapter of the Banking & Trust Company. By Marsha Liebowitz MAINZER AT ALEFBET. Congregation National Association of Insurance & Beth Shalom has appointed Jill Jarecki Financial Advisors has honored Daniel K. ISRAELI ADVISORY BOARD. The WEINBERG HONORED. On February 25, Mainzer director of education, overseeing Loventhal, CFP, CLU, CLTC, with a presti- American-Israel Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Paul Weinberg received the Physician’s the Alefbet Preschool and the Religious gious Top Advisors Under 40 award for Southeast Region, has added several new Champion Award from the Gwinnett School. Jill holds an M.A. in Jewish educa- 2012. This is the second consecutive year members to its Israeli Advisory Board: Medical Center Foundation. This award tion and principal’s that Loventhal, a Batami Sadan, VAICA Medical; Benny recognizes exceptional physicians who certification from financial advisor Zeevi, DFJ Tel Aviv Venture Partners; Ester champion the Foundation’s fundraising the Jewish with The Levanon, Tel Aviv Stock Exchange; Gadi efforts and the mission of Gwinnett Medical Theological Northwestern Graus, J. Zaltzman, Gilat, Knoller, Graus, Center. Dr. Weinberg has been in private Seminary and an Mutual Financial Salomon & Co.; Gal Nir, Scopus Security practice as a pulmonologist in Gwinnett M.S. in educational Network, has Solutions; Gavriel Meron, Given Imaging County since 1986. He founded the hospi- psychology from received this award. and Niti Surgical; Imad Younis, Alpha tal’s Ethics Committee and has served as Georgia State His areas of expert- Omega; Jeremy Ben-David, JMB Davis chairman of the Department of Medicine, University. She has ise include retire- Ben-David Patent Attorneys; Joel Sellam, vice-chief of the medical staff, and chair- served as a consult- ment solutions; Global Intelligent Logistics Services; Ori Jill Jarecki Daniel K. man of the Quality Performance and By- ant to preschool estate analysis; Sarid, Synergo; Abe Finkelstein, Vintage Mainzer Loventhal Laws Committees. His father, Seymour directors on cur- investment and Investment Partners; Sam Cohen, Elbit Weinberg, an obstetrician in Atlanta for riculum and instruction, taught Judaic stud- advisory services; insurance; and financial Vision Systems; Tamir Sagie, NeuroTech; many years, served with distinction at St. ies at the Epstein School, presented to early planning. Loventhal is affiliated with Todd Dollinger, The Trendlines Group; Joseph’s Hospital. childhood parents and faculty at the Northwestern Mutual’s Goodwin, Wright Tony Miller, Noteya Media; and Zeev Greenfield Hebrew Academy, taught pro- office in Buckhead. Loventhal lives in Lavie, the Federation of Israeli Chambers fessional development courses for pre- Chamblee with his wife, Rachel, and their of Commerce. school teachers, and taught in the Melton two young sons. For more information, visit program. www.danielloventhal.com. NEW AFFILIATION. Insignia Living of Georgia (www.Insigniaseniorliving.com), KOPELMAN AT HA&W. Richard NEW DIRECTORS. The Buckhead is now affiliated with Mercer University Kopelman, the partner in charge of Coalition has elected thirteen new directors, and Georgia Baptist College of Nursing. Marketing and the Manufacturing & all chief executive officers or equivalent, of The clinical affiliation creates a framework Distribution Industry Practice at Habif, firms with a major Buckhead presence: for the interaction of professionals from Arogeti & Wynne, has been named the next Mark Donnelly, Wells Fargo; Joshua both organizations and provides Mercer managing partner of HA&W, effective in Goldfarb, Southeast Apartment Partners; nursing students opportunities for education 2013. A current member of the firm’s exec- Steven L. Guy, Entertainment Design at Insignia communities. In Alpharetta, utive board, he has been instrumental in Group; Steve L. Lindsey, Atlanta Gas Light; Insignia operates Tapestry House Assisted helping HA&W achieve its current level of Bernard Marcus, Marcus Foundation; Living, 2725 Holcomb Bridge Road, and David McClesky, chairman, Gwinnett success and recognition. As leader of Douglas E. McMahon, Tavistock Group; Gardens of Roswell Assisted Living and Medical Center Board of Directors HA&W’s Manufacturing & Distribution Bartow Morgan, Jr., Brand Banking Memory Care, 921 Nesbit Ferry Road. In (from left); Dr. Paul Weinberg; and Practice, Kopelman has been helping create Company; D. Jack Sawyer, Jr., Wilmington Sandy Springs, the company operates The Jason Chandler, director, Gwinnett and support a manufacturing renaissance Trust; Rob Schreiner, M.D., Kaiser Carlton Assisted Living and Memory Care, Medical Center Foundation across Georgia. He currently serves on the Permanente of Georgia; Michael J. 690 Mount Vernon Highway. Sivewright, Jones, Lang LaSalle; Stuart

Region (Community Partner Award). Jewish families, including single parents, Jonathan Medved, one of Israel’s most cel- grandparents, and siblings, are welcome, Thought You’d Like To Know ebrated entrepreneurs and high tech venture regardless of denomination or synagogue capitalists, will be the keynote speaker. For affiliation. Morning programs have separate details, visit aiccse.org/events/eagle-star- tracks for children with autism, siblings, By Jonathan Barach Community Celebration is Sunday, May 27, awards-gala. and parents; afternoons feature family pro- 11:30 a.m., at the Chabad Jewish Center. gramming; and evenings include bonfires MODERN DANCE FESTIVAL. The The event features a Torah reading of the FATHER OF THE YEAR. Craig Kaufman, and sing-alongs. Every family is assigned a Marcus Jewish Community Center of Ten Commandments, followed by a dairy president, Kaufman Realty Group; Randall chaver, or special friend. After children are Atlanta, in partnership with Full Radius buffet lunch with cheesecakes, ice cream, M. Kessler, partner, KS Family Law; in bed (under staff supervision), adults can Dance, presents the seventeenth annual and more. All are welcome. The event is Robert (Bob) Stargel, Jr., vice president, participate in fun programs, study, and sup- Modern Atlanta Dance (MAD) Festival, free of charge, but donations are accepted. Global Nonwovens, Kimberly-Clark; and port groups. Tuition is $750 per family. For May 19, 8:00 p.m., at the Morris & Rae To RSVP or for information on how to be a Gary P. Stokan, president and CEO, Chick- details, visit ramahdarom.org/campyofi, or Frank Theatre, at Zaban Park. The line-up Shavuot sponsor, e-mail fil-A Bowl, will be honored during the 2012 e-mail Susan Tecktiel at susant@ramah- includes Full Radius Dance, Zoetic Dance [email protected], or call 678- Father of the Year Awards Dinner, June 14, darom.org. Ensemble, independent artist Kerry Lee, 460-7702. at The Intercontinental Hotel, in Buckhead. Rhythmix Dance & Performing Arts Cocktails are at 6:00 p.m.; dinner begins at LIMMUDFEST 2012. LimmudFest is Company, Refuge Dance Company, and EAGLE STAR AWARDS. The American- 7:00 p.m. Event proceeds will benefit the Limmud Atlanta + Southeast’s multi-day SIDEWAYS Contemporary Dance Israel Chamber of Commerce, Southeast American Diabetes Association to support Limmud retreat over Labor Day weekend, Company. General admission tickets are Region, celebrates its 20th anniversary at research, information, and advocacy initia- August 31-September 3, at Ramah Darom $20/adults and $15/children; member tick- the 11th annual Eagle Star Awards Gala, tives. Tickets are $250; sponsorships are Retreat and Conference Center, in Clayton. ets are $15/adults and $9/children; children June 12, 7:00-9:00 p.m., at the Westin available. For more information or to pur- The events are planned by a community of 18 month and younger are admitted free. Perimeter Atlanta North Hotel. The Eagle chase tables, tickets, and tribute journal volunteers—Jews from all walks of life, all For tickets, call the MJCCA Box Office, Star Gala, AICC’s community flagship advertisements, visit Jewish backgrounds, all lifestyles, and all 678-812-4078, or visit event, will honor the Israeli Company of the www.diabetes.org/foty. ages. LimmudFest is an opportunity to craft www.atlantajcc.org or www.modernat- Year and Deal of the Year; Asheville, North your own Jewish world and meet people lantadance.org. Carolina, attorney Robert Deutsch CAMP YOFI. Camp Ramah Darom will who share your curiosity and enthusiasm. (Chamber Founders Award); and the Israel host Camp Yofi, for families with children For details, visit limmudse.org/limmud- CELEBRATE SHAVOUT. The Shavuot Economic Office to the U.S. Southern ages 6-13 with autism, August 8-12. All fest.html. May-June 2012 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN Page 43 Freedom, faith, and fellowship: a Passover pilgrimage Why was this pilgrimage different from all other pilgrimages? A pilgrimage for the Passover holiday is nothing new. For generations, the Jewish people have ventured to the Temple in Jerusalem, from far-flung places, to offer and partake of the Pesach offering with other sojourners. However, the Department of Rabbinic Services at the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL) recently took this tradi- tional journey and placed it in a new Southern context. Passover, the Jewish festival of free- dom, celebrates the liberation of the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. The Seder is where the story of Passover is shared, along with rituals, readings, songs, and food. Seders celebrate not only freedom from bondage but also freedom from oppression of all stripes and have thus become a wonderful opportunity for fellow- ship within the Jewish community and beyond, as a popular interfaith experience: a shared communal celebration of freedom and friendship. On this second annual ISJL Passover Pilgrimage, the ISJL’s director of Rabbinic Services, Rabbi Marshal Klaven, visited eight communities in four states, over the course of fifteen days. His stops in Mississippi included Jackson (St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, March 29), Hattiesburg by opening their doors to neighbor and vis- (Our Home Universalist Unitarian Church, itor alike, the ISJL’s itinerant program also April 1), Vicksburg (Anshe Chesed, April reminded them that no matter how small 6), Natchez (Congregation B’nai Israel, they may be or how remote from the larger April 7), and Tutwiler (CCA-Tallahatchie Jewish world they may feel, they are not County Correctional Facility, April 8); in alone. Alabama, Auburn (Beth Shalom The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Congregation, April 10); in Tennessee, Southern Jewish Life (ISJL) provides edu- Crossville (Upper Cumberland Jewish cational and rabbinic services to Southern Community, April 11) and in Georgia, Jewish communities, preserves the rich his- Rome (Rodeph Shalom, April 12), tory of the Southern Jewish Experience, and Fayetteville (Congregation B’nai Israel, offers community engagement opportuni- April 13), and Dahlonega (Shalom ties and inclusive cultural programming B’Harim, April 14). throughout the organization’s thirteen-state The three Georgia congregations—in region. Rome, Fayetteville, and Dahlonega—were To learn more about the Passover new stops along the way. They represent the Pilgrimage, the ISJL, and its programs, visit ever-growing footprint of the ISJL. As these www.isjl.org, call 601-362-6357, or find the congregations demonstrated one of the organization at www.facebook.com/theisjl. enduring values of the Festival of Freedom Page 44 THE JEWISH GEORGIAN May-June 2012