Funded by a grant from The Center Family Foundation
f AhavathAchimSynagogue
l @aasynagogueatl
y Ahavath Achim Synagogue
D www.aasynagogue.org
V 404.355.5222
] 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
CLERGY
Laurence Rosenthal Rabbi
Mike Rothbaum Interim Associate Rabbi
Neil Sandler Rabbi Emeritus
STAFF
Barry Herman Executive Director
Annsley Klehr Interim Director of Education
Jackie Nix Director of Development
Lauren Dube Director of Marketing
Chris Carr Director of Facilities
Investigator Joe Jones IV Director of Security
Catherine Ficke Executive Assistant to the Executive Director
Jill Rosner Executive Assistant to the Rabbis
Stan Vogel Finance Manager
Fern Schorr Receptionist
Wesley Coney Facilities
Deionta Huff Facilities
Ken Johnson Facilities
Kirby Johnson Facilities
Anthony Pless Facilities
Rodney Richardson Facilities
Tyler Slayton Facilities
Beth Arnold Helmey Ahava ELC Director
Samantha Deal Pedagogista
Heidi Herman Ahava ELC Administrator
Susan Goff Ahava ELC Bookkeeper
OFFICERS OF THE BOARD
Mark Stern President
Adam Hirsch Executive Vice President
Josh Hanna Financial Vice President
Nikki Novotny Vice President
Ryan Posner Vice President
Taylor Smith Vice President
Gary Alembik Immediate Past President
Avital Cohen Sisterhood Co-President
Sara Papier Sisterhood Co-President
James Sitzman Ahava ELC President
Ahavath Achim cultivates a Jewish community of purposeful belonging. We inspire and support spiritual journeys by deepening relationships with one another. We believe it is at the crossroads of our spiritual paths that life’s purpose and G-d might be found.
Ahavath Achim creates a vibrant, inclusive, spiritual community that empowers individuals to connect Jewishly beyond themselves.
AA embraces interfaith families who desire to be part of our Jewish community. Our spiritual community serves all who wish to connect with us.
WEEKLY SERVICE SCHEDULE
Sunday 9:00 a.m. (H) 6:00 p.m. (V)
Monday 7:15 a.m. (H) 6:00 p.m. (V)
Tuesday 7:15 a.m. (V) 6:00 p.m. (V)
Wednesday 7:15 a.m. (V) 6:00 p.m. (V)
Thursday 7:15 a.m. (H) 6:00 p.m. (H)
Friday 7:15 a.m. (V) 6:00 p.m. (H)
Saturday 9:30 a.m. (H) 1.5 hours before sunset (H)
(V) Virtual (H) Hybrid
ABOUT THE COVER
The cover is a piece donated to the Synagogue by our congregant, Linda Lippit. It depicts a Passover Seder, a ritual feast at the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover.
A Message from the Senior Rabbi
The Fifth Question: Why Be Jewish?
By Laurence Rosenthal
As we gather around our Seder tables this Passover, we’re surrounded by the symbolic power of the number four—four cups of wine, four children, four expressions of redemption. Yet, hidden within each of these “fours” lies a profound fifth element. Elijah’s cup stands as the fifth vessel on our table, and God’s promise of bringing us to the Land of Israel represents a fifth stage of redemption.
This pattern of “four plus one” leads us to contemplate what might be Passover’s unspoken fifth question, one that resonates deeply in our contemporary world: Why be Jewish at all? In an era of unlimited spiritual choices and rising antisemitism, wouldn’t it be easier to be something else—or nothing at all?
The answer lies in five fundamental truths about Judaism’s unique role in human history and our modern world:
First, our tradition teaches that diversity isn’t just beneficial—it’s divine. From the story of Creation through Cain and Abel to the Tower of Babel, the Torah consistently shows that God’s vision for humanity embraces difference. Our distinctive Jewish identity contributes to the rich tapestry of human experience that makes our world whole.
Second, Judaism’s counter-cultural nature serves as an essential catalyst for human progress. By questioning assumptions and challenging the status quo, Jewish thought and practice have consistently pushed humanity to examine its fundamental values and evolve. This role remains vital in our rapidly changing world.
Third, Judaism uniquely understands our relationship with the Divine as a partnership in ongoing creation. We are not passive recipients of God’s will but active participants in perfecting the world. This empowering perspective gives
purpose and meaning to our daily choices and actions.
Fourth, our role as “a light unto the nations” takes on renewed significance in today’s global context. As nations worldwide grapple with their responsibilities to humanity, Israel’s journey –both its achievements and challenges – serves as more than just a focus of criticism or fascination. It represents humanity’s hope for a model of how to build peace and elevate the human condition.
Finally, we must acknowledge a simple yet profound truth: being Jewish is awesome. Our tradition combines intellectual depth with spiritual beauty, ethical wisdom with joy, and ancient customs with modern relevance. It offers a rich, meaningful way of life, connecting us to our ancestors and descendants.
In confronting Passover’s fifth question, we find that the answer isn’t just about survival or obligation. It’s about embracing a unique heritage that continues to offer vital insights and inspiration for both Jewish life and human progress. Our distinctiveness isn’t a burden to bear but a gift to share, making our world richer and more complete through our presence and participation.
As we lift Elijah’s cup this Passover, let us also raise our Jewish identity with pride, understanding that our choice to remain Jewish isn’t just about preserving the past—it’s about building a better future for all humanity.
On behalf of Brooke, Avram Eli, Ariela, Ma’ayan, Naftali, Jujube (The Dog), and Lillith (The Cat), I send you blessings for a wonderful and inquisitive Passover.
A Message from the Associate Rabbi
The Fifth Question: How Do We Avoid Recreating Egypt?
By Mike Rothbaum
One peculiarity of being an American Jew is the confluence of Jewish holidays and US sporting events. Many stories have been told of baseball fans sneaking transistor radios into Yom Kippur services (and occasionally getting caught). Similarly, Passover occasionally overlaps with the NCAA college basketball tournament. No matter how much I’m tempted to do so, I promise I won’t compare emerging atop the world of college basketball to emerging into freedom on the other side of the Red Sea. But you wouldn’t know it from the players’ celebrations. Often, the boisterous revelry is matched with prayer—gratitude to God for the victory.
Jews may feel uncomfortable with such showy religious displays, especially if the god referenced is Jesus. But maybe it’s a good instinct. After the Israelites cross the Red Sea, escaping Egyptian slavery, they break into a public prayer, Shirat haYam—“The Song at the Sea.” Sure, there’s a difference between overcoming Pharaoh and overcoming Texas A&M, but the instinct’s the same.
A little joy. Why not?
Jews are so ready for things to go wrong. As we say in Yiddish, shver tsu zein a Yid—“Hard to be a Jew.” We come by our pessimism honestly. But sometimes, the sea opens, sometimes you go free, and sometimes things work out. It’s one of the reasons we have a seder in the first place. We invite the kids to ask questions, and we answer: Remember what went well. Remember the miracles.
But as Jews, we don’t stop there. We keep asking questions like “What happens after the game, when the thrill of victory dies down?” Prayers of gratitude feel natural during life’s peak moments. But what about the rest of the time, in between the peaks?
So, we might ask a fifth question. Now that we’ve left Egypt, how do we avoid recreating Egypt in the place where we live now?
We naturally identify with the Israelites. But is it possible we’ve started to act like Pharaoh? And if so, how do we stop? It’s easy to make proclamations about freedom at a seder. But what about the rest of the year, our regular time?
“The teaching of Judaism is the theology of the common deed,” Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel proclaimed in a 1964 speech. “The prophet’s field of concern is not
the mysteries of heaven, the glories of eternity, but the blights of society, the affairs of the marketplace… The predominant feature of the biblical pattern of life is unassuming, unheroic, inconspicuous piety, the sanctification of trifles, attentiveness to details.”
In defense of his viewpoint, Heschel cites not the escape from Egypt but what comes afterward. In chapter 15, only six verses after the Israelites have sung at the shores of the sea, they find themselves in the wilderness, in Marah, where the water is bitter. And instead of asking mah nishtanah, they ask a question that sounds similar but is very different. Mah nishteh, they ask Moses. “What should we drink?”
“This episode seems shocking,” said Heschel. “What a comedown! Only three days earlier they had reached the highest peak of prophetic and spiritual exaltation, and now they complain about such a prosaic and unspiritual item as water?”
Of course. Because without it, you die.
The modern-day equivalent of the Israelites? In 1964, Heschel said, it was the Black civil rights movement. Black America had just exulted in the glory of the March on Washington. “Now only a few months later,” Heschel quipped, voice dripping with sarcasm, “they have the audacity to murmur: ‘What shall we drink? We want adequate education, decent housing, proper employment.’ How ordinary, how unpoetic, how annoying!”
Without those things, you die. Without drinkable water, you die. Just ask the refugees in Gaza, in Ukraine, in Mexico, crossing the Rio Grande. Just ask the people of Flint, Michigan.
We know how to celebrate Pesach, make Kiddush, and hide the afikomen. We instinctively stand when we open the door for Elijah. But do we stand when our neighbors are denied healthcare or a living wage?
We stretch out our hands—not once, but twice—for ritual washing during the seder. Do we reach out even once to the victims of anti-trans violence to hold and support them?
And when a haggadah falls to the ground, we hurry to pick it up and kiss it. But what happens when our neighbors fall, the people who live in this city in tents— if they are fortunate enough to have tents? How fast to we hurry to lift them from the cold ground?
Like at a seder, you might’ve heard a prayer or two said during the basketball tournament. But here’s the real test for those of us escaping into freedom this Pesach: After the afikomen is eaten, the last song is sung, and the Pesach dishes are returned to the cabinet—how will our actions promote liberation and sustenance for all people on our long journey through the wilderness?
A Message from the President The Fifth Question: Do We Let it Go, or Do We Engage?
By Gary Alembik
This year, Rabbi Rosenthal has posed a thoughtprovoking fifth question for our Seder table: As Jews, what should we be asking but are not—and how can we start the conversation?
This question brought to mind a recent speaker panel at our Synagogue, sponsored by our Response to Antisemitism and Hate Committee. On February 6, over 200 of us gathered to hear Anat Sultan-Dadon, Dov Wilker, and Josh Levs discuss Israel and the media. Their comments were thought-provoking. However, the speaker who left the strongest impression on me was Melanie Miller. She spoke about a crucial question we must ask ourselves when confronted with antisemitism: Do we let it go, or do we engage?
Melanie shared personal stories of hearing antisemitic remarks and how she approached those situations with conversation rather than confrontation. What made her message even more powerful was that she is not Jewish—yet she felt compelled to stand up and be heard. Her advice was simple yet profound: Don’t let it go. Engage.
She offered practical tools for these conversations:
• Don’t confront or accuse.
• Ask if the person is open to a discussion.
• Explain why their words are hurtful.
And what did she find? Most people were willing to listen and learn.
This resonated deeply with me. It’s not only about standing up as Jews—it’s about advocating for ourselves and seizing every opportunity to educate and engage. I am carrying her advice forward, ensuring that I, too, continue to stand up in support of Jewish people and values.
A Year of Growth and Engagement
As I near the end of my first year as president, I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished together as a synagogue. Our programming has been vibrant and meaningful:
• The Antisemitism Committee’s impactful discussions.
• The Marilyn Ginsberg Eckstein Cultural Arts programs, featuring piano and violin concerts.
• The unforgettable Clergy Boys musical.
• The Eizenstat Lecture with President Herzog.
• And so many more enriching events across our committees and programs.
Beyond programming, we are making significant strides as a congregation. We are embracing sustainability with our solar panel initiative. We experienced beautiful and uplifting High Holiday services. Through our Legacy and Endowment Initiative, we have secured over $2 million in new commitments to sustain our future.
There is still so much more to do, but this is an exciting time to be part of Ahavath Achim.
I encourage you to ask yourself: What should we, as a synagogue, be doing for you? Your voice matters, and, together, we will continue strengthening our sacred community.
Wishing you and your family a Chag Sameach!
A Message from the Interim Director of Education
The Fifth Question: Uncomfortable Conversations
By Annsley Klehr
Imagine a room of children sitting lined up in rows, except that some are leaning on or nudging others, while some are laying down with an unopened book nearby, fidgeting, whispering too loudly to a neighbor, swinging feet, and putting feet on the benches in front of them. Some books are opened to the wrong page, and some have accidentally fallen to the floor.
Now, imagine a place where children are sitting in a circle smiling, attention focused inward towards their circle, their voices raised in song to the beats of a drum. Imagine a room of fourand five-year-olds where children are lying on the floor, slowly “waking” up to the beats of a drum as the melody of Modeh Ani is softly sung. The words and beats get stronger as the children stretch and become more “awake” with each word and breath they take.
Continue to imagine a room full of chairs, with older and younger children sitting in every other one. Each child holding a prayer book, studying the words, looking for prayers with their buddy, their eyes roving around the sanctuary, learning about the Nir Tamid (eternal flame).
Which scenes draw you in more? Which ones turn you away? Now, think back to you as a child; which picture sounds more engaging?
Hebrew and prayers are parts of our traditions and who we are, but I’ve never heard an adult gush about their experience learning them as a child. How can we create a space and place that encourages children to connect at a spiritual level with their Judaism and also allows them a connection to their Judaism and their Jewish people? These are some of the questions that we ask ourselves about Kesher, the Pre-K–6th
grade Jewish educational division of The Judith and Aaron z”l Alembik Ahavath Achim Youth Education Program.
Last year, trying to get children ages 3–12 years old to sit, hold a prayer book, follow directions, and sing with intention felt challenging, to say the least. Over the summer, we reflected on how we could design a more engaging and authentic experience for our children, which led to the scenes you imagined above actually being piloted and implemented this year. Not only have we hired a song leader, but we have also created a Prayer Buddies time into our Sunday morning schedule. Our song leader, Kendall McMahan-Kitchens, infuses prayers with beats of a drum into the classroom along with supporting instruments, giving context, meaning, and purpose to these prayers. Prayer Buddies is the blending of our whole school together to gain comfort, understanding, and a sense of community in a holy and sacred space. They learn the rituals of a morning service and gain an understanding of the hows and whys we do things. We are creating a living torah!
As we continue to ask questions and encourage our students to do so, you are welcome to join us as we continue to explore and ask: How do we make prayers and Hebrew more relevant, engaging, and joyful to our students? How do we encourage our children to wonder who we are and why we do things? How do we create spaces that create and invite natural curiosities?
A Message from the Executive Director
By Barry Herman
As we approach Pesach, this is the perfect time to take stock of where we are and look toward the future—just as we cleanse our homes of chametz and engage in spring cleaning.
Financial Overview
Reviewing our financial results, we are in a strong position. Below is a summary of our financial standing for the first seven months of our fiscal year, from July 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025.
Budget Overview
(July 2024–January 2025)
Revenue $2,087,054 $2,069,341 $17,713 +.85%
$1,560,147 $1,642,409 $82,262 -5%
$526,907 $426,932 $99,975 +23.4%
As seen in the table, our revenue exceeded budget by $17,713 (.85% increase), and expenses were $82,262 under budget (5% decrease). As a result, our profit stands at an impressive $99,975 above budget.
Year-Over-Year Performance
A true measure of growth is comparing our financial performance against the same period last year. The results remain strong.
Comparison with Previous Year (July 2024–January 2025 vs. July 2023–January 2024)
Actual Jul 23–Jan 24
$2,087,054 $1,970,278 $116,776 +5.9%
$1,505,293 $54,854 +3.6%
$526,907 $464,985 +$61,922 +13.3%
Revenue for the first seven months is up by $116,776 (5.9%), while expenses increased by only 3.6%. Most importantly, profitability has grown by $61,922, reflecting a 13.3% increase over last year.
Budgeting for the Future
Since the bulk of our revenue is collected during the first six months—particularly over the High Holy Days—we typically run a deficit in the latter half of the year. We budgeted for a breakeven financial year, and barring unforeseen circumstances, we are on track to meet or even exceed this goal.
Community Growth and Engagement
Financial numbers tell only part of the story. Our strong financial performance is a testament to the confidence our community has in the responsible management of funds and the shared vision for our future.
There is a palpable sense of renewal within our congregation. As Executive Director, I have the privilege of interacting with many of you throughout the year, and I continually hear expressions of enthusiasm and optimism. Something truly special is in the air!
We have hosted numerous sold-out events, highlighting our beautiful new sanctuary, social hall, and Cohen-Kogon Pavilion. Nearly 1,000 people attended High Holy Day services in person, with close to 2,000 joining online. Last year, our Yom HaZikaron commemoration filled the sanctuary, and our recent panel on antisemitism drew over 350 attendees.
Approximately 400 people gathered to honor Rabbi Rosenthal and his family at a recent Shabbat service celebrating the extension of his contract. The Clergy Boys fundraiser and musical event played to a full house, with standing-room-only on the lower level. We are also proud to have hosted Federation-led Life & Legacy event for the entire Atlanta Jewish community for the second consecutive year. And there is so much more to come!
Securing Our Future: Endowment Growth
As I mentioned in a previous article, ensuring the long-term sustainability of our congregation depends on growing our endowment. Thanks to the dedicated leadership of Gerry Benjamin and Taylor Smith, our Life & Legacy co-chairs, we have secured over $1.1 million in firm commitments for endowment and legacy gifts, with an additional $1 million in expected gifts— totaling over $2 million in commitments over the past year. In the last six months alone, we have received five new letters of intent, bringing our
total legacy commitments to 38. Our ambitious goal is to increase our endowment by $10 million within the next five years, and we are already more than 20% of the way there!
In the past five years, we have increased the actual value of our endowment by more than $4 million through direct gifts. As a result, contributions from the endowment to our operating budget this year are $122,922 higher than last year! While strong market performance has played a role, the bulk of this increase stems from substantial new direct gifts. This demonstrates our community’s confidence in both our present direction and our future aspirations. Another key indicator of this confidence is that our dues collections are 11.5% ahead of last year—we have already met our annual dues budget with five months remaining in the fiscal year!
Looking Ahead
Just as our ancestors left Egypt with the goal of receiving the Torah and securing the future of the Jewish people, we too stand in a position of strength, ready to build upon the achievements of past generations and ensure the vibrant future of our beloved congregation.
Please feel free to reach out to me, Jackie Nix, or our Life & Legacy co-chairs, Gerry Benjamin and Taylor Smith, with any questions about our planned giving initiatives or if you wish to contribute to our endowment.
Wishing you all a Chag Kosher V’Sameach as we prepare to celebrate Pesach—the story of our redemption.
AA Gears Up for Social Justice
By Barbara Feinberg
On the first Shabbat in February, Rabbi Rosenthal spotlighted Ahavath Achim’s years of energetic community outreach. Our congregation helped launch the Atlanta Hunger Walk and Operation Isaiah. We worked with Habitat for Humanity to allow us to build houses on Sundays to combat homelessness while keeping our Shabbat holy. AA’s fight against human trafficking succeeded with new laws enacted by the Georgia legislature. Every day, members of our synagogue demonstrate our commitment to secure Earth’s environment, support homeless shelter residents, and make marginalized communities feel welcome in our home. Now AA is shifting into a higher gear by taking the words of Torah to heart:
Tzedek, Tzedek, Tirdof: Justice, Justice You Shall Pursue (Deuteronomy 16:20)
On Monday, February 10, Rabbi Michael Rothbaum organized an in-person and online Social Justice Summit attended by 30+ people who shared their personal concerns about today’s world and identified the key issues they would like to see our congregation pursue. Each of us was asked, “What is your stake in social action? What does making the world better mean to you personally?
We took our charge from readings from the Torah and Talmud, and we discovered that Torah requires us to have a social conscience and to act on it. The first mission statement of the Jewish people is codified in Genesis 18:19. God says about Abraham, “For I have chosen him that he may instruct his children and his posterity to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is just and right.”
Lively conversation animated our Social Justice Summit meeting. From the start, we engaged in ideas, exchanged stories, voiced our aspirations, and eagerly asked, “What’s next?” We heard repeatedly, “This is just the beginning,” our first step when we cultivate our field and begin narrowing down which seeds of change we want to sow.
We are in first gear now, ready to shift into the next levels of engagement and action. You can count on seeing more information, instructions, and invitations to join us on this powerful journey to change at least a few things to heal our world. Walk with us with the words of the prophet
Micah in your head and your heart, “He has told you what is good and what the Lord requires of you. To do justice, to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Passover FAQ
Proper Passover Observance in the Home
What is Chametz?
If wheat, barley, oats, rye or spelt come in contact with water after being cut off from the ground, they become fermented or chametz. The term chametz also applies to dishes and utensils that have been in contact with chametz food during the year.
What is Matzah?
Matzah is made from the same five grains listed above as chametz. But, unlike chametz, matzah is one of these same flours mixed with water and baked in less than 18 minutes. Matzah is both the bread of affliction and the bread of freedom
Why must we clean our house thoroughly?
The rule against chametz during Pesach applies not only to eating but also to enjoyment (hana’ah), and so involves removing all the chametz from one’s home. No chametz is even allowed to be in the possession of a Jew during Pesach. To facilitate this cleaning, the following rituals are part of Pesach preparations (the text for the ceremonies can be found in a Haggadah).
Bedikat Chametz: Search for Chametz
Thursday, April 10
We search for chametz using a candle, feather, and disposable spoon. We renounce ownership of any chametz that we may have inadvertently missed.
Biur Chametz: Burning of Chametz
Friday, April 11
After the burning of chametz, we recite the biur chametz declaration. From this moment on, the entire house should be “Pesachdik.” No chametz dishes, utensils or pots may be utilized.
Mechirat Chametz: Selling of Chametz
We are not always able to destroy or get rid of all the chametz. It may be economically disastrous. So the rabbis ordained a symbolic sale and later buy-back of chametz.
What foods require rabbinic supervision?
Matzah, noodles, candies, cakes, beverages, canned and processed foods, butter, jam, cheese, jelly, relishes, wines, liquors, salad oils, canned vegetables, gelatin, shortening and vinegar. The Kosher L’Pesach label or tag without rabbinic signature is of no value. This applies to products made in America, Europe, or Israel.
What foods can not be used during Pesach?
All these foods are considered chametz and can not be used during Pesach: leavened bread, cakes, biscuits, crackers, cereals, wheat, barley, oats, rye, spelt, rice, peas, dried beans and liquids which contain ingredients made from grain alcohol.
What foods require no certification?
Pure, natural coffee-instant or ground, sugar (not confectioners or powdered brown sugar), saccharin, tea, salt, pepper, vegetables (dried beans and peas are forbidden, string beans are permitted), pure garlic, onion powder, dried fruit, honey, Hershey’s cocoa, pure unadulterated safflower or soy bean oil, nuts (except legumes), dish detergents and scouring powders. These items should be bought before Pesach and remain unopened until Pesach. Fruits and vegetables are permitted for Pesach when packaged in water or their own juices. Avoid cans or packages containing added ingredients.
Can we eat legumes (kitniyot)?
In the fall of 2015, the Rabbinical Assembly’s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards passed two responsa which permit the consumption of legumes (kitnyot) by Ashkenazim. For specific guidance, please consult the rabbis.
Can tuna and salmon be used?
Oil packaging introduces an uncertain element possibly contain ing additional ingredients. Therefore, use the “packed in spring water” variety and purchase it before Pesach. Tuna with vegetable broth is not permitted.
Can milk without Hechsher be used?
With modern production, there is little chance for milk to contain any chametz. Milk produced before Pesach is permitted, so buy milk before noon on Thursday, April 10. Milk may be frozen.
Can I continue to take my medicine?
Since chametz binders are used in many pills, the following guide lines are followed: if the medicine is required for life-sustaining therapy, it may be used for Pesach. In all cases, caplets are preferable.
Which Utensils Can Be Kashered?
The process of kashering utensils depends on how the utensils are used. According to halacha, leaven can be purged from a utensil by the same process in which it was adsorbed in the utensil. Therefore, utensils used in cooking are kashered by boiling. Those used only for cold foods are kashered by rinsing.
Earthenware/China
China, pottery, etc., can not be kashered. However, fine translucent china which has not been used for over a year may be used if scoured and cleaned in hot water.
Silverware
Silverware made entirely of metal may be kashered by scouring thoroughly and then immersing in boiling water. They are then “Pesachdik” and parve.
Glassware
All table glassware is permitted after thorough scouring. There is also a practice of soaking glassware for 72 hours before Pesach.
Detergents
If permitted during the year, powdered and liquid detergents do not require a “Kosher L’Pesach” label.
Pots and Pans
Pots and pans wholly made of metal and used for cooking purposes only (not for baking) must first be scrubbed thoroughly, cleaned and completely immersed in boiling water. Pots should have water boiled in them which will overflow the rim. Utensils should not be used for a period of at least 24 hours between the cleaning and immersion in boiling water.
Tie a string around the utensil and im merse completely in boiling water. For small items, a cord-netting can be used to dip several at once.
Microwave Ovens
These present a special case since the inside surfaces do not become hot. We recommend a thorough cleaning and then placing a dish of water in the oven and allowing it to boil.
Dishwasher
Thoroughly scour with boiling water and then run it empty for two cycles, one with soap and one without.
Ovens
Every part that comes in contact with food must be scrubbed and cleaned thoroughly. Then the oven should be heated as hot as possible for half an hour. If there is a broil setting, use it. If it has a self-cleaning cycle, use it, too. Continuous cleaning ovens must be kashered in the same manner as regular ovens.
Electrical Appliances
If the parts that come in contact with chametz are removable, they can be kashered in the appropriate way. If metal, follow the rules for metal utensils. If the parts are not removable, the appliance cannot be kashered. All exposed parts should be cleaned thoroughly.
Refrigerator
Remove all chametz food and opened packages. Clean thoroughly with boiling water and scour the racks. Frozen chametz foods should be put in a special closed-off section and should be sold with chametz.
Tables, Closets, Counters
If used with chametz, they should be thoroughly cleaned and covered. They may then be used.
Kitchen Sink
If used with chametz, thoroughly clean and cover. Then it may be used. If, however, dishes are to be soaked in a porcelain sink, then a dish basin must be used.
Chametz and Non-Passover Utensils
Non-Passover dishes, pots and chametz (whose ownership has been transferred) should be separated, locked up, covered and marked to prevent accidental use.
Mechirat Chametz and Maot Chitim
The Torah commands us that chametz shall not be found in your dwelling places during the Festival of Passover. The literal meaning is that all chametz food and utensils must be cast away. This poses a great financial hardship. Hence, we “sell” the chametz (mechirat chametz) to a non-Jew who would then own the chametz for the duration of the holiday. It is customary to appoint an agent, usually a rabbi, to sell the chametz and then repurchase it.
It is also customary to include a contribution to our community’s maot chitim (wheat money). Maot chitim is an ancient custom in which Jews provide funds to other Jews in need for the purchase of Passover food. Inspired by the passage from the Haggadah, “All who are hungry, let them enter and eat; all who are in need, let them come celebrate Pesach,” Jewish Family and Career Services (JF&CS) supports a group of dedicated volunteers who have taken on the responsibility of Maot Chitim in Atlanta. They coordinate distribution of food and financial assistance for Jewish families. To appoint a rabbi, please complete the online form at aasyn.org/sell-chametz-2025. Sale of chametz will not be accepted after noon on Thursday, April 10
More information about our Passover services and programs will be available on our website at aasynagogue.org.
Thank You to Our Generous Donors
Donations listed below were given between July 1, 2024 and February 6, 2025 and include tribute donations, Yom Kippur Appeal/Chai Champaign donations, and other fund donations. Donations made to the Capital Campaign and Sisterhood are not included. We apologize in advance if anyone was excluded or placed in the wrong donation level.
Chai ($1–$499)
Aleta and Howard Aaron
Sandy and Davis Abrams
Denise Adelman
Linda Albert
Rhona Albright
Adam Alterman
Jeannine and Aaron Altmann
Altschuler, Lee and Ellen
Robert Arkin
Jessica Arluck and Douglas Ander
Phyllis and Joseph Arnold
Harold Arnovitz
Frances Astrin
Ellen Azrael
Benita Baird and Ronald Barab
Amy and Neal Baker
Claire Balser
Pat and Jack Balser
Lauren and Ben Barden
Bonnie Barker
Shirley and Richard Barkin
Juli and Billy Bauman
Elaine Beeber
Glenda Beerman and Bernard Pollock
Judith and Stan Beiner
Talia Belz
Gloria Benamy
Carol and Michael Benator
Jean Benedict
Cynthia Berger and Howard Schulman
Nathalie and Ken Beringer
Martha Berlin
Karen Berman
Julia and Terry Bernath
Shirley and Gary Bernes
Alfred Bernstein
Peggy and Rick Bernstein
Sally and John Berry
Goldie and Louis Bertone
Veronica Beskin
David Birnbrey
Joanne and Eddie Birbrey
Victor Blake
Joyce and Donald Block
Toby Block and Jerrold Greenberg
Martha Blondheim
Matt Blum
Mona Blumenthal
Amira and Michael Bobrov
Barbara Bock
Debi and David Bock
Julie and David Borenstein
Sara and Lance Borochoff
Leigh Boros and Robert Hilliard Jr.
Marilyn Bravman
Susan Bravman
Suzanne and Adam Bressler
Laurie and Jeff Bricker
Deborah and Jon Brooks
Rachel and Bill Brown
Paula and Mark Budnitz
Amy and Adam Caplan
Charlenne and Richard Carl
Elaine Carp
Shulamit Cenker
Marilyn and Morton Center
Deedee Chereton
Shelly and Mark Chester
Joseph Citron
Mark Coan
Anne Cohen and Craig Silverman
Avital and Michael Cohen
Barbara and Alan Cohen
Beth and Don Cohen
Carole Cohen
Cheryl and Jeffrey Cohen
Katherine “Kitty” and Ezra Cohen
Marcy Cohen
Michael Jackie Cohen
Pamela and Alan Cohen
Rachael and Jonathan Colton
Sandra Cohen
Terri and Rodney Cohen
Bonnie Cook
Sharon and Stuart Cott
Stanley Cristol
Randy Crohn
Brenda and Stanley Daniels
Deborah Davidson
Marcia Greenburg-Davis and Clinton Davis
Taylor Davis
Johnathan Dayan
Helen Scherrer-Diamond and David Diamond
Linda and Michael Diamond
Laura and Marshall Dinerman
Shelly and Allen Dollar
Annie Dorman
Harriet Draluck
Marci Draluck
Stephenie and Jerome Drean
Eddie Dressler
Waynah and Joe Dunn
Julie Edelson and Howard Kaplan
Jane and Mark Eden
Margo and Shiel Edlin
Suzanne and Seth Eisenberg
Judith Ellis
Debra Elovich
Carole and Marvin Epstein
Eileen Epstein
Marsha Epstein
Stacy Epstein
Terry Erbesfield
Linda and Abram Estroff
Norman Estroff
Steve Fairchild
Muriel Feldman
Catherine Ficke
Diana Fiedotin
Melissa Field
Barry Fields
Patricia and Robert Fine
Robert Fischbach
Marsha and Mitchell Fishkind
Samuel Fistel
Donna and Mark Fleishman
Rhoda and George Flynn
Candia and Damon Fonooni
Lori and Jordan Forman
Michele and George Fox
Fayne Frankel
Genie Freedman
Jane Freedman
Nancy and Wayne Freedman
Nancy and Stephen Friedberg
Amy and Jacob Friedlander
Lisa and Tommy Friedlander
Ilene and Michael Friedman
Lynn Friedman
Sandi and Gerald Friedman
Sylvia Friedman
Frost-George LLC
Linda and Matthew Fryer
Batsheva (Beth) Fullenhull
Samantha and Eric Funt
Rhonda and Saul Furstein
Janet and Randy Galanti
Frances and Stuart z”l Galishoff
Christopher and Naomi Gargano
Stacy Blumberg Garon and Jon Garon
Phyllis and Phil Garon
Caryn and Larry Gartner
Barbara Geldbart
Maury Gerson
Darriel and Ronald Gerson
Katie Gillen
Celia Gilner
Lauren Gilstein
Liza and Michal Gilzenrat
Sara and Sandro Gisler
Wannee Glass
Susan Glatt
Dale and Jimmy Glenn
Barbara Friedland Gold
Carolyn Gold
Hazel Gold
Steve Gold
Brandon Goldberg
Renae and Edward Goldberg
Andrea Goldenberg
Marni and Daniel Goldman
Eve and Joel Goldstein
Elisa and Philip Goldstein
Judith and Ronald Goldstein
Jennifer and Josh Goodhart
Jacqueline Goodman
Felice and Philip Goodman
Marsha Gordon and Tom Barry
Jaquelin and Edward Gotlieb
Karen and Oscar Grablowsky
Larry Greenberg
Barry Greenfield
Bette and Bob Grossman
Marla and Jeffrey Grossman
Maxine Grossman
Sherry Habif
Nancy Habif and Scott Kleber
Charles Hacker
Helen and Frank Hahn
Martha Halbreich
Beverly and Gilbert Halpern
Nathalie Halpern
Steven Hamburger
Meryl Hammer
Delcy Pardo Harber
Fran and Edward Harrell
Natalie and Marvin Harris
Beatrice Hartman
Amy and John Haspel
Lee Hebner and Kenneth Nassau
Eternal Life Hemshech Inc.
Susan Hendricks
Gladys and David Herckis
Heidi and Barry Herman
Rebecca and Theodore Hersh
Andrea and Bruce Hershatter
Lila and Doug Hertz
Bobby Hirsch
Rosalie Hirschberg
Michele Hirsh
Gail and Gilbert Holzer
Toby Holzer and Larry Pike
Tracey and Arnold Holzer
Barbara and Michael Horowitz
Jane Horowitz Bick
Herzl Hyton
Nancy and Joel Isenberg
Michael and Martin Itzkowitz
Jean and Gary Jackson
Harriett Jacobs
Marcia Jaffe
Raizi Janus Shoop
Andrea Jaron and Larry Bircoll
Christie Johnson
Jeanne Johnson-Whatley
Irene Jones
Mira Josowicz
Gail and Bernd Kahn
Rhalda Kahn
Susan and Robert Kahn
Charlotte and Allen Kaminsky
Roben Kantor
Frances M. Kaplan
Anita Karnibad
Estelle Karp
Miriam Karp
Catherine and David Kasriel
Jean Katz
Lisa Kaufman
Jill Kersh
Elizabeth Kessler and Dennis
Gilbride
Janet and Paul Kirshbaum
Annsley and Benjamin Klehr
William Kleinman
Barbara and Joel Klein
Linda Klein
Anabelle Kleinberg
Michele and Mark Klopper
Bobbie Knopf
Judy and Martin Kogon
Sandra and Jay Kohlenberg
Debra and Walter Kolesky
Alison Konrad
Elissa and Harris Konter
Roslyn and Darryl Konter
Arlene and Harold Koslow
Phyllis Kraft
Cheryl and Russell Kramer
Lana and Richaed Krebs
Jana and Michael Kreisberg
Janet and Hilton Kupshik
Diane Kurtz
Mildred and Martin Kwatinetz
Evan Landis
Linda and Kerry Landis
Audrey and Michael Landy
Lauri and Steven Lavine
Scott Leach
Bundi and Larry Lefkoff
Harold Lefkoff
Helen Lefkoff and Robert Faulk
Liane Levetan
Debbie and Eddie Levin
Alison and Jonathan Levine
Bonnie and Michael Levine
Phyllis Levine
Barbara Levitas
Donna Shaw-Levy and Mark Levy
Karen and Bob Lieberman
Karina Lifschitz and Jonathan Colasanti
Wendy and Steven Light
Barbara Lincoln and Gary Rosenshein
Sheryl Lincoln and Peter Knight
Judith Listfield and Joseph Butkus
Stephen Chaim Listfield
Carolyn and Hector Llorens
Carla and Ralph Lovell
Congregation Gesher L’Torah
Suzanne and David Lubel
Timothy Lynn
Peggy and Llyod Marbach
Charlotte Marcus
Esther Margol
Mindy and Andrew Margolis
Judy Marx
Barbara Mays
Susan and Todd Maziar
Maureen Mcaneny and Joseph Riley
Members of the DDD PC’05
Robin Medintz
Joanne Mendel
Lee Mendel
Eric Miller
Mitzner Family Foundation
Allison Molinari
Jackie and Tony Montag
Jennie and Macy Moret
Rachel Morris
Vicki and Steven Morris
Patty Morrison
Leslie and Scott Moscow
Sai Mukkamala
Melanie Nathanson
Bonnie and Neil Negrin
Sloane and Howard Neiman
Dana Neuwirth
Sara Fran and Wayne Neuwirth
Janice B. Nochumson
David Norflus
Francine Norflus
Ann Olim
Kenny Orkin
Marcelle and Allan Oxman
Lorry and Aron “Chuck” Palefsky
Hilly Panovka
Sara and Mark Papier
Annice Parker
Angela and Alan Parnes
Marlene Wexler Perlman
Elissa Pichulik and Gregory Kodesh
Mary and Itai Pinkovezky
Robert Pitchersky
Barbara and Richard Planer
Mindy and Michael Planer
Debbie and Joel Pollack
Riette Pollack
Paige Pratt and Bruce Stambler
Ducie Rachelson
Lynn and Glenn Rainbow
Judith Reed
Linda and Howard Reisman
Lois and Alan Reitzfeld
Charlotte and Elliott Rich
Michele and Craig Rich
Lori Rich
Shirley Rich
Bonnie and Gary Richman
Jennifer and Harvey Rickles
Michele Rickles
Nancy and Andrew Rinzler
Renee and Robert Rinzler
Edward Rittenbaum
Karen and Scott Rittenbaum
Zaiyara Rivera
Julie and Gary Roberts
A Robinson
Ellen and Steven Rogin
Carol and Marc Rose
Melissa and Jordan Rosenbaum
Ann (Bunny) Rosenberg
Phyllis and Warren Rosenberg
Jennifer and Joel Rosenfeld
Andrea Rosenthal
Joanne Rosenthal
Toby and Thomas Rosing
Jill and Robert Rosner
Karen Routman
Nadine and Barry Rubin
Laurie and Jeffrey Rubnitz
Suzan and Gary Saidman
Alice Sanders
Susan and Herschel Saparow
Adrian Sasine
Anita and Julian Saul
Karen and Michael Saul
Cathy and Jeff Schaffer
Joel Schaffer
Emily and Brant Scheinfeld
Harry Scheinfeld
Jill and Jay Schlosser
Robert Schneider
Susan and Ray Schoenbaum
Temme and Allan Schooler
Fern Schorr
Gladys and Robert Schussel
Gladys and Bob Schussler
Joan z”l and Alan Schwartz
Anne Schwartz
Michelle Schwartz
Shana Schwartz
Sarah Segan and Brad Oppenheimer
Betty and Kenneth Seitz
Madolin Seldes
Charles Shainker
Cheryl and Stanton Shapiro
Elyse and David Shaw
Roberta Shaw Carr
Nancy and Barry Shemaria
Brian Sherman
Marsha Sherman
Carol and Jules Sherwinter
Karen and Richard Shmerling
Karen and Brian Shonson
Debbie and Andy Shuping
Betty Ann Shusterman
Karen and Mark Siegel
Richard Siegel
Barry Silver
Carla and Arthur Silver
Brenda and Kenneth Silverboard
Susan Silverboard
Martha and Barry Silverman
Sherry and Alan Silverman
Suzanne Silvers and Stephen
Phillips
Howard Simmons
Lori Simon
Sydney Simons
Joanne Singer z”l
Lara Sitton
Gloria Smiley
Deborah and Baker Smith
Ava Landrum Smith and Ben Smith
Bethany and Taylor Smith
Roben and Grgory Smolar
Gary Snyder
Susan and Morris Socoloff
Rebcca and Michael Sokol
Marcy and Jim Solmson
Gail Solomon
Sherri and Moe Soriano
Harriet Spainer
Frannie Spector Coplan
Terry Spector
Nancy and Theodore Spetnagel
Marcia Spielberger
Elise Stahlman
Karen and Bernard Stark
Karen and Sidney Stark
Judy and Stanley Stein
Gloria and Carlton Steinberg
Marilyn and Stanley Steinberg
Gayler and Toby Steinberg
Merrill and Michael Stern
Roz and Steve Strauss
Lori and Allan Struletz
Luci and Stanley Sunshine
Meredith and Marshall Sunshine
Peggy and Stephen Suransky
Emily and Aaron Tanenbaum
Judith and Mark Taylor
Betsy Teplis
Monica Teplis
Gail Tescher
Amanda Thomas
Mitzi Tillem
Robin Torch
Sharon and Ken Torreyson
Cynthia Tyler
Renee Unell
Dena and Stanley Vogel
Leslie Vogelman and Louis Friedman
Hannah Walk
Kimberly Troutman-Walker and Andrew Walker
Cecile Waronker
Sherry and George Warsaw
Betsy Wash
Jeffrey Wasserman
Lynne Weiner
Sherry Weinman and Michael Umansky
Aurélie and Randy Weinstein
Lauren and David Weinstein
Renie and Alan Weinstein
Phyllis and Richard Weisberg
Alyssa Weiss
Cherly and Michael Weiss
Jennifer and Mitch Weiss
Aletta and Greg Weitz
Carla and Howard Wertheimer
Alan Wexler
Deborah and Jack Wexler
Robin Wexler
Andrew Wiesenberg
S M Wilder
Arlene z”l and Walter Wildstein
Barbara and Frank Wilensky
Sheila and Larry Wilensky
Adele Wineburgh
Sarah Wishnick
Irene an Alex Wolchansky
Rina Wolfe
Barbara and Mike Wolfson
Amy and Brent Wolkin
Elizabeth and Dennis Wolkin
Pepi and Alan Wolkin
Honey and Howard Workman
Jody and Zev Yanovich
Neal and Gabriel Yarm
Neil Young
Janis Zagoria
Ilene and Steven Zier
Barry Zipperman
Elaine Zitomer and James Dricker
Alyson Zontich
Elizabeth and Scott Zweigel
Patron ($500–$899)
Douglas Adair
Sheila and David Adelman
Ann and Herb Alperin
Marty and Richard Alterman
Annonymous
Rachel and Michael Avchen
Judy and Joe Balaban
Stanley Baum
Betty Behr
Rita and Arthur Bodner
Meryl Braunstein and Alan Shenberg
Margaret and Joel Breiner
Mindi and Richard Bressler
Ben Cavalier
Eileen and Adolphus Coolik
Margo and Douglas Diamond
David Eichenblatt
Stuart Eizenstat
Jody and Ramon Franco
Beth and Jared Friedman
Karen and Bruce Gadlin
Renie and David Geller
Melinda Gertz
Madeleine and Kenneth Gimbel
Laurie and David Ginburg
Scott Glazer
Jennifer Glazer-Malkin
Bernard Goldstein
Karen Goldstein
Lynne and Thomas Greenfield
Heleen and Steven Grossman
Valerie Habif and Neil Wasser
Helen Hersch
Amanda and Adam Hirsch
Barbara and Steven Jacobs
Marcia and Richard Jacobson
Rachael and Michael Joseph
Shelley and Scott Kaplan
Lynn and Ted Kimmerly
Sara and Ross Kogon
Amy and James Landrum
Michelle and Jonathan Lerner
Esther and Michael Levine
Rita and Michael LeVine
Miriam Strickman Levitas
Linda Nathanson-Lippitt and Alan Lippitt
Patsy and Bill Little
Lisa and Alan Lubel
Barbara Marks
Sherry and Harry Maziar
Swan and Chipley Mcknight
Shirley Minsk
June and Gerald Neumark
Estate and Herbert Neuwirth
Linda Orenstein
Lisa and Hal Philipson
Sally and Alan Pinsker
Barbara and Bruce Ribner
Doroth Rosenthal and William Nerenberg
Rosalie and Carl Rosenthal
Susan and Neil Sandler
Stuart Schlansky
Lisa and Jon Schnaubelt
Carol and Scott Schwab
Morgan Simon
Susie and Mark Siskin
Nica and Lee Tallman
Jeannie and Bob Tepper
Karla Tievsky and Seth Kirschenbaum
Joan Vitner
Nanette Wenger
Susan and Jonathan Winner
Karen and Eli Wise
Susan and Larry Wolkin
Leona and Donald Zivitz
Bronze ($900–$1,799)
Linda and Bruce Beeber
Karina and Josh Belinfante
Dolores Berlin
Diane and Marvin z”l Bernstein
Elaine and Jerome Blumenthal
Diane and Harold Cohen
Melissa (Lisa) and Walter Cohen
Erica and Andrew Cozewith
Jay D’Lugin and Tyler Curtain
Karen Lansky-Edlin and Andrew Edlin
Elise and Jay Empel
Allison and Joel Feldman
Judith Finkel
Richard Franco
Margo and Lawrence Gold
Liz and Bobby Goldstein
Bob Grenitz
Susan and Leon Gross
Marlene and Mark Haber
Sherry Halpern
Barbara and Alan Kaplan
Sally and Philip z”l Kaplan
Marilyn and Leslie Kelman
Amy and Steven Kirson
Robin and William Kleinberg
Deborah and Jay Levin
Myrtle Lewin
Sandra and Bob London
Berta and Lev Mebel
Barbara and George Nathan
Andrea and Matthew Oppenheimer
Sheri and Alon Panovka
Tally and Stanford Plavin
Ann and Morris Podber
Ana and Ryan Posner
Ralda and Marty z”l Reish
Nicole and Benjamin Saidman
Virginia and Milton Saul
Janet Schatten and Richard Friedman
Debbie Smith and Joel Lobel
Deborah Spector and Jeffrey Victor
Merna Stein
Lauren and Todd Surden
Lynn Sussman
Mark Waldinger
Mark Weinstein
Brenda and Andrew Zangwill
Jeannette and Michael Zukor
Silver
($1,800–$2,399)
Lorraine (Cookie) and Fred Aftergut
Diane Bessen and Steven Weiner
Linda and Richard Bressler
Barbara and Kenneth Feinberg
Ruth and Jon Gottlieb
Barbara and Jay Halpern
Caryn Hanrahan and Andy Siegel
Marsha and Michael Kalson
Jill and David Kantor
Elaine and Alan Kolodkin
Marsha and Mark Kozinn
Lori and Lee Krinsky
Donna and Philip Newman
Lori and Stephen Oppenheimer
Vickie and Bruce Reisman
Judy and Alan Schulman
Debra and Philip Siegel
Cathy and Richard Swerdlin
Sherri and Robert Wildstein
Susan Ellman-Zweig and Arnold Zweig
Gold
($2,400–$3,599)
Marlene Gelernter Besser
Stacy and Emanuel Fialkow
Gail and Michael Habif
Harriet Landau and Nathan Segall
Helaine and Andy Lasky
Lynn and Barry Prusin
Julie and William Segal Leader
($3,600–$5,399)
Judith Alembik
Stanley Cohen
Susan and Hadley Engelhard
Lois and Laurence Frank
Marianne and Stephen Garber
Tanya and Scott Jacobson
Ivan Millender
Carolyn Oppenheimer and Rick Lenner
Jo Pichulik
Judy and Allen Soden
Jill and Jeffrey Vantosh
Rebecca and Andrew Zager
Benefactor
($5,400–$9,999)
Gary Alembik and Stephen Graves
Dorita and Hal Arnold
Irene Aronin
Paul Feldman
Doris and Martin Goldstein
Sharon Funk and Joshua Hanna
Lyons and Gail Heyman and The Heyman Family Foundation
Nancy and Marshall Levine
Judy and Michael Orkin
Beth and Gregg Paradies
Reisman Family Fund
Tamar and Mark Stern
Betty and Alan Sunshine
Zoe and David Zelby
President's Circle
($10,000–$19,999)
Ellen Arnovitz and Michael Plasker
Tova and Mark Cohen
Elisa and Robert Ezor
Diane and Stanley Friedman
Michal and Jack Hillman
Stuart Harvey Hillman
Ann Kaplan
Nikki Novotny
Rabbi's Circle
($20,000+)
Vicki and Gerald Benjamin
Ruth Gershon and Sanford Cohn
Marilyn Ginsberg Eckstein
Sanford Orkin z”l
Endowment
Judith and Aaron z”l Alembik
Gary Alexander
Vicki and Gerry Benjamin
Adolphus and Eileen Coolik in honor of Max and Helen Kuniansky
