Ahavath Achim Synagogue

Beineinu August | September 2017 Av | Elul | Tishrei 5777 - 5778

Beineinu â€˘ August | september â€˘ Cover1

table of contents Jewish Continuity

Capital Campaign News

Donor List | pg. 17 Donor Profile | pg. 18 aa's next generation event | pg. 19 save the date | pg. 19

Social Action

Cultural Arts and Education safrai art gallery | pg. 23

Calendar and volunteer Corrections for beineinu June/July issue We regret the following errors from the previous edition of Beineinu:

pg. 3 | Jewish Continuity > Announcements > Babies

Adler Sy Wineburgh: grandparents are Adele and Michael Wineburgh (z"l) and Revekkah and Eugene Geykher (corrected announcement shown on next page).

1 â€˘ Beineinu â€˘ August | September

jewish continuity announcements

babIes

mazal tov to the loved ones of the newest additions to our jewish community!

Ava Beracha Tonik

adler sy wineburgh

Azalea Dee Kohan

Luna Maxine Kramer

born November 11

born january 13

born April 13

born may 19

Parents Heather Corin and Mitchell Tonik

Parents Elina and Samuel Wineburgh

Parents Arielle and Rafi Kohan

Parents Melissa and Bradley Kramer

Grandparents Adele and Michael Wineburgh (z"l) and Revekkah and Eugene Geykher

Grandparents Marianne and Stephen Garber and Marilyn and Allen Kohan

Grandparents Anita and Alan Kramer and Yolanda Zevallos

Siblings Meyer Wineburgh

Great Grandparents Norma Kramer Siblings Sofia Magnolia Kramer

Ariel Hannah Cohen

Emilie James Abrahams

Max Tovah Zinns

Michael Seth Strauss

born June 4

born June 12

Parents Avital and Michael Cohen

born June 4

Parents Melanie and Marc Abrahams

born June 6 Parent Sharon Zinns

Parents Elaine and Benjamin Strauss

Grandparents Lisa and Walter Cohen, Laura and Alan Herbin, and Miri Limor

Grandparents Warren Abrahams

Grandparents Marilyn Zinns

Grandparents Berta and Lev Mebel and Anne and David Strauss

Great Grandparents Pauline Cohen, Jeanette Rand, and Lea and Menachem Limor

Great Grandparents Barbara Landstein and Zalman Mebel

Siblings Gabriella Lila and Maya Shelly Cohen

Beineinu â€˘ August | september â€˘ 2

engagements b'nei mitzvah Zamir Norry & weddings

Zamir Shai ben Harav Hillel v'Yochana Leviah

Risa Mullman & Josh Philipson

Risa Mullman and Josh Philipson are to be married on February 17, 2018. Mazal Tov, Risa and Josh!

Talia Rachman & Jeremy Schube Talia Ruth Rachman and Jeremy Myles Schube were married on May 28, 2017 at Temple Emanu-El in Dallas, Texas. Talia is a forensic auditor/accountant with Deloitte Touche, and Jeremy is an emergency room physician. They have recently moved back to Atlanta after living and working in New York City for the past three years. Talia is the daughter of Claire and Julian Rachman and granddaughter of Lillian Rachman. Jeremy is the son of Maxine and Keith Schube and grandson of Judy and Paul Finkel and Brenda and Stanley Schube. A hearty Mazal Tov to Talia and Jeremy, and welcome home!

nominating committee Interested in the future of our synagogue? Want to have an impact on our leadership? Know someone who would make a great addition to our leadership team? If yes, please nominate a congregant or self-nominate to be considered for the Nominating Committee of Ahavath Achim Synagogue. The Nominating Committee is responsible for recommending to the Board of Directors a slate of directors and officers. Please keep in mind that members of this committee are not eligible to be nominated to be on the slate. Please consider this important committee since the leadership of our synagogue provides the necessary wisdom and vision for our future. For more information, contact Douglas Ander, Nominating Committee Chair and Immediate Past President at dander@emory.edu.

3 • Beineinu • August | September

Zamir Norry will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on September 9, 2017. Zamir is the son of Johanna and Rabbi Hillel Norry and grandson of Phyllis and Allen Crowell.

strategic plan

In an effort to serve our membership more effectively and to facilitate our continued growth as we proudly enter our congregation's 130th year, Ahavath Achim is pleased to announce our strategic planning initiative under the leadership of Sara Papier and Larry Gold. The committee’s efforts will be guided by a larger initiative from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. We are excited to have USCJ's support for this effort and feel confident that the information that we glean from it will guide our next steps as a Kehillah Kedosha, a sacred community. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about you as our congregants and to ensure that our planning is informed by your needs and expectations. As we move forward with this effort, we will be asking you to share your insights with us through a brief questionnaire. We hope we can count on our members for 100% participation. We want our future to be guided by you and for you. AA's Strategic Planning Survey will be available to the congregation from August 1st through August 31st. Your participation in this survey will allow us to better understand our own strengths and weaknesses and help guide the future of our synagogue. We will be sending the survey link via e-mail, mail, and e-blast, and also making it available on our Facebook page. Thank you for your continued investment in AA!

yizkor book

Yizkor, which means Remember in Hebrew, is a special prayer and service thought to renew and strengthen connections to our loved ones who have passed, to offer merit to their souls and to elevate them in their heavenly homes. It is said that “the soul gains additional distinction if the memory of its good deeds spurs their loved ones to improve their ways.” With this in mind, we invite you to honor the memory of your loved ones by including their names in the 2017-2018 Ida Pearle and Joseph Cuba Yizkor Memorial “Pages of Remembrance” Book. By inscribing their names in this book, you fulfill the mitzvah - good deed - of giving in honor and in memory of those who have passed. Please make your final submission(s) to Jill Rosner at jrosner@aasynagogue.org by Friday, August 11.

in memoriam May God comfort the friends and family of... Jackie Wolfe

Judge Marvin Shoob

• Husband of Rina Wolfe • Father of Jeffrey (and Christie) Wolfe, Amy (and Jeff) Sheridan, Lauren (and Tom) Sindel, Saralyn Dunphy, and Tova (and Jason) Weiss • Brother-in-law of Lynda Wolfe (and Michael Cohen), and Steven, Jeffrey, and Adrienne Levin • Son-in-law of Eleanor Sims • Grandfather of Thomas, Megan, Mikayla, Tanner, Ashley, Tyler, Jacob, Logan, Aiden, and Madison

• Husband of Janice Shoob • Father of Michael and Wendy Shoob • Brother-in-law of James Paradies

Nancy Meyers Marsiglia • Wife of Michael Joseph Marsiglia • Mother of Joseph Max Marsiglia and Michael Jay (and Jennifer LaCorte) • Sister of Katherine "Kitty" (and Judge Ezra) Cohen • Grandmother of Will, Max, and Sam Marsiglia

Helen Spiegel • Wife of Frank Spiegel • Mother of Liz (and Bobby) Goldstein, Mark (and Robin) Spiegel, and Walter (and Sharon) Spiegel • Sister of Edith Meyers • Sister-in-law of Sylvia Spiegel (z"l) • Grandmother of Adam (and Kim) Goldstein, Sherri (and James) Nighbert, and Jeremy, Shira, Jacob, Elana, and Sophie Spiegel • Great-grandmother of Jordan and Reese Goldstein and Taylor and Bryce Nighbert

Edward Richard Avery • Husband of Shirley Avery • Father of Edward Jr. (and Melissa) Avery, Brad (and Deborah) Avery, and Angela Avery • Brother of Terry (and Patsy) Avery

Philip Graber • Husband of Tena Graber • Father of Rachael (and Jonathan) Colton, Deborah Graber (and Paul McCarthy), and Jessica Graber • Grandfather of Jeremy and Benjamin Colton and Elaine (and Jim) Spicer

Toby Borochoff Menart • Sister of Lynn (and Myles) Gould, Jean (and Mark) Shapiro, and Lance (and Sara) Borochoff • Sister-in-law of Loretta Hmiel, Eileen Scharsu, and Ron Menart

Jack Berlin • Husband of Dolores Berlin • Father of Angie (and Doug) Brandenburg • Grandfather of Holly Brandenburg

Sylvia Spiegel • Mother of Harvey (and Ellen Spitz) Spiegel, David (and Deuzimar) Spiegel, and Stephen (and Denise) Spiegel • Grandmother of Daniel (and Emma) Spiegel, Jonathan (and Emily) Spiegel, and Kevin, Brandon, Adam, Sarah, and Emma Spiegel • Sister of Milton (and Elsa) Hirsch • Sister-in-law of Phyllis Hirsch and Frank Spiegel

along with the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem Beineinu • August | september • 4

5 • Beineinu • August | September

from the rabbis by rabbi neil sandler "Elul calls us to be deep sea divers into our souls…” writes Rabbi David Wolpe. “Only by apprehending who we are can we shape real hopes about who we might become."

don’t want to be “buff.” I just want to have a flatter stomach! Sometimes I look at one of those guys with a flat stomach… and I put my head on top of his body. Then, as if Susan is standing right next to me at that moment, I hear her in my head saying, “Neil, you’ve got to do something about that stomach!” We have entered the month of Elul, the final month of our Jewish calendar, and it is time to reflect on our lives and actions, especially in the recent past. It is time to recognize errors and wrongdoing, apologize when we recognize that we have wronged someone and make changes, if necessary, in our lives. Most of those changes are probably far more significant than a flatter stomach… and they are just as hard to make.

it is often very difficult. No one wants to admit such shortcomings, and few of us actually do so. To be honest, I am not certain how to help people confront this reality when they do recognize it. I am not even certain how to help myself. But this I do know – to be fully reflective of the divine image within each of us, we must learn to do what Rabbi Wolpe counsels; we must truly apprehend (and perhaps confront) who we are. Then we may change and grow. While our tradition offers a clear paradigm for teshuvah – recognizing our wrongdoing, making amends and genuinely changing – it doesn’t specifically tell us how to understand who we are in order to shape what we may become. It is my hope that each of us will take some quiet time during this month of Elul as we approach the High Holidays and give that challenge some thought. Susan joins me in wishing you and all your loved ones a happy, healthy and sweet New Year! Shana Tovah!

Rabbi David Wolpe wrote, “Elul calls us to be deep sea divers into our souls. Only by apprehending who we are can we shape real hopes about who we might become.” He captures a truth that many of us ignore. The upcoming High Holidays are potentially about a lot of things. But primarily, they provide us with an opportunity for reflection and change. Personal change calls upon us to have a clear picture, not only of the desired change, but also of its impact on others and on us. What will we look like after we make that change, and why is that outcome desirable enough for us to put forth the effort to accomplish it? When we have that new outcome in mind, we can begin to “…shape real hopes about who we might become.” Perhaps it is not difficult to see that desired change in ourselves. The tough part, as Rabbi Wolpe hints, is “apprehending who we are…”. What do my actions say about me and my priorities now? If I need to make changes, what does that fact say about me? Most of us (all of us, I hope) are good people. Our errors and acts of wrongdoing are just that; who we genuinely are is not defined by such isolated acts. However, frequent or consistent actions or inaction say much more about us, our nature, and maybe, our character than we care to admit. Not infrequently do I see people (including myself) who say that something is a priority or important value in their lives, but whose actions seem to belie that truth. To “…apprehend who we are...” in such moments can be really tough! After all, when there is a gap between our stated priorities, values and actions, recognizing that gap and addressing

Beineinu • August | september • 6

by rabbi laurence rosenthal kids program and loitering in the hallway. Once my brother was old enough to drive, a whole new world of possibilities opened up for our High Holiday experience. At some point during the service (I am pretty sure services weren’t over), James and I would leave and go to Guitar Center, a local instrument retailer – we have them here in Atlanta as well. There, still dressed in our Shabbos best, we would wander around the store and just look. Never buying, just looking.

he 1968 Fender Mustang guitar! When I think of the High Holidays I think of the 1968 Fender Mustang guitar. The Fender Mustang is part of the fender guitar series that brought us the more recognized Fender Stratocaster – the guitar made famous by Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughn, not to mention about another thousand artists from the 1950s up until today. The Fender Mustang was an off-shoot of the Stratocaster series. More of a rhythm guitar instrument than a solo guitar, the Mustang guitar was by no means as famous as its glorious older brother, the Strat. The only person of note for me that played a Fender Mustang was Kurt Cobain, from the 1990s Seattle Grunge-Rock band Nirvana. Otherwise, you really didn’t see or hear from the Mustang. By now in this article you must be thinking, why does Rabbi Rosenthal think of such obscure things when he is supposed to be thinking about holy matters embedded in the High Holidays experience? There are two answers: Firstly, you all should know by now that there is no telling where my mind will go at any given time. Anybody who has heard me speak knows that where my thought process is taking us is mystery to all….even me sometimes. The second, and more important, reason that I think of the 1968 Fender Mustang guitar whenever I think of the High Holidays is because it was on the High Holidays that I first met the classic, obscured electric instrument almost thirty years ago. So you need to know a bit of back story. Growing up, High Holiday services weren’t “high” on my family’s list of priorities. When I was young, our parents used to take us to services where my brother and I spent most of the time breaking out of the

7 • Beineinu • August | September

It was only recently, when thinking back, that I found this experience a bit absurd... and not because we were in a loud, rock and roll music store on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur when we should have been in services. Rather, what struck me as strange was that James doesn’t play an instrument. I was the one that played guitar and drums. Even more interesting, my brother had hobbies which would equally lend themselves to desecrating the High Holidays just like being at Guitar Center. My brother was a collector – photography equipment, baseball cards and comic books, pocket watches, and more. My brother had great interests which could have found ourselves in any number of stores around Los Angeles. But we didn’t go there, we went to Guitar Center and we looked at instruments. I found a cherry red Fender Mustang with a mother-of-pearl pickguard during one of our first years holding our ‘alternative service’ at Guitar Center. Upon graduating junior high school, my brother bought me that 1968 Fender Mustang. Over the years I never really made the connection or thought about the implications of this story but there is something really profound and spiritual about my teenage High Holiday pastime. Of course I can surmise as to what compelled my brother, a non-musician to

spend his High Holiday time with his little brother surrounded by loud, obnoxious electric guitars, drums and other rock and roll paraphernalia. However, my favorite answer came from James when, while I was writing this article, I texted him and asked. Here is what he said: “Because it made you happy, and I loved sharing that with you… You were my buddy, Larry. Despite our arguments and strife, we were each other’s best friend. I loved your enthusiasm for musical instruments despite me not being musically gifted." My brother didn’t take me to Guitar Center on a regular basis. This was our High Holiday tradition. Although this wouldn’t be my spiritual practice today, from where I sit, this connection, this open possibility of reconciliation, compassion and deep investment into the happiness of the other is absolutely a major theme of the High Holiday experience. In fact, I would say that it was a short time together at services (maybe the 45 minutes or an hour we spent in the pews) that somehow cracked open the barriers that we placed between each other all year and made this experience possible. For many of us, the High Holidays bring out a sense of obligation. We feel obligated by tradition; we feel obligated by family; and even the most observant of us feel a sense of obligation to God to celebrate these holidays together, in shul and as part of the community. But that sense can and should be explored deeper and with more nuances. For me, the High Holidays are about moving beyond myself and doing for others. Being present not just for what I get out of the experience but because it means something to somebody else. When I was a child, we showed up to service because my father wanted us there. My brother came to Guitar Center, because I was there. Today, I come to services on the High Holidays and other days because my community is there. Even God comes because we are all there together. The High Holidays are that one time a year where we have the option to let all the strife and arguments go and come together. It’s the one place where we are all “buddies.” Shannah Tova U’metukah – may 5778 be a year filled with compassion, connectivity and sweetness.

ways to 'step up' your high holiday experience Tashlich: the Ancient ritual of casting away your sins into the depth of the waters. Join your AA family as we make our way down to Peachtree Battle Creek after services on 1st day Rosh Hashanah. Ruach Chadashah Tent Service: the new way to shul! This musical Rosh Hashanah service combines the traditional prayers with new melodies and a brand new beat. It's a service of the heart to connect yours with God’s. Kapporos: an old ritual found anew. Join us as we reclaim this sin expiation ritual for the second year in row. At AA, we swing tzedakah (money given to charity) over our heads before sending it off to people in need as a way of cleansing our souls and starting Yom Kippur purified. Afternoon Chant and Drum Circle: Find your rhythm as we come together on yom Kippur afternoon and reach out to God as the Gates of Prayer are closing. Make your soul heard by joining us for our Afternoon Chant and Drum Circle (join your drum to the line). Yom Kippur Study Hall: Make the High Holiday experience one that engages the mind as well as the soul. The Yom Kippur Study Hall will open up the big questions and tackle the difficult issues of the service experience. No previous knowledge required - just an open mind and an eager spirit.

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e Beineinu • August | september • 8

high holiday schedule

Do you have a family member or guest who needs a place to worship on the High Holidays? Purchase non-member tickets at http://bit.ly/2uxnIJ0. If you, your family members, or guests require babysitting, please contact Marc Silberstein, Director of Education, at msilberstein@aasynagogue.org or 404.603.5748 to reserve their space now.

Erev Rosh Hashanah - Wednesday, September 20 Ellman Chapel

6:00 pm

Mincha/Ma’ariv

1st Day Rosh Hashanah - Thursday, September 21 Sanctuary

8:00 am

P’sukei D’zimra/Shacharit

Sanctuary

9:00 am

Torah Service

Sanctuary

10:00 am

Shofar Service

Front Lawn

Following Sanctuary Service

Tashlich

Tent

10:00 am

Alternative Service

Ahava Playground

Following Alternative Service

Kiddush

Sanctuary

10:45 am

Musaf

Sanctuary

12:00 pm

Sermon

Sanctuary

12:45 pm

Benediction

Ellman Chapel

6:00 pm

Mincha Ma'ariv

Ahava

8:45 am - 12:55 pm

Childcare (ages 8 weeks and up)

Ahava

10:00 am - 12:55 pm

Children’s Programming (ages 2 yrs - 5th grade)

Fishman Conference Room

10:00 am - 12:45 pm

Chai Holidays with Kadima (6th - 8th grade)

Youth Lounge

10:00 am - 12:45 pm

Chai Holidays with USY (9th - 12th grade)

Child | Teen Programming

2nd Day Rosh Hashanah - Friday, September 22 Sanctuary

8:00 am

P’sukei D’zimra/Shacharit

Sanctuary

9:00 am

Torah Service

Sanctuary

10:00 am

Shofar Service

Tent

10:00 am

Ruach Chadashah Rosh Hashanah

Sanctuary

10:45 am

Musaf

Sanctuary

12:00 pm

Sermon

Ellman Chapel

6:00 pm

Mincha/Ma'ariv

Ahava

8:45 am - 12:55 pm

Childcare (ages 8 weeks and up)

Ahava

10:00 am - 12:55 pm

Children’s Programming (ages 2 yrs - 5th grade)

Youth Lounge

10:00 am - 12:45 pm

Teen High Holy Day Reflection (6th - 12th grade)

Child / Teen Programming

Kol Nidre - Friday, September 29 Memorial Garden

5:30 pm

Kapporos

Paradies

6:30 pm

Mincha

Ellman Chapel

6:45 - 8:00 pm

Kol HaMispacha Family Service (1st - 6th grade and families)

Sanctuary

7:00 pm

Kol Nidre Service

Ahava

6:30 - 10:00 pm

Childcare (ages 8 weeks and up)

Ahava

6:30 - 8:00 pm

Kol HeYeladim Program (ages 3 - 6)

Child / Teen Programming

9 • Beineinu • August | September

Yom Kippur - Saturday, September 30 Sanctuary

8:00 am

P’sukei D’zimra/Shacharit

Sanctuary

9:00 am

Torah Service

Tent

10:00 am

Alternative Service

Sanctuary

10:45 am

Musaf

Sanctuary

12:30 pm

Sermon and Yizkor

Paradies

2:15 pm

Yom Kippur Study Hall

Srochi

3:30 pm

Yom Kippur Forum

Paradies

4:00 pm

Afternoon Chant and Drum Circle

Sanctuary

4:45 pm

Mincha

Sanctuary

5:45 pm

“Ask the Rabbi”

Sanctuary

6:15 pm

Neilah

Sanctuary

7:46 pm

Shofar to End Fast

Ahava

8:45 am - Havdallah

Chilcare (ages 8 weeks and up)

Ahava

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Children's Programming (ages 2 yrs - 5th grade)

Fishman Conference Room

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Chai Holidays with Kadima (6th - 8th grade)

Youth Lounge

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Chai Holidays with USY (9th - 12th grade)

Child / Teen Programming

Erev Sukkot - Wednesday, October 4 Sukkah

4:45 - 6:00 pm

Sukkot Family Learning Experience (targeted to families with children ages 2 yrs - 7th grade)

Sukkah

6:00 - 6:40 pm

Family Sukkot Service (Mincha/Maariv)

Ellman Chapel

6:00 pm

Evening Minyan

Sukkah

6:45 - 8:00 pm

Sukkot Dinner and Activities

1st Day Sukkot - Thursday, October 5 Ellman Chapel

9:00 am

Sukkot Service (Kiddush in the Sukkah following service)

Ellman Chapel

6:00 pm

Evening Minyan

2nd Day Sukkot - Friday, October 6 Ellman Chapel

9:00 am

Sukkot Service (Kiddush in the Sukkah following service)

Ellman Chapel

6:00 pm

Evening Minyan

Erev Shemini Atzeret - Wednesday, October 11 Ellman Chapel

6:00 pm

Evening Minyan

Shemini Atzeret - Thursday, October 12 Sanctuary

9:00 am

Shemini Atzeret Service

Sanctuary

11:15 am

Yizkor Service

Ellman Chapel

6:00 pm

Evening Minyan

Srochi

5:30 - 6:30 pm

Simchat Torah Dinner

Srochi

6:30 -7:15 pm

Family Simchat Torah Celebration and Consecration

Paradies

6:30 - 7:15 pm

Rabbi's Tisch and Tapas (21+)

Paradies

7:30 - 9:00 pm

Simchat Torah Celebration

6:15 - 8:00 pm

Childcare (ages 8 weeks - 5 years)

Child / Teen Programming Ahava

Simchat Torah - Friday, October 13 Ellman Chapel

9:00 am

Simchat Torah Service

Ellman Chapel

9:45 am

Hakkafot (Kiddush following service)

Ellman Chapel

6:30 pm

Shabbat Evening Service

Beineinu • August | september • 10

sisterhood W

e are proud and honored to be the new co-Presidents of AA Synagogue’s Sisterhood. With nearly 100 years of being a place for every woman who wants to connect to synagogue life, it is amazing that Sisterhood continues to understand and appreciate individual gifts, talents and differences. We are very excited about the coming year of education, community service and just plain fun programming. The programming is all due to the outstanding leadership team that is the Sisterhood board. The smart and enthusiastic women on the board are already busy creating innovative programs that will involve more women and impact our entire congregational community. And, of course, Sisterhood’s excellent regular programming, Book Club, Rosh Hodesh and Latte & Learn, will continue to gather like-minded women and friends. In July, we had the opportunity to attend the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism national conference. It was four days of meeting wonderful women from across the country who are fully engaged in inspiring and strengthening the sisterhood network. While it was all new to us, the convention’s theme, “A Bold New Outlook” was felt everywhere. We left with lots of new ideas and new friends. Come and say hello to us. We look forward to meeting you all and listening to your thoughts and ideas. Thank you for your support and confidence in us, and here’s to a wonderful new year! - Debra Elovich and Judy Marx Sisterhood Co-Presidents

Sisterhood Opening Meeting A Trifecta for Fitness Sunday, September 10 | 10:30 am The program will feature a forum of speakers that are representative of over fitness and health. Dr. Ben Cohen Excel Chiropractic

Alisa Bernath-Winters, M.S. Registered Dietician

Lori Harber Owner of per|FORM Pilates

For more information, contact Program VPs, Jennifer Rosenfeld (jenrosenfeld@comcast.net) or Delcy Harber (delcyharber@comcast.net).

Sisterhood dues for 2017-2018 are due! Be on the lookout for the membership mailing. Join before September 10 and be entered into a drawing for an Upper Level Parking permit on the High Holidays. 11 • Beineinu • August | September

rosh chodesh

Since ancient times, ritual and lore have linked women and the new moon. Today gatherings to celebrate Rosh Chodesh and explore personal spiritual growth are widespread. Please join us as we explore personal and spiritual growth through discussion with other women, followed by refreshments and time to socialize. Let’s celebrate the month of Elul, an acronym of “Ani L’dodi V’Dodi li” – “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine," a quote from Song of Songs 6:3. In Aramaic, Elul also means “search” - very timely in that we search our hearts and souls as the High Holidays approach.

Rosh Chodesh

August 22, 7:30 pm, the home of Susan Sandler, 2553 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, 30305: Please join us as we welcome in the month of Elul. You, too, can lead one of our sessions or be a host. AA Sisterhood's Rosh Chodesh discussion group meets monthly at 7:30 pm. For more information and to register, contact Susan Sandler at shsand3@bellsouth.net.

worship in pink On Saturday, October 21, please plan to join us for our 9th Annual Worship in Pink service honoring all cancer survivors and remembering loved ones lost to cancer. If you are a survivor or caregiver and would like to participate as a greeter, Ark opener, Torah reader, or make Torah blessing, contact Rina Wolfe at rinawolfe10@gmail.com by Friday, September 15.

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We are in need of ads, ad solicitors, (new and/or repeated), and have various administrative volunteer opportunities available. Ads are seen by more than 1,000 people, as well as help to support our synagogue’s religious school, Kesher@AA, and programming for children and teens.

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It’s that time of year - the 2018-2019 publication of the AA Membership Directory, coordinated by Sisterhood, is here! This year's directory is dedicated to Stanley Srochi and in memory of his wife, Joan. The expected date of publication is December 2017.

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2018-2019 Membership directory

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Be on the lookout for more information via mail and email. This is a short-term commitment, and we're counting on your participation. For more information or to volunteer, please contact the Directory Co-Chairs, Barbara Nathan at bgnathan@mindspring.com or Delcy Pardo Harber at delcyharber@comcast.net.

Beineinu • August | september • 12

ahava elc

a message from the director by hannah williams

n the very near future, we are informing all AA and Ahava families that the window to enroll in the Alef Fund Scholarship program is open, and I hope you all participate! This amazing program allows Georgia taxpayers to redirect a portion of your Georgia state income taxes to help Ahava provide scholarships to children ages 4 and up! By participating in the Alef Fund, you are directly helping to grow our preschool using the same funds you would otherwise be paying in taxes. It is, quite literally, a dollar for dollar tax credit! This past year, five children at Ahava benefited from this scholarship. From one family: "The Alef Fund scholarship helped make providing my child with an Ahava education possible, and for that, I am so grateful. My child has had a wonderful experience at Ahava, and I would recommend Ahava, and the Alef Fund, to everyone! The paperwork is so simple, and it has made a huge difference for my child and my family. I am happy to be able to give back to the Alef Fund by participating as a contributor, too!" The Alef Fund was established by Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta in 2008 in response to new state legislation when Georgia’s General Assembly passed the Education Expense Credit law to provide families in our state with access to better educational opportunities for their children. The Alef Fund provides scholarships to pre-k, kindergarten, primary or secondary public school students who wish to attend participating Jewish private schools, such as Ahava. It is the only organization in Georgia that provides student scholarships exclusively to Jewish preschools, day schools and high schools. The guiding principle is to improve the affordability of Jewish education by awarding scholarship dollars to eligible students. Through the Alef Fund, you can support Jewish education in Georgia, and right here at Ahava, at virtually no cost to you, and in some cases you can reduce your net federal and state income taxes. See the FAQ’s (www.aleffund.org/faq) for more information. Together we watched our school grow to more than 50 children over the past year, and I am excited that we are continuing to watch it grow even more in the coming year. Thank you for being our partner in Jewish education by allocating your tax dollars to help Ahava provide scholarships through the Alef Fund!

13 • Beineinu • August | September

Kesher@AA

Why Hebrew?

by marc silberstein that was dead just over 100 years ago is alive and well, and it still has the ability to bring people together from completely different backgrounds. Language is usually seen as a great divider between nationalities and ethnicities. Hebrew is different. Hebrew is the common bond that we share with millions of people around the world along with making a tangible connection to the legacy our ancestors left for us.

communities together from all over the world.

This brings me to Hebrew at Kesher@AA. One of the first questions any educator must ask him or herself is “Why am I teaching this?” and “Where do I want my students to be at the end of this process?” For me, the answer is easy: I want our children to be comfortable and literate Jews who feel they can find a home After the destruction of the Temple in anywhere around the world. Hebrew is or centuries, the Jewish people were Jerusalem and the consequential dispersion that connecting piece. One of my favorite referred to as the “People of the Book." of the Jewish population that followed, episodes of the The West Wing highlights a This nickname comes from our people’s Jewish leaders were forced to reassess their special code word ancient Israelites used connection to the Torah, and the role the approach to promoting Jewish life and to to identify other Israelites. Those in-theJewish nation played in introducing The reconfigure the ways Jewish people came know were aware the special word was Torah to the world. The Torah was the together to learn or to celebrate. This was Shibboeth and not Sibboleth: This small center of Jewish existence and identity the point in time when the Jewish people difference in vernacular affirmed a person for the first 1,000 years of our collective became focused on language. They evolved was a friend, and that he/she understood history. I would like to offer an alternative from being the People of the Written Law the inherent connection existing between nickname, “People of the Language," (the Torah) to the People of an Oral Law co-religionists. It was not a specific action; specifically the “Lashon HaKodesh," the (Mishnah, Gemara, and all of the sequential rather, it was through language. We, at Holy Language of Hebrew. I believe strongly works that followed). Our Rabbis used Kesher@AA, want to give your children in Hebrew being a vital factor in developing linguistic tricks like mnemonics and the passwords so they can evolve into a fulfilling Jewish life. I am a proud product hermeneutic interpretations of the Torah independent and proud Jews who know a of the Ahavath Achim religious school, and to extend its meaning. One of the amazing community exists for them anywhere in I have a multitude of memories reviewing parts of this process was that it occurred the world. They just have to say the word. my letters, combining them with vowels, long before the invention of the printing squishing them together to form words, press, so all of the insights and lessons were Kesher@AA registration is open! Register your and finally reading full sentences and passed down through language. It was child at http://bit.ly/2uQVUBu. For questions prayers. I cannot say I fully grasped what language that brought Jews together in the or concerns, contact Marc at msilberstein@ this meant until the first time I travelled land of Israel, Babylon (Iraq), the northern aasynagogue.org or 404.603.5748. to Israel and stepped into a synagogue on coast of Africa, in new communities across Shabbat where no one spoke English. Yet, Europe, and later in the Americas. I was able to locate my place in the service, participate, and be called up to the Torah Now a peculiar thing about this history for an Aliyah. It was extremely powerful is that none of these Jews actually spoke to feel out of place, and simultaneously Hebrew as their vernacular. Some spoke completely at home. My ability to read this Arabic, others Aramaic, and over time the language, Hebrew, and to follow along with Jewish people developed Ladino (a Hebrew the service opened up a new Jewish world and Spanish fusion) and Yiddish. These to me. divisions in language sum up much of the past 1,500 years of Jewish existence, as While working on my Master’s degree in we were, and still in many ways remain, Israel, I had the chance to meet up with a separated by borders, language, and group of Ukrainian Jews to study Torah. I customs. Although discussions in the Beit did not know how to speak Ukrainian, they Midrash (Study Hall), markets, and at home didn’t know English, and we were able to sit were done in the local vernacular, access to down and study a very difficult passage of text and ritual was essential, and comfort Talmud in (wait for it) Hebrew! A language with Hebrew became the glue that brought

14 • Beineinu • August | September

Beineinu • August | september • 14

taaglit atzmi: A southern jewish experience by Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal

his year marked our seventh trip. The Taglit Atzmi 8-10th grade experience, the brainchild of Marcia Lindner, has been an incredible journey for me and our teens. Students can enroll in any year during the three year cycle, each year culminating in a trip which seeks to reinforce our learning, strengthen bonds among students, and deepen the relationship between our teens and the AA Synagogue. In year one, we explore the history of Jewish immigration to America. Like the name of the course, Taglit Atzmi – My Journey – the class explores our parents’, grandparents’ and our great-grandparents’ treks from far off lands, escaping oppression, pogroms, tyrannical governments and hoping for a different and better life here in the United States while we also look inward asking ourselves what it might look like if we were forced to pick up and leave. What would we bring? Who would we take with us? Where would we go? Would we have the courage and the sechel (street smarts) to make the journey? Year two is spent reflecting on the uniqueness of Southern Jewry. For most of our teens, they aren’t just Jews - they are Southern Jews. They are part of a community with unique traditions and cultures, providing a great platform for exploration and introspection into the question of what makes you, YOU! Our final year is spent in studying the two most impactful events of the 20th century – the Shoah (Holocaust) and the creation of the State of Israel. The title of this class and the back and forth nature of each week’s lessons are carefully constructed to dispel the destructive myth that the Jews received the State of Israel because of the Holocaust. In fact, as our kids learn, history shows a great race between light and dark that started in the previous centuries where the inspiring forces of Zionism were working to create a safe space in the world where Jews could be a part of history rather than a victim of it. All the while, the world watched, and many participated in the crescendo of unabridged anti-Semitism as it manifested itself in the Nazi conquest of Europe. Needless to say, this third year has much depth and contemplation while coming to terms with our incredible history.

politicians, community members and clergy made the experience memorable. Lets not forget the walk across the infamous Edmund Pettus Bridge to bring all the famous photographs to life. We then added in the Jewish impact on Southern culture by exploring Southern musicians and the Jews - it was then that we headed for Memphis. Stops at Sun Records and Beale Street were a must. Of course, we took in a bit of Elvis history. Although not technically a Jew, we felt he was close enough to make the cut. Our final year, the two most impactful events for the Jewish people in the 20th century – the Shoah and Israel - takes us to Washington, D.C. First stop is always the Holocaust Museum where our students can expand on the ideas and concepts learned at Atlanta’s own William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum. We then make it a point to meet with staff and leadership from a few Israel advocacy agencies, which is always interesting to compare and contrast missions and methods. Of course, we visit the places which are the seat of power of our national government, not to mention wonderful monuments of leaders who put everything on the line to make our country and world what it is today. Each trip helps to solidify the learning that our teens engage in throughout the year. Questions that are asked in our bi-monthly sessions don’t necessary find answers on the trips but are given greater meaning and purpose for pushing each of our children’s identity forward. This coming year we are gearing up for a look at the Jewish Southern Experience. We are starting to line up the guest speakers who share with our kids how their Jewish life and Southern life collide in making their work in our community meaningful and impactful. Registration is open! If you know any 8th, 9th, or 10th graders, share with them this experience, and invite them to reach out to our Director of Education, Marc Silberstein. Let’s see what we can explore together. Our journey awaits!

Each year culminates with a trip where our learning comes alive as we explore the sites, locations and people who were a part of history. Immigration to America finds us in New York City – the tenement house, a tour of the Lower East side, Ellis and Liberty Islands, and the Jewish Heritage Museum, just to name a few. A Broadway play and shopping in Times Square always seems to make it onto the itinerary as well. The Southern Jewish Experience trip has evolved. Our first year we took a road trip. First stop was Jackson, Mississippi where we spent the afternoon at the ISJL – Institute of Southern Jewish Life, meeting historians and educators who shared their perspective on what makes Southern Jewish life so interesting. We then made our way to New Orleans for Shabbat and a tour of the Jewish sites of Louisiana. The second time we ran the Southern Jewish Experience curriculum, we shook it up a bit and engaged Billy Planer who took us on his famous civil rights tour of the South. Stops in Montgomery and Selma where we met activists,

15 • Beineinu • August | September

From left to right: Tyler Avchen, Matthew Aftergut, Ethan Povlot, Alison Lazarus, and Hope Lindner on their way to NYC for AA's annual Taglit Atzmi trip.

As tOld by Matthew Aftergut On Ellis Island we saw what people had to go through to get into the country and it was horrible. There were many tests they had to take and if they failed they would be sent back to their homeland.

We visited a one room tenement house. I don't know how families lived in such a small space. We walked around on a tour and learned about the tenement community. The streets were always busy and there were vendors selling or trading goods.

After Ellis Island, we went to the Statue of Liberty. Inside the Statue, there were beams and tools from the original structure. There were also pictures of the Statue from when it was built and all the changes until now.

We visited Times Square and we went to see the Broadway musical "Anastasia". Everybody seemed to enjoy it and it was a good play.

We visited the 9/11 Memorial and went inside the museum. Even though we were all born after 9/11, the museum touched us. I was sad to see and hear all the stories of people who lost their lives. It was a sad time for America. As we walked through we saw what happened, who did it, and how it

happened. By visiting the museum, it gave me a better awareness of the events that transpired on that day and what Americans were feeling. Although it was a terrible event it was good to know so many Americans tried to help out those in need.

The trip was wonderful, and I am glad I had the opportunity to go! Beineinu â€˘ August | september â€˘ 16

capital campaignNews

thank you to our campaign donors Davis and Sandy Abrams Douglas Adair Sandra Adair Sheila and David Adelman Fred and Cookie Aftergut Ahavath Achim Sisterhood Judge Gary Alembik Judith M. Alembik Herb and Ann Alperin Moose Alperin Marty and Richard Alterman Sara Alterman Steve Alterman and Marci Ball Anonymous Jessica C. Arluck and Douglas S. Ander Phyllis and Joseph Arnold Phyllis and Eliot Arnovitz Irene Aronin Rachel and Michael Avchen Joe and Judy Balaban Pat and Jack Balser Cindy and Dr. Bruce Becker Betty Behr, Kara Behr, Sara and Jonathan Hoffenberg Faith Benda Gerald and Vicki Benjamin Julia and Terry Bernath David Bernstein Diane and Marvin Bernstein Marlene Gelenter Besser and Abe Besser Jutta and Sidney Blase James Blasingame and Toby Schonfeld Martha and Herbert Blondheim Jerome and Elaine Blumenthal Rita and Arthur Bodner Hedy and Aaron Borenstein Lindsay and Evan Borenstein Linda and Richard Bressler Ben Cavalier Mark and Ruth Coan and Family The Coca-Cola Company Anne Cohen and Craig Silverman Bernard and Rae-Alice Cohen Generations Fund/Alan and Pamela Cohen David and Julie Cohen Harold and Diane Cohen Latifa Cohen Lisa and Walter Cohen Lori and Gregg Cohen Mark and Tova Cohen Mrs. Victor Cohen and Family Stanley J. Cohen Linda and Richard Collier Rachael and Jonathan Colton Stanley Cristol Nikki and Randy Crohn Doug and Margo Diamond Shelly and Allen Dollar Sam, Eddie, Liora and Amir Dressler Mark Eden Jordan and Ana-Maria Eisner Debra Elovich and James Gray Suzy and Hadley Engelhard Lauren Estrin and Andrew Deutsch Elisa and Bobby Ezor Joel and Allison Feldman Ken and Barbara Feinberg Emanuel and Stacy Fialkow Diana Fiedotin

Barry Fields Robert and Pat Fine Donna and Mark Fleishman Gail Foorman and Dr. Craig Tovey Lori and Jordan Forman Ramon and Jody Franco Richard and Phyllis Franco Lois and Larry Frank The Esther and Jake Friedman Family Jared and Beth Friedman Murray and Lynn Friedman Andree and Marc Frost Susan and Fulton Frumin Frances and Stuart Galishoff Drs. Stephen and Marianne Garber Renie and David Geller Ruth Gershon Melinda Gertz Don and Celia Gilner Kenneth and Madeleine Gimbel Carol and Robert Glickman Larry and Margo Gold Dr. Daniel and Marni Goldman Bernie Goldstein Doris and Martin Goldstein Eve and Joel Goldstein Karen and Steven Goldstein Leon Goldstein and Family in honor of Betty Goldstein z"l David Gordon Larry and Stella Gordon Neil Gordon Katie and Daniel Greene Lynne and Thomas Greenfield Steve and Heleen Grossman Michael and Gail Habif Morris Habif Frank and Helen Hahn Alvin and Sherry Halpern The Halpern-Oppenheimer Family Foundation Hammer Family Josh Hanna and Sharon Funk Delcy Pardo Harber The Family of Rick and Lori Harber Marvin and Natalie Harris Gloria and Howard Hecht Helen Hersch and Harold Hersch z"l Jack and Michal Hart Hillman Stuart Harvey Hillman Gail and Gilbert Holzer Barbara and Michael Horowitz Gary and Jean Jackson Paul and Stephanie Jacobs Dr. Dennis Jaffe Marcia Jaffe Rachael and Michael Joseph Rhalda Kahn and Ralph Kahn z"l Barbara and Alan Kaplan and Family Lisa Kaplan Philip and Sally Kaplan Theodore and Ann Kaplan Jeffrey and Alison Kaufman Judy and Martin Kogon Michael and Laurie Kogon Ross and Sara Kogon Elaine and Alan Kolodkin Darryl and Roslyn Konter Elissa and Harris Konter Doris and Beryl Koplin

17 • Beineinu • August | September

Phyllis and Jerry Kraft Russell and Cheryl Kramer Lana and Richard Krebs Carlyn and Barry Kriegel Arnold and Starr Lande Rhona Landis Craig and Faye Lefkoff Evelyn and Harold Lefkoff Helen Lefkoff Lawrence and Marjorie Lefkoff Michelle and Jonathan Lerner and Family Renay and Alan Levenson Michael J. and Ann Levin Esther and Michael K. Levine Marshall and Nancy Levine Miriam Strickman Levitas and Dr. Theodore C. Levitas z"l Michelle and Rich Levy Myrtle Lewin Miriam S. Lewis Dr. and Mrs. Paul Liebman William and Patsy K. Little Joel Lobel and Debbie Smith Lisa and Alan Lubel Malkin, Glazer and Hirsh Family Joseph and Charlotte Marcus Rhoda and Stephen Margolis Judy Marx Corinne and John Matayek Sherry and Harry Maziar Lev and Berta Mebel Jerome and Joanne Mendel Lee Mendel Ivan and Shirley Millender Lori and Wayne Miller Susan Moray Vicki and Steve Morris and Family Barbara and George Nathan Dr. Philip and Donna Newman Dr. Dorothy Rosenthal and William Nerenberg David Norflus Francine Norflus Dr. Stephen Oppenheimer Barbara and Sanford Orkin and Family Hank Oxman Alon and Sheri Panovka Sarah and Mark Papier Dan Paradies z"l Gregg and Beth Paradies James Paradies Anna Pichulik Jo Pichulik and Louis Pichulik z"l Alan and Sally Pinsker Barbara and Richard Planer Michael Plasker and Ellen Arnovitz Dara and Arthur Povlot Barry and Lynn Prusin Mark and Sharon Reich Ralda and Martin Reish Bruce and Vickie Reisman Shirley and Donald Reisman Andrew and Susan Canter Reisner David Rhones Bruce and Barbara Ribner Lori Rich Marlene and Stanley Rinzler Nancy and Andrew Rinzler Renee and Robert Rinzler Flora and Bernard Rosefsky Joel and Jennifer Rosenfeld

Carl and Rosalie Rosenthal Brooke and Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal Ralph Sacks Susan and Rabbi Neil Sandler Milton and Virginia Saul Linda and Abe Schear Ray and Susan Schoenbaum Alan and Judy Schulman Irma Shulman-Weiner Marianne Shultzberg Betty Ann Shusterman Andy and Caryn Siegel Philip and Debra Siegel Richard H. Siegel Barry Silver Brenda Silverman Susan E. Simon Judy and Allen Soden Jack Spielberg z"l Denise and Stephen Spiegel Jennifer and Kevin Spindel The Srochi Family Allen and Merna Stein Howard and Irene Stein Stanley and Marilyn Steinberg Toby and Gayle Steinberg Steven and Lynne Steindel Mark and Tamar Stern Ruth and Hiram Sturm Charitable Remainder Trust Dr. Alan and Betty Sunshine Rick and Cathy Swerdlin Ben and Julie Taube Dr. Paul Teplis Jeannie and Bob Tepper Karla Tievsky and Seth Kirschenbaum Sharon Eienel Torreyson The Vantosh Family Cecile Waronker Drs. Nancy and Mark Weiner Mark Weinstein Drs. Julius and Nanette Wenger Alan Wexler The Wildstein Family Larry and Sheila Wilensky Joel and Hannah Williams Sue and Jon Winner Rina Wolfe and Jack Wolfe z"l Sonia Fishkin and Andrew Zangwill Sharon J. Zinns Jeannette and Michael Zukor Jack and Sophie Zwecker

donor profile

Rachael and Michael Joseph You decided to name the mezuzah on the synagogue’s main entrance. What prompted your interest in naming this specific space? Passing through these doors marks the beginning of most experiences at AA, so we associate them strongly with our time there. As we learned about the renovations, we were struck by the proposed changes to this entrance, finally making it as inviting as the congregation itself. We wanted to be a part of that improvement! Having something visible allows our family to be reminded of our connection to the synagogue. It also allows our children to see the importance of giving to causes we believe in.

As non-native Atlantans, can you share what drew you to the AA and what do you find meaningful about the community? Living in town, the first thing that got us looking was the wonderful location. As we dug deeper, we saw all the things in AA we were looking for in a synagogue: a pre-school so our kids could start to study in a place that was like a second home, flexible options for how to connect and observe, a mix of community involvement across all age groups, and rabbis we connected with. We also appreciated the support AA receives from many major donors, something we felt helped ensure the long-term viability and relevance of the congregation. After deciding to join, we began to have people, even many nonmembers, tell us about their family's roots at AA. We noticed other synagogues who trace their roots to AA as well, and we came to understand and feel pride in the history and impact of AA in Atlanta and around the region.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with others about your gift? In the relatively short time (7 years) we've been members, we have seen AA continuously work to improve, to provide a better experience and sense of community to the members and beyond. The dues requested in return are a relatively small ask in the context of a household budget. We felt the decision not to borrow money for the renovation, nor force a surcharge on to members, showed fiscal responsibility. This increased the obligation of the members to contribute in a way that takes into account not only our current financial position, but how we will feel about our gift 5, 15, and 25 years or more into the future.

What made you decide to support the capital campaign? We felt a strong obligation given how directly the improvements will benefit us and our children. Given the last renovation of this magnitude was over 50 years ago, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for such an impact. We also wanted to contribute to show our appreciation to the major donors, so they can see that those who will benefit the most from their generosity see enough value in it to step up ourselves. How did making this wonderful gift make you feel? We feel a deeper connection to the long history of AA. We are truly invested in and attached to the synagogue now, and even though our families are not from here, we are now a part of the AA legacy and have begun a legacy of our own.

Beineinu • August | september • 18

aa's next generation event

aa's 45 & under group comes together to learn about the future AA held its first “Next Generation” event for young families and professionals in their 30s and 40s on June 25th. Approximately 30 people gathered for brunch with their children at the home of Rachael and Michael Joseph to learn more about the capital campaign and the exciting plans for AA’s future. We hope this event was the first of many for the Next Generation of AA members. There will be an initial planning meeting in early August to plan events and programs for this constituency in the upcoming year. If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact Anne Cohen, Director of Marketing & Community Relations at acohen@aasynagogue.org or 404.603.5754.

save the date Congregational Capital Campaign Meetings Please join us for a preview of our construction and design plans as The Campaign for AA moves forward to transform our future! You’ll hear more in-depth details of the planned renovations, and have the opportunity to have your questions answered. We hope that you can make it! The meetings will take place on Sunday, August 20, 4:00 pm and Thursday, September 7, 7:30 pm.

$8,088,796 Raised Visit www.aasynagogue.org for more information or to make a donation to the Capital Campaign

19 • Beineinu • August | September

social action

blood drive

a gift to the community

by gail solomon, Blood drive chair

Every minute there is somebody, somewhere who needs a blood transfusion to survive or blood available for surgery in case there is a need. Only you/we can save lives by donating blood, the gift of life. There is no synthetic blood - blood can only come from human donors. Think about it. If you or someone in your family needed blood available for surgery or for a transfusion, you would want it to be available. It will only be available if people like us share our blood with the Red Cross and the hospitals they serve. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are preferred. To schedule an appointment, go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter code JWV or contact Gail Solomon at 404.351.1900 or gailsol@gmail.com. Thank you to our Blood Drive co-sponsors: Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Congregation Shearith Israel, Congregation Or Ve Shalom, Jewish War Veterans Post 112, and Fulton Lodge No. 216 F. & A.M.. Congratulations to Richard Siegel for winning the Red Cross drawing for a $50 gift card. Richard is a loyal blood donor who has been donating blood since college. He has donated over 112 pints of blood!

AA-ACTS

As we enter 5778, our committee members are preparing for another year of building awareness and education, advocating and lobbying, and volunteering to help victims of child sex trafficking. We will be meeting early in the fall to plan the coming year's activities, including new ways to assist victims in their recovery, participating in Lobby Day at the State Capitol, and continuing to educate both ourselves and the wider community about the ways that Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) hurts both its victims as well our entire community. To learn more and get involved with our committee, please contact either Steve Chervin at stevenchervin@gmail.com, or Linda Bressler at lindafb@bellsouth.net.

Richard Siegel (left) and Elliott Rich (right) showing the pins they received for donating 14 gallons (112 Pints) of Blood.

Zaban paradies This fall, AA Synagogue volunteers will be providing meals at the Zaban Paradies Center for Homeless Couples (originally called The Temple Zaban Night Shelter for the Homeless). AA has performed this mitzvah for more than 40 years. AA is one of several religious organizations that provide food for a few nights. Each night, more than 20 homeless couples receive shelter and a full dinner. The meals, while not having to be strict Kosher, need to follow the basic kosher-style tradition (no pork products or the like). There is no requirement to stay overnight – the time commitment extends from 6:00 – 8:30 pm on the assigned night for each volunteer. For further details, please contact Jen Rosenfeld at jenrosenfeld@comcast.net or Alan Wexler at 404.872.8880; alanwexler@databankinfo.com. Exact dates for volunteering will be announced in the next few weeks. We welcome your participation in the true tradition of AA volunteerism.

Beineinu • August | september • 20

operation isaiah

Mazal Tov to AA's Operation Isaiah for being featured in JF&CS's Stories of Impact Spring 2017 newsletter! Read the story: Partner Spotlight: Ahavath Achim Synagogue Since signing on as a synagogue partner in 2009, Ahavath Achim (AA) has become one of the strongest participants in JF&CS's Community Engagement program. Its officers, clergy and committee chairs consistently participate in our continuing education affinity groups made up of leaders from partner synagogues to share programming ideas and to strategize how to handle common issues and many other events. AA is the lead contributor from the Atlanta Jewish Community to the Atlanta Community Food Bank's Hunger Walk and to Operation Isaiah - the ACFB food drive. This year, AA raised more money for the Hunger Walk than any other Jewish organization and donated 103,340 pounds of food through Operation Isaiah. The JF&CS Kosher Food Pantry receives a large portion of funds allocated by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta through the Walk. Additionally, the Kesher@AA students - AA's religious school - regularly make Aviv Celebrations cards for our clients, and AA Rabbis Neil Sandler and Laurence Rosenthal are among the strongest supporters of our HAMSA addiction program. We thank AA leadership and congregation for their support of JF&CS! This High Holiday season, give the gift of making sure there is food on someone else's table. Most needed food items: canned vegetables, tuna, beans, and fruit, whole grain pasta, brown rice, and oatmeal. There are three ways to participate: bring your canned food to the AA lobby starting September 20, to Kol Nidre evening services on Friday, September 29, or send in a check or make a donation at www. aasynagogue.org, earmarking it for Operation Isaiah (we will purchase the food on your behalf). For more information, contact the synagogue office at 404.355.5222.

Habitat for humanity AA Synagogue needs volunteers for its annual Habitat for Humanity House Build on Sunday, October 29 (site location to be announced soon)! AA is proud to have built more than 20 Habitat houses in the past years as part of an interfaith effort with other synagogues and churches from the Buckhead and North Atlanta areas. Our efforts resulted in providing affordable housing for more than 100 family members. For further updates prior to the build date, contact Jeffrey Victor at 404.702.3469; jeffrey@creative-si.com or Alan Wexler at 404.872.8880; alanwexler@databankinfo.com. This experience is cherished by all our volunteers. Please let us know if you would like to become part of the team.

Rebecca's tent During the fall and winter months, AA Synagogue provides volunteers for Rebecca’s Tent Shelter at Congregation Shearith Israel (1180 University Drive, Atlanta – off North Highland Avenue). For the past 50 years, our synagogue has provided kosher meals every night during assigned weeks for the 15+ homeless women who reside at Shearith Israel during the fall and winter months. We need your help and welcome your participation. For more information, please contact Shirley Rich at 404.355.7700 or 404.583.7753; bubbesr@webtv.net.

greening group Got that old lightbulb in your hand? Or those styrofoam peanuts, batteries, can of paint, electronics, old TV, or laptop? Don't know how to dispose of them responsibly? Save your hard-to-recycle materials for AA Greening Group's Fall Great Big Recycling Event! More details coming soon. Questions? Email aagreening@gmail.com or contact Brooke Rosenthal or Myrtle Lewin at 404.409.3196.

21 • Beineinu • August | September

jews in the pews in the news Jay Waronker

On Wednesday, July 5, the Prime Minister of India, Narenda Modi, visited the Israeli Museum for an exhibition on India-Jewish heritage. During the visit, The Synagogues of India, a book authored by AA Congregant Jay Waronker, was presented to Modi by the Prime Minister of Israel, Bibi Netenyahu. Below is an excerpt of an email written by Isaac Molho, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Israel Museum, describing the success of the visit: "I would like to thank Acting Director Ayelet Shiloh Tamir for her excellent organization of the event; Chief Curator of the Jewish Art and Life Wing Daisy Raccah-Djivre, and Storage and Collection Manager of the Wing Gioia Perugia, for their expert and interesting explanations of the synagogue and other displayed items; and our longtime friend and supporter Marian Scheuer Sofaer of Palo Alto, California, for joining us on this auspicious occasion. Marian, who, together with her husband Abe, has played a leading role in the Indian Jewish community worldwide, presented Prime Minister Modi with a book on synagogues in India that she and Abe initiated and sponsored." See the presentation of Jay's book to Prime Minister Narenda Modi on YouTube at http://bit.ly/2vjnuVO.

about Jay Jay A. Waronker, educated in architecture and architectural history at the University of Michigan, Harvard University, and Cornell University, is a practicing architect in Atlanta, Georgia USA specializing in residential design. Waronker is also a member of the faculty of the Department of Architecture at Kennesaw State University in Atlanta, where he was departmental chair. Waronker has likewise served as a visiting professor at various American and international universities. Since the early 1990s, Waronker's scholarship has focused on the study, documentation, and preservation of synagogues in India, Myanmar, and sub-Saharan Africa. His portfolio of synagogue watercolor paintings have been widely exhibited throughout the USA and abroad, including most recently at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in New Delhi (2017), Kennesaw State University (2017), and SUNY-Canton (2016). His writings have appeared in a variety of academic and popular publications, including Synagogues of Islamic World: Architecture, Design and Identity (Edinburgh University Press, 2017) and the Cambridge History of World Religious Architecture (Cambridge University Press, 2018). Among his many efforts associated with diasporic synagogues, in 2015/ 16, Waronker in collaboration with the Indian Jewish Heritage Center of Israel installed heritage plaques at all lndiari synagogues, and he advised on the restoration of synagogues in Maputo, Mozambique, Abuja Nigeria, and at Delhi, Parur, Chendamangalam, and Ahmedabad in India. Waronker regularly delivers papers at conferences, and he lectures widely in the field of diasporic synagogue architecture. Read about Jay's research on the synagogues of India at www.cochinsyn.com.

Prime Minister of Israel, Bibi Netanyahu (far right), presenting Prime Minister of India, Narenda Modi (left of Netanyahu) with The Synagogues of India by Jay Waronker

The Synagogues of India by Jay Waronker

Beineinu â€˘ August | september â€˘ 22

cultural arts & education Todah rabah to Delcy Pardo Harber, Susan sandler, & all of our volunteers for their hard work to make the safrai art gallery and sale a success!

23 â€˘ Beineinu â€˘ August | September

calendar & Volunteer aa Events

*Unraveling the Talmud with Rabbi Rosenthal will resume in October *Latte and Learn will resume after the High Holidays *Lunch and Learn will resume after the High Holidays

by Diane Bernstein).

piedmont study group w/ the rabbis wednesday, august 9 and september 13, 2:30 3:30 pm, The Piedmont at Buckhead, 650 Phipps Boulevard NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 Every second Wednesday of the month through September.

talmud berakhot: blessings upon blessings

worship in pink

saturday, October 21

On Saturday, October 21, please plan to join us for our 9th Annual Worship in Pink service honoring all cancer survivors and remembering loved ones lost to cancer. If you are a survivor or caregiver and would like to participate as a greeter, Ark opener, Torah reader, or make Torah blessing, contact Rina Wolfe at rinawolfe10@gmail. com by Friday, September 15.

thursdays, 8:30 am

Join Rabbi Sandler each Thursday morning for this study group following Morning Minyan. For more information, contact Rabbi Neil Sandler at nsandler@ aasynagogue.org or 404.603.5740.

torah study

Saturdays, 10:00 am

Please join us for Torah Study session every Saturday morning for the months of August - June. For a list of facilitators, visit aasynagogue.org/learning/adult.

Saturplay@aa

Saturdays, 10:00 am

Groove Shabbat Birthday & anniversary breakfast sunday, august 13, 8:30 am

Join us for Minyan followed by a wonderful breakfast in honor of our June, July, and August birthday and anniversary celebrants! Come celebrate with your Ahavath Achim family by attending breakfast in your honor. Invite friends and family to celebrate with you. We hope you’ll join us! Please RSVP to Fern Schorr at 404.355.5222 or fschorr@aasynagogue.org to ensure that we have prepared enough food. If you are unable to attend the celebration, your contributions to the Daily Minyan-Helen Cavalier and Joe Cohen Fund are greatly appreciated. All proceeds are used to provide Shiva trays to bereaved families on behalf of the congregation.

Families with children 7 and under are welcome to join us every Saturday (except Groove Shabbat Saturdays) for Shabbat play rosh chodesh w/ sisterhood on the Ahava play yard! Afterwards, feel August 22, 7:30 pm, the home of Susan Sandler, free to join for Kiddush lunch in Srochi.

Mah Jongg

2553 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, 30305

Let’s celebrate the month of Elul, an acronym of “Ani L’dodi V’Dodi li” – “I am Sundays, 10:00 am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine," a Please join Sisterhood women every Sunday quote from Song of Songs 6:3. In Aramaic, to play, schmooze, have fun, and connect Elul also means “search” - very timely in that with other women. We are patient, willing we search our hearts and souls as the High to teach, and will welcome you. For more Holidays approach. You, too, can lead one of information, contact Nancy Canter Weiner our sessions or be a host. AA Sisterhood's Rosh at ncweiner@mindspring.com. Chodesh discussion group meets monthly at 7:30 pm. For more information and to register, contact Susan Sandler at shsand3@bellsouth.net. Naomi’s Book Club

AUGust 7 and September 11 , 10:15 am

Naomi’s Book Club is held on the first Monday of each month. Sisterhood honors the memory of Naomi Gold, who actively encouraged and coordinated literary growth. All are welcome to join for lively book discussions. Contact Madeleine Gimbel at maddy_gimbel@yahoo.com for more information. August’s book is News of the World by Paulette Giles (facilitated by Donna Newman), and September's is The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion (facilitated

BLUEGRASS SHABBAT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Save the date for AA's Second Annual Bluegrass Shabbat! Enjoy games, BBQ, and cocktails while listening to the sweet bluegrass tunes of our musical guest, The Cohen Brothers. We will end the evening with a musical Shabbat service. The event is for ALL ages, and members are encouraged to attend and bring guests! Ticket information coming soon.

Groove Shabbat

saturday, October 21, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Come join Mr. Michael and PJ Library on October 21, November 11, and December 9 for stories and interactive songs celebrating Shabbat and upcoming Jewish holidays. Stories and songs at 10:30 am, followed by snacks, playtime and kiddush lunch. All free, and geared towards families with children ages 0-4. Mr. Michael Levine is the co-founder of The Learning Groove & the music producer for the first four Pete The Cat picture books. PJ Library offers free Jewish themed books for children of all ages.

cultural arts concert sunday, october 22, 3:00 pm

Save the date for AA's Cultural Arts Concert featuring the works of Haydn, Beethoven, and Brahms. Music will be performed by the Vega String Quartet and William Ransom. This program is free and open to the community! For more information, contact Ivan Millender at ivanmillender@ earthlink.net.

Beineinu • August | september • 24

aa volunteer/sociaL ACTION EVENTS

Director of Marketing, Anne Cohen, at acohen@aasynagogue.org.

share your skills

habitat for humanity build Blood Drive

sunday, october 29

AA Synagogue needs volunteers for its annual Habitat for Humanity House Build Please be a blood donor. To schedule an (site location to be announced soon)! For appointment, go to www.redcrossblood.org further updates prior to the build date, and enter sponsor code JWV - you will be contact Jeffrey Victor at 404.702.3469; taken directly to the AA Blood Drive where jeffrey@creative-si.com or Alan Wexler at you can schedule your appointment. For 404.872.8880; alanwexler@databankinfo. more information, contact Gail Solomon com. (more info on pg. 21) at gailsol@gmail.com or 404.351.1900. The quarterly Red Cross Blood Drive is co-sponsored by Ahavath Achim synagogue, the Jewish War Veterans, the Fulton Masonic Lodge, and new cosponsor, Congregation Shearith Israel.

Sunday, august 6, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

ACFB Food Sorting & Packing

Sunday, august 20 and september 17, 1 - 4 pm

Help us sort and box donated food. There is something for everyone to do, regardless of physical ability or experience. Close-toed shoes are required. For more information, contact Nancy Canter Weiner at ncweiner@ mindspring.com.

Operation Isaiah

Starts Wednesday, September 20

This High Holiday season, give the gift of making sure there is food on someone else's table. Most needed food items: canned vegetables, tuna, beans, and fruit, whole grain pasta, brown rice, and oatmeal. There are three ways to participate: bring your canned food to the AA lobby starting September 20, to Kol Nidre evening services on Friday, September 29, or send in a check or make a donation at www.aasynagogue.org, earmarking it for Operation Isaiah (we will purchase the food on your behalf). For more information, contact the synagogue office at 404.355.5222.

25 • Beineinu • August | September

zaban paradies center

Do you have skills (or expertise) you’d like to share? For example, do you have a background in Public Relations, Writing, Event Planning and/or Coordination, Volunteerism, Fundraising, Teaching, Customer Service, Research, Education, Sales, or anything else? We’d love to know about it! Please email Director of Marketing, Anne Cohen, at acohen@ aasynagogue.org with information about the skill-set you're bringing to the table.

2017-2018 Sisterhood Directory

It’s that time of year - the 2018-2019 publication of the AA Membership Directory, coordinated by Sisterhood, is here! We are in need of ads, ad solicitors, (new and/or repeated), and have various administrative volunteer opportunities available. Be on the lookout for more information via mail or email. This is a short-term commitment and we're counting on your participation. Be on the lookout for more information via mail and email. This is a short-term commitment, and we're counting on your participation. For more information or to volunteer, please contact the Directory Co-Chairs, Barbara Nathan at bgnathan@mindspring. com or Delcy Pardo Harber at delcyharber@ comcast.net. (more info on pg. 12)

sisterhood honey fundraiser

This fall AA Synagogue volunteers will be Send an 8-ounce jar of providing meals at the Zaban Paradies delicious kosher honey to Center for Homeless Couples (originally friends, family, and business called The Temple Zaban Night Shelter for associates for the New Year. the Homeless). Exact dates for volunteering A personalized card, with will be announced in the next few weeks the words “L’Shana Tova – For further details or to volunteer, please Wishing you a Healthy and contact Jen Rosenfeld at jenrosenfeld@ Happy New Year," lets the recipients know comcast.net or Alan Wexler at that donations have been made in their 404.872.8880; alanwexler@databankinfo. honor to Ahavath Achim Sisterhood. To com. (more info on pg. 20) order, go to www.orthoney.com/AAG, click on “click here to start your order," and rebecca's tent follow the step-by-step instructions. For During the fall and winter months, more information, contact Janet Kupshik at AA Synagogue provides volunteers for 404.313.1874 or janet6420@aol.com. Rebecca’s Tent Shelter at Congregation Shearith Israel (1180 University Drive, Atlanta – off North Highland Avenue). Sisterhood Torah Fund We need your help and welcome your Torah Fund supports the participation. For more information, please five major educational contact Shirley Rich at 404.355.7700 or institutions of the 404.583.7753; bubbesr@webtv.net. (more Conservative Movement info on pg. 21) and helps to ensure a healthy future for have you seen our monday motivation Conservative Judaism. These institutions educate not only rabbis and cantors but eblasts? also administrators, social workers, and Every Monday our eblast features a lay leaders. This year there are five new different congregant, a cause that beautiful Torah Fund Greeting Cards. To is meaningful to him/her, and the purchase cards, contact Glenna Hornstein organization he or she is involved in to at 904.616.1697 or itsallrelative@bellsouth. support the cause. If you would like to net. expose "your" cause and teach others how they can get involved, please reach out to

Amazon sisterhood fundraiser

Sisterhood invites you to do your online shopping with us at Amazon.com (you can do it with or without an Amazon account). By shopping through Sisterhood’s associate link, you allow us to receive up to 15% of your total purchase, including gift cards. There is no cost to you! From the AA website home page (aasynagogue.org), click on "Community", then "Sisterhood", then "Amazon.com Sisterhood Fundraiser" to start shopping with us!

Shearith Israel) welcome the entire community to this service. Evening's schedule: • 9:00 om: Havdallah and Reception • 9:45 om: Film (The Cake Lady) and Panel Discussion • ~11:30 pm: Selichot Services

Community Events Infertility Support Group

Every second Thursday of the month at MACoM Sandy Springs, 700-A Mount Vernon Hwy NE, 30328 or every fourth Monday of the month at JFF | Atlanta, 60 Lenox Point NE, 30324, join together with others who struggle with this infertility as we support each other and learn about opportunities and hope for the future. RSVP at http://bit. ly/2gQ1myZ. For more information, contact Elana Frank at 770.843.7413 or rsvp@ jewishfertilityfoundation.org.

solar eclipse shabbat august 18 - 21, Ramah darom

Join Ramah Darom at this once-in-alifetime opportunity for a family-friendly cosmic weekend learning about and preparing for the TOTAL solar eclipse complete with a Shabbat celebration, solar art projects, stargazing, Jewish and scientific learning sessions and activities for everyone. Rabun County, Georgia is the only place to view the total eclipse in the entire state. The weekend will feature amazing scientists and scholars, including Rabbi Abe Friedman, the AstroravAstronomer Dr. Alan Gersch, Atmospheric Scientist Dr. Morris Cohen, and more! For more information go to www. ramahdarom.org/year-round-programs/ upcoming-events.

selichot 5778: conservative synagogues of greater atlanta

september 16, 9:00 pm, congregation beth shalom, 5303 winters chapel road, atlanta, ga The Conservative Synagogues of Greater Atlanta (sponsored jointly by the Ahavath Achim, Beth Shalom, B’nai Torah, Etz Chaim,Gesher L’Torah, Or Hadash,

hadassah's 2017 g.e.m. event - gender equality in medicine september 10, 12:30 - 4:30 pm, congregation or hadash

The Ketura and Health Professionals groups of Hadassah Greater Atlanta, are hosting a powerful community event to educate and raise awareness about Gender Equality in Medicine, one of Hadassah’s major focuses on domestic advocacy efforts. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2uhN7I8. Register at http://bit.ly/2uhW57W.

Greeters Needed

If you can smile and say "Shabbat Shalom" then you are a fully trained greeter. Greeters welcome everyone with a smile. They stay in the foyer in front of Ellman Chapel for approximately one hour on Shabbat. Greeters are needed for one-hour shifts on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. To join the greeter team contact Mildred or Marty Kwatinetz at zaydekw@comcast.net or 404.812.1734.

including those who identify as part of the gender and sexual diversity community and those who identify as allies. Everyone is welcome to join!

5th annual atlanta kosher bbq competition & festival

october 22, 11:00 am - 3:30 pm, pavillion at Brook run park in dunwoody, ga 30338 The Atlanta Kosher BBQ Competition and Festival returns to Brook Run Park for the third year in a row! For more information, visit www.theatlantakosherbbq.com or contact Jody Pollack at pitboss@ theatlantakosherbbq.com.

JF&CS Employment Workshop Series Join JF&CS for this innovative series of workshops that offer essential tools for today's job seekers: job search basics, resume writing, interview skills, etc. For a full calendar of programs and to register, visit https://www.jfcsatl.org/services/ careers/career-workshops.

Community volunteer/sociaL ACTION EVENTS

NCJW - tutors needed

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Locally, the Atlanta Jewish Coalition for Literacy (AJCL) is NCJW's signature program. Over 120 volunteer tutors donate their time in eight metro Atlanta Title 1 schools. Most of tutors work with multiple students, so in total over 300 kids are helped. AJCL is looking for tutors - visit http://bit.ly/2tGufDQ to find out which Atlanta-area schools are in need of help.

Atlanta pride parade

october 15, 12:00 pm, Civic Center MARTA Station

Atlanta's Jewish Community, sponsored by Sojourn: Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity will march together in support of our family, friends, coworkers, and community members. The Jewish Community Contingent is diverse and inclusive,

Beineinu • August | september • 26

weekly service schedule

We are a dynamic, egalitarian, conservative congregation that inspires our members to forge strong connections with God, Jewish life, Israel, and our community.

stay connected

Morning Minyan (Monday - Friday)

7:15 am

Morning Minyan (Sunday)

8:30 am

Evening Minyan (Sunday - Thursday)

6:00 pm

Shabbat Evening Service (Friday)

6:30 pm

@AASynagogueATL

Shabbat Morning Service (Saturday)

9:00 am

Ahavath Achim Synagogue

facebook.com/AhavathAchimSynagogue

@aasynagogueatl

Neil Sandler, Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal, Rabbi Jill Rosner, Assistant to the Rabbis Barry Herman, Interim Executive Director Catherine Ficke, Executive Assissant Jordan Forman, Ritual Director Hannah Williams, Ahava Early Learning Center Director Marc Silberstein, Director of Education Lindsay Borenstein, Director of Development Shana Dukette, Capital Campaign Administrative Assistant Anne Cohen, Director of Marketing & Community Relations Lauren Dube, Marketing Coordinator & Graphic Designer Ilana Schwartz, Marketing Intern Joe Jones, Director of Security Chris Carr, Director of Facilities Wesley Coney, Facilities Anika Johnson, Facilities Ken Johnson, Facilities Ian Madge, Facilities Marcus Thomas, Facilities Stan Vogel, Finance Manager Fern Schorr, Receptionist Rob Wildstein, President Rick Swerdlin, Executive Vice President Rick Harber, Financial Vice President Stacy Fialkow, Vice President Dick Planer, Vice President Arthur Povlot, Vice President Debra Elovich and Judy Marx, Sisterhood Co-Presidents Zoe Glickman, Kadima President

Beineinu â€Ś between you and me The Newsletter of Ahavath Achim Synagogue

Our newsletter is funded by a grant from The Center Family Foundation AHAVATH ACHIM BEINEINU (USPS-009-780) / Published BiMonthly / by Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave., N.W., Atlanta, GA 30327 / Synagogue Office: 404.355.5222 / Fax: 404.352.2831 / Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism/Periodical Postage Paid at Atlanta, Georgia. Postmaster: Send Address Changes to Ahavath Achim Beineinu, 600 Peachtree Battle Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30327

Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30327 | www.aasynagogue.org | 404.355.5222

Ahavath Achim Synagogue

Published on Aug 1, 2017

Beineinu - August/September 2017

Published on Aug 1, 2017

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