Beineinu - January/February/March 2019

Beineinu Jan | Feb | Mar 2019 the newsletter of Ahavath Achim Synagogue

contents

ANNOUNCEMENTS BABIES | PG. 2 B'NAI MITZVAH | PG. 2 - 3 WEDDINGS | PG. 3 NEW TO SHUL | PG. 3 YASHER KOACH | PG. 4 RECOGNITION | PG. 5 - 6 AHAVA ELC | PG. 7 - 8 HOMEBEIS@AA | PG. 9 - 11 COMMITTEE CORNER MAAC GROUP | PG. 12 AAACTS | PG. 13 CHESED INITIATIVE | PG. 14 GREETERS | PG. 14 BLOOD DRIVE | PG. 15 EVENTS & VOLUNTEERING | PG. 16 - 18 THE ART OF ASKING FOR HELP | PG. 20 IN MEMORIAM | PG. 21 REVA'S DREAM | PG. 22 1 • Beineinu • Jan | Feb | Mar 2019

announcements babIes

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

Adler Elizabeth Potts

b'nai mitzvah mazal tov to our young members on this milestone!

Jordan brooke Spindel

Mazal Tov to Jordan Brooke Spindel who became a Bat Mitzvah on November 3, 2018!

Celebrating her milestone are parents, Kevin Spindel and Jennifer Spindel; grandparents, Lana and Richard Krebs and Linda and Ron Spindel; and brother, Jake.

Mazal Tov to Elise and Jay Empel on the birth of their granddaugter, Adler Elizabeth, born on October 3, 2018.

Celebrating her birth are parents, Jonathan Potts and Ashley Empel Pott and grandparents, Phil Potts and Linda Jackson Potts.

Benjamin Rosenzweig

Mazal Tov to Phyllis and Eliot Arnovitz and Michael Plasker and Ellen Arnovitz on the birth of their grandson, Benjamin, born on October 3, 2018! Celebrating his birth are parents, Andrew Rosenzweig and Pearlann Arnovitz.

Emily Robyn Rosenfeld

Mazal Tov to Emily Robyn Rosenfeld who became a Bat Mitzvah on November 10, 2018!

Celebrating her milestone are parents, Jennifer and Joel Rosenfeld; grandparents, Robert (Bobby) Rosenfeld z"l and Joan Rosenfeld, Lisa and Ed Hoberman, and Linda Greenberg Germain; great grandmother, Charoltee Greenberg; and sister, Nora.

Meyer Park Smith

Mazal Tov to Bethany and Taylor Smith on the birth of their son, Meyer Park, born on October 26! Celebrating his birth are grandparents, Helaine and Andy Lasky and Annice Parker; great grandmother, Hank Oxman; and sister, Holland.

Penelope eva Pine

Mazal Tov to Marci Draluck on the birth of her granddaughter, Penelope Eva, born on July 23.

Celebrating her birth are parents, Goldie and Louie Pine and great grandparents, Harriet and Sam Draluck.

Katie Lynn Kwatinetz

Mazal Tov to Katie Lynn Kwatinetz who became a Bat Mitzvah on December 9, 2018! Celebrating her milestone are parents, Neil Kwatinetz and Robin Belsky and Dorothy Kwatinetz; grandparents, Mildred and Martin Kwatinetz, Janet and Philip Bloom, and Donna Belsky and Calvin Belsky z"l; and siblings, Jack and Sydney.

Leah May Kogon

Mazal Tov to Leah May Kogon who will become a Bat Mitzvah on February 16, 2019! Celebrating her milestone are parents, Laurie and Michael Kogon; grandparents, Judy and Martin Kogon and Dr. Dean and Leslie Dobbin; and sister, Eve.

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Ethan Goodhart

Mazal Tov to Ethan Goodhart who will become a Bar Mitzvah on February 23, 2019! Celebrating his milestone are parents, Jennifer and Josh Goodhart

Ethan Wolkin

Mazal Tov to Ethan Wolkin who will become a Bar Mitzvah on March 9, 2019! Celebrating his milestone are parents, Amy and Brent Wolkin; grandparents, Pepi and Alan Wolkin; and brother, Shai.

New to shul

our warmest welcome to the new members of our community!

• Daniel Borochoff • Jerome Drean and Stephenie Cattonar • Daniel Finer • Bill Kleiman mazal tov to the newly married couples!

• Michele and Mark Klopper Daniel Mendel and Corey Rothschild • Monica and Brian Krachman Mazal Tov to Daniel Mendel, son of Paul and Leslie Mendel, and Corey Rothschild, daughter of Steve Rothschild and • Daniel Mendel and Corey Tova Karen Rothschild, who were married on September 2, 2018!

Rothschild Julia Reisman and Danny Lowenthal • Judith Milstead Mazal Tov to Vickie and Bruce Reisman and Shirley and Donald Reisman on the marriage of their daughter and • Stefany and David Murciano granddaughter, Julia, to Danny Lowenthal, son of Stephen Phillips and Suzanne Silvers, on October 21, 2018!

• Ava and Ben Smith Joanna Ginburg and Jake Goodstein

weddings

Mazal Tov to Laurie and David Ginburg and Barbara and Sanford Orkin, on the marriage of their daughter and granddaughter, Joanna Ginburg, to Jake Goodstein on October 27, 2018!

Ariel Sandler and Jamie Freedman

Mazal Tov to Susan and Rabbi Neil Sandler on the marriage of their son, Ariel, to Jamie Freedman, daughter of Joni and Ken Freedman, on December December 1, 2018! Jamie is from New Jersey. The couple will make their home in New York... or London...!

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Yasher Koach yasher koach to our congregants celebrating simchas and achievements!

Karen Edlin

Mazal Tov to Karen Edlin on her interview for City Lights with Lois Reitzes on NPR - WABE regarding the success of National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene’s performance of Mama’s Loshn Kugel, honoring Atlanta's Holocaust survivors! All proceeds supported restoration and preservation of the Memorial to the Six Million at Greenwood Cemetery, scholarships for Holocaust education to teachers and students, and programs to pass on survivors' collective experiences to succeeding generations.

Jennifer Cotti

Mazal Tov to Jennifer Cotti in celebration of completing her conversion to Judaism!

Margo Gold

Adam Podber

Mazal Tov to Margo Gold in celebration of the conclusion of her double-term as President of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism!

Mazal Tov to Adam Podber, son of Ann and Morris Podber, for being featured in the Atlanta Jewish Times about his artwork along the Atlanta BeltLine and at the Coca-Cola Roxy theater!

Alan Wexler Zoe Siegel

Mazal Tov to Zoe Siegel, daughter of AA members Debra and Philip Siegel, for being accepted into the inaugural cohort of JumpSpark's Strong Women Fellowship! The Strong Women: Know Them, Be Them Fellowship is a glassceiling shattering, educational cohort providing female-identifying Jewish teens in Atlanta with unparalleled access to strong women leaders, thinkers and voices shaping the world we live in today.

Phyllis and Richard Franco

Mazal Tov to Alan Wexler for being chosen as one of Atlanta's "Heroes" to be honored at MACoM's (Metro Atlanta Community Mikvah) 2019 Mitzvah for the Mikvah on Thursday, March 7!

Shelly Dollar

Mazal Tov to Shelly Dollar in celebration of being chosen as one of this year's honorees at the Jewish Abilities Alliance's Power of One event on January 27!

Mazal Tov to Phyllis and Richard Franco, this year's 2018 recipients of the New Israel Fund Tzedek Award for their lifetimes of dedication to the Atlanta Jewish community and for their leadership in advocating for civil liberties and equality!

Beineinu • JAN | FEB | MAR 2019 • 4

recognition

In appreciation of the generosity to those who have pledged to the Chai AND Yom Kippur appeals for the 2018-19 financial year

Presidents Circle $20,000+

Vicki and Gerry Benjamin Barbara and Sanford Orkin Stanley Srochi

Rabbi's Circle $10,000+

Ellen Arnovitz and Michael Plasker Tova and Mark Cohen Elisa and Bobby Ezor Gail and Heyman Lyons, Jr Beth and Gregg Paradies

Benefactor $5,000+

Valerie Saxe Chill and Leonard Chill Stacy and Emanuel Fialkow Lois and Laurence Frank Ann and Theodore Kaplan Carolyn Oppenheimer Shirley and Donald Reisman Betty and Alan Sunshine Sheila and Larry Wilensky

Leader $3,600+

Irene Aronin Nikki and Randy Crohn Barbara and Ken Feinberg Doris and Martin Goldstein Marsha and Mark Kozinn Nancy and Marshall Levine Harriette Oxman

Gold $2,400+

Gary Alembik and Stephen Graves Leon Goldstein Sherry and Harry Maziar Stephen Oppenheimer Rosalie and Carl Rosenthal Estelle Strauss Susan Ellman-Zweig and Arnold Zweig

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Silver $1,800+

Judith Alembik Dorita and Hal Arnold Goldie and Louis Bertone Rachelle and Adam Capes Ana-Maria and Jordan Eisner Susan and Hadley Engelhard Jennifer Glazer-Malkin Barbara and Alan Kaplan Laurie and Michael Kogon Rita and Michael LeVine Rabbi Vicki and Cantor Robert Lieberman Lisa and Hal Philipson Julie and William Segal Carla and Arthur Silver Judy and Allen Soden Cathy and Rick Swerdlin

Bronze $900+

Lorraine (Cookie) and Fred Aftergut Linda and Richard Bressler Suzanne and Adam Bressler Rachael and Jonathan Colton Patricia and Robert Fine Robert Fischbach Jane Fryer Marianne and Stephen Garber Margo and Lawrence Gold Kim and Adam Goldstein Liz and Bobby Goldstein Marlene and Mark Haber Gail and Michael Habif Morris Habif Nancy Habif and Scott Kleber Barbara and Jay Halpern Sherry and Alvin Halpern Barbara and Steven Jacobs Rachael and Michael Joseph Marsha and Michael Kalson Alison and Jeff Kaufman Dee and Gerald Kline Judy and Martin Kogon Elaine and Alan Kolodkin Jana and Michael Kreisberg Harriet Landau and Nathan Segall Ann Levin

Joel Lobel and Debbie Smith Barbara and George Nathan Laura Nelson Shari Neumann Brenda and Leon Novak Judy and Michael Orkin Bonnie and Gary Richman Linda and Abe Schear Judy and Alan Schulman Caryn and Andy Siegel Debra and Philip Siegel Martha and Barry Silverman Roben and Gregory Smolar Tamar and Mark Stern Mona and Philip Sunshine Jill and Jeffrey Vantosh Aurelie and Randy Weinstein Mark Weinstein Zoe and David Zelby

Patron $500+

Jason Berner Lindsay and Evan Borenstein Susan Bravman Stanley Cohen Eileen and Adolphus Coolik Jennifer Cotti-Hurst Norman Estroff Judy and Paul z"l Finkel Beth and Jared Friedman Andree and Marc Frost Fran and Stuart Galishoff Herbert Gelbwachs Susan and Leon Gross Valerie Habif and Neil Wasser Michele Hirsh Evan Landis Wendy and Steven Light Barbara Lincoln and Gary Rosenshein Amy Sue and Neal Maziar Jerome and Joanne Mendel Susan Moray Sally and Alan Pinsker Sharyl and Mitchell Portugal Jennifer and Joel Rosenfeld Merna and Allen Stein Miriam Strickman-Levitas Jeannie and Bob Tepper

Nanette Wenger Leona and Donald Zivitz

Other

Douglas Adair Sandra Adair Denise Adelman Sheila and David Adelman Jessica Arluck and Douglas Ander Frances Astren Rachel and Michael Avchen Claire Balser Pat and Jack Balser Jeffrey Baumrind Linda and Bruce Beeber Betty Behr Gloria Benamy Dolores Berlin Julia and Terry Bernath Diane and Marvin Bernstein Jutta and Sidney Blasé Leslie and Marshall Bloom Rita and Arthur Bodner Hedy and Aaron Borenstein Marilyn Bravman Diane and Harold Cohen Heidi and Jan Cohen Julie and David Cohen Lisa and Walter Cohen Yvonne and Jack Cohen Stanley Cristol Brenda and Stanley Daniels Taylor Davis Arona DeSure Helen Scherrer-Diamond and David Diamond Bryan Dinner Barbara and Marvin Draluck Bonnie and Aaron Draluck Margery Eden Sara and Brent Eden Robin and David Edwards Stuart Eizenstat Debra Elovich and James Gray Marian Ely Elise and Jay Empel Terry Erbesfield Linda and Abram Estroff Allison and Joel Feldman Muriel Feldman Sara and Paul Feldman Barbara and Richard Fischhof Lori and Jordan Forman Jody and Ramon Franco Milton Freedman Nancy and Stephen Friedberg Edie and Gus Friedman Sandi and Gerald Friedman

Karen and Bruce Gadlin Renie and David Geller Inna and Boris Gendler Maury Gerson Melinda Gertz Madeleine and Kenneth Gimbel Marilyn Ginsberg-Eckstein Scott Glazer Bernard Goldstein Eve and Joel Goldstein Felice and Philip Goodman Lynne and Thomas Greenfield Heleen and Steven Grossman Sherry Habif Melissa Hall Delcy Pardo Harber Fran and Edward Harrell Natalie and Marvin Harris Edna Helfer Helen Hersch Andrea and Bruce Hershatter Jane Horowitz-Bick Martin and Michael Itzkowitz Jeremy Jacobs Stephanie and Paul Jacobs Tanya and Scott Jacobson Charlotte and Allen Kaminsky Jean and Richard Katz Roslyna and Darryl Konter Amy and James Landrum Debra Lang Rick Lenner Deborah and Jay Levin Esther and Michael Levine Myrtle Lewin Patsy and Bill Little Lisa and Alan Lubel Peggy and Lloyd Marbach Charlotte and Joseph Marcus Rhoda and Stephen Margolis Natalie and Robert Marmer Erna and Lawrence Martino Judy Marx Berta and Lev Mebel Betsy Michaud Shirley and Ivan Millender Harriet Miller Lori and Wayne Miller Judith Milstead Shirley and Alvin Minsk Jennie and Macy Moret Tuwanda Muhammad Linda Nathanson-Lippit and Alan Lippit June and Gerald Neumark Donna and Philip Newman Janice B. Nochumson Jonathan Nussbaum Arthur Oysgelt Caryl and Robert Paller

Hilly Panovka Sheri and Alon Panovka Cindy Paradies and Larry Moscow Eric Pinsker Barbara and Richard Planer Ann and Morris Podber Hannah Potvin Dara and Arthur Povlot Stephanie Prombaum and Stephanie Teter Lynn and Barry Prusin Elizabeth Ravage and Jeremy Greenstein Hillary and Matthew Reiner Ralda and Martin Reish Vickie and Bruce Reisman Barbara and Bruce Ribner Jennifer and Harvey Rickles Julie and Gary Roberts Janet Schatten and Richard Friedman Susan and Stuart Schlansky Joan and Alan Schwartz Jill and Joseph Segal Madolin Seldes Marsha Sherman Richard Siegel Barry Silver Brenda Silverman Sherry and Alan Silverman Bethany and Taylor Smith Susan and Morris Socoloff Gail Solomon Lee Spielberger Gayle and Toby Steinberg Nica and Lee Tallman Emily and Aaron Tanenbaum Karla Tievsky and Seth Kirschenbaum Robin and Evan Torch Irma Weiner Lynne Weiner Lauren and David Weinstein Aletta and Greg Weitz Carla and Howard Wertheimer Eddie Wexler Sherri and Robert Wildstein Adele Wineburgh Karen and Eli Wise Amy and Brent Wolkin Pepi and Alan Wolkin Susan and Larry Wolkin Sharon Zinns (list as of November 30, 2018)

Beineinu • JAN | FEB | MAR 2019 • 6

Ahava ELC

BETH ARNOLD Helmey DIRECTOR OF AHAVA ELC

K

abbalat Shabbat at Ahava occurs every Friday at 9:15 am. The classes leave their play behind and enter the chapel as a community to sing the blessings and some Shabbat songs together. Over the seasons, we have tweaked the service a bit to make it more developmentally appropriate and engaging for all of our young learners.

It is, in many ways, still a work in progress, and yet, last Friday, an incredible moment occurred, one which began many months ago. It was a moment where a child’s voice was heard over all the other voices. A moment where a child felt secure and respected and confident enough to sing out loud and continue our call and response version of Hinei Ma Tov U'Ma'Naim, leading us through to the end of the song! Now, the amazing part of this story is that the child I am telling you about is only two years old! He knew every word of the Hebrew song and sang out loud and clear, assuming his role of leader throughout! When you hear it said that children learn through music about patterns and repetition, it’s no joke! When wondering how children who attend a school where the curriculum is founded in play will learn to read-there’s your answer! Attending to rhythm through listening and building strong memory skills through repetition of rhymes and patterns and tones is a precursor for reading.

I digress, though, from the background of this story which included another very notable moment in time several months ago. On that day, we were having a regular Shabbat morning.

We were gathered together in the chapel going through our usual Shabbat service rituals. Perhaps we were a little lackluster that morning - I don’t recall. What I remember very well is the moment when I began to sing the call and response song…

I sang "Hinei," and a child’s voice loudly, and with great affirmation, rang out above the crowd, "Hinei!" From that moment, whenever we sing Hinei Ma Tov U'Ma'Naim (and we sing it every Friday), that pre-k student at Ahava leads us in the song.

One of the many wonderings I have since last Friday is wondering whether the little boy who picked up the verse he led

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for us, did so more readily because his older schoolmate had done so before, and our community heartily embraced it then. Children do watch each other for cues, and Ahava is a school where children are respected for what they bring to the mix each day. On that Shabbat morning, a child revealed something about himself to us. Our job as educators of young children is to provide more opportunities for each child to explore his/her interests, while we observe, and document, and reflect on the wondrous moments of learning and application that occur each day in a child’s life! Come visit us for Shabbat at 9:15 am on Friday mornings in Ellman Chapel.

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HomeBeis@AA Leadership is a fascinating topic within Jewish thought and life. At various periods throughout history, the Jewish people – like all people - required different types of leadership to survive and to thrive.

Sometimes, we needed leaders who prioritized extreme bravery, and other times we needed those who lead with extreme caution. Some leaders in our history respected Torah and Jewish life while others saw those values as an obstacle for Jews to achieve all of their goals. Through the leadership of our Forefathers, we learned the values of welcoming the stranger (Abraham), faith (Isaac), and the willingness to change (Jacob).

Moses’s successor, Joshua, showed us how having a defined purpose and personal determination helped lead to the amazing action of conquering the Land of Israel. At the same time, Joshua taught us a lesson that repeats itself in Pirkei Avot (Knowledge of our Sages): "It is not your responsibility to complete the task, but you are not free to desist from it." Ultimately, Joshua did not conquer the whole Land of Israel, and he also did not allow his shortcoming to deter from his work.

Our leaders also taught us lessons through their weaknesses.

Like when King Saul’s paranoia leads him to make impulsive decisions and to ignore those closest to him. Additionally, King David allowed his physical temptations to manipulate one of his captains and allies. This era of Kings was littered by individuals who allowed their personal beliefs and values to diminish the central tenets of the Jewish kingdoms. The Hasmonean kingdoms, which led the Chanukah revolt against Greece in the name of religious purity, were also eventually tainted by the temptations of power and greed.

After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 C.E., the Jews found themselves in need of a complete do-over. This change started with leadership at the top as the focus moved from a religion based on Temple rituals to one based on a person’s knowledge of Torah and personal merits. This shift led to critical decisions made by people like Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai

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Marc Silberstein

Youth & Family Program Director

who, knowing that Jerusalem was lost to the Romans, was able to make a deal to save Jewish civilization in the city of Yavneh.

Remarkable individuals such as he and his pupils shaped the Jewish world we know today, though in reality they were just trying to survive for the next day.

Unlike the leaders from before the destruction of the second Temple, the Rabbis of the Mishnah and Gemara gave a template of how leaders listened to their pupils, considered all variables when making a decision, and dealt out judgements in a just way. These Rabbis were prepared to defend each new idea they offered, and their hybrid of jurisprudential debates along with humanizing narratives raised the value of humble intellectualism. Whether through the correct application of Jewish law or debating the morals which lead to a good life, this group knew and accepted there were multiple paths to achieving a goal. A major lesson to take away from their model is the ability to hear each side of an idea; in the rabbis’ case, this is shown by their publishing the debate of the minority’s opinion as meticulously as that of the majority’s opinion. To many, this was tedious and frivolous blather; for others, this was evidence that we should respect each side of a debate and acknowledge that everyone has something to contribute.

One lesson I personally take away from learning about our leaders of the past is that the Jewish people always seem to have the right people or person leading at the right time. I am extremely blessed to work with our amazing Youth and Family Engagement committee comprised of parents representing three age groups: 0-Pre-K, K-5th grade, and 6th-12th grade.

This group brings enthusiasm, creative program ideas, and critical reflection to everything we do. The work of this group elucidates our HomeBeis@AA mission, and we are stronger to have these parents’ voices behind us.

Through our youth groups, also known as Chai Youth community, our goal is to make connections for our children between one another and within our beloved AA community. Today, the average child’s time is in extremely high demand, and with that in mind, we designed a program that is equally creative, accessible and impactful for children in 3rd-12th grade. By developing consistent youth programming that includes Shabbat, social action, and Israel programming, we hope to make participating in Jewish life a priority value for our children.

We are fervently working to ensure the programs we develop are something that becomes a natural priority to engage in for the children of our community. There are direct correlations between a successful youth group and the production of teen leaders in the Jewish community. By normalizing Jewish experiences in synagogues, in homes, amongst friends, at camps, in schools and within the community-at-large for our children, we deepen the bonds between them, and we create pockets of

dedicated teens who commit to building a Jewish community and future for themselves.

community we want to create, we will find ourselves in the midst of a community rich in leaders young and old.

Personally, as a student of the leaders mentioned above, I try to curtail my work and leadership approach according to the standards that were set before me. I have a firm belief that, by incorporating some of these values into our work and the

Chai Youth Events *Machar* Machar at the Fernbank - Sunday, January 27 | 4 pm | Fernbank Museum of Natural History - 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta: Macharniks are invited to join us at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History for a visit with dinosaurs and an exploration of Earth’s wonders and landscapes! Cost: $20 per person. Registration required at bit.ly/chai-youth-machar-at-fernbank. *Machar* Synagogue Scavenger Hunt - Sunday, February 10 | 2 - 4 pm | AA Synagogue: Macharniks are invited to come explore the Synagogue and learn about the AA community, history, and building.

We'll end with an ice cream sundae bar and a discussion about what you found! Cost: $10 per person.

Registration required at bit.ly/ chai-youth-synagogue-scavenger-hunt. *Kadima and USY* Bring the Heat - Sunday, January 13 | 2 - 5 pm | Atlanta Hot Glass - 178 Laredo Dr, Decatur: Kadimaniks and USYers are invited to join us and their friends at a glass blowing studio where they'll have the opportunity to create their own work of art.

Cost: $25 per person. Registration required at bit.ly/chai-youthbring-the-heat. *Kadima and USY* HaNegev Yom Disney - Friday, February 15 Monday, February 18 | Universal Studio's Islands of Adventure: Kadimaniks and USYers are invited on an adventure with friends, food, and fun! Spend the the first two days in Tampa with our friends at Congregation Kol Ami before hea

ing to Universal Studio’s Islands of Adventure with the whole HaNegev region! Only 15 spots available! Cost: $175 per person (covers transportation and food for Shabbat but does not include park food or admittance). Reserve your spot by filling out the online registration form at bit.ly/chai-youth-yom-disney-2019. *Kadima and USY* IKEA Scavenger Hunt - Sunday, February 24 | 1:30 - 3:30 pm | IKEA - 441 16th St NW, Atlanta: Kadimaniks and USYers are invited to explore the world of IKEA with friends! We'll break into teams and see which group can find the most items on the list!

Snacks provided. Cost:$10 per person. Registration required at bit.ly/ chai-youth-ikea-scavenger-hunt. *USY* Ein Gedi Sub-Regional Convention - Friday, March 8 Sunday, March 10 | Congregation Beth Shalom: USYers are invited to come together with old friends and start relationships with new ones as USY groups from all over the Ein Gedi region unite for a weekend filled with laughter, singing, and learning. Let’s show them what Chai USY's got! *Kadima* Gesher Regional Convention - Friday, March 15 - Sunday, March 17 | Location TBD: Kadimaniks in 8th grade are invited to a special convention just for them! Take advantage of this opportunity to see how amazing the USY community is and meet other 8th graders from the HaNegev region. This is a weekend that can’t be missed!

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*Kadima and USY* Escape Room - Sunday, March 24 | 2:30 - 4 pm | Time to Escape (Downtown) - 231 Peachtree St B19, Atlanta: Kadimaniks and USYers are invited to join us as we try to save the Grand Zepplin from a saboteur and escape before time runs out! Space is limited to 14 people. Cost $25 per person. Registration required at bit.ly/ chai-youth-escape-room. *Machar* Mini Golf, Maximum Fun - Sunday, March 31 | 2 - 4 pm | The Fringe - 5100 Commerce Pkwy, Roswell: Macharniks are invited to come and "hit a few" as a way to relax, have fund, and build camaraderie. Everyone can play!

Cost $15 per person. Registration required at bit.ly/chai-youth-minigolf.

Machar ("Tomorrow" in Hebrew, 3rd-5th graders); Kadima (“Forward” in Hebrew, 6th-8th graders); and USY (United Synagogue Youth, 9th-12th graders) are the Chai Youth groups for children and teens at AA.

Mishloach Manot

O

ne of the mitzvot of Purim is to send portions of food to one another and give gifts to the poor. We observe this mitzvah by sending Mishloach Manot baskets to friends, family, and members of the community. Proceeds will benefit AA's HomeBeis department which centers around youth and family programming. Be on the lookout for more information about this year’s theme, Global Connection, and ordering Mishloach Manot. If you have any questions or would like to help with assembly and/or delivery of our Mishloach Manot, please contact Jackie Nix, Youth and Family Program Associate, at jnix@ aasynagogue.org or 404.603.5743.

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TAAglit Trip to Washington DC

A

ll 8th - 10th graders are invited to join us on this year’s TAAglit trip to Washington DC where we will explore the connection American Jews have to Israel and the Holocaust.

Trip highlights include: visiting museums, like the United States Holocaust Museum, the Air and Space Museum, and the American History Museum; walking tours of the monuments; Shir Madness performance at the Kennedy Center; and more!

Cost: $1,250 per student. For more details, email Marc Silberstein, Youth and Family Program Director, at msilberstein@ aasynagogue.org.

B'nai Mitzvah Program

W

e have reinvigorated our B'nai Mitzvah program designed for students in 3rd - 6th grade. The B'nai Mitzvah program is the first step in cultivating the feeling of a "cohort" for our children as each progresses toward his/ her Bar or Bat Mitzvah and raises the spiritual and intellectual engagement from parents and children. Each cohort will have the opportunity to engage in a Shabbat dinner, as well as a Shabbat lunch, ending the year with a final grand Shabbat lunch for all cohorts. Be sure to save the following dates!

• Saturday, January 26 - Shabbat Morning Kiddush for 2019 Cohort: B'nai Mitzvah between August 2019 and July 2020 • Saturday, February 9 - Shabbat Morning Kiddush for 2020 Cohort: B'nai Mitzvah between August 2020 and July 2021 • Saturday, March 23 - Shabbat Morning Kiddush for 2021 Cohort: B'nai Mitzvah between August 2021 and July 2022 • Saturday, April 6 - Shabbat Morning Kiddush for 2022 Cohort: B'nai Mitzvah between August 2022 and July 2023 • Saturday, May 11 - Shabbat Morning Kiddush for all Cohorts

committee corner maac

Mature Active Adult Community

By Gail Solomon, mAAc Chair

Many of you may have seen the Atlanta Cyclorama when it was at Grant Park. The Cyclorama is a circular painting and diorama telling the story of the Battle of Atlanta during the Civil War. It is an amazing work of art. The Atlanta History Center has built an addition and the refurbished Cyclorama will now be housed there. It is scheduled to open on February 22. In order to be among the first to see the Cyclorama in its new home, and to see the renovated Atlanta History Center Museum, we have scheduled a tour on Thursday, March 28. Expect to receive more information and registration information in early March. We will be updating you regularly with new programs and information. Our goal is to plan 6 programs our first year.

"Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength." Betty Friedan

If you would like to join the Mature Active Adult Community please send a check for $18 per person made out to "Ahavath Achim Synagogue – mAAc."

The newly formed Mature Active Adult Community (mAAc) is an evolving group offering new opportunities for AA members age 65 and older. Evolving because it is new and we are learning the interests of our members and will plan our programs accordingly.

May we be proud of every birthday we are lucky enough to celebrate, and may we know the happiness of being a part of a connected community, sharing experiences, and continuing to learn and grow. Let us not count the years in our lives, let us count the moments life brings. "It is not the years in our lives, but the life in our years" that makes us who we are.

May participation in the mAAc Community bring positive experiences, happiness and years to our lives.

Our kick-off event was a delicious brunch held at the synagogue, attended by 120 of our Mature Active Members. Our speaker, Bill Allen, used audio and video to inform guests about Broadway history, shows and music. He was very interesting and informative. We got positive response from everyone who attended. It was a fun, social, and educational experience. The first of many to come. (event pictured on right) The mAAc Community is a membership group. We have asked everyone to join for a fee of $18 per person. This money will be used to defray administrative expenses. Our programs will be open to all AA Synagogue members age 65 and over. AA members who do not join the mAAc Community will be invited to participate and will pay an additional fee to attend mAAc events. I am proud and happy to say that to date we have over 125 paid members.

The mAAc Committee is meeting monthly to review the surveys you were asked to fill out and to plan future events according to the interests of our members. Members of the committee include: Gail Solomon, Chair, Pat and Jack Balser, Marilyn Eckstein, Sylvia Friedman, Doris Goldstein, Bobbie Knopf, Barbara and Dick Planer, Shirley and Donald Reisman, Shirley Rich, Rosalie and Carl Rosenthal, Virginia and Milton Saul, Madolin Seldes, Betty Ann Shusterman, Harris Smith, Janet Snider, and Alan Wexler. Please talk to any of the committee members about ideas you have for the community.

Beineinu • JAN | FEB | MAR 2019 • 12

AAACTS

Action & Awareness to Abolish Child Trafficking for Sex

By Linda Bressler and Margie Eden AAACTS Co-Chairs

Ahavath Achim's AAACTS Committee (Action and Awareness to Abolish Child Trafficking for Sex) and The Diocese of Atlanta's Commission on DMST (Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking) invite you to participate in SOAP UP Super Bowl Atlanta! On January 27, help us label 20,000 soap bars with the national human trafficking 800+ hotline number and distribute them to hotels surrounding Mercedes Benz Stadium where the Super Bowl will be held on Sunday, February 3. Hotels are hot spots for trafficking, the second leading crime in the U.S., and rates will quadruple during large sporting events. Labeled soap bars will be placed in hotel bathrooms, creating the opportunity for victims to seek necessary help.

The SOAP Project (Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution) was founded by author, advocate, and survivor, Theresa Flores. On her worst night, after being auctioned off to nearly two dozen men in a dingy, dirty, inner-city Detroit motel, Theresa recalled the only item that would have reached out to her, a bar of soap. With that in mind, she created SOAP to help reach out to other victims. The Project acts as a hands-on outreach program to fight sex trafficking at large events and within communities. It is specifically focused on educating and increasing awareness in the public on the prevalence of human trafficking, in order to restore trafficked survivors and to prevent teens from being victimized by domestic, minor, sex trafficking. SOAP National travels all over the U.S. to hold outreaches during high-demand events like the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, Indy 500 and many more. They partner with local organizations to distribute millions of bars of soap wrapped with a red band that gives the National Human Trafficking Hotline number and educational resources to high-risk motels.

Become part of the solution to ending human trafficking in Atlanta! If you wish to participate, please sign up at bit.ly/aasoap-up-atlanta. For more information, contact the AAACTS Co-Chairs: Linda Bressler at lindafb@bellsouth.net; Margie Eden at margie.eden22@gmail.com.

13 • Beineinu • Jan | Feb | Mar 2019

SOAP by the Numbers • 83-100% of all hotels accept the labeled soap during an outreach.

• Almost 100% of the hotels take the missing children poster and trafficking educational materials.

• Generally, at least 1 missing child is identified by hotel staff during each outreach.

• Polaris Project has reported 2x as many calls to the hotline number the week SOAP has done an outreach.

• Each outreach consists of 30-500 volunteers. Once volunteers have completed the outreach, they are now educated in Human Trafficking 101.

• Each hotel receives $50 worth of free materials and resources.

chesed initiative

by deborah spector, chesed initiative volunteer When I was asked to write an article on the Chesed Initiative, I enthusiastically said ‘yes!’ I thought of my unexpected surgery a year ago and how much the touch of Chesed meant to me and my family. Now, my efforts, combined with those of other volunteers, ensure that Ahavath Achim remains a warm and caring community.

"Chesed (loving kindness) is holy work. The Chesed Initiative connects with and supports Ahavath Achim members during times of transition and need. We partner with our clergy in caring for the entire congregation because visiting the sick or bereaved is not the exclusive duty of our Rabbis," said Nancy Levine, who co-chairs this committee with Vicki Benjamin and Marshall Levine.

Donations to three critical tribute funds enable the Chesed Initiative to do its important work: the Daily Minyan Fund, the Susie Habif Chesed Fund, established by Morris Habif, and the Bikur Cholim (visiting the sick) Fund, established by Vicki and Gerry Benjamin. Since late August, when the Initiative began, Chesed volunteers connected with and supported Ahavath Achim members in numerous ways: • June Neumark wrote 7 get well notes • Volunteers made 11 get well visits and delivered meals • 75 High Holiday letters were sent to members who lost loved ones in the past year • Cynthia Tyler wrote 15 condolence notes • Volunteers attended 3 shiva minyanim These caring touches make all the difference in the world to those receiving them. The following thank you notes beautifully express how Chesed volunteers touched their families:

From Shelly Dollar: "Our family was truly blessed by a card, a plant, meal and a visit

by Kitty Cohen. During the time Kitty was here talking with my husband after his injury, he was engaged and got a break from his pain and recovery. And with me being sick, the meal was so appreciated. I look forward to my weeks visiting, calling and being part of the workings of this committee."

If you are a warm, friendly person who wants to make a positive impact on a fellow congregant’s life AND you are willing to make a call or visit to comfort and support a congregant who has lost a loved one or has been ill, then the Chesed Initiative NEEDS YOU! Contact Nancy Levine to volunteer (nlevine2660@ gmail.com). Additionally, if you know of a congregant who is facing personal difficulties related to health, loss, or grief, please contact the Synagogue office at 404.355.5222 to let us know. Help us reach out to members in need.

GREETERS

By Mildred and Marty Kwatinetz Greeter co-chairs

Todah Rabah and a big THANK YOU to all the congregants listed below who gave their time and offered smiling faces to help make Ahavath Achim a friendlier and more welcoming place to worship for the 5779 High Holidays!

Ann Alperin Moose Alperin Irene Aronin Mark Cohen Jennifer Cotti Nikki Crohn Randy Crohn Shelly Dollar Debra Elovich Bobby Ezor Elisa Ezor Stacy Fialkow Barry Fields Sylvia Friedman Fran Galishoff Renie Geller Madeleine Gimbel Laurie Ginburg Scott Glazer Larry Gold Margo Gold Doris Goldstein

Marty Goldstein Larry Greenberg Lynne Greenfield Tom Greenfield Heleen Grossman Delcy Harber Adam Hirsch Roslyn Konter Marty Kwatinetz Mildred Kwatinetz Amy Landrum Nancy Levine Marshall Levine Craig Levitas Myrtle Lewin Alan Lippitt Linda Lippitt Judy Marx Judy Miller Susan Moray Laura Nelson Shari Neumann

Gerry Neumark June Neumark Hilda Oliveros Beth Paradies Gregg Paradies Michael Plasker Barb Ribner Bruce Ribner Shirley Rich Susan Sandler Madolin Seldes Philip Siegel Gail Solomon Miriam Strickman Levitas Betty Sunshine Laurie Weinstein Rina Wolfe

From Bonnie and Michael Levine: "I cannot tell you how grateful we were for your kindness last week. Your call and food were so thoughtful and unexpected and it exactly met the needs we were having at the moment.

My kids had a lovely, comforting and delicious Shabbat dinner and we were able to relax. We are so touched by this, and so blessed to be part of this wonderful community."

Beineinu • JAN | FEB | MAR 2019 • 14

Blood Drive

By Gail Solomon, Blood Drive Chair

BLOOD SAVES LIVES AND CAN ONLY COME FROM HUMANS. Be a blood Donor, be a life saver. You don’t need a special reason to give blood. You just need your own reason. Some of us give blood because we were asked by a friend. Some know that a family member or a friend might need blood someday. Some had a family member or a friend who needed blood in an emergency and blood was available and they want to pay it forward. Some do it for the free Nutter Butter cookies and juice. Some know that when you give blood, you get a mini-physical (We had a donor who discovered he had Lymphoma from his mini-physical - luckily he caught it before symptoms appeared!). Some believe it is the right thing to do.

Everyone enjoys the great feeling of helping save lives!

Many thanks to the donors who came to donate blood at the last Blood Drive in November. I am proud and happy to say that we collected 91 pints of life-saving blood!

We are seeking ten first-time blood donors for our next Blood Drive on Sunday, February 10, 2019 from 9 am - 2 pm.

AA has been a proud co-sponsor and host of the Blood Drive for more than 40 years. We encourage you to schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood website (redcrossblood.org) by typing the sponsor code, JWV, into the "Find a Blood Drive" search box at the top right-hand corner of the page. You will be directed to the Ahavath Achim Synagogue registration page where you can schedule your appointment.

For more information, contact Gail Solomon at gailsol@gmail. com or 404.351.1900. The quarterly Blood Drive is sponsored by Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. Post 112, Fulton Masonic Lodge, and Ahavath Achim Synagogue. It is co-sponsored by Congregation Shearith Israel and Congregation Or VeShalom.

15 • Beineinu • Jan | Feb | Mar 2019

EVENTS & VOLUNTEERing aa Events

Shabbat Programs The Rituality Project - Saturday, January 5 and February 2 | 12:30 pm (during Kiddush): Join us one Saturday a month to explore the future of Jewish observance at AA. With the aim of elevating Jewish ritual to enhance spiritual connection, "rituality" reflects on renewing traditional services, exploring other Jewish prayer experiences, and facilitating daily practice and home observance. The Rituality Project will gather during Shabbat Kiddush to hear your thoughts, reflections, and ideas for our congregation's spiritual life.

Groove Shabbat - Saturday, January 5, February 2, and March 2 | 10:30 am: Come join Mr. Michael and PJ Library one Saturday a month for stories and interactive songs celebrating Shabbat and upcoming Jewish holidays. Enjoy stories and songs followed by snacks, playtime, and Kiddush lunch. Everything is free and geared toward families with children ages 0-4. bit.ly/aa-groove

your children as we turn AA into our shared Jewish home. bit.ly/aa-family-shabbat-dinner New Member Shabbat Dinner - Friday, January 25 | 5:45 pm | AA Synagogue: The Ahavath Achim Membership Committee and Synagogue Community invite you to our inaugural New Member Shabbat Dinner! Join us in celebrating the newest members of our AA Family as we “officially” welcome them into our community. All new members receive a complimentary dinner! All other members who would like to meet and greet our newest “family members,” please register through the link below. Registration and RSVPs required by Friday, January 18! Pricing (for existing members): $25 per adult, $10 per child 6-12 years old;, free for children 5 and under.

Schedule: Schmoozing at 5:45 pm, services at 6:30 pm, and supper at 7 pm. If you are a new member and have not received your personal evite, or if you have any questions, please contact Miriam Habif at mhabif@aasynagogue.org or 404.603.5749. bit.ly/ aa-new-member-shabbat-dinner Not Your Normal Minyan - Saturday, January 26, February 23, and March 30 | 10:30 am | Koplin Borochoff Library:

Family Shabbat Dinner - Friday, January 11 and February 8 | 5:30 pm | Paradies Hall:

One Friday a month, leave the worry of Shabbat dinner to someone else, and enjoy a relaxing evening alongside family and friends. In the spirit of young families, dinner will be very informal.

Come when you want, and leave when you need! All are welcome to stay for services at 6:30 pm or just sit and chat with friends - the choice is yours. Help us create special memories for you and

wonderful experience. Lunch is included with your participation! Babysitting is available for younger children. bit.ly/ aa-nynm MacharMinyan-Saturday,January26,February 23, and March 30 | 10:30 am | Paradies Hall: Machar, or "Tomorrow" in Hebrew, is one of our Chai Youth groups for children in 2nd - 5th grade. Macharnicks and their parents are invited to join us one Saturday a month for a unique Shabbat morning program. This program is designed to help families build a prayerful mindset and introduce them to the Tefillah experience in a warm and open environment. It will include traditional as well as non-traditional melodies and prayers, movement, musical instruments, meditation and guided discussion on Jewish themes. Help us turn this great opportunity into a weekly event by attending the monthly groups. bit.ly/ aa-machar-minyan

Sisterhood Mah Jongg - Sundays | 10 am | Cohen Pavilion: Join Sisterhood women every Sunday to play, schmooze, have fun, and connect with other women. We are patient, willing to teach, and will welcome you.

The renowned Jewish philosopher, Martin Buber, used to call prayer a “dialogue” between man and God. Buber’s philosophy is at the core of our new family Shabbat morning program where you and your 6th - 12th grader(s) will engage in a dialogue with God through "niggunim" (wordless melodies), meditation, discussion, celebration, and of course, laughter. Join Marc Silberstein, Director of education, for this captivating and

Naomi’s Book Club - Monday, January 7, February 4, and March 1 | 10:15 am: Join Sisterhood one Monday a month for a lively book discussion. January’s book is Among the Living by Jonathan Rabb, and the discussion will be led by Maury Gerson. February’s book is Eternal Life

by Dara Horn, and the discussion will be led by Madeleine Gimbel. March’s book is Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan, and the discussion will be led by Lynne Greenfield. bit.ly/aa-naomis-book-club

Beineinu • JAN | FEB | MAR 2019 • 16

Sisterhood Shabbat - Saturday, January 12 | 9 am | Ellman Chapel: Join Sisterhood for their annual Sisterhood Shabbat celebrating the women of AA. This service is a wonderful opportunity to grow in your Jewish learning and commitment, whether it is leading services fully or having an aliyah for the very first time. Embrace the opportunity to celebrate the collective achievements and creativity of the women of AA! This year’s special guest is Carol Glickman, ESL Coordinator at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, who will share her experience working with refugees and how it led to her involvement with AARI (Ahavath Achim Refugee Initiative). bit. ly/aa-sisterhood-shabbat-2019 Sisterhood AJFF Preview Party Sunday, January 13 | 3:30 - 5:30 pm | Paradies Hall: Want a head start on picking your films for the 2019 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival? Sisterhood invites the congregation to join us for our annual AJFF Preview Party! AA’s own Judy Marx (founding director of AJFF) and Hazel Gold (Co-Chair of AJFF’s Film Evaluation Committee) will give us their picks while we watch trailers from the upcoming Festival. Registration required. bit.ly/aa-sisterhood-ajff-preview-party Latte and Learn - Thursday, January 17, February 21, and March 21 | 10:30 - 11:30 am | Panera Bread - 4531 Olde Perimeter Way: Join the rabbis and fellow sisters for a morning of coffee (or tea), conversation, and learning at Sisterhood’s monthly study group. bit.ly/ aa-sisterhood-latte-and-learn Z'havah Buford Highway Field Trip - Korean BBQ and Karaoke - Sunday, January 26 | 7:30 - 10 pm | Location TBD: It’s January, it’s a Saturday night, and it’s cold. Your New Year’s resolution is to get up in front of your girlfriends and sing one-hit wonders from the 80’s! Registration required. bit.ly/aa-zhavah-buford-fieldtrip

17 • Beineinu • Jan | Feb | Mar 2019

Z'havah Hamentaschen Bake-Off Tuesday, March 12 | 7 - 9 pm | The Home of Rachael Joseph: And you thought Chopped was competitive? The ladies of Z’havah will be competing for best-tasting hamentaschen and most creative filling. Bring your family recipes, and, if you are not a baker, just come and eat cookie dough! Registration Required. bit.ly/aa-zhavah-bake-off Sisterhood Donor Event - Stylin' with the Sistas Sunday,March31|10:30am-1pm|SrochiHall Save the date for a fun and beautiful program you won't want to miss, put together by Donor Event Chairs, Beth Friedman and Lori Harber! Also save the date for the Sisterhood Donor Medallion Tea on Tuesday, March 26! bit.ly/aa-sisterhood-donor-2019

Other AA Events

See pg. 10 for Chai Youth events!

BETisforBaby-Sunday,January27,February3, andFebruary10|10:30am-12pm|AhavaELC: Loving God, what is more precious than our children? Is there any treasure that can be more beloved, more pure than the cherished souls we have brought into the world? Help me guide them well, dear God, and help them lead their lives with faith, wisdom, and truth (Rebbe Nachman of Breslov). Join us for a three-week course about everything baby! Especially crafted for first time pregnant couples and individuals, these mornings will be spent discussing the details of the Brit Mila and baby naming, childhood celebrations, and the ins-and-outs of raising a Jewish child. Meet with our clergy, educators, and health practitioners from the community to discuss, learn, ask questions, and to create fellowship with other individuals who are at this similar stage in life. This course is free and open to ev-

erybody. RSVP required. bitl.ly/aa-betis-for-baby The Dr. Gerry and Betty Berman Concert Series Presents, Two Pianos, Hearts Entwined - Sunday, March 3 | 3 - 5:30 pm | Srochi Hall: Save the date for the inaugural Annual Dr. Gerry and Betty Berman Concert Series featuring the romantic, powerful, and dramatic works of Johannes Brahms played by pianists, William Ransom and Julie Coucheron.

Ben Sidran - Jews, Music, and the American Dream - Thursday, March 14 | Time TBD | Ellman Chapel: AA is proud to be hosting Jews, Music, and the American Dream, a musical performance by Ben Sidran, as part of the 2019 Atlanta Jewish Music Festival! Sidran is a jazz pianist, producer, singer, composer, and author widely recognized as the host of National Public Radio’s landmark jazz series “Jazz Alive.” Don't miss this fascinating exploration and social history of Jewish contributions to American popular music!

Purim PaloozAA - Sunday, March 17 | 11 am - 2 pm: Save the date for AA's annual Purim carnival and celebration for celebrants of all ages! Whether it's a Megillah Reading, face painting, pedal kart racing, a gourmet coffee bar, live music, or food trucks, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Klezmer Band and Rabbis' Tish and Spiel - Wednesday, March 20 | 5:30 - 8 pm: Save the date!

Atlanta Concert Band - Sunday, March 24 | 4 pm: Save the date!

Tuesdays@AA - Every Tuesday | 10 am 11:30 pm | Fishman Conference Room Rabbi Rosenthal's Wednesday Talmud Class - Every Wednesday | 5 pm | Koplin Borochoff Library Rabbi Sandler's Thursday Talmud Class Every Thursday | 8:30 am | Cavalier Room Torah Study - Every Saturday | 10 - 11 am | Cavalier Room Lunch and Learn - Every third Wednesday of the month | 12 - 1 pm | Offices of Birnbrey, Minsk, Minsk, and Perling Piedmont Study Group with the Rabbis - Every second Wednesday of the month | 2:30 - 3:30 pm | The Piedmont at Buckhead

aa advocacy / volunteering / support Tu B'Shvat Seder - Saturday, January 19 | 1 - 2:30 pm | AA Synagogue Come join us to learn about the deep Jewish roots of Tu B’Shvat and to celebrate the renewal of nature and the Jewish New Year for Trees. Experience the symbolism and delicious foods of a Tu B’Shvat Seder, and reflect on our responsibility for the earth, what grows on it and the exquisite world around us. Registration required. bit.ly/aa-tu-bshvat-seder-5779 MLK Day/Tu B'Shvat Tree Planting Mon, Jan 21 | 9 am - 12:30 pm | Grove Park Turn your day off into a day ON! This year, Tu B’Shvat and MLK Day are celebrated on the same day!

Celebrate the Jewish New Year of the trees and honor the life and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by joining the Atlanta community at Grove Park (meet at the corner of Grove Park Place and Francis Place NW) for the Annual Citywide Tu B’Shvat Tree Planting.

Give tree roots a place to flourish with local synagogues, Hillels, day schools, and other places. Trees Atlanta will provide the trees, tools, and expertise, and we’ll bring the energy and community spirit! Hot coffee, refreshments, and fruits and nuts will be provided. Special children’s programming will be offered by teachers from Jewish Kids Groups.

RSVP on Facebook (facebook.com/tubshvatatlanta). bit.ly/tu-bshvat-treeplanting-5779

SOAP UP Super Bowl Atlanta - Sunday, January 27 | 9:30 am - 3:30 pm | AA Synagogue The AAACTS Committee (Action and Awareness to Abolish Child Trafficking for Sex) and the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta's Commission on DMST (Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking) invite you to participate in SOAP UP Super Bowl Atlanta! Help us label 20,000 soap bars with the national human trafficking 800+ hotline number and distribute them to hotels surrounding Mercedes Benz Stadium where the Super Bowl will be held on Sunday, February 3. More info on pg. 13. aasynagogue. org/aa-soap-up-atlanta Blood Drive - Sunday, February 10 | 9 am - 2 pm| AA Synagogue: Do the mitzvah of donating blood at Ahavath Achim Synagogue’s quarterly Blood Drive! We encourage you to schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood website (redcrossblood.org) by typing the sponsor code, JWV, into the "Find a Blood Drive" search box at the top right-hand corner of the page. You will be directed to the Ahavath Achim Synagogue registration page where you can schedule your appointment. bit.ly/aa-blood-drive Smiling Faces Needed: Everyone who walks through our doors on Shabbat and holidays is greeted with a warm welcome. This is made possible by our devoted members who are part of our greeter team. Being a greeter is an easy and fun way to connect with other congregants, meet new people, and become an integral part of the synagogue. If you can smile and say "Shabbat Shalom," then you are a fully trained greeter. Greeters stay in the foyer outside Ellman Chapel for approximately one hour on Shabbat and holidays. To join the greeter team, contact Mildred or Marty Kwatinetz at zaydekw@comcast.net or 404.812.1734.

Community Events Power of One 2019 - Sun, Jan 27 | 5 pm | Selig Center - 1440 Spring St, Atlanta: Join the Jewish Abilities Alliance for their 5th annual reception honoring those who make efforts to transform Jewish life in Atlanta into an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and the uniqueness of all its members. In addition to recognizing all of this year's honorees, the Robyn Berger Emerging Leader Award will be presented at the event, honoring a rising leader in the community. AA congregant, Shelly Dollar, has been chosen as one of this year's honorees! This is a free event. RSVP required

by January 22 through the link below. bit.ly/jaa-power-of-one-2019 Mitzvah for the Mikvah - Thursday, March 7 | 6:30 - 9:30 pm | Congregation B'nai Torah - 700 Mt Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs: Join the community in support of MACoM (Metro Atlanta Community Mikvah) to honor Atlanta's "Synagogue Heroes." Synagogue Heroes are welcoming, caring individuals, deeply devoted to their faith and community. They possess an inspiring voice of reason, intelligence and an unwavering commitment to the Jewish future. AA congregant, Alan Wexler, has been chosen as one of this year's honored "Heroes!" For tickets and more info: bit.ly/mitzvah-for-the-mikvah-2019

Beineinu • JAN | FEB | MAR 2019 • 18

19 • Beineinu • Jan | Feb | Mar 2019

the art of asking for help OOOPPPSSS! It's a disgrace. I just lost my total control!

Most people you love and care about have decisions to be made.

Are you ready to talk with them about it?

Most people you know and care about may need your help.

Are you ready to reach out and help?

Can you protect them financially, physically, spiritually?

What if you can't!

The Art of Asking for Help

A poem by Helen Scherrer-Diamond Who can I turn to? Who do I trust?

Who will understand me? Who will make a fuss?

It takes a lifetime to build community.

It takes a village to understand needs.

It takes a moment to lose control and fall or face a catastrophe.

Be prepared and know your options so last minute decisions do not have to be made under stress or duress.

The spouse who has "dementia" suddenly is unaware.

The spouse who is alarmingly now aware becomes the "faceless" caregiver. Family members conveniently ignore. Help is suddenly needed. Family members are in denial. Everyone is scared. Opinions become vocal and loud.

I don’t need help! I’m okay today... I don’t want help!

What do you care anyway?

No, not yet! Leave me alone! Just let me be!

You don’t know what I’m going through.

What do you want from me?

Why don't you mind your own business?

What are you doing?

Where are you going?

Why do you suddenly appear and care?

OOOPPPSSS! I tripped and fell!

OOOPSSS! I had a stroke!

OOOPPPSSS! I am suddenly terminally ill!

OOOPPPSSS! I just got diagnosed!

A lifetime of giving and sharing becomes a daily routine of manipulation, control, and mishaps if you let it.

Can mom walk on her own? Can dad help her?

Will my husband be able to help me?

Will my wife know what to do?

Do my children know how to help and where everything is?

Do we know all our options? Can we access all our resources?

Do we know who to trust and who could help?

What if they are gone? What if we run out of money?

What can we afford?

Can you, my best friend, brother, sister, husband, wife, daughter, brother, nephew, niece have "the conversation" with me now? Or is it too late? Please don't wait!

A

s Community Outreach Director for Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care and Fischer Funeral Care and a member of the NAIPC (National Aging in Place Council), I have the opportunity to attend many senior and elder-care programs. Families face so many challenges and emotional and financial "messes" that can be avoided.

The NAIPC recently published my Fall Prevention Toolkit on their website, and the MSCA (Mutiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta) may also be in the process of publishing it in their magazine and website.

Over time, I hope to also share resources with the communities I visit. With "Scherrer determination" and a "Diamond in the friend business," I want to write "reminders" in a bold way so people will JDI - just do it - instead of just talking about it. Whether it's having conversations with families, obtaining legal documents for estate planning, or purchasing final expense insurance for funerals, actions speak louder than words.

I understand this is "tough love" and maybe even an "in-yourface reality" to most people, but denial is rampant. Facing and fixing problems is necessary but not always done. Problems "fester" and eventually need to be fixed. Actually doing something by reaching out to trustworthy sources and finding definitive answers is so important!

NAIPC - naipcatlanta.org Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care - jewishfuneralcare.com Fischer Funeral Care - fischerfuneralcare.com MSCA - mscatl.org

I do need help now! I do need someone to care!

OOOPPPSSS! It’s too late. No legal documents in place!

OOOPPPSSS! It’s too late! The attorneys are needed now.

OOOPPPSSS! It’s too late! The government stepped in.

Beineinu • JAN | FEB | MAR 2019 • 20

In Memoriam

Hamkom Yeenachem... May God comfort the loved ones of...

Norma Ambery Mother of Susan Socoloff

Ruth Arnovitz

Stepmother of Eliot Arnovitz

Charlotte Begner

Ernestine Kasriel Mother of David Kasriel

Beryl Kramer

Mother of Russell Kramer

Starr Lande

Mother of Felice Goodman and Karen Gadlin

Wife of Arnold Lande

Lucille Canter

Michael Levin

Mother of Susan Reisner and Nancy Canter Weiner

Edith Cohen

Husband of Ann Levin

Toby Merlin

Sister of Rhalda Kahn

Brother of Barbara Draluck

Arthur Diamond

Gerry Panovka

Husband of Shirley Diamond

Edward Dworetz Brother-in-law of Joel Lobel

Husband of Hilly Panovka Father of Alon Panovka and Tamar Stern

Faye Ellen Slutsky Sister of Larry Cooper

Estelle Ezor Mother of Bobby Ezor

Larry Spielberger Husband of Marcia Spielberger

Jerry Finkelstein Beloved congregant

Harriet Swerdlin Mother of Richard Swerdlin

Betty Ruth Gilbride Mother of Dennis Gilbride

Evelyn Taratoot Mother of Renee Byrd

Murray Greenspan

(list as of November 18, 2018)

Father of Marsha Kalson

...along with the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem 21 • Beineinu • Jan | Feb | Mar 2019

R

eva’s Dream: The newest addition to the Sylvia G. Cohen Museum, presented to Reva Epstein in 1993 by Ahavath Achim Sisterhood on the occasion of the 52nd Annual Donor Luncheon. The magnificent Hans Frabel masterpiece is representative of Reva’s words - "I dreamed the roof of my house opened to a star studded sky with the Almighty as the focal point, and my hands outstretched... reaching for the stars." After 25 years, Reva’s Dream was sent to the Museum from the Epstein Family in Chicago.

The case that displays it was commissioned by Sara Alterman "In Loving Memory of Reva, my forever friend and Rebbetzin."

Remembering The Brilliant Reva Epstein, a story excerpted from The Reva Chronicles, the multi-media program written and produced

by Miriam Strickman Levitas for the 52nd Annual Ahavath Achim Sisterhood Donor Luncheon, was printed in the July/August 2001 edition of The Jewish Georgian.

- Miriam Strickman Levitas

Beineinu • JAN | FEB | MAR 2019 • 22

Staff & Officers

weekly service schedule

Neil Sandler, Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal, Rabbi Rabbi Arnold Goodman, Scholar in Residence Barry Herman, Executive Director Lindsay Borenstein, Associate Executive Director Marc Silberstein, Youth & Family Program Director Anne Cohen, Director of Events & Marketing Chris Carr, Director of Facilities Beth Arnold Helmey, Ahava ELC Director Investigator Joe Jones IV, Director of Security Jill Rosner, Assistant to the Rabbis Catherine Ficke, Executive Assistant Jackie Nix, Youth & Family Program Associate Heidi Herman, Ahava ELC Administrator Susan Goff, Ahava ELC Bookkeeper Lauren Dube, Marketing Coordinator & Graphic Designer Miriam Habif, Membership & Engagement Coordinator Stan Vogel, Finance Manager Fern Schorr, Receptionist Wesley Coney, Facilities Anika Johnson, Facilities Ken Johnson, Facilities Ian Madge, Facilities Marcus Thomas, Facilities Mark Cohen, President Gerry Benjamin, Executive Vice President Irene Aronin, Financial Vice President Stacy Fialkow, Vice President Michael Plasker, Vice President Betty Sunshine, Vice President Debra Elovich and Judy Marx, Sisterhood Co-Presidents Zoe Glickman, USY President

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

Shabbat Morning Service (Saturday)

9:45 am

stay connected facebook.com/AhavathAchimSynagogue @aasynagogueatl @AASynagogueATL Ahavath Achim Synagogue

Beineinu‌ between you and me | The Newsletter of Ahavath Achim Synagogue Our newsletter is funded by a grant from The Center Family Foundation Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30327 | aasynagogue.org | 404.355.5222