Beineinu - November 2017 - February 2018

Ahavath Achim Synagogue

Beineinu Kislev | Tevet | Shevat 5778 November 19 - February 15, 2017

Beineinu • Kislev | Tevet | Shevat • Cover1

table of contents Jewish Continuity

announcements | pg. 2 - 5 From the executive director | pg. 7 ask the rabbi - Chanukah - proud and out loud! by rabbi rosenthal | pg. 8 sisterhood | pg. 9 - 10 kesher@aa | pg. 11 Ahava ELC | pg. 12 - 13

Social Action

LGBTQ Advocacy our aa pride by rabbi rosenthal | pg. 14 congregants receive sojourn's michael jay kinsler rainmaker award | pg. 15 blood drive, greening group, hunger walk, operation isaiah | pg. 16 the jew & the lion - a refugee tale by rabbi rosenthal | pg. 17 jews in the pews in the news AA-Acts awarded icm's child advocacy award | pg. 18

Cultural Arts and Education

prayer book, hebrew, and wise aging class | pg. 19 2017 atlanta mayoral forum | pg. 20

Capital Campaign News

thank you to our donors | pg. 21 Donor Profile | pg. 22 - 23

Calendar and volunteer

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jewish continuity babIes

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

Ahuva Chana Steininger

Max Noah Jaffe

born May 25

born july 3

Michael Philip Gordon Mila Grayley Gabbai born July 12

born July 12

Parents Sammi and Josh Steininger

Parents Carli and Craig Jaffe

Parents Leah and David Gordon

Parents Julie and Eric Gabbai

Grandparents Wendy and Ira Haber; Stephanie and Mike Steininger

Grandparents Wendy and Ira Haber; Jill and Jay Jaffe

Grandparents Michelle and Craig Rich; Dahlia and Amnon Gabbai

Great-Grandparents Rosalind and Phillip Haber; Adele Morris; Bessie Hirsch

Great-Grandparents Rosalind and Phillip Haber; Adele Morris; Jay Strauss

Grandparents Susan and Neil Gordon; Diane and the late Morris Benatar (z"l) for whom he is named

Great-Great-Grandparent Lena Sisselman

Great-Great-Grandparent Lena Sisselman

Great-Grandparents Betty Ann Shusterman; Louise and Leo Benatar; the late Vicky and Phil Berman (z"l) for whom he is also named

Great-Grandparents Grace Benator; Shirley Rich

charleigh blake gilsten Davis Jacob Oppenheimer Annie Margo Weinberg caleb henry eden born july 25

born july 31

Grandparents Sara Fran and Wayne Neuwirth; Wendy and the late Charles Gilsten (z"l)

Grandparents Carolyn Oppenheimer, Steve Oppenheimer; Shelley and Neil Cooper

Great-Grandparents Herbert Neuwirth and the late Barbara Neuwirth (z"l); Martha English

Great-Grandparents Elsie Oppenheimer; Julia Soriano

Parents Michael Gilsten and Lauren Neuwirth Gilsten

Parents Matt and Andrea Oppenheimer

born august 15

born august 20

Grandparents Barbara and Alan Kaplan; Lori and Marc Weinberg

Grandparents Adam and Jodie Skorecki; Margie Eden; Jane and Mark Eden

Parents Molly and Adam Weinberg

Great-Grandparents Pauline Kaplan; Lillian and Samuel Weinberg

Parents Sara and Brent Eden

Sibling Miles Eden

Sibling Hallie Rose Weinberg

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Danielle avery kline Sawyer mae liebman sawyer ian moss born august 20

born september 9 Parents Megan and Jon Liebman

Parents Ashley Gerson and Alton Moss

Grandparents Dee and Gerald Kline; Debbie and Michael Lessans

Grandparents Naomi and Paul Liebman

Grandparents Dr. Ronald and Darriel Srochi Gerson; Carol and the late Ian Moss (z"l)

Parents Amy and Joey Kline

Sibling Levi Liebman

Great-Grandparent Norman Buckman

born september 27

sydney harper rosenzweig born september 27 Parents Liz Jacobson and Brian Rosenzweig

Grandparents Susan Gordon Moray; Jay Rosenzweig; Joan and Arnie Jacobson Great-Grandparent Betty Ann Shusterman

b'nai mitzvah

mazal tov to our young members and their loved ones on this milestone

chloé edwige weinstein harry charles ayal born october 4

born october 12

Sibling Camille Weinstein

Grandparents Judi Ayal; Linda and Bill Hayllar

Parents Aurélie and Randy Weinstein

Grandparents Laurie and David Weinstein

Parents Kristin and Ofer Ayal

strategic plan

Thank you to all who participated in our recent Strategic Planning Congregational survey. We have analyzed the data and are in the process of scheduling Community Conversations to discuss Ahavath Achim's strengths and weaknesses, in-depth, with our congregation. These meetings will allow for facilitated dialogue focusing on both member engagement and techniques for expanding the core base of our congregation. We look forward to these gatherings and working with you to grow our future together, so please look for the upcoming Community Conversation dates in the coming weeks.

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Zachary drew Friedman Eitan Ehud ben Yared v'batya

Zach Friedman celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on October 28, 2017. Zach is the son of Beth and Jared Friedman and grandson of Sandi and Gerald Friedman and Shelley and Howie Shapiro.

He has two brothers, Jake and Nate. For his Mitzvah Project, Zach volunteered for Friendship Circle of Atlanta. Zach on his experience: "The Friendship Circle is a wonderful Jewish Organization that creates friendships and inclusion for individuals with special needs. This past winter, a group of my peers and I were trained to recognize and interact with people with special needs. The Friendship Circle's mission is to give people who may look, act, or learn differently a chance to be in a comfortable social setting. Often times, people with special needs don't have the opportunity to hang out with friends - the Friendship Circle provides them with a safe and fun environment."

Isaac Geronimo Fialkow Yitzak Moshe ben Emanuel v'Sara Rifka Isaac Fialkow celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on November 4, 2017 during Shabbat morning and evening Havdallah services. Isaac is the son of Stacy and Emanuel Fialkow. He is the grandson of Debby and Alan Fialkow (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL), Shirley Glickman (Miami, FL), and Kirsten and Bill Glickman (Greenville, SC). He is the great-grandson of Lena Sisselman (Atlanta, GA). Isaac has two brothers, Ethan and Samuel, and a sister, Sydney. For his Mitzvah project, Isaac donated books and games to hospitalized children at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Hughes Spalding.

Rachel Elizabeth Glickman davina josephina

Rachel Glickman will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on November 18, 2017. Rachel is the daughter of Carol and Robert Glickman and granddaughter of Gail and Cy Glickman, Lionel Harris and Lydis Karaso-Harris, and Ruby Hawkins.

She has a sister, Zoe Glickman.

For her Mitzvah Project, Rachel volunteers at an animal shelter.

seth daniel lindner

Shmuel Daniel ben Reuven Tzvi v'Malka Rifka Seth Lindner will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on December 16, 2017.

Seth is the son of Marcia and Rick Lindner and grandson of Marilyn and Arthur Kaufman (z"l) and Alice and Herbert Lindner (z"l). Seth on his Mitzvah Project: "I have been and will be giving back to some of the organizations that helped and continue to help me in my cancer journey. This year I supported Cure Childhood Cancer by raising funds through their Coins for Cancer Campaign. The funds will help children, along with their siblings and parents, going through cancer treatment and will be given at the Cure Childhood Cancer Holiday Party. The week after my Bar Mitzvah, I have the chance to give back to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta by handing out presents to hospitalized children and their siblings on Christmas Day."

engagements & weddings

mazal tov to the newly engaged/married couples and their loved ones!

Jordan Lynch & Brian Light Jordan Lynch and Brian Light are happy to announce their engagement. Jordan is the daughter of Lisa and Bradley Lynch. Brian is the son of Steve and Wendy Light and grandson of Shirley Rich and Arnold Rich (z"l) and Estelle Light and Arthur Light (z"l).

Julia Reisman & Daniel lowenthal Julia Alysse Reisman and Daniel Gary Lowenthal are happy to announce their engagement - they are to be married on October 21, 2018. Julia holds a BS in nursing from the University of Texas and a Masters in Nursing from Vanderbilt University. She is a pediatric nurse practitioner in San Francisco. Danny holds a BBA in finance from the University of Georgia and an MBA from the University of Virginia. He is a cloud solution specialist at Microsoft in San Francisco. Julia is the daughter of Vickie and Bruce Reisman and granddaughter of Shirley and Donald Reisman and Lillian and Noah Ginsberg (z"l). Daniel is the son of Suzanne and Stephen Phillips and grandson of Shirley and Sidney Silvers.

Aubrey Garber & Jed Wasilewsky Aubrey Garber and Jed Wasilewsky were married on July 2, 2017 at the Puritan Mill. Aubrey and Jed met in kindergarten at the Epstein School, went steady in 5th grade, and continued to date through high school at Weber. They now live and work in Midtown where Aubrey manages Rivermint Finery, and Jed owns his own company, Bullet Scanning. Aubrey is the daughter of Stephen and Marianne Garber and granddaughter of Rook and Dan Daniels (z"l) and Al and Gerry Garber (z"l). Jed is the son of Beverley and Gary Wasilewsky and grandson of Reina Bloch and Harold Bloch (z"l) and Chone and Jesse Wasilewsky (z"l).

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

Selwyn begner WE EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES TO wife Charlotte Herman Begner, son Alan (Cory) Begner, daughters Karen (Bruce) Gadlin and Felice (Phil) Goodman, grandchildren Henry (Rhianna) Begner, Robyn (Joel) Dubinsky, Scotty (Kassandra) Gadlin, Brittany (R.J.) Luke, Hayley (Jared) Schlosser, five greatgrandchildren.

susan roth levine WE EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES TO son Paul (Anne) Silver, daughter Mindy (Michael) Planer, sister Nancy (Steve) Friedberg, and grandchildren Justin and Eric Silver and Austin and Dani Planer.

norman chanin

Andrea Goldberg WE EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES TO husband Richard Barber and her sister Robin Goldberg (Sande McGehee).

Scott Selig WE EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES TO sons Cooper and Sam, their mother Amy Selig, parents Steve and Linda Selig and Janet Selig and Jeff Bernstein, siblings Mindy and Dave Shoulberg, Blake and Stephanie Selig, Michael Shenk, Stacey and David Fisher, Mara and Justin Berman, and Bret Bernstein, nieces and nephews Carly, Jordan, Casey, McKenzie, Ansley, Parker, Zachary, Alison, Lindsay, Molly, Aaron, Justin, Ella, Avery, Davis, Max and Parker, and special friend Samantha Wexler.

Marianne goldstein nieman WE EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES TO daughter Susan Nieman (Dr. Jonathan) Winner, daughter-in-law, Shirley Hebert Nieman, brother Donald (Marilyn) Goldstein, grandchildren, Michael Winner, Dr. David (Robin) Winner, Jeffrey (Julie) Winner and Amy Winner (Matthew) Kraus, Jeremy (Paula) Nieman and Jennifer Gilbert, and great-grandchildren Miles, Jakob and Ava Kraus, Rachel and Max Winner, Betsy and Charlie Winner, and Ainsley, Mackensie and Darcy Nieman.

WE EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES TO wife Shirley Johnson, daughter Erica (Andrew) Cozewith, grandsons Henry and Harrison Leusink, and granddaughters Leah and Rachel Cozewith, and brother Steve (Karin) Chanin.

Ruth Coan WE EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES TO husband Mark, sons Brian (Tica) and Seth, mother Naomi Chitlik, brothers Larry and Jimmy Chitlik, and grandchildren Leah Sophia and Ari Yvette.

sophie zwecker WE EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES TO husband Jack, daughter Elisa (Bobby) Ezor, son Mark (Lori) Zwecker, and grandchildren Zachary, Danielle, Haley, Lindsey and Mitchell.

barry michael weiner WE EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES TO wife Linda, daughter PJ (Adam), sons Joe (Clare) and Dan, grandsons Cosby, Nathaniel and Jonathan, step-mother Irma Shulman Weiner, sister Toby (Brian) and brother Steve (Diane).

benjamin weissmann

WE EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES TO wife Elinor, son Richard (Nicole), grandchildren Rachel, Emily, Ethan, Dylan, and Romy and sister Florence.

WE EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES TO children David (Nancy) Weissmann, Terry Spector and Nancy (Josh) Bailin, grandchildren Elana, Shira and Joshua Weissmann, Evan (Marissa) Goldberg, Elise Browner, Rachel and Abby Bailin, and great-grandchildren Eli and Hailey Goldberg and Molly Browner.

Evelyn Lefkoff

Marvin Cohen

Martin Arlook

WE EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES TO husband Harold, children Helen Lefkoff (Robert Faulk), Larry (Bundi) Lefkoff, and Craig (Faye) Lefkoff, grandchildren Alexis (Andy), Missy (Mechel), Steven (Anna), Ryan (Meredith), Julie (Bradley), Jenna and Blake and seven great-grandchildren.

WE EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES TO wife Sandra, daughter, Lori Cohen (Stuart) Sobel, son Kent Isaac (Lisa) Cohen and grandchildren Emilie and Noah Sobel, and Miles, Lindsey and Harris Cohen.

along with the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem 5 • Beineinu • Kislev | Tevet | Shevat

JF&CS Presents:

Ask a Professional Jenny Gay, LMSW, a Geriatric Care Manager with Aviv Older Adult Services, graduated from Tulane School of Social Work and is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of Georgia.

Her commitment to the aging process was inspired by her grandmother as she witnessed the good, bad and ugly parts of the aging infrastructure in our society and was motivated to be a part of positive change. She has worked with the Council on Aging in Asheville, NC, with Jewish Family Services of Western North Carolina, and has extensive memory care training as well as hospice experience. Her expertise is equal to her passion for older adult care.

Q: Jenny, at what point does an elder and/or family member know when it is time to consult a geriatric care manager?

For more information on aging resources, contact Jenny Gay at 770.677.9478 or jgay@jfcsatl.org.

A:

Subtle or obvious changes in daily life provide signs that a professional guide with the aging process is needed. When routine activities change… like getting lost driving to a familiar store, keys cannot be located, or car cannot be found in the parking lot… a professional perspective is in order. A more obvious sign presents if your loved one has a fall, followed by a hospital stay and then caring for that person upon returning home.

Life can turn upside down in the blink of an eye and the professional supports needed to regain balance are difficult to navigate. We are often called a life-line for safety, stability and emotional grounding.

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Beineinu • Kislev | Tevet | Shevat • 6

from the executive director

by Barry Herman

F

riends,

When I sat down to write this article, it struck me that I have been back now for nearly 5 months. It has been a real whirlwind with many challenges and so much to do.

The overwhelming feeling I am left with, however, is that I am blessed. The warmth and encouragement I have received has been truly humbling.

Although I stayed involved as a volunteer in my time away, being involved on a day-to-day basis has been like coming home. This community has been immensely good to both me and my family, and it is a relationship I will always cherish.

Whenever I sit down to write or to deliver a message, I always look to the weekly Torah portion for some insight. It is still amazing to me that even after so many years of reading the same text, I will always find something different that resonates with me. This upcoming week, the parsha is Vayeira, which speaks, amongst other things, about the hospitable nature of our forefather, Abraham. Despite being in pain from having been circumcised at age ninety nine, he rushes out to meet his guests and make them welcome.

When I first started working at the AA, it was at the end of a comprehensive strategic planning process, and we had just begun with the implementation thereof. The main takeaway of that process was to make our congregation a warm and welcoming institution in every area. When I look back over the years, it is astounding to see how far we have come. I am extremely proud of the fact that we are, indeed, a congregation that welcomes everybody, irrespective of who they are and what their backgrounds may be.

We have been hard at work in the last number of months looking towards meeting the immediate and long term challenges we face.

To that end, we established two committees charged with coming up with alternative ideas for producing revenue, as well as coming to grips with long range planning for the future. We are facing our many challenges head on, and there has been thoughtful and substantive debate in the course of our work. There is no doubt in my mind we will come up with workable solutions in short-order.

I am also happy to report our financial results for the first quarter of the new financial year are extremely positive, with revenue from dues and related items up and expenses down. We will have a much clearer picture with the results at the end of October, as this will include all of the income and expenditures for the High Holy Days as well as Sukkot. But, suffice it to say, we are off to a strong start.

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However, dues and expenses are only one small part of the picture. You have heard mention over the years that dues cover only around 40% of our expenses. We rely on the generosity of our community in order to make sure we make up the shortfall, in no small part, through our fundraising efforts. Remember, it is not only High Holy Day services that we offer. We are open 365 days a year, are here for all life cycle events, offer three services a day, provide education for children and adults, and have a long and proud history of being socially responsible and involved in the greater community.

THIS IS WHERE WE NEED YOUR HELP in order for us to remain fiscally responsible. We are relaunching our annual Chai Campaign in the next few weeks. You will receive information in the mail as well as online. We are also getting ready to hopefully commence with much needed renovations to our building in the not too distant future. The Capital Campaign has been hugely successful, but we still need your help to get over the final hump.

Please consider participating in the Capital Campaign if you have not already done so, as well as helping us to balance our budget through the Chai Campaign. Participate at any level at which you feel comfortable.

Please feel free to reach out at any time with any questions or suggestions. I welcome anyone who would like to pop in to visit.

With much love, Barry

ask the rabbi

chanukah - proud and out loud! by rabbi laurence rosenthal

W

hen we lived in North Hollywood, there was a wonderful tradition in our neighborhood. I am sure that many of us have heard of Christmas carolers. In the middle of the night, a long bed truck decorated with lights, candy canes, and all the fixings for a mobile winter wonderland would pass by at a whopping 2 mph, preceded and followed by men and women dressed up as elves and other well-known characters from the Christmas stories. I am sure in small towns throughout America, Christmas carolers need to practice their harmonies and work on their repertoire. Not in Los Angeles. In LA, they just found the loudest sound system possible and blasted the most upbeat holiday CD they could find. The people on the winter wonderland truck and those walking around it simply waved, smiled, and made everybody they passed feel the holiday spirit. And although they would usually pass our home at around 12:30 or 1:00 am, I was never mad. It was such a sight to see. It was hard not to have a smile on my face.

Christians really know how to live – proud and out loud. Especially during this time of year. Other than the Christian mitzvah to ‘spread holiday cheer,’ I am not sure what motivated them to do this. To spend all this money lighting up their homes, decorating the shopping malls, changing their coffee cups, writing and recording copious amounts of holiday jingles; it appears that they are motivated by a deep rooted desire to make others smile and create a beautiful, warm, inviting space for others.

We Jews have a similar mandate but, unfortunately, we seem to have gone underground with our celebration during this time of year. Of course, within our communities, we are celebrating.

There seems to be no end to Chanukah parties, celebrations, fried latkes, and 8 days of gift giving. However, outside of our families, synagogues and close friends, Chanukah isn’t pronounced. For some reason, we have left the holiday cheer to our Christian neighbors, and our celebrations are by invitation only. I am not sure if this is the way it is supposed to be.

According to Jewish tradition, the holiday of Chanukah is a celebration of a miracle. The historical story of Chanukah is about the small defeating the mighty, righteousness overcoming evil, and light shining through the darkness. Through the military victory of the Hasmoneans, a small band of Jews from the ruling Priestly class, also known as the Maccabees, the Jews defeated their Greek-Syrian oppressors. Interestingly, our observance of Chanukah doesn’t focus on the military victory. Rather, when we gather together in our homes or synagogues, our rituals focus on a midrash, rabbinic tale, about the discovery of oil found in the ransacked temple - oil which lasted 8 days.

As part of the observance of Chanukah, not only are we supposed to light our Chanukiah (the official name of our 9-branched menorah), but its placement within our home is also prescribed.

According to Jewish legal compendia, our Chanukiot are to be

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placed in the front window looking out onto the street. That is pretty bold! Unfortunately, with our difficult Jewish history, being this loud and open about our Judaism, has sometimes been uncomfortable. We worry about reprisals, hate crimes, snickers and sneers from people walking by. So we are torn between our fear (keep it in) and the law (let it out). Our gut says, keep it quiet; our law says, loud and proud. To upset our kishkes even more, one of Rabbinic Judaism’s earliest documents of law and spiritual wisdom, the Mishnah, gives us even more guidance regarding the extent to which we are allowed to go in order to show off our Chanukiot: If a spark went out from under the hammer and caused damage, he (the blacksmith) is liable. If a camel laden with flax passed by in the public domain and its load of flax entered (possibly by falling off the camel’s back and flax spilled everywhere including a plume of dust and particles) into a shop and caught fire from the storeowner’s candle and lit a large house on fire, the owner of the camel is liable. But if the shop keeper left his candle outside, the shopkeeper is liable. Rabbi Judah says: If it was a Chanukiah, he (the shopkeeper) is exempt (Mishnah Bava Kamma 6:6).

Our oral tradition helps us to understand the importance of this mitzvah of pirsum haNes (to publicize the Mitzvah) is. Even to the point of creating a dangerous situation, we are commanded to be loud and proud with our celebration of Chanukah. In Jerusalem, people don’t just display in the window but actually have specially made containers out by their mailboxes which house their Chanukiot. When Brooke and I lived in Jerusalem, we made it a point to walk around the neighborhood and see all of them ablaze.

It was a beautiful sight. Of course, I am not encouraging any of us to create a dangerous environment, leaving flames out next to flammable material. However, this Mishnah reminds us that we are to make sure that everybody knows it's Chanukah. It’s not good enough just for family and close friends. We are commanded to be proud and out loud.

So how does this work? Of course, placing your Chanukiah in the front window viewable from the street is a given… but what else can we do? Can you decorate the house with blue and white lights? Some might think that this is too close to imitating our Christian neighbors. I won’t fight that battle here, only to say learn your Jewish history. We Jews are experts at adopting foreign culture and making it our own. What is hanging up in our office or cubicle at work? Carol, two cubicles over, has a stocking hanging from her cubicle and has been wearing a red sweater since October 15. What is hanging from your cubicle? What are you wearing to work? Although we don’t traditionally have Chanukah colors or fuzzy hats, what about your tie or your socks? I am sure you can find something in the Chanukah spirit. And please don’t talk to me about strict dress codes at work. I know that Frank from HR wears the dumbest ties all year round. If he can get away with it, you can surely wear your Chanukah tie collection for 8 days?!

What about the lunch room? Can you bring in 2 dozen sufganiot (Chanukah jelly doughnuts) or how about a plate of freshly fried latkes? Nobody in the office would complain about that.

Loud and proud, my friends. That's what the Chanukah season requires of us. We have an opportunity to spread some holiday cheer. Our Christian brothers and sisters are working hard to bring a smile to our faces. Let’s make sure we show them the miracle of this time of year.

Beineinu • Kislev | Tevet | Shevat • 8

sisterhood

From the Co-chairs

by Debra Elovich & Judy Marx

T

here is so much going on in Sisterhood right now! As Thanksgiving approaches, we have gratitude on our minds. So along with sharing Sisterhood’s upcoming programs, we must express our deepest thanks to the women who created great programs so far this year: The Opening Meeting, “A Trifecta for Fitness,” was a smashing success. Thanks to Delcy Harber and Jennifer Rosenfeld for their excellent planning. We started the New Year off right with learning new ways to improve our health, and we even exercised a little!

The annual Worship in Pink Shabbat service was especially moving this year. We are grateful to Rina Wolfe’s commitment to honoring cancer survivors, remembering, with love, those whom we have lost to the dreadful disease, and celebrating those who put their feet first by participating in Breast Cancer walks. Susan Sandler spoke beautifully, sharing her own story with the congregation.

Judy and Debra accept the Women’s League "Jewels in the Crown Award" at the annual convention on behalf of the AA Sisterhood.

The Mah Jongg battle of the ages, Rookies vs. Veterans, was epic! Experienced players taught newbies and loads of fun was had by all.

Z’havah planned a great program that brought together the generations over tiles, coffee, and bagels - What more could anyone want?

Thanks to Allison Feldman and Rachael Joseph, Z’havah Co-Chairs, and all the Mah Jongg players who showed us the ropes!

There are still lots of ways to get involved in Sisterhood. Now is the time for you to find your place with us. Be a part of what is happening. Volunteer to help for one event, or join us at one of our gatherings: Naomi’s Book Club, Latte & Learn, Rosh Chodesh, or any of our upcoming programs! Then, after you’ve had a wonderful time, you’ll invite your friends to join you at the next event, and before you know it, Sisterhood will be your home too! (from left to right) Dr. Ben Cohen, Alisa Bernath-Winters, and Lori Haber, our featured speakers at this year's Opening Meeting, shared their expertise with our Sisterhood.

We all left motivated to make the New Year stronger and healthier!

As always, we look forward to connecting with you, hearing your ideas, and just saying "Hi!"

membership Your Sisterhood membership dues for 2017-2018 are due! Don’t miss out on this year’s great programs! Being a member of AA Sisterhood connects you to the wonderful women who have been part of making our synagogue a warm and welcoming Jewish community for nearly 100 years.

From Generation to Generation and From Strength to Strength: Join Sisterhood Today!

Every woman counts for Sisterhood to grow and thrive. Basic membership dues are $45, but we encourage you to join at a Chai-er level. Your generous dues and donations are vital for Sisterhood to continue to offer programs and projects that strengthen and sustain our Jewish values.

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Did you know you can join online?

Visit www.aasynagogue.org/foundations/sisterhood to join and find out more about our community.

Questions?

Contact Alyson Lapes at 404.630.9483 or Debra Siegel at 404.509.6115.

2018-2020 Membership directory It’s that time of year - the 2018-2020 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 mid-December 2017. For more information, please contact the Directory Co-Chairs, Barbara Nathan at bgnathan@mindspring.com or Delcy Pardo Harber at delcyharber@comcast.net. Be on the lookout for more information via mail and email.

sisterhood shabbat Saturday, January 27

Every year, Sisterhood Shabbat is a celebration of the women of AA Synagogue. We take the time to recognize our accomplished “Sisters” and the work we do together to support our community. It is an 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 this opportunity to celebrate our collective achievements and creativity!

To get involved, contact Fran Galishoff at fgalishoff@bellsouth.net.

rosh chodesh Since ancient times, ritual and lore have linked women to the New Moon. Today gatherings to celebrate Rosh Chodesh are widespread. Join Sisterhood for personal and spiritual growth through discussion with other women, followed by refreshments and time to socialize. 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.

See page 25 for dates and locations.

Rosh Chodesh wine & cheese event Thursday, December 7 | 7 - 10 pm

The ladies of Z'havah invite you to join them for a night of fine wine and cheese at CalyRoad Creamery!

Registration coming soon. For more information, contact Allison Feldman at allfeldman@yahoo.com or Rachael Joseph at rachaeljoseph@gmail.com.

AJFF preview party sunday, january 7

Want a head start on picking your films for the 2018 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival? Sisterhood invites the congregation to join us for our 3rd Annual AJFF Preview Party (time and location to be determined). Our own Judy Marx, founding director of AJFF, will give us her picks while we watch trailers from the upcoming festival.

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Kesher@AA

From the Director of Education by marc silberstein

E

veryone loves rebelling sometimes. Whether it is against our parents, our bosses, or sometimes, even ourselves.

The feeling generated from being unbeholden to anyone or anything and completely independent of your typical responsibilities is irreplicable, and sometimes we need it in order to have the mental space to evolve into who we want to be. Some examples of our rebellion are difficult to reverse, while others offer a multitude of opportunities to correct. Either way, after our rebellion, we are faced with a choice: continue with our rebellion or return to our original practice and/ or perspective.

Rabbi Israel ben Ze’ev Wolf, also known as Israel Salanter, founded the Musar movement in the 19th century. One of the main premises of this movement is that each moment of our lives offers a point of Bechirah (choice). While some may view this as a somewhat adolescent approach, in many ways it is actually extremely empowering. If we were not who we wanted to be in one year, month, week, day or moment, we have the ability to choose who we want to be in the next. Each morning we recite the Elohai Nishama prayer which translates as “My God, the soul you have placed in me is pure." This is following the belief that, each night when we go to sleep, our soul departs us and is returned upon our awakening in the morning. The important aspect of this belief is that each day we are given a pure version of our souls, meaning we start each day as our perfect selves. This does not mean that we erase what we have done in the past; rather, we can build off of the past with a clean slate. If you could start anew each day, what would you do?

I mention this because now that the High Holidays have ended, we are faced with the question, “Who am I going to be?” We actively listen to the sound of the shofar; we absolve ourselves of

the previous year’s vows and promises, and we pound our chests and publicly announce that we have sinned. So... now what? What changes do we want to make? What changes CAN we make? Rabbi Isaac Luria’s (HaAri) teaching of tzimtzum (contraction) offers one way of answering these questions. HaAri teaches that in the creation of the world, God’s presence originally filled the whole universe. In order to create the world, God’s presence needed to be contracted. God needed to sacrifice part of him-/herself in order for the world to exist. Looking at ourselves we can ask, “What worlds can we create?”

Something interesting to consider from the Creation narrative is that the world is described as Tohu Va’vohu, unformed and void, in its initial stages. It had to be shaped and nurtured for it to become its true self. Even for God, nothing was immediate. This is a lesson that motivates me as I work to shape and nurture the Education Department here at Ahavath Achim. One lesson I am trying to carry is to allow our work to develop and to be patient, despite my impulse to expect immediate results from each new world I create. Just like God, I have to allow myself to fail and to start over, when necessary, as well. Perfection is not something we can expect just by having the right intention or because we try something one time; we must open ourselves up and find permanent space for something new.

This applies to all of us as well. I felt extremely welcomed during the High Holidays, and I genuinely enjoyed working with all our children in our community. I felt those days represented the “pure soul” we receive each morning, a new start where we can take full ownership of who we want to be in the times ahead. I am excited for the times of Tohu Va’Vohu, and the work that will come after them as well. During Yom Kippur we recite the Vidui (confession) as “We” not “I." We can work towards change on our own, and we are also strengthened by working towards a common purpose. I look forward to working with y’all to create our world here at AA by finding space within each of our lives for us to change and to nourish.

B’Shalom, Marc

enrollment is open!

Welcome to a place where time stands still, where clocks are turned back, where laughter abounds, where everyone is welcome, where friendships are formed, and where every day brings new opportunities to explore the beautiful traditions of Jewish life. Welcome to Camp Ramah Darom (www.ramahdarom.org/camp).

Enroll your child for Summer Camp 2018! Visit www.ramahdarom.org for more information about camp summer offerings.

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ahava elc

a message from the director by hannah williams

D

ear AA Family,

Only 2 years ago, 11 children attended Ahava in the lower level of the synagogue. As we end 2017 and look towards 2018, we now fill 5 classrooms in our beautiful state-of-the-art facility, with plans to open the 6th classroom in the summer of 2018. This was only possible because of your support! Whether you contributed your time and skills to helping this young start-up preschool grow, or whether you made a contribution to the capital campaign, todah rabah... thank you!

Many in our community also took advantage of another wonderful way to support Ahavath Achim's preschool - by redirecting a portion of their GA state income tax to Ahava Early Learning Center through the Alef Fund. If you have already pledged your support again this year, todah rabah... thank you! If you have not yet, it is not too late! The website (www.aleffund.org) is open through late December, so please act now to continue to support our preschool!

Thank you in advance for your support!

B'Ahava, Hannah

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Beineinu • Kislev | Tevet | Shevat • 12

Alef Fund FAQ Q: How does the Alef Fund work?

A: A taxpayer (an individual or an LLC) simply registers on the Alef Fund website to designate Ahava Early Learning Center as his/her school of choice now, pre-pays the commitment in early 2018, and then receives a dollar-for-dollar tax credit when filing 2018 taxes. Every penny you designate is returned to you, so it costs you nothing to help us provide scholarships! Those funds are then available for Ahava to use towards scholarships for 4 -and5-year-olds in the upcoming school year. The more people who take advantage of this wonderful program in our community, the more families who can benefit from an Alef Fund Scholarship (up to $9,000 towards tuition per year).

Q: What is the benefit of contributing to the ALEF Fund?

A: First, you are supporting Ahava Early Learning Center by helping us offer scholarships to families. Second, since you receive a State of Georgia Income Tax Credit equal to the amount contributed, there is virtually no cost, and in some cases, you can reduce your net federal and state income taxes. Georgia taxpayers can redirect taxes up to the following amounts: Married $2,500; Single $1,000; Married filing separately $1,250; Members of single or multi-member LLC’s, Partners in Partnerships, and Shareholders in S-corporations $10,000; Trusts and Estates up to 75% of their State Income Tax; Corporations up to 75% of their State Income Tax. Please note the following with respect to the $10,000 limit: If the individual taxpayer is a member, partner, or shareholder in more than one pass-through entity, the total

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credit allowed cannot exceed $10,000; the individual taxpayer decides which pass-through entities to include when computing Georgia income for purposes of the qualified education expense credit. You can include those with income and exclude those with losses. All Georgia income, loss, and expense from the taxpayer selected pass-through entities will be combined to determine Georgia income for purposes of the qualified education expense credit. Such combined Georgia income shall be multiplied by 6% to determine the tax that was actually paid. If the taxpayer is filing a joint return, the taxpayer’s spouse may also claim a credit for his/her ownership interests and shall separately be eligible for a credit resulting in a married couple filing a joint contribution up to $20,000. The applications must be submitted separately. If the taxpayer(s) choose(s) to be preapproved under this option, he/she/they is/are not allowed the additional amounts normally allowed an individual. If the taxpayer is preapproved for an amount that exceeds the amount that is calculated as allowed when the return is filed, the excess amount cannot be claimed by the taxpayer and cannot be carried forward. The new limit will be reduced by any amounts previously approved.

Q: When do I need to act in order to get the tax credit and help Jewish education?

A: The ALEF Fund site is currently accepting 2018 tax credit applications. We will file these electronically with the State Department of Revenue on the first business day of 2018 Completed applications are due by mid-December 2017.

Q: When do I need to pay my approved tax credit?

A: Once your application is filed by the State, you will get a letter of approval from the Department of Revenue by mail, within 30 days of the filing. You have exactly 60 days from the date of approval to fund your ALEF contribution. You may pay by check, payable to ALEF Fund, Inc., or by credit card. Payment can be made online by credit card, or a check can be mailed.

Q: I want to be part of the ALEF Fund, what is next?

A: Visit www.aleffund.org to electronically complete your 2018 ALEF Fund forms OR contact the ALEF Fund Manager at 678.222.3739 for assistance. The mailing address is ALEF Fund, 1440 Spring St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30309. The fax number is 678.495.9927. If you have additional tax questions, please consult your tax advisor or contact Mitchell Kopelman, CPA and ALEF Fund Chair, at mitchell.kopelman@hawcpa.com.

social action our aa pride

by rabbi laurence rosenthal

T

his year, as has been the case for several years, our community participated in the Atlanta Gay Pride parade. It is such an honor for us to co-sponsor the event under the Jewish Community’s umbrella LGBTQ organization, SOJOURN (Southern Jewish Resource Network). In years past, our congregation has been well represented as we walked for equality, human dignity and respect for all peoples. This year, our congregation was invited to be one of four synagogues to host a "meet and greet" with the leadership of SOJOURN. It was billed as "SOJOURN in the Sukkah."

The morning started out a bit rough – stormy weather made our sukkah a bit too soggy to sit in and the building lost power.

Without electricity and exposure to the elements, we were feeling a bit closer to our ancestors' experience wandering in the desert.

Luckily, SOJOURN and our AA staff are flexible and we were able to improvise. SOJOURN’s Executive Director, Rebecca Staple-Wax, joined us, to share the organization’s vision and successes.

She then asked the group a great question, turning to those who have marched in the Pride Parade in previous years, asking, “What is your favorite memory walking in the parade?” All the answers had to do with exactly what the march is about – pride.

One person shared pride about how far the community has come. In the parade's early years, only a few hundred courageous advocates gathered together to walk the parade route and were outnumbered by protestors brandishing hateful signage, yelling profanities, and shouting threatening slurs as they walked by.

Today, ten of thousands people march, and counter-protestors stand in front of abusive hecklers, blocking their propaganda with large flower signs, countering their hate with love. I was honored to be part of one individual’s favorite memory as he related the

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pride of seeing his own community and rabbi walking with him in support of his dignity and humanity.

When I reflected on the question, my kids came to mind – Ma’ayan and Naftali. Last year, our congregation came to the Pride Parade prepared with ‘Swag’ – objects to hand out to bystanders along the parade route to encourage them to join the celebration. Last year, we gave out candy. My favorite memory was watching Ma’ayan and Naftali approaching people on the sidewalks, looking intently into their candy bucket, and selecting the perfect piece for the lucky recipient. I will admit that their candy distribution did slow us down a bit. Every time they stopped to share a sweet treat, we got farther and farther behind the group. At some point, we were so far behind it was no use trying to catch up, but it really didn’t bother me, because I was so proud of my two kids.

Although their candy selection process was probably very exact, to ensure they didn’t give out anything they wanted to eat themselves, I like to think that they were seeing each individual as unique and deserving of something special, something that fit them for who they were. At its core, this is what the Atlanta Pride parade and Ahavath Achim’s participation is all about – seeing each soul as unique, holy, and in need of our special attention, so we can give them what they need. Even though candy probably isn’t their greatest need, my proudest memory from the Pride Parade is seeing my kids look beyond stereotypes, social norms, and societal bigotries and viewing each individual as unique. That’s my favorite memory from the Pride Parade, and I look forward to our congregation being present next year to support and uphold justice and make dignity-for-all a foundational pillar of our community.

Beineinu • Kislev | Tevet | Shevat • 14

congregants, judy marx and billy planer awarded sojourn's michael jay kinsler rainmaker award

S

OJOURN exists to ensure fairytale stories for each of us -- because somewhere between “once upon a time” and “happily ever after,” everything is possible, and dreams do come true.

On Saturday evening, March 3, 2018, we will come together cloaked in fairytale-inspired costumes to support SOJOURN’s work advancing LGBTQ affirmation and empowerment across the South.

On this magical evening, we will recognize honorees Judy Marx and Billy Planer, who each will receive the Michael Jay Kinsler Rainmaker Award for their professional and personal efforts toward building loving communities where LGBTQ people feel welcomed, listened to and safe. All proceeds from Purim Off Ponce support the important education and training at the heart of SOJOURN. Over 450 attendees enjoy Purim Off Ponce every year and come from all walks of life: both straight and gay, in-town and suburban, Jewish and not.

In 2016, 2,000+ individuals, including 700+ young people, participated in SOJOURN workshops and/or programs.

Our Honorees: JUDY MARX In March 2015, Judy Marx was named the first Executive Director of Interfaith Community Initatives, Inc. (ICI). In this position, she oversees ICI’s many programs, including World Pilgrims™, Atlanta Interfaith Leaders Forum, and Immersion Experiences, as well as represents interfaith efforts at community events and works with faith leadership across the city.

Prior to joining ICI, for three years Judy consulted with nonprofit organizations to improve their fundraising, community relations and leadership development. Judy spent 12-½ years with American Jewish Committee where she served as the Atlanta Director, and where she was the Founding Director of the award-winning Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. She has remained involved in the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, co-chairing the Film Evaluation Committee for two years and currently co-chairing the festival’s Community Engagement Committee. Also, in 2011 and 2013, Judy produced ReelAbilities ATL, Atlanta’s only disabilities film festival, working under the auspices of Georgia Community Support & Solutions.

In 2017, Judy was elected Sisterhood co-president and board member of Ahavath Achim Synagogue, where she previously co-chaired the Leadership Institute. Additionally in 2017 she was elected to the MACoM board of directors. In 1999, Judy was appointed by then Governor Barnes to the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust. She is a member of the 2001 Class of Leadership Atlanta, a 2002 American Marshall Memorial Fellow, and a founding board member of Limmud Southeast. In 2011, Judy was recognized by the Trumpet Awards, receiving the “High Heels Award” and in 2012 was inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel Board of Ministers and Laity at Morehouse College.

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BILLY PLANER Billy Planer has worked with Jewish youth for 30 years. In 1995, he created a weekend trip for his youth group in which they explored a city’s history and culture. The first trip was to Washington DC and subsequent years including Memphis, Boston, Chicago and New York. Every trip included a mix of Judaism, American history, politics, music and culture.

Challenged by a friend, Billy interviewed people while on a road trip around America. Half way through, he realized he should be bringing teens to these historical spots and meet with people who are involved in changing the world.

Etgar 36 is a summer journey that takes Jewish teens on a bus across America in which they find their voice and power by meeting with all sides of political issues, learn about the history that shapes us where events happened, understand the unique culture of each city, become empowered and inspired to get involved and develop their American and Jewish identities. 12 teens participated in the inaugural summer journey in 2003. Immediately upon getting off the bus that summer day schools and synagogues called to have Etgar 36 run shorter trips for their students.

These academic year trips focus on the Civil Rights movement in the South.

Since that first trip in 2003, over 18,000 people have been on an Etgar 36 journey. This includes day schools, youth, adult and family groups from synagogues as well as interreligious and inter racial groups.

Billy received his Bachelors degree from Syracuse University and a Masters in Education and Counseling from Georgia State University.

About the Michael Jay Kinsler Rainmaker Award: In 2014, the Rainmaker Award was renamed in honor of Michael Jay Kinsler. Michael was an active member of Congregation Bet Haverim and the Atlanta LGBT community and dedicated much of his life to ensuring that gay and lesbian Jews had a place to worship where they could find solace and pride. We hope to honor Michael's legacy of inclusion and action for many years to come.

- www.sojourngsd.org/pop2018/ Tickets for Purim off Ponce go on sale January 1, 2018! Join SOJOURN and AA in celebrating our congregants for receiving this prestigious award!

blood drive a gift to the community by gail solomon, Blood drive chair

The need for blood is urgent!

The hurricanes, the shooting in Las Vegas, the fires in California - events such as these increase the need for blood. We can help by donating blood, the gift of life.

AA's next Blood Drive will be on February 11, from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. To schedule an appointment, go to www.redcrossblood.org and, enter code JWV. For more information or questions about reserving an appointment, 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.

hunger walk

greening group

Great Big Recycling Event

In an effort to improve our synagogue’s ecological footprint and encourage a “green” state-of-mind among our community, the Greening Group is collecting hard-torecycle materials in a three-part series. The materials will be delivered to CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials) for proper recycling and disposal. Part 1 (paint, Styrofoam, and chemicals) has passed, but keep your hard-to-recycle items for the next event!

Part 2: Materials: Electronics (TVs, computer monitors, VCRs, small appliances, printer cartridges, electric cords, etc.)

Dates: November 16, 17, 19 Fee: $15 per TV or monitor Part 3: Materials: Bulbs and Batteries, sheet plastic, and scrap metal [light bulbs (including fluorescent tubes up to 8 ft), car and rechargeable batteries, bubble plastic, etc.]

Dates: December 7, 8, and 10 Fee: $.50 per fluorescent tube Drop-off: Look for the blue bins in the parking lot located on the west side. Please deposit smaller items in the bins (bag or box them) – stack larger items nearby. Money collection envelopes are in the AA and Ahava lobbies at the front desk feel free to make a flat donation of $5! For more information, contact aagreening@gmail.com.

Sally's friends operation isaiah

february 25 | International Plaza (Falcons Landing)

For more than 25 years, AA Synagogue has been responsible for providing more than 750,000 meals to feed Atlanta’s needy families, and our donations to the Atlanta Community Food Bank has made us the number one religious contributor in all of metro Atlanta; in addition, more than 1,000 AA congregants have taken their time to walk in past Hunger Walks. We need our wonderful congregants to continue the outstanding record for Atlanta’s homeless and hungry by donating and walking in this year’s event!

Thanks to everyone who participated in Operation Isaiah! We are still awaiting news of our total contribution. Keep an eye out for an announcement in the coming weeks and for a recap in the next Beineinu as we prepare for our other hunger initiatives: the Hunger Walk with Sally's Friends on February 25 and the Hunger Seder on April 4.

Beineinu • Kislev | Tevet | Shevat • 16

the jew & the lion - a refugee tale by rabbi laurence rosenthal

W

hat is our story? What makes the Jewish people, a people united? Are we a race? Our enemies have argued such.

Are we a religion? Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan taught that, although Judaism has aspects similar to other religions, we are, as he put it, a civilization. Are we a nation? Well, today, we are lucky enough to live in a time when the Jewish people have a nation we can call our own BUT most of us don’t live in that nation. So what makes the Jewish people, a people - a people united? Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, the former Chief Rabbi of the British Commonwealth, posits that the Jewish people are united over a common story, a story that we tell ourselves every year, around seder tables. We share our common story and through those words, through those memories, we are one.

The Exodus story at its core is a refugee story. We found our way down to Egypt and we were oppressed there, subjugated, enslaved and abused. We were a very different people with different customs and, therefore, seen as a threat to the ruling power. Through the help of God, we were set free and traversed the wilderness, looking for hope, security, a land that we could call home. Each year, we read this story and are reminded of who we are.

Today, we are privileged to sit comfortably in America and call this land our own, even while the state of Israel stands a world away, waiting to welcome us whenever we are ready to make Aliyah. For roughly 32 million refugees and displaced persons in the world, there isn’t such privilege. Their homes have been torn apart by war, disease & famine. Many of them have nothing to go back to. Our country has been a beacon of hope for thousands who seek to start again and offer their children hope of a future.

Unfortunately, today our great country is ambivalent. As Americans, we are proud of those moments in history when the United States was able to be the moral voice spreading justice and mercy in a dark world. However, we have grown weary and fearful. We are transfixed by the news coming from Europe where stories about immigrants and refugees struggling to

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assimilate and acting hostile and depraved toward their host country create doubt as to whether or not we can afford to welcome such a threat into our borders. We need to remember that our great nation must never give in to fear, heeding the immortal words of Franklin D. Roosevelt, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

We have a way of assuaging our fears while ensuring that those who come to our shores can experience the hope and promise that America represents throughout the world, the America that many of our grandparents encountered.

That way is through engagement.

In Atlanta, we have a strong refugee community. As the government cuts back its domestic spending, we have the opportunity to step up and ensure that these communities engage with a broader Atlanta, make connections within a diverse network of business people, health professionals and educational opportunities. We can facilitate empowerment for those new to our community, helping them to integrate into the social fabric of our society.

How does a spiritual community like ours do this? Through AARI – Ahavath Achim Refugee Initiative. The word, Ari, in Hebrew, means lion. One of the symbols of the tribe of Judah, the lion represents our bravery, our people’s courage in the face of great fear and insurmountable obstacles.

Our story is one imbued with strength and courage, a story where we left the darkness and found our way into light. We now have the opportunity to relive our story anew and walk hand in hand with a new people making their own exodus. Let us not allow our fear to keep us silent. Rather, let us have courage to sound out a mighty roar!

Ahavath Achim Refugee Initiative (AARI) Do not oppress the stranger, because you know the heart of the stranger for you were a stranger in Egypt (Exodus 23:9).

The Ahavath Achim Refugee Initiative (AARI) was created by AA congregants

who identify with the Jewish people’s historical experience as refugees from a variety of lands and as immigrants to the United States. Our mission is to recognize refugees in Atlanta who are innocent victims of war, famine, hate, or economic upheaval and offer them aid. Through advocacy, education, and direct services, we hope to emulate the words of Emma Lazarus inscribed on our Statue of Liberty: Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…

To participate, please contact Jill Rosner at 404.603.5741 or jrosner@aasynagogue.org, and let her know you are interested.

jews in the pews in the news AA-ACTS awarded icm's child advocacy award

O

n October 26, the AA-ACTS Committee was awarded the 2017 Child Advocacy Award at the Interfaith Children's Movement Annual Prayer Breakfast. ICM is a significant organization in Atlanta that brings together many fine people. We are proud that AA – ACTS was given the 2017 Advocacy Award after only four years of activity. It is a very important statement of the difference the committee's efforts have made in a relatively short period of time.

AA-ACTS Co-Chair, Linda Bressler's, remarks from the Annual Prayer Breakfast: It is with great appreciation that I accept this advocacy award. For the last four years, my co-chair, Steve Chervin, and I have had the privilege to serve with the most dedicated, passionate, hard-working committee members in this city, and it is on behalf of all of them that we accept this recognition.

When we were first exposed to the issue of child sex trafficking by a speaker at our synagogue, we knew we could not walk out of that room and turn a blind eye to this horrific modern day slavery. Then and there we pledged to raise awareness, take action and advocate to abolish child trafficking for sex, thus our name AA-ACTS. We have received incredible support from our rabbis, Neil Sandler and Laurence Rosenthal and that of our board of directors. Their encouragement allowed us to pursue this mission. Thank you for being an inspiration to all of us in this fight for social justice.

Ours has been a journey of learning, asking why, crying tears of sadness as well as joy, growing and most of all working with remarkable people throughout our state who have pledged themselves to this fight. You have all welcomed us, mentored us and encouraged us to do this work. You have our utmost respect and admiration.

Interfaith Children’s Movement is committed to “create a better tomorrow for all children today.....”

We are truly honored that you have recognized our efforts today, and we pledge to continue our work until child sex trafficking is abolished. We can accomplish this by joining hands and hearts and continuing to learn, act and pray together, the cornerstone of ICM’s mission. Thank you.

Beineinu • Kislev | Tevet | Shevat • 18

cultural arts & education

beginners prayer book class

beginners hebrew class

Do you want to know what the prayers we say actually mean?

Where they came from? How to say them? Why we say them? When to stand? When to sit? And WHY? Join Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal directly after evening Minyan for an exploration into the siddur.

You will practice reading, understanding the service, and finding ways to improve your prayer life.

Join us for a new adult education Hebrew program led by congregant, Jim Dricker! Jim will offer the class, Beginning Hebrew Reading for Adults, every Wednesday from March 28 May 23, 7:00 - 8:30 pm in Paradies Hall.

The class will meet on Wednesdays at 6:00 - 7:00 pm (November 8 - January 10). For a full schedule of classes, please visit the AA Events Calendar at www.aasynagogue.org/events. For additional information, please contact Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal or lrosenthal@aasynagogue.org.

The cost of enrollment for AA members is $50 (includes book) per person or $75 per couple; $65 per person for nonmembers. For additional information, please contact Rabbi Neil Sandler at 404.603.5740 or nsandler@aasynagogue.org.

Wise aging Join us for an eight-week interactive program that will provide insights on both the challenges and, especially, the opportunities associated with reaching one’s “mature years.” The sessions will be facilitated by Rabbi Judith Beiner, Community Chaplain at JF&CS. The class will be offered at 11:30 am – 1:00 pm on Sundays from February 11 – April 8 (excluding April 1).

The cost of enrollment for AA members is $115 per person and $200 per couple.

The cost of enrollment for non-members is $150 per person and $250 per couple.

The fee includes a copy (per household) of the book, Wise Aging.

For more information, please contact Rabbi Neil Sandler at 404.603.5740 or nsandler@aasynagogue.org.

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2017 Atlanta Mayoral Forum

Atlanta Mayoral Candidates Discuss Race and social justice October 24 was an exciting night at Ahavath Achim where we, in partnership with the Atlanta Jewish Committee and many sponsoring organizations, hosted an Atlanta Mayoral Forum on the topics of race and social justice. The forum featured seven candidates running for Mayor of Atlanta in the 2017 election, which took place on November 7. Be sure to vote in the runoff between the top two finishers on Tuesday, December 5! If you missed the forum, you can watch the whole thing on AA's YouTube channel!

“

Seven Atlanta mayoral candidates — Ceasar Mitchell, John Eaves, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Cathy Woolard, Mary Norwood, Peter Aman and Kwanza Hall — faced questions about race and social justice at an American Jewish Committee-organized forum Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Ahavath Achim Synagogue.

"

“

Moderated by Bill Nigut, a producer at Georgia Public Broadcasting and former Anti-Defamation League regional director, the forum aimed to shed light on issues important to the Jewish community and the sponsors of the forum. Questions pertained to immigrant dreamers, an increase in hate crimes, expansion of the police force and retention of officers, and Black Lives Matter.

“ “

Asked about immigration and efforts by the Trump administration to roll back the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, every candidate spoke in support of Atlanta protecting dreamers.

"

"

The image of Atlanta as the “city too busy to hate” was challenged with a question about whether the city remains true to its civil rights movement legacy.

"

“

The next mayor will have the task of leading the city’s economic growth while balancing a demographic shift that includes growing populations of immigrants and whites. Even though Atlanta has chosen a black mayor in every election since Maynard Jackson defeated the city’s only Jewish mayor, Sam Massell, in 1973, the city’s African-American population seems to be on the fringes of progress in Atlanta.

"

*Excerpts taken from article by Patrice Worthy, Atlanta Jewish Times. Read the full article at http://atlantajewishtimes.timesofisrael.com/mayoralcandidates-seek-to-uplift-atlantas-legacy/

Beineinu • Kislev | Tevet | Shevat • 20

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 Dolores and Harold Arnovitz Phyllis and Eliot Arnovitz Irene Aronin in loving memory of Shirley Wisebram Aronin Rachel and Michael Avchen Judy and Joe Balaban Michael and Jamie Balk Pat and Jack Balser Dr. Bruce and Cindy Becker Dr. Bruce and Linda Beeber 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 Adam and Suzanne Bressler Linda and Richard Bressler Adam and Rachelle Capes Charlenne and Richard M. Carl Ben Cavalier Leonard and Valerie Chill Mark Coan and Family in loving memory of Ruth Coan z"l 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 Jeffrey and Cheryl Cohen Latifa Cohen in honor of Joseph Cohen z"l 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 Adolphus and Eileen Coolik 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 in memory of Lee A. Harris and Martin and Judith Smith Lauren Estrin and Andrew Deutsch Elisa and Bobby Ezor Ken and Barbara Feinberg Joel and Allison Feldman 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 Frank Family Foundation The Esther and Jake Friedman Family Gerald and Sandi Friedman Jared and Beth Friedman Murray and Lynn Friedman Andree and Marc Frost Susan and Fulton Frumin Jane Fryer Frances and Stuart Galishoff Drs. Stephen and Marianne Garber Renie and David Geller Gail Gellman Ruth Gershon Maury Isenberg Gerson 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 and Susan 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 Gil Holzer Barbara and Michael Horowitz Gary and Jean Jackson Paul and Stephanie Jacobs Dennis B. Jaffe Marcia Jaffe Rachael and Michael Joseph Rhalda Kahn and Ralph Kahn z"l Charlotte and Allen Kaminsky Barbara and Alan Kaplan and Family Lisa Kaplan Philip and Sally Kaplan Theodore and Ann Kaplan Jean and Richard Katz Jeffrey and Alison Kaufman Judy and Martin Kogon

21 • Beineinu • Kislev | Tevet | Shevat

Michael and Laurie Kogon Ross and Sara Kogon Elaine and Alan Kolodkin Darryl and Roslyn Konter Elissa and Harris Konter Doris and Beryl Koplin 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 Phyllis and Morton Levine Miriam Strickman Levitas and Family in memory of Dr. Theodore Clinton Levitas Michelle and Rich Levy Myrtle Lewin Miriam S. Lewis Cantor Robert Lieberman and Rabbi Vicki Lieberman Dr. and Mrs. Paul Liebman Drs. Linda Nathanson-Lippitt and Alan Lippitt William and Patsy K. Little Joel Lobel and Debbie Smith Bob and Sandy London Alan and Lisa Lubel Malkin, Glazer and Hirsh Family Joseph and Charlotte Marcus Rhoda and Stephen Margolis Judy Marx Corinne and John Mateyek Sherry and Harry Maziar Lev and Berta Mebel Jerome and Joanne Mendel Lee Mendel Ivan and Shirley Millender Lori and Wayne Miller Mimi's Fund Susan Moray Vicki and Steve Morris and Family Barbara and George Nathan Laura Nelson Dr. Dorothy Rosenthal and William Nerenberg Dr. Philip and Donna Newman David Norflus Francine Norflus Leon and Brenda Novak Dr. Stephen Oppenheimer Barbara and Sanford Orkin and Family Hank Oxman Alon and Sheri Panovka Sara 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 Shirley Rich Andrew and Nancy Rinzler Robert and Renee Rinzler Stanley and Marlene Rinzler Flora and Bernard Rosefsky Charles and Ann (Bunny) Rosenberg Joel and Jennifer Rosenfeld Carl and Rosalie Rosenthal Brooke and Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal Michael Ross Ralph Sacks Susan and Rabbi Neil Sandler Milton and Virginia Saul Linda and Abe Schear Susan and Stuart Schlansky Ray and Susan Schoenbaum Alan and Judy Schulman Alan and Joan Schwartz Joseph and Jill Segal Drs. Julie and William Segal 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 Denise and Stephen Spiegel Jack Spielberg z"l Jennifer and Kevin Spindel The Srochi Family Allen and Merna Stein Bert Stein Howard and Irene Stein Judy and Stanley Stein Stanley and Marilyn Steinberg Toby and Gayle Steinberg Steven and Lynne Steindel Mark and Tamar Stern Merrill 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 Cohen Waronker and William Waronker z"l Drs. Nancy and Mark Weiner Lauren and David Weinstein Mark Weinstein Drs. Julius and Nanette Wenger Alan Wexler The Wildstein Family Larry and Sheila Wilensky Joel and Hannah Williams Susan and Jonathan Winner Rina Wolfe and Jack Wolfe z"l Sonia Fishkin and Andrew Zangwill Sharon J. Zinns Jeannette and Michael Zukor Jack Zwecker and Sophie Zwecker z"l (as of 10/18/17)

donor profile

A Conversation with Shauna Plasker Grosswald, Dara Plasker Grant, and Jessica Plasker Sacks the daughters of Susan Arnovitz Saltz (z"l) and Michael Plasker the ark for her ever-lasting legacy to shine.

Ahavath Achim Synagogue was important to Susan on many levels, but the generational importance of the shul was something Susan was exceptionally proud to be a part of and she considered it a truly rich part of her Jewish heritage. She was excited about the potential impact of the Capital Campaign, and what it meant for rebuilding the synagogue for future generations.

Dara Grant, Susan Saltz (z"l), Jessica Sacks, and Shauna Grosswald

T

here’s a feeling of coming home when we’re there (at the AA) - having grown-up there, having our bat mitzvahs there, Shauna’s wedding, for mom to have been bat mitzvahed and married there. When we walkin, I still picture Mom, sitting attentively, seated in the back right of the sanctuary.

After Susan passed away, Dara - Susan’s middle daughter recalled a conversation she had with Rabbi Rosenthal. He told Dara how he would chuckle when Susan would arrive to shul – perfectly put together, heels clacking – with all of her grandchildren in tow, following behind her like a row of little ducklings. Dara recalled that she had a similar memory for her and her sisters. While attending the Greenfield Hebrew Academy (now the Atlanta Jewish Academy), Susan made sure to bring Shauna, Dara, and Jessica to synagogue any time school was closed for a holiday. The Jewish identity of her daughters was vitally important to her and participating in all the AA had to offer was a big piece of developing that identity. Whether on Sukkot or Shabbat or any other holiday, with her presence known, she would march into the main sanctuary – all of her girls (or later in life – grandchildren) following suit – with pride and vivaciousness – we are here!

During a conversation with her three daughters, Shauna, Dara, and Jessica, about a year before Susan passed away, she made it clear to them that, when it came to philanthropy, she never wanted them to feel restrained in what they could give. As a result, and after some additional conversation, “Mimi’s Fund” was born. Mimi’s Fund allows Shauna, Dara and Jessica to make a positive impact on the community, to honor their mother’s legacy and to continue an inter-generational tradition of giving.

“We’re grateful that we get to invest in the synagogue’s future in the spirit of and memory of our mom.” The girls picked the ark because it felt like the “right” place – the ark keeps mom front and center in the same way Judaism – rooted at AA – was in the center of her heart. “It just felt like the right thing for her to be able to be honored in the place that meant so much to her, that she always reveled in, that she so enjoyed and was so proud of…” (continued on next page).

Susan beamed with that same pride any time she could carry an honor at the synagogue – but none more than when she had the privilege to receive an aliyah at the ark. These memories and this sense of energy and belonging Susan so strongly connected with the AA was the impetus for Shauna, Dara and Jessica to invest in dedicating the Ark for the Capital Campaign. Because Ahavath Achim Synagogue is a place that was so meaningful for their mom, there didn’t seem to be a better, more perfect symbol than

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For Shauna, Dara, and Jessica, Mimi’s Fund is an amazing opportunity for them to carry on their mom’s legacy in the community of being charitable, giving them an opportunity to work together, and a chance to inspire their kids to be philanthropic like their Mimi.

Mimi’s Fund “strives to carry out the legacy of our beloved mother, “Mimi,” by enhancing the well-being of the Jewish community,

primarily in Atlanta, GA. The fund aims to strengthen a life-long Jewish connection through education, culture, and care. Mimi’s Fund is our family’s collective effort to practice tzedakah and honor Mimi.”

Shauna, Dara, and Jessica truly believe that choosing to name the ark is what Susan had in mind when she wanted them to be active, philanthropic members of the Jewish community - together.

Back row (left to right): Sari and Matthew Grant, and Raina, Zane, and Natalie Grosswald Front row (left to right): Naomi Grant and Lyla and Daniel Sacks

$8,190,598 Raised Visit www.aasynagogue.org for more information or to make a donation to the Capital Campaign

23 • Beineinu • Kislev | Tevet | Shevat

calendar & Volunteer aa Events

adult jewish education

Youth Programs

Young Family Shabbat Dinners - friday, november 17 & december 15

Friday night starts the Sabbath, the day of rest. So, why not start it off with a relaxing evening alongside family and friends, and Join the rabbis and fellow congregants leave the worry of dinner preparation to every Tuesday from 10:00 - 12:00 pm for someone else? Once a month, dinners will an educational experience about current be generously sponsored by a different events and the Bible. family or families in the hopes of starting new AA tradition! Help create special Hebrew, Prayer Book, & Wise aging Classes amemories for you and your children as we (see page 19) turn AA into our shared Jewish home. In December, we’re celebrating Chanukah Unraveling the Talmud - Wednesdays and grandparents! If you’re a grandparent or adopted-grandparent, bring your @ 4:30 grandchildren! If you’re a member who’d Join Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal in like to bring your grandparents, please the Koplin/Borochoff Library every invite them to come along! Contact Sara Wednesday as we dive into the minds Papier at newtritionalyou@gmail.com or of our rabbis and rabbinic tradition.

Explore the Talmud, the central text of our Sharon Zinns at sharonzinns@gmail.com to RSVP or find out how to participate.

Jewish life, and learn its basic structure and amazing and spiritual impact. No previous knowledge of the Talmud is Consecration ceremony - December 9 necessary. For more information, contact @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal at lrosenthal@ In Chapter 5 of Pirkei Avot we learn that aasynagogue.org.

“The age of five is the time for Torah study." So, it's at this age that we welcome talmud berakhot: blessings upon students to the world of our holy texts.

This ceremony is a vital piece of a Jewish blessings - thursdays @ 8:30 am child’s life as it marks the moment where Join Rabbi Sandler every Thursday he or she joins the rest of the community morning for a study group following in becoming an educated Jewish person.

Morning Minyan. For more information, Join us as we celebrate our newest learners contact Rabbi Neil Sandler at nsandler@ in the Ahavath Achim community! We will aasynagogue.org or 404.603.5740. be hosting a special Seudah Shlishit (Third Meal of Shabbat) and Havdallah ceremony torah study - Saturdays @ 10 am Please join us for Torah Study session every where the children will show off all they have learned.

Saturday morning. For a list of facilitators, visit aasynagogue.org/learning/adult.

Tuesdays@AA - Tuesdays @ 10 am - 12 PM

Sparks of Light - December 17 @ 10 am - 12:30 pm

On the day when we can no longer rely on each other to set out candles, that we may find our way, on that day we shall be in need of miracles.

Join AA for a Chanukah of lights, music, food, family, and fun! With local singer, songwriter, and storyteller, Helene Kates, we will create our light as the Ahavath Achim community.

Saturplay@aa - Saturday, January 1 & February 10 @ 10:30 am

Families with children 7 and under are welcome to join us one Saturday each month for Shabbat play on the Ahava play yard! Afterwards, feel free to join us for Kiddush lunch in Srochi.

Building Bridges - January 14 @ 9 AM - 12 PM Honor the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. and his message of tolerance by participating in an interfaith day of community service.

Not Your Normal Minyan - Saturday, January 20 @ 10:30 am

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; you and your child(ren) will engage in a dialogue with God through niggunim (wordless melodies), meditation, discussion, celebration, and, of course, laughter.

piedmont study group w/ the rabbis every second wednesday @ 2:30 pm

Join the rabbis every second Wednesday of the month at the Piedmont at Buckhead (650 Phipps Blvd NE, Atlanta 30326).

Groove Shabbat - saturday, December 9, January 6, & February 3 @ 10:30 am Lunch and Learn - Every third wednesday @ 12 pm

Join the Rabbis for lunch and learning at the offices of Birnbrey, Minsk, Minsk, and Perling (1801 Peachtree St NW #300, Atlanta 30309). To RSVP and pre-order lunch, contact Jill Rosner at jrosner@aasynagogue. org or 404.603.5741.

Come join Mr. Michael and PJ Library one Saturday each 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 towards families with children ages 0-4.

Shabbatsana - saturday, January 27 & February 24 @ 10:30 am

Parents and their child(ren) are invite to join us one Saturday each month for a morning of mindfulness and movement as we discover how to spiritually express and deepen our understanding of Judaism through the practice of yoga and meditation.

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Sisterhood

Other AA Events

Mah Jongg - Sundays @ 10 am

Please 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. For more information, contact Nancy Canter Weiner at ncweiner@mindspring.com.

Wine & Cheese Event - Thursday, December 7 @ 7 - 10 pm (See page 10) rosh chodesh discussion group Wednesday, December 19 & January 17 @ 7:30 pm (see page 10)

December's discussion will take place at the home of Betty Behr, and led by Delcy Pardo Harber. January's discussion will take place at the home of Shelly Dollar, and led by Myrtle Lewin.

Naomi’s Book Club - Monday, December 11, January 8 & February 5 @ 10:15 am

Join Sisterhood on the first Monday of the month for a lively book discussion.

December’s book is A Gentleman in Moscow

by Amor Towles, and the discussion will be led by Donna Newman. January’s book is Loving Frank by Nancy Horan, and the discussion will be led by Shirley Minsk.

February’s book is The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, and the discussion will be led by Diane Bernstein. For more information, contact Madeleine Gimbel at 404.355.7711 or visit the AA events calendar at www. aasynagogue.org/events.

Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service November 19 @ 6:30 pm

A cherished tradition in our Northside Corridor spiritual community, the Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving is one of the few but precious times that we partner with our local Northside Dr. Churches for a community service to give thanks to the one God that we all worship in our own and sacred ways. Each year, the service moves to a different spiritual community who opens their doors and welcomes us all in for prayer, fellowship and thanksgiving. This is a beautiful and meaningful experience which helps to grow our community and to strengthen our ties to all humanity. This year, the service will take place at St. Anne's Episcopal Church (3098 St. Anne's Ln, Atlanta 30327).

Join the Rabbis, Sisterhood, and other friends for a morning of coffee (or tea), conversation, and learning at Panera Bread (4531 Olde Perimeter Way, Atlanta 30346).

For more information, contact Roslyn Konter at 770.986.3697 or rpkonter@gmail. com.

3rd Annual AJFF Preview Party - Sunday, January 7 (see page 10) Sisterhood Shabbat - Saturday, January 27 (see page 10)

25 • Beineinu • Kislev | Tevet | Shevat

Join the Greening Group and Kesher@ AA to learn about the deep Jewish roots of Tu B'Shvat and 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. To participate in the seder, please contact Brooke Rosenthal at cambrya@hotmail.com or Myrtle Lewin at aagreening@gmail.com.

aa volunteer/sociaL ACTION EVENTS the greening group's great big Recycling event (See page 16)

Tu B'Shvat Tree Planting - Sunday February 4 @ 12:30 - 4 pm

Community Shabbat Dinner Friday, January 19

Latte and Learn - Thursday, December 21, January 18, & February 15 @ 10:30 am

Tu B'Shvat Seder - Saturday, February 3 @ 1 - 2:30 pm

Did you make it to our 2nd Annual Bluegrass: BBQ and Camp-Style Shabbat in September? We had over 250 people (50 who were under 5!) enjoy amazing food, tunes, and a lively camp-inspired Shabbat service with the help of Ramah Darom. If you missed it and can’t wait for next year, good news – you won't have to! We will be hosting Shabbat dinners for winter and spring in addition to our annual summer event! Save the date for Friday, January 19 and Friday, May 4. On January 19, join us for a Winter-themed Shabbat Dinner, complete with food, fun, and entertainment. Check your email and AA's Facebook page for more details and registration information!

Purim Palooza - February 28

Save the Date for AA's annual Purim celebration! More information coming soon.

Join the Kesher@AA, the Greening Group, and the Atlanta Community on Atlanta's developing West Beltline for the Annual Tu B’Shvat Tree Planting. Plant with local synagogues, Hillels, day schools, and more. Trees Atlanta provides the trees, tools, and expertise, and we bring the energy and community spirit. Special children's programming is offered. For more information, contact Myrtle Lewin at aagreening@gmail.com.

Blood Drive - sunday, february 11 @ 9 am - 2 pm (see page 16)

ACFB Food Sorting & Packing - Sunday, november 19 & December 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.

Hunger Walk with Sally's Friends Sunday, February 25 (see page 16)

Membership Committee Volunteer Opportunity

The membership committee is looking for friendly members who want to make welcome phone calls to new members, invite new members to Shabbat dinner, or help bake and deliver challot to new members. If you'd like to help, please contact Sharon Zinns at sharonzinns@ gmail.com or Mark Papier at papier.mark@ gmail.com.

Greeters Needed Sisterhood’s Mah Jongg Card Fundraiser

Order your new 2018 Mah Jongg cards.

Standard size cards = $8; Large size = $9.

Please email Barbara Nathan at bgnathan@ mindspring.com with your order. Please list the name and address for all recipients so they can receive their cards in the mail (or list your name and how many to be mailed to you). Please make checks payable to AA Sisterhood and send to Barbara Nathan at 200 Brandon Place, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 by January 15, 2018.

2018-2020 Sisterhood Directory

It’s that time of year - the 2018-2020 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 mid-December 2017. For more information, please contact the Directory Co-Chairs, Barbara Nathan at bgnathan@ mindspring.com or Delcy Pardo Harber at delcyharber@comcast.net. Be on the lookout for more information via mail and email.

Sisterhood Torah Fund

Torah Fund supports the five major educational institutions of the Conservative Movement and helps to ensure a healthy future for Conservative Judaism. These institutions educate not only rabbis and cantors but also administrators, social workers, and lay leaders. This year, there are five new beautiful Torah Fund Greeting Cards. To purchase cards, contact Glenna Hornstein at 904.616.1697 or itsallrelative@bellsouth. net.

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! Visit the Sisterhood page on the AA website (www.aasynagogue. org/foundations/sisterhood) to start shopping with us.

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. To join the greeter team contact Mildred or Marty Kwatinetz at zaydekw@ comcast.net or 404.812.1734.

have you seen our monday motivation eblasts?

become a partner

Consider making a donation this New Year to help Jewish Fertility Foundation continue to provide services in 5778.

Whether $18 or $1,800, you will be helping to create Jewish children and ease the suffering of Jewish couples. By helping to create a child, you have an immeasurable impact on the world. Help JFF reach their goal of of $40,000 by donating today.

For more information or to donate, visit http://bit.ly/2yoecfW.

Every Monday our eblast features a different congregant, a cause that is meaningful to him/her, and the organization he or she is involved in to support the cause. If you would like to expose "your" cause and teach others how they can get involved, please reach out to Director of Marketing, Anne Cohen, at acohen@aasynagogue.org.

share your skills

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.

Books Needed

Children Read, Inc. is donating new and gently-used preschool books (with pictures, rhymes, shapes, animals, stories, the alphabet, etc.) to early learners (age 5 and under). Help them collect by bringing your books to the Marcus JCC (5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, GA) for the 26th Annual MJCCA Book Festival, November 4 - 20. For more information, visit www. childrenreadatlanta.org.

Community volunteer/sociaL ACTION EVENTS NCJW - tutors needed

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.

Beineinu • Kislev | Tevet | Shevat • 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)

5:30 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 Nicole Flom, Assistant Education Director Lindsay Borenstein, Director of Development Shana Dukette, Capital Campaign Administrative Assistant Anne Cohen, Director of Marketing & Community Relations Lauren Dube, Marketing Coordinator & Graphic Designer 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 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 | www.aasynagogue.org | 404.355.5222