Beineinu - September/October 2019

Beineinu The newsletter of Ahavath Achim Synagogue • September - October 2019 •

Weekly service schedule

f AhavathAchimSynagogue l @aasynagogueatl t @AASynagogueATL y Ahavath Achim Synagogue D www.aasynagogue.org V 404.355.5222 ] 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW Atlanta, GA 30327

clergy

Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal Rabbi Neil Sandler Rabbi Arnold Goodman Senior Rabbinic Scholar

Staff

Barry Herman Executive Director Candace Schilling Director of Marketing Miriam Habif Director of Outreach & Engagement Jackie Nix Director of Youth & Family Engagement Chris Carr Director of Facilities Beth Arnold Helmey Ahava ELC Director Investigator Joe Jones IV Director of Security Jill Rosner Executive Assistant to the Rabbis Catherine Ficke Executive Assistant to the Executive Director Heidi Herman Ahava ELC Administrator Susan Goff Ahava ELC Bookkeeper Lauren Dube Marketing Coordinator & Graphic Designer Stan Vogel Finance Manager Fern Schorr Receptionist Wesley Coney Facilities Anika Johnson Facilities Ken Johnson Facilities Ian Madge Facilities Marcus Thomas Facilities

Officers of the board

Mark Cohen President Gerry Benjamin Executive Vice President Michael Plasker Financial Vice President Gary Alembik Vice President Stacy Fialkow Vice President Betty Sunshine Vice President Allison Feldman and Rachael Joseph Sisterhood Co-Presidents Ethan Povlot USY and Kadima President

Beineinu‌ between you and me The Newsletter of Ahavath Achim Synagogue

Funded by a grant from The Center Family Foundation

1 • September - October 2019

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)

9:30 am

From the Rabbi J

udaism has a special connection to music, and this Jewish year, 5780, much of our focus will be on exploring sacred, spiritual music.

Few places within our Jewish spiritual practice aren’t held together through song. Blessings over Shabbat candles, Chanukah candles, over wine and challah at our Shabbat tables, the four questions on Passover and many other home rituals all have a melody.

Are the words any different if they are simply read out loud rather than sung?! YES!!!! THEY ARE DIFFERENT. Perhaps not on an intellectual level, but definitely different on a “soul-ular” level. (“Soulular ”is a word I made up… you’re welcome!) As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks teaches, “Words are the language of the mind; music is the language of the soul.”

But music doesn’t just infiltrate one’s Jewish home; it is prevalent throughout the synagogue experience as well. Our prayer service is entirely in song. That is absolutely amazing. The Saturday morning service is almost three hours long. Even the Rolling Stones don’t play a concert for over three hours (okay, maybe they do, but that’s not that point). It’s a lot of singing. The early morning blessings are sung when one enters the synagogue. Pezukei D’Zimra, the introductory verse of praise to start our prayer experience is interspersed between prayers with accompanying melodies. When we don’t know a specific melody for prayers, we use what is called nusach, a fixed melody used to chant the opening line, Petikh’tah and the closing line Chatima, (literally: “seal,” as in the Yom Kippur greeting, G’mar Chatima Tova – May you be sealed for good). Once we make it into the Shacharit (morning service) plenty of prayer melodies create an uplifting prayer experience.

Soon we are at the Torah service which, once again, is completely sung. The blessings before and after the Torah and Haftara have a specific melody. The Torah and Haftara (prophetic selection of scripture) also have specific melodies, called trope. And then of course the final part of the service, Musaf, is traditionally the Cantor’s tour de force where they really open up and uplift spirits through song. Song is everywhere in Judaism. But why?

Connecting to God Through Song

By Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal

I am sure that many of us have been moved by song. Maybe we have been to an amazing opera, concerto, or rock and roll concert and been swept away. I am sure that some of us have been around a campfire when an acoustic guitar appears and, before we know it, everybody is singing along. As a guitarist, I can tell you that, when playing with other musicians, something special happens when we all are able to lock together. When I am in the middle of a guitar solo and another musician begins to mimic some note or rhythm pattern that I am utilizing in my improvisation, it doesn’t go unnoticed. There is a palpable connection that everybody in the room can feel. Music has many powers: music breaks through, music transports, music connects, and music speaks to us. Our spiritual life seeks to accomplish all four of these attributes of music whenever we pray. This is the power, and this is what we are exploring this year.

So what is the ultimate goal? Are we going to simply make each service into a concert? That is not our intention. Of course, it is possible to passively connect and experience the power of music by just sitting and listening. That is a legitimate spiritual posture. However, that places a heavy burden on the prayer leader. Instead, we will be exploring how to create a community of prayer practitioners and singing accompaniment. Everybody needs to open his or her soul and sing! Does this mean music lessons and vocal coaches for everybody? I wish, but no. Communal song, especially surrounding prayer, isn’t about vocal quality. Instead, it’s about “soulular” expression. The question we are exploring is how to best create a space that allows as many people as possible to express their souls through singing.

We know it works in the shower... All we must do is make it happen in the sanctuary! I am excited to be on this spiritual adventure together with you.

September - October 2019 • 2

From the Rabbi S

ometimes the briefest sentiments provide us with the potential opportunity for lengthy reflection. Even when we may not avail ourselves of those opportunities, they still provide us with profound truths.

writes the following:

Merri Ukraincik is a writer and blogger. Her essays have appeared in Tablet, Hevria, Kveller, and elsewhere.

She

Elul is that month, the final one on the Jewish calendar, the one whose job is to remind us that nothing ever stays the same.

Traditionally, we think and speak of Elul as a time of preparation for the tasks we associate with the High Holidays, chief among them repentance. That is and always will be true. But this year I am not the same person in the same “place” I was at this time last year. I suppose that is true for all of us, but it is especially true of me.

After all, last year at this time, I had entered my fifteenth year as Senior Rabbi of Ahavath Achim Synagogue. What a blessing it was to serve our congregation in that capacity! But, as you heard me say nearly a year ago, “Nothing ever stays the same,” and it was time for me to step back and pass on spiritual leadership of our congregation to Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal. Am I the same rabbi I was last Elul? I suppose I am. And yet, I do feel different largely because my responsibilities and self-expectations have changed. No, nothing ever remains the same.

What a blessing the year 5779 has been for Susan and me! First, Ariel got married last December, and then Aliza followed with her wedding in April. We watched in utter awe as Ariel and Jamie and then Aliza and Matt gave expression to their mutual love under the chuppah and each couple created kiddushin, the holiest of relationships. No, nothing remains the same.

To which, this year, I can only add “Thank God who has blessed us in such ways!”

3 • September - October 2019

By Rabbi Neil Sandler

What has changed in your life this year? Perhaps those changes are not as obvious as they have been in my life this year. Still, take some time for reflection before the new year begins. Consider what has changed in your life. Are there people to thank?

Then, thank them again. Are there situations or relationships you need to address and change? Then, address them and change them. Are there challenges you were able to meet? Then, thank God and those who helped you to meet them.

The new year of 5780 will arrive no matter what you do. But its beginning will be richer and, I hope, offer you and loved ones opportunities, if you have reflected on this year and realized that nothing remains the same. Sometimes change occurs outside your control. But you can also be the agent of change and its beneficiary.

Susan and I, along with Ariel and Jamie, Aliza and Matt and Josh, wish you and your loved ones a year of good health and well-being. May our actions in 5780 bring our world to a better place.

Life Cycle Engagements Mazal Tov to the newly engaged couple!

Elyse Benjamin and Sean Lanahan

To be married on June 6, 2020 Elyse is the daughter of Vicki and Gerry Benjamin and granddaughter of Marilyn and Mickey Steinberg and Idele (z"l) and Allen Benjamin. She is the sister of Erik Benjamin. Sean is the son of Denise and Chris Lanahan and the grandson of Susie and Edward Cathie and Priscilla Lanahan. He is the brother of Rachel Lanahan. They will be married on June 6, 2020 at the St. Regis in Atlanta.

babIes

Mazal Tov to the loved ones of the newest additions to our community!

Philip Hendrix Cohen

Born on May 28, 2019 Son of Julie and David Cohen; Grandson of Lisa and Walter Cohen and Lois and Norman Plotkin; Great-grandson of Pauline Cohen and Jeanette Rand; Brother of Michael Cohen and Brian Cohen

Stella Mitzi Silver

Born on July 16, 2019 Daughter of Sara and Darren Silver; Granddaughter of Carla and Arthur Silver; Great niece of Jill and Jeff Vantosh and Aleta and Greg Weitz

b'nai Mitzvah

Mazal Tov to our young members on this milestone!

Ava Rose Segal

September 21, 2019 Ava is the daughter of Julie and William Segal and granddaughter of Jill and Joe Segal and Lois and Fred Miller. For her Bat Mitzvah Project, Ava created a lip gloss company called Lip Gloss by Ava. All proceeds from the company are donated to a local women's shelter. Ava has also been helping Creating Creative Communities assemble beauty bags to give away at their annual Amy's Holiday Party winter celebration.

Sydney Bressler

September 28, 2019 Sydney is the daughter of Suzanne and Adam Bressler and granddaughter of Linda and Richard Bressler and Harriette and Mark Perlin. For her Bat Mitzvah Project, Sydney helped her aunt start up Backpack Buddies at Congregation Shearith Israel. The program provides food-insecure students at E. Rivers Elementary School with backpacks full of satisfying and healthy food for every weekend throughout the school year. The program is already successful at AA.

Baruch Dayan Emet

May God comfort their loved ones along with the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Bella Tovey

Howard Greenstein

Belle Frank

Jane Fryer

Mother of Craig Tovey and Roberta Tovey

Sister of Dr. Paul Teplis

Morris Rosenthal Husband of Joanne Rosenthal

Dr. Paul Rubin

Husband of Pam Rubin; Brother of Lynn Sussman

Father of Jeremy Greenstein

Mother of Keith Fryer, Matthew Fryer, and Sharon Oxman

Michael Lubel

Father of David Lubel

Estelle Strauss

Beloved congregant

Lawrence Mintz

Brother of Natalie Harris

New to shul

Our warmest welcome to the new members of our community!

Daniel Breit Suzanne and Seth Eisenberg Jay Hammer Brandi Kattan Elissa and Gregory Kodesh Nicole and Ben Saidman Veronica Manchel and Eitam Segal If you are new to the community and interested in joining the Ahavath Achim family, please contact our Director of Outreach and Engagement, Miriam Habif, at mhabif@aasynagogue.org or 404.603.5749.

September - October 2019 • 4

5780 High Holidays Experience Our Days of Awe

~ Bring your children to holiday programming ~ ~ Carve out time for remembrance and reflection ~ ~ Enrich yourself and our community with your presence ~ ~ Open your heart to God ~ ~ March in the Tashlich parade ~ ~ Discover your song ~ ~ Find your roots ~ ~ Reconnect to community ~ ~ Find inspiration ~ ~ Touch tradition ~

Open Your Soul and Sing with Us!

September - October 2019 • 6

My First Year as Senior Rabbi Dear Friends, Although I have been part of the Ahavath Achim community for 11 years, this upcoming High Holiday season is unique. As the new Senior Rabbi of our congregation, I am starting to feel a special connection as we make our way towards Rosh Hashanah. Truthfully, this new feeling is a bit bizarre. It’s not like I just moved to a new city or I am meeting the community for the first time. Because of Rabbi Sandler’s gracious and cooperative vision of a clergy team, I’ve been a part of the creation of the High Holiday experience for over a decade, so it’s not like this year’s responsibilities are different from years past. So, what is it? Why does this High Holiday feel different from years past?

First, as your new Senior Rabbi, I have – and hope for – a deeper connection with you. I look forward to getting to know each of you more in the coming years, whether you’re a new congregant or a long-time member of our AA family. But wait, there’s more…

Our sages explain that on Shabbat, all 52 Shabbatot throughout the year, a person receives an extra soul, Neshamah yetarah, for the duration of the Sabbath: 25 hours. Some have explained that the waving of your hands over the Shabbat candles after lighting them is a way of introducing and binding that extra soul to your own. Conversely, at the end of Shabbat, smelling the spices during the Havdallah ceremony reminds me of smelling salts, reviving your original soul, waking it from its Shabbat dream state as the extra soul departs. The High Holidays have a special distinction to them. Yom Kippur is referred to in the Torah as Shabbat Shabbaton, the Shabbat of Shabbats. If on a normal Shabbat a person received an extra soul, I wonder what happens on the Shabbat of Shabbats? Is that extra soul a super soul?

As we approach the High Holidays, I am realizing that my soul won’t be connecting with just an extra soul but also with more than a thousand other souls – yours and everyone else’s that will be joining us to celebrate the High Holidays.

And, this experience isn’t just about me. It’s about you as well. When you come into our sacred space this High Holiday season, you will be joining your soul to thousands of other souls. If we pay attention, we should be able to feel it. When you join us in the Ellman chapel for Shacharit (early morning service) you will experience the gathering of souls as the room fills up. When you see a friendly face that hasn’t been seen since last year or meet and greet somebody new during the Srochi Auditorium pre-service reception, you will feel the souls weaving together. When we all pour into the sanctuary and take our seats to begin the service together, it will be hard not to be overwhelmed by the binding of our souls into one. When we hear the blasts of the shofar pierce our hearts and call us to spiritual awareness, that soul you feel won’t just be your own, but the souls of everybody in that room, resonating and beating as one.

This is what I believe is different about this year… at least for me. Is it different from past years? No! The only difference is that now we know what to look for. These High Holidays, I plan to set an intention of an open heart for the purpose of receiving the other souls that are coming to connect with mine. I look forward to our souls joining.

Shana Tovah Umetukah – May this be a sweet and connected year.

Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal

7 • September - October 2019

Service Schedule Erev Rosh Hashanah - Sunday, September 29 Ellman

6:00 pm

Mincha/Ma’ariv Service

1st Day Rosh Hashanah - Monday, September 30 Ellman

8:00 am

P’sukei D’zimra | Shacharit | Torah Service

Srochi

9:00 am

A Sweet New Year Reception

10:00 am

Torah Processional

Sanctuary

10:30 am

Shofar Service | Musaf Service | Sermon

Srochi

12:45 pm

New Post-Service Oneg Reception

Ellman

6:00 pm

Mincha/Ma'ariv Service

Ahava

8:45 am - 1:55 pm

Childcare (12 weeks - 35 months)

Ahava

10:00 am - 1:55 pm

Programming (3 yrs - 5th grade)

Fishman

10:00 am - 1:45 pm

Programming (6th - 8th grade)

Child/Teen Programming

2nd Day Rosh Hashanah - Tuesday, October 1 Ellman

8:00 am

P’sukei D’zimra | Shacharit | Torah Service

Foyer

9:00 am

A Sweet New Year Reception

10:00 am

Torah Processional

Sanctuary

10:30 am

Shofar Service | Musaf Service | Sermon

Front Lawn

Following Sanctuary Service

Tashlich

Ellman

6:00 pm

Mincha/Ma'ariv Service

Ahava

8:45 am - 12:55 pm

Childcare (12 weeks - 35 months)

Ahava and Fishman

10:00 am - 12:55 pm

Programming (3 yrs - 5th grade)

Youth Lounge

10:00 am - 12:45 pm

Programming (6th - 8th grade)

Child/Teen Programming

Kol Nidre - Tuesday, October 8 Front Lawn

5:45 - 6:30 pm

Kapporos

Cavalier

6:15 pm

Mincha Service

Ellman

6:30 - 8:00 pm

Kol HaMishpacha Family Service

Sanctuary

6:45 pm

Kol Nidre Service

Ahava

6:30 - 10:00 pm

Childcare (12 weeks - 35 months)

Ahava

6:30 - 8:00 pm

Kol HaMishpacha Family Service (3 - 12 yrs)

Child/Teen Programming

Yom Kippur - Wednesday, October 9 Ellman

Sanctuary

8:00 am

P’sukei D’zimra | Shacharit | Torah Service

10:00 am

Torah Processional

10:20 am

Musaf Service

September - October 2019 • 8

Sanctuary

12:30 pm

Sermon | Yizkor Service

Paradies

1:45 pm

Yom Kippur Study Hall

Srochi

3:00 pm

Yom Kippur Forum

Paradies

4:00 - 7:00 pm

Afternoon Chant and Drum Circle

Sanctuary

4:30 pm

Mincha Service

Sanctuary

5:45 pm

Ask the Rabbi

Sanctuary

6:15 pm

Neilah Service

Sanctuary

7:40 pm

Havdallah and Shofar to End Fast

Ahava

8:45 am - Havdallah

Childcare (12 weeks - 35 months)

Ahava

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Programming (3 yrs - 5th grade)

Fishman

10:00 am - 2 :00 pm

Programming (6th - 8th grade)

Child/Teen Programming

Visit our website (aasynagogue.org/high-holidays) for the most up-to-date information on scheduling and programming.

Important information A Sweet New Year Reception and New Oneg Reception

On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, AA welcomes everyone - those in attendance or those just arriving to the synagogue - to enjoy a light bite, coffee and community between 9 and 10 am. Take a few minutes to relax and transition into the spirit of the holiday. The Torah Processional into the sanctuary begins at 10 am, so make sure to arrive on time! New for this New Year: We’re also adding a second reception, for a little nosh after services.

Come early and stay late for food, fellowship and bright new beginnings.

Tickets

All members of Ahavath Achim Synagogue in good standing receive High Holiday tickets as part of their membership. Meaning, members who are up to date with their financial obligations through fiscal year 2018 and have paid at least 50% of dues for fiscal year 2019 are eligible to receive tickets. Please contact Barry Herman at 404.603.5750 or bherman@aasynagogue.org if you require special consideration.

9 • September - October 2019

All current college students, active members of the military, and Atlanta Jewish professionals are welcome to attend High Holiday services at our Synagogue free of charge, but you are still required to register online at aasynagogue.org/high-holidays.

College students and active members of the military will need to show their IDs at the Help Desk upon arrival. Non-members can purchase non-member ticket(s) on the AA website at aasynagogue.org/ high-holidays.

All tickets will be mailed up until two weeks before Rosh Hashanah. Tickets are bound to a specific name, and they are not transferable. If you do not receive your ticket in the mail before the High Holidays, please plan to pick it up at the Help Desk on the day of services.

Child/Teen Programming

We are looking forward to ushering in the New Year with you and your family! Even if you’re not registering your children for children’s programming, we want you and your family to have a joyous holiday and welcome you to bring your children to the regular holiday services.

Kol HaMishpacha Family Service: When transliterated, Kol HaMishpacha has two possible meanings: “Voice of the Family” and “All of the Family.” These two

meanings sum up the dynamic we hope to create with this Kol Nidre alternative service for families with children ages 3 – 12. The whole family will have the opportunity to sing, mingle, reflect on the past year, and talk about hopes for the year to come.

Machzor

The prayer book, Machzor Hadash, will be used for all High Holiday services. We will have books available for loan at the Help Desk in Cohen Pavilion. We ask that you please return your prayer book to the Help Desk as you leave the building.

Parking

If you are in need of handicapped parking, please contact Fern Schorr at 404.355.5222 or fschorr@ aasynagogue.org. If you are an abledriver traveling with a guest who needs assistance, please drop him/ her off at the entrance in the upper lot, and park your car in the lower lot (on the corner of Northside Dr. and Peachtree Battle Ave.) or in available street parking. At the end of services, you will be able to return to the upper lot to pick up your guest. Non-handicapped parking spaces in the upper lot are limited and available on a first-come first-served basis.

Help Desk

The Help Desk will be located in Cohen Pavilion upon entrance into the building. Volunteers will be available to assist you if you have forgotten or misplaced your ticket.

Please keep in mind that some of our community volunteers may not know you but are happy to assist you and your family. If you are picking up new or replacement tickets, please allow an extra few minutes at the Help Desk.

Cellphones

We encourage you to unplug when you enter the building to allow yourself to be present and immerse yourselves in the spirit of the holiday. We ask that you please try to limit cell-phone usage (talk/text/ internet) to outside the synagogue on the holidays.

Security

If you leave the building, please take your ticket with you for readmittance. No guns or weapons will be allowed on the premises.

Please be patient and cooperative with our security officers and ushers. It is their goal to ensure your safety and the well-being of all our members and guests.

Seating and Ambulatory Needs

There will be a section of chairs reserved for those with ambulatory needs and their caretakers. Please be advised that, although we don’t have wheelchairs available for your use, we will be happy to assist you with removing your wheelchair from your car at curbside upon arrival. Ushers will assist you with your wheelchair inside the sanctuary.

September - October 2019 • 10

Events & announcements HomeBeis@AA Groove Shabbat and Services

Saturday, September 14 | 10:30 11:30 am | Paradies Hall and Koplin-Borochoff Library As part of our new Shabbat Programming, we are excited to continue Groove Shabbat (children 0 - Pre-K) and offer services (K - 2nd graders) one Saturday a month!

Schedule: • Groove Shabbat (0 - Pre-K): 11 - 11:30 am | Paradies • Services (K - 2nd grade): 10:30 - 11 am | Library Future Dates: September 14, November 9, December 21, January 18, February 8, March 14, April 18, and May 9 Questions? Contact Jackie Nix (jnix@aasynagogue.org; 404.603.5743)

Duck Pin Bowling with Machar

Sunday, September 15 | 12 - 2 pm | The Painted Duck - 976 Brady Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | Registration Required Join us for an afternoon of camaraderie and competition at duck pin bowling! Duck pin bowling is a variation of traditional ten pin bowling where the balls and pins are smaller, and players get three rolls per frame vs. the traditional two. Come join in the fun! Questions? Contact Jackie Nix (jnix@aasynagogue.org; 404.603.5743).

Escape Room with USY and Kadima

Sunday, September 15 | 2:30 pm - 4 pm | Escape the Room - 200 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 | Registration Required Good evening. We have breaking news out of Downtown Atlanta.

It is confirmed that Escape the Room has locked 11 USYers and Kadimaniks in our newsroom, and they need to work together to escape. Can they do it in time? Stay tuned to f¬ind out. Questions? Contact Jackie Nix (jnix@ aasynagogue.org; 404.603.5743).

Sisterhood's Latte and Learn

Thursday September 19 | 10:30 11:30 am | Panera Bread - 4531 Olde Perimeter Way, Atlanta, GA 30346 Join the rabbis and fellow sisters one Thursday a month for a morning of coffee (or tea), conversation, and learning at

11 • September - October 2019

Sisterhood’s monthly study group. Questions? Contact Roslyn Konter (rpkonter@gmail.com or 770.986.3697).

Selichot 5780

Saturday, September 21 | 8:15 pm | Shearith Israel - 1180 University Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 Save the date! This year our congregation will share a joint, creative, and reflective Selichot Service with our friends at Shearith Israel Synagogue. The evening will begin at 8:15 pm with dessert and conversation. At 9 pm, we will proceed with our program and service.

Please join us as we continue to prepare ourselves for the upcoming High Holidays.

High Holiday Memorial Services

Sunday, September 22 | 10 am at Greenwood Cemetery | 11:30 am at Arlington Memorial Each year, as we prepare for the High Holidays and experience the special time between those days, it is natural to go back in time. We remember loved ones no longer among the living with whom we celebrated Rosh Hashanah and observed Yom Kippur. We feel a need to visit them in the places where they now repose; In these moments, we reflect on the beauty of our loved ones' lives and the continuing contributions they made to us and to others.

At this time of the High Holidays, we again, offer our gratitude to them.

Sisterhood’s Centennial Year Opening Program: E Pluribus Unum - Out of Many, One

Sunday, October 6 | 10:30 am - 1 pm | Srochi Auditorium | Registration Required As part of Sisterhood’s Centennial Year Celebration, Sisterhood presents their opening program: E Pluribus Unum – Out of Many, One. The program will highlight the legacy and history of the women of Sisterhood: their cultures, their recipes, their worship practices, and how these all came together to form today’s Ahavath Achim. Questions? Contact the event co-chairs: Shelly Dollar (dollarshelly@gmail.com); Barbara Ribner (barbribner@gmail.com).

Sisterhood's 12th Annual Worship in Pink Shabbat

Saturday, October 12 | 9:30 am | Ellman Chapel Please join us for Sisterhood's 12th Annual Worship in Pink Shabbat featuring Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid, MS, LCGC. Karen is Executive Director of the JScreen Program and Assistant Professor of Human Genetics at Emory University School of Medicine.

Karen oversees JScreen’s national online reproductive carrier screening program and a newly launched Atlanta BRCA study focused on cancer risk and genetic screening in the Jewish community. In the spirit of being #MoreThanPink, this Shabbat service honors all cancer ersurvivors, participants of the Susan G. Komen 3-day or 2-day Walks, and the loved ones we have lost. If you are a survivor, caregiver, advocate, or walker and would like to participate or contribute to this meaningful Shabbat, please contact Rina Wolfe (rinawolfe10@gmail. com; 404.561.0749).

HomeBeis@AA Family Sukkot Dinner

404.603.5743).

Sunday, October 13 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm | AA Sukkah (Front Lawn) | Registration Required Join us for dinner under the stars as we celebrate the beginning of Sukkot with a communal meal in the AA Sukkah. We’ll also have activities and games related to Sukkot. Questions? Contact Jackie Nix (jnix@aasynagogue.org;

S’mores in the Sukkah with USY and Kadima

404.603.5743).

Saturday, October 19 | 7 - 9 pm | AA Sukkah (Front Lawn) | Registration Required USYers and Kadimaniks are invited to join us for s’mores, games, songs, and fun in the Sukkah! We’ll kick off our evening with Havdallah under the stars. Questions? Contact Jackie Nix (jnix@aasynagogue.org;

American Jazz Classics

Sunday, October 20 | 3 - 5 pm | Ellman Chapel Save the date for American Jazz Classics as part of Ahavath Achim Synagogue’s Cultural Arts Performance Series!

Featured Music: Harold Arlen and Marvin Gaye; Featured Musicians: Joe Alterman (piano), Scott Glazer (bass), and Robert Boone (drums)

Adult Learning Tuesdays@AA - Every Tuesday | 10:30 am - 12:30 pm | Koplin Borochoff Library Torah Study - Every Saturday | 10:30 - 11:30 am | Cavalier Room Piedmont Study Group - Every second Wednesday of the month | 2:30 - 3:30 pm | The Piedmont at Buckhead

Save the Dates!

Greening Group's 3rd Annual Sustainability Expo Sunday, November 3 | 10 am - 1:30 pm | AA Synagogue Blood Drive Sunday, November 3 | 9 am - 2 pm | Srochi Auditorium Mature Active Adult Community (mAAc) Booth Museum Andy Warhol Exhibit Tour Thursday, November 21 | Registration (coming soon) Required | Booth Museum - 501 N Museum Dr, Cartersville, GA 30120 The Bands Visit with the Mature Active Adult Community (mAAc) Sunday, January 26 | Registration (coming soon) Required by Monday, October 28 | The Fox Theatre - 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 Event details are subject to change after publication. To stay updated about or register for an event, visit our online events calendar at aasynagogue.org/events.

Backpack Buddies - Fight Childhood Hunger

The mission of AA's Backpack Buddies (BPB) is to provide foodinsecure students at E. Rivers Elementary School with backpacks full of satisfying and healthy food for every weekend throughout the school year. Over 25% of children attending E. Rivers Elementary School on Peachtree Battle participate in the free or reducedprice meal program. Many children leave school on Friday not knowing when they will eat again. To provide substantial nutritious snacks for each student in this program, BPB costs approximately $180 per child. Every donation, regardless of size, helps feed a hungry child.

Along with your financial support, we are looking for volunteers to commit two hours a month to help pack and/or deliver food. For more information or to volunteer, please contact the committee co-chairs: Sherri Wildstein (sherriwildstein@gmail.com); Carla Wertheimer (werth5@comcast.net).

September - October 2019 • 12

Chesed Initiative

Are you a warm, friendly, dedicated volunteer who wants to make a difference in a fellow congregant’s life through acts of loving kindness? Are you willing to make a personal call or visit to comfort and support a congregant who has lost a loved one or been ill? These caring touches - acts of loving kindness - make all the difference in the world to those receiving them. If you want to be a part of strengthening our community, then AA's new Chesed Initiative is for you! This committee will work with our clergy, staff, and lay leaders to connect members who need help with members who want to do good deeds! Additionally, if you know of a congregant who is facing personal difficulties related to health, loss, or grief, please contact Fern Schorr at fschorr@ aasynagogue.org or 404.355.5222 to let us know. Help us reach out to members in need. We welcome your help and time with this important project.

Shabbat Babysitting Changes

After reviewing attendance in our Shabbat babysitting program over the last number of weeks, we determined that the service was not effectively being utilized by our congregation. Taking this, and our discussions with surrounding synagogues in to account, we will no longer be offering babysitting on Shabbat mornings. We will, however, offer babysitters on days during our HomeBeis@AA Shabbat programs. These days are September 14, November 9, December 21, January 18, February 8, March 14, April 18 and May 9.

Shopping on Amazon?

You can do that and support Sisterhood at the same time!

Sisterhood invites you to do your online shopping with us on Amazon by clicking on the link on the synagogue’s website Sisterhood page. Up to 15% of your purchase will be donated to Sisterhood! It doesn’t cost any extra, so why not?

Operation Isaiah

AA's annual food drive is right around the corner! We need your help in maintaining our leadership role in Operation Isaiah. Operation Isaiah is the Atlanta Jewish Community’s annual High Holiday food drive designed to combat hunger. Every year we partner with the Atlanta Food Bank to collect food and funds for those who struggle with food insecurity. How can you help?

More info on how you can participate: aasynagogue.org/ operation-isaiah.

Rebbeca’s Tent - Shearith Israel

Volunteers are needed for the first and last week of December and the first week of March to provide meals for the 15+ homeless women who reside at Shearith Israel. We need your help and welcome your participation. For more information on providing the kosher meals or if you are interested in volunteering, please contact Shirley Rich (404.355.7700; 404.583.7753; bubbesr@webtv.net).

Sisterhood’s College Care Packets

404.281.7416).

It’s almost that time of year! Every year, Sisterhood sends care packets with gifts and small remembrances of home to our students headed off to college. If you are a parent of a college-bound student (under- or post-grad) and would like for him/ her to receive a care package, please contact Lori Miller (wlbgamiller@gmail.com;

13 • September - October 2019

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.

Torah Fund

Help to preserve, promote and perpetuate Conservative/Masorti Judaism by giving to Sisterhood’s Torah Fund Campaign supporting scholarship funds at the Jewish Theological Seminary (New York, NY), Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies (Los Angeles, CA), Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies (Jerusalem), Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano (Buenos Aires), and Zacharias Frankel College (Potsdam, Germany). AA Sisterhood has been recognized as a leader in supporting Jewish education, in our congregation, and for the entire movement. To purchase a card or make a donation, please contact Shari Neumann (shari_neumann@yahoo. com) or Fran Galishoff (fgalishoff@bellsouth.net).

AHAVATH ACHIM CONGREGATION 600 PEACHTREE BATTLE AVE NW ATLANTA, GA 30327

NONPROFIT US POSTAGE PAID ATLANTA, GA PERMIT NO. 3259