Atlanta Jewish Times No 34, August 23, 2013

JCC/FIDF honors lavon mercer

jennifer connelly prepares for the flood

PAGE 23

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AUGUST 23, 2013 – AUGUST 29, 2013

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AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

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AJT

israel

Israeli Pride

GOOD NEWS MADE IN THE JEWISH STATE THIS PAST WEEK E-SKIN BREAKTHROUGH. Scientists at Technion, Israel’s institute of technology have created a sensor that can detect and react accordingly to pressure, temperature, and humidity. This sensor can be applied to prosthetic limbs to give the wearer more life-like sensations, a ground-breaking improvement for wearers across the globe.

PILLCAM IS CHANGING LIVES. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just approved of Israel’s Pillcam SB 3, made to moniter sufferers’ intestinal problems. Its use has already improved the treatment of 62 percent of Crohn’s disease patients.

ISRAEL TO HOST DISABILITY CONFERENCE. Israel is making great strides in enhancing the well-being for disabled persons. In September, leading experts from the U.S., Spain, Australia and the Netherlands will join Israel for the International Symposium on Quality of Life and Well-being of People with Disabilities.

AWARD-WINNING SOLAR HOME. Israel’s team was in fourth place overall at China’s international Solar, as well second place for architecture and structure of their solar powered eco-home. Twenty-two teams from a total of 35 universities in 13 countries across the globe participated.

their 70s, beat 32 other countries to win the Fortis World Team Backgammon Championships in Monaco.

Team member Shimon Kagan said of the game, “You need to plan the next move, understand all the possibilities and theories. It’s not a coincidence that two former chess players and an international businessman won.”

WORLD BACKGAMMON CHAMPIONS. A team of three Israelis, all in

HOLY BEACH HOLIDAY. Israeli Arabs and Palestinian Arabs celebrated the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on the shores of Tel Aviv.

Approximately one million Palestinian Arabs received permits to enter Israel as tourists during Ramadan and its concluding celebration—200,000 more than last year.

SOLVING THE WORLD FOOD CRISIS. Technion’s “Super Plants” are being hailed by The Indo Asian News as the solution to the world’s food crisis. Drought-resistant, these genetically modified plants produce more crops on less water, and give their produce a significantly longer shelf-life.

NEW SHILOH TRAUMA CENTER. The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem is to support a posttraumatic center for children deeply impacted by terrorism in Israel.

The center is in Shiloh—the 3,400 year-old site of the biblical Temple.

Children are rehabilitated with art, music, movement, and animal interactions.

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

LUCKY 13 FOR IBM. IBM (the International Business Machines Corp.) has spent over $300 million on its 13th Israeli purchase, not two weeks after its last. It provides software solutions to protect companies from financial fraud and security threats. IBM will subsequently form a cyber security software lab in Israel.

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AJT

israel

Hello Jerusalem, Goodbye Atlanta ISRAELI DEPUTY CONSUL GENERAL RETURNING HOME

BY AL SHAMS AJT Contributor

S

haron Kabalo, after living in Atlanta for five years and serving as the Deputy Consul General for Israel, has been reassigned to Jerusalem.

The move comes with some mixed feelings. Kabalo has met many wonderful people in the Southeast and has had many memorable experiences. On the other hand, being a native of Jerusalem, she’s eager to now to spend more time with family and friends.

It’s time to move on, but there’s no question that Kabalo’s life has been enriched by the people she’s met and the experiences she’s had while living in Atlanta.

In late July, Consul General Opher Aviran and his wife Talia hosted a reception to honor Kabalo and to welcome her successor, Ron Brummer. The event was attended by a cross-section of Atlanta’s. Kabalo was recognized for her years of outstanding service in the region and promoting a strong relationship between Israel and the Southeast.

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

“It has been and honor to serve as Deputy Consul General for the Consulate for the past five years” said Kabalo. “I’m grateful for the fulfilling experiences and unwavering support that enabled me to work to strengthen the U.S. - Israeli relationship. I take pride in my efforts to bring together the assets of the American and Israeli communities to foster new collaborations.”

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A number of leaders and dignitaries attending the event, including Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens, former AICC President Tom Glaser, incoming AICC President Shai Robskin, Atlanta Public School Superintendent Errol Davis, Rabbis Peter Berg, Paul Kerbel and Neil Sandler.

Israeli Consul General Opher Aviran (with microphone) had only kind words for Sharon Kabalo (at his right), who will be returning to Israel after five years in Atlanta. PHOTO / Israeli Consul General’s Office Kabalo commented on her warm and close working relationship with Aviran and other members of the consul general staff. She also took time to welcomed the incoming Deputy Consul General, Ron Brummer, and wished him the best.

Brummer most recently served as Deputy Israeli Ambassador to

Chile. While in Chile, he organized a number of political, economic and educational missions between the two countries.

Aviran, meanwhile, also recognized the consulate’s outgoing director of media affairs, Karen Isenberg Jones, and her successor Dena Weiss.

About the writer Al Shams is a Sandy Springs resident, a former CPA, and an investment professional with more than 35 years of industry experience.

New Deputy Consul General

BRUMMER HAS STRONG BACKGROUND IN RESEARCH, ANALYSIS SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

I

ncoming Deputy Consul General Ron Brummer comes to Atlanta by way of Santiago, Chile where he held the position of Second Secretary at the Embassy of Israel in Santiago.

As Second Secretary, Brummer oversaw the mission’s commercial work and cultural cooperation between Israel and Chile as well as organized political and economic delegations between the two countries.

Prior to his posting in Santiago, Brummer served as a Foreign Ministry delegate for Central America and Mexico where he assisted the embassies of Israel in the region in their daily work.

During this time, Brummer organized three separate presidential trips to Israel from Costa Rica, Panama and the Dominican Republic.

Brummer has a strong background in research and analysis and has experience providing strategic analysis of media for Israel’s most important companies. He received his Masters of Diplomacy and International Relations at the University of Tel Aviv and a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Communication at the University of Bar-Ilan.

He is fluent in Hebrew, English, Spanish and Swedish. Brummer is married with two small children.

AJT

NOGA REPORTS SHEMA YISRAEL’S SHEMA COMMUNITY YISRAEL’S HIGH HOLY

Thanks for Making Aliyah

‘OLIM’ REMIND US ALL IN ISRAEL WHAT A GREAT COUNTRY WE INHABIT

COMMUNITY DAYS HIGH HOLY WORSHIP DAYS SERVICES WORSHIP Held at UNITY ATLANTA 3597 Parkway Lane - Norcross SERVICES Traditional Services or Reform Services

It’s your choice!

Everyone is welcome Held at UNITY ATLANTA There is neverLane a ticket charge 3597 Parkway - Norcross Traditional Services or Reform Services Ticket reservations immediately on-line at www.shemaweb.org It’s your choice!

Everyone is welcome

never a Haven ticket charge The Halpern CenterThere 4381is Beech Trail, Smyrna GA 30080 (off Cumberland Parkway)

We’re always open.

We’re always open.

You’re always welcome.

You’re welcome.

Come toalways the High Holidays Come to the High Holidays Ticket reservations immediately on-line at www.shemaweb.org There is no charge

Another community event from Kol Echad and Shema Yisrael- The Open Synagogue The Halpern Center 4381 Beech Haven Trail, Smyrna GA 30080 (off Cumberland Parkway)

AJT Contributor

threats and violence – and still they come, most often smiling.

I

It’s easy to spot the excitement on their faces and it’s also easy to be cynical when you first see them on the news, landing at Ben Gurion Airport. But, after a bit, most of us get excited also.

t’s summer in Israel and time to do a little reflecting on life.

Many of us here manage to get away, flying off to exotic locations. The rest of us hang around, sitting in front of our TVs, trying to stay cool.

No matter which group you’re part of, at some point there’s a good chance you’ll start thinking about life in Israel – this oh-so small, yet wellknown and coveted piece of land in the Middle East.

Many of us find ourselves wondering why we remain in the Jewish homeland. After all, haven’t we Jews suffered enough? Do we really need to remain in Israel and deal with the torrid heat and the constant threats from our neighbors.

Okay, it’s true that Israel is a modern, democratic state with beautiful beaches, a crazy nightlife, breathtaking scenery, fascinating history and kind and warm people. But, truth to tell, there are other places in the world that have all these qualities and a little peace and quiet!

So, as I mentioned, each summer many of us spend time wondering why we haven’t packed up and left already. Why don’t we go ahead and find someplace with just a little less drama!

As often as not, however, before we can focus on our ennui, we witness a revelation.

Planes come soaring into the country, packed with young Jews, all ready to settle here and join us in this great land.

These people weren’t born here and they certainly aren’t being forced to move to Israel. In most cases, they are leaving a life of comfort behind.

They are aware of the problems – the

We look at these young people, amazed at what they are doing, and have nothing but admiration in our hearts for them. Making Aliyah is a life-altering decision and the Olim are people to be looked up to and respected.

There is no charge

Another community event from Kol Echad and Shema Yisrael- The Open Synagogue

at at

Shema Yisrael The Open Synagogue Shema Yisrael The Open Synagogue

For fifteen years providing these

Reserve yourfor tickets at www.shemaweb.org services the entire community.

Reserve your tickets at www.shemaweb.org

Reserve your tickets at www.shemaweb.org

Quite frankly, I don’t think I’ll every quite comprehend why these people make the decision to become Israeli citizens. I’ve always been here, so I don’t think I’ll ever know exactly what motivates them.

All I can think is that, in a fashion, meeting with recent Olim is like witnessing magic. These people shine a special light on Israel, turning this small and troubled land into, well, Neverland or Oz or the Magic Kingdom.

Best of all, there excitement is contagious and we get to share their dream. We come to realize how lucky we are to be born here.

So, Dear Olim, thank you for helping me see the beauty of my home and thanks for making our country a better place for everyone.

About the writer Noga Gur-Arieh visited the U.S. to work at Camp Coleman after finishing her military service in the IDF. She is now back in Israel, working as a journalist.

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

BY Noga Gur-Arieh

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AJT

From Our Readers

Recent Issue Brought Back Delightful Memories

Special ‘Friendship’ Made Through the AJT

To the Editor:

T

To the Editor:

It will be 41 years this week (as newlyweds) that my husband and I started subscribing to the paper.

For a Jewish non-profit, young professionals like Dan advocating for their cause is essential. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of the Jewish community.

I hope stories like this make the job satisfying. Shana Tova!

he current issue of The Atlanta Jewish Times is great and it was most enjoyable to read all the stories from readers, who have lived in Atlanta since childhood.

I, too, have “Reflections on Our Past,” having moved to Atlanta at 7 years-of-age from Oklahoma. Even though I am not a “native Atlantan,” after living in the city for so many years and being a subscriber to first, The Southern Israelite and then, the AJT, I feel “almost, like a Native!”

I remember going to the AJCC every Sunday for BBG meetings; I attended Briarcliff High and we “girls” started the Anne Frank Chapter at the Center back in the 60s. (I also remember) going downtown in big groups on the weekends by ourselves (No parents were needed) and being involved with USY at Ahavath Achim Synagogue and all the fun times we shared as Kids!

Let’s not forget the days of “hanging out” at Gigi’s Pizza – what could be more fun than that?

It was sad when that area of town changed; so many people loved living at the Lindmont-Morosgo Apartments back then, including my husband, Larry. Many life-long friendships were made in that community, too.

It was a Wonderful idea to ask community members to reflect back on their lives and talk about being part of the Jewish community all those years ago.

Their stories brought back many, terrific memories for me, too.

Thank you, for this issue!

Judy Bernhardt Glatzer

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

Bethlehem, Ga.

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I

wanted to let you know the impact that the Jewish Times is having on the local Jewish community. A few months back an article was printed about the Friendship Circle.

In that same issue was an interview with Daniel Gordon. As a result of that issue, Dan I have met and created a wonderful friendship. Dan is passionate about Friendship Circle and has helped and advised a tremendous amount over these last few months.

Yale New Friendship Circle, Executive Director

Chabad of Georgia Major Player in Atlanta, Also To the Editor: We enjoyed seeing the timeline of significant events in Atlanta’s Jewish history, and we were saddened to see that Chabad of Georgia and all 14 Chabad centers were mistakenly left out.

Congregation Beth Tefillah is listed. But it is not the same as the umbrella organization, Chabad of Georgia, which was established two years prior to the synagogue, and is responsible for establishing 14 other centers in Georgia, including 3 serving local universities.

Rabbi Isser New, Associate Director, Chabad of Georgia

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The Atlanta Jewish Times Established 1925 as The Southern Israelite 270 Carpenter Drive, Suite 320, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 Phone: (404) 883-2130 www.atlantajewishtimes.com THE ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES (ISSN# 0892-33451) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY ZADOK PUBLISHING, LLC 270 Carpenter Drive, Suite 320, ATLANTA, GA 30328 ©COPYRIGHT 2012 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES MEMBER AMERICAN-ISRAELI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Please send all photos, stories and editorial content to: submissions@atljewishtimes.com.

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AJT

Memo from Israel

Why I Made Aliyah

STANDING ON JEWISH SOIL FILLS AN EMPTINESS IN MY SOUL

BY RABBI SHLOMO PINKUS SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

F

or those that do not know, my family and I have decided to make Aliyah; and we have been asked to docu-

ment our experiences as we work through the process.

This is not now, nor has it ever been an easy decision for people to make. The Gemorrah even tells us that living in Israel is a Kapporah

(atonement), because it has never been an easy feat.

tion of the holy Temple, they did not care.

Those that came back were intermarried, they were breaking the Shabbos in the holy Temple, yet they uprooted themselves from their homes, left their non-Jewish spouses, for the sake of HaShem.

So then why go, you may ask?

Because this world has been created to work, heaven is where we’ll take a break. We are here to work on ourselves, to better ourselves, and to continuously raise this physical world into becoming a spiritual oasis.

Secondly, if you look at the end of Tanach, the second Temple is coming upon completion.

Ezra and Nechemia call back the Jews from the Diaspora, and most do not come. Those that do come, many are intermarried and have had sinful lives. This aggrieved me greatly, but it also taught me.

I asked how could it be that the holy Temple is being rebuilt and we’re not going back.

Jerusalem was ours, the offerings continued, we could have rebuilt everything, and yet people just didn’t come; and those that did were on a low level filled with sin.

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It even says that the prophets had to go outside the Temple walls to make the non-Jewish shop owners close on Shabbos because they were leading people to sin. This is when you can really see that the Tanach is not a story book.

This is a lesson for all generations. Those that did not come were happy where they were. They had their lives, maybe they learned each day, davened, put on tefillin, or did nothing at all.

In either case they were happy with their level of spirituality and even though they lacked the perfec-

This leads to the question: If this were today, who would you rather be? Who would you rather be associated with?

Are you content with where you are, or would you be willing to grow?

Those that came back I feel were greater, because whatever level they were on, they chose to grow; the others may have been on a higher level, but would stay stagnant and eventually fall.

I have worked, and learned and davened almost my whole life in America, but that is not enough. If you are not able and willing to uproot yourself for the service of HaShem, if you do not feel the continuous lacking and emptiness by not standing on Jewish soil, by not being able to literally walk into the house of HaShem, than whatever it is you are doing is not working.

You can agree or disagree, but you’ll have to come to Israel to do it.

About the writer For several years, Rabbi Shlomo Pinkus was a rabbinic field representative for the Atlanta Kashruth Commission. He and his family recently made Aliyah.

AJT

Travel

Perfect Spot for Reconnecting with Family, Friends

BY DEBBIE DIAMOND

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

H

igh Hampton Inn, located in Cashiers, N.C., is one of those enigmatic resorts, steeped in tradition, which simply defies categorization.

On the one hand, I half expected “Baby,” of “Dirty Dancing” fame, and the rest of the Houseman clan to peek out from behind one of the corner tables. On the other hand, I wondered if I had been transported back in time to a much more carefree summer at Camp Barney Medintz.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, High Hampton has welcomed guests to its grounds for more than 90 years. It’s located on 1,400 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the 117-room resort is a classically rustic stone-and-wood mountain inn.

Riding in a donkey-led cart, leading llamas around a lake, joining in a pick-up game of ping pong and rediscovering the art of conversation are just a few of the simple pleasures enjoyed by guests.

A scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive from Atlanta, the resort offers a welcome respite from the clamor of everyday life. Visitors will find good old-fashioned fun along every path, nook and cranny at the resort.

Well-maintained hiking trails lead visitors to the peaks of Rock and Chimney Top Mountains. A 35acre lake offers swimming, canoeing and kayaking. The immense lodge and its many terraces provide a central meeting spot, along with board games, nightly Bingo and outside seating to enjoy the majestic mountains and gardens.

The property’s beauty and outdoor recreation inspires children and adults alike. Families will be taken back to simpler times when having fun just required a little imagination and inspiration, with a pinch of magic thrown in for good measure.

At any given moment, guests may find themselves in a pick-up game of chase, tag and “Capture the Flag.”

My own two children, in fact, made a daily activity of hiking up to the donkey field to feed two donkeys they nicknamed, “Chloe” and “Sephario.”

The resort’s health club and spa is located minutes away, and features updated equipment, exercise classes and a rock-climbing wall. The spa offers a multitude of body treatments, massages and facials, and is quite popular among guests.

Golfers will find their own piece of paradise at the 18-hole golf course, surrounded by mountain peaks and lined by towering pines, hemlocks and mountain laurel.

The course features bent grass greens and plays at 6,012 yards from the back tees. The par 3, 137-yard 8th “island” hole was named “One of America’s Great Golf Holes” by Golf Digest magazine. In addition to the course, there are two putting greens and a practice range.

For tennis enthusiasts, the tennis center offers daily adult and junior clinics for all levels, match play, round robins, and professional and top-ranked junior exhibitions. Tennis pros run high intensity drills, offer cardio tennis classes and private or group lessons.

All of the meals at the resort are served buffet-style. Many of the veg-

etables and herbs are grown on property or sourced from nearby farms.

Fish, chicken and beef entrees are available at each meal, and vegetarian and gluten-free options are offered as well. The quality of the food rivals any restaurant here in Atlanta.

On Tuesdays, the dining room features a pasta station for “made to order” dishes; a stir-fry station is available on other days to appeal to the more calorie-conscious guests.

Guests dress for dinner, and men are expected to wear sports jackets at dinner during the week, and both a tie and sports jacket on weekends.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the lodge dining room, which offers sweeping views of the grounds. Families dine at the same table throughout their stay, providing an opportunity to meet the delightful servers, who hail from countries as far away as China and Serbia.

The accommodations, ranging from cabins to single rooms, are rustic.

While comfortable, they are not plush; in fact, most rooms don’t offer air conditioning, but the screened windows and ceiling fans provide for cool rooms in the evening when the

sun goes down.

High Hampton is offering several fall package deals, including “Four Nights for the Price of Three.” Guests can stay three weekday nights at High Hampton and get a fourth room night free.

Rates start at $245 per night, and are based on double occupancy.

Prices include the cost of meals for the first three nights. On the fourth night, meals are $58 per adult and $32 per child 12 and under. Children four and under can dine at no additional charge.

For golfers, High Hampton Inn offers the “Elevated Golf” package during the week, which includes lodging, three daily meals, and daily golf on the scenic course. A “Golf and Spa” package is offered at $399 per weekday night, and guests will receive three daily meals and a choice of a round of golf and/or spa service each day.

If you visit High Hampton, you may not see “Baby,” but you will be sure to find many other smiling faces at a nearly century-old resort that has withstood the test of time. Relax in a chair, enjoy the view and find your bliss.

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

High Hampton is perfect for families who value simplicity, relaxation and an opportunity to disconnect from technology (although the resort has newly installed Wifi, accessible from certain points on the property).

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AJT

New Take on Torah

An Ode to Toco Hills

A PLACE WHERE ‘EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR NAME’

BY RABBI PATRICK ALEPH AJT Columnist

I

n my next series of articles I’ll be discussing why Jewish Atlanta is so amazing to me. I’ll start my “love letters” by expressing my delight for Atlanta’s least utilized Jewish gem: Toco Hills.

My fiance and I purchased our first home together. And where do an ex-punk turned rabbi and a yogateaching-healthcare-policy-analyst make their first home?

Hills!” Yes, there are. If you need convincing, then just walk down LaVista Road on any Shabbat morning.

But there is a bizarre, unfair undercurrent of thinking that Toco Hills is “hands off” to non-Orthodox Jews. That’s far from the truth, and non-Orthodox Jews have plenty of reasons to move to this area.

First, cost of living.

Maybe Little Five Points or East Atlanta? Nope. The answer’s obvious: Toco Hills.

Granted, you can’t buy a fourbedroom McMansion in Toco (and who wants that anyway?) However, we purchased a 2/2 condo for only $148,000, and that’s with a fantastic pool, tennis courts and clubhouse.

I’m shocked that there aren’t more Jews in the Toco Hills / North Druid Hills area. You’re probably thinking, “But there are plenty of Jews in Toco

Our property taxes are low, and because we are surrounded by commercial development, prices on everything from groceries to gas are

JEWS MAKING NEWS

J

ennifer Connelly is helping bring the Bible back to the big screen with her upcoming film, “Noah.” The film stars Russell Crowe as Noah and Connelly as his wife Naameh, and is directed by “Black Swan” filmmaker, Darren Aronofsky. Yet as is typically of Hollywood, don’t expect “Noah” to match up entirely with the source material. This interpretation will reportedly be more fantasy-action film than Torah study. Production photos were recently released, offering audiences a glimpse at the locations and the characters.

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

Second, Toco is a great place to be Jewish.

Without going more than a few miles, I can have lunch at one of many kosher restaurants, shop for Judaica, attend a service or class at one of three synagogues, and probably bump into a lot of the same people over and over again.

I was slightly embarrassed when, in the course of a week, I had two people come up to me at Pita Palace and kosher Kroger saying, “You’re that rabbi I saw in the paper!” Toco Hills is like Cheers: Everyone knows your name.

Finally, Toco is a great place for everyone of every age and back-

ground. Being close to Emory and the CDC is fantastic for my age group.

And as I get older, the more I appreciate the fact that there are lots of young families, and a strong senior citizen population here.

And this area is incredibly diverse! There are LGBT folks as well as growing immigrant and Muslim communities. Everyone in Toco has a place, which is more than I can say about Little Five.

So what are you waiting for?

About the writer Rabbi Patrick Aleph was ordained by Rabbinical Seminary International and is the founder of Punk Torah (punktorah.org).

COMPILED BY ELIZABETH FRIEDLY

Jennifer Connelly Brings Bible to Hollywood

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also lower.

Taking some time out from “Noah,” Connelly joined Jennifer Garner and other celebrity mothers to create a PSA for the Save the Children Fund. The video featured actresses black-and-white testimonies juxtaposed with footage of mothers and mothers to be from developing nations. Connelly, a mother of three, speaks about the importance of access to prenatal care to mothers no matter their financial resources. Save the Children is an international nongovernmental organization dedicated to bettering the lives of young people.

Born in the Catskill Mountains of Cairo, New York, Connelly is the daughter of Gerard and Eileen Connelly. Her mother, the daughter of Polish and Russian Jewish immigrants, was educated at a yeshiva. As a child, Connelly began her career as a model for print and TV before her first leading role in 1985’s “Phenomena.”

Mayim Bialik Shares Her Jewish Divorce

S

ome individuals keep hushhush about divorce, while others choose to blog about it. “Big Bang Theory” star Mayim Bialik made headlines after publishing her month-long blog series detailing her divorce process for the Jewish mother resource Kveller.com. In an interview with Access Hollywood, the actress and real life neurobiologist says she wants to shed light on “certain things [related] to Jewish divorce” which those outside the faith might be unaware of.

Bialik describes the process of a ‘Get,’ her choice to cover her head during prayer and forgoing the mikveh. Her divorce from Michael Stone was finalized in May of 2013 after Bialik filed for divorce in November in 2012. The couple has two young sons together, Miles and Fred. Stone and Bialik cite “irreconcilable differences” for the divorce.

Born to Barry Bialik and Beverly Winkelman, Bialik was raised in Reform Judaism. Her great-great grandfather’s uncle, Hayim Nahman Bialik, was none other than Israel’s national poet. She earned degrees in neuroscience, Hebrew and Jewish studies, as well as a PhD in neuroscience from the University of California, Los Angeles.

AJT

IN IT FOR THE MOMENT

Hitting Milestones at 90 MPH

THINKING OF THE NEW YEAR AND OTHER MEMORABLE MOMENTS

AJT Columnist

T

ime doesn’t move faster than it does on stage. That may explain where my 20s went.

I realized this the other night when I sat in on percussion for my business partner’s show and we jammed out a good eight tunes – minutes felt like seconds.

This weekend marked some huge milestones that have approached too quickly. The kids have officially outgrown their bedrooms. My oldest wants a Tween makeover, so we’re repainting and bringing in some new furniture including a wrought iron bed frame.

Although I’m not ready to paint over the extensive hand drawn Dr. Seuss murals in my youngest daughter’s room, we’re upgrading her plastic kitchen and make-up table for a desk and bean bag reading area. At this rate, college is right around the corner.

It’s now almost the New Year and the High Holidays have crept upon us. I’m not sure where this year went, but we are behind on the ritual of securing tickets for the late service and I may once again be in jeopardy of not receiving my honors from three years ago.

My first two declines were to lead the youth service for Congregation Shaaray Zedek up in Detroit when my Jewish rock band Shabbat Rocks was in full effect. It was decided that family time during the holidays was more important so we disbanded the group.

Although the band is known to play a B’nai Mitzvah here and there, we don’t perform much anymore. You can still grab the CD which has some of my kid’s favorite Shabbat tunes like “Lecha Dodi” and “Zum Gali” at www.shabbatrocks.com.

More importantly, the record has the Shabbat Blessings which I recorded to selfishly help my family remember the right tune as we always recite the Shabbat blessing over the candles to the Chanukah melody.

I figured others must have similar

troubles so we included them on the record.

It’s Shul shopping season once again. That time of year when you stop and wonder where the first half of the year went and if you don’t belong to a synagogue, where you are going to attend services for the High Holidays.

Everyone makes a mad rush to join a synagogue and the congregations start up their campaigns to entice potential new members. This is a great time of year to be unaffiliated.

Bounce from one congregation to the next being wined and dined into joining a temple.

For some it’s too much pressure and commitment to make that quick of a decision so many people unnecessarily miss out on going to synagogue for these important moments in Jewish life.

For all who are reading this column, take a moment to reach out and send me your picks of an upcoming or established Jewish artist you’d like to see headline this year’s spring festival.

Email me at submissions@atljewishtimes.com or tweet @bram_rocks and don’t forget to use the hashtags #initforthemoment and #freshjewishmusic so I and the rest of the AJMF board will get your suggestions.

Everyone who participates will receive a link to our latest download sampler with a bunch of free tracks.

For those not familiar with the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival, visit us online at www.atlantajmf.org and join the mailing list to find out about great Jewish cultural events all year long centered on music.

The first of the season is a Teen Open Mic this Sunday, Aug. 25, at Steve’s Live Music in Sandy Plains.

Come meet me there. Until then, find photos of the Dr. Seuss murals and my gig with my business partner on my Twitter Media Grid.

About the writer Bram Bessoff is a drummer and musician; you can see him sitting in with friends and artists all over the Atlanta area or catch him during one of his elusive Soup reunion shows. When not onstage, Bram sits on the board of directors as VP for The Atlanta Jewish Music Festival.

wishing you a happy and healthy new year!

Don’t forget to place your order ahead of time for the high holidays.

I know for many it is an inside joke that most Jews only attend synagogue twice a year, but in all seriousness not being able to hear the Shofar or recite Aveinu Malkeinu is a fundamental part of me being Jewish.

No one should be deprived of those moments. Luckily, Atlanta has options. If ever in doubt of a place to attend the High Holidays, we always went to Emory and crashed the student services. Today you have other choices like any Chabad house or even turning to the internet.

My good friend, Rabbi Patrick Aleph, holds virtual and in-person services for those not affiliated with a congregation. Want to attend services online, check out http://oneshul. org/. Looking for a relaxed casual and free High Holidays, check out http://punktorah.org/ for times and locations.

This time of year also brings another milestone. The beginning of the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival’s programming year.

We just had our first fifth season board meeting last week and among welcoming the new board members, we began the laborious task of vetting this year’s headliner. At the moment we have the board’s favorites, but I would like to hear from you.

now open in atlanta!!

Come on in to see why “It’s all about the water!”

SIX FREE

BAGELS with purchase of a dozen bagels expires 8/31/13

2955 Cobb parkway s.e., suite 240, atlanta, Ga 30339 | 770.988.9991 open 365 days a year from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm in akers mill square

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

BY Bram Bessoff

11

AJT

ARTS & LEISURE

‘Harmony’ Finally a Reality

MANILOW, SUSSMAN’S IDEA TAKING CENTER STAGE AT THE ALLIANCE

BY RON FEINBERG

at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta.

D

“It just wouldn’t leave us alone,” Manilow said, explaining why he and Sussman have spent years developing the project. “There have been some rough roads and there was a time that we had to just put it away …

But ‘Harmony’ wants to be seen and told.”

AJT Web Editor

rift back a bit and recall 1992. Bill Clinton was in the White House, “Basic Instinct” and “Batman Returns” were box office hits and Boyz II Men had the top single for the year, “End of the Road.”

Also that year, Barry Manilow and his long-time friend and collaborator, Bruce Sussman, came up with an idea for a musical that would tell the story of a group of German singers who had been hugely popular across Europe and around the world in the 1920s and ’30s. They even played at Carnegie Hall.

Today, two decades later, Bill Clinton is a former president, “Basic Instinct” and “Batman Returns” are fading memories and Boyz II Men is a musical footnote. Meanwhile, Manilow and Sussman’s idea – and their obsession – has finally been transformed into a musical-comedy, “Harmony,” opening in early September

The musical, music by Manilow, book and lyrics by Sussman, and directed by Drama Desk award nominee Tony Speciale, focuses on the “Comedian Harmonists.”

They were a talented sextet of singers – some Jewish, some not – who were the hot and happening “boy band” of the era.

They sold millions of records, starred in a dozen films and packed the houses of the most prestigious concert halls around the globe. Unfortunately, they rose to fame just as Hitler and the Nazis were taking

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Save 84% 87% 74% 83% 85% 92% control of Germany and the talented group of performers was crushed by the fascist state.

“They were doing complicated stuff,” Sussman said. “They were funny and very unique.”

And yet, over time, they were almost completely forgotten.

“The most amazing thing is they were huge and we had never heard of them,” Manilow said during a recent interview with the Atlanta Jewish

plishments and plaudits between them, right? And how do they behave,” she asked. “Like utterly humble devotees of this art form. They are generous and supportive collaborators and they are hands on artists with diehard work ethics.”

COVER: Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman are bringing their new musical, “Harmony,” to The Alliance. It opens Sept. 6 and run through the first week of October. PHOTO / Chris Ottanuck

Booth adds that what matters most to the two men is creating an evening for audiences that’s transcendent.

“That’s what they care about,” she said. “Not ego, not self, just that. If I could clone them, I would populate entire cities with them.”

Want to go?

“Harmony” will play at The Alliance Theatre from Sept. 6 through Oct. 6. Opening night is Sept. 15. Tickets start at $30 and are available at The Woodruff Arts Center Box Office or by calling (404) 733-5000. Tickets are also available online at www.alliancetheatre.org/harmony.

OPPOSITE PAGE TOP: Costume and Scenic Designer Tobin Ost and Director Tony Speciale explain design concepts to the cast on the first day of rehearsals for “Harmony – A New Musical”. PHOTO / John Maley OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOM: Barry Manilow listens attentively during the first day of rehearsals for the new musical “Harmony”. PHOTO / John Maley ABOVE: Douglas Williams, Will Taylor, Tony Yazbeck, Wayne Alan Wilcox, Chris Dwan, and Will Blum during rehearsals for “Harmony”. PHOTO / John Maley

Sussman first stumbled across the group in the early 1990s when he spotted an advertisement in the New York Times for a documentary about the singers. He saw the film, walked out of the theater and immediately called Manilow.

The friends would eventually agree they had the makings of a musical and, after lots of talk and research, they came up with what they term a “spine” sentence to focus their ideas.

“This would be a show about the quest for harmony,” Sussman said, “during the most discordant chapter of history.”

It would take years of effort, including an earlier production in the late ’90s that opened to middling reviews, financial troubles, and a protracted legal battle, before Manilow and Sussman claimed rights to the musical and set it on its current course.

It’s ended up at The Alliance because the men decided a well-known and successful regional theater seemed the perfect place to launch the production. Susan Booth, the artistic director at The Alliance, couldn’t be happier.

“Our audiences have long demonstrated a real appetite for musicals of spine and substance,” Booth said.

“They love the beauty of the form and they love the challenge of a narrative that’s deeply, truly about something.

‘Harmony’ is utterly beautiful in terms of sound and utterly soul-satisfying in terms of substance.”

Manilow shares Booth’s thoughts on musical theater and, somewhat surprisingly, finds much more satisfaction in writing for the stage than creating pop hits that have made him a star.

“Pop is always about I love you, or I miss you; and now with rap, I hate you,” a chuckling Manilow said. “Being able to write about situations and characters is so much more fun and inventive.”

Sussman, meanwhile, found writing “Harmony” to be a very personal journey, especially because he’s Jewish.

“This isn’t a Holocaust play, but it does take place as the storm is approaching,” he said. “Storytelling itself is an act of bearing witness … and it’s incumbent upon us as Jews to pick up the torch” and never forget.

For her part, The Alliance’s Booth is thrilled she’s had the opportunity to work with Manilow and Sussman.

“Here are a couple of guys with about eight careers worth of accom-

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

Times. “These people were the architects of the kind of music we had heard for years … they had the most inventive arrangements; how come we had never heard of them?”

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AJT Exclusive Post-Sneiderman Verdict and Jury Returns Verdict of Guilty

ANDREA SNEIDERMAN SENTENCED TO 5 YEARS IN PRISON SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

A

Neuman was sentenced to life in prison without parole after a jury found him guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt but mentally ill.” The “mentally ill” designation means that Neuman will receive health treatment in prison.

ndrea Sneiderman was sentenced to 5 years in prison on Tuesday (Aug. 20) after a jury found her guilty on nine of 13 felony counts linked to the death of her husband, Rusty, by her The case first exploded across the media in November of 2010, when it former boss Hemy Neuman. was learned a young father, dropping In an emotional trial that cap- one of his sons off at a day care center tured the attention of Atlanta’s Jew- in the quiet suburban community of ish community last year, Neuman Dunwoody, was shot and killed. was found guilty of fatally shooting Rusty Sneiderman outside a day care Many in the Jewish community either knew the Sneiderman’s, had center in Dunwoody. children attending the same day care DeKalb County prosecutors later center, or were friends with someone charged Andrea Sneiderman with close to the family. murder also, along with multiple counts of perjury and providing false Police reports and court testimony statements to law enforcement. But during the Neuman trial detailed the a few weeks before her trial began murder, showing that as Sneiderman in early August, the murder charges was returning to his car, a man in a fake beard approached him with a were dropped. handgun and shot him several times Sneiderman spent most of the at close range. The assailant then trial in recent weeks taking notes jumped in a silver van with license and focusing on the testimony of wit- plates and fled the scene. nesses detailing what appeared to be an affair between her and Neuman. Sneiderman was pronounced dead But it was a tense and, at times, at the Atlanta Medical Center soon frightened-looking Sneiderman who after. He was 36. listened quietly as the six-man, six- During Neuman’s murder trial, woman panel on Monday (Aug. 19) prosecutors portrayed him as a man convicted her on all but three per- smitten by Andrea Sneiderman. Tesjury counts and one count of provid- timony showed the two often traveled ing false statements to law enforce- together on business and, according ment. to witnesses, were seen dancing and One juror, interviewed by a WX- kissing. For her part, Sneiderman deIA-TV, said testimony made it clears nied having an affair with Neuman.

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

that Sneiderman had, in fact, been involved with Neuman and that during the course of the investigation into her husband’s death she had lied to authorities.

14

Testimony also showed that Neuman rented a car around the time Sneiderman was murdered and, wearing a disguise, approached Sneiderman outside the day care cen “The state just did a better job,” ter in Dunwoody where Sneiderman another juror, who refused to give was shot. his name, told the Atlanta Journal- Dekalb County Judge Gregory AdConstitution. ams, who sentenced Neuman, called He added that jurors were swayed the murder “a planned execution.”

by Sneiderman’s 2012 testimony during Neuman’s trial and the volume of emails exchanged between her and her former supervisor that seem to indicate the two were romantically involved.

The Sneidermans had two young children and several friends said the couple seemed happy. Now Rusty Sneiderman is dead, Andrea Sneiderman is in prison and the youngsters are living with Andrea’s parents in Johns Creek.

AJT talks with Insider Jay Abt, Attorney Feels Jury Got Verdict Right

By Jeff Zell

AJT Contributor

J

ay Abt has been very involved in the Andrea Sneiderman case as the attorney for Shayna Citron, Sneiderman’s former close friend and a key prosecution witness. Abt believes in Sneiderman’s guilt and spoke with the AJT about the verdict and sentencing in this case.

Atlanta Jewish Times: What did you think of the verdict, guilty on nine of 13 counts?

Jay Abt: I thought it was a fair and just verdict of a well-minded jury that realized that Andrea Sneiderman had committed a very serious crime.

At that point, I felt that my client (Shayna Citron) and the community had been vindicated.

AJT: What did you think of the sentencing? Five years concurrent, given credit for time served in house arrest.

Abt: I thought it was very light. I was expecting Ms Sneiderman to get a more significant sentence, given the fact that she hindered a murder investigation, that she perjured herself in a murder trial, and that you know had a material effect on the district attorney office to prosecute. More importantly, I think that, when someone perjures themselves it’s a serious crime because it’s the very bedrock of our judicial system – that people come into court and tell the truth.

When we have people that are willing to lie on the stand, it erodes our ability to bring justice.

AJT: What did you think of Andrea’s words at the sentencing hearing?

Abt: I think that she failed to apologize for her bad conduct, that she made excuses and used her children as a shield for the bad conduct, and that she begged for mercy because

she wanted to be with her kids. I didn’t hear her once say that she as sorry for what she’d done.

AJT: The sentencing kind of makes me think that the judge believed Andrea Sneiderman, because the prosecution won the case. They asked for 20 years and she got five with credit for time served under house arrest.

Does the sentence makes you think that the judge somewhat believed what she was saying?

Abt: No. I think what – and I’m guessing because I don’t have access inside Judge Adams’ mind – but he’s a former juvenile court judge. So he takes issues involving children very, very seriously and I think he felt that those children who had already lost their father didn’t need to have their mother taken away forever also. I think that probably weighed heavily on him and that’s why he gave such a light sentence.

AJT: What did you think about Rusty Sneiderman’s parents not going to the press conference because of the short sentence?

Abt: I think that they’re distraught, and rightfully so. I think that they’re shocked. I think that they have been let down by the judicial system in Georgia almost at every turn. In terms of having visitation of their grandchildren, in terms of pursuing justice for Rusty against Andrea, and they feel let down. I can’t imagine how they feel given that the D.A. dropped the murder charges and that the judge only gave a five year sentence with credit for one year.

The reality is that, based on the paroled guidelines in Georgia, Andrea Sneiderman will probably be out of prison in less than a year.

AJT: Did Andrea’s attorneys err by not having her testify?

Abt: Absolutely not. Andrea’s attorneys are some of the finest in the state. They did a tremendous job of getting murder charges dismissed

Sentencing Interview

interviews By Jeff ZelL

AJT Talks with Insider Steffi Miller, Friend Feels Jury Got Verdict Wrong

AJT: Shayna Citron’ss credibility, what does the verdict do for it?

Abt: I think Shayna Citron is a wonderful businesswoman, mother and wife. She wants nothing more than to return to her private life. She knows that she told the truth. She knows that she did right by society, by getting up there and having to admit that Andrea did things that were wrong. It destroyed their friendship.

They were best friends.

AJT: Do you think there is any way murder charges would ever be brought against her in the coming years since Double Jeopardy has not attached on those charges, and, with the verdict, do you now think it was a clear mistake to dismiss the murder charges?

Abt: I’ve said before and I’ll say it again that I think it was a mistake that they dismissed the murder charges. I think it should have been left up to a jury. Three separate grand juries indicted Andrea Sneiderman for murder. There was enough evidence to proceed to a jury and possibly prevail. I think that’s what the final trial jury might have done. Clearly this jury thought Andrea was guilty. I think they could have found her guilty of murder and then she would have spent the rest of her life in prison, rather than one year.

AJT: Since Double Jeopardy has not attached is there any way murder charges could be brought against Andrea Sneiderman in the future?

Abt: Extraordinarily unlikely, unless there’s new evidence that gets uncovered, which I would be as shocked as anyone. I highly doubt she will ever be tried for murder.

By Jeff Zell

AJT Contributor

S

teffi Miller has been very involved in the Andrea Sneiderman case as a friend and public supporter of Sneiderman. She has been interviewed by many national and local media outlets concerning the case.

Miller believes in Sneiderman’s innocence and spoke with the AJT about the verdict and sentencing.

Atlanta Jewish Times: What did you think of the verdict, guilty on nine of 13 counts?

Steffi Miller: I had the opportunity to speak to one of the jurors as he was leaving, and his take on all this was that they agreed in order to come up with a resolution. So he did say that they argued things over and over again, and what they looked at the most was the Hemy Neuman trial, over and over again.

AJT: What did you think of the sentencing? Five years concurrent, given credit for time served in house arrest.

SM: Frankly, given the way the judge was ruling throughout the trial, I was surprised that he was not harsher.

However – since I don’t believe she deserves any of this – it was harsh.

My friends and I broke the news to her children last night and if you’d seen Sofia’s face [Andrea’s 7-year-old daughter] glistening with quiet tears, her being inconsolable for some time after that, you would know why I feel that way.

AJT: What did you think of Andrea’s words at the sentencing hearing?

SM: I thought that they were true.

Hemmy robbed her of her husband.

AJT: Did Andrea’s attorneys err by not having her testify?

SM: I heard her plea today on a national radio show and not minutes after she stopped speaking, the people who were on TV were blatantly laughing at her, laughing over a mother who has been separated from

her husband and now is unfortunately having to remove herself from her children. I can’t understand the kind of hatred or the kind of gloating that I’m seeing.

AJT: Why do you think there’s so much venom for her in the public?

SM: I don’t know, but consider this. The Sneidermans, her in-laws, said that she and Rusty were happy and loving. He, Donald Sneiderman, said that in his testimony. He knew that he was the one that not only knew about but found the money that was in trust for Andrea and her children. Yet when they were vilifying her, when they were maligning her for being a greedy murderer, he didn’t stand up and say, ‘She didn’t know about that money, I found that money.’ It starts with them. Why, if they were a loving couple, if Rusty and Andrea – and they acknowledge that she was a good mother – why would they not back her up. So I think that the fact that they started out this way has inflamed…I mean, obviously there are several attorneys who stand to gain from helping the Snediermans out and they have become very visible on TV networks lately.

AJT: What did you think about Rusty Sneiderman’s parents not going to the press conference because of the short sentence?

SM: I think that the entire posse of corruption that stood behind the DA is probably upset because the longer they can keep an innocent woman down, especially a smart one, the longer they don’t they don’t have to worry about their consciences.

AJT: The sentencing kind of makes me think that the judge believed Andrea, because the prosecution won the case. They asked for 20 years and she got five with credit for time served under house arrest. What do you think about that?

SM: I know she wasn’t guilty. Being in the same city when you’re at a training conference does not mean

you’re having an affair with your coworker. I know she wasn’t guilty and I know the things that they’re accusing her of are ridiculous, given her conservative background, her conservative, Mid-Western goody-goody two shoes background. I know who she is, I know who her parents are.

It’s an absolutely ridiculous scenario.

This man manipulated her and used her and tried to get in with her. He was absolutely a psychopath and she didn’t recognize it. But not recognizing it and not pointing the finger at him does not a murder make, nor does an accomplice make – nor does it make an her an adulterer.

AJT: One of the things that really worked against Andrea was the testimony of Shayna Citron. What do you think of Shayna Citron’s behavior and testimony during this entire procedure?

SM: Truthfully? I have no words for Shayna Citron. She has gotten all the publicity that she’s wanted and I don’t want to add to her drama.

AJT: Since Double Jeopardy is not attached, is there any way murder charges could be brought against Andrea Sneiderman in the future?

SM: I don’t have a crystal ball, but since the hatred against Andrea has built and built, and the gloating was so outrageous, of Andrea being separated from her children and being taken to jail. I don’t know. I don’t understand this society of judgment.

I don’t understand how people who don’t know this tiny woman feel that they can convict her, that they can say things about her that just are not so. The Jury was wrong. And you know, I hate to say that but they’re wrong.

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

for their client in a nationally profiled case. That is unheard of. Their tremendous victory of having the murder charges dismissed cannot be overlooked and it is a credit to John Petry and J. Tom Morgan that they did such a good job that their client will probably walk out of prison within a year from now.

15

AJT

ACCORDING TO ARLENE

Poker as a Team Sport

Torah Day School President Competes in World Poker TournamenT

By Arlene Appelrouth AJT COLUMNIST

P

laying poker is a popular pastime. The card game has rules, its own lingo and requires lots of strategy for the competitive player. A popular variant of poker is Texas Holdem. At least one seasoned poker player from Atlanta flew to Las Vegas this summer to enter the World Series of Poker (WSOP) where Texas Holdem is the name of the game.

Allen Lipis, 75, a retired businessman who lives in Toco Hills learned to play poker more than 50 years ago. When a synagogue friend organized a monthly Texas Holdem Poker game, two years ago, Lipis joined. This year, after he came in first place in his home game, he took the winnings to Las Vegas to compete against poker professionals.

The Atlanta group of players, consisting of men and women, rotate hosting the games. Each player contributes $325 for the year and a schedule of 15 games is set. Last year, the 11 players had a purpose. The winner would get $3,500 and use the money both for expenses and to enter a $2,500 tournament in the WSOP in Las Vegas. There was the possibility of winning big bucks, all of which would be shared by the neighborhood poker group.

Lipis, who came in first, has been a winner for most of his life.

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

A pioneer in the field of electronic banking, he learned early on that the key to success is to learn from your failures and poor decisions. An Atlanta resident since 1971, the New York native is an entrepreneur who started two companies and has been a high level volunteer in Atlanta’s Jewish community.

16

“My first company wasn’t successful, but the second one was,” he said, explaining how important it is to analyze one’s mistakes so you don’t repeat them. When Lipis went to Vegas for the tournament, he didn’t know what to expect. What he found surprised him.

“The place was jammed. There were two enormous rooms, the size of football fields. Lipis was at table 27, seat number five. Each player had $10,000 worth of chips.

“I was overwhelmed by all the people.

There were 200 tables with more than 1,700 players,” he recalled.

The games began at noon and went until 2 a.m. Given the time difference between Las Vegas and Atlanta, it was akin to playing past 4 a.m. And yet, Lipis outlasted everyone at his table. Keeping in mind he was playing for the 10 players back in Atlanta, he made sure to send emails during his break to let them know he was still in the running. He wanted to bring some winnings to split with his poker buddies back home.

Most people lose on the first day of the three- day tournament.

“There are large TV screens everywhere. The hotel keeps track and posts how many people have left,” says Lipis.

At 1:30 in the morning of the first day, Lipis remembers it as a grueling challenge.

“You have to have passion for that kind of intensity,” says Allen. “It’s physically and mentally demanding. Every decision matters.”

Lipis ended up losing after the hand he was dealt at 1:30 a.m. That ranked him 261 of the 1741 in the tournament. “I have gone over my losing hand at least a hundred times,” he said, admitting he realizes the mistakes he made. He might not have brought any money home, but he doesn’t consider himself a loser.

“Las Vegas improved my game. It taught me to be more aggressive and powerful,” he said.

Lipis is back home, where he puts in a lot of time as President of Torah Day School, and enjoys time with Judy, his wife of almost 50 years. It’s a new season for the Toco Hills Texas Holdem players. The majority of players from last year are back.

Allen Lipis is one of them.

About the Writer Editor’s note: Allen Lipis recently published a book entitled, “It’s All About Business; Lifetime Lessons for Success.” The book is available at Amazon.com.

AJT

community

The Kehilla of Sandy Springs

RABBI, MEMBERS CREATING SPECIAL COMMUNITY IN NORTH ATLANTA SPECIAL TO THE AJT

M

ost Friday nights in Buckhead are all the same.

The roads are congested with Atlantans relieved to finally leave the office.

Whether on their way to meet friends in hot spots around the area, or just trying to get home to their family for dinner, one thing is for certain, they all want to be a part of something more than their seemingly mundane work week.

While going to school or work is definitely a necessity, as well as dropping clothes off at the cleaners or going to the gym, it all seems to leave people with a feeling of, “Well, now what?”

Life becomes habitual; it’s sometimes hard to find that one thing to connect to something bigger.

Growing up Orthodox I was always thankful to have Shabbos. It was the one time in my week where the hectic hustle and bustle of life ceased for 24 hours. As soon as my mom lit candles, I could literally feel myself exhale deeply, as if I had been holding my breath all week long.

I looked forward to attending shul on Saturdays to meet up with friends and the meal following services with my family. The community where I grew up has forever engrained sweet memories in my heart, and it is and will forever be my home.

As an Orthodox single girl, I had tried living in bigger communities, like most young post high schoolers do; first Baltimore, then Jerusalem for a bit, even testing the waters in the big city of New York.

But something always gnawed at me to draw me back home. Maybe because I missed my Georgia peaches and sweet iced tea, but also, did you know you can save money by living at home?

Thanks Mom, don’t worry; it’s just temporary – I think.

Anyway, as I returned to the shul where I grew up, I noticed some familiar faces. Most were new members I didn’t recognize, recently married couples and families with young children. They were nice, but I wondered, “Where’d all my friends go? Where are all my peers?”

I then remembered recently meet-

ing a sweet, fun girl, who was friends of a friend and lived a little further from me. I decided to message her.

know when visiting northern cities.

The winters up north are just too darn cold!

to their Jewish roots, so they are gravitating towards it and making it their home.

“So, where are all the young Jewish professionals these days?”

They decided to migrate south and head down to Atlanta. Since the Orthodox community here was already well established it was important to the Ingbers not to step on anyone’s toes.

They researched and succeeded. There was a group in Sandy Springs looking for leadership.

Whether for weekly classes or schmoozes by the rabbi, to larger events like Spaghetti Dinners, Kabbalah & Cocktails, bowling socials, whirly ball, laser tag, or “Friday Night Live,” it’s always fun and enjoyable to be a part of The Kehilla.

She informed me that right on Roswell road, beyond Tin Lizzy’s, the Ivy, and down the street from the Fountain Oaks Kroger there is a wonderful community she is part of. It’s led by Rabbi Karmi Ingber, and, she said, I‘ve “got to check it out!”

Well, that’s exactly what I did. I spent a glorious Shabbos right on Roswell Road. Set up in a rented business space is a tranquil little shul. The walls are adorned with beautiful artwork by a local member and a handcrafted wooden Aron to hold the Torahs. I felt like I had found a hidden treasure.

The other young professionals who attended all came from different backgrounds. There were those who grew up Reform, some traditional or conservative, some who grew up not affiliated at all and also some Orthodox, like myself.

The Ingbers came to build a shul.

However, they felt there was a need to service the young Jewish professionals in Atlanta as well. Creating the young Kehilla, which now boasts over 200 affiliates, was consequently a conduit for some couples who actually met there, married, and moved right into the neighborhood.

These members have now become central in establishing the synagogue.

More and more people are discovering this to be a wonderful place to connect

Regular attendance on Shabbos now ranges anywhere from 50 up to 80 during Friday Nite Live events. Over 100 people have attended High Holiday services in recent years and as the word continually spreads, so does hope to eventually outgrow their current location.

So do yourself a favor, and like my friend said, “check it out!”

At a glance The Kehilla of Sandy Springs, 5075 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs; (404) 913-6131; thekehilla.org

The rabbi and rebbetzin seemed so intelligent but also fun. Over the course of the evening I got to talk with both of them and was surprised at how down to earth they were.

I could feel the joy the rabbi felt as he sang songs with Carlebach tunes to bring the Shabbos in. We sat around long connecting tables, family style, as we ate delicious homemade food prepared by the rebbetzin herself. Later on, I learned Rabbi Ingber and his lovely wife Elisheva had come a long way to lead this group and we were the lucky ones, to be able to be a part of their continuing journey.

It all started in Jerusalem 20 years ago.

While simultaneously teaching at various Jewish learning programs in Israel, Rabbi Ingber decided to create a new program called Talmidei Aharon, later known as “Ner la Elef.” Its sole purpose was to train individuals to lead future Jewish outreach programs wherever their lives lead them.

Donors in Montreal came to look at the students for hire but really they had their eye on Rabbi Ingber himself.

After successfully creating and developing the Montreal Jewish Experience, a vibrant outreach organization, the Ingbers felt what we Atlantans

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

BY FAYE GROSSBLATT

17

AJT

eden’s garden

Divorce in Orthodox Community

SOME WOMEN ‘ABUSED’ AND WE ALL NEED TO HELP SOLVE THE ISSUE

By Eden Farber

AJT Columnist

I

have a new best friend named TED – that would be TED as in “Technology, Entertainment, & Design”.

The organization’s website features videos from a group of amazing speakers on a wide variety of topics.

When I’m bored and lonely, TED is there to make me think and feel and reconsider ideas I previously believed factual.

Last week, I was checking out the site and found a lecture by Sheryl Sandberg, the chief operating officer of Facebook and author of “Lean In,” a hugely successful and popular book that was published just a few months ago.

In her TED talk, Sandberg dis-

cussed solutions for the disturbingly low number of women finding success in the workforce. She offered a threestep process to solve the problem:

1.

Sit at the table.

2.

Make your real partner.

Don’t leave before you leave.

3.

partner

a

Sandberg thinks it’s important for women to “sit at the table.” They shouldn’t be waiting in the background, missing meeting or moving away from the conversation.

Next, she made the point that women need to “make your partner a real partner.” She explained that women need to make sure their relationships are healthy and balanced,

both giving and taking as needed.

Her last point, “don’t leave before you leave,” refers to a special sort of mindset. Don’t give up before it’s over, she said, and don’t take yourself out of the picture until you’re out of it.

These three points seem silly, perhaps insignificant, but they actually capture and detail a very strong, important mindset: confidence and perseverance.

In the Jewish community, especially in Israel, there’s a situation that requires a lot of confidence and perseverance from women being victimized – and from all of us. Here’s the problem: In traditional Orthodox marriages, men have all the control; which, in a healthy marriage, is (somewhat) irrelevant. But in a bad marriage, when couples are going through a divorce, women often become victims in the Orthodox community.

All too often during divorces, men withhold gets, divorce documents, trapping their wives in dysfunctional, sometimes even abusive or lifethreatening marriages (such women, by the way, are referred to as agunot).

Families are torn apart, and women have no way to easily move forward. They simply can’t start a new life until their husbands (who sometimes go into hiding) grant them their freedom.

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

If you’re interested, additional information about this issue is detailed in the book “Marriage and Divorce in the Jewish State” by Susan Weiss & Netty Gross-Horowitz.

18

So there’s a flawed marriage system, and many are suffering because of it. Marriagem, of course, are personal, not communal, issues. So what does this have to do with us as a Jewish community?

I think, in a word, everything.

The Jewish community is giving in to a system that favors abusers.

This can’t go on. So I suggest we, as a

community, take upon ourselves Sheryl Sandberg’s ideas to be successful, and work toward freeing agunot.

First we need to collectively sit at the table.

Just because it’s not your failed marriage doesn’t mean it’s not your problem. We never know where we’ll find ourselves in life; it’s not good enough to wait until something smacks us in the face before we take action.

Next we need to make our partner a real partner.

I think if we look at this idea as making relationships partnerships, then it makes sense that we shouldn’t condone a system that gives one partner power over another.

Of course, traditional halacha seems to require such a system, but there’s much discussion in the Orthodox movement to make the system more equal for women.

Lastly, don’t leave before you leave. We don’t need to give up on halacha or Jewish tradition, we just need to make it fit; especially in a way that doesn’t leave hundreds of women’s lives in ruins, subject to the powers of a blind patriarchy.

I speak from no personal experience or expertise on the subject. I’m simply raising the issue as a member of the Jewish community who has invested herself in the stories of others, and wants to help make a difference.

Sometimes personal experience isn’t needed to understand – or help solve – a problem. And sometimes a revolution can begin with a tiny idea and a little passion.

About the writer Atlanta’s Eden Farber, 16, was recognized in the Jewish Heritage National Poetry Contest of 2010 and has published op-eds and poetry in Modern Hippie Magazine and the NY Jewish Week’s Fresh Ink for Teens section.

AJT

Education

Academic Jewel in Sandy Springs

EXCELLENCE, JEWISH VALUES HALLMARK OF THE EPSTEIN SCHOOL Special for the AJT

T

his year, The Epstein School in Sandy Springs celebrates its 40 anniversary. The school has a long and established history of academy excellence grounded in Jewish values.

Today, The Epstein School is recognized as one of the best private schools in the nation. A year-long 40th birthday celebration is underway and will culminate next spring with groundbreaking for project focusing on a significant campus renovation.

The Epstein School was founded in 1973 by Rabbi Harry H. Epstein and members of Ahavath Achim Synagogue in Buckhead, who dreamed of creating a vibrant school on the synagogue campus.

“Blue Ribbon School” by the U.S. Department of Education.

The school’s bilingual integrated curricular approach to education has been recognized for its excellence on both the national and international level. Last year, in an independent audit of The Epstein School’s Hebrew Program, Greg Duncan, a foreign language educator, consultant and founder and president of InterPrep, Inc., praised the school.

“This program is one of the strongest language immersion programs that can be found in the United States,” Duncan said.

“As I now attend to the academic rigors of college at Harvard, I am reminded that my foundation for success was built at The Epstein School,” said Alex Miller, a recent Epstein Alumnus. “Not only did the school prepare me academically, but in conjunction with my parents, I developed the confidence, values and character that are critical for success.”

This spring, the school is beginning yet another phase of its development as it embarks on renovations that are designed to enhance its facilities, better support the blended learning program and bring the learning environment into alignment with the outstanding education that is going on in the classroom every day.

“We couldn’t be more excited about the groundswell of enthusiasm that is building for the next chapter in the Epstein story,” said Bryan Lewis, Co-Chair of the school’s capital campaign.

For 40 years, The Epstein School has been a leader in the community and a positive force in Sandy Springs and the greater Atlanta area.

“Epstein is more than a school; it’s a community and its warm welcoming spirit is evident the moment you step through our doors,” said Mark Stern, President of the Board of Trustees.

T h e E p s t e i n School’s challenging academic program uses blended learning techniques and combines cutting edge technolTOP: Alex Miller - Class of 2007 ogy with inGoing to Harvard-2011 novative and traditional ABOVE: Third grader Liana Bernstein begins her first day of school on the computer at the The Epstein t e a c h i n g School’s Media Center. PHOTO / The Epstein School methods.

The Epstein School later purchased the building and undertook significant renovations and expansion. Today, with almost 550 students, 18 months to 8th grade, the school is an integral part of the Sandy Springs community.

In 2005, Epstein was identified as a “United States Department of Education Innovator” and was one of only three Jewish day schools in the nation that year to be honored as a

With a dual accreditation from the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the school’s high quality educational programs are reflected in the success of its students and graduates.

Over the last three years, Epstein alumni have included: a valedictorian, eight salutatorians, nine National Merit Finalists and 11 Governor’s Honors recipients. Recent graduating classes have had a nearly 100 percent acceptance rate to Atlanta’s premier private high schools, public school magnets and honors programs.

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

In the school’s first year, 243 children enrolled and over the next decade it continued to grow. In 1987, The Epstein School moved to its current location in Sandy Springs.

The building was originally a Fulton County school, Underwood Hills Elementary.

19

AJT

EDUCATION

First Day of a New Year

NERVES, EXCITEMENT PART OF VIBE AT GHA

BY LEAH LEVY

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

T

he Greenfield Hebrew Academy has started off the new school year with excitement, enthusiasm, and a brand new electives program in the Middle School.

GHA’s recent back-school-event and open house in early August was a great opportunity for students and their families to meet new teachers, check out new classrooms, sample treats from the school lunch program, buy used and new uniforms, and reconnect with their GHA family.

The following day, Aug. 12, was the first day of school.

While some of the younger, newer students may have been a little nervous, the older, more experienced students were glad to make all “newbies” feel right at home.

In the middle school, fifth and sixth graders got used to their lockers with a “Locker Race,” and the whole middle school heard about the

new elective classes, spanning topics from engineering to psychology – and lots more in between.

Students stayed busy – learning, playing and meeting friends – and the first day was an exciting beginning to what will certainly be a special and wonderful year at GHA.

LEFT: Josh Alhadeff and Elliot Sokol are even happier to see each other now that they’re in their fourth-grade classroom.

PHOTO / GHA

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

BOTTOM: The fifth and sixth graders competed in a contest for the title of fastest locker opener on the floor. Here, sixth graders spin their dials as students and teacher Jennifer Klein cheers them on. PHOTO / GHA

20

AJT

new moon meditations

Taming Dragons

How to Recognize the Negative and Positive of Your Inner Voice

BY DR. TERRY SEGAL AJT Contributor

T

he month of Elul begins on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

During this time, we’ll take a look at Dragons and how, if left unchecked, they can steer us into the Pit of Negativity and the Dungeon of Doom.

Dragons are powerful symbols in many cultures that represent judgment, authority and mystery, tribal and cultural taboos, in addition to unexpressed anger or untamed sexuality. Historically, Jews have been challenged by external Dragons in the form of human oppressors, as well as aspects of ignorance and blind hatred. But there are internal Dragons that can distract us from our purest intentions.

The most common Dragon encountered on the journey is the in-

ner Critical Dragon, a garden variety trash-talker who squashes the spirit and shreds feelings of self-worth with a loop of deprecating commentaries.

Critical Dragon, whose Hebrew name is yetzer hara, is behind it all.

Yet surprisingly, even though the yetzer hara is the inclination to evil, we are not to slay the Dragons, but rather, tame and retrain them. They provide the motivation and zest of life when we harness their power. We need them as gargoyles at the gate working for us, not against us.

What perfect timing this is, to take stock of our Dragons and ourselves during Elul, prior to next month’s Holy Days. The word, elul means “search.” We are required to search our souls for the inherent good, the yetzer tov, so that we may augment those qualities.

During weekdays, from the second day of Elul to the 28th day, the shofar is sounded after morning services to rouse us from self-righteous habits that we may have adopted. The Viddui, also called the Ashamnu, in essence, is the Dragon’s laundry list of confessed sins from A-Z. We beat our chests with a closed fist over our hearts, in audible acknowledgment of our transgressions. We do this, not only to save individual embarrassment, but to also remind us that each of us is one part of the greater whole.

Dragons would have us say it once, and not personalize it, but that is not what we do. We repeat it 10 times as we take stock of our thoughts, attitudes and behaviors. The Al Chet is the longer version of our list of sins.

humbling and often difficult task, but one that is vitally important. It’s like nails on a chalkboard to Dragons.

Soul-search and take stock during Elul so that the Dragons don’t “drag on” you, as you prepare to enter a new year.

Meditation Focus for Elul: In what specific ways have you let your Dragons take you off course?

What needs clearing in order to allow your Divine essence to emerge?

In our quest to clear our slates with G-d, we must also make amends to our fellow man/woman. This is a

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AJT

High Holidays

Light, Darkness and Belief

ONE GOOD REASON TO ‘REMEMBER’ AND OBSERVE THE HOLIDAYS

BY RON FEINBERG

SPecial for the AJT

I

received an e-mail solicitation awhile back and was just about to tap the delete button when I noticed it was from Yad Vashem, the world-class Holocaust Museum in Israel.

They were asking for money and sharing a story. It’s a story worth repeating and remembering as many of us prepare to observe the Jewish High Holidays – erev Rosh Hashanah this year is Wed., Sept. 4.

Naftali Stern visited Yad Vashem on Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, in 1978. He had a gift, a few pieces of crinkled paper filled with Hebrew prayers. It was a precious gift, something he had created

years earlier when the world had gone momentarily mad and a little light was needed to brighten the darkness.

In the spring of 1944, Naftali, his wife and four children were swallowed up by the Holocaust, arrested in their little village of Satu Mare in Romania and deported to Auschwitz.

His family was murdered when they arrived at the Nazi death camp in Poland and Naftali was shipped off to a forced labor camp in Germany.

He was depressed and alone, each moment filled with memories of all that was lost. His world had become a nightmare – little food, no shelter, brutal guards and backbreaking work digging tunnels and trenches around German fortifications.

Surrounded by misery, a vague

and distant memory took root in Naftali’s mind.

The days were growing shorter and there was a slight chill in the air.

Something stirred inside his heart and Naftali recalled that soon it would be Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Many would have easily pushed that thought aside, buried it along with their families, neighbors and villages.

Naftali clung to the thought; a very small light in a very gray world.

He sold a bit of the food he received one day for A page from Naftali Stern’s High Holiday prayer book; a pencil, sold a bit more and man- written in a Nazi labor camp, now on display at Yad Vashem in aged to purchase Israel. PHOTO / Yad Vashem some sacks that and faith – would be protected. Now, had once held cethree decades later, it remains on ment. He ripped the sacks into small display at the museum. squares then slowly began to write the entire Rosh Hashanah service.

In two weeks, during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, as you Perhaps it was simply something struggle with the liturgy and anthat was meant to be. If not, why cient beliefs of Judaism – trying to then did the thugs running the lamake sense of the inexplicable – rebor camp allow Naftali and other incall Naftali, his story and his final mates to hold a short service? It was words.

Naftali, of course, the chazzan in his

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

little village shul, that led services that holiday season, his sweet voice chanting the words he had scrawled from memory.

For three decades – years after being liberated, starting a new family and immigrating to Israel – Naftali held onto his special mahzor, bringing it out on Rosh Hashanah to both mourn and celebrate his life and faith. Three months after he donated the document to Yad Vashem, Naftali died.

22

It was okay. He knew that his special mahzor – time worn and frayed, created with love for a people

“I pray,” he told Yad Vashem officials, “that each subsequent generation will stay true to their Jewish identity and be a link in a long chain.”

It seems to me, if nothing else, simply sitting in synagogue will honor Naftali’s prayer. That’s a good thing. I’ll worry about figuring out the more cosmic issues next year.

A very early L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu; May we all be inscribed and sealed for a good year.

AJT

COMMUNITY

Honoring Big No. 8

LAVON MERCER PRAISED FOR HIS SUPPORT OF ISRAEL Special for the AJT

F

riends of the IDF Young Leadership Committee teamed up with the MJCCA Young Adults to co-host an event on Aug. 8th which had been dubbed “8/8 @ 8 for #8.”

The main focus of the night was recognizing the service of one of Israel’s finest adopted sons, LaVon Mercer, who wore No. 8 for Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Mercer, a Georgia native, played basketball at The University of Georgia, and then went on to play professionally in Israel for Hapoal Tel Aviv, and then Maccabi Tel Aviv where he led his team to six championships and five state cups.

The event was a resounding success, bringing together more than 200 young adults at RiRa Irish pub in Midtown to socialize and hear remarks from Myles Gaworonsky about his time as a Lone Soldier serving in the Israel Defense Forces’ Sayeret Golani brigade, as well as uplifting words from Mercer who stressed the importance of actively supporting the State of Israel.

The MJCCA’s Young Adults department, headed by Roey Shoshan, serves to bring together young adults under the age of 40 at social gatherings. Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors to provide for the wellbeing of the men and women who serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as well as the families of fallen soldiers.

TOP: Brad Oppenheimer (L-R), Matthew Oppenheimer, Halle Lauren, Lisa Radow, Lavon Mercer and Tal Ovadia.

ABOVE LEFT: LaVon Mercer played basketball at The Univeristy of Georgia and, as a professional, for several teams in Israel.

ABOVE RIGHT: Seth R. Baron (left), executive director of FIDF and Garry Sobel, FIDF president. PHOTOS / MJCCA

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

The Atlanta FIDF chapter is headed by President Garry Sobel and newly-appointed Executive Director Seth Baron.

23

AJT

community

A New and Spacious Beginning

YOUNG ISRAEL OF TOCO HILLS TO BREAK GROUND FOR NEW BUILDING Special for the AJT

A

living room use to provide plenty of space for the members of Young Israel of Toco Hills. But that was when the synagogue was formed 22 years ago.

Today, the congregation has over 220 member units – and it’s still growing.

The little living room on Lavista Road, serving as the congregation’s Mikdash Me’at, just isn’t big enough anymore.

That’s why the community has been patiently working towards building a new home. For several years members have been drawing up plans, holding conferences and raising funds.

All their hard work is paying off, and on Sunday, Aug. 25, Young Israel of Toco Hills will be breaking ground – and holding a carnival – for its new synagogue. It will be located on Lavista Road, between Christmas Land and Merry Lane.

After the ceremony, members – and the entire community – will parade back to Young Israel’s current home for a festive carnival, including games, Israeli dancing and barbecue – kosher, of course!

“This is such an exciting day in the history of our congregation,” said Rabbi Adam Starr. “It’s hard to believe we have finally reached this moment after so many years of hard work. I am grateful for the visionary leaders who believed this could come to be almost ten years ago.”

The new building, which will expand the synagogue’s space from 3,200 square feet to approximately 13,200 square feet, will include a social hall, classrooms, and a parking lot.

“This will not just be a building; we are creating our spiritual home that will embody our values as a congregation,” Rabbi Starr explained. “Our new space will allow us to grow and to share with the broader Atlanta community our vision of an embracing, inclusive Orthodox Judaism – engaged with the broader world – that is deeply committed to Torah, Israel, and Jewish peoplehood.”

Young Israel member Kim Linsider had hoped that the building would be ready in time for her eldest son’s Bar Mitzvah, but ended up squeezing her many relatives and friends into the

Kicking Off the New Year

BBYO REAL WINNER AT RECENT BRAVES GAME Special for the AJT

I

t was a hot and happening time at a recent Atlanta Braves game in early August. That’s when and where the Atlanta Council BBYO kicked off the year. More than 250 teens from across metro Atlanta attended the event.

High school teens – 9th through 12th grades – all had a wonderful day at the ballpark, seeing old friends and making new ones. Oh, and the Braves won another big gamed!

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

The years just starting, but we’re all excited and ready for a wonderful year of BBYO programming. There really is something for just about everyone.

24

THE 411: For additional information, contact David Hoffman at bbyo@atlantajcc.org The Atlanta Council Executive Boards (Top Row, L-R): Zach Fram, Bradley Schleicher, Adam Turry, Sam Durham, Austin Lourie, and Jake Berne. (Bottom Row, L-R): Rebecca Friedman, Brittany Bruck, Jordan Srochi, Sydney Benator, Amy Gorowitz and Bianca Levy

smaller shul when she celebrated last year.

“But I have another son who’s almost ready,” she said, “and his Bar Mitzvah will be held in a beautiful, spacious, brand-new building. It will be so worth the wait!”

At a glance The Young Israel of Toco Hills Groundbreaking Ceremony and Carnival Celebration, Aug. 25, beginning at 5 p.m.

For additional information, call (404) 315-1417 or visit www.yith.org

AJT

COMMUNITY

Food and Fun at TKE

ANNUAL NIBBLE & NOSHFEST SET FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND Special for the AJT

O

re JEWvenate!

Inspiring, Friendly, Accessible

kay, so it’s been a little wet and chilly recently and schools across metro Atlanta are already open. So the folks at Temple Kol Emeth (TKE) think it’s a perfect time to celebrate.

That’s why they’re inviting all their friends in East Cobb to a party over the long Labor Day Weekend – the Fourth Annual Nibble & Noshfest. The fun and festivities this year will fall on Sept. 1 and 2 in the Parking lot of TKE. Here are the highlights: It’s a children’s fair. There will be inflatables, games, and face painting to keep the kids happy for hours!

It’s a music festival. Lots of entertainers this year will be featured on the big stage for two days straight. Some of the best local talent around is coming to this year’s festival.

It’s a crafts show. Some of the most creative vendors in the area will be around, selling artwork and handmade goods for your shopping pleasure.

High Holiday

LEARNER SERVICES ROSH HASHANAH: SEPT. 5 & 6 FROM 11:00AM - 1:30PM YOM KIPPUR: SEPT. 14 FROM 11:00AM - 1:30PM

Enlightening perspectives, inspiring stories, interactive Q&A and more!

It’s a religious education. Nibble & Noshfest is your chance to learn everything you always wanted to know about Judaism in East Cobb but were afraid to ask. Take tours of TKE’s sanctuary and learn the mystical meaning of the architecture.

$18 per individual ticket or $36 per family, free for students and Beth Jacob Members (Ticket price covers Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur)

Rabbi Steven Lebow and Rabbi Erin Box will be around much of the time to offer insights into the community’s beliefs, the congregation, and the temple’s place in the community.

Beth Jacob Atlanta - Heritage Hall 1855 LaVista Road Atlanta, GA 30329

It’s a night of comedy. Nibble & Noshfest will continue into the evening this year, laughing into the night Sept. 1st with the Adult Improv Group from The Red Door Playhouse. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.noshfest. com.

Register online at www.bethjacobatlanta.org/highholidays or by calling 404-633-0551

Of course, best of all, Nibble & Noshfest is about the nibbling and the noshing. Imagine Taste of East Cobb with a yiddishe accent. More than a dozen great eateries will be offering sample-size treats for $1 to $4.

At a glance Nibble & Noshfest, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun., Sept 1 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mon., Sept. 2; admission, 2 canned goods that will be donated to Must Ministries Feed the Hungry Program; Temple Kol Emeth, 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta, Ga. 30062; for additional information, visit www.noshfest.com.

Jewish Community Hosts Annual Operation Isaiah Food Drive

TO Benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank

“The Operation Isaiah food drive has been a tremendous gift to our community for more than 20 years,” said Bill Bolling, the Food Bank’s executive director and founder. “With 20 percent of Georgia households food insecure, we depend on community efforts like this to help us keep our shelves full enough to meet the high demand for assistance.”

Ahavath Achim Synagogue, one of the city’s oldest congregations, founded the food drive in 1990. “As a congregation we are happy to help our community,” said Rabbi Neil Sandler of Ahavath Achim Synagogue. “Every year on Yom Kippur morning we hear the prophetic message of Isaiah, ‘This is the fast I desire, to share your bread with the hungry.’ These are unfortunately timeless words. They must speak to us on Yom Kippur when we fast and on every other day when we do not. Let us really hear the words and respond. Operation Isaiah is one way we can do that.”

For information on how you can participate in this year’s food drive, visit acfb.org.

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AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

I

n September, Atlanta’s Jewish community will come together to give back to the community. This year’s Rosh Hashanah kicks off their 23rd annual metro-wide food drive, termed “Operation Isaiah,” collecting nonperishable food items for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Inspired by Isaiah’s words, “Share your bread with the hungry,” the drive provides assistance through more than 600 partner nonprofits in metro Atlanta and north Georgia, culminating on the eve of Yom Kippur.

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AJT

Community

LimmudFest 2013

ANNUAL FESTIVE EVENT OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Special for the AJT

I

nterested in spending some time outdoors and learning something new? Then you might consider traveling to Clayton, Ga. next week and attending LimmudFest at Camp Ramah Darom.

The fifth annual event, organized by Limmud Atlanta + Southeast, is part of an international movement, Limmud, with a history that stretches back three decades.

Drawing from some of the best and most eclectic talent both from the Southeast and around the world, LimmudFest is one of the most unique and engaging experiences available to Jews of all denominations in this region of the country.

LimmudFest is a volunteer-driven weekend with presenters from a diverse array of backgrounds. The goal is to foster a community of learning and sharing of experiences from lay community members to accomplished academic and religious scholars.

Presenters include musicians, playwrights, comedians, authors, Torah scholars, and professionals engaging in a teaching experience for the first time.

A full-time program for children, Camp Limmud, is another special feature that provides a great experience for the entire family.

With a special focus on getting ready for the Jewish New Year, this year’s LimmudFest sessions include music, text study, dance, Jewish ritual, Israel, social justice, parenting, arts, environmentalism, comedy, food and outdoor activities.

For the first time, LimmudFest will have a Young Adult Development (YAD) program catering to Jews ages 22 to 30, and a special program called Limmud L’Am for adults with developmental disabilities.

“Since moving to Atlanta seven years ago, Limmud has become such a vital connection to the Jewish community for my entire family,” said Mindy Binderman, the chair of Limmud Atlanta + SE. “It really is a reflection of the diversity of Atlanta’s Jewish community and the environment is so welcoming that it lets people craft their own experiences and do as much, or as little, as they want.

“LimmudFest is something we look forward to every year and I could not imagine my Jewish life in Atlanta without it. As my daughter Mollie said, ‘I want to take my kids to Limmud when I am a mommy. And, if it doesn’t exist then, I will recreate it!’”

Interested?

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

LimmudFest, Aug. 30-Sept. 1; Camp Ramah Darom outside of Clayton, Ga. For additional information about classes, presenters and cost, check online at LimmudSE. org

26

Fifth annual event will once again feature musicians, comedians, authors, Torah Scholars and others focused on helping attendees learn something new about the Jewish world while having fun. PHOTO / Courtesy Limmud Atlanta + Southeast

AJT

Community

Tongs at the Ready

SECOND ANNUAL KOSHER BBQ COMPETITION SET FOR B’NAI TORAH Special for the AJT

H

ere’s a big howdy and Shalom Y’all to everyone yearning for some tasty barbecue – kosher, of course.

It’s time to announce the Second Annual Atlanta Kosher BBQ Competition, sponsored by Congregation B’nai Torah of Atlanta and set for Oct. 6.

woody, and The Atlanta Community Food Bank.

AT A GLANCE Second Annual Kosher BBQ Competition; Congregation B’nai Torah; Oct. 6, 2013. To compete, sponsor, attend or volunteer, visit www.AtlantaKosherBBQ. com

The event, open to anyone who enjoys the smoky tang of barbecue, will include teams from across Atlanta, as well as groups from other such barbecue centers as Memphis, Tenn., Birmingham, Ala., Kansas City, Mo., and, wait for it, Long Island, N.Y. “We expect this event to be a highlight of the Sandy Springs and Atlanta fall festival schedule,” Brrin Mailman, an award-winning barbecue smoker and one of three organizers of the inaugural competition. “We expect thousands of enthusiastic barbecue fans to experience a fun-filled day of cooking and familyfriendly activities.”

Oh, there will also be live entertainment and great eats prepared by Goodfriends Catering.

“The competition is open to all barbecue beginners and meat-smoking-mavens alike,” said Mailman. “All you need is your enthusiasm, recipes and a desire to make new friends.”

The fest is open to the general public and participating teams don’t have to be Jewish. However, to ensure the event remains Kosher, outside food and beverages will not be permitted.

“This is a unique event,” said Rabbi Joshua Heller of B’Nai Torah. “Each team will be provided with two smokers, kosher meat, and all basic food pantry items. Kosher supervision will be monitored by the Atlanta Kashruth Commission.”

Trophies will be awarded for Best Brisket, Best Ribs, Best Beans, Fan Favorite, and Best Booth Decoration. The team with the best overall Kosher barbecue will be anointed Grand Champion and will receive a stipend to compete at the next competition in the kosher barbecue circuit.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit a number of local charities, including Community Assistance Center of Sandy Springs and Dun-

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Those attending this year’s fest can expect to be treated to old-fashioned, family-oriented Southern hospitality with events ranging from a pickle-eating contest to a Kiddy Corral filled with various children’s activities.

27

AJT

what’s happening

Sun., Aug. 18

Dress for Less, “Hadassah Day” at Irina’s Boutique; shop and enjoy complimentary kosher refreshments. Sun., Aug. 18, 10 a.m. Irina’s Boutique on Briarcliff Rd. (404) 325-0340.

Line Dancing Class, get moving in this one and a half hour class. Bring comfortable clothing and water. Sun., Aug. 18, 10:30 a.m. $5/members, $10/nonmembers. MJCCA Zaban Park. Info, lilly. mahana@atlantajcc.org or (678) 8124064.

45th Annual High Holyday Mitzvot ,Auction & Brunch. Sun., Aug. 18, 10:30 a.m. Congregation Or VeShalom. (404) 633-1737.

Grillin’ & Chillin’ Festival, BBQ and bake sale, water inflatables, wine tasting, live music and more. Sun., Aug. 18, 12 p.m. $5/person, Free for children under 2 years old. Ahavath Achim Synagogue.

BBYO Connect Kickoff Pool Party, for 6th- through 8th-graders. Sun., Aug. 18, 4 p.m. $10 by Aug. 12, $15 after. MJCCA’s Zaban Park. stacie. graff@atlantajcc.org.

Singles Happy Hour for 50+, join for drinks and the opportunity for new friendships. Sun., Aug. 18, 5:30 p.m. $15/members, $25/non-members.

Marlow’s Tavern Dunwoody. Info, lilly.mahana@atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-4064.

Mon., Aug. 19

Youth Arts & Culture Sign-up, MJCCA registration for acting, music and film related classes is now open.

Info, brian.kimmel@atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-4072.

Biggest Loser Challenge 3.0 Signup, A Biggest Loser Pro will equip you with workout routines, nutrition and weight management. Two 45 minute sessions per week. Info, laura.johnson@atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-4024.

AUGUST 23 ▪ 2013

Tues., Aug. 20

28

17th-Annual AICCSE Professional Seminar, “Accelerating SoutheastIsrael Growth” with keynote speaker Shai Robkin. Tues., Aug. 20, 7:30 a.m. $90/Chamber member, $100/ non-member; price includes luncheon. Selig Center. aiccse.org.

Thurs., Aug. 22

Edgewise Speaker: Lecia Brooks, part of the speaker series with Director of Outreach at the Southern Poverty Law Center, Lecia Brooks

presenting “Fighting Hate, Teaching Tolerance, and Seeking Justice.”

Thurs., Aug. 22, 10:30 a.m. $0/members, $5/non-members. Zaban Park.

Info, lilly.mahana@atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-4064.

Go Eat Give: Destination Malaysia, escape to South East Asia for an evening of cultural learning, delicious curries, and entertainment - including guest speaker, Fabian De Rozario. A portion of proceeds benefits the nonprofit Go Eat Give. BYOB. Thurs., Aug. 22, 7 p.m. $35/person.

Malaya Restaurant. Tickets, destinationmalaysia.eventbrite.com Teen Community Service at Hammond Glen Senior Community, join TCS for an afternoon of fun and bingo with assisted living home residents; teens will earn one-and-a-half community service hours. Pre-registration required. Thurs., Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m. Hammond Glen on Hammond Glen Dr. amy.helman-darley@ atlantajcc.org.

Fri., Aug. 23

Shabbat in the Park, join Mr. Michael and Sunmoon Pie, Rabbis Lewis and Kerbel for Shabbat in the Park’s return. PJ Library story and crafts, followed by services. Fri., Aug. 23, 5 p.m. East Cobb Park. Order shabbat dinners, www.etzchaim.net or info, (770) 973-0137.

Dive Into Shabbat - Intown, the MJCCA’s poolside Shabbat celebration at a new location, featuring the Congregation Bet Haverim Chorus.

Fri., Aug. 23, 5 p.m. Free, open to the community. Emory Student Activity and Academic Center. rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org.

Open Door Shabbat, join TBT for a nosh with wine, cheese and snacks followed by service. Fri., Aug. 23, 7:15 p.m. Temple BethTikvah.

Camp Barney Medintz 50th Anniversary Celebration, weekend festivities begin with a traditional campstyle Shabbat dinner in the dining hall followed by Shabbat services in the Zaban Chapel. Fri., Aug. 23 to 25. $150/weekend, $80/Saturday only, $50/child Saturday. Camp Barney. (678) 812-4000.

Zaban Chapel. Fri., Aug. 23 to 25. $150/weekend, $80/Saturday only, $50/child Saturday. Camp Barney.

(678) 812-4000.

Shabbat in the Park, join Rabbis and PJ Library for a story and crafts, followed by a service. Fri., Aug. 23, 5 p.m. East Cobb Park. Info, (770) 9730137. To order shabbat dinner, visit www.etzchaim.net

Sat., Aug. 24

Garden Grilling Class, “Creative Containers” make containers for growing herbs to amp up traditional grilling recipes before football season. Sat., Aug. 24, 10 a.m. Free. All Pike Nursery locations. www.pikenursery.com

Sun., Aug. 25

Camp Sunday Kick Off, taking the Jewish experience a step further with informal, fun projects and quality education in a non-traditional setting for children. A next step to preschool or purely for learning’s sake.

Sun., Aug. 25. Info, lori.goldstein@ atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-3881.

Mon., Aug. 26

Sweeten the New Year - Dunwoody, MJCCA family program featuring froyo, songs, activities, crafts and prizes for kids. Mon., Aug. 26, 6 p.m.

Attendance free and open to all; 20 percent discount on purchases. Yogli Mogli at 2090 Dunwoody Club Drive. rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org.

An Evening with “Harmony,” an intimate conversation with the creative team behind the show and a special performance by the Alliance Theatre cast. Mon., Aug. 26, 7 p.m. $18/Breman Museum members, $25/nonmembers. Breman Museum. (678) 222-3700.

Tues., Aug. 27

Teen Community Service: Bake a Difference, teens will serve the community while preparing exciting recipes and exploring issues of hunger and tzedakah. Worth one and a half service hours. Pre-register. Tues., Aug. 27, 7 p.m. $10/members, $15/nonmembers.

Wed., Aug. 28

Soul Trip to New York, Chabad of Georgia rabbis lead the way on visits to important Jewish sites. Wed., Aug. 28. New York City. More information and RSVP at chabadga/soultrip2013.

Sweeten the New Year - East Cobb, MJCCA family program featuring froyo, songs, activities, crafts and prizes for kids. Mon., Aug. 26, 6 p.m.

Attendance free and open to all; 20 percent discount on purchases. Yogli Mogli at 1255 Johnson Ferry Road. rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org.

Thurs., Aug. 29

Edgewise Speaker: Andrew McBurney, a part of the speaker series.

Andy McBurney of MARTA Mobility talks transportation options and

the new Travel Training Initiative, which includes solutions for individuals with disabilities. Thurs., Aug. 29, 10:30 a.m. $0/members, $5/nonmembers. MJCCA Zaban Park. Info, (678) 812-4064.

Lunch ‘N Learn: Rabbi Friedman, part of the Lunch series. Join Rabbi Binyomin Friedman from Congregation Ariel for a lively class discussion.

Bring a dairy lunch or purchase a kosher meal. Thurs., Aug. 29, 12 p.m.

Free. MJCCA Zaban Park. Info, rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-4161.

Sat., Aug. 31

Annual Selichot Program & Service, “Sources and the Writing of History: You Tell the Story,” presented by Dr. Ken Stein, Emory University. Exploring new sources and what they reveal about Egyptian President Sadat’s ‘77 trip to Jerusalem. Sat., Aug. 31, 9:15 p.m. Congregation Or Hadash. Info, (404) 250-3338.

Sun., Sept. 1

Nibble and Noshfest, two-day festival providing visitors with tastes of Jewish and other ethnic foods in sample-size portions; includes community vendors, entertainment and children’s activities. Begins Sun., Sept. 1, 11 a.m. and continues on Mon., Sept. 2 until 4 p.m. Admission is donation of two canned goods for Must Ministries. Temple Kol Emeth. noshfest.com.

Improv on the Rocks with Just a Twist of Jewish, improv night at Noshfest featuring Red Door Playhouse Adult Improv Group. Sun., Sept. 1, 7:30 p.m. $15. Temple Kol Emeth. noshfest.com.

Jews & Brews, a casual evening of socialization with Rabbi Karmi Ingber and other young Jewish adults.

All are welcome. Tues., Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m. Free. Info, rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org or (678) 812-4161.

Sat., Sept. 14

Gardening for Beginners, gardening experts will walk guests through the process of selecting, adding, and caring for the best plants in autumn gardens. Sat., Sept. 14, 10 a.m. Free. All Pike Nurseries.

Study Session, join Rabbi Kerbel for“The Three Things We Should Get Out of Our Yom Kippur Experience.”

Followed by Minha, Neilah and the Sounding of the Shofar. Sat., Sept.

14, 4:45 p.m. Etz Chaim.

AJT

may their memories be a blessing

Maxine Seligman 74, OF MARIETTA

Maxine Seligman, 74, of Marietta, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 14, 2013. Born on July 1, 1939, to Marjorie and George Stone, of blessed memory, she lived in Atlanta almost all her life and cared for patients as a dental hygienist for almost 40 years. Maxine is preceded in death by her loving husband of 29 years, Preston. She is survived by her daughters, Natalie Ross (Ralph Jordan), and Beth Seligman; her son, Craig Seligman (Tracy); her grandchildren: Preston, Grace, Sarah-Anne and Brooke; and her brother, Stanley. Maxine loved her children and loved her grandchildren even more.

An online guestbook is available at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Temple Sinai, 5645 Dupree Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30327, www.templesinaiatlanta.org. Graveside services were held 12 p.m. Fri., Aug. 16 at Greenwood Cemetery with Rabbi Bradley Levenberg officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, (770) 451-4999.

Lifecycle Events and Counseling Rabbi Patrick 'Aleph' Beaulier

Interfaith, Non-Religious and LGBT Welcome

Mention this ad for 10% off any ser vice or event

What do the sources tell us about why Egyptian President Sadat went to Jerusalem in November 1977? Conventional wisdom has it that he wanted Sinai back and was fed up with waiting for the other Arabs to join a Middle East Peace conference.

And perhaps he wanted neither the PLO nor the Soviet Union involved as the Carter administration wanted? Could other newly discovered sources reveal that there were other significant motivations? What might they be? Come read the sources, draw your own conclusions.

Dr. Ken Stein is Professor of Contemporary Middle Eastern History, Political Science, and Israel Studies at Emory University. He is the Director of the Emory Institute for the Study of Modern Israel and President of the Center for Israel Education. He is also the author of Heroic Diplomacy: Sadat, Kissinger, Carter, Begin and the Quest for Arab-Israeli Peace, Routledge, 1999.

For more information please call (404) 250-3338.

AUGUST 23 â–Ş 2013

Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 9:15 pm Congregation Or Hadash 7460 Trowbridge Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

www.RabbiPatrick.com | Rabbi@RabbiPatrick.com 29

JEWISH PUZZLER

by David Benkof

Across 1. Bottom of the menorah 5. Assassin Yigal 9. Israel, to the U.S. 13. Group with many Arab members 14. J___ (matchmaking Web site) 15. Top performance level 16. German rabbi-historian Frankel 18. Sukkah and dreidel 19. They have eight arms 20. Lacked, briefly 22. Tony-winning playwright for “Art” and “God of Carnage” 25. Streams 28. Mainstream form of Judaism 32. Submit, as homework 33. What one swallow doesn’t make 34. Hallelujah 36. Former NYC yeshiva 37. Unorthodox sect 38. Blume and Chicago 39. ___ to the throne (Solomon, e.g.)

40. Add-on 41. Brooded and sulked 42. Like proverbs 43. Use one’s noodle 45. Craziness 47. Rice to Chinese 48. It can be lunar 49. Full of chutzpah 51. Comes clean, with “up”

r ...CreATe you . ..

WeBSiTe And

56. Talmudic tractate about a certain vow 58. Movie with the character Alvy Singer 61. Toupee alternative 62. ___ Hu (Passover song) 63. Mitch Miller instrument 64. Past of riches?

65. Satu ___ (ancestral home of some Hasidim) 66. What a magician may wave Down 1. Larry Harmon’s clownish alter ego 2. “AIPAC is not ___” (frequently heard DC clarification) 3. Essenes, e.g.

4. “Israel: an ___ of Eternity” (Abraham Joshua Heschel book) 5. Actor Brody of “The Pianist” 6. ___ tai (cocktail) 7. “Call ___ day” 8. Hebrew letter after koof 9. What one beyond help may be called 10. U.S. Senator from New Jersey who died in 2013 11. Alphabet string 12. Israeli cable company 15. Woody Allen’s “Take the Money ___” 17. Passover month, often

21. Play the part of 23. Secure, as a suitcase 24. Gann ___ (Boston Jewish high school) 26. The tablets are broken in this Torah portion 27. Some drums 28. People who sit in a lot of

laps?

29. Hamsa, perhaps 30. Politician known for her hats 31. ___ Ayin (Gush Etzion settlement) 35. Grammy winner Gorme 38. “Parks and Recreation” actress Rashida

39. Bit of a titter 41. Dentist’s conern 42. Patriarchs number 44. Parsley pieces 46. “Language Maven Strikes Again” author William 50. Ahad ___ (Asher Ginsberg’s pen name) 52. “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” e.g.

53. Hebrew grandpa 54. Comedian Gold 55. Child’s vehicle 56. Nina Totenberg’s network 57. “___ Juive” (Jewish-style dish) 59. Doc. to protect company secrets 60. Jerusalem Mayor Barkat

Last week’s answers

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The Jerusalem Festival is a festival of recognition, education andFestival celebration of the history The Jerusalem is a festival of recof Jerusalem, the people and the Land of Israognition, education and celebration of el, celebrating their contributions to the world. the history of Jerusalem, the people and We share many common principles including the Landvalues of Israel, theirJerusacondemocratic andcelebrating a call for Peace. the of world.

We share many lemtributions stands asto a site historical significance common principles including democratic for the world’s three major religions: Christivalues and a call for Peace. anity, Islam, and Judaism.

It is a city that has become home to people from many different faiths, traditions, ethnic groups, festivals lending to Sukkot is one and of the pilgrimage Jerusalem’s distinct character. in which the Jewish nation descended

Sukkah Contest

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