Atlanta Jewish Times, No. 4, January 31, 2014

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30 shevat – 6 ADAR 1, 5774 vOL. LXXIX NO. 4

THE Weekly Newspaper Uniting the Jewish Community for Over 85 Years

the bex factor Fidf “legends & heroes” PAGE 4

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19-year-old atlantan Bex Taylor-Klaus heating up hollywood!

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AJT

israel

Israeli Pride

GOOD NEWS MADE IN THE JEWISH STATE THIS PAST WEEK SUCCESS FOR UNIVERSAL FLU VACCINE. Israeli biotech BiondVax announced that tests prove its universal flu vaccine matches all six pandemic strains in the world today. They include bird flu strains H5N1 and H7N9, which have spread to humans and killed hundreds of people.

GENES THAT CAUSE AGING. Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a computer algorithm that identifies

genes involved in the aging process. The findings could lead to the development of medication that transforms cells from a diseased state into a healthy one.

AL-JAZEERA PRAISES IDF. In a debate on the Al-Jazeera’s Arabic service, the presenter and a guest question an Assad supporter as to why the Syrian army, Hezbollah and other Islamic military groups cannot be more humane like the Israeli and French armies.

NAIROBI POOR TO GET ONLINE. The makers of the $7 Israeli-developed Keepod “thumb drive” have launched the first project in their program to “enable” some of the world’s 5 billion people who don’t have access to a computer. Via crowdsourcing, you can help give 1500 of Nairobi’s slum dwellers a new chance in life.

WELCOMING CANADA’S PM. Canadian Premier Stephen Harper has arrived in Israel. Though Canada has always been a friend of Israel, under Harper’s rule there has been a significant strengthening in support for the Jewish state which some have called the most dramatic shift in the history of postwar Canadian foreign policy.

GOOGLE’S NEW NOTEBOOK HAS ISRAELI FAST CHIPS. Israel’s Altair Semiconductor has won a deal to install its 4G communications chipset in the new Chromebooks produced by the partnership of Google and HP. The 4G chip accesses the internet at 10 times the speed of 3G chips.

IRON BEAM – A LIGHT TO THE NATIONS. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will unveil its Iron Beam laser air-defense system at next month’s Singapore Air Show. Iron Beam is a high-energy laser based system against rockets, mortar, and airborne target attacks. It complements Iron Dome by intercepting very short-range rockets.

A COLLAPSIBLE CAMPING GRILL. Israeli Roee Magdassi (a student at the Bezalel Design Academy in Jerusalem) has designed the Stakes camping grill that folds up to the size of a paper towel when not in use. His IDF service inspired him to make a lightweight alternative to the ones he had to carry in his army backpack.

january 31 ▪ 2014

TWO INSULATORS MEET INA LAB. Something weird happens if you place two electrical insulators together. The bit in the middle conducts electricity. Scientists couldn’t investigate further until Dr Shahal Ilani built a nanotube-based sensor that could see below the surface. It has opened up a whole new field in physics.

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APRIL LAUNCH FOR STUDENTS’ SATELLITE. Forty students at Herzliya High School have built a low-cost micro-satellite to be launched by Russia in April. The 10 cm cube will circle the Earth every 90 minutes and form part of a network of international satellites designed to provide a cell phone lifeline to travelers in remote areas.

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PUBLISHER

letter to the editor

CLIFF WEISS

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EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief

CLIFF WEISS

cmweiss@atljewishtimes.com Associate Editor

elizabeth friedly efriedly@atljewishtimes.com Web Editor/Intern Writer

DANA SPECTOR

dspector@atljewishtimes.com Contributing Writers

ARLENE APPELROUTH BRAM BESSOFF Eden Farber Rachel LaVictoire marcia jaffe Al Shams CHANA SHAPIRO Shaindle Schmuckler CREATIVE SERVICES Creative Design

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GABRIEL WEISS CONTACT INFORMATION general office 404.883.2130 KRUDY@atljewishtimes.com The Atlanta Jewish Times is printed in Georgia and is an equal opportunity employer. The opinions expressed in the Atlanta Jewish Times do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.

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Dear Editor,

A

s a parent who has had four children attend Camp Gan Israel, a co-ed, in town Jewish day camp for young kids and tweens as well as full Kiddie Camp for the past 11 years, I was surprised to read about In the City Camp being the first and only such camp. (Jan 17 Special for the AJT.) Although we wish this new camp success, our experience with CGI has been phenomenal. As a family from the Conservative tradition, we initially chose this Chabad Intown sponsored camp because it was the only Jewish camp within miles of our Northlake home.

However, we were amazed by the counselors whose commitment to the children is unmatched. They communicated the love of Judaism in a fun and loving way whether it was sports, trips, Piedmont Park swimming or the many electives such as chess, art, woodworking or music.

Our kids have even received holiday cards throughout the year from former counselors.

It was after attending CGI, not Hebrew School or day school, that our children wanted to make Shabbat part of our weekly routine. And I’ll admit that, although I was not initially thrilled about having to sing as part of a newly formed “Father’s Bunk” at my first Donuts for Dads event, I learned a thing or two that day as well!

I encourage parents who want their children to experience an authentic, inclusive camp full of fun, love, and Judaism, with full hours, to find out more information and register now.

Ken David Editor’s Note: As reported in the article, In the City Camp is the only such camp that serves all ages 5-14. The AJT is pleased to hear that our readers have had great experiences at Jewish camps and continue to support those camps.

We welcome your comments about your camp experiences.

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ISRAEL

Sources of Strength WORDS FROM Second LIEUTENANT SHELLY, IDF OFFICER SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

I

n December 2013, the Southeast Region of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) hosted the “Legends and Heroes of the Israel Defense Forces: Operation Entebbe” event. 2nd Lieutenant Shelly M, a reconnaissance combat officer in the IDF Combat Intelligence Corps, and recipient of the President’s Award of Excellence, spoke at the event. She wrote the following about her unforgettable time in Atlanta: “This trip was my first to the United States and my first experience with the American Jewish community, and I didn’t know what to expect. From the moment of my arrival, I was overwhelmed and humbled by the warmth with which I was welcomed by the Atlanta community, the generosity

and hospitality they showed me, and the kindness and dedication of the many members of the community I had the pleasure of meeting during my visit. It is one thing to be recognized for one’s achievements and contributions as a soldier by the IDF itself, and quite another to be honored by the Jewish community in the United States.”

As a female combat soldier, and particularly as an officer, Shelly M. has been motivated throughout her career by the desire to prove herself as an equal to her male comrades and demonstrate what women are capable of achieving in combat roles.

A 2nd Lieutenant, reconnaissance combat officer in the Combat Intelligence Corps., she was the only female soldier, among 20 men, in her professional training unit and completed the

L-R: Kellee Rosenberg, Shelly M and Rachael Abt

training with honors.

Her achievement marked the first time in the history of the IDF that a female soldier received this award in a combat intelligence course. 2nd Lt. Shelly M. was also the recipient of the President’s Award of Excellence - presented to her by Israel’s President, Shimon Peres.

their geographic removal from the conflict, nevertheless hold the IDF and its soldiers in their hearts, and give so generously of their time, resources, and energy to support us in so many ways.

january 31 ▪ 2014

Above and beyond the material Shelly M. assistance that the FIDF offers, knowing that there are people so far away who care so much for my Shelly explains: soldiers and I is a great source “It meant a great deal to me of strength, and having the opto be singled out for an invitation portunity to meet some of these to share my experiences with the extraordinarily passionate and Atlanta community of the FIDF, committed individuals and share and the community’s interest in my story with them has been an my story was incredibly gratifyexperience I will never forget.” ing.

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Conditions in the field are often difficult, and when exhaustion creeps up on you during the 30th hour of an ambush, or the sun beats down and it’s nearly too hot to breathe, it helps to remember that, as isolated as it seems in the field with nothing but desert around, there are countless people there with you in spirit.

Not just your family and friends who know you and are thinking of you specifically, and not just the Israelis who appreciate the soldiers protecting their borders, but also American Jews thousands of miles away, who, despite

The FIDF Southeast Region will be hosting its Annual Gala on May 15, 2014 at the Georgia Aquarium. Over 450 supporters from the community will be in attendance to show their love and support for Israel’s soldiers.

2nd Lieutenant Shelly’s unit, the Combat Intelligence Corps, has been adopted by the FIDF Southeast Region as part of the FIDF Adopt-aBrigade Program, through which the educational and wellbeing needs of the unit’s soldiers are provided for by the community.

Please note for security reasons Shelly’s last name is omitted.

AJT

ISRAEL

U.N. Permanent Representative to Speak at GHA AMBASSADOR RON PROSOR ATTENDS ISRAEL SPEAKER SERIES

T

he Katherine and Jacob Greenfield Hebrew Academy is delighted to announce the second program in the GHA Israel Speakers Series. The event will feature Ron Prosor, Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Ambassador Prosor will speak at GHA on Tues., Feb. 11 in the GHA auditorium.

“It’s incredibly exciting to have the Ambassador here at GHA,” said Interim Head of School Leah Summers.

“Our love for Israel is an important part of who we are at GHA, and Israel’s welfare in the world is a topic that is close to the hearts of all of our GHA family members.”

Ambassador Prosor received his appointment to the U.N. in 2011, when he became Israel’s 16th representative. Chosen for his nearly 20 years of diplomatic experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he dealt with coordinating Israel’s response to the Palestinian unilateral bid for statehood immediately upon his arrival in New York.

Prior to Ambassador Prosor’s appointment, he was Israel’s ambassador to the United Kingdom for four years.

Ambassador Prosor has become noted for his articulate and witty presentations of Israel’s views, and is also a prolific writer of editorials that clarify Israel’s position.

“Permitting Iran to serve on the U.N.’s leading disarmament committee (First Committee) is like appoint-

it’s Winter...in atlanta.

ing a drug lord CEO of a pharmaceutical company,” is a frequently quoted example of an Ambassador Prosor quip.

The GHA Israel Speaker’s series was initiated by George Birnbaum, an international political consultant who is both an alumnus of and a parent at GHA. Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu was a client during his campaign for re-election, and Mr. Birnbaum spent a year and a half as the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff.

Ambassador Prosor’s talk will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

Ambassador Ron Prosor

Editor’s note: although this event is free and open to the public, RSVPs to speakers@ghacademy.org are requested for security reasons.

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january 31 ▪ 2014

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

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AJT

israel

A Community Conversation

JNF MARKS tu bishvat, mlk with AMBASSADOR IDO AHARONI

BY KAREN ISENBERG JONES SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

L

ast week, The Jewish National Fund (JNF), with support of the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast, marked Tu Bishvat and Martin Luther King Day by holding a successful Community Conversation at Or Hadash Synagogue.

for the trees in winter,” said Rabbi Karpuj. “Even though the trees look dead, something inside has started to change. JNF is defined by that notion.

JNF took a place, a land everyone was discarding and made the desert bloom.”

Ambassador Ido Aharoni gave a sobering talk largely focused on the main reasons behind Israel’s disapproval with the interim nuclear agreement between the P5+1 powers and Iran signed last November.

“ T h e agreement allows Iran to continue to enrich uranium which stands against every law agreed upon by the international community,” said Amb. Aharoni.

JNF Southern Zone Director Beth Gluck addresses the community.

“People ask: Israel lives with a nuclear North Korea and Pakistan. Why not Iran? Iran is a unique country. The Iranian regime is the only regime constantly interested in instigating trouble and instability wherever they go. The regime’s goal is to disseminate principles of Islamic revolution. It believes in one thing and one thing only: Islamic Rule.”

Ambassador Aharoni promoted strong sanctions as the best diplomatic means to end Iran’s nuclear program.

january 31 ▪ 2014

Ambassador Ido Aharoni

The event featured special guest Ambassador Ido Aharoni, Consul General of Israel in New York. Over one hundred people attended the Sunday morning event to hear Ambassador Aharoni speak about the top issues impacting Israel today.

Or Hadash’s two rabbis, Rabbi Mario Karpuj and Rabbi Analia Bortz welcomed guests marking the connection between Tu Bishvat and Jewish National Fund.

“Tu Bishvat is the JNF holiday; it’s the New Year for the trees. People 6 ask why do we celebrate the New Year

Before fielding questions from the audience, Amb. Aharoni spoke fondly about recently deceased Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, lauding Sharon’s courage to implement unilateralism within the government. This policy decision permanently impacted the Palestinian peace process.

He also paid homage to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and noted how his ideas embody those of The Jewish National Fund.

“King chose to say ‘I have a dream.’

This is the power of positivity. Israel has great assets, such as the tremendous creative spirit of its people and innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Amb. Aharoni. “Zionism is about

growth and promotion of goodness.

JNF takes us back to the tenants of Zionism. JNF covers all the areas in which Israel excels.”

JNF ended the event with a raffle where several people won a tree to be planted in the JNF Coretta Scott King forest in Israel.

Editor’s note: Karen Isenberg Jones is the owner of Karen Jones PR, a full service Public Relations and Special Events firm. For more questions she can be reached at (404) 483-8226 or karenijones27@gmail.com.

Birthright’s New Rules

EXPANDING ELIGIBILITY FOR FREE TRIPS TO ISRAEL

T

aglit-Birthright Israel announced that it was expanding its program eligibility to now include those young adults who had previously visited Israel as part of a peer trip when they were younger.

The organization said the reason for the change in policy was based on an educational assessment that those who may have visited as a teenager would gain a significantly greater understanding and attachment to Israel through the Taglit-Birthright experience as a young adult.

Beginning with the Summer 2014 registration that opens on Feb. 19, applicants between the ages of 18-26 who had made a prior visit to Israel on an organized peer trip, before they reached the age of 18, may now apply.

The organization estimates that the expansion will allow thousands more to benefit from the Taglit-Birthright Israel’s program.

“I am delighted that the Taglit-Birthright Israel steering committee supports the decision that every young Jew is entitled to an educational tour of Israel,” said Taglit-Birthright Israel CEO Gidi Mark. “I believe that the decision will strengthen the ties between Israel and the Diaspora and will provide tens of thousands of young Jews the knowledge needed in their efforts to present a positive image of Israel to the world.”

Taglit-Birthright Israel offers the gift of a free, 10-day trip to Israel for Jewish adults between the ages of 18 to 26.

Taglit-Birthright Israel has sent more than 350,000 young Jewish adults to Israel from more than 64 countries and from all 50 U.S. states, including students from nearly 1,000 North American college campuses.

Editor’s note: to register, visit www.BirthrightIsrael.com.

Web Exclusives

Look for these great stories plus more on-line at www.atlantajewishtimes.com LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES AND TICKETS. 1. Amandla! Duo To Perform For Black History Month The Katherine and Jacob Greenfield Hebrew Academy will present Amandla! Performing a musical timeline of African music in celebration of Black History Month on Saturday evening, Feb. 8, at 7:45 pm.

2. The Latest Fun And Events From Torah Day School Students also observed Tu B’Shevat. TDSA also held a Geography Bees for the fourth through eighth grade. The winners, have the opportunity to enter the State Geography Bee. 3. MJCCA Habima Theatre From Feb. 27 – March 9, 2014, Jerry’s Habima Theatre, Georgia’s only theatrical company directed and produced by professionals, featuring actors with special needs, will celebrate its 21st season with the charming, tuneful, and hilarious “Little Shop of Horrors”.

4. American Guild of Judaic Art. By sharing the invigorated spirit of contemporary Jewish inspired art, The American Guild of Judaic Art (AGJA) sponsors a “Jewish Arts Month” to be held during 5774-Adar/Nissan - March, 2014—to inform, educate and raise consciousness about Jewish art in our communities in the United States, Canada, Israel and around the world.

5. The Knitting Project Warms More Hearts Many volunteers have helped make 2013 special for residents of The William Breman Jewish Home and The Cohen Home, both Jewish Home Life Communities.

6. The MJCCA’s Youth Ensemble Participates in National Junior Theatre Festival Stephanie Friedman, MJCCA’s Arts & Culture Program Coordinator, recently led a group of 13 young performers from the MJCCA Youth Ensemble, as they participated in the Junior Theatre Festival with 4000 other kids from all over the country.

7. Make Mishloah Manot More Special Make Mishloah Manot more special, add Tribes-A-Dozen Voila Hallah to your Purim baskets:“Break Bread, Not Tradition” 8. Israel’s Deputy Defense minister, Danny Danon, at Auschwitz on International Holocaust Day.

9. Coming soon: “Mapmaker’s Daughter” Explore an under-published period in history, with Laurel Corona’s “The Mapmaker’s Daughter,” a sweeping saga of faith, family and identity that shows how the past shapes our map of life.

january 31 ▪ 2014

Deputy Defense Minister of the State of Israel, and the author of “Israel: The Will to Prevail” Danny Danon reflects on Holocaust Remembrance Day and dicusses lessons for the future.

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AJT

oNe maN’s opiNioN

Is it Time for a New G-d Image?

THE TURNING POINT WHICH CHANGED OUR UNDERSTANDING

BY EUGEN SCHOENFELD AJT Contributor

M

y grandfather’s life, at least from a young boy’s perspective, was an ideal one. I loved the two

months that I annually spent with my maternal grandparents.

At night, when sleep eludes me, I look for the photographic images that Google Earth makes available of the old property. It was a beautiful

WORLD PREMIERE

little village isolated from the rest of the world in the Carpathian Mountains, without electricity and even wells. We got water from the creek, heat from the mud oven – homes that haven’t changed for centuries.

Life was founded on adhering to the mitzvoth. There wasn’t a separation of Judaism, the religion, from Jewishness the culture. To be a Jew was to believe; to act not only consistent with the Halakah but also with the beliefs in magic and customs.

No Jew living in Talamas, his little village in the mountains, would think it odd to attach above the door on the month of Adar the traditional “mee shenechnaz” and a dead bat (properly killed) as the magic object of luck.

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Being Jewish was a holistic life experience. My grandfather’s routine was established and predictable. He knew what G-d wanted and he had no questions or doubts what these duties are.

He observed punctiliously the various mitzvot and through them he routinized his life. “Hakol b’ito”, there was a time for everything and consequently life made sense.

He was never challenged by existential doubts. G-d ruled the universe and of course there was a reason for everything, even if the reason was known only to G-d. He was sure not only of the validity of the Torah, but he also accepted the Agadoth and Midrashim (the rabbinical tales and interpretations) as equally valid.

He was never perturbed by nihilism. My grandfather knew all that he thought he should know. He had no doubts about G-d, about merits and punishment, of the meaningfulness of the rituals that governed life.

But just in case he had a question of observance, there was always the Shulchan Aruch. And just in case the question was somewhat more problematic, there was always the rabbi in the next village to enlighten him.

This was the life he chose for himself when he returned from the United States where he lived for two years before the turn of the century.

He was fearful in a world that demanded changes. So, he rejected the world and sought the simple and un-

derstandable life in the isolated village in the Carpathian Mountains.

There he could, and did remain a Chassidic Jew where all things made sense in this small but orderly and predictable world.

As a young boy, I loved my grandfather’s world and the simplicity of his life in it. I loved his contentment arising from the certainty who G-d is and what He wants from us. And above all, I was influenced by his belief that the most important aspect of life is to become an “eidler man” a caring and loving individual.

These images of life in Talamas a village are my recollections of a gentle man in a world that once was lived in the village. This is the recollection of his grandson, a much older man of a nostalgic past that will never exist again I no longer live in a shtetl, in isolation from the world. I live in a world that is quite different from my grandfather’s isolation and separation from the world at large. Unlike my grandfather whose world hasn’t changed, I live in a constantly changing world – a world in which we are confronted by the rejection of the validity of our beliefs that were taken for granted in the past.

Many of the beliefs that I took for certain only a scant 25 years ago are no longer so. My grandfather’s view of life was based on the belief of eternal certainty. His G-d is the G-d in Ezekiel’s vision which today we perceive it as primitive anthropomorphic monotheism.

Though some people may still hold on to this vision, to most Ezekiel’s vision represents a child’s view of G-d.

Who can accept a view of G-d depicted as an old stern bearded and angry king sitting on his throne ruling the world while angels and other heavenly entities constantly shout out: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts the whole world is full of his glory.

If we reject Ezekiel’s primitive vision of G-d as King and as Judge sitting on his throne it removes a great deal of our perspective of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in which all human beings stand in judgment in a

By rejecting the anthropomorphic description of judgment, namely that on these days G-d decrees that “ploni ben ploni” (so and so the son of so and so) will live or die, also leads to the elimination of our magical powers that can invalidate G-d’s decrees simply by changing ones name.

To most people, my grandfather’s Ezekiel-based image of G-d, the one that I was taught to believe in my childhood, is today perceived as religious primitivism.

Intellectually, and even spiritually, we no longer can accept anthropomorphic monotheism. There is nothing in it that we can take as valid.

Thus Judaism, and for that matter all religions that define G-d in monotheistic-anthropomorphic terms, fail to satisfy human needs – the most important of which is the rejection of nihilism.

Since the 19th century, first in Western Europe and then in the United States, Jews have experienced the greatest social and technological changes that led to the dissatisfaction of rabbinic Judaism.

More and more we were seeking new religions that could provide new paradigms for G-d and the meaning of life. Since the beginning of the 20th century in the United States, we have experienced a great increase in the variety of Judaisms, each detracting a great deal from the past Judaism without adding a new vision of G-d and of the world.

As I see it, the Holocaust was not only a great tragedy but it also marks the end of the two millennia old Jewish paradigm of primitive monotheism with its conception of theodicies that define the meaning of evil and the two millennia old theology of yearning.

to a G-d who turns over the world with its problems and solutions to us.

I am always amused by the movies in which people always come to church and beseech G-d to solve human created problems.

Eugen Schoenfeld, a professor and chair emeritus at Georgia State University and a survivor of the Holocaust, will be speaking at Shema Yisrael during the High Holidays.

The Holocaust brought an end to a Judaism that is rooted in a punitive G-d philosophy expressed in the prayer: Because of our sins we were exiled from our land and also ended the yearning for the Messianic ideal.

Most people gave up the belief that G-d will act through a Messiah for the redemption of Jews. The Old image of G-d has become inadequate and we still struggle to develop a new image of G-d.

Alas, the new images with which we are presented are merely patched up old images.

We need a spiritualism in a new key, not the old ones that are still being forced on us, even though they are no longer valid and cannot interpret the world as we now see it.

We do not need a renewal of the Old Chassidism even with a kabalistic bent nor do we need a Talmudic Halahaik dictatorship. It is time that we cease to hold on with great ferocity to rabbinic Judaism, a belief system that originated in the first century to provide answers for the first century life and which lasted additional 19th centuries.

We need now a new vision of G-d one that gives us both our freedom from theological anthropomorphism

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january 31 ▪ 2014

heavenly court with a accuser and a defender? Not.

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AJT

Jaffe’s Jewish Jive

Are You a Med Head?

RADIO HOST, AUTHOR is SPEAKER FOR WINTER SEMESTER KICKOFF

BY MARCIA JAFFE AJT Contributor

N

o, it’s not a scalp treatment or Jewish hypochondriac.

It’s the fan base following nationally syndicated radio host Michael Medved.

His columns are frequently featured in USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, and Commentary Magazine.

As a best selling author, veteran film critic (for PBS and the New York Post), and proud Jew, Medved addressed over 350 people at the Beth Tefilah Synagogue on Jan. 12.

The topic, “Israel Alone? How The Jewish State Can Continue To Flourish In An Often Hostile World” was sponsored by the Dayanut Institute as its Winter Semester Kickoff.

He took a permanent leave of absence from law school to pursue a career in Democratic speech writing and strategizing. Back to California led to recruiting African Americans and Hispanics as Police Officers.

In 1980, he became involved with Ronald Regan and switched over. He also considers himself a bael teshuva (returning to Jewish traditions).

Before locating to Seattle with his family, he served Southern California well by being president/co founder of an Orthodox Congregation (for 15 years) and co founder of a Jewish Day School.

Michael Medved

more Fortune 500 companies than all of Atlanta and referred to some of our local politicians.

And Now the Bitter Pills

january 31 ▪ 2014

Medved’s daily broadcast reaches over 3.5 million listeners a week L-R: Attorney General Sam Olens, Dr. John Galambos, on 200 staRabbi Vossi Nen, Dr. Jeff Kunkes, Medved, Eva Golambos. tions across the countryconsistently ranking the show over A Hamisha Guy the past 14 years as one of the top 10 During the pre-speech book signpolitical talk shows in the U.S., heard ing, I found him to be approachable locally on 920 WGKA from 3 to 6 p.m. and charmingly unimpressed with his weekdays. own importance, as we locals huddled Years ago, I was fascinated by around his table.

Medved’s book “Right Turns” (on un He personally leads groups of tourabridged CD at the public library). ists to Israel, and urged us to sign up Though his leanings are to the conserfor his May 2105 trip. Now that would vative side, he is a reasonable voice be a really cool experience. who has guest hosted for Rush Limbaugh (maybe not as beloved). Four I asked if I was standing too close of his 12 books recognize the worst to him; and he said, “No way,” and gave an appropriate hug. achievements in Hollywood’s history.

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A Double Bael Teshuva Growing up in San Diego, Medved entered Yale at 16 as a Merit Scholar and was a classmate with the Clintons (that has bragging rights, if questionably) at Yale Law School.

Medved did his homework and related well to Atlanta. He said, “I know it’s tacky, but our son just got engaged to a member of Rabbi New’s daughter’s congregation. She is married to our local rabbi’s son. Jewish life can make for wonderful connections.”

The audience was fascinated with his statistic that Sandy Springs has

The really sobering lessons came soon. Why is Israel (and the U.S.) so truly reviled, feared (and admired?) by the world?

Medved referred to surveys to illustrate: Of 22 nations surveyed, only Kenya and Nigeria viewed Israel positively because, “they too have felt the bulwark of persecution of Muslim extremism.” And Israel has been generous with aid to them.

Of 70 nations surveyed as to which nation is the most dangerous, the U.S. placed as No. 1, Pakistan No. 2, with Israel No. 3.

Medved exclaimed, “Isn’t it perplexing that Iran and North Korea are viewed as less dangerous than us? Even Canada (despite the efforts of their very friendly prime minister, Stephen Harper) and Japan have negative views of us. The Elders of Zion for the past six years has been a best seller in Japan.

“You in the South should know this; Evangelical Christians are more favorable to Israel than many American Jews. Are we are own worst enemies? Only one in four Americans have ever bothered to visit Israel. The PEW study showed how American Jews rank what’s important to Jewish identity: social justice (liberal politics)

and our sense of humor are ahead of support of Israel!” How bizarrely secular is that?

Chuck Berk, Board Chairman of Israel Bonds Authority said, “I was shocked by the overwhelming negative opinion of Israel from the 70 country survey which Medved quoted and that it wasn’t just Arab and third world countries. Only 16 percent of people in the U.K. view Israel positively, 25 percent in Canada, and the worst is Japan. This reinforces why it’s so important for the U.S. to support our great ally, Israel” A History Lesson Medved wowed some with some old fashioned American history vis a vis the feelings towards Jews.

Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Ben Franklin are all cited as having pro-Jewish sentiments. “Note that the 1840 Census showed the Jewish population as .04 percent or just four one hundredths of a percent.”

Ben Franklin designed a seal depicting Moses leading the Jews to the Promised Land. John Q. Adams, the sixth President, was a Hebrew scholar who was ambidextrous and took exams in both Hebrew and Greek simultaneously.

His father, the second President John Adams, wrote in a letter, “Once the weak imbecile Turks are ousted, Jews will make the desolate desert bloom.”

In 1844, NYU had a Chair of the Hebrew Department who happened to be Christian, and was coincidentally named George Bush. The book “Valley of the Vision” forecasted the 1944 Jewish rededication of Jerusalem.”

Medved further set the historical stage. “President Tyler sent the first American Consul to Jerusalem.

Warder Cresson, a Quaker turned Baptist turned Mormon ultimately converted to Judaism and underwent circumcision and changed his name to Michal Boaz Ben Avraham. Note that the population of Jerusalem was 20,000 and smaller than the City of Sandy Springs,” said Medved.

This ambassador sounds as confused as some of the men on JDate.

Atlantans Chime In Eva Galambos, ex-mayor of Sandy Spring said, “I thought his historical data that shows the affinity between America and the idea of the Jewish homeland back to Revolutionary days was interesting, although I had read a history book recently that documented much of what he said; so it was not new to me. However, the affinity between the U.S. and Israel did not validate what I thought his subject was: that Israel would survive. I thought that was the topic he advertised and it did not turn out to be that at all.”

Michael Medved addresses a full house.

Look at Tom Cruz. Like him or not. He was born to a Cuban father and American mother in Canada and is now a U.S. Senator. Both Israel and the U.S.

have G-d’s involvement. Listen to our songs, ‘G-d Bless America,’ ‘G-d shed His grace on thee.’ Remember five times more people go to church each week than the movies.

“Israel’s success is not based on freakish blunder. Depsite its size, Israel has the third most companies on the NASDAQ – more than Germany, Japan or Canada. Actually Israel

PRESENTS

Medved boiled it down to two factors. “Both the U.S. and Israel were founded on choice and ideas. People chose to become Americans or Israelis. Other nations were formed from bloodlines and accidents of birth.

“We infuriate the rest of the world because we feel proud our immigrant forefathers chose American identity.

When did anyone ever choose French identity?”

He joked and asked, “Even why?

Live with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra

February 7–15, 2014 Perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs

atlantaballet.com OR IG I NAL. D I STI N CTIVE. B R E AT H TA K I N G .

| 1.800.982.2787

january 31 ▪ 2014

Why They Hate Us

Christian Clark and Alessa Rogers. Photo by Charlie McCullers.

Attendee Tom Greenfield said,” “I enjoy listing to Michael Medved’s radio program. He is extremely wellinformed. However, I had hoped for more political insight related to the current tenuous situation in the Middle East, rather than a lengthy lesson in historical minutiae.”

Groups of 10+ call 404.873.5811 x207

11

AJT used to be second, but China just took the spot,” boasted Medved.

Attendee Ray Schoenbaum, proprietor of Ray’s Restaurants said, “The statistics are incredible; but I heard too many numbers without what they really mean. I am frustrated by our rigid stance in day-to-day situations and the world vision of politics as a passive approach. What happened to actually fighting a necessary war to win? Not to just tie. I found Medved’s approach to history fascinating in the acceptance and realization of a Jewish homeland.”

Some Big Lies Medved said it is a demographic myth that Israel is losing Jewish population.

“It has never been higher. Palestine hasn’t had a census in 20 years.

There are 200,000 people of Palestinian origin in Chicago!

“People are making Aliyah in great numbers; and the birth rate, espe-

Michael Medved and Ray Schoenbaum

cially among religious Jews, is higher than Palestinians. Israel’s GDP is comparable Great Britain’s. Living is Israel is not a sacrifice. It is a happy country.

Katherine and Jacob Greenfield Hebrew Academy

‫ש גרינפילד‬,,‫בית הספר היהודי ע‬ www.ghacademy.org

“So many positive things. Chabad is growing with now 3,600 congregations. There is a surge in kosher food.

Look at your Jewish Attorney General in Georgia..Sam Olens.”

Great things are happening at GHA! Join us for these special events!

Recognizing Black History Month, Atlanta's vocal ensemble of Oliver Nathan Greene and Lori Christian, celebrates performance, preservation and education of African-derived music accompanied by GHA students.

Saturday, February 8 at 7:45 pm; Free

Attendee Dr. Alan Sunshine said, “Medved’s ability to express the common values and history between the United States and Israel was refreshing. He explained why Israel is such a close and trusted U.S. ally. What was missing was how Israel can improve its brand and reputation in the world today.”

According to Medved, “When people see Israel with their own eyes, they never come home with anti-Israeli sentiment. The only exception is some idiots who go to Nablus and call that seeing Israel.

About Israel, he concluded, “There is joy in just knowing that you are part of something so eternally significant as the return of the Jewish people to our promised homeland.”

Ambassador Ron Prosor

january 31 ▪ 2014

What Can We Do?

“Birthright visits are important as is cooperation with our Christian allies. Some American Jews don’t see Israel as clearly as our Christian friends who see it as a fulfillment of G-d’s promise.”

Amandla

12

Michael Medved and Marcia Jafffe

Israel's Permanent Representative to the UN; speaking about Israel's international diplomacy; Tuesday, February 11 at 7:30 pm; Free, but RSVPs are requested.

RSVP to speakers@ghacademy.org or 404-843-9900

Want to become a MedHead?

Tune in to what his website calls, “The Greatest Podcast on G-d’s Green Earth.”

After 35 years with the Atlanta Newspapers, Marcia currently serves as Retail VP for the Buckhead Business Association where she delivers news and trends (laced with a little gossip).

On the side, Marcia is Captain of the Senior Cheerleaders for the WNBA at Philips Arena.

AJT

OP-ed

The Jewish Grandmother and Her Smartphone WOES OF THE TOLLS; TECHNOLOGY TAKES ON RELATIONSHIPS

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

I

’d become intrigued by beautiful people (and some not so beautiful) in elevators, restaurants, automobiles, waiting rooms and office hallways, with their eyeballs and eardrums glued to the device I learned was a “smartphone.”

What threw me into their gene pool was an article claiming that many such users were never more than five feet away from their phones 24/7. According to the article, half of the studied group slept with their phones, some dialed in the shower, and others diddled while they were making love. So I knew I had to have one.

The challenge was to convince my 1950s Jewish wife to join the venture for the Family Plan. I define a 1950s Jewish wife as one which emerged from the womb, proficient in all matters domestic and parental, but not technological.

Despite my brilliant sales pitch extolling the virtues of this miraculous new contraption, her rejection was absolute. She vowed that she’d only be making phone calls, never use any form of texting, wouldn’t have time for the other bells and whistles, etc. Exasperated but undaunted, I dragged her kicking and screaming to the phone store.

To my great surprise and delight, thanks to several friendly and kind salespeople, our grandson, two daughters, and my less than patient instructions, Sally metamorphosed from an intimidated neophyte into the “smartphone techie” she is today.

She makes and receives phone calls, texts, emails, and verbally dictates messages to her contacts. She also shares photos, checks the weather and schedules her life on the calendar application.

She communicates from her bedroom, the living room, the kitchen, while shopping, during meetings

and even in her car. Already, she understands Bluetooth, the difference between 3G and 4G, apps, and is conversant about Pandora and Scoutmob.

The last step in in her transformation: join the masses of people who fiddle with their phones in restaurants oblivious to concerned tablemates.

So my wife, our smartphones, and I have been sharing a sort of ménage à trois relationship. Our home is filled with music of instrumental ringtones denoting: phone calls, emails and text messages. My wife is constantly in touch with the world.

The problem now is that there’s not much time for me aside from “howdy-do” and to-do lists. Date

nights? Forget about it!

Our phone plan will be up for renegotiation in 18 months and I’m already contemplating my options.

It’ll be about the same time as our 57 year wedding anniversary and I’m thinking of renegotiating that original contract as well.

While perusing our ketubah, our marriage contract, I was shocked to rediscover what I had hastily signed back when I was a dazed, and nervous groom obligated me to perform a detailed list of responsibilities for Sally; and only a brief, hazy mention of what I could expect from her.

“She has taken it upon herself the fulfillment of all duties incumbent upon a Jewish wife.”

That’s it. No details. Nothing

about forsaking other gadgets for me. Nothing about ‘til death or phone time do us part. I’m unsure where the clause to love, honor, and obey scampered off to.

I’ve searched, but ignoring one’s husband for a smartphone is not enough grounds for a get (Jewish divorce). I’m hopeful, however, that the phone company will consider my plea as reason enough to resolve my predicament.

Surely they have a staff that counsel phone-estranged couples, or perhaps provide a discount for my “pain and suffering.” I’ve got 18 months to figure it out.

In the meanwhile, if you’re talking, texting, or emailing Sally, would you please remind her I’m still on hold?

EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL LECTURE in the TENENBAUM FAMILY LECTURE SERIES in JUDAIC STUDIES

William G. Dever

Distinguished Visiting Professor, Lycoming College Professor Emeritus of Near Eastern Studies, Arizona State University

Did God Have a Wife?

Archaeology and Folk Religion in Ancient Israel This illustrated lecture will showcase recent archaeological evidence that reveals the differences in beliefs and practices of ordinary people in ancient Israel compared to the elitist, idealist portrait in the Bible.

February 3, 2014 Wednesday, 7:30pm Reception Hall Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University This event is free and open to the public ~ Please join us for a reception following the lecture Free parking available at Fishburne and Peavine Parking Decks

january 31 ▪ 2014

BY PHILIP A. KAPLAN

13

AJT

arts & entertainment

The Bex Factor

local shaking up hollywooD SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

L

ike anyone else who talks about how they found their calling, Bex Taylor-Klaus’s story of how she decided to pursue acting as a way of life began with an epiphany. Unlike other epiphanies, her transformative event came about, not as the result of meditation or reverie, but of a tirade.

“I was doing an acting program in 2010, when I was 16,” Taylor-Klaus recalls. “About halfway through the first class, one of the teachers lost her temper with us because we weren’t paying attention. She told us that if we really didn’t want to do this, then she would go home and we should tell our parents to try to get a refund because we weren’t serious about acting.

“That was my wakeup call — I stopped jerking around and started focusing, because I realized that this was the one thing I wanted to do.”

The results of her realization are plain to see for anyone with cable and Netflix: In less than a year, TaylorKlaus has landed recurring roles in the AMC series “The Killing,” the CW series “Arrow” and, as of Jan. 12, on the Showtime series, “House of Lies.”

To hear Taylor-Klaus tell it, although she never thought of an acting career as a viable choice before that class, the groundwork for her success in the field was laid at an early age.

“If you ask my parents,” she says with a laugh, “they’ll tell you I came out of the womb acting. Then, when I was around 2 years old, I became Dorothy from ‘The Wizard of Oz.’”

january 31 ▪ 2014

She wore the gingham dress and the ruby slippers all around her Buckhead home and refused to answer to any other name.

Shortly thereafter, the fourthgeneration Atlantan’s parents made her a regular presence at many of the city’s theater programs, from preschool classes to after-school Shakespeare to the Atlanta Workshop Players sleepaway camp, where one of her counselors was Daniel Platzman, currently the drummer for the Top 40-charting band Imagine Dragons.

“We put her in acting classes be-

14 cause it was cheaper than therapy,”

jokes Elaine Taylor-Klaus, Bex’s mother. “We never considered that it would be her vocation; it was just something she was really good at and that she loved. Whether she was putting on make up or creating characters, when she took acting classes, she was happy and fulfilled.”

Today, Elaine can add “employed” to the list of what acting has done for her daughter after she and her husband, David, who is also her business partner in the Atlantabased life coaching company, Touchstone, took a leap of faith in 2012 by letting Bex move to Los Angeles on her 18th birthday to live with the family of her best friend from CGTV, the company that she had been training with since that 2010 class.

That faith was rewarded less than seven months later. Bex was working at the time as an intern with CGTV, going on auditions and living in the famous Oakwood apartment complex in Toluca Lake, just up the hill from Studio City, when she got the call that she would be playing Bullet, a tough-as-nails lesbian teen who served as a watchful guardian for her fellow homeless on the streets of Seattle, where “The Killing” is set.

Within the span of 10 days, she went from having to figure out how to get from work to auditions, to having people whose primary job was to hold umbrellas over her so that the cold rain of Vancouver, where “The Killing” was shot, wouldn’t mess with her make up or wardrobe.

Bex says that learning how to navigate the world of a production set was “really easy to figure out — but having people take care of me, like having a trailer with people asking what they can get for me, what they can do for me, having wardrobe come in and give me clothes — was really weird.”

She says she found it just as easy to inhabit the character of Bullet.

“That was the fun of it,” she exclaims. “Bullet was not me. We have things in common, but we are not the same person. She is her own character; I just got the chance to bring her to life.”

Indeed, Bex’s portrayal of Bullet was so vivid, so affecting and so popular with the show’s audience that she was given sixth billing in the credits

AJT

For her, as long as she is able to practice her craft — something she has been able to do full-time ever since she graduated from her Los Angeles high school this past spring (“I finished before the rest of the kids in my class,” she proudly proclaims) — people can pigeonhole her all they want.

But a better indicator of the impact of her first role can be summarized by a single number: 80. That is how many countries that Bex has received emails, artwork, prose and poetry from, sent by people affected by her work.

“Bullet really touched a chord with young people all over the globe,” Elaine says, still sounding a bit overwhelmed by the outpouring of responses to her daughter’s character. “She has heard from kids struggling with gender identity, struggling for gender acceptance — she became almost an icon for gender acceptance.”

One reason Elaine gives for why her straight daughter’s depiction of a lesbian resonated so strongly is that Bex has been an advocate of LGBT rights for years.

“She got involved with it right around her bat mitzvah,” which the family, then members of the Conservative Congregation Or Hadash (they now belong to the Reconstructionist Congregation Bet Haverim), held at Camp Barney, which Bex attended faithfully for years before moving to the West Coast.

Despite being thousands of miles from her family and the only Jewish community she has ever known, Bex makes it clear that there is plenty of room and opportunity off-set for Judaism in her life.

“On Fridays, I can be with my family by Skype or FaceTime for Shabbat,” she emphasizes. ”I have my siddur on my desk, my tallis on my shelf, and on the High Holidays, I go to be with friends of the family.”

Judging by the trajectory of her career, she is going to have to work hard to hold onto those days of rest. Her role as Sin, a teenaged ally of Black Canary in “Arrow,” the CW show based on DC Comics’ Green Arrow, has been expanded similar to what happened with “The Killing” — she is now slated to appear in multiple episodes this season.

And Lex, her character on “House of Lies,” whom she describes as a gender-queer basketball player.

“I really can’t say any more — the show is shrouded in secrecy,” she offers apologetically, is also slated for a multi-episode story arc.

A lesbian teen, a streetwise teen, a gender-queer teen — when asked if she is worried about being typecast going forward, Bex is sanguine in her reply.

“I don’t see the point in worrying about that,” she says. “The way the world is going, TV and film will be diving into this area more and more — that just means I get work, that I will be going into the dark places that everyone else strives so hard to stay away from.”

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january 31 ▪ 2014

and was added to more episodes.

“Acting is putting your heart into something, putting pieces of yourself into someone to breathe life into them. I’m proud of what I have done, but I’m not done. I want to keep going.”

15

AJT

arts & entertainment

“Founding Mothers”: Our Forgotten Foundations AUTHOR COKIE ROBERTS COMING TO DAVIS ACADEMY

BY DANA SPECTOR and ARLENE aPPLEROUTH EXCLUSIVE FOR THE AJT

AJT: Is it the kind of book mothers would read to their preschoolers?

A

CR: It’s too advanced for that.

The only time I read it out loud was to my just-turned 8-year-old granddaughter.

And she was fascinated to the point where the next morning she grabbed her mother and took her on to the couch and read it to her.

ward winning journalist and political commentator, Cokie Roberts will hold a discussion and book signing at the Alfred & Adele Davis Academy on Feb. 5 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Roberts is the author of “Founding Mothers: Ladies of Liberty,” the untold-stories of female patriots of the American Revolution. Her newest release is an educational children’s book of the same name.

She could pick it up and read it in snatches because it’s a page per woman, but to read it out loud requires a child sitting and being still for a period of time. Even that was a fascinating experience, because I didn’t know what vocabulary was acceptable, but fortunately these children look at it as they do.

This will mark Roberts’ third published work. She is also the author of “Our Haggadah: Uniting Traditions for Interfaith Families.”

Davis’s upcoming event serves as an opportunity to meet a pioneer in the field of journalism.

Roberts has exhibited her ability to balance both a high-profile career in the industry, as well as make time for marriage and motherhood.

AJT: So you’ve learned a lot, because you’ve written books but never for this age group.

CR: Absolutely. [My editor] said here’s what we’d like, and I produced it.

In doing so, she follows in the footsteps of another remarkable woman – her mother – the late Lindy Boggs, who served as a member of Congress and an Ambassador during an era when women primarily stayed at home.

january 31 ▪ 2014

Roberts, who is Catholic, and her husband Steven, who is Jewish, are known for their choice to rear their children with both the Jewish and Catholic traditions. Her children are adults now, but Roberts does not discuss their faith and beliefs out of respect for their privacy.

16

Copies of “Founding Mothers: Ladies of Liberty,” may be purchased at the event, after which Roberts will hold an autograph session. This event is free and open to the general public.

The Atlanta Jewish Times had the chance to interview her about the release of her new book and her recent trip to Atlanta.

AJT: What inspired you originally to write about the founding mothers?

The Atlanta Jewish Times: Which woman in the book stands out to you the most as a role model for young women today?

Cokie Roberts: I never have answers to questions like that, because everybody is so different from each other.

These women are all fascinating, powerful influential women. Each child can pick the one that they like best.

AJT: What age group is your book geared to?

CR: What it says inside the flap is

7-12, now I think that’s a very broad range. But obviously children are very different from each other in their stages of development, so I suspect that’s a way of saying to older kids this is okay for you.

The children’s book business is really interesting and it’s one I know nothing about. I’ve learned on the job in the course of doing this book. But they’re very knowledgeable people and really know their readers.

After “Founding Mothers” came out, the publisher asked me to do a children’s book.

CR: Well, I cover politics and Congress, and when you do that, you have to spend a lot of time with the founding fathers.

You go back, look at debates over things like the right to bear arms and religion in the public square.

So I was getting to know them awfully well and started wondering about the women, because I also, as you said, grew up with parents in Congress and saw how incredibly influential the political wives were in my childhood.

I started wondering about these women, and I went back to learn about them and found that it was incredibly hard to do because very little

AJT because when you think about it, it is amazing, particularly when you read these women’s letters [and see] how deeply, deeply political they were in the 18th century— and then it takes until 1920! It is shocking.

the community, which is a wonderful life, I have no problem with that, but the world turned topsy-turvy. Now there are nothing but women in journalism classes!

Meet Cokie Roberts in person at An Evening With Cokie Roberts, held in The Davis Academy in the Lower School, Feb. 5. To reserve a seat, RSVP to rsvp@davisacademy.org.

Register Now for the 2014-2015 School Year!

AJT: Will you be spending a lot of time doing book tours?

AJT: When did “Founding Mothers” first come out?

CR: 2004. And there’s a sequel that came out in 2008.

AJT: Are you working full time?

CR: I’m contributing to both NPR and NBC. AJT: How would you estimate that the founding mothers would react to modern feminism?

CR: I think they’d be all for it. I think they’d be amazed that it took as long as it did for women to get the vote,

CR: Always my mother, it’s so easy.

She was such a remarkable person and remains an incredible role model to me. She just died in July and my New Year’s Resolution is to be more like my mother.

AJT: What are some qualities that you’re still striving for that she attained?

CR: Being so incredibly good to everybody, while still doing a remarkable job of whatever job she had, but always taking care of everybody no matter who they were and whether she knew them or not. The sense that every human being deserved her attention and care is something quite wonderful. She was also a lot of fun.

AJT: Are we correct in assuming that [you didn’t have doubts about your future possibilities due to your family life]?

CR: The times were the times, so the expectations of women were very much that you would get married and have children and do good things for

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january 31 ▪ 2014

CR: With a great deal of difficulty, because people did not consider these women important. In many cases their papers were not saved or were not well-saved. In most cases, a biography had not been written (Abigail Adams is the big exception) or if a biography had been written it was a 19th century biography that was so flowery and unsubstantiated that you didn’t know how much of it was true. So it was a lot of detective work, but I’m a journalist so you’ve got to learn how to do that.

AJT: Who would be the “founding mother”-roles model in your life?

The Sunshine School, East Cobb The Weinstein School, Dunwoody

TIONS OP

AJT: How did you do your research?

For Ages 6 weeks - Pre-K

FL E

had been written about them. So in order to learn about them, I had to write about them.

CR: Not a lot for this book. For the other books I’ve done a huge amount of touring, but this is a kid’s book. But I’m very excited to come to Davis Academy; it’s wonderful to go to a great school like that.

17

AJT

community

‘A Stolen Life,’ Now on Display

ALLIANCE FRANCAISE AND GOETHE-ZENTRUM BRING EXHIBIT TO ATLANTA by al shams SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

“Writing the entire reality and the tragic things we live, given all their bare seriousness and without deforming them with words that is a very difficult task which requires a constant effort.”

A

lmost two years after the publication of the journal, written between 1942 and 1944, the Mémorial de la Shoah chose to return to the tragic destiny of Hélène Berr, a young Parisian girl deported to Auschwitz in 1944.

For 60 years, the manuscript of Hélène Berr’s diary did not exist except as a painful family heritage. One day in 2002, Mariette Job, Hélène’s niece, decided to entrust the manuscript with the Mémorial de la Shoah.

Published by Tallandier in January of 2008, the diary met an immense success from the very beginning of its publication.

This exhibition, curated by Karen Taieb and Sophie Nagiscarde, was designed, created, and circulated by Mémorial de la Shoah (Paris, France), and made possible through the generous support of SNCF.

Through this exhibition, the Mémorial de la Shoah offers the public the opportunity to discover several family documents archived at the museum’s documentation center,

Alliance Française d’Atlanta and the Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta are united in their mission of cultural and language exchange in the Atlanta community. The Hélène Berr exhibit is an example of the diverse cultural programming on which these organizations partner. 2013 marked the 50th anniversary of the Élysée Treaty, or Treaty of Friendship between France and Germany. It is in this spirit of partnership that the Hélène Berr exhibition is brought to Atlanta.

Expanding beyond the strict frame of the journal and the personality of Hélène Berr, this exhibit elaborates on the background of the occupation and tackles more largely the persecution of the Jews in France.

A student of English, Hélène Berr was 21 years old when she began writing her journal. The year was 1942 and the anti-Jewish laws of Vichy started to radically change her life little by little.

About the Organizations Alliance Française d’Atlanta is an independent and non-profit organization, founded in 1912, serving the Atlanta community as the premier provider of French language and culture.

Until March of 1944, the date of her arrest, she kept her journal on a daily basis. Deported to Auschwitz with her parents, she died in 1945 at Bergen-Belsen, a few days before the camp’s liberation.

“This text, of an exceptional literary quality, a subtle account of what France and Paris of the Occupation were like, reveals a real premonition of the inevitable, as the last lines of her Journal evoke: “Horror, Horror, Horror.”

january 31 ▪ 2014

They offer French language studies and cultural exchange programs promoting French culture, as well as representing France and 50 Francophone countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. With more than 1,000 members served annually, they offer a variety of courses, social activities and cultural events.

They have no political or religious affiliation and do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, creed, race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta supports and informs all those who would like to teach or study German and are interested in Germany and its culture.

Through a variety of cultural events the center promotes international cultural cooperation and plays a large role in building bridges of understanding and in conveying the appropriate image of modern Germany.

The Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta is part of the general network of the 140 Goethe-Instituts worldwide. The Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta supports German teachers in Alabama, Arkansas, North and South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas, and offers workshops and seminars for teachers of German as a foreign language.

A network of particularly qualified teachers has been charged with the task of spreading the newest ideas on teaching techniques and didactics in multiple seminars throughout the whole region. A large program of internationally recognized exams, which can be taken in 15 examination centers throughout the region, complements the program

In a deeply moving written account, this text mixes the daily experience of the unbearable with the ideal world of letters, alternating in every moment between hope and desperation.

Regarding wearing the yellow star, Hélène wrote, “My G-d, I would not believe that this would be so hard.

I have had a lot of courage all day. I kept my head high, and I looked at peoples’ faces so well as they averted their eyes. But it is hard. Otherwise, the majority of people do not look.

The most painful part is meeting oth18 er people who wear it.”

speaking world and our local communities.

other archives that broaden the historical context, as well as reproductions of the original manuscript and an interactive map of Paris.

The mission of Alliance Française d’Atlanta is to encourage the study of French language and cultures and to foster cultural, intellectual, and artistic exchanges between the French-

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

AJT

community

MLK Weekend Events CONGREGATION OR HADASH Congregation Or Hadash’s spiritual leaders, Rabbi Dr. Analia Bortz and Rabbi Mario Karpuj with Ambasssador Ido Aharoni, Consul General of Israel in New York, at the Jewish National Fund’s 2014 Community Conversation held at COH on Sun., Jan. 19.

On Jan. 17, Congregation Or Hadash was fortunate to host from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Rev. Jeffery M. Ott, as well as enjoy music by their amazing choir. Hillside Church’s ‘Truth in Motion’ dance ministry also performed for the congregation.

Congregation Or Hadash Synagogue Educator, Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser discussed with the younger religious school students the history and legacy of MLK, the parallels between Black and Jewish experiences, as well as moral and civic responsibility commanded by Torah.

january 31 ▪ 2014

Congregation Or Hadash’s religious school (Machon Hadash) students helping out at a group home for developmentally delayed adults during their Annual Family Community Day of Service. Twenty families gave of their time to help those in need at nine locations in the community as commanded by Torah and echoed in the sentiments of MLK.

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AJT

community

Dedication at Bloom Medical Intensive Care Unit JEWISH WAR VETERANS DONATE, HELP RENOVATE WAITING ROOM SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

A

fter many months and overcoming multiple obstacles, on Jan. 9, Jewish War Veterans Atlanta Bicentennial Post 112 and the VA Medical Center had a beautiful ceremony dedicating the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) in honor of Don Bloom, known affectionately as “Mr. VA.” Ms. Derenda McCook, Chief of Voluntary Service, represented the VA Medical Center and Bambi Bloom, Don’s daughter, was an honored participant in the ceremony.

Others present included Fred Glusman Robert Max, Commander, Bob Maran, Harvey Merlin and Don Gilner.

Prior to the dedication ceremony, Ms. McCook was presented with a check for $5,000 on behalf of Post

112. This fulfilled the commitment of a total of $10,000 donation by JWV Post 112 for renovation of the MICU waiting room.

This mitzvah is a shining example of how Post 112 supports all veterans from donations received on Memorial Day and Veterans Day weekends.

Volunteers at the Don Bloom MICU Dedication included: • Bambi Bloom • Debbie Schrodt • Derenda McCook • Robert Max • Bob Maran • Harvey Merlin • Fred Glusman • Barry Benator

Florence Melton Award 2014

DR. SHELLEY BUXBAUM ACCEPTS NATIONAL AWARD ON BEHALF OF MJCCA having earned Bachelor of Religious Education, MA and PhD degrees. Additionally, she graduated from Barnard College with a BA in Religion and Anthropology.

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

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r. Shelley Buxbaum, MJCCA’s Director of the Lisa F. Brill Institute for Jewish Learning and the MJCCA’s Florence Melton Adult School of Jewish Learning recently accepted the 2014 Florence Melton Award, which honors outstanding achievement and exemplary practices in the field of Jewish Learning, on behalf of the MJCCA’s Melton School.

Melton CEO Judy Mars Kupchan presented Dr. Buxbaum with the award when she and Janice Wolf, CFO of the MJCCA, attended the 19th Annual International Directors Conference held at Camp Young Judea in Wimberley, Texas. january 31 ▪ 2014

Gail Luxenberg, MJCCA CEO said, “We are pleased to receive national recognition for our Melton School, a program that now has 10 partnering agencies, city-wide. This award truly exemplifies Shelley’s dedication and level of expertise, as the director of one of the world’s larg20 est Melton Schools.”

Along the way to earning her PhD, she attended Bank Street College and was invited to the Hebrew University as a visiting scholar.

Ms. Kupchan presented the award to Dr. Buxbaum on the opening day of the International Directors Conference. The award was established in 2009 to memorialize the founder of the Melton School, Florence Melton, recognizing one Melton School whose accomplishments are outstanding.

The annual International Directors Conference brings directors from the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and South Africa to focus on professional development, sharing best practices, and growing Jewishly.

Shelley Buxbaum Shelley is a three-time graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary,

After serving as a Jewish educator in New York City, Stamford, Conn., and West Palm Beach, Fla, Shelley moved to Atlanta in 2009 when she joined the staff of the MJCCA as Director of the Lisa Brill Institute of Jewish Learning and Director of the Florence Melton Adult School of Jewish Learning.

She has taught Judaic programming at the MJCCA since July 2009.

The program now has 400 students, 25-plus classes, and multiple locations all over metro Atlanta.

About The MJCCA’s Florence Melton Adult School of Jewish Learning The MJCCA’s Melton school is sponsored in affiliation with the in-

ternationally acclaimed Melton Center for Jewish Education in the Diaspora, at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

The Florence Melton Adult School of Jewish Learning is the largest pluralistic adult Jewish education network in the world.

Classes integrate Jewish history, law, language, practices, and ideas through study of primary sources and group discussion. Designed to accommodate “real life” - there are no prerequisites, grades, exams, outside reading, or homework.

Now registering for second semester classes that begin Jan. 2014. For information, contact Laurie Finkelstein at (678) 812- 3723, or Laurie.finkelstein@atlantajcc.org. For a complete schedule of classes, visit www.atlantajcc.org/brill.

AJT

community

Saying Goodbye, but Looking Ahead

THE STORY OF A CAMPUS COMMUNITY’S SMALL BEGINNINGS

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his past Friday was the last day of my four and a half years at Hillels of Georgia.

Coming from a previous role at the Boston Federation, I did not know what to expect as the Georgia Tech Hillel Director.

GT already had a full time Hillel staff two years before I arrived, yet the program was still exceedingly small.

Over the last 50 years, and in its various manifestations at JSU or Atlanta YAD, Hillel’s events never had more than a small cadre of students attend any given event, and there was not a GT Hillel Program in the truest sense of the word. As I look back now on my last day as the Coles Metro Hillel Director – a position I assumed at the start of last academic year – I can appreciate all the changes that came about over this half decade I was with Hillels of Georgia; and, as much as I hope I have impacted the students’ lives, they have also changed mine.

In my first year, our Shabbat meals were small at GT. We had one room that we first prayed in and then re-arranged the room to accommodate our meal. Today, we can see up to 90 students attend Friday night prayers and meals at GT, and of course now have the infrastructure in place that we can book two rooms on campus without the need for any re-arranging.

Along with the program, my Metro students are also exceptional. Students at GT are thoughtful and think critically about Jewish life: students will compare the dreidle’s angular momentum to atoms or discuss the electric circuits that are allowed in lights on Shabbat.

On any given Thursday at Georgia State, you can find 40 students crowded into the Hillel room enjoying lunch and hearing from a dynamic speaker. And KSU students are com-

mitted to a variety of exciting projects with the Kennesaw Holocaust Museum.

I am impressed with their dedication to reaching out to new students and I’m lucky to have been a part of helping them create lasting friendships with other Jewish students. I am confident that these students will continue to take pride in their Jewish identity and support Israel on campus.

One thing that I am especially proud of is the Israel programming that I have taken part in or planned for the Metro Campuses. GT’s annual I-Fest, that welcomes over 800 Jews and non-Jews to learn a bit about Israel, has 25 individual stalls, the most in Georgia.

Also, as a Hillel professional, I was able to recruit for and then staff six Birthright trips. And the greatest satisfaction was being able to watch 240 students as they experience Israel for the first time Over the past few years I have watched nine different groups of student leaders transition into being inspiring and impactful leaders among their peers and triple student attendance at events.

In everything that I’ve done, I’ve watched Hillel students step up, cultivate community, and create a place where it matters to be Jewish and it was well worth the countless number of free meals I transported to campus along the way.

Nonetheless, after five years as Director of our Metro Campus Hillels, I am coming full circle, and am excited to take the next step in my career with Federation as the Director of Young Adult Engagement and Education. I am thrilled that I will continue to be immersed in the Atlanta Jewish Community and I look forward to working with graduating seniors who stay in Atlanta, many of whom I have known already for four years!

january 31 ▪ 2014

BY SHIRA ROTHMAN SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

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AJT

Q&A with Arvin Goldberg

A CONVERSTION WITH THE NEW DIRECTOR OF JF&CS’ CAREER SERVICES

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

I

n a remarkable break of good fortune, the nonprofit world has landed a new gem as JF&CS brings on Arvin Goldberg as the director of its Career Services – Tools for Employment division. His resume speaks for itself.

Goldberg began his professional career through a buyer training program in the world of retail. Jewelcor, his first employer (a catalogue retail enterprise) led him into Atlantabased Ellman’s Jewelers, then to the famous Rich’s department store eventually as a divisional merchandise manager.

He then was recruited to join Silo Inc., after which he jumped into the cellular business with McCaw Cellular, which became AT&T Wireless.

He started off in marketing before moving into consumer sales. Goldberg played a key role in the influence of AT&T’s entry into the retail store business.

Next he served as the chief business operations officer for Radio Shack and then moved to Nextel, which became Sprint/Nextel, as vice president of supply chain operations.

He moved his skills for building supply chains in the pharmaceutical industry and finally went to Ernst & Young with these same skills.

january 31 ▪ 2014

Goldberg’s consulting experience gave him the opportunity to work with young MBA graduates where he enjoyed the training and coaching of fresh talent. This role included the recruitment of college graduates, allowing him to find new inspiration in this area.

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His extensive and diverse experience provides a solid foundation for evaluating skill sets in a variety of industries.

As he contemplated retirement, he realized he truly enjoyed helping people find employment and develop career paths. He volunteered for Junior Achievement in Atlanta, working with high school students who

were not pursuing a college education, and recognized that these young people required coaching in order to find any kind of meaningful employment.

JF&CS found his skills, professional expertise and compassion for the human potential to be an ideal foundation to lead Tools for Employment.

Under his leadership, a new vision for the division is emerging. Recently Brenda Fiske, JF&CS’ chief marketing officer, sat down with Goldberg to ask him a few questions about his journey and his plans for the future of his division.

Brenda Fiske: Why did you come back to work?

Arvin Goldberg: I was treated extremely well in my career and mentored by people who cared about me.

This is an opportunity to help people who are not as lucky as I was, to help them with their own personal challenges. Some people call it giving back. It is just the way I was brought up.

dealing with real human beings…. one on one with people as our mission.

weaknesses, find ways to improve and seek input from others on how you can be better.

Corporate with good, healthy cultures are sensitive to their own people, shareholders’ values, stock prices, etc. We are focused on enhancing the self-sufficiency of our clients. We are here to improve a way of life, of walking in the world.

BF: And finally, is there anything you have learned from your experience thus far at JF&CS? If so, has it had any impact on Tools for Employment’s operations?

BF: You are passionate about coaching and guiding people. Do you have any ‘lessons learned’ from your own experience you would like to share?

AG: I do!

BF: How would you describe your contribution in this nonprofit environment?

AG: My most important contribution to this process at this moment involves my approach to develop the same kind of operating structure and plan that I have used in my professional career while remaining sensitive about the modifications required to fit into the nonprofit world.

1. Do not shy away from challenges.

2. You do not want to pursure your career objectives at the expense of hurting someone else.

3. Everything you do is a result of how well you were supported by the people around you—either your superiors or the people on your team.

BF: How is nonprofit different from the “for-profit” world?

4. Come to terms early with the fact that you do not have all of the answers. No one expects you to.

You just need to know how to find them.

AG: There is a cultural difference between for- and nonprofit. We are

5. Consistently evaluate your own skill sets and recognize your

AG: I am starting to realize the difference between clients and candidates.

Anyone who comes to us for help with his or her career is a client.

Our goal is to convert clients into job-ready candidates. We professionally assess where someone is in his or her career timeline, and this helps us understand what it will take to help that individual.

This may involve career counseling, hands-on workshops and various forms of assessments. Trying to help individuals focus, obtain higher levels of confidence, give them hope and develop plans they can follow. I believe people are either victims or beneficiaries of their own beliefs. If they feel like victims, we are here to help them through that.

For more information about Career Services – Tools for Employment, please call 770.677.9358 or visit www.YTFL.org/careers.

AJT

EDEN’s GARDEN

Tu B’Shevat Resolutions

ENVIRONMENTALISM NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE

AJT contributor

E

veryone has New Year’s resolutions. They can be personal, worldly, or adding items to a never ending bucket list. Either way, the term New Year’s resolutions refer to goals that people feel more comfortable making now that the clocks are set back, now that there is a blank slate.

In Judaism, we have four New Years. The most famous, Rosh Hashanah, starts the calendar off in September. Then there are two very uncommon ones—the New Year for kings and for cattle, neither of which we celebrate nowadays.

The last is a holiday that passed a few weeks ago, and may or may not

have been celebrated, but in my opinion is very important.

I’d like to talk about my Tu B’Shevat resolutions.

You may be thinking that Tu B’Shevat, the New Year for the trees, is old news. We did our part—eating fruit, maybe having ritual fruit seders or planting trees—and it’s time to move on. I’d beg to differ.

I believe we should take this holiday one step further. We appreciate the nature around us; we appreciate the beautiful skies and the sweetsmelling air and the green all around us.

On Tu B’Shevat, we are thankful for the world we live in, this planet and its natural beauty. We even, maybe, do our part to help plant more trees, whether in our communities or in Israel. But one day is not enough.

Let’s go green. Not all at once, or anything drastic of course, but I encourage you to pick a green resolution for this New Year, and go with it.

The transition has helped me see the faults in the industry—environmental and otherwise—and given me a more natural connection to myself.

Perhaps it will have to do with a car—what type of emission vehicle it is, how often you drive it, if you drive it unnecessarily. More carpools or taking short walks make all the difference.

With creativity and genuine care for the world around us, we can do more than appreciate the environment in our hearts—we can appreciate it in our actions.

Perhaps it will have to do with clothing—where it comes from and if it’s produced ethically. Perhaps it even has to do with personal relationships with the outdoors, and going outside more.

This year, my Tu B’Shevat resolution was to re-do my hair products. No more chemical filled shampoos and conditioners—I found great recipes for more natural, kinder hair products that I could make in my own kitchen.

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.

IZE!

RESURGEN

january 31 ▪ 2014

By Eden Farber

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AJT

in the moment

No Grammy For You

Where is the Jewish Music Category?

BY BRAM BESSOFF

AJT contributor

W

ith all the Jews in the music industry it’s strange that there is no Jewish Music category. There are 82 awards given away including five Christian/Gospel categories and a handful of Latin categories, like Best Regional Mexican Music Album.

I get it, the Jewish Music industry is but a sliver compared to Christian, but its market share isn’t that far from the smaller categories like Best Classical Vocal Soloist. So why no category?

Some quick research may answer the question. Jews don’t rally like other religions. JVibe tried to start a petition for exactly this reason, and since its inception in 2005, there are only 1245 signatures, now 1246 – I signed.

To get a category considered by the Academy, all you have to do is ask, that’s how Hawaiian music got theirs – 20 years of lobbying.

There have been others in the past who have asked for a Jewish Music category and the Academy said no.

It seems there is little interest from the Jewish general public to push for one. Yet it might not be that cut and dry.

january 31 ▪ 2014

Jewish artists can be found in many categories, especially when you get into the lesser-known awards, and we have had solid representation in the past with the likes of Matisyahu and The Klezmatics being nominated for Best Reggae Albums.

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There were very few Jews in 2013’s nomination list and Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend was the only one to walk away with a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album for “Modern Vampires of the City.” But the biggest aspect to all of this may be the artist’s themselves.

How many Jewish Music artists – not Jewish musicians – actually belong to NARAS, the Nataional Acad-

emy of Recording Artists? I bet not that many, and I intend to find out.

All in all it comes down to our motivation to create the demand for Jewish Music categories, and that should start from the musicians themselves.

Many people don’t know how the Grammys truly work. It starts with being a member of the Academy. I am.

Those artists who qualify with a certain amount of commercial releases can be voting members. I vote every year.

To get nominated, you pretty much have to run a campaign, it is time and cost prohibitive, but it is possible to get yourself nominated by simply reaching out to the Academy’s base – many artists do this by combing Grammy365.com the social networking site of NARAS and reaching out to members directly.

The bigger artists have teams that get this done, and of course the hits promote themselves. Reach out to enough people and connect with them via your personality or music and you may find yourself being nominated – I get tons of these solicitations every fall.

So, if enough Jewish Music musicians were voting Academy members, and with a little schmoozing, they could easily get their music considered for at least the World Music Category. And, if enough of these artists campaigned for nominations, a demand for a Jewish Music category would become apparent.

If there was pressure both internally from the artists and externally from the listening public, a Jewish Music Grammy could easily become a reality.

It’s not complacency; we are a very proud and outspoken people. It is more about solidarity. This seems to be a common thread heard in many Friday and Saturday sermons, as well as being a common plea of many Jewish organizations seeking your donation.

We are not an apathetic people, perhaps private, but it’s not like we don’t care about the future of Judaism. Our numbers are small and our efforts are splintered. We at Atlanta Jewish Music Festival feel that music is an important part to keeping Jewish culture alive – perhaps we should restart JVibes efforts and revive the petition.

Having a Jewish Music category is probably just as important as making sure the Holocaust stays in history books. It stakes a claim to our heritage that is in danger of being lost. Plus we’re just so damn good at entertaining.

We actually had another strong contender from the tribe nominated for a Grammy this year. Ariel Rechtshaid was up for Best Producer of the Year (non-classical) only to be beat out by Pharrell Williams, who was a shoe in for his incredible work this year, churning out one of the biggest hits and collaborating with the biggest Grammy winners of 2013.

Areil’s resume this year is nothing to shake a stick at. First off, he produced the Vampire Weekend album, as well as very Jewish artist Haim’s record and one of my personal favorites of 2013, Sky Ferreira. Give his records a listen.

If you think the Grammys last too long, try watching it while you keep up with the social chatter. It goes by in a blur. I had my Grammy command center set up including a laptop, iPhone and iPad and I still couldn’t keep up.

I was running three different threads at once. I had my live music production convo going on with Nashville, Vancouver and Texas where we were critiquing the performances and discussing the merit of the mash up to save what many have thought for years was a boring show.

We all noted Imagine Dragons and Kendrik Lamar stole the night with their mash up, which got the best audience reaction of the night, although no “standing O.”

The Keith Urban and Gary Clark Jr. mash up along with Carole King and Sara Bareilles’s duet, were some of the best musical moments of the evening. Chicago and Robin Thicke not so much.

It came across real cheesy and way too Broadway – the only poor live production of the night. Even Katy Perry’s “Once Upon a Time” themed performance was pretty cool and definitely unexpected. And, as always, Stevie killed it.

Simultaneously, I’m tweeting and posting for my company indiehitmaker, following the twittersphere’s comedic prose “only Pharrell can prevent forest fires” and congratulating friends and colleagues on their successes, all while I’m adding my personal thoughts via facebook – such as commenting on Lorde’s performance, which was perfectly arranged and executed, but her dance moves and black finger tips freaked the kids out.

It gets overwhelming quick, especially when you include multiple people in each thread. At some times I found myself missing performances to keep up with the posts. It certainly makes watching any awards show more fun – the comments and pace of posts can keep even the most mundane telecast exciting and hilarious.

Try it next time one comes on.

Until then, sign the petition (petitiononline.com/jvibegrm/petition. html) and when you bump into a Jewish Music artist next, ask them if they are a Grammy member and remind them G-d helps those who help themselves.

Bram Bessoff is a drummer and musician.

When not onstage, Bram is a performance coach and music industry entrepreneur helping artists get the most out of their live shows and chart on Billboard. He sits on the board of directors as VP for The Atlanta Jewish Music Festival. Follow Bram’s experiences on, off and backstage @bram_rocks. Interact with him at #InItForTheMoment to share thoughts, comments and ideas about this column.

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january 31 ▪ 2014

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Visit the AJT online at atlantajewishtimes.com

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AJT

tell and K’vell

JEWS MAKING NEWS Compiled by elizabeth friedly

Lizzy Caplan Renewed, to Play CIA Agent

Bar Mitzvah

Daniel Lewis

M

azel Tov to Daniel Lewis on his bar mitzvah ceremony, set to take place Jan. 18 at Temple Sinai. He is the son of Amy and Bryan Lewis and brother of Lindsey Lewis of Atlanta; grandson of Barbara and Paul Michalove of Asheville, N.C., Cathy Selig Kuranoff of Atlanta, and Roger Lewis of Los Angeles, Calif. For his Mitzvah project, he is working with The Christopher League. Daniel is currently a student at the Epstein School in the seventh grade.

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his year is already shaping up to be a big one for actress Lizzy Caplan. Shooting has officially wrapped for her new action comedy, “The Interview,” and is set to be released later this year.

Largely known for her roles in comedies such as “Mean Girls” or the series “Party Down,” the project will mark a return to form. She will play a CIA agent alongside James Franco, courtesy of duo Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen (also appearing).

HBO has also confirmed that the Golden Globe-nominated show “Masters of Sex,” co-starring Caplan and Michael Sheen, will return in 2014.

Elizabeth Ann Caplan was born in Los Angeles, California and was raised in a Reform Jewish household. She broke out after her role as Janis Ian in “Mean Girls,” followed by her nominated-role in the blockbuster, “Cloverfield.”

Aaron Sorkin Renewed, Pens Steve Jobs Biopic

january 31 ▪ 2014

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aron Sorkin’s “The Newsroom” has been renewed for a third season by HBO. Yet the news was bittersweet, as it has also been confirmed that this will be the show’s final season. Sorkin created and writes for the drama, starring Jeff Daniels.

Alongside the fate of “Newsroom,” it was also revealed that Sorkin has completed a script adaptation of Steve Jobs’s biography by Walter Isaacson. The fulllength feature is still untitled, and promises to differ greatly from Ashton Kutcher’s incarnation.

Aaron Benjamin Sorkin was born into a Jewish family in Scarsdale, N.Y., the youngest of three. Sorkin broke into Hollywood and subsequent critical acclaim after he sold the rights to his yet-to-debut play, “A Few Good Men” in 1988.

Bar Mitzvah

Joshua Benjamin Asarnow

M

azel Tov to Joshua Benjamin Asarnow, who celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on July 23 at Congregation Or Hadash. He is the son of Jennifer and David Asarnow, brother of Maddie Asarnow; grandson of Don Asarnow and Bryn Shain of Florham Park, N.J., Cheryl and Burt Cohen of Scotch Plains, N.J., and Linda and Richard Cooper of Rochester, N.Y. For his Mitzvah project, Joshua volunteered his time at Good Mews Animal Foundation, a no-kill and cage-free cat shelter located in Marietta, Ga. Joshua is currently in eighth grade at Dodgen Middle School.

share your Celebrations with Your atlanta Jewish Community for Free • • • • •

Birth Announcements Weddings Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Celebrations of all types Anniversaries

Send your story, announcements and celebrations with pictures today to Kaylene Rudy, krudy@atljewishtimes.com or call 404-883-2130 x100.

AJT

tell and K’vell

Engagement

Birth

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B

Mandy Baer & Scott Goldman

iane Baer and Harvey Baer are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Mandy Baer, to Scott Goldman, son of Marci and Alan Goldman. The future bride is a graduate of Indiana University where she received her bachelor’s degree in non-profit management.

She currently works in the accounting department at JAS Forwarding. The future groom is a graduate of Florida State University where he received his bachelor’s degree in information studies. He is currently the Owner of Smart Device Technology. Wedding plans TBA.

Blake Guillermo Windholz

lake Guillermo Windholz was born on Oct. 8, 2013 at 2:32 a.m. at Northside Hospital, Atlanta. He weighed in at 8 lbs, 3 oz and was 21 inches long. Blake is the son of David and Guissell Windholz of Lawrenceville, Ga. His proud grandparents are Robert and Genie Windholz of Marietta, Ga. and Guillermo and Julia Hauxwell of Lima, Peru.

He is the great grandson of the late Morris and Helen Goldstein of Elizabeth, N.J. and Del Rey Beach, Fla and the late Harry and Anne Windholz of Elizabeth and Springfield, N.J. His maternal grandparents are the late Salvador and Paula Soto of Lima, Peru and the late Pedro and Florinda Hauxwell also of Lima, Peru.

Birth

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eil and Emily Halpe r n of Atlanta announce the birth of their daughter, Avery Rose, on Nov. 18, 2013.

She weighed 6 lbs. and was 18.75 in. long. Avery has a brother, Peyton, who is 2 1/2 years old. She is the granddaughter of Stanley and Judy Stein and Jay and Barbara Halpern, all of Atlanta.

She is the great-granddaughter of Sidney and Eunice Stein and Alvin and Sherry Halpern, all of Atlanta. Avery Rose is named in memory of greatgrandmothers Annette Bolgla and Rose Sims

GrandFATHER and Granddaughter’s B’nai MitzvAH

DR. SPASSER AND BAILEY TUCKER MAKE HISTORY AT THE TEMPLE

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n historic event took place at The Temple on Sat., Dec. 7, 2013 when for the first time in The Temple’s 147 year history a grandfather and granddaughter shared b’nai mitzvah.

Bailey Tucker, who led the entire service, shared her special day with her grandfather, Dr. Herb Spasser, who celebrated his second bar mitzvah at age 83 as proscribed by Jewish tradition. Both read from the Torah and delivered stirring talks.

Dr. Spasser mentioned the many miracles in his life and Bailey spoke of her bat mitzvah project of supplying clothes and money to the Piedmont Hospital NICU where she spent three months after surviving a birth of 1 1/2 pounds.

The many congregants, family and friends in attendance at this Havdalah service enjoyed witnessing this unique simcha

january 31 ▪ 2014

Avery Rose Halpern

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AJT

community

2013 Pinch Hitter Program

Organized by Achim/Gate City B’nai B’rith Lodge 0144 and the B’nai B’rith Center for Community Action

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chim/Gate City Lodge of B’nai B’rith extends our sincere thanks to all of the volunteers who participated in the Pinch Hitter Program on Christmas Day and a special Yashir Koach to our volunteer hospital coordinators (noted with **) and their assistants (noted with *) without whom the Pinch Hitter Program would have been impossible to produce.

january 31 ▪ 2014

Harry Lutz, Chairman

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Arieh Auer Barr Barry Barry Barry Barry Barzilay Benator Berkowitz Berkowitz Berman Bloch** Boorstin Branhut Brenner Brenner Brenner Brenner Brenner Brenner Brooks Caller Caplan Caplan Cherof Cheskes Cheskes Cohen Cohen Cohen Cohen Cohen Cohen Cohen Cohen* Collins Crane Cranman Cranman Cranman Cranman Dalton Daly Daly Daly Daly Daly Deleon Deleon Dichtenberg

Jacob Abi Gail Jon Justin Rachel Susan Joshua Mark Howard Mariah Don Irma Ray Cecelia Joan Larry Bob Dara Jaron Sam Craig Susan Molly Peggy Rob Ilan Rebecca Alan Alex Cliff Jody Lauri Marc Richard Robert Lyndsie Milton Caroline Katherine Kevin Sheila Sandy Cele Cole Lynne Miller Parker Jack Stella Gary

Dichtenberg Dichtenberg Dinerman Dolensky Draisen** Eberhardt Eberhardt Eisenstein Ellison Ezor Ezor Ezust Fagin Fagin Fagin Fedder Feigenbaum** Feldman Feldman Feldman Finfer Finfer Finkelstein Fix Flinn Flowers Fortnow Fortnow Freire Freire-rojas Gartner Gerber German Goldin Goldman Goldman Goldman Goldman Goldwasser Golick Goodman Gordon Greenberg Greenberg Grey Grey Griff Griff Grossman** Hackner Hackner Herman Holden Hopkins Hopkins Hopkins Hopkins Hopkins Ives Jackson Jackson Jaffe Kaler Kalwerisky** Karp Katz Kaufman Kay Kay Kay Kluger

Julie Wendy Elaine Liza Sam Rodney Zoe Penny Shea Danielle Elisa Stephanie Craig Liza Seth Karen Carl David Robert Sheri Alfred Penny Carol Steve Linda Nicholas Annie Marcy Jennifer Maurice Sarah Allan Jane Barbara Haley Ken Max Susan David Judith Jonathon Doris Larry Leslie Daniel Mitchell Adam Bobbee Harriet Ruth Stacy Phyllis Nathan Cindy Jared Jeff Scott Will Lindsey Gary Izzy Donna Matthew Jeff Rachel Joseph Steve Kenny Meggy Mindi Aiden

Kluger Kluger Kluger Kolodkin Kornblum Kornblum Kornblum Kornfeld Kornman Kravitz** Kravitz** Krebs Kurland La Vine La Vine Legaspi Levin Levin Levin Levin Levin Lewin** Libowsky Liebmann Link ** Lutz ** Mannes Mannes Mateyak * Mayer Menaker Miller Minkoff Moiger Moses Moses Moskowitz Moskowitz Muldoon Nadler Nicholls * Northrup Obregon Oken Oken * Orenstein Orenstein Orenstein Orenstein Oves Oves Perkel Perling Perling Perling Pesso Podolsky Press * Price Price Price Prisik Rabman Rabman Rafshoon Rosen Rosen Rosen Rosengarten Rosenhaft Rosenhaft Rosenthal

Dani Lee Sherryl Margo Annetta Joshua Tara Melissa Bud Jery Lois Brian Cherie Arlene Shana Vicky Aaron David Donna Ilene Lily Myrtle Phyllis Fima Art Rosanne Eve Harvey Corinne Robert Klara Jay Barry Frank Alan Ellen Joey Susie Sheila Lorrie Anthony Adele Betty Ari Shiraz Brooke Emily Greg Tracey Mario Marissa Helen Izzy Lewis Rhonda Terri Michael Albert Andrea David Rebecca Ginger Ethan Maton Ellen Jonathan Mitchell Sophia Lou Carol Mark David

Rosenthal Sarlin Savrin Schancupp Schancupp Schechter * Schneider Schneiderman Schulman Schulman Schulman Schulman Schwartz Schwartz Sedran Segel Segel Seldes Selman Selman Shams Shattah Shavlan Shore Simon Simon Simon Simonoff ** Simonoff ** Skid Skid Skid Skolky Skolky Slavin Slavin Sloan Slovin Stein Stein Stein Strazynski Strazynski Sturt Teper Torres Tracy Tracy Weinberg Weiss Westerman Wexler Whitlatch Wind Winston Wolf ** Zell

Milton Sandy Philiip Jill Joel Joyce Jim Steve Alex Jenna Marci Seth Marilyn Stan Cindy Bev Jeff Madolin Arlene Murray Marvin Gail Leslie Roz Hal Jarin Sheri Herb Margie David Isabelle Johanna Helene Ken Douglas Jill Stan Allan Aryeh Betsy Denise Mark Marsha Lisa Sharon Elisa Cindy Patrick Sammy Frances Phil Douglas Diane Alan Roz Aubrey Ronald

Heartfelt thanks go also to our Sponsors: Publix Supermarkets Charities; Bennie’s Shoes; Sarlin Wellness Way; the Atlanta Jewish Times; Aarons, Grant & Habif, LLC; Kessler and Solomiany, PC; Northwestern Mutual—William G. Loventhal, III; Co-Create a Website, and Toco Instant Printing

what’s happening

Thurs., Jan. 30

Jews, Brews & Schmooze, mix & mingle with young Jewish adults. All are welcome, regardless of religious affiliation. Drinks and food available for purchase. Thurs., Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m. Gordon Biersch, Atlanta. roey. shoshan@atlantajcc.org or (678) 8124055.

MJCCA Day Camp Registration, now open for returning campers, with more than 100 day camp options, including: Traditional Camps, Specialty Camps, Teen Camps, Performing Arts Camps, and Sports Camps. Visit, www.atlantajcc.org. Info, camps@ atlantajcc.org, (678) 812-4004.

MJCCA Youth Sports Registration, now open. January: swimming, dance, gymnastics and tennis. February: baseball, girls’ soccer, boys’ basketball, and triathlon. Visit, www.atlantajcc.org. Info, youthsportsleagues@atlantajcc.org, (678) 812-4174.

Sun., Feb. 2

Blood Drive, the 258th consecutive quarterly blood drive co-sponsored

by Fulton Masonic Lodge No. 216, Jewish War Veterans Atlanta Post 112, Ahavath Achim Synagogue, and Congregation Or VeShalom. Sun., Feb. 2, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Ahavath Achim Synagogue. Reservations, www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation. Sponsor code: jwv.

A Musical Tribute to Judy Tager, featuring pianist Benjamin Warsaw.

Beginning with a “Greet & Eat” dessert reception with Tager and Warsaw, followed by performance. Sun., Feb. 2, 3 p.m. $25/advance, $30/door.

Under 12 years free. Congregation Shearith Israel.

Wed., Feb. 5

“To Be a Jew in the Free World,” Jewish Identity through the Lens of Modern History. This six-part course will give you the opportunity to make sense of your personal Jewishnes and will help you overcome perceived incompatibilities between Judaism and modern society. Wed., Feb. 5, 7:30 p.m. $89/person, $160/ couples’ discount. Chabad of Cobb.

Register, www.myjli.com.

Thurs., Feb. 6

Lunch ‘N Learn ft. Rabbi Rosenthal, join Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal from Ahavath Achim Synagogue for a lively class and discussion as a part of the Lunch ‘N Learn series.

Bring a dairy lunch or purchase from

Goodfriend’s. Thurs., Feb. 6, 12 p.m.

MJCCA Zaban park. Info, rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org.

Chevra Kadish Citywide Dinner, the annual dairy buffet, communitywide “Zayin Adar Seudah,” Seventh of Adar gathering for the traditional observance of the yahrzeit of Moshe Rabbeinu. Discussion and inspiration relevant to this “Chesed Shel Emes”, act of ultimate kindness, with speaker Rabbi Karmi Ingber. Thurs., Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m. Congregation Beth Jacob.

AJT

Florence Levine Glass 95, Atlanta

Florence Levine Glass died peacefully on Jan. 20, 2014 at the age of 95. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was born in Atlanta, graduated from Girls High School, and was a lifelong member of Ahavath Achim Synagogue. She was predeceased in death by her husband of over 60 years, Sam Glass, and her son Steven Joel Glass. She is survived by her son and daughterin-law, Ron Glass and JoAnn Cardon, daughter and son-in-law Marcia Glass-Siegel and Steve Siegel, daughter-in-law, Harriet Stone;

Sat., Feb. 8

Amandla! Folk Music of the African Diaspora, Join GHA for a musical timeline celebration in observance of Black History month. Sat., Feb. 8, 7:45 p.m. Free. Greenfield Hebrew Academy. RSVPs to speakers@ ghacademy.org, with “Amandla” in the subject line.

Gala Dinner and Auction, honoring Ben & Yafa Dosetareh, Sheila Faber, and Eyal & Aviva Postelnik. Dinner, open bar, auctions with prizes and more. Sat., Feb. 8, 8 p.m. Chabad of Cobb. RSVP or submit message to the Tribute Journal (by Jan. 15), www.chabadofcobb.com/dinner2014.

grandchildren, Erin and Eric Mermelstein, Daniel Stone and Jeana Stone, Jana and John Camerin, Allison and Robert Beldick, Micha, Benjamin, and Saul Glass-Siegel, and seven great grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew her. Funeral Services were held on Jan. 23 at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Ahavath Achim Synagogue, The auxiliary of the Jewish Tower, or a charity of your choice.

Tues., Feb. 11

Ambassador Ron Prosor at GHA, the second presentation of GHA’s Israel Speakers series features Ambassador Ron Prosor, Israel’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. The Ambassador will speak on “Insight into Israel’s International Diplomacy.” Tues., Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m.

Free. Greenfield Hebrew Academy.

RSVP to speakers@ghacademy.org or call (404) 843-9900.

“Healthcare is Killing Us,” The Outrageous Cost of Being Alive. A Chyatte lecture with Dr. Steven Morris, managing partner of Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates. Tues., Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. Free. Temple Sinai.

Fri., Feb. 14

Shabbat, Me & Rabbi G, Bring your children for a Shabbat-related activity and story in the Srochi Discovery Center. Songs and blessings with Rabbi Glusman. The Weinstein School Shabbat Dinosaur will also be stopping by! Challah and grape juice served. Fri., Feb. 14, 5 p.m. Free.

MJCCA Zaban Park. Info, rabbi. glusman@atlantajcc.org or (678) 8124161.

Serving Atlanta’s Jewish Community with Sensitivity and Respect Edward Dressler, President

David Boring Michael Braswell Allen Guertin Jonathan Miller Licensed Funeral Directors

770.451.4999

www.JewishFuneralCare.com

january 31 ▪ 2014

AJT

may their memories be a blessing

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JEWISH PUZZLER

by David Benkof

Across 1. Designer Mizrahi 6. “An American ___” (animated film with Feivel Mousekewitz) 10. Stable sound 14. Kind of rye found in a deli 15. Hebrew alternative 16. “A Wild ___” (Mel Blanc’s debut as Bugs Bunny) 17. One of 156 in North America 19. “I Bought Me ___”: Copland 20. Jessica chooses to ___ for her nuptials in “The Merchant of Venice” 21. Solomonic 23. Country N. of Israel 25. Director of the “Rush Hour” series 28. Both parts of a Biblical bk.

30. It was parted for Moses 31. Chavrutas, e.g.

32. Bynes in the 2007 film “Hairspray” 35. Year BCE during the Hasmonean rule 37. MIT new-Left linguist 41. Islands whose first Jewish settlers arrived in 1847 42. Simple organism 45. “My rhymes ___ your shine” (Matisyahu lyric) 49. Torah bk.

51. “If ___ a Hammer” (song Peter Yarrow sang at the 1963 March on Washington) 52. Jewish Enlightenment pioneer Moses 56. Olive ___ of Fleischer Studios 57. Rabbit or goat variety

58. They may be used to make tzitzit 60. ___-do-well (Luftmensch, in Yiddish) 61. Holocaust survivor and SF Bay Area rock promoter 66. “Anti-___ googles” (glasses sold to ultra-Orthodox Jews to help them avoid looking at women) 67. “My beloved is like ___” (Song of Songs 2:9) 68. “Metmorphasis ___” (Houdini illusion) 69. Say “Vidui” on Yom Kippur, slangily 70. Reform teen org. whose 2013-4 study theme is “Am I my Brother’s Keeper?”

71. Yarmulkes go on them

11. Manuscript omission 12. Gave a sermon 13. Shaffer and Falk 18. Mo. in 1740 when Haym Solomon was born 22. Mengele trait 23. U.S. agency concerned with retirees 24. ___ Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) 26. Mark Zuckerberg and Sergei Brin 27. Ki ___ (“When You Enter”): Torah portion read in September 29. Cone lead-in

33. More meshuga 34. Berlin’s “___ Blue?”

36. Abba’s wife 38. Panel that addresses issues of halacha for the Conservative mvmt.

39. Pond fish 40. Israeli novelist A.B. ___ 43. Tampa ___ Jewish Film Festival 44. Abe Foxman’s org.

45. “Esau was a cunning hunter, ___ the field.” (Gen. 25:27) 46. (Offensively) “Jew someone

out of” 47. Marx co-author 48. Feels like Jacob did toward Rachel 50. Kind of shot by Noam Behr on the court 53. Jacob’s father-in-law 54. Source of chazer 55. Region of Israel that includes the Golan and the Galil 59. Satu ___ (whence some Hasidim) 62. In Heb., it’s known as Tzahal 63. One of many drawn before Purim 64. “The King ___ I” (Rodgers and Hammerstein musical) 65. Tzipi Livni and Tzipi Hotovely (abbr.)

Last week’s answers

Down 1. Org. once led by the controversial Dominique StraussKahn 2. Take the next step after JDate 3. “Liar’s Gospel” author Naomi 4. First murder victim, ever 5. Common Tu B’Shvat treat 6. Some who learn from a melamed 7. ___ Sephardic Synagogue (Tsfat’s oldest prayer house) 8. 1998 Lisa Loeb hit 9. Kind of calendar that might require a leap month 10. Like a yente

Shabbat Candle Lighting Times january 31 ▪ 2014

shabbat blessings

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Blessing for the Candles Baruch Arah A-do-nai,El-o-hei-nu Melech Haolam Asher Kid-shanu b’mitzvotav V’zivanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of time and space.

You hallow us with Your mitzvot and command us to kindle the lights of Shabbat.

Blessing for the Wine Baruch Atah A-do-nai, El-o-hei-nu

Meelech Haolam, Borei p’ri hagafen Praise to You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.

Blessing for the Bread (Challah) Baruch Atah A-do-nai, El-o-hei-nu Melech haolam, Hamotzi Lechem min haaretz.

Our Praise to You Eternal our God, Sovereign of the universe, Who brings forth bread from the earth.

Fri., Jan. 31 5:48 p.m.

Sat., Feb. 1 6:46 p.m.

Fri., February 7 5:55 p.m.

Sat., Feb. 8 6:52 p.m.

Fri., February 14 6:01 p.m.

Sat., Feb. 15 6:58 p.m.

Fri., February 21 6:08 p.m.

Sat., Feb. 22 7:04 p.m.

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