No 50, December 14 The Atlanta Jewish Times

WILL ISRAEL BE TAKEN TO COURT? Dov Wilker’s Take on UN Vote PAGE 4

atlanta

AMIT PROGRAM CLOSES Eleven Years of Great Work PAGE 14

December 14, 2012 – December 20, 2012

www.atlantajewishtimes.com

BBYO KING & QUEEN CROWNED

Annual Winter Dance a Blast

VISIT OUR NEW

WEBSITE & like US ON

PAGE 16

1 Tevet – 7 Tevet 5773 vOL. LXXXVII NO. 50

THE Weekly Newspaper Uniting the Jewish Community for Over 85 Years

$1.75

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

DON’T MESS WITH JEWISH WOMEN! p AGE 6

“After We Leave Gaza, We Can Cry.” IDF Soldier Daniel Hezi’s Story PAGE 3

NEW LIMITED-TIME SUBSCRIPTION OFFERS! Get Free Tickets to Blue Man Group, Bodies: The Exhibition or Jewels of the Titanic SEE PAGE 5 FOR DETAILS

2

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

AJT

Israel

From Frontlines to Family Law FIDF MAKES AN IMPACT! WITH SCHOLARSHIPS

BY JOHN MCCURDY Managing Editor

O

n the battlefield, the IDF’s Daniel Hezi has fought for Israel’s security as part of the Golani Brigade’s elite Egoz Reconnaissance Unit. He and his team have undertaken dangerous yet critical missions in hostile territory to ensure that the Jewish State persists.

In the courtroom, Hezi will fight for the best possible outcomes for his clients as a family lawyer. Inspired by his own experiences growing up in a oneparent household, he wants children in similar situations today to have every opportunity for normal lives.

the Egozim, who specialize in guerilla and anti-guerilla warfare.

Since his acceptance to the unit, he has participated in numerous successful operations, including the Second Lebanon War and Operation “Hot Winter.” One particular mission took him and his team into Gaza in search of terrorists in 2008, and while the objective was completed, Daniel paid dearly.

“You [as a donor to the FIDF] have the power to help make something, Hezi said. “In Israel, we need your support; we need the American people.”

IDF to have more than just food and a bed; all recreational facilities, synagogues, libraries provided to soldiers are made possible by the FIDF. Visit fidf.org for more info.

Editor’s note: The FIDF is the only organization in America that supports Israel’s soldiers directly. Donors make it possible for the men and women of the

“My friend – my best friend, who was right next to me – was killed in the first round of fire,” Hezi said. “It was a shock for me to see that, but we learned in the army that there is time to cry and there is time to fight, and this was the time to fight.”

With a mature outlook on life and war experiences under his belt, Hezi emerged galvanized from his full-time service and all the more convinced to pursue his professional dreams.

Brimming with determination and aptitude, only one necesDaniel Hezi (far right and below) led his team, an elite unit in the Golani. sary resource was Today, he leads the way in the classroom. PHOTO/courtesy FIDF Atlanta lacking to enable Daniel to study law: funds. Certainly, a single mother

What will at home and the small amount of pay help him get received by IDF soldiers couldn’t be exfrom Point pected to pay for post-secondary schoolA to Point ing.

B – that is, But that’s where the FIDF and IMprovide the PACT! come in. Hezi was an excellent e d u c a t i o n candidate for the program that recogn e c e s s a r y nizes the potential in young veterans to transi- and gives them the gift of college or unition from an versity. army bunk to the judge’s bench – is the Friends of “The name IMPACT says a lot IDF’s IMPACT! Scholarship Program, about what the program is,” Ginny Adwhich links eligible combat soldiers ams, Development Associate at FIDF with American donors so that Israel’s Atlanta, said. “When we speak about future leaders can enjoy the benefits of higher education in Israel, it’s really higher education and truly realize their the privileged people who get to go to college. What IMPACT does is to offer a potential. scholarship to combat soldiers.

“They have to show financial need, The Cost of Service they have to show academic potential, Hezi, now 25, was born in Bet Ha- and they have to show that they have Tikvah. His parents divorced when he a plan. But this gives the chance for an was 10, and because his father did not American to impact not just an Israeli pay child support for either him or his soldier’s life but also add to the culbrother, Daniel’s mother was forced to ture.” work two jobs to provide for her sons.

Today, Daniel is in his second year Despite the difficult home situation, of law school. As part of his scholarship, Hezi showed potential in school. Then, he volunteers once a week by visiting when it came time for his military ser- with an elderly Holocaust survivor; the vice, he chose to follow in the footsteps two have become very close, and for of his elder sibling and took on the dif- that opportunity – not to mention the ficult training and selection process of chance to follow his dream career path – he is most grateful.

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

Strengthened by the Fire

3

AJT

Op-ed: Palestinians’ Empty Peace Chair

Twenty years ago, a bold

Vision put a

Holocaust MeMorial on the national Mall today you

can Help secure

its global iMpact by participating in the

20th anniversary legacy challenge

Make safeguarding truth for future generations your personal legacy through a gift to the Museum’s endowment. In honor of the Museum’s 20th anniversary, a generous couple will match up to 10 percent of each new planned gift to the endowment made known to the Museum before April 30, 2013. Your planned gift to secure the Museum’s future— a gift that costs nothing today or provides income for life—has never had greater value.

www.ushmm.org/20thchallenge

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

ushmm.org/connect

4

If You Ask Me

100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW Washington, DC 20024-2126 Tel 202.488.0400

THE UN’S VOTE AND THE PATH NECESSARY FOR RECONCILIATION

BY DOV WILKER

For the Atlanta Jewish Times

A

nyone curious to learn why Israel has had such difficulty reaching agreement with the Palestinians should read Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’s speech given before the UN General Assembly on Nov. 29, just before the world body approved nonmember-state status for “Palestine.”

Abbas noted that, on the same date 65 years earlier, the General Assembly had partitioned the territory formerly under British rule into Jewish and Arab states. He said that that became “the birth certificate for Israel,” and that now the international body had “a historic duty” to issue a similar birth certificate for an Arab state of Palestine.

Conveniently missing from his analysis is the reason for the 65-year delay. While Israel accepted partition in 1947, the Palestinians and the entire Arab world refused and attacked the fledgling Jewish state in the hope of annihilating it. Israel survived, thrived and – despite a series of further wars launched by Arab states – never gave up on the dream of peace with its neighbors.

Today, Israel has peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan, and seeks a negotiated two-state agreement with the Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority, however, avoids talks with Israel, and so appealed directly to the UN for enhanced status.

Now, rather than risk the embarrassment of recalling the actual history of the Middle East conflict that demonstrates the Palestinians’ own responsibility for failing to secure a state, the PA leader presented a fictional account of events since 1947 to the General Assembly.

He spoke of “barbaric” Israeli aggression, its alleged policy of “occupation, brute force and war” and threw in for good measure the inflammatory charges of racism, colonialism, ethnic cleansing and apartheid. Besides being a litany of lies, this is hardly the way the leader of a national movement seeking international recognition should speak about the country with which he needs to live in peace.

And yet, 138 UN members went ahead and heedlessly approved nonstate membership for “Palestine.” Fifty

states withstood considerable diplomatic pressure to go along, as 41 of them abstained and nine voted against.

Among the opponents of the resolution, particular credit goes to the United States, whose UN ambassador, Susan Rice, stressed that peace “cannot be made by pressing a green voting button here in this hall”; Canada, which, under its current government, has become a staunch supporter of democratic Israel; the Czech Republic, the only European Union nation to buck the tide; and Panama, the sole Latin American country to put conscience over expediency.

As the beleaguered opponents of the General Assembly resolution pointed out, before and after the vote, passage changes no facts on the ground, as Israel naturally and rightfully insists on face-to-face negotiations with the Palestinians before granting any form of recognition. All that the UN action accomplishes is the possibility for mischief.

With its new status, the PA could well poison the atmosphere even further by bringing trumped-up charges of war crimes against Israel, and possibly the U.S., before the International Criminal Court. If the PA pursues that path of confrontation, it will make the goal of attaining the two states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace even more elusive.

“We have always been clear that only through direct negotiations between the parties can the Palestinians and Israelis achieve the peace they both deserve,” Ambassador Rice told the General Assembly, explaining the U.S. vote of opposition.

Many countries that backed the resolution, including those in Europe, sought to explain their “yes” votes as expressions of support for a two-state solution. If that is the case and those countries are truly committed to peace, they must now follow up and press Abbas to fulfill his pledge to resume negotiations with Israel.

After all, in the real world, the only path to sustainable peace is direct talks, and without layer upon layer of preconditions.

Abbas walked away from the table four years ago. Israel awaits his return.

Editor’s note: Dov Wilker is the Regional Director of AJC Atlanta.

PUBLISHER CLIFF WEISS

cmweiss@atljewishtimes.com

BUSINESS OFFICE Business Manager

Kaylene Rudy

krudy@atljewishtimes.com Circulation Coordinator

RON KAYE

rkaye@atljewishtimes.com

ADVERTISING SALES Director of Sales

JEFF SILBERBLATT Account Executive

Julie Benveniste julie@atljewishtimes.com Account Executive

MICHAL BONELL

mbonell@atljewishtimes.com Account Executive

LYONEL JOFFRE

ljoffre@atljewishtimes.com Account Executive

STACY LAVICTOIRE stacy@atljewishtimes.com Account Executive

ANDI LEVINE

alevine@atljewishtimes.com

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief

CLIFF WEISS

cmweiss@atljewishtimes.com Managing Editor

JOHN MCCURDY

jmccurdy@atljewishtimes.com Web Editor

RON FEINBERG

rfeinberg@atljewishtimes.com Assistant Editor

ELIZABETH FRIEDLY Contributing Writers

ARLENE APPELROUTH SUZI BROZMAN Eden Farber Rachel LaVictoire Al Shams CHANA SHAPIRO CREATIVE SERVICES Creative Director

Rico Figliolini ez2BSocial Creative Design

Matt Gaynes CONTACT INFORMATION general office 404.883.2130 KRUDY@atljewishtimes.com

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES TO RECEIVE THESE, AND OTHER FREE OFFERS

HOME DELIVERY SERVICE 1 Year $52

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.

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

GO TO:

WWW.ATLANTAJEWISHTIMES.COM/subscribe-today/

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

WANT FREE TICKETS TO THE BLUE MAN GROUP?

5

AJT

Chanukah

The Present of Chanukah YEHUDIT’S COURAGE LIVES TODAY

BY RABBI SHLOMO PINKUS For the Atlanta Jewish Times

C

hanukah is in full swing, but with so much discourse in Israel and the Jewish world at large, there is so much wonder in the air of what will be. The best answer to that question – “What will be?” – can be determined by learning about what was.

So: What was – and is – Chanukah?

And how did the only holiday not explicitly mentioned in Tanach (Torah, Prophets and Writings) come to entail so much emotion and religious significance and become such a great part of our tradition?

Chanukah is only slightly hinted at in scripture: When mentioning the oils used by the Kohen in the temple, it is said that Israel shall provide the oil to light the menorah, but the language there leaves an opening for one to question who is going to light the menorah.

We know that only the Kohen is allowed to light the menorah in the Holy Temple, so we are left to assume that this is a reference to the menorah of Chanukah that all of Israel, the Jewish people, will light. From that, it follows that there may one day be a holiday of Chanukah, but we are not shown how the holiday came into being.

In truth, the holiday is a gift in and of itself; it is a gift that we were given to light up the darkest of nights and the darkest of times. The holiday of Chanukah was a decree from HaShem that we were going to receive, but the way in which the holiday was achieved was up to us.

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

We had to act. We had to reach a point in our faith and our courage where we said, “Those who are for HaShem – those who are for the Torah – need to stand up and act, no matter the odds.”

6

We needed someone to stand up and act as a light amongst the darkness, as a light among the nation of light, which had dimmed with despair. The situation was similar to that which we have had in recent times and in many times throughout the history of the Jewish people.

Origin Story Although the Jewish nation is just that – a nation and a singular people undivided by petty physical traits – sometimes, someone can stand up and

stand for a nation in a way that others would not be able to.

has born the menorah to show the pride of the Jewish people.

that Yehudit had in saving the Jewish people.

Around halfway through the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the Greek emperor Antiochus decided that he was going to conquer Jerusalem and all of Israel. He came in and tried to change us. He brought tyranny to a land of peace.

We regained hope, and from that point onwards, we were preserved as a nation, led solely by HaShem and his Torah, without a designated king. And when the time came, we would stand for ourselves.

It is almost as if this law is telling us that the women have already done their part, that they have already saved and taken care of the Jewish people; now, while those candles burn and give hope to the nation, they can relax and enjoy the future that they have provided for us all from those years ago.

He would have had us inscribe verses of idol worship into the sides of our shofars so that when we blew a blast to the heavens, the sound should be blocked. He even would have had us do the same to the horns that were used as baby bottles at that time in history so that even the smallest child would be turned away from HaShem from the youngest possible age.

What’s worse, the generals of the Greek army felt so superior to the people of Israel that they believed they could just take whatever children and women that they wanted. Well, they learned quickly one of the greatest lessons that a person can learn: Don’t mess with Jewish women!

The head general decided that he was going to take Yehudit – daughter of the Kohen, daughter of the great Maccabees – against her will. As a great and righteous woman, she was not going to just stand by while the Greek army tried to destroy the essence of the Jewish people.

When the Greek general came to take her at her home, she welcomed him in, offered him wine and cheeses and treated him like a king. He became so drunk with wine and lust that he soon fell asleep, and it was then that Yehudit beheaded him.

Thus began the battle which would be fought by the great armies of the Maccabees, and the Jewish people took their stand.

One Woman’s Courage Because Yehudit was willing to say “Enough!” – because she was willing to stand up for what was right when no one else would and to be the light that this nation needed – she changed the course of history and the Jewish people forever. It is because of her and her actions that we regained control of Jerusalem, because of her that we once again were able to start minting Jewish money, which from that point forward

Even in the darkest hour, even when we were outnumbered and exhausted by the sands of time, we would always stand for our Torah and our right to exist as a people with a homeland, no matter what the popular opinion may

These are the presents of Chanukah: that in the darkest, coldest winter, on every continent in every country, there will be a menorah lighting the

“Because Yehudit was willing to say ‘Enough!’ – because she was willing to stand up for what was right when no one else would and to be the light that this nation needed – she changed the course of history and the Jewish people forever.” be. This was the great present of Chanukah given to us by HaShem, Yehudit and the Maccabees, and since it was received, this gift has been a great source of strength for our existence.

What It Means to Us Today Today, we commemorate the gift by lighting a menorah at the same time of year that the Maccabees won that battle. We light one additional candle each night for eight nights to commemorate the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days while new oil was being made for the Temple, and we give Chanukah gelt or money to commemorate the Jewish mints that were reopened once we won the war.

There are other observances, though, that are not so common. One of the lesser-known laws of Chanukah prescribes that, once the candles are lit, women are supposed to relax and refrain from any kind of work. This is in commemoration of the great courage

darkness, warming the cold, burning bright and reminding this nation and every nation that we will go on. We will persevere; we will exist as long as there is existence as a bright beacon in the darkness.

It was from the original story of Chanukah – at least in part – that we gained the strength to fight and carry on in every generation and have had the ability to fight even in recent times.

We have been able to endure all trials because a woman named Yehudit decided to stand all those years ago.

Happy Chanukah!

Editor’s note: Rabbi Shlomo Pinkus is a rabbinic field representative for the Atlanta Kashruth Commission.

www.aplusinc.net Peyton Alexander 404-373-plus (7587) sales@aplusinc.net

Days Get Shorter... ...Your Light Gets Brighter

BY DR. TERRY SEGAL AJT Contributor

I

’m often asked: “How can I make Judaism relevant to my life?”

I’m not a member of the clergy, nor am I a Jewish scholar. But as a Jewish psychotherapist with a Ph.D. in energy medicine, I am qualified to integrate the spiritual with the mind, body and emotions.

People have shared with me that they struggle with finding links to Judaism in everyday life. One man calls himself an “obligatory Jew,” observing “just enough of the traditions as not to feel too guilty.”

Another says he doesn’t want to break the Jewish connection handed down, but performs the prayers and rituals by rote, rather than with true meaning.

A young mother who recently converted to Judaism shares that she feels intimidated by those who have grown up with the traditions, prayers, rituals, food and way of life. She fears she will never “catch up.”

And a different woman says she “can’t find time to be Jewish” with all of the demands of day-to-day living.

Let’s take the challenge to make room on our calendars for Sukkot as well as soccer practice, and for Tu B’Shvat alongside Zumba class.

Ancient Tradition In Egypt, long before the Chanukah miracle, the Jewish people received our first commandment as a nation: to sanctify the New Moon. That very first Rosh Chodesh (“Head of the Month”), the first day of Nisan, holds historic significance for us.

The commandment gave the Jewish people mastery over time itself. The festivals and cyclical observances could only begin once the sages declared the new month, and calculations were made

so that the holidays and festivals would fall at the appropriate times each year.

Georgia Power’s Earth¢ents program has rebates to help pay for insulation improvements to you home which will make it more comfortable and save you money on your energy bills.

There is so much depth to Judaism that we are always learning. We each hold a piece of the sacred puzzle; my corner takes the form of a meditative focus for each month on the Hebrew calendar.

Whether you are a devout Jew, a new convert or anywhere in between, just step into the stream wherever you are and see where the meditations take you. Despite our differences, we all share in our desire for meaning and connection to our Judaism, and we can pray and meditate with kavanah, intention.

We can begin with the very next Rosh Chodesh.

Spray foam is fast becoming the insulation of choice because it not only insulates your home but also seals it.

Adding insulation to your attic is one of the quickest ways to improve your energy efficiency.

Meditation Focus Next on the Jewish calendar is Tevet. We are entering a stretch that is considered one of the “negative” times of the year because, historically, the siege around the walls of Jerusalem began on the 10th of this month.

This year, the first of Tevet falls on Dec. 14 on the Gregorian calendar. As 2012 nears its end and winter is setting in, many of us may feel “under siege” from the season: There is financial stress, fatigue, loneliness, pressure to be social, etc.

If you begin to get overwhelmed, think of instead:

The candles on our menorahs burn themselves out.

How can you allow your inner light to shine so that you, too, don’t burn yourself out? How might you also bring light to others during this month of Tevet?

Editor’s note: Dr. Terry Segal is a licensed marriage & family therapist, Ph.D. in energy medicine, hypnotherapist and author of “The Enchanted Journey: Finding the Key that Unlocks You.”

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

AJT

NEW MOON MEDITATIONS

7

AJT

Chana’s Corner

Cross Over the Bridge IT’S ABOUT MORE THAN WHAT’S ON THE OTHER SIDE

BY CHANA SHAPIRO AJT Columnist

M

y friend Meta and I wanted to keep our grandchildren away from computers and TV on a weekday they were out of school. Their parents were at work, so we agreed to take charge of, well, our charges.

After consulting with the experts (our grandchildren, Sophie, Jordan, Miriam and Zellik), a unanimous decision was reached. Part of the day would be spent on an old-fashioned nature walk.

Everybody knows that adventures with children must include snacks.

Meta, who is always well-prepared for any eventuality, packed nutritious food.

All I had around the house was a bag of kosher fortune cookies. I don’t remember how I came to own a huge bag of the Chinese snacks, but you

have to admit that it’s always fun to open them, read the crazy messages and gobble down the pure sugar treats.

Thus, as we set off, in Meta’s backpack were bottled water, cups, napkins and fruit, while in my backpack, there was chewing gum and the fortune cookies. Nevertheless, off we went!

The path we chose was rustic, replete with climbing, clinging and creeping vines; felled tree trunks covered with fungi; rocks galore; ivy; big leafy plants; massed, wet leaves; mud puddles; twigs of all sizes; and the occasional unidentifiable insect.

We munched and trekked. I was surprised that the fortune cookies were a hit, affording lots of laughs and groans.

Of course, most of the messages were duds; except for 6-year-old Zellik’s, that is. He was the recipient of not one, but two excellent fortunes: “You can do anything because you do

not quit,” and “You are brave like a lion.”

Everybody threw their crumpled paper fortunes back into the bag, but I asked Zellik to keep his in his pocket so he could show his parents. It’s not every day you score 100-percentpositive in the fortune category.

We made our way along the path for about 20 minutes, and then suddenly, we saw a suspension bridge ahead of us. It was very high, spanning a shallow stream, beckoning us to cross it.

Sophie cavalierly crossed the swaying bridge first, closely followed

by Miriam and Jordan. Zellik took about 50 small steps, trying to deal with the bridge’s shaking, while staring down into the chasm below. Meta and I were about to cross, but Zellik turned and made his way back to me.

“I can’t do it, Bubbe!”

“Sure you can,” I assured him.

“Don’t look down. Just hold on and walk across. I’ll come with you, and we’ll look straight ahead, not down!”

“I can’t! I’m gonna barf!”

Then, as if I doubted him (I didn’t), he reiterated: “I mean it, Bubbe, that thing’s shaking so much, I’m gonna barf!”

I know my grandson. He’s the kind of kid who, if he tells you he’s going to throw up, you better get out of the way. At that point Meta wisely crossed the bridge to monitor the other children, while I tried to figure out how to deal with Zellik’s queasiness.

There were two child-rearing theories to consider; one, that you shouldn’t force a child to do something he’s not ready to do. The other, that you should help a child do something he is ready to do but doesn’t quite have the confidence in himself to take on.

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

Then, I remembered an incident that my husband, Zvi, had related to me about something that happened when he was 7 years old:

8

Zvi’s grandfather had taken him to Coney Island, where an arcade kiosk produced small round metal medallions. One could choose from a variety of blanks and then imprint these souvenirs with a personalized message.

Zvi’s grandfather took a long, hard, loving look at him and selected a blank with a Magen David in the

center. Along the edge he stamped out the words “Excellent Scholar.”

At that time, Zvi, who suffered from very poor eyesight, was a terrible reader and, therefore, a mediocre student. “Excellent Scholar” didn’t seem to be the most apt description – or even a reasonable prediction – of a little boy who hated to read.

“Someday you’ll love to read, and you’ll read Hebrew and English,” his grandfather declared, attaching the memento to a keychain and putting it into Zvi’s pocket. “Reading is just a bridge you’ll learn to cross.”

Grandpa was right. Zvi went on to win many high school academic awards and then earned both a Ph.D. and rabbinic degree. He became a life-long learner and university professor.

Recalling that story helped me understand what I needed to do. Zellik and I rested at the approach of the suspension bridge.

“Let’s look at those fortunes,” I suggested.

Zellik took the two fortunes out of his pocket and read them to me.

Then, hand in hand, we started across the bridge. We didn’t look down. Midway, he dropped my hand and ran easily to the other side.

“I never give up!” he called back at me.

“You’re also brave like a lion!”

I shouted, grateful that he hadn’t barfed.

Rabbi Nachman of Breslav, who lived in the Ukraine in the 18th century, understood challenges and the way we have to deal with them. He summed it up this way: “Kol Haolam kulo gesher tsar m’od; v’haikar lo l’fached klal – The whole world is a very narrow bridge; but the main thing is not to fear.”

Few of us today have the courage to cross every bridge in our lives unaided. I’m guessing that, if Rabbi Nachman could time travel to Zvi and his grandfather at an arcade in Coney Island, or to Zellik, high above the stream on that swaying bridge, he might look kindly on the use of a keepsake medallion and two fortune cookies.

Editor’s note: Chana Shapiro is an educator, writer, editor and illustrator whose work has appeared in journals, newspapers and magazines.

AJT

Happy Hannukah!

Community

Life at Home is the Key to IndependenceSM

The First Chanukah Party at the Governor’s Mansion GOV. DEAL INVITES FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS

BY AL SHAMS AJT Correspondent

G

eorgia Governor Nathan Deal and his wife Sandra graciously extended an invitation to approximately 120 members of the Jewish community to observe the third day of Chanukah at the Governor’s mansion. My wife Amanda and I were fortunate enough to attend.

Our staff is dedicated to enhancing the quality and security of your life by providing in home services customized to your needs.

• Nursing Care • Personal Care • Respite Care

Guests were able to tour portions of the mansion and view both Christmas and Chanukah decorations.

Traditional and nontraditional Chanukah treats were served, including latkes and doughnuts, in addition to lox, both fresh and dried fruit and chopped liver.

1

Licensed • Insured • Bonded

All caregivers are checked using an industry exclusive background screening process.

Each CareMinders Home Care franchise is independently owned and licensed to operated under the Franchisee Agreement.

Lisa M. Reisman, RN, CPNP

(770)551-9533

2

At ORT schools in the United States, 80% of the Class of 2011 are employed in their field of study,

The Governor spoke of the close cultural, economic and humanitarian ties that exist between Georgia and Israel. He cited the mutually beneficial relationships that exist between the two governments, and that the State is supportive of Israel during its time of need.

and Rachel Cohen is one of them.

3

Rachel Cohen, Graphic Designer

ORT educates over 300,000 students around the world every year.

Are you ready to join the education revolution?

4 1- Governor Nathan Deal speaks to attendees at his Chanukah Party.

2- Linda Selig, Gov. Nathan Deal, Sandra Deal, Steve Selig

For more details on becoming involved with ORT America in the Atlanta region, contact Jenna Shulman, Director, Atlanta Region at 404-327-5266or at jshulman@ORTamerica.org.

3- Consul General Opher Aviran 4- Gov. Nathan Deal, Karen Berg, Rabbi Peter Berg and Sandra Deal

ORTatlanta.org | twitter.com/ORTamerica | facebook.com/ORT.atlanta | atlanta@ORTamerica.org

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

As candles were lit, it was mentioned that, in a larger sense, the Chanukah celebration represents a triumph of freedom over tyranny, hope over despair and a world with opportunities and respect for all.

We specialize in customized services dedicated to meeting the needs of those who choose to have their healthcare and support services delivered at home…

www.careminders.com

Chuck Berk, Chairman of the Jewish Republican Party of Georgia, acted as spokesman and helped to coordinate planning. Prior to the Governor’s comments, Mrs. Deal, in her warm and gracious manner, welcomed all to the mansion and extended her holiday greetings. She said she was happy to host this event and invited the guests to visit the mansion throughout the year.

It is fair to say that Georgia, for its size, enjoys a disproportionally favorable relationship with Israel. This relationship didn’t just happen; it is the result of astute leadership, great insight and hard work on both sides.

CareMinders has been awarded the highest achievement for quality in the industry, the gold seal of accreditation from the Joint Commission.

• Preventative Care • Concierge Services • Companion Care

9

CAMP LASTS FOREVER. Jewish camp combines top-quality programming with cultural values of community, giving back, diversity, friendship, and heritage. So, while kids may see Jewish camp as just pure fun, parents can feel confident that every activity instills important life-long values and friendships.

Give your child the gift of camp this summer. Two, four and eight-week camper spaces available!

campbarney.org (770) 395-2554

DECEMBER 14 â–Ş 2012

adamahadventures.org (404) 297-4914

10

ramahdarom.org (404) 531-0801 AJTad.indd 1

campcoleman.org (770) 671-8971

campjudaea.org (800) 788-1567

12/11/2012 8:19:14 AM

AJT

Camp Guide

Fun At Camp Ramah Darom!

ADVENTURE, FRIENDSHIP AND ENRICHMENT AWAIT IN CLAYTON, GA.

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

Check out these shots from last summer! Visit ramahdarom.org for more info.

11

AJT

Camp Guide

Boys Camp, Girls Camp…Grandparents Camp?

TRENDING TOWARDS YEAR-ROUND, INCLUSIVE ACTIVITIES

By Sheri Oppenheimer Baker For the Atlanta Jewish Times

O academics

EsA camp

June 3rd– June 28th, 2013

Over 40 adventures for 2 yrs old– 8th grade

creative

A d v E n t u r E

your neighborhood Camp Experience

s u m m E r

• Located at The Epstein School in Sandy Springs • Half and full days available • Before and after care sports

E p s t E i n

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

In fact, this past fall – just a few weeks after our summer campers packed their bags and went home – more than 50 women from around the country joined us at Ramah for our in-

F lEx iblE F ri E ndly F u n

C A m p

n the first day of camp every year, many parents take one look around and ask the same question: “Can I go to camp, too?”

The answer at Camp Ramah Darom – as well as many other camps now – is a resounding “yes!”

• Check out our great academic camps • NEW THIS YEAR at ESA: Camp Invention— The Create Program

rEgistEr tOdAy!

404-250-5606 or visit us online at epsteinatlanta.org/esa

augural Jewish Women’s Getaway. Ladies between the ages of 18 and 80 enjoyed meeting new people, participating in thought-provoking workshops and eating s’mores (made with dark chocolate, of course!) around the campfire.

The week was designed to give women an opportunity to experience what our campers do during the summer: explore their identity, connect with their spirituality and take part in fun, engaging and inspiring activities.

Not Just for Kids, Not Just for Summer Camp has always been Jewish living and learning at its best and undeniably one of the most impactful experiences a child can have.

According to the Foundation for Jewish Camp, children who attend a Jewish camp are 55 percent more likely to feel very emotionally attached to Israel, 45 percent more likely to attend synagogue at least once a month and 21 percent more likely to feel that being Jewish is very important.

If summer camp is so impactful, just imagine how rich and vibrant our community would be if more people came to camp not just during the summer, but fall, winter and spring, too; and not just kids benefited, but families did so together.

Our vision at Ramah Darom is to give youth, adults and communities from all over the Southeast that opportunity. By offering exceptional experiences in Jewish living and learning year-round, we hope to have a chance to contribute to the strength and growth of our regional Jewish community.

12 4509 ESA AJT ad.indd 1

Jewish families from throughout the Southeast come to Ramah Darom throughout the year for retreats, programs and their own simchas.

PHOTO/courtesy Camp Ramah Darom

12/10/12 3:05 PM

Offerings at Ramah Darom We now offer Open Shabbat programs in which groups and individuals of all ages can join us for fun, inspiring Shabbat weekends on our campus in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains throughout the year. What’s more, in a few weeks we will host our second annual Winter Break Family Camp, and then - before we know it – our annual Passover Vacation will be here.

There’s also Camp Yofi, a one-week program for families with children with autism spectrum disorder, which has become one of our unique signature programs that we offer each year. We even have a program for grandparents of campers during the summer and offer the opportunity for families and organizations to host their own reunions, simchas or retreats on our campus, no matter the season.

Creating life–long friendships, exploring our identity and connecting with our community, nature and G-d are important to explore for the entirety of our lives, not only when we are children.

For many of us, camp was a place where we found ourselves, our lifelong friends and our love of Judaism at an early age; for others, camp is a new experience.

Regardless, let camp be a place where we can all come together and plant the seeds for a dynamic, engaged Jewish future.

Editor’s note: Sheri Oppenheimer Baker is the director of marketing and communications at Ramah Darom and a lifelong camper.

AJT

MJCCA SUMMER DAY CAMPS

Camp Guide

Huntington Helps

SUCCESS IN SCHOOL WITH INDIVIDUALIZED PROGRAMS From Huntington Learning Center For the Atlanta Jewish Times

S

ummer may traditionally be the season for camp, but don’t overlook the warmer months as an opportunity for Huntington Learning Center to help your child achieve his or her academic potential.

The oldest provider of supplemental education in the nation, Huntington students build skills – including reading, mathematics, language arts, study skills, phonics, writing and specific sub-

Traditional • Specialty • Teen • Sports • Drama

vironment is such that most students need not spend hours upon hours with their nose in a book each week.

Huntington’s parent satisfaction rating is high, with 93 percent of families recommending the Center’s services to others: “I wish to express my sincere gratitude for the excellent work you have done with my son. Not only have his academic skills greatly improved, his self-confidence has grown.”

Indoor and Outdoor Camps New Camps

Reg Online ister Beg Januar inning y 13!

Atlanta Hawks Basketball, Archeology Rocks, Hollywood Bound, Need for Speed Travel, and more!

Free Bus Transportation

Throughout Metro Atlanta including East Cobb, Intown, and North Metro.

– Ruth H.

Register online at atlantajcc.org/camps.

5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody 678.812.4004 camps@atlantajcc.org atlantajcc.org/camps

SCIENCE SUMMER CAMP

The Center also helps students score higher on important exams, including high school entrance exams; college entrance and scholarship exams like the PSAT, SAT and ACT; and other exams, such as the GED and ASVAB. By fostering a sense of confidence and motivation to attain better grades in each pupil, Huntington can help your child realize his or her goals. Because each child is different, the program begins with a thorough diagnostic evaluation to pinpoint problem areas; instruction is then individualized for each student based on test results.

The Center helps overcome learning obstacles with an effective combination of certified teachers and customized instruction. Our caring and nurturing en-

678-392-1500

“I would recommend your program without hesitation...to anyone who needs a refresher course in math and verbal studies.”

– Andre B. “My son’s SAT score was way beyond our expectations! We were very happy with the experience we had at Huntington. We can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done for our son.”

– Deborah A. Editor’s note: If you would like to learn more about Huntington Learning Center or if you need advice on whether your child would benefit from personalized tutoring, visit our website at HuntingtonHelps.com or call (770) 394-2626.

-

We Have Fun Down To A Science!

ROBOTS! Ages 5 -12 ROCKETS! BUGS! OWL PELLETS! EXPLODING POTIONS! FORENSICS! MOUSETRAP CARS! MUCH MORE!

Register online at Big-Thinkers.com

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

ject areas – that are vital to success at all grade levels.

13

AJT

Education

After 11 Years, Amit Program to Close Brett Gluck, DMD, MS, PC

Specializing in Quality Orthodontic Care for Adults And Children.

• • • •

Clear & Metal Braces Invisalign Elite and Teen Provider Monthly Payment Options Insurance Accepted

FREE ORTHODONTIC EXAM AND CONSULTATION Mention this ad when making an appointment.

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE EXAM!

2012

770-664-6003 www.bracedoctor.com

6130 Abbotts Bridge Rd. • Johns Creek, GA | 2455 Old Milton Pkwy • Alpharetta, GA

y

JEWISH SPECIAL EDUCATION AGENCY LEADERS RELEASE LETTER

O

Staff Report n Dec. 5, it was announced that the Amit Program, Atlanta’s centralized Jewish special education agency, will be closing as of June 2013.

A representative of the Program stressed that details – community impact, potential continuation of services, etc. – are still forthcoming.

Thus, in lieu of speculation or the potentially premature printing of reader reactions, the AJT shares the following letter, released by Amit board president Ina Enoch with executive director Linda Zimmerman:

Happy Chanukah From the GHA family to yours

‫חג חנוכה שמח‬

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

www.ghacademy.org

14

Katherine and Jacob Greenfield Hebrew Academy

‫ש גרינפילד‬,,‫בית הספר היהודי ע‬

Please join us December 13th for our annual

Evening of the Arts

Visual Arts Gallery opens at 6:30 p.m.

Dramatic and Choral performances begin at 7:00 p.m.

To inquire about admissions, contact Bonnie Cook at 404-843-9900.

Dear Friends, It is with profound sadness and deep regret that we are writing to inform you that The Amit Program will be closing in June 2013. Since 2001, we have had the privilege of serving more than 70 extraordinary students and their families in our Gar’inim School, 110 students in our learning support programs, 25 students in our special needs Sunday School, 170 families through our virtual parent support network and hundreds more through our professional development opportunities, consultation services and Taylor Family Speaker Series. It is our hope to work with our community agencies in order to maintain these important programs.

The timing of this announcement is necessitated by the responsibility we feel we have to our parents, students, teachers, administrative staff and community partners. It is of the utmost importance to us that we are able to properly assist each transitioning member of our Amit family with the support necessary for the 20132014 academic year. We truly understand that this will be a challenging time for all concerned. Our goal is to help find appropriate educational placements for all our students – our source of inspiration – as well as to provide assistance to our talented and dedicated staff as they seek new career opportunities.

The reality of our situation is not dissimilar to the many not-for-profit organizations that have been impacted during these unstable economic times. We so appreciate all those individuals who have supported us since our inception. We have been able to assist our many special families, in large part, due to the generosity of the wonderful donors who have truly helped champion our mission. We are also very grateful to The Davis Academy for providing our school a rent-free home.

As we celebrate The Festival of Lights, although we have decided to close our agency, it is our prayer that there may be those in our community who choose to keep our flame burning brightly.

Thank you for supporting Amit, for understanding how difficult this decision has been for us, and for caring about the need to serve the special learners in our Jewish community. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

B’Shalom, Ina Enoch, Board President Linda Zimmerman, Executive Director

AJT

Business & Finance

Secrets of Israel’s Economic Success SENIOR ECONOMICS OFFICER GRONER VISITS ATLANTA a locally based Israeli company Groner was also selected to lead firmthat sells the PillCam (a minis- wide training for new consultants cule device ingested while at MicKinby patients to better sey. visualize the esopha Groner’s ilgus), trades shares on lustrious career U.S. markets. There had its humble are also many other beginnings at well-known Israeli The Jerusalem companies whose Post, where shares also trade on he served as U.S. Exchanges, and a finance and approximately 285 economics corU.S. companies have respondent. He Eli Groner R&D facilities in Iswas also a sumrael. mer investment

AJT Business Correspondent

D

uring his recent visit to Atlanta, Eli Groner, Israel’s Minister for Economic Affairs to the United States, met with local business leaders, addressed several synagogues and spoke to a large group of Emory students.

His messages were encouraging. At each engagement, he stressed that: • The U.S. is Israel’s most important economic relationship, and, in general, the two countries maintain an active, cordial and multifaceted dialogue. By the nature of his position, he is deeply involved in many of these discussions.

The relationship between the two nations is mutually beneficial; in many areas, the U. S. provides benefits to Israel, while in a growing number of areas, Israel has benefited the U.S.

It should be noted that economic matters permeate other areas of government and general government relations, and so economic issues might impact military and security concerns and vice versa.

• Innovation permeates all aspects of Israeli life. Israel’s innovations in technology are well known, but Groner believes this pioneering mindset seeps into all aspects of the economy and society.

He cited Israelis’ nimble, creative way of approaching problems and their encouraging, undeterred attitude when not met with early success.

The Minister’s office devotes the bulk of its efforts toward governmentto-government dialogue, dealing with a broad list of economic issues affecting the two countries. Among these, cyber-security and loan guaranty extensions have received much recent attention.

• Israel is a stable democracy.

The country has a strong commitment to the rule of law, which includes respect for human and property rights.

Also, with an innovative, dynamic economy, Israel pays special attention to science, healthcare and technology.

Groner is proud that a number of U.S.-based organizations have fostered commerce between American and Israeli companies. He had special praise for the good work done by the Atlanta-based American-Israeli Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Region and its president, Tom Glaser.

• Opportunities abound for the U.S. investor in Israel.

While many U.S.-based companies are seeking to participate in Israel’s growth, Groner believes that Israel itself offers tremendous investment opportunities for U.S.-based investors, both individual and institutional.

Venture capital, private equity and institutional investors have long been attracted and had access to the Israeli market. Groner says that, with the introduction of new ETF’s and mutual funds, it will be easier for the individual investor to participate in Israel’s growth.

For example, Givens Imaging,

More on Eli Groner

Groner was confirmed to his current position by the Israeli Cabinet in August of 2011. He was previously employed in the private sector, working in senior positions dealing with private equity and management consulting, and served as a special advisor to the Chairman of Tnuva, Israel’s largest consumer package goods company.

Prior to those roles, he served from 2003 to 2009 as a consultant at McKinsey & Company, where he worked with a number of Fortune 1000 corporations around the world as well as many of Israel’s leading companies.

banking associate as Lehman Brothers in New York, working on mergers and acquisitions.

Before his time in finance, Groner served in the paratrooper corps from 1989 to 1992, service for which he was cited for outstanding performance and

leadership. Both during and following his service, he spent several years playing for Israel’s national fast-pitch softball team, where he participated in the European Championships, and won a Bronze Medal at the 1993 Maccabiah Games.

Groner has an MBA from New York University, where he was a Director’s Fellow, and received a bachelor’s in political science from Bar-Ilan University. Born in the U.S., he immigrated to Israel at 15.

Today, he and his wife Tamar have five children.

Editor’s note: Al Shams is a Sandy Springs resident and an investment professional with more that 35 years of industry experience. Readers wishing to learn more about the above subject can Google the Embassy of Israel to the U.S. and AICCSE.Org.

Don’t Underestimate Me.

Americans today live longer and enjoy an unprecedented level f health.

Their vibrant lifestyles are accompanied by a powerful independent spirit that says, “Don’t underestimate me.” That’s why our community focuses on providing the kind of lifestyle we know they want and appreciate.

From superb dining and signature services to special events and group activities, we encourage our residents to be as active, social, healthy and independent as they choose.

Instead of worries about home maintenance and security, our residents enjoy carefree living, with abundant opportunities in a pleasing environment designed especially for them.

And we never underestimate the power of their spirit – or yours.

Call 1-888-857-0501 or visit us today to learn more.

Independent Living Personalized Assisted Living

Your story continues here…

650 Phipps Boulevard NE Atlanta, Georgia 30326 www.brookdaleliving.com

20526-ROP01-0512-LB

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

BY AL SHAMS

15

AJT

FROM THE JCC

MJCCA Announces Florence Melton School Registration

Helman-Darley Selected for Prestigious Fellowship

ADULT JEWISH LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND

MJCCA PROFESSIONAL HONORED AS MERRIN FELLOW

T

he Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta’s Florence Melton Adult School of Jewish Learning announces open registration for two new classes:

• Shiv’im Panim: Bereshit Part 2 The First Jewish Family (10 lessons, selected Tuesday mornings, January through April, 8 a.m.)

This course follows the development of the first Jewish family from “The Birth of two Nations” and “Stolen Blessings” to “Reunion in Egypt” and “Blessing the Grandchildren.” These stories of sibling rivalry, wrestling with an angel, palace seduction, rape and reconciliation provide some of the most dramatic and iconic images that reverberate across the millennia.

This course will be taught at the Greenfield Hebrew Academy by Rabbi Adam Starr. Class fee is $160 (plus $40 for the Student Reader).

• Ethics of Jewish Living (15 lessons, selected Wednesday mornings, January through May, 8 a.m.)

How do Jewish teachings shed light on contemporary issues such as the environment, end of life decisions and stem cell research? Explore the wisdom of ancient and modern rabbis, scholars and thinkers, who offer multiple Jewish approaches to conducting our lives in the communal and private spheres.

This course will be taught at the Greenfield Hebrew Academy by Rabbi Robert Kirzner. Class fee is $225 (plus $25 for the Student Reader).

Melton School curricula incorporate a multi-faceted approach to Torah study that includes modern and classical commentaries; interpretations by rabbis, scholars, artists and poets; and discussions of the real-life implications of texts are studied. Classes allow students to experience passionate, pluralistic and interactive teaching, while accommodating “real life” – there are no prerequisites, grades, exams, outside reading, or homework.

For further program information, contact Laurie Finkelstein via (678) 812-3723 or laurie.finkelstein@atlantajcc.org. For a complete schedule of 2012-2013 classes, or to register for a class (requested by Jan. 2, 2013), visit atlantajcc.org.

BBYO King & Queen Crowned

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

EPLAN-FRANKEL, JACOBER ARE “ROYALTY”

16

M

JCCA Teen Community Outreach Associate Amy Helman-Darley has been selected to be a part of the latest cohort of the Merrin Teen Professional Fellows Program, a competitive national leadership and training program of the national Jewish Community Center Association (JCCA).

Helman-Darley is one of 14 professionals working with teens in affiliated JCCs and camps across North America to be selected for this prestigious fellowship.

Amy Helman-Darley

“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to be part of the Merrin Teen Professional Fellowship Program,” she said. “I am looking forward to learning from the other participants, and I know I will gain valuable skills and knowledge that will benefit the MJCCA and the Atlanta Jewish community.”

The Merrin Teen Professional Fellows Program includes five seminars over 14 months, with the first gathering set for January 2013 in New York City. A selective professional development opportunity, the Program focuses on developing management skills, learning how to serve teens more effectively, strengthening professional networks and career paths and deepening Jewish knowledge.

In addition to four seminars in the U.S., the group will spend 10 days together in Israel with an in-depth focus on building bridges between North American teens and their counterparts in the Jewish State.

Helman-Darley has been with the MJCCA for five years and is a trained and certified facilitator for the “Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing!” curriculum and the program manager for Project ATL (Atlanta Teen Leadership).

For more information about the MJCCA’s teen department, contact Laura Fendrick, MJCCA’s Director of BBYO & Teens, via (678) 812-3971 or laura.fendrick@ atlantajcc.org.

M

ore than 200 teens turned out and danced the night away to music provided by VIBE Entertainment on Dec. 1 at Temple Emanu-El for BBYO’s annual winter formal dance.

Mazel tov to Gil Eplan-Frankel, a senior at Paideia High School, and Samantha Jacober, a senior at Northview High School, were who voted Atlanta Council King and Queen (respectively) for 2012.

AJT

770-751-7078 888-751-7078

ARTS & LIFE

The Definition of Excellence

Jewish Teen Stars in “Nutcracker” CHANUKAH AT HOME, CHRISTMAS ON STAGE

10% OFF

T

hat “The Nutcracker” is a Christmas-themed ballet doesn’t throw Kevin Silverstein for a loop; he’s perfectly fine lighting the menorah at home but spreading the cheer of another holiday from the stage with the Atlanta Ballet.

“It doesn’t bother me that it’s a Christmas pro- Kevin Silverstein (center) performs with the Atlanta Ballet. duction,” the 16-year-old PHOTO/courtesy Atlanta Ballet Atlanta native Pace Acadgain stage presence and peremy junior said. “It’s just a form in front of a large group switch of cultures – celebratof people. ing Chanukah and lighting candles and saying prayers, AJT: What do you like most then going to the theatre and about dancing? performing.”

KS: I like performing for a The Atlanta Jewish Times large group of people. I don’t caught up with the young know how to describe it. It’s dancer to hear about his background kind of freeing, I guess you could say. in the art You get to express yourself.

AJT: How long have you been dancing?

AJT: What are roles are you playing in “The Nutcracker” this year?

KS: I’ve been in the Nutcracker for six years now, but I’ve only been dancing for four years. What happened was, I did Nutcracker for Atlanta Ballet, and after my first two years I started actually dancing, taking classes and everything. I’ve been in “Romeo and Juliet,” “Don Q” and “The Nutcracker.” I was recently in Twyla Tharp’s ballet that she premiered with the Atlanta Ballet [“The Princess and the Goblin”].

KS: This year I’m a “party child,” but I’m an older one, so I guess they call it a “party teen” this year. I’m also doing a Chinese variation where I dance with the dragon, or one of two dragons, and I’m the nephew.

• Birthdays, Bar/Bat Mitzvah’s, Weddings • Greeter Service & Event Coordinators • Night out in the Town, Sporting events • 24 hrs/7 days a week Reservationist • Fleet of 60+ New Vehicles • Sedans, SUV’s & Limo’s • Luxury Vans & Limo Buses • Mini Buses & Motor Coaches New reservations only, offer cannot be combined with any other promotions.

Info@atlanticlimo-ga.com | www.atlanticlimo-ga.com

AJT: What do you hope audience members take away?

IN E

IS

IO

U

SE R V

A NT

KS: I hope they take away a memorable experience and are filled with – I guess it’s a cliché, but – Christmas ATL you cheer. It’s kind of uplifting. ItINGgets A OVER away from the distractions of life and the workplace. You get the chance to YEARS N C AL let it go and witness something I TA L I A N special.

REG

KS: My sister had done ballet, and she was in “The Nutcracker,” so my mom wanted me to do it too, as a way to

Over 17 years of Experience

During December 2012 with this ad only.

Staff Report

AJT: How did you first start performing The Nutcracker?

First Class Service. Worldwide.

New management. New programs.

Upgrades everywhere.

Heart and soul? Untouched.

Dinner Reservations Suggested

1989 Cheshire Bridge Rd. Altanta GA 30324

3755 Peachtree Road NE | Atlanta 404.237.2323 | renaissanceonpeachtree.com

404-876-1380 E S TA BL I S HE D 1 9 7 4

REtiRE iN st ylE. yoUR st ylE. al f r edo s a t l a n t a . c o m

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

the Renaissance on Peachtree Retirement Community has always been fabulous. Now it’s just more so. leisure Care has added their signature programs. And amazing upgrades will be coming soon. We invite you to come take a look and see how we can help you Retire in Style—Your Style. Call (404) 237-2323 now to schedule your complimentary lunch and tour.

17

AJT

MATZAH BALL SOUP FOR THE SOUL

Prayer vs. Action CONNECTION BETWEEN DIVINE AND HUMAN POWER

By Rachel LaVictoire

I

AJT Contributor was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia on Aug. 13, 1999, and for the following twoand-a-half years, I received weekly chemo treatments at Egleston Hospital.

Armies of chemicals marched through my body. Vincristine attacked the front line, killing off cells by interfering with their DNA. Methotrexate battled at the rear by making it difficult for cancer cells to grow.

Prednisone was a sort of battlefield medic, reducing the severity of side effects. The first line of defense – my blood pressure, weight, height, and cell counts – was monitored vigorously.

The war ended on Feb. 13, 2002. The chemicals won….

Or did they? Was the victory all about my chemo treatment, or did it also involve the daily prayers from friends and family?

For two-and-a-half years, people were calling on G-d for my recovery from across Georgia, Florida, New York, New Jersey, California, Alaska,

Missouri, Michigan, Ohio, and probably other places, too.

The members of my immediate family – my mom, my dad, my brother and I – prayed separately, and, then, we prayed all together. Every night when I went to bed, my brother, my dad and I would close our eyes and offer up these wishes to the Almighty: “Dear G-d, thank you for letting us have another great day. Please watch over us tonight and help us to have a good night sleep, with all sweet dreams and no bad dreams. Please bless mommy and daddy, Max and Rachel, Ryan and Jeremy, Grandma and Grandpa…”

We would then go on to list all the loved ones in our lives, then ask G-d to bless “all the doctors and nurses that help take care of Rachel” and finish by asking G-d to “watch over us tomorrow and help us have another great day.” We called these words our “Magic Prayer,” and I still say it with my dad every night when I’m home.

When I was 5 years old, it really did seem like magic. I was talking to a being that I couldn’t see, and yet I could feel that He heard me. In fact, I know He heard me.

Shabbat Candle Lighting Times shabbat blessings 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.

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

Blessing for thw Wine Baruch Atah A-do-nai, El-o-hei-nu Meelech Haolam, Borei p’ri hagafen

18

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.

Friday, December 14, 2012 Light Candles at: 5:11 pm Shabbat, December 15, 2012 Shabbat Ends: 6:10 pm Friday, December 21, 2012 Light Candles at: 5:14 pm Shabbat, December 22, 2012 Shabbat Ends: 6:13 pm Friday, December 28, 2012 Light Candles at: 5:18 pm Shabbat, December 29, 2012 Shabbat Ends: 6:18 pm Friday, January 4, 2012 Light Candles at: 5:23 pm Shabbat, December 29, 2012 Shabbat Ends: 6:22 pm

I’m certain that G-d heard me, my brother, my dad, my mom, my aunts, my uncles, my cousins, my grandparents and all our friends. This collective call for help and divine intervention led to my miraculous recovery, right?

This – my recovery, how and why I was blessed – is just one example of a dilemma that I encounter on almost a daily basis: “prayer vs. action.”

Not One Without the Other Generally speaking, I believe that G-d will allow everything in my life to eventually work out. I haven’t yet decided whether that means G-d has an ultimate goal for me, whether or not He moves me like a puppet or if He simply created me with the da’at, or knowledge, to succeed.

However, I’m also a smart kid. I know that I can’t just sit back and say, “G-d won’t let me destroy my life, I’m fine.” I know I need to have as much faith in myself as I have in G-d.

Case in point: My exams start this week, so I have to get organized and focused. I have to prioritize my tasks and work as hard as I can. G-d won’t teach me microeconomics, but He gave me eyes for reading, hands for writing and a brain for thinking. Now I have to do the work, and as it turns out, by doing so I’m taking a page out of Joseph’s book.

In this week’s Torah portion, Miketz, Pharoah hears of Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams and sends for him. Pharaoh says to Joseph, “I have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter for it, but I have heard it said of you that you understand a dream, to interpret it” (Genesis 41:15).

Joseph replies by saying, “Not I; G-d will give an answer that will bring peace to Pharaoh” (Genesis 41:16). Nevertheless, Joseph then interprets Pharaoh’s dream, telling him that there will be seven plentiful years of harvest followed by seven years of famine.

Now, he could have stopped there; he was only asked to interpret the dream. Joseph continued, though. Us-

ing his own logic, he mustered up the confidence to advise the King of Egypt: “…seek out an understanding and wise man and appoint him over the land of Egypt…let them collect all the food of these coming seven good years, and let them gather the grain under Pharaoh’s hand, food in the cities, and keep it” (Genesis 41: 33-35).

Of course, it was Joseph that Pharaoh appointed to this position in the end, and thus Joseph watched over all of Egypt. But just as important as this fact is the difference between prayer and action illustrated here: G-d is responsible for Joseph’s capacity to read dreams, but Joseph is responsible for what he chooses to do with that gift.

And so it was with my cancer treatments.

G-d endowed certain people with a gift for science, and those who applied themselves were able to develop a protocol for chemotherapy. G-d also blessed my family with unrelenting strength, and so we chose to fight, week after week, fever after fever, methotrexate shot after methotrexate shot.

Perhaps, then, it’s not so much “prayer vs. action,” so much as it is prayer and action, together. Neither can exist on its own.

We can’t sit back and assume G-d will take care of everything, but we would also be wrong not to step back and realize that our individual potential is a gift from G-d. Everything we accomplish is due to both G-d’s will and our own efforts.

Rachel LaVictoire (rlavictoire@wustl. edu) is a graduate of the Davis Academy and Westminster High School, recipient of the prestigious Nemerov Writing and Thomas H. Elliott Merit scholarships at Washington University of St. Louis and an active member of Temple EmanuEl and the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.

AJT

D’var Torah

Parashat Miketz A TIME FOR DREAMS s we conclude the festive Chanukah holiday, a time which focuses on miracles, the Torah beckons us to think about the future in a fascinating way: through our dreams.

This week’s sedrah is Miketz, which discusses dreams and their interpretations by our ancestor Joseph. So, I thought this a good opportunity for us to consider what our dreams are for America, Israel and ourselves as the year 2012 rapidly comes to a conclusion.

It is not so unlikely to dream, as Martin Luther King did in 1963, that the children of Israelis and the children of Palestinians could sit down together and break bread and approach one another in decency and harmony. But this dream cannot be contemplated while Palestinian leaders and their governing documents call for the destruction of Israel.

Still, we can and should visit and support Israel; this is another dream fulfilled.

Bonds Strengthened

Stability Restored

Finally, I dream of family.

It’s eerie that Joseph’s interpretation of the dream about the seven healthy and seven lean cows, and the parallel ears of corn, is something that we can relate to.

Sometimes, dreams are just that – dreams – and never attainable except in our minds. But there are many who wish for better family relations, and that’s a very possible goal to be realized.

We know that life often goes through periods of prosperity and times of shortfalls. My dream for America in 2013 – a dream I imagine we all share – is that the economy starts to reassert itself.

It’s so vitally important on so many levels for people to have jobs.

This is not just a question of economics. Our tradition clearly teaches that the highest level of tzedekah is helping someone learn a skill so that they can earn a living.

Along with this dream is a parallel one for our representative leaders in Washington: Get your acts together!

As a professor of American history, I can recall many examples of members of Congress working in tandem for the sake of the country. During the early days of the New Deal in 1933, over a dozen major proposals were passed by Congress at the request of President Roosevelt.

This Congress can do the same. It’s time for our New Deal!

Peace Achieved My dream for Israel is that the beginnings of real legitimate peace come to the region. I also dream that the other counties of the world use fair standards of justice and morality before they judge Israel.

I hope that the perilous status of Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya will be resolved to end the real suffering for these folks. The end of their turmoil might create the

Price reduced! One-Level Living at Brooke ridge.

Pristine and Move-In ready!

• Gleaming Hardwoods & Upscale Plantation Shutters • Neutral Décor, Crisp and Clean!

• 2 Bedrooms/2 Full Baths • Serene View of the Woods and Koi Pond • Eat-In Kitchen with Granite Counters • King Sized Master with Sitting Area will Hold All Your furniture and More • Separate Laundry Room with Custom Cabinets • Gated Lake Community with Swim and Tennis in a Fantastic Dunwoody Location!

If we want to strengthen a relationship with a spouse, child or other family member, we can begin now. Make time for lunches, phone calls or e-mail chats; communicate how you feel and what you hope to accomplish. Often, they will respond in a very positive way.

But someone needs to take the first step. In 2013, you can be that person.

Just How Powerful You Are I’m a big believer in dreams and their significance. I contend that they often reflect another dimension of our reality. Dreams sometimes relate our fears and concerns about the “what-ifs” of life. At other times, they can hint at the enormous possibilities of what we can accomplish.

Dunwoody $179,500 $169,000

©2012 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Owned And Operated By NRT LLC.

hope your hannukah was as bright as the lights you lit. wishing you the very best always,

Sandy Abrams

Our lives are comprised of both types of dreams. Our task is to remember that we, created in the image of the Almighty, have the ability to change the world, one building, one job, one relationship at a time.

Have a happy, healthy and dreamfilled 2013.

Editor’s note: Rabbi Albert Slomovitz is the spiritual leader of Atlanta Chevre Minyan and a member of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association.

Sandy Abrams REALTOR®

when only the best will do!

404.281.0097 cell | 404.233.4142 office Sandy.Abrams@HarryNorman.com

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

A

For the Atlanta Jewish Times

circumstances for genuine peace in the region.

lI NE ST W IN G

BY RABBI SLOMOVITZ

532 East Paces Ferry Road • Atlanta, GA 30305 • 404-233-4142 • www.HarryNorman.com

19

AJT

what’s happening

Fri., Dec. 14 Chanukah Shabbat Dinner, with song, story and discussion. Fri., Dec. 14, 6 p.m. $12/person. Free for ages under 5.

Chabad Enrichment Center of Gwinnett.

(678) 595-0196.

Musical Hanukkah and Sufganiyot Oneg, Shabbat service. Fri., Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m. Congregation Dor Tamid. (770) 623-8849.

Community Chanukah with Congregation Ner Tamid. Fri., Dec. 14. Congregation Ner Tamid. (678) 264-8575.

Sat., Dec. 15 Congressman Guest Sermon, Congressman Rob Woodall speaking on “A Congressional View of the U.S.-Israel Relationship.” Stay for Kiddush lunch. Sat., Dec. 15, 9:30 a.m. Congregation Beth Shalom. (770) 399-5300.

Primetimers Chanukah Party, bring your favorite Chanukiah and candles along with one gender-neutral ($18) wrapped gift per family. Sat., Dec. 15, 7 p.m. Congregation Dor Tamid. RSVP to (770) 623-8860.

Get Your Dreidel On, CNT Women’s Group Chanukah party; bring along an appetizer, wine or dessert plus a gift of up to $15. Sat., Dec. 15, 7 p.m. Private residence. (678) 264-8575.

Sun., Dec. 16 OVS Annual General Meeting, refreshments will be served. Sun., Dec. 16, 9:30 a.m. Congregation Or VeShalom. (404) 633-1737.

Southern Fried Hanukkah Meltdown, First annual benefit for PunkTorah including refreshments, featuring No-Limit Texas Dreidel, concert by Sunmoon Pie and more. Sat., Dec. 15, 7 p.m. $12/ person. Hub Atlanta. For tickets ,visit punktorah.org/2012-hanukkah-partysponsorship-page; to volunteer, contact patrick@punktorah.org.

Jump Jump, indoor playground for kids with Chabad of Gwinnett. Sun., Dec. 16, 10 a.m. Free. 6315 Spalding Drive, Norcross. (678) 595-0196.

“King of Storytellers,” Rabbi Hanoch Teller as the Scholar-in-Residence. Sat., Dec. 15, time TBA. Congregation Ariel.

(770) 390-9071.

Guest Cantor Shabbat, Rabbi Jacob Adi from Jerusalem officiating. Sat., Dec. 15. Congregation Or VeShalom. (404) 633-1737.

Mosaic Outdoor Club Chanukah Party, Sat., Dec. 15, 7 p.m., $10/non members, Clubhouse at Academy Park. RSVP Charna Perloe, 404-668-8554. Info, www.mosaicga.com

Concert for Temima High School for Girls, featuring Rabbi Menashe Goldberger and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra musicians. Sun., Dec. 16, 1:30 p.m.

Lakeside High School Fine Arts Center.

(404) 325-5560.

Shir Harmony in concert, Atlanta’s only Jewish women’s a cappella group.

Sun., Dec. 16, 3 p.m. $10, children 10 & under free. Steve’s Live Music in Sandy Springs. (404) 441-9475.

BBQ Brisket Dinner, award-winning brisket served by the CBS Kosher BBQ team, in addition to hamburgers and hotdogs. Sun., Dec. 16, 6 p.m. $15/adults, ages 11+, $10/ages 10 and under. Free for ages 3 and under. Congregation Beth Shalom. RSVP by Dec. 12 to (770) 3995300 or bshalom.net.

Mon., Dec. 17 Book Club Meeting, Women’s Circle discusses “A Mother in Israel: The Life and Memoirs of Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson.” Mon., Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Free. Chabad of Cobb. RSVP to mandimaloon@gmail.com or stephanierosen@ gmail.com.

Music on Main Street, featuring Boris Savchuk, classically trained viola/violinist. Mon., Dec. 17. 5 p.m. Free. Goodfriend’s Grill at Zaban Park. More info: brian.glusman@atlantajcc.org.

Potty Training 101, classes for transitioning from diapers to underwear with instructor Roseanne Lesack, Ph.D. Mon., Dec. 17, 7 p.m. $60/members, $70/ non members. More info, ilana.schlam@ atlantajcc.org.

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

Thurs., Dec. 20 Happy Hour, with Atlanta Jewish Singles. Early complimentary appetizers and drink specials, followed by a live band and dancing. Thurs., Dec. 20, 5:30 p.m. Aqua Blue, in Roswell. mhorv00@ gmail.com.

20

Sat., Dec. 22 Road Rally Scavenger Hunt, with Atlanta Jewish Singles. Dinner beforehand.

The group is divided up into teams with a list of riddles to solve, leading to different locations around Atlanta. Sat., Dec. 22, 6 p.m. Location TBA. meetup.com.

Sun., Dec. 23 Gift-wrapping fundraiser, volunteer opportunities all day; need at least three volunteers for each shift. Beginning Sun., Dec. 23, 9 a.m. Barnes and Noble

at Cumberland. To sign up for a shift, contact (770) 726-7219 or audreycpa@ gmail.com.

Mon., Dec. 24 Jew Jam 2012, a benefit for JF&CS Emergency Assistance Fund with the Mark Michelson & Friends band. Ages 35+. Mon., Dec. 24, 8 p.m. $19.50/ online, $30/door (cash only). Steve’s Live Music. Tickets at ticketfly.com/purchase/event/184353.

Tues., Dec. 25 Hospital volunteer opportunity, “Be a Pinch Hitter” by covering a four-hour shift on Christmas Day. Tues., Dec. 25.

To sign up, visit pinchhitters.org, or call (770) 392-1175 for info.

Family Fun Day, enjoy a day at the Marcus gym, inflatables, a concert by The Baal Shem Tones, a family friendly movie and food. Tues., Dec. 25, 8 a.m. Free and open to community. MJCCA. lora.sommer@atlantajcc.org.

Wed., Dec. 26 Winter Camp, featuring a variety of activities, plus Kosher lunch and snacks.

For kindergarten to 6th grade. Mini-camp for ages 3-4. Wed., Dec. 26, 9 a.m. $55/ day, $220/weekly bundle. For Early Bird Special, register by Dec. 12. Chabad Israeli Center. (404) 252-9508.

Sun., Jan. 6 High Museum Trip, “Fast Forward: Modern Moments” exhibit. Docent-guided tour through exhibit followed by drinks at Shout. Sun., Jan. 6, 3 p.m. $30/MJCCA members, $35/non-members. High Museum. (678) 812-4079.

Thurs., Jan. 10 Preschool Place Pre-K open house, come meet excellent educators and experience CDT’s quality pre-K program.

Walk-ins welcome, RSVP preferred. Congregation Dor Tamid. (770) 623-8849.

Sun., Jan. 13 From the SS to the IDF, with guest lecturer Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger. Sun., Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m. Congregation Beth Tefillah.

(404) 843-2464.

Wed., Jan. 16 “To Catch An Anti-Semite,” with guest speaker David Nesenoff, on the viral video of White House correspondent Helen Thomas. Wed., Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m. $12/ person for RSVP’s by Jan. 10. $15/person at door. RSVP, (770) 565-4412 or chabadofcobb.com.

Sat., Jan. 19 Cancer Transitions Workshop, sixweek workshop to aide in active to post treatment. Sat., Jan. 19, 10 a.m. Free.

Cancer Support Community. (404) 8431880.

Irma Bluestein Freedman

Sherry Levick

Irma Bluestein Freedman, 87, of Atlanta, died on Nov. 27, 2012. She was the beloved wife of 64 years to Milton H. Freedman, M.D.; devoted mother of Francie Freedman Teitelbaum, Sally Freedman Plesser and Jane E. Freedman; adored grandmother of Jennifer, Emily and Samantha; and favorite aunt of many nieces and nephews. Irma was the youngest of four children born to Barnett “Barney” and Belle Bluestein in Boston, Mass. Raised in Boston, she graduated from the University of Michigan in 1946. She met and married Milton in Boston, where he was completing his medical training, and they moved to Atlanta, his hometown, in 1949. Irma valued education and learning and delighted in reading and sharing good books with family and friends. In addition to being a devoted spouse, mother and homemaker, she volunteered many hours to PTA, Brownies, the Brandeis Book Fair, typing books in braille for the blind, tutoring elementary students in the Atlanta public schools, and working at the Northside branch of the Atlanta Public Library. Additionally, Irma’s home was always open to her close family and friends. Irma will long be remembered for her grace, her intelligence, her wit and humor and her compassion for others. She will be deeply missed by her immediate and extended family and close friends. Deep appreciation goes to her loving caregivers, Celeste Smith and Audrey Cox. An online guestbook is available at edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dr. Milton H. and Irma B. Freedman Scholarship Fund at Emory University School of Medicine, 1440 Clifton Rd., NE, Suite 170, Atlanta, GA 30322; to Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave. NW, Atlanta, GA 30327; or to a charity of your choice. Graveside service was held at 3:30 p.m. on Thurs., Nov. 29, 2012 at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs with Rabbi Neil Sandler officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

Sherry Levick, 68, passed away peacefully at her home on Dec. 1, 2012. Sherry was born on Sept. 7, 1944 in McKeesport, Penn., but grew up in Charlotte, N.C. She graduated with her B.A. from the University of Michigan and spent a brief period in Chicago before moving to Atlanta, where she established her life-long roots and raised her family. A passionate mother, Sherry was also a working mother until she was forced to retire from her role in banking in the mid-1980s as a result of a progressive battle with multiple sclerosis. Sherry battled this disease for more than 30 years, defying all odds against her and obstacles in her way. As a true Southerner and a strong woman, she lived every day with grace and poise, ensuring that her life was defined by her schedule and not by the one set by her disease. With sheer determination and in spite of her condition, Sherry went out for lunch every day with friends or with her extraordinary caregiver, Gracie Williams, who was always by her side for the past 10 years, feeding her strength. Sherry is preceded in death by her father, Herbert Weisman; and is survived by her mother, Rosamond Weisman; her sister, Elaine Dinerman and her husband Alan Dinerman; her sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and his wife Michelle and Jeff and his wife Kate; her grandchildren, Isabella, David, Liliana and Oliver; her nephew, Scott Dinerman and his wife Liz Dinerman; and her niece, Jessica Wiley and her husband Scott Wiley. An online guestbook is available at edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial nationalmssociety.org. Graveside service was held at 11:30 a.m. on Tues., Dec. 4, 2012 at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs with Rabbi Steven Lebow officiating. Arrangements

by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

87, OF ATLANTA

Ruth Ballinger Ellis 94, OF ATLANTA

Ruth Ballinger Ellis, devoted and loving mother and grandmother, died of natural causes on Sat., Dec. 1, while peacefully napping at her home. She was the widow of Atlanta writer and broadcaster Elmo Ellis. Mrs. Ellis was 94. Born in Alvarado, Texas, “Ruthie,” as she was known by her family and friends, endured the Great Depression as the fifth of six children. Always proud of her Texas heritage, it was in Fort Worth where she met her future husband. He was a young U.S. Army Air Corps captain and she a budding fashion model. After marriage, the couple was first stationed in Ohio, where Ruth attended Antioch College and Elmo produced Armed Forces radio programs. Following WWII, they moved to New York, where she was a model for the department stores Bonwit Teller and Stern’s and he furthered his broadcasting career. The newlyweds eventually settled in Atlanta, where Ruth raised her family and resided until her passing. Known for her charming sense of humor and beautiful smile, Ruth was a woman of many talents.

Her late husband called her the “lady with the golden hands.” She was a skilled seamstress and tailor who made beautiful clothing for her family.

She designed and sewed home furnishings, school and ballet costumes, dog kennel covers and lots of doll clothes. She was an excellent homemaker and decorator as well as an outstanding cook, although she laughed about her favorite meal, which was cornbread crumbled in buttermilk; it reminded her of her poor childhood. Ruth was an animal lover, offering a kind, gentle rub for all furry critters that came her way. Her house was a showcase of flourishing green plants, a testament to Ruth’s green thumb. She was especially proud of her African violets. She seemed to have an instinctive feel for keeping them happy and healthy, and so it was too with Ruth’s primary devotion in life, which was her family. She was a dependable, intuitive and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Ruth enjoyed 60 happily married years with her late husband. Mrs. Ellis is survived by daughter, Janet Beerman (Bruce); son, Bryan Ellis (Judi); and grandchildren Brad Beerman, Connor Honea and Cason Honea. The family wishes to thank Mrs. Ellis’s dedicated caregivers, Christine Munano, Lucy Kagia, Rosemary Rocky, Rebecca Muriithi and Philomena Kimanzi. An online guestbook is available at edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution in Mrs. Ellis’s name to any of these charities: Southern Souls Rescue, Harlem, Ga. (southernsoulsrescue.org); Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University (winshipcancer.emory.edu); or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (jdrf. org). Private burial was conducted on Mon., Dec. 3, 2012. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

68, OF ATLANTA

Donald Miller 79, OF ATLANTA

Donald Miller, 79, a native of Atlanta, passed away on Dec. 9, 2012. He was preceded in death by parents Rose and Jack Miller and brother Alvin Miller (Helen Miller). He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda Krieger Miller; daughters Sylvia Miller, Amy Green, Julie and Jeff Rotenstreich, Kimberly and Mike Rosenthal; brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Meta Miller; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Estelle and Lawrence Gordon. Donald was blessed with 13 grandchildren: Gavi, Tali, Miki, Brenna, Jack, Bradley, Ryssa, Brandon, Jordan, Dylan, Matthew, Ryan and Noah, as well as many nieces and nephews. Donald “Moose” Miller was well known as “Doc Miller,” being the proprietor of Miller’s Rexall Drugs for 35 years. After retirement, Donald continued to work in the pharmacy world and enjoyed his hobbies such as music, art, sports and Torah learning. Donald was active his entire life at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta with the sports and senior programs. Donald was a member of Congregation Ariel and enjoyed learning with the Atlanta Scholars Kollel. Sign online guestbook at edressler. com. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity,as well as to Weinstein Hospice or Atlanta Scholars Kollel. A graveside service was held Mon., Dec. 10, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Arlington Memorial Park with Rabbi Benyomin Friedman officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

Corrine Thomas 80, OF CLARKSTON

Ms. Corrine Thomas, age 80, of Clarkston, Ga., a loving mother, sister and aunt, passed Dec. 7, 2012. She is survived by her daughter, Lorraine Thomas-Smalls; her sons Joseph Thomas, Anthony Thomas and Aaron McCarty; her three brothers; and her three granddaughters. Sign online guestbook at edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the building fund of Congregation Bet Haverim. Graveside service at Melwood Cemetery was held at 10 a.m. on Tues., Dec. 11, 2012. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

AJT

MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE A BLESSING

21

JEWISH PUZZLER

by Kathi Handler (bookssss@aol.com)

Across 1. Imitated Mauri Rose 5. Plague?

10. “Fiddler” composer 14. Sit for Modigliani 15. Merman or Rosenberg 16. Khazars’ homeland 17. Oy Vay! 18. Sea mud sellers?

19. Laban’s eldest 20. Awaken 22. Israeli astronaut 24. Fill Knesset seat 26. Reason for shiva?

27. Sholem Aleichem specialty 30. Tsahal headgear 34. Financial advice lady 35. __ Reiner 36. Break the ninth 37. Gershwin and Levin 38. T _ X connector 39. Marceau 40. Enjoy latkes 41. Third dynasty king 43. Gonif (Eng) 45. “I Dream of Jeannie” writer 47. Meshuggas (Eng) 48. Asner and Koch 49. Dreidel and Shesh-besh 50. Plagues?

54. Israel in 1948 58. C. Berman’s station 59. David’s guard 61. Shabbas border

62. Magen David hue 63. Last letter of Torah 64. “Street Scene” dramatist 65. Watch the sheep 66. Sukkot 67. __ Fifth Avenue

38. Vase 39. Crystal movie “__ Inc.” 41. Belmont payoff 42. Zero and Josh 43. On the ___ 44. Bialik writings 46. Postured at Passover

47. Dressed for Purim 49. Schmutz (Eng) 50. Rothschild’s business 51. Ellis or Cyprus 52. Used a dreidel 53. King of Israel 55. Jan Peerce specialty

56. Victorian postcard publisher 57. First lady and her namesakes 60. Classifieds

Last week’s answers

Down 1. Practice for Baer 2. Ralph Lauren line 3. Firstborn twin 4. Rugalach and Hamantaschen 5. Not on Pesach?

6. “__ of our Fathers” 7. Biblical to do 8. Israeli drug company 9. Commandment no no 10. Balak’s prophet 11. Israeli food company 12. Italian Shalom 13. “High Anxiety”, actress 21. Holocaust voice 23. Megillat Esther 25. Ever to Bialik 27. Rosenbergs?

28. Books of Moses 29. Emulate Abba Eban 30. Hee __ 31. Cohanim?

32. Ochs’ paper, NY __ 33. Amos and Micah 35. 106

Chess Puzzle of the Week

by Jon Hochberg

Challenge: White to move: Checkmate in 1 move

Last week’s puzzle solution.

Black to move: Checkmate in 1 move Ng7#

Jon Hochberg is a chess instructor who has been teaching in the Atlanta area for the last 6 years.

Currently, Jon runs after school chess programs at several Atlanta schools, including The Epstein school. He always welcomes new students, and enjoys working with children who have no prior chess knowledge. Jon can be reached at Jonhochberg@gmail.com to schedule private lessons.

THE MARKETPLACE

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

CAREGIVER C.N.A- Affordable healthcare provider available for work: Call 404-247-3500/ 404-397-8818

22

Rachel’s Eldercare: Compassionate Chaplin will give warm companionship to your older relatives.

Reading, Games, Small errands & appts.

P-time/weekdays. Hourly rates.

404-320-6433 or 404-247-4042

404-883-2130 ext. 104

CAREGIVER CNA caregiver. In home care. Honest, Dependable and Excellent references. available daytime or evenings. please call Gloria @ 678-427-4135 CNA 25 yrs exp. in caring for elderly and disabled.

Excellent references 470-385-7769

HELP WANTED SYNAGOGUE BOOKKEEPER Friendly, professional environment, active but not crazy.

Permanent, 15 hrs/wk. Shul experience & knowledge of Chaverware preferred. Great for the easy-going, multi-tasking individual. Your desk awaits!

Call 770-390-9071 or email resume to shuloffice@congariel.org.

We’ll create your WEBSITE, put you on FACEBOOk, YOUTUBE, lINkEDIN, TWITTER AND OTHER SITES THAT MAY WORk FOR YOU. We’ll claim your YElP & kUDZU and other review listings.

Other Services: Video Production, Photography, Graphic Design for brochures, custom magazines (print and digital) and other print products.

ez2BSocial 678.358.7858

THE MARKETPLACE 404-883-2130 ext. 104 COMPUTER

REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE

We’ve always been here when you needed a mortgage, and we’re here for you now.

Ask us how we can help you.

At SunTrust Mortgage, Inc., we’ve made it our business to put your best interests first.

We’re confident we can help qualified home buyers with the financing to meet their individual needs. Call today!

Jay Givarz Loan Officer 678.832.9386 jay.givarz@suntrust.com NMLSR# 203728

ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENTS

Computer House Calls

Voted #1 by Atlanta Jewish Community - Since 1987!

770-751-5706 m www.HealthyComputer.com As low as $49

• PC, MAC, iPhone/iPad Service • Home & Commercial Service • Virus/Malware Removal • Laptop Screen Repair • Data Recovery / Forensics • Wireless Corporate Networks • Website Design/Management • We beat competitor pricing!

Equal Housing Lender. SunTrust Mortgage, Inc., 901 Semmes Avenue, Richmond, VA 23224 is licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act; is an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee; is a Lender in Massachusetts having Mortgage Lender license #s ML1216, ML0133, ML1432, ML1914, ML1913, ML1815, ML2411, ML1214, ML2442, ML2491, and ML2538; is licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department; is licensed by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, toll free 1-800-330-4684; is a licensed lender in Rhode Island; and is doing business in Arizona as Crestar Mortgage, 7250 N. 16th Street, Ste. 100, Phoenix, AZ 85020. ©2011 SunTrust Banks, Inc. SunTrust, SunTrust Mortgage, and Live Solid. Bank Solid. are federally registered service marks of SunTrust Banks, Inc.

FLOORING

Imagine if the Georgia Dome was a flooring store. That’s us.

Photo Keepsakes by DJR PHOTOGRAPHY

Professional Green Screen Photography Instant Photos & Novelties BAR/BAT MITZVAHS · PARTIES · CORPORATE EVENTS djrphotography@mindspring.com djrphotography.com | 404.909.0675

Over 1 Million Sq. Ft. of First Quality Tile, Wood & Stone Flooring Roswell - Atlanta - Southlake - Kennesaw www.flooranddecoroutlets.com

INVITATIONS

“NOTICE OF INTENT TO INCORPORATE Notice is given that the Articles of Incorporation which will incorporate Light4TheCure, Inc. will be delivered to the Secretary of State for filing in accordance with the Georgia Business Corporation Code. The initial registered office of the corporation will be located at 3490 Piedmont Road, N.E., Suite 800, Atlanta, Georgia 30305 and it’s initial registered agent at such address is Steven M. Winter.”

Reading this? Your ad can be seen too!

DECEMBER 14 ▪ 2012

LEGAL NOTICE

23

WellStar Medical Group welcomes new practices to East Cobb!

FAmily medicine And GeRiATRic medicine Whitney denton, m.d. H Shravantika Reddy, m.d.

Johnson Square | 1523 Johnson Ferry Road | Building 1523 Suite 150 | marietta, GA 30062 | 678-403-4660

FAmily medicine, inTeRnAl medicine And PediATRicS Waldon Garriss, m.d., m.S., FAAP, FAcP mitzi Rubin, m.d., FAAFP 3939 Roswell Road | marietta GA 30062 | 770-973-2272

PediATRicS Amy cooper, m.d., m.P.H., m.S. eva montgomery-mcGuire, m.d., FAAP Susan Staviss, m.d., FAAP 3939 Roswell Road | marietta GA 30062 770-578-2868

cARdiovASculAR medicine mindy Gentry, m.d. michael Hardee, md Harvey Sacks, m.d.

1010 Johnson Ferry Road | marietta, GA 30068 770-424-6893

PulmonARy medicine

DECEMBER 14 â–Ş 2012

morohunfolu Akinnusi, m.d. H mark Schlosberg, m.d.

3939 Roswell Road | Suite 110 | marietta, GA 30062 770-422-1372

24

770-956-STAR H wellstar.org

All practices accepting new patients and most insurance plans.