Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCVII NO. 7, APRIL 15, 2021

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VOL. XCVI NO. 7

Education & Camp Gender Pronouns and Identities in Jewish Education

APRIL 15, 2021 | 3 IYAR 5781

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CONTRIBUTORS THIS WEEK BOB BAHR CHANA SHAPIRO DAVE SCHECHTER FLORA ROSEFSKY JAN JABEN-EILON MARCIA CALLER JAFFE MARK FISHER

THIS WEEK School Days & Camp Rays School days will be wrapping up soon with summer plans on the horizon. For that reason, the AJT covers education and camp in this issue with stories ranging from an assistant principal who gained worldwide attention as a role model for Tourette syndrome to a few equestrians who share their love of horses and the sport. Plus, the AJT asks schools and camps how they address gender pronouns and identities in their respective arenas.

Learn how some students were still able to find internships in the midst of a pandemic and read about a new partnership between Jewish Family & Career Services and Hillels of Georgia, offering free counseling for college students suffering from mental health challenges heightened over the past year.

Talking about Hillel, we report that the local Jewish college organization is honoring those “heroes” who have made a mark over the past year, including a few students who helped convince the University of Georgia to adopt a widely accepted definition of antiSemitism when evaluating discrimination claims. The ADL also released its annual report on anti-Semitism, showing a significant percentage of Jews were victims of hateful

attacks, whether verbal or physical.

Philanthropist Michael Coles donated $1 million to veterans attending Kennesaw State University, and a group of prominent Jewish education supporters contributed to a 50 percent tuition reduction for children of full-time Jewish professionals, clergy and educators to attend an accredited Jewish high school. In other high school news, two students from The Davis Academy won a major national competition for their envelope-pushing documentaries.

We also offer a variety of sports briefs starting with a pair of record-setting high school pole vaulters and Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried throwing out the first pitch of the season.

You’ll also discover what’s new at camp this summer, aside from it being back in session after pandemic shutdowns. And stay up to date with the latest on reduced COVID restrictions in the state and changes in voter rights. In addition, former politician John Eaves takes on controversial issues on his new AIB Network show.

Next issue, getting us in the mood for summer excursions, we bring you stories about spa and beauty, staycations and our annual Mother’s Day special edition. ì

Cover Photo: Emma Sundheim takes riding lessons and learns about the care of horses.

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES APRIL 15, 2021 | 5

NEWS ADL: American Jews Remain on Edge 2021 survey on Jewish Americans’ experience with anti-Semitism.

By Dave Schechter On the same day that the AntiDefamation League released a report on anti-Semitic attacks on American Jews, an Orthodox couple and their 1-yearold son were slashed and bloodied by a knife-wielding assailant while walking in Battery Park in lower Manhattan.

Video of the March 31 incident spread quickly across social media. Though there was no indication that the alleged attacker, who was arrested hours later, knew that his victims were visiting New York City from Belgium, they were dressed in garb clearly identifying them as Orthodox Jews.

“Alarmingly,” in the ADL’s words, one prominent finding in its survey was that 9 percent of respondents said that in the previous five years they had been attacked physically because they are Jewish.

Indeed, the past five years have not been easy for American Jewry. The most headline-making physical attacks are referred in a shorthand, simply by their location: Charlottesville, Va. (2017), Pittsburgh

6 | APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Allison Padilla-Goodman is vice president of ADL’s Southern division.

NEWS (2018), Poway, Calif. (2019), Jersey City, N.J., (2019) and Monsey, N.Y. (2019).

Then there are verbal attacks, the anti-Semitic comments, slurs, or threats, which 63 percent of respondents said they either had experienced personally or heard in the past five years.

To conduct the survey, the YouGov polling firm gathered responses online from 503 Jewish American adults Jan. 7-15, then weighted the data to meet the demographics of the community. The survey’s margin of error was 4.4 percentage points.

While 25 percent of respondents reported having been the target of antiSemitic comments, slurs or threats, 56 percent said they had heard anti-Semitic expressions directed at others the past five years. For 2020 alone, 40 percent of the Jewish adults reported hearing anti-Semitic comments, slurs, or threats directed at someone else in the past year alone.

The virtual world, meanwhile, also has been a less-than-friendly environment for many American Jews. The ADL survey found that 36 percent of respondents had experienced some form of online harassment, prompting 13 percent to avoid identifying themselves as Jewish on social media.

However, only 29 percent reported contacting online platforms with their concerns, a significant drop from 43 percent in the survey conducted in January 2020. “This may reflect some resignation vis a vis tech companies’ perceived lack of responsiveness to complaints about online bigotry and hate,” according to an ADL statement accompanying the survey.

Jews certainly were not alone in their internet experiences. Drawing from the full YouGov survey pool of 2,251 American adults, 27 percent of those surveyed in January 2021 reported experiencing severe online harassment, compared with 28 percent a year earlier.

Reviewing its results, the ADL report-

ed that 59 percent of the Jewish Americans feel less safe in the United States now than a decade ago. Just shy of half, 49 percent, now fear a violent attack at a synagogue, that figure down from 54 percent a year earlier. The ADL also reported that the personal costs of anti-Semitic harassment included 33 percent of respondents reporting difficulty sleeping and 16 percent who said their financial lives had been affected.

Allison Padilla-Goodman, vice president of ADL’s Southern division, said in a statement to the AJT, “The results of ADL’s latest survey on Jewish American experiences with antisemitism is another reminder of the reality we are living in: rates of antisemitic incidents are at alarmingly high rates, and Jews in our country are feeling it and living that reality. With well over half of Jewish Americans either experiencing or directly witnessing some form of antisemitic incident in the last five years, we have to address the impact that has on the community and our path forward in addressing hate.”

On March 24, the ADL released other results from YouGov’s full survey pool of 2,251 American adults.

Notably, given recent violence in Atlanta and elsewhere, the ADL reported that Asian-Americans experienced the largest increase in online hate and harassment, compared with other groups, as 17 percent reported being the victims of sexual harassment, stalking, physical threats, and other forms of abuse, compared with 11 percent a year earlier. Half of the Asian American respondents who were harassed reported being targeted because of their race or ethnicity.

Overall, for the third consecutive year, LGBTQ+ respondents reported a rate of overall harassment of 64 percent, higher than any other demographic measured. In the same survey, 36 percent of Muslim respondents reported severe online harassment. ì

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This year Atlanta Jewish Times has partnered with Jewish Mom’s of Atlanta to offer our community an opportunity to SHOW OFF our Mothers.

Submit ‘Why Your Mother Deserves the Best Day’ Here: http://bit.ly/BestMotherEver Submit 200 words or less, telling Jewish Atlanta why your mother deserves the flowers, candy or a day at the spa. Your submission will be entered in a drawing to win one of 3 prizes and 10 more will be drawn to be featured in the upcoming April 30, 2021 newspaper issue.

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NEWS

Marlene Colon's Murder Suspect Is a Local Israeli

By Jan Jaben-Eilon

had lived in the Tel Aviv-Jaffa area and was born in 1962. The Consulate General of Israel had not been contacted by the police at press time. Alex Gandler, deputy consul general of Israel to the Southeast, said he would “not be able to provide any information regarding [the suspect] due to the privacy of her information.”

Ortega told the AJT that the type of weapon used has not been released

At her burial, less than a week after the popular Zumba instructor was killed in her house allegedly by a tenant, Marlene D. Colon was eulogized as “a bit naïve.” Scott Colbert, rabbi emeritus of Temple Emanu-El, who had known Colon for 35 years, said it was “that naivete that took her from us.”

In addition to family members, friends and students of Colon’s who gathered at the cemetery, nearly 150 people joined on Zoom to remember the 73-year-old.

“We’re working to understand why you were taken from us so abruptly,” said son Jonathan Colon.

So are the Sandy Springs police who responded to a 911 call at her house April 5. “We believe the suspect is the person that made the 911 call, but the dispatcher didn’t understand what was being said, and that’s the reason officers were dispatched to Marlene Diane Colon was active in the home to an unknown local Jewish singles groups. disturbance,” according to Sgt. Salvador Ortega, public information officer for the Sandy Springs police.

In the statement, police reported that when “officers arrived, they encountered the womansuspect in the garage holding an object and challenging officers. After a brief struggle with officers, she was subdued and taken into custody,” according to Suspect's Israeli driver's license. police.

The murder suspect the police arrested was denied bond by detectives as the investigation is onin her first court appearance in the going. An autopsy will be performed Superior Court of Fulton County two to determine the exact cause of death, days later. According to court docu- although Ortega said “the medical exments, Judge Jannquell Peters assigned aminer ruled it a homicide.” a public defender to represent the deThe Sandy Springs detectives say fendant Chelci Chisholm. The suspect that Chisholm had only lived at Colon’s was booked into the Fulton County jail house one month. Notably, in the court on charges of aggravated assault with document filed in Fulton County, Chintent to murder and obstruction, and isholm had given an address in Duluth is awaiting prosecution. where she had lived until a few years Sandy Springs police, who ar- ago with an ex-boyfriend. The house rested Chisholm at the victim’s home, has since been sold. where she allegedly rented a room, told It was in that Duluth house in Dethe AJT that the suspect is an Israeli. cember 2017 that Chisholm allegedly According to Chisholm’s Israeli driv- attacked her boyfriend, with whom she er’s license, provided by the police, she owned the house. According to Gwin-

nett County documents, Chisholm was charged with misdemeanor battery and simple assault.

Those court documents indicate that Chisholm forfeited her bond and did not appear at a bench trial scheduled in October 2018.

Murder suspect Chelci Chisholm has an arrest record in Gwinnett County.

According to an AJT source who asked not to be identified, the ex-boyfriend ultimately sold the house and gave Chisholm her portion. The same source told the AJT that Chisholm had American citizenship through a former husband, and that she had changed not only her last name, but also her first name. Attempts to speak directly with the ex-boyfriend were unsuccessful, as were attempts to reach the public defender assigned to Chisholm’s murder case.

Sandy Springs police are still actively investigating the April 5 incident despite having arrested a suspect in the case. “We are … running down every lead that we have,” Detective Sergey Voronkov told the AJT. Those leads include former tenants of Colon, who was known to open her house and “take people in,” Gary Mesnick, a cousin of hers, told the AJT. According to Voronkov, either he or one of his colleagues planned to reach out to one tenant who lived in Colon’s home for a couple of months a decade ago. This former tenant, a professional masseuse, told the AJT anonymously that in lieu of paying Colon rent, she did various projects around Colon’s house as well as provided free massages. This woman no longer lives in the Atlanta area.

At the funeral, The Temple Senior

Police have completed their investigation at Marlene Colon’s house in Sandy Springs where she died.

Rabbi Peter Berg pointed out that Colon was “always looking out for everyone else. We’re not supposed to be here today. Death like this is not supposed to happen to someone we love, not to Marlene,” he said. He added that her death was “absolutely unspeakable.”

In addition to her well-known hospitality, Colon was a popular Zumba instructor and active in the Jewish community. Celebrate Atlanta, a Jewish singles group in which Colon was active, is apparently considering purchasing and placing park benches in her memory in Sandy Springs. In an email the group’s organizer Dave Groveman sent to members, Colon was described as being “very helpful to members in putting on events. What members do not know is how instrumental she was in assisting with the online events during the pandemic.”

Colon is survived by two sons Loren and Jonathan and grandchildren Matthew and Julianne – all of whom spoke at the funeral.

Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact detectives at SVoronkov@SandySpringsGA. GOV or call 770-551-2562. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES APRIL 15, 2021 | 9

NEWS

UGA Jewish Students Back Anti-Semitism Definition

By Dave Schechter Jewish students Kara Litwin and Sarah Martynov are pleased that the University of Georgia will employ the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism when it evaluates claims of discrimination.

Litwin and Martynov, both third-year students and co-presidents of the campus group Students Supporting Israel, authored a resolution — unanimously approved in January by the Student Government Association — asking UGA to adopt the IHRA standard.

The 38-word definition states: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.

Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

Litwin, a psychology major from Sandy Springs who grew up at Temple Sinai, said of the student government action, “We view this resolution as a proactive step for the Jewish community.”

Martynov is an international major from Marietta and the daughter of emigres from the Soviet Union. She said, “We were surprised it passed unanimously and we are hoping that the university sees this as a push in the right direction.”

Looking forward, they would like to see the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia adopt the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism to cover the 26 public colleges

10 | APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

and universities that it oversees.

Gregory Trevor, UGA’s associate vice president for marketing and communications, told the AJT that the school “condemns antisemitism and discrimination in any form. . . . The University acknowledges the importance of the IHRA definition. This acknowledgment will be reflected in the Equal Opportunity Office’s consideration of the working definition in its evaluation of discrimination claims and during the development of training provided to the faculty, staff, and students.”

UGA forwarded the Jewish students’ resolution to the USG for review. USG’s vice chancellor for communications, Aaron Diamant, said that “it’s not uncommon for them [UGA] to consult with us on items like this, as well as their next steps, which did not require USG approval.”

Hillels of Georgia backed the resolution.

“We’re very proud of the students who took this leadership role and felt very passionately about this and did what they thought was appropriate in making this resolution,” said Hillels of Georgia CEO Elliot Karp. He added that the organization is “considering how we can continue to move forward with the regents to embrace the IHRA definition and hopefully enact it as policy.”

The most recent publicized incident of anti-Semitism on the UGA campus occurred in November 2019, when a student visiting from another college drew swastikas on white

Left to right: Kara Litwin called the student government’s approval of the resolution a “proactive step for the Jewish community.”

Sarah Martynov hopes that UGA sees the resolution “as a push in the right direction.”

Hillels of Georgia is “very proud of the students who took this leadership role,” said CEO Elliot Karp.

boards outside the doorways of Jewish students in two dormitories.

According to its website, SSI is an international organization founded in 2012 with chapters on 50 campuses and 1,000 active members in the United States. In addition to UGA, there are chapters at Kennesaw State University, Mercer University, Middle Georgia State University, and Georgia State University.

SSI lists UGA and Kennesaw State among 10 schools that have adopted the IHRA definition during the 2020-21 academic year.

In January, as part of a settlement with Hillels of Georgia, Georgia Tech said that it “recognizes” the IHRA definition. Hillel had filed a complaint in 2019 with the federal Department of Education, alleging that the school had “willfully ignored” anti-Semitic activity on campus.

The IHRA, of which the U.S. is a member, adopted its “non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism” at its 2016 meeting in Bucharest.

Former President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Dec. 11, 2019, requiring inclusion of the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism in enforcement of Title VI anti-discrimination clause of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Key to the IHRA definition are accompanying examples of what constitutes anti-Semitism. Those include accusing Jews outside of Israel of dual loyalty, comparing Israel to Nazis, calling Israel racist, “denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination,” and applying standards to Israel “not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.”

Critics contend that the IHRA definition — which has been adopted by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations — could be used to stifle debate, particularly around the Israel-Palestinian issue.

In recent weeks, two alternative definitions of anti-Semitism have been published, offering

examples of when their authors believe criticism of Israel is not anti-Semitic.

One comes from “The Nexus Group,” scholars affiliated with the Knight Program in Media and Religion at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California. That statement’s examples of what is not anti-Semitic included: “criticism of Zionism and Israel, opposition to Israel’s policies, . . . contentious, strident, or harsh criticism of Israel for its policies and actions, including those that led to the creation of Israel, . . . Paying disproportionate attention to Israel and treating Israel differently than other countries is not prima facie proof of antisemitism.”

The “Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism,” drafted by an international group of scholars, included its own “examples that, on the face of it, are not antisemitic.” Among them were: “Supporting the Palestinian demand for justice and the full grant of their political, national, civil and human rights, . . .

Criticizing or opposing Zionism as a form of nationalism, . . . Evidence-based criticism of Israel as a state. . . . Boycott, divestment and sanctions as a form of political protest.”

Mark Goldfeder of the American Center for Law and Justice, who represented Hillel in its complaint against Georgia Tech, rejected the argument that the IHRA definition silences speech and called it a tool to use “when analyzing motivations behind antisemitic acts.”

Goldfeder also has noted that when accepting federal financial assistance, institutions such as colleges and universities agree to follow policies that already require applying the IHRA definition when investigating alleged anti-Jewish discrimination.

What is happening in Georgia is part of a much larger debate over how to define antiSemitism. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES APRIL 15, 2021 | 11

NEWS

Kemp Signs Georgia Voting Overhaul

By Dave Schechter The next time Georgians vote will be quite different than the last time.

A bill quickly signed into law March 25 by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, after approval by the Republican-controlled legislature, makes major changes to voting procedures.

A lawsuit against the measures, which opponents have labeled “voter suppression,” was filed the same day in federal court in Atlanta.

The changes come after Democrat Joe Biden defeated incumbent Republican President Donald Trump in Georgia, and Senate runoffs in which Democrats Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock unseated incumbent Republicans. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, has said that Georgia experienced “safe, secure, honest elections” and that some of the legislative proposals were “reactionary to a three-month disinformation campaign that could have been prevented” after Trump’s defeat.

The bill passed on party-line votes,

Jon Ossoff posted on Twitter that the bill is “brazenly intended to make it harder for Georgians to vote.”

100-75 in the House and 34-20 in the Senate.

Jewish groups had expressed concern that in-person early voting on Sundays would be banned or restricted, removing an option for observant Jews

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unable to vote on Saturdays. Instead, for general elections, the state’s 159 counties will be required to offer early voting on two Saturdays and will have the option to schedule two Sundays.

Early voting on Sundays was more prevalent in urban areas and key to the “souls to the polls” programs at African American churches.

Early voting on weekends also serves people who cannot take time away from work or home to vote during weekday business hours, including on election day, and do not wish to file an absentee ballot.

The rules for absentee voting were a major part of the debate. More than 1.3 million votes were cast by absentee ballot in Georgia in the Nov. 3, 2020, general election, out of nearly 5 million total votes cast.

Under the new law, signatures no longer will be used to verify absentee ballots. Voters will be required to provide a driver’s license number or another form of state-approved identification; those without either will be required to provide additional proof of

Gov. Brian Kemp said, “By making it easy to vote and hard to cheat, we can ensure Georgia’s elections are safe, accessible, and fair!”

identity. The deadline to request an absentee ballot will be set 11 days before an election. An earlier proposal to limit absentee voting only to people age 65 and older or physically disabled was scrapped.

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NEWS Ballot drop boxes will be permitted only inside early voting locations and available only during business hours, and will not be available the last four days before an election, when on-time delivery by the postal service cannot be assured.

It now becomes illegal to distribute food or drink to voters waiting in line near a polling place.

Runoffs now will be held four weeks after the general election — as opposed to nine weeks, as with the Jan.

“The election bill that passed is very harmful,” said Mike Wilensky.

5 Senate runoffs — and early voting before runoffs will be reduced to one week. Military and overseas voters will cast ballots by ranked choice, eliminating the need or opportunity to vote a second time in a runoff.

The new law eliminates the possibility of another multiparty, all-comers, “jungle primary,” such as the 20-candidate field that sought to replace retiring Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson. That was the race that sent then-Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler into the runoff that she lost to Warnock.

Counties now will be required to certify election results within six days, rather than the current 10, and ballot counting will be required to continue without interruption until finished.

A suit against the new rules was filed March 25 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

The suit — on behalf of the New Georgia Project, Black Voters Matter Fund and Rise, Inc. — contends that the new Georgia law violates the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The suit claims that the new law “is clearly intended to and will have the effect of making it harder for lawful Georgia voters to participate in the

State’s elections. And it will impose these unjustifiable burdens disproportionately on the State’s minority, young, poor, and disabled citizens.”

Opponents also have vowed to put economic pressure — including boycotts — on companies that financially support legislators who either backed efforts to overturn Biden’s victory over Trump and who backed the new voting bill.

Despite repeated claims of fraud

by Trump and his supporters, including Republican members of the legislature, the state audited, recounted by machine, and recounted by hand the presidential vote. Biden’s victory by about 12,000 votes was verified each time.

After signing the bill, Kemp said on Twitter: “Today, I was proud to sign SB 202 into law. By making it easy to vote and hard to cheat, we can ensure Georgia’s elections are safe, accessible, and fair!”

Democratic House Rep. Mike Wilensky, the lone Jewish member of the legislature, told the AJT: “The election bill that passed is very harmful. It will limit voting access to many Georgians in several different ways. They still do not have mandatory voting on Sundays, but made it optional for each county. We should be making sure everyone gets to vote, not making it more difficult.”

In a statement to the AJT, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Atlanta said, in part: “We are shocked that legislators who hold their offices because of the 2020 election, which was the most secure and had the highest participation in Georgia’s history, have chosen to act against the best interests and desires of the people of Georgia to make voting more difficult. It is impossible to separate this law from Georgia’s segregationist Jim Crow past, and it is also impossible to deny that this bill is intended to suppress the votes of Black Georgians and other voters of color. The timing of this action on the eve of Passover, a Jewish holiday that above all is about freedom, reminds us why we tell the story of the Exodus of the Jewish People from Egypt each year.

We are compelled by our Jewish values to support efforts to undo the errors of this legislation.”

Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, who is Jewish, said March 25 on Twitter: “Tonight Georgia’s legislature passed a bill brazenly intended to make it harder for Georgians to vote. Among its outrageous provisions: it criminalizes ‘giving water to voters who are waiting in line.’

It’s no wonder Gov. Kemp hid behind closed doors while he signed it.” ì

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NEWS

Financial Titan Is Latest Epstein Casualty

By Bob Bahr Leon Black, whose longstanding professional relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is detailed in a new report, has stepped down as chairman and CEO of Apollo Global Management, the major financial firm he founded over 30 years ago.

The announcement last month came after a lengthy investigation by a law firm hired by the company, disclosing that Black had paid Epstein a staggering sum

of $158 million for estate and tax planning advice between 2012 and 2017. He also paid a separate $10 million to Epstein’s charitable foundation.

The lengthy financial relationship also included, as the report confirms, a personal relationship. It continued for six years despite the fact that Epstein in 2008 had served 13 months in a Florida state prison for sex crimes involving underage young women.

Epstein committed suicide in 2019

Leon Black built his Wall Street firm into a major financial powerhouse.

“The Scream” by Gustav Munch was bought

by Black for a record-setting $119 million.

Black has underwritten Yale University’s Jewish Lives series for more than 10 years.

while imprisoned on additional federal sex-trafficking charges involving dozens of underaged girls.

Black’s wife Debra, a successful Broadway producer, is the sister of Tony Ressler, who helped found Apollo Global Management in the 1990s and now has his own company in Los Angeles.

Ressler headed a group that purchased the Atlanta Hawks and operating rights to the former Philips Arena

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for $850 million in 2015. Also included among the new owners of the NBA team was the founder of Atlanta-based Spanx clothing company Sara Blakely and her husband Jesse Itzler.

The Dechert report found “no evidence that Epstein ever introduced Black, or offered to introduce Black, to any underage woman.”

It goes on to say that “Black has no recollection of ever seeing Epstein with an underage woman at any time.”

In a resignation letter to the Apollo

such ancient Jewish leaders as Moses and Rabbi Akiva and modern figures like Groucho Marx, Barbra Streisand and Yitzhak Rabin. One of the latest books is about Bugsy Siegel, the Las Vegas mobster.

Black wrote on the publisher’s web page, “I was inspired to found Jewish Lives in response to a question one of my sons asked, relating to Jewish identity and continuity.”

He also has been a prominent investor in works of art and other rare treasures. In 2013 he paid $9.3 million for a complete set of the Babylonian Talmud, printed by the 16th century Venetian printer of Hebrew books Daniel Bomberg. It was said to have been the highest price ever paid for a work of Judaica.

Black acquired in 2012 one of four versions of Edvard Munch’s painting “The Scream” for $119.9 million, anJeffrey Epstein was the sole director of Leon Black other record at the Family Foundation for over a decade. time for a work of art board the 69-year-old Black described that at auction. The same year he bought the “the last weeks and months have been prestigious art book publisher, Phaidon deeply trying for me and my family,” and Press. the examinations “have taken a toll on my He later lent “The Scream” to the Muhealth and have caused me to wish to take seum of Modern Art in New York, where some time away from the public spotlight he became head of the board of trustthat comes with my daily involvement ees in 2018. Black and his wife have also with this great public company.” given the museum a $40 million gift to Apollo, the firm Black founded, is create 40,000 square feet of new gallery a huge private equity corporation with space. Black’s interest in art, apart from over $440 billion in assets that has offices its investment potential, is said to have in 15 countries around the world. Among stemmed from his mother Shirley Rubell, its venture capital investments are such who was an artist. online successes as Snapfish, Shutterfly, Black’s future with the museum is Expedia and Airbnb. uncertain. His relationship with Epstein is Over the years Black used his person- said to have raised a number of still unanal fortune, which is estimated to be over swered questions. There have been consis$7 billion, for a number of high-profile tent calls for him to resign when his term philanthropic causes. He endowed a chair as chairman of MOMA ends on July 1. in Jewish studies at his alma mater, DartOne of his latest charitable donations mouth College, in memory of his father originated last fall when he admitted that Eli Black, a Polish immigrant who built his work with Epstein, which began over United Brands Company into a billion- 20 years ago, was “a horrible mistake on dollar American conglomerate. He com- my part.” mitted suicide in 1975.

In January, Black said he had decided The junior Black also gave Dart- that “one way I can begin to address the mouth an additional $48 million for a grievous error” of having a relationship school of visual arts. with Epstein was “to pledge $200 million For the last 11 years, the Leon Black toward gender-equality initiatives and Family Foundation has also underwrit- supporting survivors of domestic vioten the critically acclaimed Jewish Lives lence, sexual assault and human traffickseries of the Yale University Press. It now ing.” ì includes over 70 titles about the lives of

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She often could not be found to be served a summons, and when she was found, she would request a delay, or simply ditch the hearing.

Be warned, you have just entered what I call the Rip-off Zone. It’s a shady space in our economy where rip-off artists know the courts are painfully slow to pursue and award civil judgments and law enforcement is equally reluctant to file non-violent criminal cases. To make accountability even more difficult, these rip-off artists move from city to city and county to county, trying to avoid actions that would constitute a pattern within a single police jurisdiction. Angela of Don’s Tree Experts was among the best at this I’d ever seen. We discovered civil cases scattered

around multiple counties, but when we called local police, we found they’d immediately classified them as non-criminal business disputes. It appeared Angela had found the perfect business model; charge a significant sum, collect payment in advance and fail to provide the service. Talk about a profit margin! I’m happy to tell you Angela was about to meet her Waterloo.

You see, what she didn’t count on was crossing a savvy customer who recognized she could apply for a criminal warrant without the aid of police if she could demonstrate that Don’s Tree Experts had no intention of delivering service.

Another client of ours did just that by convincing a Gwinnett County judge there was probable cause to have Angela arrested. That’s exactly what happened, but Angela was still a step ahead.

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I wish I could tell you she’s been stopped, but I can’t. COVID-19 gave Angela the ultimate recess.

Though ordered not to participate in the tree-cutting business while out on bail, Angela admitted in a civil hearing she was still running her tree business!

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES APRIL 15, 2021 | 15

NEWS

AIB Network Launches ‘Atlanta Speaks with Dr. John Eaves’

By Jan Jaben-Eilon Mixing religion and politics can often be combustive. Or, in the right hands, it can be educational and even entertaining. That is what happens if the controversial topics such as gun control, voting and systemic inequities are presented by John Eaves, a former politician who was trained as a theologian and is an active member of The Temple.

The former chairman of the Fulton County Commission and 2020 congressional candidate, Eaves said the new show, “Atlanta Speaks with Dr. John Eaves,” on AIB Network “fell into my lap.”

The show launches 8:30 p.m. April 15 with the re-airing of an interview Eaves conducted with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. “Atlanta Speaks” will roll out a new episode every other week.

The April 29 show will focus on health care disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eaves will be speaking with Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, president of the Morehouse School of Medicine and Rabbi Ari Kaiman of Congregation Shearith Israel.

On May 13, Eaves will discuss food insecurity with Kyle Waide, CEO and president of the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Rev.

Left, clockwise, Dr. John Eaves talks with Dwayne Brown from the Fulton County Solicitor General’s office.

Dr. John Eaves spoke with Kyle Waide of the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice of Morehouse School of Medicine was featured on “Atlanta Speaks with Dr. John Eaves.”

Dr. John Eaves interviewed Rabbi Ari Kaiman of Congregation Shearith Israel.

Dr. Wendel Dandridge, senior pastor of The Worship Center.

Two weeks later, the subject will be inequities in the criminal justice system with Eaves talking to Adam Gelb, CEO and president of the Council on Criminal Justice, and Dwayne Brown, deputy chief assistant solicitor general, Office of the Fulton County Solicitor General.

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Future episodes will focus on topics ranging from equity in public education, gun control, the value of historically black colleges and universities and ethical leadership across the partisan divide.

Eaves said that although Raffensperger “carried the whole [first] show,” each following segment will have at least two guests, “either pro and con on a subject or an expert and involved practitioner. I will also give my own commentary and interject universal values of hope, faith, redemption and love.”

His goal is to offer programs with a unique combination of politics and religion, noting how he had attended divinity school.

According to Eaves, the TV show resulted from AIB’s interest in him doing a “TED Talk.”

“I wanted to speak on the intersectionality of being black and Jewish,” he said. When he went into the AIB studio to tape the segment, he met Audrey Daniels, AIB Network president and CEO. “For more than 50 years, the AIB Network has offered a platform for thoughtful conversation and diverse voices from our community and across the political and religious spectrum,” Daniels said. “‘Atlanta Speaks with Dr. John Eaves’ is an example of how we continue to fulfill that mission. As an African American man, engaged in the Jewish community and in his congregation, as well as a seasoned politician who has also had seminary training, Dr. Eaves was a natural fit for such programming. Each episode Dr. Eaves invites his guests and viewers to explore issues from a variety of perspectives they may not have considered previously, views that also reflect the complexity of our culture and one’s own individual life experiences.”

Audrey Galex, AIB Network community engagement manager, who is Jewish, said she is “delighted to have Dr. John Eaves of-

fer people from a variety of perspectives the opportunity to share their views on the AIB Network in a thoughtful, open forum.”

Eaves said the pilot episode, in which he interviewed Raffensperger, “got out of the gate successfully. We had a good conversation and it brought credibility” to the new TV show. Raffensperger received national attention early this year when he vigorously defended Georgia’s handling of the 2020 election against attacks of fraud by former President Donald Trump.

In the following episodes, Eaves pointed out that Rabbi Kaiman discussed how his congregation has managed during the COVID-19 pandemic and ACFB’s Waide talked about food insecurity that was exacerbated by the pandemic.

Eaves said that he had to cut his commentary on the first show, but told the AJT that he had planned on speaking about Moses leading the Jewish people out of Egypt with the “rod in his hand,” he said. “There’s power in Moses’ hand. We have power in our votes.”

The “open-ended contract” with AIB Network is just one of Eaves’ many activities.

He teaches political science at Atlanta’s Black liberal arts Spelman College. And he’s in the process of founding the Political Leaders of Tomorrow Institute of Blacks and Jews. Once he has funding for the program, he hopes to target college students, “pairing Jews and Blacks and bringing them together to get to know each other so they can form alliances on topics of common interest,” he said.

“I’ve been involved in both audiences.

In Black audiences, there are few Jews and in Jewish audiences, there are few Blacks. I want to get these groups together. I’ve done focus groups at the University of Georgia and at Spelman to test the idea. If I get funding, I will roll it out in Georgia first.”

Eaves acknowledges that his goal is not only to encourage advocacy among the Black and Jewish students, but also possibly groom future politicians. “Pursuing public office is a noble pursuit,” said the former politician. He added that he has no plans to run for public office again. “I’m going to be a statesman right now and concentrate on the TV show.” ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES APRIL 15, 2021 | 17

NEWS

Jewish Professionals Tuition Grant Aids Students

By Chana Shapiro

Left, clockwise, Ari Leubitz expressed appreciation for the new grant.

Starting next school year, full-time Jewish professionals, clergy and educators may receive a 50 percent tuition reduction if their children are currently enrolled or have been accepted to an accredited Jewish high school in Atlanta.

Prominent Jewish community donors have created a fund to offer the tuition reduction.

Spearheaded by The Zalik Foundation, the Jewish Community Professional High School Tuition Grant offers the tuition discount for currently enrolled and accepted students attending Atlanta Jewish high schools accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or Southern Association of Independent Schools.

The program will launch with an initial cohort for the 2021-2022 school year.

The JCP tuition grants are funded in appreciation for the many contributions made by Jewish community professionals, according to the grant announcement. Supporters include: The Zalik Foundation; The Marcus Foundation; Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta; the Argo Family Fund; Gerald R. &

Nava Senior, right, and her daughter Laya look forward to taking advantage of the tuition grant.

18 | APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

David Zalik is a principal of The Zalik Foundation, lead donors of the high school tuition grant.

Rabbi Ed Harwitz, head of The Weber School, said the new grant “reflects visionary leadership on the part of philanthropists in our community."

Vicki S. Benjamin Charitable Foundation, Inc.; Radow Family Foundation; Alan Minsk and Julie Kaminsky; Halpern-Oppenheimer Family Foundation; as well as anonymous supporters.

“The work Atlanta’s Jewish educators, professionals and clergy do on behalf of our community is valued and appreciated, and we want their children to access the lifelong benefits Jewish high school provides,”

Helen and David Zalik, principals of The Zalik Foundation, said in a joint statement.

“Through this program, we want to help Atlanta attract and retain top Jewish professional and educational talent. If successful in Atlanta, we hope to help expand this model to other cities nationwide.”

Eligible Jewish professionals are those employed in nonprofit organizations for a minimum of 32 hours a week. These individuals work for the Federation or its affiliate agencies, metro Atlanta synagogues and day schools, Jewish overnight and day camps, national Jewish nonprofits, AIPAC, the Israel consulate, and other not-for-profit entities approved by the JCP committee. If at least one parent is a full-time Jewish professional or educator, the child(ren) may be eligible to receive a JCP tuition grant. All Atlanta Jewish high school children in the family of a qualified Jewish professional may receive the grant, regardless of parental income.

The JCP grant stays with the child for all the years the teen remains in good academic standing in a SACS- or SAIS-accredited Atlanta-area Jewish high school. Participating accredited high schools in the 2021-2022 school year are the Atlanta Jewish Academy, The Weber School and Temima, The Richard & Jean Katz High School for Girls.

Laya Senior, daughter of Congregation Beth Jacob preschool teacher Nava Senior is currently a junior at Temima High School.

When the Senior family learned about this new grant, Neva responded, “I am awed by the generosity of our caring community and impressed that this group has chosen to support Atlanta families who want their teenage children to get a quality Jewish education.”

The initial community announcement of the tuition reduction came with a candid explanation about the motivation behind this grant program. “A Jewish day school education is a proven leading indicator of a child’s Jewish involvement as an adult. Further, high school is considered one of the most formative periods in a child’s life.

“High school is when teens begin to grapple with identity, forge life-lasting

NEWS friendships, and explore the relevance of Judaism and Jewish values to their lives. These grants are funded by members of the Atlanta Jewish community in appreciation for the many contributions these professionals make to our community.”

Also considered was that over the years, experienced and respected community professionals in Atlanta have relocated to other cities where substantial tuition reductions in Jewish schools were guaranteed.

Granting tuition reduction to children of Jewish professionals is not entirely new in Atlanta; however, the current system will reach far beyond the days when there were three Jewish schools, including only one Jewish high school, Yeshiva High School. Yeshiva High School, The Epstein School and the Hebrew Academy reduced tuition to children of Jewish professionals, however, the reductions were determined and granted by the separate schools and negotiated individually.

This newly crafted JCP initiative establishes standard criteria for all grant recipients and high schools.

“The Jewish Community Professional High School Tuition Grant reflects visionary leadership on the part of philanthropists in our community,” noted Rabbi Ed Harwitz, head of The Weber School. “While providing meaningful and valuable recognition for Jewish communal professionals, this one-of-a kind initiative will further elevate the Atlanta Jewish community as a destination for top professional talent that will serve our synagogues, schools, camps, various Jewish organizations and JFGA agencies into the future.”

In a communication to parents, Rabbi Ari Leubitz, headmaster of The Atlanta Jewish Academy, expressed gratitude for the high school tuition grant. “This generosity will significantly support our local Jewish community professionals financially, which in turn makes it more feasible for those professionals to continue to support their own children’s journeys with a strong Jewish education. Receiving a Jewish education is a gift; giving a Jewish education is also a gift.

I am grateful for the JCP grant donors for these gifts.”

For students of eligible Jewish professionals currently attending or considering applying for entrance to one of the accredited Jewish high schools for the school year of 2021-2022, families may contact: AJA: Erica Gal, director of admissions, at egal@atljewishacademy.org or 678-2985377 Temima: Lora Fruchtman, school administrator, at lfruchtman@temima.org or 404-315-0507 #104 Weber: Risa Arkin, director of admissions at risearkin@weberschool.org or 404917-2500 # 117. ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES APRIL 15, 2021 | 19

NEWS

Georgians Freed of Most COVID-19 Restrictions

By Dave Schechter

police departments from is the next critical step in that proshutting down businesses cess, and it signals an even bigger A simplified translation of the govern- that refuse to follow the light at the end of the tunnel.” ment-speak in Gov. Brian Kemp’s orders end- latest updates on distancPublic health experts just ing most COVID-19 related restrictions might ing and sanitation. That want to make sure that the light read: Georgia, it’s time to eat, drink and be said, each establishment in the tunnel isn’t headed back merry. can make its own decisions toward Georgians. Among them Indeed, as you read this, many of the con- about the degree to which is Amber Schmidtke, a public straints that Kemp imposed beginning more it wants to throw open the health researcher and microbiolothan a year ago already have been lifted or will doors. gist, whose COVID-related data be gone by the end of the month.

Meanwhile, the crunching often is cited by her While public health experts don’t want shelter-in-place order for colleagues and journalists. to be seen as a bunch of killjoys, they do fear residents of long-term care “Cases, hospitalizations and that opening too much too fast will send up- facilities, which dates to deaths are all a lot lower than they Photo by Nathan Posner // Left, Gov. Brian Kemp says that Georgians ward curves that were trending downward mid-March 2020, also is bewere in January. But they have lev“can’t wait to return to their normal life” and that loosening but have leveled off in recent weeks. ing lifted. eled off at a high level. Meanwhile, restrictions “signals an even bigger light at the end of the tunnel.”

Kemp’s revised orders, to take effect April Kemp extended the only about 13 percent of the Geor8-30, remove limits on the numbers who may state’s public health emerRight, Public health microbiologist Amber Schmidtke warned gia population is fully vaccinated,” that “COVID-19 isn’t going down without a fight.” gather at restaurants, bars and clubs. Those gency order through April Schmidtke told the AJT. “Until who want to get up close and personal will 30, but also retained the more people are fully vaccinated, be relieved to know that instead of 6 feet, the authority to issue further the best tools we have to fight the tions. Unlike two of those states, Mississippi pandemic are non-pharmaceutical intervenphysical distancing order will be half that at COVID-related executive orders. the movie theater and 3 1/2 feet for restaurant Georgia joins an increasing number of and Texas, which have lifted mask mandates, tions. These are things like wearing masks, and bar seating. The folks who serve food and states relaxing or removing restrictions im- Kemp never ordered a mask mandate. social distancing, hand and cough hygiene, On March 27, Kemp repeated his com- staying home when you’re sick, etc.” drink will be required to continue wearing posed beginning in March 2020 as the novel masks when engaging with customers. coronavirus swept across the nation. Rela- mon refrain. “Georgians know the right thing Schmidtke continued, “I worry that with Also, that sweaty person at the gym will tively speaking, Georgia was among the latest to do,” he said. “They know the value in best the governor’s decision to lift all remaining be allowed to stand closer to you. to engage in a lockdown and earliest to begin practices, but they also can’t wait to return to pandemic restrictions, the public will get the The governor’s order also prevents local reopening shuttered businesses and attrac- their normal life. Loosening these restrictions false impression that the pandemic is over, abandoning non-pharmaceutical interventions all together. But COVID-19 isn’t going ‫בס״ד‬ down without a fight. . . . It seems too soon to be lifting these restrictions, and I wish this could have waited at least another month.

That way, even the first newly eligible Georgians to be vaccinated [those ages 16 and older] could get through their second doses.”

Georgia continues to rank poorly among the 50 states and Washington, D.C., in terms of vaccinations. According to data from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, as of April 6, 26.5 percent of all Georgians (a population numbering 10.61 million) had received at least one dose of vaccine. This ranks Georgia near the bottom of the states, ahead of only Alabama and Mississippi in that category.

In terms of the total population percentage fully vaccinated, Georgia ranked last among the states, at 13.4 percent. Adjusted for age, 17.5 percent of Georgians 18-and-older and 52.4 percent of those 65 and older had been fully vaccinated.

The federal government allocates vaccine based on a state’s total population. Georgia has received some 6.66 million doses of the vaccines allocated by the federal government, and 4.28 million doses have been administered. That’s a rate of 64 percent, which We are driven by a passion for academic excellence in ranks Georgia ahead of only Alabama in that General and Judaic Studies, social-emotional growth, Torah values, category. community and a love for Israel and all Jewish people.

According to the CDC, there have been 1.04 million cases of COVID-19 in the state, “visit” us: aja.fyi/SeeAJA contributing to 18,625 deaths. ì

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ISRAEL PRIDE

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME he told the Ynet news site. “When I raise the torch I will wish that our nation love one another, that people will respect one another for the benefit of the Land of Israel.”

The Ashkelon spice shop owner is also a volunteer and guiding figure in the community. The two cabinet members who picked him said in a statement, Yaish Giat, a Yemen-born Mori and spice shop owner, will serve as the torchbearer for Israel’s 73rd Independence Day ceremony.

102-Year-Old Oldest to Light Independence Day Torch

Yaish Giat, a 102-year-old Yemeni spice shop owner, will serve as the torchbearer for Israel’s 73rd Independence Day torch-lighting ceremonies as part of the service’s dedications to immigrants from Yemen, according to The Times of Israel. The beacons at the event will be dedicated to immigrants from Yemen, cabinet ministers announced in a statement last week.

Giat, who was born in Yemen and is a Torah and religious scholar, was surprised by the announcement. “People say it is a great honor. I do not know,”

Photographic portraits of Holocaust survivors in Jerusalem.

“Giat, a representative of the older generation, a native of Yemen, symbolizes the pioneering, influential and overflowing aliyah of all Yemenite Jewry to Israel.”

Today in Israeli History

columnist, he also writes novels and works on films and TV series.

April 15, 1936 An Arab uprising begins when 10 cars are attacked and three Jews are killed in what appears to be a robbery near Tulkarm. Violence lasts until 1939, and the British shift toward pro-Arab policies.

April 20, 1799 While laying siege to Turkish-held Acre, Napoleon issues a proclamation offering to give Palestine to the Jewish nation if France captures it.

The proclamation fails to win the support of Palestine’s Jews.

April 16, 1983 In what may be the costliest heist since modern Israel’s founding, watches, clocks and paintings worth tens of millions of dollars are stolen overnight from the Museum for Islamic Art in Jerusalem.

April 17, 1948 Commanded by Yitzhak Rabin, the Harel Brigade delivers a convoy of supplies to Jewish residents of Jerusalem who have been blockaded since February. Arab forces again cut off the city April 20.

April 18, 1955 Physicist Albert Einstein, who declined an offer to serve as Israel’s president in 1952, dies at 76. He was drawn to Zionism after World War I, raised money for Hebrew University and first visited the Land of Israel in 1923.

April 19, 1956 Gadi Taub, a leading academic interpreter of modern Zionism, is born in Jerusalem. A Hebrew University instructor and newspaper

22 | APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Jerusalem’s Safra Square is the temporary home for The Lonka Project, a traveling photography exhibit documenting Holocaust survivors around the world, according to The Times of Israel.

The exhibit, which includes 59 photographs of survivors, opened on the eve of Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day last week and will remain open for four months.

The project is headed by Rina Castelnuovo and her husband Jim Hollander, both photojournalists. The project is named for Elenora “Lonka” Nass, the mother of Castelnuovo, who is a New York Times’ photojournalist.

Last year, Hollander told the newspaper, “We said, ‘What can we do to help Holocaust survivors so that their stories don’t disappear into the dust?’”

Thousands of Shekels Scattered on Beersheba Streets

April 22, 1948 The Haganah executes a three-prong attack to secure control of all of Haifa except for the port, which the British hold, amid the violence ahead of the Israeli Declaration of Independence three weeks later.

April 23, 2014 Hamas and the Fatah-led Palestine Liberation Organization announce

Banknotes worth tens of thousands of shekels were found scattered around a central street in Beersheba April 5, leaving police trying to find who the money may belong to, according to The Times of Israel. Police became alerted to the issue as residents stopped their cars and got out to collect the cash on the street. Videos from the scene shows bills flowing in the wind as residents try to catch them and pick up those from the ground. While police were able to recover some of the cash from those who had collected it, they are still asking for help finding out who it belongs to. They are researching some claims and anyone who knows about the source of the money is asked to come to the police station or call a hotline.

Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash 90//

Illustrative image of cash.

an end to their seven-year rift. The reconciliation does not last but does end U.S.-facilitated Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations.

Napoleon lays siege to Acre in 1799.

April 21, 1947 Moshe Barazani, 20, of Lehi (the Stern Gang) and Meir Feinstein, 19, of the Irgun kill themselves with a grenade smuggled into their prison cell to prevent the British from hanging them the next morning.

Gadi Taub argues that the settlement movement betrays the spirit of Zionism by denying selfdetermination to non-Jews.

Holocaust Survivors’ Images Displayed in Jerusalem

April 24, 1903 Meeting with Theodor Herzl, British official Joseph Chamberlain proposes a Jewish homeland in British-controlled East Africa. Herzl sees the Uganda Plan as an interim step toward the return to Israel.

April 25, 1975 Singer-songwriter Ehud “Udi” Davidi, who raises sheep in the Judean hills when he isn’t making music, is born. He is known for incorporating religious melodies and lyrics into his music.

April 26, 1881 Anti-Jewish violence since the assassination of Czar Alexander II in March sweeps into Kiev. Rioters loot and destroy Jewish shops and homes. Authorities warned Kiev’s Jews on April 25 to stay inside.

April 27, 1984 Fifteen members of the Jewish Underground, an anti-Arab terrorist group formed by members of the settler group Gush Emunim, are arrested before they can sabotage five Arab buses in eastern Jerusalem.

April 28, 2008 Israel Aerospace Indus-

Israel Aerospace Industries

The Amos-3 satellite, shown during construction in 2007, has provided communications services since 2008.

tries launches the Amos-3 communications satellite, based on the Affordable Modular Optimized Satellite platform. It reaches orbit 80 minutes after liftoff from Kazakhstan.

April 29, 1979 Five recently released Soviet Jewish prisoners arrive at Ben-Gurion Airport. They were convicted in 1970 of hijacking a plane to escape the Soviet Union.

Their story catalyzes the movement to free Soviet Jewry. ì Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (israeled.org), where you can find more details.

ISRAEL NEWS Future of Israeli Government Still Up in the Air

By Jan Jaben-Eilon

the mandate to Netanyahu in light of his corruption trial. “I fear for my country. But I am doing what is required of me as president of the State

of the country even though it’s basically a ceremonial role.

Members of Israel’s legislative “It was still a remarkable speech branch were sworn in April 6 based on to the extent that Rivlin was willing to express his frustrations” with the fact that Israel has now voted in four elections in about two years, all ending in inconclusive outcomes, said Sperling, who is now a postdoctoral associate at Duke University. Three times out of those four elections no Knesset member was able to construct a coalition.

Last year, the two largest parties combined to create a government, but Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, right, said he had “moral and ethical” reservations for handing the mandate to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. it only lasted five months. the March election results. Also based of Israel.”

According to Sperling, “it’s hard on the unclear election outcome, IsEli Sperling, Israel specialist for to imagine how any of the options raeli President Reuven Rivlin chose the Center for Israel Education in At- [available now] would result in a funcPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lanta, called it “another bizarre day tional government.” to try to cobble together an executive in Israeli politics.” He noted, “You Israeli law stipulates that Netanbranch, despite doubt of the prime could see in Rivlin’s eyes pain beyond yahu has 28 days in which to cobble minister’s ability to accomplish that since only 52 Knesset members recommended that he continue as prime minister. Netanyahu needs at least 61 supportive members to achieve a parliamentary majority.

“No candidate has a realistic chance of forming a government that will have the confidence of the Knesset,” Rivlin said. According to Israeli law, Netanyahu has 28 days in which to succeed, with the possibility of a two-week extension.

Rivlin and many others lacked confidence in Netanyahu’s efforts to form a new government because, “It’s hard to imagine how any of the options would result in at the same time the legislative and a functional government, said Eli Sperling. executive branches were moving forward, so was the judicial branch. In Jerusalem District Court, witnesses his words. He begrudgingly gave the together a government. If necessary, were being called to testify against mandate” to Netanyahu. Sperling sug- he could ask for an additional 14 days.

Netanyahu in his fraud, breach of gested that Rivlin chose that option If he’s still unable to construct a coalitrust and bribery trial. over his “own moral quandaries” be- tion, Rivlin could ask either another Indeed, Rivlin said he had “moral cause “Rivlin is an institutionalist” Knesset member to make the same atand ethical” reservations for handing who wanted to protect the presidency tempt, over the same amount of time,

or send the mandate to the Knesset, giving that body 21 days to agree on a candidate supported by 61 members. In any case, if the second person tasked with forming a government fails, the mandate automatically goes to the Knesset.

If the Knesset isn’t able to agree on a candidate, after 21 days, the Knesset automatically disbands and Israel heads to elections for the fifth time in three years.

Soon after the March 23 election, the Israel Democracy Institute published its Israeli Voice Index for the month, which indicated that 80 percent of Israelis believed there will be a fifth election in the coming months.

More than two-thirds of those surveyed expressed dissatisfaction with the election results, with displeasure higher among Jews (72 percent) than among Arabs (50 percent).

The main issue in the March 23 election was whether Netanyahu should continue serving as the country’s prime minister. Sperling said the testimony against Netanyahu in the first days of the trial were “pretty damning.” Based on the corruption trial of the last prime minister, Ehud Olmert, Netanyahu’s trial could take years before resolution.

Until a new government is formed, however, Netanyahu continues to lead an interim government.

During a temporary government, however, national budgets cannot be passed, nor investments made in infrastructure, Sperling noted.

The only optimism that Sperling could find is that “Netanyahu won’t be around forever. There will be a future without Bibi,” referring to the prime minister by his nickname. In that future, Sperling suggested that “the left [parties] could come back after Netanyahu with more focus on social and economic issues,” and he predicted that “we’re going to see new alliances formed with the Arab parties.”

In the recent election campaign, even Netanyahu courted one of the Israeli Arab parties and its voters.

If a coalition between the Zionist parties and Arab parties could be created, Sperling said, “that could be quite positive for Israel.” ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES APRIL 15, 2021 | 23

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OPINION Not Every Weed Can be Ignored In the front yard and back, weeds have gained the upper hand against the grass.

With each passing year, I beDave Schechter come more of From Where I Sit a bystander, not taking a side in this contest. The lawnmower likewise shows no favoritism.

I prefer to take a more active role in the garden behind the house. The planting and caring for the crops reflects, in its own way, the view in Judaism and other religions, of spring as a time of beginnings, of births or rebirths, of possibilities and hopes renewed.

Last year’s harvest was the best in the 20 or so years since we allowed a young horticulturist to practice his trade by installing a variety of fruit vines and building a garden box.

One of summer’s treats will be eating blackberries picked from the canes that line a side fence. Meanwhile, bees swarm the blueberry bushes and the adjoining raspberry vines.

I worry that the raspberries are being shaded by our kiwi plant, a monstrosity that I have likened to the 1962 British science fiction horror film “The Day of the Triffids.” The kiwi has taken control of a basketball backboard and I am convinced that, if they were not cut back annually, the vines would extend across the roof to the front of the house.

The collards and broccoli planted during the winter have grown to ridiculous heights. Around them in the box are recently planted seedlings of tomatoes, peppers, basils, lettuces and onions. Sunflower seeds lie just beneath the dirt along the fence at the back of the driveway.

Warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours are enticing many of us out of what has been, to varying degrees, a year or more of relative isolation, prudently following the advice of public health experts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The good news that an increasing number of Americans have been vaccinated is tempered by awareness that lives continue to be lost, albeit at a slower rate; that hospitals are treating

fewer elderly patients, but more younger people; and that an unfortunate number of people suffer “long haul” effects months after being stricken and treated. Amid the vaccine-related enthusiasm, public health experts caution against complacency, but their words fall on the deaf ears of those who dismiss or downplay the continuing threat, and of elected leaders who, weary of balancing the health of their citizens and their economies, are eager to throw open the gates.

Alas, there is no vaccine to ward off viral strains of hate. No number of sermons and speeches, rallies and marches, or yard signs and editorials will stop some people from hating others for no reason other than their religious beliefs, skin color, ethnicity, who they love, or how they identify.

Which brings me back to my front yard, where the fig tree a friend gave me a few years ago is growing nicely in a peninsula of pine straw. That tree brings to mind this excerpt from President George Washington’s letter in August 1790 to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, R.I.: “May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants – while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid.” Those words about sitting under one’s fig tree were drawn from the Book of Micah 4:4.

Two centuries and 30 years later, we continually are reminded that merely being Jewish — no matter race, ethnicity or other qualifiers — can make one a victim of physical attack, verbal abuse, vandalism or online harassment.

There is no vaccine against what often is referred to as the oldest hatred.

Anti-Semitism is a different form of weed, but like those that reappear every spring, it defies efforts to stamp it out.

In the yard, a variety of compounds, some natural and others chemical, can be employed to fight back, or you can be a bystander and let nature take its course. The latter approach only allows anti-Semitism to fester.

The solution will not come from the laboratories of science. The antidote is education: in the home, where the children often hear their first words of bias; in school, where peers can be as influential as teachers; and online, at its worst a cesspool where purveyors of anti-Jewish hate are able to hide behind masks. ì

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OPINION Letters to the Editor The AJT welcomes your letters. We want our readers to have an opportunity to engage with our community in constructive dialogue. If you would like your letter to be published, please write 200 words or less, include your name, phone number and email, and send it to editor@atljewishtimes.com.

Letter to the editor,

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‘Controversial Look at Evangelical Support for Israel,’ (AJT, March 31) Notwithstanding Bob Bahr’s effusive support for film director Maya Zinshtein, PBS has had second thoughts about her forthrightness as a filmmaker and has indefinitely postponed the March 29 showing of “’Til Kingdom Come” until an “independent review of the documentary is conducted.”

After having just 24 hours earlier claimed the elimination of a fabricated quote spliced together in three places to make the Jews look bad in the film making tradition of Joseph Goebbels solved the problem, PBS has apparently thrown in the towel and demanded an independent review of the entire film.

Possibly Mr. Bahr was a bit premature in embracing Ms. Zinshtein’s filmmaking techniques.

Richard Sherman, Margate, Fla.

Letter to the editor,

I object to your portrayal of Evangelical churches taking money from the poor to contribute to chosen causes as unique; isn’t this what the Catholic Church has done for centuries? Haven’t many magnificent churches in both the “old” and “new” worlds been built with money and labor from desperately poor folks? Why disparage Evangelicals for the same practice?

Arnold Pinsley, Shrewsbury, Mass.

Letter to the editor,

Dear Georgia Voters, I live in Washington State. I’m a mature voter. We have had mail-in voting since 2005 here, and I have to say, it is the easiest and best way to vote ever. We can either drop our ballots in a post box, or in a ballot drop box at the library, just a few blocks from our home. I don’t know why anyone would think mail-in voting is bad, unsafe, insecure or dangerous.

Even our secretary of state, who is a Republican, supports mail-in voting. She is respected for it, and she even was re-elected in 2020 because of it. And remember, this is a so-called “blue” state, where not many Republicans stand a chance of getting elected. I voted for her myself.

I hope you will send a message to your congressman and senator and tell them that that is what you would like too. No more standing in line, taking time off work or putting up with any political shenanigans.

You vote, it gets counted, the best man gets elected, done deal. The way it should be. No challenges or allegations of voter fraud in our state. It should be this way everywhere!

It’s not a partisan issue; it is just plain old democracy in action.

Robert D. Freeman, Seattle, Wash.

Letter to the editor,

Passover’s Meaning for Us Today As we celebrate Passover, those of us in the Jewish community working on social and racial justice must simultaneously be proud of our work defending voting rights during the 2021 session of the Georgia General Assembly and not be satisfied that our work is done. We have neither lost nor won the day. Our efforts to thwart an abusive overreach by a political party to hold on to power at the expense of the weakest among us have been successful in eliminating many of the most reprehensible policies. But the harder, more demanding work of ensuring all citizens in our state are provided the democratic platform to have their voices heard at the ballot box has just begun.

While being immorally jailed in Birmingham, Ala., for a peaceful protest, Dr. King wrote, “We must come to see that human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability. It comes through the tireless efforts and persistent work of men willing to be coworkers with God, and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation.”

The story of Passover reminds us of our freedom from Pharaoh’s bondage but not the end of historical persecution. Similarly, for our friends in the black community of our nation, physical bondage may have concluded over 150 years ago but historical persecution lingers.

A quote by Yaacov Cohen eloquently ties Passover to our social and racial justice work. “This is true freedom: Our ability to shape reality. We have the power to initiate, create and change reality rather than only react and survive it. How can we all educate our children to true freedom? Teach them not to look at reality as defining their acts but to look at their acts as defining reality.”

Andrew Lewis, Decatur

Letter to the editor,

Who Speaks for the Jews?

On the heels of a painful year with the threat of COVID and isolation and having just experienced Passover seders, we have a heightened awareness of the disparity of resources in our country, of the injustice to some by our criminal justice system, of wrought elections and polarization, distrust of leadership, the media and even each other. Questions arise as to how we respond to

OPINION Black Lives Matter? With whom do we make coalitions? How do we deal with growing anti-Semitism?

Historically much of the organized Jewish community has invested itself in democracy, pluralism, protection of Jews and other vulnerable groups from discrimination and hate in this country, side by side with assuring there is a secure and strong Israel. We have been able to transcend partisan divides and find common ground to work together on these goals.

While no group can claim to speak for the Jewish community, there is an organization that brings many together to a common table and that works to build consensus on issues of concern.

That organization is the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. Under its umbrella are 16 national agencies such as ADL, Hadassah, NCJW, the four denominations of Judaism (Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist) and 125 community relations councils.

The Atlanta Jewish Community Relations Council is one of the 125 community JCRCs. On April 25-26 JCPA is holding its annual meeting, virtually. JCPA2021.ORG. There are superb national speakers, workshops, policy discussions. You need not be a member of any organization to join the sessions. You do need to register.

Racial justice is a major theme of this

year’s meeting.

The resolutions session, in particular, identifies the platform for new policy, which is added to the foundation of policy which has been formulated and affirmed through the close to 80 years of the history of the organization. This year there are resolutions to be considered on the Abraham Accords and expanding Middle East peace, climate change, voter access, and genocide of the Uygher.

The deliberations are a model for civility and an education in the face of deeply held points of view, but the process ends in consensus, … even if it’s agreement that we can’t agree upon.

“The Process is the Product” You may identify in the course of the JCPA annual meeting that spark your interest, … and which organizations, in the plethora of groups, you might wish to invest your time. It may be your synagogue social action committee, NCJW, AJC, the Atlanta Jewish Community Relations Council, Federation, Hadassah, the JFCS kosher pantry …

Perhaps no one can speak for the Jews, but at the JCPA annual meeting, you’ll hear a lot of folks vying for that opportunity.

Lois Frank, Atlanta

Letter to the editor, Confederate Statues

Confederate statues have taken a beating lately. But this is not the first time a democratic movement has objected to statues for a good reason.

Ancient Israel made a law against statues and other images of political heroes. They understood that the best and brightest leaders could still go astray. Israel impeached her own lawmaker Moses and exiled him by not allowing him to enter Canaan with the people.

Kings and usurpers of the law love to erect statues of themselves and put their images on coins. Israel prohibited both of these practices, and America did the same for quite a long time.

Heroism in a democracy is supposed to be plain vanilla. Everybody is required to get educated and act heroically for all (“e pluribus unum”).

As another way of keeping politicians humble, authentic democracies limit the terms of elected officials. Many plain old vanilla citizens rapidly rotate in and out of leadership positions so there is no ruler for life.

Kimball Shinkoskey, Woods Cross, Utah

Letter to the editor,

Atlanta Bandits The day of the Native American mascot is over. In 2020 and 2021, Blue Georgia has gone a long way towards proving “The New

South” is for real. Step up again, Atlanta.

Make this the final season for the Atlanta “Braves” and feel free to choose from any of the following 10 new team names for Atlanta’s Major League Baseball franchise: * Atlanta Raves * Atlanta Backwoods * Atlanta Knaves * Atlanta Anabolics * Atlanta Caves * Atlanta Barbarians * Atlanta Saves * Atlanta Barbarellas * Atlanta Super Daves * Atlanta Bandits (Jerry Reed’s “East Bound and Down” can be the team’s theme song, and Kenny Powers can be the new team mascot.)

Jake Pickering, Arcata, Calif.

Disclamer to our readers: This section of the newspaper is a forum for our community to share thoughts, concerns and opinions as open letters to the community or directly to the newspaper.

As a letter to the editor, we proof for spelling and grammatical errors only. We do not edit nor vet the information the letter contains. The individual signing the letter is accountable for what they share.

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SPORTS Jewish Pole Vaulters Set New Records Two Jewish teens have made new records at North Springs High School for pole vaulting. Jordan Frank and Layla Keadle, both freshman at the school, broke records at a recent Fulton County Championship pole vaulting meet. Frank reached 13-foot-9 on his pole jump, breaking the school’s Layla Keadle, middle, is a freshman Layla Keadle and Jordan previous record of at North Springs High School.

Frank are freshmen 13-foot-6 at the twopole vaulters at North day meet, and placSprings High School. ing first at the meet.

Keadle reached 11-foot-7 and placed second. She is believed to be the first young woman to be a pole vaulter at the high school.

Keadle has been pole vaulting for five years after being inspired by her brothers, who pole vaulted, and Frank has been pole vaulting since sixth grade, inspired by his grandfather who pole vaulted. They both train at Pole Vault Atlanta, an athletic club, and have been paired as a duo of sorts as they participate in training and meets together. The two have been close friends since Keadle moved to Atlanta a few years ago.

Jewish Braves Pitcher Opens Season Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried, who is Jewish, threw the first pitch of the season for the team in Philadelphia April 1, and pitched for five innings. The Braves ultimately lost to the Phillies 3-2 in 10 innings.

Fried kept the Braves in the game by only allowing two runs during his time on the mound, permitting 11 base runners and striking out eight. The only Jewish player on the team didn’t have a great outing though, hitting a runner in the first inning, which loaded the bases. He handed the ball over to Tyler Matzek for the sixth inning.

The Braves ended up losing in extra innings, as an automatic runner on second base, a new extra-innings rule by the MLB, scored for the Phillies.

Braves Manager Brian Snitker said in a press conference after the game that Fried, “was having a hard time finishing off,” but that he still, “did what good pitchers do and gave us a chance to win.” He went on to say that it was “an encouraging outing” by Fried.

The Jewish pitcher told the Associated Press that, “I didn’t feel like I was really Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images // sharp. I was grinding out there, trying to Max Fried pitches for the Atlanta Braves. keep us in the game.”

Fried is believed the first Jewish pitcher to be opening day starter in 40 years. He has become one of the Braves’ best pitchers since a shaky 2019, helping to lead the team to the National League Championship Season last year.

Fried is likely to be a key part of the rotation for the Braves this season as they attempt to return to the NLCS and go farther than they did last season.

28 | APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Hawks Star, Event Planner Launch Event Facility

Left, Lauren Pelissier is an event planner and member of The Temple.

Above, Kevin Willis co-founded Atlanta Children’s Foundation.

Atlanta Hawks star Kevin Willis and event planner Lauren Pelissier, a member of The Temple, have partnered to launch the 42West Entertainment Group, a new event venue focused on creating exclusive, high-end occasions, according to a press release.

The facility on Huff Road in Atlanta’s fast-growing West Side will offer top-tier amenities for film and television productions, red carpet film and television premieres, exclusive industry, sports and celebrity events.

“Georgia is one of the world’s top locations for the entertainment industry and 42West is an ideal location for film, television, commercial, brand activations and online productions,” Pelissier said.

42West was designed to give back to the community, according to the release.

Every event will include a charity commitment with multiple nonprofits to choose from as beneficiaries. The goal is for paid events to be a funding stream so that Atlanta nonprofits can use the space at no charge.

Charities may include: the Atlanta Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit co-founded

by Willis that makes a positive and lasting impact on children living in long-term foster care; and S’more Smiles, an organization founded by Pelissier that provides summer camp experiences for children receiving medical treatments.

Willis said 42West is “a way for me to connect with the community, by supporting two local charities that are doing so much for children.”

The facility will have 9,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space and be able to accommodate a reception of up to 550 inside and 250 outside.

David Levy Now Chairman of Genius Sports Group David Levy, former president of Turner Broadcasting, was tapped as chairman of Genius Sports Group, according to a recent press release. Genius is a leading provider of sports data and technology powering the sports, betting and media industries. In his new role, Levy will lead the board’s oversight of Genius’ operations and strategy, according to the release.

Levy is known as a respected figure in the global sports industry, with a career spanning a range of leadership positions, including as president at Turner.

During his 30-year tenure at Turner, Levy played an instrumental role in defining and expanding the company’s media rights and securing long-term partnerships with the NBA, MLB, NCAA and PGA. He also assumed executive oversight for increased investment in original premium content across the portfolio. He negotiated a variety

SPORTS of multi-faceted agreements, each representing a significant change extending far beyond traditional television rights.

“The capture and analysis of data has become fundamental to the rapid progression of the sports and media sectors,” Levy said. “Genius is central to this unique ecosystem and is consistently leading the sports data and technology industry’s development. I am thrilled to join the business at such a historic time and look forward to working as part of the team.”

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Maccabi Games Suspended Again

At the 2018 opening ceremonies, Atlanta athletes Jake Francombe, Jordan Starr, Hailey Rubin, Jake Powers and Barri Seitz carry a banner showcasing Atlanta as the next year’s host.

The Maccabi Games have been a staple of the Jewish community for decades, allowing young athletes to travel and compete with other Jewish teams from around the world. The last games were held in Atlanta in 2019 with the games last year scheduled to take place in San Diego but suspended because of COVID-19.

The Maccabi Games are also accompanied by a large arts festival, in addition to providing young Jewish athletes unique opportunities for competition in sports that include baseball, basketball, ice hockey and esports.

Although the JCC Association of North America had hoped it could host the games, since they are late in the year, the organization decided against it, in part because of the “logistical and financial obligations that the host committee and delegation heads must meet well in advance of the 2021 Games,” according to a press release.

The international Maccabiah Games, believed to be the third-largest international sporting event primarily for adults, have already been scheduled for 2022 in Israel.

But the Maccabi games for youth have yet to be rescheduled for next year.

Compiled by AJT Staff

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EDUCATION Internships Offer Work Experience, Even During a Pandemic

By Flora Rosefsky The pandemic challenged current college students, not only when learning took place virtually, but also in finding hands-on work internships to explore a potential career. Glassdoor estimated that half of the internships in the U.S. were canceled in the spring of last year, and internship hiring on Glassdoor for April 2020 fell 39 percent compared to April 2019.

Learn how Jewish Atlantan students were successful in obtaining the response, “When can you start your internship with us?” The AJT also interviewed educational professionals and a college consultant who works with young adults seeking successful career goals.

Landing His Dream Internship A former baseball team player at Johns Creek High School in Alpharetta and ardent Braves fan, Ryan Danz is a University of Maryland sophomore ma-

Ryan Danz, business/marketing major, lands dream internship with the Atlanta Braves.

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joring in business and marketing. His pursuit of a sports business internship started in December when he began visiting websites such as teamwork. com and searched Google to find teams and businesses that interested him.

But it was networking that landed his “dream internship job” working for the Atlanta Braves.

An Atlanta businessman who led a nonprofit baseball organization helped Danz line up multiple conversations and interviews which led to the internship. Starting last month, after a training period to be a marketing team digital service representative, Danz began tracking social media and app issues during all home games and events to “better their marketing and technology efforts along with going into the stadium to work with the fans.”

Although he received a paycheck, he said that whether or not you’re paid, college internships are a great opportunity to experience working in “the real world.”

Pe r s e r ve r a n c e and LinkedIn For Ilana Bonell, a University of Georgia senior majoring in advertising and minoring in design and media, internships gave her valuable experience that she couldn’t get in the classroom.

Bonell said that UGA offers guidance when looking for employment. Twice a semester the school usually holds career fairs and networking events, which recently have all been online due to COVID,

she said.

Bonell remembered when the pandemic started in the spring of 2020 and many internships were canceled. She said it was hard to find an internship that was flexible with remote work that would pay well. But through perseverance and LinkedIn, she found an internship closely related to her major and interest in digital marketing.

She is a global channel marketing intern for Nutanix, a California computer software company, helping create and strategize campaigns and formulate social content.

Bonell said she believes the only way to get a competitive internship right now is to research companies you would like to work for, apply to all the positions your skills align with, and be yourself in interviews.

You have to apply to as many internships as possible to make sure you get as many offers as possible, she said. Although she applied for many internships, she narrowed her search to those that offered paid Mauri Artz is co-author of the book, internships. From “From Diploma to Dream Job.” her observation, she believes the internship job search is getting easier, especially in marketing and digital marketing career paths.

Dr. Mark Fisher reached out to Jewish colleges in New York City to learn about their perspectives regarding internships.

Jewish College Perspectives Dr. Mark Fisher works closely with Atlanta Jewish students for college placement.

He reached out to two New York City institutions serving a large number of local students to get their per-

EDUCATION spectives on demic, we why internhave not ships were so seen much important. slowdown in Here’s the hiring of what he students, and learned: we expect Over 70 this trend percent of to continue the Class of through2019 of Yeout the next shiva Univeracademic sity reported year,” Lotcthey had held peich said. at least one YU students internship, intern at said Todd C. many of the College students use popular platforms such Lotcpeich, top finance, as LinkedIn to find what internships are director of technology available that match their interests. employer reand business lations and firms as well engagement as large Jewat Yeshiva Unversity’s Shevet Glaubach ish organizations.

Center for Career Strategy and Profes“Finding internships has always sional Development. In addition to been difficult, but now, more than gaining great work experience, intern- ever, networking is crucial,” said Jodi ships often convert to full-time jobs af- Smolen, director of career services at ter graduation.

Touro College’s Lander College for Men. “Thankfully, even with the pan- “Alumni networks, LinkedIn and infor-

mational interviews are so important.”

Getting a Foot in the Door Mauri Artz is owner of Peachtree Prep, a college advising and tutoring firm in Atlanta. She co-authored the book, “From Diploma to Dream Job” with career coach Beth Kuhel in 2011.

In her book, Artz addresses how to network and find internships, while offering advice on how to “get a foot in the door” through effective cover letters, phone conversations and interviews.

She helps students set goals and teaches them to be proactive, like seeking out one’s college career center for help, where alumni often look for current students to hire.

During the pandemic, she says there are many opportunities to work remotely through internships. There are positions in nonprofits to make phone calls to coordinate rides or become trained to answer calls for crisis lines along with the need to deliver food to the elderly. “These situations, even if volunteer ones, propelled students toward great full- time careers and/or graduate school programs.”

Artz encourages those seeking internships to be curious about the breadth of career opportunities that exist today such as specialized careers in industrial design, “big data,” or as an environmental sustainability specialist.

“It all starts with a vision of what you want to do with your untapped potential, your relentless energy, and your positive spirit,” she said. Finding a good internship is part of the process. ì For more internship information from area colleges, visit: https://career.uga.edu/students#job_ and_internship_search https://careers.kennesaw.edu/students/internships-co-ops.php http://www.career.emory.edu/destination/internships.html https://career.gsu.edu/students/co-opsinternships/

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EDUCATION

Gender Pronouns and Identities in Jewish Education

Dr. David Abusch-Magder is the head of school at Epstein.

Dr. Pamela Mason is the high school counselor at Atlanta Jewish Academy.

Over the past decades, Jewish Atlanta has made massive strides towards integrating and accepting LGBTQ+ youth and ensuring they feel welcome and comfortable.

Jewish schools and camps have taken steps to ensure those with gender identities Nathan Posner that don’t align with the one they were given at birth are able to access the same opportunities as people who identify as the gender they were assigned at birth, otherwise known as cisgender.

While some organizations haven’t had to address gender identity yet, they tell the AJT they are prepared for the eventuality. Those who have addressed such issues say they have embraced it, trying to ensure that non-cis students and campers are treated respectfully.

Audra Kaplan, associate camp director and head of community care for Camp Ramah Darom, talked to the AJT about how camp programming attempts to make LGBTQ+ campers feel more accepted.

“For the past seven summers in our staff trainings we have incorporated LGBTQ+ awareness education, and it has changed and evolved based on what is needed over the past several years.” The training has partially focused on helping staff, including counselors, to ensure that situations don’t harm LGBTQ+ campers.

Ramah Darom has been hosting events at camp to promote inclusivity with the LGBTQ+ community, including oneg Shabbats, each session in 2019 attracting hundreds, Kaplan said.

The camp has also been working with Keshet, a Jewish LGBTQ+ organization, to ensure gender-neutral terms are used for forms and documents. “Our hope is that over the next year we will be able to put [in] more gender-neutral terms, and that they can check off 32 | APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Sylvia Miller is the counselor at AJA for ECD through eighth grade.

male, female, or non-binary, fill in, if they have something else that want to put in.”

The focus is still on how to ensure that non-cis gender campers, those who identify by a gender other than the one they were assigned at birth, feel safe and free to express themselves as they identify. This past summer during virtual sessions there were a couple of campers who came forward saying, “they would prefer they/them pronouns, so I think we are there, people are comfortable sharing, and campers and parents are comfortable having those conversations.”

Campers may notice language around groups change, Kaplan told the AJT. “Instead of saying ‘all the girls go here, all the boys go there’ what are other ways we can identify when we need to move a group of people; thinking through more gender-neutral ways like ‘hey y’all.’”

All of these efforts at Ramah Darom are part of a wider effort to be more inclusive, Kaplan said. “It is a mindset that we want to be an inclusive community, with the queer community to Jews of color, those with different disabilities. Really it is a mindset that we want our Jewish community to reflect the [wider] Jewish community.”

Other overnight camps are taking a similar approach. Camp Barney Medintz Director Jim Mittenthal told the AJT issues are addressed on a case-by-case basis. “There are families that have approached us, not just this year but in years past, that have said, ‘our son is transitioning, our daughter is transitioning, would you accept them in camp?’ And we have been very accepting, but every family is different though. Coming to us in April is different than coming to us in October.”

The issue of using different cabins and bathrooms can make accommodating campers difficult, especially if done late into the registration process, Mittenthal explained. “Our approach has always been to accommodate when possible, but can we accommodate ev-

Jim Mittenthal is the camp director at Camp Barney Medintz.

eryone? I don’t think we can have a ‘yes’ across the board. My approach has always been: ‘let’s see if we can make this work,’ rather than the opposite.”

While camps have to ensure the full-time safety of non-cis gender campers, schools face a different set of issues, which tend to be focused on high school age students, according to David Abusch-Magder, The Epstein School’s head of school.

“In the field at this point, among the younger K or early childhood through eighth grade world, I have not been hearing much about non-gendered pronouns, but more about seeing themselves or having an identity or expression that is different than the gender they were assigned at birth. That said, I think at some point it will become an issue; I just haven’t heard much about it yet directly or from colleagues.”

Younger students still may be expressing themselves as a different gender than the one on their birth certificate, he admitted. “We sometimes have kids age 3, 4 or 5 being very clear and articulate that ‘I am not a boy, I am not a girl,’ but I have not heard as much about that. Even though many may act in a non-gendered way, they just aren’t as familiar with the terms.”

Epstein is still preparing for how to ensure students feel comfortable identifying as they want to, Abusch-Magder said. “The things that guide our approach are our values, particularly kavod, respect and b’tselem Elohim, that every person has a divine spark.

And I can’t comment on individual students, but if we have students that choose to identify as different gender than what is on their birth certificate, it is something we would respect and navigate with the kid, their family and the whole community, and this would go for someone using non-gender specific pronouns,” he said. “When you are in territory that you may not have a lot of experience in, going back to your values, what animates your institution and is sort of the bedrock, that is the key piece.”

EDUCATION

themselves, according to SOJOURN Director Rebecca Stapel-Wax. SOJOURN, a community organization focused largely on LGBTQ+ within the Atlanta Jewish community, is also a resource within the Atlanta Jewish community and throughout the South.

It has been advocating the importance of accepting gender non-cis people for decades. Stapel-Wax told the AJT the importance of telling people your pronouns.

“Some people don’t feel Dr. Audra Kaplan is the associate Rebecca Stapel-Wax is the director for SOJOURN. comfortable doing it, they camp director and head of community may even be trans or noncare for Camp Ramah Darom. binary, but they don’t want to be the one to be the reason that people are sharing Other Atlanta-area Jewish schools are taking simitheir pronouns. A couple of things that are just so easy lar approaches, whether or not they have non-cis stuto do is to have it in your email signature, any video dents. platform.”

The Atlanta Jewish Academy hasn’t had any students ask yet to be referred to by pronouns other than those they were assigned at birth, said high school counselor Dr. Pamela Mason. But the school is prepared to help students feel safe in being themselves.

Sylvia Miller, a counselor for Early Childhood Development through eighth grade, told the AJT, “We approach everything related to our students' needs on an as-needed basis and really under the umbrella idea of our students' social, emotional and spiritual health, … We feel strongly if anything like that comes up, we would want to talk it through and see how we can best serve that child and make sure that child is included and embraced, as a child needs to be.”

The Weber School currently has transgender students and the school has had long-standing policies.

Principal Shlaina Van Dyke said, “It was started under Sim Pearl, when he was head of school, developing conversations around gender issues and equality, and then expanding into LGBTQ+ issues [involving] both the adult and student community here, ranging from bringing in speakers from SOJOURN to educate us to when we had more specific instances of student and faculty need,” she said.

The school fully embraces the identities that stuBROUGHT TO YOU WITH GENEROUS dents and staff choose for themselves, Van Dyke said.

“Students, faculty and staff will all be honored and recognized based on their expressed gender identity. That includes names, pronouns, and is comprehensive of all things, from participation in activities to where they Julie Kaminsky Ann & Jay Davis choose to use the restroom, so that everyone is treated & Alan Minsk with dignity and respect.”

Schools and camps allowing students to identify themselves and knowing that they will be in a safe environment to do so will help them be more true to

For LGBTQ+ youth, having communities that are already welcoming in this regard, that don’t make it abnormal to ask these questions, will help them feel safer, Stapel-Wax believes.

“By having them visible, people can have conversations and really build where people are respecting the person for who they are, and pronouns are a very obvious way of doing that, but it is parallel to always ask people how they want to be referred to, who they are, so you are never assuming anything, which I believe is a healthy way to getting people to interact much more deeply.”

For those who use pronouns besides those they were assigned at birth, the community has an obligation to recognize their identities, Stapel-Wax stressed.

“A lot of people say it is preferred, but it is really not an option. It is part of who a person is.” The community has been making progress on these issues, as more young gender non-cis people come out, she said. “The kids are somewhat leading, and the parents are supporting them, [and] the Jewish community has recognized that one of our main tenants is that we do not harm life, and they recognize the harm in not recognizing people’s needs.” ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES APRIL 15, 2021 | 33

EDUCATION

Michael Coles Launches KSU Fund for Veterans

By Jan Jaben-Eilon It is a vivid memory for Atlanta entrepreneur and benefactor Michael Coles.

In 1998, he was running for the U.S. Senate, and despite the fact that his campaign was not focused on veterans, he recalls a visit from a U.S. army general. “He handed me a pamphlet. The cover said, ‘Promises Made, Promises Not Kept.’ It was about how veterans had been let down by the government, in education, health care and housing. I will never forget it.”

That recollection is what drove Coles and his wife Donna to create a $1 million scholarship fund for veterans attending Kennesaw State University starting in the fall. The past board chairman of KSU, Coles also endowed the Coles College of Business at KSU. But this endeavor is different for Coles.

Although his family didn’t have a strong connection to the military, Coles told the AJT that he was named for an uncle who died at the end of World War I. He also had another uncle in the Marine Corps who fought at Iwo Jima, a famous battleground in Japan. His wife’s father participated in World War II as well.

34 | APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Toward the end of that war, the U.S. government passed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, otherwise known as the

erans Scholarship Endowment Fund “will help lessen the financial burden for veterans who have exhausted their GI Bill benefits before completing their degrees,” stated KSU President Pamela Whitten.

“Kennesaw State has been a longtime supporter of veterans, and it is an honor to have more than 1,400 students at the University who are veterans, service members and their dependents.”

According to Whitten, “The gift is the latest step in a long partnership between KSU and the Coles family, who have been significant supporters of KSU over the years, including transformational contribuMichael Coles, who with his wife Donna started tions to the Michael J. Coles College the fund for veterans, said “there’s nothing of Business.” more important than to get an education.”

Coles emphasized that “there’s GI Bill. It provided a range of benefits for vet- nothing more important than to get an eduerans returning from World War II, particu- cation.” He hopes to expand the $1 million larly funding for their education. “The GI Bill scholarship fund to $3 to $5 million over the helped the country come back after World next decade by encouraging other families War II. It still exists, but it doesn’t provide or organizations to contribute to the fund. enough” to help with veterans’ education, Besides the fact that Coles has a long-term reColes said. lationship with KSU, he pointed out that the The Michael J. and Donna N. Coles Vet- school also has a large percentage of veterans

as students.

“These students will be made aware of the fund,” he said. “Everyone who uses the GI Bill” will be told of its availability. “Ours will be needs-based, but we haven’t set a top amount yet.” He guessed that it might be in the $5,000 to $10,000 range.

“We will try not to dip into the corpus of the fund. Endowments generally give out 5 percent a year,” he noted. “We just finally got the paperwork done on this. But by September, we hope to start giving out the scholarships.”

Coles, who founded the Great American Cookie Co. and was CEO of Caribou Coffee Co., has supported college students more broadly than just at KSU. From 2012 to 2018, he chaired Hillels of Georgia.

But thinking back to his senatorial campaign in the 1980s, he recalled that after meeting with many Vietnam veterans, he changed the focus of his campaign to that cause. “This Army general made a major impact on me,” he said.

Referring to veterans, he said, “They are the heroes of the country. They put their lives in harm’s way. We should make sure they have a good life.” ì

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EDUCATION

Educator Triumphs Over Disability

By Marcia Caller Jaffe A most inspiring local educator Brad Cohen shares his path to success and accomplishment against a rocky starting backdrop as a young boy. “Growing up with a disability was never easy, but I also never made excuses just because I had Tourette Syndrome. I made sure to not allow my Tourette’s to win. I never wanted it to get the best of me. So I set out to prove to others that I could be successful despite having Tourette’s. When somebody says I can’t do something because of [it], I set out to prove them wrong. That is what inspired me to become a teacher and now an assistant principal at an elementary school.”

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders states that Tourette Syndrome is characterized by repetitive, uncontrollable movements, vocalization and tics. It is first noted in childhood most commonly between the ages of 3 and 9 and hopefully improves with adulthood. Males are three to four times more likely to suffer from this.

When he was growing up, not as many people understood Tourette’s. Cohen credits his mother and school principal for the detective work in figuring out why he was accused of behavior problems and class disruptions. Teachers were often as cruel as students. For the first time, Cohen got positive reinforcement when he was asked to address fellow students to explain Tourette’s, receiving resounding applause.

Cohen’s journey progressed after attending Bradley University in Peoria, Ill., and moving to Atlanta in 1996. He was rejected 24 times before securing a teaching

lem with this. School feels more isolated as there are less schoolwide events and students don’t collaborate like they once did.

My own kids struggled virtually at first, but then got used to it. But it took time. Now they are used to the routines when they need to learn at home.”

Left, Cohen appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 2006.

again. He revealed the pain he felt when another adult approached his mother suggesting that he might be possessed by the devil.

More accolades and visibility came when “Front of the Class” Hallmark Hall of Fame movie premiered in 2008 on CBS and was remade 10 years later in 2018 as a Bollywood movie in India entitled “Hichki,” which means hiccup.

Cohen’s movie “Front of the Class” Hallmark The AJT asked Cohen to Hall of Fame premiered in 2008 and was discuss his view on the curremade in 2018 in Bollywood as “Hichki.” rent state of education, what others can learn from his experience and how his Jewish position in Georgia, but after his first job he background shaped his life. won Teacher of the Year. His book “Front of COVID and Education the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made “COVID has played a major role in the Me the Teacher I Never Had” was published way we operate in schools. First, is the safein 2005. A year later he was featured on ty of everyone. We must think about how “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” where he exwe teach differently than we have in the plained his fifth grade teacher cruelly made past. Wearing masks has proved to be efhim apologize to the class stating that it fective and our students didn’t have a prob[his noises and tics] would never happen

Overcoming Obstacles • Follow your dreams despite life’s challenges.

• Keep a positive attitude even during the toughest of times. There were lots of times that I could have had a negative attitude in life, but I chose to stay positive.

• Follow your passions in life. I loved kids and I wanted to inspire them, so I became a teacher.

• Don’t make excuses in life. Everybody has a weakness or a challenge and we must learn to persevere!

• Last, we must learn to celebrate our strengths and not always look at what is wrong in life, rather we should look at the opportunities that are out there.

Jewish Path “I was bar mitzvahed in 1986. Growing up, I was involved at the Jewish Community Center, attended a Jewish overnight camp, was active in BBYO and voted to its international board. I later joined AEPi fraternity and was active in Hillel in college, and continue to be involved in my temple.

So being Jewish has always been important to me and has been a priority. And now it is important for me and my wife to raise our two boys Jewish.”

Not incidentally, Brad met wife Nancy on Jdate and have two sons, ages 9 and 10. ì

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EDUCATION

Hillel and JF&CS Offer Mental Health Aid

By Bob Bahr Hillels of Georgia has partnered with Jewish Family & Career Services in Dunwoody to offer free psychological counseling services to any Jewish college student in Georgia.

The program called “Be Well With Hillel” comes at a time when psychological counseling services on college cam-

More than 80 percent of the students surveyed believe depression and/ or anxiety has had a negative impact on their academic performance.

puses around the state have been overwhelmed with requests for services.

According to Hillels of Georgia CEO Elliot Karp, the new service being provided at JF&CS fills a critical need at the eight college campuses the student organization serves.

“This has already been a genera-

tion that has exhibited the highest incidences of mental health issues of all sorts, including suicide, more than any other previous generation of college students,” Karp said. “And then when you add in this past year of the pandemic, it only exacerbated an already very challenging situation and environment for college students.”

During the past year many students who were forced to suddenly transition to a learning environment centered on the internet have complained that increasingly they feel isolated and alone.

Emory University told graduating seniors this year to stay home during their final semester, and the school canceled spring break in favor of just three separate days of vacation added to the spring academic calendar.

Although universities in Georgia have supplemented the psychological student health services with thirdparty providers, students sometimes reportedly have had to wait for as long as a month or more for formal appointments with a mental health professional.

According to a national survey released in February by the nonprofit research organization Healthy Minds Network, almost half of the 36,000 students they surveyed at 36 colleges

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across the country reported signs of depression, anxiety or both.

More than 80 percent of the students believe it has had a negative impact on their academic performance.

That’s the highest number of students to report such an effect since the annual Healthy Minds surveys began in 2007.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention uncovered more proof

eration of Greater Atlanta’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. It’s a limited program that runs only to the end of the school year and covers the costs of adding a single mental health counselor at JF&CS two days a week.

Still, according to Karp, it is one of the first such programs in the country, coming in ahead of a national initiative by the Hillel organization to beef up mental health aid to individual local Hillel programs.

Karp said it has helped to broaden the discussions he’s had with mental health professionals at local educational institutions.

“It’s opened up a whole new avenue of collaboration with them as well,” Karp pointed out, “because one of the things that we’re now discussing with them is how their counseling staff can perhaps be a little bit more attentive to what particular issues Jewish students may have, or at least an awareness of what does being Jewish mean on a college campus.”

Increasingly, he said, Hillel has had to work harder to support its student population so that psychoAbove, Dan Arnold, who manages clinical services logical problems don’t beat JF&CS, is in charge of the new program. come deeper and need proElliot Karp is CEO of Hillels of Georgia and fessional help. directs the new Hillels counseling program.

“There is the sense of loss and we are cognizant college-age young adults have been of it. So we have been working very struggling emotionally lately. Among deliberately how to maintain connecthose surveyed last year by the CDC, the tivity with students to give them that percentage of respondents who report- sense, number one, that someone cares ed having seriously considered suicide for them; and number two, that they’re in the 30 days prior to the study was part of a community.” significantly higher among those ages At JF&CS there is a concern that 18 to 24. the mental health consequences of Dan Arnold, JF&CS director of the COVID pandemic could have longclinical services, is encouraged by the term consequences. Even though public initial response that the agency has re- health measures and rising vaccination ceived to the new program, given that rates are significantly cutting into the there’s often a lag in an individual’s re- time the COVID pandemic affects socisponse to a mental health crisis. ety, Arnold sees danger ahead.

“It takes a long time between the “The COVID-19 pandemic is going time that someone begins to experience to end, whether it’s vaccination or herd stress and then decides that it’s time to immunity. But I think what is following take that crucial step of requesting sup- the COVID-19 pandemic is the shadow port. And the kids are doing that now. pandemic of mental health concerns as And that’s really exciting because it a result of this year, plus of anxiety and means that they’re going to get some fear in grief and depression.” ì much-needed support and help.”

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our connections are stronger than ever.

Fueled by your generous spirit, in a year made more challenging by a global pandemic, we built even stronger bridges to our partners around the world.

We welcomed seven exuberant young Israelis to Atlanta through the Schoenbaum Shinshinim program to teach in our schools and synagogues. Families in Atlanta and in Yokneam transcended social distance by exchanging letters about the calendar and traditions they share through the "Same Moon" project. We doubled down on emergency care and supportive services for Ethiopian families in our Partnership Region, Yokneam, and Megiddo. And in Jerusalem, Belarus and beyond, we brought joy and connection, along with needed services, to older adults during lockdown.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES APRIL 15, 2021 | 39 See how your generosity builds our community at JewishAtlanta.org

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EDUCATION

Weinstein Recognized by Hillels of Georgia

By Robyn Spizman Gerson Philanthropist Bruce Weinstein will be recognized April 27 at Hillels of Georgia’s annual event, this year a virtual Hillel Heroes 2021. Weinstein will receive The Billi and Bernie Marcus Visionary Award, which is given to a Georgia philanthropist in recognition of their support of Hillel and the greater Jewish community.

The award first presented to Billi and Bernie Marcus in 2018 was named in their honor for their support of Hillels of Georgia and has helped students build a vibrant community and make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel.

Hillel serves over 5,000 Jewish students on 24 campuses, and leaders of the organization say it has been especially impactful during the pandemic as students have needed more support than ever.

Weinstein shared with the AJT, “Hillel provides a Jewish ‘home away from home’ for our college students on campuses across Georgia. It is a safe place for our Jewish students from bigotry and antisemitism, which is so predominant

40 | APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Above, Bruce Weinstein was awarded Hillels of Georgia’s Billi & Bernie Marcus Visionary Award.

Right top, Dr. Deborah Lipstadt is a Holocaust historian, Emory professor and longtime supporter of Hillel.

Right, Dr. Josh Rothstein is an emergency room doctor at Northside Hospital, a UGA alum and an avid supporter of Hillels of Georgia.

on college campuses in today’s times. We enhance their Jewish pride and identities.

Most importantly, Hillel is preparing our next generation of Jewish leaders.

“Over 50 percent of Jewish college graduates from all campuses in Georgia settle in Atlanta. If we want to continue having a vibrant Jewish community, then it is so important that all Atlantans support the great work of Hillel, because we are preparing that next generation of leaders.”

Weinstein supports a long list of community causes. He is a principal of Your Wealth Partners, a trustee and past officer of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta and volunteered as a coach with youth sports for over 30 years.

A proud alum of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity, Weinstein served as national president of the ZBT Foundation and implemented new Legacy Gifting programs. An alumnus of the University of Alabama, he was co-chair with the university president of a committee to encourage recruitment of Jewish students.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta recognized Weinstein with the Mary and Max London “People Power Award” for his role as the Atlanta chairperson of the 2001 Maccabi Game and he served as the chairperson of the Atlanta Senior Olympics. ZBT presented Weinstein with the National Outstanding Alumni Volun-

teer Award and in 2016 he was inducted into ZBT’s Psi Chapter Hall of Fame.

“We are proud to present Bruce Weinstein with the Billi and Bernie Marcus Visionary Award for his lifetime commitment and leadership to the Jewish community,” said Hillels of Georgia CEO Elliot Karp.

“Bruce has served with distinction on Hillels of Georgia’s Board of Directors for more than 10 years and is most deserving of the Billi and Bernie Marcus Visionary Award for his leadership to Hillel and many other Jewish organizations in our community.

Bruce is passionate about Hillel and the thousands of Jewish college students we serve on more than two dozen campuses across the state. He is a strong advocate of Hillel’s mission, which seeks to create vibrant Jewish life on campus helping to ensure that Jewish college students make an enduring commitment to the Jewish people, community and Israel.”

Dr. Deborah Lipstadt, a Holocaust historian, Emory University professor and Hillel partner is also being honored at the virtual event as one of the Hillel Heroes. “Hillel has been and remains Jewish students’ primary address for their range of Jewish activities. I am exceptionally impressed, as I travel the country (both in person and virtually) by the quality of Hillel professionals.”

Other Hillel Heroes to be recognized at the event are: Dr. Karen Berman, founder of the Hillel at Georgia College; Dr. Josh Rothstein, a UGA alumni and Northside Hospital emergency room doctor, working the frontlines during the pandemic; and a group of UGA Hillel students: Allison Fine, Ciera Thomas, Kara Litwin and Sarah Martynov. They convinced the UGA administration to adopt the official definition of anti-Semitism of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. ì To register and receive a link to the live virtual event, visit https://www.hillelsofgeorgia.org/annual-event

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EDUCATION

Georgia Students Return to Alexander Muss High School

By Nathan Posner Georgia youth are among the American students allowed permission to attend Alexander Muss High School in Israel. After a semester canceled as a result of COVID-19, the Jewish National Fund received permission as part of Operation Zion to bring 241 teens for the Israeli high school.

They arrived on a specially chartered El-Al flight from New York, believed the first

Europe and the Holocaust, visiting remnants of communities from before the Holocaust and some concentration camps, and visiting with the Jewish communities that exist in the country today. But that will not be occurring this year because a trip to Poland would have required two weeks of quarantine before and after the trip, making it logistically impossible, JNF reported.

Trips within Israel for the program, including day and overnight travel, will continC

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Students are seen outside Ben Gurion Airport after arriving in Israel.

group of American high school teens to be allowed to return since travel restrictions were put in place at the beginning of the pandemic, according to AMHSI Development Director Zach Pellish.

JNF worked closely with members of the Israeli government, receiving special permission for the program to resume and international students to arrive in Israel despite international flight restrictions that continue in Israel.

The program began in 1972 with last spring being the first time a semester was canceled, according to JNF. JNF’s AMHSI allows high school students to study abroad both Jewish and general studies. Enrollment is usually about 1,200 students, with students staying in dorms on the campus in Hod Hasharon.

JNF began managing the program in 2013, and last April helped airlift hundreds of American students from Israel back to the U.S. as the pandemic took hold of the world.

Students will be able to return to campus, where they will be quarantining with their madrichim, counselors, on campus to ensure a safer experience. After two weeks of mandatory quarantine, which will include AMHSI studies, students will be moving into their permanent residences, at which point they will be part of a large group of students with counselors that will be treated as a “family,” per Israel’s guidelines for COVID-19.

The program usually includes a week in Poland studying the history of Judaism in

ue as normal after the two-week quarantine.

Students will begin their AMHSI studies during the quarantine, Pellish told the AJT. “With the quarantine period, it allowed us to do it safely and intentionally on campus, while also making it a fun experience. It’s not just a time for students to dwell in isolation, they are still learning and engaging.”

Students were required to receive a negative COVID-19 test before boarding the flight last week, Pellish said.

Beth Gluck, executive director for JNF in Atlanta, said of the trip, “The school, and wider JNF community, is excited for the return of its students. This is what the school was built for. … It is not there to sit empty; it is there to have the next generation of Jewish leaders on campus, to be filled with learning, Jewish education, 4,000 years of Jewish history,” Gluck said.

“Everyone is over the moon.”

While having students on campus will not be as easy, AMHSI is embracing the challenge, Gluck said. “We will do anything we can to make sure these kids can have a positive, safe, immersive experience that will be a catalyst for them.”

The school will adhere to ongoing safety measures to ensure the safety of students and staff, including face masks when outside dorm buildings.

JNF reported that students returning to Israel celebrated upon entering Ben Gurion Airport after their long flight, embraced by staff waiting for them in addition to those on the plane with them. ì

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EDUCATION

College Decision is Tougher Than Ever April is the month when many graduating high school seniors make their decisions about which colleges they Mark Fisher will attend.

The final deadline for most colleges will be May 1. So, why will this year’s decision time be so much harder than in the past? The answer is probably obvious. In the past, COVID-19 was not a factor to be considered.

There are many new questions to be addressed, including some of the following: How will the virus affect the opening of colleges in the fall? In the spring, was the school’s curriculum completely virtual, somewhat virtual and/or in the college’s classrooms? If virtual, did students live on the campus or were they in their own homes on the

computer?

Families may wonder if spending thousands of dollars to attend a school that is only virtual is worth the cost.

Good grief, the decision is different this time around. Now, students need to analyze the way that they learn best. Taking a good look at their senior year, how did they react to virtual learning. Some detested learning solely on the computer. Others strived. How did a student react from the lack of socialization with their classmates? Studying with their friends? Being at home with the teacher on a computer screen? Missing the give and take in the classroom? Not being able to take part in athletics? The Ivy Leagues did not have spring sports.

Extra-curricular organizations could not function as in the past.

Of course, some students who applied and were accepted early decision to a university are no longer bothered by deadlines to let the college know if they are going to enroll. Those students, their parents and their high

DONATE TODAY Jewish National Fund’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel welcomes students from across the U.S. excited to learn about their heritage, Israel, and their Jewish Identity, all while keeping up with their academic studies and preparing them for college.

Donate today to help our youth forge their link to the chain of Jewish continuity. Invest for a brighter tomorrow.

JNF Honors Larry and Sheila Wolinsky for Their Multi Year Gift Supporting Muss School and Our Children Education!

42 | APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

school counselor signed a contract stating that they would be in the entering freshmen class.

Judaism on Campus Hopefully, you care about this topic. If you were active in Jewish youth groups you might be interested in the Jewish groups on campus such as Hillel and Chabad. Maybe you do not include Judaism on your priority list. There are countless stories of students who did not consider the importance of their religion at college, but on a whim attended a Sabbath dinner because a friend urged them to come for a free meal and never stopped coming to such events.

Isn’t college an environment where exploration is promoted? Then, your heritage would become an important part of your education. Do not forget the topic of anti-Semitism, which has been, unfortunately, on the rise. What is taking place on your interested college campuses? On one of my many college visits, the tour guide made me very suspect because of the falsehoods that she had been brainwashed with by an anti-Semitic group on campus.

Academic Major Have you taken career and college inventories while in high school to guide you to an appropriate major?

Such career counseling becomes helpful in one’s college search. If you have an intended major, how strong is the prospective college in that area? There are various ways of finding out about the strength of a major. For instance, from current students at the college.

Internships are often coordinated through a college career center with jobs created through those internships.

Perhaps there are internships related to your major or you can shadow someone in your chosen occupation.

Class Size While in high school you probably have never experienced a class of 100 to 300 students. Picture such a scenario in college. Or would you like to be in a class less than 60, or less than 30? Consider how you learn best. Are you a student who thrives when participating in class or would you rather say little in class? Study the class sizes at your vari-

ous colleges. Note that in your junior and senior college years, classes in your major should be less crowded than the previous early part of your college career.

Extracurricular Activities What activities are you involved in at this time both in and out of school?

Which activities would you want to continue in college? Look at college websites and see what is offered outside of the classroom that piques your interest. Remember that your extracurricular life in college will be seen at graduate schools and potential employers.

Cost of Attendance Whether or not students are thinking about the cost of college, parents are most likely considering the financial implications of the next four years.

There is both need-based and merit based financial aid. For Georgia state colleges, there is also HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships. If you applied for financial aid, you should have received an award letter. You should compare the awards and carefully study the award letter, asking questions such as: Is the award renewable or limited to one year? Loans have to be paid back, so you need to know the deadline. Do you have to maintain a certain grade point average to continue receiving the scholarship? If work-study is included, you may have the option to accept a job at school. Do you have siblings who are also in college or will be applying within the next few years? These are considerations for the family.

The Decision The decision is not always an easy one for high school students but hopefully in the next month you will have carefully reviewed the options and made a good choice. If you are undecided, keep studying those institutions you are considering. Even visit the finalists on your list for a second time to ensure you’re making the best decision. ì Dr. Mark Fisher is a college and career consultant at Fisher Educational Consultants, www.fishereducationalconsultants. com, and a consultant for the College Planning Institute, www.GotoCPI.com.

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CAMP Children of Russian Speakers Can Receive $30,000 in Camp Grants

Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez is the Federation’s Jewish Camp Initiative manager.

Atlanta is one of only two U.S. cities selected to pilot an outreach program encouraging children of Russian Speaking Jewish families to attend overnight camp, according to a press release. Those camps include three in Georgia: Camp Ramah Darom, URJ Camp Coleman and Camp Barney Medintz. The other community participating in the pilot program is Cleveland, Ohio.

The initiative is a partnership between the Foundation for Jewish Camp and Genesis Philanthropy Group, which focuses on Jewish identity among Russian-speaking Jews worldwide. The program offers grants of $1,500 for children to attend four-week overnight camp programs and $1,000 to attend two-week camp programs. The grants can be used at all FJC network camps, including specialty camps focused on sports, the arts, farming and the sciences, the release stated.

Grants will be awarded to families in Atlanta’s RSJ community on a first-come, firstserved basis with a total of $30,000 available.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Jewish Camp Initiative will help connect families with funding.

“Camp is a top predictor for keeping kids involved in Jewish life,” said Melissa ScholtenGutierrez, Jewish Camp Initiative manager. “Federation’s Jewish Camp Initiative will be a tremendous asset in the FJC’s first year focusing on community-wide RSJ outreach. Federation is honored to be one of the pilot programs for this outreach effort and is excited to partner with FJC. Our strong ties in Atlanta’s RSJ community, specifically through the PJ Library program and the RSJ PJ Library Connectors, will help uplift the RSJ community to attend camps throughout the region and beyond.”

Atlanta was chosen as one of the two pilot communities for the camp program based on several factors, including One Happy Camper’s data indicating a large number of RSJ children from Atlanta attending overnight camps.

For more information or to apply for a grant, visit the Federation’s RSJ Camp Grants page at https://jewishatlanta.org/.

Camp Barney Alumni Meet for Shabbat at College Mya Artzi has attended Camp Barney Medintz as a camper and as a counselor for the past 10 years, her mom tells the AJT. This year, the Sandy Springs student is a freshman at the University of Wisconsin.

She and several other CBM alumni have gathered a few times over the semester for what they call “Camp Shabbat,” mom Lea Artzi said.

“They cook together all of the camp Shabbat favorites – schnitzel, green beans, potatoes, and they even Two boys on left and 3 girls: bake their own challah.

My daughter says that these camp friends are her Barney alumni Eric Cordover, Alex family at school.

Effron, Mya Artzi, Bess Rosenthal In addition to Mya, the students who join for Shabbat are: Alex Effron, and Emma Gottsegan reunite at a recent Shabbat dinner. also a freshman from Sandy Springs; Emma Gottsegan, a senior from New York; and sophomores Bess Rosenthal and Eric Cordover from Mountain Food in front: Mya Artzi, Emma Brook, Ala. Gottsegan, Eric Cordover, Alex “Even though these kids are not even the same age and range from freshEffron and Bess Rosenthal share men to seniors, they really look out for each other on campus,” Lea Artzi said. a Shabbat dinner recently.

“The bond that CBM has created is incredible!”

She adds that she hopes the idea catches on. “I think if other kids their age hear about this, maybe they could start their own campus camp Shabbats.”

44 | APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

CAMP

Jewish Animation and Cybersecurity Among ORT Classes Students at Atlanta Jewish Academy and the CMCH Elementary & Middle School are taking part in STEM education programs led by ORT, a leading global Jewish education network, according to a press release. Courses in Jewish animation and cybersecurity will enable students to get a head start in key technological fields that can offer opportunities for future career paths, the release stated. Both courses are facilitated via livestream by the World ORT Kadima Mada team in Israel.

“Providing our students with innovative programming that teaches them skills in STEM is an ongoing goal at CMCH,” said Principal Leah Sollish. “We are grateful to ORT for the opportunity to connect our students to technology and STEM projects from Israel which merge Jewish content and technology.”

In the Jewish animation class, students in fourth through eighth grades will combine creativity with technology to make their own animated clip based on Jewish stories and themes, the release continued. The students only need to use a computer and/or smartphone, plus a few common household items.

Students are also able to enter an international competition to showcase their videos and compete for cash prizes.

The cybersecurity course for sixth through ninth grades will provide the basics of cybersecurity, including virus protection, cracking passwords and encryption. Students will learn how to understand and identify common threats and they will receive hands-on experience fighting cybercrime. ì Compiled by AJT Staff

Itai Eilat, a World ORT Kadima Mada instructor, with some of the animated work of students participating in ORT’s STEM education.

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CAMP

Kids + Horses Fosters Learning

By Marcia Caller Jaffe For decades Jewish youngsters have been smitten by equestrianism and the affinity for a relatively expensive sport.

Scions like Jerry Seinfeld’s daughter Sascha and Mike Bloomberg’s daughter are noted young female equestrians.

The latter, Georgina Bloomberg, started at age 4, earned winnings in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and broke her back twice.

Local equestrian Alex Bernstein spring boarded her love of the sport to the University of Georgia equestrian team, which claimed a national championship.

Jewish summer camps have always been a good place to start and develop skills.

Bernstein parlayed her early love of horseback riding to the highly touted varsity equestrian team as a student at the University of Georgia.

“I started riding around 9 years old and gradually became more competitive. I started with taking lessons once a week, then twice a week, then partially leasing a horse, then owning a horse of my own to care for and compete with,” she said.

“The barn gave me a sense of purpose; I had a big group of like-minded friends with similar interests, would be outside for long periods of time and learned a sense of responsibility by taking care of the horses. We bathed them, brushed them, cleaned and oiled saddles and tack, and observed the veterinarians and farriers at work.

“The horse shows and competitions allowed me to become accustomed to life’s pressures. I learned how to accept losses and learn from mistakes, constantly striving to im-

Above, Emma Sundheim takes Sunday riding lessons and learns about the care of horses.

Chuck Vrono professes to being a lifelong “Jewish cowboy.”

CAMP prove. These were all life lessons and friendships carried through to adult life.”

Alli Sundheim’s 6-year-old daughter Emma has been obsessed with horses since she was 2, an interest that

As children, Chuck Vrono’s sons, Zak, Todd and Jeremy, inherited his love of horses and translated it into their occupations.

stemmed from watching animated Netflix shows. Mom Alli states, “After years of begging, we enrolled Emma in a Sandy Springs program (Go With It Farm) that she attends on Sunday.”

Before and after lessons and trotting, the children get to prep and disassemble equipment and groom the horses. Alli continues, “This helps with independence and posture while learning through fun and games. It’s also nice that older teenagers serve as mentors.”

Some of the regional sleepaway Jewish camps don’t have horseback as an option because it adds extra layers of complexity and expense. Camp Blue Star in Western North Carolina has a program with 20 ponies and six rings and a staff of eight on their riding campus. Their website notes that there are extra charges, and the camp offers private lessons.

Bob Fierman was one of the first campers at Camp Barney Medintz near Cleveland, Ga. He later served as head of horseback and had a full-time staff of five in addition to counselors in training. He recalled, “We had 30 mostly docile horses, and for many campers

this was their apprehensive first time.

We had adults stabilize the horses and got the campers to uniformly tap with their feet, pull back on the rein, and quickly gain confidence in the ring.

At around 11 years old, we took them out on trails and even overnights with a skunk sighting from which we retreated."

There was no shortage of volunteers to do the hard work and shovel manure. Today the Barney website touts its Brill Equestrian Center horsemanship program including tzaar ba’alei hayyim, Hebrew for caring for animals.

Lifelong equestrian Chuck Vrono

“Along with my younger brother Donnie (who became an equine veterinarian), we had a great staff. Because we were so enthusiastic, the kids were even more excited!

“Horseback riding is a unique camp sport because it’s non-competitive at this level and ensues confidence, responsibility and compassion. The kids also learned the care of horses and basic riding methods. After four weeks, campers came together as a cabin, culminating in a campfire dinner ride and riding back at dusk.” He continued, “Campers came away with conAlex Bernstein carried her childhood love fident riding experiences and of horses to the University of Georgia equestrian great stories to share.” team, which won a national championship.

Here she jumps with “The Chosen One.” Vrono still rides and professes to be a “Jewish cowboy.”

He passed the love of horses to started riding as early as he could walk.

Atlanta natives might remember his his three sons. One went on to be a farhorse Ajax, notorious for hanging out rier and horse trainer, and one a vetat the “Big Apple” on Highland Avenue. erinarian. He joked, “One works with Vrono became horseback director Porsche and likes that ride better for at Camp Barney in 1975. “It was prob- now.” ì ably the best job I‘ve ever had,” he said.

H I GH MU S E U M OF AR T AT L A N TA

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES APRIL 15, 2021 | 47

CAMP

Camps Return with New Activities, Facilities

By Nathan Posner Children attending Jewish camps throughout the South this summer will find new activities and buildings as camps used the off-season and the pandemic shutdown to prepare for 2021. Many of these new activities and changes have focused around making camp experiences as normal as possible during COVID-19 but ensuring that campers remain safe.

While renovations and construction of new facilities has continued, camps were able to use the downtime to prepare for a camping season with COVID. The pandemic last year either caused camps to be put on hold, held online or in person without months of preparation. As a result, Atlanta area camps, from overnight to day camps, have a variety of new experiences waiting for campers this summer.

At URJ Camp Coleman, there is excitement about a new arts center. Camp director

48 | APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Left, Anna Serviansky is camp director and head of education at Ramah Darom.

The new ropes course is shown at the MJCCA in Dunwoody.

Top row, left to right, Mackenzie Sherman is the director of Camp Isidore Alterman at the MJCCA. Jim Mittenthal is the camp director at Camp Barney Medintz.

Bobby Harris is Camp Director at URJ Camp Coleman. (Courtesy of Camp Coleman) Tali Benjamin is the marketing director at In The City Camps.

Bobby Harris discussed the new facility with the AJT. He said the center “can fit our entire camp in one seating. Its purpose is to really elevate the performing arts at Coleman, to enable us to have the best arts, performances and instruction possible.”

The current facility required some people to sit on the floor and there were distractions from the sounds of nature. So the camp is looking forward to having a space that will allow for more concentration, Harris said.

The new facility will also allow campers to be trained by professionals. Coleman has a number of professional experts who will be helping capitalize on this new space, training staff and students, and learning how to further incorporate the performing arts as part of the camp. “This is about a vision where art, music, theater can take flight with top-of-theline instruction, and provide these really educational experiences to our kids,” Harris said.

He hopes it will allow the camp to also expand who attends performances, attracting more campers who are looking for theater, music, and art-related experiences. “We also want to attract campers who may be going to one camp locally that they love [for] art, but they may have to compromise between a Jewish camp and an arts camp. This will allow them to go to one in the same.”

In the City Camps are substantially ex-

panding their camp offerings this summer with a new program for sixth through ninth grades called the “Tween Academy Camps,” in partnership with The Weber School.

“The goal of these camps is to give these teenage kids an elevated sort of experience in those [Weber] high school facilities with an expert in their field,” Tali Benjamin, marketing director for In the City Camps, told the AJT. She explained that campers will have four different options when choosing concentrations: innovation, sports, visual arts and performing arts. Each section will be headed by an expert in the field, such as innovation, which will be based out of the Daniel Zalik Academy and led by a teacher who works there.

The Weber-based camps will only run in July as that is when campers will have access to the campus. There will be other changes as well, largely to address COVID-19 concerns.

There will be no off-site field trips because of safety concerns, but in exchange, they will have on-site field trips every Wednesday, where special guests and experiences will be brought to the camp sites. Benjamin described it as “a special activity that will be brought to us,” allowing campers to have a sense of normal camp experiences.

At Camp Barney Medintz, preparations have been made to ensure that campers can get the most out of camp during COVID-19.

CAMP Barney director Jim Mittenthal told the AJT, “We want people excited about the additions, not just talking about what they may not be able to do because of COVID. “For new kids, everything is new, and you don’t have to do anything new. But for all the returning kids, we wanted them to say, ‘oh we haven’t done that before.’”

There are a variety of new activities for campers this summer, he said, ranging from cooking to theater, as well as new aspects to rope courses and ziplines. The camp will also be opening “The Den” cabin to offer a soothing, comfortable place for campers and staff to take a break from the 'noise’ of camp life,” he said.

At a time when mental health concerns have surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Den will help students process emotions and get the help they need from professional staff, he said.

Camp Ramah Darom will be focusing on new outdoor activities that will allow for safe, comfortable and exciting experiences for their campers. Camp Director Anna Serviansky told the AJT, “We are looking at a lot of new outdoor activities and games this summer; including bubble soccer, lawn bowling and some life-size board games.” Given the needs for socially distanced and outdoor activities, Ramah is hoping to capitalize on the oppor-

tunity. “This year we were really focusing on other things that we could do outside that we haven’t done before. We want to do new outdoor activities that are gonna be delightful and that they [campers] probably haven’t done before and can only do in camp because we have the space to do these sorts of things.”

COVID-19 is imposing some limits on camps, but it is also allowing for exciting new opportunities that wouldn’t have been done, as camps shift toward more outdoor activities as well as mindfulness-focused experiences.

The Marcus Jewish Community Center has been busy during the off-season making major renovations and upgrades to existing experiences. Mackenzie Sherman, director of Camp Isidore Alterman, expressed excitement about the newly upgraded facilities campers will be able to explore this summer.

“Our higher ropes course has been totally overhauled,” with new facilities allowing campers “to go as high as they want and be let down easy.”

The zipline across the lake on campus has also been upgraded. “We have built a suspension bridge in the canopies of the trees that lead up to the zip tower, so now kids can walk up a series of suspension bridges to get to the zip tower, where they will actually then zip line down across our lake.”

The camp’s archery program has “been

totally revamped,” Sherman said. “The whole landscape has been renovated, widened, brush cleared out; it is an entirely different range,” he said.

“It is really a game changer for us.”

For campers more introspective, a new yoga program for children and teenagers will be available for those at Camp Alterman. Sherman said that the new program, headed by an instructor certified in yoga for children, will “give campers the time to slow down mentally in the summertime with the year we have all had.” As with many activities this summer, Sherman said, “It will all be outside, in a socially distanced manner, so campers can enjoy themselves safely and comfortably.”

To keep up with the latest in summer camp news, check back often to the Atlanta Jewish Connector, www.atlantajewishconnector.com. ì

Top, The Den at Camp Barney Medintz will provide a soothing space for campers.

Above, The new arts center at Camp Coleman is seen here under construction.

YMCA OVERNIGHT CAMP

REIMAGINED FOR SAFETY AND FUN RESERVE OPEN-AIR FUN IN THE SUMMER SUN At YMCA Camp Harrison and YMCA Camp Thunderbird, kids 6-16 enjoy the serene NC mountains and scenic Lake Wylie shoreline as they unplug, grow and thrive!

ymcacharlotte.org ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES APRIL 15, 2021 | 49

ART Davis Academy Students Win National Documentary Prizes

By Bob Bahr Two eighth grade students at The Davis Academy were winners this year of CSPAN’s annual StudentCam documentary awards for works that were intensely personal.

For his documentary, 14-year-old Will Morrison was awarded second prize for middle schoolers for “The Missing Piece of Autism,” which was, in part, about his brother’s struggle with the disorder.

It won him $1,500 in prize money and a broadcast for the documentary April 6 on the non-commercial public affairs cable network.

Ariella Lewis’ work, “Equality and Protection for All, Laws and the LGBTQ+ Community,” earned an honorable mention award and $250. The piece is about gender identification and the law.

Said Lewis, 14, “I’m a non-binary individual, which means personally I don’t identify as either a boy or a girl. So I thought that this issue of gender rights hit home to me and that it affected me. I thought that I would have a pretty good perspective on

it and about going into the law a little bit more.”

Among the issues the short documentary covered was the effort by gender rights groups to ban what Top, left to right, Kendrick Phillips directs The Davis has been called the Academy’s visual and performing arts program “LGBTQ+ panic” or Will Morrison’s prize-winning documentary including “gay and trans panhis own family’s experience with the illness. ic” defense in crimiAriella Lewis' documentary winner focused on gender rights. nal cases.

The legal stratAbove, The Davis Academy winners were in the middle school division of the national C-SPAN competition egy is aimed at placing the blame for a defendant’s violent crime, including murder, on their reaction to a victim’s sexual or gender identification. So far 12 states have banned the tactic in their courts.

INTOWN JEWISH COMMUNITY For work on gender issues, Lewis was also named one of the “20 under 21” award winners by the SOJOURN organization at its Purim Off Ponce event at Ahavath Achim Synagogue last month.

Morrison's challenging subject of autism also hit home. His 18-year-old brother suffers from the illness and lives separate from the family. The Davis Academy student maintains that the difficulties that Summer activities include enrichment in his family has experienced have multiplied art, music, science, water play and special during the pandemic over the past year. guests.

“Autism has been a very close topic to Camp is open to preschool children me overall and I thought that since a lot of 18 months to 6 years of age. people haven’t really been talking about the autism community and also the autism community being affected by COVID-19, I thought that I should let people know that this is a very important issue that needs to be addressed.”

Both students produced their works as part of The Davis Academy’s 36-week video production course, which is an elective program held virtually this year. The Sign your kiddos up today at: program is open to any eighth grader at the intownjewishpreschool.org/rsvp-page school who wants to participate after their normal school day.

Intown Jewish Academy | Intown Hebrew School | C-Teen | YJP Intown Atlanta | The Shul @ Chabad Intown Intown Jewish Preschool | www.intownjewishpreschool.org | facebook.com/intownjewishpreschool Instructor Kendrick Phillips, who runs the visual and performing arts program Chabad Intown is a non-profit organization providing Jewish education and experience at the school, was impressed by how her opportunities to all, regardless of background and affiliation

SERVING THE ATLANTA

50 | APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

two students handled such mature themes.

But Phillips was not entirely surprised by their success.

“You would think it would be more challenging working with eighth graders than working with adults. But what I have found is the younger the student, especially teenagers who are passionate about what they believe in, the easier it is because they’re open to everything.

They’re not yet risk-adverse and not used to saying ‘no;’ the world is still open to them in many ways.”

For Morrison, his experience at The Davis Academy with documentaries over the past year has provided him a new perspective on why they have become increasingly popular in recent years.

“A lot of people, I believe, are getting interested in documentaries because they want to immerse themselves in other parts of the world. They want to learn about other cultures. They want to learn about the struggles other people face. It’s not just learning, but also learning how to potentially help” solve the issues the world faces.

Despite the long months of concentrated study put into the prize-winning documentary project, Lewis sees an affirmation in the power of the visual image.

“I think documentaries are very effective because when you see an image, you relate to it more. You’re kind of captivated by it. You’re taken aback by it. Rather than seeing words in an article or reading a book, a documentary really takes someone like aback to see what’s really going on.”

According to Phillips, who pioneered the arts program at the Jewish day school, the students’ success is in part due to the important role that the arts play there and how the arts, both visual arts and the performing arts, are embraced there.

“It’s the animating core of a curriculum and a whole world, a whole body, a whole child- educational experience. So I’m lucky enough that we have the resources to make it happen outside of traditional classroom experiences. And we have students who are just deep, curious learners who are willing to embark on that journey as well.” ì

Neighborhood Bistro Thinks Outside the Box Colman and Nancy Goodrich bring decades of hospitality experience to Southern Bistro, producing comfort food that is locally Marcia sourced and Caller Jaffe aligned with its regional roots. “Bistro” implies a relaxed Parisian cafe styled with a variety of menu choices, plus hot and cold drinks. The Goodriches set up a convivial atmosphere with a rotating menu subbing the French cliché for their niche in the Southern culinary arts.

Nancy from the eponymous Nancy G’s formerly located at Chastain Square, and Colman from BrickTop’s and Houston’s.

Colman laughs when asked about his partnership with Nancy, “She’s living her forever high school dream of running a restaurant. She’s really the entrepreneur, the driving force and face of the restaurant. With a division of duties, I do the administrative work and Nancy runs the place. You could say I’m the ‘gofer.’”

Colman hails from Milledgeville. He shares, “Maybe there were 10 Jewish families in Milledgeville, half of which were us Goodriches. Here now, we see a lot of Jewish patrons and are exploring adding matzah balls as a special for [holidays].”

Southern Bistro is a cross between a neighborhood favorite and a Southerninspired curated experience. The clever part is being kid-friendly while serving a well-prepared chef-driven menu. The dog patio during good weather (and now with heaters) is legendary; even during social distancing it seats 40. Another 40 (humans) dine inside with “COVID” spacing. The brilliant Doggie Menu (from $4 to $6) includes choice of bowls – rice, grilled chicken or bacon. Bones are complimentary. And what a clever idea to allow guests to host dog birthday parties!

The Kid’s Menu has beaucoups de choices: pancakes, burgers, grilled cheese, French toast, fries and ice cream.

In terms of navigating COVID, Nancy said, “We created a general store where we offered everything from burgers, bread, eggs and toilet paper.”

Chef-partner Justin Keith and executive sous chef Ben Castro “organized the ToGo process as we were forced to close to Dine In during March, April and May.

Above, Justin Keith, Nancy and Colman Goodrich, and Ben Castro form a solid team.

The neighborhood supported us throughout this time and as we opened back up with a limited menu,” Nancy said.

“Then DineIn opened back up.”

Keith and Castro “added new items for our summer and fall menus.”

What we sampled: Cucumber-Dill Salad – Tart and zingy vegetables had sufficient time to marinate.

DINING

Southern Bistro has a doggie menu and extensive patio that hosts doggie birthday parties.

requisite on many menus. Southern Bistro did this just right, not overly salted or gooey in syrup. Real crunchy, firm and tight.

North Georgia Rainbow Trout – Two generous filets swam right in from a Blue Ridge brook alongside blistered red potatoes, green beans. Enough succulent fish for leftovers.

presented separately from the warm items.

The Southern Bistro website has rotating specials that get gobbled up and specials by day.

This is the story of a couple who are “hands on” with experience and passion for the hospitality business. ì Southern Bistro is located at 4920 Roswell Road.

Blackened Fish Tacos – Pickled red cab-

Top choice/star power: House Cured Salmon – Thick slices over plump, firm capers, mouth-puckering pickled red onions, crumbled egg, toast triangles. Goat cheese versus traditional cream cheese was a flavorful option. Not being salty was equally refreshing.

The Elijay Salad – Georgia apple slices, candied spiced pecans with dense and clean spinach leaves, grilled onions. The apple cider molasses vinaigrette dressing made for a complex taste.

Brussels Sprouts – Seems to be the new

bage, pico, cilantro on flour tortillas. The cabbage intensity is calmed by the cilantro.

These picked-up items were appropriately packed with a cold items bag

Left, Southern Bistro's own onsitecured smoked salmon, alongside goat cheese and bold capers.

Right, Blackened fish tacos – Pico and pickled cabbage laden with cilantro.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES APRIL 15, 2021 | 51

CALENDAR

APRIL 14 – APRIL 27 Get the link to watch at https://bit. ly/3dyC16Q.

SUNDAY, APRIL 18

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14 FIDF LIVE – 8:30 to 9:15 p.m. Moving stories, exclusive base visits, donor spotlights. Bringing the men and women of the IDF directly to you.

Get more information at https://bit. ly/38NozdB.

THURSDAY, APRIL 15 Hadassah Greater Atlanta Rosenwald Documentary Panel Discussion – 7:30 to 9 p.m. Hadassah Greater Atlanta invites you to a panel discussion of the Rosenwald documentary, the remarkable story of a Jewish partnership with African American communities. Watch the documentary and then join us for a Zoom panel discussion. Get the Zoom link by visiting http://bit.ly/2Q51XyP. Salute to Israel’s 73rd Birthday Global, Virtual Celebration – 7:30 p.m.

The International March of the Living program “Salute to Israel’s 73rd Birthday” includes panoramic views of Israel’s natural beauty and a special performance by Israel Army Choir and Chief Cantor Shai Abramson. The broadcast will focus on Holocaust survivors who helped establish the State of Israel “and we remember, respect and cherish their unique contribution for the Jewish State in the Land of Israel.”

for Intown Jewish Academy’s Shabbat Under the Stars. Three-course meal,safe and elegant outdoor dining. Warm Shabbat spirit. Socially distanced. Reserve your spot at https://bit.ly/3d2jT58.

Tovah Feldshuh, ‘Lilyville’ – 8 to 9 p.m. Iconic Broadway performer and four-time Tony, two-time Emmy nominee Tovah Feldshuh presents “Lilyville,” a heartwarming and hilarious memoir exploring the mother-daughter relationship that challenged shifting socio-cultural expectations of women and shaped a magnificent career. Presented by MJCCA: Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. Purchase tickets at https://bit.ly/3vDTPpe.

Beth Shalom’s Virtual Silent Auction – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Beth Shalom has over 260 items from almost 200 different donors. The items include a wide range of categories including restaurant gift cards, jewelry, sports memorabilia, legal services, financial services, tickets, food, classes and lessons, electronics, artwork and so much more! Bid until April 25 at https://bit.ly/3upshmk.

FRIDAY, APRIL 16 JWC Atlanta Retreat at Ramah – Join JWC Atlanta for a spiritual retreat to get away and enjoy delicious food, wine and nourishment for your soul.

Register at http://bit.ly/30Q3ew1.

Kabbalah & Coffee – 9:30 to 11 a.m. Discuss, explore, and journey through the world of Jewish mystical teaching and learn how to apply these profound teachings to your daily life. This ongoing class from Intown Jewish Academy probes the esoteric through a unique program of English text-based study. No prior Kabbalistic experience required. Remember: The best part of waking up is coffee in your cup and Kabbalah in your “kop” (head in Yiddish)! Find more information at https://bit. ly/3kN0vMO.

Shabbat Under the Stars – 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Join Rabbi Ari and Leah Sollish

Find more events and submit items for our online and print calendars at:

www.atlantajewishconnector.com

Calendar sponsored by the Atlanta Jewish Connector, an initiative of the AJT. In order to be considered for the print edition, please submit events three to four weeks in advance. Contact community relations director Diana Cole for more information at Diana@atljewishtimes.com.

52 | APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Cub Club: Safari Explorers with Mini Cubs – 10 to 10:30 a.m. Mini Cubs will have a blast as we go on a virtual safari to explore new habitats and animals in the wild. Together we will go on a safari hunt and make our own safari-themed art activity.

This is a virtual program open to all families with children birth to 2. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3lx0rkH. Baby and Me Virtual Play Group – 10 a.m. Open to families with children 2 years and younger. Older siblings are welcome. There will be story time and songs led by Heather Blake from Congregation Etz Chaim on guitar. Visit https://bit.ly/3p4AqcR for Zoom link.

Little Mensches! 11 a.m. Please join as we celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day! We will make Israeli flag crafts and cookies, sing songs, read books about Israel, and have lots of fun! Free and open to everyone, and supplies are provided via doorstep delivery. RSVP to email TKClittlemensches@gmail. com by April 14 for the Zoom link and your supply bag. More information found at https://bit.ly/3sK8kGs. Havinawalk – 1 to 5 p.m. Gather inperson at The Weber School or join virtually as we walk to support the PAL Program of JF&CS, Atlanta’s only Jewish Big Brother/Big Sister program. Walkers can enjoy a short course, COVID-friendly experiences and witness firsthand the impact the PAL Program has on the Atlanta community. Havinawalk is for Big and Little PALs to attend together, alumni of the program and community members. Visit https://bit. ly/38RiLQk for more information.

Creating Space Initiative Kick-off: A Path to Meaningful Conversations – 3 to 5 p.m. The annual community cohort for the Creating Space Initiative to encourage courageous conversations about difficult topics in our community. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3eWmVKG.

Movie at the Etz – 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Etz Chaim Sisterhood and our Rosh Chodesh minyan.

Join us as we discuss the film “The Women’s Balcony.” An accident during a bar mitzvah celebration leads to a gender rift in a devout Orthodox community in Jerusalem in this rousing, good-hearted tale about women speaking truth to patriarchal power. Please watch the movie prior to the discussion. It is available to rent on streaming services online or you can reach out to Heather Blake at heather@etzchaim.net to borrow the DVD. Cheryl Eppsteiner will lead the virtual discussion. Visit https://bit.ly/2P5cJFf for more information.

Pollinator Power! Jewish Learning About the Smallest Critters – 5 to 6 p.m. This family-oriented program will focus on the values of learning, connection and empowerment! Participants will learn about supporting bees along with a variety of other pollinators. The program will showcase beekeeping and Jewish learning about bees. Participants will learn about bees and how to plant trees for pollinators through text, demonstrations and even a honey tasting! To register, https://bit.ly/3ckNQ1a.

MONDAY, APRIL 19 Lunch & Learn: Reading Torah with Rabbi Gottfried – 12 to 1 p.m. Join Your Jewish Bridge and Rabbi Pamela Gottfried from Congregation Bet Haverim as we examine classical and modern midrash (interpretations) related to the weekly Torah reading and draw lessons from Jewish wisdom about how we can live and be our best selves today. All are welcome, no previous experience necessary. Visit https://bit.ly/35zg6tc for Zoom Link.

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES Tazria-Metzora Friday, April 16, 2021, light candles at 7:52 p.m.

Saturday, April 17, 2021, Shabbat ends at 8:49 p.m.

Soulful melodies, prayers and words of inspiration with Rabbi Brian Glusman from the MJCCA. Includes Mi Sheberach (prayers for healing) and Mourner’s Kaddish. Find information at https://bit.ly/2NVDN9v.

Acharei-Kedoshim Friday, April 23, 2021, light candles at 7:57 p.m.

Saturday, April 24, 2021, Shabbat ends at 8:55 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 20

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21

Brain Health Bootcamp – 1 to 3 p.m.

If you are recognizing symptoms of cognitive changes or have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, our fun and social class can help you strengthen your mind and body to stay sharp, especially during these times. The class will combine gentle physical exercise, including yoga and exercises to help reduce stress and anxiety, along with a full hour of brain exercises done in a non-stress and engaging way of learning. To sign up, contact Georgia Gunter at 770-677-9421, https://bit. ly/39hGqsM.

Cyber 2.0 – 8 to 5 p.m. Cyber 2.0 is backing up its claim that it’s the only system providing total defense against the spread of cyber-attacks within organizational networks by challenging hackers to try to break into its system. Our challenge includes computers and servers, configured for file sharing. No firewall, antivirus or other defense programs are installed. Hackers gain access through the internet. They also receive the admin username and password for each of the computer and servers participating in the challenge. To register, visit https://bit. ly/3f98wea .

People of the Book: ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ – 7 to 9 p.m. Harry Stern, longtime member of Congregation Etz Chaim, takes readers on an exciting, fast-paced thrill ride in his book, “My Brothers’ Keeper.” Following Mr. Stern’s presentation, there will be a Q & A session. Visit https://bit. ly/3favBgJ for Zoom link.

Atlanta Infertility Support Group – 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. Join Jewish Fertility Foundation for a virtual infertility support group. Open to all women experiencing medical infertility. Get the Zoom link at https:// bit.ly/3s7JXmc. Epstein Parent Series – 8 to 9 p.m.

Nourish your Jewish Soul. Grab someone and join us for a monthly parent series to meet, make and mingle. Creative ideas to Nourish your Jewish Body and Soul. This week’s topic: Move Over Mezuzah: Make room for the Hamsa! Learn more at https://bit.ly/38ThbNT.

Book Group: The Book of Lost Names – 7:30 to 9 p.m. Join our discussion of “The Book of Lost Names,” a New York Times bestselling novel by Kristin Harmel. The book was inspired by the true story of a woman who used forgery to rescue hundreds of Jewish children during World War II. The Congregation Beth Shalom Sisterhood Book Group currently meets online, via Zoom. To receive the link, visit https://bit.ly/3tZ4Lwm.

THURSDAY, APRIL 22 Think Different – 8 to 9 p.m. Study the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries with Intown Jewish Academy master Tanya teacher Rabbi Ari Sollish. Information found at https://bit.ly/2MGGxq1.

FRIDAY, APRIL 23 Virtual Shabbat Sing – 10 to 10:15 a.m.

Shabbat songs, blessings and birthday celebration for young children and families with Rabbi Brian Glusman from the MJCCA. Find information at https://bit.ly/2NVDN9v.

Virtual Acoustic Shabbat – Weekly Sabbath Celebration. 6 to 6:45 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 24 Earth Day Fun for the Whole Family – 9 to 9:45 am. Join our microgrant recipient Rose Capin from Repair the World Atlanta, and PJ Library, 18Doors, and Ma’alot for “Earth Day Playdate with a Purpose.” This program welcomes families with children birth to 5 to explore the Jewish connection between the earth and ourselves. Through the use of puppet shows, read-alongs, song and dance, the program will provide parents meaningful ways to engage their children in taking care of the earth. Before the program, each family will receive an activity pack in the mail complete with books and information to follow along, https://bit. ly/3cmE1j4.

SUNDAY, APRIL 25 Kabbalah & Coffee – 9:30 to 11 a.m. Discuss, explore and journey through the world of Jewish mystical teaching and learn how to apply these profound teachings to your daily life. This ongoing class from Intown Jewish Academy probes the esoteric through a unique program of English text-based study. No prior Kabbalistic experience required. Remember: The best part of waking up is coffee in your cup and Kabbalah in your “kop” (head in Yiddish)! Find more information at https://bit. ly/3kN0vMO. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES APRIL 15, 2021 | 53

Re-Discovering the Land of Israel with Atlanta Israel Coalition – 10 a.m. The Atlanta Israel Coalition, in partnership with the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeastern U.S., the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Herut, and the Evans Family Foundation, presents “Re-Discovering the Land of Israel.” This week’s tour is the Holy City of Hebron: Tour the tombs of our patriarchs and matriarchs, the ancient stairs and city gates where Abraham purchased the cave to bury Sarah, first and second Temple period ruins: meet a soldier and discover the modern development of Hebron. Visit https://bit. ly/30g0eIP to register.

winner of the Nobel Prize, “A Funny T h i n g Happened on the Way to Stockholm: The Adrenaline-Fueled Adventures of an Accidental Scientist” is a narrative that revels in the joy of science and discovery written with Emory University professor Randy Hall. Learn more at https:// bit.ly/3vGJ1qm.

Community Services: Anti-Defamation League – The Coronavirus Surfaces Fear, Stereotypes and Scapegoating: A blog post from ADL to help provide accurate information, explore emotions and, most importantly, play a role in reducing stereotyping and scapegoating. To read more, www.bit.ly/3dp5a3t.

Dr. Ruth Receives Honorary Degree from Ben-Gurion University – 1 to 2 p.m. Celebrate Dr. Ruth Westheimer as she receives her first honorary doctorate from an Israeli university.

Learn more at http://bit.ly/2NtPML4.

Yom Ha’Atzmaut Family Celebration – 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Celebrate Israel’s 73rd birthday with PJ Library Atlanta and the Schoenbaum Shinshinim! The whole family will love this drive-thru celebration at Temple Emanu-El of Atlanta with Israeli music, delicious Israeli food and Yom Ha’Atzmaut activities! To allow for maximum health and safety, sign up for a time at https://bit.ly/3uqfvEc.

Atlanta Community Food Bank Text for Help SMS Function –The ACFB’s mission to provide nutritious food to the people who need it has reached a major milestone toward access to food for all. The Text for Help is ‘findfood’ (no space). Responses will include a list of three different nearby pantries and their contact information. For more information, www. acfb.org.

JF&CS - Telehealth Older Adult Services – Aviv Older Adult staff are there to help provide resources, care plans and support for you and your family. Call AgeWell at 1-866-AGEWELL (1-866-243-9355) to find out how they can help. For more information, www.bit.ly/2wo5qzj.

Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Resources – The unsettling, fast-moving and unpredictable world of life with COVID-19 is upon us. As we’re all discovering, a worldwide pandemic disrupts everyone on an unprecedented scale. For updates and more information, www. bit.ly/3ahrNVM. Please send Community Service Opportunities to diana@atljewishtimes.com.

Synagogue Livestreaming Services:

JF&CS - Emergency Financial Assistance – JF&CS is here to provide emergency aid for individuals and families. Please call 770-677-9389 to get assistance. For more information, www.bit.ly/2wo5qzj.

Dr. Robert Lefkowitz, ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Stockholm‘ – 8 to 9 p.m. Join the MJCCA: Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. The rollicking memoir from Robert Lefkowitz, the cardiologist turned legendary scientist and

JF&CS - Telehealth Counseling Services – Now offering telehealth options via phone or videoconference for current and new clients to help our community during this crisis. For more information about our therapy services or to make a telehealth

Congregation Etz Chaim – Erev Shabbat Musical, Fridays at 6:30 p.m.

Shabbat morning services at 9:30 a.m. Join in for weekly livestream Shabbat services. To join, www.bit. ly/3gWL02s.

Congregation Or Hadash – Shabbat services Friday at 6:30 p.m. Saturday morning services at 9:15 a.m. Minyan Sunday and Tuesday mornings.

To participate and get Zoom link, www.or-hadash.org.

Congregation Shearith Israel – Daily and Shabbat services will continue at regular times through Zoom.

They are counting participants in these Zoom services as part of a minyan, allowing members to recite full prayer services including Mourner’s Kaddish. To participate via phone, dial 929-205-6099 and then enter the meeting code 404 873 1743. To be a part of services, visit the Zoom link, www.bit.ly/2wnFWlD. Temple Beth David — Kabbalat Shabbat services every Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Shabbat morning service and Torah Study every Saturday at 11 a.m. on our YouTube channel, (https://www. youtube.com/channel/UC2GcbAI_ HdLRSG5hhpi_8Cw).

Temple Beth Tikvah Livestreaming Services – Fridays at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays at 10 a.m. To join on Facebook, www.facebook.com/TempleBethTikvah/ or www.bit.ly/2ZlCvrr.

Israeli American Council – IAC @ Home brings you the most innovative content online while helping build a national community with Israel at heart. With activities for kids, teens, young professionals and adults, you can stay connected to Hebrew, Israeli and Jewish heritage, online activism and to one another.

IAC @Home lets you enjoy a coastto-coast community right from your own home. For more information, www.israeliamerican.org/home.

Art on the Go – 4 to 6 p.m. Join Congregation Beth Shalom and make your own personalized board. Join us on the patio for a fun afternoon.

All supplies will be provided! Bring your favorite beverage. Register until April 16 at https://bit.ly/31Knob4.

54 | APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

appointment, email us at therapy@ jfcsatl.org or call 770-677-9474.

Temple Kol Emeth Services – Shabbat services on Fridays at 8 p.m. View our services on www.kolemeth.net or www.facebook.com/Temple Kol Emeth-Marietta, GA. Temple Sinai Livestream Services – Temple Sinai has live Shabbat services on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. For more information and to view services, www. bit.ly/2BXRfTF.

Ahavath Achim Synagogue – Shabbat evening services at 6:30 p.m. Shabbat morning services at 9:30 a.m. To watch and for more information, www.bit.ly/38dS4Ed. Congregation Beth Shalom’s Virtual Services – Erev Shabbat, Fridays at 6:30 p.m., Shabbat service, Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. Zoom minyan Sunday at 9:30 a.m. For more information, www.bethshalom.net.

The Temple Livestreaming Services – Find live streaming services here, www.the-temple.org.

Please send Synagogue and Temple Streaming Services to diana@ atljewishtimes.com.

Check the Atlanta Jewish Connector for updates: www.atlantajewishconnector.com. ì

CONNECTOR CHATTER Directory Spotlight www.atlantajewishconnector.com

Creating Connected Communities (CCC) In conversation with Amy Zeide, founder and co-executive director How long has your organization been in Atlanta?

Amy’s Holiday Party began in 1995. Creating Connected Communities (CCC) was founded in 2010.

How do you cater to the younger members of the community?

We work with Jewish teens between eighth and 12th grade in our Leadership Development Program to teach them about community leadership, outreach work and Jewish values. We support children and families from Title 1 schools and families living in homeless shelters, foster care and low-income neighborhoods around the city.

Where do you see your organization in 10 years?

We will certainly be providing Jewish teens with opportunities to make an impact all over Atlanta as well as hopefully expanding our services for children and families in need. We also hope to explore opportunities to take CCC to other cities and communities through partnerships with agencies around the country.

How does your organization help the community?

We have a dual mission at CCC: 1) Provide services and programs for families in need.

2) Empower Jewish teens to be community leaders and volunteers.

Together, we create a connected community of caring and support.

Repair the World Atlanta In conversation with Lily Brent, executive director How long has your organization been in Atlanta? 3 years How do you cater to the younger members of the community?

Repair the World mobilizes young Jews and their communities to take action to pursue a just world, igniting a lifelong commitment to service. Our full-time, young adult Fellows (ages 21-26) serve for two years, building capacity at community-based organizations working toward housing, food and education justice. Using peer-to-peer engagement, Fellows bring other young people to learn and volunteer alongside them. Our part-time Serve the Moment Corps Members (18-29) spend 10 weeks becoming expert volunteers for an Atlanta nonprofit while building community with a cohort of other young adults through learning about social issues from a Jewish perspective.

Where do you see your organization in 10 years?

In 10 years, I hope our society will have radically changed such that organizations like ours are no longer needed to support people in meeting their most basic human needs. However, as long as the need exists, we will continue to follow the lead of expert community partners and to build bridges between the Jewish community and all Atlantans through the shared value of service. In some of our more established cities, Repair the World has grown to offer service opportunities to teens and families with young children. Rather than replacing the work of other key organizations in our Jewish ecosystem, Repair the World seeks to provide expert technical assistance in creating meaningful Jewish service programs for all organizations and individuals.

How does your organization help the community?

Our Fellows and Corps Members support 18 different Atlanta nonprofits through volunteer service. This year, beginning August 2020, Atlanta Repair has engaged 1,689 Jews and their communities in living the value of tikkun olam. Our staff, Fellows, Corps Members and volunteers have contributed 4,750 hours of service to: ■ Prepare 43,975 meals ■ Distribute 12,834 pounds of food ■ Plant or care for 8,913 plants at urban farms and community gardens ■ Pack/deliver 5,865 care kits ■ Serve 3,184 clients experiencing homelessness or food insecurity

JumpSpark

In conversation with Kelly Cohen, director of JumpSpark How long has your organization been in Atlanta?

JumpSpark was launched in 2017 and is part of the Jewish Teen Education and Engagement Funder Collaborative and is an Innovation Initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.

How do you cater to the younger members of the community?

JumpSpark connects Atlanta’s Jewish teens and those who influence them through collaboration with community partners and creation of original, top-quality programming.

Where do you see your organization in 10 years?

JumpSpark hopes to create a Jewish teen ecosystem where youth professionals feel valued in their positions and excited to collaborate with one another and where teen programming is abundant and accessible for every Jewish teen.

How does your organization help the community?

We offer resources for genuine connection and growth to empower and educate Jews from every part of our city. We exist to bring together Jews across Atlanta to preserve and progress our community for the future and help teens grow and discover their best selves.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES APRIL 15, 2021 | 55

COMMUNITY Bestselling Author Jon Gordon Offers Advice to Students

By Robyn Spizman Gerson Bestselling author Jon Gordon considers his recent book “The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change” a commentary on the world as we know it during a global pandemic. “It’s a great analogy for life, and the coffee bean is the perfect example for the embodiment of what we are going through, facing and ultimately how to overcome our challenges.

“We can create change from the inside out and not be a victim of our circumstances. We can overcome obstacles and create amazing opportunities in our challenges. No one creates success alone.”

The former Atlantan who writes about leadership, culture, sales and teamwork is the guest speaker at an upcoming “Positively Charged” fundraiser for JELF, the Jewish Educational Loan Fund. JELF provides interestfree loans to students in need of educational financial support.

JELF CEO Jenna Shulman received Gordon’s book as a gift and said she thought its message, filled with hope and the power to change lives, was timely. She believed it would resonate with students and the JELF community.

Gordon, whose recent book was published in 2019,

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lives in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. He received his master’s in teaching from Emory University and lived in Atlanta for seven years. The invitation to speak at a JELF event for him was “full circle,” he said. In addition to educational systems and student athletes, Gordon has worked with the Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Dodgers and Rams, Miami Heat and Tampa Bay Lightning as well Snapchat and Dell. His books have sold over 5 million copies worldwide.

Gordon told the AJT, “‘The Coffee Bean’ is an inspiring tale and illustrated fable that teaches readers how to transform their challenges, circumstances and create positive change. Becoming more like a coffee bean, we discover the power inside us to change our environment.”

For students, or those who want to succeed, he offered these tips:

Former Atlantan and bestselling author Jon Gordon to appear at JELF fundraiser in June.

■ Don’t seek happiness. Decide to work with passion and purpose and happiness will find you.

■ Never stop learning and growing. If you stay humble and hungry, great things will continue to happen.

■ Commitments are greater than goals. It is your commitments that lead you to your goals.

■ Being a great leader requires service, sacrifice and humility.

■ When you appreciate, you elevate your mood and the people around you.

■ Love is more powerful than fear.

About his upcoming speaking engagement, Gordon said, “JELF is an organization that helps fund college support and me being 98 percent Ashkenazi Jewish, when I was asked to speak at the event, I felt it was such a purposeful opportunity and an honor for me to make a difference … I want to invest in the people that are working for it, show support and accomplish the mission. Donors make a difference to impact this world and the legacy is clearly the lives they touch along the way.”

Shulman said of Gordon’s June 1 appearance, “Jon’s message shares strategies for success that are relevant to students as they forge on through school, as well as any individuals looking to grow through this tough experience of the past year. We look forward to gathering virtually and raising crucial funds that are needed for Jewish students to succeed.” ì The free “Positively Charged” fundraiser will be held 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 1. To register, visit jelf.org/jongordon.

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Robyn Spizman is a New York Times bestselling author, media personality and author of “Loving Out Loud: The Power of a Kind Word.”

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COMMUNITY

JScreen’s Genetic Cancer Test Goes National

By Jan Jaben-Eilon It’s been less than a decade since JScreen was launched in Atlanta to test the Jewish population for the risk of having a child with a genetic disease such as Tay-Sachs or Gaucher disease. Now headquartered at Emory University’s Department of Human Genetics, the nonprofit genetic education and screening program is reaching across the country to the general public to offer a simple athome test for 63 genetic defects that increase the chances of a full range of cancers.

“Knowledge is power. With an understanding and awareness of their cancer risks and available options, individuals can work with their health-care providers on next steps,” said Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid, assistant professor of human genetics at Emory University School of Medicine, and JScreen’s executive director. “Launching our new cancer program and providing convenient and affordable access to cancer genetic testing will help save lives.”

The cancer testing program will be marketed to anyone. A person doesn’t need a family history of cancer nor be Jewish, although the most well-known of the genetic defects – BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 – are more common in Jews with Ashkenazi backgrounds.

Those genetic defects increase the risk of ovarian, breast, pancreatic, colorectal and other cancers.

“We are testing for more than 40 types of cancers,” said Grinzaid, clarifying that the test checks for susceptibility of cancer, not actual cancers.

The test is a simple, at home, saliva-collection process. The heavily subsidized test will cost someone using insurance $199 and it includes genetic counseling. If someone doesn’t have insurance, or doesn’t want to use it, the cost is $349.

“The knowledge of these susceptible

58 | APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

now,” she added.

The difference between this genetic cancer screening and JScreen’s original reproductive testing is that the latter helps future parents. “But with the cancer screening, if we find a mutation, it affects family members. And once you have the mutation, the risk is already there. There are all these people whose lives you can potentially save,” Grinzaid said.

“Prevention and early diagnosis is so important,” emphasized Dr. Meisel. “You get information that is actionable and preventative.”

According to Gene Rubel, the BRCA gene defect is “not a women’s issue.”

genes has blossomed in the last few years,” noted Dr. Jane Lowe Meisel, associate professor of hematology and medical oncology at Emory, and medical director for JScreen’s cancer program.

Indeed, the BRCA 1 genetic defect was only discovered in 1994, the BRCA 2 genetic defect, a year later. While the general population has a 1 in 500 chance of carrying the BRCA genetic defect, Ashkenazi Jews have a 1 in 40 chance. Someone testing positive for the BRCA 1 genetic defect has an 87 percent lifetime chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer, according to JScreen. Someone testing positive for the BRCA-2 genetic defect has an 84 percent chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Grinzaid said JScreen’s goal is to test 1,000 individuals in the first year, and another 2,000 in 2022. The cancer genetic screening program will be marketed digitally and through traditional media to medical organizations, synagogues, interfaith and nonJewish communities, she said.

“We’re starting to push out marketing

Another Atlantan who will help spread the word about the new genetic cancer test is Gene Rubel. He said he’s “been on a crusade for this issue for years. Men need to be tested just like women. It’s not a women’s issue.”

Rubel would know since he has tested

Karen Grinzaid said the goal is to test 1,000 people this year and 2,000 in 2022.

“Prevention and early diagnosis is so important,” said Dr. Jane Lowe Meisel.

Melanie Zucker understood the power of knowledge. Her mother died of breast cancer in 1989, long before the BRCA genetic defects were discovered. Her younger sister, at age 32, discovered breast cancer and learned she was BRCA 1 positive. Although she’s had chemotherapy and several surgeries, she’s been cancer free for 20 years, Zucker said.

Based on her family history, Zucker – a member of Temple Sinai – had genetic testing and learned she, too, was positive for the BRCA 1 genetic defect. With that knowledge, she chose to have a prophylactic double mastectomy and her ovaries removed. “I’ve never looked back,” she said.

Zucker said she is “thrilled” with the new national genetic cancer testing program.

“If we have knowledge of a predisposition for something, we can be on the lookout” for it.

Surgeries are not the only option genetic counselors would provide. Extra screening for the various cancers is also possible.

JScreen has asked Zucker to be an advocate for its new national testing program. As part of the campaign to make people aware of the test, Zucker hopes to “tell my story and talk about how having the knowledge” is so important. “This will be life-changing for so many people nationally,” she said.

positive for the BRCA 1 genetic defect. His mother, two aunts, an uncle and a sister all were diagnosed with cancer. His sister had “multiple breast cancer diagnoses but died of ovarian cancer,” he said.

After he tested positive for the gene defect, Rubel said he was “devastated.” Anyone with a mutation has a 50 percent chance of passing it down to each of his or her male and female children. Father of four children, Rubel wondered, “what did I give them and how do I tell them? This is a generational issue.”

Grinzaid noted that it is costing JScreen about $500,000 to launch the nationwide testing program. The Marcus Foundation has provided some funding but JScreen is looking for additional funding to “extend its reach and maximize its impact.” ì For more information about the testing, visit JScreen.org.

Melanie Zucker, pictured here with son Drew, husband Scott and son Jack, said the genetic cancer test “will be lifechanging for so many people nationally.”

COMMUNITY

3 Lessons to Strengthen Israel Education Newsworthy stories unfold in Israel at breathtaking rates. Repeated elections, COVID-19 responses, pathbreaking Supreme Court decisions, the Tal Grinfas-David Abraham Accords — all worthy of community discussion and ageappropriate student exploration. Yet few Jewish students and their parents possess sufficient understanding or discussion skills to explain them beyond a passing headline.

These rich topics relate to peoplehood, democracy and the land and State of Israel.

They affect our Jewish identity and Israel’s role in it. We all could use a booster shot in our knowledge foundation. We realize that knowing core information, let alone the associated nuances, requires time, specifically educational foundations that can’t be packed into a few hours a week of Judaic studies in a post-b’nai mitzvah class or in 11th or 12th grade.

Four years working closely with a dozen schools across North America have shown me the wonderful benefits and experiences from comprehensive and integrated approaches to Israel education for students, parents and the community at large. The positive results from the Center for Israel Education’s Day School Initiative are replicable. These are three of the most important lessons learned.

Start Early and Often We do not teach calculus in kindergarten, nor do we avoid grade-level benchmarks for fear that students will hate math.

We also do not let each educator decide how and when to teach elements of math.

Instead, we use a well-defined curriculum to help children acquire difficult foundational concepts and skills bit by bit, year by year.

Similarly, we shouldn’t expect 11th graders to grapple with Israeli-Palestinian relations, Israel’s parliamentary democracy, its management of a pandemic or the debate over religion in Israel’s Jewish identity without a foundation of age-appropriate Israel education. We need to educate from the earliest grades upward. By developing a knowledge base, a connection and a habit of informed conversation from an early age, we make possible the later discussions that we desire and for which students hunger.

An example is Jack M. Barrack Hebrew

Academy in Bryn Mawr, Pa., which is building depth and sophistication into Israel education for its sixth to 12th graders. A threepart series for 10th graders, for example, builds on earlier lessons to address Jewish diversity and the compromises involved in maintaining peoplehood. Such learning leads to questions about the diaspora origins of Israeli democracy and how Israeli and American Jews influence each other.

Integrate Israel Throughout the Curriculum As the National Council of Teachers of English noted in 1995, the world is not organized into distinct subject areas, and a curriculum should reflect that complexity.

If schools are serious about mission statements citing Israel education as central to Jewish identity, they should treat Israel education as equal to other subjects and incorporate it into everyday general studies.

Israel can’t be an afterthought granted a sliver of the time set aside for Judaic studies, with some extra time allotted weeks before a trip to Israel.

When Israel is integrated into science, math, English and social studies, the subject belongs to the entire faculty, and educational silos are toppled. Educator collaboration increases, which improves staff morale and the school climate.

Students perceive Israel as a subject that matters and gain the proven benefits of interdisciplinary instruction, including critical thinking, problem solving and an appreciation for uncertainty.

Vancouver Talmud Torah in British Columbia has created an integrated curriculum called I-S.T.E.A.M. (Israel through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). In one study unit, students explored Israeli architecture and watched videos of such designers as Eliezer Armon and Yaacov Agam. They took virtual tours of Israel to learn what makes spaces holy and how to bring that special feeling to places in their lives. They combined those inspirations with engineering lessons about form and function and computer skills in design software to create a plan for a new school wing, then wrote essays to persuade administrators to accept their design.

Involve the Community Far from sparking controversy, wellintegrated Israel education based on original sources generates critical thinking. Biases and polemics cannot take root when sources are used and interpreted.

Bringing communal influencers into the process builds trust and helps deepen the community’s Israel discourse.

Parents become key supporters when

their excited children bring home new knowledge and when schools invite them to participate. While only anecdotal, evidence suggests that these schools retain students and boost enrollment.

Sinai Akiba Academy in Los Angeles has recognized the crucial part parents can play in middle school. While writing lessons and experimenting with activities for students, the administration and teachers are also designing opportunities for parents to learn. The programs will showcase informed discourse and build bridges among families with diverse opinions.

We have learned that instituting excellent Israel education requires a multiyear commitment. I meet with some teachers weekly to review lesson plans, demonstrate presentations to students, and help them wring out biases and assumptions for or against Israel and commit to primary sources over preferred narratives.

The Payoff is Immense.

In the short term, teachers find their work more rewarding. Students are excited and engaged. Parents learn and become more committed to the school community.

In the long term, deep knowledge of Israel’s history, politics, economy and culture, rather than idealized portrayals that can be shattered, leads to understanding of why Israel matters to diaspora Jews and can make Israel a community unifier instead of a divider.

That unity goes beyond Israel. While examining debates ranging from the Zionist Uganda Plan to the sinking of the Altalena to contemporary politics, schools are modeling listening, speaking and disagreeing according to Jewish values. Just as in every generation the Jewish people have struggled with the dreams and realities of Israel, so too we have managed to embrace the strengths and weaknesses of our differences, then compromise and come together.

When we have those substantive Israel conversations with our students, we empower them to connect and stay connected with Israel and to be agents of change and continuity in our Jewish communities. ì Dr. Tal Grinfas-David is the day school education specialist for the Center for Israel Education, an Atlanta-based nonprofit.

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COMMUNITY

Holocaust Observance Shapes Local, Global Thinking

By Bob Bahr For Rabbi Irving Greenberg, understanding the impact of the Holocaust is understanding the nature of politics power in recent history. Greenberg, who is better known as Yitz, is among the most influential Jewish religious thinkers in post Holocaust American life. He believes that the Holocaust has shaped contemporary Jewish life and religious thought over the past 75 years.

From his home in Jerusalem, Greenberg described how he believes the Holocaust has changed Jewish perceptions in the world.

“There was a fundamental ethical shift. It’s a shift from powerlessness to power. And ethically it means you have to take on power if you intend to live.

And for that matter, you have to develop an ethic of power because when you have power, you can do things, you can cause damage or do good things.”

This month’s observance of Yom

Rabbi Irving “Yitz” Greenberg is among the leading religious thinkers in contemporary Judaism.

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Above right, Holocaust survivors including Hershel Greenblat have participated in interfaith Holocaust programs of Congregation Etz Chaim and the Catholic Church of St. Ann.

Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day in Atlanta, is the 56th anniversary of the holiday, one of the longest continuously observed community events.

The commemoration at the Greenwood Cemetery Holocaust memorial April 11 was sponsored by the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, the Atlanta Federation of Greater Atlanta, and Eternal Life-Hemshech, which was founded

by Holocaust survivors and their families.

Rabbi Joe Prass directs the museum’s Weinberg Center for Holocaust Education. He believes that the implicit

message of the Holocaust is one of direct action.

“I always try to say that the Holocaust is both a Jewish story and a human story. The Holocaust happened to the Jews, but the story also involves humanity’s failure to act. And we, as both Jewish and non-Jewish communities, have to learn that lesson. And we have to put that lesson into action, whether it is directed at us or any other community around the world.”

The centrality of the Holocaust, in Atlanta Jewish life can been seen in this year’s offering at the Atlanta Jew-

COMMUNITY ish Film Festival, where a quarter of presentations had themes reflecting on the Holocaust.

The Rothschild Lecture at Emory’s Tam Institute for Jewish Studies last month was also centered on the Holocaust.

Two of the most prominent public structures, one at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, the other at Greenwood Cemetery in Southwest Atlanta, are dedicated to the memory of those who perished at the hands of the Nazis and their supporters.

On April 15, the March of the Living, the Holocaust educational program will feature an international broadcast honoring survivors who helped establish the State of Israel and

participants include a few Atlanta olim who emigrated following their participation in the march.

Greenberg, who grew up in a distinguished Orthodox family and was ordained as a modern Orthodox rabbi, also has a Ph.D. in American history from Harvard University. Today he is scholar in residence at Yeshivat Hadar, the liberal-leaning American Jewish educational center in New York City.

At the age of 87, he has summarized his view of the post Holocaust world in a recently completed book entitled “The Triumph of Life.” In it he describes how American Jews, particularly, whether Orthodox or liberal, rapidly changed their thinking about Zionism and got behind the idea of a modern Jewish state, beginning in the 1940s. He considers it ethically to be “a worldwide transformation of major proportions.”

The Holocaust, he believes, not only transformed Jewish thinking after World War II, but political thinking among many others in the world.

“It is no coincidence that after World War II we had a series of liberation movements in people who were vulnerable or potential victims, who had been treated as inferior and pushed around, who realized that they have no other choice if they want to survive or protect themselves than to take power.”

According to Greenberg, perhaps the most profound change to come from the experience of the Holocaust is the way it altered relations between Christians and Jews, both in the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches.

“I don’t think I could think of another example in history,” Greenberg said, “where a religion repented and reinterpreted parts its own sacred scriptures and its own highest authorities and rejected them. You may recall, three or four years ago the American Lutheran church voted to reject Luther’s teachings about Jews. And of course, Luther's was one of the most evil of the anti-Semitic interpretations of Christianity. But still, it’s an amazing thing to think about.”

For the past 10 years, Congregation Etz Chaim, the Conservative synagogue

in East Cobb, has partnered with the Catholic Church of St. Ann to co-sponsor a Yom Hashoah event.

The synagogue’s Senior Rabbi Daniel Dorsch maintains that as time goes on, the holiday and its ethical influence has become increasingly important.

“As Jews and as Americans, the lessons of the Holocaust remain more relevant now than ever. While there are elements of it that certainly are a particular Jewish tragedy or make this a particularly Jewish tragedy, there is no doubt that its lessons about standing up for what you see is right are more important now than ever.”

For Greenberg, the words “Never Again” is not just a slogan but a call to action.

“It’s the delayed reaction to this recognition that if you’re on the short end of the stick you cannot depend on the goodwill of the oppressors because when there’s no check on them, they can go all the way to kill you, totally.” ì To view Sunday's community Yom Hashoah program, visit www.thebreman. org/-YH21.

“Never Again” has become an important reminder on Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Memorial Day.

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COMMUNITY

You Could Wind Up with This Collection

Miriam Karp sits under a shelf of windup toys.

By Chana Shapiro Miriam Karp’s home is full of fun. The Briarcliff Woods ranch house, situated in a quiet residential neighborhood, greets visitors exuberantly. The proliferation of flowers and bushes in the front yard is dotted with ironic vignettes of tiny toy figures, Chico Bicalho critter with a new head. creating an enticing welcome. Karp’s front porch is a gallery of “enhanced” found objects, and the side entrance leads to a backWindup car made from a coffee jar. yard garden with blooming plants that look like chandeliers.

Some Indoors, the home is filled with curiosi- wind-up toys; Karp has almost 40 of them. fulness. actually ties, art, crafts and fanciful objects. Among “Some of my toys are on a shelf above my aren’t the displays are Karp’s paintings and draw- den sofa. Others are displayed on the fire- windup toys, but ings, her daughter’s drawings, and works place mantel underneath glass cake domes they all move. The from artist friends. There is a wall of Karp’s (dusting them is not fun so it was a practi- ones made from food and drink own small sculptures, cans are handtextiles and other made.” ephemera from travKarp tells els around the world, how it all began. intriguing animal “I always loved bones and fossils in and was fascivitrines, Santeria obnated by windup jects brought back toys and toys that from Cuba, a posse move.

Perhaps of small vintage oil Vintage tin dirigible. my first one was cans, family heirloom the simplest. It kitchen tools, photowas a button threaded in the middle of a Bicalho made a windup toy by accident. graphs and books. Yet, long string which you wind up tight, put in Karp read about it and started collecting among so much to between your hands and accordion-pull the almost everything he made. “They’re availadmire, one is drawn button back and forth creating a wonderful able under the Kikkerland label,” Karp said, to Karp’s collection of whirring noise. My grandfather made that “and I have received many of them as gifts.

Cake dome with 10 tiny windup toys. windup toys. Created for us when we were small, and I recently Speaking of gifts, a good friend of mine as playthings, the toys gave me the creepiest windup toy in my colare also works of art. Most of them are one- cal as well as aesthetic decision), and some made one again.”

Karp bought most of her collection for lection, which is an evil cat that sings and of-a-kind folk art, and each has a distinct, are on top of bookcases. I don’t think any of them have great monetary value. I just love the enjoyment of her daughter and herself. dances when she’s wound up. I first started quirky movement routine.

Many people own one or two clever their quirkiness, ingenuity and their play- About 15 years ago a designer named Chico collecting the ones made from metal food cans at The Africa Center in New York City, 62 | APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Above, motorcycle with side car, vintage windup toy.

Left, antique car with helmeted rider.

and then I bought more of them in Cuba and wherever else I could find them,” she said.

“One of the things I enjoy most about my collection is showing it to little kids and seeing their delight,” Karp said. “I think everyone should have at least one windup toy around.” A visitor is invited to choose a few to see how each one moves. Most of Karp’s windup toys cannot be replaced, but they were not made primarily for display, and Karp is happy when others, young and old, play with them. She reports that some were

unintentionally broken by children, but the broken ones are still amusing to look at and handle.

“One of my favorites is the first Kikkerland I bought, which now has a head that I added. That has sentimental value. I really like the windup houses that tumble around at crazy angles (a metaphor for life!) and ones that are like insane centipedes. I’m fascinated with their complicated gearing and the unpredictable motion. Another favorite is wound up by blowing on it and is a tiny replica of a Theo Jansen sculpture, fascinating because the originals of his work are huge and walk across beaches. It’s particularly enchanting and mesmerizing. And I love the little tin can toys because they’re made with whatever is at hand and show great resourcefulness.”

Karp is an artist, well known as a painter, primarily doing calligraphy and watercolor ketubah (Jewish wedding certificate) commissions. But she is known for producing almost anything anybody asks for, including bar/bat mitzvah pieces, mosaics, pet portraits that she sometimes turns into pillows, birthday gifts, and tribute pieces. She sews and has created large synagogue banners and custom tallitot (prayer shawls). She enjoys drawing and making small figurative sculptures from plant material and found objects, and during the pandemic, she started a mask-making business.

There are very few crafts Karp has not mastered, but she admits, “I haven’t made any windup toys myself, although I’ve embellished some. I’m a collector, and my collection grows any time I find a good toy to add to it.” ì

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT A Tribute to Suzi Brozman According to the popular adage, there Perhaps her strongest skill, according are no foolish questions. Suzi Brozman, a to those interviewed for this story, Brozman former staff writer and freelancer for the was known to ask deep, inquisitive and Atlanta Jewish Times, seemed to perfect the probing questions, sometimes challenging fine art of questioning over the years. Her the rabbis in the community to come up innovative, if not polwith answers they were ished queries challenged never asked before. In even the most scholarly essence, she kept other in the Orthodox commuperpetual learners and nity, according to those educators on their toes who shared with the AJT with her free thinking memories of the 74-yearand fresh perspective, old trailblazer who died they said.

April 7.

“She was exceptionThey recalled Broally intellectually curizman for her refreshous,” said Rabbi Michael ing candor, provocative Broyde, Starr’s predecesquestioning, artistic and sor at what was then culinary talents, and Young Israel of Toco most of all, for being “exHills. “She was not afraid ceptionally intellectually to ask the basic quesSuzi Brozman was known in the curious.” tions, the silly questions.

Orthodox community as a devoted Brozman left a lega… It allowed her to reexlearner and groundbreaker. cy that included the Talamine items with you in mud books she donated ways that were fascinatto her daf yomi, page-a-day Talmud study ing,” he said. “She was a new person looking class; her creative Torah-based kiddush at old problems.” foods; and her stories for the AJT. When Brozman audited Broyde’s law As recently as last year she wrote for class at Emory University, she stood out the AJT about the Orthodox community as the oldest and only non-law student, he and Emory University – her educational said. Yet she kept up with the studies and stomping grounds – and in 2006 she won a shared her personal experience having been first place Simon Rockower Award (aka Jew- through a divorce. In this way, she helped ish Pulitzer) for Jewish journalism. the law students visualize real-life scenarios Rabbi Adam Starr of Ohr HaTorah re- that went beyond typical classroom lessons, counted how Brozman stood out among Broyde said. women her age for attending study groups David Blumenthal, a retired Emory Judominated by men in Orthodox circles. daic studies professor, said Brozman was a “She just could not get enough learning student in so many Judaic studies classes at and scholarship. She soaked it up. She had Emory “that we had her designated as a guest a tremendous mind for it and an amazing on campus, which gave her access to parking memory. She was able to recall material and also to the library.” that was difficult at that depth of study.”

Blumenthal added that “in spite of the This from a woman who developed a fact that she had almost no Jewish backlove of Jewish learning later in life, having ground, Suzi dove into Jewish philosophy, Jewgrown up outside religious circles. ish mysticism, midrash, and even Talmud … In Starr said Brozman was a participant each area she undertook, Suzi jumped in and in early morning hashkama Shabbat min- began to swim,” he said. “Not many people yan and prepared a kiddush each week that have the courage and perseverance to do this. represented the themes of the Torah portion “Second, Suzi swam aggressively. She of the week, engaging the children of the posed tough questions, she argued for her Toco Hills Orthodox synagogue in a creative point of view, and didn’t let up until she had way. During the 7 1/2 years it takes to com- some kind of answer. Third, Suzi was a hearty plete the daf yomi class, Brozman donated feminist, and she fought her way through a a new set of Koren Talmud texts to the syna- lot of rabbinic material, which often discrimigogue each time the publisher announced a nates against women in trivial and in serious new version, Starr said. “Now we have a full ways. As a teacher, I often knew what she was set for the whole synagogue.” going to ask before she asked it.” He concludAbout 10 years ago, Brozman moved to ed, “Suzi Brozman will be missed when we sit Israel for a year to study at the Pardes Insti- down to study.” ì tute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, which Starr also found unusual for a woman her

By Roni Robbins, associate editor age. on behalf of the AJT

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES APRIL 15, 2021 | 65

KEEPING IT KOSHER ‘Children’s Baking Time’ Brownie Cake

JEWISH JOKE

Start to finish: 50 minutes Serves: 6 Preference: Pareve Difficulty: Easy Occasion: Shabbat Diet: Vegetarian, pescatarian Category: Desserts

In Bed Mrs. Greenberg was teaching her first grade class about saying blessings and praying.

“For example, children,” said Mrs. Greenberg, “Before we go to sleep we should sing ‘Shema.’”

“Who here says their prayers at night?”

Little Chaim answered, “My mommy says my prayers.”

“I see,” said Mrs. Greenberg, “And what does your mother say?”

Chaim replied, “THANK G-D, HE’S IN BED!” Source: Chabad Naples Jewish Community Center

This brownie cake is everything its title says it is, the perfect recipe for children as it can be created easily by little hands. The children will be so proud of themselves! Truly makes a “brownie cake” everyone can enjoy.

4 eggs 2/3 cup oil 2/3 cup cocoa 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 cups sugar 1 cup flour 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar Preheat oven to 350 F. Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

Pour into greased 9-inch baking pan. Bake for 45 minutes.

Source: The Heimishe Kitchen (Nitra Cookbook) by Nitra Ladies Auxiliary, modified from kosher.com.

Photography and styling: Tamara Friedman

66 | APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

YIDDISH SLANG OF THE MONTH Ivy-Fardeiget n. Anxiety over pressure to get into an Ivy League college. (Fardeiget is Yiddish for angst.)

Morty has such a case of ivy-fardeiget that he thinks he is already on the brink of failure at the age of 15.

Note: In 5-year-olds, this phenomenon is known as early-onset fardeiget.

Modified from “Schmegoogle: Yiddish Words for Modern Times” by Daniel Klein.

BRAIN FOOD

Board Games

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1. Game where you might say "L'chaim!"?

5. Many homes at the start of Shabbos as opposed to the finish 9. "___ 18" (Uris novel) 13. Some jackets and collars 15. China preceder 16. Camera aperture 17. Discriminator against the elderly (Var.) 18. Game for Shifrah and Puah?

20. Legendary director Sydney, and others 22. Person from Muscat 23. Queens stadium that was nearly empty last September 24. Loughlin who didn't have the best 2020 26. Game for Egypt and Syria's attempts to destroy Israel?

32. They're run 33. Carpentry tool 34. Where Senators skate?

36. "Titen ___ l'Yaakov, chesed l'Avraham...."

37. Game for not following Jewish tradition?

39. ___ lot (like what many do at a Seder) 40. Yearly shot, for many 41. Isn't so hot...but also might be hot?

42. Copycat's activity 43. Game for Rosh Hashana?

47. Avigdor Kahalani, e.g. (look him up!)

48. Organ tube 49. Seussian character that was not cancelled, with "the" 52. Abased 56. Game for Israeli campaigns?

59. 10, in Hebrew dates 60. Have the aspect of 61. Gentle as ___ 62. "Rosemary's Baby" author Ira 63. Never ___ sentence with...

64. Pure 26-Down in liquidy form 65. Game for an Israeli vacationing in Iran?

19. Like Thor or Loki 21. Hornets, on the scoreboard 24. Celebrity chef Lefebvre 25. Little pasta 26. Impure, in Yiddish 27. City in central Israel 28. Freeze over 29. "Blue Ribbon" beer maker 30. Recon gathering 31. Yonder 35. PepsiCo snack brand 37. Stadium ticket price factor 38. Plus 39. One who gives in easily 41. She might play music for you if asked 42. Petition to a higher court 44. Big ___ (drug industry) 45. Went on before the main attraction 46. Point 49. Miss a game winning shot, e.g.

50. Kind of sports competition with rackets or clubs?

51. First name of the Fantastic Four 52. Way in or out 53. Yechezkel or Amos, e.g.

54. Apple-thrower of myth 55. Cellarlike 57. Tefilah for dew 58. Mom of Mary's best friend, on classic TV

DOWN

1. Like every fourth year 2. 2/3 of a hit "Frozen" song 3. Aluminum product in the kitchen 4. Makes like Pharaoh to the Israelites after Joseph dies 5. Buffalo coin of the past 6. One of Adam's grandsons 7. Use this: + 8. Oft-stubbed appendage 9. Sch. in Ohio not Florida 10. "The Joy of Cooking" author Rombauer 11. House hold?

12. Talmudic Rav 14. Condition of equilibrium

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Remember When April 19, 1996// 25 Years Ago Dana and Ari Greenberg of Marietta announce the birth of their daughter Ilyse Rose, Feb. 10. Ilyse was named in memory of her maternal greatgrandfather Isadore Steinberg and her paternal great-grandmother Rose Greenberg. She was given the Hebrew name Aliza Rayza at her naming ceremony March 16. Rabbi Stephen I. Weiss officiated.

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65 68

known as the Day of Remembrance is sponsored by a variety of organizations and participants include rabbis, cantors, the Consul General of Israel and other community leaders. Mayor Sam Massell will represent the city of Atlanta. Seventh grade students representing congregational religious schools will light the six memorial torches.

The youth in Atlanta’s Jewish schools have organized in support of the Atlanta Jewish Federation’s 1971 campaign, setting $5,000 as their goal. A kickoff brunch was attended by over 40 youth leaders, helping to support the efforts. Eddie Birnbrey, chairman of the Youth Division, spoke at the brunch.

April 12, 1946// 75 Years Ago Members of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and other state law A flag is seen during the opening The Atlanta Cultural Series will close its third season of lectures and concerts enforcement agencies visited Israel as part of the Georgia International ceremonies of the Atlanta at the Progressive Club April 24 with a lecture from Max Lerner on “The World Law Enforcement Exchange in preparation for the upcoming Olympics.

Olympics in downtown in 1996.

We Live in: Reflections on the Post-War Era.” Lerner is an outstanding platform Ten officers spent two weeks in Israel, studying security issues with the country’s police department. The Georgians toured the national police headquarters and crime personality and the author of many books. His keen intellect, his incisive style, his clear and lab in Jerusalem, visited border stations and checkpoints at the Golan Heights and examined se- courageous thinking and writing on topics of the day have made him a force for molding curity systems in the defense minister’s office in Haifa. The group also met with Prime Minister public opinion.

Shimon Peres.

Dr. Otto Loewi, renowned Austrian scientist and winner of the Nobel Prize for medicine and April 16, 1971// 50 Years Ago

Memorial services for the Six Million Jewish Martyrs who perished during the Nazi Holocaust will be held April 18 at the Tombstone Monument in Greenwood Cemetery. The annual event

physiology in 1936, is becoming an American citizen. The 73-year-old doctor came to the country after being taken into “protective custody” in Austria and after teaching in England and Belgium. Loewi and his colleagues discovered and helped develop the research of the chemical transmission of nerve impulse and won the Nobel Prize for that research in 1936. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES APRIL 15, 2021 | 67

OBITUARIES Henry Birnbrey 97, Atlanta

Henry Birnbrey was born Nov. 29, 1923, in Dortmund, Germany, as the only child of Jennie Jacobsohn and Edmund Birnbrey. His father served in World War I, had a small textile business, and together, the family was living a happy middle-class existence.

After the Nazi Party came to power in the 1930s and anti-Semitic actions increased, things turned for the worse and Henry’s mother began applying for visas for him to leave Germany. One day a social worker told Henry’s mother that she could get him a visa to the U.S. through the Kindertransport program, but that he would have to be at the train station within 24 hours.

On March 31, 1938, at the age of 14, realizing that he might never see his parents again, Henry left Germany alone for New York. From there he would go to Birmingham, Ala., for a short time before settling in Atlanta in January of 1939 at the home of Fannie Asman, a kind and generous woman who created a loving home for German Jewish teenagers. Friends for life would be created among this group and Ms. Asman’s family would become Henry’s family.

A few months after moving to Atlanta, Henry would come to learn that his father had been arrested and severely beaten up on Kristallnacht and several days later, died from his injuries. Within months, Henry lost contact with his mother, eventually learning that she had also died of what was called unknown causes. Several years later, he would come to learn that over 40 members of his extended family had perished in the Holocaust, with only two first cousins who survived living in Israel.

After World War II began, Henry enlisted in the U.S. Army as a part of the 30th Infantry Division (Old Hickory) and immediately deployed to Great Britain for training.

The 30th participated in the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach, fought in the Battle of the Bulge and in August of 1944 fought and won the battle of Mortain, considered by many to be the single most important turning point of the war.

Henry would earn numerous medals in his military career, including a Purple Heart, and last year, mostly posthumously, his division was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their heroism in this battle. He participated in the liberation of a train filled with Jews who were abandoned and left for dead. After the war in Europe, Henry worked as an interpreter in counter-intelligence interviews, eventually being sent home with his division in August 1945.

After he returned to Atlanta, Henry opened an accounting firm and attended law school at Georgia State University. In 1951, he married Rebecca (Ricky) Kresses. Henry and Ricky had four children as well as sponsoring and for a few years raising two of Ricky’s teenage cousins who escaped Castro’s Cuba. Every Friday night (Shabbat) the Birnbrey home hosted soldiers, local college students from other cities or anyone else he and Ricky thought might be hungry and need a friend. His beloved Ricky passed away in 1988 following a lengthy illness.

Henry found love again and married Shirlye Kaufman. Together, their family would grow to include eight children, 24 grandchildren and by summer 2021, 26 greatgrandchildren. Shirlye, of blessed memory, passed away in 2013.

In his late 20s, Henry and a small group founded the Hebrew Academy of Atlanta, now known as the AJA. Henry was also an integral part of the early transformation of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta into the agency it is today. Throughout his adult life, Henry served on the boards of countless organizations and received multiple honors including the Lifetime of Achievement award from the Federation and the annual dinner honoree (twice) from the Greenfield Hebrew Academy. Henry had the rare distinction of being honored as a trustee for life of both organizations.

He remained very active in the Atlanta Jewish and secular community until his final days. As a docent of The Breman Museum, he spoke with audiences of high school kids, armed service bases and other groups from all over the world about growing up in Nazi Germany. Those speeches included several years of speaking and traveling to high schools in his hometown of Dortmund Germany. He fought against racism and inequality and personified the commandment of tikkun olam (repairing the world).

Although he will be remembered in the community as a man that worked tirelessly for the greater good, his family will remember him as the incredible Dad, Saba, uncle and friend that he was.

From his monthly Simchagram, announcing the happy life events in an extended family that numbered in the hundreds, to his weekly divrei Torah, with his unique and timely commentary on the week’s Torah portion, to his every Friday “Good Shabbas” phone calls to every one of his kids, grandkids and great grandkids, regardless of where they were in the world, his relationship with his family was epic and all-encompassing.

68 | APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

His kids’, grandkids’ and great-grandkids’ problems were his problems, and he couldn’t relax until every issue was solved.

Henry was predeceased by Ricky, Shirlye and Henry’s parents, stepson Richard Kaufman and step-grandson Garrett Kaufman; and is survived by his children Judy (Shai) Robkin, Eddie (Joanne) Birnbrey, David (Karen) Birnbrey and Anita (Jeff) Stein; stepchildren Jeff (Alison) Kaufman, Mark (Nancy) Kaufman, and Karen (Craig) Senft; as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family requests donations be made to the AJA Ricky Birnbrey Fund, The Weber School, The Breman Museum or the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999

Carolyn Goldstein Brody 88, Peachtree Corners

Carolyn (Goldstein) Brody, 88, of Peachtree Corners, passed away peacefully due to complications related to Alzheimer’s disease with family at her side.

Carolyn was born Feb. 25, 1933 in Catskills, N.Y, and lived in New England, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Georgia.

She was a devoted wife to Aaron and mother to her three sons and her greatest pride were her six grandchildren. She worked at various colleges in admissions and financial aid. One of her memorable achievements included spearheading a bill with the then- governor of Georgia and future U.S. president that required schools in Georgia to provide special education classes for dyslexia. And another was typing her husband’s Ph.D. thesis on a manual typewriter.

Carolyn attended thousands of her sons’ and grandchildren’s athletic and extracurricular events. She was an extraordinary cook with a volume of recipes and her favorite family meals were shrimp curry and lasagna as well as a variety of Chinese food dishes.

She was an accomplished artist who displayed her works at local arts festivals.

Carolyn was predeceased by her sister Avis. She is survived by her husband Aaron; her brother Harold; three sons Stephen, Glen and Robyn; their spouses Susan and Sharon; and grandchildren Michelle, Derek, Camryn, Skyler, Natalia and Pierce.

Graveside services were held April 5 at Arlington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes contributions to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund or the Aaron and Carolyn Brody Distinguished Lecture in Food Packaging endowment at Michigan State University. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Suzanne Hirsch Brozman 74, Atlanta

Suzanne (“Suzi”) Maureen Heddy Hirsch Brozman of Atlanta passed away April 7, 2021. She was 74 years old. Born in Jacksonville, Fla., on Jan. 16, 1947, to Ralph and Raevenna Hirsch, she graduated from the University of Florida, Gainesville.

A true lifelong learner, Suzi sought out courses wherever they were offered, most especially at Emory University, where she befriended professors and administrators alike at the various schools.

Her insatiable curiosity led her to a career in journalism, winning a first place Simon Rockower award (“Jewish Pulitzer”) in 2006 for her piece, “A Prescription for Faith,” in the Atlanta Jewish Times. She took special interest in studying her Judaism, attending courses with many local rabbis across the denominational spectrum, and spent 2008-09 studying at Pardes Institute in Jerusalem. But Suzi’s pursuits were not strictly intellectual; she was an expert cook, and she loved crafts, teaching herself pottery, stained glassmaking, and glass jewelry-making which she fashioned and gave to her many friends across Atlanta and beyond. Over the last 15 years, she became very involved in Congregation Ohr HaTorah (formerly Young Israel of Toco Hills) where her presence and contributions were immediately felt, and more recently in the New Toco Shul, where she was a founding board member. She participated regularly in the daf yomi group at both synagogues, studying a page of Talmud daily and asking keen questions for many years.

Suzi is survived by her son Bryan and brother Gerald R. Hirsch. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tam Institute for Jewish Studies at Emory University or the New Toco Shul.

Funeral services were held April 8 at Crest Lawn Cemetery with limited in-person attendance. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999. To sign the online guest book, visit www.dresslerjewishfunerals.com.

OBITUARIES

Joyce Stone Buchman

Ileana Dwoskin

Joyce Stone Buchman, 77, of Atlanta, died March 23, 2021. She was preceded in death by her lifelong, loving husband of 50-plus years William (Bill) Buchman. Survivors include her sons Richard (Tina) Buchman and Marty (Lisa) Buchman; daughters Lauri Buchman and Wendy Buchman Cooper; daughter-in-law, Debbie Buchman; sister Linda (Bert) Wolfe; brother, Robert (Kathy) Stone; grandchildren Brittney, Madison, Sydney, Lauren, Jordan, Logan, Kylie, Lindsay, Zac and Tamara Bean; and nephews Barry (Elisa) Wolfe, Brad Wolfe and Keith (Mira) Wolfe.

Ms. Joyce will be missed by all the little hearts and hands she touched during her 25-plus years at The Epstein School. A private, family graveside service was held March 26 with Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Ileana Dwoskin passed away April 9, 2021, after a long illness. Born in New York City on June 13, 1930, to parents Paul and Tillie Landau, Ileana graduated from Lawrence High School on Long Island, N.Y. She then attended and graduated from Parsons Institute, the renowned fine arts college, where she met her future husband.

After their marriage they moved to Paul’s hometown of Atlanta. There they raised their family and they both participated in the family business Dwoskin Wallcoverings, a highly respected and renowned national wallcoverings distributor. Ileana used her innate talents to design wallcoverings, many of which went on to be acclaimed bestsellers.

Later in life she lived near her daughter Linda and her family in Lexington, Ky. Eventually, she moved to Boca Raton, Fla., where she lived with daughter Jill until her death.

Ileana was a gifted painter and interior designer. Her specialty was painting stilllifescapes. In her professional design career, she decorated many prominent Atlantans’ homes. But perhaps her most interesting and personally satisfying project was decorating the world-famous drive-in, The Varsity.

Ileana loved to travel with her family to just about every part of the world. She also was an avid theater and movie-goer and could talk intelligently on virtually every subject.

A great asset was her ability to read people quickly and almost always accurately. She was very loyal to her close friends, many of whom she kept lifelong. But her family always came first.

Ileana was the devoted wife of husband Paul Dwoskin, who passed in 2003. She was predeceased by her only sibling Harold Landau, who passed in 2015, and sister-in-law Jean Feldman Lawson of Atlanta.

Ileana was the loving mother of Jill Dwoskin of Atlanta and Boca Raton, Fla., and Dr. Linda Dwoskin of Lexington, Ky., and grandmother of Haley Stein and Mandy Stein. She is survived by her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Diane and Marvin Bernstein.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Humane Society. Arrangements

by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999

77, Atlanta

Marlene Diane Colon 73, Atlanta

Marlene Diane Colon, 73, of Atlanta, passed away April 5, 2021. Marlene was born in Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating from Shaker Heights High School and Ohio State University, she obtained a master in education from Georgia State University.

She had volunteered at various hospitals, taking care of the elderly, taught children with special needs and attended music, dance and drama classes. She had a spirit that was contagious and would light up a room.

Marlene’s passion later in life was her career in fitness, which included aqua aerobics and Zumba, teaching classes and touching so many people in doing so. She was a fan of many genres of music and would be the first one to hit the dance floor.

Being a caring, generous individual and helping others is what drove her each day to achieve what she wanted out of life. Marlene never met a stranger and always saw the best in everyone. She had a heart of gold. Primarily, her family was the most important thing in her life.

She is predeceased by her parents Max and Anne Mesnik and her brothers Lawrence and Ronnie. She is survived by her sons Loren (Marieli) Colon of Decatur and Jonathan (Tasha) Colon of Sandy Springs; her brother Dennis Mesnick of San Diego, Calif.; grandchildren Matthew and Julianne; and numerous Mesnick cousins. Also feeling her loss are all her longtime friends and coworkers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MJCCA Aquatic Department.

The funeral was held April 11 with Rabbis Peter Berg and Scott Colbert officiating.

Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999. Sign the online guestbook at www.dresslerjewishfunerals.com.

90, Boca Raton, Fla.

Sid Malvin Kresses 89, Atlanta

Sid Malvin Kresses died March 21, 2021, at age 89. Born in Birmingham, Ala., in 1931 to Emma and Hyman, Sid was the youngest of five and the only boy. After the Army, he moved to Atlanta to attend Emory Law School.

Sid, affectionately known as “Brother,” “PaPa,” and “Kress,” was an Atlanta lawyer and real estate developer for over 60 years. Above all else, he was devoted to his wife Lee, his children Mamie, Jay and Bart; to their spouses David, Melanie and Kathy, and to the legion of grandchildren, who would rather hang out at PaPa’s house than just about anywhere on earth.

He was a man of great goodness, decency and generosity, a guardian angel to his large extended family, friends, neighbors, clients, tenants and even strangers in need. A graveside service was held March 22. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES APRIL 15, 2021 | 69

OBITUARIES

Kathleen Eichenblatt

Rose Raskin Gershon

Kathleen “Kathy” Ann Eichenblatt, 61, of Atlanta, passed away March 28, 2021 after a courageous bout with cancer. She was born in St. Petersburg, Fla., to Harold and Joan Lane. From there, she moved to multiple cities before returning and ultimately graduating from St. Pete Catholic High School and matriculating to Florida State University to earn her bachelor of science in marketing.

Kathy accomplished many things in her life, but she was most proud of her family. She was an impressive businesswoman who held executive positions at Phillips-Van Heusen, Mother’s Work, and Ulta Beauty while raising four children. She enjoyed hosting family gatherings, traveling with her husband, gabbing with friends, playing with her Newfoundland dogs, and a good glass of wine. Kathy was a confidant and mentor to many who knew her. She was also an exceptional mother, a loving wife and an amazing friend.

Kathy went home to be with loved ones in the house of God. Kathy is survived by her husband David Eichenblatt; her children Matthew Eichenblatt and his wife Rachel, Alexandra Eichenblatt, Gabrielle Mazer and her husband Arshad, and Jacqueline Eichenblatt; as well as her sisters Linda Gibson, Theresa Prendes and her husband Peter.

A graveside service was held March 30 at Crest Lawn Cemetery, followed by a celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, www.acfb.org, or Weinstein Hospice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Rose Raskin Gershon died March 22, 2021. She was born in Jacksonville, Fla., on January 7, 1948, to Cesia and Irving Raskin. Both Cesia and Irving left Europe after the Holocaust and eventually made their way to the Sunshine State, where Irving – who had planned to study medicine in Germany – established a barbershop.

Rose attended the University of Florida and, upon graduating, made her way to Atlanta. It was there she met her future husband Stan Gershon, after which she turned down a job in New York for Newsweek.

Rose and Stan built a wonderful life in the Atlanta suburbs, where they lovingly raised two sons David and Brian.

Rose is survived by her husband Stan; her oldest son David (Jamie); her sisters Sharon (Howard) and Eileen (Joe); her nieces Elizabeth, Sarah, Julie (Andy) and Emily (Phil); and her grandchildren Mayan and Tali.

Graveside services were held March 26.

61, Atlanta

Sonia Fishkin 66, Atlanta

Sonia Fishkin, 66, died March 23, 2021, after a seven-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Sonia’s identity was forged in Brooklyn, N.Y., where she was born, raised and went to college. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a favorite early job involved the regulation and enforcement of securities law in New York City.

In 1986, she moved south to join Andy, who had begun working at Georgia Tech. As an Atlanta lawyer, she was most proud of her work as the general counsel of a medical device company. In 2010, she combined her legal skills with her people skills and launched what became a successful and satisfying second career as a residential real estate agent.

Throughout her life, Sonia was very involved in a variety of advocacy, professional and community organizations. As the daughter of Holocaust survivors, she took a strong interest in Holocaust history and educational programming. In Atlanta, that interest focused first on the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust and then on The Breman Museum, particularly its Weinberg Center for Holocaust Education.

Her activities at Ahavath Achim Synagogue were particularly rich. These included singing in the choir, teaching Torah study, participating in chavurot, and chanting the haftorah at high holiday services.

Everyone who knew Sonia was struck by her strong will, deep intelligence, insistent curiosity, infectious enthusiasm, enormous smile and resounding laugh. A fundamentally joyful human being, Sonia was never happier than when she was dancing at a simcha or singing in one of the many choirs and choral groups she graced over the years.

She is survived by her husband Andrew Zangwill; daughter Hannah (Seth Adams); and grandson Ezra. She is also survived and remembered with love by her brother David, niece Dana, many other dear relatives on both sides of her family, and countless friends who helped support her and her family through her illness.

Contributions to honor the memory of Sonia Fishkin can be made to the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum (Holocaust education), Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Jewish Family and Career Services, Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, and the Weinstein Hospice.

Obituaries in the AJT are written and paid for by the families; contact Editor and Managing Publisher Kaylene Ladinsky at kaylene@atljewishtimes.com or 404-883-2130, ext. 100, for details about submission, rates and payments. Death notices, which provide basic details, are free and run as space is available; send submissions to editor@atljewishtimes.com.

70 | APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

73, Atlanta

Ina Robinson 92, Raleigh, N.C.

Ina Robinson, 92, of Raleigh, N.C., passed away March 26, 2021. She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Karl and Gladys Klein. Ina was a devoted wife and mother and enjoyed a career in teaching as well as numerous volunteer activities with the Girl Scouts, and temple Sisterhood, to name a few. She loved to read, travel, socialize, play tennis and bridge and spend time with her loving family.

Mom always had a book in her bag, and we’ll miss our enthusiastic discussions about books, politics and life. Along with her parents, Ina was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband Bert and brother Jud. She is survived by her two daughters Randie Weisberg and her husband Mitch of Raleigh, N.C.; and Marian Robinson and her wife Susan Vahrenkamp of New York: her grandson Keith Weisberg of New York, as well as several nephews and nieces.

A private family ceremony was held March 30 as well as virtual shivas. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the Chabad in Atlanta, www.bethtefillah. org, or the Chabad in Raleigh www.jewishraleigh.org, New York Cares https://www. newyorkcares.org/ways-to-give, or a charity of your choice.

‫זיכרונה לברכה‬

OBITUARIES

Paul Howard Shilling 68, Roswell

Beloved and endlessly devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Paul Howard Shilling passed away in Atlanta March 19, 2021, at the age of 68.

Paul was born on April 23, 1952 in Milwaukee, Wis., to Louis and Jane Shilling. In 1958, Paul’s parents relocated him and his older sister Mandy to Norfolk, Va. He graduated from Granby High School and went on to earn his bachelor of science in business administration from Old Dominion University.

Paul quickly began to dominate the business world with his first job as district sales manager at Procter & Gamble, which relocated him to Jacksonville, Fla. It was there that he met Maxine, his true love and soulmate, whom he immediately knew he would marry. Paul and Maxine married Nov. 23, 1977, and moved around Florida a few times before settling down and creating a wonderful life in Roswell, Ga., with their three children Adam, Jennifer and Kimberly.

Paul was extremely talented in many areas. He enjoyed sports, especially bowling, golf and tennis. He had a brilliant sense of humor and did hilarious impersonations. He was a gifted musician who loved to sing and could play piano and guitar beautifully by ear. In his younger years, he was the leader of a band, and throughout his life he parlayed that leadership into his family and into his career.

He worked exceptionally hard to provide the best for his family; in fact, his work ethic was surpassed only by his generosity. Everyone in Paul’s life knew that he could be counted on to give of himself whenever, however, and whatever was needed, without question. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, co-workers and indeed, all who knew him.

Paul is survived by his wife of 43 years Maxine; sister Mandy Mark; his children Adam (Silke), Jennifer Greenberg, and Kimberly (Mordechai) Snyder; his seven grandchildren Elsa, Leo, Ethan, Layla, Yoel, Joshua and Shaina; as well as many other family members whom he adored and of whom he was so proud.

An intimate graveside service was held March 22 at Arlington Cemetery and via Zoom and was officiated by Rabbis Daniel Dorsch and Shalom Lewis.

Memorial donations can be made to The Blue Dove Foundation or Kate’s Club.

Condolences and letters with your memories of Paul can be sent to the Shilling residence at 4161 Mirkwood Place, Roswell, Ga. 30075 or emailed to kimberlynicolesnyder@gmail.com. May his memory forever be a blessing and may his neshama have the highest aliyah. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999

Herbert Singer 88, Atlanta

Herbert “Herb” Singer died April 6, 2021. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Feb. 14, 1933, to Henrietta and Morris Singer. After Morris’ death, Herb was raised by his mother and stepfather Hyman Sperling, both of blessed memory.

After serving in the Army in Germany, Herb moved from New York to attend Georgia Tech in Atlanta. There he joined the AEPi fraternity, where he forged many friendships that would last throughout his life. Most importantly, he met and married Joanne Alterman, the love of his life. November would have been their 65th anniversary. Together they raised their three daughters Mindi, Lisa and Cheryl and were active members of the Atlanta Jewish community.

After their wedding, Herb joined the family business Alterman Foods, Big Apple and Food Giant, where he ran the Atlantic Preserving Plant that manufactured the stores’ private brand of foods – Mrs. Bell’s. After the sale of the business, Herb and his brothers-in-law ran the family-owned real estate company.

Herb retired to spend more time on his beloved Lake Lanier and travel internationally with Joanne and close friends. He was never happier than when he spent long weekends on his boats with Joanne, their children and grandchildren. They enjoyed sunset cruises with close friends and family, water skiing and relaxing.

Herb and Joanne were strong supporters of Israel, the Atlanta Jewish Federation

and many other worthwhile causes. They belonged to Ahavath Achim Synagogue for over 60 years.

Through it all, Herb was known for his humor, constant smile and twinkling eyes. He was the consummate gentleman, a loving husband, father, grandfather and loyal friend.

Herb is survived by his wife Joanne; his daughters Mindi (Richard) Bressler, Lisa (Eric) Plasker and Cheryl (Michael) Weiss; six grandchildren Daniel Bressler of Dallas, Texas, Erin Bressler of Hyannis, Mass., Jacob (Sophia) Plasker of Bend, Ore., Emily Plasker of Bend, Ore., Cory Plasker and Maqueline Weiss, both of Atlanta.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Weinstein Hospice, or the charity of your choice. Private funeral services were held April 8. The funeral was livestreamed. Funeral arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-491-4999. Sign the online guestbook at www.dresslerjewishfunerals.com.

Helen Fromowitz Weingarten 97, Sandy Springs

Helen Fromowitz Weingarten of Sandy Springs, Ga. (Hammond Glen) passed away April 3, 2021, just four days after her 97th birthday.

Born in Oybuchko, Romania, Helen was the seventh of nine children.

She, three sisters and her youngest brother survived Auschwitz as well as other slave labor camps, but she never saw her parents Froim and Bayla Fromowitz or three other siblings again. She found out from others that they died in the gas chambers.

Helen met her husband Izak Weingarten in a Displaced Persons camp in Rehau, Germany, married, and had a son Salomon. Helen’s uncle sponsored them to come to Lorain, Ohio, where her other survivor siblings eventually settled and raised their families together. Lorain is where her daughter Susan was born.

Helen became a respected seamstress and started an alterations business. In 1986, she and Izak retired to Clearwater, Fla., and upon his death in 1995, she moved to Lauderhill, Fla., to be closer to siblings.

In 2010, Helen moved to Atlanta to live near her daughter and family. She became a frequent and passionate speaker at the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, where she educated countless school children and adults alike about her experience during the Holocaust. She left a lasting impression, as she inspired and brought joy to all she encountered.

Helen is predeceased by sisters Goldie Nisenboum, Esther Prayzer and Pearl Levy; and brothers Al Fromowitz and Erwin Froman.

Helen is survived by son Salomon Weingarten of Bradenton, Fla., and daughter Susan Levy (Robert) of Peachtree Corners, Ga., as well as grandchildren David Weingarten (Jill) of Denver, Colo., Abby Weingarten (Mark) of Sarasota, Fla., and Ben Levy of Brookhaven, Ga. She is also survived by great-granddaughter Miranda Nodeen, along with many wonderful nieces and nephews.

A graveside service took place April 7 at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park in Clearwater, Fla., with arrangements by Dignity Memorial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, Jewish Family & Career Services, or the Holocaust Survivor Support Fund of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES APRIL 15, 2021 | 71

CLOSING THOUGHTS Eight Weeks AM E R I CA N JEWISH COMMI TT EE ATLA N TA IS P ROUD TO HONOR

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W EDN ESDAY MAY 5 , 2 021 7 :3 0 PM WWW. A JC .O R G /ATL A N TA / HORW I TZ For questions or to join the Host Committee, please contact Jennifer Pardee 404.233.5501 ext. 5031 or pardeej@ajc.org

72 APRIL 15, 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Shaindle Schmuckler

Shaindle’s Shpiel

Egg in the hole. S’mores.

Two of the most delicious foods I learned to create in Camp Kindervelt, an overnight camp in Highland Mills, N.Y. “Hatikvah.” I learned the words to this song of

hope in camp.

I also learned to hula hoop, create a French braid, tweeze my eyebrows, shave my legs, the dances of Israel, flirt, to respect myself and my strengths, become a responsible human being, and the joy and frustration of living and performing as part of a team.

It was a much simpler time then.

Today we need some time to think, to breathe in a natural pollution free, tech-free environment, an environment where, for a short time, parents are not the influencers, and culture permeates everything we do.

Walking two-by-two to the dining room Friday evenings along with the entire camp staff and campers, Shabbat music on the speaker systems, dressed in white to celebrate the arrival of Shabbat warmed my heart then with the memories of these Fridays warming my heart to this very day. It was camp where I first understood I belonged to a community to be treasured and to be proud of.

Intentionally and carefully chosen staff were able to guide me in developing the skills needed to form well-thoughtout decisions; how to successfully lead a bunk/cabin of 13 girls to winning the cleanest bunk/cabin award; and to winning the coveted flag for the most creative front porch. When I grew to be a teenager, one summer I helped lead a Color War team of hundreds of campers to a win. This is also when I fell head over heels for an older boy who was our team general. This older boy asked me to the final dinner dance. Trust me he could dance.

Camp molded and supported who I was, the Jewess I would grow up to be, who I am.

Every year, from the time I was 6 or 7 years old, I was sent to summer overnight camp. For the first few years I participated in a four-week session. As soon as camp was available for eight-week sessions, I thought I had died and gone to

heaven. I absolutely loved being in camp that much.

Of course it never dawned on me to question why my parents were so very happy, all smiles waving goodbye, when I finally reached the age of eligibility for the eight-week sessions. All I knew or cared about was I would be with all my summer friends, living what felt like was an independent, spirited life.

Every summer, as soon as the school year ended, on my birthday I might add, we packed up my Dad’s car to the hilt, seriously, and drove the hour or so up to Monroe, N.Y. I loved the life of a camper, full of new experiences, emotional attachments, experimenting with crafts, dance, drama and my personality.

When I turned 15, I finally was able to live the life of a C.I.T. (counselor in training) And then, I blew it.

Two days before an all-camp Color War (known today as Color Olympics) my bunk/cabin voted to break into the camp director’s office. At the time, this activity seemed like not-so-innocent fun. We felt it was imperative, perhaps even a matter of life and death, we must find out who the generals and captains were of each team.

One day before this auspicious event, we were all sent home. We realized, just a wee bit too late, we could live a nice long life without knowing who was chosen to perform the roles of generals and captains.

This is not the forum for questions regarding my Dad’s reaction to this news.

The news that I was coming to the bungalow colony to live out the rest of the summer was not met with a parade. With the grace of G-d, there were only three more weeks left to the schlep back to “the city,” leaving this mistake at camp.

Fortunately for me, that same summer the day camp down the road needed help.

Do you believe in bashert? I do.

I worked in that day camp for two years, until my 18th birthday. Camp Kindervelt would not hire any of the girls from my bunk/cabin back, so I applied to Camp Kinderring, got the job and lo and behold, guess who was head of the waterfront? No guesses? Think bashert! Yes, my future hubby.

Nothing, and I mean not a thing, can replace what camp delivers.

Two, four, six, eight, who do we appreciate, camp, camp yay! ì

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