Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCV NO. 17, August 15, 2020

NEXT ISSUE: EDUCATION & HOLIDAY FLAVORS

VOL. XCV NO. 17

AUGUST 15, 2020 | 25 AV 5780

Synagogue Guide and Arts & Culture

“L’DOR V’DOR”

BY ALICE LEVENSON ROGERS

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Contributors This Week ALLEN H. LIPIS BOB BAHR BONNIE BERK CHANA SHAPIRO CHUCK BERK DALE SCHWARTZ DAVE SCHECHTER FLORA ROSEFSKY JAN JABEN-EILON JEN EVANS LOU LADINSKY MARCIA CALLER JAFFE MARTINE TARTOUR MICHAEL ROSENZWEIG SHAINDLE SCHMUCKLER SUSANNE KATZ

THIS WEEK The Art of Prayer This week we start gearing up for the high holidays with an issue that offers a sample of the latest synagogue news, along with a little arts and culture to prove how creative Jewish Atlanta has become, especially during a pandemic.

We update you on what area synagogues are planning for the high holidays, whether limited in-person services, Zooming or streaming from home, or other innovative ways to observe the holiest time of the Jewish year.

The AJT offers a glimpse of synagogue renovations that have been completed during the pandemic at two shuls, and how some of our observant senior citizens, the most vulnerable to COVID-19, are getting quite resourceful when planning for the high holidays.

You’ll learn how some small synagogues are collaborating because of the health crisis and be introduced to some of our rabbis, including the Jewish community chaplain and the rabbi of the new Chabad House at Kennesaw State University. Plus you’ll discover Rabbi Joshua Heller’s long rabbinic lineage, which the Atlanta rabbi didn’t initially intend to

follow.

In our arts and culture section, we’ve got virtual mahjong and pandemic pickling, art exhibits and entertainment, along with our newest features: Treasure Trove, about avid collectors in our midst, and our very own Roving Reporter promoting stimulating conversations around town (from the comfort of her home, at this point).

The AJT continues to bring you the most relevant community news, including: how the Anti-Defamation League and Facebook are at odds, whether Ahavath Achim Synagogue is considering selling some land; the official opening of Piedmont Atlanta Hospital’s Marcus Tower and the controversy over Matt Lieberman’s 2018 novel, which some critics deem racist as he runs for U.S. Senate from Georgia.

Stay tuned next week for more drama and creativity, our fall simcha issue, because life cycle events must go on. That special edition is followed by our holiday flavors and education issue right in time for a back to school for the history books. ì

Cover image: “L’dor V’dor,” is an acrylicwatercolor painting by artist Alice Levenson Rogers, among those featured in a new live art exhibit at Chabad Intown.

CONTENTS NEWS ������������������������������������������������� 6 ISRAEL NEWS ������������������������������� 12 OPINION ����������������������������������������� 14 SYNAGOGUE GUIDE ������������������� 22 RABBI RUACH ������������������������������� 31 ARTS & CULTURE ������������������������ 32 DINING �������������������������������������������� 42 COMMUNITY ��������������������������������� 43 CALENDAR ������������������������������������� 46 KEEPING IT KOSHER ������������������ 50 BRAIN FOOD ���������������������������������� 51 OBITUARIES ���������������������������������� 52 CLOSING THOUGHTS ����������������� 56

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 5

NEWS ADL Takes on Facebook Hate Speech

By Bob Bahr

nian or North Korea governments. It just has to agree with the general browsing perWhen James Azar wanted to find out spective of that user. And that’s where social what kind of content Facebook was sending media has gone off the rails.”

In an effort to curb extremism on the out to its users, he enlisted several researchpopular website, the Antiers to create accounts on the Defamation League formed social media platform. They a coalition this summer of all posed as young people more than a half a dozen from 18 to 24 years old, in civil liberties organizations major large cities in America, to develop a monthlong adeach with clearly defined povertiser boycott of Facebook. litical interests. Then they sat The campaign called back to see what sort of polit“Stop Hate for Profit” was ical content Facebook would launched June 17 with an ad provide each of them.

What they got was a heav- Facebook founder Mark in the Los Angeles Times that ily partisan view of the world, Zuckerberg has resisted accused Facebook of “amplifyefforts to curb hate ing the messages of white suwith little or no attempt to curb hate speech, said Azar, a cyber speech on social media. premacists, permitting incitesecurity consultant based in Alpharetta, ment to violence and failing to disrupt bad actors using the platform to do harm.” about the study conducted two years ago.

The ADL has tried to work with Face“Once you become intertwined with one set of opinions, that’s all you saw. And book for years, particularly in an effort to those opinions don’t have to come from real end the company’s role in Holocaust denial, people, they don’t have to come from real but has little to show for it. In announcing websites because to the social media search the boycott, the organization’s CEO Jonaengines, they aren’t really discerning that. than Greenblatt said that his patience is at It could be made up by the Chinese, the Ira- an end.

6 | AUGUST 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The ADL led a advertiser boycott of Facebook that was supported by 1,100 companies.

“We hope this campaign finally shows civil rights. They’ve established a dedicated Facebook how much their users and their team to study algorithmic racial bias. They advertisers want them to make serious have released a long delayed civil rights audit about some of their media content. They changes for the better. “ From mid-June to late July, the ADL-led have a demonstrated a new commitment to coalition enlisted the support of over 1,100 an independent audit of the platform that Facebook advertisers, including such heavy could satisfy our demands if it really is indehitters as Verizon, Ford, Microsoft and pendent and they finally take long overdue Atlanta’s The Coca-Cola Company. Their action against some hateful movements stand against Facebook, which is a $70 like Boogaloo. So there is a lot that has been billion-a-year business, made an important done. But again, there’s still a lot to be done.”

Just how much work remains was laid statement. Yet, Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg was unmoved. He told out last year by Sacha Baron Cohen, the Hollywood star, who accepted the online news site The Inthe ADL’s International Leadformation that the company ership Award with a blisterwas not interested in changing attack on Facebook and ing its ways.

Zuckerberg. He called for a “We’re not gonna “fundamental rethink of sochange our policies or apcial media and how it spreads proach on anything because hate, conspiracies and lies. of a threat to a small percent “This is not about limitof our revenue, or to any pering anyone’s free speech. This cent of our revenue.” is about giving people, inIn fact, when Facebook James Azar is an Atlantacluding some of the most repannounced its second quarbased cybersecurity consultant. rehensible people on earth, ter earnings July 30, they beat Wall Street’s expectations for revenues, the biggest platform in history to reach a profits and user growth. The company gen- third of the planet. Freedom of speech is not erally shrugged off the effects of the boycott. freedom of reach.”

Atlanta cybersecurity adviser Azar Nonetheless, the ADL, which timed the campaign during a period when protests hosts three YouTube podcasts and a Cyberagainst injustice were being seen in cities Hub Summit on technology and is active in across the country, was generally pleased the Israeli American Council in Atlanta. He believes we need to change how we legally with the results.

David Hoffman, associate regional view these social media sites. They are not director of the ADL’s Southeast office in At- just service providers, like a public utility, lanta, is enthusiastic about what has been he maintains. They are publishers, which should be held legally accountable like any accomplished so far.

“We have never seen the response that another publisher.

“Sacha Baron Cohen is absolutely right. we have from this effort. The amount of engagement from both companies and in- We need to rethink these social media platdividuals exceeded anything that we’ve ever forms. We need to declare them as publishers that are responsible for the content that done.”

Hoffman, in particular, points to sev- comes up on their platform. And if we do eral of the changes Facebook has made in that, they would straighten up right away recent weeks to address the issue of hate because the amount of litigation they would get would force them to rethink what they speech and Holocaust denial.

“They’ve created a senior role to oversee provide.” ì

NEWS

Lieberman Novel Embroiled in Racial Controversy

By Dave Schechter

rivals.

The chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia issued a statement that, while Despite his relatively strong showing not calling for Lieberman to withdraw, in polls, Matt Lieberman’s campaign for a was strongly critical of the U.S. Senate seat from Georreported contents of Liebergia has lagged behind other man’s literary work. leading candidates in fundIn a statement issued ing and attention.

Friday to the AJT, Lieberman The latter became less said: “I wrote this novel in of an issue on Friday, when response to Charlottesville HuffPost, a politically libas a clear-eyed and honest eral news and blog website, look at racism in America. published an article about Whatever my opponents a novel Lieberman wrote in Nikema Williams, chair say, highly regarded Kirkus the aftermath of the 2017 of the Democratic Party of Georgia, did not call Reviews called it ‘a deeply white supremacist rallies in on Matt Lieberman original meditation on race Charlottesville, Va. to drop out of the U.S. and friendship.’ The fact Now the 52-year-old Senate race but said, Jewish Democrat is facing “These kinds of offensive that I published this book has been known since I calls that he drop out of the writings are antithetical to our party’s values and began this campaign last Nov. 3 special election for will not be tolerated.” year, so an attack surfacing the seat formerly held by only now is testament to the strength of Republican Johnny Isakson, who resigned my candidacy today.

But I’m not going to in December citing health concerns. Rebe distracted from seeking the support publican businesswoman Kelly Loeffler of Georgians, nor deterred was appointed by Gov. Brian from fighting against racism Kemp to serve as senator and for a more just society.” through the election.

A statement posted FriDistressed by the imday on Twitter by the state ages he saw from CharlotDemocratic Party, from its tesville, Lieberman wrote chair, Nikema Williams, 45,000 words that became read: “Let me be clear: racist the foundation of his deand discriminatory tropes but novel, “Lucius,” which was self-published and re- Rev. James Woodall, state have no place in our politics and no place in the Demoleased in January 2018. The president of the Georgia NAACP, called on Matt cratic Party. These kinds of story revolves around the Lieberman to withdraw offensive writings are antirelationship between Benfrom the U.S. Senate race. thetical to our party’s values no Johnson, a 90-year-old white Southerner, and Lucius Cincinna- and will not be tolerated. At a time when tus Jones, his imaginary slave, as told to hate is being weaponized more than ever a volunteer at the senior residence where in our political system, we must call out behavior like this when we see it and hold Johnson lives.

Lieberman promoted the book when all candidates accountable for their actions.” he appeared with his father, Rev. James Woodall, former Connecticut U.S. Senpresident of the Georgia ator and vice-presidential NAACP, posted Friday on nominee Joe Lieberman, at Twitter: “We need a U.S. Senathe November 2018 Book tor who understands that we Festival of the MJCCA. are NOT magical Negroes HuffPost reported that especially as we continue to the Benno character in the die and suffer from systemic 211-page novel “regularly deploys the N-word and says Ed Tarver, also a candidate racism every day. This is why, for the U.S. Senate seat as State President of @Georsome members of the Ku currently held by Sen. gia_NAACP, I am asking @ Klux Klan were ‘basically Kelly Loeffler, called LiebermanForGa to end his good people.’” on Matt Lieberman to candidacy. #WeAreNotYourThose calling for Lieber“apologize to the Black man to exit the race include community and withdraw MagicalNegoes.” from the Senate race.”

Woodall told HuffPost the president of the Georgia NAACP (National Association for the Ad- that “Lucius” contained “racist tropes.”

“If this is his imagination, if this is vancement of Colored People) and one of Lieberman’s African American electoral how he constructs a world, where he’s a

Matt Lieberman says that he will not be “distracted” or “deterred” in his campaign for the U.S. Senate.

Matt Lieberman is defending his debut novel, “Lucius,” against criticism because of its racial content and language.

Lieberman, a Yale-educated lawyer, white savior and he needs a magical Negro to help save him, I would urge him to re- has been a healthcare entrepreneur and consider his place in this world,” Woodall was head of school at the former Greentold the website. “In my personal opinion, field Hebrew Academy – which merged in this would just exacerbate a tough time 2014 with Yeshiva Atlanta to form Atlanta Jewish Academy – for us as a state. He from 2005 to 2007. should drop out of The Nov. 3 the race. If he wants open primary is to to be an author or fill the remaining a writer, he should two years of Isakjust do that.” son’s term, until The term 2022. There will be “Magical Negroes” 21 names — Demorefers to a plot decrats, Republicans, vice in literature Joe Lieberman is joined by his son, Matt, Libertarians, and and film in which as the two promoted their new books at independents — on a Black character is the Book Festival of the MJCCA in 2018. the ballot. If no canintroduced to assist a white character and then, often, disap- didate garners a majority, a runoff will be pears. A frequently mentioned example in held Jan. 5, 2021. Loeffler and Republican film is the Bagger Vance character played Rep. Doug Collins, who represents Georby actor Will Smith opposite actor Matt gia’s 9th Congressional District, are most Damon in “The Legend of Bagger Vance,” often cited by political pundits as likely candidates for a runoff. a film released in 2000.

According to campaign finance reAs of Sunday there had been no comment by the most-publicized Democratic ports filed June 30, Loeffler had cash on candidate, Rev. Raphael Warnock, pastor hand of slightly more than $7 million, of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, an Warnock nearly $2.9 million, and Collins, African American who has trailed Lieber- $2.6 million, compared with $305,000 for man in polling but garnered the backing Lieberman.

The most recent polling, a Monmouth of a national arm of the Democratic party, University Poll conducted July 23-27 — a numerous dignitaries and liberal groups.

Another African American Demo- telephone survey of 402 registered voters cratic candidate, former State Senator with a sampling error of 4.9 percentage and U.S. Attorney Ed Tarver posted Friday points — showed Loeffler with 26 percent on Twitter: “These racist tropes and at- backing; Collins, 20 percent; Lieberman, titudes are shocking. Matt says he knew 14 percent; Warnock, 9 percent; Tarver, some readers would react with disgust. 5 percent; and Libertarian Brian SlowinThat’s an understatement. He should ski, 3 percent, with other candidates not apologize to the Black community and named totaling 5 percent, and 18 percent undecided. ì withdraw from the Senate race.”

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 7

NEWS

Savvy Benjamin Takes Helm at AA

By Marcia Caller Jaffe Ahavath Achim Synagogue has a new president and goals that include considering whether to sell off excess land.

Earlier this summer, June 28, the 133rd AA annual meeting was held, for the first time virtually via Zoom. The congregational invitation letter described it as a time to gather as a family to take stock of current and future synagogue affairs, with the subject line as an open conversation about the future of the facilities with ongoing endeavors to renovate and rejuvenate.

The meeting contained the emotional torch passing of immediate past president Mark Cohen to new president, business scion Gerald R. Benjamin, vice chairman of GreenSky, LLC and managing partner of Atlanta Equity Investors, LLC. Benjamin laid out many traditional synagogue goals such as: introducing new musical elements into services; increasing the level of congregational participation in worship services, main-

taining quality educational and cultural programs; increasing the number of new AA congregants with a continued emphasis on families with grade school-aged children; supporting Ahava Early Learning Center’s growth so it can mature into a viable contributor to the annual operating budget; establishing a synagogue permanent endowment of over $10 million; planning for ongoing succession to ensure future capable lay leadership; and delivering an annual balanced operating budget notwithstanding the near-term COVID-19-related challenges.

An especially intriguing goal was stated as “evaluating the opportunity to optimize AA’s ‘excess land holdings.’”

Ahavath Achim is well positioned as a jewel in Buckhead’s 30327 tree-lined neighborhood. With Memorial Park a block west, 2019 saw the culmination of the renovation of the Bitsy Grant Tennis Center and Bobby Jones Golf Course to its immediate southeast.

In a separate conversation with the AJT, Benjamin emphasized that the real estate evaluation was the continuation of a process originally suggested by a

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Ahavath Achim is just blocks from the I-75 expressway, Peachtree Road and park spaces.

congregant who had a deep background on the property has enrollment ramping in real estate. The site consists of 14 acres, up nicely to about 65 students as a neighincluding a number of adjacent lots and borhood draw.”

In addition to Benjamin, the ad hoc a lower level parking lot.

“We are strictly updating a valuation real estate committee is: Manny Fialkow, study that the synagogue has historically Michael Habif, Michael Plasker, Mickey conducted about once every 10 years,” Steinberg, and Howard Wertheimer.

Senior Ahavath Achim Rabbi LauBenjamin said. “There have been unsolicited offers from developers, and we want rence Rosenthal added, “Regarding the to asses the current value with what are real estate, I am supportive and interested to see where the process takes us. Gerthe opportunities. ry is the right lead“Further and er at the right time. emphatically, anyThe entire spiritual thing we do, IF world is changing anything, will be and business as in concert with usual doesn’t exist the local neighboranymore.

Gerry hoods and commuhas the right balnity associations ance of respect for along Peachtree tradition, curiosBattle and Northity for the future side Drive. It may and imagination of make sense to sell, what could be, to or it may make partner with us to more sense to hang craft our place in on for the future.

Gerald Benjamin takes the presidential the new tomorrow.”

There is quite a lot helm of the 133-year-old synagogue.

Benjamin of land and nearby lots, which would not effect a change in concluded, “As we together work to adthe building. Let me reemphasize that we dress the many serious challenges behave no imminent plans for any type of ing presented by the current COVID-19 development, and value our role as a re- pandemic, the one silver lining in a day and age when many are questioning the sponsible and good civic neighbor.”

Benjamin explained that the lower role of organized religion, in general, and level parking lot has been very lucrative Conservative Judaism, in particular, is in film production rental with trailers the harsh reminder of the importance and equipment capitalizing on Buckhead of family, in-person gathering, personal as a base. Movie production, which was relationships, and one’s faith. It is graticurtailed because of COVID is now start- fying to witness AA once again rising to ing to slowly come back. “The Suzuki the challenge, as it has for the past 133 School rents the building’s lower level years, in meeting the spiritual, pastoral, and has been a great partner and will social, and human needs of our extended continue to be so. The Ahava school also AA family.” ì

NEWS

Virtual Tour of Piedmont's Marcus Tower

The state-of-the-art operating rooms in Piedmont Atlanta Hospital’s new Marcus Tower are much more advanced, with all the tools, equipment and technology surgeons need at their fingertips.

The first phase of Marcus Tower officially opened for patients Aug. 3 after a preliminary opening April 13 to meet the needs of the community during COVID-19. It closed when there was a dip in COVID patients, recleaned and reopened last week.

By Roni Robbins

The tower design unveiled in the July tional. Performance was better than an- we first presented the concept to him, he ticipated from the standpoint of the doctors quickly grasped that we needed more than 20 video pays tribute to the tree-filled city and provides a place of as well as patients. From just a heart and vascular Instead of the tradihealing, a “canopy of care” helicopter landings to op- hospital. He saw we needtional grand opening cerby capitalizing on natural erating room preparation, ed something for the comemony, Piedmont Atlanta art, features and light, acstate-of-the-art surgical munity forever.”

Hospital recently unveiled cording to Dr. Patrick BatSitting in front of a equipment and patient rea virtual tour of the new tey, CEO of the 115-year-old covery, results have been donor wall at the MarMarcus Tower before the Buckhead hospital. The extraordinary, and he is cus Tower in the video, facility officially opened tower includes outdoor proud of Piedmont’s ac- Kirschner said, “This for surgeries and proceopen spaces, sunrooms, place is built to last for complishments.” dures Aug. 3. The tower vistas, and tree art and deMarcus added, “I have decades and here today is initially opened April 13, alsigns. been concerned about a sense of pride, when I most four months early, to Several parts of the the health of Georgians look around this place, a make more intensive care tower are named for large for years. Between obe- sense of awe and humbleunit beds available during Bernie Marcus called the tower Sid Kirschner is chief donors from the Jewish sity, heart attack, diabetes, ness when I reflect on the the COVID-19 pandemic. at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital in philanthropic officer for community: donors names behind me stroke, autism and trauma, But when hospital his family’s name a “blessing.”

Piedmont Healthcare The tower and MarI have always wanted to who saw the same vision leadership saw that the Foundation and a major donor to the Marcus Tower. cus Heart & Vascular CenCOVID patient numbers were declining a make sure that Georgians have the oppor- that Piedmont saw, the few weeks later, the $450 million first phase tunity to receive effective world-class treat- need to contribute and support and be part ter, The Lila L. Hertz Surgical Lounge, the Samsky Lobby and Samsky Invasive Carclosed and recleaned to prepare for its ment comparable to any other major city in of Piedmont.”

The Marcus Tower, he continued, “will diovascular Services Center. the United States. With Piedmont, Emory, scheduled opening last week.

Brett Samsky told the AJT his family solve today’s problems and Three floors of the 16-floor project Children’s Hospital of Attomorrow’s problems. We was “so very excited” about the new tower. opened to patients – no visitors are allowed lanta, Grady and Shepowe a debt of gratitude “If you look at other hospitals, Piedmont due to COVID restrictions – with more herd, as well as helicopter to everyone who has sup- Hospital is cutting edge not just regionwide floors expected to open in future phases. access to all these institubut nationwide.” ported this.”

The 10-year project that includes 408 beds tions, we are achieving this The Samsky Invasive Cardiovascular In a follow-up AJT inand 13 operating rooms was announced in goal.” terview, Kirschner said of Services Center is “the next generation for After the Marcus 2016 with an initial donation of $75 million the new tower, “To me it us” in terms of treating the heart, he said. from Bernie and Billi Marcus through The family’s initial donation, has special meaning.” He The family also donated to create the lobby. the hospital pledged to Marcus Foundation. said that when he was CEO “We thought the tower was so important Bernie Marcus said on the YouTube match that contribution of the Piedmont Physician in Atlanta.” In terms of medical care durvirtual tour video, “This is going to be linear, and has come within $1 Enterprise, he saw doctors’ ing COVID-19, the tower means “we have a this place where you’ll be able to park and million of its goal, Sidney needs to expand capabili- lot more beds than we did just a few weeks go up to a floor and meet people without get- Kirschner, a major tower Photo by Glenny Brown // Brett ties. “I was one of the early ago,” Samsky said. ting lost. It’s going to be a blessing but it’s go- donor and chief philanand Louise Samsky, longtime “Not only can people be more comfortarchitects” of the project ing to be a blessing for the city of Atlanta, for thropic officer for Piedhealthcare philanthropists, “and I stayed to comple- able in the facility, but we should have better mont Healthcare Foundathe state of Georgia and for the Southeast.” contributed to creating the lobby and cardiovascular tion, and even though we health outcomes, which is the most imporIn a follow-up message to the AJT, Mar- tion, told the AJT. center in the Marcus Tower. are only halfway there, I tant part of working with the heart. This is On the video he credcus said that he learned from Dr. Charlie Brown, CEO of Piedmont Physician Enter- ited Marcus’ vision for the project, which is can visualize the end. … and hopefully my a lasting legacy for Atlanta for a number of years.” ì prise, that “the first surgeries were excep- expected to be completed in 2026. “When grandchildren will appreciate it.”

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 9

NEWS

Real Estate Icon Selig’s Grand Leap in Midtown

Family room with skyline view.

Indoor-outdoor spa-like swimming pool.

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

three towers comprise a 675,000-square-foot Class A office tower, a 64-unit luxury condo A new Selig Enterprises office tower tower, 40 West 12th, and the Epicurean Atarising in Midtown, believed to be the larg- lanta hotel, a 178-key Marriott Autograph est under construction in Atlanta, embodies Collection hotel.

The towers are built on a retail and the vision of the late Scott Selig to transparking podium capped by form an underused city one-acre Sky Plaza accessible block in the business to office tenants, hotel guests district into a mixedand residents. All three towuse destination. ers are rising concurrently, “We are extremely with the residential tower proud to be developing set to top out later this sumsuch a comprehensive, mer, followed by the office three-tower project in tower and the hotel this fall. the heart of Midtown,” Completion is anticipated by said Steve Selig, presisummer 2021. dent and chairman of The office tower has the board. Scott was his Steve Selig, president and signed two impressive tenson. The elder Selig said chairman of the board, announced the development of 1105 Selig Enterprises’ comprehensive ants: Google and Smith, Gambrell & Russell. It will West Peachtree would three-tower project in Midtown. feature a new-age, contemhouse “thousands of high-quality jobs. Our unique, first-to-mar- porary design, with a 410-foot exoskeleton ket hotel concept, the Epicurean Atlanta, illuminated by LED lights 24/7 and floor-towill offer an elevated food and beverage ceiling windows with panoramic views. Approgram, complementing the ground floor proaching the tower, guests will be greeted community engaging retail. Finally, we are by a 90-foot-wide grand entranceway leadfilling a market need for quality residences ing into the parking deck.

The lobby has an elevated bar and in Midtown’s core with 40 West 12th.”

Initial plans for 1105 West Peachtree restaurant, and a 100-plus seat conference began in 2016. The project is a multi-tower room, state-of-the-art fitness center, and mixed-use development on a 3.5-acre site. The bike service and repair room. Office tenants

Diamonds!!!

1820 Independence Square # C, Dunwoody, GA 30338 (770) 396-3456 Max Haviv www.hajewelry.com Graduate Gemologist 10 | AUGUST 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Haim Haviv

Owner

Modern designer bathroom with clean lines.

Master bedroom with skyline view.

have access to concierge services such as car focused and the second of its kind, akin to a detailing, valet, and the signature Sky Plaza, sister hotel in Tampa. It features 178 rooms, a nearly one-acre amenity deck with breath- conference and event facilities and an activated terrace. The Epicurean Hotel will feataking city views.

Attorney Jay Schwartz, a partner of ture a chef-driven ground floor restaurant, Smith Gambrell & Russell, headed the firm’s and a poolside bar and restaurant on the Sky Plaza. search for office space Evaluating the beginning in 2016. recent work-fromTheir lease (signed in home phenomenon December 2018) enhas some commercial compasses 120,000 experts scratching square feet. Schwartz their heads about the recalled, “We went future of office space. through a long proOptimistic Chris Ahcess of evaluation, renkiel, Selig executive including our current vice president, stated, location. Our brokers “Since the start of the narrowed it down Sky Plaza view at dusk. year, Atlanta has seen to five buildings. We ultimately chose 1105 West Peachtree be- investment from multiple large companies cause of economics, location and amenities bringing thousands of new jobs to Atlanta’s including the sky deck and two balconies core, and we don’t foresee that slowing down. We expect to see a continued inoverlooking the hotel and retail.”

Residential 40 West 12th has large crease in investment from large tech firms, floorplans, 12- to 14-foot ceilings, floor-to- which will support job growth in Atlanta.

“Remote work will continue to become ceiling windows with sweeping views, dual-sided fireplaces opening to expansive a greater part of how employees will work, balconies and well-appointed kitchens and but it is difficult to train, mentor and build a company culture remotely. This can most bathrooms. effectively be done in An amenity level person, in the office and will feature a spa pool, especially in new office clubroom, private grotto buildings like 1105 West and fitness center. Shared Peachtree, which complespaces, including hotel ment a company’s office amenities and Sky Plaza space with additional enare accessible for resiergy and amenities, makdents through gateways ing coming into the office around the tower’s outa desired experience.” door terraces. The condo General contractor features a community liv40 West 12th sits on the corner of Brasfield & Gorrie is ensuring room with full kitchen West Peachtree and 12th Street. ing the health and safety and bar area with operable walls directly connecting to a private of workers and subcontractors. Schwartz grotto/outdoor terrace with unique fire fea- added, “We have taken into account internal configurations like spacing out workstatures and greenery.

Engel & Völkers Atlanta oversees the tions 6 feet apart, while Selig added a statesales and marketing of the 64 units and is of-the-art HVAC system.”

Selig sought out the Rockefeller Group hosting meetings and virtual reality tours.

They will soon be accepting appointments to as a joint venture partner with its 90 years of experience in high-end, ground-up contour the on-site presentation gallery.

The Epicurean Atlanta hotel is culinary- dominium projects. ì

NEWS

New Book Looks Behind ‘The Drudge Revolution’

By Bob Bahr In January 1998 Matt Drudge was a largely obscure innovator trying to develop an alternative new internet site called the Drudge Report. That changed literally overnight when Drudge learned that Newsweek magazine decided not to publish a story about an alleged affair between a young White House intern, Monica Lewinsky, and President Bill Clinton. Drudge published the story with the headline, “Newsweek Kills Story on White House Intern: 23-Year-Old, Sex Relationship with President,” and journalism was never the same again.

Drudge once advised Alex Jones, the sensationalist internet media host, not to back down from controversy. “You’re playing in Google’s hell pit,” he told Jones in 2015, “Make your own place. …

I live in a world that is free, colorful, vibrant, takes chances, bold, stands up to power. And that’s where I’ve made my success.”

Last year the Drudge Report claimed to have had 10 billion page views, which is generally credited to be accurate, and Drudge, both of whose parents were Jewish, had become a political kingmaker.

A new book by Matthew Lysiak, a former investigative reporter for the New York Daily News, explores the life and legend of the 53-year-old Drudge, who ironically has remained a very private celebrity. I spoke to Lysiak recently about his book, “The Drudge Revolution,” published July 28.

AJT: Who is Matt Drudge?

Lysiak: I would say that in our generation, there isn’t a single individual who’s had more of an impact on the way we consume information than Matt Drudge. He rose from absolute obscurity and usurped the entire media establishment of a generation that was decades in the making.

I feel like Matt’s kind of the godfather of the whole internet news revolution that we live in today; we’re all sort of in his shadow. But he doesn’t really get the credit he deserves for that. With this book, I wanted to bring that out.

AJT: You have spent a lot of time doing basic research on Drudge’s childhood. He was born to Jewish parent who divorced when he was quite young.

Does Drudge today acknowledge his Jewish roots?

Lysiak: He frequently travels to Tel Aviv and what’s interesting is that for

occurs.

Later he gave a speech to the Washington Press Club and he talked about the future. He looked at all these established journalists and he told them, look, you guys are obsolete.

In the future, he said, there’s going to be thousands and thousands of journalists reporting on their own through the internet. And I think that largely came true. But it’s good and bad. It’s a double-edged sword.

The reclusive Matt Drudge is rarely photographed in public.

This photo is from 1998.

“The Drudge Revolution” by Matthew Lysiak was published July 28.

someone who rarely does anything public, he went on Twitter about how Fox News covered a recent synagogue shooting. They appeared to be smiling while discussing it. He went on Twitter, very upset, and called them out. So he feels a deep connection to his Jewish heritage.

It isn’t something he dismisses. It’s a part of Matt. To what extent I’m not exactly sure.

gatekeepers. He was a wrecking ball that smashed right through them all. And rarely in history do I think you could pinpoint the exact moment when that

AJT: As you point out, Drudge just barely graduated from high school and had a history of psychological problems growing up. How did he succeed so spectacularly?

Lysiak: Matt’s ability to identify a story above and beyond anything else, to me, is key. He’s able to look into a story written by, say, the Associated Press, and find that really interesting nugget that might be buried in paragraph 12 and highlight it on his website. And he was an innovator. You know, it’s so easy now to think, oh, he’s an internet news guy. Well, when Matt began, he was just about the only internet news guy.

AJT: How did he change journalism?

Lysiak: I’m 42. When I was a kid, there was ABC, NBC, CBS and a few really very influential newspapers that sort of dictated the news that the American public had access to. When Matt posted the Monica Lewinsky story, it transformed the entire media landscape because from that moment forward editors weren’t given the luxury of being

AJT: Some critics have characterized the internet as similar to the wild west in the movies, where hate speech on social media is dangerously out of control. What do you think?

Lysiak: It is the wild west for media, but that puts a lot of onus and personal responsibility on the consumer. What’s the alternative exactly? Is it a government commission? How would that work? At the end of the day, we’re all just people making decisions and the media is not some independent monster. It’s a reflection of our desires. We get the media we deserve. ì

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Register at www.runsignup.com/ADMHrun ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 11

ISRAEL PRIDE

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME

Baby-faced “corn mummy” does not contain any human or animal remains, but corn and mud.

Mystery of Haifa Mummies Finally Unraveled The mystery of two mummies that have been housed at the Haifa-based National Maritime Museum for the past 50 years has been solved, The Times of Israel reported.

Taking the museum’s pandemic closure as an opportunity to shore up the unclear origins of some items, the Haifa Museums Director and Education Center Curator Adi Shelach and Collection Management Registrar Ron Hillel decided to investigate what was under two mystery mummies’ wraps.

The covered mummies were placed on a CT table. The first, whose external features look like a small child, still rested in its wooden sarcophagus; the second, a birdheaded mummy, was laid on paper toweling.

After murmurs of disappointment and disbelief as the scan of the first mummy commenced, more optimistic comments were heard as the second began. “Ah, now we’ve got something interesting,” said the technician. “We have bones, the smaller one is an animal. Here are the feathers — eizeh yofi! (how nice) — here is the wing. It’s a bird.

Here’s its spinal column.”

The 18-inch-long baby-shaped mummy turned out to not be a mummy at all, but was instead a “corn mummy” — an artifact created from grain and clay mud formed into a human-like shape to represent the god of the afterlife Osiris.

The 10-inch-long mummy of a bird — possibly a falcon — was decorated with a bird head to represent the god Horus, the falcon-faced son of Osiris and Isis.

According to Live Science, the National Maritime Museum plans to analyze the two ancient artifacts through carbon-14 testing before putting them in a special exhibit.

Today in Israeli History

Aug. 16, 1966: Operation Diamond, Israel’s plan to obtain a Russian-made MiG-21 fighter jet, succeeds when Iraqi pilot Munir Redfa lands at Hatzor Air Force Base for a $1 million bounty and other benefits.

Aug. 17, 1898: A few weeks before the Second Zionist Congress, 160 Russian Zionists meet secretly in Warsaw, where Ahad Ha’am calls for a Jewish cultural renaissance before Zionist political actions.

12 | AUGUST 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Israel’s two biggest cities are helping couples whose weddings have been upended by the coronavirus pandemic to get married in style, even as event halls are closed and strict limits on attendance are in place, The Times of Israel reported.

Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are making scenic spots available for wedding ceremonies, with financial support for couples that qualify. The cities launched the new programs to coincide with the recent celebration of Tu B’Av, the Jewish equivalent of Valentine’s Day. Earlier this week, Jerusalem began operating a program for couples with at least one person or one set of parents living in the city. The program offers a free venue and basic infrastructure for a 20-person wedding in popular locations there. Among the lo-

cations are the Mount Scopus Promenade, the Bloomfield Garden, the Jerusalem Forest and the observation point of the seven arches on the Mount of Olives.

The catch is that couples must be married through the Chief Rabbinate, so many of them, including same-sex and interfaith couples, are not eligible to participate in the Jerusalem program.

When Tel Aviv-Jaffa announced its “special wedding package” Aug. 4, in “picturesque” outdoor locations throughout the city, it did not suggest that couples must marry through the Chief Rabbinate. But it did extend special benefits to those whose weddings would be sanctioned by religious authorities.

“For couples wishing to marry through the Chief Rabbinate, a rabbi and ketubah (Jewish marriage contract) will also be provided cost-free,” the announcement said.

Tel Aviv’s package includes tables, chairs, white tablecloths and electricity.

Among the locations are the Wohl Amphitheater in Ganei Yehoshua Park, Menachem Begin Park, Botanical Garden and the Old Train Station.

Both programs run through Rosh Hashanah. Neither provides weddings on Shabbat.

published in Znamya, a Russian newspaper.

The Times of London proves it is a fraud in 1921.

Aug. 22, 1952: The Development Corporation for Israel brings 22 American Jewish leaders to Israel on a 15-day American Champions of Israel Bonds mission, the first of its kind.

Aug. 27, 1892: The first passenger train arrives in Jerusalem from Jaffa. The 53-mile railroad line reduces the travel time from two days to four hours.

Aug. 23, 1903: The Sixth Zionist Congress, the last presided over by Theodor Herzl, convenes in Basel, Switzerland, with approximately 600 delegates, and debates a proposal for a Jewish homeland in Uganda.

Aug. 28, 1898: The Second Zionist Congress begins in Basel, Switzerland, with 400 delegates, nearly double the size of the First Zionist Congress. The newcomers include Chaim Weizmann.

Aug. 19, 1856: Scholar Michah Joseph Berdichevski is born in Ukraine. He is best known for his Hebrew writings, including a lengthy debate with Ahad Ha’am about the nature of Hebrew literature.

Aug. 24, 1954: The Knesset passes the Bank of Israel Law on a 55-0 vote. The law, which goes into effect Dec. 1, sets up the Bank of Israel as the state’s central financial authority with 10 million pounds in initial capital.

Aug. 29, 1967: The Fourth Arab League Summit convenes in Khartoum, Sudan. The summit ends Sept. 1 by declaring the famous “three nos”: no peace, no recognition and no negotiations with Israel.

Aug. 20, 1920: The first Hebrewlanguage medical journal in Palestine, Harefuah (Medicine), begins publishing on a quarterly schedule under the auspices of the Jewish Medical Association of Palestine.

Aug. 25, 1918: Composer Leonard Bernstein is born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to Ukrainian-Jewish parents. He makes the first of several trips to Israel to conduct the future Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in 1947.

Aug. 21, 1982: U.S., French and Italian troops arrive in Beirut to supervise the evacuation of about 14,000 PLO fighters from

Aug. 26, 1903: “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion,” the most widely distributed anti-Semitic publication in history, is first

led excavations of the ancient city of Hippos (Susita) on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee in the 1950s.

Aug. 15, 2005: The day after the deadline for settlers to leave, soldiers and police start carrying out Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s plan for Israeli disengagement from the Gaza Strip.

Programs to Enable Weddings During Pandemic

Lebanon’s capital by Sept. 1. Yasser Arafat leaves Aug. 30 for Tunisia.

Photo by Michael Eisenberg // Claire Epstein

Soldiers erect a barrier between Israel and the Gaza Strip as part of the disengagement.

“The contrast between the most advanced technology and these ancient items dating back thousands of years was fascinating and deeply moving at the same time,” Haifa Museums Director Yotam Yakir stated in a press release.

Aug. 18, 2000: Archaeologist Claire Epstein, a London native who discovered the culture of the Chalcolithic Period (4500 to 3300 B.C.E.) in the Golan, dies at age 88 at Kibbutz Ginossar.

Aug. 30, 1944: Rattled by numerous attempts on his life, Harold MacMichael resigns as Britain’s fifth high commissioner to Palestine after more than six years.

Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (www.israeled.org), where you can find more details.

ISRAEL NEWS

Fourth Set of Elections in Israel?

By Jan Jaben-Eilon The number of protestors demonstrating weekly in Israel continues to grow. They are protesting against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself and his government’s handling of the coronavirus, along with the resulting economic crisis. Meanwhile, the latest survey of Israelis shows that one, a majority of voters support the protestors and two, they categorically do not want another election this year.

The last election was held in March – the third inconclusive election within a year. Yet, after the regular Sunday cabinet meeting was canceled Aug. 9, there was more speculation that a fourth election would be held in November.

The current law states that if the Israeli government fails to pass a new budget

by Aug. 25, the Knesset would be forced to dissolve itself, leading to another round of elections. However, a last-minute attempt to delay that deadline is now being considered. A bill to push the deadline forward by 100 days is expected to be brought to a vote by the Knesset Wednesday.

However, the results of the latest monthly survey conducted by the Guttman Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute were unmistakable. Only 28 percent of Israeli voters support holding another round of elections this year, while 58 percent of Israelis said they identify with protests against the government’s economic policy and 45 percent say they oppose Netanyahu, who is fighting charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes.

The IDI survey also indicated that 54 percent of the public is pessimistic about the future of democracy in their country, nearly 20 percent higher than their national security concerns.

Tens of thousands of Israelis have been regularly protesting outside the prime minister’s official residence in Jerusalem for weeks, while smaller groups continue to protest outside Netanyahu’s private residence in Caesarea, in Tel Aviv and at dozens of other locations around the country. At the same time, Israelis living outside the country have begun to protest against Netanyahu over the corruption charges against him, as well as his government’s perceived failure to handle the coronavirus crisis.

In the United States, protests by Israeli expats have been held in Boston, Washington, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami, while Israeli ex-

pats also protested in London, Basel, Toronto and Sydney.

“Israel has a long history of protests,” said Tal Grinfas-David, former principal of The Epstein School and now day school education specialist at the Center for Israel Education in Atlanta.

“Some have been more successful than others. I view protests as a natural part of democracy. This is one way to guarantee freedom of expression and to express the will of the people and hold the government accountable.”

The current expanding protests are dramatically different from previous protests, she told the AJT. She pointed to the successful “Four Mothers” protest, which convinced the Israeli government to pull the last remaining soldiers out of Lebanon in 2000, and the protest after the Yom Kippur War, which convinced Prime Minister Golda Meir to resign.

Those protests, like many others, were composed of unifying messages.

Also, in the 2011 social justice protests that brought half a million Israelis to the streets, the complaints focused on the inability of young people to support themselves and the inequities in the economy.

Similarly, in September 1982, 400,000 Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv to protest in the wake of the massacre in the Israeli-controlled Palestinian refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila in Beirut at the hands of the Lebanese Christian Phalangist militia. The protests led to the establishment of the Kahan Commission, which asserted that Israel was indirectly responsible for the massacre and recommended that then-Defense Minister Ariel Sharon resign. [He gave up that post but stayed in the government.]

The current protests are perhaps unique in their diffuse complaints, said Grinfas-David. “Some are protesting corruption, some the economy and some the handling of the pandemic,” she said.

According to former Atlantan Benji Lovitt, people are just sick of a government that he says is out of touch with the people. “The social contract is that we pay high taxes and serve in the army and, in exchange, the government will take care of us, and it’s not happening,” said Lovitt, a Texas native who lived in Atlanta from 1999 to 2003. During his time in Atlanta, Lovitt worked at the Israeli consulate for a year. He made aliyah in 2006 and is currently living in Jaffa.

Although he hasn’t joined the protests in Jerusalem, Lovitt said he attended one in Charles Clore Park in Tel Aviv. “It doesn’t seem to be as big as the 2011 pro-

“Some are protesting corruption, some the economy and some the handling of the pandemic,” observes Tal Grinfas-David of the Center For Israel Education.

Former Atlantan Benji Lovitt said the current protests don’t seem to be as large as the 2011 social justice demonstrations.

tests, but then people were putting up tents in the streets and you could measure” how much space they were filling.

“There are no tents now.” The stand-up comedian contends that it’s hard to know what will happen as a result of the protests.

“Sometimes changes aren’t immedi-

ate,” Grinfas-David said, “but the protests can change public opinion perception.”

Observing from afar, she said the protestors are asserting that there’s been an erosion of Democratic norms. “That’s what these protests are about. The people don’t trust that the government is there to serve the state.” ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 13

OPINION David Perdue Must Apologize, Republicans Must Hold Him Accountable In 1790, George Washington wrote a letter to the Jews of Newport, R.I., making clear that Jewish Americans were full and equal citizens Michael of the new naRosenzweig tion. In that letGuest Columnist ter, Washington promised that our nation would give “to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance,” thus establishing that from the very beginning of America’s independence, bigotry, and particularly antisemitism, were fundamentally inconsistent with America’s core values.

This promise has been repeatedly broken by President Trump and others in his party, including my senator, David Perdue, R-Ga. As a member of the Atlanta Jewish community, I can attest to the fact that Perdue is so desperate that he is willing to sink to truly disgraceful depths in an effort to beat his Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff. Witness the digital ad Perdue recently ran, grotesquely altering the size of Ossoff’s nose and accusing Ossoff and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., of trying to “buy Georgia.” In embracing the caricature of Jews with large noses and leveling the scurrilous accusation that Ossoff and Schumer – both Jewish – are trying to buy influence and power, Perdue invoked two of the world’s oldest antisemitic tropes.

Employing such a campaign tactic blatantly violates the promise Washington made to America’s Jews, but also echoes President Trump’s own use of antisemitic tropes. Just as when Trump called Jews financial “killers” earlier this year, Perdue has associated Jews with money. To add insult to injury, he’s also perpetuated negative physical stereotypes associated with Jews. For both President Trump and Senator Purdue, this is a cynical and ugly ploy to use hatred to further their political agenda, and it has no place in our civic discourse.

Ossoff rightly called the ad “offensive and shocking,” but worse than that, it is downright dangerous, and we’ve seen the result of Trump’s own antisemitism in recent years. He has fomented horrific and violent Jew-hatred by neo-Nazis and white nationalists, helping to create the current climate of rising antisemitism and hate crimes we see in our country.

In following the example of his party’s leader, 14 | AUGUST 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

with whom (according to FiveThirtyEight) he agrees 95 percent of the time, Perdue’s behavior was deeply reckless and irresponsible. His action has hurt and endangered all Jewish Americans and, indeed, all Americans, by signaling that rank bigotry is now an acceptable tactic in political campaigns.

I am a proud resident of Atlanta, where I have lived for over 30 years. When the news of Perdue’s ad broke, I was just logging off a meeting of the Georgia chapter of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, on whose national board I serve. At the meeting, activists had shared stories about facing antisemitism and about how the divisive, antisemitic rhetoric of the Trump administration has affected their lives. These were hard conversations, but I was profoundly moved to be working with American Jews determined to elect candidates who understand that bigotry of all forms must be soundly and unequivocally rejected. Clearly, David Perdue lacks that understanding.

Once he saw the widespread disgust he had engendered, Perdue took down his ad, but he refused to take responsibility for his actions, instead blaming his consultants for what he described as an inadvertent manipulation of Ossoff’s photo. Yet the photo was accompanied by antisemitic copy explicitly accusing two Jewish politicians of seeking to “buy” an election. That copy was hardly inadvertent, and given its juxtaposition with the photo, it strains credulity to believe that the photo’s manipulation to enlarge and elongate Ossoff’s nose was accidental and unintentional.

Perdue has steadfastly refused to apologize for either the copy or the photo, making clear that he will not hold himself accountable for his campaign’s conduct. Likewise, the silence of Republicans, to say nothing of the full-throated defense of Perdue offered by the Republican Jewish Coalition, isn’t surprising given their constant defense of Trump, but it’s deeply troubling. As a consequence, we in Georgia must hold Perdue accountable, for both his conduct and his evasion of responsibility. George Washington understood clearly that there is no place in the United States for the bigotry Perdue so easily embraces. On Nov. 3, we must resoundingly remind ourselves of the important lesson Washington imparted to our young nation by rejecting bigotry and rejecting David Perdue. ì Michael Rosenzweig is a board member of the Jewish Democratic Council of America and a head of the JDCA Georgia chapter.

OPINION

Senator Perdue is a Friend You are probably aware of the controversial ad that was run in support of Senator David Perdue’s campaign. Senator Perdue has made it clear Bonnie & Chuck that the inadBerk vertent error Guest Columnists in the ad was made by an outside vendor and as soon as it was brought to his attention, he pulled the ad and terminated the relationship with the vendor.

It’s disheartening to see people trying to level false antisemitic allegations against him. There are few things more dreadful than being unfairly accused of racism. As upset as Jon Ossoff may have been, Senator Perdue was also victimized by the company he hired and trusted.

David Perdue has been our senator for almost six years and has demonstrated a consistent, distinguished record of

supporting the Jewish community and Israel. His first foreign trip as senator was to Israel to establish a relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He co-sponsored multiple bills to end anti-Israel BDS boycotts, supported the Taylor Force Act to halt funding for the Palestinian Authority until they end stipends for known terrorists, and co-sponsored a Senate resolution condemning all forms of antisemitism.

One has to wonder why the ADL and the AJC ignored his record and attacked him as if he were some known anti-Semite. Did they not know their own senator? Are they not aware of his unblemished record supporting Jewish issues?

It was disappointing that fuel was added to the fire by the American Jewish Committee falsely claiming that Senator Schumer was included in the ad because he’s Jewish and that “buying Georgia evokes antisemitic imagery.” That’s a ludicrous charge in this case. The AJC’s statement ignored the fact that progressive Democrats like Jon Ossoff, Lucy McBath and Stacey

Abrams receive over 90 percent of their donations from out-of-state supporters.

Should donors from San Francisco or New York influence a senate election here? Definitely not. Senator Schumer was shown in the ad because he is the highest-ranking Democrat as minority leader of the Senate and the most influential Democrat directing outside-ofGeorgia money, millions of dollars, to influence our races... It was not some made up antisemitic trope as media like the NYT and supporters of Jon Ossoff contend. What benefit would there be for Senator Perdue to purposely alienate the Jewish community?

We couldn’t express our feelings for him any better than this statement, which was released by Senator Norm Coleman, board chair of the Republican Jewish Coalition: “Time and again, Senator David Perdue has proven himself to be a true friend to the Jewish community and has stood firmly against anti-Semitic bigotry. Since coming to the Senate, he has consistently condemned hatred toward our community and has worked with

national security leaders to protect synagogues and Jewish community centers from anti-Semitic threats and violence.

Senator Perdue has made it clear that he strongly supports the right of all people to live free of anti-Semitism and hate in all forms. I am proud to support Senator Perdue, a true ally of the Jewish community. Senator Perdue has stood with the Jewish community in both combatting anti-Semitism and his unwavering commitment to the security of the Jewish state of Israel.”

We have known David Perdue since he ran for the Senate and occasionally get together with David and Bonnie Perdue for dinner. Over the years, we have hosted him at numerous meetings with hundreds of Jewish Georgia citizens.

He is a friend and a mensch. We know the real man, what’s in his gut and we’d like the Atlanta Jewish community to know that any attempts to smear him with charges of antisemitism are simply false. ì Chuck and Bonnie Berk are co-chairs of the Republican Jewish Coalition.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 15

OPINION

John Lewis Remembered: The AEPi Connection Sixty years ago, I was a freshman at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. A proud AEPi pledge, I was on “telephone duty” in the fraternity Dale Schwartz house when Guest Columnist the phone rang.

A young African American college student from Fisk University was calling the Jewish fraternities to seek support for what later became known as a sit-in demonstration at a lunch counter downtown at Woolworth’s in Nashville. Students from Fisk, Meharry Medical College, American Baptist Theological Seminary, Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial College and a local high school were to participate.

A short while earlier, in Greensboro, N.C., a group of young Black students demanded service at a segregated lunch counter in a Woolworth’s store. They were refused service but came back every day. Their efforts let to the sit-in movement across America and ultimately led, in no small measure, to the passage of the Civil Rights Act by President [Lyndon] Johnson.

Several of my AEPi brothers and I thought it would be “fun” to be there.

So, on a Saturday just before noon, we showed up at Woolworth’s. The black students came in and sat down at the lunch counter and politely asked for menus. The waitresses were prepared and put up a CLOSED sign on the lunch counter. One of the waitresses poured a vanilla milk shake over the head of one of students, turned around and left. A few minutes later the Nashville police arrived. They mocked us and called us “n-

16 | AUGUST 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

At Woolworth’s lunch counter in 1960, black and Jewish youth sat together in a civil rights protest.

---r lovers.”

Within an hour, due in no doubt to the radio reports of the demonstration, the Klan wannabees showed up, mostly dressed in overalls and blue jeans, some with pints of whiskey sticking out of their back pockets. One short, fat white man walked up to the back of one of the young women sitting at the counter and put his lighted cigar into her back. To this day, I sometimes wake up at night remembering the sound of his hot cigar on her back — like a hamburger hitting the grill. Maybe I just imagine the sound, but it still seems real to me.

We jumped that man and beat him up. But the Klan types turned their full attention to beating us kids. I got hurt so badly that I was taken to Vanderbilt Hospital ER for treatment. The local policemen stood by, doing nothing to stop the beatings, and just laughed at us. Luckily nothing on me was broken. My mother and father got to see me being beaten on the national network news that evening,

as photographed by the local TV stations who arrived shortly after the rednecks.

The university threatened to kick us AEPi brothers out of school for “inciting a riot.” We dared them to do that, and they backed down.

The Nashville sit-ins (as they came to be known) led to a boycott of Nashville merchants and demonstrations by thousands of local citizens. With the leadership of the mayor of Nashville, the lunch counters and restaurants in the city agreed to provide service to Black customers.

We didn’t know the names of any of the Black students at that lunch counter that day, but we will never forget their courage.

Turn the clock forward about 30 years. My law firm purchased a table at a birthday party and fundraiser for Congressman John Lewis at the Marriott hotel in downtown Atlanta. I had known John Lewis quite well and had served on some Black-Jewish committees with him, as well as working on other legislative matters of concern to the Jewish community. Someone had put together a video of John’s life, from his preaching to the chickens on his family’s farm in Alabama to his rise to Congress. They found an old blackand-white film clip from one of the networks, and there I was for all of two seconds on the screen, being beaten up.

My wife let out a scream when she saw me, and John Lewis, who was sitting a few tables away from us, came right over to ask my wife what was wrong.

When she told him, he asked us to stay after the dinner ended.

When everyone else had left, John had the technician run the video again and he stop-framed it when my face ap-

Congressman John Lewis thanked Schwartz for being at the lunch counter with him in 1960.

peared, replete with my pompadour and big, black Buddy Holly glasses. John hugged me and remarked that we had known each other for over 30 years, but never realized we were together at that lunch counter in Nashville.

John looked at me and my wife and said: “Every Black politician in America claims he was at that lunch counter in Nashville, but I’m the only one with a white witness!” I will never forget that moment.

When my three daughters were little ones in school and went on field trips to Washington, they always visited Congressman Lewis. He was so gracious to the children and would introduce himself to each child and ask their names. If one said “Schwartz” he would ask them if they were related to Dale Schwartz.

Then he would tell the kids that we were friends.

President Obama mentioned the Nashville lunch counter sit-in in his eulogy of John at his funeral. It made me remember this story and how, when John and I were together over the years, he mentioned to me that he will never forget how we Jews, and especially Jewish kids, were the only ones they could turn to for support and help in those early days. I am proud that my AEPi brothers joined me that day. None of us will ever forget that day, or the reasons we were there.

John Lewis was a small-in-stature person. But he was a giant among men.

Rest in Peace my friend. ì Dale Schwartz, an Atlanta immigration lawyer, has held various leadership positions in the Jewish community, including roles with the Anti-Defamation League and the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society.

OPINION

What is ‘Jewish privilege?’

It’s complicated.

The Torah portion Va e t c h a n a n (Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11), which was read the week this column was written, outlines the terms of God’s Dave Schechter covenant with From Where I Sit the Jewish people and why the Jews are “chosen to be a people belonging exclusively to God, more than all the other peoples that are upon the earth.”

Think of it as the original statement of #JewishPrivilege.

That hashtag appeared on Twitter in early July, prompting postings of anti-Jewish sentiment and conspiracy theories: Jews control the media, banks, politicians, and are behind the plot to (fill in the blank). For a time, #JewishPrivilege was “trending,” which meant it was a hot topic.

Four years ago, alt-right adherents placed triple parentheses (known as an “echo”) around names on Twitter, primarily to harass journalists who are Jewish. The tables were turned by journalists and friends who added the symbol to their Twitter display names — (((daveschechter))) for @daveschechter.

This time around, the hashtag was coopted by Jews to tell personal stories of discrimination and abuse, and to highlight the historic trials and tribulations of the Jewish people.

The turnabout was initiated by Israeli writer Hen Mazzig, who posted: “#JewishPrivilege is when my grandparents were violently forced out of Iraq and Tunisia for being Jewish with only the clothes to their back.

Along with 850,000 other MENA [Middle East and North Africa] Jews they arrived to Israel with nothing, only spoke Arabic, and lived in a tent/tin shack for years. I want all my Jewish followers to share the ‘Jewish Privilege’ them and their families experienced.”

Many did, in what historian and author Gil Troy called “Jew-jitsu, turning the negative into the positive.”

Much of the current #JewishPrivilege debate centers on racial identity. Along those lines, I remain astonished that a column I wrote in December 2016 titled “Are Jews White? It’s complicated,” was the most viewed item on the Atlanta Jewish Times website in July. A Google search for “Are Jews White?” found that column listed on the first page of 25,600 results.

Of course, not all American Jews are white; whether the 12 to 15 percent estimated in a study published in May 2019 by research-

ers from Stanford University and the University of San Francisco, or the 6 percent cited in a 2013 Pew Research Center study.

One commentary on #JewishPrivilege asserted that “white Ashkenazi Jews have privilege because they are white,” while Jews “of color” (a term that engenders its own debate) report having their religious identity and even their presence in synagogues questioned because of the color of their skin.

So, is “Jewish privilege” a thing?

“The term ‘privilege’ in our current U.S. social context has many meanings,” said Paul Root Wolpe, director of the Emory Center for Ethics at Emory University. “Jews do have privilege by being, by and large, white in a society that clearly shows white privilege. But is there a uniquely ‘Jewish privilege’ independent of white privilege? Only to the extent that any relatively wealthy, relatively close-knit community can be called privileged.”

Others may meet that standard but “The difference is that those communities do not have the history of centuries of persecution and prejudice against them that the Jews do.

So, in that sense, it seems ironic and misguided to talk of Jewish privilege,” Wolpe said.

Educator and entrepreneur Tarece Johnson is believed to be both the second African American and the second Jew elected to the Gwinnett County school board.

“No. There is White privilege and some Jews who happen to be White or White-passing benefit from living in a racist and antiBlack society,” Johnson said in an email. “AntiSemitism is not a benefit and it is certainly not a privilege to experience hate because of your religion, ancestry, and/or culture. So, in my opinion, being Jewish is not a ‘privilege,’ in the racialized social meaning of the word, but being White may certainly afford opportunities that non-White people just are not privileged to experience.”

The latter includes “not worrying about your child’s lessons in school completely erasing and making invisible their history, experiences, and representation” and being “privileged to not experience Police brutality and injustices, not because they are Jewish, but because they are White,” she said.

Lois Frank, long active in the Jewish and wider Atlanta community, took a different tack. “It is not a public or social privilege. It is a personal gift, if one can accept it. By accident of birth, it offers a legacy of values, culture, community, tradition, discipline, laws and customs that are brilliant in their understanding of human nature. What we choose to accept and yoke ourselves with is one issue. What prejudice others bring to their perceptions of us is another,” Frank said.

So, are Jews privileged? It’s complicated. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 17

OPINION Letter to the editor,

Letter to the editor,

I have not read the self-published book by Matt Lieberman. That said, the controversy over a work of fiction already in print for two years strikes me as a literary debate that is being politicized as part of a larger strategy.

The Senate seat held by Ms. Kelly Loeffler has 21 candidates from multiple parties running for it in November. I am told that this is called a “jungle primary.” What it means is that if one candidate does not receive 50 percent plus 1 vote, then the top two vote recipients advance to a January 2021 runoff. Given the number of candidates running, a runoff is all but assured.

Democrats have eight candidates who qualified with the Georgia secretary of state and will appear on the November ballot. In the last two U.S. Senate elections in Georgia in 2014 and 2016, Democrat voters accounted for 45 percent and 41 percent, respectively, of total votes cast. Even if Democrat voters accounted for 50 percent of the total vote, they would theoretically be splitting those votes among eight candidates. In other words, they are fragmenting their impact. As a practical matter, there are three leading Democrat candidates: Rev. Raphael Warnock, Mr. Lieberman, and former State Senator Ed Tarver. Using the book controversy to hasten Lieberman’s exit from the contest is simply a means of reducing the number of Democrat contenders, a job the party should have done back in February.

Rest assured that Republican voters will turn out for the Loeffler-[Doug] Collins donnybrook. It is reasonable to assume that those two candidates will be the top two vote-getters in the November election and thereby advance to the runoff. To me, it appears that the Georgia Democrat Party has squandered a once-in-a-generation opportunity to flip a Senate seat because it refused to think through the consequences of having so many candidates. In all likelihood, the Democrat contest will be a mere sideshow to the Loeffler-Collins contest.

Richard Lapin, Dunwoody

Senator Perdue’s campaign ad incorporating anti-Semitic tropes is hurtful and divisive. Senator Perdue has been a friend to our community and a supporter of a Senate resolution condemning anti-Semitism. Cleary some of his campaign staff members who oversee marketing and his ad agency do not share similar moral standards.

Individuals who use anti-Semitism and discrimination to propagate an “us and them” paradigm further divide our country and should be rooted out.

A public apology for the campaign’s errors accompanied with some house cleaning is appropriate. Fixing blame to a now terminated third-party ad agency was an appropriate first step, but it falls far short of creating accountability within his campaign going forward.

Steve Oppenheimer, Atlanta

18 | AUGUST 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Letter to the editor, “And they’ve got big noses ...”

The Republican Jewish Coalition in Georgia has stated that Senator David Purdue is a true friend of the Jewish community and a real mensch. So now our “real friends” and “mensches” are persons who doctor photographs to make their opponents look more Jewish, encouraging anti-Semites to be certain to vote against that opponent.

Is this the new ethic of our Jewish community? Have we become morally bankrupt?

Philip N. Kranz, Sandy Springs

OPINION Letter to the editor, Many in Georgia are following the close Senate race between Republican incumbent Senator David Perdue and Democrat Jon Ossoff, a media executive and small business owner. This race is one of many across the country that could help Democrats take back control of the Senate if it results in an Ossoff victory. For us as the Jewish Democratic Women’s Salon, Atlanta, a grassroots organization, this race hits close to home.

If elected, Ossoff has pledged to fight for the things that matter most to us, including healthcare coverage for every American, defending a woman’s right to choose, instituting gun safety reforms and closing equity gaps in our education system. Jon’s mother Heather is an active member of JDWS and a role model to all 1,500 members of our group for the power of activism to accomplish community change.

When news broke that Perdue’s campaign had run a now-deleted ad accusing Democrats of “trying to buy Georgia” along with a photo that appeared to make Ossoff’s nose larger, we were disappointed but not surprised. We were disappointed that Perdue has decided to play into the political divisions that are plaguing our nation instead of working to unify our community. We were disappointed that his campaign chose to target Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and Ossoff, both of whom are Jewish, and accuse Democrats of trying to buy the election. We were curious why, with less than 100 days remaining until the election, Perdue’s campaign is blaming an outside vendor for the altered photo – which they are calling an “unintentional error” – and attacking his opponent rather than focusing on bettering the lives of the citizens he was elected to represent. We were disappointed, but we were not surprised. We were not surprised because we have seen this type of attack before. The world recognizes an anti-Semitic attack when they see one. And we are not surprised that Perdue and his campaign have not sufficiently apologized for this “unintentional error.” Ossoff is correct in saying that this type of ad is the “oldest, most obvious, least original anti-Semitic trope in history.” And it does not belong in politics.

For far too long and far too often, discrimination against the Jewish people has been motivated by fear, or even more commonly, simply because of blatant racism.

Instead of pressing his opponent on priorities and policy ideas, Perdue has chosen to attack the identity of his opponent. We may never know what led up to the production and publication of this ad, nor who was directly involved, but we do know this: anti-Semitism has plagued our nation and our politics for far too long - and we will not tolerate it.

We in Georgia who are committed to ending hate in our midst feel compelled to call it out and remind others that we cannot tolerate hate in any of its forms. As women, as Jews, and as Georgia residents, we are fighting to end the divisiveness that has broken our nation. Changing the tide in America starts on the local level, and we are urging you to join us. Join us in standing up against anti-Semitism. Join us in creating a political environment where candidates prioritize the well-being of those they work to represent and value discourse rather than attacking the identities of their opponents. We cannot do this alone. In the days leading up to one of the most important elections in American history, both nationally and on a local level, we invite you to join organizations like ours that are fighting for the issues that matter. Vote and encourage your family and friends to do so as well. Get involved in a campaign. Advocate for the issues you value the most.

We were disappointed by Perdue’s ad, but we will not let his campaign, or any other groups or individuals, succeed in running elections by resorting to anti-Semitic tropes. Join us now in changing the tide of our country and proving that anti-Semitism and hate have no place in our politics.

Valerie Habif and Joanie Shubin, Jewish Democratic Women’s Salon Atlanta

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OPINION Letter to the editor, Being Jewish and interested in social justice, I supported the Black Lives Matter organization when it was established. My enthusiasm waned for that organization during the 2015 riots because of the hate, violence and anti-Semitism posted on social networking sites, although I remain committed to racial equality. I also discovered that the roots of the organization are Marxist, and their 2016 platform included a bigoted slur against Israel – that it commits genocide against Palestinians.

The hate, violence and anti-Semitism has resurfaced in 2020, this time more intense and in more cities. In case you are not aware, in the last two weeks protestors have burned and vandalized many churches and their statutes in 12 states ; crime has increased dramatically; protestors in New York City attacked police with baseball bats; the convicted terrorist Susan Rosenberg was revealed as being on the board and in charge of fundraising for the BLM Global Network's fundraising nonprofit, Thousand Currents; Bari Weiss, The New York Times opinion writer and author of "How to Fight Anti-Semitism" resigned, claiming censorship, bullying and illiberalism in her work place; and Nick Cannon, the host of Fox's “The Masked Singer" advanced antiSemitism conspiracy theories on his ViacomCBS podcast. And where is the outrage over recent anti-Semitic tweets and posts by sports celebrities and Hollywood?

Weeks before, feelings of sadness overcame me after watching on TV the cutting off of the head of a Christopher Columbus statute and the chopping to bits of a Confederate general's statute. I would have felt differently if there would have been a debate on the subject and a vote on the removal of these statutes.

It was even sadder to view the vandalization of statutes of Abraham Lincoln, General Ulysses Grant, abolitionists Hans Christian Heg and Matthias Baldwin, the unknown Black soldier and police officers who died in the line of duty. State Senator Tim Carpenter, D-Wisc., a longtime supporter of the far left was attacked by BLM supporters at the state capitol in Madison. What insanity! Criminal behavior does not advance the cause of racial equality.

The attacks on property and persons reminded me of other excessive violent cultural revolutions: Robespierre’s France, Hitler's Germany, Stalin's USSR, Mao's China and Pol Pot's Cambodia. History reveals in every case of violent revolutions and revolutionaries, they eat up their supporters.

U.S. history contains good and bad events, but it is our history. Despite our nation's warts, almost everyone in the world wants to move here. In America we learn from our mistakes, then we move on. The barrier to stopping the violence is that local elected officials care more about appeasing the mob and winning elections than about the violence and the victims of violence.

Ask yourself: *Do you want only one political party in control? *Do you want others to deny you freedom of speech; to determine what books you can read; what movies and TV you can see; what music you can hear and what plays you can attend? *Do you want to lose the freedom of religion? *Do you want others to control your career choice? *Do you want you and your family to feel unsafe?

If your answer is no to these questions, then speak up to your local/state/federal elected officials and to rabbis and to Jewish leaders and to whomever and say yes, I am for racial equality, yet we must stop the violence and the erosion of our freedoms.

At the same time you do that, keep in mind to do mitzvahs of human kindness such as working towards racial equality and educating, enlightening and teaching others not to hate.

Shalom, Bob Schneider, Cincinnati, Ohio 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.

20 | AUGUST 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

OPINION

Our Rabbis and Synagogues Need Us The high holidays are rapidly approaching. We will be celebrating the end of our year, ushering in a new year, and asking each other Michael A. Morris for forgiveness Publisher's Note as always. However, this year we will do so under very different conditions than any other time in our lifetimes.

I am also confident that our rabbis will teach us how to celebrate these holidays halachically and safely. I also suspect, in this era of COVID-19, more of us will be performing the mitzvah of eating in a sukkah with family. This pandemic is ripe for this mitzvah!

As we consider how we will be celebrating and praying with our community through these holidays, I would like to plant a seed. For many of us this time of year, we connect with our rabbis and synagogues more than usual. It is a blessing in our community that all of our synagogues and rabbis have remained intact for our teaching, support, spiritual nourishment and life cycle events. As it has been difficult for us to navigate these times, so has it been difficult for our institutions of worship.

Our synagogues are a center for education: pre-school, Hebrew school, learning Hebrew, adult education, motivation and support. Our buildings support community events, social gatherings and life cycle events. The ritual of weekly prayer invites people to become more involved, spiritually, physically and financially.

Special programing for disabled, summer camp, seniors and youth groups are all staples in synagogue life.

Now, as we all recognize, almost all of these programs – in other words, sources of income – have evaporated. Our shuls as well as their most important assets, clergy and staff, remain intact and must remain intact. They are an indispensable piece of Judaism and our heritage. They, like everything else in this current atmosphere, are just performing essential tasks until life is back to normal.

I am pointing this out because this year most synagogues will not fill their sanctuaries during high holiday services, and this means yet one more lost revenue stream for our beloved institutions.

I shouldn’t need to say this, but our synagogues cannot continue to thrive while virtually all sources of income have stopped. I suspect for many of our congregations, the high holidays represent the single largest fundraising opportunity of the year (after dues).

If you are in a position to give, now is the time to stand up. If you want to safeguard your synagogue and support the perpetuity of your rabbi as well as the rest of the clergy and staff, now is the time to open your wallet. If you want to ensure the continuity of Judaism in Atlanta, now is the time to make a donation. If we all do what we can, if we all do something, our rabbis and our synagogues will weather this storm with us.

This year, most of us will not pray together or even in a synagogue. Do not let that determine your level of support. We do not always know when we will need our rabbis, but we do know that our rabbis and synagogues need us now more than ever. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 21

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE High Holy Days Planning Framed by COVID-19

By Dave Schechter On Rosh Hashanah it is inscribed, And on Yom Kippur it is sealed.

How many shall pass away and how many shall be born, Who shall live and who shall die, Who shall reach the end of his days and who shall not.

The prayer known as Unetanah Tokef sets forth themes of judgment and redemption that frame the “days of awe,” the period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Translated from Hebrew as “We shall ascribe holiness to this day,” the prayer is recited (more commonly in Ashkenazic than Sephardic congregations) on the Jewish New Year and 10 days later on the Day of Atonement.

In between, the faithful believe, God opens the books and enters the names of those who will live and who will die, though what is written can be altered before the books close by acts of teshuvah, tefillah and tzedakah (repentance, prayer and charity).

“The Unetanah Tokef prayer is the most

22 | AUGUST 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

powerful and challenging of all the prayers we recite on the Holy Days,” said Rabbi Peter Berg, senior rabbi at The Temple. “Do I really believe that God will choose to spare me from, and others will die by, fire, famine, or COVID-19?”

Indeed, among its enumeration of how some may die, the Unetanah Tokef includes: Who by plague.

Those words – possibly dating to the 6th century C.E. based on fragments found in the Cairo genizah – have taken on added significance in the midst of a pandemic that has contributed to deaths and hospitalizations within Atlanta’s Jewish community and remains a threat to public health.

The start of year 5781 of the Jewish calendar, at sunset Friday, Sept. 18, will usher in High Holy Days worship reconfigured because of COVID-19. How the Jews of Atlanta observe will be framed by the principle of pikuach nefesh (saving a life), by which the preservation of a human life supplants any other considerations, as stated in the Talmud: “Whoever destroys a soul, it is as if he destroyed an entire world. And whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an

Congregation Or Ve Shalom

entire world.”

To ensure the health of the community, synagogues across the Atlanta area are managing what Congregation Bet Haverim, in the Reconstructionist movement, called an “unprecedentedly complicated” planning process in an email to congregants.

“We are not alone in these considerations. Every synagogue in Atlanta and around the world is dealing with these is-

sues,” said Scott Allen, executive director at Congregation Or Hadash.

Five weeks before Rosh Hashanah, as this article is published, planning for the High Holy Days remains a work in progress at many congregations. Numerous congregations have sent questionnaires to their members, to gauge interest in participating in worship and other rituals associated with the High Holy Days. “We are aware

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE that these plans may need to change and that the medical and governmental guidelines remain in flux. Nevertheless, these responses will help us formulate a plan that best serves our entire membership,” a notice sent by Congregation Beth Jacob read.

No matter the solutions that individual congregations employ, “This is going to be a very different High Holy Days, which may one day lead to their own version of ‘Mah Nishtanah,’ how different these holidays are from every other holidays,” said Rabbi Mark Zimmerman of Congregation Beth Shalom.

Where sanctuaries usually are filled during the High Holy Days, the only voices to be inside the walls at many non-Orthodox congregations this year will be those of a rabbi, a cantor, and possibly a handful of people participating in the service. The various forms of technology that Atlanta synagogues have employed since mid-March to transmit services, classes and other programs will provide High Holy Days worship for the vast majority of their congregants.

Religious law bars Orthodox congregations from employing such technology for worship services, so the logistics of inperson services becomes a greater challenge. Even where a fraction of a congregation may gather, social distancing will leave empty spaces in otherwise filled pews.

Rabbis, from multiple movements within Judaism, said that the essential elements will be retained, but other, familiar pieces of the program may be forgone.

“There are a number of poems which we usually sing and for many people those songs are the high holidays. We will have to eliminate them to focus on essential prayers only,” said Rabbi Binyomin Friedman of Congregation Ariel, where a slimmed-down Orthodox service indoors may run three hours and abbreviated worship in a tent outside perhaps half that long.

Rabbi Yossi New said that at Congregation Beth Tefillah, an Orthodox congregation affiliated with Chabad of Georgia, the probable offerings would be a full service indoors, with social distancing and masks required, or an abbreviated outdoor service.

“We’re going to offer a full service, all the essential parts. I shouldn’t say this, but we can cut out the rabbi’s sermon, which is discretionary,” New said, with a chuckle. Some songs and discretionary prayers also will be trimmed.

Beth Tefillah also hopes to arrange visits to people in the neighborhood of the shul who are unable or unwilling to attend in person, including blowing the shofar. The latter becomes especially important as “a significant portion of our membership have indicated that they probably will not come to any kind of service” because of COVID-19 concerns, New said.

While Beth Tefillah cannot use technology to feed a traditional service, New plans

Rabbi Peter Berg at The Temple calls Unetanah Tokef “the most powerful and challenging of all the prayers we recite on the Holy Days.”

to offer an informal online service in advance of the High Holy Days, combining a primer on how to navigate the prayer book with inspirational teachings.

The length of a service is no less important for non-Orthodox congregations that will offer services to virtual congregations, in homes across the Atlanta area and beyond. “A very wise person once said the brain can only absorb what the tuchus can endure,” Zimmerman quipped.

While services at his Conservative congregation will be online, Zimmerman said that at Beth Shalom “a very small group of people, probably around 25 to 30, will be spread out in the sanctuary and social hall to take aliyot and Torah readings.”

COVID-19 continues to disrupt Jewish religious practices steeped in tradition.

Think, for example, of the moment just before sunset that heralds the start of Yom Kippur, when the congregation stands to chant “Kol Nidre” and the individual Jew is subsumed into a larger Jewish whole.

What cannot be replicated in the virtual space or where only a fraction of worshippers are allowed to gather is what Rabbi Adam Starr of the Modern Orthodox Congregation Ohr HaTorah called “the sense of the community coming together and the multitudes spending hours on end connecting to one another, connecting to prayer.”

Congregations are drawing on expertise from within their memberships, from doctors, nurses and public health experts from the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The rabbis, staff and lay leaders of Atlanta area synagogues are making the decisions based on not only religious dictates, but also on what they can handle logistically while safeguarding the health of all involved.

“While plans were developed to allow for in-person services, ultimately the life of every congregant, their family, and our

The Temple

community is paramount and necessitates making this difficult decision,” read a letter sent to members of Congregation Ahavath Achim informing them that “a virtual option is the safest and most appropriate course of action for this year.”

The leadership of Ahavath Achim, a Conservative congregation, wrote, “If there is a silver lining, it is that we are fortunate

to live in a world where technology exists to connect us together in a way that would have been impossible even a few short years ago.”

Likewise at The Temple, a Reform congregation, “The High Holy Days will be different, but also the same. What changes is our delivery system, what stays the same is the warmth of our community at The

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 23

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

“Every synagogue in Atlanta and around the world is dealing with these issues,” said Scott Allen, executive director at Congregation Or Hadash.

“This is going to be a very different High Holy Days, which may one day lead to their own version of ‘Mah Nishtanah,’ how different these holidays are from every other holidays,” said Rabbi Mark Zimmerman of Congregation Beth Shalom.

“There are a number of poems which we usually sing and for many people those songs are the high holidays. We will have to eliminate them to focus on essential prayers only,” said Rabbi Binyomin Friedman of Congregation Ariel.

Temple, the powerful prayers and themes of the High Holy Days, and the meaningful messages from our clergy team,” Berg said.

“Our members will experience familiar music and prayers, but also new experiences designed specifically for this moment in which we live.”

This year will be the first leading High Holy Days worship at Or Hadash for Rabbi Lauren Henderson, successor to the Conservative congregation’s founding rabbis, the husband-and-wife team of Analia Bortz and Mario Karpuj, who recently made aliyah to Israel. While worship at Or Hadash

will be primarily virtual, with pre-recorded segments and music woven into the live portions, planning includes small gatherings for Tashlich (the symbolic casting off of sins) and a walk outdoors. “We’re even putting together shofar blowing in different neighborhoods and family time in front of

the ark between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur,” Allen said.

In preparation, every member family at Or Hadash received a copy of “This Is Real And You Are Completely Unprepared,” by Rabbi Alan Lew, and weekly study sessions are planned to prepare for the High Holy Days. “We’re also holding several song circle sessions to learn new music that Rabbi Lauren favors and to acquaint her with some of our favorite melodies as well,” Allen said.

In mid-July, Rabbi Daniel Dorsch at Congregation Etz Chaim explained that “We are in the process of reviewing ways to halachically abbreviate the service appropriately in order not to create a tircha detzibbura, (an undue burden on our families), and to allow them to have a meaningful online experience.” While virtual services remained the plan in August, “We do plan multiple sites throughout our area where we will be conducting Tashlich outdoors as well as shofar blowing,” Dorsch said.

When asked what will be lost because of the changes necessary in this year’s worship at the Conservative congregation, Dorsch answered, “I’d like to reframe your question about loss and talk what we will have gained as a community. It’s simply unthinkable to imagine our lot had this virus appeared 20 or even 30 years ago. Many of

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SYNAGOGUE GUIDE us would be completely and totally isolated from the outside world. Thank God, because of modern streaming technology, we have gained the ability to have a High Holy Day experience and to experience a sense of community.”

Similarly, Rabbi Ron Segal, the senior rabbi at Temple Sinai, looked to reframe the question. “It seems the answers as to what will be lost are fairly self-evident: the palpable energy of a sanctuary and synagogue filled with a community joined in prayer, learning, and friendship,” said Segal, president of the Reform movement’s Central Conference of American Rabbis.

“What, if anything, could be gained?”

Segal asked. “As our Rosh Hashanah Day, Kol Nidre, and Yom Kippur Day services will be pre-recorded, we have an opportunity to approach the liturgy with a more expansive and creative lens. . . . Though we may be confined to our own homes for our Holy Day services this year, the words of Torah and tradition and prayer are not in our sanctuaries – they are in our mouths and hearts to live them.”

No matter the separation between clergy and congregants, the prayers remain central to the High Holy Days — and “in this difficult time, in this challenging year” — including the question Berg asked about

Rabbi Yossi New said that Congregation Beth Tefillah likely would offer a full service indoors and an abbreviated service in a tent outside, adhering to COVID-19 precautions.

“Thank God, because of modern streaming technology, we have gained the ability to have a High Holy Day experience and to experience a sense of community,” said Rabbi Daniel Dorsch of Congregation Etz Chaim.

“Though we may be confined to our own homes for our Holy Day services this year, the words of Torah and tradition and prayer are not in our sanctuaries – they are in our mouths and hearts to live them,” said Rabbi Ron Segal of Temple Sinai.

the Unetanah Tokef: “Do I really believe that God will choose to spare me from, and others will die by fire, famine, or COVID-19?”

In his view, the Unetanah Tokef stresses individual responsibility. “The first half, when the books are open — chotem yad kol adam bo (the signature of every person is in it) — the entries are in our own hands.

It is not until the second half that we read ‘who shall die by fire, who by water, who by plague.’ Some things next year will occur and will be a result of actions we take, and some things, how well we know, will be totally out of our control,” Berg said.

“Sometimes we ignore the first part of the prayer and latch on to the second. The

message is that other people make decisions that affect our lives, and this leaves us powerless,” Berg said. “The only way for us to claim control in our lives is to admit that the record is in our own handwriting and that we are responsible for some of it. We are responsible for getting involved and engaging in life-enhancing work.” ì

Addiction’s Impact on Families Intensified by Pandemic Meet Author David Sheff on Zoom — August 20

ADVERTISEMENT - Paid for by JFCS.

By Leslie Lubell, HAMSA Program Man­ ager, A program of JF&CS

What’s deadlier than drugs and alcohol?

Stigma and shame.

Drug and alcohol addiction is an issue that affects many families, but often remains unspo­ ken. As the conversation around addiction has opened up in recent years, programs like HAM­ SA have emerged in the Jewish community.

While these programs have certainly moved the needle on awareness around addiction, stigma and shame still have a firm grip on us.

Judgment and a lack of understanding/ed­ ucation fuel stigma, stigma breeds shame, and shame leads to silence. It impacts both the indi­ viduals afflicted by this disease and those who love them. Drug overdoses and alcohol-related deaths – which have tragically impacted many Jewish families - are now the leading cause of prevent­able injury and death, eclipsing auto ac­ cidents and gun violence. Many of these deaths are avoidable when we begin to understand ad­ diction as a treatable disease, instead of a moral failing.

The isolation of COVID has impacted peo­ ple struggling with addiction and their families.

Right now, we are all experiencing the

pain and isolation inflicted by COVID. These feelings are especially dangerous for people with substance use disorder (SUD); they may be quarantined and unable to make the vital human connections that help maintain recov­ ery, which may lead to relapse and increased use. Addiction is often called a “family disease;” being confined at home with loved ones who are in active addiction may create even greater stress within the family system.

The numbers don’t lie – and they don’t ex­clude the Jewish population.

In March-May 2020, the Georgia De­partment of Public Health reported an average weekly 3% increase (over the same months in 2019) in the number of drug and/or alco­hol-related ED visits, and a terrifying climb in opioid-related ED visits and overdose deaths.

HAMSA’s call volume reflects these trends, in­ creasing by 70% in May (compared to the same months in 2019). We are seeing a particular increase in calls from families who are not only seeking support and treatment for their loved ones, but for them­selves. Coping with a family member’s addic­tion is never easy, but it’s harder to access the support systems during COVID.

Shame around addiction is oppressive for families, too – parents need to know they’re not alone.

Very often, HAMSA receives calls from parents who ask to remain anonymous. They are incredibly fearful that some­ one will find out their child is addicted to drugs or alcohol and that their family will be judged.

We help these families connect with support net­works where other parents share their sto­ ries openly; building safe spaces where we find be­longing and hope is vital for both the people who experience addiction and their families David Sheff is a parent who understands the value of those connections. His book, the NYT Best Seller Beautiful Boy (which later became a film) powerfully describes how he walked the path of addiction – that ultimately led to recovery – with his son, Nic, for many years. David experienced the same shame and stigma that so many other parents feel; but he ultimately found hope and healing when he shared his story and found thousands of fami­ lies just like his own.

HAMSA welcomes David Sheff on August

20 at 7p for an intimate conversation about addiction in America, and its impact on families – with the wisdom and insight that can only come from the parent of a child with addiction. This program is free and open to the public; we welcome people with substance use disorders, their families, all recovery allies and supporters. Tickets are also available to join a private Q&A with David following the pro­ gram. To register, visit: jfcsatl.org/davidsheff How does HAMSA Help?

Our Information and Referral Service can help you identify the right treat­ment options for drug and alcohol addiction. Our JF&CS clinical team provides individual and family counseling, offers groups for spous­es and loved ones of a person with SUD, and a new parent group will begin in the fall. We provide free Narcan (opi­ oid overdose antidote) training and supply to the community, as well as outreach and educa­ tion. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and needs help finding resources or support, call us at 1-833-HAMSAHELPS or visit hamsahelps.org

Paid Content by JFCS. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 25

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

Congregants Guide Synagogue Building Projects

By Chana Shapiro A synagogue can be the cornerstone of one’s family and community. Therefore, when making decisions about construction, renovation and decor, which require significant fundraising and detailed organization, the mission of the synagogue and needs and desires of the congregants serve as building directives.

During the last year, Conservative Congregation Etz Chaim in Marietta and Orthodox Congregation Beth Jacob in Toco Hills dealt with these issues and recently completed critical work on their facilities during the COVID-19 health crisis.

Congregation Etz Chaim launched Renewal 2020 more than two years ago to raise $4 million. The project, which included renovating the sanctuary and social hall, was led by campaign chairs Cheryl and David Miller, and Bob Bachrach stepped up as construction manager. Both Cheryl Miller and Bachrach are past synagogue presidents, and Bachrach served as Etz Chaim’s executive director for nine years. Together, they brought insider understanding of both the members and the physical facility to

the project, and Miller succinctly defined a guiding goal for the extensive building overhaul: “Our synagogue must be pretty and purposeful.”

Renewal 2020 involved general contractor Gay Construction and Collins Cooper Carusi Architects. Eight custom stained glass windows for the sanctuary, depicting the Jewish holidays and Shabbat, were fabricated in New Jersey by Ascalon Studios.

The extensive Etz Chaim construction included a total remodel of the Luci and Stan Sunshine Family Foundation Kitchen, with heating, air conditioning, new cabinetry, state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances and a walk-in cooler.

The large Hammer-Tritt Social Hall was modernized and made more functional with movie capability, LED lighting and insulation. It can be subdivided into three distinct programming or meeting areas or can accommodate major events with a central surface for a dance floor. “We adapted the catchphrase ‘Raise the Roof!’ as our social hall theme because we actually rebuilt and raised the central section of the social hall roof to achieve aesthetic cohesiveness with the other sections,” Cheryl Miller said.

The shul in the center of the city

The largest Sephardic synagogue in the Southeast nestled in the Brookhaven neighborhood of Atlanta.

1681 North Druid Hills Road, Brookhaven 30319 404-633-1737 office@orveshalom.org 26 | AUGUST 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Decorative wall menorahs enhance the bimah area of Beth Jacob’s main sanctuary.

The remake of the Etz Chaim sanctuary includes stained glass windows depicting Shabbat and the Jewish holidays.

The Lindy and Norman Radow Sanc- swapped for LEDs, drab wood paneling was tuary received new carpeting, refinished removed, and a bulky cabinet was retrofitsurfaces, reupholstered pews, and a handi- ted as a library for much-used volumes. The cap-accessible lower bimah. A 1 ½-mile-long original pews were replaced by movable telecoil or t-coil hearing loop system was chairs and slender tables upon which coninstalled in the sanctuary, social hall and gregants may comfortably rest their books.

Congregant expertise was vital. MemPhillip’s Library, enabling hearing-impaired members and guests to access it via their bers of the Downstairs Shul Renovation Committee assumed deown hearing aids or a manding roles, including shul-owned device. Addicontractor Abi Nadoff, tionally, Bachrach added electrician Elchanan that the education wing Zuckman, and interior deand other areas received signer Devorah Feldman. a “face lift.” Significantly, Beth Jacob reached this year, the Jewish Fedits funding goal of $42,000 eration of Greater Atlanta and the transformation honored Etz Chaim’s moved steadily ahead. renovations with a Power Enhancements to of a Program inclusivity the main sanctuary were award. also carried out. These inThree years ago, cluded modification of the Congregation Beth Jacob Cheryl Miller and Bob Bachrach mechitzah divider to imunderwent a comprehendon hard hats as construction prove sound and visibility sive transformation of its crews raise the social hall roof. on the women’s side and entrance areas and main sanctuary; however, with heavy usage of the upgrading the page number stand. A decosmaller daily shul, continuous membership rative menorah was hung on each side of requests led to a complete renovation. Five the ark. Gavant wryly noted, “The closure of different minyanim (prayer groups) meet in our shul during COVID-19 enabled us to crethis space every weekday, and it is full every ate the necessary usage flexibility, yet, sadly, Shabbat with one of the four parallel Shab- at present we’re not able to use the room.”

Etz Chaim also was able to continue with bat services.

Beth Jacob Executive Director Rabbi construction during the pandemic.

Both Etz Chaim and Beth Jacob were Yitzchok Tendler describes the daily shul as “the busiest davening (praying) room in blessed with lay leaders whose tenacity, exthe Southeast.” Building trustee Yonasan pertise and commitment successfully shepGavant, who managed the project, sum- herded these multi-faceted projects. There’s marized the modernization results. “We always more to do, of course. Bachrach exexpanded the room’s capacity, purchased pects the final piece of Renewal 2020, the adaptable seating, and enlarged the wom- repaving of the synagogue parking lot, to be en’s section. The complete ambience of the completed by the end of August, happy that room changed. It’s now successfully multi- “We’re in shouting distance of our goal.” Gavant at Beth Jacob laughed at the question use, comfortable and very bright.”

New carpeting was installed, and sur- of important project completions, saying, “I faces were refurbished. Can lights were still have a long list!” ì

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

Chaplain Extends Jewish Touch

By Flora Rosefsky

to initiate conversation and make connections, and how to get started at the facilities Before giving birth to her first child or hospitals.”

In response to the pandemic, Deitchseveral years ago, Mollie Spaugh checked off “Jewish” when asked by an Atlanta area man told the AJT that “COVID has set strict hospital about her religion. Rabbi Judith limitations on our program as no one has Beiner, on one of her regular rounds visit- been allowed to visit in person. Many of the ing Jewish patients, appeared in Spaugh’s volunteers who normally visit in-care facilihospital room the day the baby was born to ties have been making weekly phone calls instead to stay connected.” welcome her.

Before COVID, Sandy Springs volunAs Beiner sat on the bed, holding the baby, she asked the infant’s parents and the teer John Reicher took a Jewish man living maternal grandparents to hold hands as at Historic Roswell Place, an assisted livshe read a traditional Hebrew blessing for ing facility, for a Dutch-treat lunch once a week. a newborn.

Volunteer Alyson Spector of DunSpaugh, who was not affiliated with a synagogue, remembered that moment woody visited one-on-one with some Jewwith Jewish Family & Career Services’ Jew- ish residents at Berman Commons, Belmont Village and Sandy ish chaplain. She reached Springs Place. Following out to Beiner to request a firm COVID guidelines, special prayer she could Reicher and Spector now recite for her daughter’s pick up the phone to stay first birthday. The rabbi in touch. provided another blessThe challenge for ing.

JF&CS is how to ensure Upon rehearing the that the chaplaincy prostory, Beiner told the AJT gram is able to fulfill its that “So many of those mission to support elder‘touches’ that I make are ly and isolated members not requested, results of of the Jewish community unplanned encounters until in-person visits rethat comprise so much of sume. my day-to-day routine.”

Rabbi Judith Beiner is Local health care faIn addition to reachcommunity chaplain of Jewish cilities also reach out to ing out without a formal Family & Career Services. the JF&CS chaplaincy for request, Beiner and the JF&CS chaplaincy program receives refer- several of their Jewish patients.

Chaplain Liz Harris-Lamkin of Piedrals or requests from senior living facilities and hospitals as well as from synagogue mont Atlanta Hospital’s Spiritual Care Serrabbis to help serve the needs of Jewish com- vices considers Beiner a colleague and team munity members who may or may not be member. “We regularly collaborate and coordinate efforts for care, education and reaffiliated with a local congregation.

A rabbi recently turned over a request ligious support for our Jewish patients and he had received for Beiner to conduct a families, particularly at end of life or in critifuneral for a departed Jewish man, whose cal situations,” Harris-Lamkin said.

“Additionally, we have volunteers non-Jewish children wanted to honor their father’s heritage. Another time, a request through JF&CS chaplaincy that see our pacame from a hospital. The family wanted a tients.”

Even when strict COVID-related guiderabbi to say some prayers in a hospice situation, which brought Beiner to the patient’s lines began in mid-March, Beiner and the JF&CS Bikur Cholim volunteers have found bedside soon after receiving the call.

Beiner could not do the work she does ways to continue providing compassion without the support of Denise Deitchman, and connection to the Atlanta Jewish comthe JF&CS chaplaincy department’s pro- munity. Beiner said she is hopeful that the gram assistant, who manages the Bikur chaplaincy program’s in-person visits will Cholim (Visiting the Sick) program in which resume.

For more information about JF&CS’s volunteers visit people in hospitals and care facilities. Deitchman notes that after apply- chaplaincy program, visit www.jfcsatl.org/sering through the JF&CS volunteer depart- vices/support-services/chaplaincy. ì ment, “individuals meet with Rabbi Beiner Disclosure: AJT contributor Flora Rosefsky and me to understand the expectations of the program, how to visit with elders, how is Spaugh’s mother.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 27

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

Orthodox Seniors Weigh High Holiday Options

By Allen Lipis and Chana Shapiro For those of us who are Orthodox and older than 65, some with health concerns, celebrating the Jewish high holidays this year will be entirely different from the past.

For most of us, a Zoom service is not an option because we do not use technology on Shabbat or Jewish holidays. We spoke to several of our contemporaries in the Toco Hills neighborhood about their plans: had they located outdoor or indoor senior-appropriate services, will they pray at home alone, can they travel to out-of-town family members, or will they do something else?

We Lipis and Shapiro families have been successfully sheltering in place. In our comfortable yards and homes, we have not felt oppressively confined, and we have taken appropriate measures to see loved ones in person. However, we greatly miss regular synagogue attendance, shared Shabbat meals and unrestricted socializing with friends.

All families in this story own high holiday prayer books and know the services well, but praying at home is a lonely choice.

Even if neighborhood synagogues manage to safely accommodate their large general high holiday attendance, they have yet to offer acceptable alternatives for our high-risk population.

many, and even then, quarantine ourselves for 14 days. Even though we would be with beloved children and grandchildren and share meals together, it is unlikely that we or our Berlin family would go to services because of possible COVID-19 contamination.

Surprisingly, our son called again from Berlin. On a recent long train ride he saw no safe distancing, few masks, and people were coughing and sneezing, which is equally possible on an airplane trip. The size of the Berlin apartment and our inability to enjoy Berlin as we usually do settled it. We’re staying home.

International Travel?

We Lipises considered another option.

Our son and daughter-in-law, who live in Berlin, invited us to rent an available apartment in their building. We would fly to Berlin in business class to minimize contacts on the plane, at a cost of $4,500 for two people, and to avoid changing planes in New York, we could fly from Atlanta to Amsterdam or Paris and then continue to Berlin. But the risk remains of contracting the virus at the Atlanta or European airports. We might need to be tested for the virus here or in Ger-

Outdoors Break-the-Fast?

We Shapiros are fortunate to live within a few blocks of our children and grandchildren. They attend a different Toco Hills synagogue from us; however, we were always together for Yom Tov meals, joined together at Congregation Beth Jacob for the final Ne’ilah service, and ended the Yom Kippur fast with close friends. We are encouraging our children’s families to go to their synagogue this year. They won’t join us for meals or the Ne’ilah service, yet we look forward to breaking the fast with them and

28 | AUGUST 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Rabbi Michael Kramer and Allen Lipis test unamplified sound while praying from an outdoor podium.

Fred Glusman practices blowing the shofar in a Toco Hills neighborhood.

perhaps a few others, outside.

Safe at Home Aware that circumstances may change, the following families told us how they expect to spend the high holidays this year.

Rabbi Michael and Marcia Kramer have medical concerns. They decided not to attend any synagogue services, including the high holidays, at any of the seven synagogues within walking distance of their home. Even if one of these congregations manages to safely distance and protect all attendees, this couple will not take the chance of getting sick. Marcia is most troubled by her inability to hug and kiss her grandchildren, whom she hasn’t touched for months. Although she has kept busy with meaningful and fulfilling activities at home, not attending services pains her.

Jack Shenk, who lives at the Holbrook senior living community, has no transportation to Beth Jacob, the synagogue to which he and many members of his family belong.

He decided against Zoom services at a nonOrthodox synagogue and is content to observe the high holidays alone, secure in the fact that he has yartzheit (memorial) candles for Yom Kippur, will use his own prayer books and is comfortable reciting the services himself.

Lynn and Ed Koffsky wanted to join their two sons and their families in the New York area, but the situation was far from ideal. In New York, they would have to quarantine themselves for 14 days at one of their son’s homes, and after that, because of their age and health conditions, still would not join them for services at their synagogues.

The Koffskys longed to be with family, but physical contact with them would have been impossible. This year they will be home for the high holidays, and after completing prayers privately, they will sit outside to greet friends and neighbors.

Fred and Gloria Glusman may not pray together this Yom Tov. Gloria will be home,

but Fred, who is among the regular high holiday prayer leaders, is hoping to join COVID-19-compliant congregants at Beth Jacob.

According to the synagogue’s requirements, a man his age must present a doctor’s note affirming that he does not have the coronavirus, and Fred plans to get that note. At the same time, he’s hopeful that the pandemic will be less threatening toward the end of September. If the pandemic remains as it is close to the high holidays or becomes even more alarming, Fred will daven at home with his wife. The Glusmans would not consider traveling elsewhere because they feel safer at home.

Street Prayer?

Seniors we interviewed told us about Israelis who, in response to the pandemic, have begun to daven outdoors near their homes, even in the street. We wondered if our cohort could get together for portions of the Yom Tov services at a social-distancing, mask-wearing, outdoor prayer space at a convenient site, perhaps at one of the large neighborhood cul-de-sacs. Fred Glusman offered to lead part of the services, be one of the shofar-blowers, and run the Yizkor memorial service on Yom Kippur.

Managing our own group would necessitate scheduling and organization. We would bring our own chairs, with women and men sitting separately, and have the task of identifying people to lead parts of the davening and read the Torah with correct cantillation. A gigantic outdoor tent, like the ones several synagogues may use, would be problematic because of uncertain weather, and many of us may have difficulty hearing outdoors.

Our goal is to enhance the intensity and meaning of the high holidays through communal celebration. Ideally, we want to be with our families, gain inspiration from the rabbi’s sermons, stand together as we hear the shofar, and enjoy the company of our friends and neighbors. Yet, for now, the wisest solution for our demographic may be to pray at home.

For those observing the high holidays in isolation, Toco Hills synagogues are preparing a guide for a shortened Orthodox service containing the essential prayers, and volunteers will move through the neighborhood to blow the shofar, enabling listeners to fulfill this high holiday mitzvah. At the same time, these synagogues continue to work on ways to safely welcome older congregants to their high holiday services. ì Allen Lipis and Chana Shapiro are regular columnists for the AJT and members of Beth Jacob in the Toco Hills community.

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

Small Congregations Get Creative for Holidays

By Jan Jaben-Eilon

About two years ago, JCLP launched a relationship with the Jewish Community Five congregations ranging in size from Foundation. “I had reached out to Paulette because we were working with 30 families to more than 100 two congregations in the area family members along the west that had issues with their cemshore of the Susquehanna River eteries,” explained Noah Levine, in Pennsylvania held a collabJCLP senior vice president. The orative Tu B’Av Zoom program Foundation manages Jewish Aug. 5 as a “test run event” in cemeteries. preparation for the high holiThe goal of the JCLP was launched more days next month.

Jewish Community than 10 years ago by David SarAlthough Tu B’Av isn’t Foundation of Central nat, former head of the Jewish among the major holidays on Pennsylvania is to the Jewish calendar, the mostly connect “little pockets Federation of Greater Atlanta, to help small Jewish communiaging congregants needed some of Jewish life,” said executive director ties prepare for their futures and entertainment and socializing Paulette Keifer. ensure that their legacies reflect after months of keeping their distance from others during the COVID-19 aspects of Jewish life that are important to crisis. And Paulette Keifer, executive director them.

Since then, JCLP has helped dozens of of the Jewish Community Foundation of Central Pennsylvania, figured the “love holiday” small congregations in Georgia and around would provide an opportunity to determine the country prepare legacy plans. “But I’ve how many people might be interested in at- always said that in order for us to expand our visibility, we need to do it from the pertending collaborative Zoom high holidays. spective of the congregations,” “Will [accommodation for] Levine said. “This broadens the 100 be enough?” she asked, rhemission of JCLP. We work exclutorically, a couple of weeks besively with small congregations fore the event. “Or will we need on whatever their needs are,” the next package of Zoom 300 or and wherever they are, he noted, 500?” pointing to JCLP activities in The west shore group of Ohio, Indiana, Mississippi and congregations that planned the David Sarnat, former head of the Georgia.

Tu B’Av celebration included Jewish Federation Levine called JCLP’s curCongregation Beth Tikvah in of Greater Atlanta, rent process an evolution. “We’re Carlisle, Pa., Congregation Sons founded the Jewish keeping our core mission, but of Israel in Chambersburg, GetCommunity Legacy we’ve expanded the definition of tysburg’s Adams County Jewish Project more than a decade ago to assist legacy. We ask, ‘How are you livCommunity, Lebanon’s Congregation Beth Israel, Hanover’s small congregations. ing your legacy so you can pass Hebrew Congregation and Mechanicsburg’s things on to the next generations?’” JCLP is Temple Beth Shalom. Meanwhile, a group of based on partnerships, Levine added. “We northern congregations in central Pennsyl- bring resources to congregations so that they vania are planning collaborative high holi- know they are not alone.” Currently “we’re making the point that if a synaday services. gogue is doing something that Cooperation between the another synagogue is not doing, 70 distanced and disparate Jewthey’re invited to take part.” ish communities didn’t start, Keifer calls the relationhowever, with the coronavirus ship between her Foundation pandemic. Last October, Keifer’s and JCLP a “synergy. JCLP serves Jewish Community Foundation needs that are complementary and Atlanta-based Jewish Com“We’re keeping our to our work and we serve needs munity Legacy Project held a core mission, but we’ve expanded the that help them do their work. conference to “bring people todefinition of legacy,” Each has a role to help continue gether,” Keifer explained. “There said Noah Levine, Jewish life now or to ensure that are little pockets of Jewish life” senior vice president what’s left, such as cemeteries, scattered around Central Pennof Atlanta-based are appropriately addressed.” sylvania that “all wanted conJewish Community Legacy Project.

That synergy or collaboranectedness to Jewish life. After sending out a survey, we opened up a dia- tion is happening across the country to suplogue at the conference.” The congregations port Jewish life in what Keifer describes as decided to share pulpits, ease burdens and “the hardest possible time,” referring to the expand services, and that has led to the high pandemic.

Indeed, Emily Burt-Hedrick, president holiday conversations.”

Student rabbis Rebecca Diamond and David Jaffe led services together last spring.

Board members at the dedication of new stairs for the Historic B’nai Jacob Synagogue in Middletown, Pa.

of Beth Tikvah in Pennsylvania, said that the country. Until this year, they generally travpandemic has “pushed us into collaborating, eled to their student pulpits for periodic but it will help all our struggling congrega- Shabbat services and the high holidays.

This year, they must adapt. Second-year tions.” Torah studies and Shabbat services are being held jointly between congrega- rabbinic student at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles, Max Antman, was assigned tions, and all virtually.

The advantage to Zoom high holiday a pulpit in Juneau, Alaska. Noting that it was services is that congregants who had since a “huge decision” for the 27-year-old origimoved out of town can now participate and nally from Evanston, Ill., Antman is actually see their former fellow citizens. One disad- moving to Juneau for a few months to serve vantage, however, is the inequities between the congregation there. He will hold Zoom some of the congregations that are collabo- services there, but “the access to outdoors is rating and intending to share the responsi- great and I will be able to meet and see the congregants,” who are mostly bilities of the high holidays. transplants. “There will be more Reconstructionist Rabbi opportunities to actually enAmita Jarmon, who has served gage” in a safe way, he said.

Beth Shalom in Mechanicsburg Rebecca Diamond and Dafor several years as either chazvid Jaffe met in Jerusalem durzan, rabbi or both, pointed out ing their first year of rabbinic that her congregation has emschool at HUC. Now living near ployed her, as Jewish Home of The pandemic has “pushed” her HUC’s Cincinnati campus and Greater Harrisburg employed congregation into starting their fourth year, they Rabbi Carl Choper and Congrecollaborating for will be serving student pulpits gation Sons of Israel employed the high holidays in Sandusky, Ohio, and Paducah, Rabbi Ilan Pardo. All of these said Emily BurtKy., respectively. But because rabbis were to take part in the Tu Hedrick, president of Congregation Beth they will be leading high holiday B’Av celebration.

“All of the communities are Tikvah in Carlisle, Pa. services via Zoom, they hope to invited at times that nothing else is sched- co-lead joint services, although again, details uled,” said Jarmon, who lives in Jerusalem, have not been finalized.

Rebecca Kaufman’s student pulpit is but is in the United States caring for her parents during the pandemic. “It’s a good idea unique, because the small congregation sits on the Mexican border in El Cento collaborate with small comtro, Calif. Although there was munities,” she said, but “there’s a hesitancy about Zoom services limit to how far we can go with when the pandemic broke out, this. Mechanicsburg pays for “it turned out it was extremely me to be their rabbi, and Rabbi fulfilling,” Kaufman said. “More Pardo is paid. Our congregations people attended services.” She know us and we each have our is seeing former residents from own way” of leading services.

Max Antman made about 10 states dialing in to join For the high holidays, they a “huge” decision to move to Juneau, the services, which are held in each plan to lead study sessions, Alaska, to service English, Spanish and Hebrew. although the details have not yet his student pulpit Details are still being disbeen worked out. The Carlisle for a few months. cussed, but the normal one day congregation in the west shore group, and the Williamsport temple in the of Rosh Hashanah for Congregation Beth northern congregations group will each con- Jacob in El Centro may be spread over two duct Zoom Tashlich that everyone can attend. days. “We’re looking at different ways to do In this unprecedented pandemic, con- that. We could do some pre-recorded pieces. gregations large and small find they need But one thing is certain: People are seeking to be flexible. For decades, rabbinic students the familiar” during these uncertain times, have served small congregations across the Kaufman said. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 29

SYNAGOGUE GUIDE

Sandy Springs Rabbi Feels Call of History

By Bob Bahr

125 years ago to continue their distinguished tradition.

For Rabbi Joshua Heller, the senior So it seemed only natural that the rabbi at Congregation B’nai Torah, con- young Josh Heller would follow in their gregational life is a family tradition that footsteps. His father was a prominent stretches back nine generations. Heller, congregational rabbi who was president who has led Congregaof the World Council tional B’nai Torah since of Conservative Syna2004, can trace his famgogues. His mother was ily’s connection to the the national coordinator rabbinate to the great of Women’s League for medieval sage, Rabbi Conservative Judaism.

Yom-Tov Lipmann Heller.

But young Josh was Rabbi Lipmann a bright computer nerd Heller was the chief rabfinishing up a degree in bi of Vienna and then of computer science at HarPrague in the first half vard University. He had of the 17th century and plans to maybe put his a prominent Talmudic high-tech skills to work scholar during what was Rabbi Joshua Heller began on Wall Street, where he his 17th year at Congregation considered a golden age interviewed just before B’nai Torah this month. of Jewish scholarship. graduation. He was not He was a student of Prague’s great Maha- interested in a synagogue career. ral, Rabbi Judah Loew, and he completed “I grew up seeing how things worked his career as the head of the famous ye- with synagogues. And growing up, I shiva in Krakow, Poland. knew I didn’t want to be a rabbi. That was The Sandy Springs rabbi’s family one thing I was certain about.” served congregations in Poland and LithAlthough Wall Street was beckonuania before coming to America about ing to the technology whiz, in his last

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Rabbi Heller is descended from Rabbi YomTov Lipmann Heller, who witnessed the death of tens of thousand of Jews during the Chmielnicki massacres of 1648-49.

Congregation B’nai Torah, under Rabbi Heller, completed in recent years a $6 million capital improvement project.

year at Harvard the old Rabbi Lipmann Heller of Prague also seemed to be calling. In the end he enrolled in the Jewish Theological Seminary where he became one of the few rabbis in the Conservative movement during the 1990s who was as comfortable with the intricacies of high technology as he the was with the disputations of the Talmud.

“No one had heard of the World Wide Web. Texting hadn’t been invented yet. And so I felt like there was definitely a role for people to be on the forefront of figuring out how technology would affect Jewish life. In my first position, even while I was still in rabbinical school, I did a lot of work on Judaism and technology.

We created some of the first online courses in Jewish studies.”

After graduation, at a time when home computing and high-speed internet connections were beginning to have an important impact on Conservative Judaism and the Jewish world, he become the coordinator of online studies at JTS. But as successful as he was at JTS, the influence of all those many generations of congregational rabbis could not be denied. On a fateful day in September 2001, just before calamity struck, he began work in Lower Manhattan.

“I started working as the part-time rabbi for a congregation next to the World Trade Center on Sept. 9, 2001, two days before the Twin Towers were attacked and destroyed. And so I ended up for almost three years working two jobs, doing technology work for the seminary during the day, and then working with this congregation nights and weekends.

It was a very intense time. I’m really proud of the work that I did. And I realized that I actually did want to do congregational work after all.”

In July 2004, almost exactly 450 years after the great Rabbi Yom Tov Lipmann Heller died in Krakow, the young

rabbi assumed the pulpit in Sandy Springs.

In the years since, Rabbi Heller has built B’nai Torah into one of the fastestgrowing Conservative synagogues in the Southeast.

Still, the experience serving his congregants back in 2001 has stayed with him during these trying times.

“Speaking as someone who literally was the rabbi of the synagogue next to the World Trade Center, I think this has been some of the most challenging times in my rabbinate. You know, I’ve been trying to balance worrying about individuals who are going through all kinds of things and worrying about the well-being of the congregation as an organization. I’m also trying to play the role that I’m asked to play in the movement as a whole.”

Nationally, he helps lead Conservative Judaism in a variety of roles, including being a part of the rabbinic cabinet of JTS, and just like his 17th century ancestor, serving as an expert on Jewish law and practice.

Earlier this year he authored a scholarly interpretation of halachah for the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly that for the first time allowed synagogues coping with the coronavirus to use computer technology during Shabbat worship and during major holidays like this year’s Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

The controversial opinion was not without its detractors. Still, the Sandy Springs religious leader believes that the great, old rabbi in Krakow, who lived through some of the worst pogroms in history, would have understood.

“I have read the writings of my ancestors and I know the stories of their lives. I think every generation of rabbis faces new challenges. I think even Rabbi Yom-Tov Lipmann Heller, would, if he were in my shoes, probably do something similar.” ì

Rabbi Ruach Rabbi Zalman Charytan I Bet You Didn’t Know …

Atlanta is chock full of interesting movers and shakers, some bent on creativity, public persona, activism and/or furthering Judaism, in this case. Lean in to hear some off-the-cuff remarks about what makes Rabbi Zalman Charytan tick.

Rabbi Zalman grew up in Winnipeg, Canada, where his parents served on the team of Chabad shluchim for more than 44 years.

After training in Los Angeles, Brooklyn and Jerusalem, the rabbi arrived with wife Nechami in the Kennesaw area to establish Cobb County’s second Chabad House. Father of a lively bunch from 2 ½ to 14 years old, Rabbi Charytan is most proud of just having “sealed the deal” to construct a new Chabad House adjacent to the Kennesaw State University campus.

“After years of working on zoning and construction planning, this is a very exciting time for our community. The larger twolevel space on 2 acres will foster the continued growth of Jewish life and serve as a ‘home away from home’ for our students, faculty and local families. It has been a long time in the making!”

Find out why Charytan is among the “Frozen Chosen.”

Charytan is an unusual surname.

Our family is from a small town with a similar sounding name in the Jaroslow region of Poland. In Israel we have many distant relatives with the same surname spelling in Hebrew.

This generation of today’s college students are ….

Amazing and passionate with the desire to do the right thing. Kids today come to college from mostly middle-class families. They basically have “everything.” They are seeking the experience of core Jewish values and the discovery of purpose.

My own kids would say I’m …

A great cook “smoking up” barbequed brisket, wings, and hosting special family steak nights.

Describe your ideal day off.

A Chabad rabbi is always on the job, BUT we love to go with the kids boating on Lake Allatoona and hiking at Red Top Mountain. It’s rural out here and pleasant to drive around the area.

Share something funny that happened at your own bar mitzvah.

My bar mitzvah was 40 degrees below zero. It was the coldest day of my youth. I always say I’m part of the “Frozen Chosen.”

The best advice your grandfather gave you.

My paternal grandfather fought in the Polish army in 1939 and survived the war in Siberia.

My maternal grandfather (Zaydie Gottlieb), as did all my grandparents, survived the Holocaust. They taught me to live with extreme joy despite the tremendous suffering they endured.

Biggest regret.

I try not to look back with regret ... and like I always tell the students, use your failures and challenges as opportunities for growth.

What are you reading?

“Positivity Bias” by Mendel Kalmenson, appropriate for these times. And “Shadow Strike”

by Yaakov Katz about the destruction in 2007 of the Syrian reactor, … fascinating!

Your most exotic vacation.

I wouldn’t call it a vacation, but for a week in 2004, I went to host a seder for a remote Jewish community in Balakovo, Russia, in the Saratov region. We used interpreters, though the teenagers could speak English. We cooked and prepared for 80 Jews who were most appreciative.

After this pandemic, I am going to ...

Throw a mega Shabbat dinner for our dear students, alumni and community members. We really miss being able to host Shabbat, holidays and weekly barbecues.

One thing people don’t know about me is ...

I am a terrific ice skater and hockey player.

With which historical figure do you identify?

The Lubavitcher Rebbe. A day does not go by that I do not think of his approach to inspiring Jews to grow – even here in Kennesaw, Cobb County.

Photo by John Marks

Reported by Marcia Caller Jaffe

ARTS & CULTURE Moskowitz Nurtures Atlanta’s Art Scene

The Empress, a collaboration, combining the photographic process with a composition of vibrant abstract acrylic paint.

By Marcia Caller Jaffe Recently chosen as one of the 50 Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta for 2020 by the Atlanta Regional Commission, Sharon Moskowitz also won the 2020 Wendel Award for Oglethorpe University’s theater department as Most Distinguished Theatre Mom. The talents that make Moskowitz a nurturing Jewish mother find her connecting artists of diverse backgrounds, some more established with different processes in materials and mediums. Her curated shows flow to bring common ground for dialogue and

Photography meets abstract art from The Empress collaboration between artists Meredith Ochoa and Sophia Sabsowitz

provoke conversations that bring community together. She most recently left the position of managing director of Conant Performing Arts Center at Oglethorpe.

A graduate of the college, where art and music were part of her core classes, Moskowitz grew up with a mother who emphasized painting, piano, dance and theater.

“Raised in Margate, N.J., only a few hours from Philly and NYC, I absorbed art and culture at a very young age. Art simply made me happy, second to the beach! I grew up to be an arts advocate for nonprofits, and now it has become a business of which I am

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Group Show of artists of varied art processes, mediums and tools. Daniel Mervis, Jen Riddell, Daniel Biddy, Alisa Barry

One of the many pop-up installations that occur in Atlanta. Supporting artist Jeffrey Paclipan.

bring in the best artists for a higher price proud.”

When asked to describe her talent, tag and seamless purchase. Buying for a colshe mused, “I am a classic right-side-of-the- lection is not about how expensive the piece brain ‘creative.’ Visually I am more tactile is versus the positive gut feeling from the when explaining a plan or listening to art- purchase. Your heart should be happy when ists. When curating art, I can see the varied you buy. It’s the ‘why.’ Begin the story. Every work of many artists come together in my piece I own has a story of the purchase or mind. We use the logical side too, guiding about the artist I bought from.”

Moskowitz laughs about her role as a an artist to work out a plan to find clients.

‘Creative’ seems to win out when produc- “professional Jewish mother.”

“Whaat, are you kidding me? Can’t ing a show or finding a purchase for a projhelp myself. I’m direct, honest and worry ect.”

Basically, as a connector and rep, she occasionally. Artists tend to undervalue matches potential buyers with artists as themselves, [are] not always organized and an advocate and a coach on pricing. She never feel finished. The mother (and proensures them more time in the studio and fessional) in me keeps perspective because I am not the artist. I less time prospecting. can be objective. I do Some of the Jewish artthe research, ask colists with whom Moslectors, gallery owners, kowitz works are Sodesigners questions. phia Sabsowitz, Daniel Artists have overhead Mervis, Russell Dreyer, and supply costs. Their and Susan Proctor. time and talent have to In terms of Atlanbe accounted for.” ta’s art scene, MoskowWhen asked itz notes an explosion what art she admires, of artists coming from Moskowitz added, all segments: informal “I have my eye curpractice, formal art edrently on Shanequa ucation and self-taught Gay and Alan Loehle. experience. She notes Through studies and that the High Museum in museums, Frida of Art and galleries are Kahlo comes to mind. seeking out local and Rembrandt caused my emerging artists. first hypnotic trance Moskowitz leans Moskowitz has won awards for her as a child. My beloved towards larger group work in the art community nurturing mentor, the incredible shows and collaboraand promoting local artists.

Todd Murphy, passed tive works as opposed to solo shows. She’s now working with a away this year. I regret I didn’t buy one of photographer and painter who are collabo- his iconic dresses, not for the value, but for rating on a series with vivid abstracts re- what it represented. He helped so many quiring a long digitizing and manipulating emerging artists.

“My three daughters all make fun of process of time and talent. “The results are how many tchotchkes I collected through the brilliant!” she says.

For those who wish to start collecting years!” ì art, Moskowitz advises, “Buying artwork To learn more about Moskowitz, visit from established artists is, no question, very smart. There are excellent galleries that www.srmartconnect.com

ARTS & CULTURE

Jokers Still Thrill in Virtual Mahjong

By Marcia Caller Jaffe Virus isolation has us doing strange and hopefully productive things like baking bread, making pickles, and cleaning baseboards. Conversely, our routines were put on hold or disrupted. Outdoors golfing continued, but around the table mahjong games folded This was too much of a stretch in removing the “ancient” social ties that filled clubhouses, condos and country clubs, often around homemade delicacies or, in the case of Martha Jo Katz, elaborate floral table settings and lunches that preceded the Example of a real mahjong online game. game.

“My two regular games (nine and six years running) basically stayed intact online. While I am happy to have the virtual offered to teach us. My mother played whopping 50,000 points. “If Burt wants to option, I sorely miss the camaraderie and with her ‘Wednesday Girls’ for over 50 watch TV, I go online and play mahjong.” years, and now I’m totally hooked. The The latter cousin, Ellen Fleisher, said, can’t wait to get back to the old format.”

Online mahjong uses the same card four of us have learned how to play, and “This has been wonderful in that we never – the official standard rules and hands – we have a set game. It’s fun and challeng- before kept in touch so regularly. I even ing. Our weekly game is pure joy, and Ava have a game with my Colorado friends and is available 24/7.

If you can’t sleep, log on at 3 a.m. stays on by conference call, helping us from my iPad in Del Ray.” Janet Kupshik, who had a regular and play with strangers in Hawaii or a sort it all out.”

Lori Simon recalled, “Growing up Sunday game through Ahavath Achim computer posing as three others. Users can log on to realmahjong.com, among with a mom who played mahjong weekly, Synagogue, has retained that group and the most popular sites, for $5.99 a month I did not see this type of social gathering (unlimited play) and individual scores in my future. I am not a ‘game player.’ (which are meaningless as far as I can While quarantining I received an email tell) are tabulated. Jews have clung to the from a girlfriend offering to teach virtually with three close game. Code names friends. I was not such as Bubbie, sure whether to acChai, Mazelmom, cept. I had no true and Jdate (Looking desire to learn, but for a mate?) light up eventually I decided the board. to give it a try. I have With online the time! mahjong, there is “It’s two no set of tiles and months later, and The traditional mahjong card used racks. in pre-pandemic games is also used I have become my Technical chalalongside the computer screen. mother.

I am a lenges are comical.

Imagine four senior gals trying to coor- mahjong player! I practice daily online dinate a conference call while entering a and play once a week online with my girlcomputer website. Adding insult, often- friends. I enjoy thinking and strategizing. times someone clicks the wrong “some- Mostly, I appreciate the time spent with thing” and gets booted out of the game, and friends, even if it’s all virtual.”

As women often form complex sothe computer takes over. Then there’s the chat box on the screen, yet a third mode of cial strata, the question looms: Post-pancommunication: “What happened?” “Plug demic, will I stay with my virtual group, me back in?” “My Wi-Fi went off. Help!” or return to the traditional table with my Most common in the chat box is “I never old group, or some combination? One get jokers! Is this rigged?” Katz said her anonymous player said that politics begroup started using WhatsApp, but went came so hostile in her previous game, she formed a virtual game with like-minded to audio for better reception.

New player Robyn Spizman Gerson thinkers. “It’s sort of a haven and relief,” said, “I was not motivated in the past to she said.

I have been able to connect over the take the time to learn. Because of the pandemic, I found myself staying put at game with two cousins, one in Missouri home and willing to learn. My ‘birthday and the other in Florida. The former, Susie gals’ group was fortunate - Ava, a friend, Weiss, plays five times a week and has a

Martha Jo Katz’s former at-home games showed her hostess skills with food and table settings.

added more to it. “Playing online is the next best thing to playing in person. We visit through FaceTime and catch up while keeping up our mahjong skills.”

Whatever the future brings, far be it for Jews to relinquish ties to a game that began in 500 B.C.E., emigrated from China to the New York neighborhoods, and appeared on the 1924 cover of The Saturday Evening Post. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 33

ARTS & CULTURE

Pucker Up for Crunch and Intense Flavor

Grandma Fierman’s Recipe (adapted)

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

in the Ukrainian, Polish and Lithuanian diets with “its sharp flavor as a contrast to Pickles date as far back as 2030 B.C.E., a boring diet of potatoes and bland bread. when cucumbers from native India were Pickles and other fermented foods like pickled in the Tigris Valley. The word pickle beets and cabbage lasted through the bitter winters.” Riga, Latvia, comes from the Dutch native Berta Mebel repekel or northern Gercalled, “My aunt made man pókel, meaning pickles to eat in cold salt or brine, two imwinters. They were portant components kept in small barrels in the process. in the crawl space unHow about the der the kitchen floor. It pregnant woman was a delicacy to share wanting to comat family gatherings bine pickles with ice after vodka.” cream?

Everyone Zach and Stephanie Anchor have Home pickling can conjure up a fun enjoyed their summer pickling project. had two boons around pickle memory. I recall gorging on the complimentary pickles at 1850: the wax seal and the invention of hard Wolfie’s and Pumperniks on Miami vaca- durable glass Mason jars. The English added tions. My brother recalls being an under- their take by sweetening the recipes. Middle funded Georgia Tech student in the early Easterners serve pickles with peppers, olives ‘60s going with the frat boys to downtown and lemon.

Koreans contributed kimchi. All reputLeb’s to fill up on a 35-cent cup of soup, free rolls and pickles. Today delis continue the ed to be good for the digestion.

Jews from Eastern Europe introduced tradition of serving a free pickle wedge as a pickles to America around 1900. Pushcarts, sandwich accompaniment.

In “The Book of Jewish Food,” Claudia pickles in barrels filled the tenements.

Goldbergs Fine Foods executive chef Roden describes the pickle’s role as a staple

34 | AUGUST 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Rabbi Hillel Norry grows and pickles his own, including such ingredients as jalapenos, zucchini, cukes and tomatoes.

Marshall Rogers said the restaurant preps and serves 3,000 pickles a day. Goldbergs pickles are sourced from New York according to their recipe standards “the oldfashioned way.” Per Rogers, “Pickles are a classic complement to any deli sandwich.

The crisp, sour, sweet refreshing taste cuts through the rich fatty flavors of deli style sandwiches. There are few better combinations in the culinary world.”

Goldbergs carries full sours, half sours, dills, and bread and butters.

Stephanie Anchor and son Zach, 12, wanted to have a summer project. “We are self-acclaimed foodies and wanted to make a different and easy treat,” Stephanie said.

“We learned to take our time and be flexible with ingredients. Our pickles ended up crunchy and mellow with only a 10-minute prep. We had them sit in brine for three days, reuse the brine to add other veggies like carrots, celery or onions.”

Anchor’s shorter fermentation time produced a brighter green half sour with roughly a $4 cost.

Zach added, “Have fun in the kitchen with your co-chefs. I also enjoyed delivering and sharing jars with neighbors.”

Robert Fierman had robust success with a July batch spanning seven days.

“Pickles make the best snack. There is potassium, but they are low in calories.

My grandmother pickled Kirbys during the early ’50s. When I took my first bite from her wooden barrel, it spun my head.

It’s as memorable as my first Coca-Cola!”

Home gardener and vegan chef Rabbi Hillel Norry grows and pickles his own bounty of jalapeños, zucchini, cukes and tomatoes. He instructs, “There are two ways to pickle: salt brine and can in vinegar. The variety is limitless: cabbage, okra, strawberries, even pineapple.”

Norry learned pickling in his parent’s garage where his mom made 80 quarts from local farm stands to share. Norry’s advice, “Get a pickling book. Use good quality cucumbers, not thinking that old cukes should be used. Good cucumbers made good pickles.” ì

1 gallon glass jar or ceramic crock 1/2 gallon of warm water (tap is fine) Handful of fresh, clean grape oak, or cherry leaves 3 to 4 pounds of cukes. If large, cut into spears 5 to 6 tablespoons non-iodized sea salt 2 to 3 heads of garlic, separated into cloves, peeled. roughly chopped 3 tablespoons whole dill seed 2 tablespoons whole coriander seed 1 teaspoon whole mustard seed (brown or yellow) 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns 1 teaspoon fennel seed 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Mix all ingredients and put into glass jar, cover with warm water. Seal. Store 5 to 7 days.

Anchor’s Easy Crunchy Recipe 2 to 3 pint jars 3 springs fresh dill 3 cloves garlic 2 teaspoons peppercorns 6 to 8 cukes, cut 2 cups white vinegar 2 cups water 2 tablespoons salt, optional Put spices at bottom of the jars. Leave room at top of jar. Cover with vinegar and water. Seal jar and refrigerate for 3 days.

Rabbi Norry’s Bread and Butter Pickles (“Ball Blue Book of Preserving”) 4 pounds cukes, cut into ¼-inch slices 8 small onions, sliced 1/3 cup canning salt 2 cups sugar 2 tablespoons mustard seed 2 teaspoons turmeric 2 teaspoons celery seed 1 teaspoon ginger 1 teaspoon peppercorns 3 cups vinegar Combine cukes with onions in large bowl layered with salt. Cover with ice cubes.

Let stand 90 minutes. Drain, rinse, drain again. Combine remaining ingredients in large saucepot. Bring to a boil. Add drained cukes and onions and return to boil.

Pack hot pickles and liquid into hot jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Adjust 2-piece caps. Process 10 minutes in a boiling water canner.

ARTS & CULTURE

Creative Couple Finds ‘Silver’ Lining

By Susanne Katz Dr. Jeff and Penny Priluck at home during COVID-19 discovered that their new flexible time frame offered an opportunity to express their creative sides.

We caught up with the Dunwoody dentist’s wife and asked about the couple’s new pastime.

AJT: How did you start?

Penny: As the Jerome Kern song says, one should always look for the silver lining.

These past several months have certainly been challenging, but the coronavirus has also provided an opportunity to enjoy time away from our normal schedule and evaluate what is truly important in our lives.

Time away from our careers and businesses has allowed us to consider other options for creativity. My husband and I both come from dental careers and we have each discovered an enjoyable hobby, which has allowed us to continue to create with our hands. I have always been intrigued by the art of designing and creating jewelry, so I took several classes for beginning jewelry and metalsmithing at the Spruill Center for the Arts last year and found the classes to be

It took a while to learn how to use a blowtorch.

Several sterling silver pieces Penny Priluck recently made.

Jeff Priluck’s workshop is in a quiet place in the lower level of their home.

intriguing and challenging. Now, with the current COVID-19 restrictions and no classes to attend, I decided to set up shop at home.

hobby, something which I have never before experienced. I have designed and fabricated bracelets, earrings, rings and brooches.

AJT: Where in your home is the studio located, and what tools do you need?

Penny: After convincing my husband I could handle a blowtorch without burning down the house, I chose our barbecue area as my new metalsmithing studio. I purchased a number of tools, metals and stones and timidly began to explore this new hobby, homestyle. What started out as just a minor interest has blossomed into a passion for a

AJT: How did Jeff start and how do you determine the best schedule for both of you?

Penny: There’s a saying that goes: Ask some people what time it is, and they will tell you how to build a watch. For Jeff’s birthday, our daughter Shayna decided that Dad now has ‘time’ on his hands and that gave her the idea of the perfect birthday gift. Shayna bought Jeff a watchmaking kit, which included all the tools, instructions and parts

to build a watch. He opened the box on his birthday and that was the last time I saw him.

He has spent hours in our lower level wearing surgical gloves, a mask and magnifying glasses, following YouTube instructions, and building a masterpiece of a watch.

I find the best time to work on my hobby is when Jeff is working on his. We are sure everyone has taken their own extra time to find a way to express their creativity. This is probably the opportunity of a lifetime! Let’s all look for the “silver” lining. In my case it’s silver jewelry, and the next time you see Jeff, ask him what time it is. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 35

ARTS & CULTURE

Artsy Thespian Nests in Historic Norcross

By Marcia Caller Jaffe Some might question why Bea and Bob Grossman would settle in historic Norcross for retirement. “If you had suggested that six years ago, it would have been unimaginable,” Bob explained. “After exploring Santa Fe, Austin and Sarasota, Bea heard about a new development of craftsman-styled homes centered around a 60-year-old vineyard within walking distance of historic Norcross.

After seeing the property, we were sold and were the first to settle in Adams Vineyard. We love it here and have never looked back!”

The Grossmans enjoy the activities and the closeknit community there and serve on city boards such as the Norcross Public Arts Commission, which assists in procuring city art. Examples are a large historic mural of famous people and things from Norcross and a mosaic sculpture depicting the Eastern Continental Divide that runs right through Norcross.

Then there is the “Tumblefield Mural,” depicting foxes frolicking on an old warehouse building. Recently a brew pub leased the building and changed the name of their company to Social Fox Brewing after liking the building and its art, ultimately locating its business there.

“Norcross has the feel of a modern-day Mayberry,” Bob continued. “Wednesday mornings people meet at the 45 South Cafe for People Drinking Coffee to host guest speakers and share community events. It has become very popular, providing connections to neighbors.”

The Grossmans have been members of Dunwoody’s

Last year, Grossman, left, co-starred in the Lionheart Summer Children’s production of “The Princess and the Pea.”

Bea Grossman admires Norcross art that Bob helped the city select and execute.

Temple Emanu-El for 27 years. “Truthfully, we are not as far out as many think,” he said. “With close proximity to Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, we can get to the MJCCA [Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta] in 15 minutes and 20 minutes to the synagogue. However, there are a relatively small number of Jewish residents in Norcross compared to our next-door neighbors in Peachtree Corners or Dunwoody.”

Bea Grossman has served as co-chair of the Book Festival of the MJCCA. Bob volunteers at the local elementary school, tutoring students in reading and math. “Since I

speak Spanish, it has been particularly helpful in a school whose demographics are about 75 percent Hispanic,” he said. “A large percentage of students have parents who don’t speak English. When kids leave the classroom, they are at a significant disadvantage. I do my best to help fill in the gaps.”

As a young man at the University of Maryland, Bob caught the “acting bug” when he took the leading role of the Tin Man and later as the Lion in a production of “The Wizard of Oz.” He recalled, “I was definitely an oddity as I was not a theater major, but wound up becoming involved heavily in children’s theater — even touring and performing for elementary schools around the state. After college, a theater professor sought me out to collaborate on a pilot for a new children’s television show for the ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C. “I hosted an educational entertainment show ‘Zep’ that followed the ‘ABC Afterschool Special.’ We hired a 16-year-old gifted puppet maker and puppeteer who went on to receive widespread acclaim creating Elmo for Jim Henson and ‘The Muppets.’”

Retiring from a pharmaceutical career five years ago, Bob, now 70, wanted to get back into theater. He has done community theater and some interesting side roles in film. His favorite was the lead character, a very neurotic Jewish male, Allan Felix, in Woody Allen’s “Play it Again, Sam” as part of Fireside Players troupe. He was involved in a musical parody group at Temple EmanuEl, The Dixie Shticks, performing at venues such as the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Today remnants from that group perform the Purimspiel at Temple Emanu-El. He also performed as King in “The Princess and the Pea” in the 2019 summer children’s theater production in Norcross at Lionheart Theatre.

“Virtually all of my volunteer activities came to a screeching halt with COVID,” he said. “Adding to the disappointment was the cancellation of two international trips to Colombia and a cruise to COVID-19 ‘hot spots’ Italy, Spain and France. In an effort to be productive, I volunteered again to be on the AJFF [Atlanta Jewish Film Festival] Evaluation Committee and enrolled in The Great Courses. I also took a course in contact tracing. Fortunately, NPAC has started up again after a four-month hiatus, providing me an opportunity to look for more viable art to enhance the city.” ì

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ARTS & CULTURE

Live Exhibit: Jewish Art on the BeltLine

By Martine Tartour Of the estimated 5,000 Chabad centers worldwide, some have exceptional locations, such as the one in Paris on the Champs Elysees, or the one in Jerusalem facing the Western Wall. “With this magnificent view of the Atlanta skyline, Chabad Intown is not bad either!” proudly exclaimed director and Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman. “There are more than 12 Chabad centers in Atlanta, but this one, in the heart of the BeltLine, is unique.”

Due to health precautions, he wears a mask with the logo of the Center: lines that symbolize the tassels of a Jewish tallit with bright colors to reflect the energy of the BeltLine. The rabbi’s decorative mask is consistent with the exhibition, which contains 39 art works by three Atlanta artists who share a common desire to illustrate the enthusiasm, the joy and the spirit of Judaism.

Adrienne Zinn, Alice Levenson Rogers and Shelton Cochran worked for several months to prepare this exhibition. “There was no question of canceling it because of health restrictions, we just had to manage differently the organization,” Rabbi Schusterman said. On the contrary, the current situation is perfectly in line with the title of the exhibition: “Resilience.”

“This pandemic calls us to be resilient,” said Zinn, a self-taught artist who has been painting for eight years, drawing her inspiration from her many travels. She’s known Rabbi Schusterman for years. He asked if she would be interested in organizing an exhibition and she said, “definitely!”

“L’dor V’dor” (11-by-14 inches) The Intown center,

by Alice Levenson Rogers, the with over 21,000 ancient scrolls are dressed in square feet, is home colorful modern Torah covers. to a synagogue, a coworking space, a preschool, a Hebrew school and a kosher restaurant. The artworks are displayed in the lobby and in the community café, Jeff’s Place.

Rabbi Schusterman is enthusiastic. Not only does he see the exhibition as a way to raise funds for the center, since all the paintings are for sale, he also knows that it is a great opportunity to open the doors to new attendants.

“It has always been our goal in Chabad Intown to entice the huge mass of people who pass through here every day, locals and tourists alike, to enter Chabad Intown freely, without pressure, without the need to embrace a full observant life.”

He wants to make this exhibition a cultural stopover for families coming to the BeltLine. “In front of these paintings, which represent a Shabbat table, the lighting of the Hanukkah candles, a woman dancing at a wedding, we can talk about religion, art and even Israel. There’s a beautiful painting of a beach in Tel Aviv.”

Zinn, the painter of the Tel Aviv beach, has a predilection for sea blues, and Israel, which is the homeland of her husband, Ben. “Most of my other paintings, 25 in all, offer

“7 Women – Evening Prayer” (16-by-20 inches) by Adrienne Zinn depicts the bond of humanity and history of the Western Wall as its colors change with the light of day.

“Shema” (20-by-12 inches) by Shelton Cochran, wood carving enhanced with paint, wood stain and found items (assorted fabrics, metals, a lightbulb, black glass and porcelain).

my vision of Judaism. As much the naive strength of the Hanukkah doughnuts as the mystical power of the Western Wall.”

It was she who invited Cochran and Levenson Rogers to join the exhibition, and they enthusiastically agreed.

Levenson Rogers, a retired physical therapist, has been painting with passion for nearly 20 years. “I feel that I best express myself through my art.” Painting Jewish themes awakens so many childhood memories as well as memories of seders, candle lightings, weddings and b’nai mitzvah with her husband, children and grandchildren. “I love the joy in Judaism, and I’ve tried to capture it.”

Cochran’s work offers a totally different style and perspective. He calls it modern folk art. Cochran, raised as a

Southern Baptist, is a graphic designer/mixed-media artist who runs his design company in Atlanta. Passionate about the storytelling and the history of religion, he combines both in five original pieces, using wood carvings as a base.

“I’ve always felt Judaism and the African American struggles are close. Today I don’t attend church regularly, but I still admire the devotion, the fervor. I have carved women reciting the Shema with their eyes closed. Praying is a perfect act of resilience.” ì The exhibition “Resilience” runs from Aug. 16 to Nov. 29 at Chabad Intown, 730 Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta 30306. For more information and to RSVP, www.chabadintown.org/resilience/.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 37

ARTS & CULTURE

‘Flawless’ Explores Danger of Keeping Secrets

By Bob Bahr

“I think one of the things that this film depicts so powerfully is how someThe Atlanta Jewish Film Festival re- thing can happen at school and by the visited one of the popular films from this time a young person gets home, it’s beyear’s lineup, “Flawless,” as part of its In come viral across the internet and shared.

Conversation series of online programs I think that that’s one of the really imporlast month. The Israeli film, which was tant messages of this film.”

The three main titled “HaNeshef’” in characters in the Hebrew, or “Prom,” film are all outfollows three teensiders with their age girls during the own set of secrets spring prom season that have become in an upscale Jerusaincreasingly diffilem high school. cult to keep. Tigist, The three have played by the Israeli all the usual social Ethiopian actress insecurities of adoNetsanet Mekonen lescence, which are and Keshet played compounded by the

by Noam Lugasy are difficulty they all best friends. What have in gaining acAJFF presented a discussion of “Flawless” they don’t know is ceptance by their at its In Conversation program. that a newcomer to peers. As the host of the AJFF program July 26, Atlanta film their high school, Eden, is a transgender critic Rich Eldredge put it, there are all female. Eden’s secret gives the work a cersorts of new challenges young people face tain weight that films of this genre often today that weren’t a part of their parent’s don’t have.

The team of Sharon Maymon and lives.

38 | AUGUST 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

“Flawless” was nominated for 12 Ophir Awards in 2019 by the Israeli Film Academy.

Stav Strashko was the first transgendered Israeli actress ever nominated for Best Actress at the Ophir Awards, Israel’s Academy Awards.

Tal Granit, who both wrote the bright and sharply observed script and very capably directed the film, searched for a year to cast the role of Eden.

Their pick was the noted Israeli transgender model, Stav Strashko, who had immigrated as a child from the Ukraine.

She was said to have had a troubled transgender childhood and left home when she was 14.

During the AJFF program Strashko characterized life in Israel for young people like herself as difficult, particularly for those who publicly identify themselves with the transgender community.

“About 90 percent of transgender people are still getting rejected from their families. And there’s still, you know, later on, there’s still a lot of discrimination we’re still struggling with. We’re still in a place where we’re fighting for equal rights.”

Strashko’s sensitive portrayal of the problems Eden encounters as she attempts to fit in with her newfound friends and the other students at the high school are at the heart of the film’s success. Last year she became the first transgender person ever nominated for Best Actress at Israel’s Ophir Awards, the country’s top film honor.

“Flawless” was nominated for a total of 12 Ophirs, including best picture and best director. The film had its U.S. premier last year at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in New York. The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta sponsored the screening at this year’s AJFF. It is currently available as a video on demand choice at Vimeo.com

In the film, Eden changes schools frequently and she and her family have had to move when her gender identity is discovered. Secrecy becomes for her a way of life.

Living in that way is considered not a healthy psychological choice, according to Rebecca Stapel-Wax, who has counseled young people as a therapist. Stapel-Wax is also the executive director of SOJOURN, the Atlanta organization that works with Jewish gay, lesbian and transgender youth.

“How important are secrets? I think they are survival skills in many ways. And it’s so incredibly dangerous. I know that teens will often feel like they need to be so loyal to one another that they would keep a secret no matter what. I work on suicide prevention programs and we often are telling young people how, when you are sharing with a trusted adult about somebody who may be in crisis, you’re not getting them in trouble. You’re getting them out of trouble.”

Strashko, who has become an important voice for the acceptance of transsexuals as result of the film, feels that parents have an important role to play in supporting the choices that young people make about their gender. She sees the film as making that difficult job, somewhat easier.

“Unfortunately, the situation in the world is that most parents don’t get to the point where they can accept this. But I really hope that people would understand that it’s not something that we choose and it’s something that is just the way we are. If your kid is a trans person, you have to support them because at the end of the day if you don’t, it just causes major pain.” ì

ARTS & CULTURE

Jewish Stars Dazzle Our Screens

“Homeland” was an important factor in establishing Israel’s film and television companies in the United States.

The success of Israel’s “Shtisel” led Amazon to plan an American version.

much, much deeper now. Most of the movies are about human issues. Today When they hand out the annual they are about a variety of people and a Emmy Awards next month, one of the variety of places.”

Shai points to the extraordinary big winners could be “Unorthdox,” the hit program about Chasidic Jews of Wil- international success of the Israeli-proliamsburg in Brooklyn. The critically duced series “Shtisel” on Netflix that’s set acclaimed four-part mini-series about a in the ultra-Orthodox community in Je19-year-old newly married bride who flees rusalem. Amazon is developing an Amerher arranged marriage is up for eight Pri- ican version of the show, set in Brooklyn to be called “Emmis.” metime Emmys, inSuch programs cluding one for Shira have propelled IsHaas for outstanding rael’s entertainment lead actress in a limproduction compaited series. nies to international Israeli actresses, success. According like Haas and “Wonto Forbes magazine, der Woman” star Israel television proGal Gadot, are everyduction companies where in the world of are stiff competitors entertainment these in America, where days. One of those they rank just behind who has watched England as a source with admiration of new programof Israel’s growming. ing influence is Dr. Dr. Nachman Shai lectured about Israel’s interNachman Shai, who modern Israel as a visiting professor national production served as chairman at Emory University this year. companies not only of the Israel Broadcasting Authority. He remembers 40 adapt successful Israeli TV series to other years ago when the Israeli entertainment countries, but they are active in creating industry was more preoccupied with the what are called “paper formats” that are vision of creating a progressive Zionist then produced by broadcasters in such diverse markets as Brazil, Russia, the state.

Shai, who was a visiting professor at Netherlands and Mexico. Often local auEmory University this year, recalls when diences watching local performers durmuch of Israel film was focused on the ing these broadcasts are unaware that the program is an Israeli idea. country’s early conflicts.

Shai, who was instrumental in intro“The first few years, the films were mainly about the establishment of the ducing commercial television to Israel in state of Israel and the nation building 1993, has seen the production business in and so on,” he said. “But in the course of Israel take its place alongside the other the years, it has dramatically changed. entrepreneurial successes in what has And it’s no longer about war or wars. It’s been described as the “start-up nation.”

“It’s all about the money,” Shai said. not only about the conflict between Israelis and Arabs or Palestinians. It goes “One success leads to another. Investors

want to make money off television and if its eight Emmy nominations, is dwarfed they feel like Israelis can do it better than by the 20 for “The Marvelous Mrs. others, they’ll spend their money with Maisel,” which has been renewed by them. Making money is what keeps it all Amazon for a fourth season. Additionally, Amazon has produced two highly going.”

The most successful of the Israeli successful series with important Jewish companies is Keshet Media Group, which characters, “Transparent,” about a Jewish now has development offices in Germa- family that discovers one of the parents ny, England, Hong Kong and Los Angeles. is transsexual, and “Grace and Frankie,” From an Israeli series called “Prisoners in its sixth season, which has a Jewish couple as two of the of War,” it created leading characters.

“Homeland,” a huge Finally, HBO hit that ran for eight Max, the new streamseasons on Showing service, released time. They have creits initial feature ated dozens of suclength film during cessful international the first week in Auprograms over the gust. The film, “An last decade, such as American Pickle,” “The A Word” for BBC which stars Seth RoOne about a famgan, is yet another ily coming to terms work with a strong with a son who has Jewish theme. It’s the autism. It began as a adventures of a Jewsimilar drama set on ish immigrant who an Israeli kibbutz.

Shira Haas has been nominated falls into a pickle barPerhaps inspired for an Emmy for her performance rel a hundred years by the commercial as an unhappy bride in an ago, gets preserved in success of programs arranged Chasidic marriage. the brine and wakes about the everyday life of Jews, Hollywood, which not too up in a very different world a hundred long ago shunned any stories about Jew- years later in today’s New York.

While he has quite a few questions ish life, is now taking another look.

In recent years audiences have taken to ask about all the changes that have to such diverse offerings as “Disobedi- occurred since he was pickled, the one ence,” which starred Rachel Weisz and he doesn’t ask may be the most obvious. was set in the Orthodox Jewish commu- What is it about today’s very complex nity in London; “Uncut Gems,” which world that has us watching and loving so was a critical and commercial success many great movies and TV series about for Adam Sandler, who played a Jewish- Jews? ì American jeweler in Manhattan’s 47th Bob Bahr is teaching a seminar entiStreet diamond business; and “Circus of Books,” a documentary about a conven- tled “Power and Public Performance – Film tional Jewish couple who open a porn and Television in the 1950s” at The Temple beginning Aug. 16. For more information, shop in the heart of gay Los Angeles.

The success of “Unorthodox,” with visit www.tiny.cc/mkgmsz.

By Bob Bahr

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 39

ARTS & CULTURE

Operation Paper Clip ‘Whitewashed’ Nazi Existence I had just finished watching the intense Showtime drama “Hunters,” which dealt with a group of people hunting Nazis across America, when I began reading “Whitewashed”

by Sandy Berman, founding archivist of The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum.

As soon as I read the synopsis Lou Ladinsky and saw the similar theme to Guest Columnist “Hunters,” in regard to Operation Paperclip, I volunteered to write a review.

I had never heard of Operation Paperclip and did not have a chance to research its validity after watching “Hunters.” Berman’s novel did a great job detailing this secret government project that brought more than 1,600 German scientists and engineers – many of whom were former members and some, former leaders of the Nazi Party – to the United States after World War II (1945-1959) to work on the space program. The project also provided the U.S. a military advantage in the Soviet–American Cold War. As a result, the U.S. government “whitewashed” the past records of the German scientists and engineers so no questions would be asked about their elicit war activities.

Berman’s novel centers on the 118 former Nazi scientists and engineers brought to Huntsville, Ala., in 1950 to work on the space program. Wrapped around these factual recounts is a story of lost love and the truth behind the

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Sandy Berman is the founding archivist of The Breman Museum.

events of an alleged suicide of a Jewish student. This all led to the discovery of the details behind Operation Paperclip.

I am not usually a big fan of stories that consistently flash forward and back in time, but Berman was outstand-

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“Whitewashed” is the second novel by Sandra Berman.

ing in paralleling the events of the past (1942 to 1950) with the events of 1968, when the story is based. As Carl Sagan once famously said “You have to know the past to understand the present.”

Once I started reading the book, I found it hard to put down. The characters felt true-to-life around the real historical events of the times. It left me with a hunger to learn more about Operation Paperclip and to understand the dividing line between science, with its race for technology, and the balance of humankind. Berman’s novel has me now questioning whether it was morally right for the United States to bring these individuals into our country while ignoring their detestable war crimes, without any punishment or accountability. It is sometimes scary to think about the offspring of these individuals living among us today who may carry the same distorted ideological thoughts of their predecessors. Let’s hope not. ì

Rosh Hashanah

ART CONTEST

Illustrate a picture about What you have learned in 5780 that you will take with you into 5781!

ONE ENTRY PER PERSON, PLEASE. To Submit, please visit www.atlantajewishtimes.com/rosh-hashanah-art-contest

Deadline to submit is September 1st Top 10 editor’s choice to be featured in Atlanta Jewish Times’ September 15 Rosh Hashanah issue.

All submissions will be published online.

Size: Standard 8.5” x 11” Materials: Anything that’s bold and bright, such as markers or cut paper. We suggest taping your artwork to cardboard to protect it.

Do not fold artwork. Digitally produced art is accepted. Artwork may be submitted as JPG or PDF file.

To enter: Artwork must be mailed to the AJT office, 270 Carpenter Drive, Suite 320, Atlanta, GA 30328, ATTN: Art Contest or emailed to lilli@atljewishtimes.com (One entry per person, please.)

All artwork must have an entry form attached to the back or filled out online: first and last name of the artist; title of artwork; age; grade; school; artist’s city; phone number; and email address.

Only original artwork will be considered.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 41

DINING Savory Piece of Brooklyn Lands in Alpharetta

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

It’s great to see them eating outside here,” Hyzdu said.

“We have tons of Jewish and Italian The earliest memories of Adam Hyzdu, chef-partner of The Savory Gourmet Mar- items. Our pastrami and corned beef are ket, are of his family’s Italian meat business imported from New York: real nova, housewith gourmet items from Greece, Spain and made whitefish salad, kippered salmon, France. “Growing up in Brooklyn, we experi- whitefish chubs, chicken liver and knishes galore. We use Hebrew enced the best of Jewish National bologna and and Italian neighborsalami, real water bahood food. More specifgels from H&H in Manically, Bensonhurst and hattan, Kaiser rolls and Bedford-Stuyvesant rugelach.” bordering on Crown A variety of knishHeights and Williamses ($4.95) means spinburg. There I was sitach, kasha, square poting on a stoop inhaling tato (fried), and round the aromas. I got tired potato (baked). Potato of New York taxes and latkes are browned to visited Atlanta several No need to wait until Chanukah perfection, no need to times, so we took the to enjoy homemade latkes with wait for Chanukah. leap South.” a dollop of sour cream.

Bagels are kettle or par Why Alpharetta?

“The mayor was excited to have us here in a baked. Inhale one with a schmear for $1.95.

Getting the best of local resources, Hyzcity-owned building as a walk-to, or easy-topark, market. Since the pandemic, our busi- du buys breads and macaroons from Alon’s.

The Savory Gourmet has indoor space ness has soared by 200 percent. We have shoppers come from all over, even Toco (temporarily closed) and outdoor patio taHills. We are also a popular police hangout. bles. The focus now is takeout, deli, and pre-

42 | AUGUST 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Chef Adam Hyzdu and wife Carrie partnered with interior designer Beth Johnson. Since the pandemic, their business has soared.

Savory imports deli meats from New York and heaps on hearty portions.

pared items that are heated at home with ter cookie ($2.75) was irresistible. The cannoli instructions. The website shows mouthwa- ricotta was perfect, not too sweet.

“It’s terrific having such good ‘soul’ tering photos daily and lists availability.

I baked the eggplant parmesan, $23.95 food like we had in New York in downtown (for 2) gluten-free with easy heating instruc- Alpharetta,” local customer and accountant tions (no microwave) in its ready pan. Melt- Phil Juravel said. “I think his corned beef is in-the-mouth, nice tomato bite, ripe eggplant. just like I had growing up.”

Savory succeeds because Hyzdu knows Next up to try: grilled wild caught salmon with lemon rosemary garlic white wine his customers, has positive energy and hands sauce over spinach and red pepper-infused on presence. He labors over every luscious layer and is able to infuse his knowledge, love risotto, $26.95 (for two).

Hyzdu brought his Nonna’s best reci- of food and hospitality into details like real pes from New York. Savory sells her “gravy” cutlery, Sabrett mustard from New York, and the perfectly placed red sauce, Italian dollop of sour cream. wedding soup and In addition to parttomato bisque. “We ner-wife Carrie, inuse only the best terior designer Beth of the best ingrediJohnson is their third ents,” he said. “One partner. “We are a bite and you will be three-person team, hooked.” and Carrie and I have Dreams of Little three daughters!”

Italy materialize into About the fupizza dough and ture, he mused, “I’m cheese from Naples, happy here to have Sicilian tomatoes, regular hours Tuesquiche, stromboli, day through Saturmanicotti, lasagna, day 9 to 6 and SunAlfredo, pesto, raviday and Monday 9 to oli and gnocchi pasta The All the Way Everything Bagel 3, not working with all ways. featured perfect lox and special a late-night drinking The Meditersmoked salmon chunks. crowd. We are lookranean tuna scoop ($6.50) was truly special, blended with red ing into expanding into Sandy Springs and onion, lemon, sun-dried tomatoes and ol- Inman Park.” ì ives, bursting with flavor, and enough for The Savory Gourmet Market+New York three sandwiches. The All the Way Everything Bagel ($8.45) bounded with cream Style Deli+Cafe is located at 63 Milton Ave. in cheese, perfect azalea hued ribbons of lox, Alpharetta. It has vegetarian and gluten-free chunks of smoked salmon, peppercorns, items and over 320 catering choices with speand sliced tomatoes, delivering mounds of cial menus for holidays and gourmet gifts with flavor. The chocolate mousse cake was rich, packaging options, wines and sweets, www.sasilky. The fresh-baked chunky peanut but- vorygourmetmarket.com

COMMUNITY

Treasure Trove

By Chana Shapiro The AJT invites readers into the homes of stimulating men and women in the Jewish community who have assembled surprising and unusual collections. On this first visit, we meet Dr. Jacqueline Gindler, who takes us on a virtual tour and talks about her trove of exceptional Chinese objects.

presented to a prospective mother-in-law as the primary means for judging the quality of a girl to be her son’s wife.

ing folk stories are etched and inked; I’ve not seen many of these and purchased them in Hangzhou, in the south.”

Utilitarian boxes

Jacqueline Gindler lives among her vast collection of Chinese objects.

Jacqueline Gindler, editor of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publication Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, lives in a charming museum-like residence in Brookwood where beautiful objects from China are displayed. During the eight years Gindler and her three daughters lived in China, she collected a wide range of handcrafted, embellished and unusual items, which are seamlessly integrated into her comfortable home.

Gindler’s enchantment with China began when the China Center for Adoption Affairs sent her a photo of her future daughter.

Four years, and another adopted Chinese daughter later, the family of three left Atlanta and moved to Beijing, where Gindler worked on birth defects and developmental disabilities prevention for the CDC. She wanted her daughters to personally experience their birthplace, a desire equally driven by her own fascination with Chinese culture. While there, Gindler adopted a third daughter.

Every day, as Gindler rode her bicycle a mile to work – much faster, she explains, than maneuvering through the Beijing traffic – she went through hutongs or little alleys, where she often saw old women hobbling along. These women had bound feet, an ancient practice that was officially banned in 1912, but lingered in some areas until 1949, she said.

Women’s beauty was judged less by their face than by how tiny their feet were, a sign that a woman was dutiful, obedient and willing to prevail in the face of incredible suffering. Women created intricately decorated shoes to encase their tiny feet, and it was customary for a pair of handmade, beautifully embroidered shoes to be

Tiny mourning shoes

Whimsical clocks have multiple moving parts.

Tiny Shoes “A native Mandarin-speaking colleague and I scoured the markets and antique shops for shoes made for women with bound feet.

These elaborately decorated shoes are amazingly small; usually only about 4 to 5 inches long. I soon began to collect other lovely handcrafted, embroidered items too, including sleeves for holding fans, hats and parts of clothing, such as collars.”

Wind-up Clocks “These Chinese clocks are whimsical creations, and all have parts that move when the clock is wound up and ticking: the cat’s and dog’s eyes move back and forth, the chicken pecks at the ground, and students wave Mao’s ‘Little Red Book.’ Behind the clocks in this photo is something called a bolihua, which means glass painting. The painting is done on the reverse side of the glass. These images frequently depict a reclining woman with bound feet and often a fan. The subject is probably a courtesan.

Utilitarian Boxes “I also loved collecting boxes, and I have lots of these. My favorites are the big ones used for carrying food.”

After leaving China, Gindler and her daughters, Rose, Lily and Ruby, spent two years in Thailand, working with Burmese refugee resettlement, after which CDC brought them back to Atlanta. Gindler still maintains close ties with their China-based Chabad Rabbi Shimon Freundlich and his family and returned there for Passover 11 years ago. Gindler notes, “Among the biggest inspirations (and the biggest surprise) for me in China, was the incredible expatriate Jewish community there. My rabbi and his wonderful family changed all of our lives forever.” ì

Pottery relics are inlaid in lacquer boxes.

Shard Boxes “I became interested in what are known as ‘shard boxes.’ During the Cultural Revolution (1966 to ‘76) many things considered bourgeois were destroyed, including much beautiful Chinese pottery. Later, the broken pieces, or ‘shards,’ were collected and set into lacquer boxes. I love these, and like to imagine what the whole unbroken pot may have looked like.”

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COMMUNITY

Big Brunch and Little Five Points

Little Five Points is famous for the alternative culture it brings to Atlanta with distinct stores and vibrant street art.

By Jen Evans and Michal Bonell

Folk Southern Fried is a melt-inyour-mouth dish of fried chicken and biscuits topped with fried eggs.

a melt-in-your-mouth creation of fried chicken and biscuits topped with fried eggs.

Written just before the pandemic, we Both dishes were wonderful, one on the visited Inman Park and Little Five Points for light and healthy side and the other sinfully a Southern brunch on a beautiful Atlanta af- sensational, a perfect duo.

Celebrity sighting alert: Actor Owen ternoon. We were thrilled to dine at FolkArt Inman Park, dishing up a Southern comfort Wilson was eating right behind us! We sent food menu with a twist. FolkArt boasts “Art- over some beignets to him and his friend ful Eats for Simple Folks.” Simply scrump- and were kindly thanked by Wilson. Clearly the stars know where tious is what we say! to dine.

This quaint and The weather was funky spot is a hip and lovely, and we had a laid-back place to meet little time to kill, so we friends and family opted to walk to our for breakfast, brunch, next destination, via lunch or dinner.

Virginia Highlands’ Breakfast is served all beautiful residential day. It was not surprisFolkArt offers six types of savory neighborhood lined ing pre-COVID that brunch-style eggs Benedict with charming buntables were full with a wait outside. Chatter and laughter filled the galows. A mere 10-minute walk, we arrived in Little Five Points, one of Atlanta’s hippest room.

FolkArt has reopened since COVID re- neighborhoods. A diverse group of shoppers strictions have eased and is following all the from all walks of life head to Little Five Points’ guidelines for social distancing and sanitiz- one-of-a- kind stores for offbeat vintage clothing, vinyl and unique gift shops, while dive ing for both dine-in and takeout.

During our pre-pandemic visit, we sat bars, burger joints and vegan eateries line the down in a colorful and cozy booth salivat- surrounding streets.

Just a couple of blocks away sits the ing over all our menu options. Starters were their signature and MUST HAVE Sweet quaint Horizon Theatre Company, which Potato Beignets, small homemade donuts opened its doors in 1983 and has featured tossed in powdered cinnamon sugar and over 130 professional productions. For 36 served over a drizzle of maple syrup that seasons, Horizon Theatre has been showing immediately made our taste buds do a jig contemporary plays from around the world, in delight. To quench our thirst, Jen had a plays created by some of Atlanta’s finest refreshing Strawberry Fields mixed with professional actors, directors and designAbsolut lime vodka, apple bitters, ginger ers. During this time of social distancing, syrup, lemon juice, apple juice, and straw- the Horizon Theatre is offering “Horizon @ berry jam, topped with ginger beer. Michal Home” shows and classes on its Facebook tried the Pineapple Express, a combination page, www.facebook.com/horizontheatre. It is of Belle Isle honey habanero moonshine, really worth watching these. ì pineapple juice and lime juice. Both drinks Check out FolkArt’s website for menus and were fruity and delicious with a kick!

In addition to the glorious beignets, hours of operation, www.folkartrestaurant.com.

To have us review your event or restauour waitress recommended Eggs Benedict with turkey sausage, tomato and spinach rant, contact us at 404-883-2130 or Jen@atljewalong with their token Folk Southern Fried, ishtimes.com / michal@atljewishtimes.com.

COMMUNITY

Roving Reporter

By Chana Shapiro The Atlanta Jewish Times loves writing about the diverse, creative and resourceful members of our community.

However, we haven’t physically been out and about much lately. To remedy the situation, it was time to do a bit of virtual meandering, to discover what people have been up to. From planting a garden to giving music lessons al fresco, from mastering complex technology to getting a surprise while running a small camp, a lot has been happening. Here’s how six people answered the following question: Have you done anything interesting during the pandemic confinement?

ting strategic thinking across on a video call can be tricky. So I‘ve worked around in-person meetings and now I present ideas and strategies online with new visuals and a “chalk-talk.” Thankfully the strategic processes I use can be charted visually. The visuals guide conversations with business prospects and clients, who are enthusiastic and say they “get it” even better now.

Saul learned about the plants and animals in her own backyard garden.

Marx had a hard time finding an elusive coffee cake recipe.

JUDY MARX Development consultant I’ve miraculously learned to get in and out of Costco with only the things my mother puts on her list. In addition, I’ve been working on how to bake a danish, which is a yeasted coffee cake. The problem is that when I Googled “Danish recipes,” I typically got instructions on how to pickle herring and prepare other fine foods enjoyed by the residents of Denmark. At last, I think I finally found a good recipe!

ROBIN SAUL Nutritionist, plant-based chef, craft designer Time spent at home during the pandemic allowed me to connect with my natural world. I have become very familiar with the flora and fauna of my little yard by attracting beneficial animals. We reduced trash by composting.

I planted herbs, vegetables and flowers. What turned up? Insect pollinators, birds, snakes, anoles, and lots of squiggling worms. I love the smell of the earth while I dig and the feel of the sun while relaxing on the deck. I don’t feel trapped, but instead surrounded by nature.

Levin moved beyond her known expertise to virtually present Horizon Theatre’s programs.

Simmy Wilson and his campers were surprised to meet a famous football star. From left, Shai Kaiser-Blueth, Noam Glazer, Mohamed Sanu, Liav Cohen and Simmy Wilson.

AMY L. LEVIN Digital content manager at Horizon Theatre Co. Freelance actor/sound designer I’ve learned technology that Horizon Theatre uses to develop and share content while our doors are closed. This includes livestreaming and its related software/hardware, video editing, basic animation, operating Zoom at advanced levels – for example, this year’s New South Young Playwright’s Festival went virtual – and line-producing a cooking show. Essentially, all of Horizon’s virtual content goes through me. In any slower time, I hope to learn more personally, rather than professionally. Maybe I’ll finally get a chance to read a book!

SIMMY WILSON Atlanta Jewish Academy Senior I ran a small sports camp for AJA seventh-graders. One day we were playing at a field when a really nice car pulled up. I had heard that famous football players go to that field to practice, one of whom is Mohamed Sanu, ex-Falcon and now Patriots star wide receiver. I instantly joked to my kids, “Look, it’s Mohamed Sanu!” My kids actually believed me, so they sprinted over, asking if he was Sanu. The athletes said “yes,” and we could watch them work out and play football. We watched and talked to the players for around 30 minutes and then took a picture with Mohamed Sanu. ì

SIMCHA SPOTLIGHT

Have something to celebrate?

Share your simchas with the

Steiner decided to move his violin lessons into the carport.

Alpert figured out how to improve his client connections by using innovative technology.

JOEL ALPERT Chief Lightbulb - strategic and creative director, MarketPowerOnline.com My business is strategy, branding and marketing communication, but get-

OLIVER STEINER Violinist (Following his career as a concert violinist and professor, Steiner now teaches select private students at his home.)

I moved outside, and by teaching in my carport, we have good air circulation and about 16 feet of teacher-to-student distance.

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 45

CALENDAR Virtual Classes and Events:

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 Kabbalah & Coffee – From 9:30 to 11 a.m. Discuss, explore and journey with Intown Jewish Academy.

Learn about the world of Jewish mystical teaching and learn how to apply these profound teachings to your daily life. No prior Kabbalistic experience required. To register, www.bit.ly/2XYKXul.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 Instagram Live Discussion and Q&A on Egg Freezing – At 12 p.m. Join Jewish Fertility Foundation and Dr. Bat-Sheva Maslow for an Instagram Live discussion and Q&A on egg freezing. To join, @jewishfertilityfoundation.

Brain Health Boot Camp – From 1 to 2 p.m. – Join JF&CS to combat memory loss. This program is designed to provide memory-enhancement techniques through cognitive stimulation, physical exercise, education and socialization. To register, contact Georgia Gunter at ggunter@jfcsatl.org.

Virtual Infertility Support Group

AUGUST 15-31 – From 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Join Jewish Fertility Foundation for a free virtual support group, open to any woman currently experiencing infertility. You must RSVP on our website to receive the private Zoom link and password. To register, www.bit.ly/3eymfHJ.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 Torah Studies, Live – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join Intown Jewish Academy for an in depth analysis of the Torah portion. This program brings you the tradition of classical Jewish learning in a series of inspiring and engaging weekly classes. The lessons probe the depths of contemporary Torah thought, with a special focus on issues surrounding spirituality, the human psyche, love and relationships. Every experience offers meaningful and timely lessons, from the most timeless of texts. You will walk away surprised, inspired, and knowing more about who you are—and who you can be. To join with Zoom, www.bit.ly/2VkBLjZ. Real Men, Real Stories - Infertility through a male lens – From 8 to 9 p.m. Join JFF for a live discussion about infertility through the male lens. To register, www.bit. ly/3eymfHJ.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 Significant Others of Addicts Support Group – From 1 to 2 p.m. Free weekly support group from JF&CS. This group is for spouses, partners

and/or significant others of those struggling with addiction. To register and for more information, sanderson@jfcsatl.org.

tual text written in the last three centuries with master Tanya teacher Rabbi Ari Sollish. To register, www.bit.ly/3eNGmCi.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 Family Caregiver Support Group – From 1 to 2 p.m. This JF&CS weekly group will provide a safe space to share your thoughts and feelings and help you to develop a network of support related to being a family caregiver. For more information, call Debbie at 770-677-9338.

A Historic Evening with Dr. Edith Eger,, The Ballerina of Auschwitz Eger – From 7 to 8 p.m. Intown Jewish Academy Presents: A Historic Evening with Dr. Edith Eger, The Ballerina of Auschwitz, Live in Conversation. In 1944, 16-year-old Edith Eger was sent to Auschwitz, where she endured unimaginable experiences, including being ordered to dance for the infamous Dr. Josef Mengele. To register, www.bit. ly/3hOqX5V. Addiction & Families: A Conversation with David Sheff – From 7 to 8 p.m.

HAMSA Helps & JF&CS Atlanta, in partnership with Caron Treatment Center, Twin Lakes Recovery Center and Willingway, are excited to announce: A Conversation with Author David Sheff. He is the author of “Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction,” a number one New York Times bestseller. The book was adapted as a feature film starring Steve Carrell and Timothee Chalamet in 2018. To register, www.bit.ly/31je3GJ

Pregnant in Uncertain Times Support Group – From 1 to 2 p.m. A JF&CS free, weekly group for expectant mothers dealing with fears and concerns during this unprecedented time. Gain support and learn from others in a therapist-facilitated environment. To register, email tgersonmiller@jfcsatl.org.

MONDAY, AUGUST 24 Monday Night Parsha – From 7 to 8 p.m. Join Chabad of North Fulton for this virtual class by Rabbi Hertz on the weekly parsha.To join, www. bit.ly/2zpsgIl.

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

www.atlantajewishconnector.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25 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 Amy Seidner for more information at amy@atljewishtimes.com.

46 | AUGUST 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Think Different – From 8 to 9 p.m.

Join Intown Jewish Academy for a weekly group to study the single most transformative Jewish spiri-

Uncoupling: A Divorced and Separated Support Group – From 5 to 6 p.m.

Join JF&CS for a weekly group providing support and resources, and a safe place to process and share

experiences related to divorce and separation. Open to men and women of mixed ages. Issues explored are trust, rejection, custody, holidays, in-laws, infidelity, finances, communication, letting go, and what is brought up. To register, contact Helen Kotler at 404-210-9571.

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES Shoftim Friday, August 21, 2020, light candles at 7:58 p.m.

Saturday, August 22, 2020, Shabbat ends at 8:54 p.m.

Ki Teitzei Friday, August 28, 2020, light candles at 7:50 p.m.

Saturday, August 29, 2020, Shabbat ends at 8:54 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 Hadassah Ketura’s Preparing for the Holidays Southern Style – From 7 to 8 p.m. Hadassah Greater Atlanta’s Ketura Group will present a cooking class with chef Debbie Lewis from Red Spoon Bakery. Get excited about the holidays Zoom-style and learn to prepare a Southern Israeli salad and an apple galette from the comfort of your home. Red Spoon Bakery is geared towards providing healthy, delicious food to your dinner table. Every recipe Lewis creates focuses on a kid-friendly dish so everyone is happy! She tries to base her meals on a kosher style of cooking, using minimal sugars, dairy and meat products. To register, contact Bernice Mellman, bernicemellman@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27 Frankly Speaking with Sherry Frank – From noon to 1:15 p.m. NCJW Atlanta is excited to continue our women’s discussion group for our members and friends. Moderated by noted Atlanta advocate Sherry Frank, this monthly lunchtime meeting focuses on current events through a Jewish lens. Due to the pandemic, the meetings are held on Zoom. To register, contact christineh@ncjwatlanta.org.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 Zoom into Shabbat: Shabbat: Tot Shabbat with the OVS Rebbetzin – From 5 to 6 p.m.

Join Rebbetzin Carrie Hearshen for a tot Shabbat program for young families.There will be stories and celebrating Shabbat along with her daughters, Ayelet and Galit. To join, www.bit.ly/3eJWyUt.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 “Tolerance, Equality, and Respect for All People” – Enlighten America 2020 Awards Ceremony – From 3 to 4:30 p.m. Please join guest speaker Dan Mariaschin, CEO of B’nai B’rith International, as he presents the Enlighten America 2020 awards.

Mariaschin is recognized globally for his depth and breadth of knowledge of today’s issues and the history that has led us to this time. To register, www.bit.ly/33s6obS.

Ongoing: Chabad.org Presents Jewish Kids Activities Online – Jewish art projects, videos, games, activities and more.

For more information, www.bit. ly/2UgUFId. In the City Camps Presents - Virtual Camp – This summer might not be what we expected, but we will make it great with Virtual Summer Camp! While you may not be together physically, the goal remains the same: to connect our community through Jewish values and choice-based activities, strengthening decision-making skills and building self-confidence. For more information, www.inthecitycamps.org/itc-at-home.

MJCCA Fitness – MJCCA is open!

Continue to work out virtually or in person. See the group exercise

classes at www.atlantajcc.org/reopen.

MJCCA Book Festival – In Your Living Room Live. View MJCCA’s upcoming Book Festival virtual events at www.bit.ly/3bk1mi7.

and Jew-ish students from around the world in real time. For more information, www.bit.ly/3af7wjA. Please send virtual classes and events to amy@atljewishtimes.com.

Community Services: Anti-Defamation League – The CoroAntinavirus 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.

BBYO – Tune in to BBYO on Demand, a virtual experience for teens worldwide. Enjoy amazing programming and global events. Some of the sessions are even led by our very own Greater Atlanta Region BBYO members. For more information, www.bit.ly/2QFlCD2.

MJCCA Blonder Department for Special Needs – See the Blonder Family Department for Special Needs Facebook group for daily activities, chats, workouts and more. For more information, www.bit.ly/2Jmpl4x.

PJ Library – PJ Library is bringing fun, crafts, stories, Q&As, scavenger hunts, food demos and so much more. To join in and for more information, www.bit.ly/2WzFFqh. Repair the World – Repair the World welcomes you to sign up for its programming. Join them from the comfort of your home for a discussion on compassionate care for ourselves and our community.

For more information, www.bit. ly/2xhUsv5.

Virtual Hillel Connections – If you’re looking for community, connection and meaningful learning opportunities or if you’re just bored and need a distraction during coronavirus cancellations, then you’ve come to the right place. Hillel has virtual meetups and online gatherings that bring you together with Jewish

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). An automated responses will be activated. When a person texts to 888976-2232 (ACFB), they’ll be prompted for their zip code or address to enable location services for food pantries closest to them. Responses will include a list of three different nearby pantries and their contact information. For more information, www.acfb.org.

Atlanta Jewish Music Festival Updates – Music is a powerful force. It heals. It can bring people together.

In the wake of the recent events, the AJMF has reached out to its community seeking “healing music.” To listen, www.spoti.fi/2Uuq7BB. For information about the AJMF, www. atlantajmf.org.

Israel American Council – IAC @ Home brings you the most innovaATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 47

tive 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 coast-to-coast community right from your own home. For more information, www.israeliamerican. org/home.

worldwide pandemic disrupts everyone on an unprecedented scale.

For updates and more information, www.bit.ly/3ahrNVM. Marcus JCC Updates – Please visit www.atlantajcc.org/reopen to learn about all the details and procedures – including hours of operations – for engaging with the JCC during our reopening. For more information, www.bit.ly/2QEAuRX.

Services Friday night 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.

and Saturday at 10 a.m.. For more information and to view services, www.bit.ly/2BXRfTF. The Temple Livestreaming Services – Find live streaming services here, www.the-temple.org.

Please send synagogue and temple streaming services to amy@atljewishtimes.com.

Please send community service opportunities to amy@atljewishtimes.com.

Congregation Shearith Israel – Daily and Shabbat services 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.

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.

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 appointment, email us at therapy@jfcsatl.org or call 770-6779474.

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-AGE-WELL (1-866-243-9355) to find out how they can help.

For more information, www.bit. ly/2wo5qzj.

Synagogue Livestreaming Services:

Jewish Federation of Greater Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Resources – The unsettling, fast-moving and unpredictable world of life with COVID-19 is upon us. As we’ve all discovered, a 48 | AUGUST 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Congregation Or Hadash – Shabbat

Ways to Help Through CCC: www.bit. ly/2vAXqdN.

Package and Deliver Meals Through Open Hand Atlanta: www.openhandatlanta.org/volunteer.

JF&CS Kosher Food Pantry: www.jfcJF& satl.org.

Temple Emanu-El Livestreaming Services – Erev Shabbat, Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Shabbat service, Saturdays at 10 a.m. Join in on Facebook at: www. facebook.com/TEAtlanta/.

Congregation Etz Chaim – Erev Shabbat Musical, Fridays at 6:30 p.m. Shabbat morning services at 9:30 a.m. To join in, www.bit. ly/3gWL02s.

Creating Connected Communities: www.bit.ly/3bekKNI.

Provide a Meal to Homeless Women: www.rebeccastent.org.

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 10:30 a.m. Zoom minyan Sundays at 9:30 a.m. For more information, www.bit.ly/3gY0mUK.

Volunteer Opportunities:

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.

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 night at 6:30 p.m.

Repair The World Resource – A onepage resource for caring for the sick in the time of crisis. For more information, www.bit.ly/2JamMlQ. Cards & Care Packages for Jewish HomeLife Staff: www. bit.ly/2WDncsY & www.bit. ly/2WDncsY. Second Helpings Volunteer Opportunities: www.bit.ly/2UpkxQE. Help with COVID-19: A list of additional volunteer opportunities: www.helpwithcovid.com.

Please lease send community service opportunities to amy@atljewishtimes.com.

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

Connector Chatter Directory Spotlight www.atlantajewishconnector.com

Hollywood Feed

Congregation B’nai Torah

In conversation with Tali Benjamin How long has your congregation been in Atlanta?

Congregation B’nai Torah was founded in 1981.

In conversation with Kate Lancaster How long has your business been in Atlanta?

Hollywood Feed opened its first location in Roswell Corners back in 2016.

We’ve been honored to receive the support of the Atlanta community and now have 23 locations throughout Georgia.

How do you cater to members of the community?

We’re able to cater to customers through a focus on education and pet nutrition. All of our feed team members receive 40-plus hours of product education and customer service training annually in order to provide pet owners with the best information to keep their pets healthy and happy.

Where do you see your business in 10 years?

We hope to continue to grow and support the pets, owners, caretakers and communities we serve in 10 years.

How do you cater to young members?

Our 20s and 30s group offers singles and couples the opportunity to connect with peers for social events and learning opportunities. We also have a small group program called B’nai Torah Bridges that helps young members to connect with other members of our community based on a shared interest. We also offer L’mazeltov, which is a parenting class for those who are expecting a first child.

Where do you see your congregation in 10 years?

Though we have almost doubled in size, we will never lose our personal touch. B’nai Torah has always found a way to hold on to its traditional roots while adapting to the times. A decade ago, we transitioned to egalitarian practice.We hope to combine the best of what we have learned during the current era with our welcoming in-person touch. We are excited to welcome yet another generation of active members who will appreciate an increasingly diverse range of traditional and innovative services and activities.

Jewish Family & Career Services In conversation with Terri Bonoff How long has your organization been in Atlanta?

JF&CS has been helping the Atlanta community since 1891.

How do you cater to younger members of the community?

JF&CS offers counseling, art and yoga therapy, play therapy and psychoeducational testing for children and their families. In addition, we offer a variety of parenting resources, as well as support groups for tweens, teens and parents. The PAL Program of JF&CS matches young professionals to young children who could use another adult in their lives. Currently, we are offering a program in partnership with JumpSpark and In the City Camps called Parenting in a Pandemic. We also have a wonderful leadership program for young professionals, the Tritt leadership program, as well as volunteer opportunities in our Young Professionals group.

Where do you see your organization in 10 years?

I see JF&CS as an essential collaborative partner to civic leaders and organizations, the business and workforce sector, state and local municipalities, and the Jewish and broader religious communities, meeting the dynamic needs of those who live in the Atlanta region and beyond. JF&CS envisions an Atlanta region that is economically and civically thriving, inclusive, a beacon of hope and a model for the nation. We are committed to fostering an environment that fulfills that vision.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 49

KEEPING IT KOSHER

JEWISH JOKE

Two Tone Soup Cooking and prep: 1 ½ hours Preference: Meat Occasion: Shabbat Diet: Gluten-free, sugar free Serves: 6 These soups are each delicious on their own. But serving them together kicks it up a notch and is a simple way to add that “wow” to your Shabbos soup repertoire!

Butternut Squash Soup 2 medium butternut squash 2 tablespoons oil 1 onion, diced 2 cups chicken stock or two cups water with 2 teaspoons consommé mix 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 4 cups water Peel squash, remove seeds and cut into chunks.

In a 4 quart pot, sauté onions in oil until limp. Add squash and sauté for 10 minutes.

Add all remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Puree soup until very smooth.

Roasted Garlic Potato Soup 1 head garlic 3 tablespoons oil 2 medium onions, diced 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced 2 cups chicken broth or other chicken stock or water with 2 teaspoons consommé mix 4 cups water 1 teaspoon salt Preheat oven to 350 F. Remove loose skin from garlic head. Place whole head in small pan and drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil. Cover tightly and bake for 1 hour.

Cool.

In a 4 quart pot, sauté onions in 2 tablespoons oil until limp.

Peel garlic. Combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Puree soup until very smooth.

Note: To serve, pour 3/4 ladle of each soup simultaneously into soup bowl.

The result: an even line to divide cream-colored and orange soups.

Tip: To reheat soups, add minimal amounts of water.

Source: Nitra Ladies Auxiliary, Nitra Cookbook from The Heimishe Kitchen (Heimishe Classics), kosher.com.

Photography and styling: Peri Photography.

50 | AUGUST 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The Tourist A Swiss tourist in Tel Aviv is looking for directions and pulls up at a bus stop where two Israelis are waiting. ”Entschuldigung sie bitte, koennen sie Deutsch sprechen?”

The two Israelis just stare at him.

“Excuse-moi, parlez vous Français?”

The two continue to stare.

“Parlare Italiano?”

No response.

“Hablan ustedes espanol?”

Still nothing.

The Swiss tourist drives off, extremely disgusted and frustrated. The first Israeli turns to his friend and says, “You know, maybe we should learn a foreign language …”

“Why?” his friend asks, “That guy knew four languages and that didn’t do him any good!”

Joke provided by David Minkoff www.awordinyoureye.com

YIDDISH SLANG OF THE MONTH Slapshtick n. Old-fashioned and long-winded humor. For example, the endless, detailed, and nuanced jokes told at Catskill resorts in the mid-twentieth century.

“Uncle Morty is doing his after-dinner slapshtick again. It’s kinda fun, if you have a spare hour or two.”

From the Yiddish shtick, meaning comic routine, and slapstick, meaning broad physical comedy, like throwing a pie in someone’s face for a laugh.

Yiddish Slang provided by Daniel Klein from his book “Schmegoogle: Yiddish Words for Modern Times.”

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H E

dication. Of his co-captain, Rosenzweig said, “Jordan was able to sense when I needed a play or when to throw me the ball. There’s no way I would have done well without him.” ì Mr. and Mrs. Robert Understein announced the marriage of their daughter Allison Leigh to Jay Matthew Rottner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Rottner of Atlanta.

The ceremony took place May 6 in Sarasota, Fla., with Rabbi Allan Schwartzman officiating. The bride graduated from the University of Maryland and was the administrative assistant at Ahavath Achim Synagogue religious school. The groom graduated from the University of Alabama and was an account executive with Dean Witter Reynolds.

15 Years Ago//August 12, 2005 ì Jeremy and Monica Schulman announced the birth of their son Joshua Isaac, May 20, 2005. A brit milah was performed by Rabbi Schmuel Khoshkerman at Congregation Shaarei Shamayim May 27 with Rabbi Mark Hillel Kunis officiating. Joshua was given the Hebrew name Yehoushua Yitzchak in memory of his paternal great-grandmother, Jenny Rivkin and maternal great-grandfather, Ignacy Gilzenrat. ì Chai Lifeline brought children with serious illnesses to watch the At50 Years Ago // July 17, 1970 Chai Lifeline invited children lanta Braves at Turner Field. Atlantan Marlene Chastain, whose son Dov had ì The Department of Georgia and South Carolina Jewish War Vetwith serious illnesses to watch the participated in Chai Lifeline programs and summer camps, said the group is Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. erans held their Department Convention July 4-5 at the Hotel Martinique unique because it supported families Jewishly and with day-to-day issues. “It in Columbus, Ga. The delegates attending the convention were treated to a is just a comfort knowing there are people there for you who understand your needs,” she said. cocktail party at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Morris Kravtin. A plaque for 25 years of service to the Jewish War Veterans was awarded to J. Elliot Goldberg of Atlanta.

25 Years Ago // August 11, 1995 ì Mr. and Mrs. Jack Rosenbaum and Mr. and Mrs. James Weiner cordially invited their ì Brian Rosenzweig and co-captain Jordan Luftig of Emory University were named to relatives and friends to attend the b’nai mitzvah of their sons Joel Rosenbaum and Michael the collegiate Jewish All-America basketball team for the 1994-95 season by Jewish Sports SynWeiner. The ceremony took place July 18 at Ahavath Achim Synagogue. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 51

OBITUARIES

Leonard Bock 93, Atlanta

Leonard Bock, a lifelong Atlantan, was born Feb. 23, 1927 and died July 27, 2020. He was an astute businessman who often mentored others, and an avid family man who emphasized the importance of staying connected.

Leonard and Barbara met as teenagers when she was visiting from Chicago and were married for 72 years. They were part of a dedicated group of lifelong friends: the men met as boys and always remained close, and the women joined in as they married. Leonard was part of a large Atlanta family of many cousins, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews. He taught us all to value and maintain family ties. He had a strong sense of ethics and a loyal devotion to family and friends. The extended Bock family still gathers every summer at Leonard and Barbara’s lake house.

Leonard’s parents were Josephine and Victor Bock, and he had a sister, Sylvia Mae Bock Isikoff. Leonard is survived by his wife Barbara Rose Bernstein Bock; four children Naomi Bock (David Williamson), Ruby Bock (Barry Rhodes), David (Debi) Bock, and Richard (Sheri) Bock; grandchildren Aaron Bock (Sandy Rothbard), Jacob (Jessica) Bock; and great-grandchildren Elijah and Josephine, Joanna Bove, Marty and Zoey Bock, Leah Bove, Sarah Bock and Billy Massengale, Victor Bock, Will Rhodes, Hannah Bock and Daniel Habif, and Elli Bock.

May his memory be for a blessing.

Sharon Ruth Bressler 77, Atlanta

Sharon Ruth Bressler, 77, died peacefully with her children by her side July 27, 2020.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Sharon was a true lady whose signature grace, style and Southern charm will be missed by all who knew her. Her commitment to the Jewish community started with her early involvement with the Jewish Federation and Jewish Sisterhood of Atlanta, and continued through her journey with Hirsch later in life to Blue Ridge, where she and her husband helped build a Jewish community and moreover enjoyed many of their most wonderful years as husband and wife. Daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many, Sharon will be remembered forever.

Sharon is predeceased by her beloved husband of 53 years Hirsch Bressler of Atlanta; parents Irene and Hyman Meltz of Atlanta; sister Brenda Kushner of Atlanta; sister-in-law Ellen Mills of Atlanta; and her cherished son-in-law Andreas Schmidt of Berlin, Germany.

She is survived by her children Alan (Diane) Bressler and Jennifer Bressler; grandsons Jake Bressler and Aaron August Schmidt Bressler; as well as her adoring brother-inlaw and sister-in-law Richard and Linda Bressler; and all her nieces and nephews.

Graveside services were held July 29 at Arlington Memorial Park for family only. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Bela Falik Bromberg 97, Atlanta

Born March 3, 1923, our dear Bela passed away July 31, 2020.

As a Holocaust survivor, Bela had a passive strength as she and Nathan navigated their lives in America working long days with Bella then returning home to be a mother and homemaker.

Bela had a sense of style and loved fashion. She readily engaged with all she met and remembered all the details of their stories. She was generous and got pleasure in helping her family in Israel and anyone who needed a helping hand. Warmly greeted as Ms. Bela on her outings, she enjoyed playing cards, shopping and of course the casino. Her family relished her food, especially around the holidays when her homemade kreplach was considered family “gold.” She found comfort in attending weekly Shabbat services at the AA Synagogue, especially after the loss of her husband, Nathan. She and Nathan were cofounders in the creation of Hemshech in the Jewish community. Bela will be remembered and missed by her family and friends, and her spirit will live through her grandchildren 52 | AUGUST 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

and great-grandchildren.

Bela is predeceased by her husband Nathan Bromberg. She leaves behind a loving family who were her greatest joy: her children and their spouses Lisa and Darryl Rockwitt, Helen and Max Benkel, and Sam and Barbie Bromberg, and son Alex Bromberg; grandchildren Jason (Yooly), Dena, Samantha (Todd), Russell, Melissa, Lenny and Zachary; as well as her three beautiful great-grandchildren Jennifer, Lily and Alex, will miss her dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, 1440 Spring St., Atlanta, GA 30309, attention Cindy Weik, or the Atlanta Memorial Fund of Eternal Life-Hemshech. Funeral arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Judith and Elliott Cohen Atlanta

Judith and Elliott Cohen died within seconds of each other July 29, 2020, at Piedmont Hospital.

They lived extraordinary lives. Married for more than 59 years, their love for one another made an indelible impression on everyone who knew them.

Originally from Chicago, they moved to Atlanta in 1972 without knowing anyone, but with hopes of building a beautiful and meaningful life for themselves and their children. And did they ever.

Elliott was an incredible husband and father who was one of the founding partners of the law firm now known as Cohen Pollock Merlin Turner.

Elliott summed up his philosophy of life in a letter he wrote to the firm’s attorneys in 1999. “When we formed many years ago, it was my intention to create a firm which would lack pomposity and arrogance, which would be devoid of internal politics and which, at the same time, would render high quality, innovative services on a responsive basis with continuing concern for our clients’ well-being. Additionally, it was my hope that those associated with the firm would put back into the community, through civic or charitable pursuits, some of the success which would, hopefully, accrue to us. Perhaps the concept was utopian; nevertheless, over the course of these past years, it proved valid, and the firm has prospered.”

He embodied and embraced these values with incredible zest, as a leader, a mentor, and a teacher to the many who found themselves within his sphere. Above all, Elliott was a true gentleman and a genuine mensch. For many years he served as a director on many nonprofit boards including the 20 years he proudly served with unreserved love and dedication to the American Joint Distribution Committee.

Judith was a devoted wife and mother driven by her deep desire to help others. It was her clear and early understanding of the challenge and opportunity to help Soviet Jewry that first led to her involvement with Jewish Family & Career Services. While she served as director on almost every Jewish nonprofit board over the years, her passion was JF&CS. Judith’s tenacity, commitment, compassion, concern, and ability were formidable.

She was proud to serve JF&CS as president and remained active with the organization throughout her life. Judith’s hard work, sacrifice and outstanding leadership changed the lives of thousands of people, many of whom she never met. She was pure goodness, plain and simple.

Judith and Elliott shared a legendary love story. While they faced many challenges in life, they always found comfort in each other. They shared an insatiable desire to explore the world and loved to travel with close friends and family. They enjoyed an active and vibrant life both in Atlanta and Palm Springs. They had tickets to everything – concerts, plays, lectures, and movies. Every night was an adventure to be shared with close friends.

They were witty, funny, warm, compassionate and lived life to the fullest. They died as they lived, together and holding hands.

Their unexpected loss leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew them, none more than their devoted daughter Jill Cohen (Nina Spiegel); daughter-in-law Susan Sikora Cohen; grandchildren Jordan (Kate), Dionysus, and Ashley Cohen; and great-granddaughter Luna Cohen. Judith is also survived by her brother Richard (Sara) Mesirow.

Donations may be made to the Judith and Elliott Cohen Fund at Jewish Family & Career Services, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, or Congregation Or Hadash.

Due to COVID-19, the funeral was limited to immediate family only Aug. 2. The funeral was livestreamed on Zoom.

OBITUARIES

Sophia Tendrich Englander

Esther Bryan Lyss-Greenstein

Born July 24, 1924, in Atlanta to Bessie and Joseph Tendrich, as a child Sophia Tendrich moved with her family to Miami and was both part of a pioneer Dade County family and matriarch of a Miami Beach family committed to public service.

Still the “youngster” at 96, she passed away peacefully July 31 after goodbyes from her six children.

She joins Malvin Englander, her husband of 72 years, in a heaven that has a band playing “Stardust” 24 hours a day.

What a life! A loving wife and proud mother, she was also a tireless politician, an accomplished artist, and a successful real estate broker. Sophia served as the elected Dade County Democratic Party state committeewoman for more than 20 years, fighting for voting rights for the military and college students.

She and Mal were frequent travelers enjoying cultures and cuisine throughout the world.

After 49 years of raising and educating her children, she was determined to complete her education and returned to the University of Miami, graduating at age 68. Two years later, she won a major poker tournament, earning a coveted champion jacket.

Soon after, she was named the Miami Dolphins Super Fan by VISA. She is survived by daughters Nicki (Judge Mel) Grossman, Donna (Mark) Fleishman, Judge Patti Englander Henning, Tobie (Gary) Bagliebter, Marla (John) Carroll and Joe (Chantal) Englander. She was predeceased by son-in-law Jon Henning.

Her memory will remain a blessing to her 10 grandchildren Brenna Grossman (Stephen) Smisek, Lissa Grossman (Billy) Comess, Tracee Grossman (Cullen) Evans, Marissa Fleishman (Sam) Rosenbloom, Alyssa Henning, David Henning, Jessica Bagliebter, John Carroll, Zoe Englander and Justin Englander.

She was the adored great-grandmother of 10 very lucky boys and girls who will all greatly miss the “Bobby” they love.

She leaves nieces, nephews, two sisters-in-law, and many cousins to cherish her memory. The family is grateful to Nilza Siquerra and Antoinette Quintyne, who were more longtime dear friends than caregivers. Her beauty, grace, style, humor and tremendous dignity will be our forever memories. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road SW, Lilburn, GA 30047, or your favorite charity.

Esther Bryan Lyss-Greenstein passed away peacefully Aug. 2, 2020, in St. Louis, Mo. Though slowed by Alzheimer’s in recent years, Esther is known for a lifetime of boundless energy: connecting with her daughters, exercising with friends, baking with her grandkids, serving many communities, or enjoying time with her husband.

Esther Sharon Bryan was born May 23, 1938, to one of only a few Jewish families in Marietta, Ga. In grade school, the family moved to Atlanta so Esther could be raised within a vibrant Jewish community. She was president of her chapter of B’nai B’rith Girls, which launched her dedication to cultivating a rich Jewish life and solidified her passion for helping others.

In 1956, she graduated from Grady Hight School. She attended Emory University and Ohio State University before transferring to the Central Institute for the Deaf of Washington University, St. Louis, earning a Bachelor of Science in audiology and communication in 1960.

Esther was a lifelong educator, formally starting her career at CID. Years later, she created a program at Congregation Shaare Emeth in St. Louis for Jewish deaf boarding students to participate in religious school. She invented and produced a pill dispenser to help families with medication compliance. She authored and co-authored three interactive books for families. Esther rounded out her career as an art broker for Lysographics Fine Art. Regardless of where she lived or what kept her busy, Esther was a consummate friend. She had a gift for building unique and lasting relationships. Her charming personality and Southern lilt drew people to her, and her compassion, creative thinking and willingness to give and receive love endeared her to so many. She sought intimate connection with others, and her kind-hearted personality and spunky taste in art, clothing and toenail polish brought energy, spirit and humor to any room she entered. Esther created a home where people were coming in the front and out the back door at all times of day or night.

Esther’s greatest devotion was to her family. She was an exemplary mom, prioritizing time with immediate and extended family and teaching her children to look to each other as both siblings and the closest of friends.

Esther was predeceased by her first husband Stanley Lyss; brother Bernard Bryan; and parents Ida and Irving Bryan of Atlanta.

She is survived by her husband Harvey Greenstein; children Sheryl Lyss (Paul Lewis) of Atlanta, Julie Lyss, and Pamela Lyss-Lerman (Jason Lerman); her children by marriage are Janet (Barry) Lutz, Mike (Lisa) Greenstein, and Jim Greenstein (Lori Linder); grandchildren Caleb and Brianna Lyss-Lewis of Atlanta and 19 other grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, including Linda, Jeffrey (Robin), and Stephanie Bryan of Atlanta.

In honor of Esther’s life, please practice random acts of kindness. Contributions may be made to the Stanley Lyss and Esther Lyss-Greenstein Life-Long Learning Fund at Congregation Shaare Emeth in St. Louis (www.sestl.org/give/endowments-and-funds/), the Central Institute for the Deaf (www.cid.edu/support-cid/), Memory Care Home Solutions (www.memorycarehs.org/donate/), or the charity of your choice.

96, Atlanta

82, St. Louis, Mo.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 53

OBITUARIES

Stanley Rawn

Benjamin David Saffan

Stanley Rawn passed away on the morning of Aug. 1, 2020, at his home at Lenbrook. He was born June 27, 1925, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Harry and Marcella Rosenblum. He attended Brooklyn Tech high school. Upon graduating high school, he boarded the train to go to Atlanta to attend Georgia Tech, where he met the love of his life Esther Kuniansky.

They enjoyed 73 years of a very loving relationship together.

Stanley was in the U.S. Navy while in college.

He graduated Georgia Tech in 1946 with a mechanical engineering degree and married Esther Kuniansky April 20, 1947.

When he accepted a position with Shell Oil Company, he and Esther moved to Houston. After several years of working at Shell, Stanley noticed that all the people that he came into the company with were moving up the corporate ladder and he was not. One day his boss called him into his office. His boss suggested that Stanley save up his money and leave Shell. That, due to Stanley being Jewish, he was not going to be promoted at Shell.

So, Stanley and Esther packed up and moved back to Atlanta, where Stanley opened the Piedmont Automatic Laundry. Stanley’s dream was to start a construction and development company. In 1958, he built his first eight-unit apartment building.

Over the next 10 years, his development and construction company grew to the point that he closed the laundry and was doing construction full time.

Stanley was a workaholic. He loved his occupation. He loved his family. He loved to travel. Esther and he would take many cruises to all parts of Europe. He loved doing Elderhostels with Esther. Unfortunately, Esther and Stan got too old to travel to some of the places they never got to see. He enjoyed playing bridge. He loved his Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and enjoyed watching games with his family.

Somewhere around 1995, Stan was diagnosed with macular degeneration and finally had to retire in 1998 from his construction business. Esther became his eyes for the remainder of his life. She did a great job helping him deal with his loss of sight.

Stanley is survived by his wife of 73 years Esther Rawn; sons Michael Rawn (Cynthia) and Hugh Rawn (Ann Gilbert Rawn; daughter Marcia Miller (Mark Miller); seven grandchildren Ian Rawn, Jeremy Rawn, Amanda Gilbert (Chris Clark), Lauren Brekke (Zander), Jason Miller, Benjamin Rawn, and Anna Rawn; and a great-grandchild Jake Brekke.

Donations can be made to The Temple, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, and Georgia Tech.

Due to COVID-19, the funeral was limited to immediate family only Aug. 3. The funeral was livestreamed on Zoom.

It is with much love and great sadness that the family of Benjamin David Saffan announces his peaceful passing July 25, 2020, at the age of 92. Born in New York, Benjamin moved South with his family in his teens, graduating from Edison High School in Miami, Fla. He attended Emory at Oxford in Oxford, Ga., and continued his education at Emory University through medical school. He served as a captain in the Army Medical Corps stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. Benjamin received a fellowship in endocrinology from Emory and practiced internal medicine in private practice in Atlanta for more than 30 years. Benjamin received many awards and honors during his years of practice.

In later years he enjoyed much of his time traveling around the world. He spent 10 wonderful years living in West Palm Beach, Fla., where he practiced at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center and was active in the medical and Jewish communities there.

Benjamin found great comfort in Judaism and was an active member of Temple Beth EL in West Palm Beach and a longtime member of Congregation Or VeShalom in Atlanta.

Benjamin was predeceased by his parents David and Rose, and siblings Leo, Saul and Aaron. He is lovingly remembered by his children David and Michelle Saffan and Rose and Gordon Singer; grandchildren Stephanie, Sean, Jacob and Sophie; nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Congregation Or VeShalom or Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. A graveside funeral was held July 27 at Greenwood Cemetery. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

95, Atlanta

92, Atlanta

Dr. Michael J Solomon 76, Atlanta

Dr. Michael J Solomon passed away July 23, 2020, at the age of 76. He was born Nov. 18, 1943, in Brooklyn, N.Y, the younger of twin boys. Michael was a kind-hearted, compassionate, loving son, sibling, husband and father who was the personification of humility, a true gem. He was a highly skilled surgeon and a talented soccer player who enjoyed the symphony, being outdoors, supporting the state of Israel and spending time with his family and very close friends.

Michael earned his medical degree at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland, where he also met his wife. They moved to Atlanta in 1971, where the couple worked together in independent practice through 2018.

Michael served as team physician for professional soccer clubs Atlanta Chiefs, Georgia Generals and Atlanta Attack.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Alona; sons Simy (Sarah) and Zevi; siblings George Solomon (Ilene) and Sharyn Kaufman (Charles); and grandsons Jordan and Micah. Donations in memory of Dr. Solomon may be sent to the FIDF: fidf.org/donate/southeast-donation-page, or call 678-250-9030. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

‫זיכרונה‬ ‫לברכה‬ 54 | AUGUST 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

OBITUARIES

Shirley Farkas Yonis 91, Marietta

Shirley Farkas Yonis, Sarah bat Rivkah, was born Oct. 8, 1928 and passed away July 31, 2020. Known as Mom, Nana Shirley and Aunt Shirley, she was the youngest child of Rebecca and Julius Siegel, immigrants to New York City from Romania. She was born in the Bronx and grew up during the 1930s and 1940s. Always speaking fondly of her youth, she reminisced about the great entertainers, Coney Island and the closeness of family and friends who surrounded her.

Shirley was married to Arnold Farkas for 50 years, with whom she had four children, Madelyn, Joel, Diane and Jules. This little nucleus turned into a family of 18 with son-in-law Roger Merritt, and two daughters-in-law Jerry Farkas and Charlotte Farkas.

Joyous new additions over the years included grandchildren Rebecca (Andy), Rachel and Aaron; Abby (Kyle); and, David (Melissa) and Ariel. Nana Shirley welcomed five great-grandchildren into the world Lila, Zachary, Harley, Danielle and Shay. She relished every moment with her immediate family, as well as with her numerous nieces and nephews.

A steely-eyed tigress when she needed to be, Shirley’s strongest calling was being a mother. No challenge was too much when it came to supporting, caring for and raising her children. She had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and was blessed to enjoy yet another generation in her great-grandchildren.

Twelve years after the family patriarch Arnold Farkas passed away in 1996, Shirley reunited with her childhood sweetheart Gen. David Yonis. A bride again at 79, she enjoyed nearly 10 years of marriage before the general’s passing in 2018. Shirley Farkas Yonis was remarkable in so many ways. A woman ahead of her time in her strength, independence and determination; a beauty into her 90s; a gracious hostess who always had a place at her table for a friend away from home or some fraternity boys in need of some good food or a night’s stay; and in her unique ability to forever be 39. Thank you for the memories, Mom. We miss you. May her memory be a blessing to those who knew and loved her.

Donations in Shirley Farkas Yonis’ memory may be made to Chabad of Cobb or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-4514999.

DEATH NOTICE:

Leon Cohen passed away Aug. 1, 2020. A service was held Aug. 3 at Arlington Memorial Park. Attendance was limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. You can send a note of condolence to Judy at 220 Grosvenor Place, Atlanta, GA 30328, Lisa and Michael at 430 Trowgate Lane, Atlanta, GA 30350, and to Ronnie and Judy at 60 Old Powers Place NW, Atlanta, GA 30327. ì

Obituaries in the AJT are written and paid for by the families. Contact 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.

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 15, 2020 | 55

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CLOSING THOUGHTS And the Winning Ticket Holder is …

I am already thinking about the high holidays.

How in the world will we maintain a 6-foot safe zone?

What will dinner Shaindle with my famSchmuckler ily look like?

Shaindle’s Shpiel Remember the Pesach seder challenge? Yes, I hear you all and see you all shaking your heads with some exaggerated fervor.

Oy Vey is all I can say — publicly.

So, instead of worrying what will be, (as we are all singing “whatever will be, will be”) I decided to close my eyes and remember the “good ol’ days.” Lo and behold I feel myself smiling, feeling so happy in this remembering state.

Remember those brightly colored tickets with the year printed on them, indicating you paid your way into shul for the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur holidays? We kids actually wondered: What does G-d do with all that money?

Our parents did not think this was an appropriate question; most gave each other the ‘knowing’ look while pronouncing us mishuganeh kinder (crazy children).

I miss the high holiday tickets. I miss the competition between all us kids. It was so much fun, much like a scavenger hunt. I miss how the men, who were sitting downstairs, would help us find tickets for the competition, putting the tickets in our hands as if each was as precious as gold, thus showing us the way to a cheating heart. They always smiled at the fun we were having and blessed us with words like zisheh kinder (sweet children).

The women, sitting upstairs, had absolutely no patience for us. Their favorite response when we asked for their ticket was, tsk tsk tsk, zei shtil (be quiet) or gay aveck (go away) or vu iz dien mameh (where is your mother?). Some did not have a verbal response. Rather they had the mother’s eye response – a death look for sure. This look came in and still comes in very handy as we became moms ourselves. We scurried away very quickly when we would get the evil eye. If you’ve never tried it – please do – it works every time.

I miss my beautiful Mary Jane shoes,

my new holiday outfits and fancy socks.

I miss everyone getting dressed up to the nines, looking so happy, so rich.

I miss seeing people, my people, walk with their families, holding hands, heads up with the pride we all felt in our hearts. The pride our elders passed on to us kids.

I miss watching the men gently kissing their tallit, then lovingly saying the prayer required before covering their new suits with the tallit. All the men had such fancy looking hats. Funny, I can’t recall the kippot I am certain they wore under their hats, for safe keeping I suppose.

When I got old enough, I remember me and my friends meeting up outside shul. We would argue where we should take our yom tov walk this year, always walking arm in arm, each year winding up at the Bronx Zoo. I remember walking home to a yom tov lunch. Sometimes at my home, sometimes at Mama’s home. (Mama was my grandmother. We never referred to her any other way, and my grandfather was always referred to as Papa.)

We all lived in the same building: my family, my aunts and uncles’ families, Mama and Papa, including some adopted cousins’ families. Most of the time we were one big, happy apartment building.

I remember being home from school for the holidays. New York closed schools on the high holidays. Who would be there? Certainly not any of us, the majority stockholders at the time. I remember feeling special, different in a good way, when I had to stay home from school for the holidays.

I remember folks belonging to the Church of Latter-day Saints, located across from our building, wishing us happy holidays.

I remember as a teen hanging with all my friends on “the block,” taking long walks, stopping to watch some of the members of other tribes on the basketball courts, or playing stickball.

It would never have occurred to me that this life would change, that I would be placed in a position of mask-wearing, 6-foot safe zones and virtual holiday celebrations. Who even knew from virtual?

And masks? For Halloween yes, for High Holy Days? A shandeh!

We must learn to sing and dance our way into the New Year. We must believe with open hearts that we will be OK. We’ve got this! Goot Yom Tov ya’ll. ì

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