Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCV NO. 25, December 15, 2020

NEXT ISSUE: RESOLUTIONS & YEAR IN REVIEW

VOL. XCV NO. 25

DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 29 KISLEV 5780

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CONTRIBUTORS THIS WEEK BOB BAHR CHANA SHAPIRO DAVE SCHECHTER FLORA ROSEFSKY JAN JABEN-EILON LOU LADINSKY MARCIA CALLER JAFFE SHAINDLE SCHMUCKLER TERRY SEGAL

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THIS WEEK Sharing Our Light How can we pass our flame to others in this time of uncertainty in honor of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights? As is the AJT tradition, we asked community members to share for Chanukah, how their light increases when extended to others and how it impacts our community’s unity.

Responses largely centered around the menorah, the joy inspired by it and the mechanics of aligning candles to light it, along with the commandment to display the menorah and share light with the world. Other responses were more metaphorical, such as finding light within the pandemic and reaching out beyond our physical isolation to protect the community’s larger health and safety.

The symbol of light also carried over into our annual Chanukah art contest.

The most popular image, by far, was the menorah. Entrants ranged in age from 5 to 69, with our cover image from a young in spirit, 69-year-old artist.

In addition to our Chanukah submissions, we have a variety of articles about the holiday of lights. Many sides of the gift-giving experience are discussed, from whether children are overindulged during Chanukah to a free virtual tour of the Old City of Jerusalem in honor of the holiday.

We offer ideas for entertainment gifts and spotlight an edible Chanukah House competition among two North Fulton synagogues.

Art was also a big part of this week’s issue with examples of handmade cards and Chanukah-themed artwork and a review of a book about rabbis and Jewish women who needlepoint or create other material artwork. There are two other reviews in this issue of books about Holocaust survivors, and we learn about a new series focusing on Jewish conductors led by Yoel Levi, formerly of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Then there’s our treasure trove about a collector of feathers.

In our news section, we offer a preview of the annual Eizenstat lecture featuring veteran broadcaster Judy Woodruff.

The Jewish members of President-elect Joe Biden’s leadership team are highlighted, and we prepare you for the U.S. Senate runoff elections attracting national attention. Plus, how Jewish teens are mobilizing to encourage others to vote in the runoff, including their peers.

After Chanukah, get ready for our end-of-year AJT story recap in our Year in Review issue, which will also explore resolutions for 2021. ì

Cover art: Jeff Adamoff created this menorah with its multi-dimensional and bilingual collage background. Adamoff once worked at CNN in Atlanta as the Creative Director of Turner Home Entertainment.

CONTENTS NEWS ������������������������������������������������� 6 PHILANTHROPY �������������������������� 12 ISRAEL NEWS ������������������������������� 16 OPINION ����������������������������������������� 18 CHANUKAH ����������������������������������� 28 ART ��������������������������������������������������� 78 DINING �������������������������������������������� 83 CALENDAR ������������������������������������� 84 COMMUNITY ��������������������������������� 88 KEEPING IT KOSHER ������������������ 94 BRAIN FOOD ���������������������������������� 95 OBITUARIES ���������������������������������� 96 CLOSING THOUGHTS ��������������� 100

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 5

NEWS Jewish Vote a Prize for Senate Candidates

By Dave Schechter

cent of Georgia residents. Analysis of population demographics, voter regisViewed from inside a Jewish bubble, tration data, and estimates of the Jewish population suggest the major issues in the that there may be some Jan. 5 runoff elections 90,000 registered Jewfor Georgia’s two U.S. ish voters in the state.

Senate seats may apThe greater propensity pear to be Israel and of Jews to vote than the anti-Semitism. population, in general, There are, of and a propensity by the course, other imporpopulation, in general, tant issues and other to turn out in lesser constituencies to be numbers for runoffs courted, but the apcombine to make the peals to Jewish voters The minister and Democratic Jewish vote more of a reflect the potential candidate is described as prize. importance of an othboth a friend and a foe of That is why Repuberwise tiny slice of the the Jewish community. licans are focusing on electorate. At stake is whether Republicans retain their Sen- Democrat Raphael Warnock, the Afate majority or whether Democrats take rican American minister challenging control. If Democrats win both Georgia interim Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler, seats, the Senate will be divided 50-50 while not ignoring Democrat Jon Osand the vice president, projected to be soff, the Jewish native of DeKalb County Democrat Kamala Harris, would hold seeking to unseat incumbent Republican Sen. David Perdue. the deciding vote.

For Jewish voters, the truth is in the Jews make up an estimated 1.2 per-

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Democrats have taken an offensive eye of the beholder.

One side sees Warnock, the senior posture on other subjects, most notably pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist alleging ethical impropriety in stock trades by Loeffler and Church, as the friend Perdue, as well as critiwho spoke at an Israel cizing the Republicans’ 70th anniversary celstance on responding ebration hosted by the to the COVID-19 panIsraeli consulate; acdemic. companied Rabbi Peter Lindy Miller, who Berg of The Temple to has remained active the 2019 AIPAC (Ameriin progressive politics can Israel Public Afafter her unsuccessful fairs Committee) con2018 run for the state ference in Washington, Public Service CommisD.C.; voices support for a two-state solution The Jewish Democrat has spurned sion, takes a different Republican calls that he repudiate view of the Republican between Israel and the Warnock for Israel comments. strategy. “When you’re Palestinians; and opposes the BDS (boycott, divestment and playing defense then you know that the political world as you know it is shifting sanctions) movement.

The other views Warnock as an under your feet,” Miller said, citing as enemy who accused Israeli troops of evidence Georgia recently backing the shooting “unarmed Palestinian sisters Democratic candidate for president for and brothers like birds of prey,” during the first time since 1992.

Miller said Republicans are using a May 2018 sermon; signed a letter critical of Israeli policies after a 2019 Na- Israel as a “red herring,” to distract from tional Council of Churches trip to Israel other issues. “They’re creating a wedge and the Palestinian territories; and de- issue, trying to divide not only the Jewfended controversial Chicago minister ish community but also the Jewish and Black communities from each other,” Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

Republicans hope that repetition of she said. “Fear drives wedges into difsuch statements will pry Jewish votes ferent identity groups and tries to creaway from not only Warnock but also ate a world where it’s a zero-sum game and [an attitude of] ’we Ossoff. In response to have to hold onto what calls that he repudiate we’ve got.’” his “running mate,” OsBy making Israel a soff told the Forward, central issue, “You are “Reverend Warnock is assuming that Jews are a beloved friend and different than everyally of Georgia’s Jewone else. It’s a form of ish community and a ‘othering,’” Miller said. friend of Israel.”

“Jewish voters care “Are these tactics deeply about the issues or informing the pubthat all Americans care lic?” asked Jon Barry, “The campaign has the potential about.” She mentioned who is active in Atlanta to turn ugly if all parties are not COVID-19, the econowith the Republican careful,” said Allison Padillamy, returning children Jewish Coalition as well Goodman of the ADL. to their classrooms, as with AIPAC and Israel Bonds. “The voters should be aware being able to pay their bills, as well as of the associations that Ossoff has with abortion rights and women’s health is[Democratic congressman] Hank John- sues.

How the Jewish vote is sought conson and Warnock has or had with Revcerns Allison Padilla-Goodman, vice erend Wright and what he said.”

Barry continued, “I would agree president of the Southern Division of the Republicans are taking an offensive the Anti-Defamation League. “Jewish posture, because not only are the poli- Georgians are like all Georgians, and all cies of the two Democratic candidates Americans for that matter, in wanting subject to scrutiny, in terms of whether to see a free, fair and smooth election they are truly good for Jews and Israel, in the Senate runoffs this January. We we have seen a movement in general by are well aware of the major political Democrats away from support for Israel ramifications these two races hold and understand that with such high stakes, in recent years.”

NEWS the campaign has the potential to turn son who called Jews living in Israeli setugly if all parties are not careful. It is tlements ‘termites.’ Hank Johnson is a our hope that anti-semitism, racism, vile anti-Semite. And Jon Ossoff worked xenophobia, and all forms of bigotry for him,” the ad states.

Note: Ossoff left Johnson’s Capitol Hill stay out of our democratic process and that the candidates are judged based on staff in 2012. In 2016, Johnson compared West Bank housing conthe merits of their postruction to “a steady sitions and character,” [stream], almost like terPadilla-Goodman told mites can get into a resithe AJT. dence and eat before you More than a dozknow that you’ve been en Atlanta rabbis and eaten up and you fall in other Jewish clergy on yourself.” His office were among some 200 later said that Johnson Jewish faith leaders “did not intend to insult nationally who signed or speak derogatorily a letter accusing Reof Israelis or the Jewish publicans of distorting Making Israel the central issue people.”

Warnock’s statements. can be a form of “othering” Jewish The headline on “As rabbis and religious voters, Lindy Miller said. the opposite page of the leaders, we recognize and respect the devotion to his Chris- RJC ad declared: “Raphael Warnock is tian faith that underlies Rev. Raphael no friend of the Jewish people.” The ad Warnock’s strong support for Israel and lifted the “birds of prey” from the 2018 his partnership with the Jewish people. sermon and cited Warnock’s efforts in Rev. Warnock recognizes that being a 2008 and later to defend and explain true friend also means being a truth- the April 2003 Palm Sunday sermon teller who does not shy away from hard at Trinity United Church of Christ in conversations, and he has made no se- which Wright said, “God damn Amercret of his strong reservations and con- ica.” The latter controversy prompted cerns over Israeli settlement expansion, Barack and Michelle Obama to resign which may impede prospects for a two- from the church during the 2008 presistate solution to the Israeli-Palestinian dential campaign.

Warnock’s 2018 sermon was deconflict,” read the letter organized by the Jewish Democratic Council of Amer- livered after the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. He told his conica, reported first by the Jewish Insider. gregation, “Standing “We sign this letter there the president’s not as an endorsement family and the few of a particular candimealy mouth evangelidate, but a rejection of cal preachers, who are false and divisive slanresponsible for the der entering our commess that we found munity,” the letter said. ourselves in both there Matt Brooks, exand here. Misquoting ecutive director of the and misinterpreting Republican Jewish Cothe scripture. Talking alition, told the Jewish about peace. MeanInsider that the letter Jon Barry said that Republicans while young Palestinwas a “sad attempt by are playing offense because ian brothers and sisters members of the JewDemocrats have shown less who are struggling for ish community to give support for Israel in recent years. their very lives, struga hechsher [rabbinical certification] to Rev. Warnock, who gling for water, and struggling for their is far from kosher on the critical is- human dignity stood up in a nonviolent sues that the Jewish community cares protest. Saying that if we are going to die, we are going to die struggling . . . about.”

The RJC took out a two-page ad in- We saw the government of Israel shoot side the front cover of the Nov. 30 edi- down unarmed Palestinian sisters and tion of the AJT. Atop the left side was an brothers like birds of prey. And I don’t image of an angry-looking Ossoff, ty- care who does it, it’s wrong, it’s wrong ing him to “the far-left pro-Palestinian to shoot down God’s children like they group J Street,” and below that, a photo don’t matter at all. And it’s not more of Ossoff’s “mentor,” Democratic Rep. anti-semitic for me to say that than it Hank Johnson, from Georgia’s 4th Con- is anti-white for me for me to say that Black lives matter. Palestinian lives gressional District.

“That’s right, the same Hank John- matter.” ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 7

NEWS

Biden’s Jewish Leadership

By Nathan Posner

of the treasury; Mayorkas, the first Latino to lead his department; and Haines, As President-elect Joe Biden forms the first woman to serve as DNI. While his leadership team and announces can- other cabinet level picks have been andidates for Senate approval, his cabinet nounced, only the three secretary nomicould be historically Jewish, with all of nees have been announced, and these his currently announced cabinet secre- alone would represent one of the highest level of concurrent Jewtaries being Jewish, as well ish cabinet secretaries. The as his chief of staff and highest is believed to be pick for director of nationthe four cabinet secretaral intelligence. ies between 1996 and 1997 The Jewish nominees under the Clinton admininclude Tony Blinken, for istration. secretary of state; Janet All four nominees Yellen, for secretary of have previously served in the treasury; Alejandro high-level government poMayorkas, for secretary sitions, with Blinken and of homeland security; and Mayorkas having served Avril Haines, for director Janet Yellen is the Biden nominee for secretary as deputy-secretaries for of national intelligence. of the treasury. their respective departAlso Jewish are Biden’s Chief of Staff Ron Klain; and Jared Bern- ments; Yellen having been the chair of stein, whom Biden expects to appoint to the Federal Reserve from 2014 to 2018; and Haines having previously been depthe Council of Economic Advisers.

Biden’s picks will most likely be uty-director of the CIA. All four will face noted for their otherwise historical no- Senate confirmations, although none tations, as The New York Times reported of them are expected to be particularly that Yellen is the first female secretary contentious.

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Klain is thought to become the fifth with her Jewish Nobel Prize-winning Jewish chief of staff, following Rahm husband George Akerlof, the pair attended a Reform synaEmanuel under President gogue, according to the Barack Obama. Klain was Forward. But beyond that, born to a Jewish family their involvement with Juin Indianapolis, where he daism, if any, is not noted became a bar mitzvah at a much publicly.

Conservative/ReconstrucMayorkas was born tionist synagogue. He has in Havana and came to raised his children Jewish, the United States before although his wife is Chrishis first birthday. His fatian and they put up a ther was a Cuban native of Christmas tree, albeit after Sephardi heritage and his his mother visits the famAlejandro Mayorkas is mother was a Romanian ily in December. reportedly the first Latino Klain has worked in to lead Homeland Security. Jew who fled during the politics in Washington for decades. He Holocaust. Mayorkas first visited Israel graduated from Georgetown University in 1977 and has visited multiple times since, as well as helping and Harvard Law School to initiate a data-security and clerked for a Supreme sharing program between Court justice. Klain has the United States and Isworked closely with Biden, rael during his time as serving first as his chief deputy secretary of homeof staff between 2008 and land security. Mayorkas 2011, and then as the Ebola noted his concern about czar under the Obamaanti-Semitism in 2016, sayBiden administration in ing that among subjects 2014. that keep him up at night Blinken has a long are the threats to “my comhistory with the presidentAvril Haines will help munity,” the Jewish comelect, having served as lead Biden’s intelligence munity. community team.

Biden’s foreign policy adHaines will help lead Biden’s intelvisor when he was on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the 1990s. Blink- ligence community team. Some Israel advocates have attacked en has deep Jewish roots her for joining onto a letand acknowledged them ter advocating for a stronin his speech accepting ger stance on Israel and the nomination. He menthe Palestinian conflict in tioned the role of the Unitthe DNC platform, but she ed States as the “best last will nonetheless be one of hope” for his grandfather the highest ranking Jewish emigrating to the United voices in the Biden adminStates in response to poistration. groms in Russia, as well as Some might argue his stepfather escaping the there is a seventh highHolocaust after four years Tony Blinken has a ranking Jewish official in concentration camps long history with the president-elect. announced for the Biden and getting to America. If confirmed, Blinken is believed to be the administration in John Kerry, appointed second Jewish secretary of state, with special presidential envoy for climate.

Kerry discovered in 2003 the first being Henry Kissthat his paternal grandinger. father was born Jewish Yellen is seen by but converted to Roman many as one of the leading Catholicism, and when he economists in the United immigrated to the United States. Her appointment as States in 1903, he had secretary of the treasury changed his last name would be historic for her from Kohn to Kerry. No gender and because she’s matter how many Jewthought the seventh Jewish ish officials end up in the person in the role. Yellen’s Biden administration, parents were both Jewish, Ron Klain is Biden’s the choices so far will put chief of staff. although “not particularly observant,” and while living in Berkeley many in high-ranking positions. ì

NEWS

Reform Teens Get Out to Vote

By Roni Robbins Sarah Dowling isn’t even old enough to vote, but she understands the power of the upcoming Georgia Senate runoffs next month in determining the future direction of the country.

“Just because I can’t vote doesn’t mean I can’t have an impact,” said the 16-year-old junior at The Lovett School and a member of Temple Emanu-El. Dowling has been involved in the Reform movement’s national non-partisan civic engagement campaign, “Every Voice, Every Vote,” which includes a focus on mobilizing young voters. It began during the general election as a national effort, but pivoted more recently to increase registration and participation among Georgia voters before the Jan. 5 runoff election.

As part of that effort, Dowling has been holding voter registration drives at her school, the last one Monday, and spreading the word among her family and community that they can make a big difference with their vote. She also developed a voter guide that was distributed to 400 to 500 people and reached more online, said the Dunwoody resident who

is a leader in her school and Jewish community groups.

“Every Voice, Every Vote,” is led by the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. It hosted a virtual program for Jewish teens in Georgia Nov. 22 called “Let My People Vote” with such partners as Georgia’s Reform synagogues, the Southern Area Region of NFTY Reform youth group and JumpSpark teen engagement program. The Let My People Vote event focused on holding voter registration drives, promoting the election, and sending postcards and letters encouraging voting in the Georgia Senate runoffs.

“This critical runoff election will decide the makeup of the U.S. Senate for the next two years, and it is critical that every one who can vote can cast a ballot and make their voice heard in this special election,” according to the registration information for last month’s virtual program.

Dowling is a peer leader in JumpSpark’s Strong Women Fellowship, a member of AJC’s Leaders for Tomorrow, and is a former BBYO board member. She said she learned about RAC at a social justice seminar in Washington, D.C., she attended with Emanu-El’s confirmation class.

RAC’s Social Justice Academy Civic Engagement Unit.

Sarah Dowling, left, distributed voter guides at her school.

From there, she participated in a course for Jewish teenagers run by the RAC. “I had such an amazing time,” she said. It taught her how Judaism intersects with social justice, a cause she is passionate about. “It pushed me to do two fellowships of the RAC: gun violence prevention and social justice.” The capstone of those fellowships was the “Every Voice, Every Vote” campaign.

Dowling shared that the Jewish values of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and tzedek, tzedek tirdof (justice you shall pursue) are intertwined with her interest in civic engagement. Creating a better government, a safer world, bringing about racial equity, environmental

and civil justice “not only for yourself but for other people I think are guiding values for me.”

And those values “are reflected in the government we choose,” she said.

While Dowling admits her political convictions may be different from others, “every voice deserves to be heard and reflected in government.” And youth who register to vote early, when they are 17 ½ preparing to vote at 18, tend to have a higher turnout rate, Dowling has learned.

“The youth vote has historically been low. I think it is really vital for youth to vote, to come out and be heard. We are impacted by the decisions being made now.” ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 9

NEWS

PBS Anchor Sees Threat to Press Freedom

By Bob Bahr

She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Woodruff began her career as a news anchor at WAGA-TV in Atlanta. The Georgia Association of Broadcasters made her a member of their Hall of Fame.

We caught up with her recently in Washington, where she was preparing for another day’s broadcast of the PBS NewsHour.

The Eizenstat Family Memorial Lecture Series at Ahavath Achim Synagogue Dec. 15 features broadcast journalist Judy Woodruff, the anchor and managing editor of the PBS NewsHour.

She’ll be interviewed

by Stuart Eizenstat, who has underwritten the prestigious series for the past 32 years.

Woodruff will be speaking on “The Free Press in Our Polarized AJT: What do World.” you see as the greatest During a long threat to press freedom career that spans five Stuart Eizenstat has underwritten today? decades, Woodruff has the lecture series at AA Synagogue Woodruff: I worked at CNN and for the past 32 years. think the greatest NBC News as well the public broadcasting’s flagship news broad- threat right now is the lack of belief in the cast. She’s been a strong advocate for a free importance of a free press, and to be even press and has served on the boards of such more specific to the lack of belief on the organizations as the Carnegie Corporation part of so many Americans that the press and the John S. Knight Journalism Fellow- can be trusted. I am concerned about the level to which we have sunk in this counships at Stanford University.

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APPOINTMENTS ONLINE!

try, where journalists are being characterized as enemies of the American people and being characterized as being all about fake news, making things up, reporting information that people can’t rely on, can’t trust. That is not going to be very easy to peel away. And I’m not saying we’re perfect. But I mean, for me, the true picture is very different from what so many Americans want to see.

that social media creates division in society and monetizes that division, that social media profits from dividing people into one side or the other. What’s your view of this?

Woodruff: I think it’s a complicated question that we’re still figuring out. First of all, social media is not a journalistic entity. It’s a vehicle for conveying opinion, information, news stories, family AJT: What do you pictures, gossip, ruthink we’ve learned mors and everything about the threat to in between from freedom of the press conspiracy theories Judy Woodruff, anchor of in this election we’ve all the way to news PBS NewsHour began her just gone through? bulletins. I mean, it’s long career in Atlanta.

Woodruff: That’s everything from the a big question. I would say that that peo- most credible to the least credible. But ple are willing to believe that much of the by and large, these are vehicles that press has an agenda. I don’t believe that’s were created with a very different goal true of the traditional media in this coun- in mind. And so I think we’re still figurtry, the so-called mainstream media. And ing it out. that’s now become a pejorative. It used to be a badge of honor if you work for the AJT: Given the contentious world mainstream media, if you work for one of that we live in, the polarized political the major news organizations that have world that we live in, do you anticipate been with us for decades, if not hundreds that there will be more legal oversight of of years or more. But that’s all my wind- social media? up way of saying that the mainstream Woodruff: I think watching what media has now been targeted, tarnished happens in Congress certainly leads you with this label of not to be trusted, not to believe there are going to be efforts to to be believed. And I think we’ve learned do that. You certainly see the strong inhow, again, those attitudes can be hard- terest in both political parties for differened in the heat of a campaign. ent reasons, for imposing more controls AJT: In recent years there’s been a question of whether social media should be considered a part of a free press or an enemy of a free press. Some have argued

on social media. Clearly, it’s a subject of greater and greater interest in the Congress, in any administration, Republican or Democrat. And so I think you have to keep your eye on that one. ì

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guished by their private front door entrances and patios overlooking Corso's vibrant courtyards (see image below). In addition to having their own private exterior entrances with a second entrance to the main building, city homes offer refined architectural details such as rounded corners, coffered ceilings, elevated trim work, and top-line appliances, including hidden Sub-Zero refrigerators. The community offers over 45 floorplans including specialty unit styles with added design details. All residents of city homes, independent living, and assisted living have full access to a wide range of destinations, including a formal dining venue, wine and cheese tasting room, bistro, on-site florist, full-service salon and spa, theater, heated pool and more. Each destination is thoughtfully designed to create "familiarity with the past while giving the ability to experience beauty on a day-to-day basis." Corso also provides unparalleled concierge services such as black car transportation, valet, pool-side service, 24/7 security, and additional services such as private dining in the teahouse, floral arrangement delivery and spa services. Every amenity and service has been intentionally included to make Corso Atlanta a place residents and guests look forward to enjoying together.

To learn more about Corso Atlanta, please visit corsoatlanta.com or call 404-891-9190.

You can also visit their new Leasing Center location at 3303 Howell Mill Road beginning on December 7th. Corso's team of senior living consultants are available Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday by appointment.

Paid Content by Corso Atlanta ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 11

PHILANTHROPY Marcus Foundation Gives Millions to Israel Blood Center

Photos courtesy of MDA // Artist’s rendering of completed Marcus Center.

The Marcus Foundation announced the collection, safety-testing, and distriDec. 7 a $10 million matching grant to en- bution of Israel’s blood supply for use by sure the completion of Israel’s new nation- hospitals and the Israel Defense Forces.

With this latest gift from the Marcus al blood services center, a first-of-its-kind shielded blood facility that will protect Is- Foundation, American Friends of Magen rael’s strategic blood reserves against mis- David Adom, MDA’s U.S.-based fundraising affiliate, hopes to quickly raise the sile, chemical, and biological attack.

The building, under construction remaining funds to match the grant and in Ramla, Israel, is set for completion enable the completion of the project.

“Israel needs a larger blood facility this spring. The facility was designated as the Marcus National Blood Services to meet the requirements of a country Center based on a $25 million gift from that now has a population more than twice what it the Marcus was when the Foundation in current facility 2016, prior to the was built in Raproject breaking mat Gan in the ground. mid ’80s,” said The latest Catherine Reed, donation from AFMDA’s chief Bernie and Billi development ofMarcus was ficer. made to inspire “But more other donors than that, the fato match their cility now needs commitment to be reinforced and complete against missile, the funding for chemical and bithe $130 milBilli and Bernie Marcus are co-founders ological attack, lion project for of the Marcus Foundation. given the imporMagen David Adom, Israel’s emergency medical ser- tance of blood transfusions to the health of the nation and the increased military vice and blood-services organization.

MDA will operate the facility. While capabilities of Israel’s enemies, including it is best known for operating Israel’s Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas,” she said.

The six-story facility will have its ambulances and deploying the country’s paramedics and EMTs, it also oversees three lower floors underground in suc12 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Marcus Center under construction with workers in front.

Marcus Center construction, aerial views of front and back of facility.

cessively more shielded levels to protect the blood supply and enable MDA’s hematologists, laboratory technicians, phlebotomists, and other blood-center employees to continue working, even when rockets are being launched at the country from Gaza or elsewhere.

In the meantime, MDA is continuing to use its current blood-services facility, which is not protected. When Israel is targeted by a missile or rocket attack, blood center staff must quickly move blood-processing operations and heavy equipment to a cramped bomb shelter in the basement of the building.

“This interrupts blood processing at a time when having an ample blood supply is most crucial, when Israelis are under attack,” said Dr. Eilat Shinar, deputy director-general and director of blood services for Magen David Adom.

“Completing this facility on time this spring will ensure we have the capacity to collect and process enough blood for Israel’s future needs,” Shinar said. “It will enable us to introduce cutting-edge technologies to improve both the quality and safety of blood units and components and provide them to all those who need them — to save their lives.

“It will also ensure that our supply is secured, no matter what challenges befall the country, whether it’s a war or a natural disaster, like the earthquake we know will eventually strike Israel given its location near two geologic faults,” she said.

“There are few things more important to Israel’s future than seeing this project to fruition,” she said. “Blood is life.” ì Compiled by AJT Staff

PHILANTHROPY

Radow Blesses KSU with Mega Endowment [in education}. Lindy and I looked at each other and said, “We have to do this.” In September we funded it, and because of the election and other news cycle events, the announcement was made the first week in December. In terms of the odd amount, it’s actually $10 million with past credits being deducted to arrive at $9 million.

ship Endowment fund, which will be matched by KSU to reach $5 million as it rolls out.

Radow: We have gone in a relatively short period of time to a 24/7 university with 5,000 residential units, a stadium (located on Radow Way) a street with a sports park, and tremendous infrastructure improvements.

AJT: Why humanities? Some say the emphasis today is on technology, industry, science for more practical job placement.

Radow: I disagree. Humanities is the largest division at KSU with 8,000 majors. It involves language, psychology, economics, international conflict management skills, and cross disciplinary work, plus research in doctoral programs. A future businessperson should have a broad base. I have an undergraduate degree in history, which led me to law school.

AJT: What Jewish programs have captured your interest?

Radow: At KSU I endow a Jewish lecture series, which is ongoing. We sponsored programs on Jews in baseball, Jews in the South, playwright Alfred Uhry, and a star from “Glee.” This not only appeals to the Jewish community but connects other students to it.

I had been active in Chabad and Hillel, in which I strongly believe.

AJT: The College of Humanities School will carry your name and within this, a $2 million slice will establish the Lindy Radow Humanities and Scholar-

AJT: What if someone comes down the road with more money and renames?

Radow: I would never let anything get in the way of what’s best for the university. This is not about my ego. The potential in front of us now is amazing! ì

Photo by Mike Glatzer // Norman and Lindy Radow invested in the importance of

the humanities at KSU, looking ahead for leaders to change the world.

By Marcia Caller Jaffe Norman Radow, founder and CEO of The RADCO Companies and a major benefactor in multiple Atlanta Jewish causes, has pledged $9 million on behalf of himself and his wife Lindy in one of the largest single gifts in the history of Kennesaw State University.

He granted an exclusive interview with the AJT to explain how he arrived at the decision vis-a-vis his long-term alliance with KSU. The school is one of the largest public universities in Georgia, with an enrollment of about 41,000.

“We have changed KSU from being the unwanted stepchild to the forefront, as a favorite child,” Radow said.

His enthusiasm and energy are well in line with his objectives, past devotion to KSU and his commitment to affect a better academic future.

Lean in to his candid motivations and how he sees the future.

AJT: You went to college in New York (SUNY), Lindy went to the University of Georgia, and your children did not attend KSU, so how did you get so involved there?

Radow: In 1998, KSU was a small commuter school which had recently

failed to even build a girl’s dormitory to take steps forward. Having met Michael Coles through Jewish community events, we went to lunch where he convinced me to form a private-public partnership where we could buy property, apartments, parking deck space, etc., to pick up what the state was not providing. Who can say “no” to Coles? [The KSU Business School is named after him]. KSU was a “diamond in the rough” as we took it from a small college to a major university by getting in on the ground floor.

AJT: So is the $9 million a random amount? You woke up one day and crafted that?

Radow: I was chairman of the KSU Foundation board from 2007 to 2012. In the past I had endowed $1.7 million to the engineering school in honor of my father Paul. Every year, four engineering students get a $10,000 stipend where it frees them from having to work while in school. The money is in perpetuity in a permanent account.

In terms of the decision amount, this time the KSU leadership called Lindy and me in January and presented us with a book detailing a menu of options [for] what another endowment might look like in terms of cutting edge innovations ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 13

ISRAEL PRIDE

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME

The Wolfson Medical Center in Holon, Israel, where children from around the region receive cardiac treatment.

Israeli Minister Visits Cardiac Hospital

With Israel being recognized by more Arabic nations as part of the Trump administration’s Abraham Accords, new opportunities are developing for partnerships and cooperation in a variety of fields. On Nov. 26, Regional Cooperation Minister Ofir Akunis visited the Wolfson Medical Center in Holon, Israel, where children from across the Middle East and Africa receive treatment for cardiacrelated issues under the Save a Child’s Heart program.

Since 2010, over 1,600 children with heart diseases and defects have been treated at the facility from across the region, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Gaza

Today in Israeli History

and the Palestinian Authority, Syria, Morocco, and South Sudan. The program also offers training at the facility to doctors from across the region, supported by the Ministry of Regional Cooperation in both endeavors.

Akunis said, “We are in an era of a new Middle East, an era replete with new and significant opportunities for us. … Israel is committed to caring for children wherever they are, and to working for the good health of our children, the children of the whole world and the next generation. We want the children of the entire Middle East to live alongside us in health, peace and security.”

Team Israel Gets Ready for Season

The Israel Start-Up Nation premiere cycling team, which competes on the UCI WorldTour cycling circuit, completed its roster ahead of the 2021 season. The team, previously known as Israel Cycling Academy, is a mixture of 32 riders from Israel and 16 other countries who train together and compete in international races.

The team will be training next month ahead of competitions, a task complicated by the pandemic.

“Despite COVID-19, Israel Start-Up Saddun Hammadi in Paris that the United States is willing to see Israel “reduce its size to historical proportions.”

Dec. 18, 1947: Gila Goldstein, who in the 1960s becomes the first Israeli to have sex reassignment surgery, is born as Abraham Goldstein in Turin, Italy.

(right) joins Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aboard a U.S. Navy warship making a port call in Ashdod on Oct. 11, 2018.

Dec. 19, 1936: Avraham B. Yehoshua, one of Israel’s most acclaimed writers, is born in Jerusalem. He leads a new wave of Israeli writers with novels including “The Lover,” “Mr. Mani” and “The Late Divorce.”

Dec. 15, 2016: President-elect Donald Trump announces the nomination of New York bankruptcy lawyer David Friedman, a fundraiser for West Bank settlements, as the U.S. ambassador to Israel.

Dec. 20, 1976: Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin drops the National Religious Party’s 10 Knesset seats from his coalition, leaving him with a minority. He calls for a spring election, which Labor loses.

Dec. 16, 1922: Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, called the father of modern Hebrew, dies of tuberculosis at age 64 in Jerusalem. He founded the Va’ad ha-Lashon, the forerunner of the Academy of Hebrew Language, in 1890.

Dec. 21, 1973: A Middle East peace conference opens in Geneva under the auspices of the United States and the Soviet Union.

Syria skips the conference, which ends Dec. 29 and never reconvenes.

Photo by Kobi Gideon, Israeli Government Press Office // U.S. Ambassador David Friedman

Dec. 17, 1975: U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger tells Iraqi Foreign Minister 16 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Dec. 22, 1938: The British Government Hospital of Haifa, now the Rambam Health Care Campus, opens with 225 beds.

Nation had a good inaugural season in the WorldTour. We secured our first victories at this level – including Grand Tour stages,” said team co-owner Sylvan Adams.

The team is relatively new, started in 2014, and has found more success in recent years as its roster grew to include such stars as four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome. Team member Guillaume Boivin, a Canadian, said, “We have so many substantial additions to an already strong team for 2021. It looks like we will enter all our races with strong ambitions.”

The first competition will take place April 25, 2021 in Belgium.

Abraham Accords Lead to Partnerships

The Abraham Accords have allowed more cooperation between private companies, such as Israeli Watergen establishing a partnership with United Arab Emirates-based Al-Dahra.

Watergen, which focuses on clean drinking water initiatives, was able to form an agreement with Al-Dahra, which is a commodities and supply chain management company that focuses on Asia and the Middle East. The agreement will bring Watergen’s “revolutionary water soDec. 23, 1907: Avraham Stern, one of the most wanted members of the Jewish underground in Palestine, is born in Suwalki, Poland. He forms Lehi, known as the Stern Gang, to keep up anti-British violence in 1940.

Dec. 24, 1969: Israel uses a fake shipping company to purchase five military boats and sneaks them out of Cherbourg, France, defeating a French arms embargo.

WAM // Khadim Al Darei of AlDahra and Michael Mirilashvili of Watergen sign a partnership agreement Nov. 26 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

lutions” to the UAE and other countries in the region, focusing on agriculture, offices and apartment buildings, hotels, industry, maritime, and other sectors. Watergen President and CEO Dr. Michael Mirilashvili said, “From the moment that we signed this agreement, it has shown how important the signing of the Abraham Accords was and the tremendous wisdom of our leaders in making this breakthrough for our region and the world. Though I had other plans, as soon as I learned of the accords I rushed here in order to show the world the tremendous impact and importance of this historic step. With this agreement, we are showing our two nations, the region, and the world, what is possible with peace.” during a layover in Athens en route from Tel Aviv to New York. One passenger is killed.

Dec. 27, 2008: Israel launches Operation Cast Lead in Gaza after Hamas breaks a 6-month-old cease-fire. The military operation lasts 22 days.

Dec. 28, 1917: Gen. Edmund Allenby names Ronald Storrs the military governor of recently captured Jerusalem. An advocate for Arab interests, Storrs remains as the governor of Jerusalem and Judaea until 1926.

Dec. 29, 1946: Angry that the British government administered 18 lashes to an Irgun member for his role in a bank robbery, the underground movement abducts British soldiers and flogs them 18 times each.

Photo by Vered Peer, National Library of Israel // Geulah Cohen speaks about a

forthcoming election during a press conference in Tel Aviv in 1988.

Dec. 25, 1925: Politician and activist Geulah Cohen is born in Tel Aviv. Elected to the Knesset with Likud in 1973, she forms Banai, which becomes Tehiya (“Revival”), in 1979.

Dec. 26, 1968: The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine attacks an El Al flight

Dec. 30, 1990: Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir boots Science Minister Ezer Weizman from the Cabinet after accusing him of meeting with a senior PLO official in Europe in 1989.

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

ISRAEL NEWS Israeli Knesset Votes to Bring Down the Government

By Jan Jaben-Eilon

made the unpopular choice because the country was mired in the coronavirus In a preliminary vote Dec. 2, the pandemic and resulting economic crisis.

120-member Israeli parliament, or Knes“Many people questioned the likeliset, voted 61-54 to disband hood of the unity governitself and bring down the ment being successful,” unity government estabWilker pointed out. The lished in the spring. Alnew government’s coalithough three more votes tion agreement included, are required to set the elecamong other shaky eletion process in motion, this ments, Netanyahu’s promwas the first step toward ise to rotate the premierscheduling a fourth set of ship to Gantz in November elections in just two years.

2021. Many observers Israel Democracy Indoubted that prospect. stitute President Yohanan But what led to the Plesner said the “two-yearKnesset vote against the long ongoing political criunity government was the Yohanan Plesner said the country’s trust in sis is expected to continue breaking of another comits government is at as long as [Benjamin] Neponent of the coalition an “all-time low.” tanyahu remains prime agreement, which was to minister and a government cannot be pass a national budget this year for 2020 formed without him.” as well as 2021. The country has been And, if Israeli elections are held financing itself based on a 2018 budget again in early 2021, Netanyahu will, that doesn’t reflect the current economy mostly likely, be named prime minister and the extra expenditures required due again. If the current government indeed to the fight against the pandemic. falls, he will remain as caretaker prime According to Plesner, the Dec. 2 minister as he has most of the last two vote was “a significant milestone, … but years. not necessarily the final act of the govDov Wilker, regional director of the ernment.” He said Dec. 23 “is the more American Jewish Committee in Atlanta, important date.” That’s the deadline for noted that this cycle of repeated elec- passing a 2020 budget. If the budget isn’t tions all started when Netanyahu chose approved by that date, the government to disband his government in 2018. Since automatically falls. then, elections were held in April and Meanwhile, the government conSeptember last year and this past March. tinues its paralysis, Plesner said, during All ended without Netanyahu – or any- a pandemic that is “not taking into acone else – able to cobble together a ma- count the political crisis. The vaccine is jority government until May of this year, many months away from being availwhen Netanyahu’s main competitor, able to a significant number of Israelis.”

Benny Gantz of the Blue and White Party, There’s a potential for a third impending broke his promise to his voters not to join lockdown. “After the second lockdown, a Netanyahu government. Gantz said he most people thought it was politically

motivated.” If a lockdown is imposed cruitment of ultra-Orthodox into the during an election campaign, “Israeli dis- army. That means that by January, tens of thousands of these young men could be trust will rise.”

“We’re now in a deep economic recruited, against the wishes of the ultraOrthodox parties that are recession,” Plesner conpartners in the coalition tinued, “with trust at an government. Plesner said all-time low. There’s a this could result in a “conlack of social cohesion.” stitutional crisis.”

In the past, he said, IsraeIf there is another lis would rally around the election around the corflag during a crisis. This ner, Netanyahu would not time, it’s the opposite. showcase pictures of himAnd there’s no good self with President Donald news coming in the new Trump, as he has in the year for this government. last three elections, Wilker The evidentiary phase of said. On the other hand, he Netanyahu’s corruption said, the prime minister trial on charges of fraud, “Many people questioned the likelihood of the might display posters of breach of trust and bribunity government being himself with leaders of the ery is scheduled to start in successful,” said Dov Wilker.

United Arab Emirates or February, which could be in the middle of an election campaign. Bahrain, with whom he recently signed Netanyahu, Plesner said, wouldn’t want diplomatic agreements. “That was a huge the optics of him showing up in court win for Bibi,” Wilker said, using Netanseveral days a week during the political yahu’s nickname.

Plesner said it’s still possible the contest.

In addition, the Israeli Supreme current government will survive into Court has refused to provide an exten- November 2021, but no one seems to be sion for the government to halt the re- betting on that possibility this week. ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 17

OPINION Latke-Fest for Family Only This Year By the time this column is published, I will have fried a “test batch” of latkes, maybe a couple of dozen.

A few days Dave Schechter later, I’ll get From Where I Sit down to the serious business of preparing a larger batch.

My recipe is nothing special, though I use a food processor, favor Russet potatoes and Vidalia onions, other spices, and a lot of peanut oil.

Our tradition has been to invite friends for a Chanukah menorah lighting and latkes. As with everything else, 2020 will be different. There will be no friends wandering into the kitchen, grabbing seconds or thirds, and spooning out sour cream, applesauce or red hots (an addition from my wife’s family). Only the immediate family will be around to savor, or escape, the aroma and witness my kitchen labors.

A couple of years ago, I made about 120 latkes, nearly all of which were consumed at that evening’s gathering. I may make roughly the same number this year, but thanks to COVID-19 they will be packaged for friends to pick up or to be left on their doorsteps.

As someone who checks off a couple of COVID-19 risk boxes, I have done no inperson interviews nor attended any events in nearly 10 months. I already worked from home, so that aspect of life did not change.

What has changed is how often I see other people. Even introverts want the option of going out, whether they do or not.

On the other hand, a number of factors, COVID-19 among them, have enhanced my appreciation for friends, particularly those I know beyond the virtual boundaries of social media.

I only recently resumed, with physical distancing and eating outdoors, my weekly lunch with a British ex-pat friend who lives a few blocks away. Our conversation starts with soccer and moves from there to politics and other topics. Now we need to decide how to handle the onset of colder weather.

Likewise, another friend and former colleague, who lives OTP to my ITP, says that he’ll drive over and we can sit apart from each other, which beats watching each other chew our food on a computer 18 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

screen.

At Sukkot, we were invited to a sukkah that friends erected in the woods behind their home, rather than on their deck. With the addition of a fire pit, it was a lovely occasion.

Another friend has brought us delights from an Israeli bakery. Her mother is a fan of my latkes and tops my list of recipients for this year’s batch.

Then there is the friend who recently stopped by with a casserole. Even though we occasionally see each other on Zoom calls, this was the first time since February that I’d seen her in person.

Back in February my wife and I flew from Atlanta to Washington, D.C., for the surprise 50th birthday party of a former colleague, whose friendship has extended past our years coordinating news coverage out of the nation’s capitol and with whom I talk often.

Email and social media allow me to maintain a friendship that began in a network’s Jerusalem bureau and spans not only 35 years, but also the 6,400 miles between Atlanta and Tel Aviv.

And a couple of months ago, a friend from college, someone with whom I’d allowed contact to lapse for an embarrassing number of years, called from three time zones away to renew our conversation.

I am grateful for the these and other friends. When they reach out and ask, “Is there anything I can do?” my first answer is “You just did it.”

COVID-19 may have had a counterintuitive silver lining, strengthening some friendships, as Zoom calls, phone chats, emails, and social media substitute for in-person contact, whether across town, across the country, or across an ocean.

The downside, of course, is the inability to travel and see elderly parents and the cancellation of gatherings, from Passover in April to Chanukah in December.

Atlanta-based pianist Joe Alterman recently performed a live set from his apartment through Scullers, a jazz club in Boston. The next-to-last number was his arrangement of Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me.” The song’s chorus fits the experience that I suspect many of us have had this year. ì Lean on me, when you’re not strong And I’ll be your friend I’ll help you carry on For it won’t be long ‘Til I’m gonna need Somebody to lean on

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 19

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

Letter to the editor,

Why Georgians Can’t Afford to Elect Loeffler and Perdue The opinion articles on page 20 in your Nov. 30 issue suggesting that a Democratic-led Senate would be a mistake might have merit if today’s politicians still believed in the art of the possible and put country first. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

If we’re going to have any hope of repairing the societal and economic damage the last four years have wrought, I’d feel a lot more confident in a Democratic-led Senate working with a president who has promised to be a president for all Americans, a man of his word and a known moderate committed to keeping the extremist forces of both parties in check versus a Republican-led Senate committed to thwarting the new administration with little regard for the welfare of “all the people.”

Since the Republican leadership’s 2008 open declaration that their primary objective was to make Mr. [Barack] Obama a one-term president, we’ve witnessed a litany of egregious actions, hypocrisy and violations of long-established norms of legislative behavior, including stonewalling most of Mr. Obama’s picks for the federal judiciary, including his pick for the Supreme Court following Justice Scalia’s death.

Checks and balances were designed to prevent overreach by any of the three primary branches of our government. Unfortunately, the Trump presidency combined with a Republican- dominated Senate has illustrated that they only work when those in power respect the Constitution, the rule of law and established precedent.

A bill passed by Congress needs to be agreed to by both houses before proceeding to the president’s desk for signature or veto. Yet the House of Representatives, which is refreshed every two years and therefore reflects the most current “will of the people,” has been stymied by a Senate whose majority leader has demonstrated his willingness to change rules, reverse previously stated principles to suit his current agenda, and refused to even introduce bills passed by the House for consideration in the Senate.

Meanwhile, millions of Americans are unemployed, uninsured, hungry and on the verge of being homeless. Concurrently, the Senate has conducted a sustained effort to fill the federal courts at all levels, with ultra conservative judges in a blatant attempt to further undermine checks and balances.

If President-elect Joe Biden disappoints us, we can correct the balance in two years. Electing the Republican senatorial candidates on Jan. 5 means gridlock again perhaps for six years.

Vote for Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock.

Robert L Lehman, Marietta

20 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

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

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

Letter to the editor,

Jews have been historical supporters of Democrat candidates. Shifts are occurring due to growing Democrat Progressive and Socialist positions, which are both anti-Semitic and antiIsrael, and which threaten the basic fabric of America.

Unlike incumbents David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, neither Jon Ossoff nor Raphael Warnock have shown the desire to challenge or oppose these positions.

Novices Ossoff and Warnock have not supported recent Abraham Accords, the first real signs of peace in 40 years. They support U.S. re-entry into the dangerous Iranian nuclear deal and lifting economic sanctions, raising Iran’s regional threats while Iran still chants “Death to Israel, Death to America.”

Ossoff and Warnock have little or questionable business experience or background in foreign affairs.

Perdue and Loeffler managed large companies with foreign involvements and having thousands of employees.

Before COVID’s nightmare, America under [President Donald] Trump and Congress had the biggest one-year growth in income and personal wealth in 50 years. More African Americans, Asians and women were employed than ever before. The tax cut of 2017 benefitted 65 percent of the population. Our borders were more secure. Our military readiness restored.

Abraham Accords negotiated.

Ossoff and Warnock approve Biden’s immediately taking away past tax cuts raising capital tax on stock and bonds. A good way to stimulate the economy.

Remember Biden in charge of the stimulus? He had no shovel-ready jobs as promised and it took five years to spend the $800 billion, which was supposed to create immediate jobs.

Do you really trust a man who runs a tax-exempt church and a man owning a very small London documentary filmmaker addressing Middle East and Africa problems to use their “expertise” and support of socialist platforms to address both U.S. and foreign affairs? Get us back to 3.5 percent unemployment? Address threats to Israel?

Remember Benjamin Franklin’s statement “We are a Republic, not a Democracy, if we can keep it.”

Congress provides checks and balances to the administration. The House will be controlled by Democrats. Control of the Senate comes down to Georgia’s Jan. 5 U.S. Senate elections.

Clearly, both Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue will bring significantly more expertise and experience to the Senate compared to their opponents while assuring constitutional checks and balances by Congress.

Larry and Joan Laibson, Roswell

Letter to the editor,

There are plenty of Jews who have some form of disability who do not have opportunities to engage in the practices of Jewish life because there is still a barrier of attitude and access.

Judaism recognizes that people can have disabilities that are invisible, including the autism spectrum, learning disabilities, executive functioning disorders and mood disorders. Regardless of whether a disability is visible, Judaism recognizes that each person is unique and that accommodations must be met so that each person can participate in personally meaningful opportunities.

Our Jewish values teach us that each of us is created in God’s image and each of us is to be valued. It is our responsibility that each of our spaces are inclusive and welcoming to all.

As a person with autism, I am already successful and a voice for those with disabilities within the Jewish community.

As a co-chair of BBYO’s All Abilities Inclusion Task Force for this year, I am working hard to create a more inclusive Jewish community and create more accessibility in the world. Coming up next month, we are starting to have monthly “affinity spaces,” which are for BBYO members with disabilities to share personal experiences and stories. We are also planning for Jewish Disability Awareness Month this coming February!

I have always felt accepted and included in BBYO, and I hope the same will happen at the Hillel at my future college.

More can and must be done to build a more inclusive Jewish community. Using “person-first language,” which puts the person before the disability, can really make a difference. When barriers are finally eliminated, many Jews with disabilities will finally feel warm, welcome and have a sense of belonging. Then, all Jews, regardless of ability, will have the meaningful opportunity to participate in the spirit of Judaism.

Perri Schwartz, Atlanta

Letter to the editor,

OPINION

In recent weeks, the AJT has published two opinion pieces from fervent Republican supporters, Dan Israel and Dr. Jeffrey Kunkes, who have urged Georgia Jewish voters to vote for David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler in the Georgia Senate runoff elections on Jan. 5. Part of their spiel is that a Republican-controlled Senate would act as a brake on any effort by Presidentelect Joe Biden to enact what they call the Democratic “radical agenda.”

Aside from the use of this fear tactic, right out of Trump’s playbook, this proposition simply ignores the reality of the makeup of the United States Senate. The 48 current Democratic and Independent senators, unlike the 50 Republican senators, are not a monolithic group. For example, Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia has already made it clear that he will not go along with any legislation that veers too far to the left. Thus, there is already a brake in place to slow down, if not totally prevent, the enactment of any “Bernie Sanders agenda” as Dr. Kunkes rails against and as Joe Biden has also not endorsed.

On the other hand, giving Republicans control of the Senate will ensure that Senator Mitch McConnell will be able to thwart both President-elect Biden’s choices for his cabinet and other high-level government appointments, which is unprecedented in modern history, and his middle-of-the-road agenda, all in Senator McConnell’s continuing effort to see that Democratic presidents fail. The election of Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock to the Senate will take control of our government out of the hands of Senator McConnell and put it back into the hands of the American people who overwhelmingly elected Joe Biden to lead us based on his agenda, not McConnell’s or the Republicans.

Bill Berger, Dunwoody

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 21

OPINION

Letter to the editor,

The Need for Transparency in Opinion Guest Columns In the recent edition of the AJT, two opinion pieces called on voters, especially Jewish Democrats, to vote for the Republican candidates in the upcoming Senate runoff elections to ensure checks and balances exist in our political system and to help President-elect Biden succeed. Both gentlemen are welcome to express their opinions, but the AJT should at least disclose in the descriptions of the contributors that both men are Republican activists. You need look no further than the archives of the AJT or online searches to confirm their affiliations.

We can skip over the fact that neither writer advocated for checks and balances when Republicans controlled the House, Senate and White House, and instead focus on the substance of their pieces.

They describe a situation where Democratic control of the House, Senate and White House would inevitably force Biden to the left to the point where bipartisan legislation would be non-existent. They harken back to a time when Congress governed in a normal fashion and the House and Senate worked with each other on behalf of the American people, but this is not our current reality.

The Senate was once known as “the world’s greatest deliberative body,” but there has been little to no deliberation in the Senate. No amendments, no debate, no constructive conversations with the other side to develop quality bills.

I am an ardent supporter of legislative compromise, but the realities of our current political situation have made compromise all but impossible. Compromise is used against politicians in their next election and our congressional districts, in which most seats are safe for one party or the other, rewards candidates who espouse the most extreme views of their parties in primary elections.

I believe that a 50-50 divided Senate might actually change that and lead to the meaningful compromise our country needs to pass legislation supported by both sides. President-elect Biden could work with his former Republican Senate colleagues to come up with bills that would pass both chambers with bipartisan support.

I fear the alternative, where Senator McConnell remains majority leader and maintains the status quo of gridlock, refusing to even bring legislation to the floor for debate, and once again returning to his 2010 priority, to pursue a strategy of conflict, instead of compromise and conciliation, to make President-elect Biden a one-term president.

Scott Rosenbaum, Dunwoody

22 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Letter to the editor,

The Senate runoff between Rev. Raphael Warnock and Sen. Kelly Loeffler gives the Georgia Jewish community a rare opportunity for clarity on the candidate’s positions on Israel and the Middle East. Both candidates must answer the following burning questions: 1. Do you believe the American Embassy should remain in Jerusalem?

2. Would you reinstate President Obama’s Iran nuclear deal, or lift the sanctions imposed

by President Trump?

3. Do you support President Trump’s position on the Golan Heights, or do you consider it “occupied territory”?

4. Do you support the Abraham Accords? And as senator, how would you foster the growing detente between Israel and its Arab neighbors?

These are pressing issues facing Jews in Georgia and across this country. Past statements are too easily misinterpreted or side-stepped for political purposes. But these are the questions of the moment, and both candidates need to step up and answer them in public and on the record.

Dan Friedman, New York City

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 23

OPINION

Letter to the editor,

It was upsetting to see the AJT receive numerous negative posts about the ad that the Republican Jewish Coalition placed in the last issue, and for some illogical reason, these readers blamed this newspaper for allowing us to pay for and place this ad.

It may not be what these disgruntled readers wanted to hear, but we applaud the AJT for providing the opportunity to share with readers facts, not opinions about Rev. Warnock’s checkered background. The information about Rev. Warnock in the RJC ad were his actual anti-Israel and anti-Semitic statements and actions, footnoted and documented. For voters to make an informed voting decision, it is important that they are made aware of this information. And, since the mainstream media is ignoring this side of the Reverend’s past, it took courage for the AJT to print the ad, which demonstrates that Rev. Warnock is, at best, deeply conflicted over Israel.

We’d urge everyone to Google the entire 2019 letter from the Christian clergy that he signed and listen to the entire 2018 sermon because they are not only words reflective of a strong anti-Israel bias but their tone is biased to the extreme.

The letter accuses Israel of “state-sanctioned violence in the form of detention, interrogation, tear-gassed beatings, forced confessions and death.” It refers to the Gaza barrier as an “ever-present physical wall that walls in Palestinians … reminiscent of the Berlin Wall,” while never mentioning either Palestinian terrorism or how many Israeli lives the wall has saved.

The 2019 sermon accuses “the government of Israel of shooting down unarmed Palestinian sisters and brothers like birds of prey, … like they don’t matter at all.” That is a mendacious blood libel, pure and simple.

It’s easy for a candidate on the campaign trail to express support for Israel or write an oped in support. But, knowing Rev. Warnock’s actual past comments and actions, wouldn’t voters wonder how, if elected, he’d vote on issues related to Israel? And isn’t the job of a newspaper to inform the public?

These last two Senate seats will determine whether our republic stands or slides into socialism. We urge the AJT to remain courageous and allow people to expose the truth, even if it’s controversial. The community needs your truth-telling, so voters make an informed choice in a January.

Chuck and Bonnie Berk, Marietta

24 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Letter to editor,

This letter is in response to the articles covering the Georgia Senate elections. I write because I have family living there and believe our voice must be heard.

The choice between Democrat and Republican is quite evident.

Democrats care about people and choose to help those who cannot help themselves. Republicans (on the other hand) believe that government is best that governs least; people should pull themselves up by their bootstraps no matter how bad off they are. COVID-19 is a prime example.

Democrats believe in the fair distribution of wealth while the Republicans leverage it into the fewest hands.

Democrats advocate health care as a right guaranteed to all citizens while Republicans support enriching the insurance companies and drug manufacturers.

Democrats don’t lead America into unnecessary and futile wars while Republicans consistently act to increase defense spending in order to do just that.

Democrats encourage everyone to vote while Republicans do everything in their power to prevent people from voting.

This election is a clear choice between those who have never had it so good and those of us who know we can do better. Georgians know the distinction.

Never let it be said that this was the time the tide ran out on Georgia, but rather was the time the tide that came in under the leadership of two Democratic senators.

Joe Bialek, Cleveland, Ohio

Happy Hanukkah!

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OPINION

Letter to editor,

I write from my home in Israel but like so many in the world, my attention has been drawn to the Senate runoffs in Georgia. I am following with particular interest the candidacy of Senior Pastor Raphael Warnock. The charges that he is not fully supportive of Israel prompts me to think back on my time in Atlanta as representative of the State of Israel.

In 1990, I became the consul general of Israel to the American Southeast. One reason for my appointment was my intensive work years earlier with the black leadership of South Africa and the African National Congress, while it was still considered an illegal organization.

When I arrived in Atlanta, most Israelis believed that African Americans were antagonistic towards Israel. One reason for this image was due to the fact that the former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Andrew Young had met with the PLO. The Israeli government believed that my extensive dealings with the ANC would be well-received by the African American community and help me address the negative attitudes towards Israel. However, as often happens, the reality I experienced on the ground in Atlanta when I arrived during the summer of 1990 was quite different from what I had expected.

With the assistance of leaders in the Atlanta Jewish community, doors to the African American community were quickly opened. Then, to my surprise, I discovered the Black leadership and the leadership at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in particular, to be very supportive.

It started with Ambassador Andrew Young himself, the leading “adversary of Israel” as he was described in the briefings I have received before my arrival to Atlanta. When I met him, I found a gentle, open-minded, charismatic leader who supported Israel and fully understood its political and security challenges. Ambassador Young helped pave the way to my meeting and befriending other Black leaders, including the late Coretta Scott King and Congressman John Lewis. The Black leadership was very supportive when we brought thousands of Ethiopian Jews to Israel during “Operation Solomon.” The King Center was even kind enough to sponsor and host an exhibit about this amazing and inspiring story that attracted thousands of visitors.

I thought about all these personal experiences when I learned about the clearly well-coordinated attacks on Reverend Warnock, Ebenezer’s senior pastor. They echo the unfounded anti-Israel accusations against Black leaders that I heard 30 years ago. I never had the pleasure of meeting Pastor Warnock personally, but I’ve followed his career closely and been briefed in great detail by Israeli diplomats who served in Atlanta more recently and who have known him well. Without exception, they describe him as a true friend of Israel and the Atlanta Jewish community. While times have changed and his style may be different, I have no doubt that when it comes to Israel, Reverend Warnock’s support is rock solid, just like the Atlanta Black leaders who preceded him.

I served as Israel’s consul general to the Southeast from 1990 to 1992 and later as ambassador to several countries and as director general of Israel’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador (ret.) Alon Liel, Israel

CHANUKAH

How Do You Share Your Light?

As is the AJT tradition, we asked community members to respond to a prompt for Chanukah, this year about how our light increases when we extend ourselves to others and how this impacts our unity.

“As a candle gives its flame to the other, we are reminded how our own light increases when we extend ourselves to each other. Share your thoughts or feelings about our community’s unity.”

Read their observations, advice and insights on what inspires them this Chanukah.

By Chuck Berk

By Rabbi Michael Bernstein

This is a perfect time for us to step back, especially in these contentious political times, and think about rededicating ourselves to higher aspirations.

Hanukkah prompts us to reflect on our people’s quest over thousands of years for freedom and human dignity, and it reminds us of our values and what our responsibilities are to our friends, family and fellow men.

As Jews, we have an obligation to be a light unto the world by stressing the teachings, or “light” of the Torah and doing mitzvot, but we also have a duty to bring light to others who may walk in darkness.

On Hanukkah each year Bonnie and I pull out a Hanukkah brochure distributed by our New Jersey congregation when we lived there many years ago, well before we moved to Atlanta. Entitled “A Festival of Jewish Values,” it suggests discussing a different value each night and it includes a prayer for each: Freedom, Family, Study of Torah, Hope, Charity, Peace, Brotherhood and Faith. Bonnie and I still have our Hanukkah brochure, and when lighting our candles, we rededicate ourselves to the spirit of Hanukkah and those foundational values, which have not changed in our 50-plus years of marriage.

A Chanukah light on its own is just a regular candle. It could be one of the colored ones that come out of a box of 44. A regular wax candle. Or maybe a little cup full of olive oil. Anything that can keep a flame burning.

What makes it a Chanukah candle is that it is placed with other candles in a particular arrangement. That they are put in a Chanukah menorah.

Once in a chanukiah, the candles are recognizable not as ordinary flames but as the fulfillment of the mitzvah, the sacred commandment, to remember the story of the Maccabees and their victory over tyranny. The mitzvah to make known that a great miracle happened in the Holy Temple when a small quantity of oil refused to go out.

And so with us. Alone we all come from different places, have different ways of seeing the world, express ourselves in different manners, burn with our own flame.

But when we are placed together, in relationship to each other in the right place and the right time, we are more than single candles. In difficult times and joyous ones, we stand with each other, remind each other that we are part of a bigger calling, and renew the miracles that happened long ago and these very days.

Michael Bernstein is rabbi of Congregation Gesher L’Torah.

Chuck Berk is local co-chair of the Republican Jewish Coalition with his wife Bonnie.

28 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

CHANUKAH

By Rabbi Jesse Charyn

By Rabbi Jonathan Crane

The rabbis ask, ? ‫מאי חנוכה‬, which means, what is Chanukah? Is this a holiday about commemorating a military victory? The miracle of the oil?

Mordkhe Rivesman in his beautiful song “Oy Chanukah, Oy Chanukah” lets us know that Chanukah is “a yontif, a sheiner, a lustiger; a freilicher nito noch a zeyner.” Translation: “a holiday, a lovely one, a cheerful and happy one, there is no other like it.”

This is exactly what the world needs now, more cheer and happiness. This is the spirit of Chanukah.

There is no year like 2020; ... Even in the midst of the uncertainty, the suffering, the isolation, there is still joy.

This is the first Chanukah for my almost 6-month twin daughters. I also have a 3-year-old daughter. Seeing the lights dance in the eyes of my girls, ... this is what I am looking forward to most this Chanukah. I also love teaching my oldest daughter the lyrics to this beautiful song and watching her twirl like a sivivon as she sings. Chanukah doesn’t get much better than this.

Chanukah is also about Jewish pride. During this holiday we prominently place our glowing chanukiyot in our windows facing the external world. The Chanukah menorah is a beautiful symbol, illuminating our communities with hope and warmth.

Chanukah is part of our identity. The burning sting of hot oil jumping up and catching my forearms as I fry latkes, the ooey gooey jelly from the sufganiyot that somehow seems to get all over my daughter’s face and clothes, powdered sugar everywhere, chocolate gelt and little dreidels on our kitchen table. ... I hope your home is filled with these similar Chanukah memories.

One of my favorite teachings about Chanukah is the Talmudic story (BT Avodah Zarah 8a) of Adam, the first human, noticing the days getting progressively shorter. He worried that he was the cause of the encroaching darkness, chaos and disorder. His concern grew so great that he spent eight days praying and fasting. Once the season of Tevet began with the days lengthening and moon reappearing, Adam realized, “This is the way of the world!” So he made a festival for eight days to celebrate.

Adam then instituted for all subsequent years a 16-day holiday for the sake of heaven (le’shem shamayim).

Though the world around us may have darkened during 2020, and disorder and chaos have loomed large, we need not despair. There will come a time when those things will diminish, when light, order, stability will come again.

Throughout human existence, pandemics come and, after a painfully long time, fizzle out or are curtailed by human ingenuity. Social and political tensions also arise occasionally and eventually generate constructive transformations.

Our challenge, as it was with Adam, is to celebrate this dynamic. The way of the world necessarily includes periods of intensifying and isolating disarray that, in due time and after much effort, release into seasons of creativity and connection. For the sake of heaven, perhaps this year we should light our channukiot not for eight days, but 16, to celebrate our (eventual) emergence into an ever brighter and more stable world

Jesse Charyn is the rabbi at Temple Beth David.

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CHANUKAH

By Rabbi Daniel Dorsch

The word Chanukah means to rededicate. Indeed, over the past number of months we have watched any number of people rededicate themselves to any number of things.

We’ve been inspired by healthcare providers rededicating themselves to their professions to keep us safe. Passionate educators stretch themselves to the limit and rededicate themselves to their students. Parents and grandparents rededicate themselves to family life. With a greater abundance of virtual learning opportunities, we’ve even managed to rededicate ourselves toward Jewish learning and a deeper level of commitment to our faith.

It’s easy to look at the world and to believe we see a Temple that is busy crumbling as the Maccabees did. But with all due respect, that’s not how I see it.

We cannot forget that every step forward always involves first taking a step backward. At this very moment, we are now busy looking down from the Temple balcony at ourselves. We are cleansing ourselves of all the idolatry and casting it out to the periphery.

Life today is certainly hard. Only I have no doubt that when history looks back on this moment, we will see Chanukah 5781 as a moment of great introspection, rededication and appreciation for one another.

Dan Dorsch is the rabbi of Congregation Etz Chaim in Marietta.

By Rabbi Brian Glusman “Fire, light and candles are the perfect symbols for Hanukkah, a holiday that takes place at the darkest time of the year. One of the many qualities of fire is that we can light other candles with our flame without diminishing the original source. A flame can easily spread to another wick without compromising its own strength; the power of the fire only grows. Gandhi said, “A thousand candles can be lighted from the flame of one candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness can be spread without diminishing that of yourself.”

There is a story told about a 7-year-old boy whose family was about to leave Poland.

Before the journey, the boy’s father took him to the next town to receive a blessing from an important rabbi. The boy and his father stayed in the rabbi’s house, and the boy slept in the rabbi’s study. The air was so pure, the books were so holy, and the boy was so excited. He was not able to sleep. In the middle of the night, the boy heard a sound, and he pretended to be asleep. It was the rabbi. The rabbi came into the room, looked down at him, and said to himself: “Such a sweet child.” Then the rabbi thought that perhaps the child might be cold.

The rabbi took off his jacket and draped it over the boy.

Many years later that boy was asked about his spiritual journey and about his greatest inspiration. He replied, “I am now almost 80 years old. That was 73 years ago, and I am still warm from that jacket.”

During the festival of Hanukkah, let us remember that others are warmed and inspired by our flame, especially during moments of physical and social darkness. May our light increase as we extend ourselves to others.

Happy Hanukkah to everyone. May this festival bring happiness, blessing and good health to you and your loved ones!

Rabbi Brian Glusman serves the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta and is the visiting rabbi at Shearith Israel Synagogue in Columbus, Ga.

By Rabbi Arnold Goodman From Despair to Hope Hannukah 2020 will be remembered as the Hannukah of COVID-19; our Festival of Lights celebrated in the shadow of death. The masks, social distancing, limited gatherings and even lockdowns that can mitigate the ravages of this plague, are unwelcome intrusions into our lives and communities. We are heartened, however, by the imminent rollout of vaccines that will liberate us from the virus’ presence in our midst. It is a glimmer of light that fills us with hope.

Hannukah is a festival of hope. For seven nights we add an additional candle, and then on the eighth night we relish the sight of our fully illuminated hannukiah, a powerful symbol that we can, and will, successful transition from darkness to light and from despair to salvation.

“Maoz Tzur” (Rock of Ages) is a beloved hymn and a spirited affirmation of survival.

Its first verse is often sung immediately following the blessing and the lighting of the hannukiah. The remaining four versus retell and celebrate deliverance from four ancient enemies: Pharaoh, who enslaved our ancestors, Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian tyrant who destroyed the First Temple, Haman of the familiar Purim story and Antiochus IV, who desecrated the Second Temple and whose severe decrees sought to destroy Jewish religious life.

This year we are still in the grips of COVID-19, the virus that has wreaked havoc upon our lives, our families, our economies, our societies. God-willing, we will celebrate Hannukah 2021, liberated from a deadly virus that, like the oppressors of the past, was ultimately overcome. When we kindle our Hannukah candles and chant but the first verse of “Maoz Tzur,” may we be heartened by the faith that even the darkest of times ultimately give way to the light of the morrow.

From Jerusalem, my fondest wishes for a Hag Hannukah Same’ach – a spirited and joyous celebration of our festival of eternal hope.

Arnold M. Goodman, senior rabbi of Ahavath Achim Synagogue from 1982-2002, now lives in Jerusalem.

30 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

CHANUKAH

By Rabbi Josh Hearshen The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 670:1) begins to discuss the laws and customs of Chanukah and the lighting of candles. It discusses that there is a custom that women do not do work while the candles are burning. The Mishnah Berurah comments on this by saying this is because the miracle occurred because of or by them. But then the Mishnah Berurah goes on to say that there are places where men also observe this custom to not do work while the candles are burning. The time is said to be about a half hour.

In our world today we are always in such a rush that we do not take moments to appreciate all that we have. We often look for ways to “just get it done,” and do not give a thought to the reason behind what we are doing. Often we have lit our candles (or oil lamps) and just turned away and moved on.

When we turn from the light that we have brought about, we return to a sort of darkness. Think of there being a world of miracles and a world of mundane life. A world where an ancient people reflects on the miracles of their existence and a world where their longevity is taken for granted.

This year let’s all take time to not just light candles and say some prayers, but to be in the moment. Let’s take time to reflect on the light in our midst and the light that we are trying to kindle for the world. Let us take time to not just publicize the miracle, but to ultimately live for a moment in a miraculous world. Chanukah is a time to celebrate all that can be by slowing down and recognizing all that is.

Josh Hearshen is the rabbi of Congregation Or VeShalom.

By Jan Jaben-Eilon Accepting, Not Only Sharing, One’s Light Years before I was diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer, I recall that I couldn’t at all relate to Barbra Streisand’s song, “People.” The lyrics that seemed foreign to me were, “people who need people are the luckiest people in the world.”

Then I received my diagnosis in November 2006.

It is one thing to share “our own light” with others. It is another lesson to learn how to accept light from someone else.

As I started a several-month protocol of regular chemotherapy, I learned how to accept the generosity of friends and people with whom I wasn’t close, people from the Chesed committee at my congregation, Or Hadash. With the help of a great friend Susan, who organized the efforts, I received whole meals from many, many people on the days I received chemo. Both my husband and I enjoyed the ease and the tantalizing variety of meals that were left on a cooler on my front step so that I would not be bothered from my much-needed rest before dinners.

The second time I received chemo, I understood that it wasn’t meals I required, but car rides to and from the cross-town chemo infusion center. That meant drives from East Cobb to Decatur – and back after a few hours. Again, friends, family and fellow Or Hadash congregants picked me up in the mornings at my house and returned me there several hours later. Pretty groggy from the medicines I was given at the infusion center, I wasn’t much of a conversationalist. And even today, I’m not sure I properly thanked all those wonderful souls.

But, at a time when my own light was flickering, I felt the sparks of others keeping me alight.

It’s a valuable lesson to learn not only how to give, but how to receive.

Jan Jaben-Eilon is a regular contributor to the Atlanta Jewish Times and longtime journalist with Israeli citizenship.

By Dr. Arnold Heller

By Elliot B. Karp

On March 12, America hunkered down to combat the COVID-19 virus. All of us began living an interior life that has become a 10-month long blur of days.

I am 74 years old and full of bucket-list plans and not designed to tread water as a lifestyle.

However, I am also a patriot, so when asked to sacrifice, I do.

For example, I shut down a big calculating part of my brain that envisions numerous travel destinations, yet unvisited and prized projects not started. It was hard, but I learned to direct energies into expanding cooking, cleaning and exercise routines, and benefitted.

Unfortunately, many Americans followed the president, who betrayed the people by undermining his own prevention program. As of Dec. 2, 2020, more than 271,000 have died, and some still claim it’s a hoax, even as an intubation tube is put in them.

Hanukah, the festival of lights, celebrates freedom from tyranny. In a democratic society like America, citizens must share common values and employ self-discipline.

A majority of us sacrificed for the public good by embracing health experts’ advice. The rest apparently did not, and caused the pandemic to spin out of control.

I pray that President-elect Joe Biden will be able to pull the nation together and heal us over time. We, as a people, must regain our unity so that we are again a light unto each other and the world.

Therefore, when we light the Hanukah candles this year, my great hope is that the current tribalism tearing us apart will dim and the virus brought under control.

Chanukah is a time to celebrate and be joyous, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we prepare to light our chanukiyot, I hope we remember the significance of the holiday: an opportunity to renew and rededicate ourselves to Jewish life, and to reflect upon the miracles around us.

Coming in the winter, while the days are shorter and darkness surrounds us, Chanukah is a time to bring light into our world. We recall the miracle of the oil in the ancient Temple menorah lasting eight days and its light illuminating our ancestors’ victory over repression and the threats to their Jewish identity.

As we light our chanukiyot, we say nes gadol hayah sham, a great miracle happened there. But in reality, miracles happen here as well. They are all around us, in doctors, nurses and first responders caring for those afflicted by coronavirus.

Miracles are present for those of us who are healthy and, God-willing, those recovering from COVID-19. And there are miracles in the great scientific knowledge and acumen of those working tirelessly to develop an effective vaccine against the virus.

And yes, there are miracles each and every day at Hillels of Georgia. Miracles abound, from students discovering their Jewish identities to compassionate staff who are caring for our Jewish students’ well-being during these challenging times. We are grateful for our community’s support that enables Hillel to spread the light, hope and promise of vibrant Jewish life on each of our campuses this year during Chanukah and beyond.

Chag Chanukah Sameach, Happy Chanukah!

Arnold Heller is chair of Atlanta - Ra’anana Sister City Committee, and author of “Dues: The Coming of Allie Cohen.”

32 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Elliot B. Karp is the CEO of Hillels of Georgia.

CHANUKAH

By Susanne Katz Growing up in Atlanta I felt a connection with my neighbors, my schools and my synagogues.

What a beautiful way to remember my childhood. Well, that’s one way to remember it. Then there were other memories that told a very different story. There were Black students in our high school for a year after Northside High School was integrated, but they did not join us in activities on the playgrounds. Now I wonder if I ever invited them. When I asked my parents if my Black girlfriend could come over to play at our house, they said this was not proper. But I liked my high school friend and couldn’t see anything improper about her.

The Temple had been bombed and conversations with Sunday school teachers often included the new way our temple addressed issues of segregation. As there weren’t Black students in our classes, I could only marvel at how we were learning to consider a new vision of our community. But these discussions never made it to our dinner table.

It was when Rabbi Stanley Davids asked if my son Sammy could speak at the Atlanta Black-Jewish Coalition’s opening event for youth, that I realized how things were changing. The next generation had the opportunity to reinvent interracial communications, even just for that time, that they would remember forever.

Hanukah is a time to bring the flames of our candle lights together. While we embrace our Judaism, our flames should invite understanding of how we are all of value in our society.

Susanne Katz is a contributor to the Atlanta Jewish Times and director of exhibitions at The Breman Museum.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 33

CHANUKAH

By Mitchell Adam Kaye Hakarat HaTov: Thank You President Donald J. Trump!

The principle of Hakarat HaTov is that we Jews have an obligation to show gratitude and acknowledge and give thanks for the good that someone has done for us.

I am grateful for and give thanks to President Donald J. Trump for all the good he has done for Jews in America and worldwide. His leadership has been the most pro-Israel president since Harry Truman, being very pro-active in supporting Israel, our most dependable ally in the Middle East and in his efforts to combat anti-Semitism and the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions movement.

Following unfulfilled promises by previous presidents, Trump moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, the eternal and undivided capital of Israel. This sent a very powerful message that Israel is here to stay and will not be pushed into the sea, which set in motion a series of important events including: 1. Facilitating the “Abraham Accords,� the first peace treaty in over a quarter-century between Israel and an Arab nation (United Arab Emirates) and only the third in Israeli history 2. Facilitating two more peace treaties and normalization between Israel and Arab nations (Bahrain and Sudan) 3. Withdrawing from the disastrous Iran nuclear deal and imposing sweeping sanctions to curb its nuclear, missile and conventional arms capabilities and terrorist sponsoring tentacles 4. Recognizing the Golan Heights as a sovereign Israeli territory 5. Signing an executive order combating anti-Semitism, protecting Jewish university students from discrimination, and endorsing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of anti-Semitism, which includes certain types of harsh criticism of Israel 6. Labeling the international BDS movement as anti-Semitic and cutting funding to such groups 7. Changing U.S. policy to allow those U.S. citizens who are born in Jerusalem to list Israel as their country of birth 8. Signing into law Justice for Uncompensated Survivors Today Act of 2017 ensuring that Holocaust survivors and their heirs are able to receive restitution for property taken away by Nazi Germany and post-World War II governments 9. Signing into law the Never Again Holocaust education bill, providing federal funds to expand Holocaust education.

Although just a partial list of accomplishments, Jewish voters responded favorably as Trump increased his share by 25 percent from 2016 and received 40 percent of the vote in Florida and, according to one poll, 50 percent in Georgia!

President Trump is owed a huge debt of gratitude. I hope I can write a similar historic recap next year for our new president.

Chanukah Sameach!

Mitchell Kaye served five terms in the Georgia House of Representatives, has three children and two grandchildren, and lives in East Cobb with his wife Amy.

34 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

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CHANUKAH

By Rabbi Micah Lapidus One of the most resonant themes at The Davis Academy during this extraordinary year is #DavisTogether. Sometimes, instead of saying #DavisTogether, we use the Hebrew: #DavisB’yachad. B’yachad is, in fact, the Hebrew word for “together.” But B’yachad means something much deeper than the simple fact of being physically together. Connected to the Hebrew word Echad (meaning “one”) and the Hebrew word Achdut (meaning “unity”), B’yachad speaks to the quality of our togetherness. Simply stated, B’yachad means “as one.”

It implies a unity of purpose, a deep and unbreakable solidarity, and a shared vision and purpose.

At The Davis Academy, we believe that our entire Jewish community (and our entire Atlanta community) are stronger B’yachad, when we recognize our interdependence, celebrate our shared vision and purpose, and join forces to bring more and renewed light into our world.

Rabbi Micah Lapidus, Ed.D., is the director of Jewish and Hebrew studies at The Davis Academy.

By Rabbi Shalom Lewis Though we celebrate Judah and his brothers as heroes for their successful revolt against the tyranny of Antiochus, soon after the miraculous victory they fall from grace due to arrogance and hypocrisy. Their triumph and popularity were short-lived.

The Maccabee brothers were from the tribe of Levi but with theological conceit sat on the throne in Jerusalem. Their usurpation of the monarchy prevented the ascension of a potential messianic king, a Davidic scion from the tribe of Judah. Our ancestors were livid. The Maccabees declared Chanukah to be a holy day, but only the festivals mentioned in the Bible by God were sacred. Mortals could not establish new holidays by fiat.

The Jewish masses were enraged.

And finally, these champions of religious fidelity who fought against Hellenism succumbed to assimilation. Who would have thought that Judah’s descendants would not be Moishe or Yossel but Hyrcanus and Aristobulus and Jannaeus? For such betrayals, Chanukah and the Maccabees were ignored by tradition and by the sages for years.

It is interesting how the echo of our history, in a different arena many miles and many years away, can serve as a warning to the peril of wielding power with haughty indifference.

What begins as noble is easily corrupted by unholy leadership. Not Talmudic, but certainly an appropriate warning: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

Many of the strategies dealing with the coronavirus are inconsistent. Myopic. Highhanded. Too often policy does not follow wisdom nor compassion, but a misguided paternalism/maternalism. Harsh decrees from those in power figuring that they and they alone know what needs to be done. Father and Mother know best as they decree policy from state houses and city halls. With the flick of a sanctimonious wrist, many politicians deprive citizens of liberty and livelihood in a vague, confused assault that goes way beyond the legitimate call for masks, distancing and hygiene. But moreover, it is the Maccabean descent into arrogance and hypocrisy when too many of our elected officials ignore their own admonitions and guidelines. “For thee but not for me” they cry out. “Let them eat sufganiyot.”

Our elected officials have not missed a paycheck while millions over whom they lord suffer shattered lives, fiscal ruin and misery. When many of our leaders cry out for neighbors to turn in neighbors for violations, it should terrify us and remind us of some very malevolent behavior not so long ago and not so far away.

Establishing a balance when confronting complex issues is not an easy task, but our leaders must step back from pompous executive orders that are un-American and downright dictatorial. Such actions do not unify, solve, nor inspire; rather, they alienate, confuse and infuriate.

The Maccabees got what they deserved for abandoning their allegiance to righteousness and humble leadership. I pray that those leaders who are guilty of over-reach recognize their power lust and finally govern with prudence, empathy and vision. The Maccabees were lost to history for centuries for their hubris. Do today's governors and mayors wish the same fate come next election day? Lessons taught 2,000 years ago. Will they be lessons learned today?

36 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Shalom Lewis is rabbi emeritus of Congregation Etz Chaim.

CHANUKAH

By Allen Lipis

By Rabbi Rachael Miller

While COVID has been a critical medical issue, this is what it did for me: • I had the pleasure to speak to my children almost daily by Zoom. That’s because we all had time to do it, and we like each other. COVID brought us closer together because of it.

• I took on a major project to write a book on character improvement. It’s in its final stages. I had the pleasure to read and enjoy some of the great Jewish sages for many months.

• Writing on a Jewish theme, I stayed deeply in touch with my Judaism, which somewhat replaced going to my synagogue. I hope to share what I learned through the AJT. • Though I miss them both, I saved money by not traveling and not eating out. It will make future trips and restaurants all the more enjoyable.

• My wife and I have become experts at 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles. They were challenging, but when we finished a few of them, I glued the pieces together to remind us of the work we did.

• I have seen more movies, heard more politics on TV, and become more involved in the election than I ever thought. I am glad it will be over soon to begin with a new president.

Most of all, I am happy to still be alive and sharing my life with the woman I love. Getting old is not for sissies. There are aches and pains and I can’t do what I used to do, but I look forward to every day and the chance to make a contribution in whatever way I can. I pray you can do the same.

My husband and I moved into our first home this summer. As we explored our street, we took a look at the doorposts of the other houses, looking for mezuzot, trying to see if we were the only Jewish family on the block. We found one other home and brought them challot for Shabbat to extend a sort of “Hello, you’re not the only Jewish family on the block anymore!”

At this Chanukah season, we will retake a walk around the block, and perhaps those without mezuzot may still have a Chanukah menorah shining proudly from their living room window, letting the light of their Jewish pride shine out into the world. My prayer for our community is that we put Jewish pride at the forefront of our minds — that we proudly display chanukiyot in our front windows — and that such a display allows us to connect with other Jewish families in our neighborhood. It’s a lonely world out there these days. This year, I pray that the light of the menorah will act as a reminder that though we may be distant, we are not alone.

Rachael Klein Miller is an associate rabbi at Temple Emanu-El.

Allen Lipis is a regular columnist for the Atlanta Jewish Times.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 37

CHANUKAH

By Rabbi Max Miller I don’t drive a Jeep or ride a Harley. But I undoubtedly would be a much cooler rabbi if I did.

However, I do know that there is an unspoken bond between these motorists, a special head nod or wave given between members of the group.

That’s just like the bond I feel during these days of December. Now, our world is inundated virtually or physically with jingle-jangles and tinsel. But whenever I see that shopper in the store with candles or latkes in their cart, or when I drive by that home with a chanukiyah in the window, I like to give that same sort of nod of understanding and solidarity.

Every Chanukah I am reminded of just how important it is to stand proudly as a Jew, especially when there are so few of us in the greater American landscape. However, on this Chanukah, when we are most isolated, those small moments of connection can bring greater feelings of unity. The next time that you’re in the store and see a Member of the Tribe, give a nod, or better yet, say Happy Chanukah, and make our community that much closer.

Max Miller is an associate rabbi at Temple Emanu-El.

By Eric M. Robbins A Raging Menorah Who could possibly argue against the idea that when our light increases there is more goodness in the world?

Yet centuries ago, there was a rabbinic debate over this very thing. In a famous argument on how to light the Hanukkah candles, Beit Shammai said: On the first day one kindles eight lights and gradually decreases the number of lights until, on the last day, they kindle one light. And Beit Hillel said: On the first day one kindles one light, and then gradually increases the number until, on the last day, they kindle eight lights.

Today we follow the path of Beit Hillel, raising ourselves spiritually by adding light to the world. It’s exactly what I see today in Jewish Atlanta. Each day our community organizations are sharing ideas and resources with each other as Jewish HomeLife did to provide COVID-19 testing at our day schools; as Serve the Moment volunteers do by virtually visiting older adults at The Breman Home and Berman Commons; and as our North Metro synagogues are doing to create Hanukkah celebrations together.

Each organization alone is a glimmer, but together they are a raging menorah, lighting the way to a brilliant collective future. Hanukkah teaches us that candle by candle, mitzvah by mitzvah, we really can overcome the darkness and change the world.

Eric Robbins is president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.

38 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

CHANUKAH

By Flora Rosefsky Before the pandemic, a new way to think about sharing hands on art activities with others by using a computer with Zoom was never on my radar screen.

Today, expanding my love for teaching art goes beyond the confines of conducting workshops or lessons in a brick and mortar building. New doors opened to reach children, teens, adults of all ages – in cities beyond metro Atlanta. I have to thank The Breman Museum for having offered virtual workshops, Studio Earth, related to their current exhibition "Terra inFirma." This past July, I was one of the teaching artists involved. While working with Susanne Katz, David Schendowich and Cameron Litland, I found the confidence to use Zoom for the first time – to teach from my art studio in Decatur. A mini-miracle happened when my daughter in New York offered to give me her daughter’s iMac Notepad that had been her bat mitzvah gift six years ago. Soon after it arrived, I was practicing and then using it to teach art again. Since summer, that “green light” to go forward in using Zoom spread to more teaching, while sitting in my Decatur studio, interacting with students from metro Atlanta that included my AA Sisterhood, the Berkshire Jewish Federation and Temple Israel’s Sisterhood in my previous upstate New York hometown in Binghamton.

I don’t know where the future lies once the pandemic is over. But one thing I know for sure: I can now teach art without using a plane, bus, train or car to find the students, thanks to the “miracle” of Zoom. True, that teaching in person cannot be totally replaced by a virtual experience. Yet, there still can be an interaction between the teacher and the students that results in newfound creativity on both sides – one way to add more light to one’s personal life and to the world around us.

Flora Rosefsky is an artist and regular contributor to the Atlanta Jewish Times.

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By Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal

Publicizing the Miracle When we think of the miracle of Chanukah, we often think of a small amount of oil lasting for eight days, a tale that comes from our rabbinic tradition found in the Talmud. Interestingly, soon after the story of the oil, the rabbis turn their attention to another important aspect of the holiday – publicizing the miracle. Our neighbors are much better at letting us know their religious commitments and upcoming winter holidays by the lights on their house and decorations on their yard.

For us Jews, we are content with our quiet, out-ofsight celebration tucked away deep in our homes and away from public display. The Talmud encourages something different. For our sages, publicizing the miracle of Chanukah was part of the experience. We are supposed to share our light, placing the chanukiah in the window, by the door, in our courtyard.

But we often don’t. It stays tucked away. What about publicizing the miracle? I know we like to keep a low profile, but this entire year has been a low profile. We have been hiding, locked in our homes, kept in the dark. This year’s Chanukah is the most important year to share our light with others. Let your chanukiah shine. The light you share is the true miracle of the season.

Laurence Rosenthal is the senior rabbi at Ahavath Achim Synagogue and president of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association.

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By Maayan Schoen In an appeal to Congress in the middle of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln said, “The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present.” I think that many people are reckoning with the same sentiment today, feeling that we need new dogma to address our problems, or that we need to do away with dogma entirely.

I feel fortunate for the rich living dogma that our Jewish past, anything but quiet, affords us. I feel comforted by a tradition that always provides us with principles, if not precedent, when we turn to it. I also feel empowered by the onus that the Torah places on me to work out interpersonal strife here on earth; no appeal to G-d absolves me of my responsibility to others.

Our Jewish heritage yields fundamental, incontrovertible truths, recorded in our texts and passed down through practices. Manifest in all contexts and at all times, these truths are alive, providing principles flexible enough to apply in every generation and in each new situation that arises. The principles of Jewish law and the ideas of Jewish philosophy are the floor and not the ceiling, meaning that they can be platforms for constant self-improvement, charging us to become even more moral.

On Chanukah, our oppressors tried to force the Jews to make a break with our whole tradition. The triumph of Chanukah showed us that our vibrant Jewish ways are not obsolete but can sustain us and move us forward. When we display our moral lights, like the lights of our menorahs, it begets more light. When we turn to our tradition to do justice to our responsibility to others, it begets a lighter tomorrow.

Maayan Schoen graduated from Torah Day School and Atlanta Jewish Academy. She studied in the Migdal Oz Beit Midrash for Women in Israel and is now a sophomore at Yale University.

40 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

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CHANUKAH

By Rabba Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez “Would you light my candle?” This proverbial question from Mimi in the musical “Rent” is more than just about lighting an actual light, just as the Hanukkah candles are about more than just lighting an actual light.

The essence of Hanukkah is about spreading light, as we read in Proverbs (6:23): “For the mitzva is a lamp and the Torah is light.” Jews spread light every day of the year; that’s what it is to be a Jew always, but on Hanukkah we celebrate that light and share it widely.

Here in Atlanta, we’ve been sharing our light in so many ways this year: supporting one another physically, emotionally and financially through the pandemic; finding new ways to connect as individuals and organizations; and ensuring health and safety of one another. And perhaps less known and celebrated (but equally important) are the ways in which the members of this community rallied to support one another during the power outages after Tropical Storm Zeta left much of the city without power for days on end; our literal darkness was illuminated by the shared lights of our community.

Just like Mimi, we are all looking for connections in the darkness. For Hanukkah, we do this by practicing pirsumei nisa, publicizing the miracle. We get to bask in the existence and spreading of light while intentionally sharing it with the world.

This Hanukkah, make it a point to light one another’s candles – no matter how many times they blow out.

Rabba Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez shares the light as the Jewish Camp Initiative manager at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.

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By Rabbi Beth Schwartz The annual kindling of the lights of Chanukah has been a symbol of identity and hope for generations of Jews, pride in good times, and patience, even spiritual resistance, to oppression and suffering in hard times. Just knowing that Jewish homes all over the world are lighting chanukiyot each evening of Chanukah brings the spirit of Klal Yisrael to life.

Beyond a few basics, the menorah itself can be of any design so that it inspires us to observe hiddur hamitzvah, that is, to fulfill our obligation to remember and celebrate in ways that are aesthetically pleasing and creative. We are invited and encouraged to add to the beauty of our traditions, an opportunity to preserve and promote optimism about the future. Amid the stress and difficulty of staying safe and healthy this year, may we let the chanukiyah bring us together and light our way to happier days.

Beth Schwartz has been the rabbi of Temple Israel in Columbus, Ga. since 2012.

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The most glowing example of how we’re all candles, which increase the light when we light the candles of others, occurred during Cheshvan.

I was hosting my monthly online Zoom Rosh Chodesh group, mostly made up of women from my synagogue Temple Beth Tikvah. Since the onset of the pandemic, Jewish women from other temple communities have joined us.

It was the night after the presidential election and everyone was feeling anxious, waiting for the results. We did our usual introductions of our female lineage before I facilitated our mediation about floating on a raft in the ocean being tethered to G-d. A discussion followed that shifted the energy of agitated depression to one of hope and joy! We all seemed to come up for air, as if we’d been submerged underwater, and took the deepest breath we’ve had all year. We were aligned, not necessarily with our unspoken political views, but as a Jewish community of women. Together, we agreed that regardless of the outcome, if we stayed tethered to Hashem, all would be well.

Next, we did a journaling exercise, listing all of the things for which we’re grateful that came from the changes COVID brought. Nearly 20 women shared, and we discovered that one is learning to speak Yiddish, another is playing with makeup for Zoom calls, another is learning to cook, and another has developed a walking regimen. The space became a blaze of light and hope, fostering unity and inspiration. Divine sparks were fanned that ignited into flames.

I acknowledge that many people at this time do feel steeped in darkness. Sometimes the room is filled with light, but if you’re facing in another direction, you don’t see it. Making a slight turn can make all of the difference. So if you feel alone in the dark, please reach out, or if you know someone in the dark, take a moment to connect them to a source of light.

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Dr. Terry Segal writes a regular column, New Moon Meditations, for the Atlanta Jewish Times. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist.

CHANUKAH

By Rabbi Larry Sernovitz As a child, I always loved getting presents for Chanukah. Unwrapping the gifts and listening to the crumpling and ripping of paper had a certain mystique. I would attempt to size up the package, trying to figure out what was inside based on its dimensions. The process was filled with excitement, intrigue and suspense. What would be revealed this year?

True confession: There were a few years when, along with my brother, we would launch undercover missions and search for the Chanukah presents before our parents had a chance to wrap them. We knew all the hiding places, even though new ones would always pop up. There was a certain thrill in these “search and rescue” missions, trying to get a sneak peek without getting caught.

While I may remember a few of the gifts I received over the years, most of them have largely been forgotten. Most of those childhood gifts, particularly the new and trendy toys of the season, were used and discarded fairly quickly. As an adult, I would come to realize that there is only one gift that I ever received that continues to be of value, and that was the gift of “presence.”

Today, we are so busy, many argue busier than we have ever been. We are constantly telling people, “I have been so busy.” Maybe, just maybe, it is time to reclaim our lives, filling them with quality, spiritual moments where our minds are quiet, appreciative and content.

One of the most inspirational Jewish texts, “Pirke Avot” (Chapters of the Fathers) teaches, “Who is rich?” And the answer is the one who is content with what they have.

We don’t need more. We need to be more. We need to give the gift of “presence” to those in our lives, to create the experiences that we will look back upon and know that this was time well spent.

Who is it in your life that needs your gift of “presence?” It could possibly be the best gift you will ever give.

Chag Urim Sameach! Happy Festival of Lights!

Larry Sernovitz is the senior rabbi at Temple Kol Emeth.

By Chana Shapiro Put It Out There An intriguing mandate concerning the Chanukah menorah is that it must be placed in a window, or even better, in front of one’s home.

This is a public declaration that “Jewish people live here.” We proclaim our Jewish identity and publicize G-d’s miracles to the world, and we do it for eight straight days.

I grew up in a rural town where we were the only Jewish family. We kept kosher and lit Shabbat candles at home, but in public we maintained a low Jewish profile.

Chanukah was different. We lit an oil menorah in the house, but we placed an electric menorah in our window. We didn’t flaunt our Judaism, yet the menorah in the window announced it. It was the home of the Jewish children who helped with charity garage sales, the indefatigable Jewish PTA president and the big-hearted Jewish owner of the store that extended generous customer credit.

When my husband and I moved to Atlanta, we lived far from our present Beth Jacob area. We didn’t know which people on our street were Jewish. Our first Chanukah, we placed our menorah in a front window. During that week, Jewish families in our new neighborhood made an effort to meet us. The menorah signaled our membership in the tribe. Over ensuing Chanukahs more window menorot showed up in our area, each announcing that “A proud Jewish family lives here.”

I’ve lived where there were no other Jews, and I’ve lived in a neighborhood where I didn’t know if I lived among Jews or not. I learned that Chanukah candles out in front let Jews “be a light unto the nations” and at the same time, be a light unto ourselves.

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CHANUKAH

By Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner Hanukkah celebrates our ability to overcome adversity.

No matter how hopeless things may appear today, with the support of community and our faith, a better tomorrow will come.

During this time of pandemic we have experienced so much pain. There have been too many lives lost, too many with financial struggles, an increase in food insecure families and a deep sense of uncertainty.

This Hanukkah like everything in 2020 will be unique in so many ways. Many will kindle their menorahs in isolation, away from family and friends. Yet the light that blazes forth into the darkened nights of Kislev raises up the reminder that miracles indeed happen each and every day.

As we have recently heard, thankfully a glimmer of hope is on the horizon in terms of the pandemic with multiple vaccines in final trials. We have been witness to a tremendous outpouring of tzedakah, gifts of love and concern for those who are struggling. To me it is clear that God is indeed present in our lives, illuminating the way forward.

We read on the Shabbat during Hanukkah the haftarah from the prophet Zechariah: “Not by might, not by power, but by My spirit says the Lord of Hosts.” It is through our faith and belief that we find the strength and the resolve to know that there is a way forward and the miracles will emerge.

So this Hanukkah as we kindle the flames and send that holy light out into the darkness, let us hold on to the belief that miracles abound and tomorrow will bring a better day. As we hear throughout the Tanakh, “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord your God goes with you.” Chag Urim Sameach.

Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner is the senior rabbi at Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell. She will be celebrating Hanukkah sheltering in place with her husband Jay and her son Ariel, his life partner Jareena and two rescue dogs Duncan and Kenzai.

By Rabbi Albert Isaac Slomovitz A COVID Hanukkah This year Hanukkah presents us with a unique opportunity. Our candles can help process our feeling about the past year. The shamash represents the traditional reminder about Hanukkah: A fight for religious freedom by our ancestors in Israel around 168 B.C. E. After that connection, I have given the Hanukkah candles new interpretations for this year.

The first candle recalls the hundreds of thousands of COVID victims around the world. The rapidly melting candles reminds us of how quickly their lives faded away.

The second candle is devoted to all the families of those who died. In many cases, they were not able to fully say goodbye to their loved ones.

Perhaps tonight we, as a global family, can offer our thoughts and prayers for these families.

The third candle is directed to those who are called “long-haulers,” these are folks who have recovered from COVID, but have had lingering health issues. We offer them a refuah shlama, a complete healing.

The fourth candle is dedicated to the scientists, researchers and technicians working tirelessly in finding a vaccine against COVID. Yasher koach to you all. Job well done!

The fifth candle acknowledges the doctors, nurses and EMTs who risk so much every day to help all their patients. We owe them our eternal thanks and gratitude.

The sixth candle is for the patient reps, the attendants, the food workers, the hospital janitors. Todah rabah. Thanks for all you do.

The seventh candle is for our family and friends that we have connected with on Zoom throughout this ordeal. As the ancient Maccabees fought against a larger foe, we also fight against a viral enemy, knowing that with the help of the Almighty, we will emerge victorious.

Eighth and final night: As all the candles are lit, think about 2021 and what awaits us: A new vaccine, new hope for the future and a return to a “new normal.”

Hanukkah gifts: It would be appropriate this year to use some of the money spent on Hanukkah gifts and give tzdaka for those in need.

Have a healthy and happy Hanukkah and a bright 2021.

Rabbi Albert Slomovitz is associate rabbi at Congregation Etz Chaim, history professor at Kennesaw State University and founder of the Jewish Christian Discovery Center.

46 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 47

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By Robyn Spizman Gerson The Gift of Our Presence As I approached the deadline today for my contribution to this month’s Chanukah issue, I asked myself what’s really important? 2020 has been an undeniably, unbelievable year, and with the arrival of the holiday season I hope my presence vs. material presents, my words, actions and deeds will continue to brighten someone else’s life.

After all, we’re called humankind, and we must strive to be humans that are kind. In fact, kinder than necessary.

A recent post I shared by L. R. Knost sums up my thoughts best. “Life is amazing.

And then it’s awful. And then it’s amazing again. And in between the amazing and awful, it’s ordinary and mundane and routine. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful, and relax and exhale during the ordinary. That’s just living heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, awful, ordinary life. And it’s breathtakingly beautiful.”

This year has taken a stab at all of us in a myriad of ways and we’re all doing our best to celebrate what’s right in this world, in spite of the darkness.

With the eight nights of Chanukah arriving, I pray for more of the breathtakingly beautiful part of life to emerge brighter than ever. To wrap itself around us like a gridlocked hug pulling us through the days ahead.

Today, as I wrap up this column like a gift, another thing I’m thankful for came instantly to mind. Every week I attend virtually an editorial meeting for this paper, the Atlanta Jewish Times. I marvel at the assembled group of talented individuals who chime in and illuminate topics for the paper to address. Under the devoted leadership of Michael Morris and non-stop wisdom of Managing Publisher and Editor Kaylene Ladinsky to the talented Associate Editor Roni Robbins and the entire team of writers, journalists, graphic designers, social media experts, sales team and more, this paper is a gift to us all and not be taken for granted. It’s a labor of love and year-round, the AJT is dedicated to up-to-the-minute meaningful content in support of our community.

When we light the Chanukiah, please keep in mind how fortunate we are to be in such a caring community that has a Jewish newspaper that speaks to our needs, enlightens and entertains us, and makes such a difference. I wish to celebrate and thank these amazing professionals, and my devoted colleagues, who share their topical stories; reviews of businesses and restaurants; opinions; mitzvahs; memorials; interests to Jewish Atlanta; and so much more. I am honored to be even a small part of this effort of excellence surrounded by you.

This Chanukah, I hope you will join me as we let the flame of the candles continue to burn and let us all still have the fuel, fortitude and strength to keep it going.

To make life beautiful in spite of the challenges, and keep the lights shining.

My remarkable friend, the legendary Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary wrote a song in 1983 called “Light One Candle,” which is sung especially during Chanukah worldwide. In the spirit of Peter’s heartfelt lyrics, and as we light each candle, let us show up, come together as a family and community that cares beyond measure about peace and love. Peter’s song reminds us that we can each light one candle; we can do so with our actions, to acknowledge that freedom and justice matter, and we can all use our own inner lights to truly brighten the world.

The Atlanta Jewish Times is recognized as one of the most important, successful and relevant Jewish newspapers across the country and it’s right here in our hands.

How fortunate we are to have its presence shining brightly on our community as we celebrate the traditions of Chanukah. May your flame be rekindled by the presence of your loved ones and surrounded by a village who lights up your life with love.

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

48 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

By Rabbi Adam Starr Why is the holiday of Chanukah given the name “Chanukah”? The word Chanukah means a dedication as we are celebrating the historic rededication of the Temple during second Temple times. The Temple in Jerusalem had been defiled by the Syrian Greeks for foreign worship, until the Hasmonean Jews recaptured it, restoring the Temple and rededicating that space to the service of God as symbolized by the lighting of the Temple menorah.

Happy ending, right? Not exactly … The Temple ended up being destroyed only 200 years later and it remains in that state of destruction until this day. So why are we celebrating the rededication of our Temple that ended up getting destroyed shortly after anyway? That Temple that we are celebrating does not exist in our lives!

The post Temple rabbis who shaped the holiday of Chanukah were well aware of this fact, so they shifted the holiday’s observance from a Temple-based celebration to a home-centered observance. That is why the primary mitzvah of Chanukah is to light candles placed on a menorah in our home as a substitute for the candles lit in the Holy Temple.

For much of this past year due to COVID, our homes have needed to substitute for our synagogues. Although we eagerly wait a full return to our synagogues in good health, Chanukah teaches us that our homes must continually fill our lives with Jewish observances and values.

As you light the Chanukah candles in your home, reflect upon how you can further dedicate your home as a mini temple dedicated to Jewish life that brings much needed light to the world.

Adam Starr is the rabbi of Congregation Ohr HaTorah.

CHANUKAH

By Ken Stein Predictions, Politics, the Pandemic and Accountability Similarly to the unprecedented changes that have enveloped us in 2020, most of which could not have been anticipated, and in keeping with the season, do you think any of the Maccabees would have guessed that the one jar of oil would have kept the menorah burning in Mod’in for eight days rather than one? If one had predicted yes or no, there probably would not have been either good or bad consequences in the years after 165 B.C.E. Today, if a political prediction is made and found to be wrong, are there consequences to be paid? As a corollary, what if you had critical information and withheld it? Let us suppose a person knew that the pandemic was potentially lethal to many, you intentionally withheld that information from the public, and hundreds of thousands died needlessly. Should that person be found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, with no pre-emptive pardon available?

What are the consequences of your personal predicative insights as compared to networks or governments that can and do promote fake news? Untruths about ethnic groups and minorities when imbibed long enough into the political fabric can easily evolve into encrusted beliefs. It happened in Germany before the Nazis took power. It happened to my German-born Jewish parents and grandparents.

Let’s look at predictions for this year. In the last 12 months, when you read about a Trump Plan for Middle East Peace in January, would you have predicted no-Trump in December? Not one academic or public analyst told you in January that by the end of 2020, five Arab countries, not just two from earlier years, would recognize Israel’s legitimacy.

What are some lessons I learned this year about information, predictions, politics and the pandemic? Pandemics do not change our prejudices, expectations or ideological preferences. If you disliked Israel before Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and the Sudan recognized Israel, you probably still do. If you believe that other Arab/ Muslim states are going to run rapidly to embrace Israel, then you possess wildly unrealistic expectations. There is no united Arab world, only Arab states with parochial interests. If you think a change from Trump to Biden will magically light up eight candles on a cake to celebrate the coming of a two-state solution at any Hanukkah celebration in the next four years, I want to drink what you have been drinking.

According to Palestinian analysts, there is NO chance of political movement of any kind until the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority are reformed or rebuilt from the inside!

How should you hold me accountable for my predications? Let’s see, did I hurt anyone? Did I make any money from private access to data that no one else possessed?

“A great miracle happened there,” and we should remember the lessons of sacrifice and commitment. Consider this prediction, looking back at this Hanukkah a year from now. We dedicated this Hanukkah to our health care and emergency call teams.

A great miracle is happening here because of them, and can happen, if we too are persistently diligent in wearing masks, washing hands and socially distancing. We must hold ourselves collectively accountable.

By Rabbi Don Tam Even as a child, I used to wonder why our ancestors, who had won back Jerusalem and the Temple from the pagan hands of the Seleucids, bothered even lighting the Temple candelabra, knowing they did not have enough oil to burn, but one day. They did not expect any miracle, no miracles of “growing one small flask into many more.”

Here lies the profundity of the Chanukah story. It is no mere child’s tale.

The chaos and darkness out of which the Holy One created definition, structure and order persist in some fashion in our world. The Tohu and Vohu represent a spiritual and physical anarchy.

(See “Insights of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik: Discourses on Fundamental Theological Issues in Judaism,” chapter 1, page 6 ).

This has always been a world where moral darkness; the urge to hate others; to degrade others in a myriad of ways; to murder another human being’s sense of selfworth and dignity; planned starvation; violence, and more, are set into our reality. So too is accident, disability, plague, and the suffering these cause, evident in our time.

When our forebears lit the menorah in the ancient Temple, even though they knew there was not enough oil to make the light last as long as they believed necessary, they had the determination and courage to act anyway, to at least make a beginning, to do the right thing even when it was thought the “right thing” was not going be sufficient.

We Jews have always had the courage to make beginnings, and when one or more failed to achieve our dreams fashioned by the Torah, to try again and again, each beginning bringing in its wake, renewed life. This, it seems to me, is one of the miracles we are reminded of by Chanukah: Make a beginning and even if we fail, still it is not a complete failure. We had “light for a time.” And perhaps if we persist with similar effort, we can, with G-d’s help, make enough light for a second day and so on, until the light of goodness and the sweet Holiness of the Divine, together with us, will transform ourselves and our world.

Don Tam is founding rabbi emeritus of Temple Beth Tikvah.

Ken Stein is a professor at Emory and president of the Center for Israel Education.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 49

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By The Temple Clergy Team At Chanukah, we are supposed to light our Chanukiah in the window or some other public place.

The obligation is to “publicize the miracle,” sharing our pride as a Jewish community and our joy in this season with our neighbors and broader community.

This year, most of our Chanukah celebrations will take place in the privacy of our homes. While our social distancing precautions are critical in keeping one another safe during this pandemic, they will alter our experience of this season and can make us feel more isolated at a time when we wish for the closeness of community.

And so even more than we might usually, let us all think creatively about ways to publicize the miracle. We can put our Chanukah lights in the most public and visible places we can – while still keeping in mind fire safety! – because that affirms the belief and hope that others will see them and us. We imagine all of the Jewish communities around the world doing the same. We can remember that sharing light and hope is not limited to our chanukiah but are also found in the ways we share our blessings and resources to provide assistance to others who are struggling.

This year, when there are so many people in need, battling mental illness, food insecurity, unemployment, health challenges and other major crises, we can “be the light” for them by donating to important causes, lending a hand where safe and possible, and advocating for their benefit. In the same way that we put effort into our Chanukah menorah, we can put extra effort into making sure that we see those in our community who are particularly isolated and in need of a phone call or support to lift them up this season.

This is an unusual year, but our efforts to prioritize safety this Chanukah will make it possible to gather in person next year. We pray that this will be a meaningful, light-filled Chanukah for you and your loved ones!

Rabbis Peter Berg, Loren Filson Lapidus, Sam Kaye, Lydia Medwin and Steven Rau, and Cantor Deborah Hartman are all members of The Temple’s clergy team.

50 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

By Dov Wilker I have the privilege of receiving emails on nearly a daily basis from people with differing opinions. Sometimes they agree with a position we have taken. Other times they disagree. But there is always passion behind it.

And, regardless of the content, these messages excite me. They demonstrate what makes our community vibrant. That we are willing to use our voice, to share our opinion.

I enjoy these interactions because they enable me to continue learning, which to me is the essence of being Jewish. It is why Jewish history is filled with stories and texts of the rabbis’ conversations.

The search for better understanding is what truly unifies us.

Whether we are learning about the different types of antisemitism, the upcoming U.S. Senate runoff, vaccines for COVID-19 or the potential for Israeli election, we are constantly unified as a Jewish community in our eternal goal of better understanding.

May the Hanukkah holiday provide a strong enough flame that we never cease our commitment to learning.

Dov Wilker is regional director of the American Jewish Committee.

CHANUKAH

By Rabbi Mark Zimmerman Hannukah – Sharing our Inner Light with One Another It is ironic that Hannukah is better known for the Talmudic story of the cruise of oil than for the stunning Jewish victory over the powerful Hellenistic Greeks. Equally stunning, though, was that those Jews who wanted to maintain their distinctiveness won the day over Jewish Hellenists who were content to assimilate into Greek culture and society.

Perhaps this is why, according to the Talmud, the REAL miracle of Hannukah was that after the Temple purified by the Hasmonians, that single cruise of oil that would normally last one day miraculously managed to keep the menorah lit for a full eight days.

That’s the story of the Jewish people!

Logic dictates that we should have run out of fuel and disappeared centuries ago, but we are still here! And especially during this time of pandemic, when more Jews are willing to forego their connection to synagogues and the Jewish community, the task of keeping the Jewish flame burning commands new urgency.

Hanukkah is known as Hag Ha-Urim, the Festival of Light. Light is a major theme in Judaism. We kindle Shabbat lights every Friday night to bring the beauty of Shabbat into our homes. Our rabbis teach us Torah orah, the Torah is light, and in order for a synagogue sanctuary to be complete, it must have a ner tamid burning at all times.

And while we Jews also have a special obligation to be an or lagoyim, a light unto the other nations, for Judaism to survive we must also be an or layhudim, namely, a light unto our fellow Jews and a light unto ourselves.

When we reach out to our fellow congregants and demonstrate our concern for them in times of joy and sadness, we help build and strengthen our community.

When we connect virtually to pray and study together (even while bemoaning the fact that we cannot be together in person) we spiritually nourish ourselves and our community. And when we continue to support our shuls and communal infrastructure with our time and resources, we help ensure that our kehillah, community, will be there for us and for future generations.

As we kindle the Hannukah lights, may their message penetrate our hearts so that we may always be considered a source of light to our synagogues, our community, and to one another.

Mark Zimmerman is the rabbi of Congregation Beth Shalom.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 51

CHANUKAH

Atlanta Jewish Times Shares Too Wishing Our Community

Haoppy Chanukah From Our AJT Family to Yours

By Kaylene Ladinsky Happy Chanukah Jewish Atlanta!

This year has been unique in so many ways. Especially for Georgians, as we get the added political campaigning with the current runoff.

This election has been an emotional experience for so many. Jewish communities around the country are known for our significant political participation, whether it is volunteering on campaigns or voter’s assistance, our community members are there to help. We also have a high percentage of those that vote and make campaign donations. This year’s political landscape was more than just unique. It has been extremely important, and it continues to be important, which has impacted all of us is some way.

In addition, we have COVID-19, a pandemic of all things! What an experience for all of us. We have watch families and friends going through loss and hardships, businesses closing and hospitals struggling. I think we are all thankful for the vaccine. I know that I am. I am very hopeful that all our medical and law enforcement personnel get the vaccine first, right along with our elderly.

We have all experienced huge life-changing circumstances this year. The elections and COVID-19 don’t even include all of life’s challenges that are thrown at each of us daily. Yet here we are absorbing it emotionally, physically and intellectually, and we are thriving better than a lot of other communities. We are coming together to help each other. We have community resources available to assist anyone that is feeling buried under the burdens we are all facing.

Did you know that our community raised $3.89 million in a COVID emergency response fund within just a few months? Jewish Atlanta is amazing. I realize that not everyone is eligible to receive those funds, but they are helping our community. Our Jewish Family & Career Services offers programs and resources to transform lives, assist in times of need and counsel you when needed. There are professionals sharing their light and compassion in the fields of aging and older adults, career counseling, dentistry, mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities.

So, I would like to take this opportunity to shed light on resources that are available to you and our community at large. If you are reading this right now, then you are a part of or in some way connected to a wonderful community. It is my pleasure as editor and managing publisher of this newspaper to be a beacon of light for Jewish Atlanta, sharing our community’s news, calendar and general information to keep you connected to your community, and most importantly, shining our community light with the entire world publicly with every issue we put to press.

For anyone that is feeling lonely, overburdened, scared or ill, please reach out and let someone share their flame with you and help you through your tough times. I have included some links below that has services, assistance and support for most anything. Our community is on fire with people that care and want to be a part of supporting each other.

Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta

www.JewishAtlanta.org

Jewish Family & Career Services

www.JFCSAtl.org

Community Calendar and Directory

www.AtlantaJewishConnector.com Community Newspaper

www.AtlantaJewishTimes.com 52 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

CHANUKAH

By Roni Robbins The Gift of Words For whatever reason, God blessed me with a talent and love of words. It isn’t the most lucrative career, and it wasn’t always a secure way of making a living. There were times I considered straying from journalism into a more stable field such as public relations or involving my other sidelines, weight management and exercise. But those paths never materialized, and I stayed a writer.

In truth, I never expected to be an editor. I thought my only calling was to be a reporter. But I took a leap of faith and grew into the job I’ve held for 2 ½ years now. It actually is a good use of my skills.

It capitalizes on my 35 years of being the one receiving the editing, which I believe makes me empathetic with those on the other side of the red pen, so to speak.

At the heart of my editing is my writing, which I still manage to regularly produce. Through my articles, I hope I pass a little piece of myself along and that others will be so moved to post and share, passing along the flame, so to speak. I hope the words I leave on the page and on the screen inspire and entertain, enrich, amaze and most importantly, enlighten. Perhaps when you read my writing – or that of any of our writers -- you chuckle or cry. If you know me or them personally, maybe you hear our voices reading to you. You sense the emotion felt as we wrote the words and organized them to have the greatest impact.

Sometimes I feel as if my stories write themselves. The details speak to me and I’m like an artist with God guiding my writing or typing hands. In the end, I truly believe my writing ability is a gift, to share with the readers and bind us together.

It’s the most sincere present I have, literally from my mind and soul, I can pass along throughout the year to the community.

By Jodi Danis I have always looked forward to lighting Hanukkah candles, especially the last few evenings of the holiday when they fill most or all of the menorah. To me, there is something so hypnotic, entrancing and soothing about watching firelight.

When I was growing up, we always used an electric menorah with solid orange bulbs. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but it can’t compare to the dancing, bright flames that candles bring to the holiday. It seems much more joyous to me.

Over the years we have amassed quite a nice collection of Judaica, but my favorite items, by far, are the menorahs we have displayed in a collection from our travels. Each menorah reminds me of a special place or time in our lives, so using it is like reliving that memory. There are whimsical, ceramic ones from when our boys were young; a heavy glass one with Swarovski crystals, brought back from Rome’s Jewish ghetto; a modern, welded metal menorah from artist Gary Rosenthal; some large, some small, and some elaborate ones. But perhaps the most meaningful one to me is a simple, silver menorah that my grandparents brought with them from England over a century ago. It has a music box underneath its base that plays, “Ma’oz Tzur,” and the sweet melody is as enchanting as the flames.

As we light the candles this Hanukkah and approach the end of a year that was difficult for so many, may we all be surrounded by the warmth and joy of our tradition and loved ones. That is the true brightness to be found in dark times.

Jodi Danis is the executive assistant to the Atlanta Jewish Times’ publisher and managing publisher/editor.

Roni Robbins is associate editor of the Atlanta Jewish Times.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 53

CHANUKAH

By Brenda Gelfand

Wishing you and your family a Happy Chanukah!

At JNF.Org -Your Voice in Israel - Making Israel Better Multiple Projects Making Life & Creating Sustainability!

Please support Israel by making a pledge to JNF Michael, Valerie, Megan Miller JNF Trustee

Reflecting on this past year, COVID-19 and politics have really changed the community’s unity from past years. I feel COVID-19 possibly more in a positive way regarding the community’s unity and politics definitely in a negative way.

Due to COVID -19, I have learned a lot about our community’s unity with regards to myself, family, friends and co-workers. Being a single mom living alone taught me many things about myself and others. I have learned how important it is to keep in touch and to be respectful of others. Without Zoom, life could have been so much worse this past year. Being able to see and speak to many family members, friends and co-workers who I would never have reached out to during the first couple months of quarantine, has been a life saver, especially to all who live alone. It has brought the community together with respect to helping one another, learning to live in our environment safely, and survive during an extremely hard and scary time.

Due to the 2020 elections, politics has split the community in half, which for me is extremely sad and disappointing. To see the community so divided was horrible to witness, especially for our youth! Hopefully moving forward, 2021 will bring our community back together and everyone will learn to work together despite their political beliefs.

I wish the community a very “Happy Chanukah” and hope and pray that 2021 will be a much better year filled with health, happiness and peace!

Brenda Gelfand is a senior account manager for the Atlanta Jewish Times.

By Michal Bonell When I find it challenging to find the words, I turn to other writings or poetry that align with my thoughts, feelings, hopes or dreams: “The Light That Shines in the Darkness" – A Poem About Hope by Justin Farley There’s a light that shines in the darkness.

There’s a destiny waiting at the end of the road.

There’s meaning in the middle of this emptiness.

There’s a reason you’ve been asked to carry this heavy load.

Lessons are taught when we reach out Farther than we thought we’d ever dare.

Faith abounds when we confront our deepest doubts, Enduring more than we dreamed we could ever bear.

There’s a dawn waiting at the edge of every midnight.

There’s a seed planted with every fallen leaf.

With every wrong there’s the chance to make a right.

With every hour of suffering there’s an eternity of relief.

Our darkest moments give us the opportunity For seasons of our greatest growth.

Everyday we work towards continuity Of acceptance and persistent hope.

And there’s a light that shines in the darkness.

There’s a star that guides the way.

There’s a gate that’s open to forgiveness, [Calling] those who’ve gone astray.

Michal Bonell is a senior account manager for Atlanta Jewish Times.

54 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 55

CHANUKAH

By Lilli Jennison Right now our community is together, but separate. I lay out the paper every issue and one thing I have noticed during COVID is our calendar section is just as full as it’s ever been. There are tons of events that are together but separated by 6 feet or a Zoom screen. It is great that the community has found a way to keep everyone together, but nothing beats seeing an old friend at a Jewish event and giving them a hug.

I had the privilege of bringing the kids of the community together this past month by spearheading the Atlanta Jewish Times’ Chanukah Art Contest. This is my second year doing it and I thoroughly enjoy it. When I sent out the winner emails, I got one email response from a parent that particularly stood out to me. Bracha wrote, “Oh WOW! Thank you!!! Binny is jumping for joy :)” Reading this made me feel so special that I made this kid’s day!

Last year when we had the contest, we had a reception at Binders, and I got to physically see these kids so happy receiving their gift cards. Unfortunately, with COVID, I must mail the gift cards this year. I want to say Mazel Tov to all of the winners!

I also want to thank everyone else who participated! Everyone did a great job! Check the submissions out later in the paper and online.

I also want to shout out my AJT family. The staff at the AJT is the best and I am so happy I get to work with all of you. My best friend comes to town on my birthday and Thanksgiving every year. This year, due to COVID, she couldn’t, and my AJT family cheered me up with my favorite cake and the most beautiful flowers and balloons!

You all made my COVID birthday very special!

Remember, wear your mask and wash your hands and we will get through this!

Stay safe and Happy Chanukah!

Lilli Jennison is the creative and media designer for the Atlanta Jewish Times.

56 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

By Amy Seidner The story of 2020 will be told in a way future generations may dismiss as frighteningly bad fiction. But, having experienced this novel year in-real-life, as the days crawled into weeks and months, upon review, it was difficult to find warmth within ourselves and the community this year.

Undisputedly, it has been a difficult, divisive and angry year. Many of us have lost lifelong friends due to differences in ideology or politics. But, as we approach the end of the year, I hope the acrimony of the past will be tempered with the anticipation of unity, the anticipation of hope and healing.

Throughout the year, unity has been top-of-mind. Coming together became the focus of community groups as we assembled online. Individuals and organizations became remarkably creative in finding ways to stay connected, together, but apart.

Despite the challenges this year, we were consistently reminded to put our family and friends first, to think of others as we made our choices. We thought of our loved ones and stayed home to protect our families and others in our community. It certainly hasn’t been easy, but we did this for the health and unity of the community.

Throughout 2020, we have seen what we are capable of, and how resilient we are.

I know because of the selflessness and the sacrifices each of us has made, that tiny spec of flame we saw this year will burn brighter and brighter. When the community unties in-person once again, the lights of the flame will shine stronger and brighter.

Amy Seidner is community events and public relations manager for the Atlanta Jewish Times.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 57

CHANUKAH

By Lori Gluck As the days grow shorter and darkness is all around us, we can take solace in the lights of Chanukah. It is a time for the community to come together in solidarity and celebrate. This year we have endured and are still enduring tumultuous political elections. Now more than ever we need to be assured we ALL will be counted. Individually and as a community. Stand up for what and who we believe in. Ours is an important collective voice.

Light the candles within each of us to build a huge “fire” that is our Jewish community. We believe there is strength in numbers, but not always positive strength. My hope is that our community unity is a positive collective strength. Let’s all strive for a better world and leave this place less damaged than we found it. Let’s all keep in mind the miracle of the Chanukah lights and try to envision miracles for the upcoming year. Think of the miracles of science and medicine. First a COVID test, then rapid tests. Now COVID vaccines. The miracles of technology. Too many there to mention, as the technology changes so rapidly.

Darkness can be scary. We are all afraid somewhat of the dark. I think the Jewish community embraces the light and comes out the other side shining. The Atlanta Jewish Times is a beacon of light for our community. Community is the meaning of Chanukah. Embrace it. May the light of Chanukah shine on you and those you love.

Lori is an account manager for the Atlanta Jewish Times.

By Anna Levy Be Like the Shammash, Share Your Light My favorite part of Hanukkah has always been lighting the menorah. Little can compare to the starry-eyed wonder I felt as a young girl, watching the flames together in all their glory for the first time. What I love most about the menorah is that we don’t light each candle individually with a match. Rather, the single helper candle, shammash, is what brings light to all the others. It taught me from a young age that you, as one person, can create something bigger and more beautiful than yourself, just by sharing a little bit of light.

This type of selfless and community-centered attitude has always been the fabric that binds me to my Judaism, and the mindset by which I try to live my life. During a time where we are facing so much uncertainty and fear, I take comfort in the warm and familiar ideals of Judaism: community, family, tikkun olam [repairing the world], tzedakah and kindness. My faith has carried me through these hard times, and the principles by which I live my life have helped me bring comfort to others, as well.

This holiday season, as we face more darkness than usual, remember to share your light with others. By doing so, you will create something beautiful in our community.

Anna Levy is the online content coordinator for the Atlanta Jewish Times.

58 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

CHANUKAH

By Nathan Posner Over the past six months, I have focused much of my time on the coverage of the Black Lives Matter movement and the November elections. I have been focused so heavily on the divisive events and people that often I forgot the common bonds we have.

As we approach the holiday of Chanukah, I can’t help but to think about how we, as Jews, approach civil rights as individuals. While surely both our collective past as an oppressed religious group and the experiences of hate so many of us have experience affects how we view others and their struggles, it is important to look at how we can individually help our fellow man.

Whether or not we are talking about the issues of African American struggles, or whatever issue facing the American public at such a divisive time, I think of how the menorah is lit. With one individual light, the light of all the candles are lit. As an individual, you can inspire action of those around just as the ‫ שמש‬lights the other candles.

Wherever you fall on the political spectrum or on any political issues, remember the effect you can have on others, both positive and negative. We have an obligation to not only think before we speak, but before we retweet, share or post as well; think about how others will be affected by your light.

Nathan Posner is a photojournalist and intern at the Atlanta Jewish Times, and a sophomore at Georgetown University studying government.

May the Light of the Candles Bring You Peace and Warmth! Happy Hanukkah Laura K. Schilling, J.D., CPA, Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Certified Senior Advisor (CSA®), is principal and founder of Financial Innovations, LLC and Laura K. Schilling, Esq, CPA, CSA, Estate Innovations, LLC. She is licensed to practice law in Georgia and Florida. Laura has been published in Forbes Magazine as well as Best Self Magazine.

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CHANUKAH

Are Kids Overindulged?

By Chana Shapiro A few years ago, I attended a Chanukah party in which the families agreed not to exchange gifts. After lighting the candles, the host unexpectedly presented a $10 bill to each of the children. The kids thanked him, showing the good manners they’d been taught. But later, I overheard a usually polite and courteous teen complain to some of the other kids, “Only $10! What good is $10?”

I wondered what amount of money would have been appreciated.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Sharon Habif is concerned about “the present entitled generation.” She explained, “When young people are overindulged, they’re being deprived of acquiring important life skills, including developing responsibility and building a tolerance for frustration. Older kids should learn to work for things in order to gain a strong work ethic.”

Habif sometimes gives simple “no-occasion gifts,” she said, “just to make someone happy.” She believes that extravagant gifts, including Chanukah presents, are not necessary. “It’s our job as parents to prepare our children for adult life, which they cannot learn through overindulgence.”

Gift giving can be excessive, according to some Atlanta Jewish community professionals who work with children.

Grandmother Rozalia Burmen seldom says “no.” She doesn’t like to wait for items she wants, and she sees no reason for her 16-year-old granddaughter Mim to wait, either. “We have so much fun going online and looking at clothes and accessories and discussing everything we see,” Burmen said.

“Sometimes Mim tells me that I buy her too much, but it’s my pleasure! I don’t buy her clothes that I think won’t be flattering or are too ‘grown up.’"

Does this grandmother, who frequently buys gifts, subsequently limit Mim’s Chanukah presents? “Of course not!” she answers, “A girl can never have too many nice clothes.”

Happy Chanukah!

60 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Rabbi Mark Kunis of Congregation it,” her daughter declared. In the end, Leah’s Shaarei Shamayim notes that “Purim, not other set of grandparents purchased the pink Bailey Bow UGGs. Chanukah, is the Jewish Social worker Sylvia holiday for gift-giving, Miller, an Atlanta Jewish but it’s hard for parents Academy school counselor, because Chanukah and has learned through reChristmas fall close to each search that children who other.” are more indulged become Kunis’ family averts less resilient, less able to the desire to imitate elecope with life’s difficulties ments of the pervasive and deal with disappointChristian celebration by ment. That doesn’t mean driving around Christmaschildren shouldn’t receive decorated neighborhoods. gifts, Miller said, but she “We teach our children to stresses that young people be happy that we have our holidays and Christians Rabbi Mark Kunis stresses that crave — and have enduring memories of — time have theirs, and we enjoy Purim is the Jewish gift-giving with their parents. holiday, not Chanukah. their decorations.”

Child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Kunis adds, “In our family, we give children Chanukah gelt, real coins and Eric Fier offers the following insight: “The chocolate ones. We use the real coins to issue is not truly one of overindulgence; it’s play dreidel and talk about the meaning of about how we indulge our kids. Our kids the letters nun, gimmel, hey and shin, which need more of our time, more of our active listening, more adventures stand for ‘A great miracle into creative shared spaces happened there [Israel].’ together.

We also explain that Israeli “You don’t ‘spoil’ a dreidels replace the letchild with too much time ter shin [which stands for together experiencing “there”] with the letter pey meaningful things. Buy[which stands for “here] ing expensive gifts is not because a great miracle a relationship-builder. It’s happened in Israel. We all a token of limited lasting light our own menorahs, value and significance. Inmost which we made ourstead, take your child on a selves. Giving a present is one-on-one trip and create fine, but we don’t go too far. opportunities to build a reWe focus on the Chanukah lationship. Convince your miracles.”

Dr. Eric Fier said children child that this is not for When Gila (not her appreciate and remember them, but for you, as there real name) wanted to buy time with parents over gifts. is nothing you love more her second-grade granddaughter Leah a special gift for Chanukah, than your special time with them. These are she asked Leah’s mother – Gila’s daughter the gifts that actually appreciate in value in – for suggestions. Gila was surprised by the the form of memories and the loving significance we attach to them,” answer: Buy Leah a pair he continued. of pink UGGs Bailey Bow “The diet of screens boots. Gila candidly rethat our kids are being sponded that they’d get ruraised on is enormously ined in Connecticut winter and painfully effective at weather and it would make diluting the value of relamore sense to buy Leah tionships – of meaningful, a pair of cute all-weather personal, nuanced interboots. “She’s too young,” connectedness. The only Gila explained. “Why does antidote I’ve found is time she need boots that cost together where we are $150?” Leah’s mother counmindfully present with our tered, “All the other girls children. Through this, we have them, and Leah deare modeling for our chilserves to have them, too.”

Sylvia Miller is a social worker and Atlanta Jewish dren how they will build Gila wondered what Academy school counselor. relationships with their extraordinary feat her 7-year-old granddaughter had performed to children. This is, perhaps, the greatest gift “deserve” such a luxury. “You just don’t get we can give them.” ì

CHANUKAH

Gifts to Entertain

By Bob Bahr

Local fans of Jewish music have been blessed with the relaunch and rebranding of what was once the Atlanta There’s no shortage of entertainment choices for those Jewish Music Festival. It is now Neranenah and there are on your Chanukah gift list. many free and low-cost events of live and streamed music Whether you’re looking for a new planned. Neranenah’s Executive Direcbook, CD or video for the home screen, tor Joe Alterman and his trio were part there are plenty of choices and some of The Kennedy Center’s streamed seare free or come with an inexpensive ries on American music earlier this fall. subscription. Here are some of our best A great gift to a music lover you know choices for watching, listening and would be a card or email confirming reading well into the new year. that you have made a contribution in Netflix: The international streamtheir name. (www.neranenaharts.org). ing platform now distributes video enDon’t forget a contribution to Atlanta’s tertainment in 190 countries and has other cultural gem, the Atlanta Jewbecome a top choice for hours of great ish Film Festival (www.ajff.org) which entertainment from Israel that have kicks off its 21st season in February. been produced with an eye on the luFor music fans with a somewhat crative American market. different taste, Bob Dylan has released Bob Dylan, the 79-year-old Series favorites to watch, if you his first album of original songs since singer, released his first album are not already hooked are: “Fauda,” 2012, “Rough and Rowdy Ways” to of new songs in eight years. about an Israeli antiterrorism unit on enthusiastic reviews. But the album’s the West Bank, and “Shtisel,” about the Chasidim in Jerusa- release may be his last. There are rumors that he is retiring lem. The latter has found an audience in 31 countries and a to turn his attention to a line of health care products made version is being produced for India. A new season is due in with CBD, cannabidiol oil, derived from the marijuana plant. the U.S. in early 2021, but previous seasons are scheduled to Those who favor a quieter lifestyle in this pandemic disappear from Netflix after Dec. 15. year have a good selection of books with a Jewish theme to Sasha Baron Cohen has two outstanding performances choose from. on Netflix originals about the 1960s. He’s riveting in the re“The Last Kings of Shanghai” by Jonathan Kaufman is cently released “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” Aaron Sorkin’s a remarkable tale about the Sassoon and Kadoorie families expertly scripted and directed take on the trial of anti-war of Iraqi Jews who dominated business, politics and society protesters after the Democratic convention in 1968. in China during the 19th century. (Viking , $28) In “The Spy,” another great film, he’s Eli Cohen, a Mossad agent in Syria during the 60s who became a close adviser to the Syrian minister of defense and a key intelligence source prior to the Six Day War in 1967.

For those who loved “Unorthodox,” which nabbed Shira Haas an Emmy nomination this year, there are no plans for a second season. The four episodes that were produced, though, are good for a second screening. (Netflix monthly subscriptions start at $8.99).

There is no shortage of new, lavishly produced programming from Israel on other streamers as well.

Apple TV+ service is rumored to have put down $1 million an episode for the worldwide rights to “Tehran,” an Israeli thriller set in the Iranian capital but actually filmed in Athens, Greece. It’s about a fictional female Mossad agent, Tamar Rabinyan, who returns to her birthplace for her first secret mission as a computer hacker. (Apple TV+ is free for a year with purchase of an Apple device or $4.99 a month).

Another headliner from the Holy Land is “Valley of Tears,” which some media report as costing $10 million to produce its 10 episodes, making it one of the most expensive series in Israeli TV history. The production, which was created by the government-owned channel, KAN TV, is available on HBO Max. It is a searing drama about the 1973 ArabIsraeli War in the Golan Heights. (The first episode can be watched free on HBO Max, which costs $14.99 a month).

For those who love great music with their drama, The Metropolitan Opera is streaming free full performances from its vault every day. Last year’s great production of George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” is the offering on Dec. 11. Camille Saint-Saens’ “Samson and Delilah” is streamed on Dec. 14. One day showings only, so if you snooze, you lose. (www.metopera.org)

Apple+ was rumored to have paid $1 million per episode for the worldwide rights to the Israeli TV series “Tehran.”

“Morality: Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times” is by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sachs. The great former chief rabbi of the United Kingdom who died Nov. 7 wrote over 30 books. This timely volume, published in September, may be among his best. (Basic Books, $30) “The Convert” by Stefan Hertmans. Translated by David McKay is a novel based on a true story of an interfaith romance from the 11th century. It tells the tale of how a beautiful young woman. born into a wealthy French Christian family in Rouen, falls in love with a Jewish man studying in a yeshiva there. The recreation of their tragic story is an exceptional work of imagination. (Panteon, $27.95) ì Bob Bahr frequently writes for the AJT about entertainment and leads classes on classic films and music.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 61

CHANUKAH

Chanukah House Contest

By Terry Segal For what is believed the first time, a competition will take place Sunday that brings together the clergy, staff and members of two North Fulton synagogues in a contest of spirit and creativity for ChanuRebecca Gordon of GLT and Molly Peled of CDT built a Chanukah House together. kah. Congregation Gesher L’Torah and Congregation Dor Tamid will compete, in partnership Chanukah House Competition was born,” Gordon said.

Her counterpart at CDT, Molly Peled, said, “This is with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and joined

by JumpSpark a Federation Innovation Initiative, helping the first virtual Chanukah party where our rabbis, [GLT’s with technology, social media marketing and website reg- Michael Bernstein and CDT’s Jordan Ottenstein] will light candles together, virtually, enjoy a performance by the istration.

With grant money from the Federation, the syna- Jewish improv group, The Bible Players, and then celgogues each received 40 Chanukah House kits for the ebrate the winners of this friendly competition.”

The entries will be judged by the community via contest that will take place on Zoom at 7 p.m. Dec. 13.

When asked how the idea for this contest came photos on social media, and the eight houses with the about, Rebecca Gordon, GLT education director said she most votes will go before a panel of guest judges. Each of spoke with Federation’s Carla Birnbaum about applying the winners will be granted prize money to donate to a for a Making Jewish Places microgrant. Birnbaum over- Jewish charity of their choice. “We’ve promoted it at resees the North Metro (Alpharetta and Johns Creek) micro- ligious school,” Peled said, “and the parents and kids are grant program. “We tossed ideas back and forth and the jazzed.” She added that it “fulfills the mitzvah of pirsumei

62 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

nisa,” the Talmudic phrase for publicizing the miracle of Chanukah.

The Manischewitz Chanukah House Vanilla Cookie Decorating Kit, which also can be bought at Michael’s craft store and through other retailers, includes: Four icing colors, cookie parts, sprinkles and mini beads, menorah and mezuzah sugar decorations, sanding sugar, sixpoint star, and edible setup board.

Gordon and Peled decided to test their skills at building a Chanukah House together, in advance, to experience the trials and tribulations firsthand. Gordon wrote in an email to the AJT, “Making our GLT/CDT Chanukah House together was the most fun I have had all year. We came together with masks, and although we wanted to give each other big hugs, we kept our distance.”

Realizing that the construction of the walls and roof would need drying time prior to adding the embellishments, Gordon built that part a day earlier. “When Molly and I came together, we were ready to create the perfect Chanukah House; unfortunately we thought we had much more skills than we did.” They began decorating without a concrete plan.

Gordon continued, “The icing was a mess; it kept dripping off. Placing candy sprinkles and beads in a row came out crooked. Outlining a door was a gloppy mess.

But the whole time we were laughing (in our masks) and having fun. I don’t think I have laughed so hard since COVID appeared. Our final product may not have been clean, definitely not pretty, but it was made with laughter and love.”

Peled agreed, “It was a messy project but we worked together and we couldn’t even lick the frosting with our masks on but we were celebrating in a unique way.”

Gordon looked ahead to the contest. “My hope is that all of our families that are in the challenge have as much fun as we did. I have already seen some pictures of houses our members have decorated and they put our house to shame.

It is going to be a wonderful evening. The Bible Players are so funny and it will be the first time that CDT/GLT come together to celebrate together; its amazing,” she wrote.

Expressing her heartfelt appreciation, Gordon reiterated, “This program is happening because of the Jewish Federation. Without their support, we would not have had the money to purchase the houses, the entertainment and the donation money for the gifts. This is a big event for our North Metro community. CDT and GLT have been through so much with COVID; we wanted to make sure our families had something fun to do this holiday season.” ì

CHANUKAH

Chanukah Zoom Tour of Jerusalem

Photo from David Sussman Israel Tours // Jerusalem at night

By Anna Levy On Sunday, Dec. 13, the Atlanta Israel Coalition, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, will be hosting a free tour of Jerusalem through Zoom for Chanukah. “Tour the Old City of Jerusalem This Hanukkah – A Free Live Virtual Tour” begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends in a menorah lighting at the Western Wall.

David Sussman, who will be leading the tour, was born in America and made aliyah in 2001. When he came to Israel, he served in the Israel Defense Forces as a combat soldier in the Second Lebanon War. After a near-death experience in the army, he became impassioned to educate the world about Israel.

During the tour Sunday, viewers will meet residents of the Old City and learn more about how they celebrate Chanukah.

“This tour is a great way for people who have never been to Israel to experience the magic of Jerusalem at Chanukah time firsthand,” said Lee Tanenbaum, AIC promotion and marketing coordinator. “And for those who have been to Israel already, it is a way to help them feel connected to Israel again.”

Tanenbaum said that people have already signed up for the event from countries outside the United States and Israel.

“This event is meant to be a family event for all ages,” Tanenbaum said. “We have people signed up from across the world, including Canada, Malaysia and even Australia.”

Because the tour ends at the Western Wall, it will focus heavily on the Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem. One of four traditional quarters in the Old City, the Jewish section has about 2,000 residents and is home to numerous synagogues, markets, archaeological sites and yeshivot.

Cheryl Dorchinsky, founder of AIC, said that the event is designed to bring the beauty of the Old City at Chanukah to the public. This is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people cannot travel.

She added that people who aren’t Jewish have signed up for the event too.

“The event is free because we want everybody to be able to experience the magic,” she said. “I spent one night of Chanukah in Jerusalem and it was magical.

Photo from David Sussman Israel Tours // View of Jerusalem

The Zoom tour of Jerusalem will end in a menorah lighting at the Western Wall.

Everybody deserves to be able to experience it. To me, knowing that we can bring this type of experience to people is priceless.”

Carla Birnbaum, Federation’s community impact associate for the event, said of the partnership with AIC, “Making Jewish Places is excited to support the AIC in bringing this virtual tour to Atlanta! While traveling to Israel isn’t currently an option, this program is a safe and engaging way to connect with Jews globally. Atlanta families will be able to celebrate Chanukah in Jerusalem

from the comfort of their own home.”

AIC, founded in 2018, is celebrating its second anniversary. It is a grassroots organization that strives to unite the pro-Israel community in Atlanta and beyond.

For those unable to attend the morning event, a recorded video of the tour will be sent to all those who register. In addition, the Atlanta Jewish Times will host the video at 3 p.m. the same day on its Facebook page.

For more details on the event and how to register, visit https://bit.ly/3mtnaxR. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 63

CHANUKAH

The Light of the Menorah

If we had to pick a theme for this year’s Chanukah art contest, it would have to be the menorah, as that was the predominant image most of our young artists submitted for our annual contest. Social distancing and sheltering in place seems to have inspired an array of colorful light-filled artistry as we received more submissions than in previous years, despite the pandemic. Here we spotlight the top winners and 25 other artists who submitted their work, ranging in age from 5 to 16, and even a sprite 69-year-old whose art graces our cover.

Emerson DeHass

GRAND PRIZE WINNER ass

Parents: Cari and Brian DeH Age: 12 Hanukkah for All

Jeff Adamoff

Parents: Oscar and Nina Age: 69 Happy Chanukah

64 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Cover Winner

CHANUKAH

Binny Schulgasser

Parents: Elchanan and Bracha Schulgas ser Age: 12 Rays of Light, Shining Bright

10 and Up

FIRST PLACE

10 and Up Naomi Kuropatwa

Parent: Rob Kuropatwa Age: 16 h Warmth of the Chanukkia

Daniel Weinstein

Parents: Doug Weinstein and Sheryl Chen Age: 5 Candles of Light Floating in the Sky

FIRST PLACE

9 and Under

FIRST PLACE

Adam Milrud

Parents: Cristy and Eduard o Milrud Age: 6 Hanukkah Wishes

9 and Under

FIRST PLACE

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 65

CHANUKAH

ĂŹEntries published are alphabtized by first name.

Bella Ebrams

Aderet Afrah

Parents: Eli and Tzeryl Ebrams Age: 9 Roses Should Stop and Smell the Latk es

Parents: Levi and Aliza Afrah Age: 10 The Nights of Chanukah

Wishing you a Happy Hanukkah The miracle of Hanukkah this year is the light you share with others

Paid for by friends of Brian Kemp, serving all 159 rural and urban counties in Georgia 66 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

CHANUKAH

Benjamin Vayner

Parents: Alex and Natasha Vayner Age: 10 Channukah Menorah

Chana Antopolsky

Parents: Esther and Dovid Antopolsky Age: 6 Light up the World!

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 67

CHANUKAH

Charlotte Spector

ctor

e Spe Parents: Chantal and Mik 11 Age: und Menorah On the Snowy Gro

Daniel Crump

Parents: Eric and Adriana Crump Age: 9 Kotel Prayer Rebuilt

68 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

CHANUKAH

Gavriel Perez

Parent: Michaela Perez Age: 8 Bat-hannukah

May Sparks of Light and Love Fill Your Holiday Season

Happy Chanukah

Hannah Goldman

Parents: Jeremy Goldman and Gillian O'Leary Age: 7 Blooming Chanukiah

Atlanta’s Teen Hub for Jewish Engagement and Education ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 69

CHANUKAH

Hannah Yusupova Parent: Alex Yusupov Age: 7 Dreidel of Unity

Hazel Halitsky

Parents: Jonathan Halitsky and Rachel Sonenshine Age: 7 Hazel’s Hanukiah

Jenna Prass

Parents: Leslie and Joseph Prass Age: 15 Modern Miracle

Jackson Baral

Parents: Jodi and Brian Baral Age: 7 Pop Art Chanukiah

70 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 71

Happy Chanukah!

CHANUKAH

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Kaila Schusterman

Parents: Rabbi Eliyahu and Dena Schu sterman Age: 14 Be The Light

Happy Chanukah!

Available on Amazon & Kindle Makes A Great Chanukah Gift Leigha Schoenberg

Parents: Jade and Evan Sch oenberg Age: 7 Pop Art Chanukiah 72 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

CHANUKAH

Leora Sokol

Parent: Natalie Sokol Age: 11 8 Days of Oil

Ma'ayan Rosenthal

Parent: Brooke Rosenthal Age: 10 Or m'Mitzrayim (Light From Egypt)

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 73

CHANUKAH

Matanya Katz

Parent: Micah Katz Age: 7 The Chanukah House

74 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Maya Chun

Parents: Will Chun and Nina Krimshte in Age: 7 Untitled

CHANUKAH

Nadav Flusberg

Parents: Keren Fisher and Ben Flusberg Age: 9 Pencil Menorah and Dreidels

Noah Milrud

Parents: Cristy and Eduardo Milrud Age: 6 The Great Temple

Samuel Crump

Orli Benarroch

Parent: Erika Wolstein Age: 9 Lighting the World

Parents: Eric and Adriana Crump Age: 10 2,184 Years and Counting

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 75

CHANUKAH

Shai Gold

Parent: Caroline Gold Age: 8 Chanukah

Shayna Miriam Antopolsky

Parents: Esther and Dovid Antopolsky Age: 10 Darkness is Only Absence of Light!

Yaffa Bracha Antopolsky

Parents: Esther and Dovid Antopolsky Age: 11 Spin Some Color Dreidle!

76 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

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ART Chanukah Creations

Felt cutouts with embroidery and blanket stitching becomes a small Chanukah wall hanging.

By Flora Rosefsky Soon after the last Thanksgiving leftovers were eaten, Cheryl Miller started looking through her stash of Judaic fabrics in her home sewing studio. She wanted to create new art with a Chanukah theme or to gather prior-made items from a storage closet, mostly to decorate her home for the festive holiday. A few metro Atlantans also brought the Chanukah spirit into their homes and to other households with their handcrafted art.

Rubber Stamp Art When Debbie Taratoot isn’t working with a customer in her store off the Marietta

78 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Photos by Terry Segal // Terry Segal’s mixed

media work is titled “Menorah Women.”

Square, Rubber Stamp Fantasy, she can be found using a wide variety of rubber stamps in the store’s upstairs studio, creating her own Chanukah or other Jewish holiday greeting cards, invitations or artwork. For the Festival of Lights, she gravitates toward Jewish symbolic rubber stamp designs of stars of David, dreidels and menorot. With ribbons, handmade papers, an array of colorful inks, Taratoot uses her art sensibilities and 25-year experience to make her cards and fabric projects such as Chanukah gift bags.

“First, I think about the concepts in my head. I then utilize various stamps, papers, inks or embellishments to create the final project.” Taratoot can also transfer drawings people give her to make customized rubber

Using rubber stamps and colorful inks, Debbie Taratoot captures the joy of Chanukah in her greeting card and gift bag designs.

stamps.

Two flames on the quilt’s left are ready to be placed on the appliqued menorah candles on the appropriate nights.

A menorah quilted banner, appliqued 20 years ago, has detached flames that were fun for Miller’s young children to add onto fabric candles for each of the eight nights.

She’s planning to sew colorful Chanukah fabric bibs as gifts for her new granddaughter.

Miller says she gets many ideas and patterns from the internet’s Pinterest and Atlanta’s Peach State Stitchers workshops, but often creates her own patterns.

Divine Feminine Dr. Terry Segal, therapist and AJT contributing writer, is also a mixed media artist. Because women are not often represented in Judaic visual art, she is making a series of art featuring Jewish women, inspired by the Shekinah, “the Divine feminine in G-d,” Segal said.

“The Hebrew word Shekinah means ‘G-d’s manifested Inspired by Matisse glory’ or ‘presence.’ It can refer“Drawing with scissors,” a ence the dwelling place of G-d Cheryl Miller made a term initiated by Henri Matisse, and is often represented as Dinew Chanukah mask this year to go with accurately describes a process I vine light.” The Kabbalists refer her holiday sweater. use to cut directly into color, to the Shekinah as the Divine which can be colorful paper or even felt. feminine aspect of G-d.”

My Judaic cutout designs become illusA mixed-media canvas work, “Menorah Women,” shows a woman representing Se- trations for prints, licensed for publications, gal as the shamas, the matriarch of her fam- and greeting cards. Some of my retrospecily. The women, symbolized by Chanukah tive Chanukah designs include “Dancing Menorah” and “A Miracle candles as a visual metaphor, Happened.” I tape my prints show Segal’s two daughters on kitchen cabinets and and other women she knows. walls in my Toco Hills home, “I make the art whimsical adding a festive atmosphere and colorful with an element along with store-bought of emotion,” she said. wired miniature dreidel Before COVID, Segal lights or “Happy Chanukah” opened her basement and cardboard letters strung tohome in Roswell to display gether on windows. and sell her art, but now her I also cut familiar holiprints on greeting cards, canday symbol shapes from felt vas or paper can be seen and squares. With fabric glue, I purchased on her Key to Enpaste them down, adding emchantment Etsy page.

The paper cutout illustration broidery and blanket stitchshows a lit menorah placed ing to embellish decorative Fun Fabric in front of a window. wall hangings. That project Over in Johns Creek, Cheryl Miller says she loves crafting and was one I taught with Luci Sunshine at a developing Judaic projects especially for Peach State Stitchers program several years holiday items such as banners, chair covers, ago.

During this pandemic, when we and our placemats and a quilted basket that holds dreidels. She told the AJT, “Before the internet, families are still spending more time at home, there wasn’t a large source for handmade Ju- perhaps it’s a good time to add the light of credaica. Now I ‘thrift shop’ for materials to use ativity and imagination with art and crafts or embellish existing decor.” She previously when celebrating Chanukah this year. ì appliquéd a Chanukiah on her sweater and Disclosure: Flora Rosefsky is a visual artist used her mask-making experience this year and Peach State Stitchers member. to go with it.

ART

Crafting Future Legacies

By Flora Rosefsky A framed needlepointed portrait, picturing an elderly, white bearded rabbi, was hidden away in Jodi Eichler-Levine’s basement. No one in her family wanted it. Yet this associate professor of religion studies at Lehigh University decided to keep it, mostly because she knew it had been sewn with her Grandmother Salle Eichler’s hands. “The Needlepoint Rabbi,” Photos courtesy of UNC Press // “The now hanging prominently in the profesNeedlepoint Rabbi,” sewn by the author’s sor’s office, became a touchstone in degrandmother, is a touchstone reminder fining “material culture,” objects that she of what material culture is about. says are categorized as crafts, that often get handed down to the next generation.

The Judaic objects, who made them sewer’s original intent.

In addition to interviewing selected and why they were meaningful to the members during the PGJN crafter, was the focus of convention, Eichler-Levine the research conducted expanded her research by for her Eichler-Levine’s crossing the United States new book, “Painted Pometo visit some of the memgranates and Needlepoint bers again in their homes Rabbis: How Jews Craft Reand studios. An excerpt silience and Create Comfrom the book shows one munity,” published by The example of adding more University of North Caromeaning to an object. lina Press in Chapel Hill.

According to New York She noted, “There has been Jodi Eichler-Levine is a lot written on the kind associate professor of religion crafter Sarah Jacobs, the of formal Jewish art that studies at Lehigh University. pinah on a tallit, where the fringes are attached, are hangs in museums, but “like an electrical socket. It’s the thing much less about everyday craft and art that changes it from being a beautiful practices.” shawl to a tallit.”

With computer folders Eichler-Levine told the AJT she had overflowing with notes and photos, the chosen the topic of writing about mateauthor began thinking of which personal rial culture because she was interested stories to share. in studying everyday reIn addition to oral hisligion. “The book actutory interviews, Eichlerally grew out of my own Levine also attended knithobbies. I became an avid ting circles and what she knitter in graduate school. called “craftivist actions” Soon after that, as I was like the Jewish Hearts for writing my first book— Pittsburgh project, where which is about children’s she joined in with her own literature – I noticed that knitting. In the book, you quilts and other textiles will find Jewish American carried heavy meaning in Zelda, from New York women who are creating children’s books. I decided City, shows a wimple she ritual challah covers, wimI wanted to study craft itsewed for her grandson. pels [which wraps the Toself, not just its representation.” rah], and prayer shawls or personal articles Eichler-Levine had recently joined like grandchildren pillowcases, a handkerThe Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Neechief embroidered with the Hebrew words dlework, where she met many women tikkun olam (repair the world). And then from across the country and Canada at there are the Judaic-themed quilts or wall the organization’s biannual convention hangings crafted for family, friends or Jewin Atlanta in 2017. Photos in the book ish charities.

Although Eichler-Levine focaptured PGJN hand-sewn chapter bancused on older women for her fieldwork, ners, fabric centerpieces, and a sampling of Judaic-themed crafted items made by she said, “there are definitely younger women for their relatives. The black and women doing craft too.”

After reading the book, I wondered white photography throughout the pages if there will be a resurgence of Judaic may not have done justice to the objects crafting in the younger generation. Who depicted, yet they still gave an idea of the

Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework Biennial Convention, Atlanta, May 2017.

“Fabric Peaches and Pomegranates,” made by PSS members, are PGJN table centerpieces at their 2017 convention in Atlanta.

A prayer shawl, sewn by Sarah Jacobs, was given to her daughter.

will teach them? Will they want to craft Judaica as did their grandmothers, mothers or mothers-in-law? Eichler- Levine dwells more on where Jewish crafting is still thriving today. The book can be enjoyed by both academics in fields of religion who employ oral histories for much of their research and laypeople as the conversational writing style makes the book highly accessible.

The author intends to write more articles and possibly a sequel book on the same topic. Following the book’s recent

publication, Jewish crafters already have been sending emails to Eichler-Levine about their work to be considered for future research. ì “Painted Pomegranates and Needlepoint Rabbis” is available on Amazon, other major retailers, or directly from the publisher at uncpress.org.

Disclosure: Flora Rosefsky is a member of The Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework, Peach State Stitchers-Atlanta Chapter.

Happy Chanukah!

Wishing you and your family a year of health, happiness and many reasons to smile!

Harris B. Siegel, DMD, FAGO Arthur H. "Skip" Dolt, Ill, DDS, FAGO Marc “Chas” Plaisance, Jr., DMD

BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

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ART

‘The Gift of Life’ is Pure Positivity In the spring of 1944, Dr. Edith Eger was 16 years old and living in Hungary with her parents and two older sisters, Magda and Klara.

Edith was a dancer and gymnast who had been cut from the Olympic gymnastics team when it was discovered that she was Jewish. She was Dr. Terry Segal newly in love with her first boyfriend when the Nazis came for her family, along with all of the Jews of Kassa, Hungary, and took them to Auschwitz.

In her new book, “The Gift: 12 Lessons to Save Your Life,” Eger describes her shock of not knowing what to expect in those first few hours at Auschwitz. She was separated from her mother, whom she was told was just going to take a shower. Moments later, a woman in charge of the girls cold-heartedly said that the smoke rising was their mother burning and that they should get used to referring to Dr. Edith Eva Eger at 92 her in the past tense.

Magda whispered these words to her sister, “The spirit never dies.”

Edith credits her sister with finding “the gift” in that moment of devastation through her focus on the positive. It is what led Eger to recognize every experience as a “gift that helps us grow, and learn, and become who we are meant to be,” she wrote in the book.

She remembers her mother’s words, “No one can take from you what you’ve put in your mind.”

Over the course of her life, Eger has continued to unwrap the gift and use positivity to heal herself, along Eger’s second book is “The Gift: 12 “The Choice: Embrace the Possible” with countless others. She Lessons to Save Your Life” was Eger’s first book. believes that “it’s not what happens to us that matters most, but rather what we choose to do with it,” she wrote. on prisoners and selected those who would be gassed.

On that first horrific night, Eger describes in her Eger, still watching the smoke rise into the air, found a book how she was forced to dance for Josef Mengele, way to go beyond the imprisonment of her body as she the German SS officer and physician known as the danced for her survival. Her mind, she explains, was Angel of Death, who performed heinous experiments free to imagine herself dancing in the role of Juliet in Tchaikovsky’s ballet at the Budapest Opera House.

“The Gift” is Eger’s second book. She wrote it this year at the age of 92. In her words, it’s a “practical guide to help us identify our mental prisons and develop the tools we need to become free.” She wrote, “The prison is in your mind. The key is in your pocket.”

One of the keys addresses “The Nazi in You.” It speaks to the “prison of judgment” in which we hold ourselves. “The Nazi is the part of you that has the capacity to judge and withhold compassion, that denies you the permission to be free and victimizes others when things don’t go your way.” Egar teaches that judgment should be released and replaced with compassion.

The concept of hope is also addressed in “The Gift.”

Whether used as a survival tool during the Holocaust or to get through this pandemic, Eger said, “Hope isn’t a distraction from darkness. It’s a confrontation with darkness.” She goes on to say, “Choosing hope affects what gets my attention every day.” She emphasized the importance of our thoughts and how no one has the power to take what we put into our minds. Eger believes, “To choose hope is to choose life.”

Eger wrote her first book, “The Choice: Embrace the Possible,” at the age of 90. It’s the story of “survival in the concentration camps, her escape, healing and journey to freedom.”

In a Sept. 15 video interview with entrepreneur and author Marie Forleo, dancer Eger is the embodiment of a powerful spirit. She even ended the interview with the signature Rockette kick she does, just because she can. ì Dr. Terry Segal is a licensed therapist with a Ph.D. in Energy Medicine. She is the author of “The Enchanted Journey: Finding the Key that Unlocks You.”

80 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Ratonyi’s Epic Journey ‘From Darkness into Light’ Can you even imagine a six-year-old child trying to process the events occurring during 1944 in Budapest, Hungary, when Nazi sympathizLou Ladinsky ing Hungarian troops forced Robert Ratonyi, as a young boy, and countless other Jews, into a fenced ghetto?

Ratonyi’s memoir, “From Darkness into Light: My Journey Through Nazism, Fascism, and Communism to Freedom,” was originally written as a series of short stories to leave behind so his grandchildren could learn about the details of his life. As I read it, I tried to put myself into his shoes as I began the journey along with his words.

I have to confess that this was not an easy task as I found it painful to walk in his shoes during the time he spent living through the Holocaust. Having to recount the horrors of that time to tell his story could not have been easy.

In 1942, Ratonyi’s father was taken to work in a forced labor camp where he never saw his son again and ultimately died. His mother was then taken from him and forced to work in an Austrian concentration camp as well. Thankfully, she was able to survive and overcome her ailments upon reuniting with her family. It was Ratonyi’s friends, grandparents, cousins and various other family members who were able to look after him, ensuring his survival during this terrible time. With that survival there has to be lifelong scars that follow.

Once reunited with his mother and being liberated from Nazism, Ratonyi then takes us on a journey through 11 years of living under Communism and an uprising in 1956. Life in Hungary was not easy under Soviet rule and a Socialist-based society. Ratonyi is the epitome of the expression “making the best of a bad situation.” He forged ahead, graduating from high school with good grades and getting accepted to attend the Technical University of Budapest.

The next two journeys, the uprising in Hungary and the escape to Austria, marked more pivotal points in Ratonyi’s story. The decision to escape from Hungary to start a new life without his family had to be agonizing. From what I read, the bond between his mother and family was very strong and leaving had to be a very difficult decision. I remember moving from New York to Atlanta in 1980, leaving my family behind. At that time working for Eastern Airlines afforded me the luxury of jetting back to see my family as often as I wanted. This pales in com-

parison to having made a dangerous crossing over the Hungary border into Austria, knowing that Ratonyi could not simply see family again unless they made the treacherous escape as well. It’s amazing what we take for granted today.

The last journey, which I must say was the least painful and most uplifting to read, was the immigrant years spent living in Canada and the United States. I was extremely impressed with the work ethic and determination that Ratonyi exemplified pursuing his career in engineering. With the support and influence of his future father-in-law, Ratonyi made yet another bold decision to leave Montreal to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston.

In an interview I had with the author, he told me this was “one of the riskiest moves he ever made.” Graduating from MIT, one of the most prestigious schools in the country, is no small feat, as only the best of the best get to attend.

The book skillfully outlines his journey as he navigates through the horrors of the Holocaust to fascism to communism and then ultimately to freedom. It is a must read, not only for its historical content, but because this type of story needs to be retold countless times, so we do not forget. I find it hard to believe that people, even today, can deny the Holocaust. It is a story of good triumphing over evil by sheer determination and relentless hard work. I was also impressed with the strength and sacrifices this family made to overcome all obstacles to make the best of a bad situation. I know writing, researching and then having to recount all this material in this memoir, which had him reaching out to relatives all around the world to fill in the details of this journey. had to be a daunting task for Ratonyi.

I asked Ratonyi what he would want to leave his readers with after finishing this incredible journey. He responded, “Let me mention the objective I had in mind to write my five ‘journeys’ that cover 26 years of my life. These journeys are eyewitness accounts of historic events in the 20th century in the middle of Europe. I am today, more than half a century later, the product of those experiences. I learned some important lessons and drew some conclusions.

“I learned lessons about the human capacity for love, kindness and self-sacrifice, as well as hate and cruelty during the Holocaust. I learned the importance of family and having a role model to provide guidance on what is important to grow up with and be a responsible, sensible and sensitive person. I learned that pain and suffering in childhood, or how poor you are growing up, need not have a negative impact on your self-esteem.

I learned that socialism and communism are failed utopian ideologies, and history has

ART

“From Darkness into Light: My Journey Through Nazism, Fascism, and Communism to Freedom” is the first book by Robert Ratonyi.

proven that they always result in misery, not to mention the moral corruption that inevitably results from a totalitarian system,” he continued.

“I learned the importance of setting goals, taking risks, working hard, and delaying gratification to achieve those goals. Being an immigrant in Canada, and then in the U.S., I learned how to start out with no mate-

rial possessions, not even speaking English, and end up as a highly educated, productive member of society in a few years.”

I look forward to hearing him speak one day where he is now a regular speaker on behalf of the William Breman Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Museum and the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust. Let us never forget. ì

Wishing You and Your Family a Happy Chanukah

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ART

Yoel Levi Talks About Art of The Conductor

By Bob Bahr

choral director Robert Shaw. Levi’s 12 years with the orchestra are generally credited with burnishing the repuYoel Levi, who over the last 45 years has conducted tation of the orchestra around the world.

Among the works he’ll discuss many of the greatest orchestras of in his first program is Mahler’s the world, is sharing his insights Symphony No. 2, the so-called Resabout The Art of the Conductor in urrection Symphony that Mahler a four-part series this month sponbegan writing when he was only 28. sored by The Temple. It launched The dramatic work that combines a Sunday, Dec. 6, with a critical look at strong and powerful orchestra score the work of Gustav Mahler. with an equally impressive choral Born to observant Jewish parwork is, according to Levi, among ents in the old Austro-Hungarian Mahler’s most impressive works.

Empire, Mahler is considered by “I always said that every piece of many to be one of the important Mahler is like a life journey. It’s a life founders of the modern classical journey that we go through life with musical tradition. In his nine symall the different good things and bad phonies, Levi believes he embodies things, despair, happiness, religious some of the most profound ideas experience, experience of nature. ever set to music.

He’s always asking the question: “I want to highlight the greatGustav Mahler only composed nine symphonies and some songs, but What is the purpose of life? It’s all in ness of his music, and his unbelievthey are among the most popular his music, and that’s why he’s one of able imagination and complexity of works of 20th century music. the greatest composers of all time.” it. And, of course, to help answer the Mahler was the second of 14 children, only six of question of how you as a conductor dives in, so to speak, and conduct music like that? How do you immerse in whom survived infancy, and three more didn’t live to adulthood. He was orphaned by the time he was 20, and this music emotionally, physically, mentally?"

Levi, who grew up and received his early musical yet in his Second Symphony he expresses a strong optitraining in Israel, has lived in Atlanta since 1988, when mism and the eventual triumph of man over death.

The stirring climax to the work includes Mahler’s he became music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. He succeeded the legendary conductor and own belief in immortality. He has the massed voices be-

Yoel Levi’s “Art of The Conductor” features works in December by four 20th century composers.

hind the large orchestra sing a stirring refrain.

“What perished, rise again,” he has them proclaim, …“O Death, you conqueror of all thing. Now you are conquered.”

The demands such a work places on the conductor during the 1 ½-hour performance is considerable. Levi admits that it can be difficult to remain fully focused on his role of conductor of such a massive work.

“You really forget where you are. You know, the music takes over your mind, your body, your soul. You are on a different planet, you forget where you are, where you came from, you are somewhere else. And it takes quite a while to come back to earth after you finish this piece, let me tell you,“ he said.

Despite his optimism, Mahler, who led a frenetic existence as a conductor on both sides of the Atlantic as well as a composer, died at the age of 51 of heart disease.

“I wish he could have lived another at least 10 years,” Levi said. “He would have written such a large collection of even more unbelievable music.”

When Mahler was asked why he wrote such a small body of work, just nine large symphonic compositions and some songs, he told a close friend and Jewish music critic Max Graf it was because he was too busy making a living, conducting.

“I have time to compose only in summer. During this short holiday, I have to write large works if I want to go down into posterity,” Mahler was quoted in Graf’s 1945 book “Legend of a Musical City: The Story of Vienna.”

In addition to presenting examples of Mahler’s music that he’s recorded in live performance, Levi this month will discuss his recordings by three other modern composers that have left their mark on 20th century music. On successive Sunday evenings, Levi will examine the work of Russian composer and conductor Igor Stravinsky and Americans George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein. Levi said it’s important to understand not just their ideas, but the feelings they were seeking to convey.

“As a conductor the first thing that you really must have is to be able to feel in your heart the music and to translate what you feel to the orchestra and the audience. What is it that you want to happen in that split of a second when you are creating music?” ì The Art of The Conductor: Maestro Yoel Levi in conversation with Bob Bahr continues on Dec. 13, 20 and 27 sponsored by The Temple on Zoom. To register, https://tinyurl. com/y2224kz8.

82 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Delbar Adds Culture, Substance to BeltLine

DINING

By Marcia Caller Jaffe Mediterranean-Middle Eastern cuisine speaks of the overlap and perhaps a point of unification of several cultures.

After all, who owns falafel and hummus? New on the scene, Delbar takes on food with a predominantly Persian flair yet was reviewed as having Turkish and Israeli overtones.

Fares Kargar knows his way around Delbar is set up for colder weather with sea bass as he served as the front house heaters, extended seating and covered patio. manager of the ever-popular Rumi’s Kitchen before opening Delbar six the rest of the dishes. Dine-in business months ago. With the popular Zafron is gaining momentum each week, but Restaurant a block from Rumi’s and the the demand for patio seating is higher than takeout, so much City Springs arts complex, so that they have added Kargar pitched his new tables extending out to tent far away near the Atthe sidewalk from the enlanta BeltLine on Inman trance. For winter, they Village Parkway. have sourced heaters (deKargar grew up in spite the noted huge price northern Iran in Gorgan jump) and are covering in the Golestan Province. the patio.

Starting as a busboy at For the purposes of Luciano’s in Duluth, this article, highlighthe learned the food biz ing pandemic dining, the hands-on with no forfood was packaged as “no mal culinary training. He Owner Fares Kargar wants contact” takeout. Containshares his vision for Delguests to experience his ers held up substantially bar: “I want to transport food experiences from Iran and were well labeled. guests to my grandmothand Turkey and what he er’s village, where I spent has learned along the way.

What we went crazy over: countless summers pickThe appetizers: Hummus as art ing fruits from the farms, milking cows, making cheese, butter, jam, and stuffing with parallel lines of colored whole mini my mouth with as much goodies as I carrots and watermelon radish. The could as soon as my grandmother would taftoun bread is topped with full-bodied look away. Even the design of the restau- black seeds. Worth licking the bottom of rant resembles my grandmother’s house the container.

As is custom in Persian establish— the clay walls, Iranian arts, greenery, Persian carpets, the old movies and ments, diners get a complimentary bouquet of walnuts, olives, cheese chunks, down to the glass and plasticware.“ Translating that model to food radishes and herbs.

Kale salad ($9) with quinoa and prep, he continues, “The menu has been designed to highlight my favorite child- heirloom tomatoes, red onions. The firm cherry tomatoes ranged hood foods, whether it from lime green to Cherwas in Iran or living in okee brown.

Kayseri, Turkey. I pride Falafel: Substanmyself in the quality of tial-sized balls, mildly the dishes. Little things crunchy, were a nice like cooking with chardeparture from overly coal leads to appreciasalty less textured vertion from our Middle sions.

Eastern guests, because Fresh trout ($17) was the authenticity brings The falafel balls were extra large and crunchy. The side stuffed with pomegranate, them back memories of pickles were very intense. walnuts and herbs. their respective counSea bass ($32) seasoned with saftries.”

The pandemic delayed Delbar’s fron and onions, enough for second permitting and construction, sourcing meal leftovers. Lived up to its “melt in materials and finding employees. It did your mouth” reputation. Again, enough allow them to have a slow start and run for two meals.

Sabzi Polo: Rice traditionally served with a smaller menu while perfecting

Trio of fresh appetizers and salads.

Fresh trout is stuffed with pomegranate, walnuts and herbs.

on the first day of the Persian New Year.

Cilantro, fenugreek, parsley, scallions, all browned on the top side.

Side of Anaar sauce with molasses, nuts and poms-a bit too sweet for an undeveloped taste, jam-textured.

Baklava: Intense, flaky sweet.

Worth every calorie.

One of Kargar’s faves is Akbar Joojeh (Iranian Cornish hen).

He leaves us with tips for perfecting hummus.

“Develop a trained pallet. Knowing when something is missing, even a little for salinity or citrus, can make or break

a dish. The perfect hummus has to have quality ingredients but be subject to adjustment. Understanding the techniques is a must, but that can be learned with R&D. It all comes down to taste and preference. I personally like to taste the tahini, and I empower all my staff to understand that taste.”

Inhale the fragrance star anise, fennel, cloves, mint and cinnamon. Delbar is a fine addition to the BeltLine scene. ì Delbar is located at 870 Inman Park Village. For more information, 404-5001444.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 83

CALENDAR Virtual Classes and Events: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10

DECEMBER 10-30 Menorah Lighting at Avalon – The Hotel at Avalon, 9000 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta, from 5 to 6 p.m. Join Chabad of North Fulton for a Grand Menorah Lighting with COVID precautions.

Rabbi Mark’s Weekly Parsha Torah Study – From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Join Congregation Beth Shalom and Rabbi Mark Zimmerman for a virtual Torah Study each week as the weekly parsha is discussed. To join, www.bit. ly/3km8rUn. 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.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 Chanukah Blue Jean Shabbat – From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join Etz Chaim and Rabbi Dorsch for a lively Chanukah Blue Jean Shabbat along with Heather Blake on guitar and other musicians.

Sing Chanukah and Shabbat songs from the comfort of your home. To join, www.bit.ly/39zlAae.

Chanukah at Heritage – Private Sandy Springs backyard, from 7 to 8 p.m.

Join Congregation Beth Tefillah and Chabad Atlanta for Chanukah Kumzits. Celebrate with a musical Havdalah, fireside treats with Latin American performer Moshe Bitton. To RSVP, and for location, www.bit.ly/2HZlYU0.

Young Jewish Professionals Chanukah – 780 North Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, from 8 to 11 p.m. Come celebrate Chanukah at North Highland Park in style with Young Jewish Professionals Atlanta. Join others in their 20s and early 30s and kick-off the night with Havdalah and a 7-foot Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony followed by an epic party. Live jazz music, premium open bar, sushi station, donuts, and of course, the highlight – meeting other young Jews! COVID precautions taken and capacity is limited. For tickets, www.bit.ly/2HY4CXr.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 Cub Club: Hanukkah, Havdalah, and Hip-Hop Celebration – The Davis Academy, 8105 Roberts Drive, Atlanta, from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Join Davis Academy for a community hip-hop dance program. Families will welcome a new week together with music followed by a hip-hop dance party with an easy-tofollow dance experience. All families with children birth to 5 are welcome.

To register, www.bit.ly/36tRC5d.

Chanukah at Heritage Night #1 – Heritage Sandy Springs, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Congregation Beth Tefillah and Chabad Atlanta invite you to Chanukah at Heritage featuring a live DJ, menorah lighting, roving entertainers, Chanukah activities, and the Adama food truck.

Light Up the Night - Hanukkah at OVS – Congregation Or VeShalom, 1681 N. Druid Hills Road NE, Atlanta, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join OVS outside to celebrate Hanukkah and Havdalah, sit around the bonfire, sing, roast marshmallows, do children’s activities and more. Adults and children welcome. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed. Registration required, www.bit.ly/3lx2HXr.

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

www.atlantajewishconnector.com

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

84 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Young Adults Virtual Hanukah Havdalakah – From 8 to 9 p.m. Join Congregation Etz Chaim to celebrate Chanukah and Havdalah. There will be music, candle lighting, games, silly stories and more! This event is in partnership with Moishe House. To register, www.bit.ly/2JwGKuD.

Drive-In Chanukah – Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Celebrate Chanukah with Chabad Intown. From the safety of your car, experience a unique and exciting Chanukah celebration.

Join us in the West Lot at 4:30 p.m. for Grand Menorah Lighting, two short Chanukah films and dinner. BYO picnic or pre-order from Fuego Mundo.

To register, www.bit.ly/3lCTnlU. Chanukah Celebration at the Park – Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek, from 5 to 6 p.m. Join Chabad of North Fulton for a menorah lighting with entertainment and refreshments. COVID precautions will be taken.

Chanukiah Lighting and Zmirot – Congregation Etz Chaim, 1190 Indian Hills Parkway, Marietta, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Celebrate Chanukah together and light the large outdoor menorah, say the blessings, sing songs and do crafts in front of the synagogue. COVID protocols will be in place, reservations are required, www.bit.ly/3qgpYRb.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

Tour the Old City of Jerusalem This Hanukkah – A Free Live Virtual Tour – From 9:30 to 11 a.m. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to connect to Jerusalem and Hanukkah. Join the Atlanta Israel Coalition and Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta for a FREE virtual tour of the Old City of Jerusalem. To register, www.bit.ly/35ZIF27.

Hanukkah Drive-by with Epstein – The Epstein School, 335 Colewood Way NW, Sandy Springs, from 10 a.m. to noon. Family friendly fun and FREE event for all. Join us as we celebrate for the third night of Hanukkah with a drive-by! Reserve your space and Hanukkah bag, while supplies last. Bags geared towards 3-year-old to third grade. To register, www.bit. ly/3fhbOKl.

The Art of The Conductor with Yoel Levi – From 6 to 7 p.m. Join The Temple for a series of hourlong conversations focusing on the music of four different modern Jewish composers featuring Atlanta conductor Yoel Levi and AJT contributor Bob Bahr. Levi is one of the world’s leading classical conductors. He was principal conductor of Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for 12 years, during which time the orchestra achieved worldwide renown.

To register, www.bit.ly/39E9QTF.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14 Celebrate Chanukah in Milton/Crabapple – City of Milton’s Broadwell Pa-

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES Vayeishev Friday, December 11, 2020, light candles at 5:11 p.m.

Saturday, December 12, 2020, Shabbat ends at 6:10 p.m.

Mikeitz Friday, December 18, 2020, light candles at 5:13 p.m.

Saturday, December 19, 2020, Shabbat ends at 6:13 p.m.

vilion, 12615 Broadwell Road, Milton, from 5 to 6 p.m. Join Chabad of North Fulton for a Grand Menorah Lighting, Chanukah snacks, music and fun. COVID precautions will be taken.

Virtual Visit and Hanukkah Celebration with Moishe House – From 7:30 to 9 p.m. Join Moishe House for a virtual visit, light candles and get to know the residents and community members from the four Moishe Houses in Atlanta, including the new Moishe House for Russian-speaking Jewish young adults. Discover the impact Moishe House is continuing to have locally and globally in spite of the challenges created by COVID-19.

For more information and to register, contact David Press at David.press@ moishehouse.org or 954-933-7122.

a full hour of brain exercises done in a non-stress and engaging way of learning. For information or to register, contact Georgia Gunter at ggunter@ jfcsatl.org or call 770-677-9421.

Annual Eizenstat Lecture featuring Judy Woodruff – From 7 to 8:30 p.m.

In an unprecedented digital format, the annual Eizenstat Lecture presents Judy Woodruff. She will be candidly discussing a timely issue, “The Free Press in Our Polarized World.” For more information, contact Ahavath Achim Synagogue at 404-355-5222.

Experience Epstein – From 8 to 9 p.m.

All prospective Early Childhood Program, elementary and middle school families are welcome to join in and engage with principals and admissions representatives to learn about the stellar academics and curriculum and Epstein community and to ask questions about the program. For information and to register, www.bit.ly/3nn1hBc.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15 Gab with the Rab! – From 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Join Congregation Or VeShalom and Rabbi Josh Hearshen and share weekly Jewish insights. To participate via Zoom, www.bit.ly/2JyHUFF. Brain Health Boot Camp – From 1 to 3 p.m. Join JF&CS for a new virtual Brain Health Bootcamp. If you are recognizing symptoms of cognitive changes or have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, these fun and social classes can help you strengthen your mind and body to stay sharp, especially during these times. The class will combine gentle physical exercise, including yoga and exercises, to help reduce stress and anxiety, along with

Virginia-Highland Community Chanukah – North Highland Park, 780 North Highland Ave. NE, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Celebrate Chanukah with Chabad Intown with pre-packaged Chanukah treats, music, live entertainment, dreidels and more with the wider VaHi community. For more information, www.bit.ly/2HWcf0G. 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. 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.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17

Rabbi Mark’s Weekly Parsha Torah Study – From 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. Join Congregation Beth Shalom and Rabbi Mark Zimmerman for a virtual Torah Study each week as the weekly parsha is discussed. To join, www.bit. ly/3km8rUn. 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.

wonderful, inspirational immigrant story by Alberto Sapoznik, formerly of Cuba, and his migration to the U.S. For more information and to register, email katierkloder@gmail.com.

Think Different – From 8 to 9 p.m. Join Intown Jewish Academy for a weekly group to study the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries with master Tanya teacher Rabbi Ari Sollish. To register, www.bit.ly/3eNGmCi

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 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 Hadassah Greater Atlanta Board Installation – From 1 to 3 p.m. Light the way for 2021. All members and guests are welcome to attend Hadassah Greater Atlanta’s chapter board installation of officers and board via Zoom. To register, www.bit.ly/3fXmtue.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 Lunch & Learn: Reading Torah with Rabbi Gottfried – From noon to 1 p.m.

Join Rabbi Pamela Gottfried as she and the group examine classical and modern midrash (interpretations) related to the weekly Torah reading, and draw lessons from Jewish wisdom about how we can live and be our best selves today. To join on Zoom, www. bit.ly/2QXOvKt. HAHAnukkah with Hillels of Georgia – From 7 to 8 p.m. Join Hillels of Georgia for “HAHAnukkah,” a virtual candle lighting and live comedic entertainment to celebrate Hanukkah, featuring performances from comedians Jessica Kirson and Mo Mandel. To register, www.bit.ly/2VnqoXH. 12 Step Spiritual Study Group – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. From Chabad Intown for loved ones of those affected by addiction Jeff’s Place presents a 12-week class and discussion with Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman. The class will explore the 12 Steps through a Jewish lens and draw guidance and strength to navigate this excruciating challenge.

To register, www.bit.ly/3hTPeqT. Hadassah Ketura History of Cuban Jews – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join Hadassah Ketura Group via Zoom for a

Monday Night Parsha – From 7 to 8 p.m.

Join Chabad of North Fulton for this virtual class by Rabbi Gedalya Hertz on the weekly parsha. To join, www. bit.ly/2zpsgIl.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22 Spousal Caregiver Support Group – From 1:30 to 3 p.m. If you are a spousal caregiver to an older adult, this group is for you! Facilitated by Kathryn Kopp, Aviv Older Adult clinician at ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 85

JF&CS Atlanta, this group is free, but donations are appreciated. To register, contact Kathryn at 678-389-5327 or kkop@jfcsatl.org.

JFF Infertility Support Group – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join Jewish Fertility Foundation for a free virtual support group. Open to any woman currently experiencing medical infertility. To register, www.bit.ly/3e7ZFpC.

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

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

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, you’ve come to the right place. Hillel has virtual meetups and online gatherings that bring you together with Jewish and Jew-ish students from around the world in realtime. For more information, www.bit. ly/3af7wjA. Please send Virtual Classes & Events to amy@atljewishtimes.com.

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

MJCCA Fitness – MJCCA is open. See the group exercise classes at www.atlantajcc.org/reopen.

MJCCA Book Festival – In Your Living Room Live, click to view MJCCA’s upcoming Book Festival virtual events, www.bit.ly/3bk1mi7.

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

MJCCA Blonder Department for Special Needs – Please stay tuned to 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.

86 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

gency 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 video conference 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 770-677-9474.

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 (1866-243-9355) to find out how they can help. For more information, www.bit. ly/2wo5qzj.

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

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

Israeli American Council – IAC @ Home brings you the most innovative content online while helping build a national community with Israel at heart. With activities for kids, teens, young professionals and adults, you can stay connected to Hebrew, Israeli and Jewish heritage, online activism and to one another. IAC @Home lets you enjoy a coast-to-coast community right from your own home. For more information, www.israeliamerican. org/home.

JF&CS -Emergency Financial Assistance – JF&CS is here to provide emer-

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

Congregation Or Hadash – Shabbat Services Friday at 6:30 p.m. Saturday morning services at 9:15 a.m. Minyan Sunday and Tuesday mornings. To participate and get Zoom link, www. or-hadash.org.

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

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

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

Synagogue Livestreaming Services: 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 Sunday at 9:30 a.m. For more information, www. bit.ly/3gY0mUK.

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

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

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

Connector Chatter Directory Spotlight The Davis Academy

www.atlantajewishconnector.com

In conversation with Amy Shafron, head of school

Congregation Ner Tamid

How long has your organization been in Atlanta?

Founded in 1992, The Davis Academy is a Reform Jewish K-8 day school. The Davis Academy provides a challenging and enriching education based on an innovative, student-centric curriculum inspired by our Jewish values. The learning and the “ahas” happen not only in our classrooms, but also in our state-of-the-art science labs, calming outdoor nature sanctuary, creativity-driving innovation labs and in global video conferences with scholars, authors and students from around the globe.

In conversation with Brad Seitel, president of Congregation Ner Tamid

How do you cater to younger members of the community?

Our Mechina: Kindergarten Prep - 8th Grade educational program is all about serving our community’s youth. Thousands of Davis graduates make their way into leadership positions in high school and college, Jewish youth groups, campus Hillels and more. Our Mechina (Hebrew word for preparation) program serves 4 and young 5-year-olds in a nurturing and encouraging environment where we challenge and support the intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual and physical development of each child. Whether it is a child’s transitional year or their pre-K year, Mechina is designed around an age-appropriate curriculum that is developmentally adjusted for individual learners and focused on preparing young children for success in an elementary school setting.

Additionally, we serve families with young children ages 0-5 through our Cub Club program, Mini Cubs (ages 0-2) and Cub Club (ages 3-5) are community initiatives of The Davis Academy with the goal of connecting families with young children with each other through free fun-filled, highly engaging monthly programs designed to enlighten, inspire and amaze children and adults. Currently, all Cub Club programming is taking place virtually, welcoming all families with young children.

Where do you see your organization in 10 years?

The Davis Academy will continue to be viewed as a leader in private education, reaching students and families across greater Atlanta who come from all walks of life representing the growing diversity of our community. Comprised of every type of family structure and varying backgrounds, including interfaith families, the Davis kehillah will continue to thrive. Connections with other schools, community programs, national experts and global learning partners will further expand the reach of a Davis education, and deepening partnerships through social action will further inspire the next generation to make a difference through tikkun olam.

In conversation with Rabbi David Silverman

How long has your organization been in Atlanta?

It all began with a cup of coffee. Back in the spring of 2006, four individuals met at the Daily Grind to discuss the idea of starting a Jewish community in West Cobb. There was nothing out this way and the nearest synagogue was quite a schlep!! After a few more meetings with more and more people each time… a synagogue was born. Soon after, a Friday night service was held. Soon after that, about 15 kids gathered together at a dance studio one Sunday to begin an education on the basics of Judaism.

Our first high holidays were held in the fall of 2006 led by a mix of cantors, lay leadership, and rabbis. Slowly but surely a Jewish community was coming together. In April of 2007, we officially began membership with our founding members who contributed in several ways towards the development of Congregation Ner Tamid. In the fall of 2008, our religious school classes moved to Mountain View Prep Academy. In 2013 we moved out of our temporary home offered so generously by Christ Lutheran Church, and in 2014 we moved into our new home.

How do you cater to young members?

We have a religious school that provides a Jewish education supported by the Institute of Southern Jewish Life curriculum. In conjunction with our religious school, we provide Hebrew training as students begin preparation for their b’nai mitzvah. After completing their b’nai mitzvah, a confirmation class is also available. Throughout the year, you will find children of all ages engaged in various activities, including taking part in Friday night services, volunteering in the community and participating in our various social events.

We realize the importance of providing a well-rounded Jewish education to our younger family members and take pride in the experience we are able to offer.

Where do you see your organization in 10 years?

In the future, we expect to continue to be an active Reform synagogue serving the West Cobb, South Cobb, Paulding, Kennesaw, Acworth and surrounding areas. We plan to remain active in our local community. Finally, we look forward to continuing to open our religious school doors in order to provide a Jewish education to those seeking it for their children. We are optimistic in our growth potential due to our open and welcoming environment, and look forward to what the future holds.

Atlanta Scholars Kollel

How long has your organization been in Atlanta?

Atlanta Scholars Kollel has been a part of the community for 33 years since 1987.

How do you cater to younger members of the community?

ASK offers Sunday school, Chill Zone and parent-child learning opportunities, as well as social activities based on upcoming Jewish holidays.

Where do you see your organization in 10 years?

In 10 years, we see ASK straddling between strengthening the presence of Jews ITO and expanding to meet the needs of Jews spread throughout Atlanta and beyond.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 87

COMMUNITY This Collector Does Not Take Feathers Lightly

Tal Moran holds a fan of macaw feathers, used with a “saging/smudging” (purifying) incense mix in an abalone shell she found near the Pacific Ocean.

By Chana Shapiro When Tal Moran was 11 years old, she was walking in Israel’s desolate Aravah, south of the Dead Sea, near her family’s home. She was surprised to find a large unfamiliar feather, and her father suggested asking the nearby Bedouin tribe about it. The Bedouin identified it as a migrating stork’s feather and showed the Morans flutes they made from stork leg bones. The stork feather piqued Moran’s curiosity and became the first item in her unusual feather collection.

When she moved to the United States, her knowledge about feathers deepened when she met Native Americans for whom special feathers are part of their healing and celebration rituals.

Acquaintances often give Moran spectacular feathers; however, the power

of a feather is not linked to its beauty. For indigenous tribes, feathers based on species, size and location on a bird’s body have distinct powers. There are cleansing, healing, purifying and celebratory feathers. She subsequently presents “powerful” feathers to Native Americans when she knows that a particular feather can be used in tribal ceremonies.

Moran is a jewelry designer, goldsmith at Aimee Jewelry and Fine Art Gallery and a multi-media artisan. She applies understanding she acquired from tribal members when she crafts her own incense-spreading fans.

When she and I met, Moran mixed sage, wheat grass and lavender in an abalone shell, lit the combination to create vapor, which she then stirred in the air by waving a macaw feather fan. Having “smudged” (purified) our space, she

Happy Chanukah!

88 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Moran quickly identified the emu fluff feathers, which were a mystery to their owner

The saging fan is made from wild turkey feathers.

showed me beautiful feathers and fans world from which we are easily disconfrom her collection and described their nected. Hanging that feather reminds us to stay connected.” special qualities.

In ceremonies, Moran explained, Moran explains, “When I began to learn about feathers, it was totally new Native Americans use bird tail feathers, and unfamiliar, and I allowed myself to which control flying direction, to focus be open to it. Feathers are part of a lan- a person’s direction in life, and wing feathers, which enguage native people able birds to use air have used for millencurrents, are used to nia to respond and release human eninteract with their energy. She emphasized vironment. I learned that finding a feather that when I find a can heighten one’s feather, I have an opawareness of how portunity to honor its fleeting life can be. A source. Feathers come bird may lose feathfrom live birds, and ers from a mishap, atI use that awareness tack from a predator, to get closer to the molting, or die durnatural world around ing a migration. For me. Native Americans Moran, random loose The macaw and peacock feather taught me to connect fan has a deer antler handle, traded feathers represent the to birds through their to Moran for prized feathers at vulnerability of all feathers and, by exa powwow (gathering of diverse living things, and this tension, become more Native American Indian nations). knowledge intensifies personally in sync her appreciation of life. with nature.”

I offered Moran some exotic, silky I asked Moran what I should do when I find a feather. “You can leave it white plumes I had received many years where you found it,” she said, “or take ago, but I had no idea what bird they it home with you. Wash it and clean it came from. She immediately identified with soap and water. American Indians them as emu fluff, feathers which apuse dry tobacco and tea leaves to keep pear close to the bird’s body beneath feather mites away.” I told her I’ve seen the strong outer feathers. I’m pleased feathers tied to branches with string or that the plumes now are part of Moran’s ribbon. “That’s a way to honor the bird large feather collection or, more likely, the feather came from,” she said. “Some that she will pass them on to others who people hang found feathers in their win- will use them honorably and meaningdows. It’s a connection to the natural fully. ì

COMMUNITY

Arno Brings Light to the JCC with New Menorah

By Anna Levy If you have been to the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta lately, you may have noticed the tall, white menorah standing at its entrance. That menorah was created by Dunwoody native and 18-year-old Adam Arno as his Eagle Scout project. This will be the second year that it stands at the entrance to the community center.

Adam worked with Rick Murphy, the facilities director at the MJCCA, and learned that they needed a new menorah.

Murphy said that the current one was getting old and could use a replacement.

So Adam got to work building a new one.

The menorah is 6-by-8 feet and made from painted white wood. The candles are made from stair spindles, and at the top of each candle is an LED bulb that looks like a flame. A wire runs down the middle of each candle, and a box at the back of the menorah controls the lights with a switch for each candle. A mason jar encases each candle to protect it from the elements.

“He went through many different lightbulbs because he wanted to make sure it had the right flicker,” said Sheryl Arno, Adam’s mother.

Becoming an Eagle Scout is a huge accomplishment and takes years of work.

Just getting to the point where you can become an Eagle Scout takes hiking 150 miles, camping out 79 nights, and a host of other requirements. The scout must plan, execute, design, and manage every aspect of the project from start to finish, and the final product must be beneficial to the community in some way.

“Many people decide to do benches, but I wanted to do something a little bit closer to home,” Adam said. “I wanted to

Adam Arno in front of the menorah with his family: Richard, Pearl, Adam, Sheryl and Eliot.

do something that was meaningful to me, and that could also help the community.”

When speaking on why he decided to build a menorah, Adam recalls Chanukah growing up, which was always very important and festive to his family. It began with another big menorah, built by a family friend.

Family friend and neighbor, a woodworker whom Adam fondly calls “Uncle Jeff,” built the family a menorah of the same size as the JCC one for the front of their house 20 years ago. Since then, they have become the “Chanukah House” of Dunwoody. Before COVID-19, the family hosted parties every Chanukah that sometimes had up to 200 people. Sheryl says that “lines of cars” would come around every year to look at the menorah.

Adam, who is a part of Boy Scout Troop 764, says that being a part of Boy Scouts helped him grow as a leader and as a person. He has served as an assistant patrol leader and helped with a lot of “behind the scenes” leadership such as planning and executing fundraisers for

the troop.

Adam decided to build the menorah for the JCC because of the impact the agency had on his childhood. He calls it his “Jewish home,” starting at Camp Isidore Alterman 15 years ago.

Due to having ADHD, Adam needed a little extra help adjusting to camp and maneuvering around. Sheryl helped pioneer the inclusion program at the camp with the help of a Clay Aiken grant. The

program included Adam and about six others and helped children who needed a little extra attention during camp.

The inclusion program helped Adam transition over the next three years and slowly weened him off extra assistance to where he could navigate camp on his own.

After the transition, Adam was able to attend Camp Barney Medintz without any assistance. Camp Barney became instrumental in his Jewish upbringing; he spent seven summers at camp, and even had his bar mitzvah at camp during the summer. Since then, his involvement in the Jewish community has flourished, and he is an active member of BBYO. “The JCC helped shape my Judaism and who I am as a person,” Adam said.

“It also helped me learn and grow as a leader.”

A senior at Dunwoody High School, Adam plans to take a gap year in Israel after graduation. Then he plans to major in Organizational Psychology, a branch of psychology often used by businesses to help with teambuilding and working together as groups in an organization. ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 89

COMMUNITY

Surprise Vow Renewal, COVID-Style

The wedding chuppah included golden doodle attendants Lacy and Kosmo.

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

small chuppah set up on the staircase. Good friend Allison Olim handed me a bouquet, On Oct. 29, Cary Goldstein surprised and Cary escorted me under the chuppah, his wife Jody with a second wedding/vow where our two golden doodles, Lacy and renewal at Temple Sinai. He had to pivot this Kosmo, who wore “dog of honor” attendant wedding from a crowd of over 200 people sashes, were waiting.”

Other close friends were there to cheer inside the temple to only 10 of their closest friends, outside of the temple, staggered on the couple on while Cary read the emotional the staircase. Hundreds more family and vows. Jody elaborated, “Cary told me to look at my son’s computer, where over 200 peofriends were on a Zoom call. ple were on a Zoom from all “Because our original over the country.” wedding was small and in Other friends were in Cary’s parents’ [Dr. Ronald on the scheme. One dressed and Judy Goldstein’s] living and transported the dogs, room, he really wanted to another procured the white outshine with a big ‘to do,’ " rose and lily bridal bouquet.

Jody said. “It’s certainly ironAnother created the evite inic that this one turned out to vitation. A small glitch hapbe even smaller.”

Jody’s friends arranged pened when Cary, unlike son When a big storm in the last-minute cake as the Max in the technology deSandy Springs knocked out power outage presented partment, released the evite the power that day, other new challenges. Son to his entire contact list. dominos fell. The bakery Max used a hot spot to Jody joked, “I’m sure Sugar Benders, where the Zoom without power. the yard maintenance crew cake was being prepared, was closed with no operational ovens; and wondered why they got it.”

Then the party of 10 proceeded to Kaithe internet at Temple Sinai was dysfunctional. Then onto the Publix bakery for ser’s Chophouse for a small outdoor wedding dinner. Kaiser extended their outdoor frantic backup confection.

Judy recalled, “My son Max Goldstein patio on the sidewalk to accommodate a and his girlfriend Caroline Solomon had to table for 10.

The first wedding was only about 20 use a cellphone hotspot to make the Zoom work. They were worried all day because of people, Jody recounted.

“I was so happy Max and Caroline the power/internet outage, but in the end, they made it work beautifully. Fortunately, made the zoom call work because seeing all in addition to being the Georgia Tech assis- of our loved ones on Zoom made the wedtant resident basketball coach, Max is also a ding seem big!” The Goldsteins' two other children Graci and Landon Zoomed from technical whiz.”

In preparation, Cary had Rabbi Ron Se- the University of Texas in Austin.

Cary reminisced, “What can you give gal call Jody the day of the anniversary to tell her to “stop” by Temple Sinai on their way a woman after 25 years? She’s not a jewelry to a planned dinner. Jody recalled, “When person. I wanted something meaningful we pulled up to Temple Sinai, there was a and special.” ì 90 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 91

Happy Chanukah!

COMMUNITY

Mazel Tov

Rabbi Murray J. Berger Rabbi Murray J. Berger has been appointed national chaplain of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, the country’s oldest veterans association at 149 years old. Berger has two doctorates and is a retired Army chaplain, colonel and chaplain of JWV Atlanta Post 112. The post is 74 years old, founded in 1946.

Baby Announcement SIMCHA SPOTLIGHT

Naomi Talya Jaffe

Estee and Judd Jaffe announce the birth of their daughter Naomi Talya Jaffe Nov. 25 in West Bloomfield, Mich. She joins older sister Eliora and brother Aron Jaffe. Maternal grandparents are Sharon and Bobby Rosenberg of Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel, and paternal grandparents, Marcia Jaffe and Dr. Dennis Jaffe of Atlanta.

Have something to celebrate?

Share your simchas with the

B’nai Mitzvah Announcements Births, B’nai Mitzvah, Engagements, Weddings, Anniversaries, Special Birthdays and more ...

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92 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The Temple: Olivia Colby, daughter of Diana and Byron Colby, Dec. 5.

Tessa Bilotto, daughter of Claudia and James Bilotto, Dec. 5.

Sadie Weinstein, daughter of Erica and Mark Weinstein, Dec. 5.

Sophie Simonoff, daughter of Casey and Andy Simonoff, Nov. 21 Jonah and Eli Jacobs, children of Evan and Michael Jacobs, Nov. 14 August Schmoll, son of Susan Moody and Robert Schmoll, Nov. 14 Megan and Charlie Bookspun, children of Kay Levine and Jonathan Bookspun, Nov. 7 Mia Rudderman, daughter of Jennifer Jiunta and Randy Rudderman, Nov. 7

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 93

KEEPING IT KOSHER

JEWISH JOKE

Why the Tears?

The local Hebrew School decided to observe Chanukah with a special ecumenical celebration and invited everyone in the neighborhood, of whatever background, to participate in any way they thought appropriate, or to just come and observe and have some home-baked cookies washed down with grape juice or heavy super-sweet wine.

Rendlech Start to finish: 20 minutes Servings: 6 Preference: Pareve Difficulty: Easy Diet: Vegetarian, pescatarian Indulge your sweet tooth this Chanukah with this inspired creation, a cross between cookies and fried donuts.

2 eggs 2 cups flour 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar 1 teaspoon vinegar 1/2 cup water 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 1 pound honey 1 cup ground walnuts Knead all ingredients until smooth.

Roll out to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut to 2 ½-inch circles. Cut center of each cookie.

Fry in hot oil for 1 minute on each side.

In separate pot, bring honey to a boil.

Drop rendlech into honey to coat.

Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon.

Sprinkle with ground walnuts while still hot. Cook and refrigerate.

Source: Nitra Ladies Auxiliary Photo by Tamara Friedman 94 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

There were speeches, dramatizations and miscellaneous musical performances. At one point Mrs. Goldberg, in the third row, wiped away a tear as her little Miriam scratched out a hesitant rendition of “Havanu Shalom Aleichem” on a shiny new violin. Mrs. Goldberg noticed that a man seated next to her also had tears running down his face.

“Isn’t it wonderful”, she said to him, “to know that our heritage will be carried on by the next generation!”

“I suppose so,” he said, “but I’m not Jewish.”

“So why the tears?”

“I’m a musician…”

Joke provided by David Minkoff www.awordinyoureye.com

YIDDISH SLANG OF THE MONTH Grepse for Thanks n. A blatant absence of appreciation for, or a rude and callow response to, a favor or gift.

“After Mischa drove Ben to the train station, no ‘thank you.’ Not even a friendly nod. Just a grepse for thanks.”

From the Yiddish grepse, meaning burp. This expression is adapted from the Dutch stank voor dank (a stink for a thank you). Grepse sounds like a grepse, starting way back in the throat, where all Yiddish begins.

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

BRAIN FOOD

Head Honchos

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59. Great Jewish rulers found at the start of 17, 30, and 44-Across 62. It's near Yemen 63. Former U.N. head Kofi 64. Running speed 65. Play dreidel 66. Macbeth or Banquo, e.g.

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1. ___ California, peninsula in Mexico 2. Borders 3. Kol follower 4. Step in a flight 5. He famously played an Oskar saving Jews from being "Taken" 6. "Barbara ___" (Beach Boys hit) 7. Uncertain, on a sched.

8. Kit or Krazy follower 9. Concerning grades K-12 10. Purple bloomer 11. Speak one's mind 12. 30-Across wrote several excellent ones 13. Martin and Milhouse's teacher 18. ___ Bubba, gum brand 19. Hit musical set in Buenos Aires 23. Most populous island of French Polynesia 24. The Greeks put one in the Temple, which angered the 59-Across

25. State whose largest Jewish community is in Overland Park 28. Inc., to Brits 29. ___C___, Jewish youth org.

30. "Lone Wolf" writer Picoult 31. New Jews in Israel 32. Adamant response to "I'll do it later" 33. Waterslide, e.g.

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how to set your Hanukkah table, a class led by Neal Bellinger of Natan’s Catering on how to make potato latkes, and Hanukkah music performances by choirs from Temple Kehillat Chaim, The Epstein School and The Temple.

15 Years Ago//December 9, 2005 ì Coming to America: A group of 113 Russians, about 10 percent of whom were Jewish, ì The Atlanta Jewish Times posted its 2005 Gift Guide, compiled by Linda Bachmann. got a taste of Jewish-American culture as part of an international exchange program to foster Some shopping recommendations included the Fields of Dreams sports better relationships between the countries. They attended Shabbat services store, Limetree Gifts accessories store, Alexander’s of Atlanta jewelry store, and visited places like The Carter Center, CNN Center, the state Capitol and and The Hamman Medical Day Spa. Also included was a “Chanukah 101” the Fox Theatre. The visitors also celebrated Thanksgiving with their host guide detailing the history of the holiday and all the blessings said during families. the holiday. ì The second annual Peace and Winter’s Light was set to take place 50 Years Ago//December 4, 1970 in Atlanta. The event would feature the children’s chorus from the Intersecì The Temple Sisterhood hosted a holiday bazaar with hundreds Hanukkah was celebrated tional Community School and storytellers and performers from a variety of arts and crafts for sale. The handiwork of the residents from the Jewish across Atlanta with activities of faiths and ethnicities. The previous year’s program gathered more than Home were highlighted, and the Temple Youth Group also had its own highand events at Lenox Square, 350 people to listen to the story of Chanukah, Christmas and the Islamic haji lighted boutique. In addition, there was a white elephant sale, and more The Temple and more. (pilgrimage). than 100 Temple members contributed food and desserts for the luncheon.

Remember When

ì Engagements: Tina Faye got engaged to Howard Robert Ronick. Faye is a gradu25 Years Ago//December 8, 1995 ate of the Medical College of Georgia, where she earned a degree in radiological technology. ì Hanukkah Happenings: Macy’s Lenox Square hosted a variety of fun and festive She works at St. Joseph’s Infirmary in Atlanta. Ronick is a Georgia State University graduate, activities for Hanukkah. Some of the events included a class led by Rabbi Reuven Stein on where he was a part of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. He is employed by Music City, Inc. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 95

OBITUARIES

Edwin Arthur Berger

Arnold Dorfman

Edwin Arthur Berger passed away on Thanksgiving. He was born April 3,1925 in Shelby, N.C., to Isaac and Ethel (Sinkovitz) Berger. Losing both of his parents at a young age, he was left newly married and on his own. Not only did he support a new wife Dora Davidson (1925-2013), but being generous to a fault, he helped support his two grandmothers, mother-in-law and brother.

Only later in life did he own several liquor stores, as well as real estate properties.

He was proud that he was a self-made man. Before losing his sight in his later years he could fix anything, as well as teaching many how to drive and negotiate a salary. He was all about family. He was present at every event, and always made time to help anyone at any time.

His other passion was the University of Georgia football team. His family will miss his advice, Southern drawl and his wonderful stories. His friends will miss his flirtatious charm and overall warmth. A lover of life, he ate Varsity chili dogs till the end. His other favorites were Fox Bros. Barb-B-Q and The Colonnades’ fried chicken.

He is predeceased by his Dora, his wife of almost 70 years. He is survived by his daughter Iris Berger Silver (Jerry); grandchildren Brian (Mara) Silver, Michael Silver, Jodi (Jason) Loar and Jordan (Katie) Silver; and great-grandchildren Emily, Isaac, Erin, Noah, Jonah and Elisa; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Jerry’s Habima Theatre, through the Marcus JCC. Arrangements by Dressler’s Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Arnold Dorfman, 92, passed away quietly in his West Palm Beach, Fla., home Nov. 29, 2020. Arnold loved life and lived it to the fullest. Never holding back, he was a pioneer, an explorer and a man who deeply loved his family. Having worked as a kosher butcher in his father’s store for several years, he left New York in 1956 to start a new company selling office equipment in Atlanta and the southeastern United States.

As his business grew and allowed, he became an avid golfer, a pilot, and a big game hunter, traveling the world with his wife Joan to experience all they could.

When Joan passed away in 1999, Arnold moved to West Palm Beach and was fortunate to find his new life partner when he met Judy Itzkowitz. They enjoyed the next 16 years together and Judy was by his side, giving comfort when he passed away.

Arnold and Joan are survived by their five children and their spouses Mindy Dorfman, Larry and Cathy Dorfman, Scott Dorfman and Susie Trotechaud, Hy and Patti Dorfman and Jan and Aaron Lupuloff, as well as 17 grandchildren and 14.5 great- grandchildren.

The family is planning a memorial in the spring or early summer of 2021. In lieu of flowers or any other kind gestures, the family asks that contributions be made to www.

USHER2020.org, a nonprofit charity established to drive research to end Ushers syndrome.

Every day, people all over the world are slowly losing their sight due to this rare genetic disorder. The real tragedy is that these same people already lost their hearing and struggle with maintaining their balance. Two of Arnold’s grandchildren have Usher. See their story here https://youtu.be/HObKQcpX-zs

95, Atlanta

92, West Palm Beach, Fla.

Patricia (Pat) Edith Levy Freedman 96, Los Angeles, Calif.

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Phone: 770-755-1600 Fax: 770-755-1601 www.lexxcares.com 96 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Patricia Edith Levy Freedman (Pat), 96, died Oct. 19, 2020. She was born May 12, 1924 in Atlanta to loving parents and pillars of the Atlanta Jewish community Annie and Sam Levy. For many years there was a placard in her kitchen that read, “She who rests, rusts.” In a few brief words, that brilliantly summarizes the long, indefatigable life of Pat Freeman.

Pat was a devoted and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, and volunteer. She was one of the early female Georgia Tech students, and the second generation of what was eventually to be four generations of Levy and Freedman family Tech alumni.

She married Irwin “Buck” Freedman, whom she met at a Georgia Tech function, and they raised four boys in a boisterous, loving household in Great Neck, N.Y. She was a PTA president and worked for the school district. A passionate supporter of social justice issues, she was active in many Jewish organizations and celebrated her bat mitzvah at age 50.

Later, when she and Buck relocated to Los Angeles, she was actively involved with The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles and eventually recognized as a Volunteer of the Year. She was a docent at Frank Lloyd Wright designed Hollyhock House in Los Angeles and read to the blind.

Pat loved theater and garage sales. Most of all, she loved family meals, making sure to gather friends and sojourners for holidays when they were unable to be with their own families. To her sons, Mom was always there when needed. She was a loving and devoted trooper for her family who traveled the country regularly to visit her children and grandchildren. She was a steady and steadfast force in the lives of all whom she loved and who loved her.

Predeceased by her parents, her brother Bernard Lee, and her husband Buck, Pat is survived by her sister Nathalie Levy Goodrich; sons and daughters-in-law Chuck (Kim), Stan (Sarah), D.Jay (Sarah Pscheidt) and Bruce (Lori Goldstrom); grandchildren Daniel (Amy), Seth (Jamie), Lindsey, Caroline and Isaiah Freedman, Chris (Brittanie), and Michael Tappan, and Alex (Emily) Egeler; 10 great-grandchildren; six nieces and nephews; cousin David Friedman, and many other family and friends, including Miyah Wilson, LaToya Lewis and other caregivers at Belmont Village Assisted Living. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Lee Padove, Pat’s nephew-in-law, for his continuous, immediately responsive and loving medical care during the last several years of her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Pat may be made to The Jewish Federation, PO Box 54269, Los Angeles, Calif. 90054-0269, www.jewishla.org/tribute.

OBITUARIES

Amy Isaacson

Claire Hope Itzkovitz Reingold

Amy Isaacson passed away Nov. 20, 2020. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. Amy was born in 1961 to Daniel Moret and Diane Danneman Moret. She married her high school sweetheart James (Jimmy) Isaacson in 1983.

Amy grew up in Atlanta, attending Northside High School. She graduated college from Vanderbilt University. Amy started her career as a special education teacher in DeKalb County, but quickly moved to her passion of being a realtor. She started that career with Harry Norman but soon changed to Re/Max. Amy valued her relationship with each of her clients.

She enjoyed her grandchildren, shopping for her grandchildren, tennis, mahjong and the beach.

Amy and Jimmy were blessed with three amazing children who all married wonderful spouses Diane Isaacson Charles and Adam Charles, Rebecca (Becca) Isaacson Myles and Joshua Myles, and Joshua Isaacson and Christine Reardon Isaacson. Amy’s most absolute joy in her life was her five grandchildren Naomi, Emma, Charlotte, Nora and Benjamin. She is also survived by her sisters Donna Burse and Michele Moret; Danny’s wife Gail Moret; in-laws Carol and Larry Isaacson; and brothers and sisters-inlaw, David and Stacey Isaacson and Richard and Lisa Isaacson; and many nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID, the family had a very small service Nov. 22. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Claire Hope Itzkovitz Reingold, 90, died Nov. 30, 2020.

Born in Aliquippa, Pa., Claire was part of a large extended family with more than 20 cousins. She attended Virginia Intermont High School in Bristol, Tenn; Penn State University; and Montefiore Nursing School.

She had a passion for life and loved being with people and helping others. She enjoyed sharing her life with her beloved Vernon, dancing, hearing live music, dining out, collecting antiques, and owning more than 20 dachshunds over the years.

Mrs. Reingold, aka “Nurse Claire,” was known for her sweet, fun-loving and generous spirt. She served as camp nurse at the JCC of Pittsburgh’s Emma Kaufmann Camp for 44 summers, dispensing TLC along with medicine, calamine lotion, Band-Aids and ace bandages. She was beloved by generations of campers and staff. For more than 30 years, she was the nurse at Chatham College and also aided seniors on trips to Miami Beach for more than 20 years.

She was a member of Congregation Beth Shalom, and received honors from the JCC of Pittsburgh, the Western Pennsylvania Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Chatham College.

She was the beloved and devoted wife of 53 years to Vernon Reingold; cherished and adored mother of Beth (Richard) Gluck, Bruce (Rony) Reingold, Susan Reingold and Michael Reingold; loving Nannie of Jacob (Julia), Ilan (Grace) and Benjamin Gluck, Daniel Moses, Avivah and Eden Reingold; sister of Stuart (the late Esther) Itzkovitz; and daughter of the late Sara (Selkovits) and David Itzkovitz. She also is survived by great grandson Levi.

Graveside services were held Dec. 3 with interment at Poale Zedeck Memorial Park Cemetery in Pennsylvania, managed by Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Contributions may be made to the Claire and Vern Reingold Forever Young Fund, c/o Jewish Community Center, 5738 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15217. https://jccpgh.org/

59, Atlanta

Anita Schulman Levy 77, Atlanta

Anita Schulman Levy, beloved mom, dear friend to many, and treasured Hadassah leader, passed away Nov. 9, 2020, 11 days before her 78th birthday. Surviving breast cancer and winning two courageous fights against colon cancer taught Anita to cherish each day as a gift, and she maintained her determined resolve when the disease returned for its final battle.

Living in Atlanta since 1947, Anita’s accent gave away that she was born in New York. She graduated from Grady High School and then from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting at a time when there were only a handful of women in the business school. A lifetime lover of numbers, she generously shared her accounting skills as a volunteer in every organization in which she was a part, including her synagogue, homeowners’ association and Hadassah. Steadfastly devoted to Hadassah, Anita served as Atlanta group and chapter president, Southeastern region president, and as an elected member of the national board and National Portfolio Council. After 15 years as a national leader, Anita was named to Hadassah’s Honorary Council. Besides election to the Hadassah National Finance Committee, Anita was responsible, as Revenue Share chair, for ensuring the financial integrity of annual plans of Hadassah chapters across the country.

Anita was predeceased in 2015 by her husband of 49 years, Philip (z”l). She is survived by her son Joel and daughter Helane, both of Atlanta; brother and sister-in-law Zvi (Harvey) and Shlomit Schulman of K’far Blum, Israel; and loving nieces, nephews, and their children.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hadassah, www.hadassah.org, or 1050 Crowne Pointe Parkway, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30338 in memory of Anita will be appreciated.

Due to COVID-19, the funeral was limited to family only. Please refer to www.dresslerjewishfunerals.com to sign the online guestbook. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

90, Pittsburgh, Pa.

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 97

OBITUARIES

Joshua D. Shubin 95, Atlanta

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Joshua D. Shubin, son of Minna and David Shubin, died peacefully at home Nov. 29, 2020, surrounded by his family.

Born in Atlantic City, Josh spent his early years in Philadelphia and his high school years in West Palm Beach, Fla. He graduated in 1948 from the University of Florida, where he was a member of Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity.

In 1944, at the age of 18, following his college freshman year, Josh volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Corps. Josh was an aerial gunner on a B29 crew with a rank of staff sargeant. Stationed on Guam, he flew 25 missions over Japan, awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal three times.

Josh and his father David were the ultimate patriots. Although David had already served his country in World War I as a naval officer, at age 52 he volunteered to again serve in World War II. He was commissioned as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy, serving in the Atlantic and Pacific. Providentially, Josh and his father were in the Pacific Theater at the same time.

In 1948, after graduating from college, Josh returned to Philadelphia and began a career in retailing. While working at Lit Brothers, he met Marilyn who was also in his training program. They were married in 1951, and in 1952 a career move took them for 10 years to Cleveland, where their children Deborah and Lewis were born.

In 1962, Josh accepted a position with Davison Paxon, the Macy’s affiliate in Atlanta. After several years with Davison’s, Josh decided to embrace his entrepreneurial spirit. He was an early pioneer in the embroidered sportswear business.

Josh was a Renaissance man with a broad range of interests. He was motivated by humanitarian and cultural issues. The Jewish and general community benefited from his service. Members of The Temple since the family’s arrival in Atlanta, Josh served as a board member and officer of the congregation.

For many years Josh was involved with the Atlanta chapter of B’nai B’rith International, the Gate City Lodge, and served as president at both the local and state level. He also enjoyed serving for many years on the author selection committee of the Atlanta Jewish Book Festival. His civic interests included the Atlanta Clean City Commission, the Atlanta Union Mission and the Better Business Bureau.

Family and friends were central to Josh’s life. Those relationships brought him great satisfaction and happiness. He was a people person who appreciated meeting new folks whenever possible and sharing interests including travel, books, history, music, theater, opera, sports, art, politics and anything avant garde.

Gardening was a passion of Josh’s. He transformed his backyard of woods into a magnificent perennial garden and it evolved into his retreat, where he could spend hours in personal reflection.

A highlight of his retirement years was the ability to travel the world with Marilyn.

They particularly enjoyed collecting art on their travels and found the travel experience enhanced by their interest in all mediums of art. In addition, they spent 20 winters in California, where Josh honed his tennis and hiking skills.

Over the last many years, Josh was a fixture at the West Paces Ferry Starbucks, had a Saturday morning coffee group, a Romeo’s lunch and regular study groups. A run to get a morning coffee became a daily circle of lasting friendships for which the family is most grateful.

After growing up as an only child who was deprived of the joy of a larger family, Josh felt overwhelmingly grateful for a marriage of over 69 years to Marilyn; two children and their spouses Lewis and Joanie and Deborah and Anthony; grandchildren Robert Shubin (Leigh), Molly Shubin Light (Andrew), Jared Levinson (Melissa), Leslie Levinson; and great-grandchildren Levi, Charlie, James, Josie and Lennie. Other loved ones of Josh are the Hockstein family, including brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Donations in Josh’s memory may be made for Impact Israel (Yemin Orde), www. impact-israel.org), the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, www.jewishatlanta.org, or Zaban Paradies Center, www. zabanparadiescenter.org.

A private family funeral was held Dec. 1 at The Temple in Atlanta. Arrangements

by Dressler’s, 770-451-4999. To sign the online guest book, www.dresslerjewishfunerals. com.

‫זיכרונה לברכה‬

OBITUARIES

Arden Zinn 83, Atlanta

Arden Zinn died Nov. 23, 2020, in Atlanta at the age of 83.

Arden was born in The Bronx, N.Y., on September 26, 1937, to Erno and Karola Schwarcz. A very bright young girl, she skipped four grades and graduated from Hunter College at the age of 18.

After marrying and moving to Atlanta, Arden became a pioneer in the world of exercise and wellness.

In 1971, she opened her first Arden Zinn Exercise Studio, and by 1985, she had 24 studios in three states. She hosted her first fitness program, The New Fit Bit, on PBS in 1970. She later became CNN’s fitness consultant in 1980.

She was also the stretch coach for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team, the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta Hawks.

In 1993, Arden finally bought the juicer of her dreams, the Norwalk. To justify the expensive purchase, she began to make juices for her friends. Word spread and eventually, Arden’s Garden was born in 1995. Arden was never motivated by money, but only by wellness.

When Arden first started making juice, her goal was to provide health to her community. She has changed the lives of many through her juices, her exercise and her wondrous spirit. Arden’s unconditional love for people will be remembered and cherished by her family, friends and all who knew her.

Arden taught us your health is your wealth, to be kind to others, and to leave the world a better place.

Arden is survived by her children Ed and Leslie (Jorge), and five grandchildren Delaney, Diego, Micaela, Eitan and Raphael.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation. The family wishes to extend its sincere thanks to the Arden’s Garden community. Arrangements by Dressler’s Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Obituaries in the AJT are written and paid for by the families; contact Editor and Managing Publisher Kaylene Ladinsky at kaylene@atljewishtimes.com or 404-883-2130, ext. 100, for details about submission, rates and payments. Death notices, which provide basic details, are free and run as space is available; send submissions to editor@atljewishtimes.com.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 99

CLOSING THOUGHTS My Gifts I sang the same three songs as lullabies first to my own four girls, and then to each of my grands (grandchildren). Curious which ones?

“Oifen Pripetchik” (on the fireplace, an old Yiddish song), “Summertime,” and an old Irish lullaby called Shaindle “Tura Lura Lye.” Schmuckler Today, I listened to Ella Shaindle’s Shpiel Fitzgerald sing “Summertime,” bringing back beautiful moments of my life, moments which became the fuel creating memories.

Memories which are the most precious gifts to hold in my heart.

When my grands would spend the night, we would sing these lullabies. Actually, I sang as they swayed and giggled while sitting in front of the fireplace in my bedroom (It’s fake; it is actually a heater made to look like a fireplace). We would first each share the best part of our week.

The “Shema” was the very last thing we sang before closing our eyes and praying we have the gift of life when we wake up.

These are gifts impossible to duplicate; these are gifts that give me life.

There is no sense in denying this will be remembered as THE YEAR. It will be referred to as BC (before COVID) and AC (after COVID). We will all look back on this 2020 year in ways we could not even imagine just a year ago. Everything is different; everything feels upside down.

Gift giving will take on whole new meaning, with creativity being key. Thank you hugs are forbidden, women are suddenly sporting very long hair, learning to “do” their own nails, trimming the hair of men who dare and everyone absolutely learning to measure 6 feet.

To thousands of us, the greatest gift of this year 2020 is the gift of health. The gift of first responders, the gift of all those volunteers in medical trials, the gift of creativity, the gift of innovation and adjustment, the gift of a fashion statement, which not so long ago would have brought terror to those looking down the barrel of a gun, or the tip of a knife.

What am I referring to you ask? I am referring to The Mask.

Masks have become a serious fashion statement!

A mask for goodness sakes. Who would have thunk it? And not only just a mask, but masks in every fabric, every size and color under the sun.

Have you seen the masks for kids? Kids' masks are a manufactures dream come true. Just as there will be the 2020 must-have toy, kids will need masks to complement their dreams, masks indicating their

favorite story characters and heroes.

Just as masks have reached their pinnacle of success, our word for 2020, bringing the heebie-jeebies whenever we say or hear it – COVID 19. Now there is a curse word we did not expect.

And how about them voters? New voters entering our democratic system joining all of us who vote whenever a vote is required – keeping our democracy well oiled. All of us voters can relay a mail-in vote story or an early voting story. Let us not forget the candidates phone calls. Many of us are in serious competition to determine who has received the most candidate telephone calls in a single day. Myself, I would venture to say I am up to eight to 10 a day.

Do these callers not realize they are repeating themselves? Wait, how can they, I don’t think robots can think – yet!

Take just another moment or two, for the greatest gift of all: The Gift of Loving.

Ode to my four girls: You never needed to be told Explanations were not required You always knew which path to take Which journey would be yours From the moments of your arrival, why did you chose me, and then I knew You were lighting the way for me to become the best version of The mommy you would need Although we were not always looking At newness in the same way You showed me how to enjoy what we Discovered together each day The lessons you taught me such patience and pure love Supporting my search For my authentic self We each respond to the world A bit differently However, you always bring kindness and integrity Wherever you go, to whomever you meet Thank you for choosing me Thank you for your strength Your insights Your unconditional Understanding You are the gifts That make me whole. ì

100 | DECEMBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES DECEMBER 15, 2020 | 101

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