Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCIX NO. 2, January 31, 2023

Education & Camp and AJFF

I s r a e l h a s b e e n c e n t r a l t o J e w i s h l i f e i n G e o r g i a o v e r t i m e a n d c o n t i n u e s t o b e r e l e v a n t t o u s t o d a y .

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Cover Photo: The Meor students stand at the entrance to Auschwitz during visit to Polish Death Camps.

Atlanta Rabbis Divided on New Israeli Government

By Dave Schechter

Rabbi Larry Sernovitz is looking forward to the trip that Temple Kol Emeth members will make in May to celebrate Israel’s 75th anniversary and mark the Marietta congregation’s 40th.

His plans include a reunion with a rabbinical school classmate, Gilad Kariv, a member of the Labor Party and the first Reform rabbi to serve in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament.

The Reform movement is among the religious and communal groups anxious about Israel’s new government, considered the most right-wing in the nation’s history. Before and since the government, led by returning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, took office on Dec. 29, the left and center in Israel and American Jewry have voiced concern on such issues as religious pluralism, judicial independence, democratic institutions, construction in the West Bank (often referred to by the biblical names Judea and Samaria) and the right-of-return law, as well as policies affecting women, the LGBT community, and Palestinians.

The pre-emptive worries were prompted by some of the partners that Likud leader Netanyahu brought into his coalition to secure a majority in the 120-seat Knesset.

“There is the real, distinct possibility of further distancing of Israel and the Jewish diaspora,” Sernovitz said. Nonetheless, “No matter what government comes into play we still care about it and we still support Israel.”

“We can’t shut down the conversation,” Sernovitz said. “The most important thing I say to my congregation is that we have to continue to advocate — ‘L’shem shamayim,’ in the name of heaven. We cannot separate ourselves from our brothers and sisters.”

Rabbi Peter Berg, senior rabbi of The Temple, has expressed similar sentiments to his Reform congregation.

“First, the United States, including the Jewish community, has a deep alliance with Israel based on shared interests and common values. It is critical to both countries that this special relationship remain strong and bipartisan, regardless of ups and downs, regardless of who is in office at any time. We cannot afford to pull our attention away from critical issues, such as Iran. Our mutual interest of deterring war and promoting stability and achieving peace are only possible when the U.S. and Israel stand strong together. It is, for example, in both the U.S. and Israel’s in-

terest to seek wider support for the Abraham Accords.

“My second message is that, sometimes, as in any relationship, there are times of tension and disagreement. I am deeply concerned about aspects of this new coalition; specifically judicial reform that would erode the system of checks and balances and the appointment of certain controversial ministers, such as Aryeh Deri and [Minister of National Security] Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose dangerous policies could be devastating to pluralism. There is a lot to be concerned about and potential for violence,” Berg said.

[Note: The Israeli Supreme Court ruled 10:1 on Jan. 18 that Deri, the leader of Shas, a Sephardic and Mizrachi religious party, was ineligible to serve in the cabinet because of his prior conviction on tax fraud charges. On Jan. 22, Netanyahu, “with a heavy heart,” fired Deri, who remains in the Knesset.]

“I will continue to advocate for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship. I will continue to take hundreds of people to Israel every year and support pro-Israel accomplishments. I will also work every day to make sure that Israel remains open, pluralistic, and committed to Jewish values. As American Jews, we must do both,” Berg said.

Among Atlanta-area rabbis who responded to questions from the AJT (and a few declined), there was not unanimity in opinion.

Rabbi Alexandra Shuval-Weiner, of Congregation Beth Tikvah, said that the Atlanta Rabbinical Association, of which she is president, would not issue a state-

ment. “We in the ARA are unified in our love and support for a strong, democratic Israel,” she said, noting that “Reactions to the new government vary greatly between individual rabbis here in the community.”

Rabbi Ilan Feldman, of Congregation Beth Jacob, cautioned against overreacting. “Over the years, various Israeli governments have come and gone, some more liberasl, and some more conservative, some hostile to religious influence and others friendly. I have consistently told my congregation that it is arrogant for American Jews to sit in their perch of relative safety in America and criticize choices made by Israelis who live there,” the Orthodox leader said. “I also warn American Jews not to trust superficial press reports written by ignorant correspondents who are not familiar with the complexities of Israeli politics.”

Rabbi Binyomin Friedman, of Congregation Ariel, also an Orthodox congregation, said: “Our community has a very high level of involvement with Israel. Most people have close relatives in Israel and follow the news there closely. Therefore, I don’t interpret events as most people have their own take on things. I would say on this issue the general sentiment in my congregation is that what is happening in Israel is being grossly misinterpreted as a right-wing takeover. In truth, what is happening is bringing the judiciary to more resemble the balance of power found in western democracies. If the judiciary in the U.S. functioned like the Israeli high court, I dare say there would be widespread protest on the left to reform it.”

Rabbi Daniel Dorsch, senior rabbi of Congregation Etz Chaim, drew a lesson from the failure of the liberal Labor and Meretz parties to reach a vote-sharing agreement, as is permitted in Israel’s election system. Had they done so, their combined vote might have met the threshold for seats in the Knesset and prevented Netanyahu from cobbling together a majority.

“For me, this is a lesson for my congregants about how arrogance and pride to see past ideological differences can prevent people them from doing greater good. It’s a lesson that is both instructive to us living in Georgia and it should be for Israelis now in this situation. That is what I expect to talk about in the coming weeks,” said Dorsch.

“On a personal level, and as someone who fights alongside Mercaz [the Zionist organization of the Masorti (Conservative) movement], and other organizations for Jewish pluralism in Israel, I will tell you that the possibility of putting an extremist into the government is a challenging pill for our movement to swallow,” Dorsch said, referring to Ben-Gvir, previously convicted by an Israeli court of incitement to racism against Arabs and supporting a terrorist organization (Kach, founded by the late Rabbi Meir Kahane).

Rabbi Joshua Heller, of Congregation B’nai Torah, also in the Conservative movement, pointed to an address he sent congregants after Israel’s Nov. 1 election, titled “Walking Together?”

“For some time, a broad Israeli consensus yearned for a peaceful resolution of the complex relationship between Isra-

Rabbi Larry Sernovitz, of Temple Kol Emeth Rabbi Peter Berg, of The Temple

Rabbi Alexandra Shuval-Weiner, of Congregation Beth Tikvah

el and the Palestinians under its control, with the debate being the details. After years of stalemate, and continued terror, a majority of the Israeli public has lost confidence — or interest — in the possibility of such a resolution. And while the majority of Israelis still want freedom of religion and a strong legal system, there are other concerns that are of higher priority for them,” Heller wrote.

As for Netanyahu, Heller said, “Bibi is still Bibi. What has changed is who he is leaning on for support. He is no longer beholden to the secular or centrist parties that have led to a moderate course in previous governments. Now, some leaders in his likely coalition have, as their stated agenda, the destruction of all forms of Jewish observance other than their own flavor of Orthodoxy. Others advocate for

the implementation of the kinds of racist and anti-democratic policies that, until now, have existed only in the false accusations of antisemites.”

Looking forward, he asked: “How will our congregation’s relationship with Israel change if its government reneges on the deal that allows us to have services at the Kotel [the Western Wall] or tries to defund our sister synagogues in Israel? I feel

an obligation to defend Israel and its actions. That task may be far more challenging if Israel’s ministers undertake policies that I cannot first defend to myself.”

Heller offered his own caution: “The Jewish communities of the U.S. and Israel need each other more than ever, but less than they realize. I can only hope that it does not take a crisis for the two branches of the family to regain that realization.” ì

Rabbi Binyomin Friedman, of Congregation Ariel

Rabbi Daniel Dorsch, of Congregation Etz Chaim

Rabbi Joshua Heller, of Congregation B’nai Torah

Rabbi Ilan Feldman, of Congregation Beth Jacob

Sold to the Highest Bidder!

By Robyn Spizman Gerson

At a recent Ahlers & Ogletree auction, bids were rapidly rising to capture a treasured piece from the eclectic collection of entertainment attorney Joel A. Katz’s cherished art, collectibles, home décor, accessories and more.

Bidders were ready at the Jan. 12 auction and the event was off to a swift start. Preview bidders had already called in more than 100 bids which demonstrated the popularity of Katz’s treasures. Auction followers eagerly attended in person at the auction house as well as online, on phones and spanned the globe.

More than 550 lots were included in the auction, and Katz’s collectibles filled the auction house reflecting his impeccable taste, plus a love of exquisite Lalique and Daum “cats” (aka Katz) and works of art from wellknown artists.

Robert Ahlers, CEO and founder of Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery, and Peachtree Battle Estate Sales, along with his wife, Christy, commented regarding the auction, “We were honored to handle Joel Katz’s outstanding collection. The response to his first auction, focusing on rare watches and jewelry, was extremely popular and this follow-up auction of collectibles was a wonderful opportunity for our purchasers to acquire a special item as he downsizes his collection.”

As auction day continued, prices were posted online, and the bidding successfully sailed through the hours. Both time and the items flew. The word of the day was “SOLD,” as every few minutes the gavel slammed against the podium, and the highest bidder was congratulated. Then, off to the next.

Katz’s collection spanned rare timepieces to exquisite accessories to objects of art of every kind. The team of experts at Ahlers & Ogletree’s spent months researching and documenting every item, preparing

Marc Chagall, “La Fenetre Entrouverte” lithograph, 30/50 ($5,142)

the information from the provenance to detailing its estimated value, exact size, the designer, artist, creator and beyond.

And what did the items sell for? There were endless highlights which included an extensive collection of Daum glass, ranging from a menagerie of animals, elephants, to a wide assortment of cats (ie. Katz), figurines, vessels and more. One of the most desired limited edition "Daumot 163" by Kriki

Limited edition Lalique "Anemones Grand" vase with pedestal ($24,200)

Limited Edition "Daumot 163" by Kriki for Daum ($4,840)

Gibson Les Paul Custom Model LPSPSC, 1 of 1 ($7,865)

Vintage Louis Vuitton "Alzer" Collection suitcase ($3,932)

Jay Strongwater Large Scale “Theobald Grand” tree ($4,235)

for Daum, which sold for a cool $4,840.

Another glass collection was Lalique, and imagine every possible theme up for auction. A limited edition Lalique "Anemones Grand" vase with pedestal sold for $24,200 and seemed to be the grand prize of all the

Limited Edition Elvis Wurlitzer jukebox ($3,630)

Lalique options. Bids for this cobalt blue vase on a pedestal were rising by the minute, and the lucky winner clearly understood the appraised value and worth of this unique piece.

One of the jewelry highlights (serious eye candy) was without question the

Ladies Vacheron 18k Lady Kalla diamond watch ($60,500)

diamond Ladies Vacheron 18k Lady Kalla diamond watch, which sold for $60,500. Drenched tastefully in diamonds, this watch was a showstopper, screamed black tie, haute couture, and a fabulous gala.

Of interest to art lovers, were a few Marc Chagall lithographs, including “La Fenetre Entrouverte,” with a printing of 30/50, which sold for $5,142. The amount of art was quite staggering. A Tolla Inbar bronze "Sky is the Limit" sculpture sold for $20,570 and it was easy to imagine the world-wide travels acquiring these pieces.

It was also no surprise that there were a few guitar lovers who were clearly paying attention to the rare custom and collectible guitars, such as the Gibson Les Paul Custom Model LPSPSC, which went for $7,865. Another irresistible highlight was the not-to-bemissed, extensive collection of well-traveled Louis Vuitton luggage, from totes to suitcases, to every shape and size under the LV sun. One was called the ‘Alzer’ Collection suitcase, which sold for $3,932.

And for Jay Strongwater lovers, this auction did not disappoint. Frames, animals, works of art and much more lined the auction. Bidders scooped up everything Jay Strongwater which was a significant part of

the collection. Jay Strongwater is well known for creating detailed colorful enameled objects and the unique, large scale “Theobald Grand” Tree, sold for $4,235.

In addition, there were a few of Katz’s celebrity clientele items over the years from Michael Jackson to Jimmy Buffet to even an Elton John-signed Yamaha baby grand player piano. The piano was in pristine condition and a cool take away at $9,075. Plus, for music lovers who have longed to own their very own jukebox, Katz had a limited-edition Elvis Wurlitzer jukebox, filled with his famous musician’s music. It was grabbed for a nice price at $3,630.

The only problem now is this auction already happened. Non-buyer’s remorse is common after you see what great prices and spectacular items were sold.

Fortunately, Ahlers & Ogletree, and their sister company, Peachtree Battle Estate Sales, have endless auctions and estate sales year-round. Your opportunity to acquire someone’s down-sized collection, or an unwanted Picasso awaits you. Stay tuned at www.aandoauctions.com and sign up for their next, next.

The good news? There’s always room for more! ì

Tolla Inbar bronze "Sky is the Limit" sculpture ($20,570)

Yamaha player piano with Elton John signed bench ($9,075)

Tanenblatt Tapped for Top Buckhead Post

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Eric Tanenblatt, a 40-year Atlanta resident, has taken over the presidential leadership of the Buckhead Coalition, succeeding auto magnate Juanita Baranco. Tanenblatt has been a member of the coalition for 15 years, and, more recently, served on the executive committee.

An Emory University graduate, Tanenblatt recalled, “I remember arriving in Atlanta on a beautiful fall day, and wanted to make it my home as a ’big small town.’”

Stepping into the coalition’s top spot, Tanenblatt is motivated by the organization’s new focus on a more memberdriven style,” in contrast to Sam Massell’s practice of running things.” The coalition had a reputation of influence, elitism (pricey dues) and, to some degree, secrecy, though now the member list is available online. Note that Jim Durrett replaced Massell, who died almost one year ago, and reconfigured the coalition to include the Buckhead Community Im-

provement District.

Professionally, Tanenblatt works as the global chair of public policy and

regulation for Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, and also leads the firm’s U.S. public policy practice though he, himself,

is not an attorney. Self-described as a lifelong Republican, on the moderate side, Tanenblatt has worked with and for

Eric Tanenblatt has been selected as the new president of the Buckhead Coalition. He also is the Dentons law firm’s global chair of public policy and regulation, which represent clients dealing with government entities.

some of the most well-known political names, presidential administrations and campaigns, and was chief of staff for Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Tanenblatt is not shy about addressing hot-button issues like crime and splitting from the City of Atlanta that have plagued Buckhead’s reputation. He said, “Crime now in Buckhead is down by 13 percent. Overall, during COVID this [crime wave] was true of the state and countrywide. We were not unique, but we were not accustomed to it. We have a great relationship now with the APD giving us strong levels of attention like a new facility at Buckhead Plaza.”

In terms of the failed attempt to extract Buckhead out of the city, he weighed in, saying, “The coalition was very much against this as it’s a key part of Atlanta and vice versa. De-annexation is a very big issue and has never been done in Georgia. It’s very complicated, finances, schools, etc. This became an emotional issue and lost significantly [by vote]. Note that Buckhead is not the same

formula as say, Sandy Springs, forming its own city. And the crime issue is related to repeat offenders which isn’t solved by cityhood…offenders are still tried in the Fulton Court systems if the offense is committed here. Now, with the new mayor, this is less of an issue.”

Heading Dentons’ global autonomous vehicle team, Tanenblatt predicts within the next decade tremendous progress will be seen in taxis, trucks, and more.

“Georgia is now the electric mobility capital of the world, citing new facilities by Hyundai (Savannah) and Rivian (East Atlanta). This all leads the way for battery plants, suppliers, more companies. EVs lead the way for the AV industry to accelerate.”

Growing up in East Long Island, N.Y., with parents who instilled him to give back to the community, Tanenblatt is active in Points of Light, which promotes volunteerism, through his affiliation with former President George W. Bush; Fund for American Studies, teaching free enterprise to students; the Georgia and Metro Chambers of Commerce; and Winning For Women, which recruits women (right of center) to run for public office. Previously, Tanenblatt was on the board of the Americam Jewish Committee.

Married to Mary, a psychiatrist, they have two sons who were Pace Academy grads, now living in Boston and Washington, D.C. Tanenblatt counts biking, travel, and politics as hobbies. Living in The Charles on Peachtree, they easily stroll to the best Buckhead spots, dining at Le Colonial and Le Bilboquet, and business breakfasts at the White House on Peachtree. Tanenblatt added, “But our real favorite is Goldberg’s. The kids grew up eating there.”

Tanenblatt concluded, “The bottom line is we are fostering collaborations and improving the quality of life in Buckhead for residents, visitors and businesses." ì

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Local Minister Receives Reconciliation Award in Poland

By Jan Jaben-Eilon

A local Baptist minister, Steven D. Reece, who has focused the last nearly two decades on fostering reconciliation between Jews and Christians, primarily

in Poland, was awarded the Figure of Reconciliation for 2022 by the Polish Council of Christians and Jews.

The ceremony occurred at the historic Nozyk synagogue in Warsaw and was hosted by the Chief Rabbi of Poland,

Michael Schudrich.

Reece was asked by the council to speak, in Polish, about his “activities, motivations, [and] the lessons [I’ve] learned and want to pass [on].” Reece has been in Poland on a Fulbright Scholarship and won’t be returning to Atlanta until the end of July. “For my Fulbright Scholarship, I am teaching and conducting research in collaboration with the Historical Institute of the University of Szczecin,” he said.

This is not, by any means, Reece’s first introduction to Poland. A professional photojournalist, Reece initially was drawn to Poland in 1988 after seeing photographs of Christians living in Communist Poland. Then, after studying at a U.S. seminary, he returned to Poland in March 1997, which is when he began to understand the complex relationship between Poles and Jews. An off-hand comment by a waitress in Otwock, outside Warsaw, led him to the local Jewish cemetery.

“I began to research why cemeteries were important to Jews. I saw a website about a Polish Jewish cemetery restoration association, and I was hooked,” he says. “I feel I owe a debt to Jews for being a vessel of G-d. On a practical level, for me, the outcome isn’t the restoration of a cemetery, but the restoration of a relationship which was endearing. Jews gave birth to Christianity. And a great evil was perpetrated [against them],” he notes, referring to the Holocaust.

“It should be Christians who take the first step because the Shoah happened during the Christian reign in a Christian country,” he says. “Ninety percent of the people were Christian. The theological

“I am surprised by this honor. I did not expect it,” said Steven D. Reece, an Atlanta Baptist minister.

aftermath of the Shoah was very difficult. We were viewed as perpetrators, or people who just stood idly by. Christians must understand the Jewish perspective of the Shoah. Our response should be one of justice. The essence of this is mercy and loving kindness, which is the highest expression for Jews. I felt we, as Christians, could go into this no-man’s land between Christians and Jews.”

In 2010, he launched the Matzevah Foundation, which organizes Jewish cemetery restoration projects in Poland that include Christians, Jews, and local Poles. The Matzevah Foundation’s first project was in 2012 in Zambrow, Poland. Although the members of the board of the Matzevah Foundation are Christian, and the work the organization has done in Jewish cemeteries in Poland has been accomplished by Christians, both Baptist and Catholic, Reece’s goal has always been to include Jews in his restoration projects. He points out that it’s considered a mitzvah for Jews to take care of their cemeteries.

Initially, he didn’t receive much response when he reached out to the American Jewish community. One rabbi, who not only responded but has developed a friendship with Reece, is The Temple’s Rabbi Peter Berg. When Berg heard of the award Reece is receiving, he told the AJT, “I’m delighted to see Steven receive this award for his extraordinary work in reconciliation. Steven and the Matzevah Foundation are most deserving of this high honor.”

For his part, Reece said, “I am surprised by this honor. I did not expect it; however, I am incredibly grateful to be recognized in this manner. Second, it is

Nozyk synagogue, in Warsaw, where Steven D. Reece will receive his award // Photo Credit: Jan Jaben-Eilon

“I’m delighted to see Steven receive this award for his extraordinary work in reconciliation,” said The Temple Rabbi Peter Berg.

essential to realize that my aim in leading the mission of The Matzevah Foundation is to bring Jews and Christians together to care for and restore Polish-Jewish cemeteries. I lead Jews of the Diaspora and the Polish-Jewish community to work with Polish Christians, non-religious people, government and community leaders, teachers, schools, universities, and community activists in caring for the Polish-Jewish heritage as found in the Jewish cemeteries of Poland. Consequently, I share this recognition with those with whom I collaborate and lead. It is indeed a collaborative effort.”

“Finally,” he added, “I am learning that our collaboration opens pathways for dialogue and reconciliation—a way of reconnecting and discovering new options and outcomes, which provide insight, and new ways of interacting. Receiving such recognition as a person of reconciliation indicates to me at least that I am on the right path.”

Reece explained that for his Fulbright Scholarship program he has been “traveling across Poland since mid-October to meet with and interview dedicated Poles who are preserving their communities’ Jewish heritage through Jewish cemetery restoration projects. My research explores the diplomatic model of ‘cultural stewardship.’ In this concept, the steward/caretaker takes care of what belongs to someone else.

“So, my study has in it a goal of addressing the long-standing problems arising from the Holocaust in the preservation of Jewish material and cultural heritage of Poland. Investigating such a model for connecting, mobilizing, and facilitating stakeholders involved in Polish-Jewish cemetery restoration projects can open the way to preserving PolishJewish heritage and solving fundamental problems in Jewish-Christian relations after the Holocaust. From my research, I plan to present findings at seminars and conferences, write articles, and, ultimately, write at least one book.” ì

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Jewish Singer Performs at MLK Event

By Fran M. Putney

At the 35th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration in Marietta, Jewish singer-songwriter Debra Cohen said she was hoping to make a connection with the mostly African American and Christian audience with her performance of the English version of “Rock of Ages.” The event, held on Monday, Jan. 16 at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, was a program of the NAACP of Cobb County.

Cohen sang and played the guitar against a backdrop of a large photo of Martin Luther King, Jr. on March 21, 1965, leading voting rights protesters on the famous five-day Selma to Montgomery, Ala. march and with Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel near his side. Cohen said she wanted the audience to know that a Jewish leader was among those that believed in the cause and marched in the forefront with the civil rights icon.

Cohen auditioned for the MLK program after receiving a flyer in the mail that came to her Marietta home calling

gogue, she says she was motivated by an initiative called “kulanu” (meaning “all of us”) that her synagogue is participating in to find non-traditional ways to combat antisemitism. AA is one of about a half dozen synagogues in Georgia working with the ADL to create a task force of volunteers from each congregation for the project. The idea, she explained, is to find the cohort’s strength, and in that way, they become equipped to be effective ambassadors in the local community.

“My strength is that I am a singer/ songwriter, and I used that as my chutzpah to perform at the MLK event. I knew I’d be a minority, and it was kind of scary to go into a group of people that I don’t know much about,” said Cohen.

In her introduction, speaking to the program’s theme, ‘Together We Can Be the Dream,’ Cohen explained that the song is “part of our [Jewish] heritage and that when you listen to the lyrics you discover we are suffering, and we have suffered. [In this way] I want to pursue Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of people

to present similarities that Jews have with Black Americans – affliction with slavery and persecution. I wanted them to know they’re not alone.”

Cohen estimates that several hundred adults and students were in attendance, including members of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners and other elected officials who were recognized. The program was hosted by WSB-TV reporter Fred Blankenship. After Cohen’s performance, Blankenship commented to the audience, “I love the combination of story and song because once you relate to that story, it becomes your story.”

At the luncheon afterwards, Cohen, who retired from a high school teaching career in 2015, said she enjoyed commending some of the students who participated, and she was especially pleased when a Hispanic man asked her for the song, saying it meant a lot to him.

Although she says she was a rock musician in the ‘80s in Boston, it was mainly after a trip to Israel in 1999 that she has been on a quest to find her call-

celebration event as “astounding” and thinks she is just now, at age 68, finding her musical purpose -- “to feel the words I’m singing and develop empathy and compassion for what I’m singing about and get people on board with whatever their gifts are.”

A video of Cohen’s performance can

Jewish singer-songwriter Debra Cohen performed at the 35th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration on Jan. 16.

ISRAEL PRIDE

Sourasky Medical Center Prof. Ronni Gamzu. At the construction site where an older structure once stood and the new building will be built, Adelson said, “This is where I began my residency as a physician at Ichilov.”

In January, on the one-year anniversary of Sheldon Adelson’s death, the family of the businessman and philanthropist announced a substantial donation to the Israeli health system. Prior to his death, Adelson ordered the donation of $40 million for the establishment of a cancer treatment center at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center.

Construction of Adelson Cancer Center Gets Underway

A cornerstone laying ceremony was held at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center–Ichilov Hospital for the Adelson National Center for Advanced Cancer Therapy.

Dr. Miriam Adelson took part in the moving ceremony, as did CEO of Tel Aviv

Today in Israeli History

Pinchas Lavon, who resigned as defense minister after a botched spy operation in Egypt in 1954, was exonerated at the end of 1960.

Jan. 31, 1961: Prime Minister David BenGurion resigns, triggering Knesset elections, to protest a Cabinet decision a month earlier to exonerate Pinchas Lavon for his role in a botched spy operation in Egypt in 1954.

Feb. 1, 1885: Novelist and Hebrew editor Peretz Smolenskin dies of tuberculosis at 43. He rejected assimilation and advocated Jewish immigration to Palestine after Russian pogroms in the early 1880s.

Feb. 2, 1965: The Knesset revises the Absentees’ Property Law to allow the government to take over and use property that is considered abandoned and is held in a waqf, an endowment created under Islamic law.

Feb. 3, 1919: A World Zionist Organization delegation makes the case for a Jewish homeland in Palestine to the Paris Peace Conference. The delegation accepts the proposed British Mandate but asks that it support Jewish immigration.

At 43,000 square feet and 20 stories tall, the Adelson National Center for Advanced Cancer Therapy will be constructed in two stages over a period of five years in the medical center’s southwest wing. The tower will include basement parking floors, an underground wing for proton therapy, an oncology institute, as well as floors for inpatient units, clinics, and other institutes. The introduction of proton therapy treatment to Israel is big news for children and young people in the country as up until now, patients would need to travel overseas to receive such treatment.

Feb. 4, 1921: Meeting in Salonica, the Conference of Greek Zionists declares that the education provided at the Alliance Israelite Universelle schools does not support Jewish national aspirations and calls for a new syllabus.

Israeli Researchers Develop Promising New Blood Cancer Treatment

Israeli patients suffering from multiple myeloma (a cancer of white blood cell) or amyloidosis (in which abnormal proteins build up in tissue) have improved or gone into remission with an experimental treatment of CAR-T positive cells.

The medical technology – called HBI0101, anti-BCMA CAR-T cells –was

given as part of an ongoing Phase 1b clinical trial at Hadassah-University Medical Center in Jerusalem. Some 85 percent of the myeloma patients improved, while the complete response rate of the amyloidosis patients reached 100 percent.

Multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells that normally produce antibodies, often produces no symptoms initially, but as it progresses, bone pain, anemia, kidney dysfunction and infections may occur. The cause is unknown, but risk factors include obesity, radiation exposure, family history, and certain chemicals. Complications may include amyloidosis, whose vague symptoms include fatigue, peripheral edema, weight loss, shortness of breath, palpitations and feeling faint with standing.

Hadasit, the R&D company of the Hadassah Medical Organization, and BIRAD, its counterpart at BIU, announced that they have entered into the research and license agreement with Immix BioPharma for the development and commercialization of novel tissue-specific therapeutics based on anti-BCMA CAR-T cells targeting plasma cells.

by AJT Staff

Feb. 12, 1958: The Knesset votes 96-0 for the first of a series of basic laws that fill the role of a constitution. Basic Law: The Knesset outlines election procedures and the rules and functions of the parliament.

Educator Ze’ev Yavetz started the custom of planting trees in Israel on Tu B’Shevat in 1890.

Feb. 5, 1890: Zichron Ya’akov educator Ze’ev Yavetz takes students to plant trees on Tu B’Shevat, starting a holiday tradition in the Land of Israel that the Jewish National Fund and teachers unions adopt in 1908.

Feb. 6, 1951: Israeli soldiers launch an overnight raid on Sharafat, a village of about 200 Arabs just south of Jerusalem, in retaliation for a deadly Arab raid into Israel. Nine villagers, including five children, are killed.

Feb. 7, 1999: Jordan’s King Hussein, the second Arab leader to sign a peace treaty with Israel, dies of complications from nonHodgkin’s lymphoma at 63. He became king at 18 in 1953 after the assassination of his grandfather Abdullah.

Feb. 8, 1878: Philosopher Martin Buber is born in Vienna. His grandfather teaches him Hebrew. He becomes involved with the Zionist movement while a student at the University of Leipzig and makes aliyah in 1938.

Feb. 9, 1953: The Soviet Union’s embassy in Tel Aviv is bombed, injuring three people, in an attack blamed on the Kingdom of Israel terrorist group. Despite Israeli apologies, the Soviets break off diplomatic relations.

Feb. 10, 2009: Tzipi Livni’s Kadima wins 28 seats in the election for the 18th Knesset, but Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud, with 27 seats, is the effective winner because it is better positioned to form a governing coalition.

Feb. 11, 1995: The American Jewish Committee replaces its 1950 policy statement on Israel-Diaspora relations, which emphasized the independence of the U.S. and Israeli Jewish communities, with an approach focusing on interdependence.

Feb. 13, 1931: In a letter to Chaim Weizmann, British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald disavows the threats posed by the 1930 Passfield White Paper, which calls for restricting Jewish immigration and land purchases.

Feb. 14, 1896: Theodor Herzl’s “Der Judenstaat” (“The Jewish State”) is first published in Vienna with a run of 500 copies. The pamphlet calls for Jews to organize themselves to gain a territory and eventually a state.

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

Compiled

Construction has begun on the Adelson National Center for Advanced Cancer Therapy in Tel Aviv // Photo Credit: Gideon Markowicz

Israeli researchers have developed a promising new blood cancer treatment // Photo Credit: Tilda Barliya/ Astar Shamul/Cyrille Cohen

Martin Buber is best known for his philosophy of dialogue and for his translation of the Hebrew Bible into German.

British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald reiterated his nation’s commitment to Jewish settlement in Palestine.

MyHeritage Offers Israeli Immigration Lists Free

By Jan Jaben-Eilon

Just days after genealogy company MyHeritage announced that it published a new collection that includes 1.7 million records covering Israeli immigration details from 1919 onwards, many Atlantans checked to find their own, or other family members’ Aliyah, or immigration, records. Some were not successful. However, Peggy Freedman, president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Georgia, felt she hit a goldmine.

“My great uncle, Israel Yudelson, is a vivid character in my family’s stories,” she said. “He went back and forth between Atlanta and Israel several times. He married a cousin, but the story I heard was that it was to help her escape Europe. There is a story that he smuggled guns during the Israeli War for Independence, but I have no proof.”

Noting that the MyHeritage immigration lists are searchable in English, even though the data is in Hebrew, Freedman found her Uncle Israel. “He arrived in Palestine with his wife, Leah, on Sept. 7, 1939.” Germany had invaded Poland just six days earlier. Unfortunately, her Uncle Israel --who was related to the Saul family, the Levine family, the Sugarman family and the Glass family -died of a heart attack in a New York airport. “I haven’t had time to tell my cousins what I found. I haven’t had time to follow up on this information. I haven’t checked for other family members. But it is exciting.”

Casey Fishman, director of archives at The Breman Museum, is also enthusiastic about the new records offered free by MyHeritage. “Whenever there is an opportunity for individuals to learn more about their family history, it is a wonderful resource for any community. Here at The Breman, we are committed to telling the stories of the Jewish communities (people, places, and institutions) in Georgia and Alabama.”

Fishman continued, “Our archive tells these stories through our vast collection of documents, artifacts, photographs, and oral histories. In addition to these materials, one of the most important ways that people connect to the past is through delving into their family’s genealogical history. Knowing where we come from connects us to history; it creates a thread that weaves from the past to the present. It creates a context for our daily lives – where did we come from, what were the languages, rituals, experiences of our ancestors? How can their lives inform how we live today? At The Breman, we partner with the Jewish Genealogical Society of Georgia to help people answer these ques-

tions. The JGSG offers mentoring sessions, by appointment, at the museum for those in Atlanta who wish to learn more about where their families came from.”

MyHeritage compares the Israeli immigration lists to the database created for Ellis Island documents. My Heritage spent more than a year digitizing and indexing thousands of public domain images made available by the Israel State Archives that include records of those who immigrated to Israel via ships and planes from around the world, starting in 1919.

Among the information these lists provide is not only the name of the immigrant, but the names of relatives who immigrated with them, their country of origin, the name of the ship they arrived on, date of arrival, names of parents, names of relatives who were expecting them in Israel and their city of destination in Israel.

Although the original Israeli immigration lists are

in Hebrew, knowledge of the language isn’t required to access the MyHeritage lists. And they are accessible not just for experts, but anyone looking for details by searching by names and dates. People do not have to subscribe to MyHeritage.

Attempts to reach MyHeritage directly were unsuccessful; however, the Times of Israel reported that the genealogy company’s director of public relations, Sarah Vanunu, said offering such records for free is nothing new. “We see it as part of our mission to connect people with their family history through important historical records and amazing collections, and a gift to the community.”

Freedman offers the help of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Georgia to anyone who needs help accessing the lists. For more information about the Jewish Genealogical Society of Georgia, email JewishGenealogy@jgsg.org. ì

parenting workshops

learn more: families with young children throughout the greater Atlanta community.

engages, connects, and supports

Peggy Freedman, president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Georgia, found her great uncle, Israel Yudelson, on the new Israeli immigration lists provided by MyHeritage.

Monthly Caregiver Support Groups

Jewish HomeLife’s two assisted living communities, Berman Commons in Dunwoody, and The Cohen Home in Johns Creek, have begun holding caregiver support groups each month, in person, for the first time since the pandemic began. The support groups are free to the community and open to all. Refreshments will be provided. Sessions will be facilitated by counselors from Aviv Older Adult Services of JF&CS.

The Cohen Home held its first support group for the Johns Creek/Alpharetta area on Jan. 19. Going forward, it will be held on the third Thursday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. It will be facilitated by Samantha Freeman, gerontologist, and certified dementia practitioner with JF&CS. The Cohen Home is located at 10485 Jones Bridge Road in Johns Creek, near Dolvin Elementary at Buice Road, and convenient to Chabad of North Ful-

For the first time since the pandemic began, Berman Commons will host caregiver support groups on the third Tuesday of each month, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

ton and Gesher L’Torah.

Berman Commons held its first session for the Dunwoody/Sandy Springs area on Jan. 24. Thereafter, it will be held on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., starting in February. It will be facilitated by Jessica Wilson, MSW and geriatric care manager with JF&CS. Berman Commons is located at

The Cohen Home will host caregiver support groups on the third Thursday of each month, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

2026 Womack Road in Dunwoody, adjacent to the MJCCA and walkable from Congregation Ariel.

“Caregiver burnout is real, particularly for those caring for loved ones with dementia or other age-related condition,” said Jeffrey A. Gopen, president and CEO of Jewish HomeLife. “Just being with others facing similar challenges can offer

JScreen’s 4th Annual Jewish Genetic Screening

JScreen, a national non-profit public health initiative dedicated to preventing genetic diseases, announces the fourth annual Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week, which takes place from Feb. 5-11. Initiated in 2020 with organizational partners across the nation, JGSAW serves to educate the community about the importance of screening for genetic diseases and to raise awareness about testing resources. Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week was officially recognized in the morning orders by the Georgia State Legislature, according to the Proclamation Declaring Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week. The goal for JGSAW is to continue to drive awareness

about the importance of genetic testing to encourage more people to get screened and to gain the support of donors who make JScreen possible.

Now in its 10th year, JScreen makes genetic testing simple, accessible, and affordable with its easy-to-use at-home saliva kits. JScreen’s reproductive test gives prospective parents a deep understanding of their genetic makeup and the risk of having a child with a genetic disease. If a couple’s risk is elevated, genetic counselors privately address their results by phone or video teleconference and provide options to help them plan for the health of their future children. JScreen’s cancer genetic test alerts a per-

new ideas and help reduce feelings of isolation and depression. Our excellent facilitators from JF&CS can also provide information, resources, and strategies that give participants a sense of control and perspective knowing they are not alone. Watching those we love lose their memory or ability to live independently is difficult on all levels. Taking some time to focus on your own mental and emotional well-being will help you be a better caregiver for someone else.”

Walk-ins are welcome, but RSVPs are appreciated. Participants can attend as often or as little as needed. For more information or to RSVP, please contact: Berman Commons/Dunwoody: Amanda Hamilton, ahamilton@jewishhomelife. org or call/text 678-602-5693; or The Cohen Home/Johns Creek: Jyl Batterman, jbatterman@jewishhomelife.org or call/ text 404-434-2618.

Awareness Week

son to their risk for hereditary cancer. Anyone with positive results can take action for the prevention or early detection of many common cancers. By providing convenient at-home access to cuttingedge genetic testing technology, patient education and genetic counseling services, JScreen strives to prevent devastating genetic diseases and ensure a healthy future for all.

“Our No. 1 goal is to ensure generations of healthy children and adults by preventing genetic diseases and hereditary cancer. The more people we educate and test, the closer we are to achieving our goal,” says Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid, executive director of JScreen.

Eighty percent of babies with genetic diseases are born to parents with no known history of that disease. Through

early genetic screening, potential parents can determine the risk of having a child with a genetic disease before pregnancy, giving them options for family planning and helping to ensure the health of their future children. Approximately 10 percent of cancers are hereditary, meaning they are related to genetic changes that are passed down in a family. Cancer genetic testing identifies people who are at risk so they can take action to prevent cancer or detect it at an early, treatable stage.

During JGSAW, JScreen is offering a $72-off coupon code. People can register for testing at www.jscreen.org and use code JGSAW23 at checkout to receive the discount. For more information about JScreen testing and to become a donor, please visit www.jscreen.org.

JScreen has announced its fourth annual Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week to be held from Feb. 5-11.

Federation Launches New Security Reporting Initiative

organizations, facilities, or community members.

“Our new online reporting form is one of the many ways that Federation is working to protect the Jewish community along with our partner organizations such as the ADL, The American Jewish Committee and the Jewish Community Relations Council,” said Atlanta Federation CEO Eric M. Robbins. “Together with the Secure Community Network, we urge everyone, and all of our community partners and agencies, to report anything suspicious or concerning so the appropriate action can be taken.”

CEO Michael Masters: “In a world where threats travel at the speed of social media, this effort enhances our ability to identify trends and incidents across communities and work with security professionals and law enforcement to address them. Through a coordinated best practice approach to information sharing, this initiative will help us more effectively and efficiently address threats and issues before they turn to action.”

In its continuing efforts to keep Jewish Atlanta safe, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta has partnered with more than 30 other Jewish federations, along with the Secure Community Network,

the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America, to launch an online form for the public to report threats, incidents, and suspicious activity related to Jewish

Chairman of The Jewish Agency Visits Atlanta

The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Chairman of the Executive Major General (Res.) Doron Almog recently conducted a comprehensive tour of the Atlanta Jewish community.

His three-day visit included key meetings with community leaders and local Jewish organizations and institutions in order to learn more about Jewish life in this fast growing and dynamic community.

“I was delighted to spend quality time in Atlanta and inspired by my meetings with the pillars of the local Jewish community,” Almog said. “Since I took office, my primary goal has been to bring the Jewish people together and foster a connection between those living in Israel and the rest of the world. The first step in doing this is to listen and learn. I was honored to be able to hear from this diverse and robust community both about their concerns and their pride in their religion and the state of Israel.”

Almog’s visit included meetings with Consul General of Israel in Atlanta Anat Sultan-Dadon; Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta CEO Eric Robbins; board member of The Jewish Agency for Israel – North American Council Peter Weitzner; Israeli-American Council Atlanta chair Yoav Zilber; and past board chair of the Jewish Federation

and national leader Mark Silberman. Jewish Agency board member Seth Greenberg also hosted Almog for an event with major gift donors at his home.

He also met at Emory University with Hillel Israel Fellows serving on several Georgia campuses as well as with local student leaders. The Israel Fellows discussed the challenges young Jews face on campus, including rising antisemitism. Almog later met with Jewish Agency shinshinim (gap year emissaries) serving in the Atlanta area in local synagogues and schools to build greater connections with Israel.

SCN’s team of intelligence analysts are available 24 hours per day to support local federation security initiatives using intelligence and information-sharing best practices to determine what people or facilities may be at risk, as well as what next steps to take. Credible threats are referred to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and Jewish facility leaders as needed.

Said SCN National Director and

The new form can be used to report in-person assaults or threats; suspicious persons or activity; property damage or vandalism; threatening or suspicious phone calls, text messages, or social media, suspicious packages, or letters; spam and phishing emails; antisemitic or threatening flyers; or other similar incidents of concern to the Jewish community. Reports may be made anonymously.

The form is available on the Federation’s website at https://jewishatlanta. org/what-we-do/our-initiatives/we-secure-the-community/.

Author Epstein Speaks About Her Book

Moment Editor in Chief Nadine Epstein recently spoke about her book, “RBG’s Brave & Brilliant Women,” at a parlor meeting hosted by Dr. Mimi Zieman in Atlanta. Epstein co-wrote the book with the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg in the final year of her life. Epstein also told the audience the story of how she acquired Moment, taking it from its early days as

solely a print publication to a growing force in social media with a burgeoning subscriber base at www.momentmag. com. “RBG’s Brave & Brilliant Women” can be purchased at https://momentmag.com/product/rbgs-brave-brilliantwomen-33-jewish-women-to-inspireeveryone/.

Compiled by AJT Staff

Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta CEO Eric Robbins

The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Chairman of the Executive Major General (Res.) Doron Almog (left) and Consul General of Israel in Atlanta Anat Sultan-Dadon // Photo Courtesy of The Jewish Agency

Moment Editor in Chief Nadine Epstein, Amalia Kaiman, and her father, Congregation Shearith Israel Rabbi Ari Kaiman.

2022 Pinch Hitter Program

To Christians, Christmas is one of their most sacred holidays. It is a day of worship, goodwill, and celebration. Businesses close for the day and employees spend the holiday with their loved ones. In hospitals, nursing homes, police stations, and fire stations throughout the country, however, employees must report to work. The business of caring for the sick and injured and responding to victims of unfortunate situations is a daily task, with no regard for a holiday schedule.

While the Jewish community does not celebrate Christmas, many Jews have this holiday off from work. Since 1980, the Pinch Hitter Program has been a wonderful opportunity for Jewish Atlanta to give back to the larger community. The Pinch Hitter Program is an annual community service project where volunteers from the Atlanta Jewish community “go to bat” for non-medical healthcare workers on Christmas Day. In the spirit of the season, B’nai B’rith members and the Jewish community at large replace Christian workers in hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes, allowing them to spend the day with their families. Employees from these facilities benefit from this gesture of goodwill. The program is organized by Achim/Gate City Lodge and the B’nai B’rith Center for Community Action.

On Sunday, Christmas Day, 2022, the program served eight hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes: Berman Commons, Dunwoody Place, Historic Roswell Place, Solana of East Cobb, William Breman Jewish Home, The Cohen Home, Somerby of Sandy Springs, and the Veterans Administration Medi-

cal Center. More than 150 volunteers served those eight locations.

Program organizers are grateful for the support of the continuing sponsors: Publix Super Markets Charities; Capital Investment Advisors; Siegel Insurance and Auto-Owners Insurance; Carr, Riggs and Ingram LLP; Kessler and Solomiany LLC; Coldwell Banker-Debbie Sonenshine; Loventhal Insurance Group; Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care; Toco Instant Printing; and Co-Create a Website.

While the program has gained some local publicity from local newspapers and television stations, the program has also gained some national attention. The Pinch Hitter Program was awarded the 335th Presidential Point of Light Service Award by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. Additionally, the program was featured in a December 1998 issue of Family Circle magazine.

For additional information, please contact Harry Lutz by phone at (678) 4858179 or by email at hslutz_fsa@yahoo. com.

Compiled by AJT Staff

We Would Like to Thank the Volunteers

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L’chaim!

With gratitude for our donors and partners

As we begin 2023, we want to raise a toast to you. Your dedication to the causes you care about, and your commitment to giving through a Jewish lens, made 2022 an incredible year. On behalf of our team and leadership committees, thank you for choosing to give through the Atlanta Jewish Foundation. We look forward to continuing our partnership and working with you in this new year.

To learn more about how the Atlanta Jewish Foundation can help you create a philanthropic plan, email us at foundation@jewishatlanta.org or call 404.870.1614.

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CNN’s ‘Back to the Future’ Atlanta Move

In the early 1980s, my father flew to Atlanta to meet with CNN executives about a possible collaboration between the network and magazines he published in the hospital and health care field. Nothing came of those conversations, but afterward he wrote me a letter, saying how impressed he was by the energy in the newsroom and how he could envision me working in such an environment.

been a local television reporter, also came on as a producer.

Once back in the United States, CNN hired Audrey as a writer for newscasts. Soon after, I joined the national news desk staff. We relocated to Atlanta, not imagining that we would still be here 36 years later. Like a fair number of our colleagues, we were the parents of “CNN babies,” children who were dressed from infancy in clothing displaying the CNN logo and occasionally paraded through the newsroom.

Celebrate Shabbat with Music www.cbhatlanta.org

Join CBH on Friday, February 3 at St. Bart's for our first in-person Shabbat Shirah since 2020. At this Refugee Shabbat, we will recommit to standing in solidarity with refugees and asylees around the world. You'll hear the amazing CBH Chorus and Band, The Mamalehs, Sunmoonpie, and special guest singers Anthony Russell (Tzvey Brider) and Melvin Myles (Ebenezer Baptist Church, Lapidus & Myles). You'll hear new music and old favorites. Don't miss this meaningful and musical Shabbat experience open to all!

That meeting took place at CNN’s starter home, a 92,000-square foot, red brick mansion with white columns and a fountain out front, at 1050 Techwood Drive. For several decades, that had been the address of the Progressive Club, established in 1913 by Jews of Russian descent, who felt unwelcome at the Standard Club, whose membership predominantly was of German Jewish lineage. The 21-acre property sat idle for some time before Ted Turner paid $4.2 million for it in the fall of 1979.

CNN debuted 11 months later, at 6 p.m., on June 1, 1980.

In her book, “Up All Night: Ted Turner, CNN, and the Birth of 24-Hour News,” Lisa Napoli recounted how “New hires cheekily referred to this building as the ‘news kibbutz’ and ‘Kosher Kolumns’ — and were quickly admonished by Ted’s assistant to stop.”

In the summer of 1987, CNN moved from the burgeoning Turner Broadcasting System campus to the downtown Atlanta intersection of Marietta Street and Techwood Drive. The building that became CNN Center had featured the World of Sid and Marty Krofft indoor amusement park and an ice-skating rink in the atrium.

CNN’s move coincided with our return after nearly two years in Israel.

We had enrolled in a program for post-graduate young adults in the Negev desert town of Arad. I was older than most, having worked for several years as a newspaper reporter and news assignment manager at two television stations.

Through a set of fortuitous circumstances, I left the program and was hired (technically by an Israeli subcontractor) as CNN’s Jerusalem bureau producer. A couple of months later, Audrey, who had

The enormous red CNN letters outside the main entrance in downtown Atlanta became one of the city’s iconic symbols and a magnet for protests by people of various political stripes and nationalities, all hoping that the location would bring their cause extra attention. Over the years, these included demonstrations backing Israel or in support of Palestinian Arabs.

The presence of CNN’s headquarters in Atlanta may have saved the Israeli consulate in the early 1990s. That was strongly intimated by Benjamin Netanyahu — then a Knesset member, after serving as Israel’s U.N. ambassador — as he was driven to the airport after one of his periodic visits to Atlanta, which often included meetings with CNN executives and an off-the-record editorial board session (during which a diplomat could speak less diplomatically).

At the time (and not for the last time), the consulate was rumored to be on the chopping block. During that ride, I suggested that this would be a mistake, if only because it provided Israel the opportunity for face-to-face contact with CNN executives.

That CNN’s headquarters was in Atlanta, rather than in New York or Washington, differentiated the network from the older broadcast channels and the cable competitors that rose up in the late 1990s. It enhanced Atlanta’s credibility as an international city. However, as Turner Broadcasting was subsumed by larger and larger corporate conglomerations (currently Warner Bros. Discovery), the network’s power base migrated to New York.

This year, CNN will be going “back to the future,” vacating its downtown digs and returning to 1050 Techwood, now a 30-acre campus of offices and studios that dwarfs the one-time home of the Progressive Club. CNN Center has been sold to Florida-based real estate companies, but for now, at least, the big red CNN letters remain anchored to the sidewalk out front. ì

Cohen Finds Judaism & Purpose on the Field

Charlie Cohen, head coach of the Beit Shemesh Judean Rebels of the Israel Football League, doesn’t mince words when reliving his Judaic upbringing during the 1980s in Sharon, Mass.

“I was thrown out or asked to leave Hebrew school as a kid,” recalled Cohen, who, following his bar mitzvah, admittedly had “next to zero” involvement with Judaism, which, in the predominantly Jewish suburb of Sharon, left him feeling isolated at times.

And so, as a high school upperclassman, he tried his hand at coaching youth sports, first in the town’s youth basketball league and later for the local Pop Warner football team. Indeed, it was on the gridiron sidelines that Cohen found his true calling, initially as an assistant coach, and then as a head coach for a winless Pop

Warner squad that he turned around and led to a shocking 13-12 upset over a juggernaut of a North Attleboro team.

“I found acceptance on the football field,” said Cohen.

Apparently, he also found his renewed faith in religion there as well.

Added Cohen about the football coaching experience, “It had such a pro-

found effect on me, I became more committed to being a better Jew.”

This meant, among other things, reenrolling in Hebrew school and eventually settling in Ramat Beit Shemesh, which is where he still resides as the secondyear head coach of the Judean Rebels, whose 2023 season kicked off last week.

“I could not be any more pumped,” said Cohen in anticipation of his sophomore season at the helm of the Rebels. “As a coach, and you are as old as me, you appreciate all the hurdles and things a team has to overcome during the season to get to the final team dream.”

Prior to Cohen taking over last winter, the Rebels had established themselves as one of the legacy franchises of the IFL, a league that was founded in summer 2005 and eventually sponsored by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his family, who funded the Jerusalem-situated Kraft Family Stadium that hosts many games. After joining the IFL as an expansion team in 2009, the Rebels, in merely their second season of existence, won IsraBowl IV over the Tel Aviv Sabres, while also prevailing in IsraBowl VIII and IsraBowl IX.

During the pre-COVID era, Cohen served as the team’s offensive line coach. When the games resumed last winter, there was a vacancy at the top and Cohen, a salesman by day, was invited to be the head boss.

“The greatest pleasure I had in my life before I became more observant was winning a big game with a team,” he said. “To be able to assist and contribute to that experience is priceless. This team is special to me because there is a core of men that I have been with and grown with since before Corona times. I have watched them work and improve and just grow and I love to be around that, I

love the team for that. When you see that the experience of winning with a team, and having to invest yourself to attain it, can have such a positive impact, how could someone not be invested in them?”

The IFL schedule is a condensed version of the NFL’s full-season slate of games. Eight teams grind through an eight-game schedule, with the top four finishers entering a single-elimination playoff bracket. After falling short in the semis last winter, the Rebels, behind clutch quarterback Tsvi Goldstone, the IFL’s reigning offensive player of the year, who, according to Cohen, “doesn’t look very imposing without his equipment and uniform, but he is very scary in his equipment for opposing defenses,” and a veteran coaching staff, are primed to be in the running for their fourth IsraBowl title as the new season dawns.

No matter what transpires between the hash marks, the IFL remains a work in progress, as the league is trying to bolster its endowment to $30 million to incorporate new teams and feeder programs, and Cohen’s upstart team has made a concerted effort to run youth and women’s flag football clinics and leagues as a means of igniting enthusiasm among citizens of Beit Shemish, many of whom are transported Americans who already have an affinity for football…but are also wary of the sport’s propensity for jarring and potentially life-altering collisions.

“When I think of the league, I think of American tackle football in Israel,” noted Cohen. “I think if tackle football here attracts people, teaches good fun football, and becomes successful, people want to play and watch, the league will be fine. My goal for the league would be [for it to be] good enough to be able to be ambassadors to the Jews back at home.” ì

David Ostrowsky

Beit Shemesh Rebels head coach Charlie Cohen is living his dream of calling up football plays while enjoying the fruits of Israeli culture.

The 2022 Beit Shemesh Judean Rebels -- a team that fell just short of reaching their fourth IsraBowl. This year’s edition has aspirations of not only getting to the big game, but also winning it.

Northeastern’s Levi Ponders Jump to NHL

By David Ostrowsky

It was over a decade ago, as a student at the Hebrew Foundation School in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, when Devon Levi became intrigued by computer science. His father, Laurent, was a software engineer by trade and the world of coding and artificial intelligence appeared to have boundless potential.

And, as Levi transitioned from the Hebrew Foundation School to West Island College, a secular private school with a vibrant Jewish population, he grew even more enamored with computer science, so much so that he decided to make it his major when he enrolled in Boston’s Northeastern University.

“I thought that would be a really good opportunity to work my brain a little and see if I can figure it out,” said Levi.

But by virtue of being one of the hottest goaltending prospects in North America, Levi has had to work nearly every other part of his body on the hockey rink over the past couple winters while mastering such high-tech wizardry in the classroom.

“There’s a bug in your code and you got to figure out what the problem is to make it run more efficiently—same thing [with hockey],” said Levi. “There could be little hiccups in your game, a few bugs in your game that you want to get out so that you can be more efficient, or you can play a little bit better or a little bit smarter or just have a little bit more energy.”

Throughout his sparkling career, there haven’t been many hiccups or bugs in Levi’s goaltending. Last year, as a sophomore, the Quebec native, upon guiding Northeastern to its first-ever Hockey East regular-season championship with his school-record 10 shutouts—a particularly noteworthy feat as he missed a month midseason to represent Canada in the Winter Olympics—captured the Mike Richter Award as the nation’s top goaltender and was named the national Rookie of the Year by the Hockey Coaches Association (he was sidelined his entire freshman year after suffering a rib injury in helping Team Canada earn silver at the 2021 World Junior Championship.)

This winter, Levi, whose NHL rights belong to the Buffalo Sabres after he was traded by the Florida Panthers, and the Northeastern Huskies have been hovering around .500. Northeastern head coach Jerry Keefe still refers to Levi as “the best goaltender in the country,” but even Levi can’t deny that, at least on paper, there’s been moderate slippage in his perfor-

mance when compared to last year.

“It’s been a great season—a lot of adversity,” said Levi. “You got to love it. You got to love the ups and downs.”

The first week of 2023 included both. On New Year’s Day against Harvard, Levi suffered one of his worst personal defeats as the Crimson blitzed him for eight goals in an 8-4 setback. But less than a week later against the University of Connecticut Huskies at the old-timey Fenway Park for the season’s marquee “Frozen Fenway” showdown, Levi was once again masterful, stopping 28 of 29 shot attempts as Northeastern rolled to a potentially season-altering 4-1 victory.

“Everyone always says that he [Levi] is the best goaltender in the country for a reason,” said left wing Aidan McDonough, Northeastern’s premier offensive player, after Levi’s bounce-back performance. “He just works harder than anybody that I’ve ever met. You saw some tough bounces last weekend [against Harvard]. He’s the first guy in the gym, first guy in the rink, right back at it on Monday. We weren’t surprised to see him play like that. He’s played like that for us many times. It was good to see him get some confidence going again.”

Keefe seconds that notion.

“We have all the confidence in the world in Levi,” said the Northeastern coach. “He [Levi] knows how to respond and if anything, he looked at it [performance against Harvard] like, hey, this is part of development, this is good for me to go through it.”

Playing for Northeastern University means not only playing at Fenway Park, the same ballfield that Babe Ruth and Ted Williams once graced, as Levi noted, “it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was one of the coolest games we’ve ever

played. I felt like we were part of something bigger than just that game. We made a memory that will last a lifetime”; but also, in Boston’s famed Beanpot Tournament every February and in the NCAA Tournament, which Northeastern qualified for last season. And it also means balancing a full course load while

enrolled at one of the country’s most rigorous academic institutions. And there aren’t many majors that are more timeintensive than computer science.

“It’s definitely been challenging to be a student-athlete in that program, but I think it’s made me a better time manager, better problem solver, and a better person,” noted Levi.

In the coming months, he will have to make a decision that legions of Northeastern Huskies and Buffalo Sabres fans are surely awaiting: does he return for his senior year or embark on his pro career? Naturally, like the overwhelming majority of star collegiate athletes in his situation, he’s noncommittal, content to let things play out as they will. But there’s little doubt that he will be donning an NHL uniform one day and while the computer science education has been a solid choice, there’s no machine learning or artificial intelligence project in the universe that will divert his attention from the rink.

“Playing is obviously the No. 1 goal and nothing is getting in the way of that. There’s nothing else you’d rather do.” ì

As a top prospect for the Buffalo Sabres, Northeastern University’s Devon Levi looks forward to joining the many Jewish players currently skating in the NHL // Photo Courtesy of Northeastern University

EDUCATION & CAMP

Students Visit Polish Death Camps

be a

understatement. The connections

was able to make with both the students and the staff in only a week are ones that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. We saw the most unthinkable horrors of humanity, followed by the undying Jewish spirit. Truly inspiring,” writes Amelia Navins, a student who recently returned from an organized trip to Poland with the Emory University group, Meor, Hebrew for “enlightenment.”

It’s heartening but difficult to understand why any young Jew, like Navins, would voluntarily want to spend a full week in Poland; however, one of Emory’s Jewish chaplains and director of the Jewish leadership training program, Meor, Rabbi Yaakov Fleshel, and a group of students chose Poland as the place to spend a good portion of their winter break. Rabbi Fleshel has led groups of students to Poland eight times with Meor, which plans and staffs groups on campuses throughout the United States and Europe, and four buses of American students were on this year’s trip. The bus with Emory students also carried students from the University of Pennsylvania and Boston University.

Fleshel states, “Majdanek is the saddest place, with seven gas chambers and two wooden gallows. I believe that the strongest way to teach students about antisemitism and the Holocaust is to take them to a camp.” A poignant tragedy is that Poland once was home to a large, vibrant Jewish population; until the Nazis took control, it was the country with the largest Jewish population in the world.

During the Holocaust, several small Polish towns where Jews lived were completely destroyed. The late scholar, Yaffa Eliach, wrote about the town in which she was born, Eisheshuk, in which most of the townspeople were Jewish. It no longer exists; today, it doesn’t even appear on Polish maps.

Rabbi Fleshel, a former history major who brings a storehouse of knowledge to the trip, notes that antisemitism was common among the Polish populace, but it was manifested in full force during the Second World War under Nazi occupa-

Members of the Meor tour group are pictured walking into Treblinka.

tion, when Jews were slaughtered openly or transported directly to the crematoria, with full compliance of the citizenry.

“Part of the power of this trip,” Fleshel explains, “is the fact that our students spent all their time in Poland. On this trip, the Jewish history and reality of Poland, where all the camps had the purpose of extermination, was the focus. In that way, our trips are educational.”

Along with the historical/educational aspect of the trip, students emotionally felt the reality and consequences of unchecked antisemitism, and they continued to process their experiences during the trip. One unforgettable moment on the trip took place when the group stopped at the house and well of Rabbi Fleshel’s late grandmother, a Holocaust

The Meor group visited a shul in Lancut.

victim. Each day of the trip was carefully planned, beginning with a provocative experience at one of the major Polish extermination camps, and ending with an uplifting, Jewish life-affirming experience.

Emory student Rachel Berkowitz reports, “Being in Poland with Meor was one of the most emotional experiences of my life, especially because I got to experience it with my sister. Throughout the week, we experienced the lowest of lows as we stood amidst the places where millions of our Jewish family were murdered. We also experienced the highest of the highs as we sang and rejoiced in places the Nazis never expected to exist again: synagogues and thriving Jewish communities. This trip added fuel to an already burning fire inside of me to keep the Jewish commu-

Some of the Meor tour group are pictured standing on the train tracks near Auschwitz.

nity blooming for generations to come.”

Emory student Aaron Thaler asserted, “Traveling to Poland with Meor profoundly affected my life. While I was fortunate to grow up in a community with many survivors of the Shoah, I had always wanted to delve more deeply into this dark chapter in our people’s history. With Meor, we bore witness to the darkest depths of humanity, but we also experienced the most uplifting world of Torah and inspiration from our rabbis and educators. Our Judaism is not defined by the horrors and destruction we experienced, but rather by the light we share with the world and the joy we experience from being part of our communities.”

Meor works in partnership with the Atlanta Scholars Kollel, and the trip is also

“To say that this was anything other than life-changing would

grave

I

The Meor students stand at the entrance to Auschwitz.

Chana Shapiro

heavily subsidized by a number of Jewish philanthropists and past participants, many whose lives have been impacted by a Meor Poland trip. The group always traveled with full security. Fortunately, no one has ever been physically harmed on these trips, yet all the students experienced antisemitic chants and threats as they traveled through Poland.

Launched in 2005, Meor’s unique brand of Jewish leadership training, sophisticated text-based study, and experiential education programming highlight the importance of Jewish values, identity, and participation in community. In more than 15 years, Meor has impacted more than 18,000 undergraduate students, encouraging them to connect with Judaism on their own terms and in their own time.

In 2016, Meor established post-university programming to ensure that its alumni would have a sustained Jewish framework for continued growth as young Jewish professionals.

Now, in its second decade, Meor continues to relate to young Jewish leaders who seek community and continuity.

Emory student Matthew Chupak offered a personal summation of the trip. “Going to Poland and visiting different sites from the Holocaust was a very meaningful experience. My grandmother was a Holocaust survivor, and while she

never went back to Poland, I know she would be proud of me for understanding the importance and having the courage to learn from my visits to the death camps and sites of mass murder. It was particularly emotional for me to visit a forest in Lomazy, where many Jews were murdered, because my great-uncle was murdered in a forest in Poland. Likewise, going to Birkenau was emotionally challenging because that’s where my greatgrandfather was murdered. However, it was powerful to now go there as a Jewish person being able to carry the Israeli flag on the campgrounds. To me, this speaks to the resiliency of the Jewish people.”

Meor, which began as a Jewish mentorship experiment on a single university campus in the northeast has quickly grown into a flashpoint for Jewish engagement, now operating on 20 prominent college campuses across the country and beyond.

The objective of the Poland trip is summed up by Navins, “I am heading into the new year with a strong desire to embrace my Judaism and explore it and value it every day. I’m setting another goal for myself, too: to be more real. The realness and authenticity that was shared on the trip allowed me to access emotions deep within me, enabling me to reach a deeper connection with others.” ì

Temple Sinai Preschool is a warm, welcoming, and creative Jewish environment where students learn through exploration and play!! We are excited to offer full day, plus day, and half day programs this year for children - infants to Pre-K!

TSPS Summer Camp starts in June! You can join us for all ten weeks of fun or choose weeks that fit your family’s schedule. We’ll explore the world of art, experiment with science, learn sports skills and experience the best part of summer: spending time outside splashing around with friends.

A pair of tour group members stand by a tribute in Treblinka to the Jews from Lomza who were killed in the Holocaust.

The Meor tour group.

Anxiety and Depression in Children and Teens Rising

To kick off its new, ongoing monthly wellness series, Congregation Dor Tamid in Johns Creek hosted a panel of experts to discuss identifying and treating anxiety and depression in children and teens. The event was sponsored by the synagogue’s social action committee and Sisterhood and made possible by a grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.

Held in early January and facilitated by Sheri Zager, MD, a pediatrician with Pediatric Associates of North Atlanta, the panel included Penny Forman, MD, a pediatrician with Pediatric Associates of Johns Creek, Josh Spitalnick, PhD, founder and chief executive officer of Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta, and Zachary Engler, MD, a psychiatrist who treats children, adolescents, and teens at his Sandy Springs practice. The most alarming takeaway of the evening was agreement by all the clinicians that there are simply not enough psychiatrists and psychologists to meet the demand of an increasingly stressed and depressed population of children and teens both here in Atlanta and throughout the country.

Paula Bloom, chairperson of the synagogue’s social action committee, emphasized that this topic is especially timely and relevant for a congregation that has tackled such pressing issues as feeding the hungry, helping special needs children in Gwinnett County and resettling Ukrainian and Afghani refugees in Atlanta.

“We wanted to do something that would have an immediate impact on our community in Johns Creek and the surrounding areas. We know so many children, teens and adults are suffering with anxiety and depression, and we wanted to give parents and grandparents some guidance on what to do if they believe their children may be struggling. Even if we can help one child, teen or young adult who is dealing

with anxiety and depression, we know we will have made a meaningful difference,” said Bloom.

Spitalnick acknowledged that pediatricians are the most accessible and cost-effective solution for many families since many psychologists and psychiatrists do not accept health insurance. Forman agreed and added, “In an ideal health care model, patients would be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist for initial diagnosis and treatment and then could be returned back to their primary care physician for ongoing maintenance.” Currently, Forman treats many of her patients who are experiencing anxiety and depression on an ongoing basis be-

cause many mental health professionals do not take insurance or are not accepting new patients.

Zager also treats many of her patients for depression and anxiety and added that she has had to call and plead with mental health professionals to take some of her neediest patients. Both Zager and Forman indicated that, in recent years, they frequently spend as much time diagnosing and treating their patients’ mental health as they do on their physical health.

Following the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics, all children aged 11 and older are screened for depression and anxiety at each yearly physical or check-up. The patients receive a confidential health

questionnaire for depression that asks them about losing interest in “doing things,” feeling down or hopeless, or if they have trouble concentrating, among other questions. The screening questionnaire for anxiety includes questions asking patients if they feel anxious, worry too much, or feel annoyed or irritable.

“I try to build a rapport with my patients. We use tablets for the preliminary questionnaires, and I have found that many kids are more honest responding to these questions than they are in a face-to-face conversation. It is a good starting point,” said Forman.

Parents and other caregivers should be aware of signs that may signal their child may be suffering from anxiety or

Debbie Diamond

Event organizers, Paula Bloom, chairperson of Congregation Dor Tamid’s social action committee, and Janet Mann, president of the Sisterhood at Congregation Dor Tamid.

Panel facilitator and pediatrician Dr. Sheri Zager of Pediatric Associates of North Atlanta.

depression. Tummy aches, headaches or other body aches could be physical in nature or the result of anxiety. In depression, parents will often notice a change in verbal or non-verbal expression, a child becoming quieter or not engaged with the family or peers and withdrawing from activities they have previously enjoyed. According to Engler, “Even during moments when they look happy, they may still have anxiety or depression.”

Both Engler and Spitalnick advise families to seek help when in doubt. Sometimes therapy alone is effective in treating anxiety or depression. At other times, medicine is needed as part of the therapy process. In fact, Engler advised that medication typically works best when prescribed in conjunction with ongoing therapy. In his practice, Spitalnick also pointed out that sometimes adding a medication is necessary to “get children and teens to unlock the doors that will make therapy work.”

All the panelists stressed that it is important to share family history with a physician or therapist when seeking help, although whether environment or genetics is the stronger determinant is debatable, according to the panelists. Engler stressed that not only is a family history needed, but providing a list of medications taken by the patient and any other family members for the same condition will help the physician develop an effective treatment plan.

“Frequently we find that a prescription that has worked for a sibling will be the most effective for that patient too,” he said.

The verbal and nonverbal messages shared by parents are also critical when children are experiencing anxiety or depression. All on the panel agreed that parents should consider their own experiences and

be certain to convey a sense of hope to their children. Spitalnick, in fact, mentioned a new approach called SPACE, a process in which parents learn skills and tools to help their child overcome anxiety. The treatment focuses on changes that parents can make to their own behavior. Children do not typically attend the sessions.

Regardless of the type of treatment selected, “systems-based work” that involves the family in a child’s recovery is an important part of the therapeutic process. All panelists agreed that expressing that the family is supportive makes a tremendous amount of difference for a child and teen.

“Actually stating ‘our family is open to getting help’ or ‘we’re here to help you’ can make a world of difference to a family member struggling with either challenge,” said Spitalnick. He added, “Not all children will open up, but therapists are trained to use the appropriate language and meet kids and teens where they are.”

Parents who need to find help for their children may contact the Georgia Psychological Association for local assistance in finding resources. Jewish Family & Career Services also has a number of services available and therapists on staff to assist families. With the addition of the Horwitz-Zusman Child & Family Center, JF&CS has expanded its staff, resources and the types of services offered. The Anxiety & Depression Association of America has a website at www.adaa.org that will be useful in gaining a better understanding of these conditions and a roster of clinicians, and Psychology Today online may be an option as well since it enables users to enter specific criteria for what they are seeking.

Many of the large psychology prac-

tices, such as Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta, also offer support groups that foster a sense of community and camaraderie among participants, in addition to being more affordable and easier to access quickly. There are also several new online therapy services and apps that may be useful, though all the panelists caution that some are better than others.

Another topic discussed by panelists was self-harm and the rise in the suicide rate among teenagers. Currently, suicide is the second leading cause of death among children between the ages of 15 and 19. And while cutting is not linked to suicide, it is a way that some children and teens cope with emotional pain, sadness, anger and stress.

Forman and Zager told the group that they ask all their patients to wear a gown during their physicals, so they are able to see if patients are cutting themselves. If they see evidence, they speak with their patients confidentially and treat accordingly.

Substance abuse is another form of self-harm, according to all the panelists, and they urged all adults at the discus-

sion to dispose of any prescriptions they have when finished.

“Kids are testing limits now more than ever. They are destroying their bodies,” said Spitalnick.

In the last several years, the good news is that the stigma around mental health has been lifted, due in large part to social media platforms “getting the word out,” agreed all the panelists. According to Engler, “Kids and parents are talking about their therapy. The winds are shifting, and we see it happening in schools -- among administrators, kids, and teachers.”

Spitalnick concurred and said, “Children and teens grew up surrounded by social media, and it’s the most likely way to get their attention.”

Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta is accepting new patients and offers a range of therapists with different fees. The office may be reached at www.anxietyspecialistsofatlanta.com or 678-825-2320.

The Horwitz-Zusman Child & Family Center at JF&CS may be reached at www.jfcsatl.org/services/horwitz-zusman-child-family-center-programs or 770-677-9300. ì

Dr. Josh Spitalnick, licensed clinical psychologist and practice owner of Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta.

Dr. Penny Forman, pediatrician at Pediatric Associates of Johns Creek.

Dr. Zachary Engler, a psychiatrist in private practice in Sandy Springs.

With the Jewish holidays behind us and school days off ahead, parents are finding themselves with time on their hands, the kids at home and not a lot to do.

Parents are wondering, “How do I keep my child busy and happy while also keeping my sanity?” With a little planning and some super-fun activities, you can expand your child’s creativity and constructively pass the time. You’ll also teach them new skills and bond with your kids all in the comfort and warmth of your own home. To get you started, here are some ideas to jump-start playtime:

Spot On: If you are fresh out of ideas, think about the lessons your child learns at school that hit the spot. Recently, at a local pre-school, they learned about the colorful artist Yayoi Kusama. The chil-

dren’s classroom was exploding with a rainbow-colored world of dot art everywhere. Dot stickers are readily available at your local craft stores or online and

you can transform anything at home into a piece of art, Kusama style. Have your child use the colorful dot stickers to decorate a cup, paper plate, placemat, or

even their school backpack. Kids can also stick the dots onto paper and create animals, their names, or a dot design.

From Fairylands to Forts: A child’s

Emilia Chinsky, Brooke Freedman and Jordan Keller creating Kusama art // Photo Credit: Abigail Gray and Jennifer Pearlman

Wesley Bernstein using her imagination while playing with her Nugget.

Poppy Reese spotting things around the house with her Kidamento camera.

Ali Garfinkel Guest Contributor

mind is exploding with imaginary friends and magical places. Whether climbing Mt. Everest after breakfast or jumping over the unicorn river, the latest playroom décor item includes covered foam shapes like the ones from Nugget Comfort. These foam, great-big structures are perfect for imagination play. Building tunnels or tents and mazes or bridges is only the beginning of exploration with your child. Use Facebook as a resource for Nugget Comfort groups full of enthusiasts posting different ways to build your cushions, ideas to engage your children and create endless amounts of fun. https://nuggetcomfort.com

Picture This: Children as young as three can learn how to take a photograph. Check out the child-friendly digital cameras like the one from Kidamento, a kid-cool camera company.

Make a list of things to search for and have your child take a picture of everything they find on the scavenger hunt and, instead of collecting the items in a big pile, this camera automatically prints it out or can digitally display it. This is a great way to keep the house clean and succeed in turning something ordinary into extraordinary. www.kidamento.com

Appily Ever After: Sometimes moms

are just so tired, they rely on technology to pass the time. There are great ways to utilize technology to your advantage and to calm your child while you sit down for a few minutes to recharge. These educational-based apps will teach your children matching, colors, counting, sequencing, and more. Some favorites include PBS Kids, ABC Mouse, Learning Games and 123 Toddler.

LOVEVERY Thing About This: If you shy away from technology for your little ones and prefer Montessori-style, the LOVEVERY subscription boxes include everything you could dream of, making it very easy with pre-selected developmental and age-appropriate toys. These boxes will peak your child’s curiosity and keep them engaged for hours, igniting a multi-sensory experience. There is no doubt this box will teach your child to engage with toys in a unique and meaningful way. https://lovevery.com

Making Sense: And if all else fails, here’s a last-ditch effort. Create a DIY sensory bin and throw a bunch of toys, Play Doh, sand, or other objects in a large container and have your child bury, sort, build and create. They’ll love making a mess in the box. Guaranteed fun for restless children. ì

Jake Goldberg playing on his iPad during quiet time.

Jett Wolfe doing tummy time with the LOVEVERY mirror and rattles.

Ella Cohen playing with her DIY sensory bin.

Teaching Tools for Parents of Special Needs Children

Parents of children with developmental disabilities often struggle to know how to best help their child succeed. To support parents of young children diagnosed with developmental conditions, Susan Carney, a registered nurse and clinical social worker, and Laurie Botstein, a speech-language pathologist, teamed up to start a business called In the FIRST Place that gives parents the tools to both understand and help their special needs children.

Fran Putney

The two Jewish women connected on an Israel trip in 2011 when they realized they had been previously acquainted because Botstein had been the speech pathologist for one of the young patients in the clinical practice where Carney was working. In time, they realized that they were both certified instructors of a behavioral training approach called Floortime, in which parents are taught to help their

children reach developmental milestones through play. They eventually started In the FIRST Place in 2015. FIRST stands for “Floortime Interactive Relational Social

Skills Training.”

Botstein explained that, in creating the Floortime method, Stanley Greenspan, MD, a pediatric psychiatrist, and Serena

Wieder, a researcher, looked at the skill levels of developmentally delayed children, including those on the autism spectrum, and matched them to the skill levels of nor-

Speech pathologist Laurie Botstein works with a young client during a Floortime activity.

mally developing children.

“The idea of Floortime,” said Botstein, “is for parents of children with developmental delays and autism to provide a therapeutic program on the developmental level of their child – not the chronological age of the child. What you do in Floortime is, instead of looking at how old the child is, you look at the skills that the child has achieved developmentally, and you work to get them up to being typical with their peers.”

In addition, Floortime focuses on helping children to build relationships, which Carney says is a big issue with children on the autism spectrum in particular. “They want to, but they don’t know how. It’s one of those things that most of us learn through human nature and observation, how to interact with other people. But these children need someone to come into their world and meet them where they are. [The Floortime method] helps them to relate to other people and helps them to learn to trust other people.”

Oftentimes, what a special needs child is feeling, such as sensory overload, for example, is expressed through their behaviors, like emotional meltdowns or aggression, which can seem difficult for parents or teachers to manage.

“That’s one of our big challenges,” says Carney, “is that a lot of times they’re not able to understand their child. They don’t understand why they’re doing what they’re doing. Floortime is one of those methods that helps parents really understand their child and then to know what to do in order to help the child through whatever challenges they have at that moment.” Likewise, the program teaches the child to selfsoothe, according to Botstein.

In Floortime, a parent or caregiver may participate in a play activity with their

child, and then create a disruption that forces the child to adjust to a new situation.

Sonya Khan took the Floortime workshop about five years ago with Botstein in order to better collaborate with the therapists to help her daughter, Sasha, who is on the autism spectrum and was then about six years old. Khan described how she would have afternoon tea parties with Sasha, but then change something about the activity that was unexpected. Khan says that for a child like her daughter who enjoyed living through a rigid framework, introducing these kinds of disruptions helped Sasha learn to be flexible and that change need not be scary. Part of the program is video recording the activities to receive feedback from Botstein and Carney.

Learning the Floortime method through the workshop “was immensely helpful,” said Khan. “It really gave me tools that I had confidence in [things like] here’s how to approach a challenge, here’s how to introduce something, or here’s how to set a child’s expectations for certain things. It gave me language to use, it gave me ideas and tips and tricks to use. But it also gave me an understanding of why things work a certain way since I obviously didn’t [have] the training that the therapists had. In general, it made me better parent, not just to my child on the spectrum, but to my child who is not on the spectrum.”

In the FIRST Place Floortime workshops are aimed at parents whose children are up to kindergarten age. Since COVID, Carney and Botstein have been conducting the workshops via Zoom and can ideally work with four parent couples at a time during the two-hour sessions, which are offered on the fourth Sunday of each month.

For more information, visit inthefirstplace.com or email Inthefirstplace2015@ gmail.com ì

Susan Carney is a registered nurse and clinical social worker who works with business partner Laurie Botstein to provide workshops to parents of children with autism and developmental delays.

Golsen’s Team Up as Coaches

Husband and wife, Alan and Sarah Golsen, operate Primitive Athlete, where they work with both youth and adults, in-person or virtually. They offer advice to parents on how to get the best out of sports while keeping a nurturing and positive relationship…and maybe even lead to a college program.

Sarah Golsen, who grew up in Baton Rouge, La., where she was a competitive dancer, has a bachelor’s and doctorate in psychology and certifications as both a mental strength coach and health coach. Originally from Marietta, Alan played competitive soccer and wrestled, has a degree in human environmental science, and holds certifications as an elite trainer, nutritionist, online coach, and is working on his strength and conditioning certifica-

nast.

tion. Daughter, Mia, is a competitive gym-

Son, Michael, played competitive baseball where Alan coached.

Sarah Golsen said, “As our children grew up, and our love of helping young athletes grew, we decided that with our

unique skill sets, we could offer services to kids that are typically only found once athletes reach the collegiate level.”

Sarah Golsen has a doctorate in psychology and urges young athletes to believe in themselves.

Alan Golsen has a degree in human environmental science and holds certifications as an elite trainer, nutritionist, and online coach.

Marcia

Caller Jaffe

The below talking points were relayed to the AJT:

At what age should parents start to engage kids in sports?

SG: Every kid and every family have unique situations; some kids gravitate to a sport by three, while others show no interest. Some enjoy team sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball where others are pulled towards individual sports like golf, tennis, and swimming. If a child does not have an opinion, multiple sports should be tried starting around age five.

How does a parent balance giving praise vs. judging?

SG: Positive feedback and encouragement should never be overbearing. Corrections should be left to coaches unless your child has asked for parent’s feedback. In the car, after the game, isn’t the time to give feedback. This is the time for encouragement and praise, win or lose. A couple of hours after the competition, it would be appropriate to engage if asked.

How about parents on the fields screaming at refs?

AG: As parents, we have already experienced winning and losing, and we want kids to experience more success than failure. Remember that our competitive nature needs to be kept in check and not set the wrong example to kids who need to learn vital sportsmanship.

Private vs. public schools?

SG: Most schools, either public or private, have both team and individual sports. Some may not have a traditional football program but have substituted flag football. Most have baseball, soccer, golf, and tennis. Most of this is due to the size of the student population. If the school doesn’t offer a sport you want, check club teams. Jewish schools have less choices, but that doesn’t mean it’s better or worse. Some of the bigger Jewish schools are able to field multiple varsity and JV sports teams.

Best route to college sports?

AG: Female athletes have more op-

portunities for scholarships due to Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in any federally funded educational institution. It requires an equal number of women’s and men’s sports. This has opened up more opportunities for women to receive scholarships in sports like softball, volleyball, soccer, gymnastics, golf, and rowing. Not saying it’s easier for a woman to get a scholarship but meaning there are more opportunities now. Both need talent and drive. We help them mentally and physically to achieve goals.

Home vs. traditional school?

AG & SG: Most home-schooled athletes tend to be individual athletes like gymnasts, swimmers, figure skaters, dancers, track and field athletes, and golfers. The athlete needs to be heavily involved in the decision to home school. The best time to try home schooling is when the sports and school schedules interfere with their ability to complete daily activities such as sleep, homework, and family time. Homeschooling can offer flexibility in an athlete’s daily schedule providing them more time to spend with family, and other interests miss ing with their grueling schedule.

Controlling diet?

AG: Everyone is different and what works for one kid may not work for an other. I focus on “performance nutrition,” meaning what type of sport-specific nutri tion an athlete needs pre- and post-train ing, and also pre- and post-competition. This encourages maintaining and building strength and recovering from strenuous activity. The way our bodies process differ ent foods for energy can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on what and when we eat. I work exclusively with foods the athlete enjoys. Most people fail at diets where they can’t eat what they like because it’s not sustainable.

Handling performance stress?

SG: We talk about trust in training, setting small achievable goals, and remembering why they are playing the chosen sport. Most importantly, I remind them to believe in themselves. ì

Tips on how to have a healthy competitive child

• It is OK to talk about your feelings and don’t keep stress bottled up

• Success doesn’t come without hard work and support from parents

• Try to understand the things you can’t control

• Nutrition or diet does not mean eating things you don’t like

• Take things one step at a time

• Remember why you started

• Trust in your training

• Set small achievable goals

• Ask for help if needed

• Believe in yourself

Stephanie Guiloff

Jeremy Lichtig Campus Director, Hillel UGA

2023 Camp Guide

6 Points Sports Academy

561-208-1650

Asheville, NC

Call for details, June 20 - July 16 www.6pointssports.org/summer-2023/ North America’s Premier Jewish Sports Camp in North Carolina offers intensive sports instruction in: Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading & more.

Alliance Theatre - Drama Camps 404-733-4600

Multiple Locations Ages 4 - 18, Call for details www.alliancetheatre.org/camps

Take center stage! Your young actor can spend their summer at the Tony Award-wining Alliance Theatre.

Atlanta Academy 678-461-6102

Roswell

Ages Preschool - Middle Schoolers, Jun 6 - July 1 www.atlantaacademy.com/summer-camp

Exciting program offerings for Preschool-8th grade campers, including Website Design, Art, Stop Motion Animation, Basketball skills, and more.

Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education Summer Day Programs

404-873-5811 x1316

Multiple Locations

Ages 2 and up, June 5 - July 24 www.centre.atlantaballet.com

Summer Day Programs offer a variety of dance classes for dancers at beginner and intermediate levels. Students enjoy ballet classes with opportunities to explore other dance styles including pre-pointe/pointe, jazz, tap, modern, hip hop, and musical theatre.

Atlanta’s Rock ‘N Blues Camp 404-202-6044

Atlanta Ages Middle and High School Students, June 12 - July 14 www.rockandbluescamp.com Intense week-long sessions that culminate in thrilling performances on Friday evenings. Each of six bands play a set consisting of music they have chosen and rehearsed during the week.

Atlanta Workshop Players Summer Camp 770-998-8111

Atlanta

Ages 7 - 18+, June 12 - July 29 www.atlantaworkshopplayers.com/camp

AWP is working magic to create summer programming that engages students, activates their imaginations, celebrates their unique talents, exercises their creativity, and inspires

Bear Camps at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School

404-303-2150, ext. 331 Atlanta

Ages PreK - Twelfth grade, May 30 - July 21 www.hies.org/campus-life/bear-camps

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School offers morning, afternoon, and full-day camps on a weekly basis, running May 30-July 21. Each week we have a variety of athletic, academic, STEAM, and fine arts camps that are open to the public. Camps are available for rising PK4 through twelfth grade. Before- and after-care is available every week for PK4 through eighth grade students.

B’nai Torah Summer Camp 404-257-1733 Atlanta

Ages 16 months to rising Kindergarten, June 5 - July 28 www.bnaitorah.org/camp

Splash water play daily Monday through Thursday, Shabbat experiences every Friday, inhouse themed field trip experiences, play-based, hands-on experiences, Kosher snacks and lunches included.

Camp Barney Medintz

678-812-3844 Cleveland Ages Grades 2 - 11, June 4 - July 28 www.campbarney.org

Camp Barney Medintz overnight campers experience the magic of summer camp and the joy of making lifelong friends while challenging themselves with new activities and gaining self-confidence and independence that will benefit them for a lifetime.

Camp Bee Jay - Beth Jacob 404-633-0551

Atlanta

Ages Up to 5 years old, June 13 - July 29 www.bethjacobatlanta.org/campbeejay

Join us for a summer filled with creative and out-of-the-box discoveries where every day brings a new adventure.

Camp Billi Marcus at The Sunshine School 678-812-3708

Temple Kol Emeth Ages 6 weeks-Rising Pre-K, May 30-July 28 atlantajcc.org/preschoolcamp

Summertime is a fun time at Camp Billi Marcus! With many of the benefits of our schoolyear program, including certified and fully-trained preschool teachers, we add ample outdoor activities so even our smallest campers get to experience camp like a big kid. Children enjoy weekly themes, crafts, and a variety of outdoor and water activities.

Camp Coleman 770-671-8971 Cleveland Ages 1st grade - 10th grade, June 11 - Aug 3 www.campcoleman.org

Overnight URJ Camp - Campers can experience Jewish culture and tradition while in a safe, challenging and fun environment. In a natural setting, campers are given the opportunity to explore their Judaism. Coleman provides a creative setting for Jewish living and learning, through camp programming. At Camp Coleman campers and staff can develop lifelong friendships.

Camp Flix 404-863-6778

Emory and Oglethorpe Locations Ages 7 – 17, June 11 – July 14 www.campflix.com

Camp Flix, the Southeast’s premier movie camp, introduces teens/tweens to the techniques, language and collaborative process of filmmaking.

Camp Gan Israel North Fulton 770-410-9000 Johns Creek Ages 2 – 11, June 26 – July 280 www.cginf.com

Camp Gan Israel is a summer day camp dedicated to enriching the lives of children from diverse Jewish backgrounds and affiliations through a stimulating, fun, and enriching camping experience.

Camp Gan Izzy East Cobb 770-565-4412

Marietta Ages 3 – 7th grade, June 26 – July 21 www.cgicobb.org

Camp Gan Israel is committed to providing a superb day camp experience for Jewish children. We offer outstanding athletic, sports and creative arts programs under the guidance of professional instructors who are all highly qualified in their fields.

EDUCATION & CAMP

Camp H2O - Georgia Aquarium

404-581- 4080 Atlanta

Ages 5 – 13, June and July www.georgiaaquarium.org/booking/camp-h2o

Campers will discover interesting facts about our aquatic friends and their habitats, as well as explore the wondrous ocean ecosystem. All Aquarium galleries and presentations are included.

Camp Judaea

404-634-7883

Hendersonville, NC

Ages 7 – 15 , June 12 – Aug. 3 www.campjudaea.org

Camp Judaea is a small, Jewish, Israel-centered summer camp community located in Hendersonville, NC. We offer a wide variety of fun activities in a loving family atmosphere.

Camp Kinder Ring 845-221-2771

Hopewell Junction, NY Call for details and dates. www.campkr.com/ The rich Jewish cultural heritage and values are part of our fabric. Your child’s adjustment to Camp is guided and supported. Each child feels cared for and nurtured. Learning to live and respect a larger community is an important outcome of a Kinder Ring Summer.

Camp Kingfisher

770-992-2055 Roswell Ages 4 – 9th grade, May 30 – Aug. 3 www.chattnaturecenter.org/education/camp

Camp Kingfisher’s 7 session themes determine the content of live animal encounters, science exploration activities, and educational hikes.

Camp Minimac 404-872-8668

Atlanta Ages 18 mo – 5 yrs, June 1 – July 31 www.the-temple.org/camps

In our weekly sessions, we will learn about being different types of scientists, from entomologists to engineers. We will enhance our knowledge and enjoy exploring each location through activities including special in-house field trips, art, music, experiments, games, cooking, and more!

Camp Ruach - Etz Chaim 770-977-3384 Marietta Ages 14 mo – rising 1st grade, June 5 – July 28 www.etzchaim.net/campruach

Give your child a wonderful summer experience! Your camper will enjoy daily water play, crafts, music, sports, games, in-house field trips and much, much more!

Camp Seagull Seafare - YMCA 252-249-1111 Arapahoe, NC June 11 – Aug. 11 www.seagull-seafarer.org/ At Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer, we also believe that character counts. Building character in a safe, nurturing environment is core to our camp experience. Fostering self-confidence, independence, consideration of others, respect for our fragile environment, and a spirit of inclusion and cooperation have been our goals since we opened our gates more than 70 years ago. At Camp, we help campers grow into the best version of themselves.

City Springs Theatre Company

404-477-4365 Atlanta

Ages Elementary – High Schoolers, Summer Months www.cityspringstheatre.com/education/summer/ City Springs Theatre’s summer performance programs are designed to give students the opportunity to work with professional directors, music directors and choreographers, and create an exciting performing arts experience culminating in live performances on stages! Our summer programs focus on different aspects in the performing arts and include specific age ranges to ensure students have a great experience.

CMCH Preschool Mini Camp

404-843-9582 Atlanta

Ages 18 mo – 5 yrs, May 30 – June 16 www.cmchpreschool.org/camp

Our weekly sessions will discover Hashem’s Wonderful World: Earth, Sea and Sky.

Courtnay & Rowe In-Home Music Academy 770-690-9968 Atlanta

Ages over 6 years-old www.courtnayandrowe.com Excellent Music Lessons in piano, voice, guitar, violin, drums, strings, brass and woodwinds in the comfort of your home!

EDUCATION & CAMP

Epstein Summer Adventure

404-250-5606

Atlanta

Ages 2 – rising 6th Graders, 4 weeks - Call for dates. www.epsteinatlanta.org/esa

With exciting new adventures each week, check out our camp options and register early to ensure you have a spot!

High Meadows Camp

770-993-7975

Roswell, GA

Ages rising K – 9th Graders, 3 - Three week sessions. www.highmeadowscamp.org

Since 1973, girls and boys (rising kindergarten- ninth grade) have been experiencing our rich, traditional outdoor summer day camp program with unique facilities on more than 40 acres of meadow and woodland. HMC summer day camp fun goes hand-in-hand with education, achievement, and enrichment.

High

Museum

of Art Summer Camp

404-733-4400

Atlanta

Ages rising 1st – 8th graders, June 5 – July 28 www.high.org/camp

Dive into art this summer at the High! Young artists will explore the Museum’s galleries and create original artworks. Weekly campers will learn about the Museum’s collection and special exhibitions while honing their skills in drawing, painting, and design.

Hightouch Hightech Summer Camp

770-667-9443

Call for Details Ages 5 – 11, June 5 – July 29 www.sciencemadefunatl.net/camp.cfm

Our programs turn kids into scientists as they conduct exciting hands-on experiments! High Touch High Tech provides all equipment and materials in this supply intensive educational experience.

V isit us at atl a nt a j ewi sh c a m p.o rg or scan code below to learn more and to apply.

of Greater Atlanta

Interlochen Arts Camp

231-276-7472 Interlocken, MI

Ages 3rd – 12th Grades, June 17 - Aug 5 www.interlochen.org/summer-arts-camp We offer a diverse selection of summer camp programming in seven arts disciplines: creative writing, dance, film and new media, interdisciplinary arts, music, theatre, and visual arts. Experience all the fun of summer camp — from cabin games to exploring the outdoors — while practicing, performing, and making art.

In The City Camps

404-698-1134

Atlanta

Ages rising K – 8th grade, June 12 – Aug. 4 www.inthecitycamps.org

In the City Camps is a Jewish Day camp with two locations in Atlanta that fosters lifelong friendships and connection to the Jewish community and Israel.

Intown Jewish Preschool - IJP Summer Camp

404-898-0438

Atlanta

Ages 18 mo – 6 yrs, June – August www.intownjewishpreschool.org/ijp-camp

Warm and nurturing atmosphere, filled with lots of exciting “hands-on” learning experiences. Summer activities will include enrichment activities in art, music, science, water play and special visitors.

McGinnis Woods Country Day School

770-664-7764

Alpharetta, GA Ages 4 –13, June – August www.mcginniswoods.org

McGinnis Woods’ Sunsational summer is a fun-filled camp with unique themes, in-house field trips, STEM activities, water play, and surprises. Specialty camps including cooking, blooming artists, robotics, and more are also available.

I've learned that success in childhood is a happy, confident child who feels nurtured, loved and safe enough to take risks, make friends and discover the world around them. Join the Goddard Family!

EDUCATION & CAMP

MJCCA Summer Day Camps 678-812-4000 Atlanta

Ages Pre K – 9th Grade, Call or go on website for dates. www.mjccadaycamps.org

Kids can soar and explore at more than 100 day camp options in a safe, nurturing community overflowing with warmth, fun, and Jewish values.

Morah Carol’s Place 470-659-5484

Atlanta

Ages Infant – rising 2nd grade, June 5 – July 28 www.morahcarolsplace.com

A unique new Jewish preschool that focuses on Torah, academics, and the Hebrew language, while respecting every child’s individual learning style. We boast an outdoor 3000 square foot sports play area, as well as a 2500 square foot free play area.

National Computer Camps 203-710-5771

Atlanta

Call for ages, June 18 – June 30 www.nccamp.com

The exciting high tech computer camp for kids offers much more than coding, web design, software, and video game design. NCC is where campers arrive with a dream and leave with a future.

Pace Academy Summer Programs

404-290-9130

Atlanta Ages 5 – 16 , Call for dates. www.paceacademy.org/programs/summer-programs

Pace Academy values that some of life’s greatest lessons are learned outside the classroom – register TODAY, because The Adventure Begins Here!

Play

by

Play Sports Broadcasting Camp 800-319-0884

Atlanta

Ages 10 – 18, July 17 – 21 www.playbyplaycamps.com/atlanta

Nation’s #1 Sports Broadcasting Camp for sports fanatics ages 10-18! Learn the ins and outs of sports broadcasting from top professionals in the business.

CONNECTING LEARNING TO LIFE AT EVERY LEVEL

Looking for a Jewish overnight specialty camp so your child can focus on what they really love?

Look no further!

Campers join our three URJ 6 Points Specialty Camps from all over the US, including Georgia!

Campers join our three URJ 6 Points Specialty Camps from all over the US, including Illinois!

We offer 2-, 4- or 6-week options for campers in grades 4–12. “Taste of Camp” 5-day options available for grades 2–5.

We offer 2-, 4- or 6-week options for campers in grades 4–12. “Taste of Camp” 5-day options available for grades 2–5. Learn more at 6points.org

Ramah Darom

404-531-0801

Clayton, GA

Rising K – 11th Grade, June 7 – Aug. 6 www.ramahdarom.org

Camp Ramah Darom is a place where laughter abounds, friendships are formed, everyone feels welcome and each day brings new opportunities to celebrate Jewish life.

RootOne Teen Israel Trips 646-472-5339 Israel

U.S. and Canadian Jewish High Schoolers, Summer Months www.rootone.org RootOne maximizes both the participation in - and the impact of - immersive summer Israel experiences on Jewish teens, including financial subsidies to applicable programs.

Sababa Beachaway 516-499-5349

Virginia Beach, VA

Ages 5th – 12th grade, June 27 – Aug. 6 www.sabababeachaway.org/sleepaway-camp

Our specialties are Scuba Diving, Surfing, Sailing, and Ocean Discovery. They are chosen during registration for each session, before campers arrive to Sababa Beachaway. We encourage our participants to see their specialty as a medium and metaphor to inspire a more enthusiastic, spiritual, mindful, and passionate life.

Skybound Aviation 678-691-3283 Atlanta Call for details and dates. www.skybnd.com/youth-flight-instruction Skybound Aviation’s youth instruction program is the best way to spend part of your summer and still have a vacation. You’ll get to have the brand new experience of actually flying an airplane! You will sit in the pilot’s seat, hold the controls and watch the airplane respond to your commands. You’ll gain a lot of self-confidence and a lot of great memories.

Spruill

Center for the Arts

770-394-3447

Dunwoody Ages 5 and up, Summer Months www.spruillarts.org/camps

Send your budding young artist to Spruill for an artful adventure! We offer classes in Ceramics, Drawing, Painting.

Summer at Lovett 404-262- 3032 Atlanta

Ages Lower, Middle and Upper School Students, June 5 – July 21 www.lovett.org/summer

Summer at Lovett offers a wide variety of traditional and specialty camps, learning courses, and much more to meet the interests and desires of every child. With innovative day camps, for-credit and non-credit academic courses, fine arts and athletics camps, and study skills programs, your child will leave feeling inspired, motivated, and ready for more.

The Friends School of Atlanta Summer Camps 404-373-8746

Decatur Ages 5 – 14, June and July www.friendsschoolatlanta.org/summer-camps/ The Friends School of Atlanta is pleased to once again hold its STEAM inspired summer camp program on campus for June and July of 2023. Staffed by experienced teachers, and each session will run for a week. FSA will also provide an aftercare option for those families looking to extend their day until 6:00 pm.

Temple Beth Tikvah Preschool Summer Camp

770-642-0434

Roswell

Ages 8 months – 5 years, June 5 – July 21 www.bethtikvah.com/preschool Ourdoor play, arts & crafts, water play, fun for all, weekly Shabbat celebration.

Temple Sinai Preschool 404-255-6200 Atlanta

Ages Infants – Pre-K, June 5 – Aug 2 www.templesinaipreschool.org Join us to explore the world of art, experiment with science, learn sports skills, spend time outside and splash around with friends.

The Goddard School – Hammond Drive & Roswell Road 770-350-9001 & 470-571-1700

Sandy Springs, GA Ages 3 – 9, Call for dates. www.goddardschool.com Fun, engaging activities inside and outside the classroom that your child will love, with two great Sandy Springs locations. Save $100 with FREE registration before April 30, 2022!

The Walker School - Walker Summer Programs 770-427-2689 Marietta Ages 3 – 14, June 5 – July 28 www.thewalkerschool.org/summer

Over 500 campers agree – Walker Summer Programs are the best way to spend your summer! Located just 2 miles from the Marietta Square, Walker offers a diverse selection of academic, athletic and artistic opportunities in the metro Atlanta community. Half-day and full-day options are available.

Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp for Girls

706-862-2231

Cloudland, GA Ages 8 – 17, June 4 – July 29 www.valleyviewranch.com

Horse lovers’ paradise since 1954! Overnight camp for girls ages 8 - 17. Located on 600 acres offering riding in English, Western, Barrels, Vaulting,and Trails. CHA instructors teach beginner to advanced riders. Spend up to six hours a day riding and caring for your own camp horse. The Jones family are third generation horse lovers, camp administrators and equine educators making girls’ dreams come true!

EDUCATION & CAMP

Wealthy Habits - Financial Literacy Camp 678-218-1291 Atlanta

Ages 11 – 18, May 30 – July 28 www.wealthyhabits.org/inperson-camps/atlanta-summer-camp/ Whether your child wants to be a fire fighter or a doctor, understanding money is the first and most important step to future financial freedom. Our in-person money camps have always been a huge success with both kids and parents. Fun and engaging instructors teach kids to build good money habits NOW. Learning everything from budgeting to credit to investing in a way that makes kids want to learn the lessonsthat last a lifetime. Make sure your child has the MONEY TOOLS that will create a more secure future.

Woodward Academy Camps 404-765-4401

College Park and Johns Creek Ages 5 – 17, May 30 – July 28 www.woodward.edu/camps Woodward Academy Summer Camps offer enrichment, athletic, academic, and activity camps that are open to the public and accessible through our exceptional bus system.

YMCA Camp Thunderbird

704-716-4100 Lake Wylie, SC Ages 13 – 15, June 4 – Aug. 12 www.campthunderbird.org YMCA Camp Thunderbird has been offering thrills and lasting memories for the past 86 years. The camp is situated on two miles of Lake Wylie shoreline, just a half-hour outside of Charlotte. Known as the “ultimate water playground,” the camp balances fun with honing skills like independence, self-discipline, and empathy. It accomplishes that partly through the wide spectrum of activities there, many taking advantage of the pristine lake just steps away.

Young Chefs Academy 254-751-1040

Cumming/ Marietta/ Sandy Springs Call for details and dates. www.youngchefsacademy.com/ Our class curriculum immerses young chefs in a world of culinary creativity and discovery. Planned around a unique monthly theme, each class is a new experience incorporating skills that build over time for the student to master complex food preparation and presentation.

Zoo Atlanta - Summer Safari Camp

404-624-5822 Atlanta

Ages 5 – 14, May 30 – August 4 www.zooatlanta.org/camp

Each week of Summer Safari Camp, campers embark on a different Zoo expedition, exploring wildlife and wild places.

The 23rd Annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

By Kenny Blank

Storytelling is our most transformative vehicle for conveying the shared human experience. Good stories investigate life’s intricacies. Great stories unite us through empathy. At a time when we all need a great story, the 23rd Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is proud to showcase 60

world-class films. By curating and contextualizing these dynamic stories, AJFF seeks to entertain, educate, and inspire our wonderfully diverse city.

Karaoke, a delightful comedy helmed by emerging filmmaker Moshe Rosenthal and nominated for 14 Israeli Academy Awards, sets the festival tone as our Opening Night selection. Funny, heartfelt, and sharp, this cautionary tale of midlife ennui and self-discovery captures the poignant nuances of human nature, and the transcendent need to fulfill one’s aspirations.

Killing Me Softly With His Songs bookends the 2023 lineup with its tuneful tribute to songwriter-composer Charles Fox, joined on Closing Night by director Danny Gold. Featuring exuberant performances and an array of entertainers—Rita Wilson, Jason Alexander and Henry Winkler to rapper-actor Common and rock band Barenaked Ladies, and more—this utterly engaging profile of a wildly talented yet humble artist showcases music’s unique ability to transcend languages, borders and genres…hitting a universal note.

Narrative highlights include courtroom saga The Accusation,

the morality fable Farewell, Mr. Haffmann, Polish protest romance-drama March ’68, Yiddish-language arthouse masterwork SHTTL, Israel’s Oscar submission Cinema Sabaya, and character-dramas Where Life Begins, Barren, and America

Unmissable documentaries include 1341 Frames of Love and War, Prophets of Change, and Reckonings, along with taut depictions of terrorism in Closed Circuit and Savoy.

Young Professionals Night, presented by AJC ACCESS, will bring Atlanta’s next generation of leaders to the Woodruff Arts Center for a reception and screening of French-Israeli comedy, Paris Boutique. Directed by Marco Carmel, this comedy of errors received six Israeli Academy Award nominations including a Best Actress nod to Nelly Tagar (Zero Motivation), one of Israel’s funniest talents.

Cinephiles, rejoice! A magnificent restoration of The Hourglass Sanatorium awaits. Other film-loving fare includes silent-era gem Broken Barriers, fully restored and complete with a live organ accompaniment by composer Donald Sosin. Movie lovers will also enjoy zany classic The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob and the 45th anniversary of Girlfriends, with pioneering filmmaker Claudia Weill in attendance.

Roughly half of the festival lineup will also be available to access from home in the Virtual Cinema. Thanks to a generous grant from the Jewish Abilities Alliance, all streaming titles are available to view with optional closed captioning.

Born from the pandemic and back by popular demand, our In Conversation series will focus on some of the festival’s must-see titles. With both virtual and in-person options, these interactive dialogues will focus on a wide range of themes, each facilitated and informed by expert voices from our community.

"To AJFF newcomers, and everyone, we invite you to join our story. AJFF is for all of Atlanta, regardless of faith, politics, or identity. Together, we look forward to indulging in curiosity, engaging in conversation, and experiencing a vibrant culture, one story at a time."

Sponsored

Karaoke

By Jason Evans

Imagine if Tom Hanks, Jane Fonda, and Leonardo Dicaprio were making a movie together. That’s essentially what you have in Karaoke as it stars three of the biggest names in Israeli cinema in Sasson Gabay, Rita Shukrun, and Lior Ashkenazi. Between the three of them they have 16 nominations and eight wins at the Israeli version of the Oscars. Several of those wins come from this film as Karaoke was nominated for nine Israeli Academy Awards and took home two wins for Gabay and Shukrun as Best Actor and Actress.

Karaoke won the hearts of audiences across Israel because so many people see themselves in the two main characters, aging couple Meir and Tova. They still love each other, but much of the spark is gone from their marriage. However, things change when a mysterious man named Itzik moves into the penthouse of their building. He has wild friends and throws loud parties (including a long line of people waiting to use Itzik’s stellar karaoke machine). The residents of this quiet apartment building don’t know what to make of him. When a chance encounter leads Itzik to invite Meir and Tova to his place for drinks, the couple finds emotions awakening in them that they have not felt in years.

Karaoke is funny, passionate, and honest. The story is a mix of relationships, jealousy, social-climbing, and renewal of spirit. But the secret sauce here is the stellar cast. They take characters who could seem like caricatures and turn them into people we care about and relate to.

But perhaps the most remarkable thing about all this is that the film comes from a director making his first feature-length film. Moshe Rosenthal has done some short films and TV episodes, but nothing like directing three established Israeli superstars. He also wrote the screenplay for Karaoke and is now seen as one of the major rising stars of the Israeli film industry. The AJFF is thrilled to announce that Moshe Rosenthal will be in attendance at our screening of his award-winning film, Karaoke, so you can hear from him about how this splendid piece of cinema came together.

Barren

By Judy Bozarth

This profoundly emotive, deep-dive study of a couple navigating possible infertility issues, a Jerusalem Film Festival Best Israeli Film nominee, is a heart-wrenching examination of morality and social values among the ultra-Orthodox in Israel. Faigi, lovely, delicate and meek, and Naftali, both in their early twenties, live with his parents in Tzfat, known for its predominant Haredi community. The parents became religious later in life, after years in the secular world. Their transformation seems to have hardened their expectations of their son and his wife, the latter of which fiercely desires not to be under the yoke of her commanding, tough-as-nails mother-in-law.

In Faigi’s world, her status as a woman without a child after four years of marriage, is deemed problematic by everyone. With her parents living in America, she’s lonely and isolated, except for when she works in a Judaica shop, interacting warmly with the shop’s owner, and speaking excellent English with tourists.

That they must wait for their own home until they have a baby, as Naftali tells Feigi, is a dream that to date is sadly and vexingly out of reach. The attendant at the mikvah Faigi visits monthly urges her to seek medical treatment, advice she rebuffs. Likewise, preferring to put faith in prayer, Naftali deals with their problem by traveling to Uman, Ukraine for Rosh Hashana, to pray at Rabbi Nachman’s tomb.

During Naftali’s absence, his father invites a guest, Rabbi Eliyahu, for the holiday. The rabbi’s vague answers about his origins and claims of healing powers that he says can help the infertile couple, presage a dark turn. He speaks compellingly to the troubled young wife, conditioned to obey powerful men and to believe in spiritual healing over modern medicine.

Predators can easily exploit the faith and passivity of women like Faigi, and a calamity both familiar and unique plays out in the rest of the film. Who is the biggest criminal here: the elusive rabbi? the hardened mother-in-law? the namby-pamby father-in-law? Faigi’s immature husband Naftali? Or is it “Jewish law above all” as decreed by a tribunal of rabbis that debates the turn of events? Doctrines of faith, social norms, and mutual trust or the lack thereof are among the thorny issues raised by this superbly crafted, utterly sensitive, and wholly engrossing film.

Remember This

By Bob Bahr

Remember This is a remarkable film with only one actor, a virtuoso solo performance by David Strathairn as the Polish patriot and Holocaust witness, Jan Karski.

With only the aid of a small wooden table and two wooden chairs, Strathairn recreates the world and life of Jan Karski, a member of the Polish resistance during World War II. Karski, who was a junior diplomat prior to the war, was enlisted by the Jewish underground to personally convey the horrors of the Warsaw ghetto and the death camps to world leaders.

In a minimalist style and only a few basic props Strathairn’s mesmerizing role recreates Karski’s tortured journey from the killing fields of Poland to the highest seats of powers. But his urgent calls to save the Jews of Europe are downplayed by the British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden and President Franklin Roosevelt. Even the eminent Jewish Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter remains unmoved by his emotional pleas for help.

Although Karski failed in his effort to impress those who led the fight against Nazi Germany during World War II, he left a powerful legacy. This film is a recreation of a stage play by Clark Young and Derek Goldman that was first performed in 2019 at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. where Karski earned a PhD and taught for 40 years.

Despite having his initial pleas in England and America fall on deaf ears, Karski’s 1944 book, “Story of A Secret State,” sold 400,000 copies and was a Book of the Month Club selection. Based on his success he lectured extensively about the Holocaust in the United States and Canada and helped to form a public understanding of the Nazi atrocities of the war years. In 1982, he was proclaimed a Righteous Gentile Among The Nations and his was posthumously awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama in 2012.

Girlfriends (45th Anniversary)

By Brooke Sonenreich

It is hard to believe that Girlfriends has reached its 45th year anniversary, because the content remains relatable to today's modern friendships and relationships. Claudia Weill’s classic is simply timeless. The story follows Suzie Weinblatt, a listless Upper West Sider who struggles to make it as a photographer in The Big Apple while also grieving her best friend’s engagement and eventual marriage.

Suzie goes about her day-to-day shooting bar mitzvahs and weddings to make ends meet; however, her dream is to create art - the type that makes an impact on the audience. It’s a film about loneliness and frustration with everyday happenings, when her former roommate and best friend, Anita Skinner, moves out to start a family with her new husband.

Shot in 16mm and restored by the National Film Registry, this authentic take on a friendship between two women will have you reassessing what you do with your blues. And if you went to college in the late ' 60s, it might even inspire you to paint your living room red, take out your old Minolta camera from your late teenage days, and maybe even book a flight to New York City to indulge in a few photography exhibits.

The Way to Happiness

By Judy Bozarth

A Viennese Holocaust survivor becomes a boisterous restaurateur in Brussels, feeding his devoted diners Jewish delicacies while nourishing his outsized love of cinema, to cover and thwart his past emotional trauma, in this enchantingly inventive tale. Saül Birnbaum runs a lively delicatessen adorned with film posters and movie paraphernalia, staffed by waitresses on roller skates. He spontaneously spouts dialogue, usually in English, from his favorite films, or croons with gusto a nearly accent-free version of Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” But having barely escaped the Shoah by Kindertransport to Belgium in the early forties, he is haunted by memories of separating from his parents and his ever-present yearning as a youngster to reunite with them.

Endeavoring to confront and overcome his profound sadness, Saül works with his protégé Joakin, a young Chilean director, to write a screenplay of his childhood story replete with specific recollections, for instance, a teacher ostracizing and rejecting him for being Jewish in a mostly gentile school. With his large and affable personality, he persuades a film critic to polish the rough script into a truly professional piece the filming of which is woven through the narrative. And his vigorous charisma also wins him attention from the ladies and affection from his delightful cast of employees.

Despite Saül’s joviality and sprightly generosity as he awards food and drinks to winners of his impulsive movie trivia contests, we get a keen sense of the inner anguish he endures. Alternating present-day 1987, set mostly in his café, with flashbacks of being with his parents as the Nazi menace loomed, and his life with a foster couple who lovingly nurtured him into his teen years, we feel as he does: the past is always with us…flirtatious and spirited is just a façade.

Suddenly Hannah, a comely blonde with a winning, vulnerable smile, enters the scene amid spirited goings-on. When she answers a trivia question with a Godard quote, “Cinema is truth 24 times a second,” Saül is smitten, falling hard for the nearby cinematheque’s mysterious projectionist with enigmas of her own. The spot-on casting, particularly of Simon Abkarian (Gett, 2015 AJFF) as Saül, the inventive script (and script-within-a-script), a plethora of colorful characters, and the poignant, heated chemistry between Saül and Hannah, will more than warm your soul and delight all your senses.

Israel Swings for Gold

By Bob Bahr

Israel Swings for Gold is, ostensibly, about the unlikely success of Israel’s national baseball team in the 2020 Olympics. On its surface, this documentary about how a country that was ranked 24th in the world fielded one of only six teams chosen to participate in the competition for a gold medal in baseball during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. But just beneath the surface, this inspiring production has much to say about national pride, Jewish identity and the power of sport to transform our lives.

Much of the film is taken from video recordings made in the athletes' Olympic Village at key moments during the competition. Security was extremely tight in the compound and outside documentary crews were banned from where the team was housed. To make up for the limited access, the producers of the film gave each member of the team a small Canon home video camera to record their reactions to what they were experiencing.

Watching the film gives an intimate glimpse into both the jubilant thrill of victory and the agonizing emotions of defeat. The sense of imminent drama is never far from the players' thoughts, from moment to moment as they compete for both Olympic glory and a place in the firmament of Jewish sporting history.

The film is also a look back at how far Israel has come since the 1972 massacre of 11 Israeli athletes who were taken hostage at the Olympics in Munich. All of them later died in a bungled German attempt to rescue them. In the 2020 Games, for the first time since those tragic events, the International Olympic Committee, after 50 years of prodding agreed to a moment of silence during the Opening Ceremonies. Also, for the first time since the Munich tragedy, the Israeli flag was used by the 2020 team to mark their Olympic Village living quarters.

As Rabbi Jonathan Sachs, the late Chief Rabbi of Britain reminds us in this film, “no Jew, who is a true Jew, can ever give up hope.”

Everything Went Fine

By Jason Evans

Aging, death, and the decisions we make surrounding those two issues are never easy topics to bring to the big screen. We don’t like to think about our mortality or the loss of those we love. Many films that tread this ground end up overly maudlin or just depressing. But when you find one that does it right, it is a treasure.

And that is exactly what Everything Went Fine is. A touching story with just the right doses of humor to make us smile amid the tears. It deals with the issue of euthanasia, as a stroke turns 80-something Andre from a vibrant, clever, and selfish man into a shell of his former self. Crippled and partially paralyzed, Andre asks his daughter, Manue, to help him do the unthinkable and end his life. Considering Manue used to fantasize about getting back at her cruel father, this might seem like just what she wanted, but the job proves to be more difficult and emotionally trying than she imagined. And as she begins to plan for the final event, complications arise in the form of family members and loved ones who desperately want Andre to keep on living.

If you like star power, this film has it. Everything Went Fine features a remarkable performance by Sophie Marceau as Manue. She is a César Award winning actress (France’s Oscar) who you will likely recognize from Hollywood blockbusters like Braveheart and when she played James Bond’s love interest in The World Is Not Enough. She is part of a stellar cast that does a remarkable job of capturing the humanity and grace of the difficult decisions happening on screen.

The picture is written and directed by François Ozon, considered one of the finest directors in France. He has been nominated for the César Award a stunning 19 times for writing, directing, and producing… but has never won.

I was surprised that Everything Went Fine did not engage in a lot of the usual hand-wringing and moral debate surrounding euthanasia. Instead, it lays things out in a fairly simple fashion and trusts the audience to understand the decisions these characters face. It is a rewarding film and one sure to inspire thoughtful conversation once it is over.

Paris Boutique

By Brooke Sonenreich

AJFF and AJC ACCESS are proudly showcasing Paris Boutique for Young Professionals Night — a film about a Parisian and Israeli women’s new friendship through Jerusalem’s Old City.

While taking a hiatus from her wedding planning to secure a real estate deal in Israel, Louise, a Parisian-Jewish woman, visits Israel. During her journey, she crashes with Neta, a savvy young Israeli divorcée. While touring Jerusalem, Louise accidentally unveils a mystery within The Western Wall. With a need for speed and impulse, Neta persuades Louise to delve deeper into a possibly romantic secret within the city.

The historic geography lends itself well to the pair’s investigation, which unravels as the women become thicker than thieves. Along the way, Louise and Neta find new love in the old city, nearly compromise the real estate initiative, and – most of all – learn how to bond cross culturally.

In this romantic comedy, the women’s snippy dialogue and quick jokes are sure to evoke laughter and conversation, as the unexpected connection between two women result in a warm and lasting fondness.

March ‘68

By Matthew Bernstein

March ’68 is a riveting historical drama, rich in period recreation, compelling characters and political crises. Folks may be aware of the major French student protests of May 1968, but fewer know about March 1968 in Poland, when in response to student protests at the University of Warsaw, the Communist regime called out various militias for violent suppression and deployed anti-Semitic rhetoric in the wake of Israel’s victory in the Six Day War. These events unfold through the eyes of the initially apolitical Jewish theater student Hania (a luminous Vanessa Aleksander) and Christian engineering student Janek (Ignacy Liss, who holds a striking resemblance to American actor Miles Teller). Director and co-writer Krzysztof Lang masterfully portrays their all-consuming passion and the exuberance of Polish Youth (especially in dance parties to western rock ‘n’ roll) against the drabness of Iron Curtain life and great insight into the workings of the corrupt Polish government. This is a film that will stay with you long after the lights come up.

Farewell, Mr. Haffmann

By Jason Evans

I have been a member of the AJFF’s Film Evaluation Committee for about a decade, watching hundreds of movies every year in an effort to help pick the ones that will make it into the festival. I can tell you right now that Farewell Mr. Haffmann is among the most compelling Holocaust dramas I have seen in that time.

The Nazis are marching to Paris and jeweler Joseph Haffmann (Daniel Auteuil, one of the most decorated actors in French cinema) sends his family away to safety. His plan is to follow them but first he must hand his jewelry shop over to his apprentice, Francois. The plan is for Francois to operate the shop while Haffmann is away and then return it to its rightful owner when the war is over. Francois and his wife, Blanche, will live in the apartment above the store, occupying the space that the Haffmann family once called home. But, the plans fall apart when the Nazis arrive faster than expected and suddenly Haffmann is stuck. Francois agrees to hide Haffmann in the basement, despite Blanche’s warning that they are putting all their lives in danger. The arrangement becomes particularly dangerous when a local Nazi commander takes a liking to Haffmann’s craftsmanship and frequently stops in to purchase jewelry for his various girlfriends. As weeks and months pass, the strain of their reversed roles begins to weigh on the relationship between master jeweler and apprentice. How long will Francois keep his word and continue to protect Mr. Haffmann?

Though the surprising twists and turns of this story are what keep you glued to the screen, what makes this film special is the way the characters shift and develop over time. Haffmann, Francois, and Blanche are asked to make tremendous sacrifices to keep each other safe and the three lead actors inject emotion and humanity into the characters that make their every move seem honest and believable. At various moments I found myself sympathizing with each of them. It would have been easy for this shifting story to go off the rails and feel absurd if not handled with the delicate craft on display here. It is the kind of film you will be eager to talk about when the lights come up and all has been revealed.

The Accusation

By Judy Bozarth

A privileged young man from a French corps d’elite family is accused of rape in this riveting and verbally explicit drama exploring the role of class and power in a sexual abuse context. Alexandre, Alex to family and friends, studies in the States at Stanford, and returns home to visit his estranged family.

His mother Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) is a renowned, outspoken feminist and essayist, living with Adam Wizman, a secular Jew with a 16-yearold daughter, Mila. Early on we witness Claire’s outrage over some men’s deplorable behavior when, in a TV interview, she condemns a migrant who committed sexual assault, emphatically asserting that all sexual assailants must pay heavily for their crimes, a position that will come to haunt her.

Alex’s dad Jean (Pierre Arditi), a bulky, aging playboy with an enormously inflated ego, is a renowned journalist who displays his pompous condescension readily, almost gleefully. Neither Claire nor Jean meets Alex when he arrives in Paris; rather it’s Claire’s housekeeper who welcomes Alex with a favorite dish she has lovingly prepared, warmly appreciated by Alex but duly noted as a poor surrogate for his parents’ presence.

Apples don’t fall far from the tree, the saying goes: we learn that Alex, 19, has had a very carnal fling with a somewhat older woman who now wants him to delete all their electronic correspondence so she can move on to a new, more age-appropriate relationship, an entreaty Alex actively contests. When his mom Claire and partner Adam are finally home, Alex meets Adam’s daughter Mila whose Orthodox mom observes a strict lifestyle.

Alex is urged to take Mila to a party he’s attending, a raucous event with drugs, heavy alcohol consumption, and sexual challenges, ostensibly way out of Mila’s sheltered existence. The morning after, the police arrive charging that Mila has accused Alex of raping her the night before. The ensuing trial becomes a media frenzy, repugnant to all, but especially to Claire and Jean who fear for their own A-list reputations, and for the dire, catastrophic impact a bad outcome could have for their “model” son. Alex’s past lovers and parents are among the witnesses in the intense, edge-of-your-seat, sexually descriptive courtroom proceedings that will keep you hooked and pondering truth and personal accountability until the final moments.

Even with the price of two admissions to the AJFF, this masterwork by Britain’s most famous living playwright is a bargain.

Tantura

By Brooke Sonenreich

Israelis call it “The War of Independence,” and Palestinians call it “Nakba,” or in English: catastrophe. Tantura. Director Alon Schwarz, investigates the taboo counter-story about the 1948 war and the interviews that percolated to the surface after the happenings.

The film is intercut with recordings led by historian, Teddy Katz, who was subsequently discredited by Israeli press and government after producing a Master’s thesis in the 1990s. Witnesses on both sides recall the alleged massacre in Tantura by an Israeli army brigade.

As Schwarz revisits the recordings, and the soldiers that were involved in Tantura’s Palestinian evacuation, he raises the question: why do nations struggle to reconcile sins of the past? The documentary won DocAviv Film Festival Research Award, Israeli Academy Award Best Documentary, and was a Sundance Grand Jury Prize nominee. An undeniably riveting piece of history on film; a must-see documentary in the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival lineup, and a nominee for the festival’s Jury Prize Competition.

America

By Dr. Matthew Bernstein

This Israeli romantic melodrama, Ofir Raul Grazier’s follow up to his Ophir-winning The Cakemaker (AJFF 2018), is absolutely compelling viewing. Michael Moshonov, who played so convincingly the autistic son in Here We Are (AJFF 2021), here stars as a taciturn Israeli swim coach who has fled to Chicago to escape a miserable past. After his father’s death, his reunion in Haifa with his best friend Yotam and his Ethiopian-Israeli fiancé Iris (Ofri Biterman and Oshrat Ingedashet, both excellent) leads to unfortunate events and emotional complications. These are portrayed with remarkable insight, compassion and restraint thanks to the script and performances. (Rarely has deep breathing been so essential to the flourishing—or even emotional health--of a film’s characters.) Grazier’s script is notable for its expert ability to deliver important pieces of backstory in a gradual manner, and cinematographer Omri Aloni’s stunning cinematography takes its cue from the bright hues of Iris’s flower shop. There is a very good reason why this deeply affecting film earned a nomination for Best Israeli Film at this year’s Jerusalem Film Festival.

Leopoldstadt

By Bob Bahr

Leopoldstadt is British playwright Sir Tom Stoppard’s absorbing drama of the rise and fall of a prominent, assimilated Viennese Jewish family beginning just before the turn of the 20th century.

The production is a taped recording by Britain’s National Theater before a life audience in London’s West End. It follows the shifting fates of the extended family of Austrian industrialist Herman Merz and his Catholic wife, Gretl in four pivotal scenes beginning just before Christmas in 1899 and ending ten years after the World War II in 1955.

The setting is the richly furnished drawing room of the luxury apartment in Leopoldstadt, the fashionable neighborhood in central Vienna where the family meets to confront the changing tides of history. Central to that is how each sees their identity as a Jew and how their Jewish heritage is shaped successively by the events of World War I, the rise in the1920s of right-wing anti-Semitic nationalism in Austria and Germany, and ultimately the destruction of the Holocaust and its aftermath.

Stoppard has crammed the early scenes of the film with snatches of wit, philosophy, and sophisticated asides that some may find hard to keep up with at times, particularly if you find it difficult to follow the sharp British accents of the cast members. But in Leopoldstadt, the play is ultimately the thing and in the hands of director Patrick Marber the flow of the drama and its absorbing characters soon make you forgot that this is more than just two hours of dramatic dialogue. To catch all the nuances of this work you may want to buy an extra ticket.

Stoppard has hinted that the play may be his last work. At 85, Stoppard, who was born Jewish as Tomas Straussler in Czechslovakia in 1937, has put much of himself in this work. All four of his grandparents died in the Holocaust.

June Zero

By Brooke Sonenreich

In an incredible look into Adolf Eichmann’s final days, June Zero’s writer and director Jake Paltrow creates a period drama that explores the impact of the Nazi war criminal’s 1962 execution.

The film is told from a bricolage of perspectives: a quick-witted Libyan immigrant child, a disheartened Moroccan prison guard, and a Polish Holocaust survivor who is rightfully tortured by the past. June Zero faces the Holocaust in a commendable and fascinating new way, reflecting on the identity of the Jewish homeland and capturing it all on 16mm film.

The film, shot in Israel and Ukraine, delves into how people live through the present, even though the ever-present catastrophes of the past loom over every moment. Its warm saturation and the choice of analog make it artful and cinematic in its very form. A nominee for Atlanta Jewish Film Festival’s Jury Prize Competition and one that should not be missed.

Children of Nobody

By Dr. Matthew Bernstein

Like last year’s The Specials, a French film about a Parisian shelter for autistic children, this realistic Israeli drama is a compelling account of a volunteer-run shelter for boys and adolescents who, for whatever reason (abuse, crime, neglect), have no home. Director Erez Tadmor and star Roy Assaf based this film on an actual shelter in a prestigious Tel Aviv neighborhood which faced closure at the hands of a high-powered real estate firm and government inspections during a time of transition. The script balances the stories of the various boys and the cast movingly portray their struggles to integrate into society and preserve their only home. Assaf plays Jackie, a graduate of the shelter who is clearly unequipped to deal with the challenges the home faces; Ornella Bess as the critical but sympathetic social worker who inspects the house—each member of the cast renders their role with nuance, sensitivity and definitely without glamour. The Leonard Cohen-like songs by Omer Hershman and sung by Shuli Rand are another stand-out feature. The result is an uplifting film of utter authenticity well worth your attention, as well as the nominations for Best Film and Best Supporting Actress at the Haifa International Film Festival.

Shorts Programs 1 & 2

By Jason Evans

The AJFF’s short film showcases are one of the most criminally overlooked aspects of this festival. Every year, the AJFF Film Evaluation committee (of which I have been a member for many years and was co-chair for five seasons) gets hundreds of shorts submitted for consideration, and yet only about a dozen are selected to be included in the festival. Think about how good a short has to be to make it onto our screens.

Short films are the lifeblood of the film industry… a place for new actors, writers, and directors to cut their teeth and get noticed. You would be hard pressed to find a great director today who did not get their start making shorts.

What’s more, many award-winning films got their start as shorts. Boogie Nights, Whiplash, Napoleon Dynamite, and Shiva Baby – a very popular film from a few years ago at the AJFF --- were all originally shorts that were so successful their creators were able to make full-length features out of them.

This year, our shorts come in so many shapes and sizes, I’m not sure which ones to highlight for you…

There’s The Peacock That Passed Over, a breezy four minute documentary that was so delightful and cute that I watched it three times, laughing harder each time. The next time I am in England, I want to visit the synagogue in this film to see the peacock for myself!

At the other end of the spectrum is The Caretaker, our longest short at 18 minutes. It is an astonishing true tale of a museum employee who risks everything to save Jewish works of art during the Holocaust. I was utterly captivated by this film, marveling at how swiftly I

expanded into a full-length film and I would not have batted an eye at sitting there for another

sounds wash over you. This award-winning film is a prime example of the art of filmmaking. Pay special attention to the way the

The beautifully animated, The Record, is a stirring meditation on memory and music. It will make you ask

the shifts from black-and-white to color are both part of telling the story and generating an emotional response from the viewer.

And I think Anne is perhaps the most compelling film in the mix this year. A simple setup – two actresses each hoping to win the role of Anne Frank at an audition –is transformed into a story of prejudice and preconceived notions; race and reality. I had a tough time picking sides while watching it. The film raises important questions and provides no easy answers. There’s no question this is a short the audience will be talking about after it is over.

I could go on and on about the rest of the films selected to be a part of our shorts programs. Each brings something special to the table. And if you happen to disagree with me and think one of these shorts is “just ok” rather than being excellent… well, that’s the best thing about watching a shorts film showcase… a new film will be coming along in only a couple of minutes.

23 Years of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

By Mark Putnam, Jr.

Since 2000, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival continues to engage and entertain our city’s diverse communities through curiosity, conversation, and culture. One of Atlanta’s premiere philanthropic arts organizations, AJFF delivers world-class international and independent cinema, using film as a vehicle to promote empathy, meaningful dialogue, and universal, cross-cultural understanding.

AJFF champions an inclusive exploration of the Jewish experience, its complex history, and its intersection with people of all faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Through the power of storytelling, AJFF assembles a wide range of community leaders, advocates, filmmakers, and educators to contextualize an ever-expanding range of topics, uniting over 38,000 active festivalgoers annually with both in-theater and streaming content offerings.

With emphasis on continuous innovation and mission-driven expansion, AJFF seeks to inspire the next generation of cinephiles and the culture-curious by actively broadening its educational outreach, community engagement, and accessibility efforts through captivating annual programming and events.

Local Artist Sarah Neuburger for Festival Artwork

By Mark Putnam, Jr.

Sarah Neuburger is an immensely talented muralist, illustrator and freelance designer. Boasting an impressive resume, replete with works commissioned by some of the Peach State’s finest brands and causes, she was handpicked to craft the 2023 Festival Campaign artwork for the 23rd annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. AJFF proudly partnered with this local visionary in capturing to encapsulate the organization’s mission in a dynamic way.

Inspired by Ukrainian-born, Jewish artist Sonia Delaunay-Terk, Neuburger’s vision centers around bold, bright colors, eye-catching textures, and whimsical geometric patterns. The overall piece is a testament to the festival’s ethos: engaging diverse audiences through curiosity, conversation, and culture.

“[Her] work was in my mind for this project. I was initially influenced by her visuals, though the more I looked at her work and read about her philosophy, it just seemed like a natural fit for AJFF,” says Neuburger.

“I wanted to represent the city, my family and our community in the piece. I am in an interracial relationship, our extended family is multiracial, and our chosen family is equally as diverse,” continues Neuburger, “I know that serving a diverse community is important to AJFF, so naturally that was reflected in the chosen audience members in the piece.”

Born and raised.in Columbia, South Carolina, Neuburger now resides in Atlanta with her wife and dogs.

was drawn into the characters and the cause. It could have easily been

hour watching this story.

questions about your own past as the images and

transitions from scene to scene and

CONTRIBUTORS

Powered by a small—but mighty—team, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival works closely with over 300 volunteers from the Atlanta metro and beyond. Without the generosity of these volunteers, the organization would not be what it is today. On behalf of AJFF, the professional team offers tremendous thanks to the contributors of this piece, as well as all the volunteers and philanthropists that help us to fulfill our mission: inspiring diverse audiences to new levels of social and cultural understanding through entertaining and thought-provoking Jewish film.

Bob Bahr

Bob Bahr was an award-winning producer at CBS News and the Managing Editor of CNN Documentary Unit. He directed the feature-length documentary The Reagan Years for MGM. With Professor Matthew H. Bernstein of Emory University, he produces Bernstein and Bahr’s Best Bets at the AJFF. For the Center for Media and the Moving Image he lectures frequently about film and popular culture. He is a regular contributor to the Atlanta Jewish Times.

Jason Evans

Jason Evans is a journalist and film critic in Atlanta. He is a voting member of both the Southeastern Film Critics Association and the Atlanta Film Critics Circle, where he also serves as a member of the Advisory Board.

Evans has a long history as a volunteer and supporter of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. He is a past co-chair of the Film Evaluation Committee and currently sits on the AJFF Board of Directors.

Mark is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. He also runs a marketing consulting outfit, goodtown studio, focusing on client work in film & television, as well as local nonprofits.

Matthew

Matthew Bernstein

fessor

Justin Gottlieb

Justin Gottlieb is the Sr. Marketing Manager at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival who helps lead the day-today execution of AJFF marketing campaigns, including all external brand communication touchpoints, paid media campaigns, digital and social content creation, and partner management.

Brooke Sonenreich

Brooke “B” Sonenreich is the Community Relations Manager of Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. Sonenreich graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor’s in creative writing and film studies, and Georgia State University with a Master’s in communication. She also runs the community initiative, ATLFILMPARTY, where she grants local filmmakers cash prizes for their short films. When she’s not running film events, she can be seen in Atlanta being walked by her dog, Diane Keaton.

Judy Bozarth

Judy is a freelance writer and copy editor who’s been a volunteer on AJFF’s Film Evaluation Committee, and works as AJFF’s copy editor, both since 2008.

H. Bernstein is Goodrich C. White Pro

of Film and Media at Emory University, where he has taught film history and criticism since 1989.

Mark Putnam, Jr.

2023 AJFF Jury Prizes: Jurors, Categories, and Nominees

By Justin Gottlieb

The Narrative Feature Prize goes to the featurelength fiction film that exceeds all others in total artistry, direction, script, cinematography, acting, and overall storytelling.

Yacov Freedman is the Senior Podcast Producer for Turner Classic Movies, where he works on TCM’s award-winning documentary podcast, The Plot Thickens.

Bruce Goldstein is the award-winning founder and Artistic Director of the Repertory division of New York’s Film Forum and founder and co-president of the distribution company Rialto Pictures.

Harper Lazarov graduated summa cum laude from the University of Georgia with B.A. in Film Studies and Advertising in Fall 2022. She’s currently completing a certificate with the Georgia Film Academy.

2023 Nominees: America, Barren, Farewell, Mr. Haffmann, June Zero, March ’68, SHTTL

The Short Film Prize goes to the film (run time of 40 or fewer mins.) that exceeds all others in total artistry, direction, script, cinematography, acting, and overall storytelling.

Felicia Feaster has been working as an Atlanta art critic, journalist, author, and arts advocate for over 25 years and her writing has appeared in The Economist, Elle, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is a managing editor at Warner Brothers Discovery and holds an M.A. in film from Emory.

Isaac Zablocki is one of the leading presenters of Israeli and Jewish films in America. He is the Director of the film center at JCC Manhattan.

Ikki Kaijima is a fourth-year student at Emory University studying Film and Media. He hopes to have the honor and privilege to become an influential filmmaker.

2023 Nominees: Anne, Bourn Kind: The Tiny Kindness Project, The Caretaker, Fledge, The Record, The Victorias

The Building Bridges Prize goes to the film most exemplifying AJFF’s mission, informed by founder and partner American Jewish Committee, to foster understanding among diverse religions, ethnicities, and cultures.

Julie Ann Crommett (JA) has been a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practitioner for over 13 years in media and tech. She is Founder + CEO of Collective Moxie as well as a producer in animation.

Belle Etra Yoeli plays a key role in overseeing AJC’s global advocacy efforts and is responsible for developing and executing advocacy strategy on its priority issues. She previously served as Chief of Staff to former AJC CEO, David Harris.

Rebecca Myers is an award-winning writer, director, and producer who loves sharing stories about social equity. She is currently completing her Master of Fine Arts in Film, Television and Digital Media from the University of Georgia.

2023 Nominees: Children of Nobod, The Conspiracy, Everything Went Fine, Exodus 91 , Simone: Woman of the Century, Tantura

The Documentary Feature Prize goes to the feature-length non-fiction film that exceeds all others in total artistry, direction, script, cinematography and overall storytelling.

Scot Safon is an Emmy-Award winning marketing expert who’s held leadership roles at CNN, HLN, CNN Digital, TNT, The Weather Channel, MotorTrend and UP. Today, he’s a consultant working with clients that include Ford, Scripps, New America, ICP, Showtime and Audible.

Steven Pressman spent many years as a newspaper and magazine journalist before beginning his career as a documentary filmmaker.

Caio Jardim was born in the U.S but spent most of his life in Brazil. He is now a rising senior at Emory University with an expected 2023 graduation.

2023 Nominees: 1341 Frames of Love and War, The Devil’s Confession: The Lost Eichmann Tapes, Israel Swings for Gold, Reckonings, Savoy, The Wild Ones

The Human Rights Prize is awarded to the film that best captures the perseverance and strength of those whose sense of justice guides them in the face of bigotry, inequality, and persecution.

Stephanie Guiloff is the Director of Internal Communications and Advocacy at AJC. She works to create greater organizational alignment and helps establish the organization’s priorities and goals.

Deidre McDonald is Founding Artistic Director for the BronzeLens Film Festival, an Oscar Qualifying Festival in the Shorts category. She is an award-winning producer for TV programming shot locally, nationally, and internationally.

Keshawn Morgan is a graduating senior at Morehouse College. He is a theatre and performance major with a minor in Africana Studies. Keshawn is an actor and activist that uses different mediums of storytelling to give back to the world.

2023 Nominees: Cinema Sabaya, Converts: The Odyssey of Becoming Jewish, Killing Me Softly with His Songs, Matchmaking, Prophets of Change, Stay with Us

The Emerging Filmmaker Prize will be awarded to a rising creative talent, whose film shows exceptional skill and artistry.

Dori Berinstein is a five-time, Tony-winning Broadway producer, an Olivier winner and an Emmyaward-winning director, producer, and writer of film & television.

Todd Yellin has recently returned to filmmaking after 17 years running product at Netflix (personalization, UI design, partnerships, interactive, etc).

Tara Gause is a senior Film Production major at Clayton State University, graduating in spring 2023. She made her first Capstone short film this year.

2023 Nominees: Gabriel Bier Gislason (Attachment), Stéphane Freiss (Where Life Begins), Tal Inbar (Closed Circuit, Moshe Rosenthal (Karaoke), Orit Fouks Rotem (Cinema Sabaya), Ady Walter (SHTTL)

Content and artwork provided by Atlanta Jewish Film Festival in partnership with Atlanta Jewish Times.

Bernstein and Bahr’s Best Bets at the AJFF

Matthew Bernstein & Bob Bahr

This year’s presentations at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival reflect a broad cross section of many of the most important issues of our time. Here are six choices that are not only outstanding critical productions, but they are provocative and thought provoking as well.

Bernstein – “Cinema Sabaya” has already achieved an admirable record of critical and commercial success in Israel, where it was made. It is a documentary that brings together a group of Israeli Jews and Israeli Arab women to talk about their everyday lives using the documentary videos they have made. “Cinema Sabaya” describes, in the women’s own words, the dilemmas they solve involving their autonomy, their roles as wives and mothers, and, for all of them, their place in Israeli society. The cast is uniformly excellent. Although it’s a relatively understated film, it’s a gem.

Bahr – “Farewell Mr Haffman” is a French feature film set during the early years of the Nazi occupation of Paris during the early 1940s. It takes almost the entire film to bid farewell to Mr. Haffman, but the director, Fred Cavaye, who also wrote the screenplay, and his accomplished cast have created a taut, suspenseful, tightly focused film. Its twists and turns will keep you guessing right up to the film’s last moments.

If you like a crackling good story that is less concerned with moral ambiguity than it is holding you to the edge of your seat, then this is the film for you. It’s up for the AJFF prize for best narrative feature film.

Bernstein – “The Accusation” is another French feature film, It’s a powerful, topical drama about a number of contemporary issues. The film concerns the alleged rape of a young Orthodox Jewish teenager by a friend of the family who might soon become her stepbrother. “The Accusation” provides a complex portrait of this awful situation as it makes its way through the French judicial system by slowly revealing to the audience new dimensions to the case. Because of how it explores the nature of consent in sexual encounters and the role of privilege and power, you will not regret seeing it. It’s going to provoke a lot of conversation after the screenings. It’s a very compelling film.

Bahr – “Reckonings” is a fascinating documentary, a lavishly produced, meticulously researched, authoritative

account of the secret negotiations 70 years ago that led to an agreement between the West Germany government, Israel and representatives of World Jewry that created the payments for reparations for the Holocaust. To date, $90 billion has been paid out to Israel and Jews living in 83 countries. While this is a good start in telling this complex story, one might have wished that it went further and explored some of the motivations by the business community in Germany, many of whom have been subject to little or no account for having profited off the Nazi’s wartime atrocities. The recent book, “Nazi Billionaires, The Dark History of Germany’s Wealthiest Dynasties,” by David De Jong and the substantial record of journalism that backs it up, might be a good place to start.

Bernstein – “March 68” is an absolutely gripping Polish film set during the student protests there in 1968. After Israel won the Six-Day War in 1967, the Polish Communist government embarked on a calculated campaign of antisemitism, including accusing Polish Jews of having divided loyalties to Israel first and being Zionists. In this film, these events unfold through the eyes of an initially apolitical theater student, who is Jewish, and the equally apolitical Christian engineering student, Janek. Every cast member is strong in this film and believable. This riveting historical drama is rich in period recreation, compelling characters, and a totally engaging immersion in more examples of communist oppression and antisemitism and, unfortunately, connects to events happening today.

Bahr – “Barren” is an impressive Israeli film, which was written and directed by an Orthodox, religious Zionist rabbi, who is also the community rabbi in a settlement on the West Bank. This story concerns how a young, Hasidic couple copes with their childlessness after four years of married life. It is also about how they deal with these tensions after the wife is raped by a rabbi while her husband is away on a High Holidays religious pilgrimage. What makes it particularly compelling is that the wife is found to be pregnant after the attack. This is a sensitive and sympathetic portrayal of Hasidic life in Israel, where matters related to sexual trauma in a religious community rarely receive an airing. The director, Rabbi Mordechai Vardi, will be appearing at the Festival. ì

“The Accusation” touches on many contemporary issues concerning rape.

Matthew H Bernstein is Goodtich C. White Professor of Film and Media at Emory University. Bob Bahr frequently writes about entertainment for the Atlanta Jewish Times.

“Barren” is about a young, childless couple that is forced to deal with sexual trauma.

“Cinema Sabaya” brings together Israel Jewish women and Israel Arab women to explore their personal lives.

Atlanta Film Explores Local Russian Jewish Life

“The Stream,” a short film by Duluth resident Sam Dubin, about his Russian Jewish immigrant family received a warm and enthusiastic Atlanta premiere on a recent Sunday afternoon. The film, which debuted before a packed house Jan. 15 at the iconic Plaza Theater in Virginia Highlands, is Dubin’s first attempt at film making.

The project grew out of his frustration with his first love, acting, which he studied at the University of Michigan. When he graduated in 2020, the pandemic had demolished his dreams of getting a start in the theater and he regularly found himself unemployed and sitting in the largely empty Plaza Theater watching movies.

“I remember just going when there were like three people there,” Dubin recalls, “I would sit there, say to myself as I watched the films, ‘I really want to do this.’ That’s where the passion behind this project came from.”

Dubin had no money and no experience in making films, but he gradually started developing what became a script for the project. It would, he thought, be loosely based on the strained relationship he experienced growing up when his father, Yaacov, was forced to sell a beloved vacation home. In the film, the anger turns physical and the two come to blows. When he went to his father with the idea, he got a firm and angry ‘no,’ a “nyet,” in Russian. He didn’t want the family’s dirty linen, he told his son, to be aired in public.

“He said, ‘I don’t know if I’m ready.’ It’s like he’s like, ‘it’s a great script. I’m not denying that. But I don’t know if I want people to see this, if I’m ready to share this with the world.’”

For Yaacov, who had grown up in St. Petersburg and came to this country with little but a determination to build a new life for himself and to be successful, a story that seemed to attack all that he had accomplished was not very appealing. Most of all, Sam Dubin’s film seemed to attack the very idea of a strong family life, which is part of the bedrock of his father’s existence.

“I think that there’s themes in this film about the American dream, the idea of success and how the generational divide comes between children and parents. It’s the life of an immigrant. These are the things that people like my father really care about. And that story, I think, deserves to be told.”

Although Dubin was born in this country, he found himself strongly influenced by the great 19th century Russian playwright, Anton Chekhov, much of whose work centers around the drama of everyday family life, particularly in his classic last work, “The Cherry Orchard,” which revolves around the sale of the family’s estate with its beautiful fruit trees that were destroyed to make way for a housing development. The idea of a strong family bond that persists even through life’s vicissitudes in something that Dubin has been deeply ingrained in his life.

“We have a very strong family. It’s hard for me to imagine anything different. At Thanksgiving my great aunt Tatiana who, in 1978, was the first member of our family to come to America, always says you should give thanks for your family. Whenever you think you don’t have anything, just be grateful for your family. Grateful that your food on the table, some money in your pocket but thankful for all

those people around the table.”

Although his father, at first, was not eager for “The Stream” to be made, he eventually became the film’s biggest cheerleader, helping to raise a considerable amount of money for the film and helping to promote it to his friends. His mother and older sister pitched in with social media and the planning for the Plaza Theater screening. All of them sat proudly through the premiere and his father went on stage afterwards to thank the audience, afterwards. His son, Sam,

“If anything, this film has made our family stronger. Obviously, we’re in a much better place financially so that’s part of the reason why. But also, the act of telling the story that like a weight has been lifted off of our chest a little bit and we can see how much it means.”

The next stop for Dubin and his family production is New York, which has a large Russian Jewish immigrant population. After that, he hopes to find a strong partner that will stream his family-friendly film for a national and even

Bob Bahr

The Plaza Theater premiered the film earlier this month.

Sam Dubin, the star and director of the film, hosted a discussion after the Plaza Theater screening.

DINING

Yalda Persian Cuisine’s Quick Success

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Opening on Dec. 14 to a resounding bevy of admiring Sandy Springs diners, Yalda co-owner and executive chef Ashkan Famili packed in 10 years’ experience at Buckhead Life’s Kyma and Sufi’s Kitchen in a career that is well above “overnight success.”

Famili combined the flavors of Turkey and northern Iraq, along with traditional family Persian and Mediterranean cuisine, to compile a compact menu composed of spreads, Mezze, wraps, specialty entrees, fresh veggies, daily soups and stews, sauces, rice and potatoes, and desserts.

Before digging into the naan and traditional Persian amuse with radish, tarragon, melt-in-the-mouth cubes on skewers, and dilled fava beans, savor Yalda’s meaning in that, in Iranian culture, the coming of light over darkness is the longest night of the year, bringing friends and loved ones together to share food, wine, and good wishes. Also known as the winter solstice, it’s the rebirth of Mitra, the sun god, where particularly red foods like watermelon, persimmons, beets and pomegranates are eaten.

The last two are on Yalda’s bill of fare and décor, with pomegranate symbols on the neon sign, coasters, and, of course, the food and cocktails. The “purple-y” beet salad ($12) was the table favorite garden selection with pickled beets, onions, walnuts, greens, goat’s milk feta cheese, tossed in red wine vinaigrette. The Mediterranean salad and Shirazi salad were prepared with equal precision with accurate dicing and farm fresh ingredients.

Tucked in the Aria mixed-use development, spanning both sides of Abernathy Road, adjacent to the Mercedes Benz headquarters, Yalda has free, easy parking out front and faces La Parilla Mexican in its retail circle. Entering Yalda and gazing up at its expansive scope and high ceiling, is on the side of breathtaking. The industrial vibe contrasted with crystal chandeliers really works…but not so much being able to mask the noise level.

There’s the patio to the left, bar to the right, then, spanning silhouettes of Persian symbols, the bustling open kitchen, an elevated visible private room; then, you’ll find the pale pink faux flower tendrils that seem to be de rigueur with Mediterranean restaurants like atop an entire room at the new Zakia on Lenox Road. Finally, there’s the creamy whiteness of it all.

One of the reasons for Yalda’s suc-

cess is the dutiful Ashkan standing by the charring open grill, inspecting, and approving each dish before it is brought tableside. Considering the capacity crowd on a Saturday night, the food was not backed up. A few things never made it out, but no one cared. Coming from the Buckhead Life culture, Famili learned well from entrepreneur Pano Karatassos, who made it his business each night to be on the floor sporting an eagle’s eye.

The cocktail list started with $6 beers, 23 wine choices, interesting Lazardis Amethysos Greece ($8 glass); sparkling-like Clarendale Bordeaux Rose at $85 would be an appropriate pairing and looked most appealing. Six craft cocktails lead with “the Longest Night” ($12) with vodka, sage, orange bitters and the

thematic pomegranate syrup. Mitra’s Habibi ($13) contains gin, lemon, honey and the thematic saffron bitters and sumac syrup.

What else we experienced:

• Open-flamed veggie kabob ($17)

• Sumptuous salmon kabob ($26): skin on with fava beans and dill rice

• Adas Polo fish and rice ($26): two large pieces of wild trout in a roasted red pepper sauce with Zereshk Polo rice with tart ruby barberries.

• Desserts: exquisitely plated baklava ($9) with a scoop of saffron ice cream. Sprinkles of pistachio spoke of an artist’s palette. The baklava could have benefited from less phylo (though it had a nice flaky crunch) and more of the gooey, nut-

ty honey filling; saffron pana cotta ($9) -- the lightest, fluffiest sculptured white cloud served alongside a poached pear in rosewater.

• A vertical sauces panel detailed seven sauces from Harissa to Seer Torshi -- barrel aged pickles (extra charge from $3 to $5)

Next time: Try the requisite falafel wrap with Zatar fries.

Bottom line: With Rumi’s Kitchen and Zafron just blocks away, no need to ponder if Sandy Springs has the room for yet another Persian restaurant. The early crowds speak to that.

Yalda is closed Monday and not yet open for lunch. It’s located at 6500 Aria Blvd. A second location is planned for West Midtown. 470-355-0195. ì

The Yalda interior has an industrial vibe with contrasting crystal chandeliers. This trio of salads from the garden were prepared with great care. The beet salad shone with candied walnuts.

Co-owner and executive chef, Ash Famili, spent more than a decade at Kyma and Sufi’s Kitchen, and oversees the plates in Yalda’s kitchen as they leave the grill area.

Specialty entrees salmon kabob, fish and rice, and veggie kabob easily split four ways.

Desserts were artistically plated.

Chai Style Home

Artifacts and Art Make for Sterling Living

Marcia: We see your life’s work. All measures of textures and metal, accented with fabulous art, immersed in your own livelihood – buying and selling antique silver.

Marcia Caller Jaffe

Mark Antebi fashioned his life’s work around lustrous, precious, and primordial silver, one of the Seven Metals of Antiquity. With wife, Lilly, the Antebis searched galleries, antique shows, and auctions to find just the right pieces for their Buckhead condominium.

Biedermeier furniture and an extended hall of bold paintings all work to accentuate the couple’s sculptures, Judaica, and exotic use of metals and wood. Making things more interesting, Lilly and Mark have unusual Sephardic backgrounds from faraway lands that factor in their search. Mark has a set of gouaches with rich desert colors depicting Saudi Arabia and the Gulf of Aqaba. Lilly, who hails from the Belgian Congo, commissioned a sculpture of the eponymous floral stems in wrought iron for the guest powder room.

Tour how they seamlessly blend it all so tastefully.

Mark: Over the years, we followed the appeal of dealing in beautiful things, and silver came naturally. Being a Sagittarian, the thrill of the hunt was remarkable. I remember the excitement of being in auction rooms like Christie’s and Sotheby’s and bidding against worldwide buyers…what a heart thumping experience! We then began attending and exhibiting in antique shows. My experience in working with metals at Estes-Simmons for over 40 years was invaluable. Coming out of Georgia Tech with a business/management degree, I had limited exposure to chemistry and physics. This business prompted us to study metallurgy, history, anthropology, and fine art design. Since we were restoring antique pieces made by artisans in various countries and eras, it was important not to make assumptions versus determining factors, as to metal’s composition, assembly, solid versus plated, or has it been altered or repaired.

Marcia: What falls in your “sterling realm”?

Mark: The three “free form squiggles”

above the 1970 French burl wood piece are originals that we were commissioned to make as the theme for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Columbus Circle in Manhattan. My silversmith made this Faberge-like filigree egg.

Not all the things here are silver, like this African hammered 1950s copper sculpture, the wild group of bronzed elephants, soapstone, driftwood, and ivory.

Then there’s the Judaica that we treasure: kiddish cups, candlesticks by Ludwig Wolpert (Israeli-American goldsmith and designer), the Russian silver enamel mezuzah, and the “Shemah” calligraphy by Karon. And especially the one-of-a-kind seder plate by Dalya Luttwak, which we came upon in an auction in North Carolina.

Marcia: Why did you choose this space in Buckhead to showcase your collections?

Lilly: When we bought here on Peachtree, we chose to open it up loft-like, removing doorways and walls, and crown molding. We like living just above the tree line and watching the weather patterns and sunsets. “Modern” is one way to describe it. Our floors are stained ebony, and the countertops are a honed black granite.

Mark: Furniture-wise, many of the pieces acquired over the years are Bieder-

meier, which harks back to an era in Central Europe (1815-1848) coinciding with the Napoleonic Wars and the revolutions of 1848. It’s also known for its playful geometric shapes without applied ornamentation like this sofa, which we recovered in bold crimson and tangerine stripes. Some furnishings are early 20th century, but the look and feel are clean. We added some more modern pieces like Mitchell Gold chairs as they fit for utility and look.

Marcia: Art collecting for you is…

Mark: I view art in the three-dimensional realm, or sculpture. That has always appealed to me. In the antique English silver world, I would rate Paul Storr and Benjamin Smith as favorites. In the American silver world, Peter Krider, and Tiffany and Gorham Designers and silversmiths.

Lilly: We also collect paintings that we “just like”- usually large and bold. The “Pear” (from Scott Antique Market), (red dot) “Voices,” and the whimsy of “Pork chop” by Calder, align the walls with local photographer/artist Parish Kohanim’s large florals.

Marcia: Describe how your Sephardic roots come into play.

Lilly: I was born and raised in Lubumbashi, Zaire (Belgium Congo). My dad in-

Lilly and Mark Antebi enjoy a glass of wine in their collection of sterling silver kiddish cups // Photos by Howard Mendel

The focal point of the Antebi living room is this lush Biedermeier sofa which they recovered in bold stripes. The Turkish rug is from Franco family cousins. The painting (right) is Red Dots, “Voices.”

Above: The Antebi’s Hall includes “The Pear” by Richards. The floral on left is by Kohanim, a local Persian artist/photographer.

Left: The master bedroom headboard is mounted on a sourced, reclaimed wood background. “When the grandkids come over, they immediately jump on this bed.”

Below: This mid-century modern burl wood unit serves as a focal point with objects d’art on both sides, including the silver squiggles (above) from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Manhattan.

Right: The couple’s Judaica collection includes candlesticks, a mezuzah and kiddish cups.

herited his father’s import-export business after World War II where he went with his bride, Lenore Waronker Franco, from Atlanta. We lived there until the revolution in 1961, when my father sent the family back to Atlanta because it was just too dangerous. Mark’s family left Cairo, Egypt, in 1958 when they went to Paris to await visas. There, he stayed until 1961 and came to Atlanta. Mark and I first met at Congregation Or VeShalom on Highland Avenue during Yom Kippur service. We later saw each other at Grady High School where we were both students. In terms of sentimental antiquities, there are no Sephardic touches except the Turkish rug that belonged to my family members rounded up in Rhodes during the Holocaust.

Marcia:

Who’s cooking what?

Lilly: The kitchen is a typical galley with slight variations like the cherry wood cabinets. Mark and I both love to cook, so it’s a team effort. We like Italian cuisine and Middle Eastern flavors. When we travel,

CHAI STYLE

we’ve been known to book day-long cooking classes, which we love. We entertain a good bit, usually two to three other couples for a dinner party.

Mark: Now, for wine, we like a good, full-bodied red and occasional Scotch.

Thus, this painting by local artist, Arvid, “Liquor Bottles.”

Marcia: So, silver collecting for you is… Mark: The temptation to want and collect everything is overwhelming. The bottom line is we are the custodians of these things that will ultimately belong to someone else in the future. ì

Above: The unusual, one-of-a-kind silver seder plate was found serendipitously by the couple browsing an auction site in North Carolina.

Below: This painting is by renowned Israeli artist Avi Ben-Simhon.

Above: The dining table took six men to install in the condo. The spectacular floral art is by Parish Kohanim.

Below: Mark Antebi admires these gouaches with rich, yet muted desert colors depicting Saudi Arabia and the Gulf of Aqaba.

FEBRUARY 1 - FEBRUARY 14 CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Jacobson Leadership Institute -9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Jacobson Leadership Institute (JLI) has been a think tank and training ground for adaptive leadership and good governance within Atlanta’s synagogues, Jewish day schools, and Jewish agencies. Register with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta at https://bit.ly/3fp2ZD7.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Anne-Sophie Mutter & Mutter Virtuosi - 8 to 11 p.m. A musical phenomenon performing major traditional works while constantly exploring new territory for her audience, this “undisputed queen of violin-playing” (The Times, London) takes the stage with the Mutter Virtuosi in a celebratory concert that hails 20 years from the opening month of the Schwartz Center. Purchase tickets at http://bit.ly/3IOIyvo.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Pasta Dinner Shabbat - 4th and 5th Class Shabbat – 6 to 8 p.m. Open to ALL! You do not need to be affiliated with Congregation Gesher L’Torah’s 4th and 5th Graders to come and enjoy! Come and enjoy a free pasta dinner, then a short service, followed by dessert Oneg! RSVP at http://bit. ly/3IKogTP.

Sonia Project Weekend Part 2 - 6 to 10 p.m. Delve deeper into the spiritual practice of communal singing at our second Sonia Project Weekend with artist-in-residence (and rabbi-in-residence), Rabbi Sam Blustin. RSVP at http://bit.ly/3IHnSWf.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Sisterhood Shabbat – 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please join Congregation Etz Chaim for Sisterhood Shabbat as we celebrate the power of us. RSVP at http:// bit.ly/3ZBq1bR.

Sonia Project Weekend Part 2 - 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Delve deeper into the spiritual practice of communal singing at our second Sonia Project Weekend with artist-in-residence (and rabbi-inresidence), Rabbi Sam Blustin Learn more at http://bit.ly/3IHnSWf.

The Jewish Jail Lady and the Holy Thief – 7 to 9:30 p.m. This is a love story of religious proportions. Join Congregation Beth Shalom for a wonderful movie and a Q and A with Rabbi Mark Borovitz and Harriet Rossetto. Learn more at http://bit.ly/3Zzn5g4.

Israel@75: Zionism and Us – 7:45 p.m. CIE, in partnership with AJC Atlanta, the Israeli Consulate, the Marcus JCC, Chabad Intown, Hadassah, JNF, the Weber School, Limmud Southeast+Atlanta, ADL Southeast and others, is helping Jewish Atlanta kick off its observance of the State of Israel’s forthcoming 75th anniversary with an educational, entertaining weekend focused on the question “How does Israel affect us?” Find out more at http://bit.ly/3XmrEZ4.

Men’s Club Curling - 2 to 5 p.m. Something new to try together with Congregation Gesher L’Torah’s Men’s Club. Sign up at http://bit.ly/3QCHMU3.

Atlanta Chamber Players Concert – 3 to 5 p.m. Join Ahavath Achim Synagogue for a concert featuring the Atlanta Chamber Players. Reception following the concert. Learn more at http://bit. ly/3XpFOJ8.

AJC’s Leaders for Tomorrow High School Program - 5 to 8 p.m. LFT enables young Jewish leaders to develop skills to advocate on behalf of the Jewish people, Israel, and human rights, and to serve as positive change agents for their peers and community. Register at http://bit.ly/3UIjOsl.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5

Middle School - Tu B’shevat Cooking Class - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Middle Schoolers, Come join GLT for a Tu B’shevat Cooking Class. Register at http://bit. ly/3XpTTGd.

Mindfulness & Mikvah - 1 to 3 p.m. Come join Congregation Dor Tamid to experience mindfulness in your body and learn about the practice of mikvah from 2 fabulous guest speakers! Bring a yoga mat! There will be gentle movement, stretching, meditation & journaling. Register at http:// bit.ly/3W6yUr2.

CTEEN Intown Atlanta 2023 – 5 p.m. Chabad Intown CTeen Atlanta is back and better than ever for the new year! Join fellow Intown ATL teens for these upcoming events filled with fun, friendship, food, Jewish pride and engaging Torah learning! RSVP at https://bit.ly/3jN3nwO.

Atlanta Jewish Bowling League Winter Session – 6:30 to 9 p.m. Atlanta Jewish Bowling League is a co-ed fun group who love to bowl and have a good time, a very social league! Dues are $18 per week. Learn more at https://bit. ly/3V9TZjV.

Tu B’shvat Salads and Succulents! - 7:30 to 9 p.m. Enjoy a fun night out with fellow Jewish ladies from the Chabad of Dunwoody community! Create stunning succulent pieces, shmooze over delicious food, and learn all about the Jewish holiday of Tu B’shvat - the new year of the trees. Register at http://bit. ly/3WeiTiX.

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES

Torah Reading: Beshalach Friday, February 3, Shevat 12, 5783 Light Candles at 5:51 PM Saturday, February 4, Shevat 13, 5783 Shabbat Ends 6:48 PM

Torah Reading: Yitro Friday, February 10, Shevat 19, 5783 Light Candles at 5:58 PM Saturday, February 11, Shabbat Ends 6:55 PM Shabbat

Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Dorsch - 12 to 1 p.m. Join Congregation Etz Chaim for a monthly class on Tuesdays with the rabbi on a variety of topics and enjoy some pizza. Learn how to register at https://bit.ly/3FU00g6.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Yoga and Meditation - 7 to 9 p.m. Join Congregation Gesher L’Torah for Yoga and Meditation. Ages 13+. Please bring your own mat if you have! Register at https://bit.ly/3WE3wkH.

Michael Feinstein Performs the Jewish American Songbook – 8 to 11 p.m. Michael Feinstein has built a dazzling career over the last three decades bringing the music of the Great American songbook to the world. Purchase tickets with Neranenah Concert and Culture at http://bit.ly/3X3UNIO.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Family Estrangement Support Group –4 to 5 p.m. Being estranged from loved ones brings mixed and complicated emotions. This JFCS virtual group is intended for those experiencing longstanding estrangements from family members. Group meetings will focus on processing and supporting one another. Register at http://bit. ly/3W46rC9.

Tu B’Shvat Celebration at the JCC– 5 to 6 p.m. All are invited to join us at the MJCCA for a fun Tu B’Shvat party! There will be songs and stories with Rabbi G, a performance by Ms. Ladybug followed by activities, crafts, and a tasting of fruits and nuts associated with the land of Israel. Learn more at http://bit.ly/3Gzlcr3.

Book Smart - Winter JLI Course – 8 to 9:30 p.m. A panoramic overview of 3,000 years of Jewish learning, this course from Chabad of Intown introduces you to the works that earned us the title “The People of The Book.” Register at https://bit.ly/3vFRgnO.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9

Emory Jazz Fest 2023 - 2:30 p.m. Lecture/ Demonstration with Warren Wolf at the Schwartz Center. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3IC2odk.

Our Time of Wisdom – 7 to 8:30 p.m. You are invited to join Temple Beth Tikvah members in a program designed to meet the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of those 50+. Register at https://bit.ly/3ERHfZ3.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Bereavement Support Group – 10 to 11:30 a.m. Grief and loss of loved ones bring about complicated and mixed emotions. This Jewish Family and Career Services support group aims to foster a safe and healthy environment to process these feelings and support people in mourning. To learn more and to register visit https://bit. ly/3uBFPx2.

Grow A Legacy Event-– 5 to 9 p.m. The Atlanta Jewish Foundation’s Annual event to honor legacy donors in our community. Learn more at http://bit. ly/3CJNA8M.

Challah Bakes - 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Connect with old traditions and create your own new memories monthly at GLT challah bakes! Learn how or teach others!! RSVP at https://bit.ly/3i6RMIy.

Emory Jazz Fest 2023 - 8 p.m. Warren Wolf and the Emory Jazz Fest All-Stars at the Schwartz Center. Purchase tickets at https://bit.ly/3IC2odk.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Tot Shabbat - 5:30 Tot Shabbat is led by Rabbi Jordan from CDT. Enjoy crafts, songs, fun activities, and more. Tot Shabbat is for kids under 4 years old with their parents/guardians. RSVP by visiting http://bit.ly/3LLJakS.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Emory Jazz Fest 2023 - 11:30 a.m. Jazz Clinic at the Schwartz Center. Find more information at https://bit. ly/3IC2odk.

Acoustic Shabbat at Crema Espresso Gourmet (Dunwoody) - 5 to 6 p.m. Join Rabbi Glusman from MJCCA and local musicians for an evening of soulful music and Shabbat tunes. People of all faiths and backgrounds will enjoy this engaging live acoustic evening of blessings and song in celebration of Shabbat. Learn more at http://bit. ly/3AgZg1z.

Emory Jazz Fest 2023 - 8 p.m. Emory Big Band with Gary Motley Trio and members of the Emory University at the Schwartz Center. Reserve your tickets at https://bit.ly/3IC2odk.

All Ages Paint Program - 3 to 4:30 p.m. All Ages Paint Program! Bridge portraits - take one home and hang one at GLT! Purchase tickets at http://bit. ly/3iwgaDM.

Family Estrangement Support Group –4 to 5 p.m. Being estranged from loved ones brings mixed and complicated emotions. This JFCS virtual group is intended for those experiencing longstanding estrangements from family members. Group meetings will focus on processing and supporting one another. Register at https://bit. ly/3W46rC9.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12

Family Reunion Shabbat - 7 to 8:15 p.m. Join Gesher for a Founding Members Family Shabbat. Learn more at http:// bit.ly/3GFmiRR.

Teen Israel Leadership Institute: A Survey of Israel @75 – 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. The Center for Israel Education is holding an in-person Teen Israel Leadership Institute and invites 15- to 18-year-olds within driving distance of Emory University’s main campus in Atlanta to join. Register at https://bit. ly/3UI8ECA.

Atlanta Jewish Bowling League Winter Session – 6:30 to 9 p.m. Atlanta Jewish Bowling League is a co-ed fun group who love to bowl and have a good time, a very social league! Dues are $18 per week. Learn more at https://bit. ly/3V9TZjV.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Mocha Mondays – 8:30 a.m. Congregation Etz Chaim’s Monthly Coffee and Breakfast with the Rabbi accompanied by the Talmud’s Greatest Hits. Learn more at http://bit.ly/3hL3WX3.

Our Time of Wisdom – 7 to 8:30 p.m. You are invited to join Temple Beth Tikvah members in a program designed to meet the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of those 50+. Register at https://bit.ly/3ERHfZ3.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Bereavement Support Group – 10 to 11:30 a.m. Grief and loss of loved ones bring about complicated and mixed emotions. This Jewish Family and Career Services support group aims to foster a safe and healthy environment to process these feelings and support people in mourning. To learn more and to register visit https://bit. ly/3uBFPx2.

Book Smart - Winter JLI Course – 8 to 9:30 p.m. A panoramic overview of 3,000 years of Jewish learning, this course from Chabad of Intown introduces you to the works that earned us the title “The People of The Book. Register at https://bit.ly/3vFRgnO.

Hamantaschen

This is my favorite hamantaschen recipe. The dough is so easy to prepare, and it calls for oil instead of margarine. These are a soft hamantaschen, but they do not open when baking. Use whatever you enjoy for the filling, whether it's a traditional filling, or something more trendy. (Get all your hamentaschen fillings inspiration here.) I recommend chocolate chips for kids, as it's easy for them to handle, and not too messy. Here I used a parve nougat filling, such as Delinut, and some Lotus cookie butter. I used the smallest oxo cookie scoop, filled halfway, to fill the humantashens. Make sure to pinch them well! Dipping them in melted chocolate and decorating the hamantaschen with sprinkles or nuts really adds a wow factor, with very little effort!

Ingredients

3 eggs 1 cup sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla sugar

3/4 cup oil

1/3 cup water

2 teaspoons Gefen Vanilla Extract

1/8 teaspoon Gefen Almond Extract (optional)

3 teaspoons Haddar Baking Powder

5 and 1/2 – 6 cups flour your choice of filling chocolate, for melting sprinkles or nuts, for decorating

Start Cooking

Make the Hamantaschen

Beat eggs and sugar until creamy. Add oil and beat. Add water and extracts. Add baking powder. Gradually add flour until the dough comes together and becomes a good dough consistency.

Cover and refrigerate for an hour.

Roll out dough to a quarter inch thickness, and using a cup or round cookie cutter, cut out round circles.

Fill with favorite filling. Pinch each circle into a hamantashen shape.

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 17 minutes (until bottom is golden).

To decorate, melt chocolate over a double boiler (you can boil a pot or water and place a bowl or chocolate over, stirring once it starts to melt). Dip corners of each hamantashen into the chocolate, and decorate with a variety of sprinkles, or nuts. Place on Gefen Parchment Paper to allow chocolate to set.

Note: These freeze very well.

Source: Kosher.com

Recipe By Tamara Friedman

School Play

Yossi comes home from school and tells his mother he has been given a part in the school play.

“Wonderful,” says the mother. “What part is it?”

Yossi says, “I play the part of the Jewish husband.”

The mother scowls and says, “Go back and tell your teacher you want a speaking part!”

YIDDISH WORD

Farpitst Chazzer

n. An unattractive person who, with the aid of a Bianca DiMillo haircut, L’Oreal cosmetics, and Gucci apparel, appears quite glamourous – at least from a discrete distance.

“If I weren’t so vain and had just put on my glasses, I would have realized she was a farputst chazzer before I waved her over to my table.”

From the Yiddish farputst, meaning “made fashionable,” and chazzer, meaning “pig,” contrary to the expression, “You can’t put lipstick on a pig.”

By: Yoni Glatt,

OBITUARIES

Betty Dudman Arogeti

86, Atlanta

Betty Dudman Arogeti of Atlanta, Ga., passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, at the age of 86. Proceeded by her late husband, Ben. Betty died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by love and her family.

Betty was born in Bronx, N.Y. on Aug. 9, 1936, to father, Bernard Dudman, and mother, Bertha Eisenberg. She was the eldest sibling of her two brothers, Harold and Harvey. From a young age, she was dependable, thoughtful, incredibly positive, and very strong. After some years in the Bronx, the Dudman family briefly moved to Atlanta, but didn’t stay long as in the mid-1950’s they picked up and moved cross country to southern California. They spent several years there until the death of her beloved mother which took them back to Atlanta. And that is where she met the love of her life, Ben.

Betty and Ben got married in 1973, and, later that year, they had the first and only son, Mitchell. They spent the next years as a small family, until they welcomed Mitchell’s wife, Debbie, into the family. A little over a year later, she became a Bubbie to her first grandchild, Jordan. Over the next couple of years, she became a Bubbie two more times to Bradley and Lucy.

Betty lived a colorful life filled with laughter and positivity. She never had a bad thing to say about anyone and lived her life seeing the good in everyone. She remembered the little things and that is part of what made her the incredible woman she was. To know her was to love her, and she was loved by all. She never met a stranger, and, because of that, the world has lost a friend. However, she will live on forever in the hearts of her son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, brothers, nieces, nephews, her cat, Jackie, and everyone who got the pleasure to know her.

Betty Arogeti’s funeral was held at Greenwood Cemetery on Jan. 20, 2023, at 10 a.m. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Amy Elfersy 72, Atlanta

Amy Elfersy, 72, of Atlanta, Ga., died peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on Jan. 12, 2023. Amy is survived by her husband, Jacques; her son, Adrian Elfersy, and his wife, Marjorie; and her beloved grandchildren, Hudson, Anderson, and Grayson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Congregation Ner Hamizrach, 1858 La Vista Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329. A graveside funeral was held at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 13 at Crest Lawn Memorial Park in Atlanta. Arrangements by Dressler’s, 770-4514999.

Marilyn D. Hirsch

95, Pittsburgh

Marilyn D. Hirsch passed peacefully on Jan. 20, 2023, at the age of 95. She was born on New Year’s Day in Pittsburgh, Penn., daughter of Lena and Herman Dickson, where she spent her childhood and later married David Hirsch.

Marilyn moved with David to Florida where she raised her children. She spent the last 20 years of her life in Georgia, first living in Rome and eventually moving to Atlanta. Marilyn is survived by her daughters, Sharon Shuford, Carolyn Schroeter, and son, Dr. Eric Hirsch, and granddaughters, Gabriella and Jessica Hirsch. A service was held for Marilyn on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, at the Dunwoody Jewish Cemetery at North Atlanta Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Dianne Smolen Kaufman

59, Atlanta

Dianne Smolen Kaufman was born in Philadelphia, Penn., on July 21, 1963, to Herbert and Carol Smolen (nee Eisenberg). She graduated from Friends Select High School in Philadelphia and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from George Washington University.

In 1990, she moved to New York City and worked in advertising sales for the Hollywood Reporter and Video Age International. In 1994, she moved to Atlanta, Ga. Dianne obtained her real estate sales license. While living in Atlanta, Dianne became involved in Democratic politics, serving as a community organizer for many local and statewide candidates. In 2016, she traveled to Florida, remaining there for several months, working to get out the vote for the Hillary Clinton campaign.

She is survived by her parents, Carol and Herbert Smolen; her brother, Robert Smolen (Judy); nephew, Samuel Smolen; niece, Sophie Smolen; and partner, Russell Martinez. Memorial contributions in Dianne’s name may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

Michael Zola Kay 83, Atlanta

Michael Zola Kay, age 83, of Atlanta, Ga., passed away peacefully in his home on Jan. 19, 2023.

Michael was born in New York City, spent his boyhood in Pittsburgh, and earned a B.S. degree in hotel administration at Cornell University. After launching his career at many of the marquis hotels in New York City, Michael came to Atlanta in 1980 as the CEO of Omni International Hotels. He went on to run the Portman Hotel Company and then, in 1991, went on to become the turnaround CEO of LSG Sky Chefs, the largest provider of integrated in-flight airline catering.

Michael served on the boards of Radiant Systems, NSI, Shoptaw and Pull-a-part and dedicated much of his retirement years to serving on the boards of national and local nonprofits. Michael is the past chair of the board of the Jewish Community Legacy Project and past board chair for the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, where he created the first donor-advised fund committee and chaired the investment committee. He served on the board of Jewish Federation of Atlanta and co-chaired the creation of their strategic plan with Mike Leven. At JF&CS, where Michael chaired the board and served for two years, he and his wife, Ann, were honorary co-chairs of the capital campaign that resulted in an expanded campus and new space for the agency’s innovative IndependenceWorks program.

Up until the time of his death, Michael was on the boards of The Weber School and the MJCCA. Michael also served on the boards of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, United Way of Greater of Atlanta, YearUp Atlanta, The Center for Working Families, and KIPP Schools in Atlanta. Michael served as vice chairman of Points of Light and was on the national board of Repair the World. He and Ann then assisted in helping bring Repair to Atlanta.

Michael was a force for goodness and philanthropy, and, through his professional and volunteer pursuits, he created a lasting impression and an impressive legacy. Michael dedicated countless hours mentoring others and sharing his experiences and advice. Michael was a man of many thoughts and words, but he chose them wisely. His love of family, friends, running, books, and crossword puzzles are everlasting, and his presence will be missed by all who knew him.

Michael is survived by his wife of 43 years, Ann Kay; his brother, Jeffrey Kay; his son, Jonathan Kay, his wife, Marcia, and their 2 children, Hayden and Phoebe; his daughter, Jennifer Gilbert, and her 2 children, Mason and Max; his daughter, Alison Doerfler, and her 2 children, Harrison and Jordan; and his son, Todd Lubin, his wife, Lindsay, and their 2 children, Ozzy and Lou. Memorial donations may be made to Jewish Family & Career Services or Atlanta Jewish Federation. The funeral services were held Sunday, Jan. 22 at 3 p.m. at Congregation Or Hadash at 7460 Trowbridge Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 with Rabbi Edward Harwitz officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s, 770.451.4999.

Emanuel (Manny) Lazarnick

96, Roswell

Emanuel (Manny) Lazarnick, 96, of Roswell, Ga., passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. The funeral was held on Jan. 12 at the Georgia National Cemetery. Shiva was held on Thursday, Jan. 12, and Jan. 15, at the home of Sharyn Lazarnick.

Manny is predeceased by his brother, Joseph Lazarnick, son, Herbert Lazarnick, nephew, Richard Lazarnick, and parents, Rose and Sam Lazarnick. Survivors include his loving wife of 21 years, Sharyn Lazarnick; his children, Barry Lazarnick, Sylvia Lazarnick, and Tim Beaman, nephew, Peter and Abby Lazarnick, great-niece and nephews, Sari Lazarnick and Zachary Pedigo, Lauren Lazarnick, Seth and Hailey Lazarnick; stepchildren, Juli and Steve Pollak and Karyn and Rami Rotkopf, grandchildren, Micayla and Elliott Pollak, and Joshua Belenke, siblings-in-law, Kay Levinson, Bob and Charlene Levinson, and Mark Levinson.

Manny was born in 1926 in Brooklyn, N.Y. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Europe as a tank operator. Manny received a victory medal in Germany for his service. After the war ended, Manny returned to Brooklyn and worked as a refrigeration and automotive mechanic. He then got into furniture and appliance sales and retired after 45 years.

Manny and his brother, Joe, moved to Atlanta in 1990 and mastered the game of golf. He met Sharyn in 1995 and married in 2001. They enjoyed dinner and dancing, traveling, and making memories with their grandchildren. Manny loved to tell stories about Brooklyn, WWII, and always told you he loved you.

Donations can be made to: Hadassah or Georgia National Cemetery. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Blue and White, All White, All Blue?

When I look in the rear-view mirror at my childhood on Prospect Avenue in The Bronx, I become emotional and joyful. I don’t recall ever feeling unsafe and I never experienced direct antisemitism; our parents made us aware of this cultural hatred through discussions and warnings to my sisters and myself.

Shaindle Schmuckler Shaindle’s Shpiel

My sisters, my cousins and I walked the couple of miles through Crotona Park to Boston Road where we attended Dovid Pinsky Yiddisheh Shule, Jewish school after public school, Monday through Thursday afternoons and Sunday mornings. When we “graduated” Dovid Pinsky, we moved up to attend the Arbeter Ring Mittle Shule in Manhattan, attending on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings.

Did I mention I met my hubby in a summer camp? Camp Kindering, or “children’s circle,” in Hopewell Junction, N.Y.

By the way, I feel certain you would love to read about some of the shareable highlights of Mittle Shule and Camp Kindervelt.

At camp, I recall I had two major concerns. The first dealt with all blue, blue and white, all white.

around who would be chosen to lead the Blue and White teams in the weeklong Color Olympics? Who would hold the coveted position of general?

The summer of my 15th birthday, I finally became a C.I.T. (counselor in training). We worked hard to prove to the camp director we were worthy of obtaining our CIT status.

As children, we were students of, as well as contributors to, our Jewish culture. At home, we lived a life filled with aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends showering us with love and insights. My sisters and I were blessed with a family who loved and practiced our beloved Jewish traditions, sharing stories of their past, and their journey to American citizenship.

Complimenting my formal Jewish education was the very best and most powerful informal education. Beginning at the age of 6 or 7, I spent my summers at a Jewish overnight summer camp, Camp Kindervelt, or “children’s world,” in Highland Mills, N.Y. Spending my summers in a community filled with the beauty of the Jewish culture, the importance of our culture, learning of the impact our culture had and still has on our world at large, seeing staff living a Jewish life, filled our young minds and hearts with a roadmap for living a meaningful Jewish life.

Summer camp created Shaindle.

Every Friday night, we would march to the dining room for Shabbat services and Shabbat dinner. Every Saturday, we marched to the dining hall for morning Shabbat service and breakfast. Every Saturday evening, we marched to the dining hall to say “shalom” to Shabbat.

A Shabbat decision had to be made. Every week, the same dilemma. What to wear? All blue, all white, blue and white? We would obsess over what we wore on which day last week. We were young teens…we obsessed over everything.

The second concern revolved around the ever-so-important Color Olympics. We spent the second half of the summer in constant conversations revolving

Who was it that coined the “curiosity killed the cat” expression? It’s true. My CIT cabin of 13 girls made two unforgivable mistakes. The first was confiding our great idea to the dozen or so 15-year-old CIT boys. They shared our secret mission with senior staff, who were waiting for the 13 CIT girls, (and here is our second mistake) whose secret mission it was to break into the camp office and find out who this summer’s generals would be.

We were sent home for this childish prank the very next day and were informed we could not return as staff, hence, I went to work as staff at Camp Kindering, where my bashert was head of the camp waterfront.

The rest, as they say, is history. ì

HOME CARE

Home

CNA WANTED

66 Year Old Jewish Sandy Springs Woman seeking Female (Caucasian, European) preferred) Caregiver/Companion for 4-5 hours per day for indefinite period of time. Healing from complex PTSD. Need soft spoken, empathetic, caring, compassionate, gentle, fully Covid vaccinated non-smoker. Should have Federal Background Check available or willing to submit to Background Check. Please text Rhonda 404-317-4552.

Jump into Jewish Summer Camp!

At Jewish overnight camp, kids discover who they are and who they want to become while racing across ziplines, jumping into lakes, singing around campfires, meeting their best friends and learning important life skills. And, thanks to One Happy Camper, you might be eligible for up to $1500 off your camper’s first summer!