Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCVIII NO. 11, June 15, 2022

NEXT ISSUE: HEALTH & WELLNESS AND TRAVEL

VOL. XCVIII NO. 11

JUNE 15, 2022 | 16 SIVAN 5782

Father's Day, Professionals and Real Estate

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CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE ARLENE CAPLAN APPELROUTH BOB BAHR CHANA SHAPIRO DAVE SCHECHTER DAVID OSTROWSKY DEBBIE DIAMOND JAN JABEN-EILON MARCIA CALLER JAFFE RABBI DON TAM

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THIS WEEK Making Father’s Day Special Father’s Day is all about appreciating dad. This year, as we write in “Pampering Papa,” that appreciation may take the form of a spa day. Men are no longer strangers to facials and fillers; in fact, according to Lauren Kirk, they form nearly one-third of her clients. Looking for something less relaxing and more exciting? From racing cars to a genealogy conference at the Breman Museum, our gift guide has everything you need to take your dad on a Father’s Day adventure he’ll never forget. And if your dad is a sports fan, we recommend three new books that would make great gifts: a new biography of slugger Al Rosen, the updated edition of “The Baseball Talmud” and Joshua Mendelsohn’s “The Cap,” the story of how Larry Fleisher and David Stern introduced the salary cap and built the modern NBA. Our Professionals section has everything you need to know about Atlanta’s most innovative movers and shakers.

Find out about Abbey Glass’s new fashion collection, tech media star Laurie Segall’s latest book, why Marc Adler is selling his web services company, Macquarium and

the secrets to a good night’s sleep. We also bring you the latest on the historic season of staff changes currently underway at The Temple and Ahavath Achim, which recently welcomed Gary Alembik as its new president. And we take you behind the scenes of Trybal Gatherings, which brings together young professionals for Jewish camping experiences, and recently launched its inaugural overnight event at Ramah Darom; Temple Beth Jacob’s 79th anniversary celebration; and the story of how two new Torah scrolls came to Congregation Ohr HaTorah.

And our real estate section spotlights Selig Development’s new project in Powder Springs, a new extension at Ponce City Market and how Jewish life in Atlanta’s Intown neighborhoods is booming again after years of losing residents to the suburbs.

Read on for personal tributes to the coolest, funniest dads in the city, the Atlanta dog daddies and the beloved canines they’ve adopted and much, much more.

Stay tuned for our next issue, Summer Simchas! ì

Cover image: A gallery of some of the best, coolest or funniest dads in Atlanta — according to tributes from their children.

CONTENTS NEWS ���������������������������������������������� 6 POLITICS �������������������������������������16 ISRAEL �����������������������������������������18 SPORTS ��������������������������������������� 22 OPINION ��������������������������������������26 FATHER'S DAY ���������������������������������28 PROFESSIONAL �������������������������������36 REAL ESTATE �����������������������������������41 ARTS & CULTURE ����������������������� 44 CALENDAR ���������������������������������� 46 COMMUNITY �������������������������������� 50 THE LOWDOWN �������������������������� 53 KEEPING IT KOSHER ����������������� 54 BRAIN FOOD �������������������������������� 55 OBITUARIES �������������������������������� 56 CLOSING THOUGHTS ���������������� 60 MARKETPLACE �������������������������� 62

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2022 | 5

NEWS Gary Alembik is New President of Ahavath Achim

By Marcia Caller Jaffe Gerry Benjamin recently handed over the reins of Ahavath Achim Synagogue to new president and local attorney Gary Alembik, who happens to be a member of the LGBTQ community.

“I am a Conservative Jew and gay,” Alembik told the Atlanta Jewish Times.

“For many years, I had difficulty finding acceptance in the Conservative Jewish community. I represent a new face in the leadership at Ahavath Achim. I am the face of diversity and inclusion. When I first joined Ahavath Achim many years ago, I identified few faces like mine. Now, I am proud to say, that my AA family and its leadership are made up of a collection of beautiful and talented diverse faces.”

Alembik assumes leadership of Ahavath Achim at a moment of relative security concerning the congregation’s future, which has been shored up by generous endowments. The permanent endowment is anticipated to exceed $10 million by June 30, and recent $1,000,000 Leadership gifts include Sanford Orkin’s

Atlanta attorney Gary Alembik takes over as president of Ahavath Achim from Gerry Benjamin.

Alembik is known for his decades of volunteer service.

Alembik and his partner, Stephen Graves, hike over 60,000 steps a week with doodle Bennie.

family endowing the AA Senior Rabbinical Chair, Marilyn Ginsburg Eckstein funding the AA Cultural Arts Program, The Gerry & Vicki Benjamin Family Charitable Foundation endowing the congre-

gation’s Building Capital Improvement Fund, The Gregg & Beth Paradies Family endowing the Membership Engagement Fund at the $250,000 level and Eileen and Adolphus Coolik at the $100,000

level. Earnings from these funds will go toward balancing the annual operating budget, while ensuring financial stability for future generations of congregants.

The new president is excited to take

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Newly installed Alembik poses with his proud mother Judy and husband Steve on June 12, after his formal installation.

Alembik addresses a synagogue group on the subject of justice reform.

the helm at a time of unprecedented changes in how Jews affiliate and observe their religion. “We have opened our arms, hearts and membership to our LGBTQ Jewish community, Jews of color and interfaith families,” Alembik said. “We recently changed our bylaws to welcome interfaith families into membership and sacred spaces. We have partnered with Arlington cemetery and Dignity Memorial to acquire a new AA section, the Unity Garden, for the burial of multifaith families.”

Other innovations include remodeling the main sanctuary, remodeling the Cohen Pavilion (the main entrance) and Srochi Hall event space, expanding the social action and mitzvah projects and improving virtual space by investing in technology via the Shirley Reisman Media Outreach Fund.

Congregants at Ahavath Achim laud Alembik for his upbeat demeanor, religious service participation and the fact that he “shows up.”

“I have been guided by the principle that a mitzvah is even stronger than prayer,” he says. Alembik volunteers with Project Open Hand, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, a quarterly blood drive and is co-chair of Operation Isaiah and the Arnovitz Leadership Institute.

He is married to Stephen Graves, his partner of 15 years, who is a principal analytics programmer at Chick-FilA. “Steve supports my spiritual journey and my AA community,” Alembik told

the AJT. “He often attends Friday Shabbat services. He’s currently working on a project to analyze synagogue data. I have attended Stephen’s Virginia Highland Church whose choir appeared at AA in an HIV Havdalah service. Steve and I have hosted Mat Laney, the Virginia Highland pastor at our home. Interestingly, Matt recently introduced me to an interfaith couple who was interested in joining a shul.”

Alembik is no stranger to synagogue life. He grew up at Atlanta’s Congregation Shearith Israel, where his grandfather was a shammas. “My grandfather’s shul was the center of his life,” he recalled.

“I have wonderful childhood memories of him holding my hand as we walked down North Highland Avenue to shul.

He took so much pride in exposing me to Judaism and his shul life. Grandpa Alembik taught me the true meaning of a Beit Knesset. As I begin this new journey as Ahavath Achim’s president, I reflect on my grandfather and the influence he had on my Jewish and synagogue life. I know he would be proud of me.” Alembik’s father and multiple family members were Holocaust survivors, which further encouraged him to strive to be a better Jew. A graduate of George Washington University and Mercer Law, Alembik has practiced for 34 years. For 10 years, he was a judge in the Fulton County Family Division and served in the Family Violence court. Currently, he maintains an arbitration and mediation practice. ì

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NEWS

Ethiopian Jewish Aliyah Gets Atlanta Federation Support

By Bob Bahr On June 1, a plane carrying 181 Jews from Ethiopia landed in Israel as part of a renewed effort to resettle as many as 3,000 members of what is known as the Beta Israel community. The Israeli government had dubbed the flight Operation Zur Israel, the Rock of Israel.

Accompanying them on their 2,000mile journey from Addis Ababa to Tel Aviv was Atlanta businessman Michael Kogon, who represented the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Kogon, who is the outgoing chairman of the Federation committee that decides how the organization spends its $24 million budget, said he was caught up in the festive atmosphere of the Israelbound flight.

“The elders of the community are there with their walking sticks and 30-year-olds are helping their parents or their grandparents and 20-year-olds are helping their younger siblings. There’s sticker books and candy for the youngsters and singing and talking back and forth, and it’s like a carnival. I mean, for

8 | JUNE 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The first flight of Jews from Ethiopia arrived in Israel on June 1.

all of us, coming to Israel was exciting,” he told the AJT. For many of the Ethiopian Jews, who trace their ancestry back to the union between the biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba some 3,000 years ago, it was the end of a long immigration process that is as old as the State of Israel itself.

This process survived the opposition of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, who refused to allow Jews to immigrate to Israel soon after independence, continuing through the Ethiopian Civil War in the 1970s that created a Communist revolutionary government and years of political persecution and famine.

Eric Robbins and Michael Kogon on trip to Ethiopia.

Starting in 1979, however, about 8,000 Jews who had survived the treacherous journey over the mountains to Sudan were brought to Israel in what was known as Operation Moses. Another 14,000 came in 1991 as part of Operation Solomon, organized by the Israeli Air Force and the airline El Al.

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Jews from the Beta Israel community in Gondar, Ethiopia, worship in the local Jewish community center. // Credit: Michael Kogon

Support for Israel on the streets of Ethiopia. // Credit: Michael Kogon

An Ethiopian Jewish family arrives in Israel on June 1. // Credit: Marc Baker

In late 2021, the Israeli government approved a plan to bring another 3,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel. In late May, Eric Robbins, the president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, joined 70 federation representatives from the U.S., Canada, Western Europe and Brazil who arrived in Ethiopia to observe the preparations for aliyah to Israel.

“Until you experience something and until you see it and touch it, firsthand, it’s really hard to tell the story,” Robbins said, upon his return to the U.S. “I’m a big believer that it’s a very important role that Israel plays in the lives of the Jews of Ethiopia. It’s my job to make sure that that can happen and that there is the money necessary to do that and to make sure that those individuals have the greatest chance of success of assimilating into Israeli society.”

As difficult as the journey to Israel has been for them, adjustment to life in Israel has often been no less challenging.

Some immigrants lack the education and skills required to compete in a high-tech economy like Israel’s, and it may take two or more years for them to gain a working knowledge of Hebrew.

Although Jews from Ethiopia are considered Jewish by Israel’s religious establishment, they must undergo a formal conversion process that can take ten months or more of study to complete.

According to a survey by the Bank of

Israel, unemployment among Ethiopian immigrants in Israel is almost double the national average, with over half living in poverty.

Racial discrimination is another obstacle. In March 2022, the latest immigration plan was challenged by the right-wing Israel Immigration Policy Center in Israel’s High Court. The Court’s rejection of the appeal cleared the way for the latest flight.

Still, nothing has dimmed the enthusiasm that many in the Beta Israel community maintain for the State of Israel or their Jewish heritage.

During the several days that he visited the Ethiopian community, Kogon participated in a large and joyous worship service in the Jewish community center in Gondar, which has the largest concentration of Jews in the country.

Listening to the davening during the Rosh Chodesh prayers in celebration of the new Jewish month of Sivan, Kogon could close his eyes and almost imagine himself transported back to his home in Atlanta.

“The words are the same words I learned when I went to the Epstein School.

It’s the same praise of the same G-d that brought us out of Egypt. And these were happy prayers. These were happy Jews.

These were people that were practicing their Judaism, teaching Jewish rituals to their children. It was hundreds of families at that service. Israel is part of their blood in a way that is rare.” ì

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NEWS

Ohr HaTorah Welcomes Two New Torah Scrolls

By Chana Shapiro Many of us have participated in Torah dedications in which Torahs are given to synagogues and schools to mark special occasions. A rare — perhaps once-in-a-lifetime — event took place on Sunday, May 29, when several hundred members of the Toco Hills community came together to celebrate a double Torah dedication. Two Torahs were donated to Congregation Ohr HaTorah on Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Reunification Day. One year ago, on Shavuot 2021, Dr. Jay and Mindy Cinnamon and Yael and Justin Katz commissioned the writing of two new sifrei Torah — complete Torah scrolls — for Congregation Ohr HaTorah.

Each couple had the idea to do so independently, based on their own reasons.

The novel opportunity to present their synagogue with two Torot on the same day appealed to both donors, and plans were set into motion for the double dedication that took place a full year from the day that they were commissioned.

Ohr HaTorah also offered categories of sponsorship to congregants who wished to participate in the creation of the two scrolls.

Both Torot have poignant dedication themes. The Katz Torah was written in memory of Justin’s late father, and also celebrates their son, Jude’s, bar mitzvah, which took place on Shabbat, May 28, the day before the Torah dedication.

Jude’s mother, Yael Katz, expressed her family’s dedication aspirations: “This a gift for our shul and also a gift for the community. The residents of Toco Hills never cease to act as a united and extended family. We are grateful to be part of this loving community and honored to celebrate this simcha with so many others.”

The Cinnamon Torah is dedicated to Rabbi Adam Starr and Rebbetzin Talya Gorsetman, in recognition of their bar mitzvah year as Ohr HaTorah’s spiritual leaders. The dedication recognizes their 13 years in Atlanta, which have significantly impacted the congregation, the city of Atlanta and the Jewish world beyond.

Cinnamon revealed a personal motivation, as well. “About 80 years ago, my grandparents, whom I never had the opportunity to know, commissioned a Cinnamon Family Torah for their shul in New York. The Torah, after many years of constant use in two synagogues, is no longer usable. For me, the commission10 | JUNE 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The two Torah scrolls commissioned

by Dr. Jay and Mindy Cinnamon and Yael and Justin Katz for Ohr HaTorah. // Credit: Deborah Wenger

Jay and Mindy Cinnamon.

Yael and Justin Katz.

The parade surrounds the chuppah over the new Torot.

A live band enlivens the parade.

A Torah scroll is completed.

ing of a new Torah is glorious, as it reconstructs the strand of continuity that connects me to the generations before me, even as it, please G-d, will connect us to our children, grandchildren and generations yet to be born.”

It typically takes a full year for a Torah scribe to write a Torah, and it was the goal of the two families to dedicate the Torahs on Yom Yerushalayim, which occurs a week before Shavuot. Yom Yerushalayim marks the anniversary of the liberation and unification of Jerusalem, after thousands of years, which took place during the 1967 Six-Day War. The deadline was met and the Torot were delivered on time. An Ohr HaTorah video was sent to the shul membership showing Rabbi Starr opening cartons containing the densely and protectively packaged Torahs before setting them aside for the dedication.

The festivities began at the Cinnamon home, where the final letters of

each Torah were completed by local sofer (scribe), Rabbi Aryeh Asa. As the crowd grew and children made posters, a live band on a decorated flatbed truck led widespread singing and dancing, which flowed into the street. The two scrolls were carried under a handmade chuppah at the center of an exuberant parade heading from the Cinnamons' street a few blocks down LaVista Road to Congregation Ohr HaTorah.

Along LaVista Road, the moving flatbed band encouraged continuous singing and dancing, with children and teens leading the parade with torches, handmade signs, decorations and Israeli flags as a nod to Yom Yerushalayim. Once the parade reached Ohr HaTorah, the new Torot were brought into the sanctuary.

The shul’s other scrolls were taken out, and rabbis and congregants from Toco Hills synagogues and other community members sang and danced with them for almost an hour. The lively celebra-

tion was followed by remarks from shul president Raanan Gal, Jay Cinnamon and Rabbi Starr.

Rabbi Starr’s emotional d’var Torah emphasized the dedication’s eternal significance. “The Torah is a song that never grows old, always inspiring us and guiding us in the way we lead our lives,” he said. “The name of our shul defines who we are. Ohr HaTorah means Light of Torah. The Torah provides light to a world that is often too dark, and we Jews are privileged to live by and spread that light.”

The Katz and Cinnamon families carried their Torot to the synagogue ark, where they will be used for the Jewish High Holy Days, special occasions and weekly Shabbatot. Upon placing the scrolls in the ark, everyone in attendance joined in singing the traditional song “Etz Chaim Hi” (the Torah is a tree of life) and the shofar was sounded, capturing the aura of communal bonding and joy. ì

NEWS

A Historic Season of Transitions at The Temple

Executive Director Mark Jacobson is transitioning to emeritus status.

Medwin’s successor, Kelli Harran, is “beyond thrilled to be joining this historic, diverse gem of a religious institution.”

“After eight years of leading our engagement department, I am excited to transition to my new role as The Temple’s Associate Rabbi,” Rabbi Lydia Medwin told the AJT.

After four years, Rabbi Sam Kaye will be leaving the congregation to become the associate rabbi at Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto.

and a graduate degree in Opera Performance from Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University. She pursued the cantorate and graduated from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in NYC with a Master of Sacred Music Degree in 2003.

“Music is crucial to the spiritual life of a community,” she said. “I look forward to joining The Temple family, getting to know each person’s story and lifting our voices together in spirit and song.”

After four years, Rabbi Kaye will be leaving the congregation to become the associate rabbi at Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto.

“The clergy and professional team at The Temple have taught me so much, the friendship of the rabbinic community here in Atlanta opened my eyes even more, but the greatest Torah I received during my time in Atlanta came from the members of our Jewish community,” Rabbi Kaye said. “Atlanta has a thriving young Jewish community, supported by the wisdom of its elders, and made the most beautiful when we come together as one family. May we go from strength to strength!”

Meanwhile, Cantor Hartman, who has been The Temple’s spiritual music

leader for 23 years and the congregation’s soloist for a decade before that, will stay on for another year.

“Being a cantor has enriched my life immeasurably, as it has allowed me to share in the most sacred moments of the lives of our Temple families,” she said.

“Standing with them through the cycles of life: baby namings, b’nei mitzvah, weddings, funerals and worship has been an incredible privilege.”

Rabbi Medwin, who has led the congregation’s engagement department for eight years, says she is “excited to transition to my new role as The Temple’s Associate Rabbi.” She has every faith in Harran, who “will do an excellent job carrying on our focus on relational engagement.”

Harran is “talented and passionate about the Jewish community,” Medwin says, and “will quickly become part of the Temple family.

“We are excited to continue engaging Temple members, along with our larger community, from every aspect of our organization. People remain at the center of our work — inspiring them, caring for them, and encouraging them to fulfill the mitzvah of transforming our world for the better.” ì

The Temple in Atlanta

By Jan Jaben-Eilon

“Mark Jacobson and Cantor Hartman aren’t leaving us; they are transitioning For more than 150 years, The Tem- to well-deserved emeriti roles after truly ple has weathered many changes and remarkable careers,” he told the AJT. transitions, growing exponentially to Kelli Harran, The Temple’s new dimore than 4,000 individual members. rector of engagement, joined the congreBeginning in May, and gation in May, following over the next couple of a three-month search. “I months, Atlanta’s oldest am beyond thrilled to be Reform congregation joining this historic, diwill see some significant verse gem of a religious personnel changes. institution. The Temple The Temple is sihas deep roots and a rich multaneously saying legacy both locally and goodbye to Rabbi Sam nationally, but it is also Kaye, celebrating Caninclusive, innovative tor Deborah Hartman’s and forward-thinking. and Executive Director It is an honor to have Cantor Tracey Scher is Mark Jacobson’s transithe opportunity to partreplacing veteran Cantor tions to emeritus status ner with the clergy and Deborah Hartman. and saying hello to Canmy engagement departtor Tracey Scher and Kelli Harran —the ment colleagues to carry forward, build congregation’s new director of engage- on and expand the phenomenal work ment — and her husband, Roee. that has been done in the engagement In addition, Rabbi Lydia Medwin is realm under Rabbi Medwin’s thoughtful transitioning to a full pulpit role from and visionary leadership,” she said. her current position as director of enHarran and her husband, Roee, who gagement. also happens to be The Temple’s new cel“A key component of our mission list, are among the congregation’s newest and vision is: we are our history, our fu- members. ture,” said Senior Rabbi Peter Berg. “In Hartman’s successor, Cantor Tracey other words, our past continuously in- Scher, will join The Temple from Larchforms our future.” mont Temple in New York, beginning Newly installed President Louis July 1.

Lettes echoed the sentiment, calling this Scher earned a bachelor’s degree in an exciting time for the congregation. Music Education from Acadia University,

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2022 | 11

NEWS

Trybal Gatherings Camp Comes to Ramah Darom

By Sasha Heller For most former campers, the memories of sleepaway camp still sparkle vividly in their minds even as their hair slowly turns several shades of gray: the camaraderie of Color War, finding their first love, or the late-night bunk chatter.

Trybal Gatherings, which provides Jewish camp experiences for young adults and millennials across North America, launched its first Trybal South overnight gathering at Camp Ramah Darom during Memorial Day weekend.

Nearly 60 campers took to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to enjoy traditional camp activities like arts and crafts, a ropes course and, of course, Color War. They also enjoyed activities tailored to millennial tastes, including themed dance parties, karaoke, trivia and an open bar at Bubbe’s Beer Garden.

Trybal Gatherings founder Carine Warsawski said camp participants typically fall into four categories: Those who never went to camp and want to try it; former campers hoping to recapture the experience of their youth; those who

The blue team gives it their all in the tug-ofwar event during Color War, a staple of any camp experience. // Photo credit: Jay Belsky

A group of Trybal campers arrive, ready for a weekend full of activities.

Lilli Jennison tries to guess the type of marker by smelling its scent.

A trio of campers enjoy some rest and relaxation by the scenic lake.

Some tasty treats awaited the campers as they arrived at the greeting table.

Some campers let loose at the silent disco.

didn’t have a fulfilling or meaningful Jewish experience at camp and friends of friends and interfaith couples.

Lilli Jennison, who did not attend sleepaway camp when she was young, fell into the first category.

“When I heard about Trybal, I wanted to try,” Jennison said. “I went to their day camp last year and loved it and was

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Many millennials are interested in yoga, so the camp made sure it was offered as part of the programming schedule.

Some of the campers play bubble soccer.

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Drew Cohen leads the campers in singing Shabbat prayers and songs.

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very excited for the weekend this year.”

Jennison said her favorite part of the experience was the camp’s bittersweet ending, when the group performed a friendship circle.

“We all sat in a circle facing outward,” she said. “There were about five people at a time who would leave the circle and become ‘tappers.’”

The tappers would receive a direction, such as: “tap someone who you had a meaningful conversation with … or tap someone who made you smile.”

Jennison said the tappers would anonymously tap as many people as possible who fit that profile. This exercise seemed to make the campers’ newfound connections feel that much more real and permanent.

“It was so special to see how many lives we touched in such a short weekend,” Jennison said.

She would recommend the Trybal

camp to anyone interested and would like to see more signup slots on the programming schedule. Jennison said that she and a friend wanted to take part in an improv class, but by the time they went to sign up, the slots had all been booked.

Jewish-themed activities at the camp consisted of a Shabbat Soiree and a FiveSenses Havdalah. Other activities included archery; human foosball; tie-dye; challah and babka baking; challah cover batiking; bubble soccer; slip’n’slide kickball; yoga; pickleball; latte art and mixology workshops and much more.

All in all, Jennison is eager to attend the next Trybal South gathering.

“I would also like to see a winter retreat,” Jennison said. “Once a year isn’t enough.”

For more information, visit Trybalgatherings.com or visit their pages on Facebook or Instagram. ì

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NEWS

Weber School Presents ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

The cast, back row (left to right): Evan Schneiderman, Chris Chapman, Elliott Furie, Sammy Lebowitz, Ammit Bezalel, Milo Medoff, Olivia Rocamora. Middle row (left to right): Matthew Steinberg, Miriam Burmenko, Naomi Furie, Aiden Fladell, Daniella Zalik, Hannah Mandel. Front row: Jack Anderson.

By Robert Garber Low lighting and an unfinished basement at the Weber School set the scene

Left to right: Elliott Furie, Ammit Bezalel, Sammy Lebowitz, Milo Medoff.

for the second and final performance of the campy black comedy horror musical “Little Shop of Horrors,” on Wednesday night, May 25.

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Sammy Lebowitz starred as Seymour Krelborn.

Miriam Burmenko, Naomi Furie, Aiden Fladell.

The student production, directed and choreographed by Brad Bass, kicked off with a raucous chorus composed of Aiden Fladell (Ronnette), Naomi Furie (Chiffon) and Miriam Burmenko (Crystal) singing the opening number while the ensemble (Olivia Rocamora, Hannah Mandel, Mathew Steinberg, Evan Schneiderman and Chris Chapman) performed “Skid Row.” Milo Medoff (Mr. Mushnik) added comedic flair, but it was Elliot Furie who took the zany performance wonderfully over the top. Furie’s portrayal of the sociopathic dentist and terrible boyfriend Orin Scrivello earned him cheers from the audience after nearly every scene, as well as praise from his peers after the show.

While the vocals of the leading pair, Sammy Lebowitz (Seymour Krelborn) and Ammit Bezalel (Audrey) were excellent, Daniella Zalik absolutely stole the show. Her singing voice as the monstrous plant Audrey II had audience members

on the edge of their seats.

Meanwhile, sweating up a storm inside the giant rented puppet, Jack Anderson manipulated the possessed plant’s every movement. While most of the cast and crew had been working on the production since February, Bass explained, Anderson had joined just over two weeks ahead of the first performance and still somehow found time to get his parts down perfectly.

Bass thanked musical director Ali Ramsaier and especially technical director Scott Leaderman, who, alongside the tech crew (Zachary Goldstein, Eden Malka and Gavri Newman), pulled off an excellent production of the notoriously challenging play.

“Little Shop of Horrors” is likely to be the last spring production in the unfinished space. A new grant from the Zalik Foundation will fund a full renovation as part of the new Music and Performing Arts Academy, slated to open just in time for Weber’s spring 2023 production. ì

NEWS

MACoM Offers Ritual Immersion for All

By Marcia Caller Jaffe MACoM, the Metro Atlanta Community Mikvah, which provides a sacred space for Jews to ritually immerse themselves, welcomed their 2023 slate of officers on June 8.

Mingling at Congregation B’nai Torah, adjacent to their Mt. Vernon location in Sandy Springs, MACoM supporters were glad to be back in person to share their experiences of the immersion tradition during and after COVID — including some not so traditional applications.

Purification through ritual immersion, which dates back at least to the 1st century BCE, remains central to Orthodox community life. More recently, it has expanded in scope to include a plethora of modern uses.

MACoM is the only Atlanta mikveh that is open to all regardless of affiliation.

Outgoing president Michele Garber opened the presentation with her personal experiences using a mikveh, first in Charlotte and Washington, D.C., before coming to Atlanta.

“Let me assure you that our Atlanta Mikveh is by far the nicest,” Garber said. She credited Anita Diamant’s “The Red Tent” with popularizing the more modern and inclusive occasions for ritual immersion, including completing chemotherapy, coming out of a divorce, in preparation for a wedding and more.

Garber, who recalled using a mikveh while experiencing infertility, said that her most meaningful immersion occurred when she was faced with an empty nest after the departure of her college-bound children. She recognized Executive Director Jocelyn Schorvitz for stepping up to the plate during COVID to assume all mikveh guide duties in addition to her regular ones. She also recognized MACoM’s original guide, Adrienne Boyer, who will be continuing as vice president into next year.

Rabbi Joshua Heller delivered the d’var Torah, citing Parshat Naso, which, he said, contains 72 seemingly repetitive verses detailing the offerings made to the Tabernacle by leaders of the 12 tribes. “Why the need for the repetition of the same gifts?” he asked rhetorically.

These repetitions, the rabbi said, were analogous to “repetitive” immersions in the mikveh, which “each individual experiences differently — as a gift of spirituality and connection.”

Three female clergy members were recognized for their service: Rabbi Lauren Lapidus, who headed the clergy advisory group — to be succeeded by Rabba Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez — and Rabba Amanda Flaks, an incoming board member.

Although she’s been the executive direc-

From left: Michele Garber, outgoing president; Edye Nechmad, incoming president; and Vice President Adrienne Boyer.

(Left) Executive Director Jocelyn Schorvitz accepts an octopus planter — representing all of her varied duties — from Michele Garber.

tor for three years now, this is the first time the entire group has met in person, Schorvitz said. During the pandemic, she oversaw some 200 immersions — some on an emergency basis, such as the same-sex Israeli couple with surrogate twins who needed to complete the conversion process before getting on a plane. Since opening seven years ago, she said, “MACoM has done 1,800 immersions, 658 of which were conversions.”

Schorvitz also reported a $10,000 grant from JWFLA to support women as caregivers. She recognized Beth Tieman Feldstein, who has served as nominating chair, as a guide and — with Tracie Bernstein — as a guide teacher. Garber presented Schorvitz with an octopus planter in honor of her many “arms” of service, such as fundraising, taxes, technology and marketing.

Incoming President Edye Nechmad said she got “chills hearing so many emotional stories about conversion.” Her first experience with a mikveh took place some 20 years ago, in Israel, prior to her marriage. She pledged her willingness to face the challeng-

“Transitions,” an original painting by Sharon Feldstein, was raffled off to a lucky winner.

Mikveh guide trainer Beth Tieman Feldstein poses with Rabba Amanda Flaks, general board member.

es that come with leading the organization.

“I’m terrified of fundraising, but I will channel my grandmother and flip that switch,” she said. “Hard work is OK!” A speech and language pathologist, Nechmad also touted her experience as a Girl Scout leader for many years.

“I feel the weight of the responsibility,” she added. “We will thrive to be impactful and important.”

Garber echoed that ambition. “We

must go from surviving to thriving,” she said. “Our board represents 11 different synagogues, and we hope to reach out to those various levels of observance, ethnicity and gender to guide through tears of joy and pain.”

Artist Sharon Feldstein crafted a butterfly-themed painting, “Transitions,” specifically for a raffle to benefit MACoM. The lucky prize went to a mother of the bride who was visiting from out of state. ì

Additional MACoM officers:

Tracie Bernstein Secretary Todd Beresin Treasurer Rabba Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez Clergy Advisory Chair David Ellin General Board Member (GBM) Rabba Amanda Flaks GBM Rabbi Josh Heller GBM Emily Kaiman GBM Alexandra Newman-Kofinas GBM Mark Silver GBM Cliff Trammel GBM Alice Wertheim GBM ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2022 | 15

POLITICS Preview Georgia’s June 21 Primary Runoff

Republican businessman Narender Reddy faces Republican Betsy Kramer contest in state House District 50.

By Dave Schechter Tuesday, June 21 promises to be a hot one in Georgia. The state will mark the first official day of summer with primary runoff elections.

One of the relatively few General Assembly races requiring a runoff is the Republican contest in state House District 50.

Betsy Kramer, a long-time Fulton County Republican Party official, who is Jewish, faces Republican businessman Narender Reddy. The winner will oppose Democratic state Sen. Michelle Au in the Nov. 8 general

A runoff of note is the Republican nomination in the 6th district, Rich McCormick and Jake Evans.

election.

Among the congressional runoffs of note is the Republican nomination in the 6th district. Rich McCormick and Jake Evans have spent the month since the May 24 primary disparaging each other’s credentials as conservatives. The winner will face Democrat Bob Christian in the Nov. 8 general election. The Republican-controlled General Assembly redrew the 6th’s borders in a Republican-friendly fashion after the post-2020 Census redistricting.

Next door, in the 7th district, Congresswoman Lucy McBath — who jumped from

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Republican runoff for Congressional District 7 between Michael Corbin and Mark Gonsalves

Secretary of State runoff between current state Rep. Bee Nguyen and former state Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler.

Democratic runoff between Kwanza Hall and Charlie Bailey

Of the 7th district, Congresswoman Lucy McBath.

the 6th district and defeated incumbent Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux in the Democratic primary — awaits the winner of the Republican runoff between Michael Corbin and Mark Gonsalves. The same redistricting buoyed Democratic chances of holding the 6th district, which Bourdeaux flipped to blue in 2020.

Both the Republican and Democratic nominees in the 10th district remain to be determined. Republicans will choose between Mike Collins, the son of the late Republican congressman Mac Collins, and Vernon Jones, a Democrat-turned-Republican endorsed by former President Donald Trump. On the Democratic side, Tabitha

Johnson-Green faces Jessica Allison Fore.

In statewide races, Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who turned back a Trump-endorsed challenger, awaits the winner of the Democratic runoff between current state Rep. Bee Nguyen and former state Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler. The Democratic nominee for governor, Stacey Abrams, has endorsed Nguyen.

A runoff was avoided in the Republican contest for lieutenant governor, where state Sen. Burt Jones, who received Trump’s endorsement, won 50.06 percent of the vote.

Jones now awaits the winner of the Democratic runoff between Kwanza Hall and Charlie Bailey. ì

POLITICS

Sen. Ossoff Presses White House on Journalist’s Death

By Dave Schechter Senators Jon Ossoff and Mitt Romney are insisting that the Biden administration “ensure a full and transparent investigation is completed and that justice is served” in the death of an American journalist in the West Bank in May. In a June 6 letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the Jewish Democrat from Georgia and the Republican from Utah declared themselves “deeply disturbed” by the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh, a reporter for Al Jazeera.

Abu Akleh, a 51-year-old native of East Jerusalem, had reported for the Qatari-funded news organization for the past 25 years. She was killed early on the morning of May 11, struck in the head by a bullet as she stood with other journalists covering an Israel Defense Forces raid at a refugee camp in the city of Jenin.

At the time of her death, Abu Akleh was wearing a helmet and a blue armored vest that read “Press.”

Ossoff and Romney asked Blinken to “Please provide a detailed update on the progress of this effort within 30 days.”

Shireen Abu Akleh, reporting in While not referring explicitly to the Jerusalem for Al Jazeera, was one senators’ letter, Blinken said on June 8: of the best-known Palestinian “We are looking for an independent, journalists. // Agence France-Presse credible investigation. When that investigation happens, we will follow the facts, sue truth and accountability at great wherever they lead. It’s as straightfor- personal risk. Press freedom is a core American value, and we cannot accept ward as that.”

Israel has rejected the Palestinian impunity when journalists are killed in Authority’s assertion that Abu Akleh was the line of duty. We insist that the Admintargeted by IDF troops and called on the istration ensure a full and transparent PA to release the bullet that killed Abu investigation is completed and that jusAkleh for an independent examination. tice is served for Ms. Akleh’s death.”

Asked to comment on the OssoffThe PA has refused, saying that it does Romney letter, the Consulnot trust Israel. ate General of Israel to the Israeli news organizaSoutheast sent the AJT the tions reported that an infollowing statement: “We terim report issued by Israel express sorrow over the posited two scenarios: one death of the journalist Ms. in which indiscriminate Abu Akleh and see great imfire by Palestinian gunmen portance in freedom of the in the direction of IDF vepress, and work to preserve hicles struck Abu Akleh, it. An investigation was conand another in which a shot ducted regarding the tragic fired in return by an Israeli death of Ms. Abu Akleh sniper struck the reporter.

Senator Jon Ossoff during a heavy exchange The newspaper Haaretz speaks on Capitol Hill of fire in the midst of a subsequently reported that in Washington //AP counter-terror operation in the IDF’s Military Police Criminal Investigation Division has not Jenin and the conclusions are indecisive regarding who shot the bullet that killed planned any further investigations.

In their letter, Ossoff and Romney Ms. Abu Akleh.

“We call on the Palestinian Authorwrote: “The killing of a U.S. citizen and of a journalist engaged in the work of ity to cooperate with said investigation to reporting in a conflict zone is unaccept- get to the truth and wonder why they do able. All over the world, journalists pur- not cooperate and allow for an indepen-

June 6, 2022 The Honorable Antony Blinken Secretary of State U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street NW Washington, DC 20520 Dear Secretary Blinken, We are deeply disturbed by the killing of an American journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, who was shot to death while reporting near the city of Jenin in the West Bank on May 11, 2022.

We urge that the State Department ensure there is a full and transparent investigation and accountability for Ms. Akleh’s death.

The killing of a U.S. citizen and of a journalist engaged in the work of reporting in a conflict zone is unacceptable.

All over the world, journalists pursue truth and accountability at great personal risk. Press freedom is a core American value, and we cannot accept impunity when journalists are killed in the line of duty.

We insist that the Administration ensure a full and transparent investigation is completed and that justice is served for Ms. Akleh’s death.

Please provide a detailed update on the progress of this effort within 30 days.

Sincerely,

___________________ Jon Ossoff United States Senator

___________________ Mitt Romney United States Senator

Letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, by Jon Ossoff the Jewish Democrat from Georgia and Mitt Romney the Republican from Utah.

dent investigation to examine the bullet Israel’s investigation. The Times of Israel that they hold and can shed light on the has reported that an administration offiinvestigation of who shot Ms. Abu Ak- cial told the website that the U.S. would not open its own probe into the incident. leh,” the statement read.

Prior to his election in January 2021, Abu Akleh was born in 1971 to a MelOssoff was CEO of Insight: kite Catholic family in East The World Investigates, a Jerusalem and graduated company that produced from a Jordanian university documentaries about war with a degree in journalcrimes, corruption and orism. She joined Al Jazeera in ganized crime that aired on 1997. The New York Times a number of international reported that Abu Akleh networks. “spent time in the United During his Senate camStates when she was youngpaign, Ossoff talked about er and obtained U.S. citizenhis family ties to Israel. He ship through family on her also did so during Israel’s mother’s side, who lived in Senator Mitt Romney, May 2021 war with groups New Jersey, friends and colRepublican of Utah firing rockets from Gaza. leagues said.”

Ossoff and Romney’s letter follows During that conflict, Ossoff led a call by one by 57 Democratic members of the 29 members of the Senate that urged a House, calling for the State Department cease-fire.

Since taking office, Ossoff has met and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to launch an independent investigation, with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Benas well as another, from a bipartisan nett, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, Presigroup of 25 representatives, asking the dent Isaac Herzog and other ranking Palestinian Authority to cooperate with members of the Israeli government. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2022 | 17

ISRAEL PRIDE

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME A Life Saved with the Press of a Button

Last week, a 64-year-old man lost consciousness in a synagogue in the Ezrat Torah neighborhood of Jerusalem during the Friday evening prayer service. A congregant who witnessed the collapse ran over to the Nedarim Plus emergency alert system hanging on the wall and tapped the help button, which alerted United Hatzalah’s Dispatch and Command Center.

United Hatzalah volunteer EMT Yisrael Horovitz had just finished Friday evening prayers and was walking out of a different synagogue when his communication device rang, notifying him of the emergency.

Horovitz arrived and pushed through the crowd inside the shul to where the collapsed man was lying unconscious and without a pulse. A fellow congregant had already begun CPR. “I asked the person performing chest compressions to continue so I could connect the defibrillator from my medical kit, while not delaying the CPR,” Horovitz said.

“I showed him how to perform the compressions more effectively and he was a great help.”

A few minutes later, other EMTs arrived. Horovitz, being the first responder at the scene, instructed the others. They connected an oxygen respiratory mask

Today in Israeli History Soviet refuseniks are pictured in 1970s Moscow. // Remember and Save

June 15, 1970: A plot to steal a 12-seat commercial aircraft to escape the Soviet Union is foiled when 12 dissidents are arrested at a Leningrad airport. The case draws attention to refuseniks, who are Jews blocked from emigrating.

June 16, 1947: Violinist Bronislaw Huberman dies in Switzerland at 64. A native of Poland, he founded the Palestine Symphony Orchestra in the 1930s and saved 90 Jewish musicians from Europe by giving them places in the orchestra.

June 17, 1939: The SS St. Louis completes its recrossing of the Atlantic to Europe after all but 28 of the 938 Jewish refugees on board are denied admission to Cuba or the United States. More than 250 are killed in the Holocaust.

June 18, 1890: Avraham Granovsky (Granot after making aliyah in 1922) is born in Moldova. For the Jewish National Fund, he leads the purchase of thousands of dunams of land, helping define Israel’s borders.

18 | JUNE 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Blavatnik Prizes for Computer Science Awarded to Doctoral Fellows

Dr. Shlomo Gensler, who is also a UH volunteer, assisted in treating the patient.

and began assisted ventilation. Dr. Shlomo Gensler, who is also a United Hatzalah volunteer, joined the resuscitative efforts, providing advanced medical care and intubating the patient.

“I have been a part of many successful resuscitations, but this was the first time that I was at one where the patient returned to full consciousness at the scene. He was trying to get up with force and speak. It was amazing,” said Horovitz in disbelief.

“I thank G-d that the man survived and that he is with us today. I sincerely hope that he will make a full recovery.”

June 19, 1967: President Lyndon B. Johnson lays out five principles for Middle East peace in a speech at the State Department.

He does not demand Israel’s surrender of recently captured land.

June 20, 1950: Israel’s first Festival of Jewish Music begins at the YMCA building in Jerusalem and runs until July 1. Most performances present classical music, including Leonard Bernstein, but two showcase Israeli folk music.

Eliahu Eilat presents a Torah to President Harry S. Truman on Oct. 26, 1949.

June 21, 1990: Eliahu Eilat, who won President Harry Truman’s U.S. recognition of Israel in May 1948 and served as Israel’s first ambassador to the United States and later its envoy to Britain, dies in Jerusalem at age 86.

June 22, 1939: Biochemist Ada Yonath is born in Jerusalem. She shares the 2009 Nobel Prize in chemistry for discovering the 3D structure of two subunits of ribosomes, which make proteins in cells.

June 23, 2011: Orna Barbivai is promoted to major general, the first woman to hold the second-highest rank in the IDF. The

On June 8, the second annual Blavatnik Prizes for Outstanding Israeli Doctoral Students in Computer Science were awarded to four PhD students in a ceremony at Tel Aviv University (TAU): Nave Frost of TAU, Gal Yona and Assaf Shocher of the Weizmann Institute of Science and Leshem Choshen of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

With generous funding from the Blavatnik Family Foundation, the prizes were established to highlight excellent research

by Israeli PhD candidates in the field of computer science and emphasize the importance of doctoral studies in general.

Honorable mention went to Hagai Rossman and Gilad Yehudai of the Weizmann Institute of Science and Elad Romanov and Lior Rotem of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

British-American industrialist and philanthropist Sir Leonard Blavatnik, for whom the prizes are named, was in attendance. A TAU benefactor and dedicated supporter of science, innovation and higher education in Israel, Blavatnik has a transformative legacy of giving at TAU, which began over a decade ago with backing for 30-year military veteran and mother of three heads the Personnel Directorate.

June 24, 1987: Israeli Arabs hold an Equality Day strike to protest discrimination and demand equal per capita funding for Jewish and Arab local authorities. Moshe Arens dismisses the strike as “Communist incitement,” but the government increases Arab funding.

The Bridge of Strings is prominent in an aerial view of the entrance to Jerusalem in 2011. // By Moshe Milner, Israeli Government Press Office

June 25, 2009: Jerusalem inaugurates the 1,180-foot-long Chords Bridge, known as the Bridge of Strings, to serve pedestrians and the new light-rail system at the entrance to the city. The bridge features 66 white steel cables hanging from a 384-foot spire.

June 26, 1944: The Republican National Convention follows the lead of its presidential nominee, Thomas Dewey, and for the first time in its platform supports the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine. The Democrats take

From left: Sir Leonard Blavatnik; TAU PhD candidate Nave Frost, winner of a 2022 Blavatnik Prize in Computer Science; and TAU President Prof.

Ariel Porat. // Photo: Chen Galili

scholarships and the Blavatnik School of Computer Science. From there, his Foundation pledged sizeable gifts to establish the Blavatnik Initiative, a multi-year program in the fields of computing, cyber, drug development, film production and faculty recruitment. Key programs benefited by the initiative include the Blavatnik Center for Drug Discovery and Blavatnik Interdisciplinary Cyber Research Center.

“Israel is at the forefront of the ongoing computer science revolution that increasingly affects everyday lives around the world,” Blavatnik said. “As such, it is vital to amplify the academic achievement of emerging trailblazers, who are poised to become future leaders and innovators in academia and industry.” a similar step in July.

June 27, 1945: Ami Ayalon is born in Tiberias. A Medal of Valor winner, he commands the Israeli navy from 1992 to 1996, then leads the Shin Bet security service until 2000. He later represents Labor in the Knesset.

June 28, 1919: Poland, reconstituted as an independent nation after World War I, adopts its Minorities Treaty, which, in addition to general assurances, specifically mentions cultural and civil liberties for Jews.

Children gather to do some planting at Kibbutz Givat Brenner in 1950.

June 29, 1939: Kibbutz Givat Brenner, named for writer Yosef Haim Brenner, is founded 20 miles southeast of Tel Aviv by pioneers from Lithuania, Italy and Germany who had labored in agricultural communities.

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

ISRAEL NEWS Deadline Looms to Renew Law on Israeli Settlements

By Jan Jaben-Eilon If the Israeli legislature is unable or unwilling to approve an extension of a regulation by June 30, Israelis living in West Bank settlements will no longer be considered to reside under Israeli civil and criminal jurisdiction.

This emergency regulation, which was initiated after the 1967 Six-Day War, has been extended every few years by the Knesset. This year, however, because of political maneuverings, the “Law to Extend the Emergency Regulations (Judea and Samaria – Jurisdiction and Legal Aid 5727-1967)” failed on June 6 to pass the first of three required readings.

The consequences of not passing this bill could be “dramatic,” said Liron Libman, a research fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) who is a former chief military prosecutor for the Israel Defense Forces and head of the IDF International Law Department. “It’s a serious problem to everyday life, if it doesn’t pass.”

Israelis living outside the Green Line – the internationally recognized eastern border of Israel – would be considered to reside “abroad.” This would mean potentially having to travel to Israel to vote, not being taxed or receiving social security and health care benefits as Israeli citizens do or being protected by the police. Instead, like the Palestinians, they would be living under Israeli military rule.

The regulation, which has been extended generally without much publicity or controversy for over 50 years, boldly clarifies that even the State of Israel draws a distinction between “Israel proper” — within the Green Line — and the settlements, which are considered illegal under international law.

Most American Jews are likely unaware of this aspect of Israeli governance. According to Libman, even in Israel, “most Israelis” don’t really understand the ramifications of this law and its impact on residents of the settlements. “The terms are technical and additional layers have been added through the years,” he said.

In an IDI statement, Libman wrote that the aim of the law was to “address a highly unusual situation, in which Israel rules over territory to which it does not apply its laws, and thus in effect, there are different legal systems in Israel and in the occupied territories. Indeed, from the perspective of Israeli law, the territories are ‘abroad,’ as it were.”

In an interview from Jerusalem, Libman told the AJT that if an Israeli were to be arrested in the West Bank, he could be tried by a military judge. “This could be a logistical problem,” he said. In another hypothetical, if an Israeli court issued a civilian judgement wherein fines were imposed against an Israeli citizen living in a settlement, an Israeli citizen living within the Green Line might not be able to collect. Lawyers who reside in the settlements, for example, might not be able to join the Israeli Bar Association. Without the law, entry into Israel, adoptions of children and even representation in the population registry would be impacted.

Libman likewise warned that the authority of the courts in Israel to rule on inheritance matters relating to Israelis who reside in the settlements will expire unless the assets left behind are located on Israeli territory.

In the statement released by the IDI, Libman added that,

If the Knesset doesn’t approve the emergency regulation by June 30, Israelis living in West Bank settlements may be legally considered to be residing “abroad,” according to Liron Libman, a research fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute. // Getty

since the Oslo Accords were approved by Israel and the Palestinians in the 1990s, “the law also regulates legal cooperation between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.”

In other words, it could be quite complicated, counseled Libman, who said that he has never experienced this kind of situation and isn’t sure how it would actually unfold. “I’m perplexed. Even if the law would be renewed after it expires, there could be some retroactive” fallout.

The failure to pass this legislation can be attributed not only to the fact that a couple of members of the government coalition voted against it, but also to the fact

ACTIVE LISTINGS

that members of the opposition parties who supported the legislation in theory, refused to vote for it, hoping that their votes would bring down the government and initiate the need for new elections.

“But there are strict timelines” involved, said Libman.

“We would need new elections before the law expires,” [which is not technically possible]. If the government falls, however, the bill will be automatically extended until a new government coalition could vote on it. For now, the law is set to expire on June 30 — unless the Knesset somehow approves it in three votes first. ì

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June 26-29

American Jewish Press Association 2022 Annual Conference

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center 100 CNN Center NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Columnist, publisher, editor, or student, this conference program offers something for everyone.

Register at www.ajpa.org/2022-Conference

Bret Stephens

Monday: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

41st Annual AJPA Simon Rockower Awards & Reception

Pulitzer Prize-winning American journalist, editor, and columnist The New York Times

Keynote Speaker Monday, June 27, 2022

Tuesday: 8 p.m. to 12m Networking Social Brought to You by Michael A. Morris Owner & Publisher at the Atlanta Jewish Times

Breakfast 8 a.m., Sessions Throughout the Day Include:

• Local Newspapers: Looking Back at How we Survived • Five Takeaways for Dwindling Resources • Investing in Your Paper...Investing in Your Organization • Show & Tell • Unfit to Print: What is Within and What is Beyond the Bounds of Legitimate News Reporting in Jewish Journalism?

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Breakfast 8 a.m., Sessions Throughout the Day Include:

• How do we Define Antisemitism Today?

• Local Newspapers: Print: How the Landscape is Changing?

• Talk is Not Cheap: Let’s Brainstorm Story Ideas • Growing and Monetizing your Digital Audience • Digital Newsroom: Upping the Online Ante • Covering the Jewish Vote in the Midterms • The Changing Face of Judaism: Human Rights and Jewish Identity Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Breakfast 8 a.m., Sessions until 12:30 p.m. Include:

• Design-do, Mini-publishing, and Other Takeaways from the Jewish Journalism Fellowship

Bonuses Brought to You by Your Event Co-Chair and Speaker: Complimentary Tickets to the - VIP Atlanta Braves Experience - Zoo Atlanta - College Football Hall of Fame 20 | JUNE 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Kaylene Ladinsky Editor & Managing Publisher Atlanta Jewish Times

• Israel Session

Guest Speakers Include:

Greg Bluestein

AJC political reporter and MSNBC and NBC news contributor.

Craig Burke

Keith Pepper

Rabbi Joshua Heller Senior rabbi at Congregation Bnai Torah

Editor & Publisher Dayton Jewish Observer

Marni Davis

Jesse Ferris, PhD

Ellen Futterman

Chris Macrae

Allison PadillaGoodman

Owner & Publisher, Reporter Newspapers and Atlanta Intown

Chief Officer Mid-Atlantic Media

Associate Professor of History Georgia State University

Steve Levene

Adam Mandell

Founder Springs Publishing

Lonny Goldsmith Editor/Director of Communications TC Jewfolk

Vice President Israel Democracy Institute

VP of Sales Cleveland Jewish Publication Company

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Criminal Branch of FBI Atlanta

Talya Zax

Betsy Schmidt

Innovation Editor The Forward

CEO St. Louis Jewish Light

Marshall Weiss

Editor in Chief St. Louis Jewish Light

Vice President, Southern Division Anti-Defamation League

Motti Seligson

Director of Media Relations Chabad.org

Anat Sultan-Dadon

Janis L. Ware

Jill Savitt

Joanne Heyman Founder & CEO Heyman Partners

Managing Editor Cleveland Jewish Publication Company

Jordan Palmer

Alison Pure-Slovin Midwest Director Simon Wiesenthal Center

Paul Root Wolpe

Research Chair in Jewish Bioethics; Director Emory University Center for Ethics

Jonathan S. Tobin

Joanne Palmer

David Wilensky

Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern U.S

President and CEO National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Chief Digital Content Officer St. Louis Jewish Light

Editor in Chief Jewish News Syndicate

David Rubinger

Publisher The Atlanta Voice

Managing Editor Jewish Standard

Market President and Publisher Atlanta Business Chronicle

Bob Jacob

Digital Editor J. The Jewish News of Northern California

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SPORTS Pitcher Scott Effross Goes to Bat for Players Association For 99 dark days and long nights this past winter, it appeared as if Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association David Ostrowsky would not be able to broker a truce to break the ownerimposed lockout — one that ultimately marked the second-longest work stoppage in the history of the national pastime.

While it may seem an afterthought now, it was only a few months ago that the league’s owners and players failed to come to agreement on a new CBA, leaving the 2022 season hanging in the balance. Some said the game would never recover. With billions of dollars and many livelihoods at stake, the two sides were mired in a seemingly endless staredown, each hellbent on making the other blink first. The drawn-out negotiations became intense and, at times, rather contentious.

Stepping into the fray, even while serving as a representative for the Chicago Cubs — one of the league’s legacy franchises — was 28-year-old reliever Scott Effross, whose entire career in the big league at that point amounted to just 14 innings pitched in the waning days of the 2021 season.

How did something like this happen? Apparently, Effross’s teammate and good friend Ian Happ reached out during the marathon CBA negotiations, suggesting that, as a newbie to the Cubs, Effross would be more relatable to the club’s many young players.

He was right. The former Indiana University political science major embraced his opportunity as Chicago’s “alternate team representative,” essentially Happ’s right-hand man — a position in which he took meticulous notes during union calls, polled teammates on collective-bargaining issues and, perhaps most importantly, answered questions from fellow Cubs.

His teammates, Effross told the Chicago Sun-Times, “maybe didn’t feel comfortable speaking up too loud.”

For a player with a strong analytical bent and lifelong desire to learn more about the business of baseball, representing the Cubs at the bargaining table was an optimal way to spend a protracted offseason.

22 | JUNE 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Scott Effross, a proud representative of Northeast Ohio’s Jewish community, has carved out a big league career as a relief pitcher — and, more recently, MLB labor rep — for the Chicago Cubs.

“I guess it was kind of a semi-leadership role,” says the affable and exceedingly down-to-earth Effross in a phone interview with the Atlanta Jewish Times. “He [Happ] did the majority of the legwork as far as being our team rep and coordinating. I was just trying to help and be in the meetings and try to take in as much as I could. One, being my first off-season in the majors and two, my first experience with collective bargaining. I was trying to help Ian as much as I could, whenever he couldn’t make a phone call, or needed some advice. Really cool experience and something that I would like to continue to work on for sure. I definitely have interest in that world and, at some point, maybe would love to dive deeper into it if I get the right chance.”

As Happ and his playing brethren soon found out, what Effross lacked in on-field presence he made up for with his business acumen and fluid communication skills, the latter proving instrumental for enlightening fellow twenty-something teammates about the new CBA. “Part of it is who he is as a person, just being a really good human, and he’s intelligent,” Happ recently told the Chicago Sun-Times in an attempt to rationalize how Effross could be ready to assume a leadership role so early in his career. “So, I think both of those things were first and foremost. I think he’s really easy to talk to and communicate with, to make guys comfortable to come to him with any issues they might have had. And his path through the system.”

That path has been anything but a conventional one. After grinding it out

for several years in the lower-echelon minor leagues, Effross found himself at a crossroads in summer 2019 while pitching for the Tennessee Smokies, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. He had been scuffling of late and, with each passing day, it seemed as if his chances of one day getting a big-league call-up were growing slimmer. And then, just before the All-Star break, Smokies pitching coach Ron Villone approached him about undergoing a radical change in his delivery by dropping down to a sidearm release. Effross had to think about it for a week. Pitchers develop the sidewinding technique in Little League, not several years into their professional careers. This would be a drastic transition.

“At the time it was a little jarring to hear, because I had been doing something my whole life,” says Effross, who, in the latter half of 2019, worked long hours with Chicago’s rehab pitching coordinator Josh Zeid (a fellow Jew and former member of the Israeli national baseball team) to fine-tune his mechanics. “I really had no idea what would happen.”

Indeed, it was a bold move that has clearly paid tremendous dividends as Effross did have a stint with Chicago last fall and broke camp with the team this spring. Now, as the season nears its midway point, he has emerged as one of the most effective middle relievers in the National League, with his sub-3.00 ERA and elite strikeout-to-walk ratio.

“I am grateful for the Cubs for giving me a second opportunity,” adds Effross, a lifelong Cleveland Indians fan who had mixed emotions when the Tribe fell to the

curse-busting Cubs —led by one of his best friends, Kyle Schwarber — during the 2016 World Series. “They didn’t owe me that. At the time, I was a very inconsistent Double-A pitcher. There very easily could have been some other decisions made. But they saw something in me. I’m incredibly thankful for just the chance — even if it never worked out the way it has right now — to pursue something.”

The Twinsburg, Ohio, native is in a perpetual state of gratitude. Back in early May, after Cubs starter Drew Smyly was put on the bereavement list, Effross got the nod to start against the crosstown White Sox. Even though he got yanked in the second inning of the Cubs’ eventual 3-1 loss, Effross made it a point afterwards to show manager David Ross just how appreciative he was.

“One of those bucket list items, saying I started a game at Wrigley,” he says. “After the game, I went up to Ross and said, ‘Thank you for this cool opportunity.’”

Whatever is in store — whether more spot starts or high-leverage, lateinning appearances out of the bullpen — the reliever is taking nothing for granted.

“It’s been a fun stretch so far,” says Effross, who grew up as a member of the now-defunct Congregation Shir Shalom in Northeast Ohio and sports a Star of David necklace every time he takes the mound.

“I always thought my initial reaction would be ‘Ok, I just want to get there, say I did it and then check it off and whatever happens.’ I threw my first game and my immediate reaction was, ‘Oh my gosh, I need to do this again, again and again.’” ì

SPORTS

Sports Books for Dad

By David Ostrowsky

Al Rosen: The Hebrew Hammer

While there have been numerous books chronicling the Hall of Fame-caliber careers of Sandy Koufax and Hank Greenberg, there has been relatively little space devoted to another mid-20th-century Jewish baseball star: Cleveland Indians third baseman Al Rosen.

Until this year, that is. In “Hebrew Hammer: A Biography of Al Rosen, All-Star Third Baseman” (McFarland Books), author Joseph Wancho provides a comprehensive account of arguably one of the most underappreciated Jewish ballplayers.

How good was Rosen? Early in the book, Wancho recounts a three-game series that Rosen’s Indians played at Fenway Park in September 1947, after which legendary slugger Ted Williams remarked to the press about the then-rookie: “He looked mighty good to me.”

Indeed, Rosen had a mighty good career, earning four All-Star nods and finishing with a career .285 average. But because Rosen enjoyed a brief career — and even briefer prime — his feats are examined closely in this biography. In chronicling Rosen’s short-lived reign as one of the American League’s most feared hitters, Wancho explains how Rosen, who was mentored by Greenberg — then serving in the Cleveland front office following the end of his own career — was such an emotional wreck after his Indians got swept by the New York Giants in the 1954 World Series that he couldn’t return home for days afterwards and ultimately played through a litany of ghastly facial injuries, with the exception of the High Holy Days.

Aside from describing Rosen’s remark-

able baseball career, Wancho delves into his subject’s fascinating experiences off the field, some of which coincided with his playing days. Readers learn about the considerable antisemitism Rosen faced growing up in Miami, and how later, as a middleweight boxing champion in military school, he learned to fight back with his fists; his childhood battles with severe asthma; his experience serving as a full lieutenant in the Navy during World War II, which included the invasion of Okinawa; his offseason work at an investment brokerage; his spokesmanship for suicide prevention (his first wife, Terry, who suffered from manic depression, took her own life in 1971); his contentious relationship with George Steinbrenner, the New York Yankees owner for whom he worked as club president in the 1970s.

Thus, in “Hebrew Hammer,” a book naturally steeped in baseball history, Rosen’s story is often told through the wider prism of American history, which makes its appeal not solely limited to a baseball-centric audience.

tism. As Megdal notes at the beginning of his fascinating book, “whatever lies ahead for the Jewish people in America, baseball will be our refuge.”

By virtue of accounting for the past fifteen years of baseball history, an updated version of “The Baseball Talmud” covers an even wider spectrum of Jewish ballplayers — 160 to be precise. There’s everyone from current standouts such as Max Fried, Joc Pederson, Alex Bregman and Richard Bleier to those who represented Judaism on the diamond during the Gilded Age (Nate Berkenstock, Israel Pike, Jake Goodman), profiles of household names (Sandy Koufax, Hank Greenberg, Ron Blomberg) alongside those of more obscure ones: Harry Chozen, Ike Danning and Reuben Ewing. With dozens of players featured, it is hard to pinpoint just one that resonates most. That being said, Megdal’s account of journeyman reliever Ryan Sherriff, who has battled mental illness and whose four grandparents were Holocaust survivors, leaves readers hungry for more.

While informative and entertaining like the Talmud itself, these brief bios don’t go into extensive detail about the players’ Jewish backgrounds. Rather, Megdal focuses on their on-field legacies, some of which culminated with induction into the Hall of Fame, others with a cup of coffee in the big leagues. And within virtually every one of the vignettes, there is a healthy balance of statistical analysis and anecdotal material, some of which Megdal produced from personal interviews with the players themselves.

Ultimately, “The Baseball Talmud” is a very timely sports book. After last year’s World Series, which included a record four Jewish ballplayers, and the current sizable crop of Jewish big leaguers, it was only fitting that an amended version eventually hit the bookshelves.

Labor of Love?

The Baseball Talmud

In 2008, journalist Howard Megdal authored the first edition of “The Baseball Talmud” with the express purpose of celebrating Jewish achievements in America’s major leagues. The book was a re-sounding success, one that resonated with an untold number of baseball fans of all faiths. But what truly inspired Megdal to publish the updated edition of “The Baseball Talmud: The Definitive Position-by-Position Ranking of Baseball’s Chosen Players” (Triumph Books), was to highlight the legacy of contributions made by Jews to mainstream American culture against a backdrop of antisemi-

If you are interested in learning more about sports labor history, veteran labor attorney Joshua Mendelsohn has written just the book for you. In “The Cap: How Larry Fleisher and David Stern Built the Modern NBA” (University of Nebraska Press), Mendelsohn, who currently serves as senior labor counsel for the Screen Actors Guild — American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, examines how the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association jointly formed a salary cap in 1983 — the first in all of pro sports — amidst a looming players’ strike on one side and potential financial catastrophe on the other. In doing

so, Mendelsohn makes a compelling case for how the salary cap emerged as a stabilizing force for a league that had been in a precarious fiscal state for decades.

Just like the NBA salary cap itself, “The Cap” is a revolutionary work in the sense that it is truly the first book solely dedicated to examining the labor history of the NBA. Baseball’s labor history, according to Mendelsohn’s introduction, has been chronicled in books and articles that are both “endless and fantastic.” The author opines that “basketball, however, was different. There was very little” labor reporting when it came to the NBA. Mendelsohn’s enlightening tome — it covers a far-reaching swath of history, including unionization, free agency, the Clippers moving from San Diego to Los Angeles, the Philadelphia 76ers’ acquisition of Hallof-Famer Moses Malone, Oscar Robertson’s lawsuit against the NBA — fills that glaring void.

Undoubtedly, the book dives deeply into the minutiae of the numerous legal proceedings that ushered in the groundbreaking salary cap. But Mendelsohn still leaves room for chronicling the life stories of the three primary stakeholders: Larry Fleisher, general counsel and negotiator for the National Basketball Players Association (“one of the most influential people in sports history,” per Mendelsohn); commissioner Larry O’Brien and David Stern, the visionary who quarterbacked negotiations for the NBA and ultimately emerged as O’Brien’s successor.

Contemporary basketball fans will particularly enjoy learning about Stern’s backstory, and how even as a multimillionaire NBA commissioner chauffeured from his Scarsdale mansion to his Midtown Manhattan office every morning, he never forgot his working-class childhood spent mopping the floor of Stern’s Deli, a West Side establishment run by his Russian immigrant parents.

With Stern no longer around (he died in 2020), Mendelsohn’s vivid account of Stern’s life and career takes on poignance. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2022 | 23

SPORTS

Hawks and State Farm Pack One Million Meals

By David Ostrowsky Food insecurity is a major issue facing Americans across the nation, including Georgia, where nearly one in eight residents struggles to find adequate nourishment, according to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Now, the Atlanta Hawks, in conjunction with State Farm, are taking action.

The largest service initiative in the franchise’s history, the Million Meal Pack event, will take place for the second time on Saturday, July 16, at State Farm Arena.

Thousands of volunteers will prepare one million meals, comprised of a nutritious, shelf-stable, dried jambalaya mix that produces six servings, to be distributed throughout the Greater Atlanta area. The inaugural Million Meal Pack event, held in 2019, was a smashing success, with over one million meals prepared.

Three years later, the success of the mission hinges on sufficient manpower.

In order to once again meet their ambitious goal, the Hawks are seeking at least 5,000 volunteers to register for the event.

Hawks icon Trae Young was actively involved in his team’s mission three years ago, when the first Million Meal Pack event took place.

As a sign of their gratitude for those who come out in support of the Atlanta community on July 16, the Hawks are providing each person who completes a full 90-minute meal-packing volunteer shift with a free t-shirt and a voucher for a complimentary pair of tickets to

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a Hawks home game next season. (The particular game dates will be announced when the schedule is released later this summer.)

“The partnership between the Hawks and State Farm is rooted in a commitment to improving our community,” said Steve Koonin, CEO of the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena, in the team’s official press release. “Addressing someone’s most basic human need for a nutritious meal will help improve so many Atlanta residents’ quality of life. We are urging the entire city to come together and help pack one million meals to help address this crucial need.”

Volunteering will primarily consist of standing over assembly-line tables while pouring and mixing the jambalaya ingredients — red lentils, long grain white rice, dehydrated vegetables and pink salt — and then sealing the bags.

Each 90-minute shift will consist of approximately 700-900 volunteers manning rows of tables that line State Farm Arena. If all goes according to plan, over a million meals of the New Orleans classic — shelf-stable for two years — will be ready for distribution by local organizations come sundown on July 16.

Those who volunteer — including those from schools, churches, synagogues, fraternal organizations and small businesses — can look forward to live music, street performances and appearances by local celebrities and Hawks players. (In 2019, among the thousands of volunteers, were former NBA All-Star Vince Carter and the late civil rights icon John Lewis, along with Hawks stars Trae Young and John Collins.)

Following the volunteer shift, participants can partake in a festival on State Farm Drive that will feature games, food

The July 16 Million Meal Pack event at State Farm Arena will bring together thousands of volunteers to pack meals for Atlantans affected by food insecurity.

and cool summertime tunes — something that has not been feasible these past few summers due to COVID restrictions.

“We are extremely proud to come together again with State Farm to provide nutritious meals for our neighbors in need through Million Meal Pack,” said Andrea Carter, vice president of corporate social responsibility for the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena. “On July 16, many will come together to make a difference in the lives of those without reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. We encourage everyone to share the link with their networks and join us.”

In today’s economic climate, with gas prices and rent only getting more expensive, skyrocketing food prices preclude many from being able to provide nourishing meals for their families. In Georgia, for example, nearly one in six children is living with food insecurity, according to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Since 2000, the number of high-poverty neighborhoods in metro Atlanta has tripled. In light of these dire statistics, this summer’s Million Meal Pack event takes on heightened significance.

“Giving back and strengthening communities are deeply embedded in State Farm’s culture,” said Dan Krause, State Farm’s senior vice president for the southeastern market area. “As we celebrate our organization’s 100th anniversary, we look forward to once again joining our local State Farm agents, employees, the Atlanta Hawks and the Atlanta community in the fight to reduce food insecurity in this incredible city.”

For more information and to register for the Hawks and State Farm’s Million Meal Pack, please visit Hawks.com/ mealpack. ì

SPORTS

Maccabi Athletes Celebrate Israel at NYC Parade

By David Ostrowsky After a three-year hiatus, New York City’s Celebrate Israel parade resumed to enthusiastic crowds on May 22. During the parade, whose goal was to express unity with Israel while galvanizing Jews across all five boroughs of New York City, hundreds of groups representing a wide spectrum of the Jewish community marched through Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue.

Attendees included everyone from Yeshiva University students to bikers to members of the leftist LGBTQ organization Keshet, along with local representatives like New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who marched alongside New York State Attorney General Tish James, carrying an Israeli flag. The Israeli delegation was headed by Defense Minister Benny Gantz, Immigration and Absorption Minister Pnina Tamano-Shata and Diaspora Minister Nachman Shai. New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined Asaf Zamir, Israel’s consul to New York, and erstwhile NYC mayors Bill de Blasio and Rudy Giuliani.

Not to be overlooked among the vibrant displays of Israeli pride was the Maccabi USA float, which included over 60 members of the 21st Maccabiah delegation and Maccabi USA alumni, the majority of whom live in the Greater New York City area. Maccabi USA joined for the third time in the parade’s storied history, this time with the stated goal of “passing the torch to a new generation of athletes participating in this summer’s 21st Maccabiah.”

“It was amazing to see so many different Jewish organizations from different Jewish affiliations,” says Shahar Frank, who serves as the Central Shaliach (Emissary) in the U.S. for Maccabi World Union, tirelessly promoting the Maccabi movement throughout North America. “Some of them were more religious. Some of them were not religious at all. Some of them were sports, like us.

Some of them were youth movements.

People were so happy to be back on the streets and not staying on Zoom.

“We can see on our side that people would like to get together. People would like to meet their teammates. It was moving to see that,” he told the AJT. The 2022 Maccabi USA team was just as diverse as it was spirited, with athletes from many different sports (volleyball, swimming, tennis, soccer, gymnastics, track and field, to name a few) and different generations represented.

Teenaged athletes waved the Israeli flag

Maccabi USA Vice President Donald Kent speaks to the crowd at the morning team send-off celebration. // Mark D. Phillips/southbrooklyn.com

Junior athletes on the Maccabi USA float at this year’s Celebrate Israel parade in New York City. // Mark D. Phillips/southbrooklyn.com

Master swimmer (middle) speaking to two Junior swimmers. // Mark D. Phillips/southbrooklyn.com

alongside older Maccabi alumni, one of whom was an 86-year-old tennis player.

“There’s a big gap between our youngest and our oldest,” adds Frank, who has been working since January to organize participation for the Maccabi USA parade, “which makes it great to see the multiple generations across the organization.”

However, two prominent members of the current Maccabi USA team, former NBA All-Star Amar’e Stoudemire, who will serve as an assistant coach for the U18 boys’ basketball team, and table tennis star Tahl Leibovitz, who medaled twice during the 1996 Summer Paralympics in Atlanta, did not partake in the parade.

This year’s Israel celebration was unique, not only because of the pandem-

Two-time Judo Olympian medalist (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020) Ori Sasson with the Maccabiah torch. // Mark D. Phillips/southbrooklyn.com

ic-induced hiatus, which prompted the official theme of “Together again,” but also because of an added layer of tension due to the current climate of antisemitism. Thankfully, anti-Israel protests during the parade were rather muted.

“As an Israelite, it taught me that not everyone’s going to be happy with what you do,” says Frank. “That’s OK. They were not really significant at all.”

Rather, the more imposing obstacle included the blistering temperatures in New York City and, for that matter, along the entire East Coast during the fourth weekend of May. “I guess the heat did scare some people from coming,” acknowledges Frank, who is also charged with organizing send-off parties for Maccabi USA, including one slated for Sandy Springs on June

13, prior to this summer’s festivities. “But it was not really that bad. Definitely not as bad as we thought it was going to be.

And it’s good preparation for the summer in Israel.”

Perhaps the best preparation for Maccabi USA’s upcoming summer competition in Israel was the chance for teammates to become familiar with one another, not only during the parade itself but also beforehand, during the team send-off, which was also held in Midtown Manhattan. This summer’s Maccabi USA delegation will include over 1,300 athletes, coaches, organizers and relatives all trekking to Israel. And, while it will be virtually impossible to meet everyone, an event like the Celebrate Israel parade goes a long way toward fostering team unity in the world of sports and beyond. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2022 | 25

OPINION Living the COVID Life The onslaught began the Tuesday morning after the Memorial Day weekend. A sore throat, followed by coughing, a headache, and fatigue.

Dave Schechter I attributed From Where I Sit these to a cold and resisted taking an at-home COVID-19 test, which may seem odd for someone whose computer has open windows tracking COVID data at the county, state, and national level.

My wife found this attitude ridiculous.

I relented and Tuesday night swabbed my nasal passages. [Thank you to the federal government for the test kits sent in the mail.]

The result: positive for COVID. This being Georgia, I demanded a recount. The second antigen test affirmed the first. Finding no evidence of fraud, I conceded and took to bed.

My wife tested negative and relocated to the bedroom at the opposite end of the hall.

I messaged my doctor, requesting the antiviral drug shown to reduce the severity of the symptoms. The prescription came through on

26 | JUNE 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Thursday. Three pills every morning and evening for five days.

By then, my wife wasn’t feeling well. She tested positive on Saturday.

We both lost our senses of taste and smell. The antiviral’s metallic after taste in my mouth made eating something less than a pleasure.

So, how did this happen? I was fully vaccinated, with a first and second booster.

My wife was about to schedule her second booster.

We had spent a lovely Memorial Day weekend in Chicago. The weather was beautiful. Thousands of people were walking up and down Michigan Avenue and along the Chicago Riverwalk. My sister said it was the most people she had seen on the Magnificent Mile since the start of the pandemic.

We visited with my 94-year-old mother and enjoyed meals with friends we had not seen in years. [None, thankfully, reported any issues afterward.]

People in the art museums and at the theater were masked. The likely culprit was a loud, crowded blues club.

Assuming that what I contracted was some version of the “milder” Omicron variant, I am thankful for vaccines that limit more se-

rious illness, hospitalization, or worse.

For those who pay little attention to COVID-19 data, in recent weeks the rate of new cases has ticked up in Georgia and in much of the country. That is without counting tests taken at home, which are not included in the Department of Public Health statistics.

We appear to have been part of a postMemorial Day surge of positive cases. The community transmission map maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looks like a forest fire of substantial and high levels, most notably in the eastern and western thirds of the country.

In such areas, “You should assume that you will be exposed, rather than assume things are risk free,” public health researcher Amber Schmidtke, whose COVID data-crunching has been a boon to journalists, wrote in a recent newsletter.

So, there we were, quarantining at home.

I removed the lids from containers of coffee, oregano, and cumin, hoping to have my olfactory sense stimulated. One night, my wife bit into a clove of garlic, seeking its pungent aroma and taste.

After a dozen days, I tested negative. By this timetable, my wife should test negative before you read this.

As I write this, there are hints that we might be regaining a measure of our senses of smell and taste. I trust that my stamina will improve, and a lingering cough will subside.

For our troubles, we may have gained, for however long it lasts, some newfound immunity to the virus.

“Everybody is going to be infected with COVID-19 multiple times in their lifetime,” Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist and senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, told the AARP.Org website.

Booster shots and post-COVID immunity will wear off. Much of the public has declared itself “over COVID.” Adherence to basic preventative measures has become lax and vaccination rates have slowed. Roughly 66 percent of eligible Georgians have received at least one dose of vaccine, 55 percent are fully vaccinated, and 21 percent have received at least one booster shot.

“It is a weird thing to navigate this world of alternate realities — one where COVID-19 no longer seems to exist based on the behavior we can observe,” Schmidtke wrote.

The data is clear. We live in a world where COVID still exists. A couple of weeks at home with the virus is convincing enough of that reality. ì

OPINION

A Memory of My Father on Father’s Day W h e n I was home from the University of Florida on a break in the early '60’s once, my father asked me if I wanted to go with him Rabbi Don Tam and Ma, to the Guest Contributor Yiddish theatre on 10th and Washington in Miami’s South Beach, to see a Yiddish vaudeville followed by a Yiddish movie. There were still enough Yiddish speaking Jews living in South Beach, to fill the theatre once a week on Sunday for a show entirely in Yiddish. This was long before the days of the gentrification of South Beach. “Aw Dad,” I replied, “I won’t understand anything.”

“Believe me, Donnie, Yiddish is a language that translates itself,” he said. You will understand more than you think.”

In my childhood years my grandma, Ma and Dad could communicate in Yiddish to each other, my father having been born in Lodz, Poland and Ma, who spoke a very fine Yiddish, having gone to a Peretz Yiddish school in Toronto, but my parents always spoke only English to me.

Finally, in 1964 I decided to go with my father and mother to the Yiddish cinema for a live Yiddish Vaudeville show on stage followed by a movie. My Dad turned out to be correct. The Yiddish vaudeville was so slapstick and funny, I was hysterical. Even only getting the gist of what was going on, I was gasping for breath. My father was a very quiet man and did not talk very much, holding his emotions close to his heart. I only saw him cry once, and that was during a Yuhrtzeit of his mother, whom I never knew. Even his laughter was controlled. I looked at my father on the other side of my mother and was astounded. He was laughing out loud so hard that tears were rolling down his cheeks. The movie that followed with English subtitles, was good too. A “Brievele Der Mamen” it was, “A Letter to Mama.”

In “Amereka” the Mama searches for her little boy, by now grown up, but cannot find him. Mitin drinnen (suddenly) HIAS invites the Mama to a concert, to help raise money for HIAS. A famous pianist will be playing – a talented genius. The audience goes wild and demands many encores. The last piece the maestro plays, he introduces with an explanation that this piece is based on a lullaby his mother used to sing to him, made up by her when he lived as a little boy in Poland.

Of course, you guessed it, the piece is

based on a lullaby Mama used to sing to her little boy. As he is playing, the Mama in tears, walks down the middle aisle of the theatre with her hands stretched out toward her son on the stage. Then the playing ends, the crowd rushes forward in adulation for the pianist. Mama is pushed to the side as an inconsequential old woman. The pianist disappears to hail a taxi. The Mama rushes outside to find her grown up son, she sees him getting into the taxi and rushes toward the car, which proceeds to run her over. (If you think this is overly dramatic, even I am crying). The son, horrified rushes to the side of the old woman, insisting the driver and he help lift the woman into the cab, taking her immediately to the hospital. There, after so many years, everything gets straightened out. The mother, not seriously hurt, goes home with her famous son.

Yiddish audiences do not sit quietly in their seats. There are screams throughout the movie. People are weeping all around me throughout the film. During the film they schrei out advice; yell and hiss at the pogromist antisemites. At the end of the film, the audience explodes into wild applause. I loved every moment of it. I will never forget it. Afterwards I attended every show at 10th and Washington with my parents, when they and I were able to go.

The people who participated in that experience with me are mostly gone now, except for a very few “kids’ like me, who somehow found their way to that theatre.

Even this remnant of Yiddish “culture” is gone now, with the common people who loved it. But, at the age of 79, I am not gone yet. I remember with love and gratitude. I think my father thought of himself as a failure. He could not provide many things for my brother and me, such as a higher education. But he gave me much more than a higher education that I could obtain through my own efforts, my brother doing the same to become a physician.

In later years I learned to read a little Yiddish at Emory University and understand many times over what I did as a child. From the Yiddish Book Center in New England, I have received many Yiddish translations and commentaries on holy books, including the The Tanach, a Treasury of Hassidic Tales, even a Yiddish translation of Aggadot from the Talmud, a Mishnah, and a Yiddish Folks Encyclopedia by Symcha Pietruszka, all of which they gladly sent me for approximately $8 a volume. On my death, they will be returned according to my wish.

My father may have thought himself a failure. However, he gave me a great

"A Letter to Mother", "A Brivele der Mamen," from Poland, 1939, 106 minutes B&W, Yiddish with English subtitles directed by Joseph Green and Leon Trystand.

many gifts that went beyond money, that continue to inspire me and still bear fruit even in my old age. On this day of his Yuhrzteit, Father’s Day, 2022, 20th of Sivan, 5782, I honor him Yehoshua ben

Avraham Mordcai v’Rachel and bless his name for the inheritance he helped bequeath to me, which oriented and helped direct my adult life, as many of our fathers have tried to do. ì

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FATHER'S DAY

My Dad is the Best, Coolest or Funniest in Town Father's Day Tributes win a special gift for Dads this year!

All submissions were entered in a raffle to win a prize for their father.

Victor Barocas and Jeff Budd, both of Johns Creek, each won a $100 gift card to McKendricks.

Herb Goldberg of Atlanta and Mitchell Garber of Dunwoody each won a $100 gift card for Cafe Intermezzo.

Jeff Budd – Johns Creek Victor Barocas – Johns Creek When I think of my dad, I think of how lucky I am to have a such a man. Some dads are just around not being active, but my dad has always been there when I needed him most. He is a comedian, best friend, mentor, mensch, a ben-adam, and a rock.

Not only do I love my dad, I also cherish the times we have together in both working together and outside of work. There is a cliche that I often hear in circles, and that is "Any man can be a Father, but it takes a REAL man to be called DAD." I am very proud of my dad, and I love him very dearly.

My dad is the funniest dad in town because he is always very willing to break out in song and dance with me whenever WHEREVER!!! It’s always a fun and silly time with him!

Julie Budd

David Barocas

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Herb Goldberg – Atlanta By far, I have the funniest father… At 96 years old, my father still tells a joke to anyone who walks into the house! His timing is still perfect and his memory is impeccable. He always gets a laugh and will laugh along with his audience! He is simply adorable!

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FATHER'S DAY

Mitchell Garber – Dunwoody A Gift

By the time he was 21, my Zayde, zichrona l’vracha, had lost both his parents. His mother died when he was very young, and his father died during his first year of college. They were buried in a graveyard in Atlanta.

When he and my Bubbe, who had been living in Florida for several decades, returned to Atlanta to live closer to us, he visited the graveyard and found their headstones overgrown and covered in moss. For the next few years, he and my father would go down on Father’s day, and spend close to an hour spraying and scrubbing the stones.

“Y’know, Mitch,” my Zayde once told him “I’m the only one who does this anymore.”

“What are you talking about?” my Dad replied “I’m right here.”

“That’s true. Hey, promise me, when I’m gone, you keep coming down here to clean these.”

“And what about when I’m gone?”

“Well,” he said, “I’m not worried about that.”

When my Zayde passed away, my dad spent every day of the following year going to minyan to say kaddish. Even when he had to go on business trips, he always made sure there was some group of Jews he could meet with. There’s a tiny temple in Florida which has continued to send him mail to this day, after he made a small donation as a thank you.

He became even more deeply involved with the community at our synagogue, and I often went with him on Sunday mornings, to make sure we had the 10 people we needed. It was the first time I began putting on tefillin, learning to wrap the leather around my hand to make a shin-dalet-yud, as my Zayde had taught him.

And on every Father’s Day of the past seven years, he has gone to clean the graves. He tells me how amazing it looks when he’s done, how all the other stones look like something out of a horror movie, but those two look brand new. “I realize now it’s a gift” he said, “the last one my father gave me. To have this thing I can keep doing, that I did with him.”

When my father expresses his feelings about being a dad, he often suggests he didn’t do a great job. “I was never great at interacting with you as kids,” he told me, “Our relationships got better as you got older, but it’s not that I changed, it’s that you did.” It’s something he kind of expected - after all, most of his favorite memories with his dad are of when they were both adults: The time his dad spent ten minutes talking him through the apartment door, thinking he was outside the building; how they conspired to surprise my grandmother for her 75th birthday by bringing us all on the cruise without telling her; every Duke basketball game they attended together.

I’m not old enough to have those kinds of stories yet. What I have, I think, are smaller things: the late nights we spend discussing philosophy and science fiction, much to the chagrin of my Mom; going to synagogue on Saturdays and that year of Sunday minyans; making and solving hilariously over-complicated word-riddles. I don’t know how many of those things I’ll still have when he’s gone, but they’re amazing now.

“Maybe we don’t have our thing yet, Robbie,” he told me, and maybe that’s okay; maybe I’m a bit too impatient to find it. After all, I’m 21.

Happy Father’s day, Dad. And I look forward to the many to come.

Robbie Garber

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FATHER'S DAY

Atlanta Dog Daddies Come to the Rescue E a c h year, almost 4 0 0 , 0 0 0 adoptable dogs are euthanized in the U.S. simply because shelters are overwhelmed and adoption Debbie Diamond is often not someone’s first option when looking for a pet. While many people assume animals at shelters come with issues, most of the dogs adopted through rescue groups and animal control here in Atlanta are well behaved, loving, healthy and, in many cases, housetrained.

Dogs wind up in rescue throughout the metro area for a variety of reasons — including divorce, a new baby in the family, a move, death and illness — to name just a few. These dogs come in all breeds, shapes and sizes, as well as with different temperaments. Contrary to what many people think, breed-specific dogs are also available. Typically, rescue dogs are fully vaccinated and spayed or neutered before arriving at their new homes.

The Atlanta dog daddies highlighted here saw the value in rescuing their beloved pets from an uncertain or deadly future. Each one has a different story to tell about their rescue journey, but what every dog daddy has in common is compassion and the desire to gain new, loving family members. This Father’s Day, here’s to the men who walk the dogs, nurse them back to health, throw the tennis balls and provide endless treats on demand.

through rescue groups. He adopted his first dog, Fluffernutter (aka Fluffer), through the Atlanta Humane Society.

Fluffernutter lived to be 17. Alperin described her as “brown, white and very sweet — just like the cookie.” Bogart (Bogie), his current pet, was so named because of his “movie star good looks and because he’s an excellent kisser,” joked Alperin. Bogie was adopted from the Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta and is probably 10 years old.

Alperin did not want or need a purebred dog when he went in search of a pet. “There are plenty of available dogs through a rescue or shelter. Why did I need a new one?” he said. He liked that he was able to learn about each dog’s temperament in advance, so he could be certain that they would be a good fit for him. Alperin mentioned that many of the rescue dogs come housebroken and trained. “It’s fun to discover what the dogs know how to do when they arrive at your home,” he said.

Bogie loves his twice-a-day walks, and the neighborhood kids love Bogie.

He likes to be at the bus stop in Alperin’s Virginia Highland neighborhood when the children get off the bus, but Alperin is definitely his “person.”

“What’s better than having a guy pal who doesn’t demand I play poker so he can take all my money?” he quipped.

Jeff Alperin has adopted two dogs

30 | JUNE 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Bob Tucker and his wife have fostered more than 100 dogs over the past 10 years for a myriad of rescue organizations, including Orphan Annie, Great Pyrenees Rescue, FurKids, Two Tailz and Atlanta Lab Rescue. They currently have seven dogs of their own, all “foster fails,” adopted as a result of falling in love with their temporary “boarders.” For years, they have been committed to caring for and rehabbing dogs who arrive at their

the day. His friend took one puppy and his son, who worked at Camp Barney Medintz for the summer, kept Grace at the barn with him until he went home at the end of the camping session.

In addition to his adopted dogs, Jacobson’s family has fostered several others over the past 25 years. “Both of my children were raised to take good care of animals. We all shared in the responsibilities, making sure our fosters and our own pets were fed, walked, watered and loved. We wanted to teach our kids important life lessons about responsibility and kindness,” he said.

Bruce Maslia

Eric Jacobson

Bob Tucker

Jeff Alperin

home with serious medical conditions.

“My wife and I would never purchase a dog from a pet store or a puppy mill. I came into our relationship with two dogs and three cats to join her five dogs and four cats. Since my wife, Paula Rothman, is a retired physician, we have primarily fostered dogs with wounds and medical issues,” said Tucker. In fact, the couple is legendary among the rescue community. Among their many fosters, they have cared for dogs with cancer, distemper and paralysis.

Tucker’s current pack includes Etta, a pitbull mix, who was diagnosed with leukemia and is thriving as a result of ongoing chemotherapy and alternative medicine. Etta loves her weekly swims at the Chattahoochee Nature Preserve, where she chases geese and leaps like a deer, according to Tucker. Etta has come a long way since the vet was asked to “put her down” by her previous owners because of her cancer diagnosis. She is now loving life, being pampered with lots of love, playmates, dog beds and good food.

Several years ago, Eric Jacobson and his wife, Terri, decided to move intown, to southwest Atlanta. At the time, stray pit bulls roamed the neighborhood, and the couple with big hearts jumped into action. First, Terri Jacobson, an artist and teacher, began working with a neighborhood rescue organization, W-Underdogs, leading art projects with neighborhood youth to beautify their facility. The rescue’s stated mission is to empower at-risk youth and teach them about the value of compassion toward animals and people.

Jacobson quickly joined Terri and became a consultant to the board.

The Jacobsons currently have three dogs: Sugaree, Aiko and Grace. Sugaree was adopted as a puppy from Lifeline, and Aiko was adopted from W- Underdogs. Jacobson’s son adopted Grace from a man at the Cleveland, Ga., Walmart who threatened to drown her if she and her sibling were not “gone” by the end of

Bruce Maslia has two Yorkie mixes who could be twins — brothers from different mothers, perhaps. Benito was found alone and abandoned with a tornopen bag of dog food in an outside kennel when his owner moved out of his apartment. Matted and filthy, Hero Rescue took Benito into their program and Maslia adopted him shortly thereafter.

Benito’s life turned around immediately, with daily walks, good food and weekends spent lounging by the pool with his new owner.

Junior joined the family a year ago.

“I had my eye out for another small dog, and when I saw Junior on a Facebook rescue page, I wanted to meet him. He looked so much like Benito,” said Maslia, who is committed to finding his dogs only through rescue. “Though Junior had a few behavioral issues when I adopted him, I knew I could help him. He gets better every day. Plus, Benito loves him.”

Maslia grew up in a home with dogs and has never felt the need to purchase one. “There’s just too much overbreed-

FATHER'S DAY ing, and the rescued dogs need a good home too,” he said. “No matter how difficult your day has been, your dogs are always glad to see you. If that’s not unconditional love, I don’t know what is.”

Bruce Kauffman

Bruce Kauffman married a woman who told him that she never wanted to live without a dog. Since that time, the couple has had a dog — or two — for the past 18 years. Though Kauffman admits that the responsibilities of pet ownership

may have seemed daunting at first, the anticipated stress of caring for a house full of dogs quickly faded once he experienced the love that a pack could offer the entire family. Kauffman, his wife, Kim, and daughter place a priority on traveling to dog-friendly places where they can take their current rescued pets, Liza and Groff, named after the actor who played King George in Hamilton.

His papa pride shining, Kauffman shared that strangers stop him on the street to tell him Liza, a golden retrievercoonhound mix, is the prettiest dog they have ever seen. “One of our other dogs trained her to think she’s a lap dog – all 80 pounds of her,” he joked. Liza was adopted through Angels Among Us. She is seven years old and the Kauffmans adopted her when she was a puppy.

Groff, likely a purebred Pointer, is probably eight or nine. The Kauffmans fostered and then adopted him three years ago. “His name in the shelter was Bruce, and my wife told me his personality was just like mine. How could I say no?” Kauffman recalled.

Kim Kauffman is a nurse and has a soft spot for dogs who need extra care.

While she nursed Groff through heartworm treatment and tends to his ongoing arthritis and stomach issues, Kauffman is largely responsible for his daily walks.

“My wife introduced me to rescue.

But I’m all in. I love that my dogs leap with excitement whenever I pick up their

leashes. You’d think they were promised the key to heaven,” Kauffman mused.

Yom Maman

“Who says purebred dogs can’t be found in rescue?” asked Yom Maman.

(Full disclosure: Maman is my husband).

He answered his own question as he talked about Pebbles and Lucy, his two senior Pomeranians. Maman’s family fostered Pebbles through Angels Among Us nine years ago, before adopting her a few

weeks later. Lucy joined the family almost three years ago when Maman’s motherin-law passed away and her rescue dog needed a home. “From the beginning, we knew Lucy would likely join us one day.

When an older person adopts a dog, it’s important to make arrangements for that pet’s long-term care,” said Maman.

Pebbles, now 15, was one of 11 dogs taken out of a domestic violence situation by the rescue. In the beginning, she was afraid of any loud noises or raised voices. Today, she has blossomed into a very well-adjusted dog who loves everyone, particularly children and other dogs. “Pebbles is not only a gorgeous girl, but she is the most easygoing member of our family,” said Maman.

Maman and his family began volunteering with and fostering dogs for Small Dog Rescue, a group that has since merged with FurKids. Since that time, they have welcomed a number of dogs into their home, including two Great Pyrenees who were going through heartworm treatment and a cocker spaniel mix from a hoarding case who had lived outside for most of his life. Most recently, they trapped a stray Pomeranian who had evaded neighborhood residents for a week and has since been adopted by the founder of Peace Love and Poms.

“I have two very special senior dogs who are beloved family members,” Maman concluded. “Our last dog lived to be 17. With any luck, our two now will live at least that long.” ì

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FATHER'S DAY

Choose Your Own Father’s Day Adventure add knives, kitchen accessories and jars of spice rubs to your order as well. Complete the package with tickets for the Kosher BBQ Festival, coming up October 23.

Cooking classes and other merchandise: https://a-and-s-culinary-concepts. square.site/#APqMgc. Tickets for the Kosher BBQ Festival: https://theatlantakosherbbq.com/product-category/tickets/.

This Father’s Day, give your dad an adventure he’ll never forget.

Here are some ideas in and around Atlanta that you can give the advenBob Bahr turous father who likes to explore new places, new skills or new ideas. He might even invite you to come along.

BBQ Boot Camp

Sign dad up for Andy Traub’s Big Green Egg BBQ Boot Camp on June 25 or July 23 in Johns Creek, starting early in the morning. (Breakfast is included.)

He’ll learn how a real pit boss prepares a mouthwatering selection of grilled meats — including brisket, ribs and chicken — as part of a complete meal. The July class also includes sea bass and lamb racks. Every participant gets detailed recipes and an invitation to dinner for themselves

Andy Traub’s BBQ Boot Camp offers instruction for both grilling novices and pros.

and a guest at 6 p.m. on the day of the class.

Traub has been a sponsor of the Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival that the House of David puts on each October. You can

The Atlanta Zoo is one of only four places in the U.S. to see pandas.

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Wild Encounters with Pandas: Atlanta Zoo

Go behind the scenes at the giant panda exhibit to learn about these fascinating and rare animals on loan from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China. The Atlanta Zoo is one of only four zoos in the United States that have giant pandas on exhibit. The Atlanta panda pair, Yang Yang and Lunn Lunn, may be observing Father’s Day as well.

Three cubs have been born to the pair since they arrived over 20 years ago. Wild Encounters with the Pandas are held each week on Thursday through Monday by advance reservation. You must also provide proof of COVID vaccination for every participant age 6 and up. Reserve at https://zooatlanta.org/activity-type/ wild-encounters/ The Zoo Atlanta Panda cam gives you a close-up view of the animals without a trip to the zoo: https://zooatlanta. org/panda-cam/

The Breman Museum’s History with Chutzpah exhibit is an adventure in Southern history.

History With Chutzpah/Genealogy Conference

If you haven’t yet seen the History with Chutzpah exhibit yet at the Breman Museum (https://www.thebreman. org), you’re missing a major adventure in Southern Jewish history. There are 250 exhibits and artifacts from every period of Jewish life in the South. The museum is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Want to explore your own family history? Who knows what kind of secrets you’ll discover at the Breman Museum’s 2022 International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies Conference on Jewish Genealogy. Topics include tracing your own family tree and deciphering your DNA results. The conference is virtual from August 21 to 25 and archived until October 25. To register, visit www.

IAJGS2022.org.

FATHER'S DAY

The Porsche Experience Center presents a variety of off-road driving opportunities.

Porsche Driving Experience Center Atlanta

Haven’t quite come up with that down payment on the Porsche 911 you’ve been coveting? Atlanta is home to the Porsche Experience Center at their North American Headquarters building near the Atlanta airport. For a fee, you can test out Porsche vehicles on a 1.6-mile off-road track, which features six different driving experiences. There is a one-mile handling circuit, a low-friction handling circuit, a wet low-friction circle and something called the kick plate. You

get personalized instruction from worldclass professionals on one of 75 vehicles.

The program isn’t exactly cheap, but then again, some of the special models of this year’s 911 can set you back over $200,000.

You can also test your driving skills on famous racetracks in the Porsche simulator lab. There are also driving experiences for the Boxster, the Macan, Cayman, Panamera, as well as other services for the diehard Porsche enthusiast. To top it off, dine at the Carrera Cafe or Restaurant 356: https://www.porschedriving. com/atlanta.

See sharks up close at the Georgia Aquarium.

Cage Dive with the Sharks at Georgia Aquarium

This two-and-a-half-hour program takes place in the latest addition to the largest aquarium in the Western hemisphere. The shark exhibit invites you inside the fascinating world of some of the most enigmatic and misunderstood creatures of the sea. The Cage Dive at the Aquarium is an immersive experience, not an interactive one. Guests don a wetsuit and enter a stainless steel cage to descend into the 185-foot Predators of the

Deep exhibit while some of the most fearsome predators — including Great Hammerhead and Sand Tiger sharks — swim all around you.

For a more hands-on experience, the Shark and Ray program is an exploration of the Predator of the Deep Gallery, an in-depth look at the Aquarium’s research and conservation program and an underwater immersive encounter. Visit https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/experience/shark-cage-dive/. ì

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FATHER'S DAY

Pampering Papa with Father’s Day Facials

By Bob Bahr It was just 8 a.m. on a recent Friday morning but Lauren Kirk, who does skin treatments at the Aqua Spa of Dermatology Specialists of Georgia in Marietta, was already prepared for a full day.

Kirk was booked solid, but I arrived early in the morning and she was able to squeeze me in on short notice. I was just one of several men she had scheduled for luxurious facial pampering just ahead of Father’s Day. Kirk estimates that almost one-third of her clients are men who are looking for a quick tune-up for their skin.

Often, she says, they are looking for more dramatic results than are her female clients.

“Men typically want something that they can see a little bit more bang for their buck. They want to see the big results faster,” Kirk told the AJT. “So they are doing facials, but I would typically say they are going more toward lasers, microneedling, which is something really great for pores and scarring in the skin. They want more results, faster.”

This morning, though, there will be

Male clients constitute a growing segment of the market for medical skincare services.

Men are increasingly choosing non-invasive skincare procedures.

no microneedling or dermabrasion for me, thanks. I am here to relax.

In a small, darkened treatment room, I lay my head on a soft pillow, breathe in the faintly scented lavender aroma that fills the space, close my eyes and drift off.

For the next hour, my skin is covered

“Men are becoming more aware, in layer upon layer of cremes and liquids that some in the cosmetic industry more concerned about their skin and call cosmeceuticals. These products are want to know what new techniques coming out can improve used to exfoliate and baltheir tone, the texture, the ance the pH levels in skin, quality of their skin,” he clean away the dead skin says. “And this is steadily cells that accumulate durincreasing. So it’s not just ing the monthlong cycle of about pampering your skin renewal, nourish and skin, but actually improvpolish pores with enzymes ing it. We can keep men and vitamins that brighten looking more youthful.” and intensify the natural One injection promglow our skin had when we ises to fill in the cheeks were younger. and lift the jowls. Another As a final relaxing describes how it cushions flourish, Kirk draped a moist, warm face towel Dr. Alan Gardner says that and hydrates facial tissue about a third of his spa to smooth it out. Still a across my face. It seemed and skincare treatment third claims to correct fato confirm like nothing clients are men. cial fat loss by helping the else that I would soon be body build collagen and fill it out. But heaven-bound.

“For most people,” she said, “this these comparatively recent interventions is one of their favorite parts of a facial, are just part of what Garner sees as a new getting this warm towel on the skin re- arsenal of techniques that doctors can ofally helps loosen up the pores. It helps to fer their clients.

“Dermatologists can improve the break up the vitamin C that we have on the skin. So it’s just a really nice way to tone, the texture, the quality of the skin and freshen things up. Nothing major. Not rejuvenate the skin.”

Presiding over this palace of pam- talking about facelifts or heavy-duty propering, which now includes 7,000 square cedures. Just what can be done with mild feet of treatment and examination chemical peels, mild microdermabrasion rooms, is Dr. Alan Gardner. His Jewish and lasers that can tighten up the skin and grandparents, who came to the U.S. from give you a nice, fresh look,” he said.

Men are increasingly discovering Lithuania and Poland in the early 20th century, would be amazed at what their the benefits of Botox fillers, a non-surgidescendant has accomplished without cal procedure that fixes facial lines and wrinkles caused by age, worry and stress. ever leaving his large office complex.

Gardner, likewise, is impressed with According to the manufacturer, the marhow far the field of dermatology has ket for Botox is now worth almost $6 bilcome during the course of his 35-year lion and the number of men electing to career. Over the decades, he says, he has go in for injections has increased by 258 seen a revolution in the way men, in par- percent. It is, they say, the most popular ticular, have come to appreciate their non-invasive medical treatment for male clients. ì skin and try to improve it.

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PROFESSIONAL Designer Abbey Glass Goes All-In for Retail Fashion Move over Diane von Furstenberg, Atlanta’s Abbey Glass designs clothes as her own brand and operates a retail store.

Glass grew up Marcia in Ansley Park Caller Jaffe and purchased her first sewing machine at age 13. After attending The Paideia School, she graduated with a degree in apparel design from the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design in Providence. She mused, “I’ve been sewing and drawing dresses longer than I can remember.”

Once graduated, she collaborated with Supima Cotton, showing off a capsule collection in Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City. After the show she moved back to Atlanta, merely planning on being here for some R&R before returning to NYC, when The Paideia School moms and parent’s friends sought her out for custom dresses. She built a small studio in her apartment and took a few custom commissions, and the rest is history. Abbey Glass is located next to LeBilboquet just off Peachtree in the very chic Buckhead Village District.

Now 32, she learned some valuable lessons and in 2019 closed her first location (opened in 2017) at Ponce City Market. She recalled, “We started our retail at P.C.M. and moved to Buckhead 3+ years ago to follow our demographic. Ponce was indeed getting younger even though we were meeting a lot of new customers in that neighborhood.” Evaluating the local fashion scene, she said, “Atlanta is very commercial, while building our ready-to-wear business here, I definitely had to learn that there wasn’t as much appetite to stand out, it was more about being comfortable and confident in what you were wearing. I think in recent years, Atlanta has taken a big leap in incorporating what they do so well in other design areas such as interiors, architecture, art, and film into their fashion scene.”

Glass’s personal style is bold, feminine and classic. She doesn’t shy away from color or retro prints. She laughed, “I’m always trying to channel my inner Audrey Hepburn or Jackie O.” Glass manufactures 99 percent of everything she sells.

She orders fabric to be woven and printed specifically for the brand. Fabrics come

36 | JUNE 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The Abbey Glass collection is designed to feel “dressed-up”, feminine, and a bit nostalgic.

from NYC shows but are woven all over the world.

In terms of her business niche, Abbey professed, “Our mission is to offer women confidence for every occasion.

Whether she’s going to a beachside brunch or her daughter’s wedding, we are here to make her feel like looking good is easy – she’s going to get tons of compliments on her look, while feeling comfortable and chic.” The Abbey Glass collection is designed to feel dressed-up, feminine, and evoke feelings of nostalgia when seeing the line’s silhouettes and fabrics. She has original floral prints and novelty fabrics that invite customers to approach and touch the garments. Evaluating the current market, she noted, “We are seeing a resurgence of shopping local and customers wanting to connect with the brands. Shein is still the largest retailer in the world with cheap goods, but I’m hoping that customers make a choice to minimize buying from fast fashion and change behaviors.”

Abbey Glass’s ecommerce business has taken off since 2021. She said, “We’ve put a lot of effort into trying to create the same experience for our customers online as they get in store. We are working to roll out new customer service initiatives like “try before you buy” to help with online shopping woes. We’ve hit gross sales of almost 3 million. We are building out new ways for customers to interact with our content online and

Glass grew up at in Ansley Park before graduating from Rhode Island School of Design. Today she wants to channel her own Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn.

get customized recommendations for their events.”

As some traditional mall big box shoppers are left to forage on their own, a smaller concept like Abbey Glass steps up.

She touted, “I love working with customers at the store. I pop in when the store needs a remerchandising and stay to help customers because I can’t stand to leave. Our salespeople are fantastic! They are all trained by me and work part-time in our design studio, so they know what goes into the clothing. They are great with styling advice and putting toAbbey’s store feature merchandise primarily gether, “a look.” Glass’s designed by her including the fabric. trend predictions: hot pink for summer, moody florals, minty ABBEY GLASS — BUCKHEAD ATLANTA greens, and whites for fall. In addition 3006 Bolling Way NE, to clothing, Glass sells jewelry, handbags, Atlanta, GA 30305 and locally made candles.

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PROFESSIONAL

MendenFreiman Celebrates 25 Years “It’s like the beginning of a classic joke,” says Atlanta attorney Larry Freiman, “a Jew and a Mormon get together to start a law Robbie Garber firm.”

That’s how Freiman describes the beginning of his partnership with George Menden and the firm they founded together, MendenFreiman, which turns 25 this year. The boutique practice focuses on business law and estate planning, areas Freiman could not have imagined working in when he was studying for his BA at the State University of New York at Albany. (He earned his JD/ MBA at the University of Florida.)

At the time, pursuing law just to supplement his business degree, he had started to consider working in mergers and acquisitions, but a couple summers at a firm in Atlanta changed his mind for good. Freiman began to work with small business owners — “real people with real lives,” as he put it — a stark contrast from the corporate environment he’d expected to work in.

A few years later, in 1997, Menden was looking for someone to start a firm with and reached out to Freiman through an industrial psychologist. Despite differences in age, religion, culture and law expertise, the two had almost perfectly compatible values.

“Compassion and excellence,” Freiman said, when asked to sum up those values in one or two words. “We create relationships that last for years and years and years — we started with the parents, we’re working with the children. Well over 80 percent of our business comes from existing clients who come back to us, and that makes me very proud.”

While MendenFreiman itself is not a family-owned firm, both founders have family members who have been deeply involved in the business. Menden’s father was the firm’s first director of operations, a role now filled by Freiman’s father, Allan Freiman. “I employed Larry when I was in business,” Allan said, “now, it’s like a full circle.” Like his son, Allan has no doubts about the source of MendenFreiman’s success: “The success of the firm has been in the caliber of the employees and our relationship with our clients.”

The firm has expanded rapidly in the past three years, growing from some

MendenFreiman, the boutique law firm co-founded by attorney Larry Freiman and George Menden, turns 25 this year.

Co-Managing Partner Lance Einstein specializes in tax controversy, tax planning and compliance and estate practice.

A company outing to the UGA vs.

AL game. From left to right: Deanna Barber, Ashley Duel, Shirleah Fowles and Christopher Steele.

20 employees to around 34. This includes new Co-Managing Partner Lance Einstein, who joined MendenFreiman with a number of attorneys shortly after Menden retired at the beginning of 2019.

According to Anne Goehring, the head paralegal who has been with the firm for over 20 years, Einstein’s arrival not only added a new area of practice — tax controversy — he also happened to be a perfect fit for the workplace dynamics.

“Lance and Larry really complement each other in a way that provides a healthy environment for all the people they employ,” she said.

Einstein himself stressed how important that environment and those people were to the firm: “No matter if you’re a receptionist or a partner, we want you to be as successful as you can be in your career and your life,” he said. “We really value growing our people — helping them accomplish their goals means we’re helping to further the firm’s goals.”

Indeed, several receptionists and assistants at MendenFreiman have gone on to become paralegals or attorneys for the firm.

Johnnie Hooper, who started as the sole assistant for a solo practitioner and is now the firm’s executive legal assistant, calls it the “best decision I’ve made in recent years … They have a pleasant environment, and they strive to keep it that way.” Hooper described various company outings, including multiple years of running the Kaiser Permanente Road Race.

Since COVID-19 began, there have been several trips to Top Golf. This year, the firm will be celebrating its quarter-century in operation by taking all employees and their significant others on a four-day

trip to St. Simon’s Island sometime in October.

As for the firm’s next 25 years, Freiman says he can see the practice he founded eventually carrying on without him.

“And that is not easy to say in a small business, or, in particular, in a law firm,” he said. “Client relationships are very personal, not necessarily institutional, so having a firm that can survive a founder’s retirement is a big deal.” ì

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PROFESSIONAL

Leibowitz Shares Secrets to a Good Night’s Sleep

Jan Jaben-Eilon

With so many things to do, we suggest getting an early start on your want-to-do list.

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EQ UA L HOUSING OPPOR T UNI T Y

Feeling grumpy? Having a hard time thinking clearly? How about hypertension, diabetes, depression, struggles with weight? All of these could be byproducts of

not getting enough sleep.

So says Dr. Scott Leibowitz, a sleep expert at the Laureate Group in Sandy Springs. In late May, Leibowitz spoke to the members of a monthly conversational salon called SaySo. Since 2003, this group of women has heard from expert panelists as varied as the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis, the late Sandy Springs Mayor Eva Galambos and Andre Dickens, the current mayor of Atlanta.

“There is never a shortage of guest speakers, even pooling from our own members, ideas, topical issues or venues to visit,” said Eve Mannes, who — along with Dot Blum and Judy Mozen — is one of the founders of the organization, which is now in its 18th year. “Sleep is one topic that seems to be a commodity that one needs or must have.”

Mannes won’t get any argument from Leibowitz on that front. The Atlanta native said his business has been booming in the last few years, but, surprisingly, not due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Eighty percent of the sleep disorders come in groups,” he said, which include a “variety of other problems. Sleep apnea is a big component of what I see, but my approach is more comprehensive.”

Leibowitz speaks in terms of sleep hygiene, or “making sure you don’t do dumb things that only prevent sleep.

People do a lot of things they shouldn’t like watch TV in bed. Beds should only be used for sleep and sex.” He recommends that people choose a dark, cool environment in which to sleep, stay off back-lit technology devices and avoid coffee before going to sleep.

“According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleep hygiene doesn’t treat insomnia. A patient needs to see a sleep specialist,” he said.

“Each person is individual, but what I tell patients many times a day is that sleep is a biological process. Sleep is covered by the central nervous system. The starting point is focused on the biological aspects of sleep.”

“Naps are snacks, not meals,” said Dr. Scott Leibowitz, who suggests that they be limited to 20 minutes.

The consequences of sleep loss can be measured, Leibowitz said, and most adults should be getting six to nine hours a night, with eight being the average.

“All aspects of an individual potentially impact sleep, and sleep potentially impacts all aspects of an individual,” as the sleep expert writes on his website.

Lack of sleep can also lead to cardiovascular, cognitive and mood regulation issues. “Insufficient sleep affects one’s emotions. A person is more likely to have anxiety and depression. Lack of sleep can also increase the chances of dementia,” Leibowitz says.

“How do you know you’re getting enough sleep? If you sleep more on the weekend, then chances are you are not sleeping enough during the week.”

Although Leibowitz said he is a “big fan of naps,” he also cautioned that they have the potential to impact sleep at night. “Naps are snacks, not meals,” he said, suggesting that they be limited to just 20 minutes.

These days, Leibowitz says that he gets most of his referrals from psychiatrists and cardiologists. Although his patients range in age from 16 to senior, the majority are older than 70. “Most people I see have chronic disorders and I see them for long periods of time,” he said.

On the bright side, Leibowitz says that there’s been a noticeable uptick in awareness of sleep hygiene. “Sleep is now part of the conversation.” ì

PROFESSIONAL

Adler Sells Macquarium to Focus on Fatherhood

By Bob Bahr In February, when Marc Adler began to seriously consider selling Macquarium, his successful Atlanta web services company, the first thoughts that came to mind were not about consulting mergers and acquisition specialists, or of hiring a prestigious Wall Street banking firm to advise him. Rather, his first thoughts were of his young son, not yet a year old.

Adler, who started his family late in life, is now almost 50. The fear of missing his son’s first birthday as a busy corporate entrepreneur was a decisive factor in putting Macquarium up for sale.

“I said, I need to do this for myself, I need to do it for my son and to enjoy it as a father. I need to shift gears into another mode,” he told the AJT. Adler had launched Macquarium while still an undergraduate at Emory in the early 1990s as a way to build websites for corporations that didn’t realize he was still in school. One of his first clients was the Atlanta-based The Weather Channel, which came to him with what seemed like a simple but nearly impossible task.

The company wanted Adler to build web pages that would allow anyone, anywhere, to look up the latest weather forecast. The site Adler and his young crew of web developers quickly came up with, was, for the next decade, among the most popular in the world.

Today, nearly 30 years later, the firm counts blue-chip companies like the Southern Company, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Home Depot, Equifax, UPS, Wells Fargo and Delta among their clients. It has also provided a strong revenue stream that has allowed Adler to build an investment portfolio well primed for the millions he is expected to net from the Macquarium sale.

Freed from corporate management responsibilities, Adler feels that he can not only be a better father, but a better son. In that sense, he is following a family tradition.

His maternal grandfather, Aaron Farfel, came to America in 1910 as a poor, four-year-old immigrant from Lithuania.

Forty years later, after building a successful accounting business in Houston, Farfel gave it all up to spend more time with his family as a full-time investor.

He was instrumental in developing and building the Houston Astrodome and helped to bring Major League Baseball to the city. He capped off a career of public service and philanthropy by serving as the chairman and member of the University of Houston Board of Regents for 16 years.

It’s a record that still stands 50 years later.

Adler, who was only a teenager when his grandfather died, wants to spend as much time as possible in Houston, where he was born. His 82-year-old mother and 87-year-old father still run the family foundation there and are active supporters of the arts and local Jewish community.

“We have a very small family. My dad is an only child, I’m an old child and my son’s an only child. I want to take more time for everything that a family has to offer and be able to relish those moments, because those are moments you can’t get back,” he said.

In fact, Adler credits the many relationships he has established, both within and outside his family, for the steady success he has enjoyed. He claims distinguished Emory business professor Benn Konsynski as an early mentor and attributes many important accomplishments to “all these incredibly brilliant people who were willing to work with me.”

So, when he was ready to finalize the sale of his com-

Marc Adler decided to sell his company in order to spend more time with his family.

Marc Adler has sold his web services company, Macquarium, but will continue to own the office building on Peachtree Street.

pany earlier this year, Adler chose an offer based less on the bottom line than on the potential for a good fit with the buyer, global business and technology consulting firm Synoptek. The company’s CEO had long-standing personal ties to Atlanta and shared similar personal values. The new firm will remain in the large office building that Adler owns on Peachtree Street near The Temple, he said. So, even though he has sold the company, he’ll stay on as Synoptik’s landlord. Macquarium will serve as a company-wide resource for its new owners and help them to expand their reach in

the Southeast.

The deal closed, last month, just in time for Adler to celebrate Father’s Day with his family in what he sees as a new life that is just starting at 50.

“I remember reading in the High Holy Days prayer something about birth being a beginning and life a journey,” he recalled. “We see the victory, the passage said, not in some high point along the way, but in having made the journey, step by step. This year I’ll be looking forward to walking another path and taking steps as a new father.” ì

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PROFESSIONAL

Media-Tech Star ‘Special Characters’ Goes to Press

By Marcia Caller Jaffe You may have seen Laurie Segall alongside Anderson Cooper, Gayle King or Wolf Blitzer. Now the native Atlantan dishes on all of it in her new book, “Special Characters: My Adventures with Tech Titans and Misfits.” Segall takes the reader on a journey from her years as a national media tech journalist to founding Dot Dot Dot, a news and entertainment company that “explores the intersection of tech and humanity.”

Segall first gained notoriety by identifying and interviewing founders of disruptive tech companies like Uber and Facebook when they were still “babyfaced.”

“I think people will be surprised at how personal the book is,” she told the AJT. “Although it’s about tech, it’s very human. … Surprises include a Silicon Valley swingers party, a robot engagement party and a scene where I interact with a digital copy of myself in the form of a text message bot.”

As a youth, Segall attended Holy Innocents Episcopal School where she was one of few Jewish students. “While I got quite a bit from school, the teachers, and friends, it gave me a larger appreciation for diversity,” she explained. “I was bat mitzvah at Ahavath Achim Synagogue.

My torah portion was Bereishit, or creation. I’m pretty sure I chanted for all seven days of creation. It was like the Super Bowl of Torah portions.”

Segall still has that moxie. One noted interview she did for CBS, found her head-to-head with a QAnon [COVIDdenier] who couldn’t stand up to Segall’s barrage of questions and facts. Gayle King commented, “I don’t see how you kept your face on straight [doing that interview].”

After attending the University of Michigan, Segall started at CNN’s breaking news desk, chasing stories like the Bernie Madoff scandal. “Years before, the iPhone come out, the App store launched, and out of the ashes of the recession, a new creative class was emerging – entrepreneurs who coded their ideas into the hands of millions,” she recalled. “In my free time, I started interviewing entrepreneurs who founded, what was then little-known companies like, Instagram and Uber. Soon, I created the ‘startup beat’ and these young entrepreneurs, went on to transform the world for better and worse. I became senior on-air tech correspondent for CNN and the editor at large of CNN Tech, riding the tech wave 40 | JUNE 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

to the top, from the bubbly and exciting, to the challenging times. I was at CNN for a decade.”

Referencing Jewish thought on national television, Segall referred to a rabbi’s inspiration.” When I was considering leaving CNN to start my own company, I became obsessed with a YouTube video of a rabbi explaining how lobsters grow by completely shedding their shells,” she recalled. “It’s a very stressful process, and at that moment, the lobster is incredibly vulnerable. It’s a great metaphor for change. Moments of change are uncomfortable, but oftentimes, if we allow ourselves the courage to shed our shell, we grow much stronger.”

Segall scored a major titan interview with Mark Zuckerberg during the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal, which was the first time he had opened the door to regulation and willingness to testify before Congress. Segall was less impressed with Travis Kalanick, former Uber CEO, who she interviewed about women being attacked in Uber rides.

“He was upset by this questioning and nearly walked away from the interview,” Segall says. “For me, it was an important moment. It felt like some of the entrepreneurs – Kalanick specifically – didn’t feel like they needed to be accountable for the unintended consequences of their platforms. It was the beginning of an unsteady era.”

In conclusion, Segall said, “In my experience, tech happens quickly. One second you have skeptics, the next moment industries are transformed. When the money starts pouring in, it’s often hard to get entrepreneurs to pause and ask the important ethical questions as the infrastructure is being built.”

An unabashed “Bachelor/Bachelorette” fan, she will walk down the aisle this October in Telluride, Colo.

Segall's media company, Dot Dot Dot, produces shows, podcasts and books. Their initiative, D3, is focused on building the media network for web3 to help people access a new generation of the internet. Because of these factors, the “human rights field” has found itself in a situation of decreasing support. In light of this, the D3 initiative aims to create a new “architecture of support” for the field.

Below, Segall shares some of her thoughts with the AJT: Sexism in tech and media: “We haven’t talked enough about the more subtle type of sexism – ‘death by a thousand cuts’ sexism that plagues all indus-

Segall’s interview with Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg put him on the record as considering regulation.

Lauren Segall’s latest book, “Special Characters,” is a fascinating read. She puts it all out there, including growing up in Atlanta.

Segall attended Holy Innocents School in Sandy Springs before going to the University of Michigan. She paid her dues at CNN, carving out several niches for herself.

“Special Characters: My Adventures with Tech’s Titans and Misfits” is a look back at the tech journalist's rise to prominence.

tries. Many women, I included deal with subtle sexism that’s hard to place and therefore hard to speak against. Looking back, so many incredible women left the newsroom or tech companies because they were fed up.

Advice for 16-year-old: “The key to success is resilience. It’s not the smartest in the room who succeeds, it’s the most

resilient.”

Book that impressed you the most: “Joan Didion’s ‘Slouching Towards Bethlehem.’ She transformed how I viewed writing and storytelling with her ability to observe the world with openness and complexity and gave me the courage to be honest in my writing. She had an appreciation for the unseen corners.” ì

REAL ESTATE Selig Breaks Ground on Multifamily Complex

By Robert Garber On June 7, the Selig Development team, the arm of one of Atlanta’s largest real estate firms, joined with several members of the Powder Springs city council to break ground on the city’s first new apartment complex in two decades.

“We’re very appreciative of the local officials, they have been extremely cooperative. It’s been a pleasure to create this project,” said Steve Selig, CEO of Selig Enterprises. The 10-building, 308-unit complex will be located along Brownsville Road at the intersection of Oglesby Road. Selig Enterprises had acquired the land the development is set to be built on in 1995, but until recently most of their focus has been on their properties inside the perimeter.

Now, however, as Greg Lewis, senior vice president of development, explained, prices in Atlanta are getting too high for many younger potential renters.

“We’re expecting a lot of double-income millennials,” he said while discussing the units, stating that most floorplans will be a mix of single- and double- bedroom layouts, with a limited number of threebedrooms.

In addition to the pool, private clubhouse, outdoor open-air pavilion and scattered green areas/pocket parks, the complex will also feature amenities to reflect the expected market, including a pickle ball field, yoga studio, indoor/outdoor bar and a recording room for podcasting. The development is about half a mile from downtown Powder Springs and is within easy walking distance of grocery stores, restaurants and other retail outlets. It’s also located about a mile from the Silver Comet Trail, a walking/ cycling trail that connects to the Chattahoochee River.

Selig has been working closely with the local government of Powder Springs and the larger Cobb County area. “This apartment development will be the first in Powder Springs [excluding seniorspecific apartments] and I am excited to see the construction underway. … This type of development plays an important part in making Powder Springs such a great city to call home,” said Mayor Al Thurman. About 3 percent of the units will be held at a discounted rate for public employees of the City of Powder Springs and Cobb County, as a way of giving back.

Ellen Garland, founder and CEO of Silver Studio Architects, designed the

From left to right: Greg Lewis, Cobb County Commissioner Monique Sheffield, Powder Springs Mayor Al Thurman, Steve Selig, and Selig Enterprises CDO Steve Baile break ground at the future site of Heartwood Sandy Springs.

Mayor Al Thurman of the City of Powder Springs

A rendering of the pool and one of the residence buildings at Heartwood Powder Springs.

Ellen Garland, founder and CEO of Silver Studio Architecture.

The clubhouse will act as a central hub for residents, and will house multiple amenities, including a podcast room, bar and yoga studio.

complex. Garland says that they drew inspiration for the project from downtown Powder Springs, which was mostly craftsman-style bungalows, and decided to add a slightly more modern twist. Interiors will feature open-floor-plan kitchens with large islands, built-in beverage bars

and stainless-steel appliances, as well as entry nooks complete with benches, hooks and shelving. While this is Silver Studio’s first project with Selig Development, they also have plans for two other projects with them in the near future. “It [this complex] is about planting a seed

for something to grow and Selig understands this,” said Garland.

The complex is slated to start welcoming residents in the fall of 2023. The estimated monthly rent cost of the individual units is expected to range from $1,400 to $2,000. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2022 | 41

REAL ESTATE

Ponce City Market Launches New Building Project

By Bob Bahr Jamestown, the Atlanta-based private equity real estate and investment firm, has begun building out the area around its Ponce City Market development with the goal of adding more than 700,000 square feet to the area adjacent to the historic Sears Distribution Center building on Ponce De Leon Avenue.

The project is being described as the second phase of a decade-long plan to successfully develop the 28-acre site and the massive 2.1-million-square-foot building and the surrounding area into a mixeduse project of offices, apartments and 90 tenants for its retail stores and restaurants.

Matt Bronfman, the company’s CEO, described the new construction as a way of building on a project that is generally credited with revitalizing the intown neighborhood.

“These plans keep sustainability topof-mind with ample outdoor space, new technologies, green materials and design that draws on the beauty of nature while honoring the history of Ponce City Market,” he told the AJT. The new construction, which began in April, will include a four-story office building, a 405-unit hospitality building that will offer fully furnished units for longand short-term rentals. It will also feature some 12,000 square feet of retail space with 21-foot-tall ceilings. The project is expected to be completed over the next two years.

Michael Phillips, Jamestown’s president, ranks what the company has accomplished in the redevelopment of the area among the most significant examples of urban transformation in the country.

“Since opening in 2015, Ponce City Market has served as a vibrant centerpiece to Atlanta’s Fourth Ward neighborhood and is

Your Metro Atlanta real estate expert Janis Zagoria M 404.245.3628 O 404.668.6621

janis.zagoria@compass.com City lights team is a team of real estate licensees affiliated with compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by equal housing opportunity laws.

42 | JUNE 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The shops and restaurants at Ponce City Market anchor a popular development that is poised for significant new development.

among the nation’s pre-eminent examples of mixed-use developments,” he said. “We look forward to building upon that legacy of innovation, urban renewal and neighborhood connectivity.”

As proof of what Jamestown has accomplished, one need only visit the area on a recent holiday to see the crowds on the Ponce Market’s first-floor informal dining area and in the shops that are filled with buyers and browsers. Across the street, a large strip mall offers local residents all the shopping features that were once only found in suburban malls, complete with traffic congestion and a crowded parking lot.

Another 163 units of one-to-threebedroom apartments, called Signal House, is planned next to the Atlanta BeltLine at North Avenue. The 21-story building will have units for active adults and seniors 55 and over and is expected to be ready next year. According to Phillips, Signal House will be built around a new communications technology model that has been designed to

Seven hundred thousand square feet of new construction space will be clustered around the 2.1-million-squarefoot main building at Ponce City Market.

The Skyline Park atop the old Sears building offers one of the best views of the city.

be user friendly for an older population.

“Through multi-dimensional programming and technology interfaces designed for a non-digitally native audience, Signal House will give the 55+ community access to the kind of dynamic mixed-use development typically reserved for younger generations,” he explained.

Signal House and the hospitality building are designed to be LEED-compliant, an acronym that stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design — a popular global rating system for building environmentally-friendly buildings. The all-electric project is being built to help the firm achieve what it hopes will be a zero-carbon footprint by 2050.

The innovative and environmentally friendly use of space is evident in the popular, 75,000-square-foot rooftop Skyline Park on the 8th and 9th floors of the old Sears

building. The park offers a lounge area with some of the best skyline views of the city, combined with a carnival-like atmosphere of games and other amusements that are family friendly.

Mandy and Kelvin Slater, the couple who developed the project for Jamestown, is opening another outdoor rooftop project called Rooftop L.O.A. (Leave of Absence) this month, atop the Interlock off 14th street on the Westside. The 38,000-square-foot space features a heated outdoor pool with a pool bar, lounge chairs and cabanas.

There’s also what’s called The Grove outdoor space and a more formal restaurant. Each will serve drinks and its own menu. The rooftop is open to the public, 21 and up, free of charge. There will be poolside DJs and a large-scale outdoor projection screen for movie nights. No reservations necessary, first-come, first-served. ì

REAL ESTATE

Jewish Life in Intown Atlanta Is Booming

By Bob Bahr When Rabbi Peter Berg first came to The Temple almost 15 years ago, development of the area surrounding the Midtown congregation was just beginning to accelerate.

The ambitious Atlanta Station project of single-family homes, new high-rise and low-rise apartments and a pedestrian-friendly shopping center had all recently opened. The Woodruff Arts Center had expanded its building complex for the first time in 40 years. And Selig Enterprises had created the mixed-use 12th and Midtown project only a couple of miles from the historic Temple building.

Rabbi Berg says he had the good fortune to take over leadership of the congregation at a time of considerable growth.

“It was very exciting when I first came here. But those numbers have grown every single year exponentially.

And that includes, areas that have grown significantly in the last several years, such as Decatur or Inman Park,” he told the AJT. Atlantans, who only a few decades earlier had fled to the suburbs and the new neighborhoods in North Fulton and Cobb counties, were now streaming back into the city. Completing the turnaround, in 2016, the American Planning Association named Midtown Atlanta to its list of Great Places in the U.S. But The Temple community has not been the sole beneficiary. In what is referred to as the Old Fourth Ward, south of Ponce De Leon, property values have risen sharply, and new construction is booming.

On a recent Friday night, the Chabad Intown Center hosted a Shabbat dinner for 80 people. Education programs for youth and adults there attract new arrivals who may be in search of a more meaningful Jewish identity.

Rabbi Ari Sollish arrived with his wife and young son not long before Rabbi Berg arrived at The Temple. He describes Jewish life in the intown neighborhood as “vibrant,” an atmosphere that he feels proud to have helped foster.

“It’s not what one would call an Orthodox community,” Sollish said. “I think one of the great features, I would say about Chabad, our intown community, is its openness, really, to every Jew. It’s not about denominational affiliation.”

After 15 years at Chabad Intown’s Jewish Academy, he has just announced his intention to leave in search of new opportunities in Atlanta.

Chabad Intown has been thriving as a result of new residents moving back to intown neighborhoods from the suburbs.

New construction is booming across a wide belt of intown neighborhoods.

With fresh construction in Midtown, in the Old Fourth Ward and on the Westside off Northside Drive, the pressure to create more resources for the community has only grown. Dunwoody has the Marcus Jewish Community Center and the Berman Commons Assisted Living Center. In northwest Atlanta, the Jewish Home and the Jewish Tower are adjacent to Interstate 75, some distance from the newly revitalized communities in town.

Rabbi Berg thinks that community leaders may have been too eager to follow the initial exodus from the city and are now trying to play catch-up.

“I think there was a strategic error that was made in earlier years. More should have been done to prevent a mass exodus of a lot of the Jewish resources,

Rabbi Peter Berg has been an important fixture of the political and religious life of the Midtown community for almost 15 years.

particularly when The Temple, the largest congregation was still here. Now that so many people are moving in here the answer is to keep what we have in the suburbs, but also to rebuild back some of the resources that we’re missing,” he said.

To meet this demand, the Federation last year commissioned a community study by urban researchers at Johns Hopkins University and held a town meeting to discuss that report. But significant progress has been slow in coming. The Federation’s President and CEO, Eric Robbins, says that the agency is overworked and understaffed and responding to new, unanticipated challenges at home and in Jewish communities abroad.

For the past four years, the Federation has been working on plans for a

$180-million project on its three-acre site in Midtown. Last year, it unveiled an architectural rendering of a new multiuser high-rise for themselves, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, the Neranenah music festival, The Breman Museum and housing for seniors and those with disabilities. In the next few months, Robbins anticipates a revised version of the plan.

“I’ve been pushing this thing for four years now,” he says. “I’m starting to realize that anything like this takes time.

What I will say is that we have some architectural plans. We’ve raised a significant amount of money for planning.

And we have a phenomenal group of lay leaders that are committed to making it happen. So, all the dots are there. We just need to connect them.” ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2022 | 43

ARTS & CULTURE Atlanta Opera’s Updated ‘Cabaret’ as Relevant as Ever

By Bob Bahr Fifty-six years after it first arrived on Broadway, the acclaimed musical “Cabaret” returns in an Atlanta Opera production that is every bit as relevant and powerful as it was when it debuted.

The original production, with music and lyrics by Jewish American composers and lyricists John Kander and Fred Ebb, is set in Berlin during the rise of Nazism and antisemitism in the late 1920s, as the final years of the Weimar Republic draw to a violent close.

Artistic Director Tomer Zvulun, who was born and raised in Israel, directs the swift-moving production with a sure hand and a keen sense of history. It’s part of what the opera company calls its “Come As You Are Festival,” which also includes “As One” by Laura Kaminsky — an opera with an LGBTQ+ theme. Both productions were sponsored by the Molly Blank Fund of the Arthur Blank Family Foundation.

Zvulun described the show, with its warning about hatred, as “ever so relevant right now.” “Cabaret,” he says, reflects what happens when a society accepts the idea that one group or another is inferior and that violence can be used against them.

“Whether that group is Jewish or gay, black, Hispanic or Asian, you name it,” he told the AJT. “And we see that big time, right now, in the world and in America every day. And I think we need to take a stance and say that that’s not okay and that it can lead to disastrous results.”

According to statistics compiled by the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitism in the U.S. is at an all-time high. In

J

“Cabaret,” which is set in The Kit Kat Klub in Berlin just before the rise of Nazism, receives an updated setting in the Atlanta Opera production. // Credit: Ken Howard

Georgia last year, antisemitic incidents were up 133 percent.

It’s a message that has particular meaning for Zvulun, who grew up during the the 1970s and 1980s, when the Holocaust was finally being discussed in Israel.

“I believe that antisemitism is always two millimeters under the ground, under the surface, and sometimes even less than that,” he said. “And I feel like that’s our times right now. As a Jewish person, as an Israeli, as somebody who’s concerned about the fact that history re-

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peats itself, I feel a responsibility to tell stories that will allow us to realize the danger of that.”

The musical, which premiered in 1966, swept the Tony Awards that year, winning eight trophies, including Best Musical. The film version, directed by Bob Fosse, featured outstanding performances by Joel Grey and Liza Minelli.

Although only loosely based on the stage production, it largely cemented the musical in the public imagination. It won eight Academy Awards but lost the Best Picture category in 1972 to Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather.”

The Atlanta Opera’s staging is based on the 1998 Broadway revival, which was also a critical success. That production put the audience in the center of the action by relocating Berlin’s Kit Kat Klub to the old Studio 54 in New York City. As in New York, audience members closest to the stage in Atlanta sit at small cafe tables not unlike what they might have encountered in the Berlin clubs of the period.

Atlanta’s “Cabaret” is set in the industrial landscape of the sprawling, 27-acre Pullman Yards complex in East Atlanta. A long runway extends almost halfway into the audience, and props and scenery are sparse. Still, the imaginative and sometimes provocative costumes by Eric Teague and video projections designed by Nicholas Hussong — displayed

on massive screens on either side of the stage — more than make up for the often-bare stage.

Despite the extremely high ceilings of the industrial building, there’s an intimacy to the production that the star of the show, Curt Olds, a veteran Broadway performer, finds comforting.

“People come in and they’re able to grab a drink and go to their tables right next to the action of the show,” he says.

“And it’s brilliant. It really takes you to a different place than when you’re walking into a traditional theater. It’s such a special way to see the show.”

Initially, the relaxed ambiance of the performance can be deceptive. The naughty, sexually charged atmosphere of the Jazz Age, with its toe-tapping music and clever lyrics, is what Zvulun sees as the bow on a sweet treat that still has the ability to stun.

“Eventually, this beautifully wrapped candy gives you a real punch to the gut, and that’s the only way to deliver this message,” the director said. “This message, that hate can be dangerous and unpredictable, is told in a story that seduces the audience. But it’s a message that hopefully stays with them.”

The Atlanta Opera’s production of “Cabaret” runs through Sunday, June 19.

Tickets available at www.atlantaopera. org. ì

ARTS & CULTURE

Art Show at the Temple’s Java Nagilla Gallery On May 27, a new exhibit opened in the charming Java Nagilla Gallery at The Temple, with a reception following Friday evening Chana Shapiro services. This month, the gallery showcases the work of two award-winning artists and members of the Temple: Susan Coddon and Beth Thomsen. While the artists work in very different media — Coddon is a metalsmith, while Thomsen makes art out of paper and found objects — the work in the show has a common thread. Most of the art was created during the pandemic as both a distraction from and reaction to personal changes and disturbing current events.

Coddon creates fine sculpture, jewelry, tableware and hollowware out of precious metals. Her work is heavily influenced by her seven-year stay in Japan, where she was fascinated by origami principles. “I fell in love with origami as a child, but [much later learned] that it is dependent on mathematical principles,” she said. Coddon realized that she could use her mathematical skills to create the kind of art she wanted to make.

Coddon often starts with drawings, constructs her concepts in threedimensional heavy paper, then tests her work in copper before executing the final pieces in sterling or bimetal (gold layered over silver). “My home studio is my haven,” she said. Using torches and band saws requires intense concentration. I love getting lost in the process of making.” Coddon’s work has been exhibited in the United States, Spain and Japan and been part of several prestigious competitions.

Beth Thomsen is a folk artist who fashions ketubot and other ritually related art out of wedding and b’nai mitzvah invitations. Some collages include found letters from the early 1900s, and a variety of boxes are covered with handmade paper. “I make art out of anything that intrigues me,” she explains. “I use found objects, clay, paint, photographs, wood, tree bark, whatever gives me the texture I need for my work.

“The Boxes are in two categories: water and sun. Both are needed equally for crops to grow and thrive. The House/ Door series and the USA Panels series are created from paper I have made. The

Temple member and artist Beth Thomsen during installation at Java Nagilla.

Metalsmith Susan Coddon poses with her work at the gallery.

Thomsen’s favorite piece in the show

Jill Slavin curates the Java Nagilla gallery exhibits.

A piece from Thomsen’s “Door Series”

Three silver rings by Coddon

pulp is all plant material, harvested and made in small batches.”

Thomsen is most proud of the USA Panels, a series of nine small collages created during the last presidential election.

“I [needed] to work out my very visceral feelings of patriotism, angst, confusion, frustration and anger,” she said. “Playing ukulele, teaching elementary art, working at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, and making my own art over the years has provided me with the creativity I crave and the energy that feeds my soul.”

The Java Nagilla Gallery, which opened in 2018, was the idea of volunteer Jill Slavin, who previously volunteered

for the Atlanta Red Cross and has a background in art, writing and consulting for major Atlanta media. Slavin is also an accomplished pottery artist, who developed unusual glaze application techniques and wrote kiln formulas to produce glass jewelry. In 2016, however, when Slavin and her husband moved from the suburbs to an apartment in Midtown, it was impossible to bring her kiln — which fired at 2,500 degrees — into a 12-story building with wood floors and no ventilation. Slavin considered her next step. She was about to show her work in an exhibit at the High Museum when Rabbi Lydia Medwin, the Temple’s director of engage-

ment, approached Slavin to expand the use of Java Nagilla.

Slavin accepted the challenge and “decided to become a one-woman jury and curator, successfully mounting three shows a year to present the work of talented Temple members.” Since 2018, the gallery has hosted the work of more than a dozen artists from the congregation, working in a variety of media.

“In many ways,” Slavin said, “I consider this my most successful art endeavor.”

The Java Nagilla Gallery is open whenever The Temple is open. Contact Jill Slavin at jillaslavin@gmail.com to learn more about the gallery shows. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2022 | 45

CALENDAR

JUNE 15-29 ize and crochet and knit beanies for premature babies from home. For more information, visit https://bit. ly/34Ru9wp.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15 Torah Study — 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join Rabbi Jordan each Wednesday, either on Zoom or in-person at Congregation Dor Tamid and continue an indepth look at the Book of Leviticus.

For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3srZsGj.

Significant Others of Addicts Support Group — 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Join Sally Anderson, MS, LPC for a weekly free support group for spouses, partners and/or significant others of those struggling with addiction. Visit https:// bit.ly/3B5bABf for more information.

Jewish Spirituality and Mysticism — 8 p.m. A weekly class on Jewish spirituality, mysticism and how to apply it to your personal growth in a meaningful way, taught by Rabby Hirshy. Visit https://bit.ly/3suZDkg for more information.

Beyond Right — 8 to 9:30 p.m. Join Rabbi Ari Sollish on a thrilling six-part journey every Tuesday evening, May 10 through June 14 (or a second option: every Thursday 12 to 1:15 p.m., May 12 through June 16), to examine key legal issues and fundamental ethical considerations that serve as the engine of Jewish civil law. Fee $99 (textbook included). Zoom option available. Visit https://bit.ly/3EpAzRh for more information.

Juneteenth Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Join the AJOCC in partnership with Kol Hapanim at the Distillery of Modern Art for a Kabbalat Shabbat centering the voices of Jewish spiritual leaders of color. Honor the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States through a Jewish lens. Zoom and inperson options available. Visit https:// bit.ly/3aIIz5b for details.

SUNDAY, JUNE 19 FRIDAY, JUNE 17

THURSDAY, JUNE 16

Jewish Insights Series — 8 to 9 p.m. A weekly Zoom with discussion on a pertinent topic from the Torah’s weekly portion. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3699PaI.

SOJOURN’s Drawing from the Well — 12 to 1 p.m. An inclusive, weekly meetup for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies.

For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3gxpDWP

Kabbalah & Coffee — 9:30 to 11 a.m. A Weekly Study Series with Rabbi Ari Sollish. Discuss, explore and journey through the world of Jewish mystical teaching and learn how to apply these profound teachings to your daily life.

For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3LP4o11.

Knit and Crochet Group — 1 to 3 p.m.

Join Dor Tamid on Zoom to social-

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

www.atlantajewishconnector.com

MONDAY, JUNE 20

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

46 | JUNE 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Rooftop Shabbat Dinner — 7 p.m. Join Jewish Young Professionals for a Shabbat dinner on the beautiful Terminus building patio overlooking Atlanta. $36. For more details, visit https://bit. ly/3Q0NGh5.

Recovery Group — 12 to 1:30 p.m. HAMSA Recovery Group is a therapeutic group that focuses on promoting recovery and helping individuals gain a deeper understanding of its roots.

Visit https://bit.ly/3yPtOrf for more information.

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES Torah Reading: Behaalotecha Friday, June 17 (Sivan 18, 5782) light candles at 8:33 p.m.

Saturday, June 18 (Sivan 19, 5782) Shabbat ends at 9:35 p.m.

Bereavement Support Group — 4 to 5 p.m. This support group aims to foster a safe and healthy environment to process these feeling and support people in mourning. Visit https://bit. ly/3Ls6oMi for more information.

Torah Reading: Shlach Friday, June 24 (Sivan 25, 5782) light candles at 8:34 p.m.

Saturday, June 25 (Sivan 26, 5782) Shabbat ends at 9:36 p.m.

Dive Into Shabbat at the MJCCA — 5 to 7 p.m. Celebrate Shabbat at the JCC! Open swim and activities followed by songs and blessings with Rabbi G at 6 p.m. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3LA21xz.

premature babies from home. For more information, visit https://bit. ly/34Ru9wp.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22 TUESDAY, JUNE 21 Brain Health Bootcamp — 1 to 3 p.m.

New virtual Brain Health Bootcamp every Tuesday will combine gentle physical exercise, including yoga and exercises, to help reduce stress and anxiety, along with a full hour of brain exercises done in a non-stress and engaging way of learning. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3sr94RP.

Jewish Spirituality and Mysticism — 8 p.m. A weekly class on Jewish spirituality, mysticism and how to apply it to your personal growth in a meaningful way, taught by Rabby Hirshy. Visit https://bit.ly/3suZDkg for more information.

Torah Study — 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join Rabbi Jordan each Wednesday either on Zoom or in-person at Congregation Dor Tamid and continue an indepth look at the Book of Leviticus.

For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3srZsGj.

Significant Others of Addicts Support Group — 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Join Sally Anderson, MS, LPC for a weekly free support group for spouses, partners and/or significant others of those struggling with addiction. Visit https:// bit.ly/3B5bABf for more information.

Temple Beth Tikvah Friday Night Services — 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join services online or in person. Visit https://bit. ly/35XKJeJ for more information.

SATURDAY, JUNE 25 Temple Beth Tikvah Saturday Services — 10 to 11:30 a.m. Join services online or in person. Visit https://bit. ly/3BbaS5n for more information.

Jewish Insights Series — 8 to 9 p.m. A weekly Zoom with discussion on a pertinent topic from the Torah’s weekly portion. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3699PaI.

SUNDAY, JUNE 26 Kibbitz & Konnect — 6 to 9 p.m. Join the new premier in-person social network for Atlanta’s Jewish Singles community, ages 20s to 60s. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3wKTPq2.

FRIDAY, JUNE 24 THURSDAY, JUNE 23 Knit and Crochet Group — 1 to 3 p.m.

Join Dor Tamid on Zoom to socialize and crochet and knit beanies for

SOJOURN’s Drawing from the Well — 12 to 1 p.m. An inclusive weekly meetup for LGBTQ+ Jews and allies.

For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3gxpDWP

Kabbalah & Coffee — 9:30 to 11 a.m. A Weekly Study Series with Rabbi Ari Sollish. Discuss, explore and journey through the world of Jewish mystical teaching and learn how to apply these profound teachings to your daily life.

For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3LP4o11.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2022 | 47

New virtual Brain Health Bootcamp every Tuesday will combine gentle physical exercise, including yoga and exercises, to help reduce stress and anxiety, along with a full hour of brain exercises done in a non-stress and engaging way of learning. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3sr94RP.

2022 AJPA Annual Conference — From Sunday, June 25 to Wednesday June 29, this event will be filled with education, networking and community for columnists, publishers, editors and students. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3wM5yU9.

men and women of mixed ages. For more information, visit https://bit. ly/3JuE3Da/.

Bereavement Support Group — 4 to 5 p.m. This support group aims to foster a safe and healthy environment to process these feeling and support people in mourning. Visit https://bit. ly/3Ls6oMi for more information.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29 MONDAY, JUNE 27 Recovery Group — 12 to 1:30 p.m. HAMSA Recovery Group is a therapeutic group that focuses on promoting recovery and helping individuals gain a deeper understanding of its roots.

Visit https://bit.ly/3yPtOrf for more information.

TUESDAY, JUNE 28 Brain Health Bootcamp — 1 to 3 p.m.

48 | JUNE 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Uncoupling: A Divorced and Separated Support Group — 5:30 to 7 p.m. A bimonthly group providing support and resources, and a safe place to process and share experiences related to divorce and separation. Open to

Significant Others of Addicts Support Group — 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Join Sally Anderson, MS, LPC for a weekly free support group for spouses, partners and/or significant others of those struggling with addiction. Visit https:// bit.ly/3B5bABf for more information.

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COMMUNITY Every Challah Knife Tells a Story

Marissa chose this silver knife in Jerusalem.

Jay designed this knife for Mindy.

Dr. Jay and Mindy Cinnamon

By Chana Shapiro During a Passover trip to Israel in 2001, Dr. Jay and Mindy Cinnamon and their 10-year-old daughter, Marissa, were shopping in Jerusalem for a challah knife to add to their collection. It was during the Second Intifada, and Jewish shops were suffering because of severely diminished tourism. At one Judaica store, the Cinnamons admired a beautiful sterling silver challah knife, but Marissa wanted to keep looking. The elderly shop owner did everything in his power to make the sale, including severely reducing the price. Jay explained that they might return, but they wanted to continue shopping. On the way out, Jay couldn’t miss the obvious sadness on the disheartened shopkeeper’s face. “How long had it been since his last sale? Maybe none all week, or even longer,” Jay thought.

Outside the store, Jay spoke to his daughter. “There are milestone events in life, and you can’t plan when these turning points will present themselves,” he told her. “We have to buy that knife.”

The Cinnamons returned to the store and purchased the challah knife at full price, even though the shopkeeper had offered a big reduction. The shopkeeper beamed, and Marissa had performed an act of chesed (kindness).

“But that’s not the end of the tale,” Jay says. “The event, really, was a turning point for Marissa, and she wrote the story for her college essay!”

First, let’s go back a few decades. Mindy Lookstein is the daughter of Audrey and Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, an eminent

50 | JUNE 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

A gift from Mindy to Jay

Folding travel challah knife

rabbi emeritus of modern-Orthodox Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Mindy attended Ramaz, a leading k-12 Orthodox Jewish school, which her grandfather founded.

Jay Cinnamon also grew up in an Orthodox family, in Hicksville, Long Island, taking the bus to the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County every day. The Cinnamons owned the first Judaica store on Long Island, which they ran from 1960 through the mid-1980s. Mindy and Jay met while working in outreach programs at Yeshiva University. In 1982, they were married at Kehilath Jeshurun and in 1994 moved to Atlanta, where Jay, a radiologist, joined the faculty at Emory University.

Today, the Cinnamons are engaged and hard-working members of the vibrant Toco Hills community, maintaining membership and actively participating in several neighborhood synagogues. At their welcoming Shabbat table, relatives and friends sit together with people the Cinnamons may have just met. The food is always delicious, the conversation is al-

A Jerusalem scene is painted on knife handle and holder.

ways interesting and the Jewish concept of hiddur mitzvah — “beautification of a mitzvah” — is evident in the ritual items scattered throughout their home and on their table. Hand-crafted door mezuzot, Shabbat and Yom Tov candelabras, kiddush cups, washing cups, challah covers, challah boards and challah knives are just some examples of ritual items elevated by their beauty and originality.

Challah knife handles are excellent and enduring examples of a silversmith or fine craftsman’s handiwork. Many Jewish families have more than one challah knife; the Cinnamons, over their 40-year marriage, have collected nearly three dozen of them. Mindy and Jay both come from Orthodox Jewish families, so it makes sense that three or four of their wedding guests chose to gift them with something the couple would use every Shabbat and Yom Tov. That’s how the challah knife collection got its unofficial start.

The Cinnamon collection ranges from classic ornate sterling silver to sleek knives in sculptural holders, some with in-

tegrated saltshakers. A wooden knife handle is painted with Israeli scenes, while other handles display the fanciful art of a gifted silversmith. A folding traveling challah knife is secure in its own carrying case. A modern multi-colored knife was a gift from Mindy to her husband when their first grandchild was born, and several knives were purchased by the family to mark other special occasions. A spectacular silver knife was designed by Jay and made from part of a yad (Torah-reading pointer), with a crown at the top. “Mindy’s Hebrew name is Malka, and Malka means queen,” Jay explains. The majority of the knives, however, were presents from guests, perfect gifts for their big-hearted Shabbat dinner hosts.

While the Cinnamons are delighted with their diverse and treasured collection, Jay succinctly explains the designated role of a challah knife: “The most important thing about the Shabbat meal is what happens after the challah is cut.” The beautiful challah knife is the tool that opens the even more beautiful Shabbat meal. ì

COMMUNITY

Jewish Blood Drive Termed Success

By Dave Schechter Organizers of “The Big Give” blood drive June 8-10 at Congregation Beth Jacob termed the event a major success.

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers calculated that enough blood was collected to save 693 lives.

Over the three days, 226 individuals donated blood. The donations included 221 pints of whole blood, which is used to treat trauma and emergency cases. Five people made “double red cell” donations of two pints each, giving blood that is particularly beneficial to people suffering from sickle cell anemia. According to LifeSouth, each pint of whole blood can save three lives and each double red donation six lives.

“A typical blood drive usually has about 10 to 25 donors, which is 30 to 75 lives saved. So, 693 is quite an amazing number and helps the local hospitals out tremendously,” Kyla Harris, district community development coordinator of LifeSouth, said. LifeSouth serves 125 hospitals in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.

Elizabeth Schoen donating blood during “The Big Give".

The blood drive was organized by friends of Bev Saltzman Lewyn, an Atlantan who has been receiving treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in her hometown of Houston and continues to commute to the hospital from her parents’ home there.

There is a national blood shortage,

Jodi Wittenberg, one of the blood drive organizers (blue t-shirt) with nurses and staff from LifeSouth Community Blood Centers.

in particular of type O-negative blood (Lewyn’s type, found in 7 percent of the population), which is prized because it can be transfused into patients with other blood types.

The 54-year-old Saltzman went to unusual lengths to publicize the shortage — even doing a live interview with a Houston television station during che-

motherapy infusion, with her phone balanced on the pole holding the intravenous drip.

Lewyn, on Facebook, said that she and her husband, Marc Lewyn, “can never thank enough our community, beloved Jewish institutions, the LifeSouth nurses, and most of all the tireless genius tzadeikis (holy women).” ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2022 | 51

COMMUNITY

Beth Jacob Rings in 79 Years

By Arlene Caplan Appelrouth More than 300 people came to celebrate Lag B’Omer and the 79th anniversary of Congregation Beth Jacob on May 19th.

The highlight of the evening, which took place in the synagogue, was Rabbi Ilan Feldman’s interview with his parents, who flew in from Jerusalem for the event.

Rabbi Emanuel Feldman and his wife, Estelle, charmed the large crowd as they reminisced about Jewish Atlanta and Beth Jacob 70 years ago, when they moved to Atlanta as a young married couple. Rabbi Feldman, now 94 years old, went on to serve the Beth Jacob synagogue for 40 years.

As an inexperienced 25-year-old rabbi, he recalled, his goal had been “to be the best rabbi I could be.” At that time the synagogue consisted of just 30 to 30 members, “and most of the members were embarrassed to be called ‘Orthodox.’”

The Feldmans were responsible for Beth Jacob’s growth and development on LaVista Road in Toco Hills.

Today, it boasts more than 600 members and hosts a vibrant Orthodox community that attracts Jews who are looking for the infrastructure needed to live an Orthodox life: schools, a kashrut commission, mikveh and a Kollel group whose mission is to enhance Jewish learning in Atlanta. When the Feldmans first arrived, though, Atlanta seemed to them “a sleepy southern town with great potential,” Rabbi Feldman explained. His wife, a New Yorker who had always lived an insular Orthodox

Bob Thompson: This House Is Mine is organized by the Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville, Maine, and curated by Diana Tuite, and generously supported by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, halley k harrisburg and Michael Rosenfeld, the Alex Katz Foundation, Richard and Mary L. Gray Foundation, the Robert Lehman Foundation, and the Terra Foundation for American Art.

52 | JUNE 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

More than 300 current and former congregants attended the 79th anniversary celebration at Beth Jacob Heritage Hall.

Beth Jacob’s former leader, Rabbi Emanuel Feldman, greets guests.

A fire-eater entertains attendees.

Pizza machers from Pizzaly ply their craft.

life, said she thought of Atlanta as “the wilderness that was ‘Gone with the Wind.’”

During their tenure as Beth Jacob’s rabbi and rebbetzin, the Feldmans influenced many Atlanta Jews to

observe Shabbat, to keep kosher homes and to commit to an observant lifestyle, with its emphasis on serving God and following the mitzvot.

Rabbi Ilan Feldman, who was the assistant rabbi at Beth Jacob until his father retired, had a personal question for his predecessor: “Did you ever plan or hope for me to succeed you?”

The elder Rabbi Feldman responded that his son was perfect for the job because of his warmth, compassion and knowledge.

Rabbi David Silverman, dean of the Atlanta Scholars Kollel, expressed appreciation and awe for the Feldman family.

“Today, we live in the wake of all they created,” he told the AJT. “The evening was so uplifting. It’s amazing to see how two leaders can make a difference.”

Silverman added that it was wonderful to see all the love and concern the Feldmans felt for each other and for the members of the Beth Jacob community.

“We are all the beneficiaries of a dynasty dedicated to the welfare and growth of Judaism,” he said.

Throughout the evening, current congregants of Beth Jacob rubbed shoulders with former congregants and members of the Atlanta Jewish community.

Allen Shaw, who now lives in a retirement community in Florida, was a member of Beth Jacob for more than 50 years. He and his wife, Shelley, traveled to Atlanta for the event. Shaw used to play tennis with Rabbi Feldman and was eager to reconnect with his former rabbi and friend.

“It was a terrific evening,” he told the AJT. “The food was unbelievable. The whole evening was terrific.

I wanted to be here to honor Rabbi Feldman and the shul.”

Lucy Carson concurred with that sentiment.

“Beth Jacob has been my life,” she said. “I had to come to see the old timers.” ì

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PREMIER EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS ACT Foundation, Inc. Sarah and Jim Kennedy Louise Sams and Jerome Grilhot

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The Lowdown I Bet You Didn’t Know …

Jack Halpern

Atlanta native Jack Halpern serves as chairman of Halpern Enterprises, Inc., a family-owned business that develops, leases and manages shopping centers as long-term investments. A graduate of The Westminster Schools, Harvard College and the University of Georgia Law School, he and his wife, Lynne, have three children and five grandchildren.

Halpern is active in the Jewish community, having served as co-chair of the Marcus Jewish Community Center, and on the boards of The Epstein School, The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, the Westminster Schools, the American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League and numerous other nonprofits. Halpern was the founding chairman of the Doraville Downtown Development Authority, and was named 2015 Citizen of the Year by the City of Smyrna, Ga. He practiced law in Atlanta before joining his father, Bernard, at Halpern Enterprises. Along with his sister, Carolyn, Halpern has helped to grow the company into one of Atlanta’s leading commercial real estate firms, with a portfolio of more than 50 shopping centers in Georgia and neighboring states. Five members of the third generation currently work at the business, where Halpern’s primary responsibility is to increase the chances that the company will endure for generations to come. Read on to learn what makes Jack Halpern tick.

What was it like growing up during the 1950s and 1960s?

Our family lived in Morningside, home to a large number of Jewish families, which was part of the reason that my parents chose to settle there. I felt like I knew all the other Jews in town who were around my age. We felt safe walking the streets, day or night, organized our own pick-up ball games, and rode the bus downtown alone to go to the movies. It was a great way to grow up.

What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?

I was the undefeated Georgia wrestling champion at 108 pounds during my senior year in high school. That was many years and many weight classes ago, but I at least had the experience, at that point, of being mentally disciplined and in great physical condition.

What did you learn at Harvard?

Humility. I learned that there will always be people more talented and accomplished than I am, so I should try to surround myself with smart people from whom I can learn useful lessons.

You are streaming?

Favorite COVID-era TV series: “A French Village,” “1883,” “Tehran,” “Hell on Wheels.”

What was the most unusual job you’ve ever had?

I spent a year between college and law school traveling around the western United States in a VW van, staying with friends near Aspen. My job was bussing tables and throwing out the trash at the Timber Mill Inn, an after-ski restaurant/bar in Snowmass. I can’t say that this job represented the best use of my Harvard degree, but it enabled me to live as a ski-bum for a few months — and gave me valuable insights into how challenging it can be for people to get by while earning minimum wage.

Your guilty pleasure?

Nestle Little Drumsticks Ice Cream (vanilla or chocolate), one each night.

What was your most exotic vacation?

My wife, Lynne, and I, along with 72 other people, took a 25-day journey around the world on a chartered plane, sponsored by National Geographic. We visited Machu Picchu, Easter Island, Samoa, Australia, Cambodia, Nepal, Tibet, the Taj Mahal, Tanzania, Petra and Morocco. The trip took place shortly before COVID-19, so it will likely turn out to be a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. I came away with a renewed appreciation for how lucky we are to live in the United States.

Recommended books?

“Great Circle,” “The Lincoln Conspiracy.”

Who had the greatest influence on your life and career?

That was my father, Bernard Halpern, who was 16 years old when he immigrated here from Poland in 1938, leaving behind parents who were murdered in the Holocaust. Bernard had a tremendous work ethic and an engaging personality. He believed in sharing his good fortune and earned an unblemished reputation for integrity. Even though he died of cancer at only 58, Bernard’s generosity and high ethical standards continue to serve as a guide for me and our family.

How did you get involved with Jewish community organizations?

My parents were generous contributors to Jewish causes, so they set great examples. In my early 30s, I participated in a leadership development program at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, through which I was exposed to their varied agencies and organizations. After that, I was invited to serve on various boards and was introduced to Jewish community leaders. I developed a tolerance for sitting through long meetings and learned how to build consensus within volunteer organizations. Because I kept saying “yes” I was given more responsibility. My life has been greatly enriched as a result, although I’m amazed at how quickly I’ve gone from being the youngest person in the room to the oldest.

What do your grandchildren call you?

Papa – by far the best role that I’ve ever gotten to play.

ATLANTAReported JEWISH TIMES JUNE Caller 15, 2022Jaffe | 53

by Marcia

KEEPING IT KOSHER

JEWISH JOKE

Honey, Fig and Red Wine Ribs Cooking and Prep: 4 h Serves: 6 Preference: Meat Difficulty: Easy Occasion: Rosh Hashanah, Shabbat Diet: Gluten Free Category: Mains

Ingredients Ribs: 8-10 beef spareribs Spices: 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon onion powder 2 teaspoons salt 1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper 2 teaspoons celery seed Sauce 1 cup dry red wine (merlot or cabernet), such as Alfasi Cabernet Sauvignon 1 cup fig jam 3 tablespoons Gefen Honey 1/3 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos) 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 3 rosemary sprigs

Prepare the Ribs Place ribs in a pan large enough to hold them in a single layer (or use two pans.) (I like to use the extra-large aluminum pans, for easy cleanup.)

Mix spices well and spread on both sides of ribs.

Cover pans very tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 275 degrees Fahrenheit (convection – or 300 regular bake) for two to three hours, depending on the thickness.

After two hours, drain any liquid/fat that was released from ribs.

(I like to change pans.)

When ribs are almost ready, mix all sauce ingredients except for rosemary.

Pour mixture over ribs, add rosemary sprigs, and bake at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for an additional two hours or until meat is very soft.

Recipe By Tammy Israel Source: kosher.com 54 | JUNE 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

THE ROLE A Jewish boy comes home from school and tells his mother he has a part in the play. She asks, “What part is it?”

The boy says, “I play the part of the Jewish father.”

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

Source: https://aish.com/top-9-jewish-jokes-about-fathers/

YIDDISH WORD Vitzaddict n. A person who compulsively jokes about everything, no matter how serious the subject at hand is.

“We were talking about cancer, and Milton chimes in with a mother-inlaw gag. Vitzaddict!”

From the Yiddish vitz, meaning joke or wisecrack.

From Schegoogle: Yiddish Words for Modern Times by Daniel Klein

BRAIN FOOD

Off Brands

ACROSS

By: Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com Difficulty Level: Medium 1

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18. Got up 19. “Get!” 20. British title of honor 22. Food company that makes tiny bites?

26. Lab eggs 28. Hebrew parent 29. Flight stat.

30. He’s best known for playing Evan Hanson 33. Dictator of Rome in 82-79 BC, whose name is one letter away from Mike (Wazowski’s) best friend 37. Eight, to 33- Across 38. Byte lead-in 40. Attends 41. Gives five to 43. Animated Springfield residents 45. Ending for ether or arbor 47. UK music label 48. Mishpacha

star Michael 11. “Go back to zero” button 12. Israeli land 17. Kind of pond 21. “Take On Me” group 23. 0 24. “___ a loss for words” 25. Completely fills 26. “Well, duh!”, in a text 27. Wedding wear 31. Hope for a starlet or an aspiring plumber?

32. Gives a go 34. Really admires 35. Nazi filmmaker Riefenstahl 36. Part of N.B.A. 39. It’s loaded DOWN 42. Bakery freebies 1. Some put these in cholent...which 44. Insta post others feel will completely ruin the 46. Anaheim nine, on scoreboards cholent 49. Purim’s pur 2. Jewish length 50. Curved molding 3. Burning desire?

51. “Unhand me!”

4. Govt. testing org.

52. Maiden of mythology 5. “Mork & Mindy” planet 53. “Cobra ___” 6. Strong wood 56. Red gem 7. A decade before 9 CE 57. They make connections 8. Trap setters 60. 1.5 volt battery size 9. Floor coverings 61. ‘80s presidential monogram 10. “Beauty Queen of Jerusalem” 62. Doubled, a Gabor

49. Footwear from a top financial company?

54. Get ripped off, maybe 55. Moses’ face had one 58. Canned brand with a star in its name 59. Cute joke from an Israeli bakery?

63. Aquarium scum 64. Cat’s feet 65. Up in the air, on a sched.

66. Hangs heavy 67. Kind of lashon 68. Jewish reactions by some to this puzzle’s shtick

“Game Show” SOLUTION 1

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2022 | 55

OBITUARIES

Ethel Altman 91, Sarasota, Fla.

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Ethel Altman of Sarasota, Fla. (formerly of Pearl River, N.Y.) passed away May 24 at 91 years. According to her wishes, she died peacefully at home with family and friends nearby. She is survived by three children: Evan (Lori Altman), Edward (Bernadette Huvane) and Carolyn (Susanne Shulman); and five grandchildren: Samuel, Juliana, Hannah, Henry and Leo. Her husband, Marvin, died in 2007.

Born to Max and Fannie Baron in 1930, she spent most of her childhood and teenage years in New York City and Miami, Fla. At seven years old, she learned the mandolin, initially from her father’s instruction. At 10 years old, when the family moved to Florida, “Wee Bonnie Barry” (as she was called) entertained the USO, American Red Cross and Russian War Relief Victims with Russian, Hungarian and Greek pieces. From 10 to 14 years of age, Ethel was taught by Russian music teacher Anyuta Melikow. She graduated at the top of her class from Walton High School. In 1952, she married Marvin Altman and found work as a medical assistant. The family moved from Queens to Pearl River in 1958, with son Evan, where Edward and Carolyn arrived soon after.

In Pearl River, Ethel and Marvin — along with a group of friends — founded Beth Am Temple, the first synagogue in Pearl River. She remained an active member, serving on committees and organizing events. She was president of the temple’s Sisterhood and Marvin served as temple president. She was also involved in community affairs, serving on the local PTA and becoming a founding member of a local chapter of PFLAG. Ethel earned her associate’s degree as an adult at Rockland Community College and worked mainly as an executive secretary for the Rockland County Democratic Committee and for Vorelco in Englewood Cliffs, N.J. She advocated for non-smoking spaces wherever she worked.

In the late 1980s-90s she appeared as a print model in various ad campaigns and could be seen as a background actor on TV and in film. She appreciated the theater, ballet, opera, symphony and PBS. She also loved listening to the radio, from the McCanns, Joan Hamburg and Carlton Fredericks, to All Things Considered and Fresh Air. In 1996, Ethel and Marvin retired to Sarasota, Fla., and she renewed her interest in the mandolin. Although she played for family and friends over the years (often after much pleading), it wasn’t until she moved to Florida — and after Marvin passed in 2007 — that she refocused on her playing, became very active in the Sarasota Mandolin Orchestra. She was modest about her ability but was made first chair very soon after joining. She also played in a mandolin quintet that entertained audiences at senior venues and tavernas.

She was a wonderful, warm friend and made new friends throughout her life. She was a loving mother, mother-in-law and mother-out-law as well as a fun, loving, interested and sometimes strict Nana to her grandchildren. She enjoyed life — which included evening chocolate treats for herself and whoever was around. She will be missed greatly.

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56 | JUNE 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

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OBITUARIES

Richard S. Cooper

Deanna Neuman

Richard S. Cooper, 75, of Duluth, Ga., was surrounded by family as he passed away peacefully on April 16.

He was born to the late Jacob Cooper and Selma (nee Ballen) on May 11, 1946 in Cleveland, Ohio. Richard graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 1964. He earned an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Kent State University in 1974 and a master’s degree in Middle Grades in Social Studies and Language Arts from Georgia State University in 1978.

Richard dedicated his life to service and love of his family. He proudly served as a Navy corpsman on the USS Cochrane during the Vietnam War. Richard was a passionate social studies teacher for 30+ years at E.J. Swint Elementary School and Conyers Middle School. After retiring from teaching, he served for eight years as a student teacher instructor at Georgia State University. Richard was a loving husband to his soulmate, Judy, for 51 years. He was a supportive father and grandfather and was sure to never miss a sports game or band concert.

Richard loved his country. One of his proudest achievements, second only to his military service, was being a Georgia delegate to the 1984 Democratic National Convention.

Richard is survived by his wife, Judy Cooper, of Duluth, Ga.; daughter Jessica Harris (Michael) of Kennesaw, Ga.; daughter Kati Keebaugh (Regan) of Decatur, Ga.; six grandchildren; and sister Linda Berdayes (Vicente) of Miami, Fla. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Joanne (Kenneth) Park of Los Angeles, Calif.

Funeral arrangements were held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14 at Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, Georgia 30114. A Celebration of Life was held immediately following the funeral.

Deanna Neuman passed away on May 3.

She was born in Kansas City, Mo., where she grew up with her family.

Deanna had been residing in Atlanta, Ga., where all her children live, since 1989.

She is survived by her children: Julie Kaplan, Craig Kaplan and Marc Kaplan and his significant other Jody Vane; along with two grandsons: Ben Kaplan and Jordan Kaplan.

She was a loving mother, grandmother and aunt and will be deeply missed. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

75, Duluth, Ga.

Ruth Dubin 94, Atlanta

Ruth Dubin, 94 years of age, died June 8 at her home in Atlanta, Ga. She was born Ruth Miller on October 6, 1927, to Ida and Israel Miller, Russian and Ukrainian immigrants who arrived at the turn of the century and whose families had settled in Hudson County, New Jersey. She was happily married to Myron Dubin (who passed in 2005) for 52 years and is survived by their children, Israel Dubin of Colorado Springs, Jonathan Dubin of Atlanta, Fern Dubin Netherton of Alpharetta and their grandchildren, Joshua Netherton, Zachary Dubin, Seth Dubin, Noah Netherton, Harris Dubin, Sami Netherton, Adam Dubin, Mylee Dubin and great-grandson Arik Dubin. She was Aunt Ruthie/Great Aunt Ruthie to many nieces, nephews and their children. Ruth was predeceased by sisters Rose Yoss, Claire (Lolly) Witt, Dorothy Nussbaum and brother William (Vicky) Miller.

As a teenager, Ruth started serving customers in her family’s neighborhood grocery store. After graduating from Emerson High School in Jersey City, she worked a variety of jobs before becoming a bookkeeper. In the late 1960s, unhappy with what she observed as unfair treatment of women in the workplace, Ruth successfully sued the large, well-known company she worked for over equal pay and equal position in their office environment. Ruth was also active in the local Jewish community and elementary school system as her children were growing up, serving as general volunteer and eventually as PTA/sisterhood president.

In later years, after moving to Atlanta with her family, Ruth circled back around to her first job and served customers at The Royal Bagel when it was being established in Atlanta by the family of her sister Rose Yoss. Later, her love of children and family led her to serve for years as a licensed childcare provider for an Atlanta-based day care center. To most who knew her, she will be remembered as an active mother, grandmother, cook, baker, hostess, family chef and friend, smiling over decades of gatherings for many large, happy life celebrations for both family and friends. Ruth was also a prolific needle-pointer and producer of literally hundreds of art pieces and Afghan blankets, many of which she gave to various charities and service groups in the Atlanta area. She had a long association with Congregation Shearith Israel, where she was an active member for more than forty years. She was the recipient of multiple awards and, in 2015, Ruth was awarded the Joe Cohen Distinguished Service Award from Congregation Shearith Israel at the age of 88.

From Ruth Dubin: “Know who you are and where you came from. Be a mensch, always.

I always believed that you should treat other people the way you want to be treated. I always believed that. You know through your education who you are. No one can tell you who you are. I think that every parent’s job is to educate their children in every way they can. I can’t tell you how to live your life, but I can give you the tools to live it.”

Graveside services were held Friday, June 10 at Crest Lawn Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made to any of the following: Weinstein Hospice, Berman Commons, The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta or Congregation Shearith Israel. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

80, Atlanta

Dr. Jay S. Paulen 89, Roswell, Ga.

Dr. Jay S. Paulen had a life-long passion for dentistry. Through dentistry, he expressed his artistic creativity, practiced technical agility and was an entrepreneur and businessman.

He instilled his love of dentistry and business in his children. His daughter, Brenda, joined him in practice as a dentist. His son, Jeff, trained and built a large dental lab, New Image, that serves hundreds of dentists. His son, Kevin, built his own business with his wife, Oasis Landscapes & Irrigation. All their children work in their parents’ family businesses, carrying on the tradition.

Dr. Jay Paulen was born August 23rd, 1932, in Bayonne, N.J. He moved with his parents to Miami, Fla., in 1949, where he attended college, then to Atlanta to attend Emory University School of Dentistry, class of 1958. Here he met an Atlanta girl, Roselee Fogel.

They married and raised their three children in the Toco Hills neighborhood.

Jay loved photography, stained glass, building design and woodworking. He always had a project that pulled in his children and neighbors to help. But Jay was devoted to dentistry, practicing till he was 80. He was a member of the ADA, GDA, Hinman and Alpha Omega. He served as a Trustee of the International Alpha Omega Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Jewish dental organization.

Dr. Paulen was a major donor to the Emory University School of Dentistry, and through AO, to the Hadassah dental schools in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Dr. Jay participated, with his wife Roselee, on Flying Doctor missions, as well as local Mission of Mercy events. He volunteered for many years at the Ben Massell Dental Clinic in downtown Atlanta.

Dr. Jay Paulen is survived by Roselee Fogel Paulen; his children, Dr. Brenda Paulen, Jeffrey Paulen, Kevin Paulen and Robin Loewenstein; eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Donations can be made to the Alpha Omega Dental Foundation. A graveside funeral was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31 at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs.

To sign the online guestbook, visit www.dresslerjewishfunerals.com. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2022 | 57

OBITUARIES

THE SONENSHINE TEAM

Jodi Blumenfeld Redmond and Sheri Blumenfeld Weaver

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Jodi Blumenfeld Redmond and Sheri Blumenfeld Weaver both passed away within eight months of each other, Jodi leaving us on Nov. 13, 2020 and Sheri on July 3, 2021.

Our brilliant, beautiful, loving young daughters succumbed to the disease of Mental Illness.

Sheri attended the University of South Florida, majoring in Gerontology, and went on to attend law school and began practicing in Atlanta. She leaves her two beautiful daughters, Stella Weaver (12) and Nina Weaver (8).

Jodi received her undergraduate degree from Georgia State University in Psychology and her master’s degree from Harvard University. She went on to become a filmmaker, film producer and operated a successful college prep business in California, where she resided for many years. Jodi was a parent with her longtime partner, Jarin Blaschke, and leaves her daughter, Avery (10), who was the light of her life.

Sheri and Jodi leave their father, Sheldon Blumenfeld, mother, Joanne Steiner, brothers, Cary Blumenfeld and David Blumenfeld and their nephews Jaxon, Harrison and Cameron Blumenfeld.

If anyone would like to donate in memory of our daughters, please contribute to the Mental Health Organization of your choice.

Obituaries in the AJT are written and paid for by the families; contact Editor and Managing Publisher Kaylene Ladinsky at kaylene@atljewishtimes.com or 404-883-2130, ext. 100, for details about submission, rates and payments. Death notices, which provide basic details, are free and run as space is available; send submissions to editor@atljewishtimes.com.

THE HOME OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL

There’s only one home for the traditions, stories and iconic figures of the 150 years of Saturdays: The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame.

58 | JUNE 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Who inspires your Jewish legacy?

It's amazing what can inspire a legacy.

For one Atlanta family it was their grandkids' positive experience at Jewish overnight camp. "They came home from camp loving Shabbat, singing Hebrew songs, having new Jewish friends. We felt we had to invest in camp for their future."

For another, it was the blessing of securing an apartment at the Jewish Tower for an aging relative whose savings had almost run out. "We were so grateful to Jewish HomeLife for making our great aunt's final years safe and secure. It's an essential part of the safety net in Atlanta and we want it to continue."

We're happy start a legacy conversation with you and your family whenever you are ready. Reach out to Atlanta Jewish Foundation with any questions you may have about creating a legacy, engaging your children in philanthropy conversations, helping them with their first giving plans, or growing the endowments of charities that matter to you.

Atlanta Jewish Foundation | 404-870-1623 | atlantajewishfoundation.org

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES JUNE 15, 2022 | 59

CLOSING THOUGHTS How My Father Got to Israel

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60 | JUNE 15, 2022 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

My father, Ben Shatzman, was born at home on Christmas Day, 1915. A midwife came to the family’s St. Louis apartment and — Chana Shapiro assisted by his sister, five-year-old Frances — a healthy baby boy came into the world. My grandfather went downtown to register the birth of his new son a few days later, but he didn’t come home with a birth certificate or other official writ. No one knows what happened downtown, but 53 years later, in 1968, when a United States birth certificate was essential to fulfilling a dream, no official authentication of my father’s birth could be found. Everybody knew my father’s birthday and his name, but “everybody” isn’t the same as the United States government.

Herein lies a tale.

My father’s younger brother, Pitzie (he had a real name, but no one ever used it), had been a high school classmate of Miriam Levin and they remained friends.

My father, who had moved to southern Illinois for work, often came back to St. Louis to visit his family. On one of these visits, Pitzie introduced him to Miriam, and an Illinois-Missouri romance ensued.

A couple of years later, Ben and Miriam were married. They settled in southern Illinois, bought a two-bedroom house where Miriam grew flowers and Ben played ball with their kids.

Everybody has a dream. My father lived his dream every day: he owned his own store, he adored his wife and he was proud of his children. On the other hand, my mother’s dream was not in her hands and, except for praying, there was nothing she could do about it. She dreamt of an independent Jewish homeland.

My mother grew up in a family of redhot Zionists who walked the walk (Social Zionist meetings, HaBonim youth groups, singing the “Hatikvah” plaintively at the drop of a hat) and talked the talk (imperfect but heartfelt Hebrew). Her family occasionally wavered in their belief in the coming of the Jewish messiah, but they steadfastly believed that one day there would be a Jewish homeland. On May 14, 1948, my mother’s dream became a fragile reality, but it would be many years until she got there.

I was the first person in the family to make it to Israel, where I spent a summer

during my first year of college, and this accomplishment was a big deal for my mother’s family. Later, when my husband and I lived there for a year, I wrote detailed air letters to our parents and my maternal grandparents, who, vicariously, took every Israel step I took along with me. I brought back a Kelloggs cereal box with the logo in Hebrew letters for my grandfather. For everybody else, we brought the requested tiny bottles of Israeli soil with which they would eventually be buried, according to Jewish custom.

After the Six-Day War, my mother was more determined than ever to get to Israel.

She, my father and my little sister, Nancy, who was 14, all applied for passports, but my father’s application was denied because he didn’t have a birth certificate. He couldn’t prove his citizenship, much less his existence. My mother was resolute and they put their heads together to figure out what to do.

When my father was six years old, in 1921, his sister, Frances, who was then almost eleven, walked him to school and registered him. The principal asked her brother’s name. “Ben,” she answered. The principal must have decided that the illdefined “Ben” needed more religious sophistication and he upgraded my father’s name to “Benedict.” He accepted Frances’s December 25, 1915, birthday claim, and, task accomplished, Frances left matters as they were and went to her fifth-grade classroom. (To this day, I wonder who registered Frances in school!) No one in the family, including my father, knew he had been renamed after a saint, and I’m sure that his parents were never told. He was always Ben. My parents went to the City of St. Louis Board of Education and found a record of my father’s admission to his local public school at the age of six as Benedict Shatzman, establishing his official age and goyishe name for the passport application.

My parents and little sister joyfully got to Israel in 1968. In Israel, my father searched for and found relatives his parents feared had died in the Holocaust. The families had been separated at the start of the twentieth century, when my grandmother came to America. That Israel trip was life-changing for my father and his parents, and my mother’s dream was fulfilled.

Note: My father’s Hebrew name is Baruch, which means blessed. My father’s faux name, Benedict, also means blessed.

Who says that the Almighty doesn’t have a plan, which, at times, is delightfully ironic? ì

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AHAVATH ACHIM SYNAGOGUE Sharon Graetz* Kavita Brahmbhatt Erin Johnson David Karpel Marni Karpel Mindy Margolis Jacki Nix CONGREGATION BET HAVERIM Kate Hennessey* Lila Arnold Rich Breitkopf Hannah Levin Henry Lewis Liza Marks Dev Oswald Lauren Pieczykolan Sky Scheer Megan Weiss CONGREGATION BETH SHALOM Linda Zimmerman* Rachel Abrams Miryam Bendicoff Talia Dobkin Ilana Funk Sue Grossman Irit Perlove Fred Rich Dodie Sachs Deborah Shapiro TEMPLE BETH TIKVAH Suzanne Hurwitz*

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Emma Okrent Elaine Schwartz Rachel Slomovitz CONGREGATION

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