Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. XCV NO. 21, October 15, 2020

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VOL. XCV NO. 21

OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 27 TISHREI 5781

Education and Book Festival

Book Festival Goes Viral

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By the Book The Book Festival of the MJCCA may not officially begin until next month, but fall programming began Sept. 1 and continues online through next year. We bring you a preview of what to expect at the festival, the full calendar of events, and a few book reviews or author interviews.

You’ll learn about a new relationship borne from the pandemic between JCCs across the country that will bring people from around the nation online with those from Atlanta for what has become known as the largest Jewish book festival.

The headliners include celebrities, politicians, award-winning journalists, cooks and oh yeah, best-selling authors.

Appropriately paired with the book festival in this issue is our continuing coverage of education in the community.

We provide an update on how schools are functioning since reopening for the fall, the modifications they’ve made and the impact on operations. That includes private Jewish schools and colleges. Find out how Hillel is helping restore a sense of community and normalcy to college life for today’s Jewish students. Plus, our photojournalist Nathan Posner captures school life during COVID in a pictorial encompassing several Jewish schools.

THIS WEEK We’ve got a story about a Holocaust survivor whose nonprofit published a curriculum about that dark period in Jewish history; a new subsidy for students to visit Israel before college; and a tech company helping teachers inspire students. Read how the Jewish Abilities Alliance is offering funding to keep people with disabilities engaged with the community.

The AJT reports how two Atlanta Jewish lawyers are representing two white men charged with the death of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black 25-year-old killed Feb. 23 near Brunswick, Ga. Former Atlanta Symphony Orchestra director Yoel Levi shares his experiences in Korea, where COVID is not as prominent as here. And the World Affairs Council discusses concerns leading up to the November elections. Speaking of which, the AJT presents a Voters’ Guide to help you make your election decisions.

Stay tuned for more Book Festival and election coverage in the weeks ahead along with our next issue, in which we take a look back at Jewish Atlanta and how far we’ve come, along with spotlights of some Jewish professionals making a difference in their respective arenas. ì

Cover photo: Arthur Blank is among the authors in the fall lineup of the Book Festival of the MJCCA, the main event of which begins next month.

CONTENTS NEWS ������������������������������������������������� 6 ISRAEL NEWS ������������������������������� 12 OPINION ����������������������������������������� 14 EDUCATION ����������������������������������� 20 BOOK FESTIVAL ��������������������������� 32 CALENDAR ������������������������������������� 40 COMMUNITY ��������������������������������� 44 KEEPING IT KOSHER ������������������ 50 BRAIN FOOD ���������������������������������� 51 OBITUARIES ���������������������������������� 52 CLOSING THOUGHTS ����������������� 56

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NEWS World Affairs Council Examines Election Concerns Steigerwalt: There are technical issues that are always of concern. I’m worGeorgia State University’s World Af- ried about making sure that they have fairs Council of Atlanta presented a discus- enough power cords for the election masion of “Elections in the Time of Covid” Oct. chines. This was an issue last year and 6. The president of the Council, former U.S. starting with the 2018 elections, that there were a couple of sites that Ambassador Charles Shadidn’t get enough power. piro, asked three local exI’m also concerned about perts to discuss some of the the people who are supimportant issues they see posed to open up the elecdeveloping in the month tion sites being there on before the general election time as well. These things on Nov. 3. happen a lot.

The panelists were Dr. Then there’s the exAmy Baxter, a medical react match issue. Accordsearcher and CEO of Pain ing to the law in Georgia, Care Labs; Neil Kinkopf, Neil Kinkopf, a constitutional the ability to determine constitutional law aulaw expert at GSU, sees both sides making preparations whether or not a voter’s thority and professor at now for a fight over the results signature matches their Georgia State University of the Nov. 3 election. official signature is a powCollege of Law; and Amy Steigerwalt, a professor in GSU’s Depart- er given to the county board of election. So the best thing I can say on that is that the ment of Political Science.

Here is some of the dialogue from the signature on your driver’s license is your official signature. event.

Another issue will be ensuring that Shapiro: What are some of your con- you have filled out the ballot correctly.

Make sure you read it carefully. Make sure cerns about this election?

By Bob Bahr

6 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

you are filling out the correct information in the place where you are supposed to. Remember your ballot must be received by 7 p.m. on election night. It doesn’t matter when it’s been postmarked, it must be received.

is that the state party executive committee simply designates somebody, but at that at that point you can’t change the ballot.

What happens really varies from state to state as to how that gets treated. And so, if a presidential candidate were to be in that position of dying between now and the time of the election, it would just be legal chaos breaking out.

Shapiro: What is Georgia law about what is done when a presidential candidate dies between Shapiro: How is now and Election Day? Secretary of State Brad Kinkopf: There’s Raffensberger doing in a mechanism for the getting ready for this elecGeorgia party affiliate, tion? whether Republican or Steigerwalt: So Democratic, depending Political science professor what’s interesting in the on which one, to fill the Amy Steigerwalt cautions particular care when filling state of Georgia and why vacancy. And it would dein an absentee ballot. it makes it a little hard to pend on when the death occurs. If it occurs up to 10 days before the answer that decision is that we have an inelection, then the political party holds a credibly decentralized system of handling convention and delegates of the executive elections. There are 159 different heads of committees of each county attend the con- elections in the state who have control over ballots, like sending out a ballot, verifying vention and choose a replacement.

If the nominee dies in the last six days signatures. It is also the county election ofbefore the election, then what happens ficials who are responsible for contacting within the last 10 days before the election those who have sent in absentee ballots

NEWS

Charles Shapiro is a former ambassador to Venezuela and president of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta.

and letting people know if they have an issue with their ballot and if there’s something that needs to be corrected on it.

Shapiro: It looks like both parties are preparing for court battles in states where there are close elections. How does it actually work?

Kinkopf: These battles will proceed in both federal and state court. Certainly, if Bush versus Gore in 2000 is any indication, there were battles in both federal and state court. In that case, I don’t think there was much advance preparation.

But in this case, I think that the parties have some sense Dr. Amy Baxter advises that a flu where shot can provide some protection about some of the during voting at the polls. problems are apt to arise. And so, they’re preparing their challenges. I think Bush versus Gore is going to end up looking like child’s play compared to this election because there are so many battleground states where the margins could end up being so close Shapiro: As a doctor, what’s your advice about protecting yourself if you are voting in person?

Baxter: First of all, vote early because the lines on Election Day are going to be insane. You already should have gotten your flu shot because there’s data that just having a flu shot can actually protect against severe coronavirus. We’re not sure why. You’d want to get that two weeks in advance. Second thing is the week before, make sure your immune system is boosted as much as possible. So particularly with coronavirus, what has been found effective is exercise, vitamin D levels up to snuff, zinc, and melatonin, which is antiviral. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 7

NEWS

Yoel Levi Praises South Korea’s Control of COVID-19

By Bob Bahr

As of Oct. 12, Korea has reported only about 25,000 cases of the COVID-19 disWhen Yoel Levi stepped on his Korean ease and only 433 deaths, according to the Air flight to Seoul last month, the cabin crew Worldometer database. That’s slightly less he saw made him feel like he was stepping than Cobb County, which, as of the same date, reported 442 deaths and over 20,000 into another world.

“It was like taking a spacecraft because cases. The difference is that the Atlanta all the crew were wearing, on top of their suburb, according to official estimates, has only about 688,000 normal dress, plastic gowns residents while South Kolike a surgeon and masks rea, with the fourth largcovered in plastic, with speest economy in Asia, has a cial glasses over that, and population of over 51 milthey kept that on for the enlion. That’s 74 times the tire flight, for 14 hours.” population of Cobb.

Levi, the former prinThe reason for South cipal conductor of the AtKorea’s more favorable situlanta Symphony who still ation, in part, is because of lives here, kept his mask on the severe restrictions the all that time as well, except residents there live under to eat. He was flying to the Yoel Levi, former principal and the relentless use of Asian nation to conduct the conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, was technology the government Korean symphony orchestra also the leader of South uses to track each and every he had led in recent years.

Korea’s KBS Symphony infection.

The initial contact Orchestra for five years.

When Levi arrived in with the strict COVID-19 restrictions on the flight was just part of a South Korea, his cell phone was immediately nearly monthlong ordeal in a country that handed over to immigration authorities.

“They install an application in your is among the most successful in controlling phone that tracks your movement minutethe spread of the pandemic.

Only about 433 deaths have occurred in South Korea due to the coronavirus.

The country has one of the lowest fatality rates in the world.

South Korea began massive testing for the coronavirus early in 2020.

by-minute while you are in the country. Everyone in the country who has a cell phone must have that app. It tracks you constantly and who you might have been in contact with and who might have tested positive for the virus. “ It was just the first step in a two-week process of control and quarantine for every person on the flight. All of them were assigned to a special hotel that been set aside just for arriving travelers, Levi said.

“You are given a COVID test immediately; they take your temperature. For two weeks you are not allowed to leave your hotel room. Your meals are brought to your door. If you disobey, they fine you thousands of dollars and throw you out of the country.”

Once the quarantine is over and you are not infected, airline passengers are allowed to travel around the country freely, shadowed at all times by the app, which the government continuously monitors. A mask had to be worn at all times, but according to Levi, life is outwardly normal.

“Everyone there in the offices are working. The traffic jams are enormous. The streets are filled.”

In South Korea, the government has taken pride in its effort to be transparent and open. Reporters are briefed twice a day on the complete details of each new patient’s contacts over previous days and weeks, which allows individuals to avoid

areas of possible infection.

According to a poll released by the Wellcome Trust, an impressive 86 percent of the public say they trust the government’s health advice and follow it.

That’s in sharp contrast to attitudes in Israel where Levi grew up. On Oct. 12 the nation of just over 9 million reported its 2,000th coronavirus death. Levi, who has been the guest conductor of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, is critical of his country’s response to the disease.

“The country is in chaos. The leadership is in chaos. The religious people are in chaos. It started with people who are not willing, not disciplined at all. That’s crazy.

And they’re paying the price.”

Eventually Levi completed his concert in South Korea, but not before a live audience as originally planned. The program was recorded in an empty concert hall and posted online.

Few countries have been willing to accept the amount of control the South Korean government has exerted over its citizens during this crisis, but for Levi, like it or not, the country’s program seems to be working.

“People are very worried there. They really take the necessary measures. Yes, they take it very seriously. The results speak for themselves. They cannot be denied. Maybe they’re a little bit exaggerated. But you know what? South Korea is doing very well.” ì

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NEWS

Jewish Attorneys Take Racially Charged Case

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

information given to the public about our case, which in the end, is not about race.”

In the current racially charged atmosphere, Jason Sheffield and Bob Rubin are Jaffe: How so? representing two white men for the death Rubin: Our extensive document reof Ahmaud Arbery, a Black view and interview of doz25-year-old killed by three ens of witnesses confirm shotgun blasts on Feb. 23 that Mr. Arbery was not near the coastal town of simply out for a jog that Brunswick, Ga. day or surveying the home The case was referred under construction to learn to the duo by the lawyers about trades. He has a long for the accused, Greg McMihistory of complications chael, with whom they have with the law and with being previously worked. caught entering neighbors’ Sheffield said, “We homes. The state’s position have taught trial technique that Mr. Arbery was just Bob Rubin states that seminars locally and interout for a jog and that he we all need to be careful nationally with the Hogues, was chased, hunted down stewards of the truth. a husband-wife team out of and executed for no reason Macon, many times over the years and work other than the color of his skin, is unequivowell together. We are co-counsel, meaning cally false. we are equally responsible for knowing the entirety of the case and the representation Jaffe: Has there been blowback for takof our client. Thus far, there is a terabyte ing this on? of discovery to understand. We will divide Sheffield: We have received some negup our in-court responsibilities, including ative feedback for seeking to ensure that our making opening and closing statements clients get a fair trial. It is strange to us that and our presentation of what may be sev- the people who believe, without knowing all eral hundred witness testimony.” the facts, that Mr. Arbery was killed because The slippery slope of he was Black, also seem to the case is based on the want to see our clients dedefense of Sheffield and nied a lawyer and a trial.

Rubin that, although the They seem to be advocating victim was Black and the for the same kind of injusdefendants are white, the tice that we as criminal defacts of the case need to be fense lawyers have fought revealed and understood against for our whole cabefore conclusions are reers. When people of color reached. are charged with crimes, Sheffield grew up in we zealously fight for their Marietta and attended day in court before a blindJason Sheffield feels that Clemson University and folded Lady Justice, and we narratives can be hijacked Georgia State University believe that those values, before the facts are known.

College of Law. Prior to befound in our Constitution, coming an attorney, he worked as an emer- apply to all people, all the time. To pick and gency medical technician at Scottish Rite choose who gets access to their rights is to Children’s Hospital. remove the foundational cornerstones that Rubin moved to Atlanta from Colum- hold our society upright. bus, Ohio, when he was 17. He went to Emory University and Emory University School Jaffe: Are folks no longer interested in of Law, was a Fulton County public defender the facts and evidence versus race? and an assistant attorney general before goRubin: Everyone is capable of rushing ing into private practice in 1991. to judgment with little or no facts. It’s called Sheffield emailed the AJT, “Today’s ra- prejudice. For those who are willing to listen cially charged atmosphere has raised every- to all sides, however, prejudice can be overone’s awareness of systemic racism and the come, and an individual can make an ininsidious way people of color are targeted formed decision. It is our job to make people and left out of equal opportunities. We have care about the facts and not base decisions experienced it with our clients in Black and on a false narrative or incomplete informaBrown communities all over the state and tion. The way in which the media serves our we continue to care about and fight against desire to have quick sound bites of informathose injustices with them and on their be- tion has set the stage for disaster. We must half. That said, there has been a lot of mis- be careful stewards of the truth. To proceed

Local Jewish lawyers are representing Gregory McMichael, middle, charged along with his son Travis, right, in the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, left.

honestly and ethically. If the media won’t do it, we criminal defense attorneys must.

Jaffe: Does this dovetail into your Jewish values?

Sheffield: We both have our own unique Jewish experiences. Consistent between us is our belief that we must work to perform justice here on earth and not

simply for the hereafter. Whether it was my mother reciting the “golden rule” every day, which led to a career of helping others, or Bob’s desire to challenge unfair criminal laws, our passions have lined up perfectly with our Jewish values. ì This case will be profiled on an upcoming CBS “48 Hours” news investigation show.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 9

NEWS

Post-Shiva Walk For RBG

By Jan Jaben-Eilon In the wake of the end of the traditional seven-day Jewish mourning period for the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, about 75 Jewish Atlantans took a ritual walk around the block signifying the return of mourners back to the community.

The walk around the City Springs complex in Sandy Springs Oct. 2 followed a short memorial service that had been organized by the Atlanta Section of the National Council of Jewish Women.

Congregation Or Hadash Rabbi Lauren Henderson opened the service by leading the song, “Hineh Ma Tov,” which includes lyrics “How good and pleasant it is for brothers and sisters to sit together.”

The face-masked audience stood in small clusters separated by at least 6 feet and sang along. Many said that this was the first time they had ventured out into the public since the coronavirus overturned everyone’s lives seven months ago. Several echoed Gene Rubel, who attended along with his wife, Mryna. “I would not have missed it.”

About 75 people walked around the City Springs complex in Sandy Springs Oct. 2, following a short memorial service that had been organized by the Atlanta Section of the National Council of Jewish Women.

Flanked by Congregation Or Hadash Rabbi Lauren Henderson, NCJW Atlanta President Sherry Frank told her audience about Ruth Bader Ginsburg. “Our lives were enhanced by her life, and our lives are diminished by her passing.”

NCJW Atlanta President Sherry Frank recalled the death of Ginsburg on erev Rosh Hashanah, citing the importance of reflecting on “this prophetess of our time and a civil rights hero” who “left an indelible mark” on the country.

“Our lives were enhanced by her life and our lives are diminished by her passing.”

Beth Schafer, cantorial chair of Temple Sinai, led the singing of two very pertinent songs: “Another Wave,” which

noted another wave of women following in Ginsburg’s path, and “History Will Ask.” Anna Bauman, a junior at The Weber School, admitted that she had not “realized how much Ginsburg had done for me and other young women” before the recent death of the 87-year-old icon.

Bauman told the audience that her research about Ginsburg included watching a documentary about the late jus-

tice, which “opened my eyes. She fought for equality for all Americans.” Bauman added that there’s still a lot of work to be done.

Quoting Mishnah, Rabbi Henderson spoke about the importance of minority, dissenting voices which led the way into the future. Ginsburg was known for her dissenting opinions, which she believed could ultimately become law when her side of the liberal-conservative court became the majority.

In 1973, Ginsburg founded the Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union. In the following years, she argued six major gender discrimination cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, winning five of them.

In 1981, she was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Two years later, President Bill Clinton nominated her to the U.S. Supreme Court, becoming only the second woman to be appointed a justice of the Supreme Court.

Before her burial, her body laid in state at the U.S. Capitol – a first for a woman and a first for a Jew. ì

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ISRAEL PRIDE

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME Israelis Host Virtual Sukkah with UAE Jews The mayor of Efrat, the largest Jewish city in the Gush Etzion bloc, a short drive south of Jerusalem, is a firm believer in peace.

Last week, during the Sukkot holiday, he invited members of the Jewish community from the United Arab Emirates to a virtual visit in his sukkah.

Oded Revivi supported Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s push for the historic peace treaties signed last month at the White House with the UAE and Bahrain. Revivi told The Jerusalem Post that as soon as the coronavirus pandemic is over, he plans to organize a trip to the Emirates.

“We are holding this meeting because of the peace deal,” Revivi said of the video conference meeting, where members of Dubai’s Jewish community were welcomed into his sukkah via laptop.

The holiday of Sukkot is associated with peace and faith. Revivi noted that this year, the Feast of Tabernacles, as the holiday is known to many, is also linked to diplomatic faith. In this new era, he said, Israelis have new connections to countries they were barred from in the past.

One of the members of the Dubai community on the screen in Revivi’s sukkah was Alex Peterfreund, whose family thought he

was crazy for opening a diamond business in the UAE in 2014.

“It was like telling them I had gone to live in Ramallah [West Bank]. My parents didn’t sleep at night. They sent me text messages every two hours to make sure I was alright,” Peterfreund said during his virtual visit to Efrat.

Peterfreund became one of the founders of the small UAE Jewish community.

From the moment he moved to Dubai, he said, he was treated well by friendly Emiratis who knew he was Jewish.

“The peace deal with Israel has changed everything, we have come out from under the radar,” Peterfreund said, adding that religious travelers to the UAE will now be able to get kosher food and participate in prayer services.

Link Between ADHD, Beating COVID

A research group at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found a surprising link between people with ADHD and the chances of recovery from the coronavirus.

The researchers analyzed average data from 54 regions in the U.S. and examined the relationship between the prevalence of adults with ADHD among the population of each region, as well as indices of infection, recovery and mortality from the coronavirus.

Today in Israeli History

Oct. 17, 1973: Oil ministers from Arab states cut exports by 5% and recommend an embargo of Israel’s allies in response to the U.S. airlift of military supplies to Israel during the Yom Kippur War. Oct. 18, 1988: Israel’s Supreme Court upholds the Kach party’s ban from the election for the 12th Knesset. Kach violates a prohibition on parties whose object is inciting or engaging in racism.

Oct. 19, 1959: Software entrepreneur Nir Barkat is born in Jerusalem, where 12 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

While previous research indicated that ADHD was considered a risk factor for COVID-19, the Israeli researchers discovered that the opposite appears to be true.

“Rather than being a risk factor, when coping with coronavirus, ADHD also provides evolutionary advantages,” the researchers concluded in their paper published in the Journal of Attention Disorders.

The findings show that the expected probability of recovery from the virus increases from 0.41 percent in states with a relatively low incidence of ADHD (3 percent) to 1.2 percent in states with a relatively high incidence of ADHD (13 percent).

In addition, contrary to the definition of ADHD as a risk factor for coronavirus in previous studies, the new study found no association between an increase in the inci-

Oct. 22, 1979: The Israeli Supreme Court rules that the Gush Emunim settlement of Elon Moreh must be dismantled for lack of evidence that it was established for security reasons.

Oct. 15, 2002: Holocaust survivor Yaakov Farkash, considered the father of Israeli political cartoons, dies at age 79.

Using Ze’ev (Wolf) as his pen name, he drew cartoons for daily newspapers for nearly half a century.

Oct. 16, 1986: Ron Arad, 28, the navigator of an Israeli F-4 Phantom II, is captured by the Shia terrorist group Amal after bailing out over Lebanon, and he is never seen in Israel again.

Researchers found link between people with ADHD and the chances of recovery from COVID.

Photo by Amos Ben Gershom, Israeli Government Press Office // As mayor of Jerusalem, Nir

Barkat attends a ceremony for fallen Israeli soldiers at Ammunition Hill on May 8, 2011.

he serves as mayor from 2008 to 2018.

Barkat then joins the Likud party and is elected to the Knesset.

Oct. 20, 2013: Haredi men hurl rocks at and slash the tires of buses bearing ads for Women of the Wall showing women with prayer shawls and Torahs at the Western Wall.

Oct. 21, 1967: Forty-seven Israeli sailors are killed when the destroyer INS Eilat is sunk on a routine patrol off Port Said, Egypt, by missiles launched by Egyptian boats in the harbor.

Oct. 23, 1998: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat and U.S. President Bill Clinton recommit to the Oslo process in a memorandum at the Wye River Plantation.

Oct. 24, 1940: Yossi Sarid, a twotime Cabinet minister known as “Israel’s moral compass,” is born in Rehovot. He co-founds Meretz in 1992 and leads the party from 1996 to 2003.

Oct. 25, 1976: Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and the president of the International Chess Federation, Max Euwe, open the 22nd Chess Olympiad in Haifa despite a Soviet boycott.

Oct. 26, 1943: Ron Ben-Yishai, a recipient of the 2018 Israel Prize, is born in Jerusalem. He reports on wars for TV, radio and print, and produces investigative

dence of ADHD in the American population and coronavirus disease or mortality, given the population data in each state.

According to the researchers, the “evolutionary advantage” could be the alreadyknown positive features of ADHD such as creativity, high energy levels, entrepreneurship and more.

To clarify their point, the researchers cited the genetic disease sickle cell anemia, which disproportionately affects Ashkenazi Jews. People who have the sickle cell anemia gene from both parents will likely suffer from a serious genetic disease over the course of their lives, and their life expectancy will be shortened.

However, the sickle cell gene also creates a unique genetic advantage for them to deal effectively with another deadly disease – malaria. If only one of their parents is a carrier of the gene, their offspring will enjoy the benefit of the gene – a natural vaccine against malaria – without paying the price of a serious genetic disease.

“Our hypothesis is that people with ADHD may have inherited genetic benefits from fighting and recovering from the coronavirus,” explained Dr. Yuval Arbel.

“If corroborated, research findings may support the conclusion that coronavirus limitations in special educational frameworks for ADHD would not be required or could be relaxed,” the report concluded.

documentaries.

Oct. 27, 2018: After an overnight barrage of roughly 30 rockets from the Gaza Strip toward Israeli border towns, the Israeli Air Force strikes 80 Hamas military targets in Gaza.

Oct. 28, 1948: The iconic banner with two blue stripes and a blue Star of David at its center becomes the official Israeli flag more than five months after the establishment of the state.

Oct. 29, 1956: Israeli troops, on high alert after the Sinai invasion that day, kill 48 Israeli Arabs returning from their fields at dusk in Kfar Kassem.

Oct. 30, 1957: Shlomo Mintz, a violinist and conductor, is born in Moscow. He moves to Israel at age 2 and is touring Europe to play with prominent conductors by age 18.

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

ISRAEL NEWS Israel’s Schools Closed for COVID and Sukkot

By Jan Jaben-Eilon

er than 10 are less likely than older children to catch and transmit the COVID-19 virus.

Medical officials in Israel believe that Older children, they say, can and transmit some of the lessons the virus like adults. they have learned about One of the report’s the spread of COVID-19 authors, epidemiolowere discovered from gist Ora Paltiel, told The the various educational Times of Israel, “Young systems in the country. children are not the In fact, there may be main engine of transthree main takeaways mission for this virus, they have learned – and and therefore we have these are not reading, to do everything we writing and arithmetic. can to protect their abilThe first lesson ity to go [to school] and was gleaned from the learn.” decision to reopen all Israel’s education schools quickly and system is essentially unprepared on Sept. 1. closed down, both beHadassah // “Young children are not That decision is now cause of the strict nathe main engine of transmission widely blamed for Isrational lockdown due for this virus,” said Israeli el’s current high infecto COVID-19 that went epidemiologist Ora Paltiel. tion rate. According to into effect on erev Rosh several world organizations that track the Hashanah, and because of the Sukkot holivirus, including Johns Hopkins University, day. The nationwide lockdown – initially Israel has the world’s worst daily coronavi- set for three weeks but which could be exrus infection rate per capita. tended – restricts Israelis from traveling one The second lesson came as a result of kilometer, or .62 miles, from their residence the tens of thousands of yeshiva students except for essential services. who went home to their families for Sukkot.

Most shops and businesses have been Health Ministry Director-General Chezy shut down, exacerbating an economy still Levy told journalists that some ultra-Ortho- reeling from the country’s first lockdown dox yeshivas had “enormous” rates of in- in the spring. While even synagogues were fection. More than a dozen ultra-Orthodox closed for indoor services except on Yom education centers were transformed into Kippur, Israeli authorities are nervous housing facilities for COVID-19 patients. The about people visiting each other’s sukkot ultra-Orthodox yeshivas had been reopened during the holiday. As the stricter rules conafter the summer months in mid-August, tinued to be sharpened, even anti-governtwo weeks ahead of the general school sys- ment protests were limited by forbidding tem. demonstrators to protest more than one The third lesson may be found in a new kilometer from their homes. report from doctors and academics from While Israelis, for the most part, have Hebrew University and Hadassah Medical been acceding to the restrictions, they have Center which indicates that children young- done so grudgingly.

In the new study, Paltiel suggested that the COVID-19 spread in Israel’s ultra-Orthoeven as the country remains shut down, dox communities suggested that yeshivas young children, who have been mostly iso- will not reopen as long as the general education system for stulated for weeks, should dents over aged 10 are be allowed to return to closed. “If everything school even before the is closed and there are end of the lockdown. no studies all over the On the other hand, “for country, with an emmiddle school and high phasis on ages over 10, school, the rates [of COthen there will be no yeVID-19] do not support shivas,” said Brig. Gen. the opening of school Roni Noma. and won’t for a very The current locklong time.” down started Sept. 18 Paltiel said that and, at press time, was her conclusions about scheduled to end Oct. young school chil14. However, the govdren are based on two ernment has frequently things. For one, the The Israel Health Ministry’s directorchanged the actual reCenters for Disease general Chezy Levy said, “It is clear strictions and the time Control and Preventhat the education system will not be frame on the lockdown. tion in Atlanta found able to open as normal, and it is not Referring to the high that younger children certain that we will open it at all.” positivity rates in the are only half as likely to become infected as teenagers. Secondly, she country, the Health Ministry’s Levy stated, added that this is also reflected in observa- “It is clear that the education system will not be able to open as normal, and it is not tions about infection patterns in Israel.

The person responsible for managing certain that we will open it at all.” ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 13

OPINION Working Without the Dictates of Passion

Dave Schechter From Where I Sit

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I stand accused by a reader of being an “unrepentant” supporter of a particular political party.

I am neither an unrepentant nor repentant supporter of that or any po-

litical party.

My last political act was committed in 1972 and did not involve a presidential campaign. There was a humorous Jewish angle connected to it, but that’s a story for another time.

I do not sign petitions. I do not wear buttons or display bumper stickers, though I do have a stash of memorabilia.

I do not make campaign contributions. I no longer vote in primaries, and debate whether I should (as a citizen) or should not (as a journalist who occasionally reports on politics) vote in general elections.

As for partisan leanings, in a column a couple of years ago I said, “I rise in defense of the ‘muscular moderate.’ I like the term. I aspire to it.” With a nod to historian Gil Troy, from whom I borrowed the term, I wrote that “Muscular moderates expose themselves to differing points of view, but resist the temptation to demonize those with whom they disagree.”

Furthermore, “What partisans see as clarity, moderates see as being blinded to any but their own beliefs. What partisans see as passion, moderates see as an appetite for confrontation.”

I don’t subscribe to the news business adage that if you upset people on both sides of a story, you must be doing the job right.

I differentiate between facts and truth. There are not, however, as some have suggested, “alternative facts.”

To John Adams, second president of the United States, is attributed this statement: “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”

From where I sit, truth is where facts are blended with “the dictates of our passion” to create a personal interpretation that each may hold fast, one that might feed an appetite for confrontation. I find this borne out in social media posts, some which truly warrant repentance.

Journalism asks its practitioners to

report facts, but also to put them in context, to explain how one fact relates to another, or what action may result from a particular statement or action. That’s not the same as opinion. What personal perspective I choose to share is done in this column, labeled as opinion, not in other articles I write.

I have opinions, but do my damndest, and have done my damndest throughout my career, to check those at the proverbial door, no differently when I held positions of responsibility in newsrooms, or now, working from home. I have my standards; each journalist must determine those for themselves.

Yes, it has become too easy, particularly in the world of cable news, for some to dance back-and-forth as if there are no lines. This only confuses the consumer of news.

A federal judge recently ruled that the host of a popular cable news program “is not ‘stating actual facts’ about the topics he discusses and is instead engaging in ‘exaggeration’ and ‘non-literal commentary.’” For good measure, the judge wrote that “any reasonable viewer arrive[s] with an appropriate amount of skepticism about the statement he makes.”

No disrespect, your honor, but there are otherwise reasonable people who not only believe that this host presents “actual facts” but repeat them as such.

Which brings me to “fake news,” a complaint often prompted by the reporting of information provided by people who do so on condition that they not be identified. Reporters and editors must judge the motivation of such sources and the importance of what they offer.

This may be the unnamed “senior official” who makes newsworthy statements, but not for attribution, which happens more frequently in the upper echelons of the federal government than most of the public realizes. It could be someone attempting to influence policy, or with a personal axe to grind, or who simply is willing to share inside information out-of-school, risking retribution if found out.

This does not mean that the news is “fake,” no matter how much it rubs against the dictates of personal passion.

Sometimes, this is the only way to find out how tax dollars are being spent, how a polluter is evading punishment, how a miscarriage of justice has been committed, or how a public servant is doing something for personal gain. ì

OPINION

Publisher's Note Voting in the United States is not only a right, but I feel an obligation that we should all take seriously.

Even with over 330 million citizens in this country, voting is important, imperative.

It is a key principle in the founding of our country, and in each century, many Michael A. Morris of our family and friends die Publisher to allow us to keep this right alive. It is amazing with so many people voting how close elections are typical won. Think about this: How fair would you feel an election would be if every eligible voter actually voted?

Anyone who says your vote doesn’t count is categorically wrong. It may have less of an effect than on a 15-person board, but it is no less crucial. It tells all of us how many people are behind one candidate versus another. Voting fulfills our own personal obligations and sends the right message to others, including our children. It ensures an accurate and fair election; it is the right thing to do, and it means that each one of us is part of the process. Do you recycle because by your actions you will save the planet? You recycle because it’s the right thing to do and if we all do it, we will save the planet together. As Mike Leven’s new book says, “Can’t Do it Yourself.”

By the numbers, the last census states that there are 233 million eligible voters. Current records show 153 million registered voters, and the turnout in 2016 was 138 million voters. In recent years, voter turnout has hovered between 50 and 55 percent. (During much of the 1800s, turnout fluctuated between 70 and 80 percent).

Again, in recent history, half of our presidential elections have been won by less than 5 million votes, several by less than 2 million votes. Every 1 percent increase in voter turnout amounts to 2.3 million votes.

Does this sound like your vote does not matter?

A 5 percent increase in voter turnout could have changed every single election since Reagan’s win against Mondale in 1984. That election was won by a landslide 54 million votes versus 37 million, and would have required an 8 percent increase in voter turnout to change the result. This assumes that the total increase in voter turnout goes to one candidate, which is unlikely, but it demonstrates how important your vote is and suggests that a fair and balanced outcome is truly predicated upon significant voter turnout.

On a completely different note about elections, one must be living under a rock not to recognize the tension, animosity and polarization of the left and the right, the candidates themselves, and ourselves. Virtually every person I know has lost friends due to our differences in opinions about the leadership and path of this great country of ours. We are a melting pot, and not only do we have 250 million more citizens than in 1900 (population 76 million) who have come to America for our freedoms, we have many more cultures, ideologies, traditions, expectations, and most notably,

opinions. Small fringe groups still may be fringe but are not so small. About 1 percent of American’s polled (ScienceAlert) claim they believe the world is flat – that is more than 1 million people! They probably do not believe that, but you get my point.

A friend of mine told me a theory about why our candidates are so polarized, and it definitely sounds like it has credibility. There is certainly a kernel of truth embedded in this train of thought. Within both the Republican and Democratic parties, there are people further to the left, the right and the middle. In both parties, there is a far left and a far right. Both of these camps would be considered fringe, and in each case these people have dangerous views. I would consider full-on socialism on the left and white supremacy on the right to fall into these categories, and there are many other fringe groups on the left and right.

While the vast majority of Americans would have a negative view of both of these groups' beliefs and values and consider them extreme and dangerous, there is a problem in keeping them on the fringe.

They represent a statistically important voting group.

They are fringe, but there are a lot of them, or at least enough of them. In order for each presidential nominee to secure their respective party's vote, they must lend a certain amount of credence to these groups to maintain their patronage. Not only does this pull the candidates away from the middle, but over time, the nominees themselves will tend to arise from the middle of their party, the middle of their ideology, not

the middle of the country. Our nominees do not come to the table trying to win over the middle; they come to the table further apart today than at any other time in history.

One unfortunate consequence of having 233 million eligible voters is that we have large blocks of opinions, cultures, ideology, and we all have a right to them and a right to voice them. Essentially each opinion has 1 million voters behind it, no matter how different or extreme.

This certainly could explain why a vast number of us, who consider ourselves in the middle, look at the two current candidates and see extremism. Under this circumstance, I can see how one extremism appears evil and the other almost, somewhat palatable, because ultimately, we have to choose. I think this is where we get the expression: the better of two evils. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 15

OPINION

When Mobs Rule, Jews Lose People vote their social, economic or foreign policy issues every four years at election time. It is what has motivated me, but this year is different, I’m an anti-Semitism voter. I never thought this would be an issue, but at age 62, with a family from Jerry Levy Shreveport, La., and having Guest Contributor grown up in the 1970s deep South, I rarely, if ever, experienced anti-Semitism. In elementary school, I was usually the only Jewish kid in class, and in high school, my senior class had about five Jews. But this year is different; I have seen events that worry me as an American Jew. In 2018, two openly anti-Semitic women were elected to Congress and immediately commenced a campaign of disinformation against American Jews and Israel. When Congresswoman Ilhan Omar publicly questioned the loyalty of American Jews and accused her colleagues of taking bribes to support Israel, leaders of both parties pushed a resolution condemning anti-Semitism, but they could not get the votes to pass it until the resolution was watered down to no longer identify the perpetrators and added racism and “Islamophobia.”

This was followed by Sen. Bernie Sanders aligning his presidential campaign with the anti-Semitic congresswomen and Palestinian activist Linda Sarsour, the former leader of the socialist Women’s March. Sanders publicly called Israel an apartheid state and repeatedly called their prime minister a “racist” on national television. Few Democratic members of Congress or Jewish NGOs spoke out against this libelous canard.

Anti-Semitism on college campuses reached a new high in 2019, with over 200 incidents of harassment, vandalism and assault against Jews. At Michigan State University, swastikas were painted on the Hillel student center; at Columbia University, professors harass Jewish students in class and host prominent antiSemitic speakers; and at the University of Illinois, the Students for Justice in Palestine succeeded in pressuring the student government to pass a resolution declaring anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism as being exclusive of each other. These are just three of hundreds of examples of the anti-Semitism Jewish college students have faced.

But what made anti-Semitism my top issue was the George Floyd killing, which had nothing to do with Jews, but a lot to do with Jewish history. Rioting, looting and mob violence broke out in Minneapolis, but it soon ceased being about Floyd and became about the tearing down of American culture, institutions and government. Despite universal outrage over Floyd’s murder and near unanimity on the injustice that had been perpetrated, senseless violence has continued nonstop.

The specious accusation of American “systemic racism” flies in the face of empirical data showing huge 16 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

OPINION progress made in this country since 1970. But data and facts no longer matter. What has been stunning is watching the failure of state and local governments to stop the lawlessness. What has also been sad to watch is the open hostility to Jews who have played no role in any of these sad events. During the Los Angeles Black Lives Matter “protest,” three prominent synagogues were vandalized, and Jewish businesses were ransacked. In Portland, Oregon, where some of the worst violence has occurred, the Chabad center was victim of an arson attack that destroyed the building; in Kenosha, Wisc., BLM activists spray painted “Free Palestine” on the driveway of the Beth Hillel synagogue.

I get it when the BLM leadership explicitly states they are Marxists. I get it when they march in the streets of D.C. screaming about “Israeli genocide,” and I get it when their platform finds space to single out only one foreign country for boycott and divestment, Israel. But what I don’t get are the secular leftist Jewish groups announcing support for this political movement that hates us. The Anti-Defamation League has even aligned themselves with Al Sharpton, a renown anti-Semite and bigot. The abandonment of American Jews by hundreds of Jewish organizations supporting BLM has been tragic.

For 20 years British Jews continued to vote for the Labour party despite increasing antiSemitism by party officials. Then it happened, the Labour party nominated an ally of Hamas and Hezbollah, an open anti-Semite named Jeremy Corbyn for prime minister. If American Jews look the other way and vote for politicians who embrace, tolerate or ignore anti-Semitism from activist groups, academics and elected government officials, we will be sending the same signal the upper middle class Jews of 1932 Berlin sent —anti-Semitism is not an issue. And it will continue to grow if unchecked. It did not have a happy ending for the Jews of Europe in 1932, and I can’t see how it will for American Jews in the 21st century USA. The ball is in our court.

So, this year, I am going to use the only weapon I have to fight Jew hatred and the lawlessness that enables it. It is the ballot box. I am voting against any politician who supports, excuses or looks the other way in the face of anti-Semitism.

I am voting against supporters of mass immigration and open borders, as I have seen what it has done to the quality of life for European Jews. I will be voting against politicians who do not publicly support law enforcement. But most of all, I am voting against mob rule and any politician who supports it, excuses it, or looks the other way in the face of it. And this is because I have read history well and have seen how Jews fared in 1917 Russia, 1938 Germany, 1959 Cuba and 2003 Venezuela when mobs ruled.

When mobs rule, Jews always lose. ì Jerry Levy is an adjunct professor at Georgia State University who lives in Smyrna. He is a former volunteer with CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America).

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 17

OPINION Letter to the editor,

Combating Anti-Semitism All decent people, without doubt, believe that black lives matter just as all lives matter. Many, many Jewish organizations have embraced the concept that black lives matter and the organization of the BLM movement even though that organization’s platform and some of the leadership have been anti-Semitic and critical of Israel, one of the most democratic nations in the world and certainly in the Middle East.

Hillel’s famous statement needs to be considered: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?" The American Jewish community has embraced “If I am only for myself, what am I?” And the third sentence: “If not now, when?” when it comes to many other causes. However, the very first sentence which Hillel placed first: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me?” has been taken for granted by American Jews. I am not referring to monetary or lifestyle comforts, but concepts of Judaism when it comes to themselves. Anti-Semitism is rampant throughout the world and increasing both in the world and the U.S. As a whole, with some exceptions, we seem to be mostly silent, mild, sheepish and nonassertive when anti-Semitic incidents occur.

Are we afraid to speak too loudly?

There are far more Jewish organizations supporting BLM and Jews protesting the recent police actions than Jewish organizations, non-Jewish organizations and Jews coming forth when there is anti-Semitic occurrences i.e. desecrating Jewish synagogues and centers, shooting of Jews, BDS movements, anti-Semitism on college campuses, teaching in educational institutions, and even activities against circumcision.

Jews, for centuries, have been targeted as the source of all problems of that particular time, and anti-Semitism has demonized the Jewish collective. I think we Jews need to focus on the insidious, systemic (over thousands of years) anti-Semitism happening in our current unrestful world. Hillel listed: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me?” first. There was a reason for this, and we need to take note.

Larry Benuck, Atlanta

Letter to the editor,

My question to Jews who are voting for Trump is this, would you vote for an antiSemite? If you are outraged by this question you clearly did not hear that Trump will not condemn the hate groups across the country but has simply told them to “stand by.” Jews are not a race, not white or black but a “people.” As Jews we have an obligation not only to God, but to humanity. Our values are kindness, care and dignity not for one but for all. Deep in your heart, do you truly believe this is what Trump represents? This is not even about Democrat vs. Republican, because Trump is not a Republican, he is a demagogue. So, my question stands, why are you voting for an avowed anti-Semite?

Ellyn Jeager, Roswell

Letter to the editor

Voters’ Rights On Nov. 3, we may witness the morphing of voter suppression into voter oppression. Aggressive, loudmouthed bands of white supremacists propose to be “poll watchers,” intent upon intimidating the elderly, immigrants and people of color from voting. This is an open letter to Arthur Blank and Steve Koonin to encourage football and basketball pros to take Nov. 3 off, and go to vulnerable polls to “Watch the Watchers.”

I can think of few more important tasks that would ensure voters’ rights than having offensive or defensive linemen, or basketball’s power forwards, stand guard outside polls. Hard to imagine intimidating mountains of muscle safeguarding a sacred constitutional right Players, owners and CEOs would be performing a great national public service. So many of these “white supremacists” are of the president’s mold: “Speak loud but carry a small stick.” Having the watchers of the watchers there would ensure that.

Harry Stern, Marietta

18 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Letter to the editor,

And One More Thing At a time in the history of the United States of America, the citizens of this great country of ours are filled with contemporaneous political animus, both in the major political caucuses and in the individuality of deep distrust, the likes of which have not been seen except possibly over 200 years ago during the early Jefferson-Adams era.

The political cross-accusations are absolutely venomous, and I believe are stroked by the undeniable egomaniacal eccentricities of the present administration leadership. This is America. It is not a state where anarchy should prevail. It should not be an era of fomenting ambiguity for political gains. This should not be! This should never be!

And from all of this cacophony arises a slightly framed, maybe a 100-pound lady, who represents the antithesis of the present use of individual degradation that is currently being used by political rivals.

Here is a person, whose IQ is indisputably astronomical. But not only is she super bright, she is dedicated to what is correct by her tenacious advocacy regarding the advancement of her thoughts on gender equality. But to go with that, she is a loving person, who not only administered to her own law school academics at a very prestigious school, but also to her husband’s law school courses (He was a year ahead of her) when he became incapacitated with testicular cancer treatment. WOW! Graduating number one in her law school class, she was turned down as a potential clerk to a famous Supreme Court justice because of gender. And not only that, she could hardly find any legal work because she was a woman. Over the years, because of her legal acumen that eventually could not be denied, she rightfully was able to change laws that discriminated and disallowed persons from performing functions that they were capable of doing because of their gender.

She absolutely changed what needed to be changed in a quiet and rightfully thoughtful manner. There was no humiliating verbiage. No abuse and no pedantic insinuations in her legal arguments relative to the justification of her thoughts. They were purely meticulous and error free.

She went about altering legal gender perceptions on an intellectual basis. There was no hate in her briefs or in her legal arguments. They were precise and concise.

And this is why, in today’s political atmosphere of disharmony, she is and always will be, a voice of reason and not the vitriolic and unwarranted gross verbal abuse very much led by our current political hierarchy.

Dr. Lou Belinfante, Smyrna

Letter to the editor,

From the Anne Frank Museum to numerous synagogues, Georgia’s 52nd House District (Sandy Springs) is a center of local Jewish life. We deserve a leader who champions it accordingly. As a proud Jewish woman and community advocate, I believe that leader is Shea Roberts.

First and foremost, Shea is a staunch supporter of Israel, and equally strong opponent of efforts to sanction it. Our country’s bipartisan consensus in favor of Israel has allowed Israel to thrive in a hostile world, and electing pro-Israel Democrats like Shea Roberts is crucial for maintaining it.

Second, Shea is not just a champion of Jewish life but is also a participant. I’ve come to know Shea over the years and have seen her attend many community programs like the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. Most recently she walked at the National Council of Jewish Women’s event marking the end of shiva for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Shea has also attended community solidarity rallies after anti-Semitic attacks such as the Tree of Life massacre and the Monsey stabbings. When it comes time to again confront the specter of anti-Semitism (be it on the far-left or the farright), Shea will be there for us.

Sherri Wildstein, Atlanta

OPINION Letter to the editor,

While we don’t know what is truly in the heart of Donald Trump with respect to Jews and other minorities, it is abundantly clear that those who identify as white supremacists are devoted followers of Trump. Time and again, Trump has failed to repudiate them. My greatest concern is that the successor to these supporters of Donald Trump will continue his embrace of white supremacists. White supremacists do not consider Jews as white; they include Jews along with Blacks and immigrants as the target of their hatred and violence. We may feel protected by Trump because he has a Jewish son-in-law and grandchildren, or because he has appeared to be pro-Israel.

That protection is not likely to be there for us when Trump leaves the scene, whether in January or four years later. Supporting him because we think he’ll tax us less or give support to Israel may be good in the short-term, but I am quite fearful of the long-term implications. Furthermore, those of us who support him because of his anti-immigrant positions sicken me. After all, I don’t know a Jew among us who didn’t come from immigrants looking for a better and safer future for their family here in America.

Jeffrey J. Cohen, East Cobb Pamela Cohen Behar, Tampa

Letter to the editor,

As individuals are elected to an office, they are chosen to guide while representing those who voted for them, but this is not what Schumer is doing. He has allowed his hate for President Trump to impede his elected duties enough to endanger America by doing nothing.

The Democrats have been doing what they want for years, and one of Trump’s promises was to “clean the swamp” in Washington, which is a good reason they don’t like him. Think of what Schumer has done. An illegal search to obtain Republican Michael Steele’s social security number; sold U.S. uranium to Russia and hosted Putin in New York City in 2003 celebrating LUKOIL gas stations coming to the USA; a public letter to the Internal Revenue Service to redefine 501(c)(4), which led to Lois Lerner targeting conservative organizations, and the list goes on; he was never prosecuted or questioned.

For years at taxpayer’s expense those in Washington do these things, and Trump wants to stop it.

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

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EDUCATION How Jewish Schools Changed During COVID

Isaac Lambert, a junior at The Weber School, takes part in online learning through Zoom teleconferencing.

By Nathan Posner Over the last few months, as schools reopened, students have faced new learning environments, and with them, challenges. While some schools have been fully online in response to the pandemic, many Atlanta-area Jewish schools have decided to return to in-person classrooms, at least partially, to ensure the best continued education in light of the current situation.

As part of our education issue, I was able to show through photos how learning environments have changed at three schools: The Weber School, Chaya Mushka Children’s House and Torah Day School of Atlanta. These schools represent different approaches to teaching during the pandemic. Weber used online classes until after Labor Day, when it began having students in person. TDSA used a similar

20 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Teachers give lessons to students at Torah Day School of Atlanta, where students are seen wearing masks and sitting behind plexiglass.

approach, with students returning one With a variety of changes taking place at grade each day beginning with kindergar- the high school, both for virtual learning and in-person learnteners and continuing ing after Labor Day, through middle schoolthe school invested fiers. Chaya Mushka, nancially in a variety of with its relatively lower changes to help make student population, the shift to this new was able to bring back learning environment. all students who wantAs Weber embraced to be in person while es these new changes, helping students who it also reverted to some would rather do online old standards, includwith that option. ing learning in trailers.

These represent A student at Chaya Mushka Last in trailers in 2006, only a fraction of the Children’s House participates in some Weber students different approaches class while wearing a mask and will be returning to that schools have taken sitting behind plexiglass, meant to trailers that have been to deal with this crisis. help stop the spread of COVID-19. added to allow for addiWhile many Jewish day schools reopened at the beginning of the tional socially distanced learning environschool year, Weber took a different tactic. ments.

The school also hired three nurses to help with students, a first for Weber because they didn’t previously have a nurse.

While learning was completely remote until Labor Day, both teachers and students had the option to continue remotely after in-person learning resumed.

For students returning to campus, the environment is drastically different. Upon arriving at school, students were required to wear masks, have their temperature taken and then answer COVID-related questions asked by a nurse regarding their health and potential exposure to the virus. Students will be learning in socially distanced classrooms, use hand sanitizers before entering the classroom, and will have to clean up their seats and desks with sanitizing wipes before leaving. On a tour of the school before its opening, Paul Ginburg, associate head of school, explained

EDUCATION

A Torah Day School of Atlanta teacher hands out worksheets to a group of lower school students, all wearing masks.

that half of the changes “are what you see, rus, along with plexiglass for younger stuand half aren’t,” speaking about the hiring dents in kindergarten through third grade. of new nurses, improved technology for The plexiglass was installed on desks so remote learning, a new HVAC system and that students can take their masks off for other new staffers. As students returned, a time.

Using a mobile app, parents are rechallenges were expected, and Weber’s soquired to fill out a lution is to “use Fulform before stuton County’s Board dents are let into of Health input to school, answering create a safe health questions about environment for possible exposure students and staff.” and symptoms Amit Rau, a within the stuWeber junior, has dent’s family. TDSA been learning at has also been using home since the larger spaces, such school went online as the gym for large in March. “We’re gatherings such as learning a lot more Tefillah, but in a during class time socially distanced now; we’ve basimanner. cally had the same Paul Ginburg, associate head of The Weber Chaya Mushidea of things in School, uses a device that checks student’s temperatures and if they are wearing ka, a preschool class, just work masks before entering the school. and K-8 Chabad more during that time.” Amit admitted, “both academically community school, has used a largely inand socially I’d rather be in person, but ob- person approach, with a variety of safety viously, for safety reasons, it’s better to be measures. While students who wish to learn at home are able to do so, those who online.”

TDSA, a K-8 school in Druid Hills, has come in person face a changed learning entaken a similar approach to opening, using vironment. Students are required to wear a staggered model of bringing in kinder- masks, when not behind plexiglass dividgarten through fourth grade before bring- ers at desks, that are attached to lanyards ing in middle school students, who are bet- to ensure students don’t lose them. Having ter able to learn remotely. The school has all students back on campus isn’t possible given students the option to learn remotely, for everyone but neither is online learnsetting up teachers with cameras and mi- ing. As executive director Rabbi Isser New crophones so they can engage students explained, “Some students are limited, whether by ability or online access.” both at home and in person.

Everyone entering the building In addition, there’s more time for entry and dismissal so students can be has their temperature checked. New exdismissed in a socially distanced way. The plained the difficulty of keeping everyone school used the summer to build larger safe and calm. “The hardest part is kids classrooms, install new filters for the HVAC not feeling well and handling all the prosystem and a UV system to help kill the vi- tocols, making sure parents are aware of

Michal Ilai, a teacher at The Weber School, instructs from home due to the COVID-19 crisis.

things; and not every time a kid sneezes do they have COVID, but the hardest part is the heightened anxiety. We do well by sticking to the handbook and staying on top of things.”

While these schools have taken varying approaches to opening schools, they help show how learning environments have changed in the time of COVID-19,

everything from how and where students learn to how they arrive and leave school.

As students and teachers embrace these changes and try to do their best in light of the circumstances, other aspects of school remain the same. Students still take tests, complete homework and learn in classroom environments, but now those classrooms may not be at school anymore. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 21

EDUCATION

Jewish Schools Learn as They Go

By Jan Jaben-Eilon

teachers, frequent handwashing during the day, cleaning and disinfecting buildFor decades, the beginning of autumn ings with special monitoring of ventilameant buying new clothes for school and tion systems, smaller cohorts of learning, school supplies, from No. 2 pencils back in serving lunches in classrooms instead of the 1950s and 1960s to laptop computers in communal dining rooms, “mask breaks” this century. Everyone knew when schools outside and – more than anything else – a would open, and everywillingness and ability to one, perhaps particularly be flexible. parents, was ready.

Most of the Jewish Welcome to the new day schools staggered world of living in a oncetheir openings, starting a-century killer pandemin August, and are now ic. This year the focus fully open while allowwas on wearing masks ing some virtual learning. and staying 6 feet apart, Buses and after-school and no one knew when programs are still on hold or how schools would in at least one school, and open. Indeed, “open” schools have added mineeded clarification; the crophones and plexiglass The school year has “unfolded dates the schools opened dividers to many classmore or less according to plan,” for teaching kept changrooms. said David Abusch-Magder, ing, and sometimes stuAtlanta’s Jewish day head of The Epstein School. dents were learning virschools probably had an tually from their homes on their laptop advantage over area public schools; they computers. have smaller student populations. But And, being “ready” for the onrush of that doesn’t mean it has been easy. Jewish students meant mornings started with schools often encompass a wider range of temperature checks for all students and age groups. That means special accommo-

22 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

dations need to be made for children under the age of 2, who are not required to wear masks. Teachers have had to learn how to teach in new ways, in classrooms that accommodate not only those present, but those who are learning virtually from home.

The one Jewish preschool that reported a COVID case last spring, Congregation Beth Shalom’s Alefbet Preschool, was able to reopen in June, and Risa Walter, director of Early Childhood Education, said, “Our families started returning in the summer, and our enrollment has grown this fall.”

After closing their doors suddenly last spring when the pandemic broke, the Jewish day schools had time to plan for a fall opening. David Abusch-Magder, head of school of The Epstein School, said the structures that have been put in place to deal with the COVID threat are “exhausting. Staff and teachers are exhausted. Lessons must be adjusted.” But the school year has “unfolded more or less according to plan.”

The Epstein School opened for all grades as of Oct. 5. Initially, students from early childhood to fourth grade started Aug. 10. Students from fifth to eighth grades were brought back for in-person school in smaller cohorts throughout Sep-

tember. “Roughly 5 to 7 percent of students, maybe 20 to 30, continued virtual learning.

Students can go in and out of school on a two-week basis, unless they have to go into quarantine,” Abusch-Magder said.

Fortunately, no students or staff of The Epstein School have tested positive for COVID. Since opening, however, the school has made adjustments. Initially students’ temperatures were taken as they disembarked from cars in the carpool line. That proved cumbersome, so the school began taking the children’s temperatures while still in their cars.

To support “exhausted” teachers, the school has engaged them in the planning.

“We’re listening to their ideas and suggestions,” Abusch-Magder said. Personal protective equipment is provided to teachers as well as microphones to help them project their voices through masks and in the larger classrooms. “Plexiglass is all over the place,” he added.

Abusch-Magder credits Epstein’s emphasis on innovation, flexibility and creativity for its ability to adjust to the pandemic. “We started an innovation lab a year ago. When it came to COVID, this is not an

EDUCATION

Photo by Nathan Posner // Amit Rau, a junior at The Weber

School, participates in online classes from home.

imaginary project. This is not a fire drill. home,” said Julie Crow, director of commuWe’re doing this,” said the head of school nications and marketing, Like the other Jewish day schools, Wewho has a doctorate in physics and believes ber has not experienced an outbreak of in science.

At The Davis Academy, in-person COVID and is emphasizing mask-wearing, school began on Aug. 17 for students from hand-washing and sanitizing of its facilities.

Mechina, pre-K, through eighth grade. “All learning spaces are configured so that students are seated at least About 2 percent of stu6 feet apart. We have transdents are learning from formed some of our larger home through a “concurspaces like the cafeteria, rent learning path,” that chapel and media center “allows those who are teminto large classrooms to porarily unable to be on accommodate more stucampus due to COVID-19 dents socially distanced. concerns to participate Hallways and stairwells through classroom techare one way, and we have nology and actively lisstaff overseeing all of this, ten, see and participate in as well as traffic in and out their classes in real-time of restrooms. We also have with the other students,” installed large tents outside said Amy Shafron, head of About 2 percent of Davis so on nice days, the stuschool.

The school has had to Academy students continue to dents can eat outside.” learn virtually, reports Amy The great outdoors continue to “tweak and imShafron, head of school. has become popular for a prove upon all that is new,” she said. “Adjustments have been made to number of schools. Barrie Cohn, director ensure mask-wearing, distancing, regular of marketing and communications at the sanitizing, daily health checks” and “ar- Atlanta Jewish Academy, reported, “We rival and dismissal procedures have been utilize more outdoor spaces, including our altered, cleaning procedures have been in- courtyard and field.”

Visitors are not allowed in the buildcreased and enhanced, and the school has designated individualized supplies, mate- ing at all, and so far, AJA’s protocols have rials and equipment for students.” School been successful, she said. “Thankfully, not one case of COVID [has been reported] hours, at least, have not been changed.

Davis students not only receive tem- from students, faculty or staff.”

The school staggered its opening from perature screenings when they arrive on campus but also prior to leaving for school. Aug. 13 to Aug. 24, with various grades “Parents and staff are utilizing our new opening on four different days. But its health management system called Ruvna after-school and bus programs are still on Health” to screen and track all students, hold. “We have a Health and Safety Comfaculty and staff for COVID-19 symptoms mittee of carefully appointed experts who on a daily basis. “With this system, Davis have been guiding us every step along the is able to create the best snapshot of the way,” Cohn said. “Our school community overall health picture of the greater Davis understands that our work together can help contain the spread, sustain our learnAcademy family,” Shafron reported.

School opened for The Weber School ing experience, and do our part to protect students virtually on Aug. 17, with on- those most vulnerable to COVID-19. We campus teaching and learning on Sept. 14. want to physically be in school. Our stu“Some families chose to remain virtual, so dents want to physically be in school. Our we are holding classes for students in per- families want us to be physically in school. son and have installed technology to also It’s in each of our hands to help keep that a seamlessly include those learning from reality.” ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 23

EDUCATION

Jewish Life Resumes at College

Every Monday morning, the Hillel at Kennesaw State University running club meets on campus for socially distanced exercise.

By Jan Jaben-Eilon

a variety of virtual programs like cooking classes, Jewish learning fellowships, Israel The website of the University of Geor- learning fellowships, Kahoot games and also gia student newspaper, The Red & Black, individual coffee dates with students, with tells it all: In the middle of the page is a an emphasis on freshmen,” Shoshan said. constantly updated COVID-19 Case CounJewish students at Emory Hillel are ter. With statistics provided by the Georgia benefitting from its hybrid model, reports Department of Public director Lauren BlazofHealth, the University sky. “Students are enjoyHealth Center and the ing the opportunity to Athens-Clarke County gather safely in outdoor Coroner, the counter spaces, really fulfilling displays how many COtheir desires to have VID cases and deaths person-to-person interthere have been in Georactions. Our in-person gia, in the county and at socially distant Hillel UGA. Fortunately, there programming has realhas only been one death ly given the students a resulting from the virus break from their Zoom at the university, but classes and the ever-sothere have been 3,894 present Zoom fatigue.

Hillel students at Georgia Tech hand cases as of the end of We have found students out Shabbat meals to students as the first week of Octoto be extremely grateful part of their Shabbat2Go program. ber. for our approach to proThis already is a school year like no grams this semester.” other. Overshadowed by the raging panAccording to Blazofsky, Emory Hillel demic, life at all the Georgia universities has is following the university’s rules that rechanged in every way, from classes to social quire students to wear masks and socially life. But Jewish students on the campuses distance while in its building or at one of seem to be taking it in stride. its programs. “Additionally, we are contact “Most students that we spoke to said tracing and taking temperatures at the door the situation is not ideal, but they under- when students enter the building.” stand the world is very different these days,” Although Emory University opened reported Hillel UGA director Roey Shoshan. with the “strictest of rules,” they have loos“Many of them have moved to a hybrid ened up as the school year has progressed, model of in-person and online classes, and she said. they said that UGA has made it clear which Meanwhile, Hillel students at Kenclasses should be in person and which class- nesaw State University and the Georgia es will be online and, for the most part, they Institute of Technology have adjusted to acfeel it is organized and transparent.” commodate the new reality while still findLike other campuses in the Hillels of ing ways to enjoy socializing on campus, Georgia system, the Hillel at UGA decided to according to Amel Alyamani, a publicist for “move all our programs online and to create Hillels of Georgia. ì 24 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

EDUCATION

Helping Fund Pre-College Israel Trips

By Roni Robbins Two Atlanta organizations with Judaism at their core are part of a pilot initiative to lower the cost for high school students to visit Israel next summer before they head to college. The Marcus Foundation, whose chairman is Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus, provided $20 million in seed money for The Jewish Education Project to lead the Israel teen travel program.

The funding will help teens travel to Israel each summer with major subsidies of $3,000 each. As a result, if the least expensive Israel trip is $2,500, The Jewish Education Project hopes to increase the number of teens traveling to Israel by nearly 40 percent each year.

JumpSpark Atlanta, which provides teen engagement programs, is helping recruit teens for the initiative locally in the hopes of expanding the outreach nationally.

The Marcus Foundation and JumpSpark support the initiative dubbed RootOne, which takes its name from the highway connecting Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, where visitors arrive, to Jerusalem and the rest of their Israel experience. The name also expresses the program’s “desire to link all teens to their Jewish heritage and give youth a forward direction and connection to their common destiny,” said David Bryfman, CEO of The Jewish Education Project, which empowers and inspires Jewish educators, including those involved in Israel education and teen engagement.

“We believe more teenagers should go to Israel before they get to college” so they are “more proud of their Jewishness, more connected to Israel and able to stand up on colleges campus when they need to,” he said.

Marcus said of the program he supported, “Kids heading to college need to be more prepared today than ever. Anti-Israel groups have a very loud voice and presence on campus, and the vast majority of professors and administrators actively stand with and support these groups, their activities and their speakers.

“Our children who are attending university need to be equipped with knowledge, facts and truth about Israel so that they can spot the lies and propaganda and have the ability to counter these assaults and false narratives,” he said.

Among teens who are taking advantage of the RootOne subsidy to visit Israel for the first time are Stella Mackler, a junior at Grady High School, and Jaron

Jaron Pearson said his family couldn’t have afforded the URJ Camp Coleman Israel trip without the RootOne subsidy.

The pandemic inspired Stella Mackler, right, to participate in the Ramah Israel Seminar next summer along with fellow camper Sadie Klaff of Orlando, Fla.

Pearson, a sophomore at Johns Creek High School. Both are traveling with their camps; Mackler with Camp Ramah Darom’s Israel Seminar, and Pearson with the URJ Camp Coleman Israel trip.

Pearson said he wanted to go to Israel “to expand my view of the world since I have not traveled many places internationally. I want to learn more about my Jewish heritage through firsthand experiences with the culture, language and people, and third, I cannot wait to taste all the food.”

He said he didn’t think his family would have been able to afford for him to go on the trip without the subsidy. “When registration opened, my family was one of the first to sign up to secure the funding.”

Pearson is “most looking forward to floating in the Dead Sea, climbing Masada and visiting the Western Wall. I am very excited to share these experiences and make memories with my friends.”

Mackler said not having camp this summer because of the pandemic inspired her to go on the Ramah Israel Seminar, typically attended by rising seniors. Otherwise she might have waited to attend, she said.

But without camp, the trip offered an opportunity “so we can see our camp friends again.”

Unlike Birthright Israel, which takes students 18 and up on a subsidized 10-day excursion to Israel, RootOne trips are for rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors and recent graduates, and are at least double the length of the Birthright trip (at least 20 days) with greater engagement before and after the experience to improve Jewish continuity.

Marcus reiterated that “this program does not compete with Birthright. I still support Birthright. This program comes at a very important time for our children as they head to the hostile environments at institutions of higher education.”

The RootOne program actually began last year with five partner youth groups: the pluralistic BBYO, Union of Reform Judaism/ NFTY, Orthodox NCSY, United Synagogue Youth and Ramah Israel, both Conservative.

But the 2020 trips were cancelled because of the worldwide pandemic, which allowed more time to plan for next summer’s trips, Bryfman said. The announcement of the $3,000 subsidies came at a time that offered hope and optimism to those not able to go to Israel this year, he said.

Slots are available for 5,000 teenagers in 2021 to take advantage of the subsidies with close to half of the slots already allocated after three weeks of registration, Bryfman said.

“This is a long-term initiative,” he added. “Every teenager has the right and privilege to go to Israel.”

Simon Amiel, director of RootOne for The Jewish Education Project, said the primary goal of the initiative is to offer a highquality and immersive 20-day Israel experience, but also preparation beforehand and engagement after travelers return.

“We want to ensure the inspiration and information and connection they receive in Israel carries through to when they step on campus,” he said.

“The partnership with the youth service organizations is strategic, providing teens with opportunities for informed,

educational and active ways to learn about and engage with Israel and how it plays out in their lives, and to inspire others to do the same.”

The money from the Marcus Foundation shows a commitment to elevate Jewish education and engage teens across the country and maximize the ability to get more people to Israel as rapidly and effectively as possibly, Bryfman said.

RootOne also began by working with three Jewish communities: Houston, Denver and Atlanta. The latter is organizing trips through the youth groups, and the other cities are leading community-based trips, Bryfman explained.

JumpSpark began expanding its mission to include teen Israel travel several months ago. For the RootOne trips, the teen engagement organization is creating a pipeline to bring those at the fringe into youth service organizations and their trips.

In addition to its RootOne involvement, JumpSpark began offering scholarships this year to encourage teens to take gap years in Israel. The $1,000 scholarships allow 29 teens to spend a semester or year in Israel. The teens are participating in 14 different Israel programs. Eight are high school, and 21 are participating in a gap year between high school and college.

Kelly Cohen, JumpSpark director, said the RootOne initiative was “very exciting.

We hope it creates real change in the number of teens going to Israel” and remaining in the Jewish “ecosystem. … This is a gamechanger when it comes to Israel travel,” she said.

“Teen Israel travel is the most powerful tool Jewish educators [and teen engagement groups] have in their toolbox. It’s one of the key events that shapes Jewish identity and Jewish involvement.”

She said JumpSpark’s new attention to teen Israel travel is forcing the organization to “think creatively and innovatively how to increase teen Israel travel. Increasing teen engagement has always been part of our mission. … This is another manifestation of our mission.”

Shifting back the focus of subsidized Israel trips from students already in college to before they enter college should expand the “arc of engagement,” she said. Students returning from Israel trips tend to be excited to participate in other Jewish experiences, so the challenge of Jewish groups is to capitalize on that by developing Jewish programming, Cohen said. ì For more information about RootOne trips, visit www.rootone.org/.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 25

EDUCATION

Jewish Abilities Alliance Adapted Funding With COVID

By Jan Jaben-Eilon The Atlanta Jewish community obviously has had to adapt in all kinds of ways because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In some cases, however, agencies made decisions fortuitously earlier in the year, not expecting 2020 to unfold as it has.

The Jewish Abilities Alliance, an initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, has done both. Launched in 2012 to provide resources and support to people with disabilities so that they can more fully participate in the Atlanta Jewish community, JAA realized immediately last spring that with everything going virtual, it had to make major adjustments to its funding.

“When the community switched to the virtual reality, we understood that individuals with disabilities were disproportionately at risk of isolation,” said Annie Garrett, JAA manager. “With services not being provided in person, some people with disabilities might be physically compromised and need more support.”

So, instead of awarding Inclusion Microgrants at the beginning of the year, as it has since 2018, JAA decided to defer the program until fall. Starting Oct. 19 and clos-

26 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

ing Nov. 16, JAA is accepting applications for vices are needed in homes. “Everyone needs grants up to $1,500 per project. “It’s an easy something different. Some need headphones application process,” Garrett said. Since it or closed captioning services,” Garrett said.

Agencies that provide the launched the program, JAA virtual learning and services has awarded more than must apply for the individuals $25,000 to 23 Atlanta Jewish who need the devices. Garrett agencies that provide services said the requests have come and inclusion initiatives for “in waves.” By early Septempeople with disabilities. ber, only one-quarter of the That doesn’t mean JAA initial seeding of $1,500 had has sat still, however. Instead, been allocated. Garrett said in April it launched its Virtual Engagement Support Fund, “Everyone needs something she hopes the funds will last different. Some need through the year. through which it is “equipheadphones or closed Also in early September, ping and engaging people captioning services,” said Jewish Family & Career Servicto integrate into Jewish proAnnie Garrett, explaining es announced that the Hebrew gramming by offering devices how she is helping Order of David International and technology,” Garrett expeople with disabilities stay connected with the donated a van to the Atlanta plained. For example, it has Jewish community. agency. The intent of the van provided funding for flex seating devices to help people with disabilities sit was that it will help transport participants comfortably, while increasing oxygen flow to in JF&CS’s Intellectual & Developmental Disthe brain. JAA has also provided funding for abilities Services to medical appointments, slanted desks, which make learning more ac- recreational activities and volunteer opportunities. The van was donated in memory cessible.

In the past, these kinds of devices were of Alan Rubenstein, a founding member provided directly to Jewish agencies that of- and past president of HOD Lodge Carmel in fered services to those with disabilities. Now Atlanta. Fundraising for the van was led by that people are learning virtually, these de- local HOD North American Governing Lodge

executives David Joss, Les Kraitzick, Mario Oves and Alan Smirin, and assisted by HOD brother Sid Besmertnik. The ribbon-cutting for the van had been planned for the spring but was postponed by the pandemic.

Even before the pandemic struck Atlanta and the world in early spring, JAA had decided to partner with Matan, a national Jewish consulting firm, to conduct research about the disability inclusion needs in the local Jewish community. “This study will identify our community’s inclusion strengths and weaknesses and how we are serving and supporting and engaging the community in Jewish life,” Garrett said.

According to Garrett, about 10 percent of the general, and Jewish, population is diagnosed with some kind of disability. However, since that person’s family is also impacted, disabilities have a ripple effect in the community.

She said the timing of the study couldn’t have been better. “Now we will get the relevant data on how people with disabilities have been affected by the pandemic. Where are we excelling in inclusion and where are we behind? What do we need? It’s a very collaborative process that is looking broadly at the community.” Results from the study are expected by the end of the year. ì

EDUCATION

Holocaust Survivor Speaks Through Curriculum

Ben Lesser was 11 in 1941.

By Susanne Katz

activities and dialogue prompts. The goal is to teach tolerance and acceptance, to The opposite of love is not hate, it’s in- put an end to intolerance, speak up for those who cannot, and remind the world difference. to never forget, Weber said – Eli Weisel Lesser’s book covers much of the history of the Holocaust, Ben Lesser, a which primarily took 91-year-old Holocaust place in the Eastern survivor, hopes to help European portion of eliminate bullying and World War II. As Gerintolerance in our somany was badly deciety through a new feated in World War curriculum developed I, and the people, the by his granddaughter, economy and the counbased on his life. The try were in a depresnew curriculum is besion, Jews were blamed ing used by various for the economic schools and individuals downturn and became in Atlanta and Georgia. the scapegoats, Lesser Born in 1928 in wrote in his book.

Krakow, Poland, Lesser Democracy ended provides perspective in in 1933 when Hitler the curriculum about was appointed chanlife before, during and Ben Lesser with his book, cellor and instituted after World War II. “Living A Life That Matters.” the Third Reich. Hitler Through education, Lesser combats hate but sees that, “When and the Nazis (National Socialist Gerenough people are willing to speak up man Workers’ Party), intent on creating and speak out, change will happen and a superior race, began the “final solution” to the Jewish problem that same year, he the world will be a better place.”

He documents his story in the 2012 wrote.

Lesser survived four concentration self-published book, “Living A Life That Matters: From Nazi Nightmare to Ameri- camps and death marches and the notorious Dachau death train (almost three can Dream.”

Robyn Weber, Lesser’s granddaugh- weeks), before immigrating to the United ter, is a third-generation survivor dedi- States in 1947, where he enjoyed a succated to producing the lesson plan of cessful career in real estate.

He also founded the ZACHOR HoLesser’s book for educators, and a website to teach the Eastern European portion of locaust Remembrance Foundation, a World War II. “Many folks had not met national nonprofit. ZACHOR Holocaust a Holocaust survivor,” Weber explained, Curriculum, available in select schools in “and it was our intent to help keep the Georgia, can be found at zachorlearn.org Lesser warns that there was a time world from forgetting.”

The free and interactive curriculum of moral imbalance, and in 2020, we are includes six lesson plans, videos, his- again seeing increases in anti-Semitism torical photography, personal anecdotes, and blatant racism. “It looks like we are historical interactive timeline, student on that terrifying path again.” ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 27

EDUCATION

Tech Help for Teachers

By Flora Rosefsky How did Ian Cohen, a 31-year-old educator-turned-entrepreneur establish an EdTech startup with an innovative approach for managing and developing teachers?

The Teach For America alum said, “I experienced firsthand how new teachers were faced with challenges to find creative ways to effectively engage students.” To solve that problem last year, he launched TARA Education Technologies.

“I have always gravitated to purposeful work and leadership responsibilities, … wanting to do work that I felt was bigger than myself,” said Cohen, who graduated from Emory University, where he received a bachelor’s in philosophy. His first job after college was teaching for TFA at Benjamin Banneker High School in College Park.

Growing up in a predominantly Jewish suburb of Philadelphia, Cohen credits his parents for teaching him how important education was to anyone’s upbringing. “My parents instilled a tremendous work ethic and sense of personal responsibility in me, so teaching ended up being a tremendous fit, even though it was extremely challenging.”

After teaching for TFA, where he had

28 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

been named Freshman Teacher of the Year, Cohen worked with two friends to launch an education nonprofit organization called Next Generation Men & Women.

He told the AJT he was inspired to pursue his latest startup after participating in the leadership development experience in Israel, REALITY, run through the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation. It was Cohen’s second trip to Israel. After leading that organization from 2014 to 2017, he said, “I wanted to reimagine teaching and learning in a much bigger way.” Two years later, Cohen officially started TARA Teacher Administrative & Resource Assistant, otherwise known as TARA Education Technologies.

Given the global lockdowns and impact of COVID-19 on low-income communities, TARA recently formed a national partnership with TFA, providing their 3,000 new teachers around the country with TARA’s platform for their summer virtual training.

The partnership also offers TFA teachers additional teacher resources and support throughout the school year.

The main reason schools implement TARA is because it equips principals with the ability to manage and support their teachers, while allowing their teachers to maintain

a significant degree of creative autonomy, Cohen said. He added that TARA “is unique in that it nudges teachers towards best practices with its guides, but still gives them the freedom to come up with ways to engage students that fit their personality and community context.” TARA provides teachers with data on their individual instructional style and offers a bank of strategies to drag and drop into their lessons and how to implement them.

The company is working locally with KIPP WAYS Academy and Teach For America Metro Atlanta, along with other schools around the country. When asked about reaching metro Atlanta’s Jewish school community, Cohen said, “We are actually not currently working with any Jewish day schools, although we would love to!”

While designing the platform, Cohen met with more than 100 teachers, coaches, and school leaders, mostly in Atlanta. “Most teachers and schools are forced to use endless amounts of Word/Google docs as a way to plan and hold each other accountable, but those tools are not at all tailored towards a teacher’s needs.” Instead, he said TARA was designed to be simple, intuitive and adaptable to any K-12 school environment.

Before COVID, Ian Cohen leads a TARA teacher workshop; today they are held virtually.

Upon using TARA for the first time, he said a veteran educator in Atlanta asked, “Where was this 23 years ago?!”

Cohen and the TARA team are working on version 2.0 while raising money for their next funding round to help scale the company. “It seems like this is just the beginning,” he said.

“Learning is both what makes us human and what makes us unique individuals.

I believe we can significantly improve the way we cultivate learning in our communities.” ì To learn more about TARA, visit www. taraedtech.com or email info@taraedtech.com.

EDUCATION

Networking in a Pandemic Just a few weeks ago everyone was talking about the plight of college students returning or not returning to campus and navigating unique learning and social experiences due to the pandemic. By mid-October, it seems college students have adjusted to a new normal.

Stacey Kaye With many schools concludGuest Contributor ing all in-person learning just before Thanksgiving and moving remaining coursework and final exams totally online, plus delaying the start of spring semester, students may experience a longer than usual winter break lasting four to eight weeks.

How can students interested in landing an internship or job this summer make the most of their long winter break? Networking. Networking. Networking.

More than 75 percent of jobs are found through networking. More often than not, people land internships and jobs because they hear about the opportunity from someone they know.

It also means most candidates will not find internships or jobs if they limit their search to online sites such as Indeed, LinkedIn and Handshake, or even oncampus (or this year, virtual) recruitment programs.

Therefore, college students who prioritize networking and making professional connections NOW will find it easier to land an internship or job LATER. There are plenty of networking actions students can take during their long winter break to build a relevant professional network. Some of these actions include:

your conversations, which simply requires researching each person and their company and making a list of thoughtful questions to pose. Be sure to take detailed notes during your conversation.

Most importantly, stay in touch with the people you interview by finding reasons to reconnect between now and March/April. (Examples: send an article that may interest them, or congratulate them when you read about their promotion on LinkedIn.) If you have appropriately built the foundation for a good relationship over a few months, then in the spring you should feel comfortable asking your network to help you find an internship or job.

Get a Mentor A mentor can provide considerable value to a college student, including advising about different career paths and providing feedback on interviewing skills and resumes. Again, given the pandemic, many professionals have a little extra time to spare and are looking for a way to feel good and give back. Most university career centers or alumni relations departments will offer mentoring programs, whereby they will match students to an alumnae/alumna working in the student’s industry of interest. Be sure to contact these university departments before winter break to learn more about mentor programs.

Join Facebook and LinkedIn Groups Another great networking tool that’s easy to lever-

age during a pandemic is joining Facebook and LinkedIn groups to connect with professionals. Look for Facebook and LinkedIn groups for alumni (usually you don’t need to be an alumni to join) and special interest groups related to your major or future career.

Most people in these types of social media groups will want to help current students because they remember what it was like to be young and inexperienced. Once admitted to a group, pay attention to what people are talking about and if someone posts something interesting then be sure to comment appropriately and engage with the community. Check the group’s About section and read the rules. If allowed, post something like this, “Hi, I’m a junior at UGA majoring in journalism. I’m interested in connecting with alumni in digital marketing roles. I would welcome the opportunity to learn more about your career.” This is a great way to generate leads for informational interviews.

With this year’s winter break lasting four to six weeks, set a goal of connecting with 25 or more professionals. Use the pandemic’s gift of time to grow your professional network NOW in order to make it easier to land an internship or job LATER. ì Stacey Kaye is a job search skills coach and the founder of CampusToCareer.net. During weekly one-on-one coaching sessions, she teaches college students and recent grads how to conduct a successful search for an internship or job.

Play Jewish Geography Jewish geography in this context means sitting down with mom, dad, aunts, uncles, your friends’ parents, etc., and asking them to identify their friends and colleagues who work in the industries or roles you want to learn more about. Make a spreadsheet and list each person mentioned, their company, job title, contact info and who can connect you to them. Then ask for an introduction to set up an informational interview.

Set up Informational Interviews Informational interviews are the best way for college students to explore different careers, roles and companies while building a relevant professional network. And as luck would have it, one of the benefits of the pandemic is hard-to-reach professionals have more free time. These days, it’s also easy for people to “meet” virtually, which takes less time out of their busy day. Plus, most people are looking for ways to feel good during this difficult time, and mentoring a student for 20 to 30 minutes could just be the “feel good” someone needs right now.

When you set up an informational interview, remember your goal is career exploration, not asking for a job. Another objective is to build rapport with each person you interview. You can accomplish this by coming across as interesting and interested during ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 29

EDUCATION

Annual College Quiz While the college scene is much different than usual due to the COVID-19 virus, statistics are based on colleges as they existed before the pandemic.

Mark Fisher Most of the questions posed in this article are from The Chronicle of Higher Education (2020-21) edition. A few questions are inserted from my own college knowledge. One caveat: Each question is based only on the options presented. There may be other colleges ranking higher, but they are not among the choices listed.

1. Congress gave billions via the CARES Act to provide relief to colleges and students facing unexpected costs related to the pandemic. Which college was the top recipient? A. California State University at Long Beach B. Ohio State University C. Georgia State University D. California State University at Northridge.

2. The college with the best Return on Investment (ROI) was: A. University of Pennsylvania B. Yale University C. Duke University D. Babson College.

3. Among public institutions, the college with the highest average pay for full professors is: A. Georgia Tech B. University of Washington C. University of Alabama D. Colorado School of Mines.

4. In the fall of 2018, which public institution had the highest admissions selectivity? A. UCLA B. Georgia Tech C. University of Virginia D. University of North Carolina.

5. Among private colleges offering doctorates, who had the highest admissions selectivity in the fall of 2018? A. MIT B. Princeton University C. Cal Tech D. Stanford University.

6. Which private college, at the baccalaureate level, was the most selective in admissions in the 2018-19 year? A. Amherst College B. Pomona College C. Swarthmore College D. Williams College.

7. The public institution with the largest enrollment for 2018 was: A. Ohio State University B. University of Florida. C. Rutgers University. D. Penn State University.

8. Which college at the baccalaureate level has the largest enrollment: A. Middle Georgia State University B. Nevada State College C. University of Arkansas at Fort Smith D. Georgia Gwinnett College.

9. What private college offering undergraduate and doctoral degrees has the largest enrollment? A. Johns Hopkins University B. University of Pennsylvania C. 30 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Cornell University D. Northwestern University.

10. When it comes to political stances at four-year colleges, which was the least popular political view among freshman? A. Liberal. B. Middle of the road. C. Far left. D. Conservative.

11. The highest number of colleges freshman applied to was: A. 1 to 5 B. 6 to 10 C. 11 or more D. 15 or more.

12. The percent of Jewish students who entered college was: A. 2.9 B. 7.8 C. 8.5 D. 10.

13. What was the most expensive fouryear private college (before financial aid)?

A. Franklin & Marshall College B. Duke University C. University of Chicago. D. Tulane University.

14. Which major had the most degrees conferred? A. Engineering B. Health professions and related programs C. Psychology. D. Business management, marketing and related support services.

15. What public college had the best four-year graduation rate? A. University of North Carolina B. University of Connecticut C. Binghamton University C. University of Vermont D. UCLA 16. Which four-year college had the best graduation rate? A. Williams College B. Vanderbilt University C. University of Chicago. D. Washington and Lee University.

17. Which college granted the most research doctorates in engineering? A. MIT B. University of Michigan. C. Purdue University D. Georgia Tech The following three questions are based on the fastest growing colleges from 2008 to 2018.

18. Among public colleges that offer doctorate degrees, which college was the fastest growing: A. Oregon State University B. Georgia Southern University C. University of Mississippi D. Georgia Tech.

19. Among these public colleges, which is the fastest growing: A. University of Maine at Fort Kent B. Georgia Gwinnett College C. University of Hawaii-West Oahu D. Nevada State College.

20. The private college whose enrollment has grown the most was: A. Worcester Polytechnic Institute B. University of Southern California C. Rice University D. Yale University.

Answers: 1C; 2D; 3A; 4.A; 5D; 6B; 7A; 8D; 9A; 10C; 11A; 12A; 13C; 14D; 15A; 16D; 17 D. 18D; 19B; 20A ĂŹ Dr. Mark Fisher is a college and career consultant at Fisher Educational Consultants (www.fishereducationalconsultants.com) and a consultant for the College Planning Institute (www.GotoCPI.com).

EDUCATION

Atlanta Moishe House Resident Wins Award, Fellowship

Bari Beilinson, far right, with fellow Atlanta Moishe House residents

Bari Beilinson, a resident of Moishe House Atlanta-Virginia Highlands, is one of two Moishe House residents who received an award and travel fellowship last month. Beilinson received the third-annual Michael H.K. Cohen Award and Travel Fellowship at the Moishe House’s first-ever Global Virtual Training Conference Sept. 13.

Beilinson grew up in Austin, Texas, and has lived in three different Moishe Houses in three years. Friends and Moishe House staff have described her as being kind and welcoming. Moishe House has become so intertwined in Beilinson’s life that when she recently had to move to a new city for her job, she specifically requested cities that have a Moishe House presence.

When accepting her award, Beilinson said, “I pray Michael’s memory continues to inspire others to give

more of their time and devotion where it counts, by staying connected to others through the beauty of our Jewish culture ... and to giving of themselves.”

The award and fellowship include a travel stipend and allow the honorees to honor Cohen’s memory by exploring the world and engaging in new adventures.

Moishe House is the global leader in engaging Jewish young adults in peer-led programming. In 2019, through multiple programming initiatives, including Moishe Houses and Moishe Pods, Moishe House Without Walls and Immersive Jewish Learning Retreats, 70,000-plus young adults around the world participated in more than 12,000 programs. Moishe House programs are open to people from all Jewish backgrounds and are supported by generous funders in communities across the globe.

Program to Help Teens Become Israel Experts

For Jewish teens to fully understand the value of Israel in their identity, they need to grasp it before their college years.

That’s the conclusion reached from more than a decade of the Center for Israel Education’s engagement with Jewish pre-collegiate teachers.

Atlanta-based CIE is holding its fourth Teen Israel Leadership Institute in November with others planned for the months ahead.

In partnership with the Emory University Institute for the Study for Modern Israel, TILI will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 8 and 15. Applications from teens across the country are welcome, with space limited.

Interactive, innovative and online, the sessions offer Jewish 10th to 12th graders educational activities and experiences that acquaint and deepen knowledge about Israel’s place in Jewish history and enable them to answer how Jews sought, made and are sustaining a state. Topics include Israel’s changing borders, the connection between Jewish identity and Israel, Israel in the media, Israeli culture and politics, and what to expect about Israel on college campuses.

TILI teaching faculty have more than seven decades of experience in the class-

room and in experiential learning settings.

With the guidance of CIE staff after the institute, each participant is asked to deliver an Israel learning program for a community, synagogue, school or youth group, whether a one-time event or an ongoing series. Projects can be collaborative efforts.

Comments from previous workshop participants and applications can be found at israeled.org/teens. Applications are due Oct. 25. Because they are reviewed on a rolling basis, teens are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Participants pay a $54 fee for the program, which is heavily subsidized by donors. Students who complete the program will earn the CIE Teen Israel Leadership Institute Certificate in Israel Education.

CIE is a nonprofit, independent institution governed by a board of trustees, onethird of whom are current or past Jewish educators. CIE rests its Israel enrichment upon the use of primary texts and source materials, so as Israel’s story unfolds, learners grasp the skill of analyzing sources and placing them in context.

For more information, contact CIE’s teen program manager Michele Freesman at michele.freesman@israeled.org.

Compiled by AJT staff

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 31

BOOK FESTIVAL Book Festival Goes Big, Virtual Nov. 14. It’s the first novel by Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist Lawrence Wright about a global pandemic set in Atlanta.

By Roni Robbins The Book Festival of the MJCCA, believed the largest Jewish book festival in the country, may be even bigger this year. To be clear, while there may be half as many authors participating, the audience is expected to increase by at least thousands of viewers with the new virtual platform, the result of the national health crisis, said festival director Pam Morton.

The two-week virtual festival, including about 24 authors, runs from Nov. 7 to Nov. 22 with tickets either $6 or $11 except for programs that require a book purchase to access the event. Some programs are free.

Headliners include Rachel Bloom, Michael J. Fox, John Grisham, Joan Lunden, Natan Sharansky and Lawrence Wright.

As other communal organizations are finding, online programming offers a mixed bag.

“I joke with a lot of patrons: you can park as close as you want to your front door.

You can sit in the front row, and you can watch the entire event in your pajamas,” she said.

On the other hand, the human contact is missing, Morton admits. That includes going out to dinner before the event and standing in line for a book signing. “It’s hard to replicate that, unfortunately.” But the Q&A format should help, and authors have agreed to provide book plates or signed books, she said.

The book festival is part of the larger fall programming that began Sept. 1 and continues into 2021, or until it’s safe to begin 32 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

in-person programming, Morton said. “We have 40 events in the next 2 ½ months.”

Morton cited viewers from Germany and Sweden among those she’s heard are tuning into the book festival’s new In Your Living Room LIVE Zoom programming, an outgrowth of the pandemic. The book festival also will showcase the new relationship the MJCCA has built with members of the JCC Association of North America called The National JCC Literary Consortium. What began as a handful of Jewish community centers asking to partner with the MJCCA to share its book festivals with their members, has grown to 85 JCCs (including five in Canada) sharing programming, Morton said.

“Some JCCs are still closed; some are just getting reopened. Sadly, like us, many were forced to lay off or furlough staff.” The joint programming allows JCCs to provide compelling content to their communities and share in the revenue raised from the events.

Instead of an author selection meeting with 100 people in July and a smaller group going to the Jewish Book Council Network conference in New York to choose books, Morton pulled together about 20 lay leaders, including this year’s cochairs Deena Profis and Artie Gumer, past book festival chairs and those who signed up to go to New York, and presented about 50 to 60 authors over a two-night program via Zoom. “They chose the most compelling and most interesting to the community.”

Probably one of the most timely books in the lineup is “The End of October,” presented a little later than that time period,

All in the Family Among the other authors who made the list are those with big family connections. They include Esther Safran Foer, the mother of author Jonathan Safran Foer, who is also in the fall book program lineup.

Esther introduces her book, “I Want You to Know We’re Still Here: A Post Holocaust Memoir” at an event Nov. 9 that highlights the MJCCA’s Kristallnacht program.

Another family connection is Dale Berra, who writes in “My Dad, Yogi” about his famous father, a baseball legend. He appears at the festival Nov. 10. Then there’s Cameron Douglas, the son of actor Michael Douglas and grandson of Kirk Douglas, appearing Nov 11. The junior Douglas writes in “Long Way Home” about his struggle against drug abuse and his nearly eight years in prison.

Comedian Michael Ian Black writes to his teenager before he leaves for college, “A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to my Son” about being a mensch. Black appears Nov. 18.

Local Authors As part of the Prologue to the Book Festival, Arthur Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, presents “Good Company” Oct. 26 and Mike Leven, former CEO and chairman of the Georgia Aquarium, “Can’t Do it Yourself” Oct. 29.

On Nov. 17, the festival features Atlanta authors Harry Stern, former director of the MJCCA, “My Brother’s Keeper,” and Sandra Berman, former archivist of the Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, “Whitewashed.”

The events are 60 minutes with 15 minutes for audience Q&A, and all use the In Conversation format in which a journalist or other well-known moderator leads the discussion with the author, Morton said.

She explained, “It’s difficult to maintain the attention span of one person [with a lecture format]. It’s more entertaining with dialogue.”

Morton credits the Book Festival’s supporters for helping to make the event possible. “Once again, our loyal patrons, pacesetters and many sponsors offered their support with donations equaling or even greater than that of last year’s festival. We wouldn’t have this opportunity to showcase the best and the brightest of the year’s authors were it not for them.”

Learn more here about some of the headliners:

Natan Sharanksy and Gil Troy, “Never Alone.”

Sun., Nov. 8, 1 p.m.

In 1977, Natan Sharansky was arrested.

He was a leading activist for the democratic dissident movement in the Soviet Union and the movement for free Jewish emigration. Sharansky was a political prisoner for nine years, convicted of treason against the state. In “Never Alone,” he and historian Gil Troy show how Sharansky’s prison time prepared him for his public life, his work as an Israeli politician and the head of The Jewish Agency.

“Never Alone” includes reflections from his seat at the table as history unfolded in Israel and the Middle East, and his passionate efforts to unite the Jewish people.

Joan Lunden, “Why Did I Come into This Room? A Candid Conversation About Aging” Sun., Nov. 8, 8 p.m.

Acclaimed journalist and Baby Boomer Joan Lunden openly shares her anxieties and breakthroughs and how she’s coping with the realities of aging: wrinkles and age spots, expanding waistlines, diminished energy (my get-up-and-go got up and went), weak pelvic floors (yes, we’re talking about leaking), hot flashes, disrupted sleep, changes in sex drive (oh yeah, she goes there), ageism (it exists and it pisses us off), and yes, the real reasons we find ourselves always searching for those car keys! “Why Did I Come into This Room?” explores the science of aging and how it impacts the body and brain.

BOOK FESTIVAL

John Grisham, “A Time for Mercy” Wed., Nov. 11, 3 p.m.

The hero of the widely popular “A Time to Kill” returns in a courtroom drama that showcases New York Times best-selling author John Grisham at the height of his storytelling powers.

Jake Brigance finds himself embroiled in a deeply divisive trial when the court appoints him attorney for Drew Gamble, a timid 16-year-old boy accused of murdering a local deputy. Many in Clanton, Miss., want a swift trial and the death penalty, but Brigance discovers that there’s more to the story than meets the eye. Jake’s fierce commitment to saving Drew from the gas chamber puts his career, his financial security and the safety of his family at risk.

Lawrence Wright, “The End of October.”

Sat., Nov. 14, 8 p.m.

In this riveting medical thriller, Dr. Henry Parsons races to find the origins and cure of a mysterious new killer virus. He travels for the World Health Organization to Indonesia, where 47 people are pronounced dead with acute hemorrhagic fever. Parsons, a microbiologist and epidemiologist, learns that an infected man is preparing to join millions of worshippers in the annual hajj to Mecca.

Parsons and a Saudi prince and doctor try to quarantine the pilgrims in the holy city.

Meanwhile a Russian émigré, deputy director of U.S. Homeland Security, responds to what may be biowarfare.

In Atlanta, Parson’s wife and children face diminishing odds of survival. The novel is packed with suspense and includes a fascinating history of viral diseases.

Michael J. Fox, “No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality” Thurs., Nov. 19, 8 p.m.

Michael J. Fox is known for his humorous acting roles, including “Back to the Future” and “Family Ties,” but he’s equally engaged in advocacy for Parkinson’s disease, having been diagnosed at 29. His two previous best-selling memoirs dealt with coming to terms with the illness while exhibiting his iconic optimism. His new memoir reassesses this outlook as events in the past decade presented additional challenges.

Fox shares personal stories and observations about illness and health, aging, the strength of family and friends, and how our perceptions about time affect the way we approach mortality. The book provides a vehicle for reflection about our lives, our loves and our losses.

Rachel Bloom, “I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are” Sat. Nov. 21, 8 p.m.

From the charming and wickedly funny co-creator and star of “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” a collection of hilarious personal essays, poems and even amusement park maps on the subjects of insecurity, fame, anxiety and more.

In this exploration of what Rachel Bloom thinks makes her “different,” she’s come to realize that a lot of people also feel this way, even those she otherwise thought were “normal.”

In a collection of laugh-out-loud funny essays, all told in the unique, sometimes singing voice that made her a star, Bloom writes about her love of Disney, OCD and depression, weirdness, Spanx and how she didn’t poop in the toilet until she was 4. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 33

BOOK FESTIVAL

Arthur Blank’s Book Urges Pledge to Community

By Bob Bahr In his new book, “Good Company,” Arthur Blank shares what he considers the basis for his great success as a business and community leader. Blank, who helped found and build The Home Depot into one of America’s most successful corporations, believes that putting the needs of other people first is one of the most important principles he has learned. He also credits that guiding principle to the competitive success he’s enjoyed with his Atlanta Falcons football team and his Atlanta United soccer franchise.

He recently announced that all the proceeds from the book’s sale will benefit the NaArthur Blank’s new book is tional Center for set against the background of his considerable financial and Civil and Human competitive sports success.

Rights in Atlanta.

He’s made an initial contribution to the center of $300,000 as part of that commitment.

AJT: What do you think is missing in American life today?

Blank: I think what is missing is the sense of neighborhood. Creating an environment where you are really supporting each other in a way that is, as Dr. Martin Luther King said in his last book, community or chaos. We’re all here for a purpose and the greatest happiness, joy, peace, Arnica Spring Photography // Blank, pictured here at the headquarters of the Arthur Blank Family Foundation in Atlanta, is donating all the profits of love that we’re going to his new book to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. experience in our lives is not going to be by the accumulation of wealth. It’s not 1950s growing up in the Jewish neighborhood in Queens going to be by the accumulation of things and stuff and in New York City? whatever. It is going to be by sharing and giving back to Blank: Parents, then, felt responsible for their chilother people. And I believe that firmly. I know every day dren; they felt responsible for any children that they of my life it is 100 percent. saw on the street. So they had this notion of caring for each other, the old notion of support for each other.

AJT: How did you experience that in the 1940s and It was the notion, from an aspirational standpoint, of sharing dreams and sharing the successes and failures.

All that was done in very much of a neighborhood kind of basis. We need more of that today and we don’t have that today. We tend to live much more in silos, isolation, both individually as well as in groups. And I think that’s a step backwards. A step forward, which is kind of the "Limited Time RATE LOCK" essence in this book, is that, when we live as communities, we have much higher purpose that will give us the spiritual returns that are important to us leading a full and happy life.

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AJT: How do you see that idea working out in our country today?

Blank: I’ve never seen this country as divisive as it is today. Never. It’s very painful to see it. And it has to start with the leadership we have politically and go throughout our Congress and all. It shouldn’t be red or blue. It should be, you know, what are the right answers for the people that are being served. In the states, cities, wherever it may be, politicians need to do a lot better job at listening and understand where people are coming from.

AJT: So where do we start?

Blank: I think a lot of success we’ve had both in business and with the Arthur Blank Family Foundation has been based on the principle of being really good listeners.

It doesn’t take a brilliant mind to do that but what it does take is the sense of having a selfless kind of ego and being humble and understanding. There are answers out there if you just listen and ask the right questions. ì Arthur Blank will participate in the Prologue to the Book Festival of the MJCCA Oct. 28 to discuss his new book, “Good Company.”

BOOK FESTIVAL

Leven Prescribes Constructive Change

By Bob Bahr

Adelson and you were the CEO and chairman of the Georgia Aquarium, which Bernie In his new book “Can’t Do It Yourself,” Marcus created. What did working for these Mike Leven describes the two men teach you about lessons he’s learned over a what you call constructive 55-year career as a top exchange? ecutive and leader in the Leven: In terms of hospitality industry. He’s what Bernie did at Home also a prominent philanDepot and what Sheldon thropist who helped create has done at the Las Vegas the Michael A. Leven School Sands, they’re both incredof Management, Entrepre- Mike Leven has been president ibly creative. They’re also neurship and Hospitality at of the major hotel chains Holiday risk takers and very consoInn and Days Inn. He’s also Kennesaw State University. nant with their own judgbeen the CEO and chairman of The subtitle of the the Atlanta Aquarium and a top ments. When you work as book, “How Commitment executive of the Las Vegas Sands. sort of the number two guy to Others Leads to Personal for them, whatever your Prosperity,” highlights Leven’s belief that title is, the one thing that you have to make much of his success has come from how he’s sure that you do is you have to understand treated those he’s worked with and for. what their agenda is. Selling an idea to either When he was 34 and climbing the exec- one of them to create constructive change utive ladder in the hotel business, Leven met is not easy because they’re usually the idea Fred Jervis, who became a major influence in people. his life. Jervis, who taught psychology at the University of New Hampshire and was a sucAJT: Why do you think you have been so cessful corporate consultant, was blind. successful?

We caught up with Leven to ask about Leven: You know, you can be a disruphis book and success. tive manager, but you can’t be a destructive manager. What I have really learned is that AJT: What impact did Fred Jervis have the real happiness of an organization is on your life? when everyone feels they’re winning and Leven: Because he was blind, he judged that they’re in charge of change and producpeople on what they said instead of how ing the results that cause them to be feel sucthey looked. And I thought that was really cessful fascinating, His whole theory was that you construct your own change, and to be proacAJT: You write in your book that what tive in making change. For example, as an ex- matters at the end of a long career is who ecutive who has a COVID-19 situation that’s you have influenced and how you influenced going on right now, what do them. So how do you think you change? How can you you have influenced others? create change? What do Leven: Many people you want to end up with? really helped me to be sucSo you don’t let the cessful, both those who world continue to change worked under me and around you without lookthose who worked above ing at what you can do me. I think if I proved anyto create change within thing, you can be successful that environment. I consewithout being an animal. quently engaged in a proWhat I’m saying is that cess called the constructive you don’t have to be mean. change process. How can I You may have to be tough create change in this envifrom time to time, but if “Can’t Do It Yourself” ronment? That’s construc- emphasizes Mike Leven’s belief you can maintain relationtive change to get to end up ships with people, you’ll that success comes through how you treat others. where you really want to get through it. And I think be. And Jervis taught me that. looking back over it all, for me, that has been really good to know. ì AJT: Over the last 15 years or so, you worked for two of the most successful busiMike Leven will discuss “Can’t Do It Yournessmen in America. You were president of self” at the Prologue to the Book Festival of the the Las Vegas Sands Corporation for Sheldon MJCCA Oct. 29.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 35

BOOK FESTIVAL

Madden Stitches Together Compelling Story

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Adapt to new circumstances. Evolve.

Shoe executive Steve Madden’s memoir is not the first expose about a successful guy who came back from the depths of addiction. Nor is he the only one to rise from an unstable childhood and undiagnosed learning disability. Nor the first to serve time for white collar crime, portrayed in the blockbuster movie “The Wolf of Wall Street.” He is certainly not the first to resurface as a fashion genius.

He may indeed be the first to have experienced all of the above and more.

The 12 chapters of “The Cobbler” are cleverly labeled for shoe parts such as Outsole, Vamp, Heel, Throat, Upper, Shank, which have practical, yet esoteric definitions that may or may not relate to the subject matter. There are the photos of Madden with celebs Cardi B (Atlanta’s new resident), Katy Perry, and the Jenner girls with him at Nordstrom, and him cleaning the first Steve Madden store in 1993.

“The Cobbler” is a good read, mostly because you can hear Madden’s voice as if he was in the same room. Pain, triumph, pain, triumph. Self-discovery, Jew-

AJT: What’s the best advice you have given to your own three children?

Madden: Brush after eating.

36 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

AJT: You came from an interfaith household. What parts of Judaism do you carry?

Madden: My grandparents lived with me for years when I was 13. I learned to speak some Yiddish. Everyone says I have shpilkas! [impatience]

Shoe mogul Steve Madden owns up to overcoming his demons as his memoir makes for a meaningful, truthful read. Best of all, he thinks fashion will come back strong in 2021.

ish drive.

Best of all, even in childhood, Madden was a team player deferring credit to others with no ulterior motive. Even in prison, he strove to help fellow inmates and realized how fortunate he was to have a job awaiting his release.

He recently shared with the AJT some off-the-cuff observations.

AJT: What advice would you give to

addicts?

Madden: Alcoholism is a disease. It’s not your fault; try to get help.

AJT: You are credited with a “unique business perspective.” How does that compute?

Madden: It doesn’t; you have to show up every day and do the best you can. Work hard. Choose partners smartly.

AJT: What are future fashion trends?

Madden: I believe we will have a real dress up run. People will be getting over the pandemic and putting on their party shoes.

AJT: Any thoughts about Atlanta?

Madden: I’ve been to big shoe shows there. Once this is over, I’ll be there to see you all. ì

Madden appears virtually in the fall lineup of the Book Festival of the MJCCA at 8 p.m. Oct. 15.

BOOK FESTIVAL

Ottolenghi Cookbook Aims for Maximum ‘Flavor’

Eldercare Companions Serving Atlanta and Surrounding Areas Since 2005

By Bob Bahr

cultures and different ingredients for us.”

The book is built around three sections: Yotam Ottolenghi has come a long process, paring and produce. They seek to demonstrate how maxiway since he opened a mum taste can be coaxed small deli in London’s out of the garden by using trendy Notting Hill neighcooking technique and flaborhood 18 years ago. The vor partnerships to bring Israeli-born and educated out new approaches to dewriter and chef has a half veloping maximum taste. In dozen eateries scattered a YouTube video introducaround the British capital tion to the book, Ottolenghi and writes a weekly food emphasizes premixed flacolumn for The Guardvored oils and spice combiian, the country’s famed This is the eighth bestnations as “flavor bombs” to national newspaper in seller from Ottolenghi, give a quick lift to recipes for England, the New Yorker who won critical acclaim the home cook. magazine and The New for his examination of Arab and Israeli food in his “My first vegetable York Times in America. birthplace, Jerusalem. book, ‘Plenty,’ was the honHis latest cookbook, “Ottolenghi Flavor,” is a welcomed addition eymoon period,” he writes in the book’s to what has become a regular stream of introduction, “a great big party where cerbest-selling cookbooks cementing his tain vegetables — peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, mushrooms — got a whole chapter fame.

The book, published this month in to themselves, 'Plenty More' was all about the United States, pays homage to veg- process; recipes were divided into the etable cooking, international style, with ways in which the vegetables were treated: visually impressive recipes as much in- mashed or tossed or grilled and so forth. fluenced by the spices and seasonings of ‘Flavor’ is the third book in the series; it’s about understanding what Italy, Brazil and Mexico as makes vegetables distinct his own native Jerusalem. and, accordingly, devising As he described the work ways in which their flavors earlier this year in a procan be ramped up and tastmotional video, his aim is ed afresh.” to glorify the eggplants, Ottolenghi’s previzucchinis and other proous books have been duce he has chosen to big-time award winners. highlight.

His book on the food of “'Flavor' is a book Israeli Jews and Arabs in about vegetables in all Jerusalem was selected as their glory, their beauty. cookbook of the year by We really kind of push the International Associthe flavors to the limit to ation of Culinary Professhine the best possible Israeli-born Yotam Ottolenghi and Ixta Belfrage coax sionals; two others won light on vegetables.” maximum flavor out of prestigious James Beard Ottolenghi, who cotheir vegetable recipes. cookbook prizes; and his authored the book with Ixta Belfrage from his test kitchen staff in previous work “Ottolenghi Simple” was Britain, embraces a wide range of flavors chosen in 2018 as a best book of the year and textures and isn’t afraid to stretch the by NPR, The New York Times and San boundaries of vegetable cookery. Expect Francisco Chronicle.

In 2015, he was awarded an honto find tamarind, coconut and orange oil mixed in with the za’atar and coriander orary doctorate in Humane Letters by seeds in the recipes that Ottolenghi em- Brandeis University.

Ottolenghi, who once worked as an phasizes. His focus is in bringing out outeditor for Israel’s well-regarded newspastanding flavors from fine produce.

“We’re inspired by Middle Eastern per Haaretz, clearly loves his words as food, Italian food, Mexican food, Chi- much as his veggies. ì nese food and some food with no name.

Yotam Ottolenghi discusses his new There’s no rules about what, in our opinion, can go together. And I think a lot of book, “Ottolenghi Flavor,” Oct. 16 in the fall the recipes in ‘Flavor’ play with different lineup of the Book Festival of the MJCCA.

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BOOK FESTIVAL

Now For The Full Schedule Of Events: Thurs., Oct. 15 @ 8 p.m.

Mon., Oct. 26. @ 8 p.m.

Mon., Nov. 9 @ 8 p.m.

Steve Madden, The Cobbler

Arthur Blank, Good Company

In Conversation With: Holly Firfer, CNN journalist

In Conversation With: Virginia Prescott, GPB host of “On Second Thought”

Esther Safran Foer, I Want You To Know We’re Still Here

Fri., Oct. 16 @ 12:30 p.m.

Tues., Oct. 27 @ 8 p.m.

Yotam Ottolenghi, Ottolenghi Flavor: A Cookbook

Nancy Grace, Don't Be A Victim

In Conversation With: Lee Schrager, founder, South Beach Wine & Food Festival

In Conversation With: One of her sons TBD

In Conversation With: John Lemley, Sirius radio host, “Crime Stories With Nancy Grace”

Mon., Oct. 19 @ 8 p.m.

Thurs., Oct. 29 @ 8 p.m.

Jonathan Safran Foer, We Are The Weather

Mike Leven, Can’t Do It Yourself

Tues., Nov. 10 @ 1 p.m.

Rachel Beanland, Florence Adler Swims Forever & Kristin Harmel, The Book Of Lost Names In Conversation With: Andrea Peskind Katz (Dallas)

In Conversation With: TBD

In Conversation With: Gail Evans, former executive vice president, CNN

Thurs., Oct. 22 @ 8 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 8 @ 1 p.m.

Tues., Nov. 10 @ 8 p.m.

Judy Gold, Yes, I Can Say That

Natan Sharansky & Gil Troy, Never Alone

Dale Berra, My Dad, Yogi

In Conversation With: Mara Davis, local Atlanta media personality

In Conversation With: Jason Evans

In Conversation With: Nadia Bilchik, local media personality

Sun., Oct. 25 @ 8 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 8 @ 8 p.m.

Wed., Nov. 11 @ 3 p.m.

Harlan Coben, The Boy From The Woods

Joan Lunden, Why Did I Come Into This Room?

John Grisham, A Time For Mercy

In Conversation With: Emily Giffin, New York Times best-selling author

In Conversation With: Holly Firfer

38 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

In Conversation With: Holly Firfer

BOOK FESTIVAL Wed., Nov. 11 @ 8 p.m.

Mon., Nov. 16 @ 8 p.m.

Fri., Nov. 20 @ 2 p.m.

Cameron Douglas, Long Way Home: A Memoir Of Fame, Family, And Redemption

Ariel Sabar, Veritas

Mimi Lemay, What We Will Become

In Conversation With: Gail Evans

In Conversation With: TBD

In Conversation With: Mara Davis

Thurs., Nov. 12 @ 2 p.m.

Sat., Nov. 21 @ 8 p.m.

Michael Oren, The Night Archer

Rachel Bloom, I Want To Be Where The Normal People Are

In Conversation With: TBD

In Conversation With: TBD

Tues., Nov. 17 @ 1 p.m.

Thurs., Nov. 12 @ 8 p.m.

Harry Stern, My Brother’s Keeper & Sandy Berman, Whitewashed In Conversation With: Gail Evans

Sun., Nov. 22 @ 2 p.m.

Jim Mccloskey & Philip Lerman, When The Truth Is All You Have

Melissa Clark, Kid In The Kitchen

In Conversation With: Rabbi Brian Glusman

In Conversation With: TBD

Sat., Nov. 14 @ 8 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 22 @ 8 p.m.

Lawrence Wright, The End Of October

Wed., Nov. 18 @ 8 p.m.

In Conversation With: Greg Changnon

Michael Ian Black, A Better Man & Cleo Stiller, Modern Manhood

David Baldacci, Daylight In Conversation With: TBD

In Conversation With: Mara Davis

Sun., Nov. 15 @ 3 p.m.

Thurs., Nov. 19 @ 8 p.m.

Wed., Dec. 2 @ 7:30 p.m.

Raffi Berg, Red Sea Spies

Michael J Fox, No Time Like The Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality

Ina Garten, Modern Comfort Food

In Conversation With: Holly Firfer with special guest former Mossad commander Dani Limor

In Conversation With: Harlan Coben

In Conversation With: Michael Ian Black For More Information And To Buy Tickets, Visit Www.atlantajcc.org/ Interior-Pages/Arts-And-CultureBook-Festival-Virtual/ ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 39

CALENDAR Virtual Classes and Events: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 Significant Others of Addicts Support Group – From 1 to 2 p.m. Free weekly support group from JF&CS. This group is for spouses, partners and/ or significant others of those struggling with addiction. To register and for more information, sanderson@ jfcsatl.org.

BINGO with Hadassah Greater Atlanta – From 7 to 9 p.m. Play bingo via Zoom and help raise money for Best Strokes for awareness, research and treatment of breast and ovarian cancers. Questions, contact Terry Nordin at terrynordin@comcast.net. To register, www.bit.ly/3hPINFm. Jews and Jazz: A Discussion of the Impact of Jews on the Jazz Scene – From 7 to 8 p.m. Join the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum and meet Gary Motley and Dr. Gordon Vernick as they discuss the significant roles that Jews have played in the jazz scene as composers, performers, writers and entrepreneurs.

Learn about the contributions of composers such as George Gershwin, Yip Harburg, Oscar Hammerstein and more. This program will explore some of the most important compositions by these great composers while the backstories of “Jews and Jazz” are told. To register, www. bit.ly/2FIjZSx. Think Different – From 8 to 9 p.m.

Join Intown Jewish Academy for a weekly group to study the single

OCTOBER 15-31 most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries with master Tanya teacher Rabbi Ari Sollish. To register, www. bit.ly/3eNGmCi Abraham Accords: Context and Implications – From 8 to 9 p.m. High school students are invited to join Center for Israel Education founder and president Ken Stein and former Knesset member Nachman Shai for a conversation about Israel’s new agreements with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, the context in which they were reached, and the implications for the next U.S. administration. Teens will take away insight and understanding into how national interests have prevailed over ideologies in a region unsettled by political instability, economic decline and COVID-19. To register, www.bit.ly/2GyrlZw.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 Fresh Air Fridays – Kennesaw State University, Legacy Gazebo, 410 Bartow Ave., Kennesaw, from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Both faculty and students are slated to perform in the School of Music’s new “Fresh Air Fridays,” featuring live music at the Gazebo on the Kennesaw campus on Fridays beginning Sept. 11 and running through Oct. 30. Enjoy the concert from home or work; the concert will be livestreamed for free via ArtsKSU Virtual.

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

www.atlantajewishconnector.com

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

40 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

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

ISRAEL TODAY: A personal perspective featuring human rights activist Bassem Eid – From 1 to 2 p.m. Join the Atlanta Israel Coalition and The Weber School Rams for Israel for a conversation with Bassem Eid, a Jerusalem-based political analyst, human rights pioneer and expert commentator in Arab and Palestinian affairs. In 1996, he founded the Jerusalem-based Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group. In 2016, Eid assumed the role of chairman of the Center for Near East Policy Research. To register, www.bit. ly/3iBAEov.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 Bat Mitzvah Club (BMC) – Chabad of North Fulton, 10180 Jones Bridge Road, Alpharetta. The BMC at Chabad is a unique program designed for Jewish girls of bat mitzvah age. The BMC emphasizes this important stage in a girl’s life and regards it as a process of learning and discovering, rather than just an ordinary birthday celebration. The BMC helps Jewish girls learn about this important milestone, and experience Jewish tradition in a way that is relevant to their lives today. Tuition is $250 for the year. To register, www.chabadnf.org/bmc.

Kabbalah & Coffee – From 9:30 to 11 a.m. Discuss, explore and journey with Intown Jewish Academy. Learn about the world of Jewish mystical teaching and learn how to apply these profound teachings to your daily life. No prior Kabbalistic experience required. To register, www. bit.ly/2XYKXul From Oy to Joy! by Hadassah – From 11 to 12:30 p.m. Join Hadassah Greater Atlanta Health Professionals in finding balance and well-being in these uncertain times. Join Rabbi Ruth Abusch-Magder and psychologist and life coach Jessica Stern in a Zoom program as they offer tools for maintaining spiritual and emotional well-being based on our Jewish traditions and mental health practices. Contribution to Hadassah, $10.

To register, https://bit.ly/2ZlMZWV.

Lunch & Learn: Reading Torah with Midrash Tanhuma – From noon to 1 p.m. Join Rabbi Pamela Gottfried, Your Jewish Bridge and Congregation Bet Haverim, for this weekly class as the new cycle of Torah reading is begun anew, and explore what Midrash Tanhuma, one of the most interesting compilations of rabbinic interpretations, says about human nature and how to be your best self.

All are welcome; no previous experience necessary. To join, www.bit. ly/2EuL3V2.

Monday Night Parsha – From 7 to 8 p.m. Join Chabad of North Fulton for this virtual class by Rabbi Gedalya Hertz on the weekly parshah. To join, www.bit.ly/2zpsgIl. Medieval Jewry as Revealed in the Cairo Genizah – From 7 to 8 p.m. Join Congregation Etz Chaim for this virtual Melton class taught by congregant Dr. Shelley Buxbaum, who also wrote the curriculum for this course.

This ancient-era version of reality TV gives you a front-row seat to the drama, gossip, legal transactions, and other daily intrigues, straight from the Middle Ages. This course brings to life an exotic era in Jewish

history, revealing the inner thoughts of real-life characters and exploring the daily interactions and behaviors of Jewish men, women and families living along the Mediterranean more than 1,000 years ago. All of this has been uncovered through the discovery of a collection of worn-out scraps, text fragments and documents from ancient times. Come along for a journey of intrigue and adventure! To register, www.bit.ly/3gXtlqh.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20 Book Release: Honey on the Page by Miriam Udel– From 7 to 8 p.m. The Tam Institute for Jewish Studies at Emory University invites you to celebrate the publication of professor Miriam Udel’s latest book, “Honey on the Page: A Treasury of Yiddish Children’s Literature.” This virtual event will feature a conversation between professor Udel and Charles Howard Candler professor of psychology Marshall Duke. To register, www.bit.ly/3alfU1P. Brain Health Boot Camp – From 1 to 2 p.m. Join JF&CS to combat memory loss. This program is designed to provide memory enhancement techniques through cognitive stimulation, physical exercise, education and socialization. To register, contact Georgia Gunter at ggunter@ jfcsatl.org.

Virtual Infertility Support Group – From 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Join Jewish Fertility Foundation for a free virtual support group, open to any woman currently experiencing infertility.

RSVP on the JFF website to receive the private Zoom link and password.

To register, www.bit.ly/3eymfHJ.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21 Torah Studies, Live – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join Intown Jewish Academy for an in-depth analysis of the Torah portion. This program brings you the tradition of classical Jewish learning in a series of inspiring and engaging weekly classes. The lessons probe the depths of contemporary Torah thought, with a special focus

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES Bereishit Friday, October 16, 2020, light candles at 6:44 p.m.

Saturday, October 17, 2020, Shabbat ends at 7:38 p.m.

Noach Friday, October 23, 2020, light candles at 6:36 p.m.

Saturday, October 24, 2020, Shabbat ends at 7:30 p.m.

on issues surrounding spirituality, the human psyche, love and relationships. Every experience offers meaningful and timely lessons from the most timeless of texts. You will walk away surprised, inspired and knowing more about who you are — and who you can be. To join with Zoom, www.bit.ly/2VkBLjZ.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 Webinar and Discussion – From noon to 1 p.m. Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta presents an hour-long discussion panel with Cultures of Dignity founder Rosalind Wiseman and JTA Opinion Editor Laura Adkins, discussing how opposing viewpoints are leading to discord that threaten to disrupt our relationships with friends, family and colleagues. To register, www.bit.ly/3dfb1ai.

Around the World in 80 Minutes – From 7:30 to 10 p.m. Join Congregation Etz Chaim Young Adults for a virtual travel discussion and tour.

During COVID, travel is difficult. Join us from your living room and share your travel stories, whether it’s in a different country or in America.

Sharing is optional. Enjoy the “ride.”

To register, www.bit.ly/3leiv1y 12 Step Spiritual Study Group – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. From Chabad Intown for loved ones of those affected by addiction: Do you suspect that drugs, alcohol and destructive behavior are taking over your loved one’s life? Is your child, friend, spouse, sibling or other loved one struggling with addiction? Is a loved one in recovery? Have you been through the devastation of losing a

child, close friend, sibling or other loved one to addiction? Jeff’s Place presents a 12-week class and discussion with Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman. The class will explore the 12 Steps through a Jewish lens and draw guidance and strength to navigate this excruciating challenge. To register, www.bit.ly/3hTPeqT. JELF Young Professionals Online Game Night – At 8 p.m. Please join us to enjoy some laughs, prizes and good times at JELF’s Young Professionals Game Night. This evening will be a fun opportunity to interact with new people, play new and fun games and laugh along with Your Rocktioneer Seth Weiner. With 20plus years of experience in the entertainment industry, Weiner’s humor and vibrant nature will turn a Zoom call into a party! To register, www. bit.ly/36D2Dll.

ConnecTivism – Connect to Israel Activism – From 8 to 9 p.m. The Israeli American Council is proud to offer a five-session activism module (Oct. 22, 27, Nov. 10,17,24). In partnership with the Atlanta Israel Coalition, this innovative and interactive content is taught by activism experts. The program delves into subjects that are critical in building and strengthening Jewish leaders. Through interactive online sessions, participants follow an activism journey that guides and empowers them to become Israel activists. Space is limited. To register, www.bit.ly/30i20cU.

Experience Epstein Parent Information Session – From 8 to 9 p.m. Join The Epstein School for an information session about our learning community. To register, www.bit. ly/3nn1hBc. Think Different – From 8 to 9 p.m. Join Intown Jewish Academy for a weekly group to study the single most transformative Jewish spiritual text written in the last three centuries with master Tanya teacher Rabbi Ari Sollish. To register, www.bit. ly/3eNGmCi

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 Atlanta Bar and Bat Mitzvah EXPO ONLINE – All day. Atlanta’s top mitzvah pros join together online to give you a fun, safe mitzvah planning experience as the EXPO goes online this fall. Expect fresh ideas, multi-media virtual vendor booths, Zoom panels on hot topics, live entertainment, door prizes, deals, and the Ultimate Mitzvah Giveaway! Add on the FREE Mitzvah Curbside Experience to pick up vendor gifts and treats at a drive-by with live entertainment and mitzvah décor display on the first day of the show. To register, www.bit.ly/3mCzRH4.

JIFLA 10 Year Celebration! – 11:45 to 12:30 p.m. Join JIFLA virtually to celebrate its success and honor Volunteers of the Decade Jay and Judy Kessler at the rescheduled 10 Year Celebration. JIFLA’s LIVE emcee will visit JIFLA borrowers, volunteers and donors. Their stories are emotional and highlight JIFLA’s important work. All will enjoy a delicious to-go brunch from POP Kosher Catering featuring a Southern chicken biscuit with amazing sides, plus a custom specialty cocktail – The Savanna Sunrise! To register, https:// bit.ly/2RWPfji.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26 Summit Piano Trio – From 7:30 to 9 p.m. Summit Piano Trio is comATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 41

prised of Kennesaw State University faculty Helen Kim, violin; Charae Krueger, cello; and Robert Henry, piano. The critically acclaimed ensemble-in-residence will perform highly refined and dynamic works of Haydn, Shostakovich and Debussy. They perform regularly at KSU and can be heard on WABE, Atlanta’s NPR station, and throughout the country. The concert can be viewed at www.bit.ly/30JgjYi

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

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27 Virtual LinkedIn Workshop – From 10 to noon. Join JF&CS for a twohour virtual LinkedIn workshop designed to give jobseekers and those in career transition a solid base of information to strengthen their brand on LinkedIn. This workshop will cover how to set up a profile and use the job search resources offered through LinkedIn. To register, www. bit.ly/2Y4agvp.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28 A Call to Action: Becoming an Ally – From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Join ADL and Temple Kol Emeth and become an advocate for No Place to Hate.

What can I do? Am I an ally? These are questions so many people have been asking. We believe it’s important to address the hateful rhetoric and incivility that is becoming more commonplace in our society. Many people have expressed concern they want to be an advocate for their neighbors but do not know how to do this or what to say. Don’t miss this interactive workshop that examines issues of privilege and bias, and gain the skills to respond to incidents of bias and hate. To register, https://bit. ly/3d2K6jH.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29 Maintaining Dignity at a Time of Discord, A Talk Back – From 9 to 10 a.m.

Join Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta for a follow-up on its Oct. 22 webinar with Rosalind Wiseman and Laura Adkin. This online discussion will be about of how we, as a culture and as women, can maintain a narrative of respect and dignity. This interactive discussion will use clips from the 42 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

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

They are counting participants in these Zoom services as part of a minyan, allowing members to recite full prayer services including “Mourner’s Kaddish.” To participate via phone, dial 929-205-6099 and then enter the meeting code 404 873 1743. To be a part of services, visit the Zoom link, www.bit.ly/2wnFWlD.

previous webinar to spark dialogue and allow you to share your personal experiences with this topic. To register, www.bit.ly/3dfb1ai.

Hillels of Georgia’s A Salute to Michael Coles: The Impact of One Tough Cookie – From 7 to 9 p.m.

Please join Hillels of Georgia for a virtual evening of entertainment in honor of the Billi & Bernie Marcus Visionary Award recipient Michael Coles. The virtual event, A Salute to Michael Coles: The Impact of One Tough Cookie will be livestreamed on YouTube for all to celebrate. To register, https://bit.ly/3iCmfIM. Rothschild Lecture featuring civil rights expert Eric Ward – From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Tam Institute for Jewish Studies at Emory will feature Eric K. Ward, executive director of the Western States Center. With roots in community organizing and civil rights work, Ward has been a leading voice in national discussions on how to combat hate violence and preserve democratic institutions, governance and inclusive societies. The lecture is titled “Skin in the Game: American Jews, Whiteness, and the Contemporary Movement for Racial Justice.” Rather than a traditional lecture, this virtual event will be organized as a conversation in which Tam Institute’s director Eric L. Goldstein will interview and engage with Ward about the historical contexts, current challenges, and future possibilities that together reflect Jews’ complex and often contradictory place in America’s racial terrain. Goldstein is the author of the 2006 book, “The Price of Whiteness: Jews, Race, and American Identity.”

To register, www.bit.ly/34vMxra.

Please send Virtual Classes & Events to amy@atljewishtimes.com.

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

Synagogue Livestreaming Services:

Ahavath Achim Synagogue – Shabbat evening services at 6:30 p.m. Shabbat morning services at 9:30 a.m. To watch and for more information, www.bit.ly/38dS4Ed. Congregation Beth Shalom’s Virtual Services – Erev Shabbat, Fridays at 6:30 p.m., Shabbat service, Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., and Zoom minyan Sunday at 9:30 a.m. For more information, www.bit.ly/3gY0mUK. Congregation Etz Chaim – Erev Shabbat Musical, Fridays at 6:30 p.m.

Shabbat morning services at 9:30 a.m. Join for weekly livestream Shabbat services and discover for yourself why Rabbi Dorsch calls Etz Chaim “The Shul with the Neshama (soul) of the South.” To join, www.bit. ly/3gWL02s.

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

Temple Kol Emeth Services – Shabbat Services on Fridays at 8 p.m. View our services on www.kolemeth.net or www.facebook.com/Temple Kol Emeth-Marietta, GA.

Temple Sinai Livestream Services – Temple Sinai has live Shabbat services on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. For more information and to view services, www. bit.ly/2BXRfTF. Congregation Or Hadash – Shabbat services Friday night at 6:30 p.m., Saturday morning services at 9:15 a.m., minyan Sunday and Tuesday mornings. To participate and get Zoom link, got to www.or-hadash. org.

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

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

Connector Chatter Directory Spotlight www.atlantajewishconnector.com

William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum In conversation with David Schendowich How long has your organization been in Atlanta?

The William Breman museum has been here for 25 years.

How does your organization help the community?

As one of the leading cultural destinations in Atlanta, our Jewish history, culture and arts center is home to the permanent exhibition “Absence of Humanity: The Holocaust Years, 1933-1945,” Blonder Gallery and the Schwartz Gallery, each hosting a variety of traveling and rotating exhibitions. The Museum Library and Archives for Southern Jewish History add to our Atlantabased attractions while The Weinberg Center for Holocaust Education provides meaningful educational resources for students, teachers and lifelong learners.

Due to the coronavirus, we are now offering an active schedule of online Zoom webinars, videos, activities, lesson plans and more that are designed specifically while COVID-19 is a threat to the health of our visitors. Visit TheBreman.org for program schedules and Museum at Home content.

How do you cater to young members?

We cater to younger members of the community through programming, exhibitions and tours.

American Jewish Committee In conversation with Amanda Budd How long has your organization been in Atlanta?

Since 1944. Just last year we celebrated our 75th anniversary!

How does your organization help the community?

AJC Atlanta connects the community to AJC’s global advocacy work. Our local access to diplomats, elected officials, and ethnic and religious leaders advances AJC’s broader global priorities: combating antisemitism, promoting Israel’s place in the world, and countering the spread of radicalism and extremism. AJC Atlanta does this through innovative coalition building in the community, which allows us to build longstanding relationships with the Atlanta and Southeast as a whole.

Since the onset of COVID-19, AJC has pivoted to a virtual world by offering weekly programing through AJC Advocacy Anywhere programs, local regional programs, and continued virtual Zoom meetings for our congressional advocacy. Learn more about AJC’s Advocacy Anywhere programs at https:// www.ajc.org/advocacy-anywhere.

How do you cater to younger members of the community?

AJC’s young professionals division, ACCESS, offers young leaders unique opportunities to network, meet with elected officials and diplomats, and trainings to be effective advocates in the community. Learn more about ACCESS at www.ajc.org/ACCESSatlanta.

The College of the Arts at Kennesaw State University In conversation with Kathie Beckett How long has your organization been in Atlanta?

The College of the Arts at Kennesaw State University began in 1966 as part of Kennesaw Junior College with programs in both music and art. Today, KSU is one of the most artistically vibrant communities in Georgia and is home to over 1,800 majors in the School of Art and Design, the Department of Dance, the School of Music, and the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies. Typically, the College hosts over 100 events, exhibitions and performances each year.

Faced with COVID-19, ArtsKSU quickly invented new ways to present our season online and for free, via virtual exhibitions; livestreamed concerts; socially distant, technology-enhanced theater productions; and an online dance-on-film festival. These digital modalities will preserve our artistic and educational mission as well as further our community connections.

How does your organization help the community?

The arts are a unique part of being human, and we offer the community many opportunities to celebrate and experience the arts in their lives. For example, all of our visual art exhibitions are free and open to the public. We also held free Summer Arts Intensive virtual workshops in visual arts, dance, theater and music, and, while they were geared toward high school students, anyone was welcome to watch. We also offer many outreach events to high school students, including the KSU Dance Festival, School of Music outreach events such as Choral Days, etc. We also welcome the community to campus with our annual (free) Spring Arts Festival.

Our Master Craftsman Program student sculptural work may be seen at Town Center Aviation Park, the City of Kennesaw, and at The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History, to name just a few. Finally, arts patrons may choose from over 100 performances in the season, from internationally acclaimed violinist Helen Kim to first-class plays and musicals to visiting artists, dancers and musicians from around the world.

How do you cater to younger members of the community?

ArtsKSU has produced “Synergy” (now “ArtsKSU Revue”) for young audiences at Cobb Energy [Performing Arts] Centre for several years to bring the performing arts to underserved communities. Future plans for virtual programming include master classes and workshops, and also P-12 arts educational programming to help fill the void of limited access to arts programming for the younger community. Metro Atlanta P-12 visual arts educators recently contributed to the Zuckerman Museum of Art’s “Infectious Creativity” exhibition. The exhibition, a snapshot of a moment in time, features diverse works created during quarantine and offers a glimpse of the creative processes of front-line educators.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 43

COMMUNITY Reflections on the High Holidays The recent high holidays were certainly far from the traditional observations we have come to expect each year in our spiritual homes. Whether congregants watched services online from their living room or were among the designated few allowed in the sanctuary, Atlanta’s Jewish community found a way to observe in a meaningful way in light of a global pandemic. A few members of the AJT staff, along with several correspondents, shared either their holiday experiences or reflections gathered from fellow congregants.

Those included meals poolside and playing with a puppy while streaming amid nature.

Bird’s Eye View of Services

Services go High Tech

Rabbi Spike Anderson, Cantor Lauren Adesnik, and Rabbis Rachael and Max Miller did a great job leading high holiday services virtually.

By Lilli Jennison

it was livestreamed on Facebook so I’d get a notification on my cellphone when services Growing up, I never belonged to a syna- started.

Prior to this September, I didn’t know gogue, but my mom found a way for us to much about this synagogue attend services. Many years that I joined. Watching serwe went to Shema Yisrael vices, I learned so much. I – The Open Synagogue. thought it was so beautiful Some years we attended that Rabbis Max and RaCongregation Bet Haverim chael Miller are married with a family friend. A couwith a baby girl. I loved each ple of years we streamed of their sermons and Rabbi services through The TemSpike Anderson’s, which hit ple. So I am no stranger to close to home for me. I also streaming services. Back enjoyed Cantor Lauren Adthen I was not a fan; I liked I particularly enjoyed Rabbi esnik’s beautiful voice. getting dressed up and goMax Miller’s sermon on erev Yom Kippur in which he spoke My mom and I ing to services. about friendship and how watched Rosh Hashanah When I graduated important community is. services on my cellphone from Kennesaw State University, I got an email from Hillel explaining in my backyard surrounded by trees and that a few of the synagogues in Atlanta offer nature while my puppy played. It was very free membership to people under 30. Never spiritual and cozy. The rabbis and cantor belonging to a synagogue, I took them up on made us feel like we were there with them and not watching through the offer and joined Temple a tiny screen.

Sinai and Temple Emanu-El. For Yom Kippur, I At the time, I also worked for starvingly watched on my Congregation Etz Chaim. couch with my mom and Last year, I attended Etz my napping puppy beside Chaim for high holiday serme. It was very nice bevices. I helped moderate the cause we had services on youth services as part of my all day. Even while we were job. It felt so nice to be in the cooking for break the fast, synagogue singing along at we listened to the Neilah services with all the kids. [final] service, which was so This year, I got invited beautiful. When we heard virtually to services for Sithe shofar blow, we knew it nai and Emanu-El, and alBagel enjoyed playing in the backyard while Lilli streamed was time to eat! though I’m not a member, Temple Emanu-El services.

While most people I Etz Chaim, because I had worked there for four years and made many talked to enjoyed it but want to get back into connections. I hopped around a bit, but ulti- shul next year, I would love to stream servicmately landed on Emanu-El. I enjoyed that es again next year.

44 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Etz Chaim congregants who attended services brought their own tallit. Anyone who borrowed from the rack, covered to prevent use, were asked to return to ushers or maintenance staff.

By Roni Robbins As a lead usher at Congregation Etz Chaim, I was among 50 people who played a role in the high holiday services, given permission to attend in person as others watched online from home. While I stayed in the back of services, those approved to attend were spaced out the prescribed 6 feet, and only families could sit together. The spots were carefully designated with blue tape and name tags on the pews.

A sign on the synagogue door states masks must be worn. They were provided for those who forgot. Temperatures were taken as attendees entered, although I don’t believe anyone registered too high a degree.

Hand sanitizer was available at all sanctuary entrances and on the bimah. The newly created “health and wellness gabbai,” primarily Executive Director Marty Gilbert, sanitized the podiums and microphones on the bimah before a new person or family took a turn leading a portion of the service. A posted sign indicated that anyone taking a kippah should not return it to the bin. Congregants also brought their own prayerbooks and tallitot. Those who borrowed, returned the items to the ushers or maintenance staff.

The vast majority of those in attendance throughout the High Holy Days participated in services, mostly for Torah services, along with shofar blower Stan

Blue tape on the pews kept congregants in attendance seated at a distance from each other.

Fineman, who tooted the ram’s horn on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. The shofar end was encased in the standard disposable light blue mask.

Being in shul was a powerful experience for me, although eerily quiet of course.

Even my longtime volunteer usher position took on a new form as I guided congregants to seats instead of primarily monitoring when they could enter the sanctuary. Its doors remained open to help with air flow.

In speaking with a number of Atlanta Jews who watched services from home, I learned they enjoyed being able to tune in when they liked, grab a snack during the Rosh Hashanah service, and observe from their living rooms in casual attire, to say the least.

Congregants also were permitted to attend one of the synagogue’s handful of live and outdoor shofar-blowing Tashlich services on Rosh Hashanah day two, as long as they were among the first 50 to sign up at each site. I attended at East Cobb Park, where recent college grad Amanda Miller blew the shofar as she’s done during past years and for online minyanim before the holiday.

Just days before Yom Kippur, on Shabbat, Etz Chaim had difficulty with its livestreaming “due to circumstances beyond their control,” Gilbert said. But most of those issues were resolved by the holidays, and viewers were able to enjoy the services without issues.

Extra Sweet Challah Poolside

COMMUNITY Pre-Recorded, Meditative and Moving

By Flora Rosefsky

By Terry Segal

the Gold Branch Trail in Marietta. They hiked their way down to the Chattahoochee River to perform Tashlich From her unusual with dissolvable paper and homemade sweet challah bubbles, delivered to their to hearing the shofar at a home in an AA high holidrive-through in Ahavath day gift bag the week beAchim Synagogue’s parkfore. While standing by the ing lot, Allison Feldman river, they read the prayers said the high holidays cerand discussed what they’d tainly looked different this done in the past year and year, but her family still what they’d like to do betobserved in a meaningful ter in the coming year. “We way. also apologized for all the She and her husband, crazy things we had said/ with their two young sons, ate their Rosh Hashanah Allison Feldman baked challahs yelled at each other while dinner outside by the pool for the high holidays, including we were locked in together one using peanut butter, with virtual learning.” at the home of her brother chocolate and butterscotch.

That Sunday evening, and sister-in-law. She said the peanut butter, chocolate and butter- the family of four once again sat around scotch challah she had baked and brought their couch, this time to attend AA’s Kol Nidre virtually online. Feldman said this was was a big hit.

She relayed how on Saturday and her favorite of all the high holiday services.

Sunday, she logged onto AA’s website to “My kids even cheered when I popped up on participate in services. “In this bizarre year the television to deliver my Sisterhood presiof 2020, is it any surprise I found myself sit- dent’s message. It was all very surreal.”

This year’s fast ting on my couch, praying seemed easier for her, she remotely with the rest of said. “I must have conmy congregation? I supserved more energy withpose not,” she said. out having to get dressed On a fall Sunday afand drive down to synaternoon, the second day gogue to attend in person. I of Rosh Hashanah, the kept myself busy attending Feldmans piled into the car online services throughout for AA’s drive-in shofar serthe day.” vice. “What was Rosh HaWith the traditional shanah without hearing Feldman’s two sons pop out of break fast meal held at her the shofar?” They parked the car’s sunroof to hear the family’s house poolside, their car in AA’s lower shofar blowing at a drive-through just as it had been for Rosh lot where their two boys service in AA’s parking lot.

Hashanah’s first meal, the popped out of the sunroof family closed the book on this year’s reimagto listen to the blowing of the ram’s horn.

Mid-week, Feldman took her sons to ined high holidays.

None of us knew what to expect from the High Holy Days 2020 at Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell, but everyone I spoke to commented on the extraordinary efforts of a few key players: Dave Shapiro and Ilene Alter, who prerecorded parts of the services, with The Segal family records an Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner and Cantor aliyah for Rosh Hashanah.

Nancy Kassel creating a seamless presentation of worship, meditative nature scenes, or masked and shielded at safe distances around the sanctuary. and the community engaged in mitzvot.

The plexiglass enclosures around the The rabbi’s husband Jay Weiner said, rabbi and cantor al“In a time where we lowed them to speak feel very isolated, I and chant, unmasked, think people were within their spaces. surprised by the powMy daughter er of the services.” He Sascha Balan said, enjoyed seeing “the “Even though security heart of the clergy,” at the temple is a high clips of the choir and priority, it was espemembers participatcially nice not to have ing from home with to worry about that aliyot, readings, and Temple Beth Tikvah tote bag of holiday for temples everypast presidents virtugifts delivered to congregants. where during these ally passing the Torah holy days.” scrolls on Kol Nidre.

Our family thoroughly enjoyed ser“I wouldn’t want it to be that way all of the time, but I think we should continue to vices. We were comfortable, little ones vocalized and moved around freely, everyone had stream live once we are all back together.”

One congregant, who asked not to be a front row seat. It was as if the rabbi spoke identified, said it was much better than ex- directly to us. The imagery of nature shown pected and appreciated the gift of a temple during periods of reflection enhanced our tote bag delivered to congregants filled with meditation and prayer. The afternoon Zoom candles, duck food for Tashlich, a guide to study sessions were meaningful.

Sadly, in the late afternoon of Yom Kipservices, a world ball, honey sticks, sweet treats, HHD (High Holy Day) Bingo and a pur, Cantor Kassel was called away, having plastic shofar. Her frustrations involved tech- received word that her mother Valerie Cohen nology glitches and disappointment at not Kassel, age 95, had passed. But how powerful it was that, while we held their family in our being able to pray together in person.

Several people mentioned how much prayers, the cantor’s pre-recorded voice carthe choir enhanced the already beautiful ried us through the melodies of the Neilah services, whether singing from their homes service.

Home Yom Tov for Two

By Chana Shapiro As it turned out, the High Holy Days this year were, for my husband and me, wonderful.

My husband Zvi and I prayed at home.

Our Orthodox synagogue, Congregation Beth Jacob, did not have Zoom services.

To accommodate those of us “praying in place,” our rabbis prepared guidelines for abridged services that included all the essential prayers as well as suggestions of additional meaningful and illuminating readings. With the prayer guide from our shul, our own machzorim (prayer books) and familiarity with the services, my husband and I planned to pray at home.

Zvi and I treasure being in our syna-

gogue on the High Holy Days when our congregation gathers with devotion and passion, and we feel our shared, as well as individual, Jewish destiny. How would the two of us at home manage without the congregational and rabbinic context to guide and enrich us?

How might we use our isolation to intensify our experience? Was there a plus side to what seemed to be a pretty strong negative?

Finally, we realized the advantage of the unique ambiance in which we prayed. We were home in our own little shul, but better.

Instead of davening together in one room, we could each settle in a favorite spot in our home.

We dressed in synagogue attire, with Zvi in his white kittle. I prayed in our bright living room; Zvi davened in his study. I wanted

to be immersed in light; Zvi wanted to nest among his books. We took our machzorim into our chosen spaces and, unled by chazzan, rabbis and other service leaders, read at our own pace, stopping at will to think or follow a footnote or commentary.

I stuck with the shorter essential services at my own tempo and had the luxury of dwelling on poems and commentary in English, many of these selections for the first time. Zvi followed the complete unabridged versions of the services and spent many hours reading from relevant books in his home Judaica library. Every so often we took breaks to share thoughts, questions, and on the days of Rosh Hashanah, to share meals.

Time passed quickly for us. We heard the outdoor communal shofar blowing on

Zvi Shapiro blows the shofar at the end of Yom Kippur

Rosh Hashanah, but nothing was organized for the blast closing Yom Kippur. After we davened the Neilah service, Zvi took his shofar from the shelf, and, for the two of us, delivered one long, beautiful blast. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 45

COMMUNITY

Dr. Seuss Enthusiast

By Chana Shapiro

Ofer Ayal carefully selected framing to perfectly suit “Self Portrait of a Young Man Shaving,” a favorite piece of Dr. Seuss art.

shiva High School in 1989. After attending Tulane University, he started “a 25-year love-hate relationship with the restaurant industry,” in which he spent most of that time as a chef in the Atlanta area.

One of the culinary stops along the way Ofer Ayal, his wife Kristin and their was Pastis Roswell. Some close friends had son Harry live in a light-filled contem- visited family in California and came back porary home in with three pieces of Chamblee.

The Seuss art from “The cheerful ambiance Secret Art of Dr. is the perfect setSeuss” collection. ting for Ayal’s cuAyal was enthralled rated collection of and “very jealous!” whimsical Dr. SeAt that time, he uss-related items, was not financially many of them rare, able to buy art, but all of them delighthe loved the idea ful. of owning one Ayal was born of these valuable in Jerusalem and pieces. his family moved One day durSeuss collector Ofer Ayal, with to Atlanta in 1978. ing the restaurant’s wife Kristin and son Harry.

He attended The afternoon “siesta,” Epstein School and graduated from Ye- while walking around downtown Roswell,

46 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

“Wisdom of the Oriental Cat” and “Green Cat with Lights” have appreciated in value and are equally treasured, independent of their monetary worth.

he found Ann Jackson Gallery selling pieces rabbit hole! Most framed pieces have come together with excellent results; only once from the same collection he had admired.

“I soon befriended the gallery curators- did I feel the need to reframe a piece,” he owners,” Ayal said. “The Seuss collections said. “I especially love the pieces in which were meaningful to me: they were gorgeous, my own framing style works with the art of intrinsically valuable, and had great nostal- Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss’ real name).

“I have several favorites within my colgic impact because my parents read all the Seuss books to me as a child. Acknowledg- lection: my first purchase, ‘Sawfish,’ and the one I consider my ing my love of the best combination art and my longing of art and framing, to own one of the ‘Self-Portrait as a pieces, the gallery Young Man Shavowners allowed ing.’ The ones that me to put a small have appreciated amount down on the most, both in the art and pay it my personal conoff, while letting nection to them as me hang the piece well as monetarily, in my house! My are ‘Wisdom of the first piece was Oriental Cat’ and ‘Sawfish,’ and I was off to the races!”

“Turtle-Necked Sea Turtle:” This table sculpture ‘Green Cat with Lights,’” Ayal conFifteen years is one of the seven witty marine sculptures in a Dr. Seuss collection called “Marine Muggs.” tinued. later, no longer a “I recently added two pieces from chef, Ayal is now a residential real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway. More fi- the illustrations of Dr. Suess, with more nancially secure, he owns three sculptures recognizable characters and images from and 18 framed pieces, which he considers the books. With those, the sculptures, and his most treasured possessions. He gets pieces from the ‘Secret Art of Dr. Seuss,’ I regular updates on new releases, and “if am VERY happy with the way my collecthey affect me, I find a way to make them tion has grown.”

Ayal does not collect as an investment, mine. I would love to have them all, but finances and wall space limit my collection.” has no plans to sell his pieces, and will nevEvery piece is numbered, and each re- er purchase art for the sake of pure acquilease is regulated by the Seuss estate. More sition then store it in a back bedroom. He than 150 pieces have been released by the slowly grows his collection, still allowing Seuss estate, offering a wide variety from for a new piece that has special meaning to him. He enthusiastically sums up his which Ayal can select favorites.

Ayal generally limits his collection to collecting experience: “There is hardly a pieces without the more recognizable char- better feeling than carefully deciding how acters/images such as Cat in the Hat, Lorax, to frame a special new piece and then takHorton, then adds his own input with fram- ing the framed piece home to enjoy every ing choices, which he calls “another whole single day!” ì

COMMUNITY

Huntcliff Gets First Sukkah

By Anna Levy Sunrise at Huntcliff Summit has its own mini sukkah for the first time, thanks to resident Julian Yudelson. Having a sukkah for more than 50 years, the Atlanta native believes everyone should have one. So when he noticed the residents of the Sandy Springs facility didn’t, he set out to change that.

Yudelson has deep roots in the Atlanta Jewish community that go as far back as the 1960s. He and his late wife, also from Atlanta, graduated with master’s degrees from Emory University. In the early 1960s, Yudelson moved north to Rochester, N.Y., to teach marketing as a college professor.

After his wife’s passing five years ago, Yudelson decided it was time to return to Atlanta to be close to his family. Yudelson also returned in the hopes of connecting with some of his former Jewish classmates from high school.

“The Jewish community was even more tight-knit back then,” Yudelson explained.

“Everybody knew everybody.” Yudelson quips that he was “probably related to half of Jewish Atlanta back then.”

Yudelson takes a selfie in front of his sukkah.

Yudelson’s two-person sukkah, where he has met with two residents of Huntcliff already.

Last November, he became a resident of the Huntcliff senior living home. Being a practicing modern Orthodox Jew, Yudelson quickly began preparing to make Huntcliff his own community. He noticed that about

30 percent of the home’s population were also Jewish, and that there were ways he could help bring Judaism to the facility.

To continue using his background as a professor, Yudelson currently teaches a

Shabbat afternoon parshah class (based on the Torah portion) for any residents interested. Four to five residents join him for every class. He emphasized the importance of exposing residents to Jewish traditions and customs and teaching them Jewish ideologies.

As part of this ideology, he asked Huntcliff if he could set up a sukkah. After ensuring proper safety and sanitation due to COVID-19, management gave him permission to erect the sukkah. Yudelson bought a tiny two-person sukkah from a Judaica store off Briarcliff Road. He borrowed the sukkah’s lulav and etrog from his synagogue, Congregation Or Hadash.

He uses the small sukkah to eat, light candles, and pray, and so far, two residents have joined him: Rochelle Spandorfer and Grace Benator. Yudelson explained that many people living at the facility do not have much exposure to Sukkot, and he hopes to help include them in those traditions.

Yudelson mentioned that the facility is “very supportive” of its Jewish residents; there are Shabbat services at Huntcliff every Friday. He hopes to continue this sukkah tradition and his efforts to make the Jewish residents of Briarcliff feel more at home. ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 47

COMMUNITY

AJA’s National Merit Semifinalists

Matthew Minsk

By Allen H. Lipis Atlanta Jewish Academy is excited to have two National Merit semifinalists: seniors Noah Chen and Matthew Minsk.

The top 1.25 percent of PSAT test takers become National Merit semifinalists. In February, the semifinalists advance to finalist standing.

Becoming a National Merit finalist is competitive and requires a top score on the PSAT. Although it varies from state to state, most students must score above 1400 (out of 1520) to qualify as a semifinalist. PSAT scores between 1210 and 1520 are also excellent scores that will put a student in the top 10 percent of all test takers.

AJA Head of School Rabbi Ari Leubitz said of the winning AJA students, “I am so proud of Matthew and Noah; these young men exemplify what an AJA student is – not only A+plus students, but A+ humans. They have shown strength not only in general studies, but also demonstrate a love for high-level Judaic studies and learning. These young men are allaround mensches!”

The parents of the two winners, Karen and Mike Chen, and Julie Kaminsky and Alan Minsk said they were proud of their sons, who have been friends since the first grade, and are looking forward to their sons’ futures.

The National Merit Scholarship program honors students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Over 1.5 million juniors took the PSAT/ NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) last year and 16,000 nationally qualified as National Merit semi48 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Noah Chen

finalists based on selection index score.

Those who qualified were the highest scorers in each state.

To ensure that academically talented young people from all parts of the United States are included in this talent pool, semifinalists are designated on a state-representational basis. National Merit semifinalists then have the opportunity to apply to become National Merit finalists and earn a $2,500 scholarship to be used towards the student’s freshman year of their college of choice.

To be considered for a National Merit scholarship, semifinalists must advance to finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and all other requirements. All winners are chosen for the finalist group based on their abilities, skills and accomplishments, regardless of gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference. Winners are selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors without consideration of family financial circumstances, college choice, major or career plans. About 7,500 finalists will be selected to receive a merit scholarship, notified from March through mid-June.

Colleges in the South where National Merit finalists get full rides or full-tuition scholarships include Auburn University, the University of Alabama (Birmingham and Huntsville campuses), Florida A&M and Florida International University.

A small number of schools offer full tuition to National Merit semifinalists, including the University of Alabama (with 3.5 or higher GPA), Auburn University, Florida A&M, Florida Atlantic University and Florida College. ì

COMMUNITY SIMCHA SPOTLIGHT

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Bar Mitzvah

Max Van Richards

Beth Vantosh and Kenneth Richards announce that their son Max Van Richards will be called to the Torah Oct. 17.

The service will be conducted by Rabbi Robert Haas at Congregation Mickve Israel in Savannah, Ga., with the immediate family attending. A Havdalah service will be held at sundown at the Landings Savannah, led by Rabbi Zalman Refson of Savannah Chabad.

Max is the grandson of Jill and Jeff Vantosh of Atlanta, Ga., and Chloe Richards of London, England.

He is the great-grandson of the late Norman and Mitzi Weitz of Atlanta and Claire Karesh of Atlanta.

Max is in the seventh grade at Savannah Country Day School, where he is active in football, basketball, soccer and the arts. He is passionate about animal rights and has chosen for his mitzvah project the Humane Society of Greater Savannah.

Wedding

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Debbie Cohen and Kenny Sobel of Norcross, Ga., are excited to announce the marriage of their daughter Alanna Mariel Sobel to Robert “Rob” Adam Zelikoff. Alanna is the granddaughter of Tilda Finzi Cohen, who was born in Split, Yugoslavia, and has called Atlanta home for the past 70 years, and the late Leonard Lincoln Cohen, who was director of Jewish Family Services. Alanna Sobel is also the granddaughter of the late Abe and Bea Sobel.

Zelikoff is the son of Max and Beth Zelikoff, originally from Philadelphia, Pa., and now The Photo by Katurah/Itan Images Villages in Florida. He is the grandson of the late Sara and Albert Merion and Louis and Dorothy Zelikoff.

Sobel and Zelikoff met at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla., in 2005.

They were married Sept. 6 in their favorite spot in their local park near their home in Silver Spring, Md., by Rabbi Joseph Berman of The New Synagogue Project.

They celebrated their marriage with a small, COVID-pivot wedding with family on Oct. 4 with a self-uniting ceremony in the vineyard where Sobel’s parents live in Historic Norcross, virtually joined by numerous friends and family across the country and around the world.

The couple wove in themes of social justice, equity, inclusion, love and compassion throughout their ceremony, and they want to remind everyone reading that what matters to you is important, and your vote counts! Please join in celebrating the couple’s love by making a plan to vote in the upcoming election! (And vote early if you can!)

Have something to celebrate?

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Share it with your community with free AJT simcha announcements.

Send info to submissions@atljewishtimes.com submissions@atljewishtimes.com..

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 49

KEEPING IT KOSHER

Pumpkin Apple Muffins Start to finish: 50 minutes Servings: 6 Preference: Pareve Difficulty: Easy Diet: Vegetarian, pescatarian, low fat Pumpkin and apples, two fall favorites, come together to create these delicious, oil-free muffins.

2 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour 1 1/4 cups brown sugar 1 (15-ounce) can pure pumpkin puree 1/2 cup applesauce 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 cups finely chopped apple of choice Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray muffin pans with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, applesauce and eggs. Mix to combine.

Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix well. Fold in the chopped apple.

Fill prepared muffin cups with batter. Bake for 40 minutes.

Recipe by Whisk by Ami Magazine as posted on kosher.com

50 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

JEWISH JOKE

Ten Commandments A Hebrew school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her 5- and 6-year-olds.

After explaining the commandment to “honor thy father and thy mother,” she asked, “Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?”

Without missing a beat, one little boy, the oldest of a family, answered, “Thou shall not kill.”

Chabad Naples Jewish Community Center, chabadnaples.com

YIDDISH SLANG OF THE MONTH Amazhlub n. Those whose entire lives—from what they purchase to what they watch—is provided by Amazon.com.

“Milty thinks he lives in the United States of Amazon, such an amazhlub he is. Once they get their drones dropping down his orders on his porch, he’ll never have to leave the house.”

Some estimates put amazhlubs at 50 percent of the US population.

From the Yiddish zhlub, meaning a simpleton.

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

BRAIN FOOD

Baby Buys

ACROSS

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

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1. Karaoke bar equipment 5. "Yuck!"

8. Like many a used playroom 13. The most common biblical man in crosswords 14. One doing stretches?

16. Harvard and Yale, e.g.

17. "Not great, but ___ do" 18. Pot starter 19. Its capital is Katmandu 20. Baby buy for Gene Simmons?

23. Computer port 24. "Toy Story" piggy bank 25. Mrs., in Seville 28. Sun, in Seville 30. Type or sort 33. Baby buy for Omri Casspi?

35. Device whose use might allow a supervillain to quip "Nice of you to drop in!"

38. Political satirist Bill who's quick in Israel?

39. Nerve-fiber network that's an anagram of "tree" 40. Baby buy for King David?

43. "Depeche ___" 44. Roles in "Frankenstein" movies not in the Novel 46. Stunning 48. Baby buy for Albert Einstein?

51. Bond rating 52. "Saving Private Ryan" craft, for short

22. I love, in Rome 25. Overseers of local education 26. Norman of "The Walking Dead" 27. Apprehend 28. Time of conflict 29. Home of Crater Lake National Park 31. ___ Angeles, California 32. Nidre preceder 34. Identify 36. Wavy '80s do 37. Manipulate dishonestly 41. One of the sisters who made a land request in the Bible 42. The ___ AKA The Vilna Gaon 45. Mucinex relative 47. Israel's Atari who won Eurovision in 1979 49. Not a powerful toss 50. At this point 55. Host 57. Important fruit in Tishrei 58. Memories of a whirlwind trip, maybe 59. Give the thumbs-up 60. Body part with an appropriate homonym 61. Costa ___ 62. Leave rolling in the aisles 63. HS elders 64. Question a magician won't answer 65. Villain in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2"

53. Minnesota twins?

54. Amount of medicine 56. Not always so friendly neighbor of Israel 58. Baby buy for Shifrah and Puah?

63. Place for books 66. Clothing designer Marc 67. Israel has a Light one 68. One, of the better recent Star Wars movies?

69. Lipton selection 70. Killer whale 71. King David used one immediately after using a 40-Across 72. Palindromic body part 73. "Shalom," in Melbourne

DOWN

1. Controversial Kahane 2. "That's all there ___ it" 3. Apps that do math on smartphones 4. Mopes about 5. Panache or flair 6. Chicken option 7. Apple option 8. Least amount 9. Suffix for "when" and "what" 10. Have a bit of kiddush 11. Israel borders one 12. Armani competitor, briefly 15. Detox facility 21. "Same as above," in footnotes

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15 Years Ago // September 30, 2005 ì The bat mitzvah ceremony of Elysa Carly Friedman of Dunwoody was held Saturday, Sept. 3, 2005, at Congregation Beth Shalom. Elysa is the daughter of Joel and Sharon Friedman, the granddaughter of Nettye Jacobs of Baltimore and the late Elias Jacobs and Cecelia Friedman of Tamarac, Fla., and the late Henry Friedman.

Elysa dedicated her ceremony in memory of her grandfathers, Elias Jacobs and Henry Friedman. ì Dr. Richard and Esti Blue of Atlanta announce the engagement of their daughter, Sharone, and Alan Weis, son of Merv Weis of Alpharetta and Hadassa Kenyan of Aventura, Fla.

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a private practice in Snellville. ì Achim/Gate City Lodge of B’nai B’rith Men and Women will operate a concession booth at the Atlanta Falcons-New England Patriots game at 1 p.m. at the Georgia Dome. The project raises funds for the lodge.

50 Years Ago // September 25, 1970 ì Temple Sinai Women’s Committee will hold a luncheon meeting Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Midnight Sun Restaurant. “An Investment in Human Potential” will be discussed by speakers Jim Robinson, president of Urban East, and Mrs. Jack Tatum, director of Achim/Gate City Lodge of B’nai B’rith Men and Women the Atlanta Community Relations Program and American Friends will operate a concession Service Committee. booth at the Atlanta Falconsì Atlanta’s television station WTCG, Channel 17, is scheduled New England Patriots game to launch a weekly television program in cooperation with the Atat the Georgia Dome to lanta Jewish Welfare Federation beginning Sunday, Sept. 27. Phil raises funds for the lodge.

25 Years Ago // September 29, 1995 Kurzer, an official of Channel 17, has been working closely with the ì Dr. Stephen Ira Oppenheimer received the Academy of Federation committee chairman and staff in developing a format for presenting proGeneral Dentistry’s fellowship award during the Academy’s annual meeting. Dr. Opgrams of major importance and interest to the general public. Much of the programpenheimer graduated from Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1981 and has ming will be devoted to Jewish content. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 51

OBITUARIES

Allan Clifford Apple

James “Jim” Walter Bartling

Allan Clifford Apple passed away Oct. 6, 2020, at home and in the company of his loved ones. He is survived by his wife of 43 years Patricia (Pam) Moran Apple; daughters Stacey Apple, Jamie Anderson and Stephanie (Rick) Chozick; son Jason (Jessica Durham) Apple; grandchildren Lawrence (Sara Gage) Anderson, Marshall Anderson, Sydney Chozick and Emma Chozick.

Allan was born in Detroit, Mich., to Max and Jane Apple. He grew up in Chicago, Ill., and attended the University of Miami. He met his wife Pam in Syracuse, N.Y., and they later moved to Atlanta.

Allan was the founder of Kitchen Fronts of Georgia. He was a member of Temple Beth Tikvah. One of his proudest accomplishments was traveling to London to rescue a Holocaust Torah and accompany it to its current home at Temple Beth Tikvah.

Allan lived his life to the fullest. He was generous with his love and significantly impacted the lives of many. He will live on through the countless stories which will continue to be told among his friends and family who knew and loved him.

His funeral was held at Temple Beth Tikvah Oct. 8. Due to COVID, attendance was limited to family members only. The funeral and following graveside service was streamed live for all others to attend virtually.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests for donations to be made to the rabbi’s discretionary fund at Temple Beth Tikvah. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Dr. James “Jim” Walter Bartling passed away Sept. 24, 2020, at the age of 70. The world has lost a great son, brother, husband, father, teacher and friend.

Jim was born in St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 21, 1950, the oldest of four children of Walter and Betty Bartling. The family moved many times during his younger years, including to Burlington, Colo.; Seattle; St. Louis, and Ft. Wayne. Regardless of the town they lived in, you could always find Jim playing football, basketball, baseball and hockey.

After graduating high school, he attended Lake Forest College in Illinois before becoming a pharmacy student at Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy, from which he graduated with a bachelor of science in pharmacy in 1976 and a doctor of pharmacy in 1977. He practiced at Doctors Memorial Hospital in Atlanta before being named director of Admissions, Job Placement and Continuing Education at Mercer University and later becoming the associate dean for Student Affairs and Admissions, where he served for 38 years until his retirement in 2016.

Jim was dedicated to the practice of pharmacy and, as a certified addiction counselor, to the support and recovery of pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians with substance use disorders. He led the PharmAssist program of the Georgia Pharmacy Foundation and hosted their meetings on Mercer University’s Atlanta campus weekly. Jim’s engagement roles in pharmacy and health care are vast and too numerous to list. His impact and legacy on the Mercer University College of Pharmacy and the profession, especially in Georgia, will be felt forever.

He was a former president of the Georgia Pharmacy Association and on the board of directors of the Georgia Pharmacy Foundation, chairing the latter until his passing.

In addition, he was awarded the Bowl of Hygeia from the Georgia Pharmacy Association in 2009, one of the most prestigious recognitions of pharmacist leaders in each state. As further evidence of his commitment to the practice of pharmacy, he created and endowed a scholarship that will benefit Mercer University pharmacy students well into the future.

Jim was not just a leader in the community, but he was a beloved friend and familyman, spending every opportunity he could with his grandchildren. When he wasn’t doing that, he and his wife Linda loved spending time at their place on Lake Hartwell, at Oyster Bay in St. Maarten, or traveling the world. He was an avid runner and huge fan of baseball.

He is survived by his soulmate Linda of 32 years as well as his mother Betty Bartling; brother Chris (Derrith) Bartling; sister Julie Bartling Ricker; children Amy (Matt) Shaffer, Brad (Jill) Bartling, Mike (Jennie) Voynich, and Jamie (Eric) Reichling; and grandchildren Connor, Addison, Connell, Riley, Barry, Brielle, Hudson and Asher. He is preceded in death by his father Walter Bartling and his sister Lucy Bartling Barnett.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the James W. Bartling Endowed Scholarship Fund. Checks may be made payable to Mercer University and sent to Mercer University, c/o Office of University Advancement, 1501 Mercer University Drive, Macon, GA 31207. Please note in the subject/memo line that the gift is in Jim’s memory and for the James W. Bartling Endowed Scholarship Fund. Gifts can also be made online at mercer.edu/givenow<http://mercer.edu/givenow> (Again, with a note in the honor box that the gift is in Jim’s memory).

Jim will be remembered for his overwhelming contribution to his community and his unwavering love for his family. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

89, Atlanta

70, Atlanta

‫זיכרונה לברכה‬ 52 | OCTOBER 15, 2020 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

OBITUARIES

Charlene Center Kahn Berman 79, Chappaqua, N.Y.

Charlene Center Kahn Berman of Chappaqua, N.Y., died Sept. 15,2020.

Charlene was born in Atlanta to Dave and Bunny Center on July 14, 1941.

Charlene attended and earned degrees from the University of Illinois and Hunter College. She applied her education toward community service, advocacy and philanthropy. She served as board president of Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester and was an active board member and/or supporter of Temple Beth El; Congregation Beth Israel of Honesdale, Pa.; Leukemia Lymphoma Society; Northern Westchester Hospital; Westchester Community College scholarship office; and Black Bear Film Festival, just to name a few. She was an avid reader who celebrated the arts, education, travel and medicine. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family in Chappaqua, Pennsylvania and Las Vegas.

Charlene is survived by her children Amy Kahn, David Kahn (Jodi), and Adam Kahn (Lili); step-daughter Michele Berman; grandchildren Jack Williams (T’leah), Lexi Kahn, Ryan Stuck, Emily Kahn, Josephine Stuck, Stephen Kahn, and Jacob Kahn; and great-grandson Easton Williams. She is also survived by her sister Renie Halperin (Frederick) and brother Charles Center (Jane). She was preceded in death by her parents Dave and Bunny Center of Atlanta, her husband Lloyd F. Kahn, Jr., and her daughter Ginger Michele Kahn Stuck.

Memorial donations can be made to Black Bear Film Festival, http://blackbearfilmfestival.squarespace.com, or Westchester Community College Scholarship Fund https:// www.sunywcc.edu/about/foundation/scholarship-fund/.

Erica Heymann Hecht 94, Atlanta

Erica Heymann Hecht, 94, passed away peacefully in her Atlanta home Sept. 29, 2020, surrounded by the love of an adoring family. Born in March 1926, she was the daughter of William and Johanna Heymann, originally of Odenkirchen, Germany. Her family departed Germany in 1939, and, following a year in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the Heymann family immigrated to Buffalo, N.Y., in 1940.

Six years later, in January 1946, she met her husband-to-be Joel Hecht at a German-Jewish dance party in Buffalo. They were married the following August, a beautiful partnership that thrived for 62 years until his death in 2008. Together, Erica and Joel created a unique first-generation American story. For Erica, family was everything. She was wise, loving, capable and giving.

Erica and Joel moved from Buffalo to Atlanta in 1977. Their two daughters were already located in Atlanta, and “Joel was delighted to abandon the frigid Buffalo winters,” Erica would often say. She quickly became an active volunteer in Atlanta community activities. She worked at the Northside Hospital nursery and managed the Temple Sinai gift shop for many years. In the life of her children, she was a frequent Brownie leader and room mother for the girls at school.

Known as “Mimi” to four grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, there was no greater delight than celebrating holidays with the entire family at her home in Sandy Springs.

In addition to her parents and husband, Joel, Erica was pre-deceased by her brother, Walter Heymann. She is survived by her two daughters and their spouses, Diane “Deedee” Hamburger (Marc) and Jacqueline “Jacquie” Sacks (Harvey); grandchildren Caroline Hecht Leavitt (David Mann), Richard Hecht Zatcoff (Farrah), Jeffrey Hecht Sacks (Jessica) and Amy Hecht Zeide (Aaron); seven great-grandsons and four greatgranddaughters; plus her sister-in law, three nephews and spouses.

Special thanks to wonderful caregivers Carolyn Haywood and Marlene Edwards Handley, who loved her and cared for her with total devotion. The family requests that any contributions in Erica’s memory be directed to the Richard and Edith Hecht Memorial Fund for Holocaust Education at the Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, 1440 Spring St., NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 or to Weinstein Hospice, 3150 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30327. Due to COVID-19, funeral services were limited to immediate family only. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 53

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OBITUARIES

Milton Nolan Kassel 97, Atlanta

Milton Nolan Kassel, 97, passed away peacefully Oct. 6, 2020. He was born in Savannah, Ga., to Max and Frances Kassel. He attended Benedictine Military School, followed by enrolling in Georgia Tech’s first offering of an industrial design course. He transferred to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, the birthplace of his parents, where he received a bachelor of science in architecture.

In World War II he became part of the active Naval Reserve at UVA and then served 18 months aboard a small anti-submarine patrol craft in the Aleutian Islands, followed by duty on another patrol craft in the Canal Zone. During the Korean War he was a gunnery officer (lieutenant) aboard the USS Fitch, a destroyer mine sweeper. While in the Navy, Milton married Valerie Cohen, whom he had known growing up in Savannah and to whom he was married for 68 years. He built a number of homes in Savannah while also working in the thirdgeneration store Kassel’s Shoes.

He was serving as vice president for Congregation Mickve Israel in Savannah when he decided to move the family to Atlanta and join a small architectural design firm, later forming his own commercial interior design firm: Milton N. Kassel & Associates. He is a former president of Atlanta’s West End Rotary Club and more recently was a member of Sandy Springs Rotary. Until mid-March, Milton attended weekly Rotary meetings and was a “regular” at a local Starbucks.

Family was first and foremost for Milton Kassel. He was honest and loyal and devotedly took care of family members in need. He was disciplined with exercise, even going to LA Fitness up to age 92. He enjoyed travel, sports and the arts and along with architectural renderings, painted many watercolors. Milton was a true gentleman, a man of integrity who revered UVA’s “honor code,” had a phenomenal memory and a very mischievous sense of humor. He and Valerie created a loving and fun family who are most grateful to his caregivers Comar Brown and Tomekia Bello. What he most looked forward to each day was his 6 p.m. vodka martini and clinking glasses with his “girlfriend” (wife) and saying “L’chayim Tovim” – to a good life!

Milton Kassel is pre-deceased by his wife Valerie Kassel, Sr., who died only eight days earlier. He is survived by children Harriet (Paul) Weinberg, Marjorie Kassel, Valerie Kassel, Jr. and Nancy Kassel; six grandchildren Amanda (Michael) Chanin, Max (Samantha) Weinberg, Glynn (fiancé Sarah Felker) McGeHee, Tobias and Kassel Leventhal and Jacob Kassel; and great-grandchildren Maya Chanin and Lucy Weinberg.

Private burial with military honors took place Oct. 9 at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah. Donations in memory of Milton Kassel may be made to The Temple in Atlanta and Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund at Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell. Arrangements in Atlanta by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Valerie Cohen Kassel 95, Atlanta

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Valerie Cohen Kassel, 95, of Atlanta, passed away peacefully Sept. 28, 2020. Born in Savannah, Ga., to Mildred and A.J. Cohen, Sr., she married Milton N. Kassel, also from Savannah. In November they would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. Growing up in Savannah, Congregation Mickve Israel was an important part of Valerie’s life. She was also involved with the Ebba Olsen Thomson Ballet Studio, where she took lessons and later taught.

In the late 1960s, Valerie and Milton and their four daughters moved to Atlanta.

Valerie volunteered extensively at The Temple and the William Breman Jewish Home, and was co-president of The Temple’s Sisterhood. For many years she worked at SAG-AFTRA. She and Milton enjoyed the ballet, opera, symphony, Alliance Theatre and the Atlanta Falcons. People have always been drawn to Valerie’s genuine and magnetic charm. Her positive outlook in life was contagious. One of her greatest pleasures was making people smile, even people she didn’t know.

Valerie had a long, love-filled life of which family was the center. She was a gracious and generous host of countless family gatherings but often welcomed others into the fold, including many honored “fifth” daughters. Her family holds on to wonderful memories with gratitude for having had her in their lives. They are most grateful to her caregivers for providing such loving care.

She is predeceased by her brother A.J. Cohen, Jr. She was survived by her husband Milton, who died eight days later; her children Harriet (Paul) Weinberg, Marjorie Kassel, Valerie Kassel, Jr. and Nancy Kassel; six grandchildren Amanda (Michael) Chanin, Max (Samantha) Weinberg, Glynn (fiancé Sarah Felker) McGeHee, Tobias and Kassel Leventhal and Jacob Kassel; and great-grandchildren Maya Chanin and Lucy Weinberg.

Donations in memory of Valerie Kassel may be made to The Temple in Atlanta and Cantor Kassel’s Discretionary Fund at Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell. Arrangements by Dressler’s Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

OBITUARIES

Michael Hans Pasco 56, Smyrna

Retired U.S. Army Col. Michael Hans Pasco passed away at his home in Smyrna, Ga., Sept. 30, 2020.

Michael was born on Nov. 3, 1963, at a U.S. Army field hospital in Munich, Germany, to Maj. Allen and Ursel Pasco. After losing his father at a young age during Allenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s duty in Vietnam, Michael chose to honor him by dedicating his life to service. In 1985, he graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. For the next 11 years, Michael served in Korea, the Sinai, and the Netherlands as a company commander and UH-1 helicopter pilot. After completing training at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif., Michael served as a foreign area officer in Thailand, where he graduated from their senior staff college.

In 1996, Michael returned to the U.S. and began his second career with IBM. His dedication to service was still strong and Michael joined the U.S. Army Reserves in Atlanta. Through a mutual friend he met the love of his life, Lauren Mendel, and they were married on Nov. 5, 2000. Michael and Lauren shared a love of adventure and traveled the world together, including a six-month deployment with the U.S. Army to New Zealand. After a 30-year career, he retired from the Army as a full-bird colonel.

Michael is survived by his loving wife Lauren Beth Pasco; parents Larry and Ursel Pasco; sisters Karen Noonan and Ellen DeGroot; brothers Greg and Matthew Pasco; and in-laws Steve and Teri Astren, Herb and Marsha Mendel, Keith and Marni Mendel, Craig Mendel, and Jason and Jennifer Butler. Honorary pallbearers were Dave King, Mark Sisson, Eric Sanders, Steve Astren, Craig Mendel, Keith Mendel, Greg Pasco, Matt Pasco, and Tim Noonan.

Michael will be remembered for so many things, including his service to his country, enjoyment of fine food and wine, love of German automobiles, fascination with and superior understanding of technology, and a sincere and infectious laugh. He had the ability to converse intelligently on any subject, often in any language. Michael had a voracious appetite for reading, skill as an aviator and scuba instructor, a love of music, and a way of connecting with children, especially his many nieces and nephews. Most of all, Michael had an ability to engage with people and make lasting friendships. He

had an uncanny way of taking the driest, most banal subject and making it sound interesting. Michael will be remembered by everyone lucky enough to have met him, and by those whom he made that extra effort to stay in touch with, he will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to support the West Point Jewish Chapel at www.westpointjewishchapel.com. Arrangements by Dresslerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Obituaries in the AJT are written and paid for by the families; contact Editor and Managing Publisher Kaylene Ladinsky at kaylene@atljewishtimes.com or 404-883-2130, ext. 100, for details about submission, rates and payments. Death notices, which provide basic details, are free and run as space is available; send submissions to editor@atljewishtimes.com.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 55

CLOSING THOUGHTS Not the Helicopter Type No, I was not a helicopter mom.

The term was not even created yet when I was a young mommy.

First of all, I am afraid of Shaindle heights.

Any Schmuckler heights. Second Shaindle’s Shpiel of all, I believe in natural consequences, leaving lots of space for children to develop skills they would need as girls and young women.

When my girls started school, we had very few “rules” at home. Everyone had to be at the Sunday evening family meeting.

Age and gender aside, each week we rotated who would take the minutes and who would run the meeting. Too young for the secretary of the day to keep record, I would surreptitiously take a backup set of minutes, in this case crayons served as the writing tool.

Everyone got a turn to speak. No one

was allowed to degrade or embarrass anyone else. We could say something about one’s behavior but absolutely could not call a member of the family “doody head.” If we had a visitor sleeping over or just staying for dinner, they were warmly invited to sit in – no sharing.

This was our time to express frustrations or happiness with events of the week.

If follow-up was needed, this was so noted in the minutes – both sets. The recording secretary of the week, using crayons, wrote this down in red crayon so as not to forget.

I was a working mom.

My girls worked as hard as I did. I had a job; they had a job. I am absolutely not referring to chores. We all knew we had to contribute to the smooth running of our home and to keeping it safe, clean and interesting; these chores were not considered jobs. Attending school and learning was their official job. Praises and sometimes little sussies (surprise gifts) were their rewards. Their allowances were based on their age, giving them a sense of independence. They were encouraged to save half and spend half.

I have a plethora of little stories that support my claim of not being a helicopter

mom.

Here’s a couple culled from the plethora: We lived in a beautiful community, less than a mile from the girls' school. They had the privilege of attending a school boasting a large fabulous campus, a lake with lots of ducks and peacocks, a large geometric dome and a tree house for learning and studying. I am sure you get the picture.

One fine day, we were all scrambling to get to our “jobs” on time. My husband had poured the girls' cereal and juice to speed the process – if possible. One of my girls was wearing an outfit that required blue knee-high socks. Given the rush we were in, the older two, including the child with blue knee-highs, rode their bikes to school. The younger two went to work with me.

Are you wondering why I mention the blue knee-highs?

As soon as I arrived at my office, the phone rang. It was her teacher asking if I knew she did not have shoes on. She rode her bike with socks on her feet. The teacher asked if I would bring the shoes. Now, given my belief in natural consequences, what would you guess my response was?

And I am proud to say, some of you have been paying attention. She did quite well without shoes, and her socks simply needed a good laundering.

Speaking of laundry, the girls were very young when they learned to do the laundry, including putting away clothes recently washed. OK, away means different things to different children, this is true.

However, with some very funny mishaps now and again, they could always find what they were looking for. If for some reason they could not find clean clothes, there were always the dirty ones just waiting in the wings to be chosen one more time.

For one of my daughters, her red, white and blue swimsuit seemed to get chosen vir-

tually every day. (I finally bought a second suit, and I would quietly sneak the fresh one in her room so the not-so-fresh one could catch a much-needed break.)

Still not convinced?

One more proof of the pudding, or in this case, proof of the helicopter.

As I recall it was a Tuesday afternoon.

It was the day of a major girls’ softball game; our team was in last place fighting to stay in the girls’ softball tournament. We were on our way to the field when we stopped at the 7-Eleven store for a snack and a Slurpee to help sustain my ballplayers. In order to keep my girlish figure, I stayed in the station wagon, for fear my mind might urge me in the absolute wrong direction.

The girls climbed back in, all decked out in their softball uniforms and already snacking on their snacks. I checked my rearview mirror and noticed the girls “eye talking.” Uh oh, I quickly assessed the look on their faces, and I realized something was up.

A mom always knows…well, almost always. A pack of gum is on the verge of being opened. I knew I did not give them enough money for gum.

One of my precious, innocent ballplayers helped herself to a pack of gum. “I was going to share it” came the innocent cry.

After a brief discussion, and after the game, (I do not recall if we won or lost – no matter) we returned to the store, where said innocent entered the store and explained to the shopkeeper what she had done and returned the gum, after she paid for it with the money I lent her.

When we got home, said innocent repaid me the loan out of her allowance.

No screaming, no punishment, only the natural consequence of identified behavior.

No helicopters flying above. ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES OCTOBER 15, 2020 | 57

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STANLEY PAVING

COLLECTIBLES

THE DUSTY COIN, LLC

“Shekels For Your Collectibles”

Asphalt Paving, Patching & Seal Coating

Specializing in driveways & small parking lots Family Owned & Operated since 1969

CALL NOW FOR 10% OFF SPECIAL 770.962.7125 770.480.1698 cell APPLIANCES

ALL TECH APPLIANCE SERVICE We Service All Major Appliances Office Call or Text 678-906-1881 Over 30 Years of Experience

Closets, pantries, garages, offices and more!

404-255-0589

Atlanta Custom Closets Rick Moore www.closetpro.net

BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

• Coins • Bullion • Jewelry • Sterling •

404-263-2967 Strict Confidentiality • References Upon Request Member: ANA, NGC, PCGS & PMG

COMPUTER

COMPUER HOUSE CALLS

Voted #1 by Atlanta Jewish Community

770-527-3533 www.HealthyComputer.com

As Seen On BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

COMPUTER

FAKAKTA COMPUTER BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

DESKTOP & LAPTOP REPAIR HOME/BUSINESS NETWORKING

10% OF PROFITS THR

PERFORMANCE UPGRADES2019 WILL BE DONATE APPLE DEVICE SUPPORT

404.954.1004

Same DayDAMON.CARP@GMAIL.COM Appointments • Reasonable Rates • All Services Guara

10% OF PROFITS THROUGH 2020 WILL BE

It’s Time to Call for Help!

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We handle all phases of drywall and perform most handyman services

Over 30 years’ Experience Stand behind every job we complete and we make customer satisfaction our number one priority!

AUTO

Everyone Knows Someone Who Loves Their SUBARU

• Same Day Appointments • Reasonable Rates • All Services Guaranteed

BEST OF JEWISH ATLANTA

JOBS

WANTED: INDIVIDUAL WITH NURSING HOME CONTACTS Winner of Salesman of the Year Award for 3 consecutive years

Ralph Kurland Sales Representative 905 Ernest Barrett Pkwy, NW Kennesaw, GA 30144

cell: 678-665-1024 dealership: 770-419-9800 ext. 312 rkurland@subaruofkennesaw.com www.subaruofkennesaw.com

We need an individual with an ability to reach out to nursing home owners to introduce them to our Compliance & Ethics Program and other services. A Compliance & Ethics Program is now required by federal government regulations to insure a high quality of care as well as the elimination of fraud, waste and abuse.

Interested individuals send cover letter and resume to:

www.thingshoneywontdohomerepair.com

678-789-8634

JEWISH CHARITIES.

VIRUS/SPYWARE REMOVAL

DONATED TO JEWISH CHARITIES.

1 Year Warranty On All Repairs

B J A

scott.demonte@mednetconcepts.com Call me to test drive any of our new or used cars!