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STYLE PUBLISHER
MICHAEL A. MORRIS michael@atljewishtimes.com
EDITOR & MANAGING PUBLISHER Cover Photo: Alex Morris and David Bull celebrate their dream weekend wedding at Barnsley Gardens in Adairsville, Ga.
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JODI DANIS
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STYLE Magazine
Jewish Atlanta’s Stylish Simchas and Celebrations
FRAN PUTNEY
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The Atlanta Jewish Times is printed in Georgia and is an equal opportunity employer. The opinions expressed in the Atlanta Jewish Times do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper. Periodicals postage paid at Atlanta, Ga. POSTMASTER send address changes to Atlanta Jewish Times 270 Carpenter Drive Suite 320, Atlanta Ga 30328. Established 1925 as The Southern Israelite www.atlantajewishtimes.com ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES (ISSN# 0892-33451) IS PUBLISHED BY SOUTHERN ISRAELITE, LLC © 2021 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES Printed by Walton Press Inc. MEMBER Conexx: America Israel Business Connector American Jewish Press Association Sandy Springs/Perimeter Chamber of Commerce Please send all photos, stories and editorial content to: submissions@atljewishtimes.com
SPECIAL SECTIONS
8 HOW TO
20 WEDDINGS
40 SIMCHAS
CONTENTS
2 Editor’s Letter 1 14 Cultivating Friendships That Last a Lifetime 16 Stay Simcha-Ready with Beautiful Skin 20 Dream Wedding Weekend at Barnsley Gardens 24 The Morris-Fishman Connection 26 Feinstein & Fishman Flourish at Four Seasons 30 Bring Someone Else’s Jewish Joy to Your Wedding 34 A Wedding Reflection: Paula and Hymie
6 An Israeli Miracle 3 38 Brafman Unveils New Venue for Meir’s Upsherin 42 Extra Confetti for Garfinkel Gathering 46 Happy Days Are Here Again 50 A Pokémon Bar Mitzvah 54 Simcha Announcements 58 Advertisers Directory 62 Marketplace 11•STYLE MAGAZINE
ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
Editor’s Letter S
Getting Back out There!
ome are reluctant, and most are careful, but the season is starting out with a strong desire to get out and about. This STYLE Magazine is full of stylish simchas and celebrations. Robyn Spizman Gerson starts us off with a how-to on “Cultivating Friendships That Last a Lifetime.” Following that is another how-to on keeping your skin simcha-ready with a glow to go. After that, this simcha train heads to resort weddings that flourish with floral beauty and vows of “I do.” Our first stop is Barnsley Gardens in Adairsville, Ga., where Alex Morris and David Bull tie the knot while spending the weekend enjoying this spectacular oasis of nature. The traditional three-day wedding allowed the Morris-Bull families to get back out there and spend some real family time together. The next stop on the simcha train is the Four Seasons Resort and Club in Dallas, Texas. Ali Feinstein says “I do” to Sam Fishman. The Feinstein and Fishman families enjoy another resort weekend wedding. Can you think of any better way to bring two families together than under the chuppah with a flourishing white floral décor? Stunning! Behind the scenes, we bring you the wedding backstory that brings together Alex Morris (the bride at the first stop) and Sam Fishman (the groom at the second stop) in long-lasting friendship. The two spent their schooldays and formative years together because their parents are best friends, too. It took a lot of collaboration to get things just right. Planning both weddings two weeks apart meant the wedding party had to pull double duty — as well as several of the guests. Next, we take you on a tour of two local gemachs. What’s a gemach, you ask? Well, you will have to read on and find out how Jewish gems are stored and shared from one simcha to another. And don’t forget the captivating love stories of the past, as well as an Israeli miracle! In other celebrations, Eli Brafman inaugurates a new venue as he throws a big bash for his youngest son’s upsherin ceremony, the three-year-old boy’s first haircut. And the Garfinkels deserve double confetti because Ali made her birthday about something that is close to her heart, instead of just about herself. These stories are about getting back out there to celebrate life and happiness, and one that goes even a step further: Jeanne Simon, who was turning 70, would not mark her milestone birthday the same way her husband did last year, moving to Atlanta to be close to her family on her special day. Rabbi Larry Sernovitz of Temple Kol Emeth and his wife, Becky, brought their son’s bar mitzvah back to the bimah, while catering to his interest in Pokémon. So, whether we are ready or not, the world around us is; and right now it’s all about getting back out there. Sincerely,
KayleneLadinsky Kaylene Ladinsky Editor & Managing Publisher
ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
STYLE MAGAZINE•12
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HOW TO
Cultivating Friendships That Last a Lifetime
By Robyn Spizman Gerson
Friends sustain us, lift us and show up when we need them. When times are good or bad, they are there, and some friends know us even better than we know ourselves. Whether it’s a shoulder to lean on, or someone to share in our joy, friends are vital forces in our lives. With Thanksgiving soon arriving, my thoughts turned to what is often called a “Friendsgiving.” My first Friendsgiving was orchestrated by my elementary school friend Helen Krauss. It took place at her home, as she and husband Steve gathered a few couples from our childhood for a festive dinner. She knew it had been a difficult year and wanted to provide an evening of fun. It was a night of joy and reminiscing, and Helen prepared a delicious traditional turkey dinner and showered us with love. We’ve all heard that we’re fortunate if we have a few true friends, and cultivating friendships takes time and energy. Consider how you’re doing with your own friendships. How often do you talk or see your friends? Do you owe anyATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
STYLE MAGAZINE•14
one a call? Is there a friend you wish you were closer to? Do you owe a friend an apology? And, last but not least, have you told your friends how much you appreciate them lately? Friendship is an opportunity to care out loud. It’s a two-way street, and bonds need nurturing. Regarding the value of friendships, psychologist Dr. Rick Blue says, “Friendships are so important and all research shows that having emotional support through friendships or a social support network is one of the strongest antidotes to depression. When you have people to talk with, it drives a wedge in negative thinking or depressed thoughts. Friendships allow you to talk about all those things that bother you if you choose to go deep. Having friends is something that you can look forward to, and it gives you the opportunity to talk without fear of rejection. Having a safe place to talk with a friend is one of the most important ingredients to a happy life.” My mother, Phyllis Freedman, of blessed memory, had a world of friends. We used to joke that mom could make a friend on a desert island. In her memory, I occasionally plan a “Phyllis Freedman Day” and call the people that I know my mother would want me to check in on. While it might be a relative, a close friend or someone my mother appreciated, it’s my way of honoring her, as she was actually my first friend in life. It’s not a surprise that my mother told
me when I was in my twenties, “I want you to meet Patty and Larry Brown, I think you are going to love them.” From that moment forward, we’ve been lifelong friends. Leave it to my mother to offer such meaningful insight. David Schendowich, the Breman Museum’s marketing guru, added, “I met my friend Joe while in college over 40 years ago. All this time we have been friends, busi- Dr. Rick Blue says that “having emotional support ness partners and through friendships or a social support network is artists who enone of the strongest antidotes to depression.” abled each other to do the impossible. Joe went four decades, gather for each off, lived his life, pursued his other’s birthdays and celebrate dreams, accomplished great- each other’s milestones and ness while I did the same. We simchas — such as children’s were always in touch, some- engagements — with a shower. times not talking for months, Simchas have kept us together but always knowing we could. for many decades and sharing Our conversations, which be- in each other’s happiness is gan in the 1970s, always picked something we relish and treaup where they left off, until the sure. One of the birthday girls, day he passed away last year. Gail Heyman, said, “One gets Joe was a lifelong friend. I can to choose one’s friends, and still hear his voice, with his can be blessed if they can count eternal optimism and curios- their great friends on one ity, saying, “Do it Schendo. …” hand. Good friendships come Joe taught me what a friend is from sheer love and joy of one and how important it is to have another … no matter what life one.” challenges you’re experiencing. Friends often have tradi- Some friendships are from the tions they share, like my birth- past, some from the present, day club of girls. Seven of us, and who knows what future who have been friends for over friends you may come to cher-
This birthday group of friends has celebrated each other’s birthdays and milestones for over four decades. (L to R): Robyn Spizman, Patty Brown, Norma Gordon, Donna Weinstock, Ava Wilensky, Gail Heyman and Lori Simon.
ish. Life is better because of friends, and I am grateful for each and every friend in my life.” Pre-pandemic, my husband, Ed Gerson, had a dinner club for 12 years with Jay Empel and Lee Izen. The person whose turn it was surprised the other two with the choice of restaurants, the goal being to pick a new restaurant they had not been to yet. Jay said, “The funny thing about it was we enjoyed talking, and while Ed wanted Asian fusion cuisine, I wanted steak and potatoes and Lee was more into the newest, latest or greatest. We didn’t gossip, but we caught up on each other’s lives. Men call it news. It got us out and together and we grew closer as friends.” Writer Evie Sacks has a poignant story to tell about friendship. “In 1991, a fire broke out in my home in a small town in southern Maine, flushing me and my children, then 8 and 11, out into the chilly, pre-dawn darkness,” she begins. “The kids wore thin pajamas, hugging stuffed animals they’d been clutching in sleep just minutes before. We ran outside and stood, dropjawed, on our neighbor’s lawn, an unwanted front-row seat to our home dissolving in ash. The fire, thank God a major inconvenience more than a tragedy, engendered incredible outpourings of love and caring. An acquaintance from synagogue sent a set of new Corning Ware. A close friend used his legal skills to help us navigate the piles of paperwork. His wife did loads of laundry until we realized that the smell of smoke would never leave the kids’ favorite
Evie Sacks, with her children in 1991, was grateful to lean on her community of friendships in the wake of tragedy.
jeans, leg warmers, and sweatshirts emblazoned with the name of the high school down the hill.” We all have stories of friends who enhance our lives. But do not delay, as
you never know what’s to come. Embrace friends, make new friends and make today Call-A-Friend Day. After all, friends are lasting gifts who brighten our lives and bless us in immeasurable ways. ì
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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
Stay Simcha-Ready with Beautiful Skin
By Alla Umanskiy At the root of any skincare routine is the desire to stop the march of time. Women collectively spend millions of dollars every year just to try and capture lightning in a bottle – that moment of when they can feel their most attractive, youthful, alive. The basis of all beauty improvements is healthy, glowing skin: no filters, no heavy makeup, just your own mirror reflection looking beautiful. If there’s a simcha in your future, or if you simply want to look your best, there are a number of effective procedures that can help you achieve that glow. The AJT consulted several well-known Atlanta dermatologists and skincare specialists for their advice on the best ways to preserve your appearance. “Most common concerns, skin-wise, are wrinkles, sunspots, and looking tired,” said Dr. Inessa Fishman, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Aviva Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics. She points out that the pandemic, with its endless video calls, has alerted many to their skin imperfecATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
STYLE MAGAZINE•16
tions, causing her patients to consider procedures to improve their appearance. “Frown-lines, wrinkles around the mouth, and sagging skin tend to become more prominent in unflattering overhead lighting,” explains Dr. Fishman, “and as people see these characteristics, they seek out my help.” Diminishing wrinkles is also something Mandy Ramer hears about a lot. Ramer, MSN, NP-C, of Olansky Dermatology, said, “One of the most common skin concerns I’m asked about is wrinkling. Patients often want to minimize their wrinkles, while still looking like themselves.” There have been tremendous advances and improvements in the field of dermatology over the past several decades. Doctors now have a variety of options to offer their patients. For example, skin tightening and resurfacing are procedures that help pull up the skin with little downtime. Micro-needling is another highly sought-after technique that provides skin smoothing with approximately 24 hours of mild redness after the treatment. Dr. Fishman shared that “lip fillers and chin and jawline contouring fillers are definitely having a moment.” Injectables, such as Botox, Dysport and fillers are some of the most effective treatments available right now, offering
Mandy Ramer of Olansky Dermatology says the most frequent skin issue she’s asked about is wrinkling.
“instant gratification with littleto-no downtime.” Overall, for the purposes of looking younger in the shortest amount of time, injectable filler is the first choice of dermatology and plastic surgery experts. It adds volume to the face and is often used in areas like cheeks to provide lift and support. Injectables can also be used in the lips and even in the chin to help hide sagging. Ramer explains that “fillers are usually used in areas of volume loss, such as the lines between the nose and the mouth.” Although medical interventions certainly make it easier to improve your skin, there are plenty of things that one can do at home to enhance your appearance. Since the skin is our
body’s largest organ, it is also a “reflector of what’s going on inside us,” says Dr. Fishman. Lots of factors can affect the way our skin looks, including stress, dehydration, illness, diet, and so on. Dr. Fishman recommends less indulgence in sweets, consuming more healthy proteins, and choosing a good multivitamin. Also high on the list of skincare priorities is sun protection of at least 30 SPF daily, including in winter. Sunblock “is truly the best anti-aging product to use,” says Ramer. “Other fantastic at-home options are nightly retinol to help build collagen and a morning antioxidant serum, like vitamin C.”
Five Tips for Great Skincare at Home: 1 Wear sunscreen every day – minimum of SPF 30. 2 Apply retinol nightly – retinol creams are available in any pharmacy. 3 Use an antioxidant treatment every morning – also easy to purchase at the pharmacy. 4 Eat less sugar and processed foods.
5 Do cardiovascular exercises regularly – they stimulate blood flow to the skin for a glowing complexion.
One of Dr. Fishman’s patients, before and after upper eyelid surgery. 17•STYLE MAGAZINE
ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
The offices of Olansky Dermatology in Atlanta.
Timeline When Preparing for Special Events:
Dr. Inessa Fishman with Aviva says the pandemic has alerted more people to their skin imperfections. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
STYLE MAGAZINE•18
90 days before: Schedule a consultation with your dermatologist to discuss options. Start using advised products regularly. Drink lots of water daily. 60 days before: Try a microneedling session for tighter, fresher skin or any other resurfacing procedure your doctor recommends. Results may take a few weeks to fully appear. 30 days before: Schedule a facial to remove impurities and get your skin in top shape. 2 weeks before: Continue to use your products as directed. Don’t forget to moisturize your lips, especially in winter. ì
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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
Dream Wedding Weekend at Barnsley Gardens
WEDDINGS
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
Alexandra Megan Morris and David Sean Bull planned an entire weekend of celebration at
Adairsville’s Barnsley Gardens Resort beginning Sept. 17, with 210 guests in tow. Mother of the bride, Belinda Morris, said, “It was a whole series of events, all on the Barnsley property. We wanted our friends and family to be with us all weekend long.” Morris and Bull, who now reside in Thousand Oaks, Calif., met while hiking in Boulder, Colo., before getting tacos together. Morris is the development associate at Santa Barbara Hillel; Bull, who grew up in Scottsdale, is a senior engineer at Amgen. The groom graduated from Colorado University with a PhD in chemical
engineering. The bride is a trained zoologist who worked at Zoo Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium, Denver Zoo and the Santa Barbara Zoo. She earned a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership and management. Both the parents of the bride — Belinda Morris and Michael Morris, publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times — and the groom — Ruth and Larry Bull — were in attendance. The sole attending grandparent was maternal grandmother Barbara Ward. Paternal grandparents Billi and Bernie Marcus, Julie and Howard Erlick, and Lauraine Bull joined the event via livestream. Belinda said, “Relatives from the UK couldn’t get into the U.S. due to COVID restrictions. A bridesmaid from the
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UK and a groomsman from Spain also had to decline.” The Friday night welcome party started with cocktails in the Meditation Garden, a canopied muscadine arbor and bamboo grove, followed by a Southernstyle dinner with a guitarist/singer at Saylor Hall and late-night s’mores at the fire pits along the main lawn. Saturday night “the main event” wedding was at Barnsley’s Manor House ruins, followed by cocktails, dinner, and dancing at Georgian Hall. After appetizers, dinner was served. The menu consisted of: Coffee chili-rubbed beef tenderloin with cognac sauce Tucker Farm baby carrots Potato Beignets Wedding cake: Lemon pound-
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1 Groom David Bull made it official with his glass stomp. 2 Alexandra chose scarlet for her attendants.
3 The couple made their way to the after party between a double row of sparklers. 4 Alex and David dance to “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins. 5 The traditional chair lift summoned shrieks of fear and laughter. 21•STYLE MAGAZINE
ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
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cake with vanilla bean butter creams and assorted sweet surprises. The bride’s dress, an ivory Aline ball gown with a V-neck and back, covered in antler/tree roots and adorned with lace and encased sequins topped with corset crystals, was created by Israeli designer Inbal Dror. She said, “I had known I loved this wedding dress designer. The moment I saw this dress I was captivated. I had never seen any lace like it before. It was so feminine, yet earthy and natural at the same time, I felt like it perfectly encapsulated who I am in a dress.” Bouquet and flowers were white and pink roses. The chuppah was a combination of light blue, bright pink, soft blush, ivory flowers, and draped greenery. The newlyweds had their first dance to the song “You’ll Be in My Heart”
by Phil Collins. Rabbi Peter Berg, senior rabbi at The Temple, has mentored the couple since their engagement, and continues to be a source of support. During the ceremony, he spoke about the importance of family and friends, and how the weekend brought everyone together. During the ceremony, a kiddush cup from the bride’s bat mitzvah was used for the blessing. Rabbi Berg and the parents wrapped the couple in the groom’s bar mitzvah tallit. Because of COVID, the wedding was rescheduled from 2020, and most of the older guests were still unable to attend. After the ceremony, Rabbi Berg enjoyed a shot of bourbon with the immediate family just prior to the party. Post-dinner, the horn section of the band led the couple’s depar-
ture from the venue as the guests lined the route, waving sparklers. Guests grabbed a late-night snack of Chick-fil-A sandwiches en route to the “after-party” at Woodlands Grill Bar. The Sunday brunch at Saylor Hall encouraged women to wear hats, which the bride adores. Harkening back to Belinda’s British background, hats and fascinators lent the wedding the elan of a garden party. Wedding planner Helene Popowski was emotional, as she had previously planned all of the Morris girls’ b’not mitzvah. She commented, “Alex and David are so sweet together; and the whole weekend was magical. They chose Barnsley because of the ruins, which we were able to take advantage of photographing between rain drops. Truthfully, the rain enhanced the setting as the chuppah was enveloped in nature as the mist rose. Even the rabbi described it as ‘breathtaking.’ Friday night we also had to grab minutes here and there with no rain to celebrate Shabbat blessings in the bamboo garden.” The charming backstory involved the bride’s longstanding friendship with Sam Fishman, who got married in Dallas just two days later. The two friends started pre-K at Woodward North. Every year in kindergarten, the students would participate in the wedding of “Mr. Q to Ms. U” (in learning to read the two letters always go together). The year that Alexandra and Sam were in kindergarten, Alexandra was chosen as bridesmaid and Sam was to be the groomsman. The bride recalled: “Sam and I have always been best friends. Whether we see each other a lot or only a few times a year, we always make it count. We can talk about our deeper struggles or just laugh and goof around. He is always an honest friend that gives me meaningful advice. On the eve of Sam and Ali’s wedding, David and I spent the last hour of the evening getting one-on-one time with Sam, decompressing and catching up on the craziness of life. Sam will always be like a brother to me no matter what.” The groom mused, “Alex is a great chef, making home-cooked meals with a pen and notepad to
ensure she hits all the right nutrients and doesn’t repeat a flavor profile too often. Not just for me, but for our dog, Jazmine! The two of us got extra lucky with how Alex spoils us. The best part about marrying a trained zookeeper is that she knows how to take care of anything! That’s how I know she will make the best mother.” The bride weighed in, “One way I can always tell how ‘good’ a person is, is by looking at how they treat my dog. When I introduced David to my Alaskan malamute, he fell in love with her (and me) instantly. He treated her as his own from the start. She even met his parents before I did! This shows just how big and warm his heart is. No matter how much time he spends at the gym working out or playing rough on the soccer field, at the end of the day he is just one big teddy bear that has all the love in the world to give.” Looking back on the weekend, she reflected, “There is not a single thing I would change, everything was magical. My parents and the staff created the most perfect weekend. I could not be more grateful.” Belinda Morris echoed the sentiment: “Hats off to Barnsley Gardens’ owner, Julian Saul, who had expert management and staff on hand for all the details.” Michael Morris, the father of the bride, concluded, “Everyone asked me how I felt giving away my daughter. I was excited for her. I was so happy to see her spread her wings, embrace David, and move into a new stage and adventure in their lives together.” ì
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Event Vendor List
Photography: Jamie Reichman Party music: Voltage Brothers
Ceremony music: Luna Strings Florist: Alchemy Events
Videographer: Dewitt Smith Photography Wedding planner: Helene Popowski
Paper goods: Brighten My Day, Tova Glenn
6 Alexandra and David enjoy a special moment. Her gown was by Israeli designer Inbal Dror. 7 The couple selected Barnsley Gardens for its ruins and flora.
8 The wedding ambience was described as “magical” as the rain stopped and the mist rose. 9 The vanilla butter cream wedding cake echoed the floral theme. 10 Never was there a more beautiful golf cart exit!
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Alexandra and Sam grew up side by side at Woodward Academy North. Their friendship has endured through the decades, with their weddings taking place just two weeks apart.
The Morris-Fishman Connection
You may not know it, but there’s a charming backstory connecting two of our featured wedding couples: the longstanding friendship between Alexandra Morris and Sam Fishman, who got married in Dallas just two weeks after Morris tied the knot at Barnsley. Their friendship beATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
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gan during pre-K at Woodward Academy North in Atlanta and continued throughout their school years and subsequent decades. In kindergarten, the students would participate in the wedding of “Mr. Q to Ms. U” as a literacy lesson, to demonstrate that the two letters always go together. Alexandra
was chosen as a bridesmaid and Sam was to be the groomsman. Now a bride herself, Alexandra recalled: “Sam and I have always been best friends. Whether we see each other a lot or only a few times a year, we always make it count. We can talk about our deeper struggles or just laugh and goof around.
He is always an honest friend that gives me meaningful advice. On the eve of Sam and Ali’s wedding, David and I spent the last hour of the evening getting one-on-one time with Sam, decompressing and catching up on the craziness of life. Sam will always be like a brother to me no matter what.” ì
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Feinstein & Fishman Flourish at Four Seasons
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
The wedding of Ali Feinstein and Sam Fishman took place on Oct. 3 at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas (Texas) at Las Colinas in front of 250 guests. Friday night Shabbat dinner was hosted by the bride’s parents, Susie and Allan Feinstein; Saturday night events were hosted by Beth and Evan Fishman, the groom’s parents. Ali said of the venue, “I wanted to get married there since I was a little girl. It’s such a beautiful resort. That’s where Sam proposed to me, so it has extra sentimental value.” Sam said, “The wedding was
truly the deepest, most meaningful day of my life. The most fun. The feeling when I broke the glass — knowing it was official that Ali and I were married and starting the rest of our lives together — was pure ecstasy. I knew the first night we ‘officially’ met in College Park in 2016, that my life was going to change. I was right.” The couple met at the University of Maryland and started dating during Sam’s junior year (Ali’s senior year). When Ali graduated, they had a “long-distance relationship” before Sam moved to Dallas to attend Southern Methodist University law school. Sam is a commercial liti-
gation attorney, and Ali works in sales and marketing at her family’s business, Maui Foods International, a wholesale manufacturer of gourmet muffin batter and cookie dough for the resort, retail grocery store, and cruise line industries. Since the couple met in college, Rabbi Ari Israel, the executive director of the Maryland Hillel, performed the ceremony. Ali said, “We both had close relationships with Rabbi Israel in college; it meant the world to us to have him play an important role in our wedding. We met with him (virtually) many times to discuss the meaning of the wedding, and marriage in general. He gave impor-
tant context to a lot of the traditions we took part in throughout the day.” Sam grew up attending Chabad of North Fulton, so Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz was a special guest. A charming twist to the story is Sam’s friendship with Alexandra Morris throughout their childhood at the Woodward Academy, resulting in almost concurrent weddings. Sam said, “Alexandra and I grew up together; we are essentially family. We have always maintained a close relationship, and it’s honestly wild we got married within two weeks of each other.” Ali’s elegant backdrop was
Credit: Carter Rose Weddings // The guests celebrate with the newlyweds. Ali changed into white Keds and a short dress.
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1 filled with white florals: white moth orchids, Hawaiian orchids, hydrangeas, large garden roses, spray roses, ranunculus (buttercups) and lisianthus. Likewise, her bouquet overflowed with alabaster tropicals. A modern Lucite chuppah was designed with a floral banding in white tones with texture and volume. Its surface was accented with glowing candles at
varying heights. The chuppah was elevated on a white Lucite stage. Ali’s strapless dress was by Meira Zwillinger. “When I first tried it on,” she recalled, “I knew instantly that this was the one! It fit like a glove. Each detail was absolutely stunning, and I felt amazing wearing it all night. I never wanted to take it off!” Attendants wore contrasting floor-length black
1 The couple chose a modern Lucite chuppah.
2 Ali and Sam met at the University of Maryland and tied the knot in Dallas. 3 Gold chargers set the stage for an elegant meal.
4 Ali’s parents, Susie and Allan Feinstein, walk her down the aisle.
2 3 4
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gowns. Sam’s tux was by Zegna. One of the kiddush cups belonged to Ali’s Bubbe from Poland. Sam’s cufflinks were passed down from his great-grandfather, for whom he is named. Sam was also wearing his late grandfather’s watch. The couple’s first dance was to “This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody)” by the Talking Heads. Sam joked, “We took dance lessons, but they didn’t seem to help so much.” Looking back, Ali’s advice for other brides is: “Focus on what matters, don’t get lost in the sauce. At the end of the day, it’s about the
two of you. It’s ok to get emotional with this heavy and serious undertaking. Appreciate it and embrace the feelings … and once that glass breaks, get your party on!” Sam concluded with thoughts about Ali’s virtues, “The amount of love in her heart. Her smile when she laughs … and that she’s smoking hot!” Ali mused, “My absolute favorite thing about Sam is the immense love he has for me, his family and friends — he truly is the sweetest man in the world. I’m so lucky to call him my husband. And Sam’s intelligence always amazes me!” ì
5 The couple was lifted in traditional chairs by guests.
6 Ali knew immediately that she loved her floral, strapless gown by Meira Zwillinger. 7 The tables echoed their pristine white “dream” theme. 8 Sam meets his bride.
9 Ali and Sam’s first dance was to “This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody)” by the Talking Heads.
7
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Bride and groom dance in center of wedding parachute.
Bring Someone Else’s Jewish Joy to Your Wedding By Chana Shapiro
Simcha Apparel Gemach When Malka Adelman received a call from Gail, a woman whom she had never met, she
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was happy to help. Adelman runs the Simcha Gemach, where Atlantans participate in a classic Jewish enterprise, a clothing gemach that contains a large selection of high-quality used clothing for celebrants in a Jewish wedding. The word gemach is contraction of the Hebrew term gemilut chasadim, which means acts of lovingkindness. The gemach is the Jewish embodiment of recycling, an example of community interconnectedness and responsibility. Each gemach is a repository of donated valuable and useful items, and Jewish communities around the world — including Atlanta — maintain gemachs of baby furniture and accessories, medical equipment, tables and chairs, kitchen supplies, and clothing. Adelman maintains and
manages an Atlanta Simcha Gemach. “The search for a special dress for an Orthodox wedding is not unusual,” she notes. “Since its opening four years ago, the Simcha Gemach has helped women throughout greater Atlanta find and afford beautiful dresses for unique situations.” Gail became one of Adelman’s fans. When her son was engaged to be married, the formal Orthodox Jewish wedding necessitated finding an elegant modest dress for the occasion. Gail knew that the evening dresses she already owned were not appropriate, and at the same time, she did not want to spend hundreds of dollars for a dress she did not expect to wear again. Her future daughter-in-law told Gail about the Simcha Gemach in Toco Hills, where she tried on several floor-length, high-fash-
ion outfits with long sleeves and modest necklines, and she found the perfect dress. Adelman says, “I love getting to meet people and have a brief window into their lives and hear about their simchas. It’s also a fun way to teach my children about community involvement.” A large area of the Adelman home’s terrace level is devoted to two separate gemachs. Adelman explains, “When we constructed our home, my husband and I were asked to provide space for a much-needed clothing gemach, a popular service that exists in most cities with large Jewish populations.” The womens’ and childrens’ clothing are displayed in Toco’s Closet, and a different room is devoted exclusively to wedding apparel. There are racks of elegant dresses for members of the wedding party
1 1 Groom’s tallit is held above the wedding couple, under a chuppah designed and built by Rachel Lovett. 2 What’s a wedding without a maypole dance?
3 Bride and her friends dance, as friends circle wedding parachute.
2 3
4 Everybody looks best wearing a feather boa.
and posh outfits for wedding guests. Donated wedding attire includes bridesmaid, flower girl, mother-of-the-bride, formal and semi-formal dresses, and party attire for bat mitzvah girls. Among the racks of donated clothing in the Simcha Gemach, there are new items. Adelman says, “On occasion someone comes across an amazing discount sale of beautiful dresses and decides to buy them for the Simcha Gemach. We recently received three gorgeous new toddler dresses, which were purchased for the gemach along with garments a woman bought for her own grandchildren. When women come to us looking for clothing in a particular color, often to coordinate with other dresses in a wedding party, we usually can accommodate them. Our most popular colors
are pink, navy blue and pearl and silver gray.” Adelman shared this favorite anecdote: “This is a true lastminute story. I got a call after Shabbat one evening. The family had come to Atlanta to attend a wedding the following day, Sunday, and they forgot the garment bag that contained dresses for three little girls. I opened the Simcha Gemach for them, and they found dresses for all three that were perfect in size and color. It’s a joy for me to help make someone’s simcha better in any way that I can!” The Simcha Gemach provides the amenities of a contemporary clothing store, with dressing rooms, mirrors, professional display racks, and comfortable chairs. All donated clothing is carefully checked by volunteers for damage or stains. Some wed-
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5 Entertaining the bride and groom.
6 Toddler dresses are snapped up quickly.
7 Hannah Fleshel started and maintains the Shtick Gemach.
ding apparel is returned after one use and may be recycled again. Unacceptable items, either because of condition or style, are regularly donated to Inspire Outreach, which picks up an average of 40 large bags of usable clothing every month. There is no set fee for clothing from the Simcha Gemach or Toco’s Closet, and Adelman and her organizers and clothing sorters are all volunteers. Upon selecting clothing, each customer is given an envelope for her anonymous donation, which is used by members of Yad l’Yad, an Atlanta grassroots volunteer ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
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organization that distributes kosher food and food coupons on a biweekly basis to those in need.
Wedding Shtick Gemach Organizing a wedding is a big job. Selecting the location, clothing, invitations, photographer, music, food, flowers, decorations and guest souvenirs are the responsibility of the celebrat-
8 Bride and groom enter wedding reception through decorated hand-held arches. 9 Malka Adelman manages the Simcha Gemach.
10 The wedding Shtick Gemach contains noise makers and party supplies
ing family. Yet, there is another Jewish wedding obligation, one that does not fall on the wedding couple and their families. This one belongs to the guests — “mesameyach chatan v’ kallah” — to increase the joy and happiness of the bride and groom. With the help of the Shtick Gemach, everyone can get into the spirit and merriment of the celebration with simcha dancing, tricks, spontaneous surprises and cavorting. The Yiddish word “shtick” refers to comic tricks or gimmicks; when it is used in a wedding context, it refers to the
items wedding guests use to entertain the bride and groom, through dancing, costumes, juggling, singing, maracas, streamers, stunt props, and even a wedding parachute. Hannah Fleshel, who manages a Wedding Shtick gemach, maintains an assortment that contains noise-makers, maypoles, balloons, decorated arches, floral supplies, signage, crowns, boas, hats, pom poms, and more, which are distributed among the guests. With the items in Fleshel’s shtick gemach, the reception becomes a festival of fun for all and ongoing enter-
tainment for the bride and groom. There have always been tummlers (zany entertainers) at Jewish weddings, and friends of the bride and groom enjoy entertaining the couple with humorous things they create and bring to the celebration. Some guests don’t have access or the ability to bring homemade items to the wedding that will amuse the celebrants, and when a community maintains a well-stocked shtick gemach, everyone has the opportunity to join in the fun. “I started the gemach when one of our students got married here in Atlanta,” Fleshel explains. “I love going to weddings and dancing with a bottle balanced on my head to make the bride smile … that is my personal shtick. It is a huge mitzvah to bring joy to a bride and groom. My husband and I are involved in college outreach here at Emory. One of our students became religiously observant in Israel and came back here to get married. I wanted to help give her an extra festive wedding, with a lot of shtick, like the weddings she had attended in Israel. Unfortunately, it was hard to find items that the wedding guests would enjoy using. “I began calling around, and I found things here and there that people had made themselves. Then I bought some things from New York. I figured I would make it easier for the next person to find fun items, and I offered to create a community gemach. That was four years ago. I probably lend gemach contents once a month now that life is getting more back to normal after COVID.” Occasionally, the Shtick Gemach gets back-to-back weekend use. A November wedding at Congregation Beth Jacob, for a couple from Congregation Ner Hamizrach, borrowed wedding shtick and a community chuppah, handmade and individually set up for each event by Rachel Lovett. After the wedding, the gemach contents were repacked and returned to Fleshel. One day later, the cartons were picked up for a wedding the next weekend at Congregation Ariel. “Congregations throughout Atlanta are welcome to the Shtick Gemach,” Fleshel says. “The things we’ve put together serve two functions. Foremost, of course, is to entertain the couple; the second is to encourage the guests, of all ages and backgrounds, to actively participate in the simcha.” Some items do not get returned; just as often the Shtick Gemach comes back with additional items from the last wedding, and community members frequently contribute their own paraphernalia to the mix. Over time, the contents of the gemach have increased in variety and ingenuity, reflecting the goal of kol sasson, v’kol simcha, kol chattan v’kol kallah — bringing joy and celebration to the bride and groom. ì
Come face-to-face with the majesty of the deep in our two large observation windows in the Oceans Ballroom. Our flexible space can be customized to create a unique setting for any simcha. Guests will love the delicious cuisine served from the kosher kitchens of Wolfgang Puck Catering. Email booking@georgiaaquarium.org, visit georgiaaquarium.org/amazing-events or call 404.581.4126.
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A Wedding Reflection: Paula and Hymie By Shaindle Schmuckler
Everyone has a story of how they met their bashert (soulmate). I met my bashert at Kinderland summer camp in Hopewell Junction, N. Y. One of my sisters met her bashert at a party given by mutual friends. My other sister met her bashert as participants in a political movement. Hymie and Paula met in a tiny hamlet in Poland, which in and of itself, doesn’t sound too romantic. Read on and you will find a beautiful romance, fraught with just a bit of drama, love and lust. The year was 1937. Hitler and his army would soon be on the move, marching into Poland, headed toward Hymie’s hamlet. At the same time, here in the Goldeneh Medinah (the golden land) of the United States of America, Paula, who had arrived in the Bronx at age 15, along with her mom, dad, two sisters and her baby brother, was busy building a life for herself. She was working full time, attending night school, busy going to dances with her girlfriends on the weekends, hosted by various Jewish organizations. At one of these events, she met and developed a close friendship with a man named Morris. These greeneh (new immigrant) young people traveled in groups, enjoying the American way of life. Slowly, the unimaginable ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
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horrors Hitler unleashed on the world became a painful disruption of their new way of life. At one of these dance events, Paula and her friends were having heated discussions with Morris, his cousin and some of their friends. It was then that Paula learned that Morris’s entire family, including his parents, brother Hymie, and sisters were in grave danger of being annihilated by Hitler. In New York at the time, there was a secret organization that helped men and women cross the ocean to meet and marry Jews, with the intent of bringing these saved souls to America. After a period of three months, they would annul the marriage, having completed the mitzvah of saving a Jewish life. Based on this organization’s mission, a plan was hatched by Morris, Paula and others. It so happened that, Paula, who was a natural beauty inside and out, was dating and became engaged to a prize catch of a man. Steve — perfect American name, not a name given to a greeneh — was American born, and best of all, held down a good steady job. He was not crazy about his fiancé traipsing off by herself, to a country under fire, to meet and marry a stranger. Anything could easily go wrong. Paula was a descendant of Lillith (the demonic figure in Jewish mythology) and carried with her Lillith’s streak of independence and fearlessness. Off she sailed from the New York harbor to Paris, carrying a new wardrobe for her and new clothes for Hymie for their betrothal and eventual journey to the U.S. Paula was in for the first shock of her life when she arrived in Paris, where she believed the plan would be to travel by train to Morris’s fam-
ily’s hometown. Instead, she was a “fare” in an old broken-down vehicle, which took her to a crossroads where she was to wait for her next mode of transportation, for the last leg of her long and arduous journey. The second shock of her life occurred when an old buggy and an even older driver with an even older horse galloped up to where she waited. The driver called her name in Polish and explained that he was to be her ride to her destination. She looked around her with a huge degree of skepticism, realizing no one could make this up. So, she boarded the horsedrawn cart, and they slowly made their way deeper and deeper into the country, further and further away from a city or town, finally arriving at a small hamlet. Morris’s family was dirt poor. Literally! Their home was built on a dirt floor, where chickens and other livestock lived in harmony with their humans. This was not to be the last shock of Paula’s mitzvah journey. His brother Hymie turned out to be quite handsome, in a rugged Jewish kind of way, and this threw Paula for a loop. It was not at all what she was expecting, and not at all how his brother had described him. Paula met Hymie’s family, which consisted of his mom, dad, five sisters and one adorable niece. Their connection was immediate. After spending some quality time with the family, it was time to get down to the business of the mitzvah. The yellow stars the family was ordered to wear caused Paula to become overwhelmed with emotion and fear. Time was running out to make their escape. The pair was married in a small town near their hamlet. Hymie wore a wedding ring passed down from his great-grandfather
to each male upon their nuptials. This gold wedding band was supposed to stay in the family, with his mom, for the next male to use. Instead, handing a blue box to Paula, Hymie’s mom begged her to take this ring back to America, since she was so sure the family would not survive Hitler’s invasion. Finally, it was time to make their long trip to Paris and on to the USA. Difficult and emotional goodbyes were exchanged, with Hymie promising to come back and rescue the rest of his family after the mandatory three months of the marriage had elapsed. The drivers of the horse and buggy, or the old truck carrying them to Paris, were oblivious to the sparks flying between Hymie and Paula. Finally, aboard the ship to Ellis Island, the sparks took over and lust led them to consummate their marriage. If you are wondering about Steve, well, he soon realized, as he saw the newlyweds hurrying down the runway to their new lives, that he was likely “on the market” once again. The gold band lay hidden and forgotten until my mom Paula died, and my sisters and I were charged with helping my dad Hymie sort through her belongings. At the bottom of a dresser drawer, filled with beautiful hankies (mom loved the lacy kind best) was the blue box with the ring. Years later, when my sisters and I hoped it would be less painful a memory, I asked my dad about the ring, and the love story was revealed. Confirming what we already knew, their love story spanned nearly 60 years. And this very story, which began as a mitzvah, would light up the lives of my sisters and myself. And the rest, as it is said, is history. ì
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An Israeli Miracle
By Allen H. Lipis
It’s a mitzvah to yourself if you remain joyous without being angry: when you are patient, when you overcome a desire, and especially when you avoid criticizing another person. If you can start that way, the by-product of helping others will improve your spirit. You will look away from your own needs and desires and look toward helping others. Do a mitzvah with a happy heart. There are many inspiring
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Jewish stories, and this is just one of them — a story not only true, but one I had a small part in. Before I married my wife, I was living in Columbus, Ohio, with Marvin, a lawyer who taught legal economics at Ohio State University. Marvin was then 32 years old and had never married. He felt that he was too old for the available women in their twenties, and so believed that he would never be able to find a partner because of his age. One Shabbos morning, we both felt the need to go to a synagogue, though we were not regular members there. We decided to go to a major Conservative synagogue in the community. After the service was over, we met the rabbi, and he introduced us to a married couple then in their mid-fifties. They happened to be Israelis and asked if one of us could do a mitzvah for them. We were interested. The husband then told us about their
18-year-old daughter. Dalia, it turned out, was still in Israel and about to be drafted into the Israeli army. Being only 18, she was not interested in joining the IDF. Her parents were trying to get her to come to the U.S. and avoid being drafted. The parents said we could do a mitzvah if one of us agreed to sign a betrothal document that said that either Marvin or I were to be married to their daughter. A married woman, it was said, could avoid the IDF. A betrothal document is a legal document, and it is not a trivial matter. I was dating Judy, the woman I eventually married, and did not want to undermine that relationship, so I could not fulfill the couple’s request. On the other hand, Marvin had no such commitments, and as a lawyer he could deal with any legal issues that might arise. So, Marvin agreed to sign the document without any thought other
than doing a good deed. He said to the parents that he was not married and thought he never would be. He would just be doing them a favor, so he signed the document. A few months later, the daughter arrived in Columbus, and Marvin was invited to the parents’ home. They wanted to thank him. Marvin came back to our apartment in love. The girl felt the same about Marvin. It was love at first sight. They married six months later. This is a perfect example of a mitzvah that echoed the famous Jewish proverb, “One good deed leads to another.” In helping others, you often end up helping yourself, and that, in turn, makes you happy. This is one of the many stories in my new book, “If Not Now, When?” It is about character improvement based on Jewish ethics, and is now available on Amazon. ì
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Brafman Unveils New Venue for Meir’s Upsherin
SIMCHAS
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
On Oct. 21, EB Catering Co.’s Eli Brafman kicked off the premiere event at the Atlanta Jewish Academy event space, exclaiming “Let’s make parties great again!” Brafman and his wife Sarel hosted a group of 350, including approximately 125 children, for the upsherin (hair cutting ceremony) of their son, Meir Shlomo Brafman, grandson of Rabbi Yossi and Dassi New and Leo and Faige Brafman. Meir is named for Sarel’s great-granduncle, Rabbi Meir Shlomo Yanovsky, of Nikolayev,
Ukraine. Yiddish for shearing off, the traditional upsherin ceremony is a joyous occasion during which a three-year-old boy has his first haircut. Friends and family came up to cut a lock of Meir’s brown wisps in anticipation of his entry into Jewish law and its mitzvot, the start of wearing tzitzit and a yarmulke. Susan Gordon Moray, the AJA’s chief advancement officer, said, “We are now available for rental here with all the tables and chairs. What’s wonderful also is the adjoining sports field that can host huge crowds using all adjoining accommodations.
E.B is our official ‘in-house’ caterer, but party givers can bring in their own cuisine. Jewish events must be kosher. The Vivian Zisholtz Sportsmanship Center and Minsk Gymnasium are 10,000 square feet. Rentals for the field and gymnasium run between $7500 and $15,000.” Practiced mainly by the Chassidic and Charedi communities, the upsherin is now widely popular. The custom is related to the biblical laws of “orlah,” or first fruits, which prohibit the harvesting of fruits produced by the tree during the first three years. Proud zayde Rabbi Yossi
New told the AJT, “In Deuteronomy man is likened to a tree in the field. So, just as one cannot touch the fruit for three years, we don’t cut a child’s hair until his third birthday. The message to a tree owner and to the parents of a child is the same: Everything was created by and belongs to G-d, and it’s only with His gracious permission that we enjoy life’s offerings.” (Deuteronomy 20:19) At the event, Rabbi New told the audience: “A young boy once approached his zayde, a great Chassidic master, crying, ‘If Hashem appeared
Photography By Sarah Slavik // Rabbi Yossi New snipping Meir’s hair as Mom looks on.
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1 2 3 1 The Bubble lady charms the children. 2 Meir surrounded in a giant bubble.
3 Meir with his parents Eli and Sarel.
4 Expansive shot of the new AJA event facility.
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Menu
Ricotta tomato jam crostini
Lemon caper bronzini with croutons Artichoke dip with pita crisp MAIN BUFFET
French Onion Soup
Kale caesar salad, carrots, oven dried tomatoes Fruity arugula salad
LIVE PIZZA STATION Fire stone pizza crusts Sauce, cheese Toppings
Sushi station
Salmon Crudo Gravlax
PASTA STATION Penne ala vodka
Mac and cheese with toasted breadcrumbs Pappardelle with wild mushrooms DESSERT
Ice cream bar / Waffle station Personalized cookies
Glow in the dark cake Mini cupcakes
Rice krispy pops
Mini cheesecakes
Mini forrero roche cups Crembo
Mini mango passion cups
before Avraham, why does he not appear before me?’” Rabbi New admired the depth of the child who, even prior to age six, desired a relationship with Hashem. He wished that Meir’s parents would nurture the gift of his desire to be connected to G-d. Beginning at 5 p.m., the newly-marketed Atlanta Jewish Academy social hall was transformed into a glowbox of music, neon colors, mod lime and orange furniture, and flashing lights. A beautiful bubble blower performer delighted kids with her pop-able streams. Music filled the room, and some commented that it was more like a bar mitvzah than an upsherin. Since Meir’s father, Eli is a caterer, he delivered a fabulous array of specialties. Mother Sarel welcomed the crowd and out-of-town visitors, as Uncle Rabbi Isser New read a letter in Yiddish and English from the Rebbe to upsherin boys. The head Rabbi of Con-
gregation Beth Tefilah cut the first lock, followed by Meir’s paternal zayde. As his hair was cut, Meir dropped a coin in the tzedakah box to begin his life with acts of charity. Now that Sarel and Eli have three children, they commented on what they have learned about child rearing: “You never know how to deal with a situation until it hits you. Then we deal with it. They all have different personalities: One doesn’t sit still, one is happy-go-lucky and ‘chill’ like Meir, and the youngest is really energetic.” The EB Catering Co. brings the New York kosher dining experience to private homes, simchas, and events. Brafman operates out of a ghost kitchen on High Point Rd. and has extensive menus for Shabbat, the High Holy Days, and some weekdays, with rotating choices like Wholesome Wednesdays. His food trucks delight Atlanta neighborhoods with falafel, which comes with all the fixings. ì
5 A custom made cookie and dessert bar for Meir. 6 EB’s famous mushroom papardelle.
7 Colorful sushi station with lighted signage. 8 Each guest got a custom fired pizza. 9 A spectacular cake for Meir. 10 Salad bar.
11 One of the food stations with EB’s special touch. 12 Meir surrounded by family and friends.
Cake pops
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Extra Confetti for Garfinkel Gathering
By Robyn Spizman Gerson
On Facebook, Ali Garfinkel celebrated her 35th birthday with her yearly fundraiser to raise awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Exceeding her fundraising goal, Garfinkel chose this organization as the LLS is a global leader in the fight against cancer, devoted to curing blood cancers and improving lives. The LLS is a cause that is close to Ali’s heart, and by all standards, this year’s birthday was a triumphant celebration. Garfinkel, who has been in remission for two years follow-
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Ali, Poppy and Marc Garfinkel celebrating and blowing out the candles on Ali’s custom cake.
Balloon installation by Balloons Over Atlanta added a festive backdrop for the intimate brunch.
ing a lymphoma diagnosis, certainly had a reason to celebrate. Previously, as well as over the past few years, the family has done their best, with great big yard signs and drive bys. Even Ali’s daughter, Poppy, had her baby naming take place via Zoom, with Rabbi Josh Heller officiating at the synagogue and just a few family members present. As Ali’s 35th birthday approached — and the milestone of almost two years in remission — it was time to celebrate. An intimate, patio-style brunch celebration was scheduled at Haven, a popular Brookhaven destination, which was ideal for the occasion. The small family gathering was a big mission, and Haven prepared a beautiful estate table on their well-appointed patio. Leave it to Gayle Rubenstein of Balloons Over Atlanta, who arrived early to install a festive balloon arch in Ali’s favorite colors of blush, pink, gold and white. The balloons of all shapes and sizes formed a cascade next to the table, adding an exquisite touch of birthday magic. Following a delicious brunch Dani, 9, and Poppy, 2, join Aunt Ali and mom for her 35th birthday brunch celebration.
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Alli Marbach created a chocolate confetti cake with a chocolate chip explosion covered in sprinkles.
with a southern touch of powdered sugar beignets and all the trimmings, a decadent dessert arrived that earned oohs and ahs from those assembled. Ali’s birthday cake was a tall, skillfully decorated affair created by Alli Marbach of Cakeology Atlanta, who is now officially
headquartered at Temple Sinai. The confetti cake was drenched in chocolate and chocolate chips, since Poppy, who dressed up as one for Halloween that year, loves chocolate chips. The confetti cake was similar to the one that Ali and husband Marc had at their wedding seven
A chocolate chip cake in honor of beloved Aunt Lois Blonder’s birthday.
years earlier. With a modern twist, topped with chocolate candy bars and kisses of all sorts, it was a gorgeous edible creation. Poppy was thrilled with the balloons and gladly shared the duty of blowing out the candles with her mom. She also had her
own cupcake, topped with a floral poppy flower. The icing on the cake was beloved aunt, Lois Blonder, who was also celebrating her November birthday this month. Aunt Lois is truly timeless in style, attitude and personality and she is the youngest person at heart you’ll ever know. ì
MEET YOUR HELPERS The Barocas & Feldman Team is here to help. Whether it is finding you the right neighborhood or just answering your questions about the “New Normal” in Real Estate.
“We Make It Easy For You!” ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
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Happy Days Are Here Again
Jeanne Simon with her teenaged grandchildren, Ian and Nessa Stukalsky, and her youngest grandchild, Connor Greene.
By Flora Rosefsky
Chamblee resident Alan Simon turned 70 on November 11, 2020, during the early days of COVID, but a proper birthday party never materialized. “Even though we were able to give my dad the gift of video messages
ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
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from family and friends, we were not able to have a traditional celebration,” said Shana Stukalsky, one of Simon’s daughters, and a Dunwoody resident. What a difference one year can make. This fall, Stukalsky and her younger sister, Tara Greene of Alpharetta, made sure that their mother Jeanne Simon, who was turning 70, would not mark her milestone birthday the same way. Fully vaccinated, and with the pandemic no longer ruling out in-person celebrations, the two sisters planned a party for 16 guests, held on Oct. 30 at Stukalsky’s home. Shana Stukalsky had come across personal chef and caterer Margot Alfie through a Face-
book post. After some phone and email consultations, a dinner menu with a variety of Middle Eastern delicacies was agreed upon, including a fall salad of watermelon radishes, bell peppers, carrots, artichoke hearts, and pomegranate seeds — all served over greens with a za’atar dressing. The olive oil, lemon, garlic and vinegar salad dressing is “nothing fancy, just full of flavor,” according to Alfie. The first course came with hummus and garbanzo beans, along with fresh pita and glutenfree crackers. The main course consisted of roasted chicken in Greek spices and grilled ground beef and lamb keftas with a side of Celebration Syrian Rice — a
festive mixture of white rice, almonds and raisins. Roasted Moroccan green beans tossed in cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice and cayenne, were also a nice surprise. The meal was crowned with a special birthday dessert plate of bite-size crepes accompanied by Mexican caramel, pecans, strawberries and vanilla ice cream. But what would a birthday party be without a celebratory cake? Husband Alan provided the chocolate layered birthday cake. Jeanne said, “it was chocolate, and more chocolate, because that’s my favorite.” Grandson Ian Stukalsky uncorked a bottle of champagne for a birthday toast filled with good wishes.
Served buffet-style, the dinner party menu provided a good selection of vegetables, including Moroccan roasted string beans.
1 Gluten-free crackers and pita bread accompany hummus as part of the Middle Eastern food party menu. 2 Celebration Syrian Rice is a mixture of white rice with almonds and golden raisins.
3 Chef Margot Alfie provided a birthday dessert plate made up especially for Jeanne Simon.
Besides the birthday girl, party guests included husband Alan; children Shana and Alan Stukalsky, and Tara and Paxton Greene; grandchildren Nessa Stukalsky, Ian Stukalsky and Connor Greene; and Jeanne’s sister and brother-in-law, Marcia and Ron Snyder from Boca Raton, along with a few special friends. When asked how her mother felt about having an actual birthday party for a change, Shana said, “My mom wanted to celebrate, but not anything too
1 3
2
big. She just wanted a nice dinner party with family and close friends.” Jeanne added: “What makes my 70th party really special is because my sister is coming in from Florida. We’re very close, and we were used to visiting each other a lot more often, so coming to Atlanta for my party was a huge treat for both of us.” Shana added that, when growing up in Boca Raton, both families lived down the street from each other and “did everything 47•STYLE MAGAZINE
ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
Nessa Stukalsky gives her grandmother a big birthday hug.
4 Jeanne Simon with husband Alan and daughters Tara Greene and Shana Stukalsky.
5 Marcia Snyder, from Boca Raton, made sure she and her husband Ron were able to attend her sister’s 70th.
6 Grandson Ian Stukalsky uncorks the champagne for a birthday toast.
together!” Spending time with her Aunt Marcia and Uncle Ron at the birthday party was special for both Shana and Tara, since the pandemic had curtailed more frequent visits in years past. It was only 11 years ago that the Simons, two practicing attorneys in Florida in their late 50s, decided to live closer to Shana, making the move from Palm Beach to Atlanta. Soon after, younger daughter Tara moved to the metro Atlanta area as well. Shana said her parents wanted to be part of both daughters’ lives, watching their grandchildren grow up and sharing quality time with their family throughout the year. Jeanne said, “The decision to move here was the right one for us. To celebrate my 70th this year with Alan, Shana and Tara, their husbands and children, plus my sister and brother-inlaw, and some close friends with an intimate and delicious dinner party was the best celebration I could ever ask for.” ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
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A Pokémon Bar Mitzvah
Photo By Glenn Prince Photography // Sam Sernovitz reads from the Torah as his parents, Becky and Rabbi Larry Sernovitz stand by.
By Flora Rosefsky
When planning their son Sam’s bar mitzvah reception on Sept. 25, Rabbi Larry Sernovitz of Temple Kol Emeth and his wife Becky catered to their son’s interest in Pokémon, a Japanese media franchise based on the popular video game and its colorful trading cards and toys. Dale Jacoby, a TKE member and event planner with the Southern Company, understood Becky’s vision for the reception centerpieces. He incorporated Pokémon elements that also were part of the Pokémon cake, created by their neighbor, Allie Marbach, of Cakeology. To understand why PokéATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
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mon and its theme song mean so much to Sam and his family, the rabbi related that at the age of four months, his son was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease, familial dysautonomia. “Sam is one of only 637 people in the world ever diagnosed with this disease, which affects body function, blood pressure, and sensitivity to pain,” he said. The younger Sernovitz has spent years with an assembled health team at NYU Medical Center in New York City, where research on this disease is conducted. “Sam is an amazing kid. He has had to deal with so many doctors throughout the years. There is no cure for his
disease, but there is treatment now, and for him to accomplish becoming a bar mitzvah was quite an achievement,” his father said. When his son told him the Pokémon theme song lyrics started with “I want to be the best that I can be,” the rabbi decided with Sam that the theme song would be what the approximately 60 guests would hear as the bar mitzvah boy entered the reception tent. The Havdalah service took place in TKE’s sanctuary, while the reception was held outdoors, in a large tent set up in the back of the synagogue. Several close family members and relatives traveled from distant cities to attend. Having lived
in the New Jersey-Philadelphia area before moving to Marietta, many of those who had been part of Sam’s medical journey also attended to give him their love and support. His kindergarten teacher, who has been his mentor to this day, along with doctors and a physical therapist who are now like family, shared in the celebration. The bar mitzvah was held during Sukkot. Rabbi Sernovitz, who doubled as his son’s bar mitzvah tutor, explained that this particular Jewish festival was chosen because both events involve special visitors and guests. Sam said, “the most important part of my bar mitzvah was having so many of the
1 1 Standing with the Pokémon cake are Sam with his parents and sisters Daniella and Edith.
2
2 Sam holds the TKE Torah with his parents by his side.
important people in my life be here with me on that day.” Although his paternal grandmother Diane died when he was only seven months old, Sam remembered her during the Yizkor service. His father says that Sam carries his maternal grandfather’s name, Solomon, along with his namesake’s generosity of spirit. In his D’var Torah, Sam spoke about how “Moses felt G-d’s presence when things got tough, giving us courage and strength.”
Andy Baron of Yum Catering in Roswell prepared the food for the event. He was recommended by friends who recognized his creativity. Sushi, spring rolls, and a variety of appetizers and a vegetarian spread of brie, pineapple, grilled cheese and a tomato soup station were on offer. For dessert, there was the Pokémon cake. For his tallit, Sam went to TKE member Meg Fisher’s home to select the colors and fabric for his prayer shawl. On 51•STYLE MAGAZINE
ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
3 5 4
the atarah, she embroidered the bar mitzvah’s Hebrew date and favorite prayer, the Shema. Sam’s parents and his two sisters, Daniella and Edith, tied the four corner fringes to complete the tallit. On the Friday night preceding the bar mitzvah, a service and Oneg Shabbat took place in the synagogue’s courtyard. Glenn Prince Photography from Alpharetta
6
captured the bar mitzvah ceremony and reception. Arriving with the rabbi’s family at the start of the bar mitzvah weekend was his brother Dan Sernovitz, who came in from Virginia with his girlfriend Amy Muhlberg. Dan officially proposed to Amy that evening, making their engagement an additional joyous occasion, another simcha to celebrate with the extended family. ì
Event Vendor List
Cake: Allie Marbach, Cakeology — Marietta
Caterer: Andy Baron, Yum Catering — Roswell
Centerpieces & Décor: Dale Jacoby, The Southern Company Event Planner — Atlanta Photography: Glenn Prince Photography — Alpharetta
7
8
3 L’dor v’dor – Torah gets passed from generation to generation. 4 TKE members Harvey and Addie Schneider appreciate the catered buffet supper reception following the service. 5 A game using cups was the first of many activities Sam and his friends enjoyed during the evening party. 6 The reception and party were held outdoors at TKE.
7 Sam’s former kindergarten teacher, Ameetha Annesse, and physical therapist Gwen Freedman celebrate with Sam at his party.
8 Pokémon centerpieces added a meaningful touch to the reception tables. 9 It’s time for the hora dance with Sam being held up on a chair!
ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
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Tallit: Meg Fisher, Elite Tallit — Marietta
9
THE THESONENSHINE SONENSHINETEAM TEAM
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Sandy Springs- $437,000
Nestled within the Global Forum, a European-styled architectural plaza, Spring Hall is a boutique event venue that offers versatility and style paired with exceptional service. Elegant and sophisticated decor with a unique neutral color palette, Spring Hall can accommodate any type of event and help you create the special memories which will last a lifetime.
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HOLIDAY MAGIC IN DECATUR
©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Operated By a Subsidiary of NRT LLC.
MENORAH
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DEC. 5
Menorah Lighting • Sunday, Dec. 5 Chanukah celebration on the square from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. with hot drinks, latkes, music, and photos with Mr. Dreidel! Details at chabadintown.org
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Shop Local, Get Gifty!
On Thursdays shops stay open late with deals, discounts, treats, and special in-store events. In December enjoy free warm cookies, cocoa, and wrapping for your Decatur-bought gifts at the Visit Decatur tent on the square where our DJ keeps things lively. Watch our social media for dinner and drink specials, too!
VISITORS CENTER 113 Clairemont Ave. Decatur 30030 visitdecaturga.com TWAINS BREWPUB and BILLIARDS
53•STYLE MAGAZINE
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Simcha Announcements
Have something to celebrate? Births, B’nai Mitzvah, Engagements, Weddings, Anniversaries, Special Birthdays and more ... Share it with your community with free AJT simcha announcements. Send info to submissions@atljewishtimes.com.
Wedding
Alana Ivey Schube to Brian Samuel Teitell
Maxine and Keith Schube of Sandy Springs are overjoyed to announce the marriage of their daughter, Alana Ivey Schube, to Brian Samuel Teitell, son of Betsy and Todd Teitell of Dallas, Texas. They were married by Rabbi Peter Berg on Oct. 9. Alana is the granddaughter of Judy and the late Paul Finkel, and Stanley and the late Brenda Schube, all of Atlanta. Brian is the grandson of Sherley and the late Sidney Teitell of Closter, N.J., and the late Sylvia and Norman Cohen of Dallas, Texas. Alana is a second-grade teacher at The Davis Academy and Brian is the Senior Operations manager at Shapes Plastics. The couple resides in Sandy Springs, Ga. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
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Births
Zoe Elyse Schube
Talia and Jeremy Schube are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Zoe Elyse Schube, on Oct. 26. She joins her siblings Lilah and Ben. The proud grandparents are Claire and Julian Rachman of Dallas, Texas and Maxine and Keith Schube of Sandy Springs. Great-grandmother is Judy Finkel and great-grandfather is Stanley Schube, both from Atlanta. Zoe’s first name is in memory of her great-grandfather, Rabbi Zalman Rachman, and her middle name Elyse is in memory of great-great-great aunt Esther Forman.
Mason James Warsett
Rachel (Wolf) and Ross Warsett of Johns Creek, along with their son, Ethan Jacob, are proud to announce the birth of their son and brother, Mason James Warsett, on Sept. 2. The thrilled grandparents are Karen Kleiman of Boca Raton, Fla., Andrew Wolf of Johns Creek, Gwenn and Stan Silverman of Boca Raton, Fla., and Dwayne Warsett of Boca Raton, Fla. Mason is loved by his aunts and uncles, Alexandra (Wolf) and Josh Lieberman, Lori (Warsett) and Jeff Schier and Julie Warsett and Mason’s cousins, Brandon Lieberman and Remi Schnier. Mason is fortunate to have great-grandparents Helene and Elliot Warsett of Sunrise, Fla., and Morton Wolf of Delray, Fla. Mason is honored to be named for his paternal greatgrandmother, Mickey Wolf, and maternal great-grandmother Judith Kleiman. Mason’s Hebrew name is in memory of his maternal great-grandfather, Elliot Kleiman, and paternal great-grandfather, Paul Warsett.
55•STYLE MAGAZINE
ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
Brandon Elliot
Alexandra (Wolf) and Josh Lieberman of Jupiter, Fla., are overjoyed to announce the birth of their son, Brandon Elliot. The proud grandparents are Karen Kleiman of Boca Raton, Fla., Andrew Wolf of Johns Creek, Ga., and Dana and Eric Lieberman of Boca Raton, Fla. Welcoming Brandon into the family are his aunts and uncles, Rachel (Wolf) and Ross Warsett and Jennifer (Lieberman) and Ben Friedman. Brandon’s cousins, Ethan and Mason Warsett and Maia Lieberman, love their new cousin. Brandon is blessed to have great-grandfathers Ron Kaplan of Jupiter, Fla., and Morton Wolf of Delray, Fla. Brandon Elliot is honored to be named after his paternal great-grandmother, Barbra Kaplan, and his paternal great-grandfather, Elliot Kleiman, who just happen to have been high school classmates. Brandon’s Hebrew name is in memory of his paternal great-grandfather Marvin Lieberman.
SIMCHA SPOTLIGHT
Have something to celebrate? Share your simchas with the Births, B’nai Mitzvah, Engagements, Weddings, Anniversaries, Special Birthdays and more ... Share your news with the community with free AJT simcha announcements. Send info to submissions@atljewishtimes.com submissions@atljewishtimes.com.. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES
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Advertisers Directory
Call today to join our community of advertisers. Brand your business in Jewish Atlanta. 42West Entertainment Group 310-429-6269 www.42westentertainmentgroup.com
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Now with his new company, Remembrance Memorials, his core values of Quality, Compassion, and Lower Cost still hold true. Call today for free consultation on your needs.
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Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery Center 404-256-2633 www.polarisspine.com
We have been a primary source for memorials in the Jewish community for over 100 years.
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1070 Sandtown Rd SW, Suite B • Marietta Ga 30008
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404-263-2967
bdiener@cruiseplanners.com www.travelsmartdreambig.com BarbaraDienerCruisePlanners
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Looking for artistic helper with Mezuzah design involving some Hebrew lettering with artistic calligraphy.
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ONE W HOLE CEN T ER. A W HOLE L O T OF FUN . ONE W HOLE CEN T ER. A W HOLE L O T OF FUN . Enjoy over 50,000 sq. feet of fun for a safe and Enjoy overBar 50,000 sq. feet of fun for a safe and unforgettable Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah celebration! unforgettable Bar Mitzvahoptions or Bat Mitzvah celebration! Choose from several package with unlimited activities Choose from several package options with unlimited activities and arcades s, private or semi-private event space with audio and arcades s , private or semi-private event space with audio visual equipment, flexible menus and unlimited memories. visual equipment, flexible menus and unlimited memories.
OR OR
LEVEL UP PACKAGE LEVEL UP PACKAGE STARTING AT $34 PER PER SON
MVP PACKAGE MVP PACKAGE STARTING AT $52 PER PER SON
A private 3 hour event with 2 hours of A private 3activities hour event with 2 hours of unlimited &1 hour of video unlimited activities & 1 hour of video game play. Choose from three banquets game play. Choose*50 from threeminimum banquets package options. person package options. *50 person minimum
A private 3 hour event with unlimited A activities private 3 hour eventof with unlimited & 3 hours video game activities & 3 hours of video game play. Choose from three banquets play. Choose from banquets package options. *50three person minimum package options. *50 person minimum
STARTING AT $34 PER PER SON
STARTING AT $52 PER PER SON
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