Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. 100 NO. 13, JULY 15, 2025

Pets & Senior Living

Where Service Meets Sophistication

Experience-Forward Senior Residences

A residential wellness retreat amidst Alpharetta’s finest neighborhood - Discover a new standard of residences in one of Alpharetta’s most acclaimed neighborhoods Village Park Milton’s brand new residences seamlessly blend comfort, style, and independence with thoughtfully curated amenities and services Enjoy effortless self-care at our Sugarcoat Beauty Salon, explore bespoke displays in Terry Furuta’s floral boutique, and enjoy delicious, skillfully crafted meals and cocktails in our new restaurant and bar. At Village Park Milton, every detail is heightened by hospitality and intention

Call today for availability on Alpharetta’s most coveted senior residences.

PUBLISHER

MICHAEL A. MORRIS michael@atljewishtimes.com

EDITOR & MANAGING PUBLISHER

KAYLENE LADINSKY kaylene@atljewishtimes.com

Execuitive Assistant

RONIT FRANCO-PINSKY ronit@atljewishtimes.com

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor

SASHA HELLER sasha@atljewishtimes.com

Staff Writer & Proofreader

FRAN PUTNEY fran@atljewishtimes.com

Interim Online Content Coordinator

ROBERT GARBER robbie@atljewishtimes.com

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE

ALLEN H. LIPIS BOB BAHR

CHANA SHAPIRO

DAVE SCHECHTER

DAVID OSTROWSKY

LOU LADINSKY

MARCIA CALLER JAFFE

ROBYN SPIZMAN GERSON

ADVERTISING

Senior Account Manager & Team Supervisor

MICHAL BONELL michal@atljewishtimes.com

Account Manager

ILYSSA KLEIN ilyssa@atljewishtimes.com

CREATIVE & DESIGN

Creative Director

LILLI JENNISON lilli@atljewishtimes.com

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Events Director

JACQUELINE MORRIS jacqueline@atlantajewishlifefoundation.com

Atlanta Jewish Connector Coordinator DIANA COLE diana@atljewishtimes.com

GENERAL OFFICE

ROBIN FREEDMAN info@atljewishtimes.com 404-883-2130

Cover Photo: This year's Pets of Jewish Atlanta cover winner is Pancake.

Birthright Evacuee Details Escape from Warzone

By Sasha Heller

Like most Birthright students, native Atlantan Joshua Forman was enjoying his itinerary, visiting historical sites and experiencing Israel’s unique culture … and then … war broke out with Iran.

All Birthright programming stopped. The only thing that mattered was getting the attendees to safety, which meant evacuating them out of Israel. Birthright organized the safe passage of approximately 1,500 students on a cruise ship to Cyprus, and Chabad of Cyprus organized the students’ flights back home to the U.S. via Tampa, Fla. Forman was on that midnight exodus and has shared his story with the Jewish Atlanta community.

The approximately 1,500 Birthright evacuees made the most of their time on their cruise to Cyprus as they fled a warzone midway through their scheduled itinerary.

The following is from an interview with Forman:

AJT: What was your original itin-

Joshua Forman attended Davis Academy and graduated from The Weber School. He is currently studying mathematics at Georgia Tech. Growing up, Forman participated in summer camps at Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) and worked as a counselor at the JCC and In The City Camps. Forman’s family are members of Ahavath Achim Synagogue, and he is involved with the Chabad house on the Georgia Tech campus.

erary for the Birthright trip? And how much of that itinerary was your group able to accomplish before the war broke out?

Joshua: Our original itinerary was almost entirely fulfilled, as the war broke out around the eighth day of the trip. The only things we didn’t get to do were visiting Yad Vashem (the Holocaust Museum) and the Kotel (Western Wall). We actually were by the Western Wall the day before the war broke out, but we couldn’t actu-

Native Atlantan Joshua Forman was halfway through his Birthright trip before a conflict broke out between Israel and Iran // All photos courtesy of Joshua Forman

ally go to it because Benjamin Netanyahu and Caitlyn Jenner were there, which meant lots of security not allowing us to enter. We had planned on going to the Wall the next day, but the war happened.

AJT: Where were you and your group when the conflict started? Where did you go to stay safe?

Joshua: We were staying in the Jerusalem Gate Hotel before and during the conflict. It’s a nice hotel with spacious shelters for incidents like this one. There was even a gym that some people and I used among the chaos.

AJT: The world, thanks to social media, saw a clip of the cruise ship to Cyprus. What was the energy like on that

voyage?

Joshua: Everyone was … dancing and flirting. It was a really fun time for everyone.

AJT: We heard reports that the planes from Florida did not show up as expected. Is that true? Were you and your group stranded in Cyprus?

Joshua: Yes, this is entirely true. We were told we’d get to fly to Tampa, and we stood out by the cruise ship in sweltering heat for hours waiting to figure out what we were actually doing. Fortunately, the Chabad of Cyprus generously accommodated all 1,500 of us last minute, providing us with food and shelter. The next day, my group took a flight to Milan, Italy. ì

Birthright evacuees are pictured in a fitness center on the cruise ship to Cyprus as they fled a war breaking out in Israel against Iran.

Israel Conflicts Continue Amidst Hostage Talks

Compiled by AJT Staff

The following is a roundup of developing stories related to Israel’s ongoing conflicts with Iran and Hamas.

Israel Strikes Houthis Across Yemen, Blasting Ports

Israel carried out extensive strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, shortly after it issued evacuation orders for several areas of the country.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that airstrikes carried out by some 20 fighter jets targeted multiple Houthi targets in Yemen, including the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Isa and Salif, and the Ras Khatib power station.

The airstrikes also hit the Galaxy Leader vessel, which was hijacked by the Houthis in November 2023 and used for maritime surveillance and operational planning, the IDF said.

The Houthis took the ship and its crew of 25 people — who hailed from the Philippines, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and Mexico — captive in November 2023, only freeing them in January 2025.

The IDF said that the Houthis “installed a radar system on the ship, and are using it to track vessels in international maritime space, in order to promote the Houthi terrorist regime’s activities.”

According to the military, all the targets hit in the overnight strikes were used by the Iran-backed Houthi regime to transfer weapons and conduct terror activity against Israel and global shipping.

For full story, visit https://www.atlantajewishtimes.com/israel-strikes-houthisacross-yemen-blasting-ports/

Netanyahu Nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

At a White House dinner marked by mutual praise and talk of achieving farreaching change in the Middle East, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented Donald Trump with a letter he had sent to the Norwegian Nobel Committee nominating the U.S. president for a Nobel Peace Prize.

At the dinner, Trump and his Middle East special envoy, Steve Witkoff, revealed that the U.S. would hold talks with Iran on a new nuclear deal in the next week or so, and Witkoff spoke of his hope of achieving a Gaza hostage-ceasefire deal “very quickly.”

Netanyahu, for his part, restated his opposition to a fully sovereign Palestinian state but said Israel would make peace with those Palestinians who do not seek its destruction.

Both men referred to Trump’s vision of relocating Gazans, with Netanyahu saying progress was being made for several countries to take in Gazans who wish to leave the strip.

Netanyahu then rose to his feet and surprised Trump with the Nobel Prize nomination letter, handing it to him across the table. “It’s well deserved, and you should get it,” Netanyahu said.

“This I didn’t know. Wow,” Trump replied, reading the text. “Coming from you in particular, this is very meaningful.”

For full story, visit https://www.atlantajewishtimes.com/netanyahu-nominatestrump-for-nobel-peace-prize/

A Houthi forces helicopter approaching the cargo ship Galaxy Leader on Nov. 19, 2023, in the Red Sea // Photo Credit: Houthi Media Center via AP, File/Times of Israel

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, meets with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Blue Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 7, 2025 // Photo by Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Times of Israel

Gazans Reject Trump’s Displacement Plan

U.S. President Donald Trump, hosting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, indicated progress on a highly disputed initiative to relocate Palestinians out of the coastal enclave, citing “great cooperation from… surrounding countries.”

Speaking to reporters at the start of a dinner between U.S. and Israeli officials, Netanyahu said the United States and Israel were working with other countries that would give Palestinians a “better future,” suggesting that Gazans would be able to move to neighboring nations.

Illustrative: A boy looks over a Palestinian tent city in the al-Mawasi area in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, July 6, 2025 // Photo Credit: Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90/Times of Israel

In an exchange with Trump, Netanyahu said: “You know if people want to stay, they can stay. But if they want to leave, they should be able to leave. It shouldn’t be a prison. It should be an open place and give people free choice.”

He added: “We’re working with the United States very closely about finding countries that will seek to realize what they always say, that they wanted to give the Palestinians a better future. I think we’re getting close to finding several countries.”

When asked about displacing Palestinians, Trump said the countries around Israel were helping out. “We’ve had great cooperation from… surrounding countries… So something good will happen,” Trump said.

For full story, visit https://www.atlantajewishtimes.com/gazans-reject-trumpsdisplacement-plan/

IDF Warns Against ‘Humanitarian City’

A proposed plan to establish a “humanitarian city” in southern Gaza, in which at least 600,000 Palestinians would be confined, continued to receive backlash from within Israel and abroad on Sunday, with some, including former prime minister Ehud Olmert, alleging that it resembled the Nazi concentration camps built during World War II.

Israeli military leaders had reportedly planned to warn government ministers in a limited security cabinet meeting Sunday night that the ambitious project could take months to implement and imperil ongoing hostage negotiations.

Children play around waste in front of the closed UN agency for Palestinian refugees UNRWA headquarters in Gaza City, on May 20, 2025 // Photo Credit: Bashar Taleb/AFP/Times of Israel

At the meeting, convened at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request, the IDF had been slated to present an outline for the “humanitarian city” centered in Rafah. According to Channel 12, while the military was expected to affirm that it would follow elected officials’ orders, it was also set to sound a note of caution over the plan.

Military officials planned to inform the meeting that the project would “take three to five months from the moment we begin construction until the humanitarian city is operational,” the network reported before the meeting took place, without citing sources.

The plan for the “humanitarian city” was laid out by Defense Minister Israel Katz early last week, and would see Israel build a zone on the ruins of Rafah that would eventually house all of Gaza’s civilians. The zone would first accommodate some 600,000 Gazans living in the Mawasi area on the coast, and then would contain the enclave’s entire population of more than 2 million.

For full story, please visit: https://www.atlantajewishtimes.com/idf-warnsagainst-gaza-humanitarian-city/ ì

Rober t M. Goldberg

West Point , 1982: University of Michigan Law School , 1990; Member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys & Accredited Veterans Administration Attorney

COLLEGE-BOUND HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE NEEDS ADVANCED DIRECTIVES

Question: My Granddaughter turned 18 last year and will be graduating from high school soon She will be going to college out of state in the fall My son and I are wondering what legal documents need to be in place before she moves out of state?

Answer: Congratulations! While your granddaughter may always be the baby in your family in the eyes of the lay, she is now an adult This means that her mother and father may no longer be able to make important medical or financial decisions without her permission. This can cause problems since she most likely depends on her parents, and maybe even you, for most of her support

Doctors, hospitals, and financial institutions are required by law to respect your granddaughter ’s privacy This means she needs to sign several key legal documents before she leaves for college so her “Agent ” (mom, dad, grandparents) can make important decisions for her if she cannot make them for herself.

At the bare minimum, she should sign a Health Care Power of Attorney, HIPAA Authorization, and a living will . This will help avoid the nightmare scenario where she may need medical attention, but the hospital refuses to provide a simple status update as to her condition because the right legal documents are not in place She may also want to sign a Durable Financial Power of Attorney and even a Simple Will

I recommend you call to schedule a “Discovery Meeting” so your family can have peace of mind when she goes off to college

Bob Goldberg, has practiced law for 33 years, specializing in Estate planning and Elder Law since 1999.His firm has assisted thousands of clients with wills, trusts, financial powers of attorney, health care advanced directives, Medicare appeals, Medicaid and VA benefits planning, asset preservation,and probate/trust administration

Israel’s Tactics May Point to Future of Warfare

By Bob Bahr

One of America’s top generals has offered an assessment of how the lesson from Israel’s war with Iran and the war in Ukraine is changing the modern battlefield. Retired Gen. Phillip Breedlove, who commanded NATO forces in Europe and now teaches at Georgia Tech, believes that air power was the key to the successful military campaign that Israel waged against Iran.

He told Charles Shapiro at the World Affairs Council in Atlanta that air superiority was a “game changer” for Israel. They suppressed Iran’s air defenses and then proceeded “disassembling the Iranian military in detail.”

“It’s almost comical to watch what went on, on Fox and CNN,” Breedlove commented. “The Israelis are plinking all these airplanes, plink, plink, and just using what I think is the small diameter bombs, just eliminating the Iranian military and all the other facilities that support them, and this is what happens when you own air superiority.”

Maintaining their control of the skies over Iran made it possible for Israel to destroy what’s been estimated to be two-thirds of the mobile missile launchers that Iran had counted on to help retal-

iate against Israel. Even though Iran had thousands of missiles at the ready, they were unable to use many of them when their mobile missile force was largely destroyed. What happened in Iran is in

sharp contrast to what Breedlove believes has happened in Ukraine, where both the Ukrainians and the Russians are unable to dominate the war in the air.

The result is a conflict where nei-

Brookhaven City Centre: The People’s House for Community, Celebration, and Connection

Brookhaven City Centre is the newest landmark venue in Metro Atlanta, created to serve as a vibrant space for connection, celebration, and community. Designed with flexibility, beauty, and purpose in mind, the venue welcomes both residents and guests to gather for events that are meaningful, memorable, and unique.

A Space with Style, Versatility, and Skyline Views

Brookhaven City Centre is thoughtfully designed to accommodate a wide range of events. Whether you're planning a leadership retreat, wedding, fundraiser, or awards ceremony, it offers a refined setting where every element is tailored to elevate your experience.

The venue offers a versatile collection of event spaces across four thoughtfully designed floors, each flowing effortlessly into the next. On the first floor, the Murphey Candler and Langford Rooms feature flexible layouts perfect for meetings, luncheons, or receptions, with the option to expand into the airy Atrium for added space and natural light. The third-floor Chamber introduces a dedicated theater-style setting, ideal for lectures, performances, or film screenings. At the top, the International Room opens onto a rooftop

terrace crowned by the Cherry Blossom Dome, creating a signature setting with panoramic views of Kennesaw and Stone Mountains. Just outside, the South Plaza lawn completes the experience with a spacious green area for seasonal events, casual gatherings, and community programs. Together, these spaces create a seamless, elevated venue experience that adapts to any occasion.

Purposeful Design, Inside and Out

Brookhaven City Centre was designed not only to host exceptional events but to support the well-being of people and the environment. Its LEED and WELL certifications reflect a commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, air quality, and natural light — creating a healthier, more thoughtful place to gather.

This sense of purpose continues on the building’s exterior, where sculptural frieze panels wrap the facades with a symbolic story. The panels illustrate the life cycle of a peach tree, from first bloom to full fruit, and the habitat it provides along the way. Through birds, blossoms, peaches, and frogs, the artwork reflects growth, nourishment, and the interconnectedness of nature.

Your Vision, Seamlessly Executed

Brookhaven City Centre is managed by Ex-

plore Brookhaven in partnership with the City of Brookhaven. The Explore Brookhaven team is here to guide you through the booking process, answer questions, and help match your event to the right space.

To ensure every event is thoughtfully planned and expertly delivered, Explore Brookhaven partners with Novare Events — a full-service event management company. Novare works one-on-one with clients to coordinate logistics, manage vendors, and bring each vision to life with precision and care.

A Gathering Place for the Entire

Commu-

nity

Brookhaven City Centre was envisioned

as more than an event venue. Affectionately known as the people’s house, it was created as a civic space where everyone feels welcome — a place to connect, engage, and truly belong. Once open, Brookhaven City Centre will host a variety of community-focused events including art exhibitions, seasonal festivals, movie viewings, local celebrations, and cultural programming. Located in the heart of Brookhaven, it’s intended to be a welcoming place where neighbors can come together, enjoy community events, and make the most of a space created to serve the city and the people who call it home.

Visit Us

Brookhaven City Centre is located at 4001 Peachtree Road NE, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319. Learn more or book your next event at BrookhavenCityCentre.com.

Gen. Phillip Breedlove was Supreme Commander of NATO, until he retired in 2016. He teaches now at Georgia Tech.

Control of the skies over Iran by Israel’s Air Force was one of the key factors in the recent war.

Israel is a leading developer of battlefield drones, which are expected to significantly shape the future of

ther side can quickly make gains on the ground. Casualties on both sides have mounted as the war continues into its third year. It has cost Russia, especially, Breedlove believes, with hundreds of thousands of dead in just the last year with little to show for that effort.

“Russia has been unable to fight a war of maneuver and unable to employ air power to advantage itself in this war,” Breedlove says, “and so, this war has gone backwards. We’re fighting on the ground more like we did in World War I with artillery barrages and traditional-based warfare, grinding people down. They’re throwing bodies at their problems, like in the last year, 400,000 lost to Russia, and they’ve gained less than two-thirds of 1 percent of Ukrainian land for that loss of life.”

Breedlove, who recently returned from a five-week trip to Europe where he discussed military strategy and the impact of technology on warfare, is particularly impressed with the advances that have been made in what he terms, “the sub tactical level of air power,” which is the use of drones launched at close range. They have a flight time of minutes and often are difficult to defend against.

He’s been particularly impressed by the Ukrainian attack deep inside Russia in which drone strikes were successfully launched June l against that country’s strategic bomber fleet. The coordinated attacks by Ukraine’s Security Service, called Operation Spider Web, destroyed perhaps as much as one-third of Russia’s most important attack aircraft. The attack on five airbases was launched by relatively cheap drones from trucks at close range to the bases.

Similarly, the Mossad reportedly worked for years developing a plan to smuggle small drones and other precision weapons into Iran. Israel’s military used the latest artificial intelligence tools to select the military air defenses to target. The same program was used to eliminate Iran’s top tier of military commanders and nuclear scientists in the opening hours of the conflict.

In the future, military forces he believes must be smarter and capable of using all the tools that technology has provided. Future battles will increasingly be fought with sophisticated electronic tools that are capable of providing realtime analysis of all the options that commanders need to succeed.

The effectiveness of operations by Israel and Ukraine has sent military strategists back to the drawing board, Breedlove believes. Surprise attacks behind enemy line like those in Russia and in Iran might point to our own vulnerability.

“I can guarantee you there’s a lot of base commanders in the Army, Navy, and Air Force that are thinking about what a tractor trailer load or a sea land container load of drones could do to them right now. They are out there trying to think through this sub tactical drone problem. Imagine a sea land container, one of the millions that pass in and out of Norfolk, where our Atlantic fleet is sitting, primarily, or into San Diego, which is where our Pacific fleet is based, and all of a sudden, these things pop out and fly. The Spiders Web operation and what you just saw happen with Israel in Iran has given us a wakeup call.” ì

warfare.

Buckhead Shul Hosts Smashing Pickleball Event

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

June 29 was the day the Buckhead Shul (Chabad Young Professionals) took over the legendary Bitsy Grant Pickleball courts with its third annual doubles tournament. Temps in the high 80s did not deter a record turnout as Rabbi Yisrael New and his team of volunteers welcomed players of all skill levels. As an added bonus, Rabbi New assisted with those who wanted to wrap tefillin. There were 40 players and 15 fans who came to hang out. The entry fee was $35 per couple and $20 for a single.

Daniel Cohen was the technical mastermind who arranged the matches leading to single elimination. When teams signed up online, they had to provide the partner’s name along with a team name (like Ross the Boss for example) and establish an experience level: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced. Cohen wanted to spread the experience levels out so a Beginner team wouldn’t only be playing Advanced teams.

With a total of 20 teams who came with partners, four players who came

alone were quickly paired up. Cohen said, “To execute, I put all the teams in a tournament bracket creator website, which let me organize the style of tournament and keep track with the games. After each game finished, the teams reported who won/lost and I updated the bracket and announced the next matchup.”

The winning team was Nobody

WHEN THE SEASON SHIFTS, SO SHOULD THE STRATEGY

That shift isn’t just logistical. It’s personal. And navigating it requires more than someone who knows the market. It requires someone who sees you.

We specialize in helping individuals and families step powerfully into their next chapter—with clarity, certainty, and congruence. Because when your values and your environment are in alignment, everything else flows.

You don’t need pressure. You need perspective. You don’t need just a plan. You need a partner who understands what’s at stake—and how to honor it.

When you’re ready, we’re here. Not to push, but to guide. Not just to sell, but to serve—with integrity, intention, and impact.

Rooted in service. Driven by values. Aligned with you.

Wants This which took home a pair of Atlanta Braves tickets. Previously, Cohen was a member of CYP’s social planning committee and involved in helping organize and set up other events including high holiday parties.

Sisterhood co-chairs Judy Stolovitz and Amit Feldberg began planning the tournament in May. Feldberg, whose “day job” is in finance at United Parcel

Service, related, “The event was a huge success, despite a little heat outside, but even that was OK. Everyone had a great time with healthy competition, and it was a good way to meet people.”

She noted that there were a lot of behind-the-scenes machinations, including the private covered party room, the reserved courts, the food (bagels, hummus, spreads, chips, and popcorn), beverages,

(From left) Jody Stolovitz, Amit Feldberg, Rabbi Yisrael New, and Daniel Cohen were the event planners and executors // All photos by Sandy Bailey

Blake Eskew, Ilan Rasabi, Sean Valdivieso, and Dr. Ross Greenberg were eager to get on the courts.

Ari Oken and Sam Kleiman pledged to play more regularly.

and the star feature, a professional server blending fresh fruit smoothies to order.

Players Luke Chapman and Dylan Lambier were revving up for the first match and said, “Hey, we are beginners and just glad to be here.”

Partners Ari Oken, whose pickleball home turf is Grant Park, and Sam Kleiman were networking between games to tout their new web-based business, Claims Concierge; and the latter said, “Ari really plays pickleball more regularly than me; but after the tournament, we’re looking to play together more often. Even though we didn’t win, all the games were really close and competitive — it felt like any of the teams could have won. What made it really special was after the tournament ended, a bunch of teams just stayed on the courts and kept playing. It was a great time and really showed how welcoming the community is.”

Rabbi New also took his turn on the court. He said, “Today’s pickleball tournament was an incredible success and a true testament to the power of community. We’re so grateful to our amazing Sisterhood co-chairs, Judy and Amit, for putting together such a fun and meaningful event, and to Daniel for masterfully organizing the tournament. It’s events like these that bring people together, create connections, and strengthen the bonds that make our community so special.

Rabbi New concluded, “The Buckhead Shul continues to grow into a vibrant, welcoming hub for Jewish life in the heart of Atlanta — a place where friendships are formed, families are supported, and Jewish life is celebrated with joy and pride.”

The Buckhead Shul is known for being on trend; and this tournament is just one example, in addition to the shul’s Mah Jong and Martinis programs. Pickleball touts 20 million regular players in the U.S., a 311 percent surge since 2021. The fastest growing demographic is 18 -to 34-year-olds. As new facilities (Pickleball Club of Georgia will be the largest in the U.S.) and clubs proliferate, Atlanta is rapidly becoming the nation’s pickleball hub. ì

Good sportsmanship was the universal platform at the pickleball tournament.

Ophthalmologist Sees & Shoots the World

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Dr. David Palay has practiced ophthalmology in Atlanta for 33 years, currently specializing in cataract surgery. One of his side passions is traveling the world to take his own photos.

Palay said, “There are so many places, but the most unique photographic trip I have taken was in Silo City in Buffalo, 2.5 million square feet of an abandoned grain processing facility spread over 12 acres along the Buffalo River.”

Later, one of his photos, “Silo City, Buffalo,” was included in a retrospective book on the facility’s workshop. Also noting the uniqueness of travel photography, Palay joked about the difficulty of traveling with others, saying, “No one wants to stand around while I compose the perfect shot. My wife is a saint and will sit patiently.”

Machu Picchu, Peru, is another of Palay’s iconic destinations. He recalled, “I was fortunate to be there with the right equipment at the right time. The result was a double rainbow over this iconic landmark right after a rainstorm passed.”

Palay has visited Italy five times in various regions. He explained, “Venice is a photographer’s dream. Every corner presents another opportunity to capture a unique image. Even more stunning than Venice is the small island of Burano (not Murano, the glass foundry). There, we found the most colorful houses, each one with its unique style.”

His photo of a spiral staircase was taken at the Volta Lighthouse in Como. Upon close examination, it has a hand on the rail midway up that adds a human element to the architectural photo. His photo of the Dolomites is a classic image of the village Saint Maddalena with the peaks in the background.

In Sicily, his image was taken on top of the volcano, Mount Etna, where a hiker is perfectly positioned at the center of a white cloud on the horizon.

Another of Dr. Palay’s favorites is an image of a red bench in the window taken at the Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland, Canada, after a violent rainstorm. He related, “The people of Fogo Island were going to be relocated off the island by

the Canadian government, but a very wealthy benefactor stepped in to save the island by building a world-class vacation destination, the Fogo Island Inn.”

Perhaps his most favorite destination is the Portuguese island of Madeira, where he photographed himself high above the clouds while hiking from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. The hike involved narrow ridges, stairways and tunnels all above the cloud line connecting the two highest peaks on the island.

Palay developed an interest in photography at a young age. At 14, he built a darkroom in his basement. He said, “Photography was so different than today.

You never really knew what your images looked like until you got into the dark room, sometimes weeks later.”

All of his work at that time was in black and white. He left photography for many years, but when he went into practice in Atlanta in the 1990s, he decided to once again build a basement darkroom. When he went to a photography store investigating darkroom equipment, the salesman queried, “Why don’t you just buy a digital camera?”

He started taking photos in the store

and had an epiphany — “Digital photography was going to be the future. For the first time, you could see your images instantly, images could be viewed on your home computer, no more chemicals or darkroom work.”

Now using his Nikon D850, when he frames a photo through the viewfinder, he’s looking for balance. He explained, “It’s not something I really think about. It’s intuitive, my brain tends to recognize when the photo is equally balanced. Sometimes that is symmetry and sometimes that is leading lines in the photo that draw the viewer to the subject.”

Comparing the similarities of photography to ophthalmology, Palay notes that both are visual fields. He explains, “Ophthalmology is unique in that you can visualize and image the entire eye. I became very interested in ophthalmic photography. This eventually led me to author a book of corneal disease with over 500 photographs of every eye disease imaginable.”

Dr. Palay belongs to The Temple where his family joined in the 1960s. To view his work, please visit davidpalayphotography. smugmug.com. ì

Dr. David Palay is a practicing ophthalmologist and a worldclass photographer.

Dr. David Palay took this photo of a double rainbow at Machu Picchu, Peru // All photos by Dr. David Palay

This colorful neighborhood is located in Burano, Italy.

This photo was taken on top of Mount Etna, a volcano located in Sicily, Italy.

Sabra Astrogano Knows Her Floors

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Twenty-five years ago, Eti Chauth Astrogano arrived on the home décor scene after she immigrated from Israel, to later buy and run AA Flooring, LLC. With formal training in design, she has worked in the flooring field for more than 30 years.

Born and raised in a suburb of Tel Aviv, Astrogano served in the IDF -where she held clearance as she operated as a radio and communications officer in Gaza for 20 months -- then studied architecture and interior design at an ORT college. She then worked at a major kitchen and bath showroom, starting in sales, and moving up to store manager. At 29, she worked for her brother here in Atlanta before buying AA and going “all in” as an entrepreneur. It’s not uncommon on the Jewish Women of Atlanta Facebook group for Astrogano to get rave reviews about her honesty and high-quality work.

When asked about Atlanta flooring trends, she said, “Luxury vinyl planks (LVT) and laminates have become the best-selling products due to their durability and cost-effectiveness. These products have largely replaced carpet and engineered wood. Solid hardwood floors remain popular in high-end homes.” She labels “high end” as valued at $600,000 or more where vinyl and laminate are often used in basements or on upper levels.

Some homeowners lament about having to move out during work or enduring plastic wrapping and dust. For an installation without refinishing, it takes an average of two days. Unfinished wood floor refinishing is the most invasive process and takes several days and requires removing all furniture and personal belongings – and families typically need to move out. Pre-finished flooring and carpet installations are much less disruptive. In weighing the costs of carpet vs. wood, Astrogano noted that the difference between solid wood and mid-range carpet is significant. “The gap between wood and LVT vinyl planks is also noticeable, but smaller.”

For style trends, Astrogano finds geometric-patterned runners au currant For practical thinkers and pet owners, some carpets have highly demanded built-in, pet-urine protection. Beige and light natural tones remain the most popular choices for carpet. AA also sells custom-sized area rugs with professional binding and fiber pads to protect the flooring below. They also build decks and pergolas and install porcelain tile for outdoor spaces like sunrooms, patios, and porches.

Astrogano and her husband, Eli, manage the company full-time. They employ a remodeling crew that includes framers, plumbers, electricians, painters, and cabinet installers. They also have dedicated flooring crews who are highly skilled in wood, LVT, laminate, tile, stone, and carpet installations.

When queried about tariffs affecting consumer prices, she stated, “We work with multiple distributors depending on the type of flooring. So far, our main suppliers have not raised prices due to tariffs.”

Here are her best tips for maintaining floor care:

• Skip the vinegar and water! Use proper floor-specific cleaners instead — they’re much safer for the finish.

• For wood and laminate, use Bona products. Their cleaners and mops are made specifically for these floors and work really well.

• If you have vinyl (LVT), make sure to use cleaners made for vinyl. It makes a difference and helps avoid buildup.

• Put felt pads under your furniture. It’s such a simple step, but it helps protect against scratches and dents.

• Stick to a regular cleaning routine. Staying consistent with maintenance can help your floors look newer for much longer.

Although AA is primarily residential

retail, they also do commercial work like recently completing several Dave & Buster’s locations in Alpharetta, Marietta, and McDonough.

They’ve handled large projects, including multi-unit developments for builders, foundations, general contractors, and investors. Weighing the “big box competitive effect” on small businesses, she noted, “We were located in the Tilly Mill Home Depot Plaza for 12 years and didn’t feel their presence negatively impact our business.”

Astrogano added, “We’ve had a strong base of Jewish customers for many years. Our first showroom was in Toco Hills, and we moved to Dunwoody 16 years ago.”

The family has two daughters, one in college, one in high school, and are members of the Chabad Israeli Center on Chamblee Dunwoody Road. She says, “They [daughters] keep us busy and grounded,” as in flooring.

For more information, please call AA Flooring at 404-513-5554. ì

AA Flooring installed these floors in the Biltmore subdivision.

Eti Astrogano used her background in Israel in home design to become a local entrepreneur.

Locals Installed in Worldwide HOD Leadership Roles

David Joss of Atlanta’s Lodge Carmel was installed as Grand President of the Hebrew Order of David International at their recent international biennial in Atlanta, during which the Jewish fraternal organization presented a $400,000 check to the IDF’s Widows & Orphans Fund on behalf of the Hebrew Order of David Foundation, comprised of the 23 HOD Lodges worldwide.

In addition to Joss’ installation, Steve Kramer of Lodge Shimshon, and Stan Schnitzer of Lodge Bezalel, both in Atlanta, were installed as Chief Legal Officer and Scribe (Communications), respectively, of North America Governing Lodge, which presides over 10 lodges in the United States and Canada.

“As honored as I am to lead the Hebrew Order of David, I am prouder of our brethren,” Joss said. “They stepped up in so many ways to strongly support those left widowed and orphaned by the Israel Defense Forces’ ongoing efforts to protect the country’s citizens from their hostile neighbors in the Middle East. This is what we do in our HOD lodges: we support Israel and our Jewish communities.”

The IDF Widows & Orphans Fund is the current charitable focus for HOD and its HOD Foundation Philanthropy Fund to better manage donations for this and other causes. Recent charitable campaigns have raised more than $1 million for Birthright Israel, United Hatzalah, and the IDF Widows and Orphans Fund. Called Buses for Birthright, the Birthright Israel campaign raised enough money to support two complete busloads of participants. The United Hatzalah campaign funds went for emergency response equipment after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas.

But that’s not all HOD does.

“Our lodges meet the needs of our communities and Jewish communities wherever they exist,” said Leonard Laser of Lodge Ilan Ramon in Toronto, who was installed as President of HOD’s North America Governing Lodge. “One example has been our Gravestone Project in Houston and Atlanta to identify unmarked Jewish graves and provide markers, thereby giving closure to their lives. We will be launching The Gravestone Project in Canadian cities in the near future. Another example is here in Toronto, where we work with local organizations to distribute sandwiches to our homeless population.

“We’re looking to provide assistance programs like these to other cities in

The Hebrew Order of David presented a check for $400,000 to the IDF Widows & Orphans fund at its recent Biennial International Conference in Atlanta. On hand for the presentation were (from left) Joe Blog, Treasurer, HOD International and North America Governing Lodge; Shlomi Nachumson, CEO IDF Widows and Orphans Fund; David Joss, Grand Lodge President, HOD International; Jonathan Woolfson, HOD International Philanthropy Fund; and Paul Wainstein, HOD Grand Lodge Secretary and NAGL Deputy President.

installed

of

North America by creating new lodges,” he added.

Joining Laser, Kramer and Schnitzer on the NAGL leadership team were Paul Wainstein, Deputy President; Joe Blog, Treasurer; and Lawrence Barris, Immediate Past President, all from Lodge Galil in Houston. They were joined by Boris Gremont, Secretary, from Lodge

Shimon Peres in Dallas. Serving as NAGL Trustees are David Joss and Les Kraitzick from Lodge Carmel in Atlanta and Cyril Braude of Lodge Ilan Ramon in Toronto.

Joining David Joss on the Grand Lodge team were Laurence Gishen Deputy President, and Anton Teper, Immediate Past President, both from London, UK; Paul Wainstein, Secretary and Joe

Blog, Treasurer, both from Houston; and Jonathan Rubin, Legal Officer, South Africa.

To help with a donation to this worthwhile cause, visit: https:// my.israelgives.org/en/fundme/HOD_ IDFWO?currency=2 ì

Compiled by AJT Staff

Newly

Executive

the North America Governing Lodge, Hebrew Order of David are (front row, from left) Stan Schnitzer, Scribe; Paul Wainstein, Deputy President; David Joss, Grand President; Leonard Laser, President; and Joe Blog, Treasure; (standing, from left) Steve Kramer, Chief Legal Officer; Lawrence Barris, Immediate Past President; and Boris Gremont, Secretary.

Outgoing Grand President Anton Teper (left) congratulates his successor, David Joss on assuming the leadership of the Hebrew Order of David.

A Seamless Blend of Health and Hospitality

Luxury

From the premier finishes within our senior residences to the concierge team that recalls your every preference and anticipates your every request, life at Corso Atlanta is enlivened by consistent, tangible luxury.

Wellness

Our concierge-style care services, NoMove Adaptive Care Model, and full suite of wellness amenities and services empower your independence, comfort, and quality of life - now and for years to come.

Nvidia to Build Tech Campus in Northern Israel

Nvidia is actively seeking land to build a massive multibillion-dollar tech campus in Israel’s north, which is expected to provide thousands of jobs in

Today in Israeli History

July 15, 1965: IDF Chief of Staff Yitzhak Rabin warns Lebanon and Syria that they will face consequences if they move forward with an Arab League-backed effort to divert the sources of the Jordan River.

Stef Wertheimer speaks at the opening of an exhibition at the Open Museum of Photography in Tel Hai in 2011. // By Moshe Milner, Israeli Government Press Office, CC BY-SA 3.0

July 16, 1926: Stef Wertheimer, one of Israel’s wealthiest citizens, is born in Kippenheim, Germany. He immigrates to Palestine in 1937 and founds Iscar Metalworking in 1952. Berkshire Hathaway eventually buys the company.

July 17, 1887: Author Shmuel Yosef “Shai” Agnon is born in Buczacz, Galicia, now in Ukraine. He makes aliyah in 1907. He receives the Nobel Prize in literature in 1966 for a body of work commemorating the shtetl life of Eastern Europe.

July 18, 1999: Folk-rock singer-songwriter Meir Ariel, known as the “Man of Words” for his poetic lyrics, dies at 57 of Mediterranean spotted fever. One of his most famous songs is “Jerusalem of Iron,” a response to “Jerusalem of Gold.”

ISRAEL PRIDE

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME

what promises to be a major expansion of the U.S. chip giant’s operations in the country.

The computing juggernaut announced that it had issued a so-called request for information (RFI) tender to locate a plot of land spanning 30 acres with construction rights to build a campus of 80,000 to 180,000 square meters. Nvidia is interested in buying land with “high accessibility to main traffic arteries and public transportation” around Zichron Yaakov, Haifa, and the Jezreel Valley areas. The tech titan has hired real estate consulting firm Colliers for the search and has set July 23 as the deadline for submissions.

Compiled

by AJT

Staff

July 19, 1940: Max Bodenheimer, the first Jewish National Fund chairman, dies five years after immigrating to Jerusalem. Born in Germany in 1865, he attended the First Zionist Congress and became close to Theodor Herzl.

July 20, 1949: Israel signs an armistice with Syria, the last of four Arab nations to sign such agreements after the War of Independence. The pact creates demilitarized zones between the countries and a U.N.staffed buffer zone.

Philip Jessup was the acting U.S. representative to the United Nations in July 1948 when he expressed opposition to stationing U.S. peacekeeping troops in Jerusalem.

July 21, 1948: Philip Jessup writes a seven-point memo to Secretary of State George Marshall on why the United States should turn down a U.N. request to temporarily station U.S. Marines in Jerusalem as peacekeepers.

July 22, 1939: Gila Almagor, the “queen of the Israeli cinema and theater,” is born in Haifa. She makes her debut for Habima at 17 and establishes herself as a leading lady at Tel Aviv’s Cameri Theatre beginning in 1958.

Individuals sheltered at Givatayim branch during alarm // Photo provided by Friends of Yad Sarah

Yad Sarah Launches Full-Scale Emergency Response

Yad Sarah, Israel’s leading volunteer-staffed healthcare and social services organization, has launched a fullscale emergency response to support the people of Israel.

July 23, 1984: Israel holds the 11th Knesset election. Shimon Peres, whose Labor-led Alignment wins 44 of the 120 seats, and Yitzhak Shamir, whose ruling Likud receives 41, agree to create a national unity government.

July 24, 2013: Rabbis Yitzhak Yosef (Sephardi) and David Lau (Ashkenazi) are elected Israel’s chief rabbis. Yosef’s father, Ovadia Yosef, was chief rabbi from 1973 to 1983. Lau’s father, Yisrael Meir Lau, was chief rabbi from 1993 to 2003.

July 25, 1992: Aris San, who helped popularize the Greek sound in Israeli music, dies in Budapest at 52. The Greek native’s hybrid music, known as laika, set the stage for the rise of Mizrahi music in the 1970s.

Dahn Ben Amotz and Netiva Ben Yehuda together wrote 1972’s “The World Dictionary of Hebrew Slang.” // Palmach Archive

July 26, 1928: Netiva Ben Yehuda, a writer acclaimed for a trilogy based on her service in the Palmach, is born in Tel Aviv. She advocates the written use of Hebrew slang and co-writes “The World Dictionary of Hebrew Slang” in 1972.

With more than 2,200 emergency calls fielded since the launch of Operation Rising Lion, Yad Sarah’s network has been a lifeline — delivering home hospitalization equipment, transporting individuals with disabilities and the elderly to safety, offering urgent care, and providing emotional support amid missile attacks.

One such call came from Ruth, whose elderly mother needed to leave Tel Aviv due to Iranian threats. Dedi Strauss, a Yad Sarah volunteer from Ra’anana, answered the call, turned the sirens on one of Yad Sarah’s emergency vehicles, and picked up Ruth’s mother in Tel Aviv — all within 15 minutes.

July 27, 1656: The Amsterdam Jewish community excommunicates Baruch Spinoza, who becomes one of the leading Enlightenment philosophers, after he refuses to take a payment to be silent about his views on Judaism.

July 28, 1845: A two-week assembly in Frankfurt-am-Main ends after 31 Reform rabbis agree to remove all prayers calling for a return to Israel, reflecting their since-revoked view that Judaism is not a nationality.

July 29, 1891: OB-GYN Bernhard Zondek is born in Wronke, Germany, now in Poland. He and Jewish colleague Selmar Aschheim develop the A-Z pregnancy test in 1928. Zondek moves to Mandatory Palestine in 1934.

July 30, 1992: Tel Aviv native Yael Arad, 25, becomes the first Israeli to win an Olympic medal, taking a silver in judo in Barcelona. She dedicates her medal to the 11 Israelis killed at the Munich Olympics 20 years earlier.

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

U.S. chipmaker Nvidia’s offices in Yokne’am in Israel’s north // Photo courtesy of Times of Israel

Compiled by AJT Staff

Baruch Spinoza survived excommunication to be remembered as one of the most important philosophers of the Enlightenment.

Israel’s Economy Remains Resilient Despite War

By Bob Bahr

War is expensive. It’s a lesson Israel learned early in its history, but it’s also a lesson that has been driven home since the attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. Israel’s monthly military spending, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, rose from $1.8 billion a month before the attack to $4.7 billion two months later, at the end of 2023.

That increase held fairly steady in 2024, as Israel’s military expenditures topped $46.5 billion, an increase of 65 percent over the previous year. That’s 8.8 percent of GDP, the total value of all the goods and services produced in the country. Only Ukraine spends more as a percentage of its economy.

Yet, despite all the strains to Israel society, a war that has been fought on several fronts, and the hostility that Israel has endured in many countries, the country’s economic outlook is positive. At Israel’s most important economic conference, at the Center for Israeli Democracy, the chair of the gathering, Karnit Flug, a former governor of the Bank of Israel, didn’t minimize the challenges the country faces.

She fears, though, that without more prudent government spending, the nation’s standard of living could erode, economic progress could stall, and Israel could lose many of its most productive citizens to other countries.,

“It’s not sustainable to increase the burden on the part of the population that serves in the country, pays taxes, and has high productivity, because they are also the ones who are the most likely to leave, and we don’t want to go down that road.”

In the 2025 Israel budget, military spending drops somewhat to $38.6 billion, but overall government spending in Israel this year is up 21 percent over last year, to a record $215 billion, the most money Israel has spent on itself since its founding in 1948.

In the last 21 months, since the attack

by Hamas and the campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, there have been other costs for Israel to assume. Many army reservists have spent hundreds of days on active duty. Others have moved from their homes because of the attacks from Israel’s enemies along its borders or because of damage from Iran’s missile strikes last month. Spending on social services is up, and psychological counselors have strained to keep up with their caseloads.

There was also concern about the growing burden of many of Israel’s least productive citizens, the ultra-religious haredim, who largely exist on government welfare payments and resist military service and secular education that would help lift them from poverty.

The president of the Israel Democracy Institute, Yohanan Plesner, quoted a study the organization completed that showed only half of the haredi male population is gainfully employed, mostly in low-skilled jobs. Only a third of the ultra-religious population make enough to pay taxes, but because of the power they wield as a group in the present government payments to them are on the rise.

At the opposite end of the economic spectrum are the high-tech entrepreneurs who continue to make Israel a world leader in technological innovation. The head of the Aaron Institute for Economic Policy at the private Reichman University, Zvi Eckstein, told his audience at the Democracy gathering that technology is more than the driving force in Israel’s economy, it is its battleship.

High-tech services and products account for almost two-thirds of Israel’s exports and about one-fifth of the total GDP. Twenty-five percent of all of Israel’s income tax revenues come from the 390,000 high tech employees in Israel.

Startup Nation Central, which monitors the country’s technology sector, reports that Israeli tech raised $12 billion in investments last year, a 27 percent increase from the previous year. Four months ago,

Google’s parent company, Alphabet, agreed to buy the cyber security firm Wiz for $32 billion in cash. It’s the largest price ever paid for an Israeli company and is the largest acquisition in the American company’s history, more than three times what it paid for Motorola Mobility in 2012.

Wiz was founded just five years ago, just as the COVID pandemic was transforming businesses around the world. The growth of a workforce confined for the most part in their homes working remotely from their offices drove the growth of cloud-based computing with an increase

in security risks. It was a big boost to the Wiz portfolio of cybersecurity solutions for cloud-based computer programs. The deal was another indication that greater security is not just a concern of Israel and its military.

In announcing the agreement, CEO Sundar Pichai pointed out that all businesses and governments are searching for more protection.

“Together, Google Cloud and Wiz will turbocharge improved cloud security,” Pichai said, “and the ability to use multiple clouds.” ì

IS ELI HOSTAGE T CKER

The following is an index of Israeli hostages with the most current information available as of press deadline.

The first phase of Israeli hostage transfers is complete. The Atlanta Jewish Times will update this hostage tracker with current news of the next round of hostage transfers. Bring Them Home.

Israeli hostages remaining:

Fifty-five more hostages are held in Gaza by Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists. The hostages are:

Rom Braslavski, 21

Yosef-Chaim Ohana, 24

Nimrod Cohen, 20

Matan Angrest, 22

Ziv Berman, 27

Gali Berman, 27

Maxim Herkin, 36

Segev Kalfon, 27

Bipin Joshi, 24

Elkana Bohbut, 35

Alon Ohel, 24

Ariel Cunio, 27

Bar Kupershtien, 23

Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 23

Eitan Horn, 38

Tamir Nimrodi, 20

Matan Zangauker, 25

Avinatan Or, 31

Omri Miran, 47

Eitan Mor, 24

David Cunio, 34

Eyvatar David, 24

The following hostages are either believed to be dead or their deaths have been confimed:

Amiram Cooper, 84 (murdered in captivity)

Inbar Hayman, 27 (murdered in captivity)

Asaf Hamami, 41 (murdered in captivity)

Eliyahu Margalit, 75 (murdered in captivity)

Uriel Baruch, 35 (murdered in captivity)

Tal Haimi, 41 (murdered in captivity)

Oz Daniel, 19 (murdered in captivity)

Tamir Adar, 38 (murdered in captivity)

Eitan Levy, 52 (murdered in captivity)

Ran Gvili, 24 (murdered in captivity)

Yair Yaakov, 59 (murdered in captivity)

Ronen Engel, 54 (murdered in captivity)

Sahar Baruch, 35 (murdered in captivity)

Itay Chen, 19 (murdered in captivity)

Aviv Atzili, 49 (murdered in captivity)

Dror Or, 48 (murdered in captivity)

Muhammad Al-Atrash, 39 (murdered in captivity)

Joshua Loitu Mollel, 21 (murdered in captivity)

Idan Shitvi, 28 (murdered in captivity)

Yossi Sharabi, 53 (murdered in captivity)

Arie Zalmanovich, 85 (murdered in captivity)

Daniel Peretz, 22 (murdered in captivity)

Guy Illouz, 26 (murdered in captivity)

Lior Rudaeff, 61 (murdered in captivity)

Meny Godard, 73 (murdered in captivity)

Ilan Weiss, 56 (murdered in captivity)

Hadar Goldin, 23 (murdered in 2014)

Omer Neutra, 21 (murdered in captivity)

Sonthaya Oakkharasri (murdered in captivity)

Sudthisak Rinthalak (murdered in captivity)

Israel expects to spend more than $38 billion on defense this year.

A Father and Son, and the Rebbe

Dave Schechter

From Where I Sit

Every summer, I read two or three books while sitting at the neighborhood pool, usually after swimming what laps I can during the too-brief, adults-only period at 10 minutes before the hour.

First up this summer was “Letters for Life: Guidance for Emotional Wellness from the Lubavitcher Rebbe,” drawn from letters that Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson wrote to people seeking his advice.

Not what you may think of as a beach (or pool) read, but “Letters for Life” brought an event in 1991 full circle for me in 2025.

Beginning in 1986, Schneerson would stand for hours on Sundays outside his office in Chabad’s headquarters, at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, and dispense a dollar and a blessing to people who lined up for blocks awaiting their opportunity to be in his presence. The idea was that the dollar would be given to charity, an act benefitting both the giver and an unknown recipient. Some people kept the dollar from the Rebbe and gave another to charity.

Though Schneerson (1902-1994) held countless personal audiences, including with journalists, he did not hold news conferences or grant interviews.

That is what made Sunday, Oct. 20, 1991, unusual. Several months prior, the Rebbe had told adherents: “What more can I do to motivate the entire Jewish people to clamor and cry out, and thus actually bring about the coming of Mashiach [Messiah]? . . . I have done whatever I can: from now on, you must do whatever you can.”

As CNN’s national weekend editor, I enjoyed a reasonable amount of freedom in determining what stories were prepared, beyond breaking news or issues of importance in Washington, D.C. The network did not have a unit dedicated to covering religion, so I looked to fill that gap with reports from a variety of faith traditions.

I had dealt with the Chabad for access to its satellite signals of Chanukkah Menorah lightings around the world. With no expectation, I requested an interview with the Rebbe for our New York bureau.

The response was to have a reporter at “770” on Oct. 21. That is how the Rebbe came to pause his routine and speak with correspondent Gary Tuchman.

Tuchman asked Schneerson: “Rebbe, could you tell us the message you have for the world about Mashiach, the message you have for the whole world

Beyond Your Expectations...

combining technology and artistry to create exceptional dentistry.

about the Mashiach?”

The Rebbe replied: “The Mashiach is ready to come now. It is only on our part to do something additional in the realm of goodness and kindness.”

Tuchman asked: “So people should be doing goodness and kindness for him to come?”

The Rebbe answered: “At least a little more. Then Mashiach will come immediately.”

Schneerson gave Tuchman two single dollar bills, “a double portion of charity,” he said.

That was it, an encounter of less than two minutes.

The clip aired that night on CNN newscasts.

Thirty-four years later, it still lives on the Chabad website.

My contact at Chabad was Rabbi Zalman Shmotkin, the director of chabad.org and for more than three decades Chabad’s director of public relations.

Chabad ventured online in 1988 and chabad.org, which launched in the fall of 1993, was one of the first 500 domains registered after the World Wide Web debuted publicly in 1991. For an organization grounded in outreach, the online world was, pun intended, a God-send.

Shmotkin and I have talked on the phone and exchanged emails, but met in-person only once, in June 2004 at the Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, during an American Jewish Press Association meeting in Atlanta. We sat in the lobby and talked, oblivious to the dozens of other people in the room. At one point, Shmotkin asked if I ever had wrapped tefillin. I had not, yet declined his invitation to do so.

Over the years, I remained on Chabad’s holiday list, receiving shmura matzo for Passover, a hanukkiah for Chanukah, and shelach manos at Purim. I received invitations to Chabad holiday gatherings and to celebrate the birth of Shmotkin’s children.

My great-grandfather, Solomon, was born in 1847 as Schneur Zalman Schechter, named for the founder of Lubavitch, indicating that his parents, Isaac and Chaya, living in what then was Moldova, were relatively early followers of that movement.

I am Jewish, but to be honest, on most days, agnostic. I appreciate the role that religion plays in society and find it worthy of coverage. As a journalist friend says, “Religion is always in the room.”

Which brings this story to 2025.

One of Zalman Shmotkin’s children, Rabbi Levi Shmotkin, is the author of “Letters for Life.” In early March, Zalman contacted me, letting me know that Levi would be in Atlanta, speaking at the recently created Buckhead Jewish Academy.

I met with Levi before his talk. We sent his father a photo of me wrapped in tefillin. My attitude had mellowed, and I was willing to do with the son what I might have regretted not doing two decades earlier with the father.

I stayed for Levi’s talk, and we got together the next day for more conversation, much to Zalman’s delight.

It’s mid-July, which means I have another couple of months of swimming — and reading — at the neighborhood pool. I just need to decide what book comes next. ì

Cheers to 100 Years

In recognition of the Atlanta Jewish Times celebrating its 100th year from its first edition in 1925, the AJT will re-publish articles from the Southern Israelite from editions dating as far back as 1929, the earliest edition available through the Digital Library of Georgia. All of the Southern Israelite editions, from 1929-1986, can be viewed at gahistoricnewspapers.galileo.usg.edu/lccn/sn78003973/

Please enjoy this retrospective of Jewish journalism in Atlanta and across Georgia, and thank you for supporting the Atlanta Jewish Times for the last 100 years.

SPORTS

Maccabiah Games Postponed Until 2026

David Ostrowsky

Thousands of Jewish athletes from dozens of nations had been expected to stream into Israel last week for the 22nd Maccabiah Games, the largest and most extravagant edition of the “Jewish Olympics.” The opening ceremony, slated for July 10 at Jerusalem’s Teddy Stadium and hosted by popular television personalities, Anna Aronov and Assi Azar, had a star-studded lineup featuring Israeli musicians Itay Levy, Eden Golan, and Idan Raichel. Paralympic gold medalist Asaf Yasur and Olympic silver medalist Raz Hershko were all set to light the ceremonial torch.

Unfortunately, no such grand athletic events and festivities actually happened — at least not this summer.

Back in June, the Maccabi World Union, the Maccabiah Organizing Committee, and Israel’s Culture and Sports Minister, Miki Zohar, officially postponed The Maccabiah Games to July 2026 amidst heightened tensions triggered by the Israel-Iran conflict. The organizers felt compelled to push back this year’s games after a state of national emergency was declared — and later extended through at least June 30 — and travel to and from Israel was severely restricted. It was a heartbreaking decision, but ultimately one that was undeniably necessary.

“Despite our strong desire to hold the Maccabiah [Games] in the summer of 2025 as a symbol of hope, we are forced to postpone it due to the complex security situation created by the attack on Iran, the instructions of the Home Front Command, the continued suspension of flights to Israel, and the necessary security measures required of all of us,” Maccabiah’s chair, Assaf Goren, said in a statement. “Together with the Ministry of Culture and Sports, and after considering several alternatives, we realized that although we are almost at the starting line, the most prudent step from a security, safety, and logistical perspective is to postpone the event by a year to a quieter and safer time.”

Stated Amir Gissin, CEO of the Maccabi World Union, “We are obviously very disappointed after so many people invested hundreds of thousands of manhours in making this happen, but there

was consensus from our partners around the world that this was the most responsible decision.”

Last month’s postponement marks the second consecutive one for the Maccabiah Games, which have traditionally been held every four years in Israel since their inception in March 1932 when 390 athletes from 18 countries competed in Tel Aviv. While COVID was responsible for postponing the 2021 Games to summer 2022, this year marks the first time the Games had to be moved due to a security concern. Whereas athletes and their families, volunteers, and employees had several months to accept that the 2021 Games needed to be bumped back a year due to the pandemic, this year’s rescheduling came about merely weeks before competition was to get underway.

Though there is a collective understanding of the grave geopolitical implications of the ongoing conflict, hundreds of athletes who have been training multiple times per week for months on end will find themselves aged out of the under-18 division when the Maccabiah Games are

played next summer. It is possible that the Maccabiah leaders may be flexible in loosening age restrictions for the 2026 Games — along that same vein, USA Fencing welcomed late entrants to the USA Fencing Summer Nationals, held in Milwaukee earlier this summer, and waived late fees for participants affected by the Maccabiah Games cancellation — but for now scores of would-be Maccabiah athletes, many of whom have never been to Israel, have had their dreams dashed.

Additionally, the 2025 Games, under the “More Than Ever” slogan, were expected to take on greater meaning following the Oct. 7 tragedy and subsequent Israel-Hamas war.  Added Goren, “The Maccabiah 2025 was meant to be a symbol of hope, restoration, and resilience for the Jewish people after one of the most difficult years in our generation.”

Such powerful symbolism promised to make this year’s Maccabiah Games a touchstone event in the history of Israeli culture. But from a short-term, more pragmatic perspective, the missed economic boon is considerable. This year’s

Olympic-style Maccabiah competition had a record number of host cities, including Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Jerusalem, Haifa, Herzliya, Sderot, along with several towns near the Gaza border. For the first time in nearly a century, Tel Aviv-Jaffa was the central host city, with its sprawling sports and culture complex, Expo Maccabiah City, serving as a hub for interactive exhibitions, engaging showcases, and family-friendly activities.

Alas, the financial boost from the onrush of tourism will have to wait until next summer when hopefully, Israel will be better positioned to welcome thousands of sports fans to what has become one of the world’s most magnificent athletic events.

“I want to thank our partners, our sponsors, and especially our incredible staff who worked day and night to bring the 2025 Maccabiah to life,” Goren said. “We will return next year, not just with a sporting event, but with a celebration of Jewish identity, perseverance, and unity that will be more powerful than ever before.” ì

Athletes slated to compete in the 2025 Maccabiah Games will have to wait until next July to partake in the event’s grand opening festivities // Photo Credit: 2025 World Maccabiah Games social media

Brooklyn Drafts Jewish Hoopers Wolf & Saraf

By David Ostrowsky

In a sense, it was only fitting that the Brooklyn Nets, who play in a borough with such deep Jewish roots, made Jewish sports history last month by selecting Israeli Ben Saraf and Israeli American Danny Wolf back-to-back with the 26th and 27th picks in the NBA Draft. To this day, Brooklyn — to say nothing of neighboring Manhattan — is still home to a massive Jewish population, and the Barclays Center on Atlantic Avenue will be a hub of vibrant Jewish culture every time Wolf and Saraf take the floor this coming season.

“It’s certainly going to be unique having both of them here,” exclaimed Nets GM Sean Marks during a recent press conference introducing Wolf and Saraf as part of the team’s five-member rookie draft class that also includes Egor Demin from Russia, Nolan Traore from France, and UNC’s Drake Powell. “We’re excited about that. I know the borough’s excited about that. I know the Jewish community here is very excited about it, too. You’ve got two incredible ambassadors for that here. So, it’s exciting.

“To be honest, it’s fantastic the way it just worked out. The game of basketball is such a worldly game, played all over the globe. You’ve heard about how the rest of the world is sort of catching up to one of America’s games.”

Indeed, the way it worked out was nothing short of a miracle. Wolf, a 7-foot center who began his collegiate career at Yale before transferring to Michigan where he led the Wolverines to the Sweet 16 last March, was not expected to drop this far down in the first round. Conversely, the 19-year-old Saraf, who most recently played professionally in Germany, was projected as a second-round pick. But Marks and his head coach, Jordi Fernandez, armed with a whopping five first-round selections, took the advice of former Cleveland Cavaliers Jewish head coach David Blatt, who has watched Wolf and Saraf play extensively through the years, and made Jewish sports history with their final two picks of the evening.

Even though the Eastern Conference remains wide open with top teams such as the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers dealing with critical injuries, the Nets are a young squad squarely in a developmental phase, coming off a 26-56 season. As such, even though Wolf needs to work on limiting his turnover issues and Saraf wants to improve as a perimeter shooter, both should have ample opportunities for playing meaningful minutes right away.

Wolf, who became an Israeli citizen in order to play for Israel at the 2023 FIBA U20 European Championship in Greece (where he practiced with Saraf), attended Jewish day school until fifth grade, and was bar mitzvahed at the Western Wall, is a particularly intriguing prospect with his towering height, deft ball handling skills, and razor-sharp basketball IQ. Even more intriguing is his path to the NBA, as he is one of the precious few products of the Ivy League to get drafted. When asked about his unique background, Wolf provided a long-winded response, explaining, “My basketball journey’s definitely been up and down and it’s taken definitely a few different steps to get where I am today. Just going to Yale gave me that opportunity and I took that and ran with that.

“I didn’t play much my freshman year there. Just kind of used that as an opportunity to work and develop my game and just grow in the areas that I needed to. I had a great summer playing for that Israeli team in the under-20 tournament, which gave me some momentum. I had a pretty good sophomore year, and after the year I just decided that it was in my best interest to challenge myself and prove myself against the best in the coun-

try on a nightly basis so I went to Michigan and we had a great year there. Now I was in position to get to the NBA, so we decided it was the best time to do it. The Nets took a chance on me again.

“In terms of my skill set, I think it’s still developing. I think just the jump I made from Yale to Michigan and now obviously the NBA is a different animal. I’m going to have to keep working on a lot of different things, but I think there’s a lot of different things I can do on a basketball court.”

The 6-foot-6 guard Saraf, a son of two, one-time Israeli pro basketball players who was born in South Africa but moved to Israel when he was three, also proudly wears his Judaism on his sleeve, or rather his jersey, by wearing No. 77 because it represents the Hebrew word, “mazal,” which translates to “luck.” During his intro presser, Saraf was asked about learning he was headed to NYC and the early days of enjoying life as one of the city’s more recognizable sports figures.

“It was amazing,” responded Saraf. “I got a lot of messages, a lot of love from the Jewish community here. I appreciate all the love that I’m getting in the street and from the fans.”

Though Saraf did not play any col-

lege basketball stateside, he’s been a prominent professional player in different European leagues for several years now and after piloting his German team, Ratiopharm Ulm of the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL), to the league finals this past season, Marks and the Nets felt they had seen enough to roll the dice.

“I really enjoyed watching Ben overseas,” said Marks. “We went over to see him live a couple times. So, it was great to watch how hard he competes. I think that was something that really stood out. Passing ability, pride on defense, I think he’s playing at a high level over there. For him to come back here and be a part of this group with those experiences, those worldly experiences, is key. I like the way he gets to the hole, finishes around the basket, doesn’t shy away from contact. I think there are a lot of things that translate into our game.”

The Nets may be years away from seriously contending for an NBA title, but their bringing on board Wolf and Saraf has already stirred great excitement among Jewish basketball fans in New York, which already has a robust Jewish sports presence with Max Fried and Adam Fox starring for the New York Yankees and New York Rangers, respectively. ì

For the first time since 2006, two Jewish players were selected in the same NBA Draft, as Danny Wolf and Ben Saraf both went to the Brooklyn Nets in the late first round // Photo Credit: Brooklyn Nets

Israel Bridge Program Supports Student-Athletes

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Local real estate agent Keri Greenwald and brother, Ross Greenstein, worked together to form The Israel Bridge, which provides critical emotional and logistical support for Israeli studentathletes. Greenwald and Greenstein are convinced that building bridges through sports is a bulwark for combating antisemitism.

The Israel Bridge nonprofit addresses various challenges faced by Israeli athletes arriving after their service in the IDF, like mental health services, immigration assistance, career coaching, matching host families, mentorship programs, and mini-grants.

Sandy Springs resident Greenwald, and Greenstein, from San Diego, who is a former Division I tennis player at the University of Florida, started The Israel Bridge. Their father, Vic Greenstein, of Minneapolis and Palm Beach Gardens, later expanded the mission. Since 2006, the nonprofit has secured more than $30 million in scholarships for over 300 athletes. In the fall of 2025, more than 240 Israeli student-athletes will attend 140 U.S. universities, competing in NCAA sports and serving as proud ambassadors of Israel.

The “Bridge” also empowers Israeli student-athletes to “bring” Israel to their college campuses through low-cost initiatives. For example, a $1,000 mini-grant supports a campus-wide Israel Day event planned and organized by Israel Bridge student-athletes, while a $300 grant enables them to host a home-cooked Israeli dinner for 10 of their non-Jewish friends. Money for kosher food, an emergency flight home back to Israel, and summer school tuition (which is often not covered by athletic scholarships), are other types of grants available.

In 2024, Atlanta’s Keren Rosenberg, a native of Tel Aviv and formerly with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, became the program’s executive director.  She stated, “Israeli student-athletes are the best ambassadors we have on campus – not only because of their talent, but because they are strong, mentally and physically, and always in the spotlight.”

More specifically, Dan Aronovic, who has worked for the group for nearly 20 years, guides athletes through the complex U.S. athletic scholarship process of testing, interviewing, and eligibility. New for the 2024-25 school year is the Local Mom’s Network, a community of

Jewish moms in the U.S. offering connection, support and hospitality to the Israeli student-athletes. This holistic approach ensures that student-athletes are equipped to navigate the complexities of campus life while staying connected to their roots.

The Israel Bridge also helps Israeli athletes connect with Jewish communities in addition to Atlanta like Athens, Statesboro, Brunswick, and Lawrenceville. These student-athletes are competing locally in soccer, swimming, basketball, and track. Many athletes arrive in the U.S. without family nearby. The Bridge encourages families to host meals and Jewish holidays.

Jaime Ackerman, of Sandy Springs, hosted six athletes from three different

colleges for Thanksgiving 2024 and said, “My kids could not stop asking them questions about their lives and sports they play. We now know we forever have friends to visit when we go to Israel!”

For Passover seder, Michael and Beryl Jackowitz welcomed 10 students in Long Beach, N.Y., and cannot wait to host again next year.

Students also share emotional successes. Anastasia Gorbenko, Israel’s most decorated swimmer and a two-time Olympian, now competes at the University of Louisville. “Representing Israel abroad is a responsibility I carry with pride,” she related. “I’ve faced antisemitism, including being booed on medal podiums. The support of The Israel Bridge reminds me I’m not alone.”

Guy Finkelstein, Florida Atlantic University tennis player, served two deployments in Gaza with his IDF unit after Oct. 7 and recalled, “I left a tennis tournament in Indiana to return to Israel. After months of combat, I came to Florida to reset and transferred to FAU to study computer science. I’m graduating soon and excited for what’s ahead while staying true to my roots.”

Ester Pushkarov, an Israeli volleyball player at Barry University, flew home to see her father who was serving in Gaza and Lebanon.

Greenstein summarized, “We equip Israeli athletes with strength and support to lead proudly. By backing these students, we invest in the future of Jewish pride, visibility, and resilience.” ì

The Israel Bridge was started by Keri Greenwald, Temple Sinai member, along with her brother and father. Providing tools for fighting antisemitism is one of her motivations.

Many of the student-athletes served in the IDF before coming stateside to college.

Georgia families are encouraged to host student athletes for meals and holidays.

NCJW Atlanta Honors Leaders, Installs New Board Moskowitz Lauded as Top Corporate Board Director

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

On June 3, 2015, Atlanta Jewish Times heralded Marietta resident Joey Moskowitz, then 61, with, “Ducking Retirement - Moskowitz Plunges into Corporate Board,” as he retired from a 30-year career at Primerica as valuation and chief actuary to secure a spot on the AFLAC Board.

A Columbus, Ga., native with a knack for numbers, he made his way into what most in the business community pray for as board members: making high level connections, ability to make real contributions … and other perks like private plane rides or upscale hunting events.   Ever unassuming and content with his 10 years and running, Moskowitz was shocked to open the Wall Street Journal on May 19 to find his name on the list of the Top 250 Corporate Board Directors. Note that neither the individual nor the company applied for the ranking. Independent research companies used 18 indicators with seven different sets of data to assess points and achieve relative rankings.

Some of the other recognizable companies with individuals represented on the list included Tesla, United (top

spot), Home Depot, GM, Amex, Target, Costco, and some, like Proctor & Gamble, had multiple members. Delta had three in the top 50.  The three components were Individual Profile Score, Company Performance Score, and Prominent Board Bonus. Interestingly, points were given for serving on a committee or two but serving on more than two boards actually dropped the score.

Within AFLAC, Moskowitz, a graduate of Georgia Tech, serves as an independent director, chairman of the compensation committee, and also sits on the audit & risk committee, corporate development committee, and executive committee. He devotes about 30 hours per month to the job, primarily attending (usually virtually) committee meetings and reading materials. Quarterly meetings are in-person at the St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta except every other year where they are held in Tokyo, as 75 percent of AFLAC business is in Japan.

Moskowitz concluded, “This is an extraordinary honor to be included with this group. It is as much a tribute to the quality of AFLAC management as [it is] a personal accomplishment, given one of the point credits is company performance.”

On May 13, NCJW Atlanta Section held its annual spring meeting and installation with a jazz brunch at The Breman. Jazz pianist Joe Alterman entertained the crowd of more than 50 women with favorite show tunes, some with a Judaic twist, while guests sipped mimosas and enjoyed brunch delights.

Rabbi Lara Tessler of The Temple opened the program with an invocation calling upon guests to support each other during these stressful times in the Jewish community. Co-president Susan Gordon thanked those board members who have served their terms. She acknowledged outgoing co-president Stacey Hader Epstein, who is completing a four-year term, with a slideshow and beautiful custom-made art piece by local artist Leslie Belnick. In her remarks, Gordon expressed the pride she and Hader Epstein have for the dedication of the group’s members, “[We] are so proud of the resiliency, strength and passion of our section. Together, we’ve been able to act with

a sense of urgency in response to issues. Even if we couldn’t solve every problem, we showed our commitment to educating ourselves and finding ways to act in meaningful ways in our community.”

Luci Sunshine, past president of NCJW Atlanta Section, installed the 202526 board of directors and officers, which includes Susie Greenberg stepping into the co-president’s position alongside Gordon. The new board began its term July 1. Closing out the program was the presentation of the Sherry Z. Frank Leadership Award to Sue Tilis for her work as the section’s co-vice president of advocacy as well as the group’s state policy advisor. The award, established in 2023, is presented annually to an NCJW Atlanta member whose leadership skills help further the mission of NCJW by compassionate action, improving the lives of others, and building bridges in our community.

Compiled by AJT Staff

Joey Moskowitz was listed in the May 19 Wall Street Journal as one of the top 250 board members in the U.S. He and wife, Susie, are members of Congregation Etz Chaim.

(From left) Betsy Fleisig, Susie Greenberg, Camille Lefkowitz, and Susan Gordon

Horizons Atlanta Summer Campers Enjoy Carnival

Rabbi Levy to Lead Congregation in NC

By Robert Garber

A day of summer fun greeted students of the Horizons Atlanta summer learning program last month, thanks to a partnership with Creating Connected Communities (CCC), the volunteer-focused non-profit best known for Amy’s Holiday Party.

Horizons, whose larger mission is to prevent summer learning loss, keep learning fun, and close the opportunity gap for students from Title 1 schools, organized the event as part of their sixweek, tuition-free summer program.

“The Carnival is an enrichment opportunity all about joy,” said Ann Marie Bedtke, Horizon Atlanta’s executive director. “This is a day where Horizons Atlanta’s summer learners get a summer ‘field day’ for a couple of hours spent having fun with friends and scholars from other Horizons Atlanta programs.”

The event, hosted at Congregation B’nai Torah, featured several activities for the more than 600 attendees. The students were guided through everything –from participating at crafts and STEAM stations, to dancing with the DJ, and bouncing on inflatables – by volunteers from CCC, which has partnered with Horizons since 2016.

“Programs like the Horizons Festival give our Jewish teen volunteers the chance to put those values into action,” said Amy Zeide, executive director and founder of CCC. “By implementing engaging activities for children, our teens step into leadership roles, develop empathy, and experience firsthand the impact of community service. It’s a powerful way for them to build confidence, connect with others, and see how their efforts contribute to the greater good.”

“We really appreciate our partnership with Creating Connected Communities as it has been helping make summer learning even more fun for our students for nearly a decade,” said Bedtke. “For many of our scholars, the Carnival is the highlight of their summer, a day filled with joy, movement, creativity, and pure fun.”

This certainly seemed to be the case this year, as some students struggled to even decide which part they liked best.

“The carnival was great,” said second-grader Joshua Felder. “My favorite part was decorating cookies, shooting basketballs, and the bouncy house. No, getting the Ice-ees was my favorite part!”

“One child ran past me and exclaimed, ‘Best day ever!’” said Zeide. “That’s a pretty great mark of success!”

Rabbi RuthE Levy has been retained as rabbi and spiritual leader of Mountain Synagogue in Franklin, N.C.

Rabbi Levy is from California where she was educated at CSU Long Beach, CSU Fullerton, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and National University in San Diego. As a teenager, she was a member of Temple Tikvah Teens, where she began her Jewish journey. As an adult, she became the vice president of religious education for the Sisterhood and joined the choir. She married and had two sons, Sam and Josh.

Rabbi Levy joined the Air Force in 1980 and served at various duty stations around the world. As part of her responsibilities, she served as a certified military Jewish lay leader, ensuring that Jewish activities were available at each base.

When she returned home to California in 1992, she rejoined Temple Beth Tikvah and its choir, becoming vice president of religious practices for four years. She also served as a rabbi at Villa Valencia, a senior living facility in Laguna Hills. In 1993, she met and married David Lombrozo, along with his three children:

Joseph, Aaron, and Leon.

When Lombrozo was transferred to Atlanta, Rabbi Levy began her career as a Jewish educator, teaching religious school at Temple Emanu-El, serving as director of education at Temple Kehillat Chaim, and teaching middle school Judaics at Davis Academy. She also returned to her role as a rabbi at senior living communities.

Rabbi Levy was ordained in 2022 through the Jewish Spiritual Leaders’ Institute. She currently serves as the rabbi for Regal Pointe and Solana senior living communities and owns And Thou Shalt Read and Oy Toys, a Jewish book and toy web store. She leads Maariv services on Sim Shlom online and at Congregation Etz Chaim. She is involved with Shiva Circles, a new outreach program from the Shomer Collective, and the Interfaith Outreach Committee at Temple EmanuEl of Atlanta.

Along with her five sons, Rabbi RuthE Levy proudly has nine grandchildren.

Compiled by AJT Staff

Rabbi RuthE Levy has been named the new rabbi and spiritual leader of Mountain Synagogue in Franklin, N.C.

Horizons Atlanta’s Executive Director Ann Marie Bedtke participates with students in an activity that uses art to teach about zoology.

Temima Taps Rabbi Lynn as New Head of School Repair the World Announces Souper Soulful Shabbat

Temima, The Richard and Jean Katz High School for Girls, is thrilled to announce that Rabbi Yaakov Lynn has been appointed as the new head of school, effective July 15.

Rabbi Lynn brings with him a wealth of experience, deep Torah scholarship, and a profound commitment to Jewish education. For more than a decade, Rabbi Lynn was a popular teacher in yeshivos and seminaries in Israel, and he served as the founding dean and director of Meorot Yerushalayim seminary.  He currently serves as the head of school at Zucker Jewish Academy of Las Vegas, a school he helped found since its inception.

With a strong background in both leadership and learning, Rabbi Lynn

has demonstrated exceptional ability in inspiring students, partnering with parents, and cultivating a school culture rooted in values, academic excellence, and spiritual growth.

Rabbi Lynn’s vision aligns seamlessly with Temima’s mission — to nurture students intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally within a warm, vibrant Jewish environment. His leadership style reflects both thoughtfulness and passion, and the school is confident he will guide Temima into its next chapter with strength and purpose.

Please join the school’s community in welcoming Rabbi Yaakov Lynn and his family to the Temima and Jewish Atlanta.

Compiled by AJT Staff

Repair the World Atlanta, an organization that engages Jews and their communities in a lifelong commitment to service through meaningful volunteering and Jewish learning, in partnership with Base, ma’alot, and the Zadie Project, with Souper Jenny, announced, “Souper Soulful Shabbat,” which will take place on Friday, Aug. 1.

“Souper Soulful Shabbat is more than a dinner – it’s a night to connect, give back, and welcome Shabbat with purpose and joy,” said Sheefra Blumenthal, city director, Repair the World Atlanta. “Whether you’re new to Shabbat or a seasoned soul, this evening is an invitation to slow down, show up, and build something meaningful together.”

Guests will gather at a cozy space in Decatur (location shared upon registration) to share a hands-on service project, acoustic Shabbat music, and a vegetarian buffet-style meal that fills more than just a plate. Space is limited; advanced regis-

tration is required.

The evening’s program includes:

6 to 6:30 p.m. – Arrival, candle lighting, light snacks

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – Service project (help out, give back)

7:30 to 8 p.m. – Soulful Kabbalat Shabbat (songs + ritual)

8 to 9:30 p.m. – Dinner & informal tish (sharing, stories, song)

9:30 to 10 p.m. – Community cleanup and close

“Come as you are; and leave with a full heart and a full belly,” continued Blumenthal. “We hope you will join us for this meaningful community-building evening.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit https://werepair.org/ communities/atlanta/?event=soupersoulful-shabbat-soup-song-social-impact

Compiled by AJT Staff

Rabbi Yaakov Lynn has been named the new head of school for Temima.

The Souper Soulful Shabbat is set for Friday, Aug. 1. Registration is required and space is limited // Photo Credit: Repair the World

Honoring K-9 Logan: A True American Hero

K-9 Logan was born on March 22, 2017. From his earliest days, it was evident that he possessed the rare combination of traits that define an exceptional working dog: intelligence, courage, loyalty, and an extraordinary work ethic. His journey of service began when he was paired with his handler, Chris Serra, a partnership that would come to embody the very spirit of teamwork, sacrifice, and perseverance.

Throughout the majority of his life, K-9 Logan stood steadfastly beside Serra. Their bond was forged through countless hours of rigorous training, challenging environments, and moments that demanded absolute trust. It is said that the relationship between a handler and his K-9 partner is unlike any other — a connection built on silent understanding, mutual respect, and a shared mission. Together, they exemplified the highest standards of service and dedication.

K-9 Logan deployed with Serra to two of the most demanding theaters of conflict: Iraq and Afghanistan. Serving 10 months in Iraq and an extraordinary

three-and-a-half years in Afghanistan, Logan faced some of the harshest and most dangerous conditions known to

military service members. His role was critical, his presence invaluable, and his performance nothing short of heroic.

During his deployments, K-9 Logan successfully detected and found more than 60 live improvised explosive devic-

K-9 Logan formed an unbreakable bond with his handler, Chris Serra

K-9 Logan served with distinction in multiple war zones.

es, saving countless lives and ensuring the safe passage of soldiers, allies, and civilians. Each detection was a moment of triumph against hidden threats, a victory of training, instinct, and courage. Every life saved stands as a testament to Logan’s tireless commitment to duty.

But K-9 Logan’s impact did not stop there. Over the course of his service, he directly contributed to the apprehension of more than 35 known terrorists. His skill in tracking and apprehension disrupted enemy operations, safeguarded critical missions, and delivered justice in some of the most volatile regions of the world. In doing so, Logan helped shape a safer and more secure future for countless people far beyond the immediate battlefield.

Beyond his operational achievements, K-9 Logan served as a source of strength and comfort to the men and women with whom he served. In environments defined by uncertainty and danger, Logan’s steady presence provided a sense of calm, loyalty, and hope. To many, he was not just a working dog — he was a friend, a silent guardian, and a symbol of home.

Throughout his career, K-9 Logan demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Whether navigating treacherous terrain, enduring extreme climates, or responding under fire, he

carried out every mission with unshakable resolve. His bravery under pressure and steadfast commitment to his handler and team were unwavering, reflecting the highest ideals of military service.

K-9 Logan’s actions have saved lives, brought comfort to the weary, and served a greater cause with silent nobility. His service reminds us that courage is not the absence of fear but the determination to press forward despite it.

As K-9 Logan transitions from active contracting to a well-deserved life of rest and care, he is celebrated not just for his achievements, but the enduring spirit he represents. His legacy will live on in the lives he protected, the missions he made possible, and the hearts of all who had the privilege to serve alongside him.

K-9 Logan, a warrior, a protector, and a true American hero, is saluted. May K-9 Logan’s story continue to inspire generations to come.

Thank you, K-9 Logan. You have served with honor. You will never be forgotten.

K-9 Logan currently resides in Atlanta, with his handler, Serra, is also currently working with The Draco Group, a security solutions provider also based in Atlanta. For more information, please visit www.thedracogroup.com. ì

Compiled by AJT Staff

K-9 Logan served 10 months in Iraq and three-and-a-half years in Afghanistan.

The Miraculous Recovery of a Dog Named Amber

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

What started as a typical Tuesday turned into a nightmare for the Shulman family, when their two-year-old dachshund mix, Amber, bolted from home, then vanished into the busy streets

The Shulmans had only recently adopted Amber, a shy rescue pup, after the tragic death of their previous dog, a beloved six-year-old dachshund who died unexpectedly under the care of a local pet sitter. Amber had brought healing and joy into their lives. But on that February afternoon, with Jenna’s husband out of town on business, the unthinkable happened when a dog walker let Amber loose without her leash, and she immediately fled.

Though Amber wore a named collar with phone contact, no one got close enough to read it. Her harness, equipped with an AirTag, was not installed. Amber was gone, as the trail grew cold.

Over the next 12 days, the Shulmans embarked on a rollercoaster search, filled with near misses, false leads, and moments of despair. They were quickly ad-

vised by mutual friends to contact Norma Shohet, an experienced pet recovery

volunteer known for her expertise. Jenna stated, “At first, we were shocked by how

strict and specific her instructions were. But because we listened — we now owe

The Shulmans (Corey, Jenna, and sons) call Amber’s recovery  a “miracle.”

her everything.”

Shohet explained that Amber, like most lost dogs, went into “survival mode,” a behavioral state where fear takes over and even the most loving owner becomes a perceived threat. “Calling her name, chasing her, offering treats — none of it works,” Shohet said. “We had to completely reframe how we thought about this rescue.”

Following Shohet’s guidance, the Shulmans created a “comfort station,” combining scents from Liquid Smoke, warm beef broth, and their worn clothing. They set up cameras in strategic locations and deployed humane traps baited with enticing foods with odors that could lure a fearful dog.

As dozens of large, attention-grabbing signs went up around Lenox and Piedmont Roads, sightings trickled in, some credible, some wild.  Each tip had to be fully investigated.

After nearly two weeks, the Shulmans began preparing their sons, 12 and 9, for the likelihood that Amber wouldn’t return. And then … a miracle occurred: on day 12, a security guard at Chase Bank saw a dog matching Amber’s description and called the number.

Shohet rushed to the scene with her scent-rich supplies, prepared to set up a comfort station, camera, and trap. After five tense hours, Amber was finally lured out of the woods. In a moment that still feels surreal to the family, Amber recognized the scents, and she was scooped up without needing the trap.

Amber’s return sparked celebration throughout the community. “We had strangers putting up flyers, walking the streets, cheering us on,” Jenna said. “It was incredibly moving.”

The Shulmans want to help others understand what really works when a dog goes missing: “Don’t chase. Don’t call. Don’t assume they’ll come to you,” Jenna emphasized. “And if someone connects you with Norma — do exactly what she says.”

Since Amber’s return, the family has taken extra precautions including a GPSenabled, Wi-Fi-accessible collar that stays on Amber at all times.

Shohet, a Hebrew teacher at Temple Sinai, began her work in pet recovery nine years ago when a lost dog was sighted in her neighborhood, and she wanted to help. During the process, she met well-known pet recovery specialists who taught her the correct protocol for finding lost pets. Since then, she has helped reunite hundreds of pets with their families across Metro Atlanta and beyond. Her adventures often take her far from home, into the woods, and into the night. “Helping people bring their dogs and cats home is immensely rewarding,” Shohet said. “I’ll keep doing it for as long as I can.”

Jenna concluded, “Since Amber’s rescue, Norma has assisted many others — and continues to field new calls from desperate families on a near daily basis. Thanks to her, it isn’t just pets who are rescued — it’s a renewed faith in humanity.” ì

Shohet also has a career teaching Hebrew and Judaics at Jewish day schools.

Berkovitz is an Expert on Irish Wolfhounds

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

The minute Canadian vet tech Patty Berkovitz saw Irish Wolfhound on the American Kennel Club chart, she just knew “this is what a dog should look like” and pledged to own one. She explained, “I was so moved.  Their dignity, the soulfulness of their eyes and presence was, for me, overwhelming, a connection with something wild and ancient.”

After that, she waited many years and got her first one in her 50’s after losing her husband. She continued to learn about the breed and their needs.

In addition to their size, course coats, and dark eyes, Irish Wolfhounds want to please. Known as gentle giants, they’re built to do a job -- strong with a double muscle in the rear to push them forward as they are the “closers.” Their strength, size, and speed allow them to bring down elk, wolves, and coyotes. Berkovitz knows they need to have room to run at least once a day, and she feeds a mixture of kibble and raw meat.

She is not a breeder, but notes responsible breeders usually have their

puppies spoken for before they breed. She stated, “They are hard to get and going to a dog show is a good way to start. It can take years to get one.”

Her dog, Mojo, took over a year to find. She got her second Irish Wolfhound from the same person, all the while learning about the breed and their needs. She

found a breeder who was a natural teacher, and when she had a litter of puppies (16 where three died) and the mother died, Berkovitz supplied the extra hands to keep the litter alive.

She related, “We invested the time to feed all of them every four hours, washing pads, getting fresh goats’ milk … she

sold me one of the pups, and mentored me. Looks easy? Took me two years to get all the parts working together and knowing when to do what!”

All of her Irish Wolfhounds have earned titles in racing. Fast Cats is a 100-meter run chasing a plastic grocery bag on a pully. Coursing is the same bag

Patty Berkovitz believes in the preservation of the Irish Wolfhound breed.

Berkovitz finds a connection with something wild and ancient in the Irish Wolfhound breed.

Berkovitz has won numerous ribbons and awards.

in an open field with a set amount of turns. These events are often done at dog shows and some are standalone events. The two Irish Wolfhounds that she currently has are both Grand Champion Silver and have both been in the top five fastest in Fast Cats and were invited to the invitational in Orlando. They were both invited to Westminster in 2024.

She recalled, “It was quite an honor. You can see us on Westminster 2024 Irish Wolfhound. We were the fourth and fifth dogs in the ring. The judge is evaluating breeding stock, and each dog is competing against a written standard, not each other. The hound that best matches the standard is the winner (BOB -- best of breed), then the judge selects the OS (opposite sex to the show winner).”

The ribbons for classes are supplied by the club that is giving the show.

Berkovitz also competes in “owner-

handled” events and has been consistently in the top 10 every year since she began to show which gets her an invitation to the national in Orlando, and a pin. People come from around the country and from abroad as a great chance to network.

She summarized, “Did I start out to do any of this? No, but I am having a ball with my dogs. They love to go, and we have a whole new circle of show friends. We compete hard but help each other whenever someone needs an extra hand. This is about preservation breeding, maintaining the integrity of a breed that was made to do a specific job. Their form follows their function. As a hunting dog, he must be able to physically do the job he is asked to perform. This is true of all pedigree dogs.”

Berkovitz’s home appeared in Atlanta Jewish Times Chai Style Home column on Dec. 11, 2015, “The Class Menagerie.” ì

4 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS

Jewish Atlanta Pets of 2025 Winners

Our tenth annual pet issue is finally here. We received 46 submissions, including a wide variety of dogs and cats. The first place winner went to Cielo of Midtown. Oiro of Dunwoody came in second place. Third place went to Hannah of Brookhaven. Candle lighting Pancake, of Toco Hills, graces our cover this issue. Prizes are sponsored by Big Daddy Biscuits. Each winner's owner will be contacted about prize delivery.

2nd Place

Oiro

3-year-old Golden Retriever Erica Plofsky of Dunwoody

1st Place

Cielo

3rd Place

Oiro is a true people dog. He will run up to any person willing to give him attention and lean his 90 pound frame on them while wagging his tail.

8.5-year-old Mix Siberian Husky Hodaya Inbar Aharon of Midtown

Cielo’s superpower? Unlocking cages to set bunnies free — he believes all animals deserve playtime and no one should live behind bars!

Hannah

8-year-old Chihuahua Jack Russell Terrior Eileen Reuben & Rochelle Reuben of Brookhaven

She is Proud to be JEWISH! Looks at the TV and then at us to put on The Sunday Morning Show with Jane Pauley and she “sings” to the trumpets!

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes are sponsored by Big Daddy Biscuits!

COVER WINNER

Pancake

4-year-old Mixed breed Jennifer Friedman of Toco Hills

Pancake can let herself into the house by opening the door when she is done playing outside

All Other Submissions are Below

Anakin

& Bella

16.5-year-old

Australian Labradoodles Babz Jacoby-Fishman of Sandy Springs

Both pets are retired therapy dogs that went to schools and senior facilities, specifically memory care.

Bellaluna

3-year-old Parsons Russell Terrier Deborah Singer of Sandy Springs

Very playful and friendly. She likes chasing the deer when we go to the country.

Boba

7-year-old Golden doodle

Lauren Gorvy of Sandy Springs

Sweetest, friendly, food and ballmotivated pup there is.

Ceci

4-year-old Lagotto Romagnolo

Tiffany Gelbaum of Dunwoody

Ceci is a mama's boy who wants to love on everyone he meets. He spends his days chasing chipmunks in the backyard, taking walks with his people, pushing his "Play Outside" button, and protecting the house from bunnies and deer.

Cocopuff

2-year-old Australian Labradoodle

Marilyn Arkin of Sandy Springs

Cocopuff loves car rides, playing on the beach, hiding her bones & play dates with her puppy friends

Fozzie Yogi and Chip

14,12,19-year-old Bichon Frise

Marnie Levy of Smyrna

Known as the Three Bichon Brothers on social media. They have a following of 1,500+ Facebook and 6,500+ IG.

Casey

5-year-old Yorkshire Terrier Jill Cohen of Buckhead

Casey loves to play ball and catches everything! Her idol is Ozzie Albies.

Chance

6-year-old Border Collie mix

Stacy Alexander Morris of Dunwoody

Chance is just the GDOAT! At least to us he is! Recognized throughout the hood and often seen with his head out the window eager to see people and other animals! He is our breath of fresh air!

Doozy

4-year-old Tabby

Martha Jo and Jerry Katz of East Cobb

Our bird and squirrel watcher kitty has many unique features. Her DNA shows Rag Doll, Maine Coon, and other exquisite breeds. A wonderful rescue bringing happiness to all.

George

6-year-old Chihuahua Tracy Dankberg of Dunwoody

George has an alligator’s mouth on a mosquito’s body. Funniest thing he does: takes something he knows he’s not supposed to, drops it, and looks up at us for his treat.

Guinness

8.5-year-old Miniature Poodle

Hallie Pinstein of West Midtown

Guinness is a miniature poodle with a refined demeanor and an unwavering love for his ball. Playful and energetic, he can happily engage in a game of fetch for hours!

Izzy

11.5-year-old Multi Poo

Marvin & Susan Boaz of Dunwoody

She is a great friend and companion. She loves walks, sleeping in, watching Animal Planet and new clothes.

Junebug and Lucinda

6-year-old Yellow Lab & Maltese, Shiatzu, Havana & Super Mutt Jacquelyn Allen of Eastlake

Both dogs are rescues, Junebug came first then Lucy. They get along like sisters. Junebug is low key, she believes she is as small as Lucy and believes your lap is just for her. Lucy is sweet one moment and doing Zoomies (running around in circles as fast as she can with no where to go).

Lacey

10-year-old Hound Mix

Rachelle Schaffer of Johns Creek

My constant companion; Follows me everywhere; Sits next to me as I work; Barks to let me know it is time for daily walk

Hudson

10-year-old Tuxedo

Charna Perloe of Virginia Highland

My formal name is Sir Hudson of the Highlands. My human keeps telling me how smart I am. I've been trained to do all kinds of tricks like shake, do a high 5, floppy over, and go outside on a leash.

J.J.

12-year-old Ausiedoodle Ross Cooper of Sandy Springs

Call him Tom Cruise because he doesn't age and no door is an impossible mission for him to get through.

Kiki

10-year-old Morkie Greg Smith of Sandy Springs

Plays nose soccer with Chuckie her ball.

Maddie, Josie and Huckleberry

5,12,6.5-year-old Australian Shepherds Pam Williams of Toco Hills

We have the sweetest pack of Aussies and are always attacked with kisses. Maddie is the Mom of 128 puppies - two are Huck and Josie.

Maeve

3.5-year-old Schnauzer

Lauren Selby of Woodstock

My Mini Schnauzer is beyond amazing. She learned to jump in the air to catch frisbees, she decided to become a swimmer and her face just melts my heart. Maeve has a big fan club, she has personality and so much love.

Matzo Ball

2-year-old Mutt

Lori Herman of Johns Creek

Matzo Ball is the most loving little guy around. He’s always down for a cuddle and loves splashing in any water he can get.

Milo

18-month-old Terrier mix

Rhonda Povlot of Milton

Milo is very loving, snuggly and fun. His high energy has really gotten my husband and me out of the house going on multiple walks a day. He has an arch nemesis in the squirrel in the backyard. Milo makes us laugh. He is extremely happy to see us every time we come home. He wags his whole body not just his tail. As we are fairly new empty nesters, Milo has brought new energy into our home.

Moca

5-month-old Mixed-Breed Pupp

Lital Ahrfi of Midtown

Moka is a sweet and playful 5-month-old puppy who loves belly rubs, crunching on cucumbers, and going on walks especially with other dogs. She brings joy and wiggles wherever she trots!

Maisey

5-year-old Mixed breed

Jennie Kaufman of Peachtree Corners

Maisey loves to open packages and always wants to cuddle & give kisses. Her favorite things to do are lay in the sun and play with her squeaky toys.

Mazel

6-year-old Puggle

Susanne Katz Karlick of Sandy Springs

Mazel is a loving, caring little girl who has many friends and caring neighbors.

Mistee

7-year-old Yellow Lab Mix

Donna Goldenberg of East Cobb

Mistee is an amazing rescue dog who joined our family right before COVID. She has been the perfect companion ever since, bringing us so much love and joy. Mistee loves giving and getting kisses, and we can’t imagine our lives without her!

Moosie

7-year-old Wheaton Terrier Jodie & Steven Jackson of Sandy Springs

Moosie rolls over for treats & likes to go for boat rides in Blue Ridge

Nala

Tabby cat

Stacy Blaiss of Johns Creek

Nala loves to pet and purrs so much - it’s so calming, like having a builtin stress reliever curled up next to me!

Peachy Pony & Mink

8,9-year-old Havanese

Margie and Becca Good of Chastain Park

They are social butterflies who have never met a stranger. They love people!

Prince Leo

1-year-old Pekingese

Rebecca Glatzer & Tameeka Hunter of Atlanta

Very paternal —He “carries his suffed baby around in his mouth!”

Rider

2-year-old Giant Schnauzer Diana Weitz of Alpharetta

This “adventure” package comes in 90 lbs of boundless energy with daily doting. When not posing for Instagram he is playing catch or parkour in the living room.

Oscar

7.5-year-old Cavachon

Dani Weiss of Decatur

Oscar is the friendliest, loudest and cuddliest companion. He makes all the squirrels run for cover.

Pete

10-year-old Flame Point Siamese Cat

Renay Blumenthal of Buckhead

Pete thinks he is a dog! He rolls on his back and waits for us to rub his belly, and brings us his toys - all while working us with his cute blue eyes!

Remy & Martin

3,2-year-old Toy Poodles

Heidi and Paul Lipman of East Cobb

They love to wear clothes and sleep on their backs.

Rosie

18-month-old Havanese

Patty Small of East Cobb

She’s the sweetest girl ever. She loves her two older rescue brothers. She doesn’t miss bringing us her favorite toy every night before we go to bed.

Roxie

12-year-old Standard Poodle

Cecily and Fred Ross of Sandy Springs

We rescued Roxie seven years ago. Her favorite catch toy is her stuffed musical dreidel. Whenever she hears the dreidel song, she comes running to play.

Sydney

6-year-old Chiweenie

Gerrie Schwartz of Dunwoody

He has ME so well trained!

Teddy

8-year-old Maltese

Joyce Banner of Brookhaven

Teddy is my constant companion. He's always by my side and keeps getting sweeter, cuter and smarter. He even helps me sort my tiles when I play mahjong.

Winston

2.5-year-old Mini Golden Doodle

Eileen Shaw of Johns Creek

Winston is the most active doodle, loves going to Newtown Dog Park, has the ability to speak when asked, is friendly, good disposition, loves to dress up in a tuxedo, and loves "giv ing five." He is a favorite pet in our household and a true companion to those who love him.

Sammy & Maggie

9-year-old Mixed Breeds Micah and Evan Staley of Brookhaven

Sammy and Maggie love walks and snuggles. They are sweet pups and love their new baby sister.

Taco

4-year-old Canaan

Lorin & Anna Maugery of Toco Hills

We saved Taco from a refuge in Israel after he was apparently abused in Negev region (ears were cut at very young age). Taco is the most loyal and protective dog ever.

Thomas and Edison

9,8.5-year-old dorky and schnauzer mix

Bonnie Besmertnik

Staff Pets

Lovely Lilly

5-year-old Imperial Shih Tzu

Kaylene Ladinsky Editor & Managing Publisher

She is loved by all that meet her. Sweet, kind and very cuddly. Lilly is 6.2 lbs. and she loves to travel, watch movies and play with her sister, Bella.

Roxy

3.5-year-old Terrier Mix

Ilyssa Klein Account Manager

She loves digging, zooming around and throwing toys to herself. She volleys the ball with you by bouncing it off her nose and is just a big snuggler.

Bagel

6-year-old Pure Bred Good Boy

Lilli Jennison Creative Director

Bagel is a sweet boy. He loves to snuggle with his mama, play with toys, and run around with his cousins.

Cookie

10-year-old Chiweenie

Michal Bonell

Senior Account Manager & Team Leader

Cookie is the sweetest and most precious little girl. We call her the kissy face monster because she loves to cover everyone in kisses. She follows her humans from room to room and gets super excited for cuddle time.

Opal

8-year-old Beagle Foxhound Mix

Jacqueline Morris Events Director

Her favorite activity is going to the park. Her least favorite activity is a bath. Her specialty is that she always looks sad.

Roxy, Cookie and Bagel on Doggy Day at the AJT office.

PASSION WITH PURPOSE

With 35+ years of expertise, Veterinary Referral Surgical Practice integrates cutting-edge advancements and specialized skills in orthopedic, neurologic, and soft tissue procedures. Our dedication to innovative medicine and modern technology ensures optimal care for surgical diseases. We work closely with your family veterinarian, fostering open communication and a strong partnership for your pet’s health.

Compassionate and personalized care from injury to recovery.

David V. Filer DVM, MS Thomas J. Noone DVM, DACVS

Jeffrey Little DVM, DACVS

Kayla Born DVM, DACVS

SENIOR LIVING

Bendell is Determined, Low Key, But Gutsy

By Chana Shapiro

At a synagogue luncheon, following a program that featured congregants describing experiences for which they were grateful, the rabbi asked if anyone in attendance had anything remarkable to mention. Florence Bendell raised her hand, and, from her chair, announced in a clear voice (without a microphone), “I have celebrated my 99th birthday, and I’m still working!”

Naturally, everyone turned to see this woman, and cheers of “Mazal Tov!” and “To a hundred and twenty!’ erupted throughout the room.

Interacting with super-agers provides an opportunity for those who are younger to learn. It’s instructive to hear the story of someone who has been resilient through the highs and lows of almost 10 decades of life. Meet Florence Bendell, who spent many years working as a successful photographer, the majority of time running her own studios in New York. Although she was proficient in all areas of photography, she was best known for creating portraits. Her exper-

Florence Bendell, 99, is an accomplished photographer who still works the camera.

tise in maximizing light and posing her subjects were her specialties.

“I attribute my working success to my childhood,” Bendell asserts. “Nothing was given to me; I’m a May baby, a Taurus. I’m determined! I’m low key, but

Thank you for Voting for us!

We offer Personal Care and Companion Care services to help your loved one feel connected and stay comfortable at home.

Personal Care

• Bathing and grooming

• Continence and bathroom assistance

• Ambulation and mobility

• Transferring and positioning

• Meal planning and preparation

• Walking and exercise

• Reminders of medication, events

• Other personalized services

Companion Care

• Meal planning and preparation

• Walking and exercise

• Reminders of medication, events, birthdays and more

• Other personalized services

is just as comfortable behind a camera today as she was when she took summer camp portraits seven decades ago.

I’m gutsy!” Growing up in a settlement house on Manhattan’s Lower East Side (Broome Street and Delancy Street), Bendell loved spending time at the neighborhood youth center with kids of different ethnicities and religions. She excelled at physical sports. At the age of 14, she won a scholarship to a well-known dancing studio, and she performed as a tap dancer. She played the drums in her high school orchestra and even won a table tennis youth championship.

She married in 1945, and she and her husband, Mike, had two daughters. The family’s budget was very limited, yet Bendell’s gutsiness often created opportunities. She was determined to earn enough money to send her daughters to summer camp. Mike worked developing professional photographs in a fashion house darkroom, so he had access to a good camera. Bendell had a bold idea.

From the bungalow colony where the family was staying for the summer, Bendell went to visit a nearby camp, Lake Anne, in Monroe, N.Y. She met with the director and asked to look at his latest camp photographs. She was dismayed to see pictures of squinting campers standing in front of a white building, and their individual shoulders blended into one sea of more white as the sun hit them directly. Bendell intuitively understood that the camp photographer did not consider the effect of direct, glaring sunlight on the campers. She would pose the campers in the shade with a green background.

With no experience and no pictures to show as samples, she offered to take the camp pictures that year. She convinced the director that her camp

photos would be better than in previous years, and he agreed to give her a chance. “That’s the moment I became a photographer!” she laughs. Bendell was unfamiliar with Mike’s 4x5 newspaper camera and its sheet film; Mike loaded the camera for her, and they developed the film in a home lab.

Bendell was helping Mike finalize the camp order when the camp director called asking her to photograph the end-of-camp theatrical performance. Her mother answered the phone and accepted the job on the spot without asking her. “After that,” Bendell continues, “the pictures were so successful, I was hired by 12 other nearby camps!” Bendell was now a sought-after professional.

In the early 1960s, while looking in the window of a photography studio she admired, Bendell was invited in, and she met a woman sitting with the owner. Florence and her family were living in Rosedale, Long Island, at the time. Their conversation led her to be invited to a Photographers Association meeting on Long Island that met monthly. Many of the members submitted photographs for monthly judged competitions.

When she became a member of the Professional Photographers Association, Florence entered the monthly competitions, and she was a consistent winner. Her entries at state conventions also garnered first place wins with every entry. This acclaim led to an offer by a nonphotographer to open a photography studio in partnership with her. He found an empty store in Woodmere, Long Island, and showed the landlord samples of Bendell’s work. The partnership deal fell through, but once again Bendell’s gutsi-

Florence

Approaching 100 years old, Florence Bendell is determined, low key, but gutsy.

ness came into play.

It was 1971. Bendell knew she couldn’t afford the rent or equipment by herself, so she nervously approached the owner of the empty store at his home, explaining her situation. He took a wad of bills out of his pocket and handed it to her, saying, “Go on in, and turn on the electricity,” welcoming her to set up a studio. He explained, “I want you in my store; I know that you are good. Pay me back in 20 years!” Bendell was overcome, and as tears ran down her face, her new landlord asked, “By the way, what’s your name?” When Bendell left, she looked in her hand and found $500; she was now able to set up a studio. She kept that first studio for eight years, but by then she needed a larger studio.

The new studio opened in 1979. It had a darkroom, a reception room, and a conference room. She designed the studio herself and — for easy access — she created a clever filing cabinet with drawers for her negatives; one side opened in the conference room and one side opened in the reception room. The rooms were separated by a wall centered by the cabinet. Bendell was in California in February on a big assignment when she got a call that her studio was on fire. Every-

thing was gone, except for the equipment she had with her in California and most of the negatives stored on the conference side because the water from the fire hoses in New York’s frigid February froze that side’s drawers and preserved them. The studio had been open only one year. Miraculously, no one was in the studio at the time of the fire.

In 1981, Florence opened her third studio in Lynbrook, Long Island, on the main stretch of Merrick Road, and the family took an apartment nearby. Her stamina had weakened. While still running her studio, in the early 1990s, she had a powerful “wake-up” experience. She’d been hired to photograph a wedding, but she felt too fatigued to shoot it. She managed to successfully complete the work, but she knew she should seek medical help. Bendell finally closed her studio in 1993.

She weathered several significant medical challenges, yet she loved her work; she decided to re-focus on home portraits. In addition, under the title, Portraits by Florence, she ran seminars for professional photographers.

No doctors could determine what was ailing her, but she knew she was not OK. She recalled listening to a homeo-

pathic doctor years earlier who gave a lecture in a Long Island park. The lecture had piqued her interest and impressed her. Bendell’s accountant told her about a Japanese woman who had expertise in herbal cleansing. The woman performed an unconventional, hands-on, full-body examination and, after finding cysts, she declared, “no meat or dairy — just vegetables; eat only brown rice for two weeks. If very, very hungry, a little fish at night.”

That was the start of Bendell’s journey to good health, and she looked for more guidance and support. This led her to Dr. Christopher Gian-Cursio, the prominent naturopath, researcher, author, and nutritionist. Surprisingly, it turned out that Dr. Gian-Cursio was the lecturer Florence had heard years earlier in the park. For the next 12 years, she visited him once a month and followed the “menus,” which he tweaked every visit as her health improved. Bendell’s stamina and joie de vivre began to return (friends noticed it quickly), and she learned to love healthy foods. She started making her own vegetable juices and blended salads. She read books by the pioneers in the naturopathic movement, and she continues to learn.

So, what’s the secret that endows

Florence with sparkling, clear blue eyes (she doesn’t need glasses, except for very small print)? She has ease using a computer, and her quick thinking and amazing memory are fully evident. She does not attribute her spunk and longevity to genes; she attributes these qualities to being an avid juicer. Bendell notes, “I love living with confidence, contentment, and ability to handle stress, all because of the food going into my body.” She adds that consuming juiced food is “like getting a health transfusion.” Her ebullient personality and youthful mien underscore the efficacy of her regimen.

Florence, a great-grandmother, moved to Atlanta six years ago to be close to her daughters, Sherry Hertzberg and Michelle Ashley, and their families. Her husband, Mike, had passed away in 1989. She left her furniture in New York, but of course, she brought favorite photographs, her camera, and the professional-grade juicer and nut grinder with her. Florence now works in Atlanta. Most recently she shot an album of photos for a local family’s three-generation celebration. Bendell welcomes new assignments and has examples of her work to show customers. Call her at (516) 343-4456 and leave a message. ì

Master Mahjong with Certified Teacher Weir

By Robyn Spizman Gerson

Mahjong is one of the favorite games that is rising in popularity for all ages. Learning to play and love the game might be inherited, inspired, and can now be instructed by a masterful teacher.

Gretchen Weir, certified and highly trained, takes mahjong to the next level and is a certified instructor with “Oh My Mahjong,” a mentor program, and has the tools, resources, and community all over the map contributing to the game’s success. Weir makes learning mahjong fun, achievable, and teaches her students the strategies necessary to play the game and even better, win at it.

Frequently in Atlanta giving organized and customized lessons, Weir’s dedication to the game is contagious and she shared, “My love for mahjong began the moment I cracked the code on how to play. The mark of a good teacher is to love what you teach, and I have a passion for the game. I’m fascinated with its rich history, particularly how it became a cherished tradition in the Jewish community where it created space for connections

and friendships among women. I try to carry that spirit into my lessons.”

Weir’s mahjong lessons are built on

her dedication to inspire players to enjoy learning how to play the game. Anyone who plays might recall at first it seems a

little overwhelming to learn all the rules, although Weir makes it fun and easy to recall the rules. She said, “My lessons are

Gretchen Weir (center) loves teaching players to learn the game of mahjong.

SENIOR LIVING

three hours of full concentration. I have taught classes ranging in number from one person to 32 people. I find it ideal to have four, eight, or 12 in a class. I recommend at least two lessons, however, three is even better. These classes are known as MAHJ 101, 102 and 103. We learn the tiles and the card before we sit down to play. There is so much information to digest in the beginning. There are over 70 combinations on the card which can lead to analysis paralysis. I get my students past that, and they do great.”

set that you love because it will last you a lifetime.”

Regarding seasoned players, Weir advises, “Seasoned players come to me to sharpen their strategy and better read their opponents. We look beyond the basics, how to pivot mid-game, when to abandon a hand, and how to read what others are collecting. Even long-time players can benefit from a fresh perspective. I also remind them to respect table rules whenever they play with a new group.”

And of course, it was essential to ask what does Weir think of the 2025 new card which has a mixed review as some players think it’s fabulous and others think it’s hard? Weir instantly replied, “I love the 2025 card. A new card levels the playing field every year. There are some new fun patterns, and I find it more challenging than the 2024 card. Familiarize yourself with the new patterns and practice identifying them quickly. Look for overlapping tiles among multiple hands to keep options open. Flexibility is your best friend. Be ready to pivot as the game unfolds.

At The Piedmont at Buckhead, you’ll encounter fascinating neighbors, stylish ambiance, chef-crafted cuisine, and a wide array of activities and clubs to embrace. If the dance of life has a hub, this is it. Schedule a tour and embrace the retirement you imagine.

The moment you get the “Mahjong Ah Hah,” as some players experience it, you realize that like any game, it takes practice and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. Seasoned players agree it’s one of their favorite things to do and there’s nothing like having a steady game, a group of women you love to spend time with and play mahjong. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran player, you will always learn something new when it comes to mahjong as the cards change yearly in the spring and each new card brings challenging hands and lots of surprises.

Weir suggests for beginners, “First and foremost, be patient with yourself. Mahjong does have a learning curve, but it becomes more intuitive, the more you play. Focus on learning the structure of the card and how to recognize common patterns. Don’t worry too much about winning in the beginning; just getting comfortable with building hands and making smart choices which is a win in itself. Learn with people that you like so you can immediately form a group of players at your level. Give grace to others who make mistakes and expect mistakes and questions to arise. And finally, buy a

After correcting the misprint on the 2025 cards, here are a few tips to consider. Under the 2025 category line No. 1, remember you can use fives or twos for the Pungs. In the Any Like Numbers category line No. 2, the pairs are separated. Treat them as pairs only and be careful when calling for a tile. In the Consecutive Numbers category line No. 7, you can use any five consecutive numbers with the pair matching the Kongs. The position of the pair in the run does not matter.”

Lastly, when it comes to accessorizing your mahjong playing, Weir also represents Oh My Mahjong (OMM) in Dallas, Texas, hence the name of her business, Oh My Gretchen. As someone with a background in home furnishings, she respects and admires the beauty and quality of OMM products. She said, “The line is constantly changing with new tiles and mats introduced and loved ones retired. I keep an extensive inventory in Sandy Springs as I think people like to see the sets in person as well as online and offer a discount code to anyone interested in a purchase from OMM.”

She added, “My biggest joy is watching someone light up when they ‘get it.’ Whether you are brand new or a longtime player, there is always something new to learn and I’d love to help any player or group on that journey.”

Weir can be reached at Ohmygretchen@yahoo.com for lessons, products and how to get in on the game. Her growing and glowing students’ reviews guarantee you’ll love it and appreciate her engaging style of teaching and endless enthusiasm. ì

LIFE’S NEXT ADVENTURE.

Embrace the retirement you imagine. New friendships, new passions, new discoveries, and new freedoms.

SENIOR LIVING, REDEFINED.

Book a tour or RSVP for our upcoming event.

Appetizers & Answers

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13 th • 11:00AM

Join us for an engaging discussion on how you can create your ideal retirement lifestyle. Learn about the benefits of living well in our vibrant community, meet our dedicated team, and have all your questions answered. After the presentation, enjoy chef-curated bites, and take a guided tour. Please call 470.681.9849 to RSVP.

about our limited time Move-In

650 Phipps Boulevard NE • Atlanta www.RetireAtThePiedmont.com 470.681.9849 AT BUCKHEAD

Gretchen Weir is a certified instructor, inspiring mahjong players from Atlanta to Sea Island, Texas, and beyond.

Virginia Saul is a Legend at 96

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

She may be the Queen of Hearts pushing the age “score” of 97, but Virginia Saul’s real ambition and bridge prowess sparkles like a diamond (also her maiden name).

Atlanta native Saul has long been a Bridge Gold Life Master and is still traveling to play in bridge tournaments to acquire Sapphire Life Master status. Saul, who’s an all-around epitome of gracious longevity, shares some of her lifestyle and beauty hints as well as what life was like in Atlanta almost a century ago.

She demurred, “One could say I’m in very good shape for my age. I eat what I want, work out with a trainer, read, and enjoy a good scotch or Cosmopolitan.”

Previously, Saul was co-chair of the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta (1981) and was three-time president of Hadassah. She dabbled in politics by volunteering for Charles Weltner and John F. Kennedy.

Saul, who recently lost her husband, Milton, after seven decades of marriage, owes much of her wellbeing to the sup-

port of friends and family. She said, “I have three wonderful children, six grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Miraculously, everyone stayed in Atlanta

At Atlanta Hearing Associates, we are committed to helping and guiding our patients on their Hearing Health Journey. Armed with the latest hearing technology, we will help you reconnect with the

and married native Atlantans (except for one).”

Born in Piedmont Hospital in 1928, Saul was the first baby named by

Rabbi Harry Epstein (who later officiated at her wedding). Rabbi Geffen, of Congregation Shearith Israel, also officiated to make it “extra kosher.”

Saul said one of her keys to longevity is having friends of all ages. Virginia Saul, 96, still drives, works out, and eats anything she wants in moderation.

SENIOR LIVING

Saul remembers having no fear of walking around the city. She recalls riding her tricycle to Davison-Paxton (later Macy’s) downtown with her father, Donald Diamond. She later attended Girls High, which is now a condo, where she said, “bussing was not a new phenomenon.”

Once, she got too comfortable walking in the street downtown by the old Lowe’s Theatre en route to her piano lesson, and her younger brother in tow was hit by a moving car.  He was not hurt; but Mayor William B. Hartsfield came in person to their home to apologize and hence forth established a 25-mph speed limit downtown. She added, “We still got a whipping!”

Milton Saul chose well for his bride of 75 years. When he first met her, he thought she was “too young.” As time passed, Virginia saw him in his Navy uniform, sparks flew, and at ages 23 and 20, the wedding took place at the Progressive Club. Virginia recalled, “We never argued, and we gave each other space, faced each day as individuals.”

In terms of lifestyle, Saul still drives her own car, gets her “grayless” hair and nails done weekly (Trends Salon), and has a penchant for nice clothes, shoes, and handbags. For special occasions, she shops at Susan Lee, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Her “bestie,”

Dr. Nannette Wenguer, advised Saul could eat “just about anything” in moderation. Thus, a svelte Saul eats hot dogs, steak, chicken, sweets, and ice cream … followed by work on an exercise bike and treadmill.

Card shark Saul plays canasta in addition to bridge. Her canasta league started in 1950 with a group of 10, now with only two remaining originals. Growing up with a bridge playing mother (Theresa Stern), Saul also learned kaluki. Now for bridge, Saul’s main partner is Buckhead resident Helen Browdy in addition to her own daughter, Barbara Fleming. She takes lessons from Marty Nathan and plays most consistently at Bridge Club of Atlanta. Recently returned from a tournament in Greenville, S.C., Saul played duplicate bridge alongside Warren Buffet and Bill Gates. Were they excellent players? “You bet they were!” she declared. Do you ever argue if a partner makes a mistake? “There is no quibbling in bridge. Maybe later, we would have a talk.”

When asked to what she attributes her fountain of youth, Saul replied, “Keep learning and having friends of all ages. I’ve played bridge with people from China and Russia internationally and even an 8-yearold child.” What about dating? “I’d have to be crazy to do that!” ì

Virginia is a Gold Life Master bridge player, striving for Sapphire status. Having a photogenic memory certainly helps.

FDA Approves First Blood Test for Alzheimer’s

By Bob Bahr

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first commercially available blood test that may help to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. The approval of the test was hailed by some researchers as a major step forward in screening those who are 55 and older for the disease.

The test, which is called Lumipulse, and is marketed by Fujirebio Diagnostics, a Japanese firm, seeks to measure the level of two proteins, amyloid and tau, that have been associated with the development of the disease. When amyloid begins to accumulate in the brain, perhaps 20 years or more before symptoms of the disease first develop, it can form tangles in the brain, that as they increase may lead to memory impairment. Researchers like Dr Allan Levey, director of Emory’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, are excited by the development of tests like Lumipulse because of the potential they hold for an earlier diagnosis of the disease and treatment with new

drugs that are useful for patients with an early diagnosis for Alzheimer’s.

“We have to make sure that a person has memory symptoms, and then we have objective evidence of memory loss before we do the advanced testing to see if the person has Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr Levey cautions. “We hope that we can

identify people five to 10 years before their symptoms would have begun, and give them these same medicines, which are approved clinically for those people who already have problems.”

Until now, the most important tools specialists have had in diagnosing the disease were expensive brain imaging scans known as PET scans, and spinal taps, in which a needle is inserted in lower region of the spine to collect and screen cerebrospinal fluid for the proteins associated with the development of Alzheimer’s.

In studies that led to FDA approval, the blood test was shown to be over 90 percent accurate in helping to detect Alzheimer-related proteins in the brain. But specialists in the field caution that the test should only be considered after a clinical evaluation in which symptoms and other aspects of a medical history are evaluated.

And researchers emphasize that a blood test for Alzheimer’s as simple and as common as a test for cholesterol and other fats is farther downstream. And there are strong cautions that have appeared following the FDA approval that the accuracy of the test is not consistent among all racial and ethnic groups.

Dr. William Wu, who began his research at Emory and is now director of the Rutgers University Center for Healthy Aging Research, indicated that the predictive value of the test, that someone taking it actually has Alzheimer’s, is much higher among those who were tested who were white than those who were Black. In tests of 217 patients at Rutgers and Emory, the prediction that patients actually had the disease were 87 percent correct for whites but only 58 percent for Blacks. More research, Dr. Hu concluded, is needed.

“For Black patients, it’s a double whammy,” Hu said. “Not only will you have a harder time using these proteins in the spinal fluid to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in Black patients, you will further reduce the detection rate by relying on the blood tests.”

Dr. Hu’s results are at variance with the study that the FDA used to approve the test. The government used a sample of 499 patients who were neurologically impaired and compared the results from the blood test with those that came from the traditional PET scan or spinal tap. In that study, the blood test was found to be almost 92 percent as accurate in catching those with Alzheimer’s.

Because the results were not 100 percent accurate, there is a risk, according to the FDA, of false positive or false negative results.

“False positive results, in conjunction with other clinical information, could lead to an inappropriate diagnosis of, and unnecessary treatment for, Alzheimer’s disease,” the FDA said. “This could lead to psychological distress, delay in receiving a correct diagnosis, as well as expense and the risk for side effects from unnecessary treatment. False negative results could result in additional unnecessary diagnostic tests and potential delay in effective treatment.”

Nonetheless, Dr. Levey believes that the blood test is a big step forward. “We can’t overlook that this is a huge, huge advance to be able to identify people in the earlier stages more rapidly, efficiently, and scale so we can get this into public health. And secondly, for those appropriate, get them treated on these new medicines to slow the disease progression, because this new medicine only work in the very early stages.” ì

disease.

The new FDA approved test for Alzheimer’s disease may be particularly helpful in diagnosing patients in the early stages of the illness.

Hawaiian Luau is a Cultural Event at Corso

By Bob Bahr

When Tapua Ainu’u arrived at Corso Atlanta as the new life enrichment or activities director earlier this year, he came with a background quite unlike most of the residents of the upscale senior community in West Buckhead.

Mr. T, as he’s more commonly called, is of Polynesian ancestry, having grown up on the Pacific island of Samoa, nearly 7,000 miles from Atlanta. Culturally and socially, his home was a world away from the residents at Corso, many of whom are Jewish.

Although he has lived in Atlanta for eight years, he was intimately familiar with the culture of many of the Pacific Islands. Before coming here, he had worked as an entertainer and senior master of ceremonies at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii.

The center, which covers 42 acres on the island of Oahu’s north shore, is built around eight simulated tropical villages that reflect the culture not only of Hawaii but of the islands that stretch south through Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, and Aotearoa, the Maori language name for New Zealand. Thirty-two million visitors have passed through the center since it was first opened in 1963. It has been named the best tourist attraction in Hawaii 12 times.

So, when he arrived at Corso, which opened just four years ago on Howell Mill Road, and heard that a luau, the Hawaiian celebratory meal, was already on the calendar, he went to work.

“I wanted to make sure that the luau at Corso was going to be the best of the best, meaning it was going to be authentic,” Mr. T said. “It’s going to be high quality, and it’s going to be the best experience the residents of Corso can get from someone, literally, from the islands.”

As an appropriate welcoming gesture, he found a native of Hawaii, Auntie Ipo, living south of Atlanta in Newnan, to handcraft 200 individual leis, or necklaces, of natural orchid flowers, imported from Thailand and Hawaii for each of Corso’s residents.

Because food and the native religious observances of the people of the Pacific islands are closely intertwined, he placed tikis, totemic statues, with stylized representations of turtles, sharks, and birds of paradise that represented traditional gods.

Before missionaries arrived in the Hawaiian Islands in the early 19th century, worshippers of the deities placed offerings of food wrapped in the ti leaves that are native to the islands in their local

heiau, or temples.

It would have been a lot easier to cut corners and cheaper, too, but for Mr. T the care that went into his Polynesian celebration was money well spent.

“I wanted to make sure that it wasn’t a super Americanized, and fake little, plastic Hawaiian luau. I wanted to make sure that it was a deep, beautiful, and meaningful event that had a lot of cultural substance to it.”

Before the meal, which he tried to make as authentic as possible for residents, many of whom had never visited Hawaii, he gave a class in hula dancing. As a concession to advancing age and in some cases, arthritic joints, the class was done sitting down, with songs like “Pearly Shells,” “Hukilau,” and “Aloha ‘Oe,” the Hawaiian farewell song. A number of the residents managed the rhythmic hand movements to mimic the swaying of a palm tree in the tropical breeze, or a cresting wave in the ocean or the passion of personal connection.

It was all just a warmup though, for the professional entertainers, which like so much else during the evening, were as authentic as it could be. Dawn Mahaelani Douglas presented Mahealani’s Polynesian Dancers.

The professional prepared a program that combined a fire knife performance in Corso’s spacious outdoor courtyard along with songs and dances. The dance company stresses the important values of the Pacific islands such as ohana (family) and aloha ainam, (love of the homeland), which also reflect the strong bonds that resonate in Jewish life today.

Residents described the evening as one of their most memorable at Corso and many of them were still wearing

their orchid leis two weeks after the event. Creating events that have an impact on senior lives is what Ainu’u sees as his most important contribution to his senior residents.

“Programs like our luau bring a lot of energy, a lot of life, and a lot of information. It gives different ways for our

residents to continue to learn, to continue to grow, and to continue to have amazing life experiences and memories while they’re with us. It also helps give them a little escape, a little retreat, a little getaway to different places that they wouldn’t be able to go to in person anymore.” ì

Entertainment was provided at the Corso luau by the Mahelani Polynesian Dancers.

Tapua Ainu’u is the life enrichment or activities director of Corso Atlanta.

ARTS & CULTURE

New Novel Tackles Emotional Accounts of Addiction

By Lou Ladinsky

“Young Firecrackers” is an apropos title for this book as it explodes with five brutally real, raw and honest accounts of drug addiction impacting these five authors from East Cobb in Marietta: Brian Rehn, Ryan Bernstein, Andrew Theriot, Ashley Mercurio, and Brooke Graham, and its effect on not only these individuals, but also on their families and friends. This writer admires the courage of these individuals as they survived to recount their stories of addiction along with all the deaths they experienced along the way.

East Cobb, which we often hear termed as “East Snob”, is an affluent Marietta suburb having some of the best schools in Georgia like Walton High School, Pope High School, and Lassiter High School. It is a highly sought after suburb of Atlanta which carries a mantra of privilege and status. Who could imagine a prevalent opioid and heroin drug addiction problem in this prosperous community and at these schools? As the book outlines, this was a major problem in the mid-1990s which did not discriminate based on one’s race, religion or creed; it impacted everyone it could get its selfish hands on. It was the devil in disguise and once it got its grip on you, it didn’t let go.

Can you imagine as a parent getting a call that your child has overdosed or died from an overdose? Can you fathom the unimaginable pain and suffering these parents and their children endured? Many families, this writer included, move to East Cobb so their children can attend the best schools available to them.

The five stories in this book will choke you with emotion and tug at your heart. It will bring tears to your eyes as you read about the torment and suffering these kids and their parents went through as their drug addiction took total control over them. On the positive, these are also stories of resilience, faith, perseverance, hope, and triumph coupled with the unconditional love and support of their families helping their children overcome their addiction to now live a clean and productive life.

Regarding one of the authors, Ryan Bernstein, Atlanta Jewish Times ran a story in October 2005 called, “Shooting So High, Sinking So Low,” that outlined the recovery Bernstein made through a 12-step rehab program at HaDerech in Israel, which his sister, Kerri, found for him as a last resort to getting clean. Bernstein said he was on the tail end of a cocaineinduced minor heart attack and was on

“Young Firecrackers” details five raw and emotional accounts of drug addiction.

the streets. Nobody wanted anything to do with him anymore. Israel was kind of the last straw. His sister was like, “Well, if you want your family and your life, you’re going to go here.”

In Israel, he had no access to his passport or wallet so there was no escape. Despite going to Israel and coming back clean from addiction, it was just another speed bump in his overall recovery journey. Unfortunately, within two months of returning home to East Cobb, Bernstein was addicted again. Twenty years later, he is now able to share his ultimate recovery journey to overcome his addiction once and for all.

Bernstein and his family graciously welcomed the opportunity for the AJT to interview them about the book and their personal journey. They felt the importance of sharing these stories with a wide audience so hopefully others would not have to endure what they struggled through.

The AJT asked Ryan how they came up with the title of the book, “Young Firecrackers.” He explained the title originated from a song, “Fine Young Firecrackers,” by a band called Conditions, a rock band from Richmond, Va. When his friend, Gary, died from an overdose in 2009, the band played at a house show after his funeral, a party in honor of Gary. When the book project was started in 2020, they wanted something related to the band and chose “Young Firecrackers” from their song. Today, the song can be found on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/album/1kdBAKcVhdTE9qxzNzh5 Md?si=XnfzohYgROiAGVzPiQilWg).

Bernstein mentioned it was not really hard to write. He said, “It’s not like I had to revisit it, it’s still there. It’s almost like every day I find new ways to grow and make

my peace with the past. The only struggle was trying to remember all the details. There was no embellishing, and careful attention was paid to accuracy.”

Bernstein managed to escape from the rehab centers he entered in the United States mentioning that “geographic location doesn’t prevent addiction; it’s more about internal insecurities. The mindset and personal insecurities were the main factors that kept perpetuating the addiction over the years.”

Being in and out of jail and rehab centers didn’t really change anything until the threat of losing his most precious thing, his son, Abel James Bernstein. It was the one thing in life that was Ryan’s, and he didn’t want to lose it. As far as hitting rock bottom, every speed bump along the way was what he thought was rock bottom until the next time. Rock bottom is subjective and can vary from person to person.

The AJT asked Nina and Artie Bernstein, Ryan’s parents, as a parent looking back, did they think this was preventable knowing what they know now? They didn’t think it was. Artie said, “It’s just the luck of the draw and who you might be hanging out with at the time.”

If you have an addictive type of personality, which Ryan admitted to having, that also contributes to the problem. After Ryan’s friend, Justin died, Nina was told by Justin’s mother that Ryan and all the boys were doing Oxycontin to which she said, “don’t be ridiculous, not my son.” Artie also added, “Unless you lock your kids up and put them in a closet, they are going to go to school and start meeting friends. As a parent you can just try your damnedest.”

Nina and Artie Bernstein spent almost two retirements trying to help Ryan through all the rehabs before finally coming to the realization that there was nothing else they could do, it had to come from within Ryan himself. As a mom who truly loves her son, Nina would not let Ryan live on the streets for fear that would certainly kill him. The only time she felt peace was when Ryan was in jail because they then knew exactly where he was. It was the only time she didn’t sleep with a cell phone on her pillow.

With the book now published, the AJT asked Ryan if he or his fellow authors had any hesitation with speaking at schools or community events about the dangers of drug abuse and its impact on yourself, family and all those around you? Ryan said, “Absolutely, I would love to if it could help anybody.”

Ryan has been clean since 2020. Artie and his son spent almost 10 years not talking. About a year into Ryan’s sobriety, Artie talked to Ryan about joining the family business which Ryan did. This was a pivotal point in their relationship. Artie and Nina expressed the joy they now have seeing Ryan have a life and a sense of relief from worry. From Nina, “My family is resilient. My son is resilient. We all stand a little bit taller after reading this book and knowing that these people have come out the other side.”

“Young Firecrackers” is not for the faint at heart. This is a book that once you start reading you will not be able to put down. This is still an ongoing problem that impacts all communities and schools all over this country, not just those in East Cobb. It also shows that addiction is a disease that can be overcome, albeit not easily. ì

(From left) Artie Bernstein, Ryan Bernstein, and Nina Bernstein

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

Elevate your senior living experience at Heartis Buckhead, where luxury meets tranquility. Unwind in our chic apartment homes and immerse yourself in a community that goes beyond the ordinary. From engaging on-site activities and events to indulgent in resort-style amenities, we prioritize your comfort by offering all essential services, activities, and care in one centralized location. At Heartis Buckhead, we redefine senior living, creating a haven where every moment is tailored to enhance your wellbeing, allowing you to live a luxurious life on your terms.

DINING

O-Ku is Much More Than OK

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

O-Ku succeeds because it stays in its lane. With just the right dose of fanfare, it’s kid-friendly, yet intimate with an upscale hip twist at the same time. O-Ku, meaning “hidden, nuanced and complex,” offers innovative Japanese cuisine with small plates, sushi, nigiri, sashimi, maki, entrees, and masterpiece specials with some gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Seating 130, O-Ku began in 2013 by Indigo Road and has locations in Raleigh, Washington, D.C., West Palm Beach, Charlotte, Nashville, and several more … without feeling “chain like.”

Though it compares favorably to Nobu’s “rocket ship” prices, O-Ku does have some pricey items like Wagu Sando with Caviar for $90, and Otoro spoons for $90. We were able to coast in the $20 range still with some adventurous choices. After a glass of wine for around $15, we were steered to two chef specials: Hamachi Carpaccio ($22): yellowtail, serrano pepper, radish, yuzu sauce, and herb oil with cilantro. We liked it because it was not dependent on a salty aura as the base flavors worked well together. The table favorite was Salmon Usuzukuri ($20); pickled wasabi stems, chives, and truffle ponzu sauce. We asked that the added volcanic salt be “69-ed.” Both were served in loooooong slender boats with plenty to share. A nice touch initially was the server offering artistically thin slices of lemon and lime (without being asked), alongside tap water without pushing bottled water.

The main course was Hakozushi which was recommended by our server. The Marbled Forest ($22) was comprised of spicy tuna, salmon, yellow tail, tuna,

avocado, and shiro ajo sauce dressed with emerald dill and basil shards. Next up was Wasa-Bae ($22); spicy salmon, bincho maguro (a pale albacore tuna), asparagus, spicy chili oil, wasabi tobiko, and green onion. Both were sliced into unique rectangle shapes -- like proud, small layer cake heaps vs. the traditional circles.

JEWELRY & WATCH REPAIRS

We do jewelry repair on anything - gold, platinum, sterling silver, fashion, vintage and estate jewelryAlso, custom design, appraisals, watch batteries, watch repair, silver repair on tea pots, etc

Monday-Friday 10 am - 6 pm Saturday 10 am - 4 pm 770-565-6558

Parkaire Landing Shopping Center 4880 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 175 Marietta, GA 30068 | www.adamarkjewelers.com

On the downside, they were a bit too similar to order concurrently, but they were nouveau and had subtle differences like the fried crispy mini “fru fru strudels” of tobiko, flying fish roe, commonly used as topping or garnish positioned atop the latter. These two could be combined with Tuna Crudo as a flight for $32.

We ended with some (above) leftovers and two desserts: Sata Andaji ($13); Okinawa style donut holes, peanut sesame sugar, and miso caramel, and Yuzu Peach Éclair ($13) neither of which was particularly stellar: but who goes out for sushi expecting star desserts? Next time, we will have the Soft Serve Miso Caramel ($10) which would be a refreshing ending. Another choice for next time would be The Herbivore ($15); asparagus, cucumber, braised mushrooms, avocado, and pickled ginger.

The nigiri and sashimi menu spanned 21 choices with a $1.50 upcharge for a glazed and torched preparation. Appealing hot entrees were Miso Salmon ($27) served medium rare with spinach, sunchoke potato, and mushroom. Signature Smoky Hamachi with yellowtail

tomato puree and ponzu had an out-ofthe-box appeal.

The O-Ku interior has distinct parts: tables in the center, long benches -- maybe a little too cozy alongside other diners, and high tops which we found to be preferable. The drop lighting pendants add a touch of glamour.  One wall had a painted brick scene on pale blue. Mirrors provided an illusion of peeking into other rooms which were mere reflections. The bottom line: it does all work together as a cool addition to Atlanta’s Westside.

The main complaint was the awkward forced valet parking for $5 plus the “nudging” for an additional tip which is de riguer these days. Starting on the wrong foot, the attendant wouldn’t take the car without getting a cell phone. Who knows why? Plus, the cars were literally a few feet away. Atlanta has to get over expecting free parking in the city.

O-Ku is located at 1085 Howell Mill Road, heading west off I-75 towards the city. 404-500-2383. Reservations are accepted. Hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m. ì

The interior of O-Ku has sophisticated lighting and a variety of seating options // Photo by Heidi Harris

O-Ku is on a “happening” block on Howell Mill and offers rooftop dining // Photo by Heidi Harris

The Marbled Forest ($22) base was spicy tuna, salmon, yellow tail, tuna, and avocado // Photo by Heidi Harris

The Hamachi Carpaccio ($22) was wonderfully fresh and well-seasoned // Photo by Vicki Artomtamarat

CALENDAR

Tuesday, July 15

Brain Health Bootcamp – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. JFCS’s program helps those recently diagnosed with cognitive impairments, or those who are recognizing symptoms of early memory loss, through cognitive and physical exercise and socialization. Brain Health Bootcamp is also a great opportunity to connect with others experiencing similar situations. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/ypvrrn5b.

JBaby Intown Dude-Re-Mi – 3 to 5 p.m.

Calling all grown-ups! Celebrate Father’s Day weekend with a toe-tapping, drumbanging, giggle-filled music class you and your little ones won’t forget! Great for ages 0-3. RSVP at https://tinyurl. com/59mwue7c.

Women’s Torah and Tea – 8 to 9 p.m. Weekly women’s at the Chabad of Fulton in-depth and fascinating exploration of the Chassidus book of Tanya. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/3dpyabb4.

Wednesday, July 16

Torah Class – 8 to 9 p.m. Join the Mitzvah house for a weekly Torah class for men and women. Snacks for the body and soul. Get more information at https://tinyurl.com/2vjzkw2h.

Thursday, July 17

Brain Health Bootcamp – 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. JFCS’s program helps those recently diagnosed with cognitive impairments, or those who are recognizing symptoms of early memory loss, through cognitive and physical exercise and socialization. Brain Health Bootcamp is also a great opportunity to connect with others experiencing similar situations. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/3p4cje86.

NCJW/ATL Mitzvah-in-Motion – 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join NCJW/ATL to help assemble post-abortion comfort care kits for area clinics. Learn more at https://tinyurl. com/yxn9wnsv.

JBaby July Newborns & Nosh - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Start your morning with bagels, babies, and connection! Whether you’re navigating sleepless nights, feeding questions, or just looking for a supportive space to meet other new parents, Newborns & Nosh is here for you. This cozy gathering is designed to give you a relaxed, judgment-free space to connect with other Jewish families — and gain expert guidance from Megan Tucker, RN, BSN, a newborn care specialist with years of experience helping families thrive in the early months. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yw4u5uc2.

Weekly Mah Jongg Night – 6 to 8:30 p.m. Join Congregation Beth Shalom’s Sisterhood for weekly for a night of mah jongg. Find out more at https://tinyurl. com/3s9ez9px.

Friday,

July 18

Rockin Shabbat and Barbecue Dinner – 6 to 9 p.m. Join Congregation Beth Shalom for a musical Shabbat. Immediately following the service, stay for a delicious barbecue dinner. RSVP at https://tinyurl. com/yvnnr48k.

Sunday, July 20

Kabbalah and Coffee – 10 to 11 a.m. Start your week on a high! A weekly study series from Intown Jewish Academy with fresh bagels and lox with Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/429nuh36.

PJ Library Splash Around Town – 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join PJ Library Atlanta as we splash into July! Each week we will meet up at a different splashpad around town. Attend as many as you would like! Register at https://tinyurl.com/4ztvew4c.

Music & Joy: An Intergenerational Celebration – 3:30 to 5 p.m. Join us for a fun and heartwarming afternoon with Here We Grow! Babies, families, and residents will come together for a joyful musical experience filled with upbeat songs, sweet melodies, and special moments that bring generations closer. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the magic of music — sharing joy, comfort, and connection. Don’t miss this chance to sing, smile, and make memories with the youngest and wisest in our community! Perfect for families with little ones ages 0-2. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/2d7yydcj.

Monday, July 21

Ancient Wisdom for Your Life – 8 to 9 p.m. Join Chabad of Fulton for a weekly journey into the Torah’s relevance. Obtain more information at https://tinyurl. com/58ck7ses.

Tuesday, July 22

Brain Health Bootcamp – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. JFCS’s program helps those recently diagnosed with cognitive impairments, or those who are recognizing symptoms of early memory loss, through cognitive and physical exercise and socialization. Brain Health Bootcamp is also a great opportunity to connect with others experiencing similar situations. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/ypvrrn5b.

Women’s Torah and Tea – 8 to 9 p.m.

Weekly women’s at the Chabad of Fulton in-depth and fascinating exploration of the Chassidus book of Tanya. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/3dpyabb4.

Wednesday, July 23

Laurel & Hardy come to Congregation B’nai Torah – 6 to 8:30 p.m. Come laugh out loud with the films of Betty Boop, Laurel & Hardy, W. C. Fields and more. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/txvn37sn.

Torah Class – 8 to 9 p.m. Join the Mitzvah House for a weekly Torah class for men and women. Snacks for the body and soul. Get more information at https://tinyurl.com/2vjzkw2h.

Thursday, July 24

Brain Health Bootcamp – 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. JFCS’s program helps those recently diagnosed with cognitive impairments, or those who are recognizing symptoms of early memory loss, through cognitive and physical exercise and socialization. Brain Health Bootcamp is also a great opportunity to connect with others experiencing similar situations. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/3p4cje86.

35+ Singles Happy Hour - 6 to 8 p.m. Join Kibbitz & Konnect at Mutation Brewing for an extended happy hour! Stop by after work for a craft beer and to meet other Jewish singles. RSVP early for yourself and friends. Appetizers and cash bar. This event is open to young and midcareer professionals in their 30s through late 40s. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ snc7tzj9.

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES

Torah Reading: Pinchas

Friday, July 18 Light Shabbat Candles at: 8:29 PM

Saturday, July 19 Shabbat Ends: 9:29 PM

Torah Reading: Matot-Massei

Friday, July 25 Light Shabbat Candles at: 8:25 PM

Saturday, July 26 Shabbat Ends: 9:24PM

Weekly Mah Jongg Night – 6 to 8:30 p.m. Join Congregation Beth Shalom’s Sisterhood for weekly for a night of mah jongg. Find out more at https://tinyurl. com/3s9ez9px.

Friday, July 25

Dive Into Shabbat - Pool Party at the JCC – 5 to 8 p.m. Dive Into Shabbat summer pool parties at the JCC! Join Rabbi Glusman for Shabbat songs and blessings. Free and open to the community. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/3y2zwxtx.

Sunday, July 27

Kabbalah and Coffee – 10 to 11 a.m. Start your week on a high! A weekly study series from Intown Jewish Academy with fresh bagels and lox with Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/429nuh36.

PJ Library Splash Around Town – 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join PJ Library Atlanta as we splash into July! Each week we will meet up at a different splashpad around town. Attend as many as you would like! Register at https://tinyurl.com/4ztvew4c.

Tuesday, July 29

Brain Health Bootcamp – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. JFCS’s program helps those recently diagnosed with cognitive impairments, or those who are recognizing symptoms of early memory loss, through cognitive and physical exercise and socialization. Brain Health Bootcamp is also a great opportunity to connect with others experiencing similar situations. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/ypvrrn5b.

PJ Library Intown Story Shuffle - 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join PJ Library for a joyful end-of-summer celebration at Story Shuffle! Bring your gently loved PJ Library books and swap them with other families to refresh your bookshelf just in time for the new school year. We’ll have music, snacks, and story time fun for kids and their grownups. It’s the perfect way to say goodbye to summer and hello to new stories, new friends, and a brandnew chapter! This event is perfect for kids ages 3-8 (siblings welcome). RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/yk7cna5s.

Hadassah Greater Atlanta’s Ketura Group Pool Party – 4 to 7 p.m. Hadassah Greater Atlanta’s Ketura Group invites members and guests to a pool party complete with great food, fun, and camaraderie. RSVP at https://tinyurl. com/8zje2549.

Monday, July 28

Ancient Wisdom for Your Life – 8 to 9 p.m. Join Chabad of Fulton for a weekly journey into the Torah’s relevance. Obtain more information at https://tinyurl. com/58ck7ses.

JBaby Intown Mama’s on the Mat – 6:30 to 8 p.m. Join JBaby for an evening of selfcare and connection as we prepare for this exciting new chapter. Cari Goldberg will guide us through gentle prenatal yoga, followed by pelvic floor therapy with Brooke David — supporting your body and mind through every step of the journey. This event is geared towards expecting mothers. RSVP at https://tinyurl. com/rwchbpze.

Women’s Torah and Tea – 8 to 9 p.m. Weekly women’s at the Chabad of Fulton in-depth and fascinating exploration of the Chassidus book of Tanya. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/3dpyabb4.

Wednesday, July 30

Torah Class – 8 to 9 p.m. Join the Mitzvah House for a weekly Torah class for men and women. Snacks for the body and soul. Get more information at https://tinyurl.com/2vjzkw2h.

Thursday, July 31

Brain Health Bootcamp – 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. JFCS’s program helps those recently diagnosed with cognitive impairments, or those who are recognizing symptoms of early memory loss, through cognitive and physical exercise and socialization. Brain Health Bootcamp is also a great opportunity to connect with others experiencing similar situations. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/3p4cje86.

Weekly Mah Jongg Night – 6 to 8:30 p.m. Join Congregation Beth Shalom’s Sisterhood for weekly for a night of mah jongg. Find out more at https://tinyurl. com/3s9ez9px

KEEPING IT KOSHER

Herb-Coated Couscous

Ingredients

1 8-ounce (225-gram) bag Gefen Israeli Couscous, cooked according to package directions and strained

1 tablespoon + 1–2 teaspoons oil

1 onion, finely diced

3/4 cup Gefen Bread Crumbs

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (I prefer Maldon salt or fleur de sel) black pepper, to taste

2 teaspoons Gefen Hot Honey, or to taste

4 scallions, checked and thinly sliced

1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Add one to two teaspoons oil to the couscous and mix to avoid the pieces sticking together.

2. Heat one tablespoon oil in a wok or shallow pot. Add the onion and sauté until browning and slightly caramelized. Add the bread crumbs and toast, turning them in the oil.

3. Pour in the cooked couscous and stir to combine until the bread crumbs coat the couscous.

4. Add salt and pepper and finish with hot honey. Remove from heat.

5. Add the scallions and parsley, mix, and serve.

Recipe by Estee Kafra

Prop Styling and Photography by Chay Berger Food Prep by Leah Hamaoui kosher.com

Statistics

Abraham was reading an article out loud to his wife.

“Did you know that women use about 30,000 words per day, whereas men only use 15,000 words?”

Sadie replies, “The reason must be because a woman has to say everything twice.”

Abraham turns to Sadie and asks, “What?”

YIDDISH WORD

Finster pisher

n. A gloomy child who often breaks their parents’ hearts with their dolefulness.

“Little Melvin doesn’t whine or cry. He just sits there looking forsaken all the time.”

From the Yiddish-via-German, “finster,” meaning, “dark and despondent,” and from the Yiddish, “pisher,” meaning “little squirt.”

BRAIN FOOD

Off Brands

By: Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com

Difficulty Level: Manageable

ACROSS

1. Popular spray

4. Jewish no-no (var.)

8. Flower part

13. Best pitcher

14. See 44-Across

15. Roads? Where he went, they didn’t need...roads

16. Brand for a quick halachic response from the Vilna Gaon?

18. Heating choice

19. Kind of false god

20. Slick, in conversation

22. Lee of baked goods

23. Sicilian province, or a woman’s name backwards

25. Allergy medicine for comic David?

27. Attired, as a judge

30. Fig. on the Hill

31. Knightley of “Pirates of the Caribbean”

32. Sinks a sub?

34. Letters seen on some TVs

37. Knotted snacks brand for the Irgun?

40. Caesarea to Modi’in dir.

41. Eight, as a prefix

42. “Garfield” cartoonist Jim

43. “But ___ on forever” (Tennyson)

44. They have visible ear flaps and can “walk”, unlike 14-Across

46. Top yeshiva vodka brand?

50. Recess sites, at times

51. “Clueless” catch phrase

52. Thrown item on a football field

54. Points to

57. Increased a tab

59. Consulting brand for a gematria expert?

61. 2025 Super Bowl winner

62. Dull, heavy sound

63. TLV abbr.

64. Chide, as children

65. Samples kiddush

66. ___ Plaines, IL

DOWN

1. Satisfied a debt

2. Teen’s facial bane

3. Fascinate

4. They’re always one step ahead of Al-Qaeda, per Key & Peele

5. Jamaican musical form

6. Rank above viscount

7. Struggle dramatically

8. Begin and Bennett

9. Has a Shabbos meal at home, e.g.

FOLLOW :

Remember When...

This week, 100 years ago

Three police officers in Berlin are convicted of misdemeanor charges for beating up a group of Jewish ex-soldiers during riots in November. The longest sentence was six months.

This week, 75 years ago

The new chief of the Politburo, Marshal Konstantin Rokossovsky, begins removing Jewish officials from office in Poland.

Munich Municipal Council recommends that children be required to tour the Dachau concentration camp prior to their graduation.

The General Assembly of the French Rabbinate calls for a ban on nuclear weapons.

David Slann and Erwin Zaban spearhead membership drive for Atlanta Jewish Community Center.

Three Iranian Jews pray at the Rabeezadeh Synagogue in Shiraz, southern Iran, for Iranian Jews who were sentenced (c. 2000).

Henry Wittenberg, a N.Y. police sergeant and Olympic gold-medalist wrestler, is certified to compete in the third annual Maccabiah games in Israel.

This week, 50 years ago

In wake of global conflicts, Rabbi Marc Tanenbaum of New York asserts before an Atlanta audience the need for dialogue to counteract violence.

Barbara Herman becomes the first woman in the history of American Reform Judaism to become a fully ordained, officially designated hazzan.

The National Conference of Synagogue Youth awards Chapter of the Year to Congregation Beth Jacob’s Tary-

10. What one gets from the shul candy man

11. Pong pioneer

12. The “L” in L. Frank Baum

17. Bolivian mine output

21. Butter up, in a way

24. It features legend Jerry West

26. Shabbat

27. Scrapes (out)

28. Basketball team that recently drafted two Jews

29. Corporate div.

33. Coach Parseghian and namesakes

34. Looked at again

35. Advertising prize

36. AAA part: Abbr.

38. Ridicule

39. Rabbi Schneur ____

43. One way to pay

45. Breakfast china item

46. Mothers in stables

47. Blind prophet

48. 1973 album by an ex-Beatle

49. Apartments, in England

53. “My brother”

55. Remote button

56. Ladies in Spain, for short

58. HGH, for one

60. Norton and Harris

ag – Atlanta chapter.

82-year-old Benjamin Swig of Massachusetts celebrates his bar mitzvah with ceremony at Western Wall.

This week, 25 years ago

President Clinton officially invites Israeli and Palestinian leaders to Camp David.

After “Iran 13” sentences, strategists ponder whether actions against Iran will backfire.

TNT miniseries, “Nuremberg,” staring Alec Baldwin, Jill Hennessy, and Chistopher Plummer, chronicles “the Trial of the Century.”

Issues of the AJT (then Southern Israelite) from 1929-1986 can be found for free online at https:// gahistoricnewspapers.galileo.usg.edu/lccn/sn78003973/

OBITUARIES

Miles J. Alexander 93, Atlanta

Miles J. Alexander, 93, Atlanta, Ga., passed away on July 11, 2025, at home surrounded by loving family in his final days. Miles is remembered for leading an extraordinary life laced with intellect, accomplishment, humility, wisdom, caring, tennis matches galore, a cheeky sense of humor, and far more progeny than he originally intended.

A first-generation American and Depression Era baby, Miles grew up as an only child and Army brat. After attending high schools in four different cities, including one in Japan, he enrolled at Emory University at age 16. There, Miles became a star student, president of TEPhi fraternity, and debate champion.

In the 1949 campus-wide debate tournament, he and his best friend, Elliott Levitas, argued the affirmative of the resolution: “Resolved that Emory University should admit Negroes to the Emory Graduate School.” They won. Civil rights and civic engagement would become hallmarks of Miles’s unshakeable commitment to justice.

In college, he also met Elaine Barron, a fraternity brother’s little sister visiting from Boston, who soon became his true partner in life and love. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa, he moved to Boston to attend Harvard Law School and be close to her, not necessarily in that order. They married days before Miles graduated, again with honors.

After two years in the military and a year teaching at Harvard (he fondly remembered his student, Justice Antonin Scalia), the two returned to Atlanta where Miles took a job at one of the few firms in the city that hired Jews, now known as Kilpatrick Townsend. He would go on to chair the firm, heavily recruit and mentor minorities and women (and many others), and build the firm’s intellectual property practice into one of the world’s best.

An internationally renowned trademark attorney himself, his roster of clients included Adidas, Frito-Lay, Domino’s Pizza, Rolls Royce, Harley-Davidson, the Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr., Inc., Disney, REM, Indigo Girls, The Monkees, and Jefferson Airplane.

Miles also routinely worked pro bono cases throughout his career, such as successfully challenging Georgia’s voter registration ID law and representing three Ethiopian women who had been tortured in their home country by a man one of them discovered was living in Atlanta.

In the Jewish community, he served as the top lay leader of both the American Jewish Committee and Anti-Defamation League and remained active in both for decades. Always looking to promote progress in Atlanta, Miles worked as a close advisor to his good friend and Atlanta’s first Black mayor, Maynard Jackson. The two referred to each other as “my brother,” and Maynard always enjoyed the many Miles-isms like “pimple on a whale,” “lack of false modesty,” and “making a silk purse out of a sow’s ears.” Miles also led the effort to integrate and bring women into the city’s leading business club and lawyers association, as well as his law firm.

Among the countless international, national, and local awards he received and cherished, Miles took special pride in the Emory Medal (the university’s highest honor) and induction into the historic Gate City Bar Association Hall of Fame (one of only two white attorneys ever to have been so honored).

But Miles viewed his proudest and most unexpected accomplishment to be his family. Having envisioned a future as a professor or federal judge, not necessarily with children, Elaine had other plans. The resplendent result was a 65-year career with Kilpatrick Townsend, a 70-year marriage, and the couple’s children, Kent (Diane), David (Deanna), Michael (Pamela), and Paige (Steve Grand), and their 11 grandchildren.

In his final days, looking back at nine-plus decades, Miles viewed family vacations as his most precious time, especially annual trips to Tybee Island, Ga., with body surfing, sandcastles, tennis courts, good books, friends, and lots of grandchildren.

A memorial service was held at The Temple in Atlanta, Ga., on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Atlanta Legal Aid or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Dressler’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.

Linda Barash Beeber

68, Atlanta

Eishet Chayil, a woman of valor, me yimtza who can find, v’rachok mepneinim mechrah, her worth is far above rubies.

Words from Proverbs, absolutely fitting the life of Linda Barash Beeber. Sung to her every Sabbath in our home. Family, friends, community- Zion itself- all were lucky to have her presence, the benefit of her valor.  The void is unfillable.

Born in Brooklyn in 1957, Linda too made sure you knew it. Crown Heights, Flatbush, Sheepshead Bay; with experiences equal to those of Woody Allen and Larry David, only- as she wryly said- “they made money for talking about it.” Linda’s parents, Fishel (Phillip) Barash and Judith Koppel Barash, were both survivors of the Holocaust.

Linda had five wonderful children: Jordana, Elan, Amira, Zev, and Tova. She ensured that each could “stand on their own feet.” She insisted that they have Hebrew names, Jewish day schooling, good marriages with memorably lovely weddings. Bonuses were the wonderful spouses of her kids (Michael, Emily, Roy, Gilad), and her precious grandchildren-Yuval, Eden, and Elah.

Linda also had a brilliant career. As she put it in that very New York way: “I was an MBA on Wall Street and served as a financial analyst at Bank Leumi, the main office of the Israel bank in the States. After our marriage, we had several busy, exuberant years in the city, before moving back to Atlanta.” She would claim that upon leaving New York: “I cried through the whole state of New Jersey.” So, one would understand completely that during her clearly forced diaspora, she “had her a lobotomy in Virginia.”

Georgia it was. She ran the business aspects of her husband’s solo pediatric practice, always fair, prompt, truthful, timely, and carefully exact in her work. Linda had five children, to date three grandchildren, and she always expressed that they all were her crowning achievement. How dear their attachment, how painful the loss, and beautiful the time that has been shared.

From Eishet ChayiI: Kamu va’neiha va’y’ashru’ha, ba-lah va’y’hal’hah, “Her children come forward and bless her, Her husband, too, and he praises her.”

Dear G-d, oh Guardian of Israel, please look over Linda. Appreciate her as all who knew her did.

May she receive the same praise in the Heavens that she so rightly earned on earth.

May your children somehow be comforted in spite of this painful leaving.

Baruch Dayan haEmet - 'Blessed is the True Judge.'

Linda Beeber is survived by her husband, Bruce; her children, Jordana Boneh (Roy Kfir), Elan Beeber, Amira (Michael) Bobrov, Zev (Emily) Beeber, Tova (Gilad) Lev; grandchildren, Yuval, Eden, and Elah Bobrov; and sister, Sabina (Sam) Borenstein. Predeceased by her parents, Phillip and Judith Barash.    Zikhronah levrakha.

Donations may be directed to American Friends of Magen David Adom, Jewish National Fund, Atlanta Jewish HomeLife, Fulton County Humane Society, Weinberg Center for Holocaust Education at The Breman, or Ahavath Achim Synagogue.

Michael Adam Craig

36, Sandy Springs

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the death of Michael Adam Craig of Sandy Springs, Ga. Michael passed away suddenly on June 30, 2025. He was 36.

Born and raised in Marietta, Michael grew up like so many kids and could always be found playing outside with his neighborhood friends. He spent his summers as a catcher playing travel baseball at Eastside Baseball with this favorite memory being the tournament his team made in Cooperstown, N.Y. Michael was dedicated to his Jewish heritage from a young age. He was a member of BBYO while in high school and attended many leadership conferences, forming meaningful connections and friendships along the way. He continued his faith into adulthood and would later observe Sabbath every Friday night. After his graduation from Walton High School, Michael attended Indiana University before finishing his degree at Georgia State while majoring in urban planning. Following his graduation from GSU, Michael moved to New York to continue his religious learnings and attended the Yeshiva of Far Rockaway.

A life-long Atlanta Braves fan who loved sports, Michael’s favorite yearly tradition was being the commissioner of the family and friends March Madness bracket pool, something he took great pride and joy in. He enjoyed watching movies and TV shows, always wanting to chat or relive his favorite scenes or jokes with whoever understood the reference. In his spare time, Michael loved playing all kinds of games and was sure to let you know when he won.

Above all, Michael loved his family. He enjoyed talking daily with his mother and sister and always looked forward to seeing extended family on holidays and other special occasions. They were always some of his favorite memories. Michael was preceded by death by his father, Larry Craig. He is survived by his mother, Francee Gilbert Craig; his sister, Hannah Craig; Francee’s partner, Marty Sifen; his cat, Rookie; his aunt, Karen and uncle, Gary Gilbert; and his favorite cousins, Leann Podzinski, and her husband, Stefan, Jaclyn Moskowitz, and her husband, Austin, and Reed Gilbert. Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 2 at 12:30 p.m. at Arlington Cemetery, 201 Mount Vernon Highway, Atlanta, GA, 30328.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Clinical and Research Program for Psychosis at Emory - https://together.emory.edu/give/checkout?appeal=5WMPM.  Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Cary Lawrence Eisenberg 70,

Atlanta

The world lost a spark of light and joy with the passing of Cary Lawrence Eisenberg on June 24, 2025. After courageously facing ongoing health struggles, he was lovingly cared for in hospice at his home with his beloved wife, Dana, in Brookhaven, Ga.

Born on May 9, 1955, in Atlanta, Ga., to David Eisenberg and Mickie Eisenberg Krinsky, Cary was a remarkable man - an adventurous soul who embraced life with boundless enthusiasm and found profound joy in life’s simple blessings. Whether fishing, sharing laughter with friends, or savoring quiet moments in nature, Cary had the gift of finding joy in everyday life. After graduating from Cross Keys High School in 1973, he continued his education at DeKalb Community College, where his warm spirit drew people to him like family.

Throughout his life, Cary formed deep, brother-like bonds with friends from high school, college and work. These relationships blossomed into shared businesses, properties, and lifelong connections that enriched his soul. These friendships were a testament to his loyal and generous heart.

In 1996, Cary married his soulmate, Dana, and together they purchased his childhood home and created a sanctuary filled with warmth, love, and endless hospitality. Their door was always open to friends and family, welcoming everyone with open arms. Together, they embarked on countless adventures, traveling to Italy, celebrating holidays in the Florida Keys, and sailing the Caribbean with dear friends. Their peaceful cabin in the North Georgia mountains served as a retreat where they found solace with each other and the many beloved dogs who blessed their lives throughout the years.

Professionally, Cary worked as a mortgage broker, day trader, and toured the country selling merchandise for rock and roll bands.

A devoted Atlanta Falcons fan, Cary’s enthusiasm for his team led him on memorable journeys from Kansas City to the Super Bowl with cherished friends. His passion for football was matched only by his love for those around him.

Throughout his 70 years, Cary touched countless lives with his generous heart and infectious laughter. His optimistic spirit and genuine care for others created lasting bonds with everyone he encountered. He lived with compassion and kindness.

Cary is survived by his devoted wife Dana, his loving siblings Avner, Joel (Suzanne), Scott (Sugar), and Carol (David), his cherished mother-in-law, Linda Martin, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who will forever treasure his memory and the love he so freely shared.

Friends and family gathered to celebrate Cary’s remarkable life on Thursday, June 26, at the 57th Fighter Group (3827 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30341). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Dana so that she can thoughtfully select an appropriate animal rescue organization that will honor Cary’s memory and his love for all creatures.

Cary’s legacy of joy, kindness, and zest for life will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

May his memory be a blessing.

OBITUARIES

Gayle Ginsberg

73, Atlanta

Gayle was a radiant force — her bright blue eyes and warm smile reflecting the fierceness, love, and deep devotion that defined her life. She was a doer who turned passion into action, a social connector who brought people together, and a lifelong advocate for the people and causes she believed in.

Gayle was born and raised in Madison, Wisc., one of three daughters to her loving parents, Helene and Irving Feit. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin, where she studied social work, a natural fit for her altruistic nature. It was there that she met her sweetheart and the love of her life, Irving Ginsberg.

Gayle and Irv married on Aug. 11, 1974. Deeply devoted to each other, they also complemented one another perfectly — Irv, kind and thoughtful; Gayle, vivacious and outgoing. Together, they raised their son, Joshua, pouring their hearts into supporting him in everything he did. They shared a deeply loving marriage until Irving’s passing in October 2009.

Gayle dedicated her life to service, both as a social worker, serving the New Hanover County Senior Resource Center for over 22 years, and as a leader in the Wilmington Jewish community.

She served as a Hebrew and Sunday school teacher for 25 years, and held multiple leadership roles with Hadassah, including president of the Wilmington chapter, as well as a regional position, and president of the B’nai Israel Synagogue Sisterhood. Prior to joining the senior center, she poured her creativity into founding a small business called Basket and Sweet Temptations, a candy-and-gift-basket service that brightened countless events and celebrations with her signature assortments. She also launched the well-known Wilmington Chocolate & Wine Festival Fundraiser to support the senior center where she worked and was honored in 2010 with the Area Agency on Aging’s Professional Excellence Award for her contributions to social services.

What brought Gayle the most joy in her life was being surrounded by family, friends and loved ones. At the center of her heart was her son, Joshua, whom she cherished more than words can describe, and who lovingly cared for her in her later years.

Gayle was preceded in death by her loving husband, Irving Ginsberg; her sister, Sandra Bierman; and her nephew, Martin McNamer, all of blessed memory.

She is survived by her son, Joshua Ginsberg; her sister, Shelley McNamer; sistersin-law, Vickie (Bruce) Reisman and Alice Ginsberg; nieces, Nicole (Ben) Saidman and Julia (Danny) Reisman; her nephew, Brett (Becky) McNamer; and her great-niece and great-nephew, Sarah and Leo Saidman.

The funeral was held on Wednesday, June 25, at 3 p.m. at B’nai Israel Synagogue in Wilmington, N.C. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hadassah or to B’nai Israel Synagogue in Wilmington, N.C. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Alex Gross

96, Atlanta

to the United States, joining most of his siblings in Ohio and Pennsylvania. He and his brother, Bill, started a business building homes, but Alex took a leave of absence from the business to join the U.S. Army during the Korean War to serve in the intelligence. He was so grateful to this country for welcoming him and giving him opportunities for success, that he was proud to serve this country.

When his military service ended, he returned to Youngstown, Ohio, and resumed his partnership with his brother. Shortly thereafter, he met the love of his life, Linda (neé Goldberg) and they were married in 1958. Alex and Linda grew a beloved family of four children. Alex and his brother, Bill, built their company, ALBEE Homes, into a thriving company with offices in over 14 states. Later, all of the brothers joined the business which became the nation’s largest manufacturer of prefabricated homes. In the mid-1970s, he and three of his brothers bought a large parcel of land outside of Atlanta. He and one of his brothers relocated to Atlanta to develop their property, Atlanta Suburbia Estates, into a community with homes, apartments, lakes, a golf course and shopping centers.

In Atlanta, he was an active member of both the Jewish and the civic communities. He devoted countless hours speaking to high schools, college classrooms, churches and other gatherings about his experiences in the Holocaust. What distinguished his story was his message of love triumphing over hate. The thousands of people who heard him speak were struck by his genuine positivity and warmth. His commitment to bearing witness earned him an honorary doctorate from Emory University in 1995, of which he was incredibly proud. In 2001, he published his autobiography, “Yankele,” which sold out its first print edition.

In addition to his speaking on the Holocaust, he was the president of Hemshech (a Holocaust survivor organization), a member of the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust, the chair of Israel Bonds for Atlanta, a board member of the Yeshiva High School, Café Europa Miami, and of The Shul of Bal Harbour in Miami where he spent his later years.

Alex was first and foremost a family man. He lived his life devoted to the wellbeing of his siblings, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as well as his many nieces and nephews who were like children to him. Just as he overcame the horrors of his early childhood, he overcame both the loss of his treasured only son, Benji, in a tragic accident in 1975 and the murder of his beloved Linda in 1983. Despite these devastating losses, he continued to radiate warmth, kindness and love to everyone he encountered.

He is survived by his wife, Daisy Adouth, his three daughters and sons-in law, Etta Zimmerman (Raymond), Stephanie Weiss (Avi), and Robin Gross (Anthony Lehv), his grandchildren, Leya Kaufman (Joel), Hannah Weiss, Eliana Weiss, Benjamin Lehv, and Marissa Lehv, and his great-grandsons, Ezra and Theo Kaufman.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests supporting two causes that were near and dear to Alex, the Holocaust Memorial of Miami Beach: https://share.google/NHx4mcitVrxbOcy5z or Café Europa for Holocaust Survivors: https://jcsfl.org/donate/ Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Matthew Edward Levine

48, Atlanta

Alex Gross passed away July 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Alex was born “Yankele” on Sept. 18, 1928. He was youngest son of six boys and one daughter in Polonok/“Polanka” in the Carpathian Mountain region which was Czechoslovakia at the time. During World War II, as a young boy, Alex and his family were taken by the Nazis from their home to the Munkacz ghetto and then on to Auschwitz by cattle car. He was immediately separated from his family and after Auschwitz, he spent time in Buna. He survived the notorious Gleiwitz death march, ultimately being transferred to Buchenwald where he was liberated by American soldiers in 1945. After the war, he was reunited with all of his siblings, though sadly his parents did not survive. Immediately after the war, he and the two siblings that were closest to him in age were placed in an orphanage in England. At the age of 21, he immigrated

Matthew Edward Levine, 48, of Atlanta, Ga., passed away on June 23, 2025. Matt graduated from North Atlanta High School. He was enterprising from an early age, often seen mowing lawns and washing cars in the neighborhood, earning pocket money that he spent on his dual and lifelong passions for music and lighting. Matt ultimately found his calling as a certified nursing assistant, providing home health care, comfort, and dignity to patients and their families for the past 15 years. Matt is survived by his son, Tyler Evan Levine, his partner, Melissa Peppard, parents, Drs. Nancy and Marshall Levine, sister and brother-in-law, Julie (Eli) Levine Hammerman, and niece and nephew, Noah and Molly Hammerman. Memorial donations may be made to Ahavath Achim Synagogue. The memorial service was held at Ahavath Achim Synagogue at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 26, Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Carol Pollak Waldman

72, Atlanta

Carol Pollak Waldman (Sidel bas Rachel), age 72, of Atlanta, Ga., passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on Oct. 29, 1952, in Newark, N.J., she was the beloved daughter of Ruth and Arthur. Carol was a devoted wife to Bruce, a cherished mother to Amy and Jennifer, and a loving grandmother to Noah, Hank, Charlie, and Lilah.

Carol’s light and laughter touched everyone she met. She was a sweet, spirited soul — silly in the best way — and endlessly warm and loving. Her hugs were legendary, and she always carried with her a gentle scent that felt like home.

She shared a life of adventure and deep companionship with her beloved husband, Bruce, traveling the world by his side. She had a passion for musicals, movies, and — above all — being surrounded by her close friends and family. Carol was always up for a good time, with a sparkle in her eye and a smile that welcomed everyone in.

When asked about her greatest accomplishment, she never hesitated: “My children,” she’d say, with pride and joy.

Carol will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of all who loved her.

A graveside funeral was held on Monday, July 7, at 3 p.m., at Crest Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to the Rabbi’s Fund at Temple Beth Tikvah and/or Congregation B’nai Torah. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Penny Rena (Ragan) Zinsenheim

62, Atlanta

Penny Rena (Ragan) Zinsenheim passed quietly on the morning of June 29, surrounded at home by family with much love. She bravely battled liver cancer, which she handled with a beautiful grace, dignity, and strength. While life was not always kind to her, she returned nothing but kindness. And it is that love which we will miss the most.

Penny was born at Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Ga., on January 22, 1963. She was the second child and daughter of William Leon Ragan of Henderson, Ga., and Patricia Faith Ragan of Perry, Ga. At age nine, her parents moved Penny and her two siblings, Jackie and Bil, to a farm in Perry, Ga., to be closer to family.

Being closer to relatives allowed her to see her grandparents and cousins more often. And the rural life gave her ample freedom to go and explore the world around her. She was a natural athlete and did well in middle school on the tennis, basketball, and track teams.

When Penny turned 15, a new addition came to the family. It was her younger sister, Jamie, whom she adored. The two spent a lot of quality time together as Jamie grew up and remained close. Penny’s proudest accomplishment in high school was when she earned a $500 scholarship for sewing a quilt in a home economics competition. Penny attended Georgia Southern University where she graduated in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Upon graduation, Penny moved in with her sister, Jackie, and brother, Bil to north Atlanta. She would begin working for PNC Bank and would quickly be promoted to the Mortgage Department. She excelled in her role and, in 1993, earned an award for the President’s Club at PNC Bank. In the fall of 1986, she met Steve at Club Rio in downtown Atlanta. They were initially attracted to each other and the very next night had their first official date at a Georgia Tech football game, and the rest was history. They became engaged in 1987 and later married in 1988 at Shearith Israel Synagogue in Atlanta, Ga. Penny and Steve enjoyed many years of traveling the globe in their early days.

As a newly married couple, they settled into their home in Smyrna, Ga., and began to make a new life for themselves. Their daughter, Madison, was born in May 1992 to some relieved parents and ecstatic grandparents, great-grandparents and new aunts and uncles.

Soon after Madison was born, Penny would give birth to their son, Davis, in November 1993. As with all mothers, her two children would become the pride of her life. All of her energy, efforts and love were given to them. Penny and Steve prided themselves on creating a loving Jewish home for their kids. If you asked her what she was most proud of, the answer came quickly, and without hesitation, “My children.” They continued their adventures together traveling as a family, creating many memories, visiting new destinations from Israel to Iceland, Italy, Sydney, and the rest of the world.

Penny decided to return to school and obtain several teaching certificates, which began in 1995 from Kennesaw State University. She then went on to obtain a master’s degree in education from the University of West Georgia in 2002 and a media specialist in education degree in 2009. Penny loved teaching and went on to open the Media Center at Lake Forest Elementary School where she completed her career, while battling her disease, finally retiring after 29 years.

In May 2016, tragedy struck. While attempting to save the life of his friend, their son, Davis, perished in a hiking accident. He was unselfish, just as he had been taught by his mother. His actions were recognized by the Carnegie Foundation, and he was named a Carnegie Hero in December 2017.The early loss of Davis was devastating to the family, the relatives, and to all that knew him. It was especially heart rendering to his mother.

In 2021, Penny’s mother, Faith, would return to Marietta and move in with her and Steve. This brought a new energy in the home and a new focus in life. Madison also became engaged during this time and gave Penny a future to plan. Lane became Penny’s son-in-law in August 2022.

Penny was always an amazing host, and all were welcome in her home. Her Thanksgiving feasts were legendary, as were her Georgia Tech tailgating parties, and her Lake Hartwell hospitality. To Penny, everyone was family, and she will always be remembered for her inclusiveness, generosity and love for all.

Penny was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, son, Davis, and brotherin-law, Wayne Landon. She is survived by her husband, Steve, her daughter, Madison Darwin (Lane), her sister Jackie White (Maury), brother, Bil Ragan (Anjum), sister, Jamie Boyd, sister-in-law, Shari Landon, stepfather, James Boyd, nieces, Samantha White, Ella, and Pearl Boyd, Mallory Landon, nephews, Hank White, James Boyd, and Michael Landon, and other extended family in Georgia.

Letters to My Children

Allen H. Lipis

The other evening, I mentioned to some of my grandchildren that I don’t have a real project to take on. Almost immediately, one of them turned to me and said, “You always have a project, you are always busy with something to do.” That statement bothered me for several days because she is right. I do look for projects to not only keep me busy, but also to keep my mind active, as well as keeping me alive.

This morning while still in bed, the thought occurred to me that I should write another book called, “Letters to My children.” It is a book I have been thinking about writing for many years for a couple of reasons. The first is that I have something to say to my children

and my grandchildren, having lived a long productive life. Second, other people have written their books about their lives, and after reading them I find them more about proving how wonderful they are rather than being useful to others. I hope I can keep down my ego and pass on what I learned in life that might be of value to you.

Here is a short list of five items that I hope might be useful. Take them for what they’re worth.

Your intelligence comes from others because they also have experienced it. They know what you need to know, so listen to people you trust and read what others have written. Of course, experience is the greatest teacher, but you can avoid failure by following good advice from people who experienced what you may be experiencing or will be experiencing. Trust the experts, and that includes your parents, your friends and especially your teachers.

You can tell what kind of person you are dealing with by just listening to

what they say. People will tell you who they are by what they say and how they say it. Just listen. But most importantly, what they say is their opinion and it doesn’t have to be yours. If they criticize you, then they are telling you who they are and not who you are. Only you can say who you are, and it doesn’t have to be what others say about you.

The best way to close a sale is to listen and say little. The buyer will tell you what he/she needs, and you just listen to understand the issue. Only then can you address the issue. The key to a good sale is to first define the problem. The best way is to listen and ask questions. That is half the solution. The rest is your ability to use your experience and your persuasion to establish trust in the mind of the buyer that you have the ability to solve the problem. Listen first before you talk. It is the best sales advice I know.

To accomplish stuff today, make a list of no more than 10 items and follow the list. Do not try to make a longer list, for it will not be done, and it is likely

that not all of the 10 items will be done either. Start the day with a good list and follow it. You will end the day feeling productive.

There are two kinds of people in this world: analytical people and people who love other people. The analytical people are smart, can solve problems, and know a lot about a lot. They make the world work. The people who love people, who care about others, will make you feel important. They are leaders because other people love them and trust them, even when they may not know all the answers. In school, the analytical people get good grades, and the lovable people don’t always get high grades. But in business, the analytical people work for the lovable people, because lovable people are leaders and analytical people are doers.

If you want to know more, then you have to wait until I finish the book. The book will be for my children, but I think it is for you, too. The book may be about me, but it is really for you. ì

ASchmooze.

t Canterbury Court senior living community, life can take you wherever you’d like to go. Our expanded 14-acre campus offers new elegantly finished and customizable apartment homes, enhanced amenities and services, beautiful gardens and lush green spaces, and plenty of cultural and social opportunities. All with the peace of mind of a continuum of care, if ever needed. With all this awaiting you, what are you waiting for?

To learn more and to schedule a personal tour, contact us today at 404-737-2639, visit CanterburyCourt.org/ Schmooze, or scan the QR code.

Actual residents enjoying outdoor, chef-prepared dining at The Grille.