ROBIN FREEDMAN info@atljewishtimes.com 404-883-2130
Cover Photo: Bernie Marcus (left) and Arthur Blank launched
Marcus & Blank Honored for Work with Veterans
By Bob Bahr
Nearly 600 people crowded into the Oceans Ballroom of the Georgia Aquarium for the inaugural gala dinner last month in support of the Avalon Action Alliance. The Alliance, which was founded six years ago, seeks to provide personal care and support services to America’s veterans and first responders. It was an important philanthropic initiative of Bernie Marcus, who co-founded The Home Depot.
He contributed more than $250 million in support of programs to aid veterans. Those who filled the many tables in the 23,000-square-foot ballroom he built at the aquarium came as much to honor the Marcus legacy as they did to support this program, which was one of his main concerns in the final years of his long life. Marcus died early in November of last year at the age of 95.
Marcus’ words were among the first that the attendees to the event saw when they opened their program that evening.
“I want better lives for those who have sacrificed themselves for us in our nation’s great military. There can’t be too many places or too much care for those heroes to find better mental and physical care.”
In attendance at the Alliance gala
were members of his family, personal friends, leaders of the Marcus Foundation, veterans who have benefitted from the program and the president and CEO and chairman of the board of the The Home Depot, which has grown into an organization of 475,000 employees. But it was left to the co-founder of company, Arthur Blank, to pay the deepest words of tribute to a man he de-
Bernie Marcus (left) and Arthur Blank launched their support of the Avalon Action Alliance with individual gifts of $20 million each.
scribed as a brother and an inspiration for the philanthropy of his own family foundation, which now tops $1.3 billion in gifts. His foundation was one of the evening’s main sponsors and he was presented with the organization’s Legacy of Service Award.
“I know Bernie is proud of this work,” Blank said, in accepting the award, “and while he is not physically here with me or with us tonight, he is forever with me, in my heart, and carried in my spirit. His presence is reflected in my commitment to serving others, and I am humbled to stand here tonight on his behalf and to continue to carry on this brotherhood further.”
The evening event raised more than $1 million dollars to further the work of the Alliance. The organization addresses three closely connected physical and psychological challenges that military veterans and first responders often face. It offers a path to healing and a single point of contact for those suffering from traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress, and substance abuse. A total of 20 programs are offered at various facilities around the country including the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, of which Blank and Marcus have been major contributors.
But despite the tens of millions of dollars that the Alliance spends each year, the need is enormous. It is estimated that 2.6 million service personnel and first responders suffer from some form of traumatic brain injury. Another 4.5 million suffer from substance abuse and psychological conditions that can sometimes end in suicide.
A study by the Pentagon, released
in 2021, showed that soldiers are nearly nine times more likely to take their own life than to die in combat. In fact, combat deployment alone is not associated with increased suicide rates. Troops who have not seen combat duty have an even higher risk of suicide.
The trauma of sexual abuse and harassment is also common. Sexual assault and sexual harassment, according to research at Boston University, affects 55 percent of women in the military and 38 percent of men.
The Boston University report concludes that “unless the U.S. government and U.S. society makes significant changes in the ways we manage the mental health crisis among our service members and veterans, suicide rates will continue to climb. That is a cost of war we cannot accept.”
It has been a challenge like this that has given urgency to the work that both the Blank and Marcus Foundations have supported.
During the gala, Marcus Ruzek, who serves as a senior program director at the Marcus Foundation, spoke about the need for solutions in addressing these serious issues.
Ruzek, who served as a Special Forces officer in the Army for 13 years, described the entrepreneurial philanthropy that led Bernie Marcus, in his final years, to direct action.
“We became increasingly frustrated with the Veterans Administration. Bernie acted when there was a massive void. He acted because Bernie was a man of action. He preferred offense to defense, and he was unrelenting in his pursuit for solutions.” ì
The Avalon Action Alliance Gala was attended by almost 600 people in the Oceans Ballroom of the Georgia Aquarium.
Neurodiversity & Judaism
By Robert Garber
A few years ago, this writer and his father were discussing the intersection of Autism and the Talmud. He suggested, based on the intensity, specificity, and repetitiveness of their arguments, that “all the rabbis were on the spectrum.”
This comment was repeated a few weeks later at a dinner with a youngadult group and the B’nai Torah rabbis, held at Rabbi Joshua Heller’s home. Rabbi Heller overheard and said, perhaps only half-jokingly, “Was he talking about us?”
“What I’ve found really interesting is, in neurodivergent Jewish spaces, there is a fascination and discussion around rabbis and thinkers and teachers from Jewish history, and whether or not they may have been neurodivergent,” said Rabbi Simcha Weinstein, co-director and co-founder of the Jewish Autism Network. “It’s very interesting, where if you look at the Talmud, the attention to detail, the organization, the mindset, can be conducive to a neurodivergent
thought-process for many.”
Such specific, repetitive focuses are a well-known attribute of Autism but also are present to some extent in other diagnoses, such as ADHD or OCD. The need to recognize this diversity and
variation in human minds, both in the positive differences and difficulties they provide, is where the terms “neurodivergent” and “neurodiversity” come from.
Within Autism Spectrum Disorder specifically, which is also characterized by difficulties in verbal/non-verbal communications and significant sensory issues, the range of ability and difference in presentation is vast.
“I’ll compare it to flowers – roses and daisies and tulips are all flowers,
Several rabbis, community leaders and researchers discussed the historical connections between neurodiversity and Judaism.
but they’re radically different from one another,” said Rabbi Dr. Nathaniel Bushwick, executive director of the Northeast Autism Center in Pennsylvania. “Different kinds of Autism – they’re all Autism, but they’re radically, radically different. What you’re going to do with them is different, and what you can expect from them is different.”
He described two examples to illustrate this range, both of whom had significant symptoms: one, a man with whom he had attended graduate school, who was five years younger than him at the time, and is now a Professor Emeritus – the other, a young man who does not have an object concept, meaning that his life is entirely composed of sensory experiences that he cannot concretely link together.
“He looks at an apple, he sees red. He feels it, he feels something hard. He smells it, he tastes it, but there is no object called ‘apple,’” said Rabbi Bushwick, “so there’s your range.”
Though the concept and definitions of Autism and most modern psychological diagnoses are a little over a century or two old, there are references in rabbinical commentary, some over a thousand years old, to similar concepts.
One example Rabbi Heller and fellow B’nai Torah rabbi Rabbi Elizabeth Breit, brought up was the istenis, a category of person in the mishnah and other rabbinical texts that literally translates to “delicate,” and is described in various places as having a number of sensory issues, including significant aversions to bitter foods, to the feeling of spit in their mouth, to bad scents, and especially to dirt. Mishnah Berurah (554:22) describes an istenis as one “whose mind is not settled on him until he wipes his face with water.”
It is not difficult to draw comparisons between these symptoms and sensory symptoms related to both Autism
and OCD, but another interesting note was the way they were responded to. There were several considerations made for this kind of person, which helped accommodate for the difficulties they faced.
One story (Mishnah Berakhot 2:6) describes Rabban Gamliel, who was an istenis, bathing during a mourning period, which was normally not allowed. It was noted that, for him, not bathing caused physical distress, and it was not required that a mourner undergo physical distress. Mishnah Berurah 639:32 also notes that, during Sukkot, if something falls from the roof of the sukkah into any of the food, an istenis is permitted to eat outside the sukkah.
Many references in the liturgy, culture, and customs are a lot less specific, but nevertheless speak to the importance of accommodating such differences.
Rabbi Bushwick brought up a quote from the Book of Proverbs: “Educate a child according to his way, even when he gets old he will not deviate from it.”
“People understand this to mean, ‘Give a child a good education, he’ll be a solid good person his whole life.’ That misses the whole point,” said Bushwick. “The important word is ‘his way.’ Every individual has his own personality, his own ‘way’ as it were. And it is in accordance with this way that he needs to be educated if his education is to be successful.”
Rabbi Dr. David Sher, a research psychologist at Oxford University who also studied Autism in Jewish settings at the University of Cambridge, notes the Ben Azzai quote in Pirkei Avot, “Despise no one and call nothing useless. For there is no person who does not have his hour – and no thing that does not have its place.”
He also cited prior research by Michal Shaked and Yoram Bilu in 2006 on Autistic individuals in Orthodox com-
munities in Israel, who were in several cases viewed as having a particularly significant spiritual virtuosity. There was even an account of a revered rabbi who would stand to honor an autistic child as they entered the room.
Rabbi Sher’s own investigation of Autism in Orthodox communities in the UK focused on stigma, or the lack thereof, within those communities. He found that those he interviewed tended to report that there was not so much stigma as there was discomfort or lack of knowledge in their communities, and that significant strides had been made in all regards.
“I think, in the previous generation, there was a stigma around discussing differences in a strength-based manner,” said Rabbi Weinstein, in a similar vein. “I feel today that there’s a lot more awareness, openness, and tolerance […] It is certain that communities are, I think, more accessible and accommodating than ever before.”
Dr. Ami Klin, director at the Marcus Autism Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, notes that, in light of the need for predictability and consistency across their environments, the rituals of organized religion can be very helpful for autistic individuals.
“The rigid calendar of prayer, wellestablished traditions, and cadence and repeatability of festivals in Judaism specifically can provide a wonderful opportunity for community acceptance, inclusion and friendships,” Dr. Klin said.
Rabbi Bushwick notes that much of this may come down more to the way individual parents raise their kids.
“There are many who do [accept them], but there are also parents who don’t accept these kids, and want them to be the same as other kids, and they’re not,” said Rabbi Bushwick, relaying the relatively famous example of Temple Grandin, the noted scientist/inventor/
Terminology Primer
animal expert, and her mother – who accepted her, but pushed her to be the best version of herself. “Within the Jewish world, you have those who do [that], and those who don’t. I wouldn’t say that it’s that much different.”
Abby Lail-Franz, Community Access Program Manager at Jewish Family & Career Services’ Intellectual and Developmental Disability Service, believes there may be something concerning Jewish values in that regard.
“I hear stories of my friends with their Jewish mothers who are kind of pushy, and stern, and ‘I’m going to support you, but I’m not going to feel sorry for you.’ And I think that works so well with our population because people are quick to say ‘oh, poor thing, you have Autism, you don’t understand social cues, you have cerebral palsy, you have to use a wheelchair,’” said Lail-Franz. Although not herself Jewish, Lail-Franz has noted that the mission of the organization –which serves many community members, regardless of religion – reflects these values.
“I think for some Jewish volunteers, professionals, community members – they grew up with that sense of ‘I will show you empathy, but I’m also not going to sit and feel bad for your existence.’ I think, in neurodiversity, that is something that we really truly need – that I can feel for you while also challenging your limits.”
For Rabbi Breit, the Jewish perspective makes the empathy part a little easier.
“As the Jewish people, being a little outside of the norm makes it hard to maneuver society – you can ask any Jewish kid in December,” she said, relating this outsider perspective to neurodivergence. “It can feel like you’re outside, and weird, and other, but also allows us to bring perspective to society and history and the world that can be very beautiful.” ì
Neurodiversity: The concept that neurological differences, including disabilities, are part of the natural variation of human minds – and that these differences should be accepted.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A broad developmental disability, characterized by difficulties in verbal and/or nonverbal communication, issues interacting in social settings, sensory issues, and fixed, repetitive interests/behaviors.
On the spectrum: A more casual way to refer to those who are diagnosed with/have traits of Autism Spectrum Disorder, also often used by autistic individuals to describe themselves.
Neurodivergent: Used to refer to neurological differences outside what is considered the typical way for brains to work. Originally referred primarily to disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD.
Neurotypical: Used to refer to anyone/anything not neurodivergent.
Neurodiverse: Adjectival form of neurodiversity. Sometimes used as a synonym for neurodivergent.
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD): A developmental disability characterized by difficulties in attention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A condition characterized by uncontrollable, recurring thoughts and repetitive, excessive behaviors.
Developmental Disability: A chronic condition that arises before adulthood, typically affecting a person’s ability to function in areas like learning and language.
Breaking Barriers for the Disabled
At some point in life, nearly everyone will experience living with a disability. According to the CDC, one in four Americans is currently living with a disability, yet despite its prevalence, our society still has a long way to go toward full inclusion. True inclusion benefits not only individuals with disabilities but also their families, employers, communities, and society as a whole. The Jewish community is committed to fostering inclusion in all aspects of Jewish life, ensuring that people with disabilities are fully embraced and empowered. Through programs, advocacy, and community-wide efforts, Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS) and Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta strive to create a culture where everyone can participate, contribute, and belong.
Understanding the Basics
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This encompasses physical problems from cancer and cerebral palsy to diabetes and heart disease, as well as mental challenges like autism, ADHD, PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. Disabilities prevent people from doing major life activities like walking, thinking, reading, and even the operation of major bodily functions. Disability is a spectrum, and support needs vary from person to person.
The model of care for adults with disabilities has shifted over the years: it was initially a charitable model, which saw people with disabilities as charity, and then moved to the medical model, which saw disabilities as diagnoses to be treated. Now, the approach is moving toward what disability advocates have been championing for years: the social model.
“People with disabilities don’t need to be ‘fixed,’” explains Amy Murphy. Murphy is the director of JAccess, the disability inclusion initiative within the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. “It’s the environment that needs to be fixed. It’s not about meeting basic needs, like feeding people, it’s going further and asking ‘are they thriving? Are they living the life that they want?’”
Supporting people with disabilities live the lives they desire starts with integrating people into the community with the least amount of restrictions as possible, because “the things that are important to people without disabilities are the same things that are important to people with disabilities,” says Murphy. “When people with disabilities have the opportunity to take on socially valued roles—such as being an employee, a sibling, a partner, or a parent—and to ex-
Part of independent living means learning how to do your own laundry. Independent living can involve lounging time on the couch.
perience ordinary aspects of life like cooking dinner, going shopping, and accessing healthcare and exercising autonomy, their quality of life improves significantly.”
Inclusion in the Community Specialized services like the Intellectual & Developmental Disability Services (IDDS) at JF&CS, which include the Community Access Group (CAG) at IndependenceWORKS, the Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program (Z-H ILP), and Supported Employment, are examples of truly inclusive programs that help individuals thrive.
“We’re not just keeping people safe,” says Abby Lail-Frantz, community advocacy manager in IDDS. “They’re also healthy, engaged, and enriched.”
Community integration is a big focus of the program, and participants have regular outings at least once a week and up to five times a week. Outings are decided on by participants and leadership together and vary widely: in the last few months, the group has seen “Fiddler on the Roof,” attended a Gwinnett Stripers baseball game, visited several local parks, strolled around the mall, and even checked out the cultural phenomenon of a Buc-ee’s convenience store.
The community is also invited to contribute to the program. Artists donate their time to teach through the Artist Collective, tailoring their instruction and mediums to the abilities of the participants. The Schoenbaum Shinshinim (Israeli teen ambassadors) are involved —“I don’t know of any other community access group that has students coming all the way from Israel to spend time with them,” says Lail-Frantz —and recent special guests have included
professionals from the Center for Puppetry Arts and the Israeli Consulate General.
Inclusion at Home
Equally important to how adults with disabilities spend their days is, of course, where they call home. Residential group homes give clients the ability to have typical experiences like shopping and preparing their food, eating along with their community of roommates and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), and creating their own space.
David is a client of the Z-H ILP. He is 29 and lives with cerebral palsy. Prior to his living arrangement now, he was in a host home where he was safe, says his mom, Renee, but not thriving.
“He is an intelligent person, and he was growing very frustrated by the lack of stimulation,” she says. “He got so severely depressed that he wasn’t walking, wasn’t talking. I brought him back home and retired to be able to care for him.”
Renee didn’t feel ready to stop working, and despite her best efforts she knew she wasn’t able to meet David’s needs for stimulation or his physical needs. “I try to stay healthy, but I’m 62 and I’m physically not able to care for him and his physical disability like I once could,” she says. She and her family longed for David to have a thriving life, and she wanted to return to the work she loved as a special education teacher. When Jen Keir, director of IDDS Services at JF&CS, called Renee to invite David to live in one of the residential homes, “I just burst into tears,” says Renee. “Between the house and the Community Access Group, it’s everything to him, and us.”
“I lived at a host home before,” says
David, “and here (at the group home) I can decorate my own room and have my own room the way I like it and have my own bathroom. It feels like it’s mine. I hang out with my friends, we come home and watch TV.”
“It’s his, it’s his address, he has a key— it’s a simple thing, but I’m telling you, it makes a huge difference,” says Renee. “He takes ownership, does his laundry, does his chores, packs his lunch. He gets the support he needs, but the (DSPs) work hard to make him independent, and that independence gives them so much pride.”
Building a Full Life
That pride is what spurs people on to live the lives they desire, says Murphy. “We want to progress people, continuing to build skills and be part of the community. It’s also about families raising their expectations of their loved one, and that person raising their expectation of themselves. It’s really about choice and control and expressing what that individual wants for their life. Yes, they have disabilities, but they still have human needs for intimacy and contact and people.”
Lail-Frantz has seen this firsthand in the CAG. “This year, we’ve seen more of our clients developing romantic relationships with one another than we’ve ever seen,” she says. “We’re now at a point where people are feeling comfortable and empowered enough to explore romance.”
David has been dating his girlfriend, Lauren, for several months. “He’s a very good boyfriend,” she says. They enjoy going out to the movies (David is a movie buff and also works part-time at a theater), creating art together and going out to dinner.
“I like spending time with you,” David tells Lauren. She smiles and blushes a little.
“We love it here (at the CAG),” says Lauren. “We enjoy being here with all the amazing staff and also getting to hang out and socialize. Everyone makes me feel included, and I can have friends and be myself.”
David nods. “I didn’t feel as included before (IDDS at JF&CS). It’s made me happier.”
The Future of Inclusion
While programs like these are integral, another vital part of inclusion is advancing people beyond them. “We want to help people build skills and move on to employment or volunteer work, where maybe you come to a Community Access Group once a week but also do other things in the community,” says Murphy. “Community and society are made up of all different people, who all contribute.”
Supported employment is another key part of integration. The service connects businesses with adults with disabilities. This connection is not only about accommodation, but helps businesses foster a culture of equity, respect and empowerment, benefiting the business as much as the client. “Individuals with disabilities offer employers a unique blend of skills, experiences, and perspectives that can enhance innovation, problem-solving, team dynamics, and overall business success,” says Lillian Gibson, director of Supported Employment at JF&CS. “Embracing diversity in the workplace leads to richer ideas, stronger employee engagement, and a more inclusive culture that benefits everyone.”
Additionally, supported employment breaks down barriers to employment, fostering independence and greatly improv-
ing quality of life for IDD adults. Without it, “there are broader economic, social, and ethical consequences for society,” says Gibson. “Supported employment services play a crucial role in creating a more inclusive and equitable world, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.”
What It Takes to Change
Advocacy work from the State Capitol to the community is important, as is managing and planning these programs, but the dedicated individuals who staff the programs are boots-on-the-ground. It’s important for agencies like JF&CS to continue leading the way with investing in DSPs and valuing their contributions, both to the individuals they work with and their operations as a whole. DSPs are there for everyday triumphs and support, and while their work is often behind the scenes, they’re making a massive impact.
“It takes a certain skill set to support a person with a disability,” says Murphy. “You need to be empathetic, respect autonomy and choice, and uphold human rights while empowering clients rather than doing things for them. It’s essential to recognize that even if someone is non-speaking, they are still communicating, understanding, and expressing themselves. It takes a dedicated and motivated person to do this work.”
Get Involved
It’s not too late to be part of The Tasting Experience (from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., May 1, at The Stave Room). Sponsorship packages, which include tickets, are available at thetastingexperience.org, but if you cannot attend, an amazing silent auction is available to the
public through the same link. The event is an easy way for the greater community to experience a living example of what Lail-Frantz, Murphy, and disability advocates hope to see on a larger scale in the future.
“The event not only financially supports our program, but it’s another way we respect our vision of letting adults be adults,” says Lail-Frantz. “Our participants look forward to enjoying a glass of wine and some high-end food, getting dressed up, mingling; these are things adults really like, and having a disability doesn’t set you apart from that.”
JF&CS IDDS clients are involved behind the scenes, too. The art they make through the Artist Collective is part of the silent auction, and they also perform in The Tasting Choir, which is comprised of CAG staff and participants. “We’re really looking forward to The Tasting Experience because we get to sing in front of a bunch of people,”
says Lauren. “It makes us feel proud of ourselves, like we’ve accomplished something.” Murphy says getting involved is not complicated, but will require open-mindedness. “I suggest people start with raising their own expectations of people with disabilities, and learning more about this community,” she says.
Much can also be done by simply starting where you are. “If you’re a business owner, you can offer a work placement,” she says. This also goes for schools, synagogues, community spaces, workplaces—we can all make strides toward inclusion.
“Disability is a human experience,” concludes Murphy. “Chances are we will all become disabled as we get older, and some people have disability earlier in life. No matter when it happens, the question is: what can we all offer? Are we all valued for the contributions we bring to society?” ì
Compiled by AJT Staff
JEWELRY & WATCH REPAIRS
Todd is pictured at the State Capitol.
Carla enjoys her time on the waterfront. JJ is pictured on his bicycle.
Rusty Paul Faces Pair of Jews in Mayoral Race
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
Marking its 20th year as an incorporated city, Sandy Springs is readying for a hotly contested municipal election for mayor and every seat on the City Council.
Rusty Paul, who had previously been wishy-washy about seeking a third term, announced seven months ago that he indeed would run for re-election to complete some of the programs that he had undertaken. In the Atlanta Jewish Times (March 12, 2025) “Sandy Springs Mayor Revels in Jewish Support,” Paul was touted by a cadre of top-level Jewish influencers as their first choice for mayor for many reasons, including his unwavering support for Jewish causes.
Some may find it curious that because of Paul’s record, two of the candidates challenging him -- Andy Bauman and Jody Reichel -- happen to be Jewish. Politics is strategy based; and some have been known to cast a losing bid to establish name recognition to get a jump on 2029. Then again, in politics, like sports, anything can happen in the last stretch.
To complete the Jewish triangle, An-
drew Chinsky is running for Bauman’s vacating City Council seat. Note that the salary for mayor is $42,000 per year; and Council members each receive $26,000. These elections are nonpartisan. Each of the candidates’ bios follow as do their answers to a predetermined set of questions.
Andy Bauman
Bio: Bauman and wife, Dr. Debbie Bauman (an anesthesiologist), have been members of Temple Sinai for the past 25-plus years. He considers himself
a proud Zionist and one of only about 15 Jewish elected officials currently serving in Georgia. Bauman recently helped launch a bipartisan network to connect and support fellow Jewish public servants statewide. He has been active in the American Jewish Committee and previously served on the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust. Before being elected to City Council, he co-founded the popular Sandy Springs Farmers Market in 2010. The market reopend for its 16th season on April 12.
What is your motivation for running now vs. four years from now since Mayor Paul stated he will not seek reelection?
I believe in the power of service, community, and forward-looking leadership. I’ve had the privilege of representing our city for three terms on City Council, and I believe this is a pivotal moment for Sandy Springs.
What specifically would you do as mayor that Paul has not done?
Each of the last two times he ran for mayor, he said it would be his last. Now, he says he needs to “finish the job.” But the work of building and serving a community is never truly finished. What matters most is how we lead, how we listen, and whether we’re laying the groundwork for the future. As mayor, one of my highest priorities will be mentoring and empowering the next generation of leaders in Sandy Springs — something I believe Mayor Paul has unfortunately neglected. I would bring a new level of engagement and transparency — regular town halls, more direct communication with residents, and a strong focus on quality housing for all generations, smart redevelopment, and protecting our green spaces and tree canopy.
How do you intend to raise campaign funds?
We’ve already begun fundraising, and while I’m reluctant to state specific goals just yet, I’m extremely gratified by the early interest and support from Sandy Springs residents from all backgrounds and walks of life.
What will be your fallback position if you do not win?
I’ll leave my Council seat with pride and zero regrets. Public service is a calling, and I’ll always find ways to contribute to the community I love.
Jody Reichel
Bio: Reichel is a two-term City Council member and a 30-year Sandy Springs resident. She and her husband, Ken, are members of Temple Sinai, where Ken is the treasurer. An entrepreneur, civic leader, and marathoner, Reichel is a proud mother and stepmother. Her children graduated from The Davis Academy and North Springs High School.
What is your motivation for running now vs. four years from now when Mayor Paul stated he will not seek reelection?
Mayor Paul told voters in 2017 and 2021 that he did not intend to seek another term — yet he is running again. While I respect anyone’s right to change their mind, Sandy Springs needs new leadership and direction now. Like many residents, I’m deeply concerned by our lack of meaningful progress and the missed opportunities over the past several years.
What specifically would you do as mayor that he has not done?
Mayor Paul promised City Springs Phase II and North End redevelopment, but didn’t deliver. I led the effort for a new North Springs High and will bring that same focus to completing City Springs, strengthening our schools, adding more owner-occupied housing, and creating more fields for youth sports. I will stay focused on the job of mayor and get results.
How do you intend to raise campaign funds?
My goal is to engage voters and drive turnout. Successive mayoral elections have featured uninspiring candidates and low voter turnouts. I’ll use the money I raise to let Sandy Springs voters know they have an exciting and capable alternative.
What will be your fallback position if you do not win?
I have every intention of winning this race. I wouldn’t be running if I didn’t believe I was the right person to lead Sandy Springs forward.
Andrew Chinsky
Bio: My family lives in the Riverside neighborhood. I’m an in-house corporate attorney after spending 10 years in private practice, most recently at King & Spalding. We moved to Sandy Springs when my wife, Dunwoody native Allie (Maron), got her dream job for the Atlanta Hawks.
Allie and I were married almost 10 years ago by Rabbi Heller of B’nai Torah. Our kids attend The Davis Academy and Temple Sinai Preschool. We belong to both B’nai Torah and Temple Sinai, where I’m in the Atidaynu program. Growing up, I was one of just two Jewish students in my high school class of 600 — our Jewish community is one of the things I like best about Sandy Springs.
AFTER 77 YEARS, WE’RE STILL FIGHTING FOR A JEWISH STATE.
What is your motivation for running for City Council?
I love Sandy Springs and am running to provide balanced and pragmatic leadership and to be a champion for our future. I hold a bachelor’s degree in public policy from Michigan and a law degree from Harvard, and I believe that local government can positively impact our lives. If elected, I would work fulltime in addition to my council duties. Eva Galambos and our founders intended for City Council members to be engaged citizens and community leaders rather than only government officials.
What specifically would you want to address on the City Council that has not been done?
If elected, next year I may be the only Jewish member of City Council and the only member with kids at home. My family now has four generations living in Sandy Springs/Dunwoody ranging in age from almost 2 to 92. From this perspective, I would protect what makes Sandy Springs great and, without compromising public safety or our finances, push for investment in our future, including creating a more walkable area around City Springs.
How do you intend to raise campaign funds?
I am raising the money needed to spread my message and reach voters where they are — in their homes, at community events, at the playground, or even at their synagogues. ì
In 1948, as Israel fought for its independence, the medics of Magen David Adom were there, treating wounded soldiers and civilians alike. Today, as Israel celebrates Yom HaAtzma’ut, MDA is still treating the injured — even under fire. But for MDA to continue being there for Israel, we need to be there for MDA. Make a donation at afmda.org/give.
Jewish Sandy Springs City Councilmembers Andy Bauman and Jody Reichel are taking on incumbent Mayor Rusty Paul, while Andrew Chinsky seeks a City Council seat.
Harry’s Pizza Returns Stronger After Fire
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
On Jan. 9, at Harry’s Pizza and Subs, a raging fire started above the oven hood pipes and dropped down to ignite the grease. The staff called the fire department, but the fire had spread into the ceiling area. Overall, it was contained to the kitchen and ceiling with no damage to the dining room.
Co-owner Ilene Kapper Oxman stated, “Re-building was tough, due to high costs of mitigation services, we ended up doing a lot of it ourselves, with help from some of our close family, friends, and customers who spent hours scrubbing, pressure washing and doing anything to help us out. We had to replace our oven hood, do quite a bit of work to the electrical, AC and up in the ceiling as well. Thanks to our amazing handyman of many years who came from North Carolina.”
Further misfortune found that the insurance company was not stepping up due to a documentation error. Luckily, daughter, Aly, an attorney, wouldn’t take “no” for an answer from the insurance
company and was able to get them to settle and get a payout that helped towards getting re-opened.
Oxman said, “The real help came from our amazing friends, customers and family who donated to our GoFund-
Me, first helping us pay our employees, and then allowing us to rebuild and get back open. We are lucky to have such a
Harry’s is spreading the word that their catering division and dining room are open. The kitchen fire started in the oven hood.
strong community here that supports us and wants us succeed.”
Located on Powers Ferry Road just off Akers Mill, Harry’s (named for Rich’s dad) has re-opened and is getting the menu “back to normal.” They have new oven hoods, which will be kept up with maintenance and cleaning. Harry’s was open and operating for 30 years before the fire.
Husband and co-owner Rich was able to retain some loyal staff who are helping recruit new employees. Some of the staff moved on. The family works as a team. Rich started the restaurant, but he has been stepping back a bit. Ilene’s son, Garrett Kapper, has taken on a huge role in the re-opening and rebuild. He and Ilene run the front of the house during the week for lunch with regular customers. Aly helps out behind the scenes with legal and business operations. Ilene said, “Everyone knows and loves Rich and enjoys seeing him around the restaurant.”
Catering, especially during weekdays, is a large segment of the business; and they are communicating with favorite companies about the reopening. Harry’s provides catering to hundreds of businesses in the Powers Ferry/Galleria/Battery area, and they hope word of mouth will spread that they are back. They use Grubhub and UberEATS for smaller deliveries and deliver themselves
for larger orders.
When asked what makes a great pizza, Rich stated, “Having the perfect dough, great sauce and cheese, really. That’s all there is to it, and over the 30 years of our business, we have perfected it. We serve delicious New York-style pizza, and other items like salads, wings, sub sandwiches, calzones. We have our famous specials of a slice, six wings and a drink for $12.99 ... two slices of pizza and drink for $7.99 which everyone loves.”
New York-style crust is thin and crispy. The sauce and dough are made from scratch in-house. Some of their popular sandwiches are steak and cheese, jerk chicken, Philly, and chicken parmesan. With summer coming up, salads are always a good option. There are also vegetarian choices.
Long Island native Ilene also runs REUNION: Kitchen and Bar on Johnson Ferry Road for dinner service. She concluded, “Memories are of the kids doing homework right here on the tables a decade ago. This business will stay in our family as Garrett is in line to take the helm.”
Harry’s is located at 2150 Powers Ferry and closes at 9 p.m. 770-955 4413. Open seven days per week. Trivia is at 7 p.m. on Thursday nights.
Remember The Beatles’ tune, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” ì
Daughter and attorney Aly Kapper fought the insurance company to settle. She grew up doing homework in this dining room.
A Hero Among Us: ‘Say Lou Sent You’
By Robyn Spizman Gerson
“Say Lou sent you” might sound like a line from a movie. The Lou we are referring to by all standards exceeds superstar status.
Louis Cohan has served as a hero to many individuals of all ages at critical times. When he is not in trial, the Atlanta business litigator donates blood platelets 24 times per year. Cohan’s superpower was recently honored when he reached a monumental milestone of 250 platelet donations at Atlanta Blood Services LLC (ABS) with locations at both Northside Hospital and Cobb County.
Honored at a special ceremony, Cohan’s name was permanently added on a plaque to the life-saving machine. Cohan urges others to consider joining him and said, “Platelets are urgently needed. I have a long and special relationship with ABS and reaching 250 donations for me is deeply personal.”
Since 1998, Atlanta Blood Services has been a vital part of the healthcare community. The gift of being a platelet donor is also time sensitive as platelets only last for five days. Your contribution can have an immediate impact on a patient’s life and the process of apheresis allows you to donate enough platelets for one to three transfusions. Platelets are assigned the important task of clotting blood to stop bleeding and patients who need chemotherapy to treat cancer have a lower number of platelets in their body. This can cause internal bleeding which complicates the patient’s ability to fight cancer and platelet donations are vital for cancer patients to receive their treatments. This process also allows platelet donors to be eligible to donate with ABS every eight days or up to 24 times a year.
Originally from Norfolk, Va., Cohan moved to Atlanta and attended Riverwood High School, University of Georgia and Emory Law School. In 1997, Cohan got a life-changing call and learned that his friend, Jeff Greenblatt, who he knew from Congregation B’nai Torah, needed platelet donations. Cohan said, “Jeff and I worked out together and he was a beast in the gym. One day, he couldn’t finish his workout. Something was wrong. Jeff was later diagnosed with leukemia. The cancer was progressing fast, so time was of essence.”
Cohan added, “Jeff’s daughters -- former Atlantans, Beth Rivkind and Lisa Binderow, now grown with kids of their own, shared with me Jeff was fighting
leukemia, and it was important to recruit platelet donors who could give their dad a fighting chance.” Cohan added, “To try and help Jeff, I donated a few times. Before Jeff, I didn’t know anything about platelets. Atlanta Blood Services continued to call occasionally. For 10 years or so, I donated a few times a year. At some point, I started to think about how I’ve made 50 donations and what about other people? As I got closer to 100 donations, ABS started an advisory committee, and I started realizing there are not many people doing this and I just kept going.”
Nancy Herring, donor recruitment supervisor at ABS, shared, “Atlanta Blood Services is so proud to honor Louis Cohan, who recently became only the fourth donor in ABS history to reach the incredible milestone of 250 lifetime platelet donations. To commemorate this achievement, a Trima apheresis device (the equipment used to collect platelets) was dedicated in his honor. Louis was inspired by an elite group of dedicated donors: Mr. James Arnett, Mr. Donald Bagley (who has already surpassed 300 lifetime donations) and Mr. Kenneth Lade.”
Herring added, “Just like Louis whose devotion is nonstop, he does not plan to stop there. When Louis reached his 200th donation, he set an ambitious
personal goal—not just to reach 250 donations but also to recruit 250 additional donors to join him in saving lives. This campaign, known as ‘Lou Wants You –250 for 250,’ has helped bring even more awareness and new donors to the cause.”
Cohan added, “’Say Lou Sent You’ is my motto. It’s not about me. It’s about showing others how they can really make a difference to someone’s father, mother, sister, brother or child.”
Nothing is more important to Cohan than his own family. He lovingly said, “Debbie is my sun. Our girls, Aly Mirai, and Emily Ficarrotta, their husbands, and our grandson, Maxie, are but moons reflecting Deb’s light.”
Like his wife, Debbie, Cohan’s mission is to brighten the lives of others and being devoted to educating others. He shared, “One platelet donation can help up to three patients. By becoming a platelet donor, you can directly impact and save lives. While 250 donations is an arbitrary number to me, it’s a milestone that will help me recruit more donors. And ABS feeds me four Oreos every time I donate. Ever wonder what happens if you eat 1,000 Oreos? You save a bunch of lives!”
One of ABS’s founders, Northside Hospital’s Dr. H. Kent Holland, commented regarding Cohan’s accomplish-
ment: “The gifts that donors give of time and platelets makes the curative therapies possible. Donors like Lou give selflessly to save so many lives. I am touched by his commitment.”
Dr. Holland added, “The BMT Program at Northside is the largest allogeneic transplant program in Georgia. Our success is a direct reflection of the combined experience and expertise of the teams in our inpatient and outpatient BMT units, our stem-cell laboratory, and our blood donor center.”
Cohan said, “Through a program called Thank the Donor, I recently received a photo of a patient with his young daughter and his note thanking me for donating. The idea that I might have given that man and his daughter one more hug or one more kiss is overwhelming.”
He added, “I have also challenged myself to recruit 250 donors and not stop there. Please consider donating platelets at Atlanta Blood Services LLC or wherever is convenient for you. Your donation can literally save a life. When asked what happens after donation No. 250, Cohan quoted Buzz Lightyear, “to infinity and beyond.”
You can be part of Cohan’s 250 heroes by reaching out to www.atlantabloodservices.com. Tell them “Lou sent you.” ì
Louis supports patients through the holidays to become a Holiday Hugs Platelet Hero – Feb 18, 2018
Louis Cohan celebrates his birthday by saving lives – June 7, 2019 // All photos courtesy of Atlanta Blood Service
Stronger Than Ever, Hillel Provides Light
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
The annual Hillel dinner at Congregation B’nai Torah on Thursday, April 25, hammered home yet again the urgent and timely role Hillels of Georgia plays on campuses along with the amazing local Atlantans who rise to support it.
Hillel CEO Rabbi Larry Sernovitz told the AJT, “The real story tonight is empowering our students to be leaders and providing connections across the state in our own lives.”
The crowd of 400 included donors and supporters, and a cadre of poised and confident students. The evening’s theme was “Stand With Hillel,” and honored soon-to-be-outgoing Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon. Honorary event chairs were Helen and David Zalik.
After a cocktail hour and plated dinner by A Kosher Touch, Amy Dosik, chair of Hillel Board of Directors, followed by event co-chairs, Sara and Ross Kogon, welcomed the group. Congregation B’nai Torah Rabbi Joshua Heller talked about the “spiritual whiplash” of events … from Yom HaShoah to joyous Israel Independence Day relating to Parsha Shimini.
He stated, “We have to come together to stand up. It’s life or death for the 59 hostages still held.”
A Yom HaShoah candle lighting took place on stage “in memory of those who perished 80 years ago or 18 months ago.” He prayed for the hostages’ return and “wisdom for this new generation to carry us forward.”
Rabbi Sernovitz then emphasized the positive light that “not only are we still here, but our future is bright. I’m blown away by this sold-out crowd.”
He explained that life after college would be enhanced with Hillel’s partnership with Jewish Family & Career Services with career centers for things like job training. “We focus on both doing well and doing good.”
A pair of video presentations highlighted students, one from Kennesaw State explaining how on Oct. 8, her “friends” turned to hate. Hillel gave support like being escorted to class if needed, and providing empowering classes on Zionism and Israel. One student said he had newfound courage to wear a kippah to class. Dusik spoke of Hillel’s “buffet of programming to help students find their way.”
Accepting the We Stand with Israel Award, Sultan-Dadon spoke about who is on the right and wrong side of history. “We share responsibility to remember the past along with what we are doing
to move forward to fight. We should not be still fighting for 18 months with 59 outstanding hostages. The international community should have demanded the hostages’ release.”
She thanked Hillel for adding the light for students on campus to view being Jewish as a privilege, not a burden.
Event co-chairs, Michelle and Gary Simon, introduced Matthew Bronfman, chair of Hillel International Board of Governors, by reciting his extensive resume which included Harvard, BHB Holdings and running IKEA in Israel. Bronfman began by quipping, “You’d think I couldn’t hold a job.”
Jada Monroe (UGA Class of 2028) and Rami Fabian (Emory class of 2025) provided student voices. The later stated, “After Oct. 7, there was a shift in subtle side glances to visible isolation.”
Monroe spoke of Hillel’s safety net and helpful programs like Content Creators. No stranger to the stage, Avery Kastin, Development Chair for Hillels of Georgia, gave an emotional ask for money by evoking a Holocaust story where factory women banded together to share
breadcrumbs so the youngest could survive. … “Now, too, we can only rely on other Jews for strength, resolve and resources … if we don’t give enough today, we may be scraping breadcrumbs tomorrow. We are $78,000 short of goal. Get a tech-savvy student here to show you how to use the QR code.”
To conclude, Michelle and Rob Lev-
A rare 1/4 acre plot in Zichron Yaacov’s most prestigious neighborhood, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and lush green fields. Surrounded by
en, fellow event co-chairs, and Jay Kaiman, president of the Marcus Foundation, presented Lisa and Seth Greenberg with the Billi and Bernie Marcus Visionary Award.
New board member Andre Snabl told the AJT, “The prime reason I got involved was Oct. 7, and Hillel rising to the occasion.” ì
Avery Kastin, Amy Dusik, and Andre Schnabl are Hillel supporters and leaders.
Don’t confuse Chair of Hillel International Board of Governors Matthew Bronfman with local real estate mogul Matt Bronfman (right).
Norman Radow (left) is shown lighting remembrance candles with David and Helen Zalik
Amy Dusik, Seth and Lisa Greenberg, Rabbi Larry Sernovitz, and Rabbi Joshua Heller pose to show strength for Hillel.
Yaron and Robin Brill chatted with Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon
NCJW ‘Sheroes’ Take Action
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
National Council of Jewish WomenAtlanta Section celebrated its sixth annual “Women Who Dare” luncheon at The Temple on Peachtree at noon, Friday, April 25.
The four “Sheroes” who were celebrated were Dr. Amanda Cohn, Kate Kratovil, Sheri Labovitz, and Rabbi Lydia Medwin.
Co-chair/mother-daughter team of Sandra Bank and Samantha Bank Schoenbaum welcomed the group of 300 and recognized past Sheroes, defined as women who care, generate radiance, hope for future generations, and those who dare, all rooted in Jewish values and justice. Local politicians and council members were also recognized.
The invocation and Hatikvah were presented by Rabbi Loren Filson Lapidus, Cantor Tracey Scher, and Rabbi Lara Tessler. Added Touch (founded by Sandra Bank) was heralded for creative catering serving exquisite lacquer bento boxes on aqua tablecloths with red napkins and chopsticks, and NCJW fortune cookie messages. Tangerines served as centerpieces with scattered chocolate coins.
After lunch, Co-Presidents Susan Gordon and Stacey Hader Epstein spoke about NCJW’s past year of impact. Gordon thanked the Sheroes committee, which included Sherry Frank, for orchestrating the event “down to every detail forming our own Jewish conclave.”
Not incidentally, Frank is headed to Washington, D.C., in a few weeks to receive NCJW’s Rising Tide Champion Award at the organization’s Washington Institute Convention. Hader Epstein referred to the NCJW Atlanta’s 130th year milestone and the organization’s delight at welcoming so many new faces to their efforts this past year. She spoke of the new Board installation on May 13, a brunch featuring jazz pianist Joe Alterman. She then highlighted their three general meetings, Lunch ‘n Learns on the courts system, legislative sessions, and programs on food insecurity, election preparation, sponsoring an Atlanta Jewish Film Festival movie, and their recent Women’s Seder with 90 women attending a women’s seder with singing and dancing.
Other programs highlighted a woman’s right to choose, and their Teens 4 Repro Health program. Gordon spotlighted Post-Abortion Comfort kits, MLK Values, Mitzvah-in-Motion Days, their MLK Day Mitzvah Marathons, tutoring pro-
gram in Title 1 schools, and pop-ups with costume jewelry shops where less fortunate children can select Mother’s Days gifts.
Next up was the Sheroes recognition platform. Each honoree was presented with a personal handcrafted Miriam’s cup as polished videos were shown while each woman came to the stage with highlights of their accomplishments playing on the screen.
Rabbi Medwin’s video showcased her Memphis roots. From an interfaith family, she heads conversions at The Temple and spoke of the late Rabbi Alvin Sugarman finding a spark in her (and everyone) and also the late Rabbi Jacob Rothschild’s inspiration to make the city more whole through social justice.
Labovitz, a graduate of Duke Law
School, spoke of her pioneering a reduced work schedule after maternity leave, which took “some negotiating.” She said she actually preferred working for free now, in her commitment to political activism vs. making a salary. She related to a Pollyannaish outlook. Labovitz was referred to as a “political powerhouse” and “badass.” One of her main projects is serving as a long-time champion of Second Helpings, which rescues surplus, perishable food from restaurants for those in need. She then saluted her personal “shero” -- local volunteer Lois Frank.
Kratovil, also from an interfaith family, was saluted for daring to show up and have difficult conversations in unfamiliar spaces to build bridges, advocate on behalf of her values, and move communities forward. She mentioned her
political connections to State Rep. Esther Panitch and Sen. Jon Ossoff. She often volunteers for local and statewide races and held post-Oct. 7 conversations with elected leaders.
Dr. Cohn was recognized for her dedication to addressing misinformation about science and data with concerns about COVID-19 and measles vaccines. She stated that her own Shero was her mother, Carol Zaban Cooper, who was bravely facing her own health challenges. She said, “Jewish people have to care for marginal groups.”
Cohen got the audience giggling when she revealed that when she was an intern, she invited her single male resident over for Passover dinner to set the stage for their romance -- and eventual marriage. ì
Rabbi Lydia Medwin, Kate Kratovil, Dr. Amanda Cohn, and Sheri Labovitz were the four honored “Sheroes.”
Lorri Brown, Letty Marcus, Denny Marcus, Judy Landey, and Lori Kilberg came to show support.
NCJW leaders (from left) Marcy Louza, Stacey Hader Epstein, Marcy Bass, and Susan Gordon posed as a group before the program.
Epstein Students Present Holocaust Memorial Projects
On April 8, The Epstein School’s eighth-grade class presented their culminating history projects to an audience of families and fellow middle school students — marking the end of a yearlong journey through history and the Holocaust. The final presentation was the capstone to months of deep study, critical inquiry, and personal reflection.
“Throughout our study of the Holocaust this semester, we’ve explored the history of antisemitism, rise of Nazism, escalation to genocide, the final solution, liberation, and denial/distortion,” explains Epstein Middle School history teacher, Melissa Silver. “We also consider the importance of public memory — how we choose to remember, honor, and learn from the past in public spaces. With that in mind, we challenged students to design original Holocaust memorials that pay tribute to a specific individual, group, or event that deeply resonated with them.”
Students held a dedication ceremony of their original Holocaust memorials. These presentations included their 3-D printed memorials, dedications, artwork, poetry, and more. Groups also proposed where the memorial would be located. Each project reflects both historical understanding and personal insight. In this, the fourth year of this project, students chose topics honoring the literary voices of Anne Frank and Elie Wiesel, rescuers like Irena Sendler, Corrie Ten Boom, and the Denmark Rescue, and the victims of Joseph Mengele, gas chambers, and death marches.
Through these memorials, students demonstrated the research, STEAM (science technology, engineering, art, and math), writing, and critical thinking skills
they’ve developed during their time at Epstein. More importantly, they gave voice to stories that must never be forgotten.
Students created their projects by working through the design thinking process with Epstein STEAM Coordinator, Barri Gertz.
As families and fellow students listened to presentations, they were struck by the emotional depth and historical insight the students conveyed. It was clear that this was not just an academic exercise, but a heartfelt act of remembrance and learning.
“We were so moved by the emotion and knowledge the students shared today,” Epstein Middle School Principal Susanna Ames remarked. “They took on a tremendous responsibility with this project — and embraced the charge with thoughtfulness, empathy, and creativity.”
The memorials have a permanent
display outside the Bet Tefillah so students and guests can participate in this project of public remembrance while entering or
leaving Epstein’s house of prayer. ì
Compiled by AJT Staff
(From left) Reese Sonenshine, Hudson Traub, and Avi Weiss present their memorial entitled “A Wave of Righteousness” to honor the Danish rescue of 7,220 Danish Jews.
(From left) Mark Abrams, Ryan Blatt, and Ella Maman present their memorial entitled “Divided” to honor the victims of Josef Mengele.
(From left) Josh Petchenik, Jordan Smith, and Ellie Small present their memorial, “Souls of the Chamber,” to honor victims of those who were killed by gas chamber.
(From left) Gabi Richman, Alex Cohen, and Hannah Levy present their memorial, “Fading Footsteps,” to honor the victims who perished during death marches.
Memorial entitled “Hidden Identities” to honor the legacy of rescuer Irena Sendler.
Memorial entitled “A Wave of Righteousness” to honor Denmark’s rescue of 7,220 Danish Jews.
Actress Heaton Signs Jewish Future Promise
Amidst the global rise in antisemitism and the aftermath of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, the Jewish Future Promise (JFP) announced a historic milestone in its mission to safeguard the future of Jewish values, traditions, and the State of Israel. JFP has united more than 100,000 promisers, securing an extraor-
Today in Israeli History
April 30, 1992: In a radio speech, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak praises the peace efforts of the Palestinians but criticizes fellow leaders of Arab states for failing to seize the opportunity of the 1978 Camp David Accords.
May 1, 1987: Shahar Pe’er, Israel’s highest-ranking tennis player of all time, is born in Jerusalem. A winner of five WTA tournaments and a two-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist, she reaches No. 11 in the world rankings in 2011.
Israel Television sends out a test transmission in March 1968 in preparation for going live May 2 that year.
May 2, 1968: Israelis view their first general-interest TV broadcasts when Israel Television goes on the air at 9:30 a.m. with the image of a menorah, soon followed by the Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day) parade.
ISRAEL PRIDE
NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME
dinary $4.65 billion in commitments. This unprecedented show of solidarity highlights the steadfast dedication of individuals, families, and family foundations worldwide to champion Jewish causes and ensure the resilience of the State of Israel.
In marking the milestone, founder, actress and activist, Patricia Heaton has become JFP’s 100,000th signee. Heaton’s October 7th Coalition, (O7C) is a network of Christians standing visibly and vocally against the rise of antisemitism in our country.
“As a Christian, my spiritual heritage exists in the Jewish people. The bond Jews and Christians share is deep and profound,” said Heaton. “Along with that, our shared Judeo-Christian values are the foundation for the free and thriving democracies we see in Israel, America, and around the world. The Jewish future is everyone’s future!”
Compiled by AJT Staff
May 3, 1906: Stage actor Meir Margalit is born in Poland. He begins acting at 13 and moves to the Land of Israel in 1922 with an agricultural youth group. He spends most of his acting career with the Ha’ohel Theatre.
May 4, 1939: Writer Amos Oz is born in Jerusalem. After his mother’s suicide when he is 12, he runs away from home at 14. He changes his name from the Yiddish Klausner to the Hebrew Oz, meaning “strength” or “courage.”
Helmut Kohl visits the military cemetery in Bitburg. // U.S. National Archives
President Ronald Reagan and West German
May 5, 1985: President Ronald Reagan makes brief remarks outside the BergenBelsen concentration camp, then delivers a speech on German-American reconciliation at the World War II military cemetery in Bitburg.
May 6, 1951: Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion arrives in Knoxville, Tennessee, for a two-day tour of Tennessee Valley Authority facilities. The tour is part of Ben-Gurion’s 26-day U.S. trip to launch Israel Bonds.
MDA, Israel Railways to Install Defibrillators on Trains
Magen David Adom (MDA) and Israel Railways have begun installing defibrillators, for the first time, on more than 150 passenger trains, extending a successful partnership that has already equipped all 67 active train stations across the country with the lifesaving devices. This initiative, set to be completed in the com-
May 7, 2002: A suicide bomber kills 15 Israelis and wounds 55 others at a Rishon LeZion pool hall while Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush in Washington. Hamas claims credit.
Hebrew University archaeologists announce the discovery of Herod’s tomb at Herodium during a news conference
May 8, 2007. // By Avi Ohayon, Israeli Government Press Office, CC BY-SA 3.0
May 8, 2007: Hebrew University’s Ehud Netzer, a specialist in Herodian archaeology, announces that he has found the tomb of King Herod the Great at Herodium in the Judean Desert, verifying the account of the ancient historian Josephus.
May 9, 1998: Dana International, a trans woman and established star, performs the techno-pop song “Diva” in Birmingham, England, to become the third Israeli and the first since 1979 to win the Eurovision Song Contest.
May 10, 1948: Golda Meir travels in disguise to Amman to meet with King Abdullah in the hope of keeping Transjordan out of the forthcoming War of Independence. But the king says he must go along with his Arab neighbors.
ing weeks, aims to enhance emergency response capabilities and save more lives in the event of cardiac emergencies during train journeys.
This move comes ahead of proposed legislation mandating defibrillators on trains. In recent years, the presence of defibrillators at train stations, coupled with staff training, has saved dozens of lives. Station managers, shift supervisors, security staff, and train inspectors undergo specialized training to use the devices when needed.
The partnership between MDA and Israel Railways has already proven effective. Defibrillators installed at train stations have proven critical in responding to cardiac emergencies, with station staff trained to deliver rapid, lifesaving assistance. Expanding this initiative to include moving trains ensures passengers have access to critical care throughout their journey.
May 11, 1949: The U.N. General Assembly votes 37-12 with nine abstentions to admit Israel as the 59th U.N. member on Israel’s third application. The Security Council rejected bids in May and December 1948.
May 12, 1943: Settlers in tents establish Mitzpe Gevulot, the first of three agricultural outposts in the opening phase of Zionist settlement of the Negev, where the Jewish National Fund has been buying land since the 1930s.
May 13, 1984: Moroccan King Hasan II convenes the two-day Conference on the Jewish Communities of Morocco, where 20,000 Jews remain. The conference in Rabat draws 38 Israelis, including eight Knesset members.
May 14, 2018: President Donald Trump moves the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Israel’s capital, Jerusalem, as dictated by a 1995 law. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama had postponed the shift for national security reasons.
Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (israeled.org), where you can find more details.
Actress Patricia Heaton has become Jewish Future Promise’s 100,000 signee.
Magen David Adom (MDA) and Israel Railways have begun installing defibrillators on more than 150 passenger trains.
Compiled by AJT Staff
Chancellor
Israel’s Abba Eban (left) and Moshe Sharett celebrate Israel’s success in earning U.N. membership on May 11, 1949. // Israeli Government Press Office
Temple Sinai Looks to Partner with Kibbutz Be’eri
By Bob Bahr
Kibbutz Be’eri was once the picture of a perfect Israeli community. Established in the Western Negev just before the partition of Palestine in 1948, it flourished. Its residents lived in neat rows of homes, with red tiled roofs. Flowers grew along the paths that wound through the well-tended streets. The 1,200 residents who lived there treated one another like an extended family with a strong sense of community.
Over the years, a well-equipped printing house was established. All of the country’s drivers licenses and credit cards were printed there. Outside its gates, miles of rich and verdant farmland stretched to the east. Acres of avocados hung heavily from trees nearby.
While other collectivist communities struggled with bankruptcy and privatization, Kibbutz Be’eri remained a strong and a widely admired ideal. Despite its close proximity to the Gaza Strip, just three miles away, it was said to have had a long waiting list of young couples eager to start married life there.
But all that changed in the early hours of Oct. 7, 2023, when 3,000 Hamas terrorists swept across the border and into Kibbutz Be’eri and several other border communities. In a matter of hours, 102 people in the kibbutz were murdered. They ranged in age from an infant of 10 months to an 88-year-old widow. Most were shot point blank, including 8-yearold Emily Hand. Thirty-one others were kidnapped and taken back to Gaza. An entire neighborhood of 120 homes was destroyed and 13 of the community’s buildings were devastated.
At a Sunday morning brunch in the Temple Sinai Learning Center in Sandy Springs earlier this year, an audience of about 60 sat silently listening to Nieve Higgins, who was born in the kibbutz, recount that terrible day -- how his aunt had died, how his kindergarten teacher had perished, and how his former boss and mentor had his life ended on that day. Miraculously, most of his family survived in the kibbutz, as did he, safely living in a Tel Aviv suburb when the attack came.
“I don’t think there’s ever been something quite similar to this,” he said on the Zoom call with Temple Sinai, “where a close community, in a Western kind of society, loses so much in one day.”
But his talk that morning was not to
IS ELI HOSTAGE T CKER
Israeli hostages set to be released in phase two:
Fifty-nine more hostages are held in Gaza by Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists and are supposed to be released as part of a successful negotiation of the phase two portion of the deal. The hostages are:
Nattapong Pinta, 36
Rom Braslavski, 21
go over, yet again, the losses he suffered, but to enlist the Temple Sinai community in the rebuilding process.
“There’s a grand rebuilding campaign, we are rebuilding a new medical clinic, as well as the bookkeeping offices that were burned to the ground. We don’t want to just bring Kibbutz Be’eri back from Oct. 7. We want to make it better. We want to encourage young families to come back to the kibbutz and raise their kids with a sense of freedom and security.”
The Israeli government has appropriated $100 million for new homes to be built and is housing 800 of the former residents in a hastily constructed community 45 minutes away, but Nieve Higgins believes that’s just a start. He is part of an organization called We Are All Be’eri, which is aimed at creating support and raising a rebuilding fund to supplement government grants.
Temple Sinai has started a committee to strengthen ties between itself and those working to rebuild Kibbutz Be’eri. It’s chaired by Steve Gerson, a retired CPA, who visited Israel last year, saw the destruction and devastation at the kibbutz and came away with a determination to do more.
“I never felt a sense of powerlessness, if anything, I felt reinvigorated with strengthened commitment. Unfortunately, as they say, it’s not our first rodeo. This is the story of our people. And somehow, over the ages, we’ve survived, and we’ll survive this one,” Gerson said.
Rabbi Natan Trief, who works on adult education at the temple, hosted the discussion about the kibbutz and is advising Gerson’s committee about what comes next. He recently returned from a trip to Israel with other educational leaders from the temple who visited Kibbutz Be’eri and learned firsthand about the community that is rising from the ashes. ì
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
Edan Alexander, 21
David Cunio, 34
Eyvatar David, 24
The following hostages have reportedly been murdered and are expected to be returned in phase two:
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)
Yonatan Samerano, 21 (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)
Gad Haggai, 72 (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)
Ofra Keidar, 70 (murdered in captivity)
Lior Rudaeff, 61 (murdered in captivity)
Judi Weinstein-Haggai, 70 (murdered in captivity)
Meny Godard, 73 (murdered in captivity)
Shay Levinson, 19 (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)
Nieva Higgins with Steve Gerson and his wife at a home attacked by Hamas at Kibbutz Be’eri.
Zeev Buium Makes NHL Debut
David Ostrowsky
Etched into the left forearm of Zeev Buium is a tattoo of the dates in Hebrew that he won gold at the World Under-18s and the World Juniors as well as an NCAA Division I men’s hockey championship for the University of Denver Pioneers. However, the 19-yearold Israeli American may need to tack on another date — April 20, 2025 — to commemorate his recent NHL debut for the Minnesota Wild in Game 1 of their firstround Stanley Cup playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Center in Las Vegas.
Shortly after his sensational sophomore season ended with a double-overtime loss to Western Michigan in the Frozen Four semifinals, Buium (pronounced BOO-yum), a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey’s top player and widely considered to be the country’s premier offensive defenseman, opted to forgo his final two years of school to sign a three-year, $2.925 million entry-level contract with the Wild, the team that selected him in the first round of the NHL Draft last June. Though his new team passed on inserting him into the lineup for a must-win regular season finale, Buium was tabbed to supplant Jon Merrill on the third defensive pairing with Zach Bogosian for the Wild’s playoff opener. In doing so, he became the first-ever NHL player born to Israeli parents and one of more than a dozen Jewish players to suit up in a game this season.
“Just really thankful for the opportunity,” Buium told reporters following the Wild’s practice leading up to Game 1 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series when his ascension to the postseason roster became official. “These guys have been building toward this the entire season, so I just want to go out there and do whatever I can to help. As we were going through the week, we were discussing (debuting). I think, for me, it was just continuing to feel more comfortable, feel more confident.”
With his parents, Sorin and Miriam, who emigrated in 1999 from Ashdod, a city in southern Israel, to San Diego, in attendance along with his oldest brother, Ben, girlfriend, and some other friends, Buium appeared comfortable and con-
It’s fairly rare for an NHL rookie to make his debut in the postseason, but thus far Zeev Buium of the Minnesota Wild has looked like he belongs playing on the game’s biggest stage // Photo Credit: Zak Krill/Getty Images
fident skating in his first NHL game, a playoff contest no less, even if he didn’t light up the box score the way he was accustomed to doing at Denver over the past couple winters when he tallied a whopping 98 points, the most for an under-20 defenseman playing college hockey in the past 45 years.
In just over 13 minutes of ice time, Buium flashed signs of his dynamic skating ability, seamlessly moving the puck into Vegas’ zone on multiple occasions while not getting rattled by a jarring hit that nearly knocked him into the Golden Knights’ bench. Minnesota head coach John Hynes even had enough faith in the teen’s playmaking skills to insert him into the power play unit in a six-onfive situation in the final 90 seconds, his team down a goal. There, Buium had his only blemish on an otherwise solid debut outing, misfiring on a pass to teammate Matt Boldy that Vegas’ William Karlsson nearly converted for a game-sealing empty net goal.
When he was asked after Game 1 what he will remember the most from his first NHL game, an eventual 4-2 loss, Buium responded, “Everything. I mean, the crowd was pretty amazing, playing in a game like that. Those are the crowds you dream of playing in. Those are the games
you get up for the most. I think just being out there and seeing the atmosphere was pretty amazing.”
Irrespective of how the balance of this first-round series plays out (as of press time, it was tied 2-2), Buium, who bounced back from a quiet Game 2 to register his first-ever NHL point by assisting on the Wild’s first goal in their Game 3 romp (5-2), is expected to be a cornerstone of the team’s blue line as soon as next year.
“There’s a reason why he’s here,” Hynes told the media in rationalizing his decision to plug Buium in right away. “He’s got some really good attributes. He’s a smart player, he’s competitive, he’s got some good elements to his game. He’s played in high-stakes environments. He’s been on winning teams. . . . It could be great. He might not be as good as he thinks he is, or we want him to. But you want to put your team in the best position to win, and to give ourselves an opportunity to win a series. It’s going to be hard-fought and we’re going to need everybody. But we think this timing is the right thing for our team.”
Zeev, whose other brother, Shai, with whom he teamed up for an NCAA title last April in Denver and is now skating for Grand Rapids Griffins of the
American Hockey League, has embraced not only being among a record number of current Jewish NHL players — prior to last year’s NHL Draft, he said, “If I could be another Jewish hockey player in the NHL and pave the way for younger kids that are Jewish and show them it’s possible, then I’d be very happy and it’d be great for me and my family” — but also his trailblazing role in enlightening Israelis, including his many friends and relatives, about the thrills of hockey.
“When we first went there [Israel], I don’t think they knew what ice hockey was,” Zeev shared when speaking to the AJT last year. “Over the years, it seems that it’s developing and getting a bigger name for itself. I hope my brother and I and the Jewish hockey players of the world are inspiring a little bit, seeing that we can play hockey and it’s definitely doable. Hopefully, over the next couple years it develops even more and becomes a real thing. I’m really excited to see what happens with that.”
What transpires over the coming days — whether or not Buium and his upstart Wild team can upset one of the league’s heavyweights and advance deeper into the Stanley Cup Playoffs — will go a long way towards that coming to fruition. ì
Reyzelman Progressing Through Yankees System
By David Ostrowsky
When Alex and Victoria Reyzelman immigrated to the U.S. from the Soviet Union in the 1980s, they didn’t exactly harbor dreams of one day seeing one of their sons inch his way toward taking the mound at Yankee Stadium. Alex and Victoria were Jewish immigrants trying to carve out a fresh life in the States, master a foreign tongue, and establish new careers, as a podiatrist and chiropractor, respectively. And as they settled down in the Bay Area to start a family while grappling with financial issues, professional athletics — and certainly baseball — was never considered a realistic career path for any of their three sons, Ethan, David, and Eric.
But, as their late-blooming middle child, Eric, eventually sprouted over six feet while developing a blistering fastball that started piquing the interest of Division I college coaches leading up to his senior year of high school, they had no choice but to consider the prospect of having a pro ballplayer for a son. Several years later, such a possibility morphed into a reality when the New York Yankees selected Reyzelman in the fifth round of the 2022 MLB Draft. Though his numbers during his junior year at LSU, to which he transferred after pitching for the University of San Francisco (USF) his first two years, were not spectacular — a 1-3 record and a 4.04 ERA across 42.1 innings — the right-handed reliever, his fastball now topping out in the mid-nineties, was still bursting with big-league potential.
After searing back pain and subsequent surgeries to fix a cyst limited Reyzelman to nine games across his first two minor-league seasons, the San Ramon, Calif., native rocketed through New York’s minor-league system last summer, acing his assignments for the Tampa Tarpons, Hudson Valley Renegades, and Somerset Patriots, to earn an invitation to spring training with the big-league club this February. With such scant minor-league seasoning, Reyzelman didn’t crack the Yankees’ opening-day roster but did get assigned to their Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, for whom he has pitched well enough to perhaps earn a one-way ticket to join Max Fried in the Bronx this summer.
“I don’t even think that I stopped to think about the travel and the moving and the new teams,” Reyzelman shared with the AJT last week when reflecting on his breakout (and nomadic) season
a year ago that catapulted him to being on the cusp of the big leagues. “The game being taken away for that year-and-ahalf and having to grind and to have to think about really whether or not I’m going to be able to pitch again — that’s how bad it got at times with my back — I was just thrilled to be playing baseball. I just didn’t even acknowledge those issues [moving around]. It was a lot going on, a lot happening in a short time span, but I loved every second of it. This is the healthiest I’ve been, quite possibly ever. I’m excited to keep that going.”
If there’s any part of Eric Reyzelman’s story that is more fascinating than his familial background — or his battling back from not only the tormenting back issues but also Tommy John surgery during his freshman year at USF — it’s his high school playing career, or, rather, lack thereof. Reyzelman enrolled at De La Salle High School in the East Bay primarily because of the school’s heralded, uber-competitive baseball program. That reputation certainly held true as a year after pitching for one of the school’s two freshman teams, Reyzelman was cut from the junior varsity squad. The next spring, as a junior, he failed to make the varsity or JV teams. That’s when things started changing — quickly.
With no high school baseball games filling up his schedule, Reyzelman committed himself to the weight room while playing in essentially sandlot games on Friday evenings to keep his arm fresh. By June he had not only bulked up but had tweaked his pitching mechanics enough
to land a spot on a travel team that participated in regional tournaments. Confident that he could consistently throw multiple pitches for strikes, including most importantly his bread-and-butter fastball, Reyzelman put together a YouTube recruiting video that he sent to the USF coaching staff. Apparently, the USF coaches liked what they saw because they came out to the next game and within a couple weeks offered Reyzelman a spot on the roster — nearly a year before he finally made his high school varsity team. Acknowledged Reyzelman, “it’s not quite the easiest way to make that happen.”
Now, he’s one call away from joining a Yankees pitching staff headlined by Fried, whom he refers to “as intelligent of a baseball mind as I think I might have met in the sport” and performing on one of the grandest stages in all of North American professional sports.
“I’ve pictured my first time stepping on the mound there [Yankee Stadium] as well as getting the phone call or meeting with my Triple-A manager — it’s hard to say that I haven’t pictured that a million times,” confided Reyzelman. “To be honest, I don’t know the exact emotion I will feel when I’m out on the bump. There will be maybe a split-second of pride and happiness, just seeing dreams come to fruition, but realistically, knowing myself and knowing how I operate, I think after that moment kind of fades, I’m going to lock in. And it’s on to the next goal, which for me is winning a World Series, being an All-Star, and helping the Yankees for a long time.”
Even if Alex and Victoria weren’t always fully behind Eric’s baseball dreams as they observed the physical and emotional toll the sport took on their son, they instilled in him values he continues to uphold while blazing his path to Yankee Stadium.
“I think that them being immigrants, having seen the U.S.S.R. firsthand, and growing up in that fashion, I think that it only helped me and my brothers in terms of just being raised the right way, knowing right from wrong. They were strict on us, they made us work really, really hard. I’ve learned a lot of lessons from stories that my family has passed down and plan on continuing to do so. Judaism was a super important part of my life growing up. It has been extremely influential in terms of [not just] baseball success but just life in general,” added Reyzelman, who is very passionate about getting the opportunity to pitch for Team Israel in next year’s World Baseball Classic.
That all three boys have become observant Jews — Eric attended the Chabad-Lubavitch chapter at LSU and later connected with a Chabad in Tampa — went according to plan for mom and dad. Undoubtedly, however, that their two oldest have been so invested in sports and excelled at such an elite level (David was a tight end for Fresno State) was never foreseen. Meanwhile, Ethan, currently a sophomore pitcher at De La Salle High, has landed a spot on the school’s JV roster in his first try, which, as Eric is quick to point out, means his baby brother’s already a step ahead of him. ì
In less than a year, right-handed reliever Eric Reyzelman has excelled in every minor league stop for the New York Yankees and is now on the verge of joining Max Fried in The Bronx // Photo Credit: Tim Dougherty
Judy & Grace Boutique Opens in Dunwoody
Judy & Grace Boutique, a new women’s fashion destination located at 5488 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Suite 10, celebrated its grand opening with a ribboncutting ceremony on Feb. 26. The event was attended by members from the Perimeter Chamber, Discover Dunwoody, Brand Properties, and Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch. Monsignor Joe Corbett from Saint Jude the Apostle Catholic Church and Rabbi Brian Glusman from the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta provided blessings for the new business.
Owned by Nida Mudd, Judy & Grace Boutique offers a curated selection of casual and everyday wear, accessories, gifts, and special occasion dresses for mothers of the bride and groom, as well as for formal affairs. The boutique’s name honors the two most important women in Nida’s life -- her mother, Judy, and her daughter, Mattie Grace.
“I wanted to create a space that would resonate with women in my age group, offering them stylish and comfortable options for everyday life and special events,” said Mudd. “It’s also a tribute to the women who have shaped my life.”
The idea for the boutique came when Mattie Grace, Mudd’s daughter, was a junior in high school. Mudd was looking for something to pursue once her daughter started college. She approached
her husband, Todd, with the idea of opening a boutique, and Todd suggested she first gain experience working in a store. This led Mudd to work at Nancy’s in Dunwoody, where she discovered that the owner was nearing retirement. Although a potential purchase didn’t work out due to the expired lease, Mudd’s perseverance paid off when another spot in the same
shopping center became available. With the support of Todd and her close-knit group of friends, Mudd secured the lease and opened Judy & Grace Boutique.
Judy & Grace Boutique invites women to visit and enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a “girlfriend vibe” that sets the tone for shopping. The boutique is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday
through Saturday, or by appointment. For more information, customers can contact the store at 770-680-5213 or via email at nida@judyandgraceboutique. com. Follow the boutique on Instagram @judyandgraceboutique for the latest updates.
Compiled by AJT Staff
Rabbi Starr Among 100 to Sign Letter of Support
More than 100 American Orthodox rabbis from across the United States have signed onto a letter calling on the religious Zionist community to vote for Slate 5 – the Orthodox Israel CoalitionMizrachi (OIC-Mizrachi) – in the ongoing World Zionist Congress (WZO) elections. The letter, spearheaded by Rabbinical Council of America (RCA) President Rabbi Zvi Engel, calls on the Orthodox community to vote for OIC-Mizrachi in the World Zionist Congress elections, which close May 4, as a means of strengthening Torah values, the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.
Rabbi Engel’s letter, underscored the importance of OIC-Mizrachi in ensuring that the religious Zionist community remains a strong and united voice in the decision-making process at the ‘Parliament of the Jewish People.” In endorsing OIC-Mizrachi, the rabbis affirmed, “OICMizrachi champions the vision of the Jewish People as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Shemot 19:6), grounded in
the Torah as the source of our shared identity, culture and connection to Eretz Yisrael.”
The letter quotes Rav Saadiah Gaon (zt”l), who taught that “our nation is a nation only by virtue of its Torah,” and gives background to the importance of that both the Netziv (zt”l) and Rav Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook (zt”l) saw in the religious Zionist community’s participation in the World Zionist Congress. It touches on Rav Yitzchak Reines (zt”l), the founder of the Mizrachi movement in the late 1800s, and Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik (zt”l), who emphasized the responsibility of the religious Zionist community to actively participate in shaping the future of Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael.
“The overwhelming support from over 100 rabbis across the United States is a clear indication of the unity and strength within our community,” said World Mizrachi Executive Chairman Rabbi Doron Perez. “With the OIC-Mizrachi slate, we are not just advocating for
the future of religious Zionism—we are ensuring that the religious Zionist community remains a powerful force in the World Zionist Congress. The time to act is now, and together, we will continue to shape the future of Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael and Torat Yisrael.”
The Orthodox Israel Coalition (OIC)Mizrachi (slate #5) is a coalition of leading American Orthodox Institutions including the Orthodox Union, Yeshiva University, the Rabbinical Council of America, the National Council of Young Israel, Touro College, AMIT, the Religious Zionists of AmericaMizrachi, Torah MiTzion, Bnei Akiva, Shvilim and others. It has been on the frontlines for 120 years, driving meaningful change within the World Zionist Congress and strengthening the connection between Israel, Torah values and the Jewish people. Until May 4, 2025, join the OIC on the frontlines once again by voting in the World Zionist Congress elections and supporting the Jewish people and the Jewish state. For more information, visit: www.voteoic.org.
Compiled by AJT Staff
Judy & Grace Boutique in Dunwoody held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 26. Owned by Nida Mudd, the new boutique offers a curated selection of casual and everyday wear, accessories, gifts, and special occasion dresses for weddings and formal affairs.
Rabbi Adam Starr was among more than 100 American Orthodox rabbis from across the United States have signed onto a letter calling on the religious Zionist community to vote for Slate 5.
Home Services Entrepreneur Dips into Pool Cleaning
By Sasha Heller
Jason Smith made his mark on Atlanta when he co-founded Mr. Mister Mosquito Control in 2012, which grew into a successful enterprise that Smith later sold. Now, he has his sights set another home services market – pool cleaning.
“Prior to 2012, I had always been in business-to-business sales. When I started working with homeowners, it was like a whole new world opened for me,” he said. “I am extremely empathetic, so making people happy at their home is what ultimately makes me happy.”
Smith continued about why he decided to “dip his toes” into pool cleaning services.
“This wasn’t a rash decision. I’ve been a pool owner for over a decade and have struggled with every pool cleaner I’ve hired. All were poor communicators, drove in unmarked vehicles, and the employees didn’t wear uniforms. The cleaners who would spend five to 10 minutes at my pool never vacuum or brush tiles, and rush off to the next appointment. Plus, if I didn’t actually see them at my house, I would never have known if they came to ‘clean.’”
Smith spent the last two years interviewing pool cleaning business owners looking for an investment opportunity, but nobody matched the level of service he knew the right company needed to
Rabbi Minkowicz Gives Invocation at State House
provide. Smith then found himself on the Facebook group, Jewish Dads of Atlanta, and saw one of his friends had posted about an incredible pool company. And that’s what led Smith to Jason Prescott and Pristine Pools.
“From the first meeting I knew it was a great fit. Jason and Pristine Pools checked all the boxes I was looking for — most importantly, the standards for a complete clean, a desire to treat people the right way and the technical knowledge and expertise to be a true partner for the client,” Smith said. “Jason, who also grew up Jewish in Atlanta and was a bar mitzvah at Temple Beth Tikvah, shared in my vision for growing the business into the best pool cleaning company in Atlanta. We joined forces in 2025 and have already doubled the size of the business.”
Smith said he and Prescott are looking forward to “making a splash” in the community with plans to partner with local non-profits and launch a pilot program to explore employment opportunities for adults with special needs. Smith is a recipient of the Atlanta Jewish Times 40 Under 40 Award, is a member of LEAD Class of 2025, Sandy Springs Leadership Class of 2019, and sits on the Board of Directors for Billi Marcus Foundation and Jacob’s Ladder.
For more information, please visit https://pristinepoolsga.com/
Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz, a Chabad rabbi serving the North Fulton Jewish community, was recently invited to serve as the Chaplain for the Day at the Georgia House of Representatives. This prestigious occasion allowed him to deliver a heartfelt invocation, drawing upon the themes of Passover, freedom, and renewal. In his prayer, Rabbi Minkowicz highlighted the timeless significance of Passover, a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. He connected the spirit of freedom that is central to the holiday with the broader values of liberty and justice that resonate deeply within the American ethos.
Rabbi Minkowicz emphasized the universal yearning for freedom, reminding lawmakers of their duty to uphold justice, equality, and the dignity of all individuals. His invocation also reflected on the theme of renewal, encouraging
members of the House to reflect on personal and collective growth, both spiritually and in their roles as public servants. In a world often marked by division and strife, Rabbi Minkowicz’s message was one of hope and transformation, inviting lawmakers to renew their commitment to serving their communities with integrity, compassion, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The opportunity to serve as Chaplain for the Day was a significant honor for Rabbi Minkowicz. His invocation not only honored the Jewish tradition but also resonated with universal values, underscoring the power of faith, freedom, and the shared human pursuit of a better tomorrow. It was a moment of reflection and inspiration, bridging the gap between faith and public service in a meaningful way.
Compiled by AJT Staff
Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz (center) drew upon the themes of Passover, freedom, and renewal in his invocation at the Georgia House of Representatives.
Jason Smith decided to invest in pool cleaning services and connected with Jason Prescott and Pristine Pools.
Hadassah’s Metulla Group Hosts Tasting Adventure Repair the World, Souper Jenny Team Up for Tzedakah
Hadassah Greater Atlanta Metulla Group’s members joined together on an extrasensory experience to taste and smell the finest extra virgin olive oils (EVOO), infused olive oils, and perfectly aged balsamic vinegars on March 19 at Oli+Ve in Roswell. While savoring the various olive oils, Hadassah members learned about Hadassah’s push for heart health with “Every Bite Counts: Hadassah’s Nutrition Program,” which introduces members to innovative recipes, practical tips, and heart-healthy cooking.
The importance of olive oil in one’s diet cannot be overstated. Olive oil is considered beneficial for heart and arteries. Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which have been shown to lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol. Olive oil also contains oleic acid, which can help increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or “good” cholesterol. Studies have found that consuming olive oil can help lower blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. Olive oil reduces inflammation which contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help protect the arteries from damage. Some studies suggest that olive oil may help reduce the risk of stroke by improving blood flow and reducing blood clots.
Co-Chairs of Hadassah’s “Savor the Flavor: A Tasting Adventure,” in front of this gorgeous tray of foods prepared by Oli+Ve in Roswell, are (from left) Amy Mittelberg and Linda Glovsky
Simone Wilker, advocacy chair for Hadassah Greater Atlanta, explains, “Together, Hadassah will help women stay healthy across the generations. Hadassah can help women get started on the path to a healthier heart.”
In the Bible, olive oil holds symbolic significance. It is used for anointing priests, kings, and prophets. For example, Aaron and his sons were anointed with oil in Exodus 30:22-25. Olive oil is mentioned numerous times in the Bible signifying joy, health, and blessing. Olive oil was used for lighting lamps, as a food source, and for healing and general well-being in the Bible. The olive tree is mentioned in Psalm 52.
Mindy Cohen, co-president of the Metulla Group of Hadassah Greater Atlanta, states, “At Hadassah, we’re committed to saving lives and advancing women’s heart health in the U.S., Israel, and around the world. With your help, Hadassah research, prevention, and advocacy efforts will help more women live longer, healthier lives.”
For more information, please visit www. Hadassah.org.
Compiled by AJT Staff
Repair the World Atlanta and Souper Jenny partnered for National Days of Jewish Service, bringing participants together to learn about the intersection of food and environmental justice and take action guided by Jewish values. Participants toured the Souper Jenny farm, packed soup in partnership with The Zadie Project and packaged bagels to be distributed through the Bagel Rescue.
Erin Stieglitz, director of the Bagel Rescue and Repair the World service ambassador shared, ”This Earth Day Mitzvah Day event was about reflect
ing on respect, responsibility, nourishment, knowledge, and enjoyment of and for the Earth … it is a beautiful thing to watch people connect over common values of wanting to protect and sustain our planet, and caring to not destroy existing resources when they can be used to help others in the community. That sparkle came through during this event.”
The event served as testimony to the joyful connection and hope that service provides, while allowing volunteers to embody justice, tzedek, through service.
Repair the World Atlanta and Souper Jenny partnered for National Days of Jewish Service, as volunteers packed soup with The Zadie Project and packaged bagels for Bagel Rescue.
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.
Looking Back while Looking Forward
Dave Schechter
From Where I Sit
Some years ago, I carried a video camera as my father narrated a tour of the New York he knew growing up. New York was his city (and the Yankees his team), no matter living in Chicago for nearly 60 years.
As a young man, I felt no burning desire to be in New York. I found the city intimidating, in the abstract and when I visited.
My attitude softened during a trip several years ago, so I welcomed the idea of spending six days there and then three in Chicago during a recent trip as Audrey and I celebrated a noteworthy wedding anniversary (thank you).
In New York, we took in two shows (“Buena Vista Social Club” was spectacular, “Good Night and Good Luck” somewhat disappointing), enjoyed an evening at the Birdland Jazz Club, learned about the architectural history of Manhattan aboard a tour boat that circled the island, and admired exhibits at the Whitney Museum of American Art.
I had long wanted to visit Birdland and was pleased to discover that Atlanta’s own Joe Alterman would be headlining one night while we were in New York. He was in fine form, leading a quartet that included legendary saxophonist Houston Person. We danced in the back of the darkened room during the encore, and I got a kick out of Joe’s reaction to seeing us after the show.
I have flown into New York, walked through sections of the city, and even once (frustratingly) missed an exit driving across the George Washington Bridge. Seeing the city from the water afforded a new perspective on familiar landmarks
I too easily can be a creature of habit. One of the virtues of travel is breaking from routine. Travel requires planning, but also tolerance for changes in those plans, taking advantage of opportunities you otherwise would have missed. This can be challenging, but also rewarding.
and an otherwise less accessible shoreline.
New York is a wonderful city for walking. From our hotel near Times Square, we hiked in all directions, primarily from the Upper West Side down through Greenwich Village (particularly enjoying small neighborhoods in the latter), covering greater distances than we ever walk in Atlanta.
In Chicago, we spent hours walking through the EXPO Chicago international modern art exhibition at Navy Pier, pausing to examine some pieces that challenged personal definitions of art and others that impressed with either their design or the clarity of the messages they conveyed.
In both cities, we indulged, from diners to delis, and pizza parlors to white linen restaurants, as well as several taverns.
Beyond all of this, the trip was made extra special by family and friends in those cities.
In New York, Audrey treasured spending time with two of her inspirations, the artist (and sustainable fashion icon) Debra Rapoport and the famed Jewish storyteller Peninnah Schram.
She brought along friends to hear Rapoport at a seminar, among them two women who formerly lived in Atlanta, the daughter of a cousin, and another woman Audrey has known since college, who was a guest at our wedding those many years ago.
While my wife and one of the women had coffee at Rapoport’s Greenwich Village home the next day, I chewed on a half corned beef and half pastrami sandwich, along with pickles and a cream soda, at a midtown deli, rehashing the past and updating current circumstances with a graduate school friend, who had
his own memories of our wedding.
On the Upper West Side, we dropped in on a niece whose wedding we attended last summer and, in Brooklyn, the daughter of Atlanta friends took us to a couple of her favorite watering holes. At one, I sampled oysters for the first time, an acquired taste I’m not sure I’ll acquire.
Warm weather in New York allowed for a meeting over coffee outdoors, in Bryant Park, with a contact and friend from Chabad Lubavitch, a passionate advocate for his Orthodox community. We see some issues differently, but I always learn from hearing his perspective.
An invitation to EXPO Chicago added the Windy City (and it lived up to that nickname) to our itinerary, enabling us to visit with my 97-year-old mother and one of my sisters.
Another joy for me in Chicago was a reunion with two colleagues from my days as newspaper reporter in the Midwest. That first job was maybe the most fun I’ve had in journalism. There was much reminiscing about incidents and people from those years and I heard a couple of funny stories told about me of which I had no memory.
And we were able to take the daughter of other Atlanta friends to EXPO Chicago and dinner the night before we returned to Atlanta.
There is no denying that at a certain point in life, time becomes a precious commodity and how you spend that time even more important, a thought that can lead to melancholy or to anticipation.
There also is no denying that a milestone anniversary or birthday is an occasion for reflection but also a chance to, if not plot a new course, at least refine your current direction. Travel, as a break with routine, can help with this process. ì
Letters to the Editor
The AJT welcomes your letters. If you would like your letter to be published, please write 200 words or less, include your name, phone number and email, and send it to kaylene@atljewishtimes.com.
Letter to the Editor,
I’ve always passionately stood up for what I believe: women’s rights, racial justice, LGBTQ+ equality, and peace through education. Yet, time and again, I’ve faced rejection — not because of my abilities, convictions, actions, or commitment, but simply because I proudly and unapologetically support Israel’s right to exist.
When I fought for women’s rights, I was told, “You can’t be both a Zionist and a feminist.” When I marched to affirm that Black lives matter, my Jewish identity and support for Israel rendered me unwelcome. When I joined Pride marches, my Star of David — an unmistakable symbol of Jewish pride and resilience — was perceived as threatening.
I poured my heart into a collaborative initiative aimed at building bridges through education, working alongside courageous individuals from diverse faith backgrounds to educate Palestinian children. Our mission was clear: use education — teaching English, fostering critical thinking, and promoting deradicalization — to create genuine pathways to peace. Tragically, this humanitarian effort was undermined by those who viewed cooperation with Jews, even American Jews, as betrayal. Despite the bravery of our Palestinian partners, their own leaders, influenced by groups like Hamas, forced us to end the program to protect the lives of the very people we sought to help. Denigrating these peace-driven efforts empowers Hamas and perpetuates a conflict that costs real human lives. If education itself becomes a casualty, how can we ever dream of reconciliation?
Motivated by these experiences, I founded the Atlanta Israel Coalition — a proactive, powerful voice dedicated to unity, education, and advocacy against antisemitism and misinformation worldwide. Zionism is not about politics or governments; it’s the fundamental belief that Jewish people, like all peoples, deserve a safe and sovereign homeland. Criticism of specific Israeli policies is legitimate — but anti-Zionism denies our fundamental right to safety and sovereignty. Anti-Zionism, therefore, isn’t merely criticism of Israeli policies, it’s a denial of Jewish self-determination, emboldening those who openly chant for our destruction “from the river to the sea.” Calls for “intifada” aren’t advocacy; they’re incitements of violence and murder.
Recently, I made a painful yet necessary decision within a Jewish community I deeply cherished — a Facebook group for Jewish mothers, a space into which I had invested my heart and soul. As antisemitism surged alarmingly in all corners of public discourse, ensuring our community’s safety became critical. Initially, we rightly excluded voices actively undermining Israel’s security and, consequently, our community’s safety. Yet, when the group’s leadership reversed course, welcoming back those who publicly sided with hostility and hatred toward Israel, I knew integrity demanded my departure. True unity cannot compromise on safety, integrity, or the fight against hatred even at the expense of social acceptance.
I have received death threats and vicious hate from outside our community, something tragically familiar to those who stand openly and proudly for Israel. What I never anticipated was encountering such hostility from within our Jewish community simply for supporting our people’s right to live safely in our ancestral homeland.
Sadly, those individuals, often portrayed as the “good Jews” by external groups, only empower our adversaries, providing cover and legitimacy to those who wish to tear us down. By siding publicly with voices calling explicitly for our destruction, these “good Jews” embolden our enemies, paving the path not just for hateful rhetoric but ultimately for violence against our communities. This false acceptance fractures our unity and endangers us all.
Supporting Israel isn’t political — it’s existential. It’s about humanity, dignity, and survival. Yet, this essential belief frequently isolates me from causes and communities I’ve dedicated my life to championing. It has recently cost friendships, acceptance, and spaces I once cherished. Still, I stand firm and unapologetic because truth and the right to Jewish self-determination are always worth the struggle.
We must actively combat antisemitism, courageously confront hatred, and speak truth with unwavering clarity. Our survival — and that of future generations — depends upon it. I remain committed, unafraid, and hopeful.
I urge caution: be mindful about which organizations and leaders you follow or support. Through painful experience, I’ve learned that not every organization truly represents the values they claim, especially regarding Israel. Always carefully research their leadership, their actions, and their statements. Align yourself only with those who consistently and genuinely stand for truth, safety, and the survival of the Jewish people.
I invite you to stand with me — join the fight against antisemitism, educate your communities, and actively confront hatred.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Cheryl Dorchinsky, Atlanta, Ga.
Disclamer to our readers:
This section of the newspaper is a forum for our community to share thoughts, concerns and opinions as open letters to the community or directly to the newspaper.
As a letter to the editor, we proof for spelling and grammatical errors only. We do not edit nor vet the information the letter contains. The individual signing the letter is accountable for what they share.
Letter to the Editor,
Dear Editorial Board of the Atlanta Jewish Times,
As a parent of two students at Atlanta International School (“AIS”), I read your April 9 article, “Pro-Gaza Art Project Upsets Jewish Atlanta,” with concern and felt much more needed to be said.
First, let me affirm that I am a steadfast believer in free speech and in the power of art to provoke deep thought and discussion. However, when art enters the realm of political commentary—especially on matters as complex and sensitive as the Middle East—it must be anchored in factual integrity to foster meaningful dialogue rather than deepen divisions.
At the AIS exhibition, I initially saw the artwork only from a distance. Later, after receiving a photo of the artist’s statement, I realized how deeply misleading and inaccurate it was— contrary to AIS’s core values of “joy of learning, purposeful effort, and mutual respect and understanding in an intentionally inclusive and intercultural community.”
Importantly, AIS’s leadership acted swiftly and appropriately. Upon realizing the piece had been displayed without proper approval, they promptly removed it. Mr. Kevin Glass, the Head of School—who was overseas at the time—also quickly issued a thoughtful statement to the AIS community.
Given the school’s relatively small Jewish population, these immediate and decisive actions deserve to be recognized. Yet your article gave insufficient attention to them. It also omitted that when approached by two Israeli individuals at the exhibition, the student-artist admitted her limited understanding of the complexities of the Middle East and expressed a willingness to learn more.
I respectfully urge the Atlanta Jewish Times to publish a follow-up highlighting AIS’s responsible actions and propose a path forward for other institutions that may find themselves in a similar situation. The Jewish community in Atlanta—and Israeli citizens living in Atlanta—can and should partner with schools like AIS to provide educational resources that foster a more accurate understanding of Israel’s history, the Jewish diaspora’s exile from Middle Eastern countries, and the broader regional context before and after Isreal’s independence in 1948.
Organizations hostile to Israel have invested heavily in promoting anti-Zionist anti-Israel and anti-Semitic narratives, especially on college campuses. If we do not engage earlier, at the high school level, we risk allowing misinformation to take deeper root. Moments like this should not only cause outrage but also galvanize action.
Finally, if the Jewish community wishes to highlight broader challenges, the case of the “Free Palestine” graffiti in Piedmont Park—visited by over five million people annually—is far more concerning. Despite being reported to the Piedmont Park Conservancy, no direct action was taken to remove it; only another graffiti artist’s intervention partially addressed it.
We owe it to our children—and to our broader community—to respond to misinformation not merely with condemnation, but through education, engagement, and a renewed commitment to truth.
David Zafft, Atlanta, Ga.
Letter to the Editor,
We attended the play "Parade" at the Fox Theater on Sunday. It was a very well-done production, and so important for the community to continue learning about the Leo Frank case.
It was mentioned at the end that the case was still under review by the state of Georgia. I was, however, very disappointed that the closing information failed to mention the 1982 deathbed confession of Frank’s office boy, Alonzo Mann, that proved that Frank was innocent. Mann’s statement made it very clear that Jim Conley was the murderer of Mary Phagan, NOT Leo Frank.
While the play was very well done, the omission of this key detail was very unfortunate. Chip Koplin, Hampton, Ga.
SPA & BEAUTY STAYCATIONS
Hoag set to Change How Women See Themselves
By Debbie Diamond
If Alyson Hoag has her way, every woman’s appearance would be a reflection of her authentic self. The name of her studio in Buckhead off Roswell Road, Authentic Beauty, reveals just how seriously she takes her mission.
During a recent visit with Hoag, she touched on a number of subjects – ranging from cosmetics, eyebrows and her new Genuist line of makeup to psychology, anthropology and sociology. For Aly, as those who know her best like to call her, the transition from one subject to the next is seamless and a part of her overall goals for Authentic Beauty and women worldwide. Her sociology degree and mentoring sessions with Sarah Breathnach, author of “Simple Abundance,” a New York Times bestseller, figure prominently into the conversation as she speaks about gratitude, beauty and women believing in themselves.
“I have had women sit in my chair and say they didn’t want to look in the mirror,” said Hoag. “Really that is heartbreaking. I want to work with each woman one-on-one, learn about her and create a realistic plan that takes them on an image journey that will reflect their inner beauty,” she stressed.
According to Hoag, she introduced one of the studio’s signature services, the Image Journey, to help clients create a look they love when they see their re-
flection in the mirror. During an interactive beauty and makeup lesson, Hoag first reviews an image board created in advance by a client that specifically depicts the look they hope to achieve. From there, Hoag discusses options for a 10-, 20- or 40-minute “face” and then takes the person through each makeup application, teaching refined and streamlined techniques.
The Level 1 makeup look creates a defined, natural look for a beautiful, yet “unmade up”-looking face especially for people on the go. A Level 2 makeup look elevates the makeup application, featur-
ing greater definition, depth, and dimension. The look works for special occasions and professional settings. Level 3 is tailored to black-tie occasions or special events where the services of a professional makeup artist are desired. Through what Hoag calls a journey of self-discovery, self-love, exploration and unadulterated fun, clients leave fully armed with the know-how to recreate multiple looks, depending on their day, mood or circumstance.
Eyebrows are an important part of the look created for clients at Authentic Beauty. Natural, kempt eyebrows are the
quintessential sign of a well-groomed person, and Authentic Beauty is known for turning out the best brows in town. In fact, the studio has been recognized nationally by Allure magazine, and Hoag has been called the “Brow Guru” of Atlanta by many who come to see her from all over the city. Adopting a no wax and only tweeze philosophy, Hoag emphasizes that too many scars have been caused by hot wax. Brow services at Authentic Beauty include brow tweezing, brow tints, brow lamination, and brow arching, done a la carte as needed and in a process called “brow rehab.”
With an impressive track record of 25+ years in the field and double board-certified credentials, Dr. Peter Abramson stands out as a seasoned expert in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Renowned for his expertise, Dr. Abramson specializes in a range of transformative treatments, including facelifts, rhinoplasty, nasal airway reconstruction, blepharoplasty, and an extensive array of in-office cosmetic procedures. If you are seeking a highly skilled facial plastic surgeon for injectable fillers, Botox, or other facial enhancements, Dr. Abramson's wealth of experience and innate cosmetic artistry make him the perfect choice to amplify your natural beauty.
Abramson Facial Plastic Surgery provides numerous aesthetic treatments options, including but not limited to: micro-needling, chemical peels, laser skin rejuvenation, epidermal leveling and rejuvenating facials. Brenda Caplan, our licensed medical aesthetician and skin care specialist, conducts in-depth consultations to determine which skin treatment is best for you!
Alyson Hoag, owner of Authentic Beauty Genuist Beauty brow collection, created by Authentic Beauty founder Alyson Hoag
Shira Cohen after her brow appointment at Authentic Beauty
“Eyebrows create the expression on our faces. They are the single most important feature that define how a person looks. Unfortunately, the angles created in many brows are simply wrong. In a year, I can change a person’s eyebrows if they stick to our protocol,” said Hoag.
With the national launch last year of Genuist Beauty, a line of organic, clean and environmentally thoughtful cosmetics, Hoag has taken her principle of beauty from the inside out, designed to reflect each person’s unique self, to women throughout the country. True to her roots, Hoag has placed the five-piece brow line at the front and center of her collection. Products include a Roller Brow with fine, sterilized needles to infuse the brow-enhancing serum; Revival Brow, a daily brow conditioning serum; Brow Renewal: Ultra Hydrating Nightly Treatment, a more potent, deep conditioning nightly treatment; Brow Primer, a daily liquid brow wax with flexible hold; and Roller Brow Defining Pen, a natural-looking liquid brow stain with a ceramic ballpoint pen that enables users to easily apply hair-like strokes.
“I launched Genuist specifically looking for real solutions for women over 50. I spent three years in product development committed to creating a line of cosmetics that these women would love based on all the feedback I had received from clients over the years. For too long, the beauty industry has not listened, and they have created too many products that women don’t want or need. I hear this sentiment repeatedly from my clients,” said Hoag.
Drawing from her sociology education and 40 years of experience working with Borghese, Lancome, Revlon, Sebastian, and as an educator with Aveda, Hoag stressed, “I like to think I provide beauty therapy. As women, our relationship to the mirror is complex. My goal is for someone to look in the mirror and say, ‘I love what I see.’”
For more information on Authentic Beauty or Genuist, please visit www.authenticbeauty.com or www.genuistbeauty.com. ì
SEE THE WONDERS OF OUR PLANET UP CLOSE.
REAL CLOSE.
Alyson Hoag at work in the studio
SPA & BEAUTY STAYCATIONS
Experience a Legacy of Skincare Luxury
By Robyn Spizman Gerson
As you walk into DERMed Spa, you will instantly know you’re somewhere special. You’ll be greeted by seasoned professionals and a beautifully appointed reception area lined with the finest cosmetics, products, and makeup that make all things beautiful possible.
Legendary in reputation, Institut’ DERMed was founded by licensed Master Esthetician Lyn Ross, L.M.E., who stands as a dedicated titan in the aesthetics industry. As the multi-talented founder and CEO, Ross is an accredited aesthetic instructor who has carved a path marked by excellence. Ross’ pioneering influence in the world of skincare has made DERMed one of Atlanta’s most popular spas for everything skincare and beyond. With Ross’ genuine warmth mixed with her unparalleled knowledge, you have the magic ingredients for a successful company that is the go-to source for skincare and antiaging.
Ross’ 40-plus years of experience have earned her the prestigious title of International Aesthetics Association Legend, a testament to her enduring impact on the MedSpa landscape. Along with this level of accomplishment comes a bigpicture vision that makes the DERMed mission one of serving a loyal line-up of devoted clients who have loved DERMed treatments and products since its inception in 1989.
In 2017, Karen Harris joined the DERMed team as a recognized Atlanta aesthetic professional with a dedicated following. Karen is the daughter of the renowned skincare pioneer Sydell Harris. Karen comes by her passion for skincare genuinely as her mother, Sydell, of blessed memory, was best known for her nationally respected, first-generation family business Spa Sydell. An early forerunner in the skin care and spa world, and certainly Atlanta skincare royalty, Sydell was one of the most well-respected names in the industry.
Karen Harris and Ross both started their business career at the original Spa Sydell, founded in 1982 by Arthur and Sydell Harris, and had the good fortune to be personally mentored by Sydell herself. “Sydell had such vision and such confidence, that just working with her daily influenced me greatly,” Ross reflects. “I credit those 12 years with Sydell for giving me the confidence to launch my Institut’ DERMed Spa clinical skincare concept, and that’s why I am where
I am today.”
This experience solidified her vision for a para-medical skincare approach, one that would address specific skin concerns with precision and care.
Institut’ DERMed Spa emerged as a trailblazer during the medical spa boom of the early 2000s. Ross’ commitment to providing effective solutions for skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and sunspots, using her non-prescription medical-grade skincare brand, has transformed countless lives. Ross’ leadership, advanced training skills, along with the talents of Karen Harris and an equally remarkable staff, ensure every client’s individual needs are met at Institut’ DERMed with a personalized treatment plan for their skincare needs.
Client Donna Wilensky raved about Karen, DERMed, and said, “I have had the privilege of knowing Karen Harris and can confidently say her expertise in skincare is unparalleled. Coming from a family (Sydell’s) with a rich history in the business, Karen inherited a deep knowledge of skincare and a genuine passion for helping people achieve their best skin. What sets DERMed apart is their personalized approach to skincare. They take the time to truly listen, understand each individual’s unique needs, and craft tailored solutions that deliver real results. Institute’ DERMed has the expertise to guide you with the utmost care and professionalism. Karen’s family’s legacy in the industry speaks volumes about their credibility and commitment to excellence, and it’s evident in the impeccable service that she provides.”
Karen Harris’ motivation comes from helping people have their best skin at any age and said, “What I love most is that what I do can help. Skin care is selfcare and that’s the business we’re in. It’s not just about beauty, it’s really about the essence of love. We want you to look in the mirror and smile and love your skin. After all, you are priceless and your skin is one of your most important assets and should be radiant, just like you.”
Ross added, “We’re not just in the beauty business, the education that we provide here of how to use cosmeceutical products for self-care inspires you to take the best care of your skin.”
Lyn Ross’ Tips for Achieving Radiant Looking Skin: As the days get longer, the sun is shining a little brighter. It’s the perfect time of year to shed the last of your winter layers and get ready to glow.
Ross says, “Exfoliating dead skin cells is one of the best ways to say ‘see-ya’ to dull skin. Whether you’re getting a facial treatment at the spa or using an exfoliator at home, summer-ready skin isn’t far away.”
Get a Professional Peel: After a long winter, your skin may look dull due to the build-up of dead skin cells. It’s hard for your natural radiance to come through without supporting skin cell turnover. Peels are popular for that very reason. An advanced peel formula helps brighten the look of skin that appears damaged by sun, age, hyperpigmentation, or acne. The best peels leave your complexion looking and feeling soft, smooth, and radiant. The goal is to create a better surface for your topical products to absorb more effectively without irritating your skin.
Do Facials at Home: As we age, one of the goals is to maintain a fresh-looking appearance. Gently remove dead skin cells and avoid drying out or causing irritation. You also want to encourage your skin’s natural rejuvenation process, boost collagen production, and fade the look of current skin discolorations. Using both a topical and a physical exfoli-
ant in your skincare regimen can help keep those dead, dry skin cells away. You may start with a gentle polishing scrub, followed by a renewing peel, and finish with a hydrating mask.
Tried and True Refining Ingredients: Consider a line of brightening products to maintain radiant-looking skin with corrective ingredients like Kojic Acid that assists in evening your skin tone. The right cleanser will not dry out or strip your skin. You may also benefit from an antioxidant-rich toner to help protect your skin from recurring dark spots. Follow with vitamin C serum and moisturizer. Vitamin C protects against sun damage and be sure to apply daily sun protection as the last step in your skincare routine.
Ross added, “For the very best results, schedule a personalized skin analysis to ensure you get the kind of active ingredients in your products customized for your skin type and concerns. After all, it’s important to love the skin you’re in. Let the team of licensed Institut’ DERMed certified estheticians assist you in your skincare needs.”
Please visit www.idermed.com for more information. ì
(From left) Karen Harris and Institute DERMed’s CEO Lyn Ross are highly respected experts in the world of skincare and are the go-to-resource.
Atlanta’s Massive New Hilton is a Premier Staycation
By Bob Bahr
For your next visit to a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or a concert at the State Farm Arena, you can now go first class at the new Signia of Hilton Atlanta, which has been built literally next door to both of these staycation venues.
Looking out from the massive 42-story glass cube with floor-to-ceiling glass windows in each room gives panoramic views of downtown Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and the $5 billion Centennial Yards development that will spread across 50 acres in the neighborhood. The opening of the hotel positions it squarely in the center of North America’s largest combined convention, sports, and entertainment destination.
The news of the hotel’s opening was welcomed by the head of the Georgia World Congress Center which is just a few steps away, and by Georgia’s governor, Brian Kemp.
“The addition of Signia by Hilton to the Georgia World Congress Center’s portfolio of venues further strengthens its status as one of the premier destinations in the world for conventions, sports events, and entertainment,” Gov. Kemp said. “As Georgia prepares to welcome iconic events and continues experiencing record-breaking economic growth in the years ahead, this facility is well-positioned to remain a key economic driver for our state. Tourism and the hospitality industry remain some of the largest industries in Georgia, and this hotel is another reminder of the Peach State’s success in these key areas.”
You can almost get lost in the 1.25 million square-foot building of nearly a thousand guest rooms, eight restaurants and other public spaces. The hotel has 100,000 square-feet of meeting space including the largest hotel ballroom in Georgia. It’s the biggest new hotel development to be built in Atlanta in the past 40 years.
It was built on what was once the site of the Georgia Dome and it’s close enough to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to make you think you might just be able to reach out and touch it. It would be a nice choice if you were planning on attending the four-day series of shows on Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter tour later this summer at the stadium or the World Cup Soccer Tournament in June of 2026.
For a special occasion, you can book one of the 70 suites in the hotel or one of the 80 rooms in what is called the exclu-
Ther sophisticated Club Signia lounge offers exclusive access to all-day dining, a complimentary cocktail bar and a private meeting room with an upgraded reservation.
sive Club Signia, which provides access to a club lounge that features club-style cocktail service, chef demonstrations and made-to-order snacks and small plates.
If you want a private workout, you can book a room with a Peloton bike or book one of the 11 wellness rooms outfitted with special attention to air purifiers and aromatherapy infusions.
For a more intensive workout, there’s an entire floor dedicated to wellness. A spa features treatments from Babor, Botanika Life, Essence One, Higher Dose and Hyperice. You can have a massage or a cryo facial lift, combining cold therapy and gua sha, along with percussion ther-
apy. There’s a special staycation package that the hotel is now offering that includes a $100 spa credit and a breakfast buffet for two. Additional special packages feature reservations at the Georgia Aquarium, and a date night package with a $100 credit for dinner at the hotel’s topof-the-line Italian restaurant, Capolinea, which features a tableside martini prep.
At the beauty bar, the full-service salon team will help guests look and feel their best, with services ranging from sleek blowouts and a first-of-its-kind biohacking pedicure to wedding preparations and gala glam.
There’s a fitness center with yoga station, more Peloton bikes, Technogym
equipment and group fitness classes, and an outdoor saltwater pool with a pool bar, the Highball, and a lounge that overlooks the stadium.
For those wanting more fresh air, Atlanta’s largest green space is nearby.
The recently opened Franklin Park has a 35-acre reservoir created from what was originally a massive stone quarry and trails that lead to the Westside BeltLine.
The new Hilton Signia hotel is part of Hilton’s impressive growth during the past year. The chain, which is based in McLean, Va., added 973 hotels and nearly 100,000 rooms in 2024, the single biggest increase in rooms in Hilton’s more than 100-year history. ì
The massive new Signia By Hilton Hotel was built on the former site of the Georgia Dome.
The saltwater outdoor pool is part of the hotel’s extensive recreation facilities.
By Robyn Spizman Gerson
Grab a date, the family, a group of friends and anyone who is up for a delicious dining experience, a fun evening, dinner, lunch and an eclectic culinary fantasy. Need a venue for a party, a special celebration or just a party of five?
The Chattahoochee Food Works is Atlanta’s best kept secret, though certainly discovered by thousands flocking to the vibrant arena of entertainment, culinary delights and an indie marketplace and art scene on event nights. There’s a sparkling energetic vibe at The Works that’s redefining a marketplace for the senses with a taste of innovation and excitement.
Located in the heart of Atlanta’s Upper Westside, Chattahoochee Food Works (CFW) is the popular 31-vendor, 26,000 square-foot food hall, indoor-outdoor bar and event space featured at the center of The Works. Highlighting the best of Atlanta’s exciting food scene, the food hall features restaurant stalls, creative chef concepts, and the region’s top culinary talent.
Celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern
and partner, Robert Montwaid, creator of New York’s highly successful Gansevoort Market, one of the forerunners in the food meets marketplace scenes, are the curators behind Chattahoochee Food Works. The two met working on a similar project in Minneapolis and then co-founded Chattahoochee Food Works in 2021.
Known as “Bobby” to his wealth
of friends worldwide, Montwaid spent more than a year in Atlanta, exploring neighborhoods and locations before partnering with Selig Development to select Atlanta’s historic industrial Upper Westside as the location. The food hall is part of “The Works,” the multi-phase grand vision of the late Scott Selig, revitalizing 80 prime acres in Atlanta’s Upper Westside. The development included a se-
Good Times Await at Chattahoochee Food Works Where Expert Healthcare Takes Flight.
W
ith a name inspired by the Monarch butterflies that call our Legacy Gardens home, Monarch Pavilion is the beautiful new four-floor neighborhood for all of Canterbury Court’s healthcare services. Featuring Assisted Living and Memory Support as well as Skilled Nursing, residents of all faiths receive the healthcare they need with the warm, person-centered approach Canterbury Court is known for.
To learn more and to schedule a personal tour, contact us today at 404-905-2444, visit CanterburyCourt.org/ ExpertCare, or scan the QR code.
Actual resident of Monarch Pavilion.
ries of industrial buildings that had been in the Selig real estate portfolio for more than 50 years.
“We’ve been extremely lucky to work with the Selig Development team to create Chattahoochee Food Works, a one-of-a-kind culinary and cultural experience for Atlanta residents and visitors alike,” said Montwaid, co-owner. “I’ve never been a fan of uniformity and I’m
Crowds flock to the 31 food stalls at Atlanta’s Chattahoochee Food Works.
Robert Montwaid and Andrew Zimmern, co-founders of Chattahoochee Food Works
proud to see the space continue to evolve and grow.”
CFW certainly lives up to Montwaid’s vision, and to his credit is detailed so imaginatively, it appeals to the senses on all levels, satisfying your every craving. The food concepts and restaurants that fill the engaging space were hand-picked by Montwaid. His talented team of experts from artists to chefs, award-winning restaurateurs to exciting pioneering concepts, were skillfully assembled to bring to life a creative foodfantasy happening bursting with creativity and passion.
As you enter The Works off Chattahoochee Avenue, you’ll discover an array of stores and shops and as you enter the back side, you’ll immediately notice the bright and colorful murals of magnificent butterflies and beyond, which greet you from the outside as you enter the food hall. A design of modern eclectic and shabby chic welcomes guests who are automatically introduced to the diverse chefs and restaurant options inside. Unlike other food halls, patrons are encouraged to sit in front of the food hall to dine – often talking directly to the chefs preparing their meal. Each stall area sets the stage in a surprising way around each corner, and has their own brand identity and design, taking Atlanta foodies on a culinary vacation with every visit. The food hall also features a European-styled flower market called Summer Breeze where guests can order an arrangement or pick up paper wrapped flower bouquets, on-trend, indoor plants and beautifully preserved flowers.
From young entrepreneurs starting a business like What the Fry and Tyde Tate Kitchen to celebrity chefs like Delilah Winder, owner of Delilah’s, or Andrew Zimmern of Patty & Franks, each stall highlights a way for the customer to personally meet the team behind the concept. Recently, the food hall welcomed Michelin star chef Steven Ferdinand to lead Zahra and Flora D’Italia. Ferdinand’s presentations are not only delicious, they are artistically presented as an art form. On any given day, you might also run into experienced Atlanta-based restaurateurs like twin siblings, Luis and Lucero Martinez, owners of La Luz, or Christine Nguyen and Alex Kinjo, owners of Banh Mi, Flying Fish and Saigon. Many restaurants that opened their first concept at Chattahoochee Food Works have gone on to open other locations including Monster Cookies in Tucker and Philly G Steaks Plus in East Lake.
For anyone looking for a sweet treat (or gift), the food hall is home to the first mochi donut in Georgia, a combination
of American doughnuts and Japanese mochi that originated in Hawaii. Atlanta’s favorite ice cream parlor, Morelli’s Ice Cream, serves up signature flavors like blueberry corncake, salted caramel, coffee doughnut, and many more. Owned by husband-and-wife team Donald Sargent and Clarissa Morelli, the ice cream parlor has gained prominence since opening their first walk-up store in 2009. Monster Cookies, owned and created by Veronica Dalzon, offers fresh and highly addictive cookie flavors such as PB&J, Strawberry Shortcake, Cookies & Cream, or the vibrantly colored Bam Bam cookie, topped off with fruity cereal. Unbelibubble Tea House serves close to 50 custom bubble tea variations, including sweet treats like honey bread and Nutella bread.
“Our popularity has increased over the years due to the personal relationships people make when they visit,” added Montwaid. “We’ve created a comfortable and inviting space for all age groups and families. Chattahoochee Food Works is a cultural gift to the city.”
In addition to sampling some of the most diverse and eclectic food menus in Atlanta, Chattahoochee Food Works hosts a series of weekday and weekend events for all age groups. Every Monday is “Industry Night” for those who work in the Atlanta hospitality industry. Industry professionals are invited to make connections and enjoy exclusive specials all around CFW and other participating businesses at The Works from 4 p.m. to close. Grab a few friends and attend one of Atlanta’s largest happy hour events each Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Chattahoochee Food Works food hall vendors offer food and drink deals, allowing visitors to sample a variety of good vibes and bites.
The popular “Indie Market” pop-up shop takes place Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. and features local businesses, fashion, jewelry and handcrafted goods. Thursday evenings are dedicated to Atlanta F.A.M (Fashion, Art and Music) with a live, creative experience each week. F.A.M. invites local artists, designers, and DJs to share their work and aims to provide a space where community and culture intersect.
Chattahoochee Food Works is a great location for lunch with colleagues, drinks with friends or dinner with your family. There is truly something for everyone’s taste and palate, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Chattahoochee Food Works is located at 1235 Chattahoochee Ave NW Suite 130, Atlanta, 30318. For a complete list of vendors and events, please visit: https://chattahoocheefoodworks.com. ì
Prioritizing Postpartum Care for
Mother and Baby
Postpartum care is essential for nurturing both mother and baby during this transformative time. At Haven, we provide personalized support tailored to your family’s needs, ensuring comfort, recovery, and confidence in parenthood.
Situated in the Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown
Gourmet dining to nourish and restore
Therapeutic services for relaxation and healing
Expert care from nurses, doulas, and infant care specialist
Daily workshops to empower your journey
Mother’s Day Tribute Winners
AJT asked the community to submit Mother's Day tributes, telling Jewish Atlanta why their mother deserves the best Mother's Day. Our three winners are: Delilah Cohen, Allison Crane, and Rebecca McCullough. They won $100 gift cards to Buckhead Life Restaurant Group. Mazel tov to our winners! All submissions are featured on the next few pages.
Delilah Cohen - Atlanta, GA
I am so thankful for my mom. She truly deserves the best Mother’s Day. She cares for me and our family, always making sure we feel loved and supported. She takes the time to cook dinner for us, and we cherish the moments we spend together. Whether it’s watching movies, going on trips, or just hanging out, she makes sure we’re always having the best time. On Mother’s Day, she should enjoy herself and feel as special as she makes all of us feel.
My mom always puts our family first. She checks in with my older sisters and makes sure we have everything we need, even if that means sacrificing for herself. She works tirelessly for our community and volunteers whenever she can. We’ve visited museums and learned about history together, and we love talking about our day and what we’ve experienced.
She helps us take care of our pets, plays games with me, swims with me, and loves cooking in the kitchen with us. Above all, she makes sure we all get along and always stands up for us.
Eima, you truly deserve an amazing Mother’s Day! I love you so much!
Mia Cohen
Allison Crane - Cumming, GA
My mom deserves the best Mother's Day Ever because she is the one always caring for everyone else. She has been my dad's caretaker for a couple of years now and continues to put his needs before hers. She deserves a trophy but doesn't look for one, as her love and care are things she does from her heart. It would be nice to see my mom (also my son's Mimi) spoiled by us all and given an extra special day to remind her of how much we love her.
Rebecca McCullough - Roswell, GA
My mom is determined to make people laugh and have fun, even when they don’t want to. She works really hard. At her job, at home, at talking me off the ledge, and all she ever asks for is for me to post one of those “happy birthday, couldn’t do life without this queen, love you mom” tribute posts on Instagram. Honestly, I could do without her random public dancing, but you take the bad with the good. And there is a lot of good. She remembers my friends’ birthdays. She teaches me weirdly helpful things like how to pretend she's me on a help chat to get what I need or how to wear rainbow Crocs without being embarrassed. But mostly what she does is show up for me. She answers every text I send, every call I make, and helps me with every crisis, even when she’s exhausted.
She deserves the kind of day where she gets to sit back and not worry about a single thing. Just laugh and be happy, which is all she ever really wants anyway.
Isabella McCullough
Jenelle Lovell
Miriam Botnick - Atlanta, GA
Hadas Bernstein - Atlanta, GA
My mother is awesome because she works harder than anyone I know, always doing everything for us. Whether it’s cooking, cleaning, or handling a million things at once, she does it all with patience, a smile, and so much love. She gives her best every single day, even when she’s tired, and she still finds time to be there for us with a smile. Her sense of humor to her surprises, she makes life better and brighter. That’s why she deserves the best Mother’s Day ever
Tehila Bernstein
Growing up, there was a sign hanging in our home that read, “Mother Botnick’s Boarding House for Better Babies.” As my mother prepares to celebrate her 90th birthday in a few short months, I can think of no better gift than to honor the love and care she has shown — not just to her own family, but to so many others over the years.
Whether she was serving as a room mother at school or a Brownie leader, she was always deeply involved in our lives. Her heart had more love to give than one family could hold, and she constantly found ways to share that love with others.
For 35 years, she sponsored a holiday party at a local Boys Club, bringing joy to children who needed it most. When her own mother began to age, she started a support group called Coping with Aging and later went on to help families through her work as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Georgia Ombudsman Program.
She didn’t just share her compassion — she shared our home. Over the years, our house welcomed cousins, teachers, friends, and exchange students, all of whom became part of our extended family.
When she became an empty nester, she turned her attention to supporting our work lives, even being honored as Volunteer of the Year for her contributions. She continues to be the heart of our family, especially during holidays, when she ensures her seven grandchildren are at the center of every gathering.
And in the last 18 months, she’s been blessed with three great-grandchildren — another generation to be touched by her kindness and love.
You are cherished today and every day, Mom. Happy Mothers Day!
Karen Botnick Paz
Iris Kahn - Atlanta, GA
Daniela Freund - Dunwoody, GA
My mom, Daniela, deserves an unsurpassed Mother's Day. She deserves this because my mom does miraculous things. For example, when we go to the beach. I always ask her to play soccer with me, and she says yes, unlike my dad, who wants to lie around. Also, Daniela spends so much time during the week planning things for us to do, and I always enjoy them. My mom understands me the best out of anyone in the entire Milky Way Galaxy, even Aliens who are watching our every move. Finally, she always brings me to soccer games early in the morning during the weekend instead of sleeping like a normal adult, and now I'm on a school trip in Savannah with my friends. For the trip, I had to be at school by five, and my mom was the one to wake up early and drive me. Daniela helped me with my bag for this trip, so I could have clean and nice clothes. All in all, I love my mom. My mom does all these amazing things for me, my family, and the community, so she deserves the best Mother's Day ever.
Beni Freund
My mother is the truest Yiddishe momme—strong, resilient, and endlessly giving, with a heart that knows exactly when to offer comfort and when to insist on taking a sweater, even though it’s 80 degrees out. She taught me that love doesn’t diminish when shared—it expands, endlessly. Each new soul we welcome doesn’t take from us; it makes us bloom, stretching our hearts wider than we ever knew they could go. Whether it’s a child, a partner, or one day, god-willing, a grandchild—our hearts do not split; they grow. She is deep, profound, poetic, and thought-provoking—a living d’var Torah, a testament to what it means to give, to love, to practice compassion, inclusion, and to build a Jewish home with open arms and a full heart. She is my light, my home, my greatest teacher. She taught me that true strength isn’t in silence—it’s in raising your voice to cheer for those you love, even when the world tries to drown it out. Her love—steady, proud, and fierce—was louder than anything else.
What she deserves can't be put into words, but I pray she feels the love—and knows I took the sweater, just like she told me to.
Lara Wachtler
Marilyn Lowenstein - Richmond, VA
My mom is the nicest person! No matter how far away, she is always available to listen and help in any way. A professional deflector and optimist, we rarely get the opportunity to do the same for her. Like many moms, she truly does have eyes in the back of her head, but they are always and only used for good things! We 'kids', grandkids and great-grandkids are spread over the world, and ZOOM and/or FaceTime can be tough for her to navigate, so it is hard to properly celebrate and honor mom this Mother's Day. Of course, Mom has a life of her own, but nothing is more important to her than all of us! Right back at you, mom!
Nancy Weissmann
Maria Vinnik - Atlanta, GA
While words do not do her justice I can only say that; Set in another time, she would still have her instincts. Set in another place, she would still have her true sense of direction.
In the darkest of times, she honors us with her loyalty.
In the brightest, she holds our family’s heart.
She is the glue that keeps us together, whether she knows it or not.
She is who each of us in the Vinnik family imagines when we hear the word “home.”
We see all her work, all her perseverance — and she deserves the world for it.
But if the question is, why does my mother, Maria Vinnik, deserve the best Mother’s Day ever?
The answer is simple: because she’s my mother.
Yakov Vinnik
Laura Zhiss - Atlanta, GA
My mom is the hardest working person I know. There is no other person on this green earth who is as committed to everything she does other than my mom. She leads a scout troop. She is a retired president of the PTA. But most importantly she is my mom. And no one can take that away from us.
Ben Zhiss
Mother’s Day Gift Guide for 2025
Robyn Spizman Gerson
Mother’s Day is right around the corner and here are some gift suggestions that will put a smile on Mom’s face. Add family togetherness, your own signature style and celebrate the moms, grandmothers, and special women in your life. Mother’s Day is a special day to make mom feel like a queen and bring on the TLC. Add an “I love you” letter, artwork from your pint-sized Picassos and make sure she knows how much she is adored. Moms deserve the best –after all, she has you!
For The Sweetest Mom – Gift Mom Chukar Cherries Mother’s Day Original Assortment, which is certified Kosher, and a beautifully boxed assortment of all-natural chocolate cherries and nuts featuring Cherry Blossoms, Cabernet Cherries, Cherry Bings, Truffle Cherries, Classic Dark Cherries, and Honey Pecans. Made with tree-ripened Northwest cherries in the heart of Washington’s fruit lands. No preservatives, No sulfites. Non-GMO, gluten-free, and Kosher. www.chukar.com
Gift Mom Peace of Mind – Give Mom the gift of clarity, reduced clutter, less stress in person help or online sessions with Linda Diamond, CEO of Captured Clutter. Her home organizing, life enhancing recipe helps any overscheduled or overwhelmed Mom manage life with ease. Gift Mom a threehour minimum customized package and let Linda, a go-to organizational expert, help her manage busy schedules, time, cabinets, closets and beyond. Contact linda@capturedclutter.com
The Gift of Radiant Skin - Indulge Mom with a combination of relaxation with results, and gift an Institut’ DERMed Spa gift card. DERMed begins Mom’s facial experience with a revolutionary 3D skin analysis to create a personalized treatment plan. Keep every Mom glowing and treat her to beautiful skin, reduced fine lines and deep hydration, revealing her most radiant complexion. www.idermed.com
A Jewel of a Mom – Elegant jewelry that’s totally in style and a classic treasure spells Tassels, located in the heart of Buckhead. This jewel box of an exquisite store is filled with magnificent treasures from earrings to bracelets, necklaces to accessories that glitter and sparkle. Make Mom feel extra special and lucky on Mother’s Day. 3802 Roswell Road, Suite B. Atlanta, 30342. Tasselsjewelryatl
Auntie Kim’s Pound Cakes – Taste the love in every bite! Auntie Kim’s Pound Cakes is one of Atlanta’s most popular bakers of “homemade style” pound cakes handmade from scratch and the finest ingredients. Each cake is beautifully wrapped and made with love. Popular flavors include butter pecan, lemon, coconut, chocolate chip, brownie, strawberry and more. All cakes are $42.50. Gluten-free cakes available by request. Visit the Auntie Kim’s bakery in Cumming or order online: https://auntiekimspoundcakes.com
For Nature-Loving Moms - Check out “Wild Birds Unlimited” and their Backyard Bird Feeding Stations. Create a haven for bird watching and experience the love of birds. Enjoy your backyard ecosystem, relax, and get away from it all. Check out their feeding systems that are customizable (no more squirrels) and create the ultimate station that will attract the birds to your life. Located at Chastain Square and gift cards available. https://atlanta.wbu.com/
Flowers for Mom – Send Mom or pick up a beautiful floral arrangement from Summer Breeze Flowers & Gifts, an exquisitely presented local florist with flower delivery in the Atlanta area available. Discover an array of floral bouquets, from large to small desk-sized flowers in gorgeous terrariums, preserved flowers in shapes of hearts and more gifts, uniquely arranged with the touch of a summer breeze and an artisan’s talent. Located in Chattahoochee Food Works at The Works on the Upper Westside. www.summerbreezeflowers.com
A Big Hand for Mom – Give Mom a big hand and a gift from Èlan Organic Nail Boutique in Buckhead which is a dedicated hybrid salon offering nontoxic and traditional services with an emphasis on nail health and luxury wellness experiences. They offer e-gift cards, house made cuticle oil pens, and organic sugar scrubs that make a great gift for Mother’s Day. www.elanorganicbeauty.org
For a Stylish Mom – Travel purses and more for the Mom going places are irresistible at B.D. Jeffries located in Powers Ferry Square. Feast your eyes on gifts galore at B.D. Jeffries, a beloved Buckhead store filled with beautiful accessories, handsome serving pieces, home décor, stylish accessories, coffee table books and stylish items every mom will love. www.bdjeffries.com
The Game Playing Mom – The ultimate destination of Mah Jongg Maven presents more than 40 sets and each of their engraved and hand-painted sets comes with eight blanks so you can customize jokers. Discover a creative selection of gifts that celebrate a love of the game. Their quality dream sets have honored the tradition of Mah Jongg for over 28 years. www.Mahjonggmaven.com
Mommy and Me – Lakeshore Learning is a treasure trove of gifts and give Mom a gift for “Mommy and Me” to play with from art materials and creative activities to games, learning toys and more. Check out their Make-A-Face Magnetic Designer for a reusable and fun way to stick together. Together time is the best time and what better way to gift Mom with a shared experience from one of the leading learning resources Lakeshore Learning. Visit their East Cobb store or online. www.lakeshorelearning.com
Hearts for Mom – Heartfelt themed gifts are available at Fragile, one of Atlanta’s leading gifts resources that has something for every Mom on your list. Located in Sandy Springs, from stunning vases in the shape of hearts, Judaica gifts, entertaining items to frames and beautiful accessories for your home, Moms will love an elegantly wrapped gift from Fragile. www.fragilegifts.com
Jewish Matchmaker Offers Rules for Relationships
By Bob Bahr
For those searching for love and relationships in the fast-moving, technologically driven world of the 21st century, there is the latest title from Aleeza Ben Shalom. After a well-publicized run in the Netflix series, “Jewish Matchmaker,” she recently released her third book about the search for happiness in a satisfying relationship.
Her new book, “Matchmaker Matchmaker,” is a quick and easy read that follows 11 of her clients to reveal important tips and dating advice that develop from their individual experiences.
There’s a quick summary at the end of each chapter for those who prefer to skip the dialogue between Ben Shalom and the person she’s chosen to highlight.
In chapter one, for example, you’ll encounter the Five Five and Five Rule, which is to pursue a promising relationship with at least five dates of no more than five hours each at no more than five days apart. Don’t give up too quickly, she advises, to allow for a deeper dive into conversation and reflection. And keep your hands to yourself.
Ben Shalom, who is originally from Philadelphia and who met her husband more than 20 years ago at a singles retreat in Orlando, is a firm believer in limiting physical contact when you’re get-
ting to know someone. She is said to have held hands with her husband for the first time after a four-month courtship, when they were both saying their vows under the chuppah. She believes touching another too quickly just gets in the way of building a true relationship.
“If you introduce it without taking the time to develop an emotional bond,” she says, “you can trick yourself into believing there’s a deeper connection than there is. It’s why, even after dating someone for weeks, months, or even years, a person may think they share real intimacy with their partner when, in reality, they might not know them at all.”
It’s the old principle of dating behavior that has long been observed in the Orthodox world, shomer negiah, which forbids contact even when a couple has established a liking for one another.
She has other hard and fast rules, which she wrote about in a column in the Wall Street Journal just before Valentine’s Day this year.
On those five dates you agree to, put your phone away. You can’t look at it while you’re getting to know another person. Keep up strong eye contact, listen to the other person, ask questions, and use their name when you talk with them.
“I’m often surprised,” she writes, ”by just how many people don’t quite appreciate the value of attention.”
And just before you go on your way, one person needs to pay for the drinks or coffee or the meal.
“This shouldn’t be about power or gender; the same person shouldn’t have to pay every time. But the gesture is an expression of openness and optimism and can go a long way toward rewarding the vulnerability of simply showing up.”
Her book similarly offers straight forward advice on what to look for in what she describes as a quality human being. She offers a total of 20 questions under the headings of serious, fun and deep as a way to get to a better understanding of the person you’re learning to know.
She also doesn’t suggest ignoring the attributes that might make a quality human being, too. She offers a test based on the formula of “P” for personality plus “V” for values that she suggests you and your date both take to arrive at a better understanding of “C,” compatibility.
As for her, she’s been married to the same man, Gershon Ben Shalom, for over two decades and they make their home just outside Haifa in Israel. So, while she travels the world offering advice in person to those who follow her frequent podcasts and speed-dating programs, he’s at home minding their five children.
During the past month, she’s been the headliner in programs in Ft Lauderdale, Tenafly, N.J., and Mexico City. And, to carry her ideas into the world, at other times, she has trained over 350 would-be matchmakers. Their job is what she describes as the three roles of a successful matchmaker, as a connector, a coach and a closer to support clients and finalize relationships. And there’s more training to come.
She’s set as her ambitious goal for the next year a network of matchmaking programs in Jewish communities around the world.
“You’re going to see it over the coming years, but very strongly in the next year, to develop different epicenters all around the world in 12 different regions,” she says, “so that you will be able to have a strong Jewish matchmaking network near wherever you may live.” ì
One of Aleeza Ben Shalom’s strongest rules while dating someone is to keep your hands to yourself.
Aleeza Ben Shalom’s new book follows 11 people she coached while they were dating.
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ARTS & CULTURE
‘Passover Pavarotti’ Performs at CBT
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
In a special pre-Passover cultural event, Congregation Beth Tefillah and The Torah Center featured Yudi Cohen in concert on April 6 for “Exodus 2025.”
Cohen, who is a classically trained tenor and professional cantor, performed a diverse musical repertoire spanning classical opera, Passover songs, and Broadway favorites. Cohen announced that he, with his wife and five children, had recently permanently relocated to Atlanta to serve as a resource and entertainer available to perform at weddings and mitzvahs. Cohen is a brother in-law of Rabbi Ari Sollish, founder and director of the Torah Center of Atlanta, through their wives.
Cohen was born into a musical family in London in 1974. His journey began in Stamford Hill where he was introduced to Chassidic music at an early age. Cohen said, “I was raised in the Chabad Yeshiva system all the way and received my Semicha (rabbinic ordination) in Melbourne.”
Considered a prodigy, Cohen made recordings in New York as a child soloist. At one point, he was sent to Sydney as a Chabad emissary (shluhim). His musical career took flight and soared with his performance as Alfredo in “La Traviata” at the Johannesburg Theatre in 2019. His service of 16 years as Chief Cantor at the iconic Sydenham Highlands North Hebrew Congregation in Johannesburg brought several Atlanta South African fans
that Sunday night. In one number, Cohen had a cadre of mostly South Africans on stage with each taking a part in “Who Knows One Echad Mi Yodeah?”, in which Rabbi Yossi New, director of Chabad of Georgia, head rabbi of CBT, was also “a number.”
Cohen, who had also lived in London, stated that in his eyes, Atlanta’s lifestyle was most similar to life in South Africa. South African fans Mark and Addie Blumberg, who had seen Cohen perform 10 years ago, were
delighted to also be on stage taking a spot as a number of the “Thirteen Attributes of G-d.”
The theme of the night’s performance was “I am a Jew -Ani Yehudi,” where Cohen continuously emphasized that “now especially post-Oct. 7” is the time to be a loud and proud Jew. “This is the essence of my soul. Jews cannot have a ‘victim mentality.’ This only evokes more hate.”
In line with Passover, Cohen performed a rousing “Order of the Passover Seder” and a cyclical spinning nine verse “Dayenu.”
Musically fluent in Yiddish, Italian, German, French and Russian in addition to Hebrew and English, Cohen’s range, depth and projection was dramatic. Fan Berta Mebel said, “I would really like to see him in an acoustically sophisticated concert hall like the Cobb Energy Center, to get his full range.”
“If I Were a Rich Man” from “Fiddler on the Roof” was familiar and lively, while opera aficionados could get chills from his performance of Carmen in which he supplants the female seduction theme with that of affinity for G-d. Then the Italian “Nessun Dorma” (None Shall Sleep!)” by Giacomo Puccini, which was the signature piece of Luciano Pavarotti, filled the room.
Pre-performance, local resident Levi Chitrik provided several varieties of wine from the out-of-state Narrow Bridge Winery. Earlier in the evening, Rabbi Sollish dealt with a power outage that delayed the concert by an hour. He said, “Luckily we solved it vs. looking for an optional date.”
Later, Rabbi Sollish spoke about the miracles in the month of Nisan allowing the seas to split for us. He explained the various groups: those who wanted to jump into the sea, those who prayed, those who wanted to fight the advancing army -- with the insight being like the traditional matzo/morror/choroset sandwich eaten during the seder.
“It’s like tasting it all … G-d rejected all of that ‘Let the journey go forth.’ Even with roadblocks, miracles can happen,” said Rabbi Sollish.
Known as the “Soulful Tenor,” Cohen closed with “Eliyahu Ha Navi, L’Shana Haba” (Next Year in Jerusalem), V’Hi Sheamda,” and the very special priestly blessing, “Ye Varachecha Hashem.” ì
“Who Knows One” was led by Yudi Cohen with audience members.
Rabbi Isser New, Yudi Cohen, and Rabbi Ari Sollish welcomed the crowd.
Chai Style Home Garden Muse in a Bohemian Setting
Nestled in a lush setting at harmony with nature, Lisa Frank’s midcentury house is full of nostalgia and her mother’s art -all “at one with the land.”
Featured on tours and in magazines, her four-season garden blooms year-round. She stated, “Finding color combinations that echo and complement each other is the fun part of gardening. I studied art and photography with Ansel Adams and have come to realize Mother Nature is the greatest artist of all. This garden has taught me to appreciate the shapes of seed pods, different bark textures and leaf patterns -- not just the flowers.”
The home’s entire lower level is replete with hundreds of her mother, Shirlee Frank’s, watercolor, ceramics and etchings. She laughed, “Mom used corny titles like Cosmic Influences and Stoking the Celestial Fire in all kinds of styles. We just can’t put Shirlee Frank’s art in one box.”
Jaffe: Explain the history of the
house.
Frank: I bought it in 1980 from Sarah Oberdorfer who inherited it from her mother, an older Jewish woman living alone. After growing up in Santa Monica, Calif., where there are no forests, I was enchanted with its large, wooded backyard dominated by tall pines and native trees. I had no idea what to do with the property until I met Terry May, superintendent of grounds at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. I was the Garden’s first public relations director after leaving a similar position at the High Museum of Art. Terry and I lived here for 10 years. He cleared the lot of invasives and undesirable trees and planted rare ones from around the world.
Jaffe: Describe your furnishings?
Frank: I like things with meaning like this old bank table from Rochester, N.Y., a velvet love seat of my father’s from 1920, a Tiffany-style lamp, with the stripped-down wood floors.
Jaffe: Your mother was an artist?
Frank: Shirlee Frank was the oldest of seven children and a trend-setter. She was artistic and read The New Yorker every week. As a divorced mother of two young girls in 1960, she made the bold move to relocate from her traditional
roots in Ohio to California. She found her liberal, artistic community. Attending gallery openings was my mom’s favorite sport. My sister and I grew up going to galleries, museums, theaters and international cultural festivals. After becoming an empty nester, Shirlee immersed herself in art full-time. For 10 years, she painted large, colorful watercolors, influenced by Picasso, Chagall and Kandinsky. For the next 10 years, she experimented with printmaking creating intricate etchings of women with different beasts.
Jaffe: You created a gallery for her work in your lower level.
Frank: Yes. She also experimented with ceramics, creating more than 100 whimsical whistles, vessels and one-ofa-kind masks. When rent in L.A. got too high, she moved to Atlanta. Before she died, Barbara Archer lent us her gallery for one weekend. When so many pieces sold, I realized people appreciated her talent. There are still hundreds of pieces. Two of my favorite oversized masks are hung prominently in my living room and kitchen. Several of her large abstract watercolors have sold to friends. Her etchings are also impressive. The large “Basilisk on the Roof” is stunning. I’ve sold three and have one left.
Jaffe: Is gardening more of an art or a science?
Frank: Both. I benefited from Terry’s science background (master’s degree in horticulture). He understood how to amend the soil, what requirements each plant needed, and then sited each one based on its needs.
In 2011, my garden was on the Audubon Society’s Wildlife Sanctuary Tour when more than 200 people came through. People really enjoyed it. One woman told me, “I can see a lot of love went into this garden.” The landscape was always designed to attract wildlife with salvia for hummingbirds, leaving dead pine snags for nuthatch nests, and letting the leaves pile up for moths and caterpillars to flourish for example. The property is also a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. Though I have seen declines, there’s a wide variety of birds that visit my feeder: six types of woodpeckers, hawks and owls. They have plenty of foliage for cover and nest building, and seeds and berries to eat.
Jaffe: Now that it’s spring, what new growth are you seeing?
Frank: Some of the interesting perennials are foetidus hellebores, native to Greece and Asia; trachystemon, native
Marcia
Caller Jaffe
Lisa Frank organized hundreds of her mother’s works on the walls and in custom-built shelves // All photos by Howard Mendel
to Bulgaria and Turkey; galanthus, native to Europe and Asia; pulmonaria, native to Europe and Russia; trillium, native to North America, and early blooming anise shrubs, native to Asia and Egypt. I have six varieties of anise, a rare orange-blooming witch hazel, and a collection of epimediums, a hardy perennial with intricate orchid-like flowers, native to China. I have 18 varieties that bloom from March through April. It’s entertaining to watch the buds emerge, then bloom. They’re still rare in Atlanta.
Jaffe: You authored a book?
Frank: Yes, “Myco-Town,” a magical mushroom fantasy novel, is set in my garden, and full of observations and fantasies about communicating with trees and birds. In this high-tech world, it’s essential to appreciate Mother Nature. Her systems and patterns are fascinating and the highest form of design. Especially in Atlanta, we have such a wide diversity of native trees and plants that must be protected. I became fascinated with mushrooms. They have tremendous potential as medicines and cures, healthy foods, as agents to soak up toxins, and cleanse the planet.
Jaffe: Last word …
Frank: Now, 44 years later, I’m still here -- an old Jewish woman living alone! ì
Above: Lisa transported this useful 1920s table from a New York bank. An African batik hangs on the left.
Right: Shirlee’s mask in the great room hangs over a Buddha garden ornament enhanced with seeds from Lisa’s garden.
Below: Lisa relaxes on a 1920s velvet love seat. A watercolor by her mother hangs above.
Above: Frank’s great room looks out to the west garden.
Below: Shirlee Frank’s antique desk is surrounded by her etchings, abstract watercolors and ceramics.
Left: Frank’s 1950s kitchen has brick-red accents and a California vibe.
CALENDAR
Thursday, May 1
Baby Talk: Newborn Social Small Group – 11 a.m. In this casual group setting, you’ll receive personalized advice and guidance. Parents will be supported by a perinatal specialist, an occupational therapist, mental health therapist, and Jewish educator. Our experts will cover topics such as newborn care, breastfeeding support, sleep strategies, managing stress, tummy time, baby development and more. In this series, information will be shared but not pushed so that parents can decide what works best for their family. Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your family, we can’t wait to say “Shalom” to you and your little one! RSVP at https://tinyurl. com/2ytw95w7.
Yom Ha’Atzmaut - Israel Independence Day Celebration – 5 to 8:30 p.m. All are invited to join as the MJCCA sponsors Food Truck Thursday at Brook Run Park in celebration of Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel Independence Day. The celebration will feature food trucks, activities and crafts for children, games, face painting, live music, and more. Kosher food will be available for purchase. Find out how to celebrate at https://tinyurl.com/4y58dndj.
Why the Jews – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. From Ancient Prejudices to Modern Challenges: An insightful lecture, by Brendan Murphy, that delves into the deep-rooted and sorrowful history of Christian antisemitism, tracing its origins from the first century to the Nostra Aetate declaration of 1965. Of all the questions surrounding the many crimes against the Jews throughout the ages, we often ask, why the Jews? Join Chabad Intown and RSVP at https:// tinyurl.com/yc457b8d.
The Tasting Experience -7-10 p.m.
The Tasting Experience is an event supporting the nonsectarian Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Services (IDDS) of JF&CS. Through the Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program, clients are provided supportive living services that enable them to live as independently as possible. The Community Access Group is a community integration day program with numerous outings and activities each week. Supported Employment helps those who want to work gain the skills they need to get a job and keep it, while we provide on-going support to ensure long-term success. Through these incredible programs, clients learn new life skills, gain more confidence, become more independent, and most importantly, build community. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/3enp59sk.
Friday, May 2
Kabbalat Panim Shabbat Service5:45 to 8 p.m. Once a month, Congregation Dor Tamid will gather for a Kabbalat Panim, an Oneg Shabbat before services at 5:45 p.m. We will then move to the sanctuary to welcome in Shabbat together at 6:15 p.m. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4caRiaZ.
Saturday, May 3
Family and Kesher Shabbat Experience - 9:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join Ahavath Achim Synagogue one Saturday a month for our new Family and Kesher Shabbat Experience! We will offer a genuine synagogue and community experience with special opportunities for our children to authentically experience Shabbat with their community, gain comfort in sanctuary space, rituals, and prayer, and prepare for his/ her B’nai Mitzvah. Parents, grandparents, and special friends will have the opportunity to engage in these meaningful Jewish experiences with their children, grandchildren, and special friends. Learn more at https://tinyurl. com/k8vy6xwb.
Sunday, May 4
The Great Big Recycling Event – 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Start collecting your unwanted, hard-to-recycle items for the spring Great Big Recycling Event! The Ahavath Achim Greening Group will take these items to CHaRM (the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials) for you, keeping harmful contaminants out of landfills. Learn more at https://tinyurl. com/5dr2ns8x.
PJ Library Fire Station Tour – 10 to 11:30 a.m. In honor of International Firefighters’ Day, join us for a special fire station tour in Sandy Springs. Your child will have the chance to see the equipment and vehicles up close along with getting to see a “day in the life” of a firefighter! Sign up at https://tinyurl. com/42x94c36.
34th Annual Hadassah Chesed Student Awards – 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The Annual Hadassah Chesed Student Awards, now in its 34th year, has honored one outstanding Jewish teen from every area Jewish day school, supplemental religious school, or educational group for his or her acts of chesed — loving-kindness and menschlichkeit, and is once again partnering with JScreen (formerly JumpSpark). Students have been invited to submit an essay detailing their leadership or community service involvement. The winning entries will receive a monetary award. Register at https://tinyurl. com/mryu57jy.
Georgian Chamber Players Concert – 3 to 5 p.m. Join Ahavath Achim Synagogue for a concert featuring the Georgian Chamber Players presented by the Marilyn Ginsberg Eckstein Cultural Arts Program Fund. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/yjdpf6ek.
PJ Library Music & Joy: An Intergenerational Celebration – 3:30 to 4:30 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/msp852ek.
2025 Distinguished Advocate Award Celebration – 5 to 8:30 p.m. AJC Atlanta proudly presents the 2025 Distinguished Advocate Award to our tireless leader, Dov Wilker. Join us to honor Dov’s steadfast leadership, brilliant advocacy, and unwavering commitment to serving our community as a Zionist, bridge builder, and mensch. We invite you to honor Dov and support the important work of AJC by purchasing a sponsor-level ticket at https://tinyurl. com/mwe4k4uc.
CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES
Torah Reading: Tazria-Metzora
Friday, May 2 Light Shabbat Candles at 8:04 PM
Saturday, May 3 Shabbat Ends 9:03 PM
Torah Reading: Archarei-Kedoshim
Friday, May 9 Light Shabbat Candles at 8:09 PM
Saturday, May 10 Shabbat Ends 9:09 PM
Monday, May 5
Keshet - North Fulton - 4 to 5:30 p.m. Join IAC for a true Israeli experience! We will meet for fun, learning, and of course, community! We would like to open a few groups. Please register at https://bit.ly/3Rlcxi0 if you would like your child to be part of the Keshet family. Please indicate your child’s age.
Bible & Bourbon - Interfaith Discussion and Happy Hour – 6 to 8 p.m. Sip, savor, eat and study with the Rev. Kathy Brockman (Dunwoody United Methodist Church) and Rabbi Brian Glusman (MJCCA). Explore ancient wisdom with a modern twist from different faith perspectives, a unique blend of spiritual exploration and casual conversation. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/4v5368tp.
Tuesday, May 6
JELF Young Professionals Event – 6 to 8 p.m. JELF on the Rocks – Connect with Jewish young professionals over drinks and conversation. Learn how JELF’s interest-free loans help Jewish students afford higher education. Complimentary drinks and light bites provided. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/ ueubwvnn.
I’m a Believer! An Evening of Learning with Hadar – 7 to 8:15 p.m. Join the Hadar Institute at The Dupree for an evening of learning. Belief is core to any sort of religious experience but there are many challenges to our faith and it can be difficult to articulate in what exactly we believe. In this session, we’ll turn to hassidut, modern midrash, and poetry to unpack what’s at the center of belief. What do we mean when we say that we believe, who gets to call themselves a believer, and can we find new definitions of faith that allow us to expand the circle of belief? Register at https://tinyurl.com/ycxp82th.
Wednesday, May 7
MJCCA Annual Meeting -7 to 8 p.m. Come join for the annual meeting of the MJCCA (Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta). Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/mrnd5syn.
Thursday, May 8
Senior Day - Engage at the MJCCA – 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feed your mind, body, and soul with a variety of engaging activities and connect with other older adults! Options will include fitness classes, educational programs, guest speakers, and more. Choose three activities of your choice, then enjoy a delicious lunch together. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2wkyh5p4.
Young Professionals Patio Drinks at Ladybird – 6 to 9 p.m. Young professionals, join us under the iconic yellow umbrellas on the patio at Ladybird! Stop by after work for a drink or two and to meet other Jewish singles while enjoying beautiful spring weather on the BeltLine. RSVP early at https:// tinyurl.com/ye3utftw. This event is open to Young Professionals ages 22 through early 40s.
Friday, May 9
M&M Shabbat at Etz Chaim – 6 to 8 p.m. Join Etz Chaim for a fun, family-friendly Shabbat service and dairy dinner. RSVP at https://tinyurl. com/4d2x69f9.
Saturday, May 10
Shabbat Together - 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Join Congregation Or Ve Shalom for a Kavanah Minyan and Children’s Services followed by Kiddush Lunch. Learn more at https://tinyurl. com/3jnazd5e.
L’Dor V’Drum – 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join Ahavath Achim once a month for a lively Shabbat drum circle! This event is designed for families with children in grades K–6, but all are welcome to come together and create a meaningful, intergenerational experience that fosters connection and builds relationships across generations. This event is free, but registration is required at https://tinyurl.com/xkan7h9.
Sunday, May 11
PJ Library Donuts with Daddy – 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Donuts with Daddy — a fun meetup just for dads and kids! Enjoy donuts and great company while your little ones play at the park. This event is perfect for dads with kids of all ages — come meet other PJ dads and make sweet memories together! Register at https://tinyurl.com/yjfcu4rr to get the location.
Model Seder – 4 to 6 p.m. Congregation Shearith Israel will hold its annual Model Seder for Jewish adults with disabilities and their caretakers replete with a delicious Passover dinner, Mother’s Day and Pesach Sheini, a holiday which took place one month after Passover and provided an opportunity for those unable to offer a Pesach offering on the original date. Register at https://tinyurl.com/pv25wup5.
Monday, May 12
FIDF Atlanta Gala: One Hope - Israel’s Soldiers – 5:45 to 9 p.m. Atlanta’s premier gathering in support of the IDF soldiers. RSVP at https://tinyurl. com/2jhwwtda.
Tuesday, May 13
NCJW/ATL Spring General Meeting & Installation - 12 to 2 p.m. Please join NCJW/ATL for our Spring General Meeting and Installation of New Board officers for 2025-2026. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/4f6z5vnv.
JBaby Connecting the Expecting: Ask a Pediatrician – 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Knowing the right questions to ask your pediatrician is tough, especially with so many other things on your mind when you’re expecting and preparing to welcome your baby! Dr. Ben Grinzaid of Focus Pediatrics joins Connecting the Expecting for an in-person event. Come ask all your questions, like how to choose a pediatrician who is right for you, when to call to schedule your first appointment, etc. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/24wpcmms.
Wednesday, May 14
Young Professionals Breakfast with Mijal Bitton – 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Join us for a morning of thought-provoking conversation and meaningful connection at our upcoming Young Professionals Breakfast featuring Mijal Bitton — a distinguished scholar, community leader, and dynamic voice on American Jewish life. Dr. Mijal Bitton is a spiritual leader, community builder, and sociologist. This exclusive gathering will offer a unique opportunity to engage with Mijal on topics that matter most to emerging Jewish leaders today — identity, community, and the future of Jewish engagement. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ywewj9ax.
2024-2025 AJC Atlanta Board of Councilors - 12 to 1:30 p.m. In these critical times, it is crucial we speak with a powerful voice to educate the world about the dangers of antisemitism, protect Israel, and safeguard the rights and freedoms of all people. As a valued AJC leader, you will play a pivotal role in helping to advance our mission and defend our values. Our board meetings are an opportunity to gather with one another, learn from experts and guest speakers, and take action. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4eanZqI.
The Mind and Music of George Gershwin – 7 to 9 p.m. Join The Temple and Skyland Trail for the 2025 Dorothy C. Fuqua Lecture to enjoy a musical performance and learn about the man behind the music from master storyteller, Dr. Richard Kogan. Dr. Kogan is a Julliard-trained classical musician and Harvard-trained psychiatrist. Families are welcome to attend this free community event. This program is a partnership between ShalomCare, The Temple’s mental health initiative, and Skyland Trail. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/3f8y5px7.
OPEN HOUSE
Come see for yourself what gracious living truly meanswe can’t wait to welcome you! You are cordially invited to our
Step into a world of refined senior living, where comfort, elegance, and personalized experiences come together to create an exceptional lifestyle.
Join us on Saturday, May 17th, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm for an exclusive tour of our community. Discover thoughtfully curated activities, a robust wellness program, and beautifully designed living spaces tailored for your utmost enjoyment.
Experience the best in hospitality with chef-prepared meals, housekeeping and transportation services, and a prime location just moments from Avalon shopping, premier medical resources, places of worship, and more.
Join us on Friday, June 13th, at 6:30 pm and dance the night away under the stars!
KEEPING IT KOSHER
Sheet Pan Oven Pancakes
Pancakes are a great breakfast favorite!! Sheet pan pancakes are extra fun, because you can load on all sorts of toppings! Please note: I created this recipe using a half-sized sheet pan (18 x 13 inches).
Ingredients
Sheet Pan Oven Pancakes
3 cups Glicks All Purpose Flour
2 tablespoons Haddar Baking Powder
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 and 1/2 cups milk
2 large eggs
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Toppings Ideas
1/4 cup sliced strawberries
1/4 cup blueberries
1/4 cup Glicks Chocolate Chips
1/4 cup sliced bananas
Directions
Prepare the Sheet Pan Oven Pancakes
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Add the dry ingredients and whisk to combine.
3. Next, add the wet and combine fully.
4. Spray the baking sheet with cooking spray and spread the batter evenly around the pan.
5. Place your desired toppings over the batter and bake for 12 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Recipe by Sara Goldstein Kosher.com
The Lie
One Shabbos, Rabbi Mordy told his congregation, “Next week, my sermon will be all about the sin of lying and to help you understand it better, I would like you all to read Leviticus Chapter 28 before next week.”
The following Shabbos, at the start of his sermon, Rabbi Mordy asked his congregation, “How many of you have read Leviticus 28?”
Every hand in the congregation went up.
Rabbi Mordy smiled and said, “Leviticus only has 27 chapters. I will now proceed with my sermon on the sin of lying.”
YIDDISH WORD
Oy-yoy-yoy-yoyo
A person given to rapid, repetitive mood swings.
“Poor Edith, her moods change faster than her daughter changes boyfriends. Edith is certifiable oy-yoy-yoy-yoyo.”
From the Yiddish “oy-yoy-yoy,” meaning “a vocalization of grief.”
BRAIN FOOD
Keeping Kosher?
By: Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com
Difficulty Level: Challenging
ACROSS
1. It might not be kosher for food use
4. Blender setting
8. Sources for kosher that might not be kosher
14. College, to one from Perth
15. Its logo consists of four interlocking circles
16. Fictional red drummer
17. It might not be kosher if cracked
19. Dumpling of India
20. So far, on a bank stmt.
21. Suffix with “slow” or “fast”
23. S
24. It might not be kosher if torn
28. It might not be kosher if torn
31. Shock
32. Grant or Irving
34. Israel’s Abba
35. First name of the most famous Israeli in the world
36. Cow, in Chevron
38. “As directed” starter
39. They may not be kosher to use if dented, but are still kosher to eat (yuch!)
44. It’s all the rage?
45. Any “yo mama” joke, essentially 46. Mo. for Tu B’Shvat, some years
48. Where Golda Meir was born (Var.)
50. Notable American poet
51. It can mean turkey, India, or
thanks
52. A gambler isn’t a kosher one
54. They might not be kosher if torn
57. They’re more pronounced when crunched
58. Govt. branch concerned with pollution
60. Albuquerque sch.
61. Yutz
64. It might not be kosher if torn
69. “Tristan und ___”
70. In awe
71. Jelly bean option
72. It might not be kosher if cracked
73. Incredibly well-paid Met
74. It might not be kosher for food use
DOWN
1. Kind of stock option
2. Solo number
3. .JPG alternative
4. Christoph who won Oscars for playing a nazi and an abolitionist
5. Female prophet
6. Despotic Amin
7. Air-freshener scent
8. A sense
9. “___ different note...”
10. Basketball need
11. Small life form
12. Nasrallah bested by Israel
13. /
Remember When...
This week, 99 years ago // May 1926 | Vol. III, No. 5
- Dr. Gustav Cassel, Swedish Jewish scientist, is elected president of the Swedish Academy of Science for this year.
This week, 75 years ago April 21-28 1950
- Violinist Yehudi Menuhim apologizes for performing in post-war Germany.
- Masada youth group dissolves into ZOA.
- Ahavath Achim Religious High School graduates Class of 13.
The band Guster, formed in 1991, stopped in Atlanta 25 years ago for their first national tour.
This week, 50 years ago April 18-25 1975
- In NY, 200,000 march in solidarity with Soviet Jewry.
- Israeli General Moshe Dayan gives talk at Emory, says of Egypt: “At any rate, it is better for us to talk to them, even through a negotiator, than by shooting with guns and tanks.”
- Edward Hirsch Levi becomes the first Jewish Attorney General of the United States.
18. Yom ___ (study day)
22. It’s looked at for kiddush levana
24. Home for Hart and Brunson, for short
25. List ender
26. African warrior
27. Lashon follower
29. Abraham was given several
30. Ride choice
33. Friend of Luke Skywalker and Grogu, for short
36. “No waiting needed” designation
37. Chicago’s Michigan, e.g.: Abbr.
38. It borders Central Park, briefly
40. It may be placed on a house
41. Kosher or Keto
42. Words after “The Wizard”
43. Israel’s Ein spring
47. However
48. Put an end to, slangily
49. “___ late”
50. Handheld Sony console
51. Coding letters
52. Arabian oases
53. Major annual meal
55. Rabbinic pairs (model)
56. Goldman’s Montoya
59. Latin “you love”
62. Hairy 80s sitcom character
63. 60 mg of Vitamin C, e.g.
65. Word with mania or trip
66. Service of a sort
67. Police record abbr.
68. Fox target
This week, 25 years ago April 21-28 2000
- The Temple announces $20 million expansion/ renovation project.
- Eva Schloss, Anne Frank’s best friend, has a public interview at Roswell High School following a performance of, “And Then They Came for Me.”
- Indie rock band Guster (formed from three Jewish friends who met at Tufts University) makes stop at Atlanta’s Music Midtown Festival as part of their first national tour.
Issues of the AJT (then Southern Israelite) from 1929-1986 can be found for free online at gahistoricnewspapers.galileo.usg.edu/sn78003973/
OBITUARIES
Byron Alterman
54, Atlanta
Byron Alterman was born to Helene and Richard Alterman on March 14, 1970. Years after his mother, Helene, and his father, Richard, divorced, Richard married Marty. Byron had one biological brother, Adam, and two half-brothers, Joseph and Mitchell. He loved all three as full brothers, regardless of who was their mother.
As one who marched to his own beat figuratively and literally, Byron finished high school at Riverside Military Academy. In order to come home on any one weekend, students at Riverside had to have high grades. As you would expect, Byron was able to come home every weekend.
After earning his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English at the University of Wisconsin, Byron attended William Mitchell Law School in Minnesota. He later became a commercial real estate attorney with his own firm, which became a big success. Byron was often a speaker at the annual International Conference of Shopping Centers (ISCS).
Byron married Betsy on July 14, 1998. Byron and Betsy together raised two wonderful daughters, Allison and Lauren. By 2023, Byron and Betsy were divorced and remained amicable until Byron’s death. Byron was partnered with Sharon Dickinson for the past three years.
It was late in high school when Byron got on the Grateful Dead bus and the rest was Truckin’ history, especially during his college years. He traveled and saw many shows during his college years and after. His love for the Dead’s music and his particular fascination with Jerry Garcia influenced his guitar playing and singing. He played in Webster, a Grateful Dead cover band, for 20 years. They played many shows around Atlanta, including festivals such as Porchfests, Candler Park Festivals and at the Lake Claire Community Land Trust, as well as many others.
A good guy with a sharp sense for business, in 1992, when he and Betsy went to Washington to find themselves, they ended up at Pike’s Place Market in Seattle. They discovered a small coffee shop that had lots of people lining up for coffee. The rise of grunge music and independent coffee shops started in Seattle and they were at ground zero for it all.
Byron called his dad and excitedly shared, “Dad! I have a great business idea. We found a small coffee shop in Seattle that would be a great business venture back home.” His dad responded, “a coffee shop? Who would go to a coffee shop? Are you out of your mind?” That coffee shop was Starbucks. The rest of Starbucks was NOT history for Byron.
He loved his daughters and to show his love, he wore a hat with LED lights. For Lauren, in particular, he programmed the LED lights to say, “Lauren Alterman’s Dad,” at Lauren’s concerts and even at her graduation!
Lauren shared that they went hiking once in California. Byron managed to fall not once, but twice. It was in the same spot, going up and down the trail! What is the chance of that? His shirt was so dirty, it had to be thrown out.
Byron was almost 20 years older than his oldest half-brother, Joe. When Byron had just graduated from U of WI, he went to follow the Grateful Dead around the country for some time. When Byron came home, he had let his bushy Jewfro grow out. Joe was around 5 at the time, and he had some friends at the house and Byron came out to see them. The friends looked at Byron and said to Joe, “Joe – who invited the werewolf?” Byron was a gentle soul and would do things for others. He also had a passion for cooking. If a special day for someone was coming up, he would ask what dish they loved, and he would cook it for them. He played music at a friend’s wedding and was always fun to be with.
Connected with Byron by a mutual friend, I was fortunate to meet him and other new friends in 2018 at the Lockn Festival. I was immediately drawn to him. He was warm and welcoming. We all sat around during the day with his other Atlanta music friends, and we played guitars and sang together. It was a wonderful weekend with Byron and the others.
Byron left us all way too soon. He was preceded by his mother, Helene. He leaves behind his daughter, Allison, daughter, Lauren, brothers, Adam, Joseph, and Mitchell, his father, Richard, and stepmother, Marty. He also leaves behind his ex-wife, Betsy, and current partner, Sharon.
Just before his own death, John Lennon wrote, “Life is what happens while we are busy making other plans.” Leaving those he loved and who loved him was not part of Byron’s plans. Yet, here we are today, bidding him goodbye. May his memory always be a blessing for all who loved and knew him.
From the other Realm, we can hear Byron singing:
What do you want me to do
To do for you to see you through?
A box of rain will ease the pain
And love will see you through
Yes – love will see all of us through, because love is what gets us all through loss and grief. I modified the following lyrics for Byron:
Fare you well, fare you well
We all love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock your freed soul
A graveside funeral for Byron was held at Arlington Memorial Park on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-4514999.
Rabbi David A. Baylinson 95,
Atlanta
Rabbi David A. Baylinson passed away on April 13, 2025. He did justice, loved mercy, and walked humbly with his God for 95 years. He stood for love – love for all and stood against prejudice of any kind. His smile lit up every room he entered, and although he was small in stature, he was a larger-than-life presence to all who knew him. David had a passion for teaching and was most proud of serving his communities as a Rabbi. His authenticity, warmth, humor, intellect, and ability to connect with people of all ages and faiths, made him a central figure to every community that he touched. Always with his wife, Janice, by his side, he nurtured his family, his friends, and his congregations. He loved to travel, read, needlepoint and crochet, and spend time with his children and grandchildren.
He was born in Philadelphia, Penn., on Sept. 4, 1929, to Zipora and Max Baylinson. In 1951, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA degree in fine arts. He was ordained from the Cincinnati School of the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion in 1957 earning his BHL and MAHL degrees, and in 1982, he received the Doctor of Divinity.
He served his first High Holy Day pulpit in New Bern, N.C., and then a bi-weekly at Temple Beth El in Anniston, Ala., from 1955 to 1957. In 2001, he returned to Temple Beth El as a part-time Rabbi where he served until 2014.
His first pulpit was at Temple Beth El, Detroit, Mich., as Assistant Rabbi to Dr. Richard Hertz. After 3½ years at Temple Beth El, Rabbi Baylinson accepted the invitation of Temple B’nai Or, Morristown, N.J., and was Rabbi of B’nai Or for two years. In 1962, he went to Sussex, England, to serve the Brighton and Hove Liberal Jewish Congregation. In 1965, he accepted the pulpit at Temple Beth Or, Montgomery, Ala., because he wanted to be involved in the civil rights movement. He served as Rabbi there for 29 years and became Rabbi Emeritus in 1994. The Temple honored him and his wife by naming the Rabbi David and Janice Baylinson Social Hall.
He became President of the Montgomery Ministerial Association in 1968 and was responsible for integrating the all-White Association with the all-Black Montgomery Ministerial Alliance into the Montgomery Ministerial Union. He was a founding member of Hospice of Montgomery, the Light House for Teens and Goodwill Industries. He was President of the Family Guidance Center and the Montgomery Chapter of the American Cancer Society. He served on the Boards of the United Way and the Community Council which honored him and his wife, Janice, with their Community Service Award, and served on the Board of Brantwood Children’s Home.
He was appointed by Federal Judge Frank Johnson to the Bi-racial Committee to oversee the transition of integrated schools. He preached and spoke at the Matin Luther King Memorial Baptist Church, whose minister was Dr. Murray Branch, a Christian Fellow at HUC in the middle 1950s.
Rabbi Baylinson was adjunct Associate Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Huntington College (a Methodist based college) from 1970 to 2004 and served as the Dean of the Humanities and Fine Arts School at Huntington for one year. He taught at the Adult Education program at the College for the Institute of Life Long Learning, and his students established the Rabbi David A. Baylinson Shelves of Judaica Studies at the College Library in his honor.
He received the Julia Lightfoot Sellers Award and the Winn and Gordon Chappell Award for excellence in teaching, and the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award from the United Daughters of the Confederacy for contributions to the College and Community. In 2006, Rabbi Baylinson and Janice moved to Atlanta, Ga., where they were active members of The Temple.
Rabbi Baylinson is survived by his children, Ilene Baylinson, Peter Baylinson, Linda Levy (Bert), Evan Baylinson (Dara), and his grandchildren, Max and Sam Levy, and Gordy and Zoe Baylinson. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of almost 70 years, Janice Kohl Baylinson, and his parents, Maxwell and Zipora Baylinson. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who wish to make a donation kindly consider The Temple or Beth-Or in Montgomery, Ala. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta 770-451-4999
Elaine Gershon Beeber
93, Atlanta
Chesed, Hebrew for “benevolence,” was a defining characteristic of Elaine Beeber. The Almighty is described as “absolute Chesed,” absolute loving-kindness. Elaine Beeber was surely created Beitzelem Eloheim, “in the image of G-d.”
Elaine Beeber was very much of the South, especially the American Jewish South. She was born in Atlanta, Ga., and passed away there, at age 93. She called her 67year marriage to David “my wonderfully extended college education.” They shared so much: Congregation Ahavath Achim; travel; hospitality; TCM movies; for many years, one revered spiritual leader, Rabbi Harry Epstein.
Her parents, Sam and Jeanette Gershon, instilled in her a love of Judaism, Zionism, America, idealism, honesty in commerce, education, business acumen, the value of hard work, and an appreciation for others and the special importance of family. She, in turn, passed these traits to the next generation.
For so many of us, there will be one tender, missing telephone call these next few months.
Elaine Beeber is survived by her children: Bruce (Linda), Shelly (Mark Chester), and Steve (Linda Schlossberg); eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Predeceased by husband, David Beeber, siblings, Elinor Smith, Herbert Gershon, Phyllis Arnold, and stepsibling, Fanny Gershon Goldstein.
Zikhronah levrakha
Elaine Beeber’s memorial service was held on Tuesday, April 15, at 1 p.m., at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, with Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal officiating. Graveside interment followed at Greenwood Cemetery. Funeral arrangements by Dressler’s. Shiva took place at the home of Bruce and Linda Beeber, 1441 Mile Post Drive, Dunwoody, Georgia 30338.
Donations may be directed to Gershon Fund at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, IDF, Susie Fryer Memorial Fund at Children’s Hospital, or Atlanta Jewish HomeLife. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999
OBITUARIES
Leon Feldman
102, Atlanta
Leon Feldman died on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at his home in Atlanta at the age of 102. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 25, at the Brith Sholom Beth Israel Synagogue Cemetery at 198 Sycamore Avenue in Charleston, S.C. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr Inc.
Leon was born on Feb. 19, 1923, in the Charleston apartment that sat above the Meeting Street grocery owned by his parents, William and Gussie Feldman, Jewish immigrants from Russia and Belarus.
Leon graduated from Charleston High School in 1939 at the age of 16, Duke University in 1943, and the Emory School of Dentistry in 1946. Soon after graduating, Leon fulfilled an internship at the Navy Dental Center on Parris Island, S.C.
While on leave in Savannah in 1947, Leon stepped in for a cousin who couldn’t make a date with a young woman, Marilyn Richman. Leon and Marilyn were engaged later that year and married in 1948.
After opening his dentistry practice on Calhoun Street in Charleston in late 1947, Leon became the first dentist west of the Ashley River in 1949.
Leon performed pro bono dental work at both his office and a local dental clinic. He served as the president of the South Carolina Dental Association in 1966 and was named the Charleston Dental Society’s Man of the Year in 1979.
Though dentistry was Leon’s vocation, family was his life’s focus. The Feldmans were a massive, boisterous clan spanning several generations. With his booming voice and spirited intensity, Leon was one of its patriarchs.
Leon was a proud father, if a strict disciplinarian, and was a fixture at the recreational center and ballfields at Playground Road. He and Marilyn frequently made the drive to Atlanta for his grandchildren’s tennis tournaments, recitals, and school events. After 66 years of marriage, Leon lost Marilyn in 2014.
Much of his family life was centered around Judaism. A stalwart leader at Brith Sholom Beth Israel, Charleston’s venerable Orthodox synagogue, Leon was only the fourth member of the congregation to receive the Crown of the Good Name. He also served twice as the president of the congregation. The honor is awarded to distinguished congregants who embody the ethics and demonstrate the exemplary behavior of the Jewish ideal.
Leon was active in various civic causes in Charleston, serving terms as president of both the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the St. Andrew’s Rotary Club. In 1981, Leon became a member of the Country Club of Charleston, where he walked the full golf course well into his 80s. He was the last surviving member of his poker game that was assembled with a group of friends in the 1960s and lasted 45 years.
Leon maintained a lifelong love affair with Charleston, which he watched transform from a small city with a population of less than 70,000 at the time of his birth to a sprawling metropolis of over 700,000.
“I didn’t see much reason to ever leave Charleston,” he said. “Except to see family or a simcha, Charleston, S.C., was always where I preferred to be, and for good reason.”
Among Leon’s passions was Duke basketball, and he rarely missed a national broadcast. In his later years, he would record night games for early morning viewing. To celebrate his 80th birthday in 2003, he and a large contingent of the Feldman family made pilgrimage to Durham to attend a game at Cameron Indoor Stadium, the first time Leon had visited the hallowed court since he graduated from Duke in 1943.
Leon spent his final years surrounded by family in Atlanta. There, he met Selma Jacobs, his romantic companion for nine years.
He is survived by his children, Ellen Arnovitz Plasker (Michael Plasker) of Atlanta, Stuart Feldman of Charleston, Nancy Feldman of New York; grandchildren, Kevin Arnovitz (Erich Schwartzel) of Los Angeles, Staci Arnovitz (Sam Finkelstein) of London, Aaron Feldman (Alana) of New York, William Feldman (Melissa Danesh) of Manhattan Beach, Calif., Pearl Ann Arnovitz (Andrew Rosenzweig) of Atlanta, and Jenny Eskildsen (Scott) of Chapel Hill, great-grandchildren, Maya and Cameron Finkelstein, Sienna and Summer Feldman, Connor, Jacob and Lucas Eskildsen, Marley and Benjamin Rosenzweig, and Asher, Lilah, and Talia Feldman, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Sanford and Sandra Richman. He also was survived by his adopted Atlanta family, Shauna and Steven Grosswald, Dara and Andy Grant, Jessica and Jeff Sacks, and their families
as well as many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who loved and adored him.
Leon was preceded in death by parents, William and Gussie Feldman, wife, Marilyn Richman Feldman, son, Stanley Feldman, sisters, Irene Wright, Lena Solomon, and Shirley Prystowsky.
Sam Rabeno Galanti
94, Atlanta
Sam Rabeno Galanti, a beloved husband, father, grandfather (Papou), brother and friend to so many, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on April 15, 2025. He was 94 years old.
Born on Jan. 26, 1931, in Atlanta, Ga., Sam was the youngest child of Louisa and Rabeno Galanti. A lifelong member of Congregation Or VeShalom, Sam’s Jewish faith and devotion to family were central to his life and identity.
In 1955, Sam married the love of his life, Ann Friedman Galanti. Together, they built a warm and loving home, rich in laughter, traditions, and cherished family stories. They shared 67 wonderful years of marriage.
A native Atlantan, Sam graduated from Boys High and served proudly as a corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a successful independent grocer and businessman, working in a lifelong and trusted partnership with his three brothers. Together, they owned and operated four stores in greater Atlanta including Blair Thrift Town in Canton, Ga. Known affectionately as “Little Smokey,” Sam was an avid poker player who delighted in the games, camaraderie, and stories shared with his cardplaying friends — many of whom he considered extended family.
Sam found his greatest joy in his large and loving family, his close-knit Sephardic community, and his role as Papou to his grandchildren. He believed deeply in giving back, especially to his kehillah, Or Ve Shalom, which he credited with enriching and strengthening his life.
A dedicated Rotarian for over 45 years, Sam served as President of the Rotary Club of Canton and was widely admired for his leadership, warmth, and generosity. He was a Paul Harris Fellow, a Rotary Foundation Benefactor, and the first recipient of the Col. Carlisle N. Coxe Rotarian of the Year Award — an honor that now bears his name. For 26 consecutive years, Sam and Ann opened their home as a host family to international college students through the Georgia Rotary Student Program, sharing their hospitality, wisdom, and love with students from around the world.
Sam was predeceased by his parents, Louisa and Rabeno Galanti; his loving wife, Ann Friedman Galanti; and his siblings: Benny Galanti, Isaac Galanti, Regina and Melvin Cohen, Morris and Rachel Galanti, Bernie and Barbara Friedman, and Nat and Rheta Okun.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and humor. He is survived by his six children: Richard (Barrie) of Seattle, Helene (Stuart) of Atlanta, and Louisa (Mark) of St Petersburg; and by his 10 grandchildren: Sam, Jonathan (Stephanie), Anna (Tyler), Oliver, Peninah, Ilene, Samuel, and Rachel. He is also survived by countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family who cherished him deeply.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to his devoted caregivers — Marvalyn, Ashanti, Rose, Nadine and Nathan — who always cared for Sam with compassion, dignity, and love.
Sam was known for his sharp mind, generous heart, and the way he brought people together through his love, caring and warmth. His story doesn’t end here — it lives on in all of us, L’Dor V’Dor.
Funeral services were held at Greenwood Cemetery (1173 Cascade Circle SW, Atlanta) on Friday, April 18, at 10:30 a.m.
OBITUARIES
Adam Benjamin Goldfarb
31, London, England
Adam Benjamin Goldfarb, 31, passed away unexpectedly on March 25, 2025, in London, England, due to a sudden cardiac event. Born in Westerville, Ohio, Adam lived with unmatched intensity, embracing every opportunity with intelligence, humor, and adventure. A graduate of Riverwood High School in Atlanta, Adam pursued his love of law at Durham University in the UK, earning Upper Second-Class Honors. He built a distinguished legal career in London at Weil Gotshal and Kirkland & Ellis. His expertise and intellectual curiosity led him to roles at East West Rail, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, and, most recently, as Corporate Legal Counsel at CTI International. He became a British citizen while maintaining his U.S. citizenship, embodying a global perspective and deep commitment to his profession.
Robert M. Goldberg
West Point, 1982: University of Michigan Law School, 1990: Member of Wealth Counsel and national Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Accredited Veterans Administration Attorney
Adam was an enthusiastic follower of history and politics, relishing a good debate and often arguing any side of an issue to help others see it fully. His razor-sharp wit and ability to view multiple perspectives made him an excellent conversationalist. From childhood, he was fascinated by model trains, a nostalgic joy throughout his life. He had a deep passion for Formula 1 racing, following it closely and immersing himself in sim racing. Adam cherished his car, “Bruce”, a constant companion on his travels throughout England. During weekends, he and his partner, Rhianna, would explore the English countryside, often visiting her hometown of Northampton. Adam and his brother, David, shared a unique bond, perfectly balanced like yin and yang. Whether their conversations were long or short, they were always filled with laughter, each drawing out the best in the other. He is survived by his beloved longtime partner, Rhianna Bridgewater; his parents, Eric and Gwen Goldfarb; his brother, David Goldfarb; his aunts and uncles, Jennifer Goldfarb and Robert Siegmann, and Stuart and Joy Oberman; his grandparents, Robert and Myra Oberman and Clare Goldfarb. Adam’s time with us was far too short, but his impact was profound. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Arlington Cemetery (201 Mount Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328).
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Adam Benjamin Goldfarb Memorial Fund, which you will find by searching on GoFundMe. https://www.gofundme.com/f/theadam-benjamin-goldfarb-memorial-fund. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999
Donald Brian Levine
68, Marietta
Donald Brian Levine, 68, of Marietta, Ga., passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025, after a short and sudden illness.
He was born on March 4, 1957, in Nashville, Tenn., to David and Francine Levine. Throughout his life, Don was a devoted husband, proud father, and loyal friend. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University and was a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Don built a successful career in sales, including owning his own plant brokering business — a perfect fit for his lifelong love of flowers and plants. In his later years, he found joy in golfing with friends, trading gold, long drives, and attending shows with his beloved wife, Debbie. Kind and genuine, Don had a gift for making friends wherever he went. He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Debbie; his daughter, Becky, and her husband, Matt; his sons, Ricky and Jonathan Shenkman; his siblings, Jerry and Gina; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and his cherished dogs, Willie and Augie.
A graveside memorial service was held on Monday, April 28, at 1 p.m. at Arlington Memorial Park. Shiva was hosted at the family’s home.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Don’s honor.
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OBITUARIES
Andrew Morton
72, Atlanta
Andrew “Andy” Morton was born on Aug. 14, 1953, in Atlanta, Ga., the eldest of three sons to Seena and Ellis Morton. He passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.
Andy graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in 1973, completing his undergraduate studies in just three years. He went on to earn his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1978. Following graduation, Andy was selected for a prestigious surgical internship at West LA Veterinary Group, where he honed his skills before returning to Atlanta to pursue his lifelong dream.
In 1983, Andy purchased Chattahoochee Animal Clinic, which he owned and successfully operated for 30 years until his retirement in 2013. From a young age, Andy had a profound love for animals and was dedicated to caring for his patients’ pets with the utmost compassion, professionalism, and heart. His career was not just a profession — it was a calling.
Beyond veterinary medicine, Andy had many passions. He was an avid guitar player and music lover, and had a deep appreciation for technology and golf. Most of all, he cherished spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Andy is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Jill Morton, and their sons, Kevin Morton and Jeremy Morton (Alissa). He was a proud grandfather to Louie (5), Harris (3), and Gemma (1), and is also survived by his brothers, Peter Morton (Lisa) and Clifford Morton (Shelley), and his brother-in-law, Marshall Mizell. He leaves behind loving nieces, nephews, and many members of the extended Morton family.
Andy’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, both human and animal. He will be remembered for his kindness, his intelligence, and his devotion to his family and community.
Funeral services were held at Arlington Memorial Park on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Andy’s memory to the Atlanta Humane Society. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Marilyn Pearlman
77, Atlanta
Marilyn Pearlman was a go-getter, a tiny tornado who got things done. Whether leading a non-profit organization, promoting a product, or ushering at The Temple, she always gave her best. Marilyn died April 3 from complications of a stroke. She was 77.
Born in Memphis, she graduated from Central High School followed by Rhodes College with a degree in English. Growing up in Memphis, she was a member of Temple Israel and Reena BBG. After college, she moved to Atlanta where she taught English briefly. A novice in PR, Marilyn volunteered for community organizations, newspapers, and radio and TV stations.
Her first PR job was with the Atlanta Housing Authority, writing human interest stories. By the late 1970s, she launched Pearlman Associates Public Relations. As CEO, she created and publicized Women’s Career Weekend; she also served as publicist for Limelight Entertainment Complex, a nightclub and Atlanta’s answer to Studio 54 of New York.
Although clients loved her ability to sell their product, they also respected her know-how and engaging personality.
She was president of the Buckhead Kiwanis Club and the Northeast Council of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce; board member of the Atlanta Lions Club, American Cancer Society, the World Trade Center, the Jewish National Fund, and the Atlanta Women’s Alliance.
A dog lover, Marilyn volunteered for Canine Companions, Animals Deserve Better, FurKids, and the Atlanta Dog Rescue Games.
In the 1970s, she flew to Newcastle, England, as part of the Friendship Force and
Atlanta Sister Cities Commission, serving as ambassador from Atlanta.
Closer to home, she was executive director of the Atlanta Press Club and founder of the Philanthropy Club at the Buckhead Club.
A true workaholic, she was busy even when away from work. She was an aerobics addict and loved ballet, symphony, theater, opera, travel, and enjoying her favorite canine companions: Lucky and the many dogs she mothered in her pet-sitting business.
Finally, Marilyn was a dear friend and compassionate person. When you entered a room with Marilyn, you would meet everyone, because she had already become their friend.
She is predeceased by her parents, Liverne (Albert) and Harry Pearlman, and is survived by her sister, Joanne (Pearlman) Fleetwood (Dennis); her niece, Katie Fleetwood; her companion, Gary Leshaw; and Lucky, her hound dog rescue.
A memorial service was held April 15, at 1:30 p.m. at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta 30309. Donations may be made to Canine Companions, canine.org; or Life House Atlanta, lifehouseatlanta.org (assistance to families of medically challenged children), or your favorite charity. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
Milton Saul 99, Atlanta
Born in Atlanta, Ga., on June 15, 1925, Milton Saul was the youngest child of parents, Joseph and Celia Saul. He led a life marked by professional excellence and deep devotion to family.
Educated in the Atlanta public school system, Milton graduated from Boys High School in 1942 and went on to enroll and begin college at Emory University. His education was interrupted during World War II, when he turned 18, as he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served in the elite V-12 Program. At the war’s end, he was a midshipman stationed at Columbia University in New York. Milton believed in the importance of education and went on to get his degree from Kennesaw State University at 60 years old.
Milton married the love of his life in January of 1950 and enjoyed a most successful and happy marriage for more than 75 years. They traveled the world, were heavily involved in philanthropy and community leadership, and led a rich social life - going out to dinner with friends and family almost every single night.
Following the Navy, Milton embarked on a long and successful business career. Upon his father’s passing, he and his sisters inherited the family business, Saul’s Department Store, on the Marietta Square, which they built into a chain of 11 stores. Milton, with a close friend, built a chain of package stores under the name of All American. Additionally, he was a part of Sarco Incorporated, which manufactured men’s neckwear and, at its peak, employed several hundred employees. Milton then, with his nephew, cofounded Turtles Music, which was built into one of the nation’s largest music store chains, and his final professional chapter was as partner and co-founder of World Import Company. He was an investor and advisor of several other successful businesses, including Chapter 11 Bookstores, Bubble Gum, and Therapy, Inc. He worked until he was 95 years old.
Milton was a history buff, read multiple newspapers a day and could always be found doing a crossword puzzle. Milton loved his family immensely, always telling stories of where he came from to be passed down from generation to generation. Milton was always asking genuine questions and took great interest in the day-to-day of the lives of the people he loved most. Milton loved being with his family and his family cherished all the special memories of being with him. They will all continue to live their lives with the values that he instilled in them.
Milton is survived by their three children, Karen (Mark) Krasner, Michael (Karen) Saul, and Barbara Kaufman Fleming (Craig), six grandchildren: Daniel (Rachel) Krasner, Julie (Craig) Habif, Amy (Jason) Mollengarden, Joseph (Heather) Saul, Jennifer (Steven) Bodner, and Betsy Babbit, along with 15 great-grandchildren. Milton was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Dorothy Rosenblum and Pauline Cohen, and granddaughter, Mandy Krasner.
Funeral services were held Thursday, April 24, at 11:30 am at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care (770) 451-4999.
OBITUARIES
Kenneth Joel Seitz 82, Atlanta
An Atlantan for his 82 years, Kenneth “Kenny” Joel Seitz will be greatly missed. Born on May 21, 1942, Kenny was the middle son of Joe and Inez Seitz and attended Morningside Elementary and Grady Memorial High School before studying at the University of Georgia as a proud member of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity.
After graduation, he briefly worked in New York before moving back to Atlanta. He married Betty Fern Copeland from Birmingham in 1967. They had two sons: Barry Seitz, of blessed memory, and Brian Seitz, 51, of Atlanta, Ga. Kenny treated Brian’s wife, Tracy, as his own daughter and loved their two children and his only grandchildren — Barri, 20, and Davis, 17 — immensely.
Kenny had a wonderful life full of family and friends. He loved golfing, playing cards, and fly fishing; he especially loved to do these things in his favorite place of Longboat Key, Fla. Kenny leaves behind a lasting legacy of success in business, relationships, and philanthropy.
Kenny is survived by his wife, Betty, of 57 years; his son, Brian, and daughter-inlaw, Tracy Seitz (Neil and Patty Kaplowitz); and his beloved grandchildren, Barri and Davis Seitz. He is also survived by his older brother, Terry Seitz, of Houston, Texas, and younger brother, Ronnie Seitz, of Atlanta, Georgia.
Anyone wishing to make donations in honor of Kenny’s life, please make them to Jewish HomeLife. 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.
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CLOSING THOUGHTS
He Lied
Shaindle
Schmuckler
Shaindle’s Shpiel
We all lie. Well, most of us find there are moments we feel we must. The infamous little white lies absolutely count in this context. Are you aware of Shalom Beit? (peace in the home?)
Two friends meet for lunch. “You look great, did you lose some weight?” the gorgeous tall, real blond, blue-eyed beauty untruthfully says to her shorter, wimpy, brown-haired, not bad looking friend. Of course, now Wimpy hair is not going to order that burger she was salivating about. Wimpy hair now orders a salad, which she did not want at all. Wimpy hair is already planning to drop Blondie from her lunch friend list.
Blondie did not have to say anything to Wimpy, did she? Truth would have ex-
pected her to simply keep her thoughts, whatever they may have been, to herself and keep her mouth shut!
Critical enters the new home of her friend we shall refer to as Excited. Critical proclaims that her friend, Excited, did a wonderful job decorating her home in such an eclectic décor. Critical covers her mouth to hide her little white lie and her laughter by coughing in a way that alarmed Excited, who then ran to the kitchen to get Critical some cool water. Of course, Excited used her new purple water glasses. These water glasses took her months to find. She had a particular look she wanted. Truth was disappointed in Critical.
A doctor telling a family; “It’s too soon to tell,” when Truth knows the doctor can indeed tell, would do well to give the family the truth.
I don’t know how you spend a quiet day relaxing. I will retreat to my screened back porch or on a comfy chair in my family room engrossed, sometimes mesmerized, in a book. Sometimes, I become so lost in the story or the characters, I lose sight of where I am.
I do have some authors I seem to gravitate towards. One of these authors happens to be Mitch Albom. Very recently, I read, perhaps lived in, one of Mr. Albom’s books, “The Little Liar.”
The narrator of “The Little Liar” was Truth. Yes, Truth!
In this book, a young boy never told a lie. His family and friends all knew the boy always told the truth. So, when he did lie, they were certain it was the truth.
It wasn’t!
I was so moved by the characters in this book, I felt compelled to take pento-paper and write this poem in remembrance of all those who suffered the indignities lies thrust upon them.
