Atlanta Jewish Connector Coordinator DIANA COLE diana@atljewishtimes.com
GENERAL OFFICE
ROBIN FREEDMAN info@atljewishtimes.com 404-883-2130
Jewish Atlanta's Views of Trump at 100 Days
By Dave Schechter
Opinions in Jewish Atlanta about the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s second presidency — a milestone marked on April 30 — tend to mirror those the AJT reported on after he had been in office for 30 days.
The torrent of executive orders and policy changes may have eased somewhat, but almost daily there is news that either delights or disgusts, the reaction depending on one’s political persuasion.
On one hand, a poll of 800 registered Jewish American voters, conducted in April by The Mellman Group for the Jewish Electorate Institute (JEI), reported a 71 percent disapproval of Trump’s job performance. [Several JEI board members have ties to the Democratic Party. Veteran pollster Mark Mellman recently stepped down as president of the Democratic Majority for Israel, which he formed in 2019.]
On the other, “I give President Trump credit for having the courage to tackle critical issues that have been ignored for years by both Republicans and Democrats. People are upset with the ‘chaos’ he has caused, but you have to break some eggs to build an omelet,” said Chuck Berk, co-chair of the Atlanta chapter of the Republican Jewish Coalition.
Berk passed along a 19-item “Dayenu” (“it would have been enough”), modeled on the 14-verse song from the Passover Seder, thanking Trump for actions that included ordering a government strategy to combat antisemitism, slashing billions of dollars in federal grants to universities deemed as failing to protect Jewish students, and helping to rescue hostages held in Gaza. The list originated with RJC’s national chairman, former Minnesota U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman.
Another endorsement came from Betsy Kramer, a Republican party activist in Fulton County and an at-large delegate to the 2024 Republican National Convention. “In just his first 100 days, President Trump reignited American strength at home and abroad — slashing job-killing regulations, restoring border security, and jumpstarting economic confidence like we hadn’t seen in years. He put America First every single day, standing up to China, revitalizing American manufacturing, and keeping his promises to the forgotten men and women of this country,” she said.
Michael Rosenzweig, a Jewish community activist and board member of
Democratic Majority For Israel, offered a diametrically opposed viewpoint, contending that Trump’s first 100 days “have more than confirmed our worst fears about him . . . He has displayed breathtaking lawlessness, demonstrating that constitutional and legal constraints and traditional norms are meaningless to him.”
Trump “has demonstrated clearly that he is no true friend of either American Jews or Israel. He cynically claims that his attacks on colleges, universities, and law firms are all part of a virtuous effort to root out antisemitism, callously ignoring the backlash against Jews he thereby fosters,” he said.
“Trump has bypassed the government of Israel and displayed frightening disregard for Israel’s security by excluding it from negotiations with Iran and Hamas — respectively, the world’s most dangerous sponsor of terrorism and the most bloodthirsty terror group on the planet, both sworn to Israel’s destruction — and striking a deal with the Houthis protecting American targets but leaving them free to continue their attacks on Israel. One wonders what Jewish voters who supported Trump as a self-proclaimed friend to American Jews and Israel are thinking now,” Rosenzweig said.
One of Trump’s Jewish supporters is Renee Evans, a representative of the World Jewish Congress and a representative to the White House Faith Office, who pronounced herself to be more than satisfied with his job performance. “First, this has been the most pro-Israel admin-
istration from day one. The president has tackled the problems with supplying Israel with weapons, moral support, met with the prime minister, [and] coordinated military support as well,” she said.
“He has assigned multiple task forces, and gone after the antisemitism problem, not only on our primary and college campuses, and has stood firm on what is and is not acceptable,” Evans continued. “I believe he will have the deportation of these anti-American, domestic terrorists going more smoothly, soon, as well as those punished who are protesting against our community. These policies will not only make the punishment so severe, protesters will think twice before putting their futures and freedom on the line.”
Court challenges and debates on Capitol Hill have slowed progress on some of the administration’s domestic objectives. At 100 days, the weave of programs that form the social safety net — such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — remains at risk of being pulled apart.
“We’ve never had an administration, an entire administration, that feeds itself on chaos and when you feed yourself on chaos you can’t plan for anything, and they know that. So that when anything comes down, you’re just happy that there’s a resolution,” said Abbie Fuksman, a board member of Georgians for a Healthy Future and of MAZON: A Jewish
Response to Hunger.
The uncertainty makes it difficult to predict the impact on agencies that provide a myriad of services in the Jewish community. “I think you’re going to get the answers a year out and not this quickly,” Fuksman cautioned.
Much of the attention is focused on the future of Medicaid, the $880 billion per year program (in fiscal year 2023: 69 percent federal funding, 31 percent from the states) that provides health care and long-term care coverage for some 80 million seniors, low-income children and adults, and disabled Americans.
At the end of April, Trump told a NewsNation town hall, “We’re not doing anything with entitlements” (Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security). House Republicans remain fractured over making significant cuts to Medicaid, by as much as that same $880 billion spread over a decade, to help pay for tax cuts that would cost an estimated $3.7 trillion. Some Senate Republicans have voiced opposition to broad-based cuts.
Medicaid is a critical funding source for Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta (JF&CS) and Jewish HomeLife.
Jeff Gopen, president and CEO of Jewish HomeLife, warned: “As part of our mission, Jewish HomeLife reserves about half the beds at The William Breman Jewish Home for those on Medicaid. The waiting list is long, and the need is only increasing as people live far beyond their savings thanks to advances in medicine and technology. If the government truly
U.S. President Donald Trump (left) shakes hands with Yousif Al Obaidli, director of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, during a tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates // Photo Credit: AP Photo/Alex Brandon/Times of Israel
guts Medicaid, we could lose funding for our most vulnerable seniors we care for at The Home.”
Terri Bonoff, chief executive officer of JF&CS, acknowledged that “some people are cynical” about Trump’s pledge. “I’m not hitting the panic button,” she said, “because I do think the constituencies of those three programs are so strong . . . that he really is going to try his very best not to sign this, because it’s political suicide.”
Medicaid is an important funding source for the agency’s intellectual and development disabilities services. Two JF&CS initiatives already have been directly impacted by Trump administration policies.
“We had a wonderful program, a vaping prevention program in high schools,” a pilot program that the agency had hoped to continue and bring to a larger scale, but federal funds routed through the state will not be available, Bonoff said. The second was a program to assist low-income residents of DeKalb County with housing, funded through a $1.3 million grant, federal money routed through the county, that will not be there
next year.
“We have made a strategic decision not to be as beholden on federal funding,” Bonoff said. “Most of our sister agencies of our size get way more federal dollars than we do.”
That decision comes with a challenge. “Because we’ve done that, our need for philanthropy is greater than ever and that is a huge lift for the agency,” Bonoff said.
Rebecca Stapel-Wax, director of the Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity (SOJOURN), says that in more than two decades as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community she has not seen this level of fear.
Stapel-Wax pointed to a Trump budget that could defund the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, whose counselors are training to deal with high-risk groups such as veterans and LGBTQ+ youth. Ironically, it was Trump in 2020 who signed the law establishing the hotline number.
She also cited Trump’s executive orders banning transgender women from participating in sports at the school level and halting any federal funding for “gen-
der-affirming” care.
“Fear is a direct impact” when such services are threatened, Stapel-Wax said.
Rabbi Daniel Dorsch, senior rabbi at Congregation Etz Chaim, has seen the impact of Trump administration policies in his congregation, including layoffs at the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which were widely felt in the Jewish community.
“I’ve absolutely had federal employees in my synagogue who were career government civil servants lose their positions over the past several months. No doubt, giving these members of our communities our love and pastoral support continues to be the top priority for Atlanta’s rabbinic community in these uncertain times,” said Dorsch, the immediate past-president of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association.
A statement in April issued by a coalition of 10 Jewish organizations — including the Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist movements — accused Trump of acting “under the guise of fighting antisemitism to justify stripping students of due process rights when they face arrest and/or deportation, as well as
to threaten billions in academic research and education funding . . . These actions do not make Jews — or any community — safer. Rather, they only make us less safe.”
Evans praised Trump’s stance on faith issues. “He has been amazing from day one, establishing an official White House Faith Office. He has been very open to our Jewish community, and other faith-based groups, to express our religious freedom and beliefs at the White House and events. It’s a new day for those of faith in this country.
Ticking off a list of offenses committed by the president, Rosenzweig said that Trump has “ignored multiple court orders . . . illegally refused to spend funds appropriated by Congress and has otherwise made clear his disregard for that coequal branch of government . . . issued one executive order after another defying the Constitution . . . launched an unprecedented attack on the First Amendment . . . the courts have ruled against him in virtually every challenge and legal scholars are essentially united in the view that he is, by far, the most lawless president in our country’s history.” ì
U.S. President Donald Trump (right) shaking hands with Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh on May 14, 2025 // Photo Credit: Bandar Al-Jaloud/Saudi Royal Palace/AFP/Times of Israel
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, May 20, 2025, in Washington // Photo Credit: AP Photo/Alex Brandon/Times of Israel
FIDF Gala: One Hope … Israel’s Soldiers
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
On May 12, approximately 650 supporters came to salute the finest military force on Earth with the hardest mission.
Seth Baron, vice president of Friends of Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Georgia & Southeast States welcomed the crowd at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia, with a special nod to Anat Sultan-Dadon who received a standing ovation as she nears the conclusion of her six-year term in Atlanta as Israel’s Consul General to the Southeast. She then spoke about “the need to protect Israel’s sovereignty as a shield standing for 77 years. The IDF doesn’t have the option of losing.”
Baron noted that 856 IDF soldiers have been lost since Oct. 7. He emphasized that Israel has been fighting Iran’s proxies on all fronts … “all while mourning … the days without consequences are over.”
Jeris Hollander, associate director of FIDF Georgia and Southeast States, led a moment of silence for these 856 souls lost in the first line of defense. He said, “A
man does not die until he is forgotten.”
Attorney Ben Levy introduced Lt. “C.,” one of 10 siblings, who has crossed paths unknowingly with brothers during active duty. He added that his secret team developed a system to detect enemy cells, often seconds before (and preventing) at-
tacks.
Next up was Staff Sgt. “O.” spoke of the horrors of “seeing her friends slaughtered in their pajamas by angry monsters as the worst day of her life, 10/7. After being separated from other females, she was the first hostage to be rescued (2023)
by the IDF. She recalled, “The rescuers are my personal Supermen. My spirit cannot be broken,” and she reenlisted.
Two videos were shown covering topics like the IDF stepping in to get supplies out of JFK Airport (that China ultimately blocked) and the positive work of
Your Luxurious Sanctuary on the Chattahoochee River in Sandy Springs.
Keynote speaker Yoni Asseraf was the recipient of the IDF Medal of Courage // All photos by Jon Marks
Seth Baron stated that Israel is fighting and mourning at the same time.
Jeris Hollander offered a moment of silence for the 865 souls lost in the IDF since Oct 7, 2023.
mental healthcare and treating PTSD.
Garry Sobel, FIDF National Board Member, brought up Karen Shulman, immediate past chair, who went head on to address the emergency needs of Oct. 7. She spoke of a new partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, After the Shiva, offering assistance to bereaved families. Sobel labeled the evening as the “second gala during war. We cannot understand the sheer hate and brutality, yet the IDF ran towards the fire. We will never hide. Our hope is carried on the soldiers of the IDF.”
He made the analogy that the FIDF is the stretcher akin to shouldering wounded IDF soldiers: “Our soldiers fight like lions and lionesses.”
Keynote speaker Yoni Asseraf, IDF Medal of Courage Recipient, was in L.A. on Oct. 7, and returned to Israel Oct. 8 to join his special paratrooper team, whose mission was to drive back any second wave. He took a video on the Nova Music Festival and made it his mission to root out snipers. He shot into empty houses, judging whether to open fire on enemies holding white cloths.
He said, “We wanted to take them alive, strip and get information. He shared a harrowing time of being surrounded by Hezbollah while “squished in a bathroom with radios, while Hamas snipers dressed perfectly in IDF uniforms
led a charge.”
He ended with a depiction of his grueling preparation. “We had trained for 16 months. One small mistake and you can be kicked out. We got little sleep and walked with blisters, vomiting our food … where we thought it was six miles, it was actually 10. You get used to it. That is the definition of resilience.”
During the pre-function hour, FIDF Impact Scholar sponsors Gail and Lyons Heyman recently met with their sponsored soldier who completed her IDF service in the South near Egypt to get a degree in communications thanks to the Heymans. According to Gail, the soldier was so incredibly grateful, orphaned as a young child … she felt like we were family.”
Renee Evans added that she supports four young men in Gaza. Real estate magnate Norman Radow praised the work of FIDF, “If we don’t stand up for ourselves, who will? We are all one Jewish family.”
Radow’s son, Neal, was a Lone Soldier.
Suzanne Eisenberg shared with the AJT that her two sons were also Lone Soldiers. One had a degree in engineering from Georgia Tech, who was reassigned from tank duty when they realized that he could redesign the whole logistics system The other won his unit’s Outstanding Award out of 150 troops. ì
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Garry Sobel, FIDF National Board Member, compared the IDF to lions and lioness fighters.
David Asarnow is the parent of a Lone Soldier.
National Jewish Health Honors Andrew Young
By Bob Bahr
For its second consecutive Legends of Atlanta fundraising gala for National Jewish Health, the prestigious hospital and research center in Denver, local organizers put together a high-profile event honoring Andrew Young. In attendance for the tribute to Young were Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and former mayors, Bill Campbell, Shirley Franklin, Kasim Reed, and Keisha Lance Bottoms.
The $500 per plate red carpet event in the Woodruff Arts Center Galleria recognized Young’s extraordinary career of more than 70 years of service to the city and the nation. Over the years, his work to transform America’s racial landscape has been recognized by more than a hundred universities that have conferred honorary degrees upon him.
In recent decades, he’s been instrumental in bringing the Black and Jewish communities in the city closer together.
Rabbi Peter Berg, senior rabbi at The Temple in Midtown, offered the invocation at the Jewish Health gala. His syna-
gogue has a history of working closely with Black religious and civic leaders. He paid his own tribute to Young’s work.
“He has been a tremendous ally to the Jewish community,” Rabbi Berg said, “and has really brought Black and Jewish relations to the forefront. He’s put it to the front of his agenda.”
Young, who was America’s Ambassador to the United Nations during the Carter Administration, also worked for closer ties between Atlanta, America, and the nations of the African continent.
His work paid enormous dividends locally, particularly when, as co-chair of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Committee, he
was instrumental in securing the games during their centennial year. Among the organizers of this year’s Jewish Health event was Billy Payne, who was president and chief executive officer of the 1996 Olympics.
As part of this year’s fundraising event, Fay Gold, noted Atlanta art deal-
Dr. Greg Downey (left) Executive Vice President at National Jewish Health; Andrew Young, and Lisa Tadiri, Vice President for Development at National Jewish Health
B’nai Brith was an important early supporter of the work of National Jewish Health.
er, who was the honoree at the initial Legends dinner last year, organized an art auction. The woman who helped in the 1970s and 1980s to kickstart what is now a thriving community of art collectors was at the center of the action at the Woodruff Center Galleria.
“My evening was very glamorous” Gold said. “We had a big art auction that night. I had about 20 of my artists donate important pieces, and I was the auctioneer, and that helped with the success we had in making a generous contribution to the medical center.”
Gold began working on fundraising for the Denver medical center in the late 1950s and was the chair of their committee in New York City before moving to Atlanta several years ago.
Many who work to support the group locally have been personal beneficiaries of the work the Denver medical center has done. Paul Hagedorn, whose father developed the Miracle Gro line of gardening products, had severe asthma as a child. He spent a year-and-a-half being treated in Denver, while he attended the elementary school that was established on the hospital grounds for those with respiratory problems that required more intense care. He presented Andrew Young with the National Jewish Health’s Humanitarian Award.
National Jewish Health, which has adopted a number of names over its 125year history, started out as a 60-bed charity hospital which was built in 1893 by a
wealthy Denver Jewish family and their rabbi. Its founding ideal that health care should be free for all was said to have been founded on Jewish spiritual teachings. The dedication came with this statement: “Pain knows no creed, so is this building the prototype of the grand idea of Judaism, which casts aside no stranger no matter of what race or blood. We consecrate this structure to humanity, to our suffering fellowman, regardless of creed.”
The initial aim of the project was to take care of the large number of people with tuberculosis who had travelled to Denver in the hope of relief from the deadly disease. There were no drugs that were effective at the time, but it was believed that the fresh mountain breezes of the Western city would help them survive.
Because there was no money left to run the hospital once it was built, the hospital stood idle for six years, Then, the B’nai Brith international fraternal organization stepped in with financial support that endured for more than 50 years. The medical center’s work is nonsectarian, but it has also benefited from generations of support by prominent Jewish families across the country.
Today, it provides care for nearly 40,000 patients annually and supports a program of over $43 million in charity care. It is the nation’s top-ranked center for respiratory illnesses, as well as a leading research and treatment center for a variety of other illnesses. ì
National Jewish Health in Denver is the nation’s leading hospital and research center for respiratory illnesses.
Legendary Entertainment Lawyer Katz Remembered
By Bob Bahr
Joel Katz, the Atlanta attorney who died last month at the age of 80, was, during his lifetime, among the most important figures to shape the world of entertainment.
For years he was at the top of Billboard Magazine’s Power 100 list and represented a who’s who in popular music. He was the lawyer for such music legends as B.B. King, Willie Nelson, George Jones, and Jimmy Buffett as well as such contemporary stars as Jamie Foxx, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, and Faith Hill.
What kept him at the forefront of entertainment law was his ability to see early opportunities for his clients in the rapidly changing world of entertainment. As he viewed technology advance from eight track tape cartridges to compact discs and streaming by such giants as Apple, Spotify, and Amazon, he was an early advocate of profitable new business strategies.
His Atlanta firm, Katz Smith and
Cohen, was one of the nation’s largest entertainment law firms before it merged in 1998 with Greenberg Traurig. In an industry where big money deals are commonplace, he negotiated some of the
largest and most important agreements of recent years.
He represented The Recording Academy in its $600 million, 10-year broadcast deal with the CBS Television Network for broadcast rights to the Grammys. He played a prominent role in Michael Jackson’s $750 million sale of his interest in the Sony/ATV Publishing business. He also oversaw the $300 million
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Atlanta lawyer Joel Katz was one of the world’s leading entertainment lawyers.
One of Katz’s biggest deals was the $750 million sale of Michael Jackson’s interest in Sony/ATM.
Katz underwrote one of the nation's largest music business programs at Kennesaw State University.
purchase of Big Machine Records in 2018. It earned him the deep appreciation of Scott Borchetta, who had founded Big Machine 10 years before the sale.
“Joel Katz was the most creative attorney in the business,” Borchetta said. “He figured out ways to connect people and make deals that, simply, no other attorney could make. He always found a way to build a bridge and lift people up, was a brilliant storyteller and loved great wine. I will miss him and never forget him.”
Katz’s career had humble beginnings. He paid his way through the University of Tennessee Law School by working the night shift from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. at a nearby Holiday Inn. His first office in Atlanta was a single small room that shared a secretary with three other young attorneys.
But that all suddenly changed in 1971 when, with little experience in the entertainment industry, he was hired by James Brown, the “Godfather of Soul,” to negotiate a new contract with PolyGram Records. Although he was Katz’s first important client, he won for Brown a multi-million dollar advance from the label, use of a company jet, and the rights to his musical compositions and master recordings.
After the deal, a grateful Brown slipped him an envelope with $50,000, which was three times more than Katz had ever made in an entire year as a lawyer. It didn’t take long for him to decide what he wanted to do with his law degree.
Significantly, word of the successful deal quickly led to a meeting with Willie Nelson, who helped Katz sign Tammy Wynette, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson. His reputation as a tenacious
negotiator quickly earned him the devotion of his long string of A-list clients.
The law library at the University of Tennessee is named in his honor and the silver, gold and platinum records that his clients earned line the halls of the building. He endowed a professorship in entertainment and sports law at the school and was named a distinguished alumnus in 2017.
He served as a board member for Hunter College, the Berklee College of Music and the Grammy Museum. Katz was also chairman of the board of the T.J. Martell Foundation that has given over $280 million for cancer research.
In 2017, he received the Distinguished Service Award of the City of Hope, one of the nation’s most important cancer treatment and research centers. The facility was founded more than 110 years ago by Jewish philanthropists. In February 2024, he was honored with The Recording Academy Trustee Award in recognition of his contributions to the field of recording.
Closer to home, he underwrote one of the nation’s most successful music and business entertainment programs at Kennesaw State University and has served on the board of Clark Atlanta University. A section of Northside Parkway is named in his honor. It is near Howell Mill Road, where the Breman Jewish Home and The Jewish Tower are located.
In summing up Joel Katz’s life, Irving Azoff, former chair of Ticketmaster and Live Nation Entertainment and a close friend, had these words.
“Joel Katz was a pioneer in building the music business as we now know it today. I will love and miss him always. He was the ultimate mensch" ì
Panitch Honored for Unwavering Support of Israel
By Sasha Heller
State Rep. Esther Panitch was one of 18 female leaders who were recently recognized by Hadassah for their outspoken and consistent support of Israel.
Hadassah announced its “18 American Zionist Women You Should Know,” which features a diverse group of women thought leaders and professionals, including a Muslim women’s rights activist from Pakistan, an Emmy Award-winning actress and devout Catholic who is bringing Christians together to support Jews, a non-Jewish, Italian-American culinary star who posts new videos on Instagram about antisemitism and anti-Zionism, and many more.
“Whether they are activists, educators, writers, entertainers, politicians, business innovators, nonprofit leaders, several of those things or something else entirely, these 18 women are doing the critical work of advocating for Zionism and defending Israel in the U.S. and around the world,” said the official news release.
When asked what it means to her to
be recognized by Hadassah as an inspiring American Zionist female leader, Panitch said, “I was very excited. I’ve spent
much of my life volunteering for Hadassah, so it’s an honor to be recognized for decades of my family’s work. It’s also
incredibly humbling — it reminds me that what I say, and how I say it, matters to others. I’m thrilled to stand alongside
Hadassah recently recognized 18 women leaders for their continued support of Israel // Photo Credit: Hadassah
remarkable women leaders who have proudly and publicly prioritized their love for Israel.”
For Panitch, Zionism is integral to Judaism as a whole.
“We pray facing Jerusalem. Our holy sites are all there. That Zionism resulted in the modern state of Israel is both miraculous and a natural part of Judaism. Zionism recognizes the historical fact that Israel is the Jewish homeland,” she said.
Panitch also shared a message for younger American females, Jewish or non-Jewish, about championing support for Israel and American Jewry.
She said, “Life is hard right now for Jews, but the best thing you can do is be honest with other people and be strong in your beliefs. You will find people who claim to be friends who are not. Move on from them. You won’t be able to convince everybody. Don’t waste your time trying.”
Diana Diner, Hadassah Zionist educator, lauded Panitch’s legacy of Zionism and pro-Israel activism.
“Esther exemplifies Hadassah’s values and is devoted to our mission, at the heart of which is a commitment to stand up for Israel and to push back antisemitism, wherever it appears. Just last year, she co-sponsored a bill that proposed the George to legislature adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism.”
Diner went on to say that Panitch has had a significant impact on Atlanta’s Jewish community and abroad; in particular, with the fundraising effort for a stem cell lab at Hadassah’s medical center in Jerusalem.
She said, “U.S. laws at the time restricted stem cell research and because of Esther and those she worked with, Hadassah’s doctors have made advancements that are going to change the lives of people all over the world who live with crippling diseases like ALS. She is also a fourth-generation Hadassah member.”
Carol Ann Schwartz, Hadassah national president, said, “Hadassah has fostered and promoted Zionist ideals for more than 100 years and the vision of our founder, Henrietta Szold, lives on through us. We take to heart our responsibility to empower those who are standing up for Israel.”
The full list of “18 American Zionist Women You Should Know,” (excluding Panitch) is as follows:
• Anila Ali – Muslim American activist
• Galia Amram – lawyer and Jewish nonprofit leader
• Emily Austin – Broadcaster and pro-Israel advocate
• Bellamy Bellucci – Black, transgender Jewish social media advocate
• Suzanne Patt Benvenisti – Hadassah executive
• Stephanie Bonder – Jewish educator and communal leader
• Caroline D’Amore – Entrepreneur and pro-Israel activist
• Hilary Hawn – Community advocate, educator and writer
• Patricia Heaton – Christian Zionist activist, philanthropist and award-winning actress
• Michal Ilai – Israel educator
• Shoshanna Keats Jaskoll – American Israeli writer and activist
• Allison Tombros Korman – Red Tent Fund founder and women’s health activist
• Mazi Pilip – Ethiopian Israeli American politician and Zionist advocate
• Yocheved Ruttenberg – Sword of Iron Israel Volunteer Corp founder and mobilizer
• Dr. Deborah Villanueva – Health professional, educator and Zionist activist
• Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath –Award-winning Jewish educator and author
• Elena Yacov – Pro-Israel nonprofit professional ì
State Rep. Esther Panitch was one of 18 women leaders honored by Hadassah for their outspoken support of Israel. // copyright 2012 Jonah Blumenthal
Congregation Ariel Salutes the Friedmans
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
Congregation Ariel hosted a sold-out tribute gala for 375 on May 18 to honor Rabbi Binyomin and Morah Dena Friedman on their 30-plus-year journey of building a vibrant, thriving synagogue and Torah study center, literally from the ground up.
Beginning at 5 p.m., major donors gathered for a gold ribbon cutting ceremony of the renovated Beis Midrash (Kollel Dome) which has been renamed in their honor.
At the ribbon cutting, incoming congregation president, Gabe Lembeck, thanked the Friedmans for their Torah wisdom, chesed and guidance bestowed upon the community so appropriately associated with the Beis Midrash. He acknowledged that the Torah was itself the center of learning “even as far as Shanghai.”
He stated, “The generations that have been influenced by the Friedmans transcend time and physical space.” Two founders, Lester Czuper and Murray Siegel, mingled as Linda Czuper recalled
starting Ariel in their sunroom in 1991.
Weekend event chair Adrienne Litt-Bishko stated that the organizers, including Julie Rice, Robyn Regenbaum (remotely from Israel) and Cory Shaw, planned the event over nine months. A myriad of volunteers, including Sydne Cooper and Beth Valenta, made the event a success. Rice told the AJT that the program would have “lots of fun secret surprises for the rabbi.”
Rabbi Daniel Freitag served as emcee. Current Ariel President Josh Bahkshi compared the Friedmans to “figurative parents where the family shares, learns and mourns together.”
Rabbi Ilan Feldman of Congregation Beth Jacob was emotional when sharing the Freidmans’ accomplishments from making the Beis Midrash “the best South of the Mason Dixon line” to the Friedmans’ “sublime Friday night dinners where
Shabbos arrived in Dunwoody.”
He acknowledged Morah Dena, a kindergarten teacher at Torah Day School for more than 30 years, for being a role model to all. “We are all in your class and never want to graduate.”
Rabbi Menachem Deutsch, founder of the Atlanta Scholars Kollel, also honored the Friedmans for their life’s work and praised Rabbi Friedman as a Torah educator and historian.
Murray Siegel (far left) and Lester and Linda Czupa look on as the Friedmans kvell over the rededication sign.
Sydne Cooper, Cory Shaw, and Adrienne Litt–Bishko were among the volunteers who made the event special.
Julie, one of the event chairs, and Mark Rice have been members since 1996.
Rabbi Boruch Neuberger from Ner Yisroel Rabbinical College, where many of Atlanta’s Orthodox rabbis are trained, explained the importance of quality over volume akin to the Shmita years. He noted that the Friedmans started with little and built a legacy.
As emcee, Rabbi Freitag did a fun gig with the Hebrew letters Feh and Peh since almost all Ariel rabbis have last names beginning with those letters. He also played a series of hysterical mock recordings left on the rabbi’s voicemail prior to Shabbos requesting a call back.
“The dog ate both lasagna and meat, what should I do?”
The Kollel rabbis dressed “Fiddler on the Roof” style and serenaded the Friedmans with special lyrics to the tune of “Tradition.”
A charming YouTube video recaptured old footage of the rabbi and Morah Freidman in a pretend tug-of-war as she was carted off to Dunwoody in a station wagon resisting the move to the new community, sheitel in tow.
Concluding the program, a composed but moved Rabbi Friedman began, “If I knew retiring was going to be this much fun, I would have done it earlier.”
Like McArthur and Churchill, he said old rabbis never die but fade away. He acknowledged Rabbi Deutsch for loaning his personal credit card to start the fledgling congregation decades ago and thanked a long list of mentors. Rabbi Friedman noted that he had appeared in dozens of Kollel song performances, but never as an observer. He thanked his family and especially wife, Dena, “You’d have to be on a spaceship from Mars to not have known what Dena has done … I couldn’t be fired because she was so outstanding.”
He noted that when addressing the congregation, he would check her facial gestures to assess if he said anything questionable. On a serious note, he was sure footed about his role in creating “spiritual tension” and causing a little discomfort in order for congregants to grow.
Search committee co-chair Steve Mendel told the AJT that Rabbi Pincus Fink, a native of Highland Park, N.J., will assume the lead rabbinical position at Congregation Ariel. ì
The Kollel singers gave one of their best performances.
Birthright Israel Expects 20K Attendees this Summer
By Bob Bahr
Two large tour buses filled with the first group this summer of Birthright participants from the Hillels of Georgia chapters traveled through Israel earlier this month. The group is part of an ambitious effort to expand the popular program during the summer vacation period. The four-and-a-half-month Birthright session is expected to involve 20,000 young Jewish adults from the United States, Canada and 30 other countries.
For Rabbi Larry Sernovitz, president of Georgia’s Hillel program, Birthright is one way of extending the work of building worldwide Jewish community after Oct. 7, 2023.
“I think what is really important, is that while antisemitism isn’t going away, we can keep it at bay. And that’s the importance of allyships, of working together with others, because year one after Oct. 7 was really about survival for everyone, and this past year it was a year to build upon what we’ve learned.”
This summer marks the 25th anniversary of the program which has brought more than 900,000 young people to experience Israel at no cost to them.
The CEO of Birthright Israel, Gidi Mark, noted that the program has played an increasingly important role in developing support for Israel around the world.
“Now, more than ever, it’s important for young Jews to experience Israel firsthand,” Mark emphasized, “to connect with people, understand the complexity and see the reality beyond the headlines.”
The number of participants in Birthright programs this year is expected to jump by 60 percent over 2024.
Over 30,000 participants are being welcomed in the many programs that Birthright offers, not just for young people but for those well beyond their college years. The organization offers opportunities to engage with life in Israel up to those as old as 50. The organization supports internships with Israel-based companies and institutions, educational fellowships, and volunteer programs in individual communities in the country.
To build local support for the Birthright Israel Foundation, which helps fund these programs, a group of almost 50 Atlanta women created the organization’s first-ever women’s event.
For Michelle Leven, who co-hosted the meeting with Karen Shulman, bringing others together in support of Birthright was personal.
“Watching my son return from Birthright transformed, more connected to his Jewish identity and Israel,” Leven said, “proved just how powerful these programs are. Birthright offers young Jews strength, pride, and belonging when they need it most.”
Among the featured speakers was Felicia Dlugolenski, an Atlanta mother of three, who recently returned from volunteering in Israel as part of the Birthright Israel Volunteer program on Israel’s farmland.
“More than posting about Israel or donating, I wanted to actually go,” Dlugolenski said, “to have my hands in Israel’s soil. What I got back was immeasurable. I felt useful, connected, and proud, not just of what I did, but of being part of something so much bigger. It was incredible.”
The event also featured Ashley Waxman Bakshi, who participated in a Birthright trip for the first time more than 20
years ago. She has since become one of Israel’s leading voices online combatting misinformation about the country and advocating the release of the hostages. She has a following of 850,000 on social media.
Karen Shulman, who like Leven, serves on Birthright’s Atlanta Leadership Council, was impressed by the success of the gathering.
“Bringing together such thoughtful, committed women around a shared mission is inspiring. Birthright Israel changes lives and it’s up to us to ensure that continues.”
A groundbreaking new study by the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University reinforced the impact that the Birthright program has had on Jewish survival. The research led by Leonard Sax at the university shows that Birthright participants are more likely to marry Jewish partners and pass on their Jewish traditions.
“We have been surveying those who participated in the program and similar peers who applied but did not go since 2009,” Sax noted. “What we have consistently found is that Birthright’s impact continues after the program ends and even for decades later.”
The new study shows that, compared to their peers who applied to Birthright Israel but never participated, 84 percent of Birthright Israel alumni are raising their children exclusively Jewish, regardless of their spouse’s background.
It’s estimated that it costs more than $5,000 to underwrite the cost of each person’s trip. That adds up to an annual budget of over $200 million, over two-thirds of which are raised by individual donations from around the world and onethirds from the government of Israel. The Marcus Foundation and its founder, Bernie Marcus, have been among the organization’s largest supporters. ì
Two buses of Birthright participants from Hillels of Georgia toured Israel earlier this month.
Attending Birthright Israel’s first ever local women’s conference were (from left) Amy Lewis, Michelle Leven, Karen Shulman, and Doug Ross // Photo credit: Cristan Lopez
This summer, 20,000 Birthright participants from 30 countries are expected to participate.
American Jewish Committee Hosts Annual Meeting
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
The Westminster Schools, educational home base for the Selig family, was the venue for the 81st annual meeting of the American Jewish Committee with the election and installation of new leadership.
On Wednesday, May 14, Mindy Selig Shoulberg took the presidential torch from Belinda Morris as her two-year term came to an end. Keynote speaker, Jason Isaacson, AJC Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer, delivered observations about unfolding hot topics headlining the news.
Morris welcomed the group, especially the “newer faces” as she focused on future generational leadership. She then proceeded to list many accomplishments of those [relatives] who had just graduated college or professional school, and said, “And I married off my last daughter.”
The Temple's Rabbi Loren Lapidus gave the D’var Torah, Pirkei Avot, inspiring us to “run to do mitzvahs, even if it means running into adversity, standing up when under attack in unprecedented times … and joining hands.” She also spoke of The Temple’s longstanding relationship with the AJC.
Access (AJC’s younger group) board member and Emory University medical student David Culp spoke about antisemitism on campus and that he met with the school’s dean with Dov Wilker, AJC regional director, along for support. Culp joked that he got involved after Oct. 7 “because his parents wanted him to find a Jewish husband.”
Gabby and Mark Spatt presented Wilker with an Omega Speedmaster watch in tandem with his recent recognition with the Distinguished Advocate Award. Incoming Vice President Shauna Grosswald shared how she uses the AJC dashboard as an important tool. Having returned from a conference in Washington, D.C., she related how students universally raised their hands when queried about antisemitism.
Morris delivered her outgoing presidential review before receiving a standing ovation, as she asked, “Who could have ever predicted that Oct. 7 would change the world?”
She touted that more than $2 million has been raised this year. Some of the impact events under Morris’ term include: 426 new individuals in the Access Data Base; 160 actions taken by elected officials after engagement; 151 media hits
inside Atlanta, 61 outside; and 1,004 firsttime AJC attendees who do not identify as Jewish.
Morris introduced a video of Gov. Brian Kemp and wife, Marty, where he complimented the AJC for helping to make the city and state great. Craig Kaufman, nominating committee chair, presented Morris with a delicate glass gavel and installed the new officers.
Shoulberg, a graduate of Westminster, accepted the top lay leadership role explaining her own journey having an adult bat mitzvah and “carrying her family’s generational gift of history and role modeling.”
She commended her father, Steve Selig, for leading with purpose and mother, Janet, for leading with heart and her own intentionality in raising her daughters “knowing who they are.”
She alluded to the progress at her alma mater, Westminster, a “Christian school” whose president was on hand, as she explained her future priorities for AJC.
Isaacson, a longtime analyst of U.S. strategic affairs and an advocate for Israel-Arab peace, ranged from cautious to optimistic in his comments based on the perceived unpredictability of President Donald Trump, whom he rarely mentioned by name. Isaacson connected
many dots about news in Syria, Qatar, and U.S.-Israel relations, the latter he felt is on new ground with Trump having met with potential partners not necessarily including Israel.
He said, “The AJC position has been to support Ukraine. I hope they are not disadvantaged by Trump’s relationship with Putin.” He felt the only hope for change among the Palestinians lies with their “thought leaders” educating children not to hate. On a positive note, he
saw a glimmer that maybe … Syria and Saudi Arabia will join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel.
“It could be huge. Maybe even opening relations with Iran.”
Isaacson closed by admiring Atlanta, “Every time I leave here, I get inspired. Especially with your example of the Access program with 700 young people that started 25 years ago from basically nothing.” ì
Mindy Selig Shoulberg (center) is flanked by her aunt, Kathy Selig, and father, Steve Selig
American Jewish Committee Policy Chief Jason Isaacson is joined by AJC Regional Director Dov Wilker to close the event.
Belinda Morris received a standing ovation for her accomplishments // Photo Credit: Ben Leschins
AJT Connects Pianists to Appear in Concert
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
This writer’s role at Atlanta Jewish Times involves writing about the arts, events, highlighting simchas and interesting people, even fashion and dining. Let us not forget the role local press plays in connecting the community in many vital ways, most recently finding a possible kidney donor for a local rabbi in 24 hours.
Two unconnected stories by this writer and managing editor Sasha Heller focused on Wayne Freedman (73) and Elias Kremer (19), who were both unaware of the other, and who both volunteer at memory care facilities for dementia patients and seniors. Some of the patients are non-verbal, but they can remember music, tapping their toes and singing along. Both Kremer and Freedman are trained pianists.
Because of these AJT stories, this reporter introduced them, and voila! With the partnership of Atlanta Jewish Times, both Kremer and Freedman will appear in concert, L’dor V’Dor: From Generation to Generation, From Key to Key, at The Dupree at 3 p.m., June 22. The concert is free to those who register and get issued a ticket. Parlor-style seats are very limited, and no walkins will be admitted. Ninety minutes of glorious favorite classics and modern tunes will fill the atrium along with some lively commentary by Nancy Jacobson Freedman.
Now a senior at The Galloway School, Kremer, son of Trudy Baker and Doug Kremer, will enter Duke Uni-
versity this fall. He is an example of a young changemaker who took a talent and ran with it to benefit others with the creation of NOTEWORTHE Music, in conjunction with Emory Brain Health. Kremer was also featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “Student Finds Purpose in His Passion,” on Oct. 8, 2024.
Kremer, who began playing piano at age 5, especially loves to play romantic-era classical compositions from Chopin, Rachmaninoff and Debussy, among others. One of his original pieces was awarded by Georgia
Beyond Your Expectations...
combining technology and artistry
Music Educators Association for high school composition.
He stated, “When I started NOTEWORTHE Music to connect student musicians with audiences in senior living communities, respite care centers and brain health facilities, I had no idea I had a ‘twin’ who happened to be 50 years older. Wayne also performed for seniors with cognitive impairments when he was a student like me, which is why I think there’s something really special about playing together -- multiple generations of bringing the positive impact of music on the mind. Music has been such an important part of my life, and it’s such a joy to see so many people invested in bringing music enrichment and therapy to Emory to improve the lives of people living with cognitive impairment.”
Kremer has raised $18,000 to date.
Freedman said, “What an honor and thrill it is to perform with Elias Kremer, an incredibly talented young artist. In many ways, I see a younger version of myself, as a teen volunteer performer in my hometown of Buffalo. Since retiring in 2022, my wife and I volunteer at over 35 senior communities. We play classical and popular pieces, with Nancy sharing interesting trivia about the music. Performing has been an incredibly rewarding experience, not just for the seniors, but also for us. We feel blessed to be able to have touched so many with the calming and engaging power of music.”
Freedman began studying piano at age 4. During his high school years, he played at senior living centers as a community service project. After graduating from Northwestern University, and while working in New York in the 1980s, Freedman performed at the historic One If By Land, Two If By Sea restaurant in Greenwich Village. After a 44-year media career, he retired to reimmerse himself behind the piano at senior facilities. His playlist includes light classical works from composers like Chopin, Bach, Debussy, and Mozart, and popular favorites from Billy Joel, Randy Newman, The Beatles, and show tunes.
This concert is performed in loving memory of Susan Caller who succumbed to Alzheimer’s Disease in 2024 at age 78. Baruch She Kavanti … “Blessed be our connections.”
For tickets, please visit https://june22piano.eventbrite.com. ì
Dr. David Mastro
Elias Kremer (left) and Wayne Freedman will appear on June 22 at The Dupree for a benefit concert supporting Alzheimer’s research. Kremer founded NOTEWORTHE Music, which supports Emory University’s Cognitive Empowerment Program in helping individuals dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s and cognitive challenges to lead fuller lives.
Emory Drafts New Campus Protest Rules
By Bob Bahr
Usher Raymond, the popular singer and entertainer, who prefers to be known just by his first name, brought some show-business glamour and gentle advice about how to achieve success to Emory University’s Commencement Exercises earlier this month. He encouraged the new graduates to think boldly, act with purpose, and be the “fearless architects of our future.”
“Be a little unrealistic, be a little delusional, even in your pursuit of happiness and fulfillment,” he said, “and at the same time, be patient, be respectful of the process, because life is filled with challenges, and they would either make you or break you, but that’s a choice, and that choice is yours.”
The warm reception he received was in sharp contrast to the atmosphere that surrounded last year’s commencement, which was relocated from the traditional outdoor setting of the university’s central quadrangle to Gas South Arena in suburban Gwinnett County.
The last-minute move in 2024 was a precaution by the school’s administration to head off a public protest during graduation by pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Tensions were high on the campus after the university’s president, Gregory Fenves, called in Atlanta Police and Georgia State Patrol to break up an encampment on the quadrangle in protest against Israel’s war in Gaza. Twentyeight students, faculty members, and local activists were arrested.
Among those arrested was Noelle McAfee, chair of the school philosophy department, who was the presidentelect of the University Senate, which represents students, faculty and staff in governance issues. She wasn’t directly involved in the protest but was on the scene to monitor what took place. The charges against her were quickly dropped but she was outraged by what took place.
“It was quite traumatic,” she said, “seeing students, young people who were just expressing their political views and then being assaulted. And not just students, but also a colleague of mine, another faculty member was thrown to the ground, smashed to the ground. So, the university thought they were doing this in the name of safety, but the danger came with the Georgia State Patrol.”
While the incident was short lived, the aftermath resulted in a comprehensive reappraisal of the university’s policies governing demonstrations by stu-
dents on campus. Rabbi Larry Sernovitz, president of Hillels of Georgia, which maintains an important major presence at Emory, has been encouraged.
“It’s been a wonderful school year for our Jewish students. What has made such a difference has been the equitable enforcement of the code of conduct. It has allowed our students to be safe on campus and not have to worry about being Jewish or their connection to Jewish peoplehood.”
In one measure of progress, in recent weeks a group of 18 Emory student leaders, many of them not Jewish, landed in Israel for a visit as part of the Maccabee Task Force program that Hillel coordinates.
The revised code of conduct in what is called Emory’s Open Expressions Policy is the result of more than four months of study by members of the university’s Senate and several weeks of further dis-
The new policy calls for, among other restrictions, that no protest or demonstration on campus can take place between midnight and 7 a.m., no tents are allowed, and all temporary structures must be removed each night. Outsiders, who are not members of the university community, may be asked to leave the campus and are subject to arrest if they refuse.
The new guidelines also stipulate that before any changes can be made to these rules, administrators must consult with the University Senate. And, while it’s clear that violent protests and the occupations of building will not be tolerated, the open expression of diverse views will not be discouraged.
Emory’s administration hopes the new agreement will heal some of the divisions that have developed over all the controversy that has been stirred. The agreement has the support of the University Senate and its president, McAfee.
“A big research university like Emory has many parts, but the heart and soul is about the educational mission, which is what’s really important to faculty, and that is, it requires freedom to think and to be able to say unpopular things,”
It was also a message that Usher also spoke about in his charge to the graduating class of 2025. It was that the real value of a college education is not in the accomplishment that four years brings, but in the freedom to put that accomplishment to work.
cussion with administrators. It was announced in late March.
JEWELRY
“In a world where credentials can feel overshadowed by computer keyboard clicks and followers and algorithms, does a diploma still matter? It’s not the paper that gives the power. It’s you. You create the value behind that degree.” ì
Hillel at Emory has been at the forefront of Jewish student life on campus.
Emory’s new Open Expression Policy was created after last year’s campus protest against Israel’s war in Gaza.
Delta Air Lines has resumed daily nonstop service to Tel Aviv via New York-JFK Airport as
Delta Resumes Daily Nonstop Service to
Tel Aviv
Delta Air Lines has resumed daily nonstop service to Tel Aviv (TLV) from
Today in Israeli History
May 31, 1665: Shabbetai Zevi declares himself the Messiah after meeting with a mystic, Nathan of Gaza. Ottoman officials arrest him in 1666 and let him choose conversion to Islam or execution; he picks Islam.
June 1, 1967: Seeking government unity as war approaches, Israeli Prime Minister Levi Eshkol appoints Moshe Dayan to serve as the defense minister, gaining his military experience and his ties to David Ben-Gurion.
ISRAEL PRIDE
NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME
New York-JFK as of May 20, operating the route on an Airbus A330-900neo.
The decision to resume the route on May 20, which was temporarily suspended in response to ongoing conflict in the region, follows an extensive security risk assessment by the airline. Seats on Delta’s global partner airlines also remain bookable when available.
“Delta is continuously monitoring the evolving security environment and assessing operations based on security guidance and intelligence reports. Any further updates to operations will be shared on Delta News Hub,” according to the official news release.
A travel waiver has been issued for customers who purchased tickets to TLV on or before May 5, 2025, for travel through May 25, 2025.
Compiled by AJT Staff
June 3, 1974: After defeating Shimon Peres for the Labor Party leadership only months into his political career, Yitzhak Rabin succeeds Golda Meir to become Israel’s fifth prime minister when he presents his coalition government to the Knesset.
June 4, 2009: President Barack Obama calls for “a new beginning” in relations between the United States and the Muslim world during an address at Cairo University. He also reaffirms the U.S. commitment to Israel.
Hadassah Hospital has overlooked most of Jerusalem from Ein Kerem since the groundbreaking June 5, 1952. / By Mark Neyman, National Photo Collection of Israel, CC BY-SA 3.0
June 5, 1952: Hadassah breaks ground on the Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center at Ein Kerem to replace its original medical campus on Mount Scopus, which is in the Jordanian-occupied section of Jerusalem.
and Israel Economy Minister Nir Barkat announced a new unit in the mayor’s office aimed at building economic ties between the U.S. city and Israel.
Adams and Barkat signed a declaration of intent to establish the New York City-Israel Economic Council. The program’s aims include fostering business partnerships; backing Israeli businesses moving to New York City; and promoting technological collaboration in fields including environmental science and artificial intelligence.
NYC Mayor’s Council to Build Economic Ties with Israel
New York City Mayor Eric Adams
June 7, 1981: Eight Israeli F-16s fly a 2,000-mile round trip to bomb Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor. Operation Opera, including future astronaut Ilan Ramon, destroys the French-built reactor, which Israel fears will help produce weapons.
The Orthodox Union was the idea of Rabbi Henry Pereira Mendes, whose Congregation Shearith Israel in New York hosted the meeting where the OU formed. // Orthodox Union
June 8, 1898: The Orthodox Union forms in New York as an organization for traditional Jewish congregations in the United States and declares that “restoration to Zion is the legitimate aspiration of scattered Israel.”
June 9, 1967: After an aerial assault, Israeli troops launch a high-casualty ground offensive into the Syrian-controlled Golan Heights on the Six-Day War’s fifth day and gain control of the mountains before a ceasefire.
“We’re the top partners. You’re no longer going all the way to the West Coast,” Adams said at a signing ceremony. “Israel’s a global leader in technology and entrepreneurship and this initiative will help set up New Yorkers with the jobs of the future.”
Compiled by AJT Staff
Emma Gottheil received the French Cross of the Legion of Honor in 1940 for her work on Franco-American relations. // Library of the Jewish Theological Seminary
June 11, 1947: Emma Gottheil, one of the first female Zionist leaders, dies in New York at age 85. She was a delegate to the Second Zionist Congress, and she helped found the group that became Hadassah.
June 12, 1948: A mob attacks the Jewish Quarter in Tripoli, Libya, while North African Arabs are passing through on their way to fight against Israel’s independence. In the resulting two days of riots, 14 Jews are killed.
June 13, 1947: Elyakim Rubinstein is born in Tel Aviv. He participates in Egyptian peace talks in the 1970s, chairs the delegation to the Madrid peace conference and to Jordanian peace talks, and serves on the Supreme Court from 2004 to 2017.
win the Oscar for live-action short film in 1991.
June 6, 1956: The Tel Aviv School of Law and Economics merges with the Municipal Institute of Natural Sciences and Humanities to form Tel Aviv University, which soon adds the Academic Institute of Jewish Studies.
June 10, 1930: Frederick Kisch, the head of the Jewish Agency’s political department, records in his diary that almost all Arab leaders acknowledge they failed by refusing to participate in British talks about Palestine’s future.
June 14, 1985: Two Lebanese men hijack TWA Flight 847 between Athens and Rome and force the 727 to fly to Beirut. The terrorists kill a U.S. Navy diver and separate out suspected Jewish hostages.
Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (israeled.org), where you can find more details.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams (left) and Economy Minister Nir Barkat ink an agreement to build business ties between New York and Israel, in New York City, May 19, 2025 // Photo Credit: Luke Tress/ Times of Israel
of May 20 // Photo Credit: Delta Air Lines
June 2, 1990: The third biennial Tel Aviv International Student Film Festival opens at Tel Aviv University. The winners include American Adam Davidson for “Lunch Date,” which goes on to
A poster promotes the third Tel Aviv International Student Film Festival.
New Pope Makes Historic Gesture to Jews
IS ELI HOSTAGE T CKER
The following is an index of Israeli hostages with the most current information available as of press deadline.
Asaf Hamami, 41 (murdered in captivity)
Eliyahu Margalit, 75 (murdered in captivity)
By Bob Bahr
On the first day of his papacy, Pope Leo XIV pledged “to continue and strengthen the Church’s dialogue and cooperation with the Jewish people.”
The pledge from the newly installed leader of nearly one and a half billion Roman Catholics, came in a letter to Rabbi Noam Marens, the American Jewish Committee’s Director of Interreligious Affairs.
Pope Leo’s gesture to the rabbi, so early in his papacy, was unprecedented and was taken as a strong signal that Catholic-Jewish relations might continue to grow, despite the dramatic rise in antisemitism around the world.
Just a week after the Pope’s historic message, Rabbi Marens attended the new pontiff’s Inauguration Mass and personally thanked him for his gesture. Rabbi Marens presented him with a copy of “Translate Hate: The Catholic Edition,” which was recently published in a partnership between the AJC and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The publication is a glossary of terms, themes, and memes by the AJC that are found in antisemitic publications and features a Catholic commentary on the work.
In disclosing the Pope’s letter, Rabbi Marens wrote, “This meeting capped off an extraordinary few weeks of dialogue between AJC and the Catholic Church, building upon our decades of advancing CatholicJewish relations in the United States, Israel, Rome, and around the world.”
The gesture comes during the 60th anniversary of the Nostra Aetate document which was passed by the Second Vatican Council in October 1965. It was the first document in the church’s 2,000-year history to address the relationship between Jews and Catholics. Among its most important sections was a statement absolving Jews of deicide, the charge of “Christ-killing” that has poisoned relations between the two faiths for centuries.
Rabbi Marens’ predecessor at the AJC, Rabbi David Rosen, reflected on the state of Catholic Jewish relations in a conversation at the AJC’s Global Forum at the end of April in New York City. It was attended by a significant number of members of the AJC in Atlanta led by Dov Wilker, the Southeast regional director of the AJC.
Rabbi Rosen characterized the JewishCatholic relation today as “a golden era” in sharp contrast to how Jews were seen as recently as the beginning of the 20th century.
The Pope then, Pope Pius X, refused to even consider the possibility of a Jewish state in the Middle East because he was hostile to the idea that Jews could ever return to their homeland. Over the past hundred years, particularly during the tenure of the last three popes, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, that attitude has been reversed, dramatically.
“We’ve had three popes who have had state visits to Israel,” Rabbi Rosen noted, “giving its highest elected officials and religious leaders the greatest respect and recognition. Three popes who have condemned antisemitism as a sin against G-d and man. And Pope Francis has articulated also the idea that it’s impossible to be a true Christian and be an antisemite.”
Rabbi Rosen went on to describe the new relationship the Jewish people have had with the Catholic Church as “one of the great triumphs of history.” He described the Church as an institution today that listens to the concerns of Jewish leaders and engages with them. All this, despite the intense hostility of the Catholic Church in times past and the atrocities that were committed in the Church’s name.
“To have gone from that,” Rabbi Rosen emphasized, “to a situation where now these three popes have all spoken of us as the dearly elder brother of the Church of the original covenant, never broken and never to be broken. There is nothing like that in human history.” ì
The first phase of Israeli hostage transfers is complete. The Atlanta Jewish Times will update this hostage tracker with current news of the next round of hostage transfers. Bring Them Home.
Israeli hostages remaining:
Fifty-eight more hostages are held in Gaza by Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists. The hostages are:
Nattapong Pinta, 36
Rom Braslavski, 21
Yosef-Chaim Ohana, 24
Nimrod Cohen, 20
Matan Angrest, 22
Ziv Berman, 27
Gali Berman, 27
Maxim Herkin, 36
Segev Kalfon, 27
Bipin Joshi, 24
Elkana Bohbut, 35
Alon Ohel, 24
Ariel Cunio, 27
Bar Kupershtien, 23
Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 23
Eitan Horn, 38
Tamir Nimrodi, 20
Matan Zangauker, 25
Avinatan Or, 31
Omri Miran, 47
Eitan Mor, 24
David Cunio, 34
Eyvatar David, 24
The following hostages are believed to be dead:
Amiram Cooper, 84 (murdered in captivity)
Inbar Hayman, 27 (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)
Cardinal Augustin Bea (right), an architect of the Nostra Aetate document, meets Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel (center) prior to the passage of Nostra Aetate in 1965.
Rabbi Noam Marens of the American Jewish Committee greets Pope Leo XIV after the new pope’s Inaugural Mass.
Father’s Day Sports Books Gift Guide for 2025
David Ostrowsky
Is the dad in your house a sports lover? Can he recall who won the World Series in 1995 and why Andruw Jones was crucial in deciding the winner that postseason? Does he know why John Elway is famous for his 2-minute drills? If so, then these three books from popular authors may make excellent gifts this Father’s Day.
Read on to see the suggestions from AJT sportswriter David Ostrowsky:
The Ancient Eight: College Football’s Ivy League and the Game They Play Today
By John Feinstein (Hachette Books)
ent of the 2023 Dolph Schayes Outstanding Jewish Athlete of the Year award, has a fascinating backstory as he actually arrived at school to wrestle—there’s also a compelling human-interest narrative weaved into the retelling of the 2023 Ivy League football season.
trates how Doby’s road to the big leagues was just as treacherous as Robinson’s.
Izenberg, the 94-year-old sportswriter who has penned articles for The Star-Ledger for well over a half-century, enjoyed a close friendship with Doby before the Hall of Fame ballplayer passed in 2003. Undoubtedly, the succession of personal anecdotes as well as insight gleaned from personal interviews with Doby’s relatives turn this biography into an important contribution to the rich canon of baseball literature.
There was once a time in college football history, long before the modern-day titans of the SEC roamed the earth, when the Ivy League reigned supreme. As those who have visited the College Football Hall of Fame may be aware, Princeton played in the very first college football game against Rutgers in 1869 and in the ensuing decades Harvard and Yale would take turns hoisting the championship trophy.
In “The Ancient Eight,” the late prolific Jewish author John Feinstein doesn’t chronicle the truly ancient history of Ivy League football — as one would surmise from the title — but focuses nearly exclusively on how the games played out among the old-timey programs during autumn 2023. With Feinstein’s deft storytelling and exhaustive reporting, this recent season serves as a microcosm for how some of the country’s elite academic institutions maintain competitive football programs well into the twenty-first century while weathering the novel development of the transfer portal and the temptation for elite players to leave school early for the NFL.
Though the minutiae of game-bygame events figures prominently in “The Ancient Eight” — of the many exemplary scholar-athletes profiled, former UPenn defensive lineman Joey Slackman, recipi-
Tragically, one of the league’s longesttenured and most highly esteemed head coaches, Buddy Teevens of Dartmouth, was the victim of a March 2023 bike accident, the injuries of which he ultimately succumbed to the following September. How Dartmouth soldiers on to compete with heavyweights Harvard and Yale for an Ivy League title that fall makes for a gripping storyline. Meanwhile, Harvard’s recently retired head coach, Tim Murphy, who’s quoted at length here, was a dear friend of Teevens and as Feinstein demonstrates in vivid detail, the accident and gruesome aftermath took quite a toll on the iconic Crimson coach.
Sadly, “The Ancient Eight” will be Feinstein’s last book as the legacy author, whose magnum opus, “A Season on the Brink,” remains one of the all-time most heralded sports books, passed away this past March at age 69. But grounded in 82 forthright interviews conducted over months of behind-the-scenes research across all eight Ivy League campuses, "The Ancient Eight" serves as a fitting coda to Feinstein’s long trail of literary masterpieces.
Larry Doby in Black and White: The Story of a Baseball Pioneer
By Jerry Izenberg (Sports Publishing)
Understandably, the courageous path
There also happens to be a fairly strong Jewish element to Doby’s life story. As a teenager, Doby’s family moved from Camden, South Carolina, to settle in the heavily Jewish neighborhood of Paterson, New Jersey. It was in the more progressive Carroll Street neighborhood where Doby befriended Joe Taub, a first-generation Jewish boy from Polish immigrants who would one day make a fortune as founder of the payroll-management company ADP before becoming a part-owner of the New Jersey Nets.
Years later, when Doby faced a constant barrage of racist vitriol while breaking in with the Indians—even most of his teammates refused to introduce themselves the first time he walked into the locker room—another influential Jewish figure, Hank Greenberg, then an Indians executive, went out of his way to befriend the lonely rookie. Meanwhile, during Doby’s prime years in the mid-1950s, a decade after his World War II Naval service, he was regularly representing Cleveland at All-Star Games alongside Al Rosen, one of the greatest Jewish third basemen of all time.
Jackie Robinson blazed to the majors has been thoroughly chronicled in books, articles, and documentaries. However, far less is known about the extreme trials and tribulations that Hall of Famer Larry Doby went through when he broke the American League color barrier months after Robinson made history in the National League for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
In “Larry Doby in Black and White,” a long overdue biography of the Cleveland Indians’ seven-time All-Star who sparkplugged the franchise’s last World Series title in 1948, author Jerry Izenberg illus-
Though “Larry Doby in Black and White” doesn’t follow the traditional biography playbook of telling Doby’s story in strictly chronological order, Izenberg beautifully enlightens readers about the noble life of one of America’s most overlooked sports heroes.
Dewey:
Behind the Gold Glove
By Dwight Evans with Erik Sherman (Triumph Books)
For nearly two decades, Boston Red Sox right fielder Dwight Evans was one of baseball’s finest outfielders, winning eight Gold Glove Awards, while putting up borderline Hall of Fame offensive numbers. But unbeknownst to even the most die-hard baseball fans, the player affectionately known as “Dewey” was battling personal demons when he returned home from the ballpark. And as the wildly popular Evans shares in his new autobiography,
“Dewey: Behind the Gold Glove,” co-authored with estimable baseball historian Erik Sherman, such challenges were far graver than getting around on a Nolan Ryan fastball or snagging a scorching line drive off the bat of Dave Winfield.
In “Dewey: Behind the Gold Glove,” the man who had the most home runs of any American League batter in the 1980s provides a heart-wrenching account of how he and his wife Susan supported their two sons, Timothy and Justin, who battled neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic condition in which tumors develop in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves and one that ultimately ended their lives at a young age.
“One of my challenges then as a professional ballplayer was to try my best to compartmentalize my family life and my baseball life,” Evans recalls about Boston’s American League pennant-winning 1975 season when Timothy had just had his first surgery for NF when he was two years old. “It’s hard to be confident when deeply upsetting things are going on in your life. I was confused and didn’t really know what was going on. I kind of wish I had some therapy to go to or something that could have helped me out.” Indeed, Evans’ plight reminds sports fans that pro athletes, while supernaturally gifted at their respective craft, are not immune from hardship and tragedy.
Yet for all Evans suffered away from Fenway Park — and for one final season, Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium — the mustachioed slugger with a cannon for a right-field arm was an indispensable member of Red Sox lineups that muscled their way to the World Series in 1975 and ’86. Though Boston fell short in both editions of the Fall Classic, they will forever remain unforgettable chapters in New England sports history; Evans, to his credit, doesn’t shy away from reliving both the ecstasy and heartbreak of those historic postseasons.
Regardless of your rooting interest, after reading "Dewey," it’s hard not to have immense respect and compassion for a man who displayed such enduring strength and character, whether he was in his children’s doctors’ offices or Fenway’s cavernous right field. ì
Max Fried off to Historic Start with Yankees
By David Ostrowsky
It’s become too large a sample size to overlook.
How Max Fried, in his first year with the New York Yankees, has carved up lineups over the first third of the season has been not just remarkable, but, in many ways, unprecedented.
After an inauspicious start to his Yankee career when he failed to make it out of the fifth inning during a bizarre March 29 game against the Milwaukee Brewers in which New York clubbed a franchiserecord nine homers in a 20-9 win, the one-time Brave has been untouchable, allowing merely eight earned runs across 10 starts. With a 7-0 record and 1.29 ERA following his six-hit masterpiece against the Colorado Rockies this past weekend, the two-time All-Star and ace of the Braves’ 2021 world championship team has thus far justified the Yankees’ decision to outspend the competition last winter when it offered him an eight-year, $218 million contract, the largest ever issued to a lefthanded pitcher.
Though other American League pitchers such as Kansas City’s Kris Bubic and Texas’ Tyler Mahle are having banner seasons, Fried’s immaculate record and phenomenal ERA and strikeout/ walk ratio position the cerebral, slickfielding southpaw to be the likely starter for the American League All-Stars during the July 15th Midsummer Classic at Truist Park — assuming, of course, he continues to evade injuries, his well-established kryptonite through the years.
After tossing seven innings of onehit ball against Tampa Bay on May 2 that lowered his ERA to 1.01 — the lowest in Yankees history through a pitcher’s first seven starts with the team — Fried was asked how he’s been able to make such a seamless transition to a new team, to which he responded, “I’ve got great teammates. They have welcomed me since day one in the spring. Just being able to go out there and develop those relationships and then being able to know that those guys have my back out there, it just makes my job way easier.”
Though starting the All-Star Game in his former home (just three days before the Yankees are in town for a weekend series) and copping his first-ever Cy Young appear plausible, such accolades perhaps can’t fully demonstrate the utter dominance of Fried’s debut Yankee season. Consider that during the final game of a recent series against the crosstown
Mets, the 31-year-old had a brilliant outing — fanning eight and yielding two earned runs over a six-inning no-decision — but it actually raised his MLB-best ERA to 1.29, from 1.11.
“He’s like a race car out there,” New York manager Aaron Boone remarked about his ace after the Yanks took the rubber game from Steve Cohen’s Mets, 8-2, on May 18. “He’s just hard to get a beat on, because he’s just changing speeds and getting so much movement quality on all his pitches.”
The start against the Mets on ESPN at an electric sold-out Yankee Stadium — afterwards Fried remarked, “It was definitely exciting. It was intense. Series that feel like playoff series are always good, especially early in the year. It preps you for the kind of baseball you want to play towards the end.” — was Fried’s tenth this spring. Coincidentally, the only Yankee hurler who registered a superior ERA to Fried’s 1.29 over his first 10 starts was the great Phil Niekro, who began his first season (1984) in the Bronx with a 1.20
ERA after coming over from Atlanta. However, the future Hall of Famer would peak in April and May in his first year away from the Braves’ organization, finishing with a solid, though not spectacular, 16-8 record and 3.09 ERA. Should Fried maintain this torrid pace through the balance of the regular season — or at least not regress too much over the final two/thirds — the body of work could potentially even be compared to the greatest season of his childhood idol, Sandy Koufax, who finished off his Hall of Fame career by posting a 27-9 record and 1.73 ERA for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1966.
The Koufax comparisons may seem premature — after all, the season is barely two months old — but it’s hard not to resort to hyperbole when analyzing Fried’s first year in Pinstripes. Though Fried’s fastball is not overpowering, at least by today’s lofty standards, opposing lineups remain flummoxed by a seven-pitch repertoire that most prominently features a devastating curveball. The versatility and shiftiness continue
to induce an overwhelming number of weak groundouts while, as of press time, only three batters have cleared the fence against him. All told, even if Fried’s 2025 season doesn’t go down as one of the all-time great campaigns for a starting pitcher, it projects to be his personal best, even more impressive than his Cy Young runner-up 2022 season when he registered a 2.48 ERA.
As for what Fried’s career year means to a Yankees team, whose expected ace, Gerrit Cole, suffered a seasonending elbow injury in spring training, it doesn’t seem far-fetched to believe their marquee free-agent acquisition may very well be the reason the storied franchise is expected to once again play October baseball.
As Fried remarked during his introductory press conference back in December: “I love playoff baseball, and I love to be able to have meaningful baseball at the end of the year and the Yankees are an organization that are going to do that year in and year out.” ì
The season is barely two months old, but Max Fried has already established himself as the frontrunner for the AL Cy Young Award // Photo Credit: NEW YORK YANKEES PARTNERSHIP
AJA Baseball Takes Home Trophy Hadassah Enjoys Mitzvah Day Ice Cream Social
The Atlanta Jewish Academy won the championship at the Ezra Schwartz Memorial Baseball Tournament held April 24-27 in Sharon, Mass.
The school’s varsity baseball team represented AJA with incredible skill, heart, and sportsmanship, capturing the championship title in an unforgettable weekend of competition.
In pool play, AJA defeated Hillel, 9–5, and edged out HANC, 8–7, in a thrilling
matchup. The momentum carried into the championship game, where AJA once again faced Hillel and secured a hardfought, 6–5, victory to bring home the trophy! Individual honors were awarded as well: Judah Katz and Jonny Wilson were named Tournament Co-MVPs; and Ami Korn and Aryeh Cohen were named to the All-Tournament Team.
Compiled by AJT Staff
On May 8, members of the Hadassah Metulla and Ketura Groups of Hadassah Greater Atlanta joined with the residents of Berman Commons for an ice cream social and trivia event to celebrate Hadassah Greater Atlanta’s Annual Mitzvah Day.
The residents loved trying to answer all the questions like “Who first landed on the moon and what year was it? Who was President during World War II? What was the name of the TV show with Lucy and Desi? The hardest question was … What was the name of the first color TV show?
Hadassah believes in taking care of people and spreading fun and joy. Doing a mitzvah is doing a good deed. Hadassah members around the world have been defying the odds for more than a century, creating new leadership roles for women, sustaining a vibrant Jewish state and paving the way for a pioneering health care system that saves lives every day. Hadassah is the power of women who act to support the members of the communities in which we all live.
Terry Nordin, president of Hadassah Greater Atlanta explains, “Hadassah believes that each of us has the power to heal our world, to take action, to make an impact, as we support our friends locally.”
Hadassah members enjoyed social-
izing with the men and women at Berman Commons as they got to know one another for Mitzvah Day. Everyone left a bit happier than when they came in, and it’s not just the ice cream! Many thanks to the Berman Commons staff for their support.
Local Nonprofit Offers Critical Housing Stability
FreeRent.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing rental relief and wraparound support services to hardworking Atlanta families experiencing unexpected crises. Events like job loss, medical emergencies, or the death of a loved one can quickly push families to the brink of eviction. FreeRent.org steps in at these pivotal moments — not only to provide housing relief, but to offer a pathway toward long-term financial stability.
Based on a simple yet powerful belief: stable housing is the foundation for opportunity, Daniel Dorfman, Larry Dorfman, and Scott Jacobsen founded FreeRent.org to help renters stay in their homes during times of crisis. It is the non-profit affiliate of Roots, the workforce housing Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) that they founded in 2021 to help renters and investors build wealth
together.
In 2023, FreeRent.org expanded its reach to support families across Atlanta — regardless of where they rent — offering critical housing stability and financial guidance during life’s most vulnerable moments.
“Our support goes beyond covering rent — we walk alongside our families to help them build long-term financial stability through coaching, career advancement opportunities, savings tools, and more,” says Jori Mendel, chief relationship officer.
“As a single parent recovering from heart attacks, which resulted in a lost job, FreeRent gave me the chance to breathe, build hope and a plan for my family’s future. The team became like family to me,” said Criana, a FreeRent recipient.
In 2025, FreeRent.org will serve 50
FreeRent.org provides financial guidance during life’s most vulnerable moments.
Atlanta families, directly impacting more than 200 lives across Atlanta. Please join the movement led by Dominique and Jedidia Wilkins. Whether you’re an individual donor, corporate partner, or foun-
dation, your support helps families stay housed and build a future. Learn more or get involved: www.freerent.org
Compiled by AJT Staff
Compiled by AJT Staff
The Atlanta Jewish Academy baseball team won the championship at the Ezra Schwartz Memorial Baseball Tournament.
Joan Solomon, Hadassah Ketura Communications VP, enjoys scooping out ice cream for guests with Terry Nordin, President, Hadassah Greater Atlanta, at Berman Commons Hadassah Mitzvah Day.
Siegel Insurance Celebrates 60 Years
Hadassah PRIMEtime Hosts Chocolate Seder
By Robert Garber
Siegel Insurance, an independent insurance agency in Atlanta, recently celebrated its 60th anniversary at the Marriott Century Center alongside around 150 current and former employees, partner insurance carriers, and clients.
In the midst of the celebration, raffle, and hors d’oeuvres, Andy Siegel shared the story of his dad, Jerry Siegel. Jerry Siegel founded the agency in 1964 after working for his uncle, and for a long time had only one employee besides himself. Andy Siegel joined after graduating from the University of Georgia in 1985, when the agency had six to seven employees, and immediately started working with his father.
“There was a closeness – that I got to work with my dad every day for 27 years before he passed away,” said Siegel. “We leaned on each other a lot. When I started, we had different strengths. He was all about relationships, and I had all the technical training.”
The former, Siegel learned, was the real key.
“The thing I learned most from him was how important relationships are in terms of our business,” he said.
Siegel Insurance has honored his legacy, sponsoring the Jerry Siegel Legacy Golf Outing, which raises funds for Atlanta Jewish Academy, for the past 10 years.
Over the years, the company has grown to more than 18 employees providing nearly 3,000 clients with their personal and business insurance needs and has been recognized as a Best Practices agency by their national trade association nearly every year since 1993 when the program started.
“I’ve seen how important insurance is in helping protect yourself and your family and your assets,” said Siegel. “The industry itself – if it didn’t exist, you wouldn’t be able to buy a house, or own a car, or start a business”
As an independent insurance agency, the company’s model is to match the needs of their clients to the plans of insurance carriers they work with. While the technology has advanced over the years – Siegel remembers a time when they used to rate by hand – the model has remained the same.
“The needs really haven’t changed about what’s insured,” Siegel said. “At the end of the day, it’s a personal product that needs to be fit for each individual client and business.”
This individual focus remains the source of their success, as well as a significant source of pride.
“To me it’s the best hidden industry in the world,” said Siegel, “where if you treat people right, they refer business to you.”
On April 6, the Hadassah PRIMEtime group of the Hadassah Greater Atlanta chapter held its third event -- a Chocolate Seder. Approximately 30 women in their 50s and 60s from around Atlanta attended. The seder was super creative with chocolate milk for wine, graham crackers for matzah, a Hershey bar for shank bone, chocolate eggs for roasted egg, bitter chocolate for maror, banana for karpas, chocolate frosting with marshmallows for charoset, and chocolate syrup for salt water. This was a chocolate lover’s paradise.
The group sang “Take me out to the seder” to the tune of “Take me out to the ballgame,” answered seder-related trivia questions, found the hidden afikomen, and had a raffle of a lovely Passover-relat-
ed gift basket. Everyone had a great time with lots of conversation and laughs. Michele Weiner-Merbaum explains, “Our Hadassah members stretched out their hearts and hands at our chocolate seder table and together hoped that our chocolate matza will bring healing, joy, hope, comfort and renewal to those celebrating Pesach around the world.”
Simone Wilker, advocacy chair for the Southeastern Region of Hadassah says, “This year when antisemitism has reached new and terrifying heights, coming together for a seder is especially powerful and necessary. Even as Israel fights a war and faces new threats, we, at Hadassah, pray for peace.”
Compiled by AJT Staff
Hadassah Greater Atlanta PRIMEtime members wish everyone a Happy Passover at the Chocolate Seder.
Members of the Siegel Insurance Team at the 60th anniversary celebration.
(From left) Emily Leybovich, Shannon Katko, Sheila Bauer, Sheldon Berch, Kristi Kissel, Anya Leybovich, Tammie Weathers, and Andy Siegel
Bronfman Fellowship Scales Up Campus Commons
With a grant of $250,000 from UJAFederation of New York, The Bronfman Fellowship is scaling up Campus Commons: Building Bridges with Jewish Wisdom, its innovative leadership program for college students of all Jewish backgrounds. Following its impactful pilot program of 31 students from 27 campuses across North America, the program is expanding to include up to 80 students in two cohorts in 2025-2026. Drawing on the Fellowship’s 39 years of experience cultivating the pluralistic leadership of Jewish teenagers and young adults, this free program empowers students to use Jewish values and wisdom to enhance social cohesion on their campuses and beyond.
Designed by a team of top educators at The Bronfman Fellowship, Campus Commons is a powerful response to the rise in polarization, social instability, and isolation on college campuses, particularly for Jewish students. More than 63 percent of college students report that the climate on their campus prevents people from saying things they believe because
others might find them offensive. At the same time, 88 percent believe that colleges should encourage students
to be open to learning from people whose beliefs differ from their own. Campus Commons helps participants cultivate
their own agency and gain real-world, actionable skills to foster environments where people can build relationships across differences. Participants explore core Jewish ideas and texts related to pluralism, as well as the latest research in social psychology, communication, and conflict management.
The pilot program of Campus Commons, launched earlier this year, has been remarkably successful. According to a survey of participants, 96 percent said they gained greater insight into their own strengths or motivations as a bridge builder and encountered at least one new perspective that they found meaningful and thought-provoking. Also, 93 percent learned at last one new skill for communicating across differences and experienced at least one new or enriching aspect of Judaism through the program. The priority deadline to apply is June 30, and admission is rolling until Sept. 10. Students can learn more and apply at campuscommons.bronfman.org.
Compiled by AJT Staff
Eighty Jewish college students will learn together in a dynamic program designed to enhance social cohesion and cultivate pluralistic leadership on college campuses // Photo Credit: The Bronfman Fellowship
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.
A Report from Dave’s Garden
Dave Schechter
From Where I Sit
Readers have been clamoring for a report on this year’s backyard garden, and we have breaking news concerning the “kiwi plant from hell.”
More accurately, the former “kiwi plant from hell.”
As I write this, most of the plant is debris, being chopped into smaller pieces for disposal.
What happened? How was this plant, which laughed scornfully at efforts to rein in its expansion, finally humbled?
More than 25 years ago, a young man starting out as a horticulturist built a garden box in our back yard, roughly 12 feet wide and 12 feet deep, with a cir-
cular path at its center.
Along a nearby fence he planted blackberry canes. Elsewhere in the yard, he put in blueberry bushes, raspberry vines, and, along another fence, female and male kiwi plants.
The kiwi plant went forth and multiplied.
I say without exaggeration that had it never been trimmed, the kiwi vines would have reached across the roof of our house.
A decade or so ago, as the couple across the street went their separate ways, and a dear friend moved away, she said we could take their basketball hoop — the kind with a base that you fill with water to anchor it in place.
At that time, the kiwi plant was a manageable size, separated from the driveway by a fence, so we placed the basketball hoop in front of that fence.
At some point, we noticed that the vines were extending over the backboard and wrapping themselves around
the metal stanchion.
A smarter person would have taken clippers and dealt with the issue there and then.
After a while, we no longer could play basketball, as the vines obscured the backboard and attached themselves to the rim.
In time, we noticed that the basketball hoop was tilting, as the kiwi plant tugged one side of the base a few inches off the ground.
It became a curiosity for visitors. Here was this enormous kiwi plant, which on one side of a fence shaded and stunted the growth of the raspberries and on the other side was consuming a basketball hoop.
We joked that one of these days the plant would pull the basketball hoop all the way over.
I trimmed the vines, enough to keep them away from the deck and cars parked along the fence, but the kiwi relentlessly tightened its grip on the stanchion, backboard, and rim.
Then, on the afternoon of Thursday, May 15, as I walked up the driveway after collecting the mail, I heard what sounded like a loud “whoosh.”
When I reached the carport, I found the formerly vertical basketball hoop lying horizontal on the ground. The force of its fall had dragged most of the massive plant to the ground, even tearing away some of the thicker vines extending from the roots.
aged vines and limbs had been cut away, carpeting a section of the driveway.
In the downed vines, I found two weather-beaten soccer balls that our boys had kicked into the plant and never retrieved.
The roots of the plant appear to have survived, but without most of its offspring.
The downed and damaged basketball hoop likely will be discarded.
The raspberry vines were thrilled, because now they would receive direct sunlight. Hopefully, their usually meager crop will increase this season.
The adjacent blueberry bushes were pleased because no longer would kiwi vines reach over the raspberries and attempt to infiltrate.
As for the rest of the garden, the blackberry canes are showing the first signs of fruit.
We were late planting this year, but in the garden box we now have two or three varieties of tomatoes, along with basil, a couple of different peppers, dill, and eggplant. The rosemary plant that survives no matter the weather occupies one corner. We need more marigolds to help retard garden pests.
The branches of a plum tree we were gifted a few years ago soon will bow from the weight of their fruit. A few green bean plants are holding their own along a short length of fence and at the back of the driveway the elephant ears are waving in the breeze.
Dumbfounded, I texted pictures to the family and then set to work. For two hours that afternoon and several more the next day, I clipped and cut, using four different clippers, until most of the dam-
But the “kiwi plant from hell” is no longer haughty, no longer growing unimpeded. It fell victim to its own appetite, taken down by the basketball hoop that it tried to swallow. 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,
Honoring Lt. Roslyn Littman “Roz” Schulte on Memorial Day
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.
Memorial Day is a time of reflection and gratitude for those who have laid down their lives in defense of our nation. We honor Lieutenant Roslyn Littman “Roz” Schulte, a United States Air Force officer whose bravery and ultimate sacrifice epitomize the courage and dedication of our military personnel.
Lt. Schulte was an exceptional individual, making history as the first female United States Air Force Academy graduate to be killed by enemy action, and the second female graduate to be killed in action. Her service in Afghanistan as an Intelligence Officer was marked by her commitment to her country and her invaluable work alongside female Iraqis, showcasing her steadfast resolve and dedication to fostering meaningful connections in challenging environments.
Her final resting place at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery in Missouri stands as a solemn reminder of the price paid by those who serve. Lt. Schulte’s legacy is one of perseverance, strength, and an unwavering belief in the values upon which this country stands.
However, it is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge recent decisions impacting the recognition of such sacrifices. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has mandated the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) content from military platforms, leading to the erasure of countless stories that celebrate the contributions of women like Lt. Schulte. The thorough examination and removal of website postings, photos, news articles, and videos that promote DEI have left a void where once stood proud narratives of bravery and sacrifice.
As we honor Memorial Day, let us not forget the importance of recognizing the diverse individuals who have contributed to the defense of our nation. Lt. Schulte’s story, and the stories of many others, deserve to be remembered and celebrated, not marginalized in the annals of history. Their sacrifices are the bedrock of our freedom and the testament to the values we hold dear.
In memory of Lt. Roslyn Littman “Roz” Schulte and all who have paid the ultimate price, we must advocate for the preservation of their stories. We owe it to them, to ourselves, and to future generations to ensure that their legacies remain vibrant and honored.
Lt. Shulte’s story and the stories of many other Jewish soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, including one individual awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, are available at the National Museum of American Jewish Military History in Washington, D.C, and with their online presence. It is only fitting that we ensure their stories are not forgotten.
Robert Max, MAJ US Army Reserves (Inactive) Commander, Department of the Southeast, Jewish War Veterans
2025 Father's Day Tributes
We asked the community to submit
200-400
words telling Jewish Atlanta "Why your Dad is the Best, Coolest or Funniest Father in Town!"
Winners won restaurant gift cards
Steven Cohen - Atlanta, GA
My dad is definitely the coolest and funniest guy around. He’s always doing something fun or slightly ridiculous, like building things with me (sometimes they even stay standing!) or making bad jokes that are so terrible, they somehow become funny again.
He always makes sure I’m okay, even when I don’t realize I need checking on. Whether it’s helping with homework, reminding me to eat something besides chips, or making sure I don’t leave the house wearing two completely different colored socks (which, yes, has happened), he’s always got my back.
He plays volleyball with me—and we’re actually good at it. Like, not just “we try our best” good, but “other people are slightly afraid to play us” good. We also love swimming together, which usually turns into splash wars and lots of laughing.
Every morning, he drives me to school, and every morning, he reminds me not to forget my binder—because that one time I left it at home has haunted me ever since.
He also makes time for me no matter how busy he is, which is one of the things I love most. And when we first got our dog, he wasn’t very happy about it—but now, he loves her more than ever. Pretty sure she’s his favorite child.
He has such an amazing heart. He’s a truly caring man—he helps around the house, checks in on everyone, and even helps cook. (His food is actually getting really good… like, "we don’t need backup pizza just in case" good!)
I love you sooo much, Dad!!
XOXO,
Mia
P.S. I promise not to forget my binder this week… probably.
-Mia Cohen
Victor Barocas - Johns Creek, GA
My dad is the coolest and the funniest guy I know. If I could describe my childhood in one word it would be "laughter". My dad always kept both my older brother Scott and I on our toes. We learned a lot from him. He is truly the BEST!! If it weren't for my dad, I wouldn't be here. (Pun intended!)
- David Barocas
Jonathan Epstein - Atlanta, GA
This story is about my Dad, Jonathan. He is an awesome, amazing, cool Dad. Here is why he is a great Dad. He is funny, playful, energetic, optimistic, unique, positive and silly. I like to do tie-dye with him. I also like to go hiking with him, wrestle with him and watch movies together. We like to read together and get messy together on adventures. Those are the things I like to do with him. These are reasons I love him. He’s cool because he plays with me. He is funny because he plays jokes and pranks on my Mom. I didn’t mention he was smart yet, but he is smart because he helps me with questions about Judaism and helps me with Hebrew. He is sweet and loving because he supports me when I wake up in the night and hugs me. He takes care of me and when I’m hurt he says “Are you ok?” and for me to just get back up and says “You can do it, Isla”. He loves Alabama Crimson Tide, hiking and skiing. Sadly, to me, he also likes singing. HA HA. He is unique because he is the best Dad, and there can only be one best Dad in the world, and he is mine. Dad, if you’re reading this, I love you.
- Isla Epstein
Gift A Happy Father’s Day
Robyn Spizman Gerson
Dads love gadgets, cool stuff, or tools that solve problems and fix things. Whether it’s for Father’s Day or year-round gifting, when it comes to giving dad a gift, observe what he loves to do and find a gift that matches his interests. Save dad time, money, and energy and you’ll have a homerun hit. Select a present that solves a problem and gift a present that will put a smile on his face and he’ll truly enjoy.
Along with a gift that keeps on giving, one of the best gifts you can gift dad is your time. Give dad a homemade gift card redeemable for an entire day to spend with the amazing, priceless, wonderful you and give the gift of togetherness. Involve the entire family or grandkids and watch his face light up. Make it your treat and indulge dad with your full attention for a day he’ll never forget, visiting his childhood neighborhood, favorite places to eat, sampling new flavors of ice cream, and more. Play his favorite games, watch a rerun of a championship game, old home movies, or just hang out together.
Your attention is a gift that will mean the most, and get to know your dad, his favorite memories and listen to his philosophy of life. It will be a gift you give yourself, along with a way to get closer to dad. And just in case you want a few cool ideas for the dad who values neat stuff, here are some ideas to set the stage for dad’s interest-focused gifting.
For the beach loving, sports loving dad on-the-go from CLIQ Chairs
For the garden loving dad
Dads will click with CLIQ’s portable innovative fold-up chairs, one the greatest discoveries for on-the-go dads. These lightweight and easy to carry chairs take up little space and fold up in a flash like an umbrella. With more than 600,000 customers and counting, it’s the ideal gift for every pop who loves attending soccer games, camping, or relaxing at the beach. A popular choice is the ClassiQ 2.0 ultimate portable chair which folds up to the size of a water bottle and is lightweight, durable and comfortable for any adventure. It is designed with CLIQ’s patented MAGIQ Hub design and TELESCOPIQ Frame to maximize setup ease and stability, while the ergonomic canopy provides contoured comfort. The ClassiQ 2.0 has a reinforced capacity of up to 400 pounds, weighs only 3.53 pounds and comes with a carrying bag. It’s available in multiple colors, so select dad’s favorite team or alma mater, including burnt orange, ultimate gray, black beauty, burnt olive, Moroccan blue, and fired brick. www.cliqproducts.com
Gadgets for the dad who loves to fix things
With its multiple locations across the Atlanta metropolitan area, including Chastain Park, Peachtree Battle, and Downtown Roswell, FixIt Ace Hardware lives up to its “Helpful Place” motto. This Father’s Day, they have an array of cool ideas to celebrate dad. You can keep dad charged with portable power bank from NEBO, perfect for ensuring his devices never run out of juice on the go. And for the grill master, give dad the latest grilling tech with the MEATER Pro, a smart Bluetooth-enabled meat thermometer that guarantees perfectly cooked meals every time. Beyond these great gift ideas, FixIt Ace Hardware sweetens the deal with free assembly and delivery on many items, along with friendly and knowledgeable customer service. They also offer practical services like auto key programming, propane exchange, and even handyman services, making them a helpful place for gift giving useful items. Open seven days per week, these locally owned and operated stores are a treasure trove for gift giving. You will find hundreds of products that solve problems as well as grills and patio furniture to a comprehensive selection of paints, tools, electrical supplies, and gifts. www.acehardware.com
Check out compact Duralight Pruners from Woodland Tools and give the dad who loves to trim, prune and keep things looking green a helpful gift that makes his garden loving hobby easy. The Woodland Tools Compact DuraLight Bypass Pruner is a one-of-a-kind hand pruner designed to deliver durability and lightweight performance when pruning living plants and flowers. Woodland’s Pruner tool has double-coated, high carbon steel blades, integrated internal spring, and a three-position blade lock which makes it the perfect tool for trimming down all the spring and fall cleanup tasks. What sets this tool apart is its unique design, which is both compact to easily fit in all types of places and is super lightweight for prolonged use with clean cuts. www.woodlandtools.com
A “Home Sweet Home” gift card
The Home Depot Gift Card is a onesize-fits-all gift for dads and opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to gifting for Father’s Day. Thank dad for all his efforts taking care of the famous “honey do list” and reward him for his year-long efforts fixing and improving things. The Home Depot is the ideal way to also give dad a gift of his choice. Available in plastic or eGift Card options, a variety of colorful designs are available. The card can be redeemed in the store or online and there are no fees, and the gift card value never expires. It’s a gift that keeps on giving and keeps dad happily busy. ì
Vintage Barber Thrives on Relationships He Creates
By Bob Bahr
Historically, the neighborhood barber shop was a male preserve. A red and white pole outside the shop was a universal sign that the long tradition of male grooming practices were offered inside. The barber pole might also mean, in much earlier times, that certain medical practices, like bloodletting, were offered in the belief that they could help cure bodily aches and pains.
Customers were often friends, on a first name basis with the shop’s owner. Each might have their own personalized shaving cup on the shelves, always ready for the hot lather shaves done with a well stropped straight edge razor, an integral and respected tool of barbering art. Offering your whiskered face and overgrown head of hair to the local barber was once as much a male ritual as it was a male necessity.
That’s something of what Yuri Abramov wanted to recreate when he started his barber shop in Abernathy Square, just off Roswell Road in Sandy
Springs. He and his wife were recent arrivals from New York City, where he had honed his barbering skills within the closely-knit Jewish community from Uzbekistan, where he was born and lived
for five years. But life in the Rego Park neighborhood of Queens where more than 50,000 of what are called Bukharin Jews live can be difficult and expensive.
So, he started his small shop in
Jewish tradition includes the practice of Upshemish, which postpones a child’s
Atlanta with three of the heavy old ceramic and steel chairs that once graced so many barber shops. He got to know most of his clients by name, particularly when he transitioned to a daily schedule
At Canterbury Court senior living community, you can enjoy raising a glass to lasting friendships with interesting new people from all backgrounds. Whether you take advantage of the many social opportunities or decide to stay in, you’ll enjoy a new, elegantly finished apartment home and enhanced amenities and services. Plus, the peace of mind of a continuum of care, if ever needed. With all this awaiting you, what are you waiting for?
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Yuri Abramov’s customers at his Vintage Barbershop often start at a young age.
first haircut until the age of three.
structured around appointments rather than walk-ins. He knows what schools their children attend, and how they want to look when they walk out of his shop.
Being a traditional barber shop, Abramov points out it is not about decor or how the services are offered, it’s about the relationships that he feels he has built with his customers. It helped get him through the recent pandemic that hurt a lot of smaller shops.
“Relationships have been the key to why our business continues to grow,” Abramov says. “Because if I didn’t have that, I think the pandemic would definitely have hurt us in in a lot of ways. You know, having that personal relationship puts us where we are currently, for sure.”
And he estimates about 90 percent are regulars who return again and again and then bring their children with them. Just like in the old days when the barber shop was a place where men could be comfortable in the company of other men, Abramov says his shop is a place where fathers and grandfathers bring children and grandchildren.
“There are a lot of men who come in and they’re a grandfather bringing in the grandson, and they make it a little outing, then they both go to lunch. Or the father comes in with the son to get a haircut and they both get a cut back-to-back. So, there is a lot of that happening. And you know, it was that way before pandemic and even after pandemic.”
For some of the more observant
members of the community, the first haircut a child gets can be a ritual that speaks to the responsibilities that can come even during a child’s early years.
Abramov, who is a member of Congregation Ariel, an Orthodox synagogue in Dunwoody, is often asked to be part of what’s called the Upshemish tradition that some families celebrate for their male children. A child’s hair is allowed to grow without being cut for the first three years, but on his third birthday, friends and family gather for a festive hair cutting party.
The tradition of not cutting the side locks of the hair is also begun, and the peyot remain as a symbol of devotion to the commandments. For the first time, the child wears a kippah to cover the head and receives a small under garment with fringes or tzitzit. They are both worn each day as a reminder of Jewish religious obligations.
But even without all the religious tradition, a boy’s first haircut, at whatever age, is a special occasion for families. Abramov’s wife is now a licensed barber at the shop as well and is a part of these family celebrations, one of the many transitions that shape the lives of parents and children.
“When we have a first time, getting a haircut, it’s a family thing,” Abramov says. “The mom comes in, the dad comes in, the grandparents come in, they bring cameras. It’s a wonderful time for them and the beginning of what can be another long relationship for me.” ì
Yuri Abramov, who was born in Uzbekistan, grew up in the Bukharin Jewish community in New York City.
Grammy Winner Treasures Father-Son Music Making
By Bob Bahr
Howard Levy, the world-famous harmonica and keyboard virtuoso, has played with many of the great names in popular music. He’s recorded with the likes of Dolly Parton, Chuck Mangione, Paquito D’Rivera, Styx, and Paul Simon.
He toured extensively with Kenny Loggins and for a number of years was a founding member of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. He’s won two Grammys and has been nominated for another four. Many consider him a major innovator and among the greatest masters of the modern harmonica.
But for Howard Levy, some of the greatest musical moments in his career have not come in great concert halls and large performance arenas. Instead, they have come in quiet moments when he has sat close in and played in accompaniment to his father’s songs.
Most people find it hard to believe, when he tells them, but his father, Ira Levy, in his old age, still has a strong and rich baritone. He can belt out show tunes
and operatic arias without the aid of a microphone. And he’s still doing it at 102.
Ira Levy lives with his wife, Arlene, who is a spry 97, at Huntcliff Summit, a senior living community in Sandy
Springs, where father and son teamed up last month for a concert for the residents there.
It’s been a musical partnership for Howard that transcends age and infirmi-
ty to grow in his love and appreciation of his father over the past couple of decades.
“I started really playing for him, seriously, over 20 years ago, in Florida where they were living,” Howard Levy remem-
Howard Levy and his father, Ira, who is 102, performed in April at Huntcliff Summit.
bers. “And I began to really treasure those times. As he got older, he just got better. He sounded absolutely amazing into his 80s and 90s. His voice is just unbelievable.”
The older Levys were living in Boynton Beach, Fla., when the famous cantor, Alberto Mizrachi, came for a concert in nearby Boca Raton. Howard invited Mizrachi, who was a personal friend, to hear his father sing. Ira Levy was 92 at the time. Mizrachi was so impressed, he invited Ira to sing at the concert where he was performing.
“After the first line,” Howard Levy recalls, “the audience started cheering like they were at a baseball game, and someone had just hit a home run. And my dad looks at me, it’s just like with this puzzled look in his eyes. I told him to just keep singing, and we finish, and there is a leaping ovation at the end. Women are crying, men are shouting. It was something I have never seen, anything like before or since. My dad and I both, we just treasure that memory, because it was just unbelievable.”
Both Ira and his wife had loved music all their life. For several years in the late 1940s, Ira seriously considered a career in the Broadway musical theater. He had even been offered a leading role in a new musical in 1947 by Rodgers and Hammerstein, who had scored big hits with “Oklahoma” and “Carousel,” just a few years before.
But they both gave up thoughts of a professional commitment to music for the security of a highly successful career in business. Howard Levy remembers
how his own early passion for music was nurtured by his parents, who often hosted lively parties with music and singing in their home. The radio broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera were a regular feature of weekend life and all sorts of music, both classical and popular, were always being played at home.
He believes this early immersion in all these melodies “help burn it into his consciousness,” as he put it. When he showed an early interest in studying music and developed a talent for improvisation and composition, his parents encouraged it.
Music was so important that decades later, when his parents were forced to isolate during the COVID epidemic, Howard recorded 60 to 70 instrumental tracks so that his father could continue to practice his singing to a musical accompaniment. His father uses those tracks when they perform together.
Today, with one of them well past the century mark and another fast approaching his golden years, they look to each other as a father and son whose long lives have enriched one another.
For Ira, it is the satisfaction of seeing his son have the success in a creative life that he had once so fondly dreamed of. For Howard, it is the joy of seeing in his father a life well lived, with passion and grace.
“My father is incredibly generous with himself and his spirit. It’s just everything. I mean, even at 102 he doesn’t view his age as an impediment to anything. He just wants to shoot for the stars, really, all the time.” ì
Music making is at the heart of this father-son relationship.
PROFESSIONALS & REAL ESTATE
Tutunikov is the Man to ‘Watch’
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
Eugene Tutunikov, the “watch king” based in Buckhead, operates Swiss Watch Expo, a “digital first” retailer of pre-owned luxury watches and one the largest companies in the U.S. dedicated to it.
About 90 percent of his business is online with the remainder locally. He explained, “There are millions of fake or replica watches sold each year, and we guarantee that each one we sell is certified authentic. Every watch is first inspected -- and restored, if needed -- by our expert watchmakers before they are listed for sale. We commit to delivering most of our timepieces in “like new” condition.”
They have a 13-person watchmaking department on site. They own all of their inventory which allows them to stand behind authenticity and quality. They do not broker watches.
Swiss Watch Expo (SWE) has 36 employees and full-time Atlanta police as security on site for “peace of mind.”
They have plans to add another two to four employees soon to support growth. The space is 7,000-plus square feet over two floors, and they are in the process of finalizing an expansion adding another 400-plus square feet.
Jewish immigrants from Ukraine, mother, Victoria, stepfather, Jake, and Eugene are all co-owners. The latter is CEO. Jake oversees day-to-day watchmaking and buying, and Victoria oversees sales and operations.
Swiss Watch Expo features a simple, five-step process where a customer fills out a quick form online and uploads photos of their timepiece. SWE provides an offer range within 24 hours typically and once the offer is accepted, they provide a
Eugene Tutunikov enjoys living, dining, and working in Buckhead.
The Swiss Watch Expo team is located on two floors, with a future staff and showroom expansion in the works.
shipping label to get the watch to them for final inspection. Once that is completed, payment is made within 24 hours.
He explained, “We have customers from all over the country shipping us watches daily to sell. We are one of the largest buyers in the country for watches and have developed a formula that customers appreciate. Local customers once provided a quote, can bring the watch in and typically get paid right away after waiting for the inspection from our watchmaking team.”
Rolex is their bestselling brand and represents half the business, followed by Cartier, Omega, Breitling, and Patek Phillipe. Cartier has been their fastestgrowing brand over the past two years as being “one of the most interesting brands in the watch world.”
Tutunikov added, “We tend to see watches that are 10 to 25 years old from Patek Phillipe and Audemars Piguet, which hold their value extremely well in the secondary market.”
A veteran of the Jewish Federation Men’s Mission to Israel in 2022, Tutunikov (and family) came over as refugees in 1989. He recalled, “We escaped because of antisemitism. It took over three months after leaving the Soviet Union to finally make it into the States. We saved our entry document stating, ‘admitted as
a refugee.’”
In terms of the Ukraine-Russia war, he related, “I’m always asked. It’s an awful situation that I personally feel could have been prevented, and I do believe there can be peace. Too many lives have been lost. Much of Ukraine is destroyed, and this should not have been allowed to happen in this day and age. We don’t have any relatives still left in Ukraine. Everyone got out in the 1980s and 1990s for a better life elsewhere.”
A graduate of NYU Stern School of Business, Eugene has been in Atlanta for eight years as a most “eligible bachelor.”
He enjoys a morning workout and labels his biggest hobby as the business itself.
“It’s a ton of fun having a business that challenges me continuously. While slowing down a bit the past two years, previously, I was putting in 60-plus intense hours a week. In my free time, I enjoy working out, listening to podcasts, spending time with friends and fine dining.”
Local customers are by appointment only. The showroom features thousands of watches allowing customers to inspect, examine, and wear timepieces before the final purchase. To book an appointment, please visit https://www.swisswatchexpo.com/showroom/request-appointment/ ì
(From left) Jake, Victoria, and Eugene are co-owners of Swiss Watch Expo in Buckhead.
Andy N. Siegel CPCU, CIC, AAI Jonah Siegel Sheldon Berch
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
In 2021, two college buddies cofounded Unreal Capital, which specializes in identifying, acquiring, and “executing on value-add and opportunistic projects” in the Southeast. Through Unreal, Jared Barnett and Spencer Coan work directly with strategic partners in a joint venture capacity that uses a programmatic approach to real estate investments rather than a fund structure.
Barnett said, “Our team has a strong knowledge of real estate and business operations and takes pride in being a generalist — investing where deals present themselves (primarily real estate, but not exclusively) and adapting to the constantly changing state of the economy.”
Unreal Capital is their answer to inserting creativity into an industry that often takes itself too seriously. Coan said, “While real estate is our primary focus, we don’t limit ourselves to one class of investment in the future. Jared’s substantial experience in business formation and growth and my financial acumen
may lead to a substantial investment opportunity down the line — we are often evaluating new business ideas and concepts.”
In terms of top deals, they are just now entering the disposition phase of UC
investments (their typical hold period is three to five years). One of their top upcoming deals aims to be Paulding Place, a 50,000-square-foot shopping center on seven-plus acres, located a block down from WellStar Paulding Hospital. They
purchased the deal off-market and had to navigate through an inherited lawsuit, but the asset is expected to sell in the near future and have a substantial equity multiple.
While Unreal Capital is not opposed
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One of Unreal’s finest properties is Hartsfield Centre, located near the Atlanta airport.
This old church serves as the company’s headquarters and is a possible site for future development.
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to working with institutional capital partners, their preference has been to work with private investors with whom they have developed relationships over time. They pride themselves on being inclusive for many investors who don’t typically have the opportunity to partner up with private commercial real estate.
Barnett explained, “Many other funds require a minimum of $500,000 and offer little to no communication in return. Over time, our investment pool has grown from secondary and tertiary introductions.”
Conjuring up a funky office, last year they purchased a defunct church with two buildings on half an acre in Reynoldstown. The property on Memorial Drive is two blocks from the BeltLine (Muchacho/Madison Yards intersection) and happens to be across from a joint venture that Unreal Capital arranged at 1061 Memorial Drive, a 120,000-squarefoot, future mixed-use climate-controlled self-storage development, with site work underway.
Coan stated, “While the church may be part of a larger development in the future, the ability to put our office into the Memorial corridor and reuse an eclectic building with stained glass windows and a lot of character was hard to pass up, especially because we have a number of ongoing projects nearby; and the property is walking distance from Jared’s and my respective homes.”
As two of only five Jewish members
of their MBA class, Barnett and Coan hit it off from the jump. Prior to Unreal Capital, Coan was senior vice president at SK Commercial Realty, where he created the Investment Sales Division. Before that, he was vice president and senior analyst at Ackerman & Co. and acquisitions analyst at Levy Affiliated Holdings in Santa Monica.
Throughout his career, Coan has participated in the acquisition and/or sale of more than $500 million of commercial property. Coan has an MBA in finance and real estate from the University of Georgia’s Terry School of Business, and a BA from the University of Michigan in organizational studies and communications. He is a certified commercial investment member (CCIM), a chartered alternative investment analyst (CAIA), a life member of the ATLCBR Million Dollar Club, and a recipient of the ATLCBR’s Phoenix Award.
Prior to co-founding UC, Barnett was vice president of Investments at SK Commercial Realty. Before enrolling in the JD/ MBA program at the University of Georgia, Barnett co-founded and served as a managing partner of Insomnia Cookies. Barnett earned his JD from the University of Georgia School of Law and his MBA in real estate from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. He holds a BA in history and a minor in real estate and urban development from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and The Temple. ì
Spencer Coan co-founded Unreal Capital with Jared Barnett.
Jared Barnett met Coan in college and went on to co-found Unreal Capital with him.
& REAL ESTATE
Real Estate Roundup for Summer 2025
By Sasha Heller
The AJT asked a panel of local realtors to discuss the current state of the metro Atlanta real estate market. Topics included key challenges in the current residential market, emerging trends, and advice for both buyers and sellers. Read on to find out about Atlanta’s current real estate market.
Rachel Lipszyc Azure Realty
What are some key challenges in the current residential real estate market?
Buyers are more selective than ever. With higher interest rates and prices, they’re stretching their budgets — and that means they expect homes to feel fresh, clean, and move-in ready. Small things like worn fixtures or buildup on cabinets can make a big difference in how a home is perceived.
At the same time, a lot of would-be sellers are staying put because they’re locked into low interest rates and unsure about their next move, which has led to limited inventory.
That combo — fewer listings and pickier buyers — means sellers really need to focus on presentation. The homes that feel cared for and up to date are the ones getting the most attention.
Are there any emerging trends in today’s market?
A trend that’s gained real momentum is buyers asking for seller-paid closing costs. With today’s higher interest rates, many buyers need to keep more cash on hand — whether it’s to cover moving expenses, furnish their new home, or just stay financially comfortable. By asking the seller to offset closing costs, buyers can bridge that gap without compromising their monthly budget. It’s especially common among first-time buyers, but I’m seeing it across the board. In many cases, it’s the difference between a deal moving forward or falling apart.
Can you give any specific advice to potential homeowners looking to buy this year?
Yes — get clear on your numbers early so there are no surprises. In today’s market, interest rates and monthly affordability matter just as much as the purchase price. Talk to a lender upfront to understand your budget and ask about grants that might be available to you.
Also, don’t overlook homes that have been sitting on the market longer than others. In many cases, it’s simply because they were priced too high to start or need a bit of TLC — but that often means the seller is more motivated now. With the right agent who knows how to negotiate, those can be the sweet spot opportunities that won’t break the bank.
Conversely, any advice for those looking to sell?
Absolutely! Updating your light fixtures and swapping out cabinet hardware can make a noticeable difference without the expense or hassle of major renovations. These simple changes freshen up your home and create a more modern, appealing look that buyers appreciate. It’s essential to work with a real estate agent familiar with your local market who understands your home’s value and can recommend improvements that fit your budget and deliver the best return. While budgeting for buyer requests, like closing cost assistance, is wise, avoid overpricing your home to cover these costs. Overpricing can discourage buyers and reduce your chances of a timely sale. A competitively priced, well-updated home attracts serious buyers who will pay the home’s value and helps the sale go smoothly overall.
Pailey Nooromid
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
What are some key challenges in the current residential real estate market?
Atlanta’s current real estate market is still facing a few key challenges. Firsttime homebuyers are struggling with increased costs, all buyers are discouraged by the higher interest rates, and in Atlanta, buyers are still challenged with limited options due to low inventory. At the same time, rising property taxes and insurance premiums are putting pressure on current homeowners.
Are there any emerging trends in today’s market?
Current home design trends have an emphasis on warm, earthy tones, vintage accents, and natural materials. Multifunctional spaces and upgraded outdoor living areas are also very popular.
Can you give any specific advice to potential homeowners looking to buy this year?
The best place to start is getting pre-qualified with a trusted lender — knowing your budget upfront makes the process smoother and your offers stronger. Work with a knowledgeable agent who understands the Atlanta market and can guide you through the fast-moving landscape. And remember, every dream home starts with a little imagination — don’t overlook the potential in a place that just needs your personal touch.
Conversely, any advice for those looking to sell?
First impressions matter, so start by decluttering — less really is more when it comes to showing off your space. Tackle those small repairs you’ve been meaning to fix, give the exterior and yard a good refresh, and consider a fresh coat of paint to make everything feel clean and inviting. A little effort upfront can go a long way in attracting buyers and boosting your home’s value.
A panel of real estate experts share their insights into current Metro Atlanta market conditions.
Amy Barocas
The Barocas and Feldman Team, Harry Norman, REALTORS
What are some key challenges in the current residential real estate market?
Leigh Schiff Ansley Real Estate, Christie’s International Real Estate
What are some key challenges in the current residential real estate market?
The current residential real estate market in Atlanta can best be described as a “Tale of Two Cities.” On one side, there are homeowners and buyers who remain confident in the economy. They’re actively preparing to list their homes and make new purchases, seeing opportunities in the current landscape. On the other side, some are more cautious choosing to wait and see how economic conditions unfold before making any major moves. Despite the uncertainty, one belief remains strong: investing in a home for personal use continues to be one of the safest and most rewarding financial decisions. Homeownership not only provides stability through fixed payments, but it also builds personal wealth over time - an investment in yourself rather than in someone else’s equity. Investing into your own personal wealth and not others will always play out as a success.
Are there any emerging trends in today’s market?
Atlanta continues to be a prime destination for real estate investors, especially in the single-family rental sector. Turnkey properties — homes that are move-in ready with minimal renovations needed — are in high demand, particularly in neighborhoods offering strong rental returns. Interestingly, these same properties are also attracting first-time homebuyers, creating competition at similar price points. This dual demand is shaping a dynamic and fast-moving market. Meanwhile, new construction is on the rise, though much of it is occurring in the outer suburbs rather than within the city limits. As Atlanta’s core becomes increasingly competitive, developers are looking outward to meet the growing demand for modern housing.
Can you give any specific advice to potential homeowners looking to buy this year?
Atlanta has so many incredible areas to live and invest! The major Metro Atlanta areas/counties provide the convenient and established locations as well as strong, thriving communities and top rated public schools. Just outside of Metro Atlanta provides areas for more affordable housing. In the areas of Cobb and Forsyth counties, there are tremendous tax-related benefits for property owners 65 years or older that significantly reduce the yearly property taxes regardless of individual income or property value. South of town and areas in and around the BeltLine provide areas of revitalization and new construction and provide daily conveniences for shopping. dining and entertainment. The city of Atlanta continues to grow and thrive because of our growing work force and the multitude of excellent places to live and to invest in real estate. If you or someone you know is looking for that perfect area to live or to invest, Call the Barocas and Feldman Team at 404-790-0913.
Conversely, any advice for those looking to sell?
Selling a home in 2025 can be more successful if you focus on enhancing curb appeal and staging your home to attract buyers. Pricing it competitively and leveraging digital marketing, such as high-quality photos and virtual tours, can also broaden your reach. Highlighting energy-efficient and smart home features can make your property stand out, while working with a local real estate agent ensures you stay informed about current market trends. Being flexible with showings and staying up to date on market conditions will further improve your chances of a successful sale.
Affordability pressures mortgage rates hovering between 6.5 and 7 percent have significantly reduced buyer purchasing power. While this hits first-time and mid-range buyers hardest, even affluent clients are re-evaluating leverage strategies and waiting for more favorable financial conditions.
Market slowdown and inventory imbalance homes are taking longer to sell across all price points. Entry-level inventory remains tight, while higher-end properties — especially those over $3M — face increasing competition, making precise pricing and presentation critical.
Heightened buyer expectations: Buyers in every bracket expect homes to be updated, turnkey, and aligned with modern lifestyle needs. Homes that don’t meet these expectations struggle to capture interest.
Economic and psychological headwinds: Ongoing concerns about inflation, job stability, and political volatility continue to create hesitation and encourage more deliberate decision-making.
Are there any emerging trends in today’s market?
Lifestyle-centric design: Across the board, buyers are prioritizing wellness features, smart tech, and functional outdoor space.
Turnkey demand: Fully renovated, aesthetically on-trend homes are commanding premiums from mid-range to luxury segments.
Homebuyers are increasingly prioritizing energy-efficient and sustainable features. The integration of smart home technologies, such as automated lighting and security systems, is becoming a standard expectation.
Digital-first marketing: Virtual tours, high-end video, and strategic social media advertising are no longer optional — these tools are critical for capturing buyer attention.
Can you give any specific advice to potential homeowners looking to buy this year?
Affordability beyond the purchase price: Buyers must evaluate the total cost of ownership — including taxes, insurance, maintenance, and potential HOA fees. With higher interest rates and inflationary pressures, financial discipline and realistic budgeting are more important than ever.
Neighborhood resilience and growth potential: Focus on areas with strong longterm value, not just current popularity. Seek neighborhoods that are either historically stable (e.g., Morningside, Brookhaven) or emerging with infrastructure investment and revitalization (e.g., East Lake, Capitol View).
Lifestyle compatibility over specs: Square footage matters less than how the home supports your lifestyle. Consider layout, work-from-home flexibility, access to green space, and community amenities. Turnkey homes with modern, functional design are holding strong appeal.
Strategic negotiation is back: Unlike the frenzy of previous years, buyers now have more leverage. Don’t hesitate to negotiate concessions — whether it’s seller-paid closing costs, home warranties, or even rate buydowns. Work with an agent who can guide you through smart, value-focused offers.
Conversely, any advice for those looking to sell?
Buyers expect more than ever: From starter homes to estates, today’s buyers expect properties to be turnkey, well-presented, and reflective of current design trends. Homes that fall short may sit longer or face aggressive negotiations.
Strategic pricing is critical: Overpricing is the fastest way to lose momentum. Accurate, data-driven pricing is essential to attract interest early and avoid costly price reductions later.
First impressions matter: Professional staging, high-quality visuals, and lifestylefocused marketing are no longer optional. These tools are now a baseline expectation for serious buyers
Partner strategically: Work with an experienced agent who understands both your local market and the expectations of today’s discerning buyers. ì
SmartUp is Building the Future through AI
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
When some conjure up uses of artificial intelligence, images may turn to robots, self-driving cars, or futuristic tech from Silicon Valley. One Jewish Atlanta entrepreneur is using AI to revolutionize far more practical problems: how business-to-business (B2B) companies manage the chaos of incoming orders.
Moishe Shemtov is the co-founder and U.S. Country Manager of SmartUp, a fast-growing AI startup that helps businesses turn unstructured purchase requests into clean, ERP-ready orders with zero manual input. From emails and Excel sheets to WhatsApp messages and PDFs, SmartUp’s AI agents can read, interpret, and process complex B2B transactions in real time.
Founded in 2023 by a global team with roots in the U.S., Latin America, and Israel, SmartUp has already attracted major clients and top tier backing. Among its early supporters is Atlanta tech icon Chris Klaus, founder of Internet Security Systems, which was acquired by IBM for $1.3 billion. Klaus saw early on that SmartUp had the potential to transform how companies work to scale.
Shemtov explained, “We’re not just helping companies automate — we’re helping them grow smarter. This is about freeing people from outdated systems and helping them do more with less.”
SmartUp’s end users are businesses in food service, logistics, wholesale, and manufacturing — any industry that deals with high-volume, repetitive ordering. Instead of manually copying orders from customer emails or correcting phone-in mistakes, SmartUp’s AI handles the entire process: extracting key details
like products, quantities, prices, and delivery schedules, then syncing the data into platforms like SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, or Odoo.
Shemtov recently launched a Voice Order Handling feature, allowing users in drive-thrus or retail counters to place complete orders via just speech. Shemtov added, “With its conversational analytics, SmartUp also offers clients real-time insights into customer behavior and opera-
tional bottlenecks.”
The platform currently serves more than 50 active clients across the U.S. and Latin America, including UniPro Foodservice, the country’s largest food distribution network, and 99 Minutos, a major logistics player in LATAM. The company has been cash-flow positive since its first year.
Behind this engine is a team of 14 employees located across the U.S., Chile, Argentina, and Israel. From his base in Atlanta, Shemtov leads business development and serves as a key face of the company’s expansion. He is especially proud of the firm’s Jewish identity and community roots.
“I’m deeply connected to the Jewish community in Atlanta,” said Shemtov. “It shapes how I lead, how I give back, and how we build this company.”
SmartUp’s vision for the future extends beyond order automation. The team plans to scale into new verticals like healthcare logistics and manufacturing, while expanding its AI capabilities into marketing, customer service, and full supply chain automation.
“We’re not just riding the AI wave,” Shemtov adds. “We’re helping shape it. The businesses of the future will run on smart, integrated agents — and we’re
building the platform to make that possible. We stand at the intersection of Atlanta entrepreneurship, Jewish leadership, and global innovation. As AI continues to redefine how businesses operate, this homegrown startup is quietly becoming a force behind the scenes — making modern work faster, smarter, and more human.”
Before co-founding SmartUp, Shemtov earned a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and worked as both a clinician and coach. He credits his background with giving him an intuitive leadership style rooted in empathy, structure, and human connection — values he says are essential in both mental health and tech startups.
He concluded, “AI is moving fast — but our mission stays grounded: use of technology to liberate people from the mundane, and help businesses scale with less stress and more clarity. In the coming year, we plan to expand into new industries, grow our team, and introduce AI agents that also handle marketing, customer service, and supply chain analytics. At SmartUp, we believe the future of business is powered by AI — but led by people. I’m proud to be building that future from Atlanta, with deep Jewish values and a bold global vision.” ì
SmartUp was invited to present their revolutionary AI solution to the national UniPro conference in Denver. UniPro is one of the largest food distributors in the U.S. Pictured are (left) Max Mardones, SmartUp CEO, and Moishe Shemtov, SmartUp U.S. Country Manager.
Expert Shares Tips on Organizing Your Life
By Robyn Spizman Gerson
After graduating from Northwestern University, Atlanta native Linda Diamond worked in the nonprofit world for almost 20 years coordinating programs, committees and events. After taking a 10year break to raise her children, she decided to step back into the work world on her own terms.
The professional organizing industry was a natural segway for her to use her professional skillset. She took online coaching and organizing courses, participated in webinars, joined NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals), and devoured information from books related to coaching, productivity, time management, ADHD and organizing strategies – to name a few.
Diamond shared, “I help busy people get on task, on track, and on time by helping them understand how to make efficient use of their space and their time. I ask questions to help clients identify the things that are relevant to their needs. I give them a safe space to try new ways of setting up their living spaces, work environment and/or their schedules. The three words I hear when an initial call takes place is ‘I am overwhelmed.’ Our lives are so busy today, it is easy to get ‘stuck.’ The people who seek out my services are extremely bright and creative but reach a point where they need another set of eyes, encouragement and time to think clearly about their vision for their space or just their goals for the week. I can also refer clients to other professional resources when needed and will do research for products that might be useful for their organizing plans.”
She said, “Much of what I do is help busy people stay accountable to their goals and to enable them to feel good about the choices they make to get their goals accomplished. When clients call me, they are saying ‘Help, I need someone to step into my personal space and teach me how to find a way to make my life less stressful and more efficient.’ I serve as an accountability and decisionmaking coach.”
Diamond’s work allows her to help people move forward. She shared, “What a joy it is to enable others to feel better about themselves. I often hear how grateful my clients are for my services. My fulfilment is when my clients tell me they could not have done this without my encouragement or ideas.”
Linda Ames, a client of Diamond’s, commented, “Linda Diamond, the dy-
namic and talented owner of Captured Clutter, is an organizer extraordinaire. Her skill, techniques, and out-of-thebox thinking turn complicated projects into smooth workable solutions. Linda’s tact, thoughtfulness and nonjudgmental patience are qualities that equal a true mensch.”
Diamond also assisted Lisa Moore who shared, “After 25 years, I was moving and not only had to downsize but had to
purge way too much stuff. If she had not come to my rescue, I never could have done it. Linda got me started by asking questions about how relevant and useful my belongings were, helping me get organized and making my move go smoothly from start to finish.”
With a focus primarily on women, although some men, her clients are usually aged mid 30s to 70s who are going through transitional stages in life and
have the interest to move forward in new directions. Some are ready to make their homes or offices more organized. Others are trying to get a handle on their schedules, and some are just ready to deal with the accumulated clutter.
For more information, please visit www.capturedclutter.com or email linda@capturedclutter.com and include subject line according to Diamond as “Ready To Get Organized.” ì
Linda Diamond’s Management Tips
• It is important to set a time/date on your calendar either once a week or every two weeks to sort and purge the piles. Honor this appointment as if it were a critical doctor’s appointment.
Tips for a filing system for your papers – ask yourself these questions:
• What is the purpose of the papers that you typically deal with?
• Think about words that immediately come to mind when touching each paper.
• Fix your filing system by labeling each folder.
• It might be helpful to write out the categories relevant to you and your family before labeling your system.
• Traditional words for filing might include Insurance, Health, Travel, Children’s Activities, Investments, Banking, Automobile, Warranties, Pet, House Contractors, Décor Ideas, and Classes/Enrichment.
• An open desk top bin with file folders, sticky notes and a Sharpie are useful for setting up your system for the first time. Consider using a label machine to print labels for each folder once you have decided on the categories.
• This process applies to digital document organizing as well.
• Think of the ART of paper management while touching each paper only one time!
• Act on it if it takes two minutes or less.
• Reference documents need to be identified for appropriate folders.
• Toss it if it is no longer relevant or you will never really use it.
• Think KISS -- Keep It Simply Successful -- with actions items.
• Use strong verbs for action required such as call, mail, order, cancel.
Professional organizer Linda Diamond says, “I help busy people get on task, on track, and on time by helping them understand how to make efficient use of their space and their time.”
Linda Diamond, professional organizer and life coach, reduces the clutter and chaos –expert help for keeping your life on track.
PROFESSIONALS &
Garnet’s Experience is an Asset for Homeowners
By Robyn Spizman Gerson
Stan Garnet’s extensive credentials match the glowing reviews from his expansive line-up of loyal customers. A state-licensed Georgia contractor, Garnet is an IRC code certified, and ASHI certified, inspector.
A property inspector of new construction and resale homes and member of the Metro Atlanta Inspectors Association (MAIA), Garnet is a highly respected and knowledgeable resource who understands complicated regulations, requirements and getting jobs approved in Metro Atlanta and the surrounding area. A member of the Home Builders Association, North American Deck and Railing Association, North American Remodeling Association, and the International Code Council, Garnet has built a solid reputation based on his knowledge and quality.
As CEO of Inspectors Associates, Inc., a residential and commercial property inspection business and the creative force behind the “See-Thru House” exhibit, a past popular featured exhibit of the Atlanta Home Show, Garnet is passionately involved with educating consumers. With a teaching certificate from Lakeshore Teachers College in Toronto, Canada, he formerly served as PR director of The Georgia Association of Home Inspectors, ASHI Georgia and the past PR Chair for ASHI National.
As a licensed contractor, Garnet’s specialty is building decks, screened porches, full remodeling and is wellknown for sunrooms, enclosures, patios, kitchens, baths and basements. With more than 1,200 successful projects to his credit, he has presented code classes on deck building codes to county inspector organizations and independent inspector associations.
Growing up in Canada, in 1971, Garnet opened a successful chain of framing stores which grew to 24 stores and a manufacturing facility in Ontario. He moved to Atlanta in 1981 to expand his framing and art business and started his property inspection business in 1999 as an ASHI Inspector.
He shared, “I grew up in the building industry which was a natural for me. My company, Builders America’s, mission is to educate and to provide the information needed to make an informed decision. I became state licensed and as an educator started a training facility to train others to become inspectors. It was called ‘We Teach House’ and I presented real estate courses and deck code presen-
tations for county inspectors.”
Garnet’s customers’ praise includes attorney Jeff Nagel who said, “I’ve had the pleasure to know Stan for about 25 years in his roles as home inspector and building contractor. He has always been extremely detail-oriented and focused on doing what’s best for his clients. A true indication of his integrity is that he will ensure the quality of his work, even if you can’t see it. I have trusted Stan on multiple home renovations and would certainly hire him again.”
Tom Hubsch shared, “My wife and I were first introduced to Stan Garnet at the Atlanta Home Show. I was at the point where I wanted to tear everything out and put in a completely new deck. Thankfully, Stan politely walked me back from that decision, and discussed other options that would help me solve our problem and save me costs. A typical contractor would have jumped at the opportunity for a major repair project, and all the extra costs associated with such an endeavor. But that is not the cloth that Stan is made up from. Stan’s make-up is full of integrity, professionalism and respect. We are very happy with how our project worked out and working with Stan and his team on another big project.”
Advocates Joel and Judy Rosenberg added, “We recently used Builders America to enclose two porches and add an outdoor deck to our house at Reynolds
at Lake Oconee. Stan and his office staff worked vigorously with our community standards committee on the changes we wanted to make. They were very professional and did a great job. We would, and already have, recommended him.”
In keeping with his educational acumen, Garnet advised, “The No. 1 issue when hiring a contractor is not doing the homework and due diligence required to verify the contractor, including checking with the state to confirm the contractor is a licensed state contractor. A business license and a driver’s license do not qualify. Ask for insurance. Written reviews do not replace onsite visits of the projects the contractor has completed allowing you to view the work and to speak directly to the homeowner that has used the contractor. The second mistake is when a homeowner decides to hire the least expensive contractor. That usually ends up costing double if not more than the highest quote. You must feel comfortable with the contractor you hire after they have been checked out. If you have red flags, move on.”
Regarding the care of your home on a regular basis, he advocates, “Homeowners should have their home go through a physical inspection every two to three years to try and catch repairs that need to be done before they become full failures.” He wishes consumers knew deck safety concerns such as a moving deck,
rotted deck boards, loose rails including stains in the ceiling, water collecting in the drip pan of an air handler, cracks in brick walls, fireplace chase with birds or dryer vents clogged with lint.”
At Builders America, Garnet believes in the old-school values of quality service done right the first time, helping customers transform their homes into their dream spaces. Jay Kiskel and Helen Borland endorsed Garnet saying, “We interviewed three contractors to build a fulllength deck on the back of our house (a tree fell on the original deck). Stan saved us thousands of dollars. We were in caring, capable hands and couldn’t have asked for a better experience than working with Stan.”
And in terms of Garnet’s dedicated services, Carol Cartus summed him up and said, “My husband (Bill) and I were immediately impressed with Stan’s knowledge of residential construction, building codes, and attention to detail. Stan was the only contractor who suggested a cost-saving, sturdy, and attractive solution for providing adequate support beneath the structure. We selected him because we felt like Stan and his team would honor his pledge to build a quality structure, on time, on budget, and he ‘nailed’ it in all areas!”
For more information about Stan Garnet, please visit Builders America at www.buildersamerica.com. ì
Stan Garnet, CEO and founder of Builders America and highly respected contractor and inspector.
This beautiful living space was Stan Garnet’s first customer at Reynolds, Lake Oconee, featuring an open deck that was converted to a fully enclosed four seasons room. The homeowner became Builders America’s first area sales representative // Photo courtesy of Builders America
Rise Property Group Enjoys the Hustle
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
Atlanta native Jason Chaliff really gets a “rise” out of exceeding expectations in his relationship-driven and innovative commercial real estate brokerage business with his special “hustle” sauce.
About his company, Rise Property Group, he explained, “Atlanta is a city with an incredible growth story. You could say it has always been a city on the rise! I wanted a name that was short, memorable and resonated well in the metro area. I started the firm in February 2020, and my partner, Jared Siegel, joined weeks later.”
The Rise business model is focused on providing commercial real estate services to property owners and users. This involves helping landlords market properties for lease or sale and separately helping tenants and owners acquire the right properties. They specialize in subinstitutional properties, typically valued between $2 million to $10 million where they encounter less competition from the national brokerages. In addition to brokerage, they also acquire and improve small-bay warehouses in the Atlanta area with another partner, Michael Godin. Rise (through Denali Investment Group) has about one million square feet under management as they continue to seek more market opportunities.
Chaliff, 37, says, “Our focus is on Metro Atlanta and surrounding counties. The North Georgia region has a population of nearly 8 million, we are lucky to have so much business in our backyard. Atlanta is one of the strongest markets in the country. We have consistent growth, a diverse economy, and well located geographically. Anyone who has owned retail or warehouse property in the region over the last 20 years has likely done very well. Vacancy rates continue to be at alltime lows, it is more difficult than ever to develop while our population density only increases.”
His other analyses about Atlanta include:
Multifamily: Tends to become overbuilt in Atlanta, but the slow development pipeline will ensure occupancy remains high.
Commercial real estate as a whole: A highly capital-intensive business with low margins and a longtime horizon. Current buyers typically have experience and expertise in their asset class in addition to deep pockets or capital connections.
Locations: They recommend Cobb
and Gwinnett Counties as markets with strong opportunities. Both have efficient county governments that are relatively business friendly.
In terms of weighing the market ups and downs, he stated, “Usually, the best deals are made when there is economic uncertainty. COVID created a huge opportunity for us to help in the transition of some very interesting assets. We converted call centers to warehouse facilities and movie theaters to apartment complexes.”
In terms of what type of investors they seek, Chaliff stated that for their small bay warehouse investments at Denali, they seek accredited investors to join acquisitions as equity partners.
They are typically professionals or business owners who invest a minimum of $25,000 on a deal-by-deal basis. They put together two to three deals per year and have about 280 investors.
Defining the “hustle” in Rise’s core values, Chaliff says, “Since brokerage is a unique business … it’s entirely commission based and requires a special type of personality to be comfortable with the risk. We specifically look for hustle in our hiring process. The first few years take real grit, but it becomes lucrative and fulfilling once established. “
As an organization of 15, they rely on being innovative and edgy in technology and marketing. Unlike some larger peers, Rise employs social media and email
marketing in creative ways to get the most visibility for listings. Chaliff noted that national brokerages would not likely use their LinkedIn or Instagram accounts to market a local property like Rise does nearly every day to 15,000 followers.
Chaliff grew up at Temple Emanu-El, attended The Davis Academy and North Springs, and graduated from the University of Georgia with a real estate degree and earned an MBA from Goizueta Business School at Emory University.
Proud parents are Michael and Marla Chaliff. Jason is an avid traveler, tennis player, and Georgia Bulldog fan.
Chaliff’s best negotiating tip?
“You will win a surprising amount of the time when you are willing to lose.” ì
Jason Chaliff puts the “hustle” in his Rise Property Group’s core values.
The Rise Property Group team celebrated a successful 2024.
This recent renovation of a 80,000-square-foot steel mill into multitenant small bay warehouse space is in Cumming.
SAG/AFTRA Leader Melissa Goodman Retires
By Bob Bahr
Melissa Goodman who has been the Executive Director of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists in Atlanta for 40 years is retiring.
In addition to leading the performers’ union, she was a member of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Film Digital Entertainment and Music for 14 years and was active in Women and Television in Film and the Georgia Production Partnership, which supports the entertainment industry in the state and in an official commendation letter, Governor Brian Kemp described Goodman as a fierce advocate for production safety and economic equity for performers at all levels.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens in his letter to Goodman cited her as one of the community leaders who brought the Georgia Entertainment Industry Production Incentive Act to life. The act has been critical in the growth of the film and television industry in the state.
During Goodman’s tenure as the union representative here, the film industry has had meteoric growth. Partly as the direct result of the Georgia tax incentives that were first introduced in 2002, Georgia is ranked first in film production revenues according to the most recent ranking by Business Facilities Magazine. Film and television production spent $2.6 billion in 2024 and over the last three years have brought $11 billion in production work to the city.
During the last year, 25 feature films by major studio were shot in Atlanta, 30 independent films were completed, and 166 television productions were created in local facilities. Georgia currently has four million square feet of sound stages. Among the latest projects is the redevelopment of the 135acre site in Doraville that once housed the General Motors Assembly Plant.
Although Georgia is a right-to-work state that lessens the power of talent unions like SAG/AFTRA, many Hollywood studios observe union production rules in productions when they do productions elsewhere. ì
Melissa Goodman enjoyed an impactful career spanning four decades.
New Book Shares Power of Laughter
By Chana Shapiro
In their new book, “Discover the Power of Laughter,” Atlantan Rachael Siegelman and twin sister, Minneapolis resident Sarah Routman, describe how you can improve your life by learning intentional laughter and developing a “laughter habit.”
This book, written over a 10-year period, aims to help readers diminish stress, improve their health, and increase joy with this new ability. They share personal stories, offer medical data, and present laughter games — all to illustrate the power of learning to laugh intentionally.
Laughter is natural, the authors explain, “You were born knowing how to laugh. Even deaf and blind babies laugh. Laughter is the universal language — it needs no translation.”
This book focuses on a specific type of laughter that is self-generated, purposeful, spirited, and actually can be learned. Because it is self-generated, laughter is an always-accessible, cheerinducing self-help tool.
The sisters cite the effect of laughter on famous author and Saturday Review editor Norman Cousins’ disease that was medically diagnosed as incurable. They quote Cousins, “Of all the gifts bestowed by nature on human beings, hearty laughter must be close to the top.”
In Cousins’ seminal work, “Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient,” the health benefits of laughter are core. Cousins wrote that positive emotions, a fierce will to live, and lots of laughter extended his post-diagnosis life for more than 25 years. His daughter, Sarah Shapiro, explained her father’s belief that although laughter alone cannot cure illness, it is “a metaphor for all the positive emotions — love, hope, and faith.”
The sisters note that “Cousins exemplified the potential of laughter to distract us from pain and minimize its effects.“ They write about Dr. Lee Berk at Loma Linda University, a world authority on mirthful laughter and humor, to whom Cousins reached out when he returned to good health and was seeking support for scientific research to prove the validity of his own laughter-influenced experience. Dr. Berk recalled the Biblical Proverb 17:22 that a merry heart is like good medicine. In a 2015 interview, Dr. Berk confirmed the many positive health outcomes of joyful laughter which impacts the nervous and immune systems, and he stated that laughter and exercise have similar positive effects on our bodies: he coined the term “laughercise.”
Authors and sisters, Rachael Siegelman and Sarah Routman
The sisters demonstrate how to develop a laughing habit and show how a person can benefit from laughing individually, with a partner, or with a group. The ability to laugh, they explain, is part of our DNA, ready to nurture us, no prescription needed, and it’s free!
“Discover the Power of Laughter” reveals how to access this nurturing. They affirm that “vigorous laughter raises feelgood endorphins, increases blood flow, and stimulates muscles and organs.” Intentional laughter doesn’t have to rely on listening to jokes or watching funny shows because it is self-motivated.
The sisters collected personal stories from people who learned to laugh because they wanted to decrease stress and generally become happier. They refer to it as “the power and magic of laughter in action.” Through their own stories, Sarah and Siegelman candidly relate how they came to embrace laughter from opposite ends of the laughter spectrum. Siegelman notes, “We have found laughter to be so powerful in our own lives we want to share that message. We represent both people who laugh easily and people with some resistance.”
Routman is outgoing and light-hearted. She laughs easily and eventually became a Laughter Yoga teacher and trainer. (Learn about Laughter Yoga in the book.) In her own words, Routman poignantly describes how purposeful laughter helped her through personal tragedy.
Siegelman, thoughtful, serious, and reserved, was at first resistant; however, she wanted to learn to be less inhibited and have more fun. Siegelman’s desire to be more relaxed and playful and the 40-Day Laughter Challenge she devised, in which she committed to experiencing
ARTS & CULTURE
“Discover the Power of Laughter” can improve your life by learning intentional laughter and developing a “laughter habit.”
daily laughter, illustrates how regular, purposeful laughter increased her joy and improved her health.
It’s hard to categorize this book: it’s a memoir, a self-care book, and a howto-laugh toolkit that includes laughter games, stories, and resources. Over the years, the sisters have earned a dedicated laughter-participant following, and in this book, their classes and games are praised in verbatim testimonies from doctors, health professionals and leaders in the self-help community.
The chapters on laughter games and the health benefits of hearty laughter — belly laughs are highly recommended — are interesting and compelling. There are suggested laughter games, and readers learn how to create their own games by which they can develop a habit of laughing purposefully.
Here’s a sample stress-reducing laughter game for two:
• Hold hands with a partner;
• Take a deep breath while turning to face each other; synchronize your breathing.
• Look into each other’s eyes and start to purposely laugh.
You will begin to laugh together naturally, and your mood will elevate. “Discover the Power of Laughter” is reader-friendly, well-organized, and motivating, presenting scientific data, helpful graphics, useful prompts, and apt quotations. The extensive bibliography, brief footnotes, and a glossary give the reader ready access to further information about how to “jump start your journey to health and joy” (which is the book’s subtitle and prevailing message.)
The book’s marketing plan is focused
and unique. (It is not available through Amazon.) The sisters envision their book in libraries and book clubs, and they promote the book through live events, book signings, and various media. A reader’s guide is in the works, and they will join book club Zoom meetings to answer questions and lead a mini-laughter session.
April 23 was World Book Day, and in response for each print book purchased, the sisters donated one to a local library, school, hospital, hospice, or senior center. They continue to collaborate with doctors and health care professionals.
Siegelman says, “We host weekly free laughter calls and Zoom events that build relationships with our readers, and we’re planning a Laughter Habit Course to help folks who will benefit from being in a group of like-minded people.”
Routman adds, “We both collect stories of how laughter positively impacts peoples’ lives. Everyone has challenges, and we want to help them learn to laugh.”
Routman, BA, BFA, MED, is a certified Laughter Yoga teacher, trainer, and global Laughter Ambassador. She shares purposeful, playful laughter with thousands of people worldwide as a keynote speaker and conference presenter.
Siegelman, BA, JD, and licensed mediator, is a childbirth educator and has trained thousands of medical professionals in Positive Patient Communication. She is a Certified Laughter Yoga leader, and she helps people design their own laughter games.
The book is available through the website, DiscoverThePowerOfLaughter. com. The website includes information about upcoming live events and new video library laughter games. ì
Carmel is a Love Letter to Coastal Seafood DINING
By Marcia Caller Jaffe
Locally-based dining entrepreneur Tal Postelnik Baum rolls out well thought out concepts with some commonalities in mind: honoring local ingredients with the celebration of worldly cuisine as a nod to her Israeli/Mediterranean heritage.
As part of Oliva Group, with Atrium, Bellina Alimentari (truly the gem of Ponce City Market), and Rina, Baum added Carmel, a seafood restaurant and bar in Buckhead Village which she labels “a love letter to the coast.” Maybe it’s any coast or maybe laced with the saltwater breeze only “waftable” from the Sea of Galilee.
Open Table (April 2023) credits Baum with “putting Israeli food on the Atlanta map,” certainly modern elevated Israeli food, but still serving a rich humus filled falafel (the ultimate Israeli dish) at the most casual Rina. Note that Baum spent seven years in Italy (after serving in the Israel Defense Forces), which paved the way for Bellina Alimentari which also has a well-supplied market in addition to table service.
Carmel does have the Israeli link, but also a global reach. After all, Sabra Baum waxed sentimental by saying, “The name Carmel holds deep personal meaning for me. It’s inspired by my daughter, but also by Mount Carmel in Israel, where I was born — a place that, much like Carmel, Calif., beautifully blending the richness of the land with the serenity of the sea. That duality, vibrant yet grounded, coastal yet timeless — is at the heart of what we aim to offer at the restaurant.”
The Biblical “Carmel” is mentioned in both Joshua and Samuel. Some have described it as a lovely green oasis that looks like an American suburb.
Carmel has been open for just over two years; and as with many restaurants, it’s been a journey of fine tuning, growth and refinement. Buckhead Village in itself is either neighborhood walkable or comes with two hours of free parking while negotiating some elevators and levels. Among fine gastronomic and social neighbors like Le Colonial and Le Bilboquet, the “Village” boasts chic shops for a mix of regulars, Buckhead shoppers, and tourists from nearby hotels and conventions.
The indoor dining room seats about 80 guests, while the bar and small outdoor patio holds 40, especially popular during spring and fall. Baum is deeply
involved in the menu planning, working closely with the chef to ensure the items reflect both their culinary philosophy and the flavors she loves. They update the menu seasonally while keeping on guest favorites. Some of her personal favorites include the Hamachi Crudo, which is clean and delicate with a citrus finish; grilled carrots — a not-so-subtle nod to her Middle Eastern roots; and the whole grilled lobster, which she labels as “very decadent and with a rich buttery sauce. The caviar fries are also a favorite of mine and are a great option to enjoy as a snack at the bar while sipping on a glass of cold rose or a cocktail.”
What we sampled:
Hamichi Crudo ($18) - thinly sliced raw fish dressed just before serving,
often with olive oil and citrus. A finely tuned palate can distinguish it from ceviche, which is marinated in citrus long enough for the acid to “cook” the fish. Carmel’s Hamachi Crudo highlighted the purity of the fish itself — light and clean.
Tuna tartar ($18) served with green tomato and pink peppercorn in small cubes.
Ceasar salad ($16) with bottarga, a Mediterranean delicacy of cured and dried fish roe sacs, which is barely detectable.
Truffle lasagna ($38) celery root, béchamel, pecorino. Light in hue and taste. Don’t expect a hearty red sauce.
The dessert pavlova — light, crisp, and “marshmallowy” on the inside — a guest favorite. The secret is in the preci-
sion of the meringue and a gentle bake. All Carmel desserts are made in-house, with seasonal touches that keep things interesting.
For next time:
Buratta ($16) delicate squash, arugula, pomegranate, smoked pumpkin seeds. Redfish ($39) with cipollini onion, garlic and white wine.
Caviar service is offered for $135.
Baum concluded, “Our evolution reflects our commitment to delivering vibrant coastal flavors, rooted in classic techniques and a focus on ingredient integrity. We are currently working on exciting new menus and a few surprises that we will be able to announce soon.”
For more information or to make a reservation, please call 470-355-7245. ì
The Hamichi Crudo is thinly sliced raw fish dressed just before serving, often with olive oil and citrus // All photos courtesy of Oliva Restaurant Group
Tal Baum, owner of Carmel and several other restaurants, is a pioneer on the Atlanta dining scene.
The truffle lasagna is filled with flavor.
Another favorite side was Blackened Okra with labneh and pickled onions.
The interior of Carmel is “a love letter to the coasts.”
Chai Style Home
Effortless Elegance Brings Warmth to Family Life
Dunwoody native and artist
Lindsay Klein Belnick shares her Brookhaven home with husband, Jason, two children, Oliver and Chloe, and two dogs. Along with interior designer Liz Rosenzweig, Lindsay expresses her creativity by embracing the chaos that revolves around her busy life.
She explained, “I embrace the whirlwind of life itself. By day, I teach, and by night, I create. In between, I’m navigating the chaos of being a wife, mother, and taking care of myself. I find inspiration in the messiness and don’t sugarcoat the challenges, channeling that energy into my art. My creations reflect the beauty in the imperfect unplanned moments of life.”
Rosenzweig explained, “We layered warm corals, deep plum accents, and vintage pieces to reflect Lindsay’s love of antiques, fashion, and art. Custom builtins, paneling, and wallpaper add depth and charm — from the kids’ rooms to a moody powder room with plum tones
and vintage Murano sconces. Every space was created to feel lived-in, collected, and effortlessly elegant — her chic style and the warmth she brings to family life.”
Jaffe: Describe your home.
Belnick: We have a quirky layout and unexpected details with a solid foundation and smart design, supplying the character. We want “livable, but elegant” with an eclectic mix of antique and modern elements. I enjoy combining different woods and metals, and adding muted colors against neutrals, drawing inspiration from French design.
Supporting other artists is important. Our home showcases pieces from talented creatives like McKenzie Dove and Amy Dixon. I’ve also commissioned work from Errol Jacobson, a Chicagobased artist. Stephanie Kaplan created my ketubah which is itself a piece of art.
Jaffe: How did working with your designer flow?
Belnick: We moved here in November and began painting, adding a bathroom and paneling, redoing the built-ins in the den and basement, removing carpet, and renovating the fireplace. Living with two toddlers amidst construction has been challenging!
I worked with an amazing decorator, Liz Rosenzweig. I was immediately drawn to her style and expertise. She understands my aesthetic. Liz is detailoriented and often knows exactly what I mean, even when I don’t fully articulate it. M&Z Remodeling is another part of my dream team.
Belnick: We have a Parisian antique chandelier in the dining room and another antique in the foyer. The sconces were already installed and have a Parisian flare. The renovated areas have Benjamin Moore’s White Dove and used a taupe for my built-ins. I love using wallpaper in spaces like my kids’ rooms and the powder room. I added a marble sink, new sconces and a mirror to the powder room. The oak floors lend a classic feel.
Jaffe: Describe your children’s rooms.
Belnick: Neither has a set theme. Each space is full of texture, color, and the things they love, so their rooms reflect their personalities. Their rooms can change and grow with them over time, always feeling like a safe and comfortable place. We’ve mixed traditional
patterns and textures with modern touches to keep things interesting and personal. Chloe’s room feels cozy and inviting. There’s a big bay window with white shutters admitting light, and a cozy tweed window seat underneath. The wallpaper has a pretty tree branch pattern that gives the room a playful yet classic vibe. A large wooden dollhouse sits on a handmade table, making it a fun space for play and relaxation.
Oliver’s room has a cozy, lived-in feel. Liz designed the paneled lower walls which add a classic touch. The wallpaper brings in color and personality. We added the built-in bookshelves and loaded it with books and keepsakes. The real highlights are two secret wallpapered hideaway nooks … perfect for quiet time or stashing toys.
Jaffe: Anything special on your grounds?
Belnick: The backyard is charming and peaceful, with a wooded hillside, natural stone steps, and seasonal trees and plants. There’s a waterfall built into the rocks, open grassy space for kids and dogs, a playset and swing, and a cozy swing platform. We also have an undercovered patio that’s perfect for relaxing,
Marcia
Caller Jaffe
The Belnick family enjoys the backyard’s wooded hillside, waterfall, and natural stone // All photos by Howard Mendel
entertaining, or just watching the kids.
Jaffe: Did you have formal art training?
Belnick: My college journey was unconventional. Initially attending Tulane Business School, I faced a life-changing event when diagnosed with later stage thyroid cancer at 19. This experience reshaped how I viewed my future. During recovery, I enrolled in Emory and Oglethorpe before completing my degree at the Art Institute of Atlanta.
Jaffe: What’s your motivation to specifically create Judaica?
Belnick: When I became a special needs art teacher, I experimented with different techniques, and adaptations to inspire students. My mixed medias attracted attention. Creating my website was a turning point. Getting involved in mahjong and having kids attend Jewish school reconnected me to my Jewish roots. It’s a way to express my identity, celebrate my heritage, and connect with a community that feels like home. This sense of belonging inspires both my art and my life. [Lindsey’s art is featured on Instagram: @lindsaybelnick. art]
Jaffe: What materials do you use?
Belnick: I’m a mixed media creator, and acrylic paint is my “go-to.” I love mixing things up, adding textures and materials, magazines, book pages, scrapbook paper, cardboard, bubble wrap, and even dish soap (you should see my “Bubble Trouble” painting!). I experiment with gold leaf, India ink, and watercolor for depth.
Renovating the house got me hooked on spackle and joint compound. That’s how my textured heart blocks came to life! Trying new materials keeps art fresh.
Jaffe: What among your pieces are your favorites?
Belnick: I would say “Three Little Birds” is special. I love singing it with my kids, and I always dream of dancing to it with my son at his wedding. It’s full of love and hope. I’m also proud of my “Miriam” piece that was the Haggadah cover for NCJW.
Jaffe: Last word.
Belnick: It’s our family home with magic tucked into every corner. ì
Above: The Belnicks designed the kids’ rooms to grow along with them.
Right: Lindsay stands in the foyer by a French-inspired chandelier that Rosenzweig sourced.
Below: The dining room has a Parisian chandelier and art (left) by McKenzie Dove. The dining room table chairs are from Restoration Hardware.
Above: The expansive living area has Parisian touches and art over the fireplace by Colleen Leach.
Below: Belnick likes to mix media in her studio.
Left: Lindsay designed the “Miriam” cover of the NCJW Seder Haggadah.
CALENDAR
Sunday, June 1
Tikkun Leil Shavuot with Scholar-inResidence Rodger Kamenetz – 7 to 11 p.m. Together, we’ll honor the tradition of this sacred night through deep engagement with Jewish texts, ideas, and community. Guided by the wisdom of our distinguished guest, we’ll explore the spiritual richness of Shavuot — the festival that commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai — through thoughtful discussion, reflection, and celebration. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/3su7yv74.
Monday, June 2
Tikkun Leil Shavuot with Scholar-inResidence Rodger Kamenetz – 5:30 – 9 a.m. Our night of learning culminates in a serene Hashkama Minyan service in the Mauldin Family Memorial Garden, followed by a festive holiday breakfast. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/3su7yv74.
Tikkun Leil Shavuot with Scholar-inResidence Rodger Kamenetz – 7 to 11 p.m. Together, we’ll honor the tradition of this sacred night through deep engagement with Jewish texts, ideas, and community. Guided by the wisdom of our distinguished guest, we’ll explore the spiritual richness of Shavuot — the festival that commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai — through thoughtful discussion, reflection, and celebration. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/3su7yv74.
Tuesday, June 3
Tikkun Leil Shavuot with Scholar-inResidence Rodger Kamenetz: Book of Ruth Text Study led by Dr. Richard Elliott Friedman – 10:30 a.m. Enrich your Shavuot journey with renowned Biblical scholar Dr. Richard Elliot Friedman as he offers expert insight into the timeless beauty and meaning of the Book of Ruth — traditionally read during this sacred holiday. Followed by a Yizkor memorial service followed by kiddush. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/3su7yv74.
Wednesday, June 4
Torah Class – 8 to 9 p.m. A weekly Torah class from the Mitzvah House for men and women. Snacks for the body and soul. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/2vjzkw2h.
Thursday, June 5
Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta Annual Meeting – 7 – 8:30 p.m. Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta as we celebrate our community — reflecting on all we’ve accomplished and looking ahead to our shared future in Jewish Atlanta. This year, we are proud to honor Mike Leven, our 2025 Lifetime of Achievement Award recipient. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/yc7sdyhv.
Friday, June 6
Kabbalat Panim Shabbat Service - 5:45 to 8 p.m. Once a month at Congregation Dor Tamid, we 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, June 7
2025 Petals & Pathways Spring Garden Tour hosted by the North Fulton Master Gardeners – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join the North Fulton Master Gardeners for an unforgettable day exploring three beautifully distinctive gardens filled with vibrant blooms, winding pathways, and picturesque vignettes. Bask in the lushness of these Master Gardener-designed spaces at the peak of the Southern Garden season. Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl. com/zpr7sd2r.
Sunday, June 8
Accentuate the Positive: The Levison Family Music Series – 4-7 p.m. In this hybrid of concert and cabaret, performers will tell the fascinating life stories of songwriters Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer as well as their incredible partnership. They’ll also perform such classics as, “Blues in the Night,” “Out of this World,” “That Old Black Magic,” “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive,” and “One for My Baby (and One More for the Road).” Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl.com/3pdjjb2r.
New Israel Fund Atlanta’s 2025 Tzedek Award – 7:30 p.m. Please join New Israel Fund for our 2025 Atlanta Tzedek Award — an opportunity to gather with the local NIF community in support of our work for equality, democracy, and a peaceful shared society in Israel. This year, it is our privilege to honor Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat. The program will feature our honoree, compelling speakers, and tributes from those who have held the highest offices in the nation. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4ckpjuap.
CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES
Shavuot
Sunday, June 1 Light Holiday Candles at: 8:26PM
Monday, June 2 Light Holiday Candles after 9:27PM from a pre-existing flame
Tuesday, June 3 Holiday Ends at 9:28 p.m.
Torah Reading: Naso
Friday, June 6 Light Shabbat Candles at: 8:28PM
Saturday, June 7 Shabbat Ends: 9:30PM
Torah Reading: Behaalotecha
Friday, June 13 Light Shabbat Candles at: 8:31 PM
Saturday, June 14 Shabbat Ends: 9:34 PM
Monday, June 9
Ancient Wisdom for Your Life – 8 to 9 p.m. A weekly journey into the Torah’s relevance with the Chabad of Fulton. Get more information at https://tinyurl. com/58ck7ses.
Tuesday, June 10
NCJW/ATL Mitzvah in Motion – 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join NCJW/ATL for a mitzvah project. To learn more visit https://tinyurl. com/4y2rutwe.
Wednesday, June 11
An Evening with Bela Fleck & The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra – 7:30 p.m. For over four decades, Béla Fleck has redefined the possibilities of the banjo, earning 18 Grammy Awards across an astonishing range of genres, including country, pop, jazz, instrumental, classical, and world music. Join Neranenah and purchase tickets at https://tinyurl.com/ bdct9ubc.
Thursday, June 12
Weekly Mah Jongg Night – 6 to 9 p.m. Join Congregation Beth Shalom weekly for a night of mah jongg.. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/3s9ez9px.
Friday, June 13
Dive Into Shabbat - Pool Party at the JCC – 5 to 8 p.m. Dive Into Shabbat summer pool parties at the JCC! Join Rabbi Glusman for Shabbat songs and blessings. Free and open to the community. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/3y2zwxtx.
2/3 cup (1/4-inch dice) smoked mozzarella, fresh mozzarella, or other mild cheese
Dressing
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup Gefen Honey
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
5 cubes Gefen Frozen Basil or 1 and 1/2 tablespoons cleaned and chopped fresh basil
2/3 cup Gefen Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Directions
1. Preheat the broiler and place an oven rack four to six inches from the heating element.
2. Shuck the corn and remove the silks. Cut the kernels off the cobs and place on a low-sided baking sheet in a single layer (thick strips of corn are okay). Add the onion. Drizzle with one tablespoon oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss.
3. Broil three to five minutes, until charred in spots. Set aside to cool partially.
4. Prepare the dressing: In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine vinegar, honey, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, basil, and oil. Seal and shake well until fully combined.
5. Assemble: Add corn and onions to a bowl. Add avocados, cherry tomatoes, radishes, and cheese. Right before serving, toss with dressing to taste.
Recipe by Elizabeth Kurtz Kosher.com
The Divorce
“I’ve had it with my wife,” said Moshe to his friend, Sam. “I’m filing for divorce.”
“Sorry to hear that, Moshe,” said Sam. “May I ask why?”
“I found her supply of birth control pills,” said Moshe.
“So what? How can you leave her just for that?” asked Sam. “My wife also has her supply of pills.”
“Of course,” said Moshe, “but I had a vasectomy five years ago.”
YIDDISH WORD
Pot shticker
n. A person who does comedy routines while being stoned, which may or may not be as funny to those unequally medicated.
“Did you see Selma’s pot shticker imitation of Nicki Minaj rapping the Gettysburg Address? So funny. Not!”
“Shtick” is Yiddish for “gimmick” or “comedy routine.”
Photography and Styling by Chay Berger
The Show Must Go On
By: Yoni Glatt,
ACROSS
1. Community leader
6. “Nervous” reactions
10. Singer Schmeltzer
14. Had a seder at home, e.g.
15. Like a Hasmonean coin
16. Biblical foe of Israel
17. Tennis great Monica
18. Annual pilgrimage locale for some Jews
19. Light and breezy
20. Show about a certain judge’s strength?
23. “___ Mine” (“Let It Be” tune)
24. New England sch. that received an F from the ADL for dealing with anti-Semitism on campus
25. Do some yard work
26. Cavs land
29. Show about the life of Rivers?
33. Twisted tale
34. ER folk
35. Ricky Gervais and Andrea Bocelli have sung him lullabies
36. Sorority letter
39. Ryan of “Top Gun”
40. URL letters
41. Cuba o Majorca
42. Common Pier 39 sight
43. She doesn’t agree with Rachel (Zegler) about Israel
This week, 99 years ago
BRAIN FOOD
44. Show about the life of Judah’s greatest leader?
48. Bread or milk option
49. “I”
50. Mine find
51. Fjord-like inlet
54. Show about the Temple destroyers?
57. Common crossword instrument
60. Gideon or Deborah, e.g.
61. Invalidates, as a ticket
62. Give in, so to speak
63. Buffalo’s Great Lake
64. Pal of 35-Across
65. Subterfuge
66. IDs of a sort
67. Game console button
DOWN
1. Great 1-Across from Troyes
2. Best squad
3. Creed
4. Funeral stand
5. Difficulty in achieving one’s dreams?
6. Reliable
7. Intro to “Man of Constant Sorrow”?
8. One way to study
9. Motion detectors, e.g.
10. Low-fat, as beef
President Coolidge signs the Dickstein Kosher Law, making it illegal to label non-Kosher meat as Kosher in the District of Columbia.
This week, 75 years ago
Former Atlantan Irving Edison becomes President of the National Jewish Welfare Board
Ben Gurion asks Soviets to permit emigration to Israel
Police raid pro-Nazi quarters in Paris
Survivors of Nazi massacre testify at Ellis Island hearing
In Fitzgerald, a three-day bar mitzvah ceremony is held for Tavin Kaminsky
Managing Editor Jason Green (center) and Editor Jacob Schreiber (right) discuss layouts with Associate Art Director Jennifer Johnson-Hill.
This week, 50 years ago
Tornado hits temple in Omaha. Thankfully, no one is seriously injured.
Kivie Kaplan, vice-chairman of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations and president of the NAACP, dies at 71
David Blumberg and Janice Rothschild get married in Atlanta
AJCC sponsors second annual pet show
11. Horrible Amin
12. “Favor” preceder
13. One of the “Little Women”
21. Ticket
22. Treif night hunter
26. A Manning was one
27. You might leave one on over Shabbat
28. His grandmother was Eve
30. It’s essential for many an oleh
31. One of the Allman Brothers
32. One of “The Expendables” (and star of 60-Across)
36. Part of a weight
37. Where to find Kyrgyzstan
38. It’s a story
39. Handles
40. Entertain, as guests
42. Atticus and Scout
43. Teri from “Young Frankenstein”
45. Part of Johnny Lawrence’s dojo?
46. Extinct birds: var.
47. Empties out
52. Nonstudio film
53. Liability offset
54. Sob
55. Ireland alias
56. Greedy one’s cry
57. Tzom Gedaliah mo., some years
58. Mitzvah starter
59. Eggs: Biol.
This week, 25 years ago
Atlanta Jewish Times names Jacob Schreiber as editor, as well as Jason Green as managing editor, and Fran Kaplan as senior editor for arts and life
Beth Tefillah basketball team beats Beth Jacob in championship game – after a 50-50 tie with 7 seconds left.
Israel’s High Court of Justice recognized the right of Women of the Wall to hold women’s prayer services – using the Torah and with women wearing prayer
– at Jerusalem’s Western Wall.
Issues of the AJT (then Southern Israelite) from 1929-1986 can be found for free online at gahistoricnewspapers.galileo.usg.edu/sn78003973/
OBITUARIES
Dr. Jay M. Auerbach
79, Atlanta
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Jay M. Auerbach, devoted husband, father and respected prosthodontist, who served the Atlanta community with compassion and excellence for over 40 years.
Dr. Auerbach attended Lehigh University, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry. With a sharp intellect and expert skills in restorative dentistry, he built a successful prosthodontic practice in Buckhead. He was known for his warmth and personal approach to patient relationships. He is a lifelong member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Northern District Dental Society and Hinman Dental Society.
Jay is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah Auerbach, and his son, John Auerbach, and his son-in-law, Edward Tang, who carry forward his legacy of strength, compassion, and dedication to excellence. His memory will be cherished by his sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, and many nieces and nephews, friends, colleagues, and patients whose lives he touched over the decades.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Ben Massell Dental Clinic, an organization close to Jay’s heart and reflective of his commitment to dental care for all. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Dressler’s, 770-451-4999.
Ben Charles Cavalier 79,
Atlanta
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ben Charles Cavalier, age 79, who departed this life peacefully on May 17, 2025, at his home. Ben was a truly special man — deeply loved and cherished by so many.
Born on Oct. 8, 1945, in Atlanta, Ga., to Sidney and Helen Cavalier, Ben grew up under the guidance of a father who owned a successful laundry business. From him, Ben inherited a strong work ethic and an innate sense of leadership that would shape his life’s path.
Ben’s love for cars began at an early age — racing go-karts, cruising the streets of Atlanta in his beloved sports cars, and eventually channeling that passion into a career at various auto dealerships. He later found lasting success in real estate, working actively in the field until his passing.
Diagnosed with polio as a toddler, Ben never let physical limitations define him. His adventurous spirit knew no bounds — from boats and scooters to mountain getaways and beachside retreats. He had an undeniable zest for life and thrived in the center of every social gathering. Whether it was a pool party, a Super Bowl bash, or a weekend on the lake, Ben brought joy, laughter, and unforgettable energy to every occasion.
He especially treasured time spent at his mountain home and in Saint Simons Island, where he regularly gathered friends and family. A devoted sports fan, he cheered fervently for the Atlanta Falcons and Georgia Bulldogs. He relished a good steak, a gooey dessert, and never strayed far from his favorite snack — Goobers.
Ben’s love extended deeply to animals, especially his cherished dogs, who were truly part of the family. His heart was enormous, his generosity boundless, and his perseverance in the face of adversity left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
He is survived by his sister, Sally Cavalier Kaplan; former wife, Sally Vee Shupert; stepchildren: Heather Brian, David Garcia, and Laura Bratisax; and step-grandchildren, Jack Brian, Allie Brian, and Ellie Jansen. He is also lovingly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to caregiver and steadfast friend, Drew Wade, and to Ben’s beloved friend and “rock,” Jacklyn Whitson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ahavath Achim Synagogue (Helen Cavalier/Joe Cohen Daily Minyan Fund), or to a favorite local pet rescue or charity of your choice. A graveside service was held Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Arlington Memorial Park with Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal officiating.
Ben lived life to the fullest, with joy, humor, and boundless affection for those around him. His courage, resilience, and loving spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Carolyn Siegel Lippman 76, Roswell
Carolyn Siegel Lippman, 76, of Roswell passed away on May 14, 2025. She was a graduate of Temple University, and spent her entire career in education, having taught not only in the public school system but also for many years at The Epstein School and at The Davis Academy. Over the years, she taught Hebrew school to children of all ages at almost every synagogue in the metro area, Jewish education was her passion. She loved to travel, dedicated her time to Limmud, and above all she loved spending every minute she could with grandsons, Sam and Alex.
Carolyn is predeceased by her late husband, Marty Lippman. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Teresa Matheny, and her brother, Sol Siegel. Memorial donations may be made to The Society of Gynecologic Oncology or Congregation Or Hadash. The funeral was held at Arlington Memorial Garden with Rabbi Lauren Henderson officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s, 770-451-4999.
William Charles Segal 82, Dunwoody
William Charles Segal, 82, of Dunwoody, Ga., passed away on May 15, 2025, with both peace and dignity at the Safe Haven personal care home.
Bill held both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Mass. For many years, he was a professor of theatre arts as well as a scenic and costume designer for educational theatre at Washington College in Chestertown, Md. He arrived in Atlanta in 1979 to manage the Atlanta Symphony summer concert series at Chastain Park. Later, as ASO general manager, he led the entire orchestra and chorus on a premier European tour. He worked closely with both Robert Shaw and Yoel Levi.
During the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Bill supervised and secured all presentation flags, anthems, and medals. Following the Olympics, he became CFO for Magnum Productions in Atlanta.
Bill enjoyed music and theatre as well as gardening. He loved singing in the Temple Beth Tikvah choir for many seasons.
He is predeceased by his parents, Muriel and Edward C. Segal of Sharon, Mass. Survivors include his wife, of 55 years, Marjory Segal of Dunwoody; daughter, Lauren Wise (Jonathan), and son, Alan Segal, all of Atlanta; brothers, Richard Segal (Terri) of New Mexico, and Robert Segal (Cheryl) of Atlanta; granddaughters, Maggie Segal of Brunswick, Maine, Leni Wise and Sofi Wise of Dunwoody; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Memorial donations may be made to the Cantor’s Discretionary Fund of Temple Beth Tikvah, the ASPCA, Ehlers Danlos research, or the ACLU.
A graveside service was held at 1:30 on May 18, 2025, at Arlington Memorial Park with Cantor Nancy Kassel officiating. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Is Artificial Intelligence the New ‘Golem’?
Rabbi Richard Baroff DD
When a major mainframe computer was unveiled in the mid-1960s at the Weizmann Institute in Israel, it was introduced by a famous scholar of KabbalahJewish mysticism named Gershom Scholem. Sholem named the large computer, Golem Alef (Golem1). Why did this renowned thinker and writer name the machine Golem?
The root of the word, "golem," can be traced back to Biblical times. There in the Book of Psalms, it seems to invoke a formless mass out of which something useful might be shaped. It should be remembered that within the Torah Genesis narrative Adam himself was formed from the “adama” -- the red clay of the earth.
In rabbinical times, the word “golem” combined the earlier scriptural concepts of a clay-like mass, and that of the primeval man, Adam, to give us the image of a clay robot brought to life through the mystical power of Kabbalistic Hebrew words -- often invoking the Creator’s name.
It is easy to see how this automaton might become an irresistible figure of folklore: very large and powerful, brought to life by mystically inclined rabbis, often to protect the Jewish people. These humanoids were under the control of their creators, that is, at first. Often, the golems would become monsters, no longer controlled by the sages who brought them to life, and so they would have to be destroyed. Ironically, these protectors of the Jewish people would become a danger to that very community, as well as to other people.
There were many such stories, that is, many versions of the Golem-outof-control theme. Remember the Wise Men of Chelm and their ridiculous antics? This same Polish town – Chelm --
had a golem as the story goes. The most famous (or infamous) golem however, was the Golem of Prague.
According to the folktale near the end of the 16th century, the Jewish community of Prague was protected by the famous Golem of Prague. Out of desperation it was sculpted from the clay of the city river and animated by the great rabbi of Prague at that time -- Judah Loew. The story goes that the Golem was housed in the attic of the Alt Neu (Old New) Synagogue, which you can still visit -- the synagogue, that is. The creature was brought to life through invoking powerful kabbalistic means to fight the Jew-haters who would incite pogroms against the poor people who lived in the ghetto. Rabbi Judah had to remove the magic spell which vivified the Golem as its behavior became violent and unpredictable, in effect turning the robot “off.”
Where then is the body of the clay behemoth? No one knows.
For many, the tale of the Golem of Prague and its cousin golems of other towns are like other cautionary tales from other cultures: “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” by Goethe, also reimagined by Walt Disney starring Micky Mouse in the movie "Fantasia;" Mary Shelly’s novel, “Frankenstein,” whose monster was brought unforgettably to the big screen by Boris Karloff.
context. Later, in Yiddish the term, “golem,” would come to mean a big obtuse lummox, someone who could not “read the room,” oblivious to context. A golem which cannot use common sense in carrying out its orders? This is an example of the alignment problem. How can we be sure that our robots, our artificial intelligence, our computational systems understand exactly what we are instructing, and also just as importantly what we are not intending (so that they are aligned with our interests)? How can we be sure that these optimizing technologies have the outputs that we want? And if they do not, can we correct them in time? Can we turn them off if we need to for safety, as did Rabbi Judah Loew to the Prague Golem?
Think of the foresight of Gershom Scholem 60 years ago, naming the massive computer at the Weizmann Institute in Rehovoth Golem Alef. In his remarks, Dr. Scholem ruminated philosophically about the two golems: the one which was in Prague and the (then) new one in Rehovoth that he was dedicating. With a background in mathematics and logic himself, Scholem understood the double-edged nature of this still new and very powerful technology. Six decades later, we are still wrestling with the promise and the peril of this yet new golem -- artificial intelligence.
Whether the underlying power accessed in the story is mystical, magical, or technological, that power can easily go wrong. In the case of the golem narratives, sometimes the problem was that the golem would take its instructions too literally -- it had no sense of
We need to proceed very carefully, wisely, and with humility, so that the story of this new emerging technology, call it Golem AI, will turn out much better than the Golem of Prague. ì
