Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. 101 NO. 17, September 30, 2026

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THIS WEEK PUBLISHER MICHAEL A. MORRIS michael@atljewishtimes.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SASHA HELLER

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Cover Photo: Dr. Kevin Kalinsky is a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer. Check out The Lowdown on page 53.

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ROBERT GARBER

CONTENTS

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NEWS ���������������������������������������������� 6 ISRAEL �����������������������������������������20 SPORTS ���������������������������������������24 BUSINESS ������������������������������������27 OPINION ��������������������������������������28 RABBI ROUNDTABLE �����������������30 HEALTH & WELLNESS ������������������� 32 PROFESSIONALS & REAL ESTATE � 46 THE LOWDOWN ��������������������������53 ARTS & CULTURE �����������������������54 DINING �����������������������������������������56 CHAI STYLE ��������������������������������57 CALENDAR ����������������������������������60 KEEPING IT KOSHER ����������������� 64 BRAIN FOOD �������������������������������� 65 OBITUARIES �������������������������������� 66 CLOSING THOUGHTS ���������������� 72 MARKETPLACE �������������������������� 73

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE ALLEN H. LIPIS BOB BAHR DAVE SCHECHTER DAVID OSTROWSKY GIL ZOHAR JAN JABEN-EILON MARCIA CALLER JAFFE PERRI SCHWARTZ ROBYN SPIZMAN GERSON

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NEWS ATL Kosher BBQ Festival set for Oct. 18 By Sasha Heller It’s almost that time of year again. The Atlanta Jewish Life Foundation (AJLF) announces the return of the annual Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival from noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18. Of note, the festival will be held at a new location this year – 66 Perimeter Center East in Dunwoody. The site is located behind Park Place shopping center, down the street from McKendrick’s. The family-friendly event will take place, rain or shine, offering free admission to the public. At the heart of the festival is a highstakes Kosher BBQ Competition featuring approximately 25 pitmaster teams vying for top honors in four competitive categories: Brisket, Beef Ribs, Chicken, and Chili. Supervised strictly by the Atlanta Kashruth Commission (AKC), the event ensures complete compliance with kosher food handling requirements, allowing all spectrums of the Jewish community and broader Atlanta residents to gather and enjoy authentic Southern barbeque together. More than 4,000 barbeque enthusiasts and community supporters attended last year’s festival. “The Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival is about bringing people together across all backgrounds through a shared love of great food and community,” said Jacqueline Morris, the festival’s executive director. “Our new Dunwoody venue gives us even more space to welcome families, foodies, and competition teams for an unforgettable autumn Sunday.” In addition to the competition, festivalgoers will enjoy: * Delicious BBQ Tasting: public tasting tickets are $1.25 each, available both in advance online and on-site. * Vendor Village and Live Music: explore local artisans, community organizations, and live music performances throughout the day. * Kids’ Zone and Family Activities: interactive entertainment and fun activities designed for children of all ages. * Silent Auction: bid on exciting packages including sporting event tickets, concert passes, dining gift cards, luxury stays, and travel opportunities. You do not have to be Jewish to field a competition team or participate. For a $700 entry fee, the festival provides all kosher materials: two Weber kettles, charcoal, brisket, beef ribs, chicken, ground beef/beans for chili, and official rub/sauce ingredients. Teams bring a 10’

6 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

More than 4,000 community members attended last year’s Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival.

The annual Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival will be held from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18, at 66 Perimeter Center East in Dunwoody.

x 10’ canopy, secret recipes, and pitmaster skills. For more information about how to field a barbeque team, reach out to Jacqueline Morris at teams.AKBF@gmail. com. To inquire about vendor/sponsorship opportunities, contact Jacqueline Morris at pitboss.AKBF@gmail.com. The AJLF is currently accepting taxdeductible item donations, including

sporting event tickets, concert passes, restaurant gift cards, timeshare stays, or trips. To showcase your business to more than 4,000 attendees and contribute to the auction, please contact pitboss. AKBF@gmail.com for details. New to the festival this year will be 50 Kosher Ducks, donated by Cheryl Dorchinsky, that will be hidden around

Cheryl Dorchinsky will donate 50 kosher ducks to the BBQ. They will be hidden and anyone who finds them can come to the AJT booth for a prize! the festival grounds. If you find a hidden Kosher Duck, come to Atlanta Jewish Times’ booth for a prize. Proceeds from the Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival benefit vital local programs and services, including Atlanta Jewish Times, Atlanta Jewish Connector, Atlanta Jewish Life Festival, and broader community outreach initiatives. ì

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NEWS

IDF Soldiers Receive Southern Hospitality & Solidarity By Marcia Caller Jaffe The Dupree served as “base camp” for one hot night on Aug. 23, as it hosted 100 mostly community members as they mingled with 100 IDF soldiers. Dupree Executive Director Dana Sender-Mulla framed the program and dinner as an opportunity to honor the Golani troops, celebrate solidarity, and engage in meaningful conversation. Israeli Consul General to the Southeast Eitan Weiss underscored the significance of the community’s support, describing Atlanta’s as among the strongest in the United States. Co-Chair Delilah Cohen related, “We use Camp Ramah Darom to provide a private, sacred space for the soldiers to connect with nature and focus on their healing alongside therapists and each other. Ramah offered a protected environment to disconnect from the outside world and do the necessary work of recovery from post-war stress and mental health conditions.” Dr. Gene Sacks, co-founder of Camp Ramah Darom and event co-chair, drove

Renee Evans (far left), Michel Morris, Lois Frank, and Ziv Kamini came to show support. For security reasons, the soldiers’ faces are obscured // All photos by Jon Marks Photography

from Nashville and described the exponential growth of the retreat program. Two years ago, 13 soldiers participated, while this year the camp hosted 100 members of the Golani Brigade. Sacks provided historical perspective on the Golani Brigade, which was established in

1948 and has participated in nearly every major Israeli conflict. At the center of the program is Bishvil HaMachar, Hebrew for “path for tomorrow,” which was founded in 2009 and specializes in helping IDF combat reservists process the emotional con-

sequences of war through small-group, nature-based retreats led by psychologists, clinical social workers and trained facilitators. More than 5,500 reservists have participated. Sacks, a former Navy physician and Vietnam veteran, spoke about the importance of creating struc-

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NEWS

Israeli Consul General to the Southeast General Eitan Weiss, Dr. Eugene Sacks, Dena Senda-Mulla, and Delilah Cohen are dedicated to healing and honoring IDF soldiers.

tured healing environments for combat veterans. Consul General Weiss offered his own experience post-Oct. 7. Following the attack, he was assigned to the IDF command and control center, where he monitored military operations for compliance with international humanitarian law. He praised Israeli ingenuity and perseverance, noting that Golani soldiers faced an enemy that was “unusually tenacious and ruthless. Their circumstances required rapid adaptation, courage, and extraordinary resilience.” He also addressed the soldiers in Hebrew. Sender-Mulla, who previously served as a Tash officer, recalled her own Hineni moment. On Oct. 8, while living in Miami, her husband returned to serve with the Givati Brigade. She found herself balancing public efforts, rallies, fundraising, advocacy for hostages with what ultimately became her most important responsibility: caring for their four young children, who asked when their father would return. During a brief visit home during a pause in fighting, she realized that although her husband was physically with his family, his mind and heart remained with his soldiers. Later, his unit waited seven years for a Bishvil HaMachar retreat where he returned “a lighter man.” Anonymous examples of healing included a soldier who slept six uninterrupted hours for the first time since Oct. 7 after suffering terribly from nightmares. Another soldier, previously unable to tolerate being alone, found peace sitting beside a stream. A medic carrying guilt

over leaving his platoon before rejoining four days later also found relief. His fellow soldiers reminded him that he had fought alongside them for months and saved lives, telling him he had made the best decision possible under impossible circumstances. Facilitators said that kind of peer validation can accomplish something individual therapy alone cannot. One Golani soldier spoke publicly in English for the first time. He described carrying experiences that are difficult to explain to anyone who has not lived through combat. The retreat gave him the chance to step away, breathe, and feel understood. After a buffet dinner from EB Catering, soldiers and community members exchanged perspectives using conversation starters to encourage candid discussion. Since only male soldiers were present, Maya Talmon Chvaicer, chief development officer of Bishvil HaMachar, told the AJT that female-only and co-ed retreats also exist for various skills, positions, and unit types. Cohen concluded: “I became involved in this effort because I wanted our soldiers to know they are never alone. My goal was to illustrate that they have a global family, brothers, sisters, parents, and friends, who are standing behind them, praying for their safety, and honoring their service every single day. By bringing our Israeli and Jewish-American communities together, we demonstrate the genuine warmth and care of our community and assure that these soldiers felt the full weight of our gratitude. I was honored to be part of it." ì

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UNIQUELY EFFECTIVE because bipartisan leadership works for us. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | 9

NEWS

Werdiger Says Living Jewishly is Good Biz By Marcia Caller Jaffe The Atlanta Scholars Kollel (ASK) highlighted their Sept. 2 meeting as an expanded event at The Dupree beginning with a business and Jewish law conference featuring Rabbis Dovid Schoen and Menashe Kestenbaum, addressing “How Halacha Guides Our Business Practices.” With a 6 p.m. ending, this segued into the main event, “Success Without Sacrifice,” featuring Sol Werdiger, founder and CEO of Outerstuff, a leading sports apparel company with partnerships in the NFL, MLB, NHL, and MLS and 200 colleges. Werdiger, who joked that players sometimes mistake him for a rabbi since he wears a kippah or carries his tallis bag, charmed the audience of 230plus with tales of how Jewish practice done with openness and sincerity results in magnified nachas. Known for landing a major investment from Blackstone, Werdiger came off as a hybrid uncle, standup comedian, and nothing of short of “a self-made, genuinely good guy.” Before his talk, the Kollel rabbis, as is their annual custom, were

Alan Lubel (left) and Dr. Alan Sunshine flank charismatic speaker, Sol Werdiger.

announced one by one dressed in sports jerseys, each mapped to a position that captured their role: a point guard for the rabbi who sets up plays behind the scenes, a quarterback for one who calls

the shots, a goalkeeper for one who holds the line. The evening turned to its heart: whether success in business requires compromising Judaism. The answer is

Michael Frank, who learns with a Kollel rabbi almost daily, chatted with Mitchell Kopleman.

“no.” As the son of Holocaust survivors, Werdiger relayed the values his parents instilled: emunah -- resilience and responsibility, which shaped major decisions in his career, including ones made under

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NEWS

Temple Sinai

The Kollel rabbis donned sports equipment to delight the audience.

significant commercial pressure. His talk, organized around the theme, “success without sacrifice,” was built around a string of personal anecdotes, each confirming that visible religious observance, rather than costing high-stakes business environments, repeatedly earns trust and respect. One example involved the Super Bowl where Werdiger recounted walking rather than driving on Shabbat to a Super Bowl brunch because it fell on Saturday. The gesture caught the attention of the NFL commissioner, and accommodating him, the league held future meetings at the brunch location’s hotel. He described a similar dynamic at the NBA, where support for an employee who chose to wear a yarmulke at work helped shape the league’s HR approach to religious garb. Werdiger also traced a long financial relationship back to a moment of crisis early in his career. Two unusually warm winters had hurt his then-coat business. Rather than “gin up” the numbers for his bank, he and his CFO presented an unflinchingly bleak projection. The banker was struck by the honesty and extended the loan, a decision Werdiger credited with saving the business. “[Something] paid back in spades,” is how he described the long-term return on that early honesty which came a decade later when that same banker had risen to a senior role at Blackstone, as Outerstuff went through an acquisition process. Werdiger said the banker recognized him and instructed his teams to waive standard due dili-

gence “that produced the fastest deal in Blackstone’s history.” He said he also used the negotiation to secure a contractual commitment tying corporate charitable giving into the terms of the acquisition, ensuring the company’s philanthropic practices. Werdiger described smaller moments of kindness and integrity carrying weight by helping a stranger find kosher food at the Super Bowl (Werdiger had a private kosher deli suite for his family) or explaining to a child what made a hot dog kosher. He credited these small mitzvahs, over time, with helping fund a multimillion-dollar synagogue and drawing at least one family toward embracing Jewish tradition more fully. He also pointed to how his company’s internal respectful culture influenced a Korean ambassador whose relative worked as an intern at Outerstuff, later influencing that country’s decision to abstain on a United Nations resolution censuring Israel. ASK network founder Adrian Grant told the AJT, “This is the 23rd anniversary of this event. As a new addition for this year, we hosted two rabbinic scholars discussing Jewish ethics from 3 to 6 p.m. prior to the networking event. Our dinner event is always the 'kickoff of the High Holiday Season,' bringing together our diverse Jewish community to create Jewish solidarity which is so important in this day and time. Over the years, countless connections and reunions were created.” ì

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NEWS

Gluck Takes a Bow for Job Well Done By Marcia Caller Jaffe Professionals, national execs, family, Jewish National Fund (JNF) officers and volunteers gathered at The Dupree on Aug. 24 for a tribute dinner honoring Beth Gluck for her 17-plus years as a tireless organizer, fundraiser, and manager as JNF executive director. The program opened with remarks from Mark Moskowitz, JNF-USA national campaign director, Southeast and Florida, who framed the celebration around the impact Gluck made through her work. He stated, “Over 17 years, Beth consistently made people feel seen and valued, whether veteran board members, first-time attendees, donors, volunteers, or staff colleagues. This respect for her fueled a broader community ethos where relationships were foundational. Her leadership is portrayed as heart-forward and exacting: professionalism and dedication paired with kindness and high expectations. She worked behind the scenes with Wednesday calls to ensure operational

12 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The Gluck family was in full force to celebrate Beth’s achievements.

smoothness and volunteer support.” He thanked Beth’s husband, Richard, for sharing Beth’s time and energy. Andy Siegel, JNF-USA Atlanta board president, highlighted Gluck’s connec-

tion to Israel, inspiring donors and volunteers, strengthening relationships, and advancing JNF-USA’s mission locally. He related, “What stands out to me most isn’t simply her accomplish-

Michelle Horesh presented Beth Gluck with gifts and a plaque.

ments. It’s how she accomplished it with her ability to make folks feel valued. He explained, “Whether you were a longtime board member, a first-time event attendee, a donor, a volunteer, or a

NEWS

JNF leaders (from left) Michael Levison, Andy Siegel, and Jackie Goldstein came to tribute Beth Gluck on a job well done.

staff colleague, Beth made you feel seen, heard, and important … volunteers are supported, and our community continues to thrive." Rick Krosnick, JNF-USA chief development officer, flew in to recount Gluck’s legacy in hard metrics, contrasting “Before Beth” (BB) and “After Beth (AB).” “In Atlanta, the campaign evolved from a $1.2 million effort (BB) to contributing the bulk of a southeast campaign that will close at more than $22 million this year. Beth repeatedly surpassed donor-segment goals: when tasked to elevate $1,000-plus donors, she exceeded targets and continued to beat goals at the $5,000-plus level year after year. Her leadership transition was orderly. Beth supported [Nicole] Flom’s development and the handoff to Hedi Toub (successor), leaving the organization with strength,” he said. Associate Director Nicole Flom shared that Beth took a chance on her three years ago, a decision that redirected her professional trajectory. Working side by side, even sharing an office, Flom learned specific, durable lessons in fundraising from Gluck: relationship cultivation, perseverance, professionalism, and the daily discipline required to succeed. The professional bond matured into a friendship marked by shared problemsolving, family stories, and laughter. Incoming Atlanta Board President Michelle Horesh, a lay leader who has worked closely with Gluck and who cochaired the Negev Task Force which Beth staffed, described Gluck’s lasting imprint as “a mentor and friend with strong leadership skills.” She lamented that Gluck had so many contacts during her careers

that the invitation list was limited. Gluck’s sons, Jamin, Elon, and Jacob, truly “stole the show” with their prowess as orators, joking about who was smartest and best looking … all agreeing on her dedication to job and family, concluding that they are proud to be recognized as “Beth’s sons.” Ever modest, Gluck “put a bow on it” by thanking her husband, Richard, for walking with her through frequent events that stretched schedules while raising a family. Reflecting on years of “triumphs and tears,” she distilled her experience to a single center: the community. She described knowing members’ varied passions and preferences, recognizing the composition of individuals capable of doing “anything else with their time,” and chose to show up for Israel. She emphasized the community’s diversity across denominations, beliefs, geography, and age. She noted that JNF grew like “Jack’s beanstalk,” broadening its focus, while Israel grew stronger, more innovative, and diverse amid extraordinary challenges. She characterized her role as the “privilege of a lifetime.” Board of Trustee member Michael Miller offered the final tribute, describing her as “a trusted partner, dedicated professional, mentor, friend, and passionate advocate for Israel and JNF.” He stressed that her impact was measured less by programs and campaigns than by the friendships forged. He raised a glass to an adventurous and family-filled future. He concluded with action, in honor of the Glucks, by donating $5,000 to the Lo Teim Soldier’s Fund. The event overall raised $27,000 in Beth’s honor to support projects in Israel. ì

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | 13

NEWS

Summit Renews Historic Black-Jewish Alliance By Marcia Caller Jaffe In a city where the legacies of the Black freedom movement and the historic Black-Jewish partnership remain intertwined, 100 rabbis, Black clergy, Black Jewish leaders, scholars, and activists gathered from Aug. 24–26 for the Atlanta Summit: “Renewing the Black/Jewish Alliance,” bringing together national leaders at a moment marked by rising antisemitism, racism, political polarization and mistrust. Its ambitious goal was to revive the historic alliance and transform its legacy into a renewed commitment to confront hatred and advance justice, equality and human dignity. Part of the emotion was stirred by Atlanta’s own Mali Wilson, Grammynominated producer, singer-songwriter and composer, who performed, “No More Silence,” which she co-authored with songwriter and producer, Craig J. Snider, and her husband, Deacon Eric Wilson. Wilson, who scored the film, “Shared Legacies,” and is herself both Black and Jewish, lent a personal dimension. Stand-

One hundred rabbis, Black clergy, Black Jewish leaders, scholars, and activists gathered from Aug. 24–26 for the Atlanta Summit.

ing in the historic sanctuary where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached, she transformed what was portrayed on screen into a call to action: to refuse silence in the face of antisemitism, racism,

and hatred and to use one’s voice in defense of others. Among the prominent speakers were civil rights strategist Eric Ward, former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young

Mali Wilson, who is Black and Jewish, performed “No More Silence” at the summit.

and political commentator Van Jones. The Rev. Raphael Warnock, senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church and a U.S. senator, also addressed the gathering after being invited and introduced by

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Rabbi Peter Berg was paired with the Rev. John Vaughn of Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Rabbi Peter Berg of The Temple. Participants viewed a 20-minute movie version of “Shared Legacies: The African American-Jewish Civil Rights Alliance,” the award-winning documentary based on eyewitness testimonies, recorded for the 50th anniversary of the Selma marches. The interviews show accounts of some who lived through and helped shape the Black-Jewish partnership during the Civil Rights Movement. The film has since evolved into an educational initiative, with an adaptable five-session curriculum, bringing the history and shared responsibility to high school and middle school students and educators nationwide. The gathering culminated in the consecration and signing of a Sacred Covenant, declaring that the relationship between Black and Jewish communities cannot simply be remembered as “a chapter of the Civil Rights Movement.” Co-sponsor Rabbi Berg said, “The Black-Jewish covenant cannot be sustained by nostalgia alone. Sacred memory must become present responsibility.” The summit brought together 40 rabbis and 40 Black pastors from around the country, many attending as rabbipastor pairs. Along with The Temple, Ebenezer Baptist Church co-sponsored the summit and hosted participants at their respective congregations, allowing exploration into the institutions’ histories. Rabbi Berg noted, “The summit did not shy away from difficult issues. Participants engaged in challenging conversations, including discussions about Israel and Palestine, subjects that can divide

both Black and Jewish communities. It was amazing how both groups listened and respected each other, even when we disagreed.” The Covenant emphasized that the alliance must extend beyond dialogue. Grounded in the “Oneness of G-d and the Oneness of Humanity,” it declares, “Because G-d is One, humanity is one. Our histories, identities, traditions, and experiences are distinct, but our humanity is indivisible.” Participants pledged to oppose antisemitism and anti-Black racism, defend communities targeted by hatred, protect houses of worship and community institutions, challenge misinformation and dehumanization, strengthen democratic participation and educate a new generation of Black, Jewish and Black Jewish leaders. The Covenant specifically recognizes Black Jews, affirming that they “belong wholly within Black communities and wholly within Jewish communities” and should be regarded not as symbolic participants, but as “essential leaders.” Drawing on Jewish and Christian prophetic traditions and the legacies of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Dr. King, Howard Thurman, and James H. Cone, the summit concluded aligning with Berg’s message: “The purpose of our gathering was to reinvigorate that relationship. We make this covenant not because our histories are identical, but because the One G-d calls us into shared responsibility.” Rabbi Ari Kaiman, Congregation Shearith Israel, was the only other Atlanta rabbi participant. ì

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NEWS

Antisemitism Battle Faces Potentially Dangerous Shift By Bob Bahr A leading analyst of trends in Jewish life in America warns that antisemitism is taking hold in this country at the same time as the ability of the Jewish community to meet that challenge is undergoing important change. Dr. Steven Windmueller, who has spent more than 40 years as a Jewish community professional and as a professor at Reform Judaism’s Hebrew Union College, discussed these changes during a four-part lecture series about American Jewish life presented by The Dupree. “The short, but very essential piece to this,” he told his online lecture audience, “is that there is now a deep ideological split in the American Jewish scene.” The split, as he described it, has given rise to two approaches to dealing with the rise of anti-Jewish prejudice. On one hand, there are those who argue that we must turn inward, to support established Jewish institutions … what he called a “kind of rejectionist view of the outside world.” On the other hand, there are others

In his four-part seminar, Dr. Stephen Windmueller outlined a shift in confronting antisemitism in America.

who argue against turning inward and emphasize instead that Jews need to be much more in the public square and en-

gaged. They believe that the Jewish community must work with others outside the Jewish community, building coali-

tions and seeking allies, for instance, in social justice and community work. “I am of the mind that we need pieces of both,” he said. “We need to do more in certainly building up a knowledgeable and responsive Jewish communal system. We need to also remodel that system.” These two approaches to building community are not just a response to recent political and social pressures, nor just a response to the events that occurred in Israel after the Oct. 7 attacks in 2023. Rather, as Windmueller has written, it has been part of a reappraisal of how the Jewish community in America has grappled with changing notions of political power. In his book, “The Quest For Power,” he noted over a decade ago that building a carefully constructed ideal of consensus, which had occupied Jewish community in the years before World War II, began to come apart after the war. He wrote that the emphasis on Jewish institutional authority has gradually given way to “the rise of personalized and decentralized Jewish identity.” “National umbrella organizations

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NEWS

Windmueller’s new book, out in December, explores antisemitism as well as contemporary American Jewish life.

and large institutions no longer possess the authority they once enjoyed,” he wrote recently. “Power is becoming decentralized with the Jewish marketplace economy.” In his four-part series of lectures, he outlined the various forces that have helped to shape American Jewish life historically. He commented on how Zionism and what was called the Jewish contract with America has shaped our lives; and how present-day ties to Israel, which have begun to fray among some younger Jews, are changing the communal life, particularly as it relates to how antisemitism is countered. Earlier this year, in an article for the online publication, “The Times of Israel,” he wrote that in American Jewish life there has been a profound shift away from obligations that once exerted such an important influence. Many younger

Jews, he wrote, don’t see notions of peoplehood and divinely inspired obligation to the Covenant as important to creating their identity today. Increasingly, contemporary Jewish identity is being built out of networks, causes, experiences, and values. “You now see a kind of anti-Zionist voice emerging of Jews who are saying, ‘We need to be all about the diaspora. We need to rebuild the diaspora.’” Windmueller told his Dupree seminar participants. “And there are some extraordinary writers who are taking us on this sort of journey of rejecting Israel and building or rebuilding diaspora culture and community.” He pointed out that he has genuine concerns that the thinking of some influential young Jewish thinkers and writers may undermine the important ties that bind us to Israel may become undone. “In my work,” Windmueller emphasizes, “I have pondered and questioned the dilemma of how Jews can recapture their central collective organizing motif of peoplehood.” This becomes particularly important, in his view, as American Jews confront rising antisemitism, particularly among those of the younger generation. There has been an important shift, he believes, in the growth of antisemitism in America, which once was far more prevalent among older Americans. “The real challenge is, for the first time in American history, the problem of fighting hate and antisemitism is not something of dealing with an older, established, and invested generation, but dealing with the next generation of power and influence. Windmueller has co-edited a new book, “Uncharted: American Jews and Judaism in the 21st Century,” which is due in mid-December to further explore these changes. ì

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NEWS

Arnovitz to be Honored at Pomegranate Luncheon Robyn Spizman Gerson The Lion of Judah and Pomegranate Luncheon has become an international symbol of women’s philanthropy, leadership, and commitment to Jewish life. Celebrating 54 years of women’s philanthropy and leadership, it represents a supportive group focused on making a difference and the meaning of philanthropy. The Lion of Judah began in 1972 in Miami, when Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Friedland created a new way to recognize women making significant individual philanthropic commitments to their Jewish communities. According to Tara Trompeter, director, women’s philanthropy, “We are placing a special emphasis this year on Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE), which gives women the opportunity to endow their annual Lion-level gift and ensure that their commitment to the Jewish community continues for generations.” The upcoming fall event is the annual Lion of Judah and Pomegranate Luncheon and is connected to Federa-

The Lion of Judah & Pomegranate Luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30.

tion’s 2027 campaign year. Co-chaired by Carol Cooper, Lee Edelman, Debbie Neese, and Ellen Spandorfer, this signature women’s philanthropy gathering celebrates women who lead through gen-

erosity, compassion, and purpose. This year, the luncheon will honor Ellen Arnovitz as the recipient of the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award recognizing her extraordinary dedication to

Federation and longstanding example of women’s philanthropic leadership. The purposeful pins easily recognized are reflective of their mission. Trompeter explained that the Lion

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NEWS of Judah pin is considered a deeply meaningful family heirloom. It was first introduced as a visible symbol of a woman’s personal commitment to the Jewish community. She added, “The Lion itself represents strength, leadership, and dedication to the Jewish people. Over time, the gold pin became internationally recognized, and gemstones were added to recognize increasing levels of annual giving. Today, women proudly wear their Lion pins as symbols not simply of a financial gift, but of their connection to a worldwide community of women philanthropists.” Just recently, Lion of Judah Linda Silberman passed her pin to her daughter when she also became a Lion. Many family values have been passed down and grown through the Lion of Judah. Additionally, the Pomegranate pin has its own history. It was introduced in Allentown, PA., in 1981 by Sybil Baiman and Jeanette Eichenwald. Modeled after the Lion of Judah program, it was designed to recognize and encourage women giving at a significant mid-level. The pomegranate has deep roots in Jewish tradition and is associated with mitzvot (good deeds) and Jewish life. In Atlanta, Pomegranate Society members make annual gifts of $1,800 or more to Federation, while Lion of Judah members give $5,400 or more annually. The luncheon gives these women an opportunity to reconnect, celebrate the collective impact of their philanthropy, and be inspired by meaningful Jewish voices and stories. The luncheon will also be featuring Jackie Tohn, actress, writer, and comedian, who is a natural fit for this year’s luncheon because she brings together humor, storytelling, Jewish identity, and a strong, authentic female voice. The event describes the afternoon as an opportunity for Tohn to share stories about her career, her Jewish journey, and the people and experiences that have shaped her. Tohn grew up in a Jewish family on Long Island and is currently widely recognized for playing Esther Roklov in Netflix’s hit series, “Nobody Wants This,” a romantic comedy that puts Jewish life and an interfaith relationship at the center of its story. She is also known for playing Melanie “MelRose” Rosen on Netflix’s, “GLOW,” and competed on “American Idol.” Tohn’s appearance brings an element of fun and laughter to a gathering centered on connection, philanthropy, and the power of Jewish women. This is a women’s philanthropy giving society event rather than a general community luncheon. The event celebrates members of the Pomegranate and Lion of Judah Societies. Registration is currently open to Lions of Judah and Pomegranate donors through the event website. If you’re interested in making a Pomegranate, Step-Up Pomegranate, Lion of Judah, Step-Up Lion of Judah, or LOJE gift, contact Trompeter at ttrompeter@jewishatlanta.org. The Lion of Judah & Pomegranate Luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30, with the program beginning promptly at 11:30 a.m. The location will be provided upon registration. To register, please visit https://jewishatlanta.org/events/ lion-of-judah-pomegranate-luncheon/. ì

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ISRAEL PRIDE

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME Aish Hosts New Year’s Toast for Merhav David Police Aish welcomed the officers and commanders of Merhav David, the Jerusalem police sub-district charged with protecting the holy sites of the Old City, for a special event of celebration, gratitude, and recognition. The gathering combined a New Year’s toast with a formal lunch and a ceremony honoring new ranks and certificates of excellence within the command. Merhav David is responsible for the safety of millions of visitors each year from every faith who pass through the gates of the Old City, chief among them the millions of Jews who visit the Western Wall. Aish has long worked in close partnership with the Merhav David command and with the commander of the Western Wall, both in matters of security and in matters of Jewish education, and it was an honor for Aish to host this year’s celebration at the Dan and Hytman Family Aish World Center.

AJC Helps Support Nepal Flood Recovery Efforts

Aish welcomed the officers and commanders of Merhav David for a special event of celebration, gratitude, and recognition. The officers’ faces have been blurred for security.

The event drew a distinguished list of guests, including Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch, rabbi of the Western Wall; Suli Eliav, CEO of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation; commander of the Jerusalem District, Natziv Avshalom Peled; commander of Merhav David, Deputy Natziv Dvir Tamim; officers and officers’ families, and policemen and policewomen recognized for their achievements over the past year. Compiled by AJT Staff

An Israeli schoolboy displays his classroom tools around 1954.

Sept. 18, 1949: The Compulsory Education Law goes into effect. It requires all children ages 5 to 15 to attend school, provides free elementary education, and facilitates alternative public systems for Arabs and Haredi Jews. 20 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

American Jewish Committee Asia Pacific Institute Director Shira Loewenberg

and humanitarian crises around the globe. Compiled by AJT Staff

Sept. 23, 2003: Simcha Dinitz, whose diplomatic career included serving as ambassador to the United States from 1973 to 1978, dies at 74. He helped secure an emergency airlift of U.S. weapons during the Yom Kippur War.

Today in Israeli History Sept. 15, 2009: Judge Richard Goldstone presents his U.N.-sponsored report criticizing the actions of Israel and Hamas in the 200809 Gaza war. In April 2011 he recants suggestions that Israel intentionally killed civilians. Sept. 16, 1949: Israel joins the Parisbased U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Israel quits UNESCO in 2018 after repeated accusations back and forth regarding abuses of history. Sept. 17, 1970: The Jordanian army attacks the PLO, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and other terrorist groups based around Amman and Irbid in an operation Palestinians remember as Black September.

American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, has made a $15,000 grant to IsraAID to assist in relief efforts in Nepal following a devastating flood that has left thousands dead or missing. The grant was made through AJC’s Harriet and Robert Heilbrunn Humanitarian Relief Fund. “The full scale of this disaster continues to unfold and the need for assistance grows more urgent by the hour,” said AJC Asia Pacific Institute Director Shira Loewenberg. “We are proud to support the heroic efforts of IsraAID, whose teams are well-equipped to assist in what will be a massive rescue and recovery effort.” AJC has often partnered with IsraAID, an Israel-based nonprofit that provides disaster relief and emergency assistance following natural disasters

The Israeli Film Academy awarded Avraham Heffner an Ophir for lifetime achievement in 2004.

Sept. 19, 2014: Filmmaker Avraham Heffner dies at 79 in Tel Aviv. He made his acting debut in 1964’s “Hole in the Moon.” He wrote and directed “But Where Is Daniel Wax?” — considered Israel’s greatest movie by some scholars. Sept. 20, 1890: Rachel Bluwstein, one of the four founding mothers of modern Hebrew poetry, is born in Russia. She makes aliyah in 1909 and is one of the first modern poets to write in conversational Hebrew. Sept. 21, 2010: Diplomat and legal scholar Shabtai Rosenne, a Bar-Ilan University professor, dies of a heart attack at 92. He contributed to the law of treaties and law of the sea and formulated Israel’s 1949 armistice agreements. Sept. 22, 1943: Singer-songwriter Ariel Zilber is born in Tel Aviv. In the 1970s and 1980s he establishes an eclectic sound, leads multiple bands, then has a solo career from rock to hip-hop. He moves toward the Orthodox right in the early 2000s.

President Gamal Abdel Nasser and his predecessor, Mohamed Naguib, attend a Suez Canal ceremony aboard a Yugoslav ship, the Galeb, in 1955. // By Zdravko Pečar, Museum of African Art (Belgrade), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Yemeni Jews make the flight to Israel during Operation Magic Carpet. // By Teddy Brauner, National Photo Collection of Israel

Sept. 24, 1950: Two planes carrying 177 Jews to Israel from Aden mark the end of Operation Magic Carpet, the airlift of nearly 50,000 Jews from their ancient community in Yemen over 15 months. Sept. 25, 1982: Some 400,000 protesters march in Tel Aviv to demand an inquiry into Israel’s role in the Christian Phalangist militia’s massacre of Palestinians in the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps in Lebanon. Sept. 26, 1955: Oil is discovered in Heletz, a moshav founded by Yemeni immigrants in southern Israel. Holding an estimated 94.4 million barrels of oil, the field becomes the site of the state’s first successful wells.

Sept. 27, 1955: Gamal Abdel Nasser says Czechoslovakia will supply Soviet weaponry, including tanks, MiG-15 fighters and heavy bombers, to Egypt. The deal influences Israel’s decision to attack in 1956. Sept. 28, 1970: Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser dies of a heart attack shortly after brokering a ceasefire between Jordan’s King Hussein and PLO leader Yasser Arafat. He had expressed openness to peace with Israel. Sept. 29, 1947: The Arab Higher Committee for Palestine rejects the U.N. Special Committee on Palestine’s partition plan, which calls for separate Jewish and Arab states and an international zone around Jerusalem. Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (israeled.org), where you can find more details.

More than 30 Parties Will Run in Elections

The Israel Democracy Institute is working on policy plans to help the new government “take up the urgent task of renewal and reform after years of internal turmoil and war,” said IDI President Yohanan Plesner.

By Jan Jaben-Eilon Although there were no real surprises in the recently published Israeli party lists -- or even cues about how the upcoming Oct. 27 elections will pan out -- the lists of Knesset candidates announced Sept. 9 did quicken and stimulate the conversation about what many Israelis believe this to be the most important election in the country’s history. “I expect there will be an extremely high voter turnout,” in the election, said Eli Sperling, Israel Institute Teaching Fellow at the University of Georgia Department of International Affairs, adding that “it’s been a while since a government lasted its full term” of four years, as the current government has done. Israelis only have one day to vote and with a few exceptions for soldiers and those serving diplomatic missions abroad, voters must vote in person in Israel. There’s no way of knowing how many Israelis now living abroad have bought tickets to fly to Israel to vote, but estimates are in the tens of thousands. Still, that number might not have a huge impact on the election outcome. A party needs to cross a threshold of 3.25 percent of the votes in order to take seats in the legislature, or Knesset, which has a total of 120 seats. A coalition of parties need, then, to have between them 61 seats in order to have a majority. So far, polls are, as Sperling put it, “all over the place.” Current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party continues to run neck and neck with the Yashar Party. [Yashar means “straight” in Hebrew.] “The big question will be who can put together a coalition government,” said Sperling. Polls indicate it will

be difficult for either Netanyahu’s camp or the opposition to do so without including a mostly Arab party. If there are no actual surprises leaping from the 38 published party lists, there are some notable items. For one, even though it’s reportedly against the law for a political party to not include a female on its list, this is the first time in history that an ultra-Orthodox, or haredi, party selected a woman to run on its Knesset slate. The new Haredi Public Party named Dr. Nechumi Yaffe, an ultra-Orthodox political psychology researcher, to the list headed by Moti Leitner. Sperling noted that she is a colleague of his on the Board of Israel Studies. She is also a senior faculty member and researcher at Tel Aviv University. According to Sperling, “There’s no way the new Haredi party won’t cross the threshold, which is significant.” Also highly notable is the inclusion on so many of the party lists of Israelis connected to the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas-led terrorists on southern Israel, killing about 1,200 and taking hostage another 250, some of whom were also eventually killed. On Yashar’s list is Shira Shapira, mother of Aner, Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s best friend who was killed in a shelter after throwing back seven grenades before one killed him. The two friends had attended the Re’im rave music festival and were among the nearly 400 attendees eventually killed. Heading Yashar is former Army Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, who lost both a son and two nephews in the Gaza War that resulted from the Hamas attack. A new party, called the Democrats,

ISRAEL

With more than three dozen parties vying for votes in the upcoming election, “the big question will be who can put together a coalition government,” said Eli Sperling, Israel Institute Teaching Fellow at the University of Georgia Department of International Affairs.

considered left of center, is headed by Yair Golan, a reserve major general, who most recently raised his profile for having rescued many survivors of the music festival, using their phone locations. On what is considered a symbolic, but unrealistic position on the Democrats list, is Yocheved Lifshitz, who was kidnapped on Oct. 7 from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz along with her husband, Oded, who was later murdered by Hamas. Sperling noted that number three on the Democrats Party list is Reform Rabbi Gilad Kariv, “which is high ranking,” and probably familiar to many American Jews. Yisrael Beiteinu, which means, “Israel is Our Home,” is a traditionally Russian immigrant party that is considered center right. On its current list is Rafi Ben Shitrit, whose soldier son was killed on Oct. 7, and Sharon Sharabi, brother of Yossi and Eli Sharabi, both abducted into Gaza. As Sperling pointed out, it’s not at all surprising that so many of the party lists include someone with a connection to Oct. 7. In one of the latest surveys conducted by The Israel Democracy Institute (IDI), a Jerusalem-based nonpartisan research center, most Israelis say Oct. 7 is a central factor in choosing the party they will vote for. In fact, nearly 70 percent of Jewish Israelis say Oct. 7 is a central factor in their vote. In addition to the 68 percent of Jewish Israelis, 32 percent of Arab Israelis also say Oct. 7 will impact their vote. Among Jewish Israelis, 76.5 percent were on the political Left, 74 percent in the Center and 66 percent on the Right. “There is likewise a majority across all religious groups with the exception of the Haredim, and notably, the share that considers Oct. 7 a central factor is strong-

ly correlated with the religious spectrum: secular: 81 percent; traditional non-religious: 74 percent; traditional-religious: 66 percent; national religious: 56 percent; Haredim: 26 percent,” the IDI reports. One other notable inclusion on a party list -- at least for Atlantans -- is former Israeli Deputy Consul General Aviv Ezra who is on the Amcha Yisrael (Your People Israel) Party list. Launched in August by retired army General Ofer Winter, the party is on the right. But Sperling finds it interesting because “he found a segment to the right of Netanyahu.” One poll shows that the party will receive four votes, just squeaking by. Sperling said that the political right in Israel is “beginning to plan for after Netanyahu,” who over the past eight years has “moved to the right with ties to the religious right and West Bank settlers. Winter understands this and his party may take votes away from Netanyahu’s Likud Party.” Moreover, the prime minister’s disapproval rates are very high as Israelis still blame him and his government for not being prepared to the Hamas attack. The resulting war has also taken a toll on the country’s economy and on soldiers who have served several months of reserve duty. With weeks to go before the election and the party campaigns go into high gear, IDI President Yohanon Plesner noted in his High Holiday greetings that his staff are doing their own preparation. “While the campaign is underway, IDI experts have been putting the finishing touches on a series of policy plans designed to help the new government take up the urgent task of renewal and reform after years of internal turmoil and war.” ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | 21

ISRAEL

5 Fingers Mechina Expands U.S. Recruiting Efforts By Gil Zohar First impressions are telling. Coming to the campus of the 5 Fingers Mechina leadership training program on Mount Carmel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, this writer encountered a group of 18-year-olds putting their carpentry skills to good use stripping and refurbishing a wooden desk. And doing a nice job. It was the first clue that 5 Fingers – the name implies its hands-on philosophy – is a radically different kind of place; a non-political, non-doctrinaire boarding school for Jewish teens from Israel, America and elsewhere whose goal is self. Among the 105 pre-IDF preparatory schools overseen by Israel’s Joint Council of Mechinot, 5 Fingers has an outstanding reputation as a boot camp for character building and self-confidence training whose graduates go on to pursue leadership roles in civil society and the army. Arriving the day before this interview in the late summer, Tuvia – a graduate of the Atlanta Jewish Academy and champion wrestler who placed third in

22 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

A group of 5 Fingers Mechina students put their carpentry skills to good use stripping and refurbishing a wooden desk.

the Georgia State Division – was gung-ho about his new home for 10 months and his 71 newest best friends. “It’s fantastic. It’s incredibly social,” he began. Tuvia – who asked that his last name not be cited – explained the fast-paced day begins not long after sunrise with a group yoga and stretching session. All meals and kitchen duty are prepared by the students. Collective responsibilities include food shopping. Students’ duties range from making their own bed to keeping the campus spotless.

5 Fingers has an outstanding reputation as a boot camp for character building and self-confidence training whose graduates go on to pursue leadership roles in civil society and the army.

“After touring several mechina programs, I chose 5 Fingers as the most physically intensive,” he said. Why pick Israel when many American prep schools similarly teach high school grads resilience? Tuvia responded that he is following in the steps of his 27-year-old elder brother who made Aliyah and works in cyber security in Tel Aviv. While not all overseas students opt to remain in Israel, the intensely Jewish and Israeli experience shapes them for a lifetime. “My parents want the best for me. They see this as a way to make the most of myself,” he added. “A lot of teenagers in Atlanta think going to college is their only option. I want Jews to consider their options in Israel. There is more to life than partying.” Straight to the point like his Israeli peers, Tuvia said his priority is to become fluent in Hebrew, and to enlist in Zahal’s combat engineering corps. Or Cohen, 5 Fingers’ director of diaspora engagement, said a contingent from the program was at this summer’s JCC Maccabi Youth Games held at the Jewish Community Centre in suburban Toronto, Canada. For security reasons, the 3,000 teen participants were not allowed to travel to the city. Hence, many encountered 5 Fingers and its emphasis on mental training meant to mold “the person I want to be in the future.” Cohen, who was the first woman to serve as the captain of an Israeli Navy combat vessel, aims to broaden the diversity of students from abroad. “It can definitely benefit the Jewish communities around the world.” There is simply no substitute for the joint Israeli-Diaspora immersion experience, she said matter-of-factly. Like Cohen and many of the 5 Fingers staff, director Gai Beeri also has a proud military record. A veteran of the elite Shayetet 13 commandos – Israel’s equivalent of the Navy Seals – he ensures the school maintains a very high standard. The physical and mental exercises

are meant to be “comfortably hard” rather than an impossible challenge, he said. Nevertheless, some students cannot cope and drop out, he noted. Some are expelled for violating the school’s policy of zero tolerance for alcohol, drugs or violence, “Everyone should compete against himself,” he added. “But it’s not the army here.” Jim is a New Orleans businessman whose son, Daniel, graduated last year from 5 Fingers, and is now serving in the IDF. His daughter, Naomi, is in this year’s cohort. “This mechina brings out quality character,” Jim – who asked that his surname not be used – enthused. “This mechina is transformative. It brings out the best in you.” Staring at a tsunami of assimilation among Jewish American youth, he advised other parents: “Sending your kids to 5 Fingers is putting them on a path to success personally, emotionally and professionally. It will put them way ahead of their peers who didn’t go. Give it an honest look. The mechina raises lions, not lambs.” Tuition for non-Israelis at 5 Fingers is $20,000 for the year though scholarships are available. Considering the cost of American universities, that may be a bargain. Moreover, those motivated overseas graduates of the Mechina who enlist in Zahal (the IDF) as a Lone Soldier without family in Israel are eligible for a considerable number of financial benefits. For example, the Heseg Foundation (www.Heseg.com) offers to pay the tuition for demobilized Lone Soldiers. While one must apply and be accepted on the basis of one’s grades and aptitude, free tuition at a professional faculty of medicine, dentistry, engineering, or architecture is a major expression in Heseg's belief that the best Jewish students from abroad are those most committed to the country. 5 Fingers may be the best investment a young American Jew can make in his or her future. For more information, go to www.5fingers.org.il. ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | 23

SPORTS Falcons Fall in First Two Games T h a n k goodness for the NFC South. Despite the Atlanta Falcons’ 0-2 face-plant to start the new season, the division has been historically bad David Ostrowsky this decade — on multiple occasions the division winner has secured a playoff berth with a sub-.500 record — and the Saints, Panthers, and Buccaneers once again don’t project to have dynamic teams. So, with 15 games remaining, the Falcons, despite having a very unsettled quarterback situation under new head coach Kevin Stefanski, still have a puncher’s chance to make the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade, or at the very least play meaningful post-Thanksgiving games. But after last Sunday’s 34-3 loss to Carolina in the home opener, the odds are nevertheless heavily tilted against Atlanta snapping its postseason drought this year — even with the relatively new 17-game schedule — as NFL history indicates teams starting 0-2 have only a roughly 10 percent chance to qualify for the playoffs. Postseason dreams aside, the Falcons are looking to Thursday night’s matchup against the Packers at vaunted Lambeau Field just to get in the win column. It’s possible that franchise quarterback Michael Penix Jr., recovering from a torn ACL, will make his 2026 debut and spell journeyman backup Cooper Rush, who has struggled mightily in his first two games under center for the Falcons. If Penix Jr. isn’t ready — there is a feeling that the Falcons may want to hold him out for extra rest until their next game, Oct. 5 at New Orleans — perhaps veteran Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered an oblique injury while preparing to start in Week 1, would get the nod. While the quarterback position has been a black hole thus far, penalties, shanked field goals, a failure to get in the red zone, and killer turnovers are merely several of the primary culprits responsible for the underwhelming start. And after Sunday’s drubbing to the Panthers, who sport the only Jewish player in the league (A.J. Dillon) and a stud tight end from Georgia Tech who hauled in a pair of scores (Darren Waller), Stefanski didn’t back down from acknowledging what the 71,143 in attendance at Mer-

24 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

While the 0-2 start has been discouraging, Atlanta’s fourth year running back Bijan Robinson has solidified his status as one of the game’s elite playmakers // Photo Credit: Atlanta Falcons social media

cedes-Benz Stadium (MBS) were surely feeling. “Obviously, extremely disappointed in that game and extremely disappointed in how that game started,” the first-year Atlanta head coach said minutes after his guys departed the gridiron to a smattering of boos. “[We] could not crawl out of that hole and then the second half got away from us. So very disappointed. Giveaways and takeaways are the key to this game, and to turn it over that many times — and obviously we didn’t take it away at all — there’s no way to win in the NFL like that. We’ll have to learn from it and get better from these experiences.” Just like in Week 1 (a 20-13 road loss to the Steelers, during which Atlanta actually had the edge in first downs and time of possession) the Falcons kept things relatively close in the early going against Carolina, heading to intermission down 20-3. But as Stefanski alluded to in his brief postgame remarks, the locals were simply overwhelmed in the second half, unable to answer the reigning NFC South champs’ two third-quarter touchdowns. For the second straight week, Rush, who only started taking first-team reps three days before the season opener, left

fans counting the days until Penix Jr. and/or Tagovailoa return. Rush followed up his so-so outing against the Steelers (143 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, including a pick-six) by throwing another pair of INTs and losing a fumble on the first play from scrimmage in the Week 2 debacle. “It’s a great group of guys. It’s a long season. Every week, there are ups and downs. Right now, we’re a little down, but we’re battling. We’re a bunch of professionals in here. We know how to do it,” Rush said to a gaggle of reporters in the Falcons’ locker room postgame. Late in the third quarter, Stefanski had seen enough of his last-minute quarterback fill-in and called in undrafted rookie Jack Strand in lieu of Rush. The results were eerily similar as Strand’s first possession ended with a pass returned for a touchdown while his final one concluded with a fumbled snap recovered by the visitors. “Cooper’s given us everything he’s got and unfortunately we turned the ball over there, including on the first play, which should never be a turnover,” Stefanski responded when he was asked to assess his starting QB’s performance. “So, those are the types of things that are cor-

rectable. We’ve got to get them fixed. “I’m disappointed in our performance as a football team. That’s all of us. That’s not just one position. I’m going to make sure that we look at answers and not pinpoint one position, if you will.” The boos started early Sunday at MBS. After the Falcons’ first drive ended before it got started with Rush fumbling on a QB keeper, the masses weren’t shy about voicing their displeasure. And on the Falcons’ second drive, which concluded with Rush’s intended pass to all-world running back Bijan Robinson falling into the hands of linebacker Bobby Okereke, the jeering was amplified. “I don’t react to our crowd. Our crowd is amazing. When you’re a fan, you can let our team know when you’re displeased. You can let us know when you’re happy. That’s just part of being a fan,” offered Stefanski. “Disappointed that we couldn’t be better for our fans. We have the best fans in the world. They want to support us, but we’ve got to give them a reason to support us.” Stefanski can only hope that when his squad returns to MBS on Sunday evening, Oct. 11, for a primetime matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, fans will only be saying boo for the spooky season. ì

SPORTS

College Park Skyhawks Promote Silverstein to GM By David Ostrowsky Coming off a 14-22 season and gunning for their first NBA G-League postseason berth since the 2021-22 season, the College Park Skyhawks (Atlanta’s minorleague affiliate) recently shook up their front office, and longtime Hawks executive Ryan Silverstein stands to be a chief beneficiary. On Sept. 2, Silverstein, who came aboard the Hawks organization in September 2017 as a front office assistant in basketball operations and for the past three years has been at the controls of cap strategy and player personnel functions, was named the Skyhawks’ fifth general manager. Though Silverstein will continue presiding over salary cap matters as Atlanta’s VP of cap strategy and player personnel — under his leadership, the Hawks have remained in a solid financial position with no player earning more than $31 million this upcoming season — he will supplant now-erstwhile Skyhawks GM Aaron Evans in the Skyhawks’ quest to shoot up the ranks of the G-League’s Eastern Conference (College Park finished in 13th place last spring) and return to the playoffs for the first time since current Hawks All-Star Jalen Johnson was a rostered player. “I am incredibly honored and grateful to serve as College Park’s general manager,” Silverstein remarked via a team-issued release shortly after the promotion. “Having been part of the Skyhawks during their inaugural season in College Park, I have witnessed firsthand the organization’s commitment to player development, excellence and innovation.” A product of Southern California who received a BA in sports management from the University of Michigan before earning his JD, with a focus on sports and entertainment law, from Georgia State University College of Law in 2023, Silverstein has extensive G-League knowledge and experience, having served as basketball operations coordinator and coaching assistant during the franchise’s first year of existence in 2019-2020. Silverstein’s one-year stint in the front office and on the sidelines for College Park was sandwiched between his early-career gig as a front office assistant for the parent club, whereby he helped the VP of salary cap administration with all cap-related projects; provided scouting videos for college and pro scouting departments; and supported the front office, coaching staff,

While continuing to work on salary cap and player personnel matters, longtime Hawks executive Ryan Silverstein will also be the GM of the franchise’s minor-league affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks, this season // Photo Credit: College Park Skyhawks social media

and training staff in daily operations and his now six-year run handling salary cap matters in the Hawks front office. “There are many people throughout the Hawks organization who have supported and guided me during my nine seasons here, and I am especially thankful to Onsi [Saleh] and the rest of the front office for the trust they have placed in me to lead our G-League program,” added Silverstein, who has notably forged a close relationship with Nick Ressler, son of Hawks owner Tony Ressler and the franchise’s vice president of strategic planning and alternate governor. In addition to Silverstein’s promotion, the Skyhawks tabbed Sanjay Lumpkin, who played in 33 games for the Skyhawks during their inaugural season and was Atlanta’s 2026 NBA Summer League head coach, to be the team’s fifth head coach. Meanwhile, Reggis Onwukamuche, who was also on the Skyhawks’ roster during the 2019-20 season, will serve as College Park’s first associate head coach. “I am excited to work alongside Coach Lumpkin, collaborate with our

front office and continue building on the Skyhawks’ reputation as one of the premier development organizations in the league,” said Silverstein, who before coming over to the Hawks worked as an intern for Glushon Sports Management, an agency that represents many prominent NBA players, whereby he gained experience with the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement and free agency landscape. As Atlanta, in its first full season in the post-Trae Young era, looks to build on its stunning second-half turnaround last season and win its first playoff series since spring 2021, recently promoted president of basketball operations Onsi Saleh is hoping that Silverstein can ensure a pipeline of up-and-coming electrifying talent runs through College Park. Though the NBA G-League does not exactly represent a dotted line to the actual NBA — at least not when compared to the well-traveled road from Gwinnett to Atlanta that many Braves are accustomed to — last year’s Skyhawks roster showcased Asa Newell, Caleb Houstan, and Jacob Toppin, all of whom contrib-

uted to varying degrees at the NBA level, while Hawks veterans Nickeil AlexanderWalker and Dyson Daniels have both had G-League stops. “The Skyhawks are a significant part of our development program, and both Ryan and Sanjay exemplify the strong connection between the Hawks and Skyhawks,” said Saleh. “Ryan has been a valuable member of our front office for several years and has grown into a key contributor, particularly in our salary cap strategy and planning efforts … both have earned these opportunities, and we’re excited to see them continue to grow and make meaningful contributions to our program.” In less than two months, the Skyhawks kick off their seventh NBA GLeague season with a three-game homestand at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, starting with Opening Night against Raptors 905 at 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6. The season-opening homestand concludes on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 10, with a matchup against the Long Island Nets, who last year sported two Jewish players, Danny Wolf and Ben Saraf. ì ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | 25

SPORTS

JCC Hosts Parasport Center’s Champions for Life By Perri Schwartz The Israel Parasport Center, Israel’s leading organization for physically disabled athletes, brought their Champions For Life wheelchair basketball exhibition to the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) on Aug. 30. The event was previously held in 2017, 2018, and 2019. This year marked the first time that the event was held in Atlanta since the COVID pandemic and the attacks of Oct. 7, 2023. As summer has begun winding down, family-friendly activities continue. The Israel Parasport Center serves more than 3,000 children and adults with physical disabilities annually. Before the attacks of Oct. 7, they served about 2,500 members, and the number is likely to increase to over 4,000 in the coming years. Founded in 1960 as a result of the Polio epidemic, it originally served as a place for children with cognitive birth defects, and over time, it evolved into a community where children of all disabilities thrive through physical sports rehabilitation. The star athletes of the show were Para basketball players Asael Shabo and Natan Boujnah. Shabo, 32, is a professional wheelchair basketball player and the captain of Israel’s National Para Basketball Team, having represented Israel in various Paralympic Games. He also serves as an ambassador for the center. Shabo lost his leg in a terrorist attack at age 9, after a terrorist broke into his home and killed his mom and three brothers. Boujnah, 22, suffered a stroke at age 18 shortly after he entered the IDF and was undergoing training. Reflecting on his career, Shabo said, “I didn’t even know what a disability was before that. And now I do it on the top level that it’s possible, representing my

The wheelchair basketball exhibition was held on Aug. 30 at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.

country, keeping in shape. I love my job. I love what I do. So, it’s everything for me.” The program was catered for individuals of all ages and all abilities. Jewish disability inclusion has been a major topic of attention in the Atlanta Jewish community over the years. “We just want you to look at us in an equal … on the same level, on the same height. And that’s, for me, the most impor-

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tant part because when we need or when we have a struggle, we know how to deal with it. We know when we need help, we ask for help. But other than that, we’ve just been through something difficult, but we want to move on with our life and be normal people, have normal families, normal jobs, just continue with our life.” “It’s not just professional sports and competitive sports, but to realize that people who have physical disabilities can do anything, and that Para sports give them the tool to be able to participate in all kinds of sports. We offer 18 different sports at the center. So, whether it’s tennis, basketball, rugby, dodgeball, table tennis, competitive cycling, swimming, all kinds of things, everything’s accessible and anything is possible if you just try hard,” said Jennifer Flink, national director of Israel Parasport’s American Friends branch. While continuing to provide the services that were available pre-Oct. 7, they have expanded their services to support survivors of the Nova Festival massacre who are now physically disabled. As a result, the center will introduce a new initiative called Shesek, which will provide services that combine mental health and

sports through a program called Trauma Informed Physical Activities. The program, still in its early stages, held their first event on Aug. 28. According to Flink, “Sixty percent of the operating budget in Israel comes from the American friends group, which the Atlanta community is a huge part of, and the needs and demands are growing exponentially, especially in light of Oct. 7. The new programming we’re introducing serves the population of people impacted by Oct. 7.” Shabo also said, “We don’t have enough finances. We don’t have enough exposure. I want it to be accessible for everyone.” The Israel Parasport Center has an Atlanta branch, which recently underwent a $3.7 million renovation, in which everything from the pool to the locker rooms were renovated. After an introductory presentation, the event continued with a match between Shabo, Boujnah, and two high school wheelchair basketball players, and ended with a “reverse inclusion” experience, where individuals of all ages and all abilities had the opportunity to sit in a wheelchair and practice for themselves. ì

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The Council for Quality Growth announced the recipients of its 17th Annual Community Improvement District (CID) Awards. The 2026 reception and award presentation will honor Jim Vaught, Chairman of Lilburn CID, and A.J. Robinson, president of Downtown Atlanta, Inc. The 17th Annual CID Recognition Event, presented by Georgia Power, Lilburn CID, and POND, will be held in November on a date to be announced soon. The 2026 recipient of the CID Professional Excellence Award is Robinson, president of Downtown Atlanta, Inc., the recently combined brand of the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID) and Central Atlanta Progress (CAP). Robinson is set to retire later this year after 23 years in the role. During his tenure, Robinson helped guide ADID’s work to make downtown Atlanta safer, cleaner, more connected, and more vibrant through investments in public safety, infrastructure, mobility, beautification, and placemaking. Much of Robinson’s work with ADID has focused on transforming downtown’s public realm. Under his leadership, ADID expanded its Ambassador Force and Clean Team, providing supplemental public safety, hospitality, maintenance, and beautification services throughout the district. He also helped advance the revitalization of Woodruff Park, where ADID assumed stewardship

of the park, improved its physical environment, expanded programming, and introduced new amenities and activities. ADID’s capital investments have included streetscape improvements, sidewalk and pedestrian enhancements, lighting, landscaping, public art, and other projects that improve the daily experience of downtown Atlanta. Vaught and Robinson will be recognized and presented with their respective awards at the Council for Quality Growth’s Annual CID Recognition Event in November. Each year, the Council uniquely convenes the 30-and-counting Community Improvement Districts in the region to recognize the work they do year-round to enhance the quality of life here across Metro Atlanta and to support the newly established CIDs as they become activated across the state of Georgia. This is the 17th year the Council has held this event and presented the CID Awards. For details about Community Improvement Districts, please visit www. CouncilforQualityGrowth.org/CIDs. Details for the Council’s 17th Annual CID Recognition Event will be announced and registration will open soon. Sponsorships are available now. To sponsor, please contact Briana Stewart at bstewart@councilforqualitygrowth.org. ì Compiled by AJT Staff

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OPINION The ‘General Good’ vs. ‘Local Prejudices’ By Dave Schechter I remember a member of the U.S. House of Representatives who, during a debate held at my high school, explained the tension between exercising his judgment on what he felt best served the country or voting solely to mirror the perceived will of his constituents. The former is known as the “trustee” approach to representation and the latter as the “delegate” model. While reading up on this subject, I came across the following: “Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion.” Edmund Burke, an Anglo-Irish politician, journalist, and philosopher, delivered that sentiment in his Nov. 3, 1774, “Speech to the Electors of Bristol.” Burke said that a representative “ought always rejoice to hear” the “weighty and respectable opinion” of constituents, but not bend to “authoritative instructions; mandates issued, which the member is bound blindly and implicitly

to obey, to vote, and to argue for, though contrary to the clearest conviction of his judgment and conscience.” Replace the British Parliament with the American Congress where Burke calls it “a deliberative assembly of one nation, with one interest, that of the whole; where, not local purposes, not local prejudices, ought to guide, but the general good, resulting from the general reason of the whole.” Of course, there are times when what an elected representative considers to be for the “general good” may not match “local prejudices.” This is where Burke’s words from 252 years ago intersect politics in 2026 and, for this column, an election contest roiling Georgia’s Jewish community. Today’s politics reduces complex issues to a simple equation — it’s either this or that, with nothing in between — that ignores nuance, context, or diversity of opinion. A segment of the Jewish community believes that there is a “right” way for an elected representative who is Jewish — in this case a United States senator — to vote

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on matters related to Israel, and concomitantly, a “wrong” way. In short, you are either with us or against us. I have questions. What are the criteria for voting the “right” way and who determines those standards? What responsibility does a United States senator who is Jewish have to the Jewish community? What expectations should the Jewish community hold for a United States senator who is Jewish? [I say “a United States senator who is Jewish” rather than “a Jewish senator” because the senator represents all of the estimated 11.4 million residents of Georgia. The term “a Jewish senator” may suggest a particular obligation to the 1.3 precent of the state’s population that is Jewish.] There is a tendency in some quarters of the Jewish community to regard anything less than being absolutely “proIsrael” as being “anti-Israel," but what constitutes being “pro-Israel”? Does it require supporting every action taken by an elected Israeli government? Does tolerance for a diversity of opinion in the Jewish community stop at the water’s edge, in this case where the Mediterranean Sea laps ashore the Israeli coastline? How we define “pro-Israel” frames how we evaluate, in this case, a senator’s votes on matters concerning Israel and his public statements on those votes. I do not disparage those who favor the “delegate” approach to representation, but short of a referendum, how are elected representatives to know the will of their constituents, on Israel or any other issue? Columns, op-eds, letters-to-the-edi-

tor, advertisements, or pronouncements by individuals or organizations may or may not reflect the majority sentiment in a community. Voters tend to cast their ballots in favor of candidates with whom they feel the most comfortable or whose opinions they believe are sufficiently close to their own. In the best of all worlds, we would elect our representatives based on our regard for their intelligence, trusting that they will act in the best interests of those who elect them AND the best interests of the nation as a whole. When encountering the inevitable conflict between those interests, I lean toward Burke’s view: “Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion.” Any of us would be delighted if our elected representatives voted as we would, were we in their positions. I accept that there will be times when the results of the “trustee” approach may displease me. The people elected to the U.S. House and Senate represent not only their district or state, but, to borrow from Burke, they are members of “a deliberative assembly of one nation, with one interest, that of the whole,” to favor the “general good” over “local prejudices.” I doubt that voters give much thought to the “trustee” and “delegate” approaches of representation when they enter the polling booth. But that is, to a considerable extent, the decision they make: Whether to vote for someone who will exercise their judgment to serve the country as a whole or someone who will put a figurative moist finger to the wind and vote to mirror the perceived will of their constituents — on Israel or any other issue. ì

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Rabbi Roundtable Rabbi Spike Anderson, Reform Rabbi Spike Anderson is the spiritual leader of Temple Emanu-El. Born and raised in Boston, he entered the rabbinate after a successful career as a Silicon Valley entrepreneur. Rabbi Anderson was ordained at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in New York City, and began his rabbinic service at Stephen S. Wise Temple in Los Angeles in 2008. The opportunity to lead Temple Emanu-El spurred Rabbi Anderson to move his family across the country to join a new congregation and a new community. Rabbi Anderson shares his journey with his wife, Marita, and their three young children.

Rabbi Ira Bedzow, Orthodox Rabbi Ira Bedzow, Ph.D. (Emory University) is the executive director of the Emory Purpose Project, one of the signature elements of its Student Flourishing Initiative, whose mission is to unite diverse partners across the Emory community in providing opportunities for students to develop a muscle for reflection on purpose and meaning. Rabbi Bedzow is an associate professor in the Department of Medicine, a core faculty member of Emory’s Center for Ethics, a senior fellow in the Center for the Study of Law and Religion, and the unit head of the International Chair in Bioethics at Emory University. He is also senior scholar of the Aspen Center for Social Values, and co-director of the Maimonides Institute for Medicine, Ethics and the Holocaust (MIMEH).

30 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

In partnership with the Atlanta Rabbinical Association, the AJT’s monthly Rabbi Roundtable brings together spiritual leaders from across Atlanta representing each denomination.

Rabbi Ariel Root Wolpe, Conservative Rabbi Ariel Root Wolpe is a mother, musician, spiritual educator, and the founder of Ma’alot. Originally from Philadelphia, she studied religion and music at Emory University before receiving rabbinic ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, where her learning centered on Hasidic thought, feminist interpretations of Jewish history and ritual, and the spiritual possibilities of Jewish communal life. After ordination, Ariel deepened her study of Jewish music as a Rising Song Resident in Philadelphia. She founded Ma’alot in 2021 to create a Jewish community rooted in music, nature, spiritual practice, and meaningful human connection. Through her teaching and leadership, she helps people encounter Jewish wisdom as a living resource for healing, belonging, and becoming more fully themselves.

For this month’s discussion, each spiritual leader was asked the following question: How does Judaism challenge us to define success in a culture that often measures it by income, title, or influence? Rabbi Spike Anderson

In Torah, there is a brilliant image of our ancestors making their way through the desert wilderness, guided through the dark night by a blazing pillar of light. There is a consistent theology in Judaism, which, whether you personally believe it or not, we Jews have been repeating from generation to generation for thousands of years. It declares that G-d has partnered with the Jewish people to take the world from where it is to where it needs to be — from darkness to light, from brokenness to wholeness, from injustice to justice. The common term for this is Tikkun Olam, “healing the world,” and we personally prepare ourselves for this existential effort through Tikkun HaNefesh, “mending of the soul.” This theological cornerstone literally lends itself to “meaning of life” conversations, along with subsequent orientations and convictions. More than a spiritual compass, they function as benchmarks for how we are living our lives: successfully … or not so much? Is my time (at least some part of my free time) spent in ways that meaningfully move this proverbial needle forward? Am I consciously building bridges and fostering human relationships that invite coveted human connection and goodwill? Am I able to tap into my Judaism to both deepen my relationship with G-d and to raise up the Jewish civilization for myself, and for the generations to follow? The Jewish lens regulates ordinary success markers of income, title, and influence solely as potential means to an end, but most definitely not ‘ends’ unto themselves. These are meant to be vehicles only, not destinations. (Imagine getting in your car, and that is where your journey ends). When we lose sight of this, according to our religious tradition, we miss the entire point of living, and the world (including those around us) is much poorer for it. The good news is that usually small adjustments in our priorities can get us back on track. Brass tacks: synagogues typically have a myriad of Tikkun Olam opportunities, chances to restart or deepen your worship, ways to meaningfully connect you to other Jews with similar priorities, and classes that help you access poignant Jewish wisdom. A pillar of fire to illuminate our travels through the dark wilderness? We have it. We just have to open our eyes.

Rabbi Ariel Root Wolpe

My third child was born a week early, and for the first time in a decade, I stepped back from Ma’alot to focus on my newborn. For years, I had pursued success through a work life that, underneath, was not working. Judaism has never measured a life by status. Pirkei Avot warns that envy, desire, and honor-seeking drive a person from the world. Instead, the rabbis measure two relationships: with the divine and with the souls around us. Both are shaped by how we care for our own self. If I am not for myself, Hillel asks, who will be for me? Like many of us, I learned to push past my limits and perform excellence to feel worthy. But worth built on outside validation is ever fleeting. Judaism affirms our inherent worth and calls us toward relationship through ritual and deeds. We sit in our sukkah under branches that let the stars through and the neighbors in. On Yom Kippur, we examine every action that calls for repair; nowhere do we list our achievements. We visit the sick, tend the earth, and give thanks, not because these mitzvot build a resume, but because they build a self. “Who is rich?” Ben Zoma asks. “The one who rejoices in their portion.” Success is not the title or influence one achieves. It is tending a whole self that channels gifts into the world. My son arrived early, asking me to wholly receive him. I said yes. And we rejoiced.

Rabbi Ira Bedzow

While modern culture often defines success through income, title, and influence, chasing those markers can leave us pursuing a finish line that keeps moving. There is always another promotion, another milestone, or another person doing better. Also, when achievement becomes the goal, our motivation shifts away from the work itself, making it harder to find meaning in what we do. The Jewish tradition offers a different way to think about success. In modern Hebrew, the common word for success is hatzlachah, and it generally means accomplishing a goal or having an endeavor turn out well. In the Bible, however, the word is not simply used to convey getting what we want. It describes a person under God’s guidance or walking wisely along the right path. A more common biblical term that speaks to success is ashrei: fortunate, fulfilled, or happy — not as a momentary feeling, but as a way of living well. Psalm 1 begins, “Happy is the one who has not followed the counsel of the wicked … but rather delights in G-d’s teaching.” The successful person is not someone who has internalized society’s expectations of success, but one who takes pleasure in living based on the values and teachings of the Jewish tradition. Even here, however, the goal is not achieving a level of religiosity or frumkeit. It is enjoying the path and what one learns along the way. In Pirkei Avot, Ben Zoma provides a strong psychological lesson on how to achieve this type of success: “Who is rich? One who rejoices in his portion.” ì

Atlanta Rabbinical Association

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | 31

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Brought to You by Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs Every September we celebrate Healthy Aging Month, marking ways to thrive while we age. It’s a time to recognize that learning is a lifelong process, with engagement and wellness habits that we can adopt to enhance our quality of life. Fourteen years ago, Hilary and Greg Eldridge were inspired by family and set out to raise the bar for in-home care that helps you thrive. “I saw what a difference personalized care made for my Dad,” says Hilary. “I use his memory as a touchstone to provide quality care that engages the spirit of our clients and honors the richness of their lives. Our goal is to help you make each day the best it can be.” The beauty of professional in-home care lies in its adaptive nature. As personal needs increase, it’s built to evolve. From basic, occasional assistance to comprehensive support, it matches the needs of your health journey. Far from denying aging or health challenges that come our way, Home Helpers focuses on ways to thrive that emphasize resilience, adaptability and a positive mindset to meet and find joy and value in life. The daily choices we make over the years impact how we age, and actively managing or changing our daily habits in some key areas can make a critical difference. Physical activity and vitality are partners. There are many options like brisk walking, dancing, gardening, yoga or online work out videos that provide an appropriate exercise level that helps move your body daily. Strength and resistance training helps maintain muscle mass and bone density. Your doctor can help advise a course of regular moderate exercise that reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease, lowers stress levels and decreases your fall risk. Prioritize supporting your nutritional needs and you’ll find that the saying “you are what you

eat” was right. Choose whole foods over ultraprocessed options and follow a nutrient rich diet with vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Protein needs increase as we get older and are critical to maintain muscle and balance. Hydration is also important because our sense of thirst diminishes as we age. Following a water consumption schedule can help prevent dizziness, confusion and UTI’s. Avoiding smoking and moderating alcohol use helps round out your healthy path. Cognitive engagement keeps our minds in shape by learning new skills, taking classes, playing music, singing, doing puzzles or brain games even spending time in nature to boost our brain power. Curiosity has no age limit, and keeping your brain active can help mental sharpness. Social connections are one of the most powerful keys to a longer, healthier and happier life. Studies show that loneliness and isolation increase illness and depression. The Harvard Study of Adult Development followed participants for over 80 years and found that the strongest predictor of longevity was the quality of relationships. A positive mindset is also linked to a significantly longer lifespan. Embracing aging and focusing on practices like keeping a gratitude journal, maintaining a sense of purpose, and facing changes with a “can do” attitude improves our well-being and our ability to face change. Recent studies from AARP, CDC and the National Poll on Healthy Aging show that seniors experience better health outcomes when they remain at home with proper support experiencing lower rates of depression and loneliness, fewer hospital readmissions and better chronic disease management. A heart-centered and skilled Home Helpers caregiver can help your loved one with ways to thrive and focus on their safety, wellness and independence in the warmth and comfort of home. Whether home is a private house, apartment setting or even receiving additional

assistance as you recuperate in a health facility, we can work with you and your older loved one to create a care plan and schedule to meet your unique needs. When home is in an assisted living community, in-home care provides a bridge with immediate response to your care needs if you experience an increased fall risk, changing health condition or need to recuperate from a procedure. Your caregiver can help you remain in the setting and with the friends and lifestyle you want. We can assist with all personal care needs, help around the house, support recovery from surgery, a stroke or return home from a rehabilitation stay. A well-matched caregiver offers genuine companionship, aids family communication and provides a link to their community and friends or help with transportation to events or appointments. Along with specialized Alzheimer’s, Dementia or Parkinson’s care, we have Nursing Services as an added support for families. From four hours a day, several days a

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Dermatology Associates of Atlanta: Your Skincare Home

Discover specialized patient care at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta! As the leading dermatology practice in Atlanta, think of us as your “skincare home” where you can explore a variety of treatments for the skin, hair, and nails at one of our eight distinct specialty centers. Whether you’re looking to undergo non-surgical fat reduction with our stateof-the-art Emsculpt® procedure or want help with removing acne scarring, our board-certified dermatologists are here to help. Our team comprises three exceptional doctors: Dr. D. Scott Karempelis, Dr. Joseph R. Payne, and Dr. Ashley Curtis, along with a staff of highly skilled, board-certified physician assistants. Along with a dedication to their craft, Dr. Ashley Curtis and Dr. Scott Karempelis also hold a Castle Connolly Distinction. Castle Connolly Top Doctors are handselected, featuring only the top 7% of doctors in the country. Doctors can be nominated by their peers to be selected for screening by a physician-led research team. We are extremely proud to have two doctors on our staff who hold this

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distinction, further solidifying our commitment to outstanding patient care. What sets us apart is our eight unique specialty centers, which enable us to deliver patients with truly specialized care. The Dermatology Center assists individuals with various skin conditions, ranging from acne and age spots to hyperpigmentation and other dermatological issues. Skin Medics Medical Spa offers a range of cosmetic dermatology services, including non-surgical fat reduction, dermaplaning, chemical peels, and more. We’re also one of the leading providers of cosmetic laser treatments in the South-

east at our Laser Institute of Georgia center, where we offer services for any issue, including scarring and spider veins. Looking to get rid of unwanted body and facial hair? Our Hair Removal center uses industry-leading laser hair removal and electrolysis technologies! For those suffering from skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, the Psoriasis Treatment Center and Eczema Treatment Center are experts in addressing your needs. If you’re going through issues with hair loss, The Center for Non-Surgical Hair Loss and The Center for Women’s Hair Loss are industry leaders in this field.

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Sister Act: Brightworks Dentistry’s Next Chapter

For Dr. Patrice Robbins, growing Brightworks Dentistry across Atlanta has always been about more than adding locations. It has been about building something meaningful, rooted in relationships, community and a vision for what dentistry can be. But the newest chapter may be the most personal one yet. Robbins has welcomed her younger sister, Dr. Evie Reiter, to practice at Brightworks Dentistry’s Downtown Atlanta location, bringing the two sisters together professionally for the first time. Robbins is 12 years older than Reiter. By the time Reiter was thinking seriously about her future, her big sister was already building a career in dentistry. “I always joke that Evie is my baby sister because she really is,” Robbins said. “She grew up watching me go through dental school, become a dentist and eventually build my own practice. To now have her practicing alongside me as we grow Brightworks is pretty surreal.” What began with one practice has grown into Brightworks Dentistry, with locations in Dunwoody, Buckhead and Downtown Atlanta. The practices were recently united under one name while maintaining the relationships and personalities that make each

location unique. The Downtown practice has served Atlanta for more than 30 years and is entering its next generation as longtime dentists retire and Brightworks continues the legacy they built. Located on the Lower Lobby level of the Truist building, the practice is ideally positioned to serve professionals working Downtown, offering comprehensive dental care conveniently during the workday. Reiter is helping carry that history forward while bringing her own personality and approach to the practice. “Evie and I are very different, and I think that’s part of what makes this so much fun,” Robbins said. “She gets to bring her own

style, her own relationships with patients and her own ideas to Brightworks. I don’t want her to be another version of me. I want her to build something that feels like her.” The sisters share a belief that great dentistry starts with relationships. Brightworks focuses on creating practices where patients feel known, comfortable and genuinely cared for, while investing in technology and comprehensive services that allow patients to receive more of their care in one place. Downtown is expanding its offerings to include Invisalign, cosmetic dentistry and smile makeovers, implants and implant-supported dentistry, sleep medicine and comprehensive treatment.

Brightworks is the dental home for busy professionals working Downtown that combines convenient, comprehensive care with the personal relationships patients have valued for decades. But ask Robbins what she is most excited about, and she talks about her sister. “There’s something incredibly special about building a business and then realizing your little sister is now part of building its future,” Robbins said. “I’m proud of what Brightworks is becoming, but having Evie here makes this chapter completely different.” Brightworks may now have three locations across Atlanta, but its newest chapter feels remarkably close to home. Sometimes growth means getting bigger. And sometimes it means bringing your baby sister along for the ride. For additional information contact Brightworks Dentistry 770-458-3600 www.brightworksdentistry.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Stern Advocates for Dignity, Empathetic Medical Care By Robyn Spizman Gerson After a 37-year career as an OB/ GYN, Dr. Seth Stern pivoted his medical expertise toward patient advocacy following his diagnosis of Primary Progressive Aphasia (a variant of Frontotemporal Dementia). A prominent advocate for FTD awareness, he is focusing his efforts on reducing the social stigma surrounding dementia, improving early diagnosis rates, and securing funding for a cure. Dr. Stern shared, “The primary motivation for sharing my Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) diagnosis publicly came from the bravery and compassion Bruce Willis and his family showed in talking about his FTD diagnosis. Their openness led me to want to replace the isolation and stigma surrounding the disease with better understanding and support, educate the public, and advocate for improved compassionate communication from medical professionals.” In 2022, Dr. Stern was informed over the phone that his PET scan was abnormal and consistent with FTD. He was told to see a specialist and “to try to

Dr. Seth Stern, Frontotemporal Dementia advocate, is dedicated to spreading awareness and is pictured at “The Today Show’s” Rockefeller Plaza.

enjoy the rest of his life, ending the call without offering empathy, hope, or an opportunity to ask questions.”

Knowing firsthand how devastating it is to receive such harmful news without care inspired Dr. Stern to encour-

age the medical community to deliver diagnoses face-to-face with appropriate patient support. He said, “On days when I have struggled with word-finding or completing sentences, people have been impatient or have frequently talked over me. I recall instances where doctors spoke directly to my wife rather than addressing me, making me feel ‘invisible.’ By going public, one of my goals is to show the world that individuals with dementia are still here, still possess value, and deserve patience and a voice.” It took five years. During that time, Dr. Stern used his smartphone to record his own cognitive lapses. Events occurred that were entirely uncharacteristic of him and he said, “I have always been someone who dots my I’s and crosses my T’s. Yet, despite being compulsive about my schedule, I showed up for a funeral wake on the wrong day. I made coffee without putting a mug in the machine. I left my car running and my condo door unlocked overnight. Despite always loving my life as a physician, I became apathetic. I knew something was wrong.”

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Kyle Kidwell, MD Johns Creek

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HEALTH & WELLNESS After extensive neurological evaluations, cognitive testing, and brain imaging, Dr. Stern received a diagnosis of FTD. He added, “Because FTD typically strikes people under 60 and presents as behavioral or language changes rather than memory loss, it is frequently misdiagnosed as depression, anxiety, or a midlife crisis. I chose to share my journey in The Wall Street Journal. I want it to serve as a warning and an educational tool, so other families might recognize the signs earlier and push for timely evaluations, neurological testing, and diagnostic imaging like PET scans or MRIs.” Living with FTD, Dr. Stern describes his life as having good days and days that are not so good. “My good days are like being on a vacation when you don’t want your vacation to end — cherishing the clear, symptom-subdued days while knowing difficult ones will follow. Rather than withdrawing into despair, I decided to use my remaining effort to stand as a strong voice for FTD awareness. I am actively participating in the AFTD Advisory Council and serving as an active member of the Physicians Living with Dementia group through the National Council of Dementia Minds, speaking publicly at the NIH to request increased FTD research, attending and speaking at dementia conferences, speaking on GSA dementia podcasts, and encouraging others to shift from ‘preparing to die’ to actively learning how to live meaningfully with dementia.” He advises, “The decision to seek a medical evaluation should not wait for obvious memory failure. It is time to check the moment subtle, unexplained changes in behavior, language, or executive function begin to surface, rather than waiting for profound memory loss. The first step is systematic documentation (whether it is by you, a family member or someone else close to you), followed by a comprehensive, face-to-face medical evaluation that goes beyond routine cognitive screenings. • Track the Changes Logically: You and your family should record significant lapses or changes in a written journal — noting specific behaviors, dates, and language difficulties. Share this log directly with your physician. • Consult a Primary Care Provider with your Data: Bring this log to a trusted doctor to rule out other possible causes (like vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, or medication side effects). • Advocate for a Specialist Referral: If your primary doctor cannot provide clear answers regarding your symp-

toms, request to be seen by a specialist — specifically a cognitive or behavioral neurologist. • Request Advanced Brain Imaging: Because standard office cognitive tests often fail to detect early-stage FTD, advanced imaging is crucial. A definitive diagnosis is typically guided by structural changes on an MRI or functional patterns on a PET scan. • Insist on Open, Compassionate Communication: From your very first appointment, bring a trusted advocate or family member with you. Your medical team should deliver all information face-to-face with empathy, provide an immediate plan for support, and ensure that you understand the results being discussed. You and your family should always be offered the opportunity to ask questions. Dr. Stern also gave the following suggestions to those diagnosed which can help maximize your daily well-being. Try your best to continue these habits for as long as you safely can: • Maintain Regular Healthcare Follow-ups: Schedule serial testing to accurately evaluate the ongoing status of your condition. • Prioritize Physical Health: Focus on eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep each night. • Engage Your Mind: Keep your brain active by reading and participating in cognitive exercises or mental stimulation. • Manage Emotional Health: Actively work to reduce stress, prioritize socializing, and seek prayer or emotional support when needed. • Enjoy your Hobbies: Continue to engage in any daily activities that you can still safely enjoy doing. • Share Your Journey when Comfortable: If it feels appropriate, share your condition with others to foster deeper understanding and empathy from those around you. • Consider Clinical Trials: Participate in research opportunities if you wish to help advance scientific understanding of the disease. Dr. Stern added, “A definitive diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) helps the patients and their families to better understand their changing circumstances rather than being focused on the unknown. Having this knowledge empowers both the patient and their family. Ultimately, this awareness improves compassionate care and proactive safety measures while reducing public stigma and preserving the patient’s dignity.”ì

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Jewish Surrogacy: A Mother’s Gift By Marcia Caller Jaffe Brenda Borukhov has given birth four times. She gets pregnant easily, and until now, never carried a child that wasn’t hers to keep. Due Nov. 5, the Atlanta mother of two girls and two boys (13, 11, 4, 3), is serving as a gestational surrogate, carrying a baby boy for a single female outof-state Jewish attorney. Born in Atlanta with Bukharian roots, Borukhov related, “I know it’s her baby, not mine. I’m very emotional. I cry at movies. I really want to help fulfill someone else’s dream to become a mother.” Surrogacy has become an increasingly common path to parenthood in the U.S., with roughly 7,000 surrogate births annually, according to the Global Surrogacy and Human Reproduction Council. Most arrangements are gestational surrogacies, in which the surrogate carries an embryo with no genetic connection, essentially as a vessel. Traditional surrogacy, in which the surrogate’s own egg is used, has become less common. Legal complications

Mother of four, Brenda Borukhov, has a tentative November due date to deliver and hand over a baby boy to an out-of-state attorney.

recently made national headlines in a closely watched Alaska case, in which a gestational surrogate, with no genetic tie to the fetus, signed an agreement to

terminate the pregnancy at the biological parent’s insistence due to severe fetal illness. Instead, she left for Texas, a state with strict abortion restrictions, and

carried the baby to term. The child was born with serious heart complications. The case has since become the subject of a lawsuit. The surrogate, an RN and mother of two, offered to raise the child herself. Borukhov’s arrangement, by contrast, is one she describes as a “mitzvah,” an act of giving life. Working through the Alma Agency, the same organization featured in a previous AJT article about founder, Orly Klein, Borukhov was presented with several prospective parents, including an out-of-state rabbi. She ultimately chose the single attorney, who had endured six miscarriages, because, as Borukhov put it, “This represented what may be the woman’s last chance at motherhood.” Alma specializes in connecting surrogates and intended parents within the Jewish community, some with Orthodox families, and/or LGBTQ+ hopeful parents. The embryo transfer took place in California, a detail that shows how geographically dispersed, modern surrogacy arrangements can span states. Asked whether she worries about

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Brenda was overcome with emotion at the mother’s side during implantation.

becoming attached to the baby, Borukhov relayed she will “joyously hand him over as a blessing, placing the baby directly into his mother’s arms without hesitation.” She hopes to stay in touch with the family for birthdays, milestones, occasional updates, but acknowledged that her own children have been part of the process. The older children, to whom she has explained the basic science of childbirth, speak to the baby in utero with a mix of warmth and clear boundaries. “We’re glad you’re going to another house, but not to our house, because we have enough children here.” The youngest children, less focused on logistics, are looking forward to a celebration: they declared, “Let’s have a pizza party when he is born.” Borukhov credits her husband, Ilya, with making the arrangement cooperative, describing him as, “Fully supportive. He has such a good heart.” Borukhov described developing a close bond with the baby’s mother during the pregnancy, messaging her frequently

with updates and progress. Becoming surrogate is not simple. Borukhov underwent a rigorous vetting process before being accepted, and Alma’s Klein accompanies her to medical appointments. Borukhov uses her own health insurance and receives a twicemonthly stipend, intended to cover costs such as clothing. Full financial terms of each surrogacy are negotiated individually. Borukhov is aware that Jewish law and tradition contain varied and sometimes debated positions on surrogacy, including whether the surrogate should be Jewish or not, and how a widow’s status might factor into halachic considerations. For her, the motivation is straightforward. “There is a Jewish covenant about growing and multiplying. I have this wonderful connection, and I like the idea of doing a good deed.” The Borukhovs are members of Congregation Or VeShalom. Brenda’s father-inlaw is Alex, the Sephardic caterer. Brenda, a graduate of Kennesaw State University, laughs, “I’m an OK cook, and my hobby is playing catch with the kids.” ì

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | 39

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Treating Not-So-Silent Sleep Disorders By Marcia Caller Jaffe In “Macbeth,” Shakespeare called it, “the raveled sleeve of care,” as primary medicine extols the importance of restoring the mind and body after the wear of daily life. Dr. Scott Leibowitz has earned the label, “Dr. Sleep.” Here he comments on snoring, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and maybe saving some noisy marriages. Studies estimate that 82 percent of men and 93 percent of women with moderate-to-severe sleep apnea have not been diagnosed. More recent estimates have suggested that roughly 80 percent of cases remain undiagnosed. OSA is not limited to obesity. “While weight gain and/or obesity can exacerbate OSA, this isn’t exclusively a disease of obesity. Approximately 2/3 of adults with OSA are not obese,” Leibowitz said, underscoring that obesity is an important risk factor, but not a requirement. A 2025 U.S. prevalence analysis estimated that approximately 83.7 million American adults age 20 and older

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have OSA, approximately 32 percent of the adult population. The estimate was 39.1 percent among men and 26 percent among women. For those diagnosed with OSA, about half have mild disease, while approximately 30 percent have moderate, and 18 percent severe disease. Snoring is often the first clue. “Snoring is at the beginning of the spectrum of sleep-related breathing disorders. While snoring is extremely common, it’s not normal breathing.” He described throat muscles relaxing during sleep, the airway becoming restricted. “Eventually, that leads to repeated pauses in breathing. One can snore without having sleep apnea. But it’s extremely uncommon to have sleep apnea and not snore.” Leibowitz divides the reasons for treatment into categories: snoring itself, particularly when a bed partner cannot sleep, sleep and wake dysfunction, frequent nighttime awakenings, nonrestorative sleep and daytime sleepiness, and lastly, cardiovascular and metabolic risk. Other warnings include waking up tired, frequent nighttime urination,

morning headaches, dry mouth, and cognitive difficulties. Leibowitz explained, “The reason patients can feel exhausted despite spending hours in bed is fundamental … OSA repeatedly disrupts sleep as the brain responds to episodes of impaired breathing. It’s essentially a survival mechanism, but one that can leave patients with poor-quality sleep.” If OSA is suspected, Leibowitz recommends starting with a primary care physician to initiate evaluation. For many, the test no longer requires an overnight sleep lab. Family history counts, “Having a first-degree relative with OSA increases an individual’s risk by about 70 percent,” Leibowitz said. The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a major treatment for OSA, but it isn’t right for everyone. National CPAP compliance averages a little above 50 percent. At Leibowitz’s base at Northside Hospital, compliance rates are closer to 70 percent. He related, “The benefits depend on why a patient is being treated. For some, eliminating snoring is the goal. For others, the objective is restoring restful sleep and reducing daytime symptoms … or aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk.” Custom dental devices move the lower jaw forward, helping prevent the tongue from falling backward and obstructing the airway. They can cause jaw pain, bite changes, and dental problems and generally are more appropriate for milder OSA. Inspire is an implant using electrical stimulation of the nerve, controlling the tongue to help keep the airway open. Leibowitz describes Inspire as “an effective option for some patients, but in my view, a last resort.” It requires

Dr. Scott Leibowitz is the medical director of sleep medicine at the Laureate Medical Group.

an implanted chest battery with extending electrodes. A newer hypoglossal nerve stimulation system uses an external battery as opposed to an implanted one. Leibowitz’s interest in sleep medicine began early. The native Atlantan attended Brandeis University, the Medical College of Georgia, the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center for internal medicine residency, and then Stanford University for a clinical and research fellowship in sleep medicine. As a sleepy child, his mother took countless photographs of him asleep, including at his own birthday party. Later, while working in pulmonary critical care in Denver and taking night shifts, he realized just how strongly his body resisted nighttime work. A colleague introduced him to the specialty, setting him on his career path. Scott and his wife have been married for 22 years and have two children, plus two Australian shepherds. Outside medicine, he plays guitar and is a member of the band, Elephant Nellie. He enjoys art, creating things, and being outdoors. Exercise is his therapy. ì

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Brown on Dementia: Progress, Lifestyle, Genes By Marcia Caller Jaffe Dementia almost feels like an epidemic that appeared overnight. Friends and relatives are being diagnosed, and “senior moments” suddenly seem less innocuous. According to Dr. Gavin Brown, a general neurologist with 17 years of clinical experience, the reality is more nuanced. Brown, who works with Laureate Medical Group and serves as director of neurology for the Northside Healthcare System, stated, “Although the prevalence of dementia in cases has increased dramatically over the past few decades, the percentage of cases at a certain demographic has remained stable. Dementia risk increases sharply with age, and cases are on the rise because of longevity.” Earlier diagnosis testing is another factor. The numbers are sobering. Brown notes that nearly 7 million Americans are living with dementia and that total is projected to double by 2050. By then, the annual cost to the U.S. healthcare system could surpass $1 trillion.

Dr. Gavin Brown is optimistic that new treatments and healthy lifestyles can mitigate risk of Dementia, and that aging does not have to mean surrendering control of brain health.

Brown explained. “This staggering cost doesn’t count the caregiver burden,

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cost of care, lost wages, which nearly doubles the financial burden. Left unchecked, dementia is on track to become a serious economic and social crisis.” Despite the gloom, Brown offer optimism. “Individuals have more [prevention] power than they realize. The most important message: You have real power to lower risk developing dementia, now believing that many cases are preventable.” Alzheimer’s disease is often intertwined with dementia, an umbrella term describing cognitive impairment severe enough to interfere with daily life. “Alzheimer’s comprises 70 percentplus of dementia cases -- the second most common is vascular cognitive impairment, which broadly includes changes caused by stroke or hardening of the arteries supplying the brain. Brown added, “It’s worth noting that many cases aren’t due to a single cause. Sleep, smoking, alcohol, medications, vascular disease and stress can all contribute to cognitive decline, making prevention important. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and quality sleep, controlling Diabetes and high blood pressure, and staying socially engaged, are among factors with the strongest evidence. These aren’t small, marginal effects, they add up to meaningfully lower your risk. You cannot slow chronological aging, but you can slow biological aging. We should view our health like an investment: steady contributions over time will yield great long-term rewards.”

Brown has few patients on newish anti-amyloid infusion therapy for Alzheimer’s. These drugs don’t reverse existing symptoms or restore lost cognition. Studies show that they can slow progression, particularly when treatment begins early. His experience with these treatments has been very positive. “Although you never know the ‘alternate universe’ -- how a patient might otherwise progress without treatment, patients on therapy do seem to progress slower,” he said. The medications aren’t appropriate for everyone and should be considered part of a broader treatment vs. a substitute for healthy living. According to Brown, blood biomarkers are also being used by neurologists and some primarycare physicians as approximately 90 percent accurate for helping rule Alzheimer’s in or out. Not intended to predict dementia in healthy young people, they’re meant to screen symptomatic patients. Find yourself blanking on a familiar name or putting something in an odd place? Brown offers reassurance. “It’s normal to occasionally forget names, misplace the keys, or forget where they parked. Sleep, stress, alcohol and certain medications can all affect everyday cognition. “The concern comes when lapses become increasingly frequent or begin interfering with daily life. Genetics can also play a role. Having an affected parent or sibling roughly doubles the lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Brown emphasizes that genes are not destiny, pointing to the role of epigenetics, in which lifestyle and environment can influence risk. Brown’s optimism ultimately comes from the rapidly changing field of neurology. “The past decade has shown an explosion of promising research. I am very optimistic that, in the near future, we will have a more effective toolbox to diagnose and treat dementia.” His interest in neurology began during college after reading, “An Anthropologist on Mars,” by Oliver Sacks, and then meeting him. Brown grew up in Dallas, attended medical school at the University of Texas, and completed his neurology residency and fellowship at Emory University. He and spouse, Beth Halpern-Brown, have two children. In his free time, he jokes, “I do whatever my wife tells me to.” Two things he takes seriously: nutrition and exercise! ì

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Making Breathing Easier with Dr. Andris Golde By Robyn Spizman Gerson With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Andris Golde, founder and president of Advanced Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy Associates, has helped tens of thousands of people from all walks of life to breathe easier. As the Chief of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery for all five hospitals in the Northside Hospital system, he specializes in advanced functional nasal operations, rhinoplasty, and endoscopic sinus surgeries. Well-known for his dedicated manner and patient education, Dr. Golde also serves as a clinical assistant professor in the Augusta University/University of Georgia Partnership. He has won numerous awards since 2007 for clinical excellence in otolaryngology from multiple patient and peer-review organizations, including Patient’s Choice Award, America’s Top Physician, Best Doctors in America, and Castle Connolly Top Doctor. Born and raised in Canada, Dr. Golde received his medical degree from McGill University in Montreal in 1988 and trained in general surgery at UCLA,

Dr. Andris Golde, founder and president of Advanced Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy Associates

followed by specialty training in otolaryngology head and neck surgery at the University of Toronto. He felt fortunate to have been trained by some of the foremost experts in his field, mastering advanced, state-of-the-art open rhinoplasty techniques and dedicating his research to improving nasal function.

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Dr. Golde said, “Most of my practice is focused on nasal breathing issues. Anyone who struggles to breathe through their nose, either in their sleep or during exercise, has a reduced quality of life. My job is to figure out whether these patients have a problem with the anatomy in their nose or with nasal congestion caused by things like allergies or nasal polyps. A patient should ideally not undergo cosmetic changes to their nose and end up breathing worse. The optimal goal is to have a nose both look and function better.” He added, “It is critical to properly evaluate all these variables with things like nasal endoscopy, CT imaging and allergy testing to determine how to best treat the problem. I always start with medical therapy first to see if that helps. If that is not adequate, then we approach surgery as the next option. What needs to be done surgically is age-dependent to a degree. I typically do not recommend cosmetic rhinoplasty under the age of 18 years as our faces have not yet finished growing prior to that time.” An important part of his process is to teach every patient who consults him for nasal surgery how form follows function. He explained, “This architectural principle states that the optimal appearance of a person’s nose is determined by their ability to breathe well through it. It is critical to optimize the breathing of the nose first with any operation. Once that has been accomplished, cosmetic changes that patients desire can be appropriately carried out. Many people have undergone cosmetic rhinoplasty only to find that breathing through their nose is not any better or is even worse than before they had surgery. A large part of

my practice involves revising the noses of patients who have undergone prior nasal surgery where the functional or cosmetic outcomes were suboptimal.” Dr. Golde adds, “My goal for all rhinoplasty results is to provide a completely natural appearance to a person’s nose with excellent breathing at the same time. Modern-day nasal surgery has evolved in many ways in the last 10 to 20 years. In the past, people were miserable after any type of nasal surgery with stents and packing as well as looking black and blue and swollen. Today, when my patients wake up in the recovery room they are breathing comfortably through their nose, there is no packing involved, and their recovery is much more comfortable and rapid than before. Patients should ask surgeons about their techniques and outcomes and receive clear explanations about what to expect with any operation.” Dr. Golde’s work is immensely gratifying because he looks to improve the quality of people’s lives. He commented, “I always try to do my job with empathy and put myself in my patient’s shoes. I go out of my way to educate patients that cosmetic surgery does not automatically mean they will breathe better. My decades of experience have taught me that cosmetic changes to the nose must always be done with the intent of maintaining optimal breathing at the same time as achieving a completely natural appearance. Nasal surgery done properly plays such an important role as it can significantly improve someone’s breathing and make them look better and feel more confident about themselves.” For more information, please visit https://advancedentpc.com. ì

HEALTH & WELLNESS

New Documentary Explores Bipolar Spectrum

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Hineni, the Toco Hills Mental Health Imitative, and Hirsch Legacy Fund will host a film screening of “Brainstorm, Transforming the Bipolar Landscape,” followed by a panel discussion on Oct. 26.

By Sasha Heller Hineni, the Toco Hills Mental Health Initiative, and Hirsch Legacy Fund will host a screening of “BrainStorm, Transforming the Bipolar Landscape,” a documentary about the bipolar spectrum, aiming to end stigma, save lives, and maximize healing, at 7 p.m., Oct. 26. The event’s location will be provided upon registration and ticket purchase. A panel discussion will follow the film’s screening, featuring Bonnie Waltch, producer, writer, director; Dr. Eric Fier, child, adolescent, and adult psychiatric therapy, Therapy Works ATL; and Sara Schley, co-producer, co-writer, and author of the memoir, “BrainStorm.” Based on Schley’s memoir and directed by Waltch, “BrainStorm” follows six compelling people living with bipolar in their journey from devastation to recovery. The film connects their experiences with the latest bipolar brain science to shed light on potential causes and successful treatments. Hineni’s mission is to empower the Toco Hills community and beyond by offering a nurturing forum for mental health dialogue, resources, and support. “We want to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where mental health can be talked about openly, while providing education and culturally sensitive resources that can help individuals living with mental illness, as well as their families and communities,” said Hineni Co-Founding Director Sheila Jutan. “Ultimately, we hope our work helps people seek and access appropriate support earlier, before they reach a point of crisis.” Jutan continued about Hineni’s evolution and its connection to the community.

“Hineni began taking shape in 2023, after several suicides in the Toco Hills Orthodox Jewish community made it clear to us that there was a real need for more mental health awareness, education, and open dialogue,” Jutan said. “My own family’s experience with bipolar disorder had also opened my eyes to how little people often understand about mental illness and how much stigma can surround it. Those experiences propelled [Co-Founding Director] Debra Shaffer Seeman and me to recognize a void in our community and to create something that could help fill it. Hineni Toco Hills Mental Health Initiative became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in June 2024.” Jutan notes that bipolar disorder can have a profound impact on individuals and their families, yet there remains much misunderstanding about what the disorder is and what living with it can look like. “That is one reason ‘BrainStorm’ … felt like such a natural fit for Hineni,” Jutan said. “The film brings together medical understanding and lived experience and gives audiences an opportunity to see beyond the stereotypes and misconceptions that can surround bipolar disorder. Just as importantly, it conveys a message that we believe is essential: people living with mental illness can live long, healthy, meaningful lives with appropriate treatment and support. “For us, that is at the heart of what Hineni is about: creating a community where mental health can be discussed openly, compassionately, and without judgment.” For event information, registration, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit HineniMentalHealth.org/ events. ì

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PROFESSIONALS & REAL ESTATE Real Estate Roundup for Fall 2026

A panel of real estate experts share their insights into current Metro Atlanta market conditions.

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.

Leigh Schiff

Real Estate Advisor, The Schiff Team What are some key challenges in the current residential real estate market? I don’t think the biggest challenge is interest rates or inventory. It’s expectations. There isn’t one Atlanta real estate market right now. There are dozens of micro-markets, and they’re behaving very differently. We can see multiple offers on one property and very little activity on another a few streets away. Buyers haven’t disappeared. They’ve become harder to impress. They have more information, more choices and more patience. Sellers who understand that are still getting very good results. Are there any emerging trends in today’s market? The middle is getting squeezed. Buyers will still compete for exceptional homes that are priced correctly, and there are opportunities to negotiate on homes that have been

46 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

sitting. It’s the homes caught somewhere in between that are struggling. We’re also seeing buyers place a much higher value on condition. They aren’t just calculating the purchase price anymore. They’re calculating what they’ll have to spend after closing, how much work a house needs and whether they actually want to take it on. Today’s buyer will pay for exceptional. They just won’t overpay for average. What advice would you give someone looking to buy this year? Don’t make the mistake of thinking a buyer’s market means every house is a bargain. More inventory gives you choices and leverage, but the best houses can still attract multiple buyers. Know which kind of property you’re looking at before you negotiate. And don’t focus exclusively on price. Sometimes the smartest deal is negotiated through terms, timing, inspections or other pieces of the transaction. The goal isn’t to “win” against the seller. The goal is to make a very good real estate decision. What advice would you give someone looking to sell? Don’t test the market. The market will test you. We tell our sellers it’s a price war and a beauty contest, and today you really do have to win both. Buyers decide quickly whether your home represents value, and the first few days/weeks are incredibly important. If the market isn’t responding, don’t spend 60 or 90 days defending your price. Listen to the data and adjust. A great marketing campaign can’t fix the wrong price. But the right price, exceptional presentation and a very intentional launch can create something every seller wants: competition. That’s where strategy changes the outcome.

PROFESSIONALS & REAL ESTATE

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Eydie Koonin

Realtor, The Pailey and Eydie Group What are some key challenges in the current residential real estate market? One of the key challenges in today’s residential real estate market is pricing a property correctly from the moment it hits the MLS System. Sellers can sometimes have unrealistic expectations on what they can sell their home for and still believe their home should sell within a few days, when average days on market have increased to around 40 days. I believe the market provides valuable feedback: if a property has had 10 showings without an offer, or 10 days without a showing, it is time to seriously consider a price adjustment. Pricing strategically from the beginning helps attract buyers, generate interest, and ultimately reduce the time a property sits on the market. Finding properties in the $1M - $2M market in great school districts is always a challenge. There are just too many buyers for the same properties.

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Are there any emerging trends in today’s market? One emerging trend I’m seeing with my buyer clients in 2026 is the continued demand for usable outdoor living space. Screened-in porches remain very popular, and I often point out that adding windows can transform the space into a room that can be enjoyed 365 days a year. Buyers are also looking for functional, low-maintenance backyards. Sometimes that simply means clearing brush, adding turf, and creating a clean, green space that can actually be used and enjoyed. Outdoor living continues to be high on buyers’ wish lists. What advice would you give someone looking to buy this year? My advice to potential homeowners is not to try to “time” the market and wait for the “perfect” interest rate. No one has a crystal ball, so if you want to move or need to move, I recommend working with a professional top producing agent who can be your partner throughout the home purchase. If rates go up, you will be happy that you locked in when you did and if rates go down significantly, refinancing may be a good option. My husband and I bought our first home together when interest rates were over 14 percent so I would take today’s rates over 14 percent all day long. What advice would you give someone looking to sell? A number one strategy that a seller should use to sell their home is to price it correctly for the condition that the property is in on the day it hits the market. Those first 10 days are critical and if the home is staged, photos and video look great, then you will get buyers to take a look in-person at the property. Buyers are very savvy. They have been educating themselves on the market for a long time and if a property is “mispriced,” then they will sit back until the price drops and then make a move. Also, when a seller invests significantly in updating kitchens, bathrooms or other areas of the home and then decides to sell soon afterwards, there’s a good chance they won’t recoup the full amount of their investment. They simply may not have owned the property long enough to fully realize the value of those improvements. However, those updates can still make the home more appealing to buyers, helping it sell more quickly and potentially attract stronger offers.

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PROFESSIONALS & REAL ESTATE Jodi Fink Halpert Real Estate Consultant, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

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What are some key challenges in the current residential real estate market? Affordability, and the fact that Metro Atlanta is no longer one market. Higher borrowing costs have reshaped purchasing power, particularly for move-up buyers. Outcomes now vary widely by neighborhood, condition, floor plan and price range. A turnkey home in a desirable location still moves quickly. A home with deferred maintenance, a dated interior or an aspirational price will sit. We have more inventory but not falling values. Buyers are spending more than they used to, and they are selective about what they get for it. In 25 years, I have rarely seen preparation separate outcomes this sharply. Are there any emerging trends in today’s market? Balance is returning without a downturn. Buyers have more choice, yet pricing has held. Turnkey commands a premium. Updated kitchens and baths, newer systems, real workspace, and a well-maintained home are worth actual money right now, and luxury buyers are unforgiving about renovation quality. Any specific advice for potential homeowners looking to buy this year? Buy on your timeline and your payment comfort, not on a prediction about rates. A refinance can be an opportunity later. It should never be the reason the purchase works. Get a fully underwritten preapproval before you tour seriously. It sharpens your true monthly number, including taxes, insurance and HOA dues, and it strengthens your offer. The best homes still draw multiple offers and being able to minimize financing contingencies is crucial. Be patient but decisive. More inventory means more opportunity, but the strongest listings go quickly. Use flexibility where it exists. On a home that has sat several weeks, structure an offer around price, closing costs, repairs, or a rate buydown. On a new, exceptional listing, lead with clean terms. Separate cosmetic from costly. Paint, lighting and finishes are manageable. Roof age, drainage, foundation, HVAC and insurability deserve real scrutiny, and I raise that distinction as early as possible. Conversely, any advice for those looking to sell? Before a seller spends a dollar, we have a serious conversation about goals, price, and condition. We look at which improvements actually move the number and which ones don’t. The gap between what the home is worth today and what it’s worth prepared is the real return and seeing that number turns an emotional decision into a business one. Price from current hyperlocal comparables and live competition, not the highest sale on the street. The goal is a number that appraises, not one that flatters. Prepare before listing. Most of my work happens before a house goes live, which is why I want sellers to bring me in early. I have worked with the same stager for two decades, and my sellers get a written room-by-room plan instead of vague advice to declutter. Paint, lighting and staging cost relatively little and change how a house shows more than anything else. Read feedback quickly. Light showing traffic and no second showings are data, not bad luck. Negotiate strategically. Price is rarely the only thing on the table. Once I know what matters most to you, whether that is timing, certainty, or a clean close, I can trade for it. ì

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PROFESSIONALS & REAL ESTATE

Stein Shares His Approach to Staying Tax Smart By Marcia Caller Jaffe Atlanta attorney Doug Stein spends his days doing something that sounds almost paradoxical: helping wealthy clients pay every dollar of tax they legally owe and not a penny more. “We help people keep more of what they’ve built,” Stein says, describing his practice belying the complexity behind it. “Professionally, we concentrate on tax mitigation, estate planning, and M&A [mergers & acquisitions] work and helping our clients create and structure businesses to be tax efficient. Additionally, a growing piece of what we do is structuring private placement life insurance.” He added, “There’s a wide legal gap between tax evasion and tax planning.” Some call it “a vast gray area.” Stein’s path to becoming one of Atlanta’s go-to tax attorneys for high-networth entrepreneurs is peripatetic. Born in Albany, N.Y., he attended high school in Brookline, Mass., before heading south to the University of Maryland, where he earned an undergraduate degree in economics. He then attended Cardozo School of Law in New York, where he began his legal career as an attorney. He then moved to Detroit, before settling his family in Sandy Springs in 2008. His kids came up through Atlanta Jewish Academy, Torah Day School, and Temima, and they attend Congregation Beth Tefillah. Outside the office, Stein is a hiker and something of an adventurer. Before striking out on his own, Stein worked at a large regional firm, Smith Gambrel (SGR). “Honestly, I loved it. SGR is where I cut my teeth, worked with sharp, interesting people, put in real hours, and came out the other side appreciating increased complexity. Some of

Attorney Doug Stein helps entrepreneurs keep more of what they earn with better planning and flexibility.

what we do now at my firm traces back to the tax structuring work I learned there.” Stein’s niche is assisting entrepreneurs who are navigating the collision of income tax and estate tax exposure. “Our sweet spot is entrepreneurs who have a combination of income and estate tax issues, clients that have complex tax issues, or who are in need of a new and broader perspective.” Most of his clients carry net worths in excess of $5 million, though the majority are $15 million-plus with significant tax issues that require structuring. Worrying about an audit? Stein

mused, “The IRS appears to be woefully underfunded, undermanned, and stretched thin. Many of the more sophisticated agents have left or retired. While we are seeing fewer audits, they seem to be haphazard, going deeper and growing in complexity. The current agents aren’t necessarily well-versed in the issues.” As for what actually triggers an audit, Stein is candid about the uncertainty. “Despite what anyone may say, no one knows what causes an audit. I assume foreign bank accounts and crypto are subject to heightened scrutiny, but there is insufficient empirical evidence to really know.”

When it comes to wealth preservation, Stein sees the same errors repeatedly. “Some of the biggest issues we routinely see are people who don’t have integrated plans for income tax and estate planning. Some of what works well for one may be detrimental to the other.” His prescription is a holistic structure that accounts for every type of tax exposure paired with flexible estate plans. Stein points to fundamentals in building wealth. “Fully funding a retirement plan or pension plan provides income tax deferral and asset preservation. The trusts we design today are structured with flexibility to accommodate future developments, opportunities, and unforeseen circumstances.” Stein’s docket includes memorable disputes. In one case, the IRS challenged a client’s deductions for international business travel with elaborate events hosted in hotel suites abroad where Stein managed to successfully demonstrate the business purpose and defended the legitimacy of the deductions. He’s also represented clients in the cannabis industry, where tax rules are notoriously unforgiving. The ubiquitous goal: “Identify lawful strategies that help minimize and reduce tax exposure while ensuring full compliance with applicable tax laws and regulations.” For life outside the practice, Stein, an avid Scuba diver, traveled to Australia this past July to explore some of the world’s most celebrated dive sites. He enthused, “Scuba diving allows me to disconnect from the fast pace of daily life and experience the quiet world beneath our surface. Some of the most amazing experiences can happen when you push yourself.”ì

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PROFESSIONALS & REAL ESTATE

Real Estate Dealmaker Weinstock Builds Relationships By Marcia Caller Jaffe Buildings change hands, leases expire, and developments reshape the skyline; but reputations endure. Atlanta native Shaun Weinstock is a successful commercial broker and developer on the tenant side. After graduating from the University of Michigan, he launched a career with Chicago’s UGL Equis, then the nation’s largest privately held tenant representation brokerage firm. Years later, when the economy down turned, Weinstock viewed adversity as an opportunity. In the summer of 2010, he founded Weinstock Realty & Development. During the boiler-room atmosphere in Chicago, he was nominated for National Rookie of the Year. After 3-plus years, the pull of home brought him back to Atlanta, where he became vice president of development for City Centre Properties under John Williams’ Corporate Holdings. There, Weinstock wore multiple hats, contributing to the development of The Mansion on Peachtree (now The Waldorf).

Since opening his own firm, Weinstock has completed more than $500 million tenant representation transactions and $15 million-plus in boutique commercial developments. His entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond brokerage. He views clients like family and provides a hands-on approach to understand their business, culture, and objectives and then implements expertise to ensure clients’ goals are aligned into real estate, and ensuring the lease is an asset, not a liability. There have been times where he has kept negotiating on his client’s behalf, knowing he can get them better economics or more favorable business terms, even when the client seemed satisfied. His motto is “meeting client expectations is the bare minimum, exceeding them is the goal.” Some of Weinstock’s well-known client list includes Brown & Company, Alon’s Bakery, Savi Provisions, Del Bar, and all the Painted concepts (Painted Pickle, etc.), Lazy Betty, Hen Mother Cookhouse, and Three Dollar Cafe. Most recently, Shaun made headlines with

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Selig Enterprises, securing a new large location on Piedmont Road (with tons of dedicated parking) for Lucy’s Market. He shared, “Lucy’s was a great example of how our services can create value, but only first, if it starts with understanding the foundation of the business and then assessing where a client envisions business growth over the next 10 years. Understanding what works in their current model and the pain points is imperative. We found a win-win opportunity with a great local ownership team in Selig. They likely could have waited and gotten higher rents from a nightclub or large format non-local restaurant. As local owners, they recognize the value of a long-term, stable tenant that is truly ingrained in the community.” Commenting on commercial sectors, Weinstock points to developments like Avalon, Halcyon, downtown Roswell and Woodstock as examples of mixed-use environments that attract both businesses and consumers. “Office leases are one of the top three expenses for most businesses. With the desire to

bring employees back into the office, workplaces need to reflect purpose and a vibrant company culture. The building itself has to be part of something bigger. Mixed-use developments thrive because they create places where people actually want to be.” Weinstock credits much of his outlook to his upbringing and teachings instilled by his mother and father. Specifically, to his late father, attorney Michael Weinstock, whose legal career included tenacity, discipline, and generosity. Weinstock recalls watching his father win a fraudulent case that was filed against him and was settled with a few calls and letters on a legal head; his father then told the large company that the settlement should be donated to charity rather than paying him. His father showed that one could have a successful career without sacrificing the moral standards and the people who matter. Shaun and his wife, Alayna, are raising children, Ella and Leo. Away from the office, Weinstock coaches youth baseball, softball, and basketball. ì

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• Be persistent. Success doesn’t happen overnight. • Bet on yourself. Confidence and calculated risk-taking are often the difference Your best first step? Call Debbie. between following opportunities and creating them. THE SONENSHINE TEAM • Nothing will be handed to you. Hard work remains the industry’s greatest comAtlanta’s Favorite Real Estate Team petitive advantage. DEBBIE SONENSHINE • Integrity is our most valuable asset, and reputation follows a career. Follow Us On Facebook • Do what’s best for the client. Long-term relationships are worth more than Debbie@SonenshineTeam.com | www.SonenshineTeam.com short-term commissions. ©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. ColdwellSonenshine Banker is a registeredat trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Reach Debbie #1 Coldwell Banker Team inEqual State Real Estate LLC. An Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Operated By a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. • Learn from a larger company first. Master systems, processes, and discipline 404-290-0814 or before venturing out on your own. debbie@sonenshineteam.com

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52 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The Lowdown I Bet You Didn’t Know …

Dr. Kevin Kalinsky

Atlanta is chock full of interesting “movers and shakers” -- some bent on creativity, living the good life, and in this case, devoting decades to helping others. Lean in to hear some of the “off the cuff” remarks as to what makes oncologist Dr. Kevin Kalinsky tick. Kalinsky is a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer. He serves as professor of medicine and division director of medical oncology at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and the Louisa and Rand Glenn Family Chair in breast cancer research. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and has received various awards, including the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Clinical Investigator Team Leadership Award. He has received funding from the NCI and Breast Cancer Research Foundation. He has published more than 200 peer-reviewed articles. His research has led to new drug approvals in breast cancer, as well as being the primary investigator on the RxPONDER trial, which showed that a genomic tumor test can help many women with early breast cancer safely skip chemotherapy while identifying others who still need it. He has been selected as a “Top Doc” by Castle Connolly for 10-plus years and has been featured in the Atlantan and New York magazines. He completed training at Tufts Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering before joining Columbia University Irving Medical Center in 2019. He holds a master’s in biostatistics and patient-oriented research from Columbia. He was recruited to Emory in 2020. He lives in Druid Hills with his husband, Chris, who is a medical oncologist working in drug development. Read how Dr. Kalinsky’s “atomic habits” propelled him over the New York Marathon finish line.

If I had not become a physician, I would have been a … A producer or actor. After graduating from Emory, I spent two years in Chicago studying comedy improv at Upright Citizens Brigade and the Second City Conservatory. My biggest “break” was booking a commercial with Rachel Dratch, then being cut. As an arts supporter, I joined the Actor’s Express board, which has a great season ahead! I’m reading … “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. In our division leadership team, we just started a leadership book club, and this was the first book we selected. Any exotic vacations? In April, we went to Bhutan with five close friends. It was an amazing mix of spirituality, hiking, and learning about a culture that’s very different than ours. If I had one more talent … Singing without making other people want to leave the room. I was star struck meeting … Oprah, when she came to Charleston during Hurricane Hugo. I was a teenager and seeing her in person left me starstruck. The city was hurting and people were suffering. You could feel the impact she made on those in the audience who told her their stories. What’s unique about being from Charleston is … It’s a beautiful and very cultured city for its size. I am grateful to have grown up there because there was a real sense of community. In addition to my parents, my twin brothers live in Charleston and are raising their families there. My most unusual feat is … I ran the New York City Marathon in my early 40s. For someone who could barely run half a mile growing up without getting winded, it was an awesome experience. Guilty pleasure? We binge-watch television shows like professionals. Recently, “Widow’s Bay” and “The Diplomat.” I also like certain reality TV shows, but I would be too embarrassed to publicly discuss these. Health advice for 2027? Given my line of work, know your family history and get appropriate cancer screening, including mammography. Also, wear sunscreen. The most important thing my parents taught me is … As a doctor, they have reinforced that patients trust you with their lives, so your words and your actions have to mean something. One silly or outrageous thing no one knows about me is … I can go toe-to-toe with anyone on pop culture trivia. ì Reported by Marcia Caller Jaffe

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | 53

ARTS & CULTURE From a Kyiv Classroom to a Local Basement Studio By Marcia Caller Jaffe For more than three decades, hundreds of objects d’art sat quietly in a basement, a private universe that developed one canvas and one sculpture at a time by a woman with no art degree, no formal training, and, by her own account, no plan to be referred to as “an artist.” Today, 500 of those works are displayed in a gallery inside MedSide Adult Day Health Center, the result of a whirlwind two-month collaboration that began with a home visit. Nothing if not prolific, Sasha (Alexandra) Khodorkovsky’s rows and shelves of work consist of glass, metal, wood, artistic plates, mixed media pieces, and acrylics. The gallery’s origin story sounds more like serendipity than strategy. In May, Julia Korabelnikova, director of MedSide Adult Day Health Center, visited Khodorkovsky’s home and took the basement stairs to where the collection had been stored for years. Korabelnikova had an “aha moment” recognizing the potential. The next day, she began transforming the pieces and displays with design layouts and marketing for a future event reveal. For two months, the two women worked side by side to build what bloomed into a full-fledged public exhibition space. Two years earlier, the MedSide CEO offered the space for this first official exhibition. That early show represented only a fraction of what visitors see today. The current collection was not donated to the health center. It was sold in its entirety to a single anonymous buyer. For now, the works remain on view at MedSide for the public to enjoy while a more permanent, higher-visibility home is found. Khodorkovsky was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine, and immigrated to the U.S. in 1990. Her path to painting wasn’t conventional. She holds an education degree in Russian language and literature, from what she described as her “previous life.” After arriving in America, she trained as an esthetician, spending years working in spas. With no formal art education, creating became her selfinvention and private expression that developed over time. Khodorkovsky describes her style as “a fusion of Art Deco elegance and mass-media imagery, rendered primarily in acrylics alongside other materials chosen for how they interact with my method.” Her palette leans away from

54 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Ukrainian artist Sasha Khodorkovsky

This colorful poppy floral set is one of Sasha’s cheerful themes.

A selection of sculptures by Khodorkovsky

loud and saturated as she takes inspiration from the natural world tones: blues and sky blues, greens, yellows, reds, and grays, even though nature itself isn’t really her muse. What does drive her is the “object in front of her.” When something catches her eye, her instinct is to imagine how it could be reshaped by “magical” techniques. Larger more complex works begin with preliminary sketches and planning. Smaller pieces come together in an hour, while others can take days or weeks. Khodorkovsky’s own home walls hold pieces by Leonid Khodorkovsky (her husband’s brother) alongside work by ac-

claimed Israeli artists, Leonid Balaklav, Boris Karafelov, and Russian artist Vasya Lozhkin. Her deepest artistic “driver” is the French artist and designer, Erté, the early 20th-century master of Art Deco illustration and fashion design. Sasha calls him her “primary inspiration, the artist who helped set me on my creative path.” She began by copying his celebrated works, and those early studies remain among the pieces of which she is most proud. Long before MedSide became the exhibition’s home base, Khodorkovsky built a following the old-fashioned way, booth by booth, festival by festival. She sold and displayed work at Piedmont

This Hanukkiah represents light and joy.

Park, Inman Park, and Chastain Park festivals, the AJT’s Jewish Life Festival, and Chanukah bazaars. With interest in her work growing, Khodorkovsky and Korabelnikova are developing a formal catalog listing available works and prices as a step toward making the work accessible to buyers beyond those who amble through MedSide’s doors. Khodorkovsky’s story is about detours, imagination and good ole hard work. She concluded, “There are some pieces that I would never sell because they took so much time and effort. To me, they are priceless.” ì

ARTS & CULTURE

‘Stories Carry’ a Rebbetzin’s Unsanitized Memoir By Marcia Caller Jaffe For Dena Schusterman, executive director of Intown Jewish Preschool, the road to publishing “Stories Carry” began with a story that, in a sense, had been stolen. The story concerned her father and his years as a Chabad emissary in Berkeley, Calif. When the story was eventually told publicly, his name had been left out. He had been edited out of his own history. “I remember thinking, “Wait. I need to tell my father’s stories,” said Schusterman. That moment became the seed for “Stories Carry,” a memoir built around 30-plus stories and anecdotes drawn from family history and those of her own life. It took eight years to move from the first idea to publication. There were other nudges along the way. Schusterman gave an ELI Talk at the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta about the power of what she calls “unsanitized Jewish storytelling.” Then she shared her desire to write her father’s stories with Atlanta novelist Zoe Fishman, who told her, “You’re not too young to write a memoir.” The result is a work that moves across generations and continents. Beginning in pre-World War II Russia and Poland, Dena’s grandmother was taken to a concentration camp, and the memoir continues through Brooklyn, San Francisco, Berkeley, Albuquerque, and Los Angeles before arriving in Atlanta in 2020. The stories are Jewish, but Schusterman labels them as universal. “If you have a family, you will relate. Beneath the specifically Jewish experiences are questions that cross religious and cultural boundaries: Who am I? Where do I belong? What do I inherit from my family? What do I pass on? And how do we make peace with the stories we come from?” At the center of the book is a theme of shaping one’s own life: belonging without having to conform. Shusterman shared, “More than anything, I hope readers leave with the feeling that you don’t have to fit in to belong. That has been one of the deepest themes of my own life, and it’s really at the heart of 'Stories Carry.'" The memoir also contains stories that are difficult to forget because they are poignant and simply hard to believe. One involves her father, then a young and struggling Chabad rabbi, being of-

Dena Schusterman’s 30-plus stories are poignant, funny, and easy to read and relate.

fered a fundraising concert by Barbra Streisand. He turned her down! Another story is considerably more comic. In the 1970s, Berkeley Chabad was apparently growing more than Judaism on its roof. Police eventually stormed the Chabad house after someone discovered cannabis plants. Dena’s 5-year-old sister had been watering them with the best of intentions while their parents were clueless. Schusterman muses over the personal nature of self-exposition. “Writing is my therapy, my me time, my selfcare — basically, my everything that has nothing to do with work or family obligations,” she said. The family has responded warmly. Her parents and siblings thanked her for taking them “back to the good old days.” Finding a publisher was another chapter in the journey. Initially, she received a contract from a hybrid publisher and asked an attorney at Welborn Law to review it. His response was blunt, “Mrs. Schusterman, I don’t want to see you sign this contract.” He then recommended Mercer University Press and made an introduction. The manuscript still had to go through Mercer’s full vetting process. Ultimately, they said “yes.” Mercer has a longstanding commitment to Georgia authors and

their stories, making the publication of a memoir by a Georgia rebbetzin (rabbi’s wife) feel like a natural fit. What comes next? “I’m already thinking a novel inspired by the very real, ridiculous, magical, miraculous, and sometimes incredibly difficult and comical world of shidduch (matchmaking) dating. Because I now know how long a book takes to write. By the time it’s finished, maybe I’ll … with G-d’s help … have married off all my children.”

“Stories Carry” is available through Mercer University Press and Amazon and will soon be available in local bookstores.

Schusterman will appear at the Book Festival of the MJCCA, and will be featured at the Decatur Book Festival, although she will not attend that event because it falls on Simchat Torah. Additional appearances are planned at JCCs, Chabads, synagogues and book clubs. Her invitation is simple: “So invite me!” “Stories Carry” is available through Mercer University Press and Amazon and will soon be available in local bookstores. ì

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DINING Atlas in Buckhead Reaches for the Stars By Marcia Caller Jaffe Cole Porter wrote that his love was “the top,” rattling off comparisons to the Colosseum, a summer night in Spain, and the Louvre Museum. Atlas, tucked inside the St. Regis Atlanta on West Paces Ferry, may not literally stack up against ancient wonders of the world or European masterpieces, but locally speaking, it earns the same superlative. Atlas is the tops. On a recent weeknight visit, the dining room was dimly lit, romantic, certainly, though we suspect we missed some of the restaurant’s noted art collection in the shadows. Our opening question to one of the three sommeliers was whether anyone actually orders the $16,675 bottle of wine (2022 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Montrachet) and whether we might get a taste by the glass (mostly joking). The fact that the conversation wasn’t entirely absurd reveals that they have more than 3,200 bottles of wine with a 45-page wine list. We skipped the tres cher Montrachet, settling instead for a “bruised” martini and a glass of red, both priced comparably to other upscale spots around Buckhead. A dedicated deluxe, legendary cocktail menu is available for those who want to go further. High marks for noise control and being able to converse across the table. Diners have options beyond a standard prix fixe. Along with the à la carte menu, Atlas offers a vegetarian tasting menu, a chef’s tasting menu, a cheese menu (11 choices on the cart), and a chef’s summer vegetable tasting menu. Caviar gets serious real estate here, served with traditional condiments and buttermilk for chasing the rarefied end of the menu. We went the à la carte route, starting with a Garden Salad of local lettuce, sourdough croutons, parmesan, and mushroom aioli, alongside a Roots Run Deep salad built on beetroot, figs, and smoked goat cheese with the emphasis on farmto-table. A standout mid-course was the mushroom agnolotti; pasta finished with truffle and parmesan that was angelic. Some other vegetarian options are Truffle Artichoke, Yorkshire Rhubarb, King Oysters and Maitake, and Avocado Caviar with apples and wasabi. The scene-stealer was the Dover Sole for two, priced at $120. Also known as loup de mer, Dover Sole can arrive as disappointingly thin fillets elsewhere. Not at Atlas: three substantial planks of fish, surrounded by a colorful array of vegetables 56 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

British-born Chef Freddie Money worked at the Alain Ducasse among other famous posts.

The exquisite Papillon (butterfly room) is off the main dining room // Photo Credit: Tomas Espinoza

The smoked trout with dill and cucumber was indescribable, yet so simple // Photo Credit: Tomas Espinoza

that spoke for themselves rather than drowning in butter, finished with a bright touch of lemon, and cutout red jewel florets, served at the perfect temp. We also ordered the “Catch of the Day,” Turbot served with radicchio, braised onions, sea green herbs in Matelote sauce, a classic French reduction made from white or red wine and aromatics, like shallots. Scattered between courses were smaller amuse bites: veggie tart: beets, carrots, sun-dried tomatoes and smoked trout bavarois, dill, cucumber on chickpea cracker base, seaweed glass rice paper with nori powder, compressed Nashi Pear, dusted with beet powder, not things one would make at home. Then Beet Gazpacho served in a wine glass, a striking

image that may be for an acquired taste. Fine-dining restaurants can carry a reputation for stingy portions, but that wasn’t our experience. For dessert, the Baba au Rhum Cake ($25) arrived with Chantilly cream vanilla, and a selection of aged spirits, a ritual in itself, as another server wheeled over four bottles of rum with sniffable corks from which to choose the amber “gold" liquid. It’s a theatrical touch, and it worked. We ordered the Ferrero Rocher 2.0, built on vanilla, hazelnut, and chocolate, only to learn (thanks to an “allergy/nono” note flagged in my file) that its base contained beef gelatin. That one was scratched in favor of the trio of sorbets

The Dover Sole for two was overflowing both in taste and volume.

($15): Yuzu Ginger, Apricot Basil, and Rhubarb, unexpectedly intense flavors with the ginger edging out as the table favorite. Another alluring dessert would be the LaVie En Rose ($25) pink pineapple, lychee, with French hibiscus meringue. British-rooted Executive Chef Freddy Money earned both Michelin Star and Forbes Five Stars at Atlas, and has quite the resume, including the world-famous Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester. He started learning culinary skills working at Kensington Palace at age 16. With a name like “money,” one can’t go wrong. Atlas is worth the splurge and backs up its reputation as an ambitious table. Validated valet parking is $20. ì

Chai Style Home

Retired attorney Gary Snyder is described by art consultant Fay Gold as “a passionate, enthusiastic and knowledgeable collector” // All photos by Howard Mendel

Design Savvy Snyder Leaves Us Swooning

Recently retired after 52 years in the practice of law, Gary Snyder blurs the lines between art and architecture in his 8,600-squareMarcia foot Buckhead Caller Jaffe home. Set on two wooded acres, the house is a study in precision and place, with the outdoors informing the interior on two levels. Here, bold modernism embraces a more-is-more philosophy sans ostentation. The effect is polished, sophisticated and exuberant, yet livable. Art consultant Fay Gold, who has worked with Snyder for years, describes his approach as instinctive. “Gary has an excellent eye in matters of taste and beauty. He is a passionate, enthusiastic and knowledgeable collector.” Jaffe: How did all of this come together? Snyder: In 2012, my law firm moved, so my route to work changed. I began noticing older one-story houses being torn down and replaced by new modern and transitional homes. Once the landscaping went in, the houses looked as though they had

always been there. I certainly didn’t need a new house, but I said to myself, “I can do that.” I thought it would make for a fun project. I had no idea what I was getting into. I bought the lot in 2018 and tore down the existing house. I then hired Bill Harrison as my architect. I ran into a series of setbacks. Unfortunately, Bill passed away during the project. Then came COVID, more health problems, and terrible supply-chain problems. Construction finally started in January 2022, and the project took more than two years. My builder, Mike McLaughlin of Craft Builders, has an architectural degree, which was very helpful. Jaffe: Explain your relationship with Gary. Gold: I was referred to him professionally. Gary subsequently asked me to help him with art for his previous house. The first thing he purchased was a large Rocio Rodriguez painting for the dining room. Later, Gary brought his fiancée, Ellen Monk, to my gallery. She had moved into a new apartment on Park Avenue in New York. Although she had visited many New York galleries, she decided to purchase all the art for her apartment from my gallery. Gary also asked me to reframe, place and install the art he already owned.

Jaffe: What are the most important pieces in the collection? Gold: I recommended the Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns signed lithographs as significant assets within the context of a broader investment plan. My multi-step process of consultation and long-term advice ultimately convinced Gary to purchase them. Investing in art has had a very positive impact on Gary’s life. The Rauschenberg, Johns and Boaz Vaadia outdoor sculpture are bluechip works by established artists. But Gary has also supported active, emerging regional talent, including Amy Rader, Marlene Rose, and Paul Tamanian, whose careers have shown consistent upward momentum. Gary instinctively appreciates and understands contemporary art. Jaffe: How did the art placement work? Gold: I was given complete control over the art placement. A wall was built specifically to accommodate the dimensions of the Rocio Rodriguez painting. I recommended lighting expert, Israeli lighting designer Yaacov Golan, and brought in my top installers. Gary has been involved in every detail and every aspect of designing this spectacular contemporary home. He knows what he likes, and he has a very sophisticated understanding of the relationship be-

tween art, architecture and space. Jaffe: The low-voltage ribbon lighting is dazzling. Snyder: It’s a relatively new product, and it has had a big positive impact on the great room. The lighting allows the architecture to really shine without overwhelming it. Jaffe: Tell me about your affinity for David Hockney. Snyder: When it came time to design the pool, we selected one inspired by a famous swimming-pool painting by David Hockney, “Portrait of an Artist.” A few years later, Ellen and I visited the David Hockney exhibition at the Louis Vuitton Museum in Paris and spotted the original painting. Ellen jumped in front of the painting, and I snapped a photo. It was one of those fun moments where the art and the house suddenly connected. Jaffe: What’s your relationship with Anthony Liggins? Snyder: About 30 years ago, a young artist named Anthony Liggins, who paints edgy contemporary art, talked me into backing him. Anthony now has a successful studio and gallery in Miami Beach. I have several of his pieces from different eras. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | 57

CHAI STYLE Jaffe: The media room has bare walls. Snyder: The room has an interesting metallic wallpaper, so we haven’t put anything on the walls. There is a large projection big-screen TV, and we use it to watch sports and movies. It’s really a comfortable entertainment space. Jaffe: What’s going on in the adjacent bar? Snyder: Neither Ellen nor I drink often, but we thought the house should have a wine room. The room was designed by Poggenpohl with cabinetry and appliances similar to those in the kitchen and morning bar. There is a painting by Donna Summer in the wine room. As for the main kitchen, neither of us cooks! Jaffe: Since you retired in 2025, have you spent more time enjoying the house? Snyder: Yes. But a retirement gift to myself was spending two months this summer with Ellen in Mougins, France, in the mountains just north of Cannes. That was pretty wonderful. Jaffe: What’s the last word? Snyder: I have 22 irrigation ports, but fortunately, I have a water well on the property, so my monthly water bill is $13.12! ì

Above: The living area shows off the high-tech low voltage ribbon lighting. The piece over the fireplace is a Robert Rauschenberg-signed and numbered lithograph. Right: Gary designed the terrace level bar and wine room which features Poggenpohl cabinetry and appliances and a painting by disco star, Donna Summer. Bottom: The Snyder media room has unusual metallic wallpaper, and so far, the only room with no art.

58 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Top Left: Ellen plays cello in the music room which breathes in natural light. Top Right: The Snyder pool features art by Miami-based Romero Britto. Bottom Right: Ellen posed in front of a David Hockney painting in the Louis Vuitton Museum in Paris when she recognized the model of their outdoor pool. Bottom Left: The Snyder dining room features the stunning scarlet Rocio Rodriguez painting.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | 59

CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 5

Wednesday, September 23

Thursday, September 24

Hadar Ecosystem Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Ayal Robkin – 12 to 1 p.m.

Fall Native Plant Sale - 4 to 7 p.m. Add na-

Join us at The Dupree for a monthly lunch and learn (bring your own dairy, parve, vegan meal) with Rabbi Ayal Robkin. This series is for professionals in the Jewish non-profit world (Jewish Atlanta ecosystem) seeking to deepen their foundation in core Jewish values. Each session focuses on a specific value - like human dignity, resilience, or compassion - using classical Jewish texts and your own voice to deepen our understanding of these crucial concepts. RSVP at https://tinyurl. com/52fbatw6.

Connecting the Expecting: New Beginnings – Jewish Traditions for Welcoming Baby – 7:30 to 9 p.m. As we prepare to enter a new year, many expecting parents are also preparing for one of life’s most meaningful new beginnings, the arrival of a baby. Join a rabbi and pediatric surgeon/mohel for a thoughtful conversation about Jewish traditions surrounding pregnancy, birth, baby naming ceremonies, and brit milah (bris). Sign up for the Zoom at https://tinyurl. com/8xmmpjcz.

Young Professionals & 35+ Braves Game – 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Young Professionals and 35+, join us for an outing to see the Atlanta Braves take on the Cincinnati Reds! Grab a friend and join Kibbitz & Konnect at Truist Park to enjoy the last of summer weather! First pitch is at 7:35 p.m., pregame meetup at 5:30 p.m. at Sports & Social. Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl.com/s6enb3v3.

George Washington, the Jews, and the Future of Faith in America with Rabbi Meir Soloveichik – 7:30 to 9 p.m. President George Washington’s letter to the Newport Hebrew Congregation is rightly famous, but the story behind it is less known. Join us as Rabbi Meir Soloveichik traces how Washington came to write three letters to America’s Jewish community, and what the Newport letter teaches us about leadership, American exceptionalism, and defending the nation’s unique conception of religious liberty today. Register at https://tinyurl. com/nhfru8vm.

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

www.atlantajewishconnector.com

Calendar sponsored by the Atlanta Jewish Connector, an initiative of the AJT. In order to be considered for the print edition, please submit events three to four weeks in advance. Contact Diana Cole for more information at Diana@atljewishtimes.com. 60 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Music and Play – 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Let’s spark joy and curiosity through the magic of music and play! Jumpstart your morning with an upbeat, interactive music and movement class led by Here We Grow, where little ones can dance, wiggle, and sing their hearts out. Afterward, Nurture invites children into a world of themed sensory play and hands-on adventures — perfect for curious minds and messy fingers. Come ready to move, create, and make memories together! This program is in partnership with JBaby. Register at https://tinyurl.com/47h2svez.

Friday, September 25

Tikvah Seminar: Sukkot and the Symbol of the United States – 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Join The Dupree for a pre-Sukkot lunch and study session with Rabbi Meir Soloveichik on the meaning of the holiday and the faith it takes to follow G-d into the wilderness. Lunch will be served. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5xp3xeua.

tive plants to your garden or containers and create habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. With guidance from horticulture staff and volunteers, shop a wide selection of plants native to Georgia and learn how native species support healthier ecosystems in your own backyard. Held outdoors, rain or shine at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/48vb7e2f.

Sukkot by the Lake - Join Ramah Darom for a relaxed, intimate retreat designed for connection—time to be with your family, celebrate in community, and fully enjoy Sukkot. From beautiful sukkahs with lake views to delicious holiday meals and engaging experiences for all ages, we’ll take care of everything. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3e2xy8sv.

Shuk in the Sukkah– 6:30 to 9 p.m. Celebrate Sukkot with your COT family as part of the Erev Sukkot and Kabbalat Shabbat service in the Sukkah. Schnitzel and falafel-style dinner in the Sukkah. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2c3x6z3r.

Saturday, September 26 Sukkot by the Lake - Join Ramah Darom for a relaxed, intimate retreat designed for connection—time to be with your family, celebrate in community, and fully enjoy Sukkot. From beautiful sukkahs with lake views to delicious holiday meals and engaging experiences for all ages, we’ll take care of everything. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3e2xy8sv.

Fall Native Plant Sale – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Add native plants to your garden or containers and create habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. With guidance from horticulture staff and volunteers, shop a wide selection of plants native to Georgia and learn how native species support healthier ecosystems in your own backyard. Held outdoors, rain or shine at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/48vb7e2f.

Fall Native Plant Sale – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Add native plants to your garden or containers and create habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. With guidance from horticulture staff and volunteers, shop a wide selection of plants native to Georgia and learn how native species support healthier ecosystems in your own backyard. Held outdoors, rain or shine at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/48vb7e2f.

Atlanta Jewish Times Upcoming Events: CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES Sukkot Friday, September 25: Light Holiday Candles at 7:11 PM Saturday, September 26: Light Holiday Candles after 8:05 PM from a pre-existing flame Sunday, September 27: Holiday Ends: 8:03 PM

Founded by Hebrew Order of David

Atlanta Jewish Life Foundation Presents

Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival Supervised by the Atlanta Kashruth Commission

Shemini Atzeret Friday October 2: Light Shabbat / Holiday Candles at 7:01 PM Saturday, October 3: Holiday after 7:55 p.m. from a pre-existing flame Sunday, October 4: Holiday Ends: 7:54 PM Torah Reading: Bereishit Friday, October 9: Light Shabbat Candles: 6:52 PM Saturday, October 10: Shabbat Ends: 7:46 PM

Sukkot Dinner - 7:15 p.m. Join Chabad of Fulton for a Sukkot dinner under the stars. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/ tde7z42a.

Sunday, September 27 Sukkot by the Lake - Join Ramah Darom for a relaxed, intimate retreat designed for connection—time to be with your family, celebrate in community, and fully enjoy Sukkot. From beautiful sukkahs with lake views to delicious holiday meals and engaging experiences for all ages, we’ll take care of everything. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3e2xy8sv.

JInterfaith Pop-Up: Sukkot Under the Stars – 6 to 9 p.m. Celebrate Sukkot with a delicious night out under the stars! Join JInterfaith for a festive multi-course meal filled with great food, meaningful connection, and all the joy of the holiday. Come hungry, meet new people, and share a memorable Sukkot evening together. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/fvacttcs.

by Rabbi Jordan and is open to the public (members and non-members of Congregation Dor Tamid). Enjoy crafts, songs, fun activities, and more for children under 4 (parent/ guardian must attend). RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/yc68nem3.

Sensory in the Sukkah – 10 to 11:30 a.m. Celebrate Sukkot with a morning of messy fun and sensory exploration! Little ones will enjoy a Here We Grow Ooey Gooey Play Party, featuring hands-on sensory stations, creative play, and plenty of opportunities to scoop, squish, pour, and discover. Come shake the lulav, enjoy a Sukkot story, and connect with friends. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/yc4u8rfs.

SUNDAY

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

All donations are 501(c)(3) charitable contribution tax deductible. Tax ID# 83-1559888

Monday, September 28 Sukkah Stop: Drop In & Celebrate – 5

Play Tamid - 9:15 to 11 a.m. Play Tamid is led

• Free • Community Admission and Artisan • BBQ Tasting Vendors • Pet Friendly • Vegan • Live Music Options

to 6 p.m. Stop by the MJCCA Sukkah for a quick, family-friendly way to experience Sukkot together. Learn about the holiday, do the mitzvah of sitting in the sukkah, shake the lulav and etrog, and enjoy a simple craft. Perfect for families who want an easy, welcoming way to learn and bring Sukkot traditions into everyday life — drop in for a few minutes or stay awhile! Find out more at https:// tinyurl.com/mrbya5xp.

Theatlantakosherbbq.com/volunteer

Sunday, October 18 2026 Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival – 12 to 4 p.m. Our Festival is centered around a Kosher BBQ Competition where approximately 25 teams compete in kosher Brisket, Beef Ribs, Chicken, and Chili categories. We have a large Vendor Village, children’s activities, music, silent auction, and of course, BBQ. The Atlanta Kashruth Commission supervises the Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival. Because we are fully compliant with their kosher food handling requirements, all spectrums of the Jewish community can participate, plus, because it is BBQ, the entire Atlanta community joins us as well. This ultimately makes us the most diversly attended food event in Georgia. There will be something for everyone, rain or shine. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/yjjmapk8.

Sunday, January 31, 2027 Tuesday, September 29 Storybook Sensory Play – 10 to 10:45 a.m. Children will go on an interactive literacy adventure with Here We Grow where books come alive through creative play. Activities will be designed to spark imagination through sensory play activities centered around classic children’s books. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/yvtczmf7.

Atlanta Jewish Life Festival – 12 to 4 p.m. Come celebrate the vibrant Jewish culture and community at the Atlanta Jewish Life Festival! This in-person event is jam-packed with food, music, and activities for all ages. Whether you’re looking to connect, learn, or just have a great time, this festival is the place to be. Everyone’s welcome — bring your friends and family for a day full of fun and celebration! Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl. com/433h78ad.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | 61

Friday, October 2 A Night of Kosher Comedy with Eitan Levine – 7 to 8 p.m. Get ready for an

Wednesday, September 30 Soup, Sandwiches and Social in the Sukkah -10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come for Mahjong, Rummikub, and socializing. Join Chabad of Fulton for lunch in the Sukkah. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/ cyxz2pxb.

Sukkot Family Festival – 5 p.m. Join

Lion of Judah & Pomegranate Luncheon – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come for the mimosas, stay for the mishigas! Women’s Philanthropy’s annual Lion of Judah & Pomegranate Luncheon returns Sept. 30 with special guest Jackie Tohn — actress, writer, comedian, and breakout star of Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This!” Join us for an afternoon of laughter, storytelling, connection, and celebration as Jackie shares stories from her career, her Jewish journey, and the experiences that have shaped her along the way. We’ll also celebrate the incredible impact of women’s philanthropy and honor Ellen Arnovitz, this year’s recipient of the Kipnis-Wilson/ Friedland Award. RSVP at https://tinyurl. com/y2pevwnt.

Chabad of Fulton for a BBQ, inflatables, petting zoo, holiday crafts. Fun for the whole family. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/4ef4mukm.

unforgettable evening of laughter at “A Night of Kosher Comedy” with Eitan Levine! New York–based comedian and writer Eitan Levine brings his sharp wit, viral humor, and unmistakably Jewish perspective to the stage for a night packed with big laughs. Don’t miss your chance to see one of comedy’s fastest-rising voices live. Grab your friends, bring your sense of humor, and join MJCCA for “A Night of Kosher Comedy” with Eitan Levine at https://tinyurl.com/ywuppr23.

BeWell Program with Rabbi Claudio Kaiser Blueth and Judy Spira – 7:30 to 9 p.m. Join us for an evening at The Dupree as BeWell (JF&CS) and the Dupree host a three-part series on renewing relationships. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ ya5n279a.

Sukkot Celebration - 5 to 7 p.m. Celebrate Sukkot, the Festival of Booths, with an outdoor concert at the MJCCA Sukkah in the Halpern Plaza courtyard. Nosh on some delicious food (available for purchase) and enjoy live music with friends! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/ y64rnn55.

Dupree & Adamah Atlanta: Roots of Responsibility – 7 to 8:30 p.m. As Sukkot draws to a close, we invite you to join us at The Dupree in partnership with Adamah Atlanta, where Amy Price, Lead Educator, will explore what Jewish tradition teaches about vulnerability, stewardship, and our responsibility to care for the natural world. The program focuses on the blessings and challenges that water brings to our communities and our planet. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2t4ckdry.

62 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Teen Limo Sukkah Hop – 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Good friends, great stops, Jewish pride with Chabad of Fulton. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/bdfcrwr8.

Thursday, October 1 AJC Atlanta ACCESS Sushi in a Sukkah – 6 to 9 p.m. Sushi in a Sukkah with a diplomat! Learn more at https://tinyurl. com/5fusatnj.

Renewing Relationships Series - Reconnecting with Spouses with Rabbi Loren Lapidus and Isabel Groedel – 7:30 to 9 p.m. Led by Rabbi Loren Lapidus and Clinician Isabel Groedel, this program focuses on how relationships with spouses can be renewed and strengthened through both Jewish tradition and contemporary clinical insight. Together, the speakers explore themes like teshuvah and “turning toward,” the ongoing choice to grow with a partner across different life stages, and practical ways to cultivate reconnection, gratitude, intimacy, and shared purpose in marriage. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/3cawajz3.

Music and Play – 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Let’s spark joy and curiosity through the magic of music and play! Jumpstart your morning with an upbeat, interactive music and movement class led by Here We Grow, where little ones can dance, wiggle, and sing their hearts out. Afterward, Nurture invites children into a world of themed sensory play and hands-on adventures — perfect for curious minds and messy fingers. Come ready to move, create, and make memories together! This program is in partnership with JBaby. Register at https://tinyurl.com/j8xs34x3.

Shabbat in the Sukkah – 6 to 7:30 p.m. Celebrate Shabbat and Sukkot with PJ Library! Gather with other families in the sukkah for a cozy evening featuring a PJ Library story, kosher pizza, and meaningful holiday fun. Children will also participate in a hands-on service project benefiting a local food drive. They’ll search for canned goods during a playful scavenger hunt, then help sort and bag the donations for community members in need. Join us for an evening filled with community, kindness, and Sukkot celebration! Recommended for children ages 4-8; siblings are welcome. Register at https:// tinyurl.com/48a78fhp.

Dance The Torah – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dance the Torah a joyful celebration in the Sukkah with the Mitzvah House. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/4pycpt5b.

Advertise with High Holidays at Congregation Dor Tamid – 6:45 p.m. Join Congregation Dor Tamid for Erev Simchat Torah/Consecration with Celebratory Oneg after services and band. Register at Register at https:// tinyurl.com/2crfcrrd.

Shemini Atzeret & Simchas Torah – Chabad Intown – 7 p.m. Join Chabad Intown as we fill the room with song, soul, and celebration. Celebrate the grand finale of the High Holidays with a night of boundless joy, Jewish pride, and dancing! Simchat Torah is a celebration of eternal joy — of dancing with the Torah and affirming life, even in the shadow of sorrow. We’ll enjoy delicious brisket + L’chaim followed by hafakot, more l’chaims and dance together until our feet can’t dance anymore. Register at https://tinyurl. com/4hpbwefx.

Our reach includes:

Simchat Torah Live – 6 p.m. Join Chabad of Fulton for dancing and a lavish buffet. A night to celebrate our Torah, our people, and our unbreakable spirit. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/2mv7u4d8.

Monday, October 5 Rise Up for Parkinson’s - 6 to 9 p.m. Join Center for Movement Challenges for an unforgettable evening at Mutation Brewing Company as we come together to celebrate the strength, resilience, and spirit of the Parkinson’s community. Rise Up for Parkinson’s is more than a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of movement, perseverance, and the incredible people who inspire us every day. RSVP at https:// tinyurl.com/nypzdzn9.

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES EVERY MONTH Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center – 8 to 10 p.m. Celebrate the rich voices of American composers through a range of musical expressions that define the nation’s cultural landscape. The evening takes us from Amy Beach’s Piano Quintet — a cornerstone of American chamber music — to Bernard Herrmann’s “Psycho Suite,” bringing the suspense of his iconic film score into the concert hall with gripping intensity and dark beauty. Purchase tickets at https:// tinyurl.com/n2jx4nsp.

High Holidays at Congregation Dor Tamid – 9 a.m. Join Congregation Dor

and JWC Atlanta invite you for a series exploring timeless wisdom through study and interactive discussion, facilitated by Helen Zalik. Like a pebble dropped into still water, one evening of meaningful conversation can ripple outward, and touch far more than the room it started in. Come for the discussion and discover just how far your circle can reach. This program is open to women only. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4abfjs.

Tamid for Sh’mini Atzeret/Simchat Torah Festival Morning Services and Yizkor. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2crfcrrd.

Find events for Oct. 6-13 on the AJT Connector at www.atlantajewishconnector.com

Saturday, October 3

2023

Circles The Art and Practice of Living Wondrously - 7:30 to 9 p.m. The Dupree

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | 63

KEEPING IT KOSHER

JEWISH JOKE

The Girl

Cheesy Crumb Squares Ingredients Cake Crumbs 1/2 cup oil 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons vanilla sugar 2 eggs 2 and 1/2 cups Beleaves Flour 2 teaspoons baking powder Cheesecake Layer 26 ounces (3 cups) 5% gvinah levanah (quark cheese) or Greek yogurt 1 (1.5-ounce) package Gefen Instant Vanilla Pudding Powder Pudding Instant Vanilla 3.5Oz Gefen 4 tablespoons Beleaves Flour 1 egg 1 cup granulated sugar 6 and 1/2 ounces sour cream Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Prepare the cake/crumbs: In a bowl, mix together the oil, granulated sugar, vanilla sugar, eggs, flour, and baking powder (by hand). Remove one-third of the mixture and set aside in the freezer. Press the rest evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan. 3. Prepare the cheesecake layer: In a bowl, combine the gvinah levanah, pudding powder, flour, egg, sugar, and sour cream (by hand) and pour over the cake base. 4. Remove the mixture from the freezer and crumble it on top of the cheesecake layer. If you want to achieve a polka-dotted look instead of a crumb topping, sprinkle larger pieces over the cheesecake. 5. Bake for 30–35 minutes. kosher.com | Recipe by: Bruchy Duschinsky | Photography by Shoshi Sirkis | Styling by Anat Lobel

Moishe, a Yeshiva boy, goes off to college in Montana. Six months pass without a word, leaving his frantic parents ready to fly out and search for him. Finally, a letter arrives: "Dear Ma and Pa, Sorry for the silence, but I've dropped out of school. I met the most wonderful girl -- a Native American princess named Little Feather. Her father, the chief, has welcomed me into the tribe. To honor my new life, I've taken a Native American name and will no longer respond to Moishe. From now on, call me, Running Deer." A few days later, a reply arrives: "Dear Running Deer, We're glad you're happy on the reservation. We regret that your bride isn't Jewish, but to celebrate your news, your father and I have also taken Native American names. From now on, call your mother, Sitting Shiva, and your father, Going Meshugana!" Len Lefkowitz, Stone Mountain

YIDDISH WORD Heymishcamer

n. Someone who tries to pass themself off as just a regular person but is actually something quite different – a scammer. “Beware of Gary. With a smile and a pat on the shoulders, he’ll glad-hand you out of your life’s savings. A real heymishcamer.” From the Yiddish “heymish,” meaning “honey” or “quaint.”

64 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

A Very Disney Sukkot By: Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com Difficulty Level: Medium 1

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Remember When...

English biography of Hillel, work to get it transcribed ment of their daughter, Sheila Joy Sorkin, to Robert into braille. Charles Landau.

N.Y. Prohibition administration closes shops selling Atlanta resident Rabbi Leon Rosen pens booklet about This week, 25 Sacramental wine. his experiences in Nazi concentration camps and later years ago Leading Jewish and Christian laymen and ministers an underground resistance to the Soviet Union. gather for conference in Olivet, Mich., to discuss interThe AJT reports on national relations. This week, 50 years ago local connections

AJT cover for the first issue published after 9/11.

Monument erected in Charleston, S.C. to Henry Frank Savannah’s Rabbi Saul Rubin, spiritual leader of and reactions following the 9/11 terror attacks. Lewith, who originated Be-Kind-to-Animals week. Congregation Mickve Israel, led delegation of rabbis whose synagogues have existed since colonial times President Jimmy Carter lecture at Ahavath Achim rein presenting a letter to President Gerald Ford at the scheduled after 9/11 attacks. This week, 75 years ago White House. 500 volumes on history, economics, and labor, collectIn wake of 9/11 attacks, Delta cancels direct flights to ed over 50 years by Jewish Daily Forward editor Morris Mr. and Mrs. Martin Taffel of Marietta, Ga., announce Israel. the birth of a son, Myles Todd Taffel. Sesking, have been presented to Roosevelt College. Snellville’s Temple Beth David dedicates new sanctuA fashion show of French designs highlights the open- Mrs. Ruth Fleshner and Mr. and Mrs. Albert Mizell ary. ing meeting of the Atlanta Chapter of Hadassah at the announce the B’nai Mitzvah of their sons, Andrew Fleshner and Marshall Mizell, at Ahavath Achim SynProgressive Club. agogue. Issues of the AJT (then Southern Israelite) from 1929-1986 Two women at Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Newark, N.J., upon learning their Rabbi was completing the first Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Sorkin announce the engage- can be found for free online at https://gahistoricnewspapers. galileo.usg.edu/lccn/sn78003973/ ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | 65

OBITUARIES Gloria Greenberg Cohen

Howard Leon Feinsand

Gloria Greenberg Cohen, of Columbus and Atlanta, Ga., passed away peacefully on Sept. 10, shortly after her 86th birthday. Gloria was born in Atlanta to Sonny and Pauline Greenberg on Sept. 8, 1940. She went to Grady High School, the University of Georgia and graduated from Columbus State University with a master’s in early childhood education. She and Dr. Marvyn Cohen were happily married for over 55 years, living in Columbus and on Lake Harding. She was a life-long teacher, starting with pre-school and kindergarten, and ending up teaching early childhood education at Columbus State University. She was a leader at Temple Israel, Shearith Israel Synagogue, Jewish Ladies Aid Society, and the Jewish Federation of Columbus. She was the long-time chair of the successful Deli Day annual fundraiser, raising money for the Columbus community. She loved and prioritized her family, was known for her generosity and friendliness, and her passions included gardening, entertaining, baking, mahjong, and travel. She loved “lake living” where she often hosted her family and friends. Gloria was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marvyn. Gloria is survived by her three children, Mauri Artz of Atlanta, Sonny Cohen (and wife, Kirstie) of Atlanta, and Jason Cohen of New York City. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Max Artz (and wife, Liv) of Park City, Utah, Carson Artz (and wife, Becca) of Park City, Cassidy Artz of Denver, Colo., Annie McGinty (and husband, Jack) of Denver, Taylor Cohen of Dallas, Texas, and Michael Cohen of Atlanta. She is also survived by her two greatgrandsons, August Artz and Easton Artz of Park City. Graveside services were held for family and close friends at Greenwood Cemetery, in Atlanta, Georgia, at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15. A Celebration of Life will be held at Temple Israel in Columbus at a future date. The family asks in lieu of flowers to please consider a donation to The Wynnton Neighborhood Network in Columbus, Ga., for which Gloria was a big supporter (www. wynntonneighborhoodnetwork.org). The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the medical team at Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital Intensive Care Unit for the care and compassion they showed to Gloria and our family.

Howard Leon Feinsand, a respected attorney, business executive, real estate investor, and devoted leader of Atlanta’s arts and Jewish communities, died at the age of 78. A native New Yorker, Howard graduated from Temple University and St. John’s University School of Law. He began his career practicing law in New York City, where he spent nearly two decades before moving into senior positions in finance and corporate real estate. Over the course of a distinguished career, he held leadership roles with GE Capital Aviation Services and Citicorp North America, founded the investment firm Choir Capital Ltd., and served as executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of Duke Realty Corporation. Howard’s work with Duke Realty brought him and his wife, Ellen, to Atlanta in 1999. Atlanta became not simply their home, but a community to which Howard devoted an extraordinary amount of his time, energy, and talent. Soon after arriving, Howard became deeply involved with the Alliance Theatre and the Woodruff Arts Center. He eventually served as chairman of the board of the Alliance Theatre and as vice chairman and finance committee chairman of the Woodruff Arts Center, along with numerous other leadership roles. He remained a lifetime director of the Alliance Theatre. Howard was equally committed to Atlanta’s Jewish community. He served as chairman of the board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and later as a lifetime trustee. He also served as president of The Standard Club. Together, Howard and Ellen generously supported organizations devoted to the arts, Jewish life, education and the needs of others throughout their community. Those commitments reflected something fundamental about Howard. For all of his professional accomplishments, he believed deeply in institutions, community, and the responsibility of those who had been fortunate in life to help others. In writing about his service to Atlanta’s Jewish community, Howard spoke of the responsibility to care for one another “from one generation to the next.” It was a principle he practiced throughout his life. Howard possessed an extraordinary intellect and was, more often than not, the smartest person in the room. Yet, intelligence alone did not define him. He was generous, dignified and possessed of a wonderfully dry sense of humor. He carried himself with an understated confidence and treated both his personal and professional responsibilities with seriousness and integrity. Those who knew him best knew something more: Howard was, quite simply, the most honorable of men. After retiring from Duke Realty, Howard remained active in business, real estate investment, and advisory work while devoting increasing time to the civic and charitable institutions that had become such an important part of his life. Howard was predeceased by his parents, Abe and Annette Feinsand. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ellen; his son, Mark Feinsand and Mark’s wife, Dena; his grandsons, Zack and Ryan; his stepdaughter, Wendi Cohen; his sister, Ellen Feinsand; and his goddaughter, Meredith Davis. Howard’s life was one of accomplishment and service, but those closest to him will remember something greater than the positions he held or the institutions he helped lead. They will remember his intelligence and wit, his generosity and dignity, his loyalty to the people and causes he cared about, and the quiet integrity with which he lived his life. His was a life of consequence, lived with honor. A graveside funeral was held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Ga., with Rabbi Peter Berg of The Temple officiating. Shiva was held at the home of Travis Reed and Michael Kriethe. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to The Temple and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

86, Atlanta

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66 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

78, Atlanta

OBITUARIES

Jules Nelson Greenblatt 69, Atlanta

Jules Nelson Greenblatt passed away on Sept. 4 after a brief and brave battle with cancer. Jules was a devoted dad, partner, sibling, uncle, and friend to many. Upon diagnosis, he continued to treasure and hold dear his love of family and friends. He was intent on living his best life. Born in East Patterson, N.J., and the oldest of three, Jules was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara Lee Rubinstein, daughter of Julius and Florence (Lipsky) Rubinstein, and Don Greenblatt, son of Harry and Mary Greenblatt and by Phyllis Maslia, his beloved wife and loving mother of their son, Sam. Jules looked up to his father, Don, who was a special influence in his life. Jules was a true renaissance man and had varied interests and talents including music, cooking, gardening, fishing, and traveling. A frequent concert goer, he played guitar and enjoyed a variety of music genres. Jules was a superb cook and was enthusiastic about new and creative recipes. He could plate and platter with the best of them! Over his lifetime, Jules loved and always had dogs and leaves behind Molly. Most of all, Jules was a kind and loyal person who chose to connect deeply with those around him. Jules adored his son, Sam, nieces, and nephew. At family gatherings, he could be seen watching the children with a huge grin on his face. He continued to be close to his childhood friends and was touched by their care and devotion during his illness. Jules will always be loved and remembered by son, Sam Franklin Greenblatt, partner, Elaine Cobern (he called her “queen”), sisters, Sharon Spiegelman (Marty) and Lisa Halpern (Marty), nephews, Alex Halpern (Alli), Lewis Halpern (Rachael), and Andy Halpern (Sophie) and four great-nieces and a nephew. The funeral was held at noon, Sunday, Sept. 6, at Arlington Cemetery. Shiva was held at the home of Jules Greenblatt and Elaine Cobern. Donations in Jules memory can be made to One Good Deed, a program of Jewish Family & Career Services. Sibling lunches on Wednesdays will never be the same.

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | 67

OBITUARIES

Eleanor Hochberg

Cory Ray Kessler

Eleanor Hochberg, 76, of Atlanta, Ga., passed away on the eve of Aug. 25, 2026. Ellie, as she liked to be called, received a B.A. from Kent State University, a master’s degree in urban studies from Georgia State University, and a graduate degree in interior design from Brenau University. Born outside Philadelphia, she grew up in Rochester, N.Y., and attended Brighton High School. Over the years, Ellie worked in a variety of settings. She began as a social worker serving youth in the juvenile justice system and later worked in banking and insurance. She also spent time working in an ice cream shop, where she met her future husband, David. For the past several decades, she helped run his dental office in Midtown Atlanta. Ellie was a consummate planner who loved organizing events, birthday parties, and memorable trips. She thought through every detail and had a gift for making even complicated plans feel effortless to everyone around her. She also loved reading mysteries and, even in her final days, was still talking about a newly released mystery novel. In recent years, her 3-year-old grandson, Mason Hochberg, became the apple of her eye. One of their most special memories was experiencing Disney together on Mason’s very first visit. Ellie is survived by her husband of 48 years, David Hochberg; her son, Martin Hochberg; daughter-in-law, Jenny Baligar; grandson, Mason Hochberg; brother, Sam Kalen; sister-in-law, Karen Ventura Kalen; sister-in-law, Debbie Weismann; brother-in-law, Lee Weismann; sister-in-law, Denise Abramow; and brother-in-law, Marc Abramow. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug.27, 2026, at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, Ga. 30328. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ellie’s memory to the Atlanta Community Food Bank at www.acfb.org/donate. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Cory Ray Kessler passed away on Sept. 11, 2026, after a long series of health issues. He was 60 years old. Cory was born in Hollywood, Fla., and grew up in New Orleans, La., where he attended Country Day School from kindergarten through 12th grade. He was a star basketball player at Country Day and was loved by his classmates, so much so that they selected him to give the school’s “13-year vet speech” at graduation. After graduating from the University of Maryland, Cory went on to success as a TV sportscaster, beginning his career at CNN in Atlanta, followed by stints in Lake Charles, La.; Fort Myers, Fla.; and Charlotte, N.C. He then returned to Atlanta to work on-air at CNN and Fox Sports South, where he hosted the popular show, “Countdown To Signing Day.” Cory successfully landed one-on-one interviews with Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Deion Sanders. He later chronicled the career he loved in a book, “Sportscasting: A Journey Like No Other.” But Cory’s true success came when he married Julie Bluestein and built a beautiful family, including their sons Evan (15) and Owen (11). He was a proud husband and father and always described his children as “delicious.” As a loyal member of “Who Dat Nation,” he raised them to love the New Orleans Saints as he did. Cory is survived by his wife, Julie Bluestein Kessler; sons, Evan and Owen Kessler; brother, Randy Kessler (Valerie); niece, Jolie Kessler; parents, Stanley Kessler (Ellen) and Janet Miller Brown; stepsiblings, Julie Lewin (Jon), Melissa Widen Holtz (Stan), Rachael Widen Tennant (Jim), Andy Brown, Tina Brown, and Dan Brown (Elvira). He is also survived by his in-laws, Jane and Joe Bluestein; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Bluestein (Karen), Michael (Juliet), and Erik (Allyson); and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his stepfather, Victor Brown. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999

76, Atlanta

68 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

60, Atlanta

OBITUARIES

Andrea Jo Lewyn Krakovsky

Alexander Abraham Rappaport

Andrea “Andie” Jo Lewyn Krakovsky, 71, of Sapphire, N.C. (formerly of Atlanta, Ga.) passed away on Monday, Sept. 7 in Asheville, N.C. She was a vivacious, beautiful, intelligent, deeply caring woman who will be eternally missed by the many who loved and adored her. Andie was born in Atlanta to Bert and Esther Lewyn on May 22, 1955. She attended W. F. Dykes High School and The Westminster Schools. Andie graduated with her bachelor of science in nursing from Emory University (1976) and went on to receive her master’s of science in nursing from the University of Virginia (1982) where she was a proud member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Andie married the love of her life, Ed Krakovsky, on April 7, 1990, at The Temple in Atlanta. From early on in their marriage, the two often escaped the city northward for the mountains, hiking North Carolina’s deciduous forests with their young children strapped to their backs. They also made time to travel together further afield, making new friends and experiencing other cultures on trips to Ireland, England, Alaska, Cuba, and elsewhere. Andie and Ed loved sharing life’s simple pleasures: antique shopping; walking their dogs (a proud line of golden retrievers, all sadly passed: Beau, Tucker, Reuben, and Lacey); and, in recent years, enjoying a cup of coffee together every single morning on their screened-in-porch amidst the treetops. As a mother, Andie’s parenting was marked by warmth, playfulness, and endless creativity. She hid fairy notes in the garden written in her perfect, miniscule handwriting, made endless costumes for Purim and Halloween, and dressed her children impeccably with her peerless sense of style. While often silly and sweet, she also took her children seriously, eschewing baby talk, supporting their growth by treating them like they were already capable. She believed in her kids, and in herself as a mother, creating a sense of a mom who always knew how to make it better. Andie worked admirably for over 40 years as a neonatal nurse practitioner, extending her loving and empathetic nature towards the thousands of premature infants she cared for over her career. She loved babies and was one of the longest-serving neonatal NPs in the Emory Healthcare system, where she served at Grady, CHOA, Crawford Long and elsewhere. An avid equestrian from a young age, Andie loved nothing more than spending time with her off-track thoroughbred, “Call Me Ferdinand,” affectionately known as Ferdie, going for trail rides and caring for him in the barn. In the past 20 years, she returned to her youthful passion for horses and won many ribbons in (cruelty-free) fox hunting, English-style jumping, and other events. Horseback riding was not only one of the greatest joys of Andie’s life, but a source of lifelong friendship and community, from Bits & Bytes farm in Canton, Ga., to her and Ed’s beloved Bald Rock community. In March of 2024, she and Ed left their longtime home in Atlanta for the verdant Sapphire Valley Mountains. The two of them spent years designing and dreaming their new home into being, and the gorgeous mountain home is a testament to Andie’s sublime sense of style and eye for charming rustic details. Andie and Ed found happiness and community in Sapphire, hiking with wonderful new friends on the Panthertown Valley trails, hosting and attending lively gatherings, and hunting local craft fairs and estate sales for new treasures to add to their home. Andie was rarely happier than sitting on the porch watching wild creatures go by: deer, turkey, black bears, crows, and especially, foxes. Andie was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Esther Lewyn. She is survived by her husband, Ed; her children, Jake and Sloan; her brother, Larry; her brother and sister-in-law, Marc and Bev; her sister, Cindy; her brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Helen; and her nieces, Alexandra, Rachel, Sarah, and Rebecca. Funeral services and interment were held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Ga., with Rabbi Peter Berg of The Temple officiating. Arrangements are by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Alexander “Alex” Abraham Rappaport, age 92, passed away peacefully at home on June 30, 2026. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to parents, Philip and Beatrice Rappaport. After graduating Erasmus Hall High School, where he was a member of the Arista Honor Society, he received a pharmacy degree as well as a master of business administration from Long Island University. He then went on to receive a medical degree from the University of Bologna School of Medicine and Surgery in Italy. He served as a commander and physician in the United States Navy, stationed in Norfolk, Va. He would later move to St. Petersburg, Fla., where he practiced as an ophthalmologist for 42 years and raised a family. In his retirement in Atlanta, Ga., he was an avid golfer, reader, and late-in-life bridge player. Alex is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Jane Rappaport, his daughters, Kim Rappaport and Kara Dutta, son-in-law, Anand Dutta, and his two grandchildren, Roan and Riley Dutta.

71, Sapphire, N.C.

92, Atlanta

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | 69

OBITUARIES

Helen Brody Rieser

Gail A. Skolsky

Helen Brody Rieser was born June 3, 1939, to Samuel Erwin Brody and Lee Abelman Brody. She was a fourth-generation Atlantan who attended Morningside Elementary School and Henry Grady High School. She went to Harcum Junior College in Bryn Mawr, Penn. While a junior in high school, she was selected for the Rich’s Teen Board as a representative of Henry Grady High School (now Midtown High School). She continued to serve on the Teen Board throughout high school. During college, she represented her school in a national model hunt, as well as in an article for Glamour Magazine. She was on the College Boards for JP Allen’s Department Store and also for Leon Froshin’s. She returned to Atlanta where she modeled for the renowned Sol Kent of Rich’s Department Store and was in his legendary annual Fashionata. She also started work as the fashion coordinator for the newly opened Rich’s at Lenox Square in 1959. She married John Charles Rieser, MD, in 1961. They enjoyed travel and saw many incredible sights around the world. They would often pick a favorite place and rent a home for a month at a time. Early in her married life, she was encouraged by her husband’s uncle, Richard H. Rich, to get involved in the Atlanta community, and so she did. She served on numerous boards including The Atlanta College of Art, The Woodruff Arts Center, the High Museum of Art, the National Council of Jewish Women, the Kidney Foundation of Georgia, The Atlanta Center for Puppetry Arts, the Georgia Board of the National Women of the Arts, and the American Jewish Committee. She was a member of the Leadership Atlanta class of 1978-79 and was an active member and volunteer with the Forward Arts Foundation for decades. She chaired many fundraisers and galas throughout the years, including the Renaissance Ball MCMLXIX, the first Tara Auction for the Atlanta College of Art (live on WSB), the first Annual Beaux Arts Ball for the Atlanta College of Art, the first High Museum Wine Auction, and L’Esprit de Picasso for the High Museum of Art, which she co-chaired with her daughter, Robyn Barkin. She was known for her beauty, and in fact was featured on the cover of Atlanta Magazine twice: once as a “Legendary Beauty of Atlanta” in 1962, and for a story about “The Glamorous Twenty” of Atlanta in 1985. She had impeccable style and taste. She appreciated beauty in so many forms: in fashion and clothing, in homes and decorative arts, in the arts and museums of the world. Her Atlanta home and her Cashiers home were featured in Southern Accents magazine. She was predeceased by John, her husband of 65 years. She is survived by her children, Robyn Rieser Barkin (Tom) of Atlanta, and David Rieser, of Sydney, Australia, and four grandchildren, Sam Barkin (May Melton) of New York, Katie Barkin of Boston, Jessica Rieser of Sydney, Australia, and Jacob Rieser of Sydney, Australia, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to thank the many people who helped her in her final year: Brendetta Ford and the amazing caregivers at The Pearl at East Cobb, Mark Schmetterer and the other caregivers at Gentiva Hospice, Melissa Hyatt of Premier Care Management of Georgia, and so many others. A funeral was held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 8, at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St., followed by a reception. The family held Shiva at the residence of Robyn and Tom Barkin. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a donation may consider The High Museum of Art, the Forward Arts Foundation, or a charity of their choice.

Gail A. Skolsky passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family in Atlanta on Monday, Sept. 14. She was born on April 9, 1942, in The Bronx, N.Y., and grew up in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, with her loving parents and brother. She attended James Madison High School and graduated from Buffalo University, later earning her master’s in special education from NYU. In 1964, she married David, and together they created a nurturing home with their three daughters in New City, N.Y. Gail was deeply involved in her community and synagogue. She established successful art programs at Venture Inn, a residential program for adults with special needs. Gail later became the HR director at Love Stores — a health and beauty aid chain in New York City. In 2001, Gail followed her daughters to Atlanta and her passion for teaching full-time resurfaced. She became a beloved educator at Greenfield Hebrew Academy (now Atlanta Jewish Academy). Her positive impact on young children and their families continues to be felt more than 20 years later. Gail was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Miriam (Koppelman) Sandlofer; her brother, Michael Ira Sandlofer, and David Skolsky. Gail is survived by her three daughters: Lauren (Laurie Foster), Robin (Mesha Rebac), and Randi (Billy Steuer) and her four cherished granddaughters — Brooke, Marley, Lindsay, and Jamie — who were her shining stars. A dedicated teacher, mentor, baker, knitter, treasured friend, and best mother, Gail was a vibrant presence. Known for her caring and generous warmth, she truly “never met a stranger.” In recent years, as Frontal Temporal Dementia affected her ability to engage in her favorite activities, Gail found joy in the company of her family and exceptional caregivers, who became like family. While her absence leaves a profound void, knowing she is at peace brings comfort to those who loved her. Donations in Gail’s memory can be made to the Gail Skolsky Memorial Fund at The Powerful Project, https://www.powerfulproject.org/gail-sandlofer-skolsky-memorialfund. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

87, Atlanta

70 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

84, Atlanta

OBITUARIES

Esther Regina Zipperman 93, Atlanta

Esther Regina Zipperman, 93, of Atlanta, Ga., died peacefully, surrounded by her family on Aug. 30, 2026. She was born in and remained a resident of Atlanta. Her parents, Nace and Regina Amato, both of blessed memories, both immigrated from the Island of Rhodes in the southeastern Aegean Sea. She was raised by her parents with her sister, Lucy Gottlieb, of blessed memory, in a close-knit Sephardic Jewish community full of song, dance, community, and love. She met the love of her life, Arnold Zipperman, at 15 years of age who she eventually married and, with him, built a family containing four rambunctious boys. Esther was loved and adored by all who met her and was the heart and soul of her family. Esther was smart, witty, intuitive, and young at heart. She saw the humor in day-to-day life events and challenges and loved to laugh with her family and best friends, Rossie Tarica, of blessed memory, and cousin, Renee Arogeti. Esther showed her commitment and support for the family through love and food. Nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren whom she adored and loved to spoil. She was committed to and loved her best animal friend, “Bootsie,” her dog of 14 years. Esther enjoyed working in many different positions in her business career well into her 80’s. She was a lifelong member of Congregation Or VeShalom and served in various leadership positions for many years for its Sisterhood. Esther is survived by her beloved husband of 75 years, Arnold Zipperman; son and daughter-in-law, Barry and Eileen Zipperman of Atlanta; son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Terry Zipperman of Ellijay, Ga.; son and daughter-in-law, Neal and Lisa Zipperman of Brookhaven, Ga.; son and daughter-in-law, Andy and Marie Zipperman of Burbank, Calif.; grandchildren: Naomi Zipperman and Tre’ Wright of Burbank; Taj Zipperman of Woodstock, Ga..; Nace Zipperman of Atlanta; Leah Zipperman and Kim DiStefano of San Diego; Therese and Jered Dayoub of Los Angeles; Ashley and Andre Esguerra of Los Angeles; great-grandchildren: Kane Zipperman and McKenzie Botz of Kennesaw; Aurora Wright Zipperman of Burbank; and Julian Dayoub of Los Angeles; and greatgreat-grandson, Palmer Ray Zipperman of Kennesaw. We have deep gratitude for our committed, talented, and kind caregivers: Diana Paige; Robin Johnson; Shorna Brown; Juilet Pamella Brown. A graveside service was held Sept. 1, 2026, at Greenwood Cemetery. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | 71

CLOSING THOUGHTS Are You a Worrier or an Optimist?

Natalie Venetia Belcon, Photo by Bradley Credit

I come from a long Jewish tradition that believes that everything is for the best, that G-d protects us Jews and that we have Allen H. Lipis survived for thousands of years under the harshest of conditions. However, I believe that in this world we must take the initiative to solve our own problems, and that we can. But today, I hear again and again that we Jews are worried. We worry that the entire world is out to kill us, that antisemitism is on the rise and it is worse than ever. I hear that it is no longer safe to be Jewish in America, that there is strong antisemitism in American universities, that every major synagogue needs police protection, and mass shootings

72 | SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

have come and will continue to come to Jewish organizations and others. I hear that we Jews are worried about speaking out about antisemitism and the need for action for fear that we will be intimidated, just as anyone will be for speaking publicly about it. At dinner a few nights ago, I was told that a man sitting outside of a coffee shop at North Druid Hills was asked if he was Jewish because he was wearing a kippah. When the man said, “Yes, I am Jewish,” the other guy spit on the man and said, “All you Jews should be killed.” I hear that people are worried about the government, that many members in the Congress are antisemitic, that the government can’t be trusted, that the news can’t be trusted, and that applies to every news outlet – the newspapers, the press, TV and the Internet. There is a worry that all European countries are going to lose their democracy and come under the influence of Muslims, that all Muslims hate the Jews, and it is only a

short amount of time before the Muslims take over European governments and the U.S. government. There is a worry that abortions will be outlawed nationwide, that thousands of books dealing with slavery, sexual orientation, and other matters will be outlawed nationwide, and that white male Protestants will once again control the power in this country, and the rest of us will be second class citizens. Most of all, I am told that there are lots of people who do not believe in the rule of law or the U.S. Constitution when it goes against their belief, and the only way to get this country to do what they want done is with military force. Worriers believe they have to have their own gun, or at least to strongly consider buying one. They believe they cannot trust anyone, and the only protection they have is to protect themselves with a weapon, the more powerful the weapon the better. It is true that living in peace requires

everyone to support the peace, and a few people who don’t like the way it is can destroy the peace by force. Keeping the peace requires strong security and a commitment to live by the rules of society. It only takes a few people to disrupt the peace, and it requires strong security leadership committed to the rule of law to maintain the peace. People I have talked with worry about Hezbollah, about Iran fighting a second battle against Israel. They worry that the U.S. support for Israel will not continue, that money to continue the battle in Ukraine against Russia will dry up, and NATO will not be there when Israel and the U.S. needs them. People worry that their children will not inherit a world where they will not be able to be better than we are and probably be worse off. Optimism about the future is always undermined by worry, and it only takes a few worriers who can scare the optimists. We optimists need to speak out, or else we will be consumed by the worriers. ì

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