Voice of Chaim - April 2014

Voice of Chaim Congregation Etz Chaim • 1190 Indian Hills Parkway • Marietta, GA 30068 • 770.973.0137

April 2014 / Nisan 5774 / Volume 38, Issue 4 Creating Meaningful Jewish Experiences In this Issue: From Our Rabbis page 2 From Our President page 3 From Our Youth Director page 3 Education News Page 4 Our Etz Chaim Community Page 7 B’nai MItzvah Page 9 Sisterhood Scoop page 10 Men’s Club Notes page 11 Passover Information pages 13 & 27 Calendar page 19 Yahrzeits page 20

See pages 17 & 18 for the 2014 Gala Advertising Contract

Religious Corner page 23 Tzedakah page 25 Youth Scholarship Information page 27

For more information, see page 16 or call the synagogue office at 770-973-0137

Daily Minyan Times: Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m.

Sunday, 9:15 a.m.

Sunday – Friday 6:30 p.m.

Shabbat Services: Friday, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, 9:30 a.m.

www.etzchaim.net

The Voice of Chaim | April 2014

From Rabbi Lewis

From Rabbi Kerbel

Pesach is ritually top heavy. Loaded with activities, tastes, songs, traditions that seem poundingly endless. Chopped up apples. Door openings. Hand washings. Hidden matza.

Burned bones. White robes. Goblets of wine and water. Feathers and wooden spoons. More than any other festival, Pesach is loaded with stuff to do. And so the weary ask ‘Why bother?’ The theme is our emancipation from Egyptian slavery, so why all the fuss? Simply cry out how precious freedom is and leave the pots and pans in the basement. Explain to our kids the beauty of liberty and not schlep all over, exhausting ourselves. We could do that, but I suspect that before too long, the message would fade and Pesach would disappear from our calendar.

Parents as Storytellers The Haggadah transforms parents into storytellers. The late Jewish philosopher David Hartman wrote: “Parents should not determine their children’s future, but they must open for them their past. By returning to our origins and following the journey of our people, we offer deeper resonance to our personal lives and develop a common language to share our fears and our dreams. In retelling the Exodus, we learn to commemorate the moments of family and national crisis and to celebrate with profound gratitude our emergence into a better life.”

More than any other Jewish holiday, Passover is about history and memory. We are commanded to tell a story, to refrain from certain foods and eat others, and to gather as family and friends to share our history and our values. Our Hebrew Bible uses the word “Zachor” – “remember” – one hundred and fifty times! Three-quarters of the Hebrew Bible is made up of historical narrative. We do not know God by contemplating the sun or the moon or the stars. We know God because the people of Israel encountered God from the beginning of the Bible until the people arrive in the Land of Israel.

It is not the message that is resilient and timeless, but the rituals.

We remember, we recall, we celebrate not because of words but because of deeds. Judaism in her brilliance recognizes that packaging is critical to survival. A profound truth needs to be wrapped up elegantly, bonded with action, not just proclaimed from a mountain top. For continuity, great theologies must be associated with great doings.

From the call to Abraham, to Moses at the Burning Bush, from the Ten Plagues to the receiving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai and then through forty years of wandering God was with us and guiding us. On Passover, we focus on the stories of our oppression and our delivery to freedom and re-enact through dramatic story-telling and meaningful rituals the events that allowed us to become a people with our own land.

How many times have I heard from the foolishly confident, claims of moral rectitude or unshakable fidelity? “I know who I am.

I know how to live. I don’t need the burden of ritual to remind me.” In fact, without ritual, without action, all crumbles, nothing remains. What touches us as adults from our childhood is not what we were told but what we did. The memory of Shabbos candles.

The memory of a chametz search. The memory of building a sukka. The memory of kneidlach. The memory of havdalah spices.

Identity and tears come from what we do, not from what we are told. Ritual is a powerful tool in the maintenance of a people.

At testimony before the United Nations Special Committee on Palestine in 1947, David Ben Gurion, who would become Israel’s first prime minister, shared the following: “Three hundred years ago, a ship called the Mayflower set sail to the New World. This was a great event in the history of England. Yet does one Englishman know the time the ship set sail? Or how many people embarked on the voyage?

What kind of bread did they eat? Yet more than three thousand three hundred years ago, before the Mayflower set sail, the Jews left Egypt.

We are all familiar with the deliberately schizophrenic Jews who struggled to survive during the Inquisition by living publicly as Catholics but privately as Jews. Referred to as Marranos or Conversos or New Christians, secretly they kept Judaism alive until ultimately exposed and forcibly assimilated into Catholicism.

Though centuries have passed since this tragic episode, there is a fascinating defiance that emerges. There are practicing Christians today who don’t eat bread during April and do not know why.

There are practicing Christians today who kiss the door post as they enter their homes and do not know why. There are practicing Christians today who kindle candles in their basements and do not know why. But we do know why. It is stunning testimony to the enduring power of ritual.

“Every Jew in the world knows on exactly the day they left – the fifteenth of Nisan; everyone knows what kind of bread the Jews ate: matzah! Even today, the Jews worldwide eat matzah on the fifteenth of Nisan. They retell the story of the Exodus and all of the troubles Jews endured after being exiled. Our people conclude the Seder with two statements: ‘This year we are slaves, next year we will be free men.’

‘Next year in Jerusalem, in Zion, in Eretz Yisrael.’ That is the nature of the Jews.”

As we prepare for Passover this year, let us spend time not only preparing our homes and kitchens but also reviewing the story we are commanded to tell – and create meaningful comments, stories and interactive experiences to help our ancient stories come alive for ourselves and our children.

Ritual takes time and effort but attaches to the soul. We often moan and groan at the demands of our faith but these holy habits last forever.

Melissa and I along with Sam and Aliza, Judah and Micha wish you all a chag sameach!

– Rabbi Shalom Lewis

– Rabbi Paul David Kerbel

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The Voice of Chaim | April 2014

From Our President

From Our Youth Director

Reuben Mozenter, Simon Bolnick, Izzy Hall - I know these names mean nothing to any of you but they are reminders of my past. Reuben Mozenter is my maternal grandfather and the other men are his synagogue cronies from The Crown of Israel in Monroeville, New Jersey.

They are long deceased but the memories I made with them linger on. Abe, Simon’s dad, was actually one of the founders in 1915 of this small, rural shul amidst the farmlands.

My grandfather’s chicken farm was right next door so I always remember him as the caretaker. And then there was Ida, my grandmother, and Helen and Ruth, the wives of these men.

Shalom Chaverim,

I remember being so enthralled by this one-room shul with the center bimah, the women’s balcony, the stained glass windows and the kitchen in the entry vestibule. As a young girl in the 60’s, I would accompany my grandfather to synagogue when my brother and I would stay on the farm for the weekend. We would feed the chickens, have breakfast, get dressed and walk next door. We always sat in the front on the right side. I was still young enough that it was okay for me to sit with the men. My grandmother would come over after she cleaned the kitchen and would sit in the back row, the balcony no longer safe for people to sit up there. After services, they drank schnapps and ate herring – all these learned men. What wonderful memories. As my grandparents aged, they started to spend the weekends and holidays with us instead. When my grandparents passed away in the 80’s, I felt a need to visit the farm and the shul that filled my childhood with such wonderful experiences. I was saddened to see the windows cracked, the paint peeling, the over grown grass, the empty ark.

But as you know, places of our past always draw you back. So in the late 90’s, after my parents had both passed, I was with my family and my siblings for the holidays – we would all stay in our childhood home and attend services together. One year, we decided to play hooky on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. I had a good reason to skip synagogue and everyone else bought into my plan.

We had recently moved halfway across the country and I wanted some family time. So I decided to take the day and visit the three cemeteries where my parents and grandparents were buried. When I mentioned it, my brothers all agreed that it had been too long since they had been to the cemeteries.

We all took off to spend the second day of Rosh Hashanah together.

We wandered to Roosevelt, King David and Alliance cemeteries.

From there we thought we’d take a drive past the farm and the old shul before heading home. To our surprise, the grass was newly manicured and there were no broken windows. We walked inside and they had just finished services and welcomed us warmly.

I didn’t know these people – my contemporaries – but I knew their parents and grandparents. These were the children and grandchildren of Abe Bolnick, synagogue founder, and Simon and Helen, my grandparents’ friends.

We talked about the old days and our memories of being here when we were young and I asked what had occurred since my last visit.

The Bolnick family, in honor of their parents, had restored the shul (continues on page 8)

As we wrap up March and head into April, we look back at all of the wonderful things that happened last month. From our County Fair Purim Carnival to Spring Conventions at Ramah Darom, from roller-skating and laser tag to Paintball with the Men’s Club, we have been having a fantastic month.

We even were able to have some fun after Shabbat services with our youth social in the library, where our kids and teens ate snacks, played board games, and enjoyed each other’s company.

April brings a ton of excitement, and fun for all ages. Please save the following dates on your calendars: • April 4 – 6 – 8th Grade: Are you an 8th Grader? Join us in sunny Ocala, FL for a weekend of fun, friendship, and festivities! Meet 8th graders from all over the South, while experiencing an incredible ruach (spirit) filled weekend!

• April 5 – All Youth: Join us for a Youth Social in the library after services. Candy, snacks, board games, and much more! Fun for all ages! Immediately following services.

• April 5 – 6 – 3rd-5th Grades: Join us for a fun and exciting sleep over lock-in! We will be playing games, watching movies, staying up late, and having a great time with our friends! 8:30 p.m. start time, ending at 10 a.m. We will be spending the night. Cost: Free for members/$10 for non-members. Taking place at the Youth House.

• April 6 – 6th-7th Grades: Do you like malls? Do you like scavenger hunts? Join us as we combine the two for an amazing mall scavenger hunt! Can you find the clues and find the prize? Will you take home the award? 2 p.m. start time. Cost: Free for members/$5 for nonmembers. Meet at the Town Center Food Court.

• April 12 – 13 - 8th-12th Grades: Join us as we have a bit of Israel fun, have some delicious Israeli food, and have an amazing Israel-themed lock-in! Start time 8:30 p.m. - 9 a.m. end time. Cost: Free with 5 Passover canned goods. Meet at the Youth House.

• April 19 – All Ages: Join us for a fun filled Shabbat service run by the youth! Interested in leading a prayer? We have something for everyone!

Afterwards, join us in the social hall for some fun Passover snacks.

Contact Bryan at bryanliberman@yahoo.com for more information.

• April 20 – K-2nd Grades: Do you like to dress up? Do you like parties? Join us as we combine the two! Join friends for an afternoon full of games, costumes, and much, much, more! 12:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

In the social hall. Cost: Free for members/$5 for non-members. Passover lunch included.

• April 25 - 27 – 9th-12th Grades: Join us in Orlando, FL for our annual Regional Convention! Look out for details around the synagogue and in emails!

• April 30 – 8th-12th Grades: Have a say in the future of Sababa USY at our annual chapter elections. Make your voice heard and vote for the future leaders of our chapter! 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. In the small chapel.

We hope you have a wonderful month of April, and we look forward to creating wonderful memories with all of our youth.

Todah Rabah, – Perry Birbrager perry@etzchaim.net 770-833-3227

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The Voice of Chaim | April 2014

spaces d e t i Lim lable! i a v a l stil

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The Voice of Chaim | April 2014 Save the Date: Tuesday, April 1

Rosh Chodesh Nisan morning minyan at 7:00 am

Saturday, April 5

Men’s Club Shabbat

Monday, April 14

Passover begins at sunset

Sunday, April 20 Movies at the Etz

Sunday, April 27

Our Etz Chaim Community Mazal Tov to…

Condolences From Our Heart to...

Bonnie and Neil Negrin on the birth of grandson Drew Strongin

Barry Cohen on the loss of his mother, Mildred “Millie” S. Cohen

Thank You to Our Volunteers

Stephen Friedman on the loss of his father, Erwin “Ernie” Friedman, and to Alex and Halle on the loss of their grandfather

Helen Rosengarten Lou Rosengarten Linda Weinroth

New Emails…

Frank Vexler fjv6@att.net

Harris Fogel hfogel04@gmail.com

Ellen Ray Balser on the loss of her father, Herbert F. Ray

Men’s Club Yom HaShoah Breakfast

Sunday, April 27 Movies at the Etz 3:30 pm

Sunday, May 18

Sisterhood Book Club at 9:30 am

Questions about purchasing a cemetery plot???

Call Bob Bachrach 770.973.0137

New Faces

Our Congregation Etz Chaim extends a hearty welcome to new members, Elisa Newman and Jon Jaspan, who joined our shul last October. Jon is from Lancaster, Pa; Elisa, from Guatemala.

The couple moved to Somerset subdivision, and joined Etz Chaim because of proximity, Prime Timers program and Adult Education. They participate in Sedra Class and Hebrew 102. Jon had 4 careers (family business, IBM, translating epidemiology into Russian for CDC, and programming) and is now seriously engaged in his 5th career (having fun). He takes occasional college classes – most recently beginning Chinese – and mentors Elisa’s nephew. He has two adult sons living near Boston. Elisa is an R.N. and engages in artistic activity for fun. She makes gum paste flowers, is a skilled seamstress, and paints. She and Jon travel – have been to Israel, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Russia, and China; next trip: London and Paris, then Machu Picchu. They are serious about physical fitness. They are delighted to be members of our congregation.

Congregation Etz Chaim also welcomes new members Riva and Clark Goldband to our fold. Clark is Senior Producer at CNN for the Nancy Grace Show and has worked there since 2005. Clark and Riva moved to the Atlanta area in 2009 from NYC and married in August, 2010 at The Park Tavern in Piedmont Park. They live in the Eagle Ridge subdivision in Marietta. Riva’s main gig is being a terrific mom at home with their 15 month old son, Alexander, who is starting preschool at the Etz in the fall.

The Goldbands like to spend free time outdoors with Alex and their dog Clyde. They joined Etz Chaim because they wanted to get involved in synagogue life and would love to meet other young families.

We’re happy you chose us, here at the Etz,…welcome, Goldbands!

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The Voice of Chaim | April 2014 (continued from page 3)

and it was now being used for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Passover. How wonderful that they had come back to their roots and given new life to this place we all held so dear.

the synagogue will have a way to leave a Jewish footprint after the congregation closes its doors. One of the specific ways that they help is to connect these congregations with larger, more active congregations such as Etz Chaim. Clearly, we are not at a point where we are in need of these services, but there are congregations nearby, in the towns mentioned above, that do need our help. They are in diminishing communities and often don’t have enough people to make a minyan for a service, even on Shabbat. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you took your family, or friends, or havurah group, or a group of teenagers to one of these shuls and your presence allowed them to have a service or a congregant to say Mourner’s Kaddish? Noah Levine, an Etz Chaim congregant and past president, would love to connect you to such a community so that you can participate in a Shabbat service. He can be reached at l_noah@bellsouth.net. Please feel free to reach out to him with any questions about the Jewish Community Legacy Project.

So why have I told you this long story about this synagogue from my childhood? Because it has been on my mind for the past few weeks, ever since Noah Levine and David Sarnat from the Jewish Community Legacy Project spoke to us at Shabbat services. They spoke about what JCLP is doing to help small Jewish communities faced with aging and changing demographics to plan for the future.

They are working with synagogues to create a “Communal Legacy” that honors the past and perpetuates the congregation’s legacy long after it ceases to exist.

Where is the synagogue that you grew up calling home? Is it in a small diminishing Jewish community like Crown of Israel? It could be anywhere in these vast states or right here in Georgia as close as Waycross, Fitzgerald, LaGrange, Rome, Vidalia or Albany where some of our congregants grew up. How would you know if your shul could benefit from the services JCLP is offering? A few indicators are: declining membership, increased average age, small religious school or children not returning to the community after college. JCLP will facilitate the planning process to ensure that

I know that I will be remembering my parents, grandparents, our traditions and my childhood synagogue as I prepare our home for Passover. I hope that you will all have time for reflection on your cherished memories as well. Wishing everyone a joyous Pesach.

– Cheryl Cohen-Miller

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A hearty Mazal Tov to these students celebrating their B’nai Mitzvah!

Lian Kleinman will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on April 12, 2014 – 12 Nisan 5774. She is the daughter of Esti and Neer Kleinman. Lian’s Bat Mitzvah parasha is Acharei Mot. She is a 7th grader at Hightower Trail Middle School and has been a student in Etz Chaim’s Religious School for 6 years. Lian’s hobbies and interests inlcude basketball, tumbling and spending time with her friends and family.

Lian’s D’var Torah quote is “When opportunity knocks, open the door!” For her mitzvah project, Lian will be collecting donations of slightly used toys for homeless children through the Children’s Restoration Network (CRN).

Upcoming B’nai Mitzvah The Voice of Chaim is featuring photos and biographical information on upcoming B’nai Mitzvah.

If your child has a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in the coming months, VOC would like to feature your child’s: • Biographical information • School information • Photo • D’var Torah Quote

Benjamin Max Surasky will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on April 26, 2014 – 26 Nisan 5774. He is the son of Amy and Aaron Surasky. Ben’s Bar Mitzvah parasha is Kedoshim. Ben is a 7th grader at Hightower Trail Middle School and has been a student in Etz Chaim’s Religious School for 7 years and also attended our Preschool for 3 years. Ben’s hobbies and interests include martial arts, music and basketball.

Ben’s D’var Torah quote is “You shall not curse a deaf person. You shall not place a stumbling block before a blind person, and you shall fear your God. I am the Lord.

This means that you should not take advantage of people because of their certain disadvantages.” For his mitzvah project, Ben taught a six week martial arts program to nine students at the MDE School for special needs children. He decided to do this because martial arts is his passion and he believes all children deserve the opportunity to succeed.

To have your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah information included, please email the material and a photo (if available) to Bernice at bernice@etzchaim.net.

All materials must be received no later than the 1st of the preceding month. We will gladly accept material earlier.

In respect of the Sabbath, we ask that if you must have your cell phone during services, it be turned off and not visible.

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Minyan Makers – if you are available to help make minyan on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm, even if it is just once per year, please let us know. Contact Janice Levine for our schedule – levines2000@comcast.net.

Centerpiece Rental Consider using our beautiful new topiary centerpieces for your Friday night dinner, Kiddush luncheon or Saturday evening affair. For more information, contact the Gift Shop.

JNF Trees for Israel Honor someone special by purchasing a tree in the Etz Chaim Sisterhood grove.

Contact the Judaica and Gift

Shop, 770-973-0137 ext. 124 for more information.

For more information about Sisterhood please contact: Lisa Flagel 678-591-7950 Lisaflagel@gmail.com Erica Driver 678-643-1991 drivererica@comcast.net Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook or at etzchaim.net

Anyone wishing an Aliyah should contact Lou Rosengarten at helou@bellsouth.net or 770-509-0026

The Sisterhood Scoop It’s April! The flowers are blooming and Spring is in the air! We’d like to wish you all an enjoyable Passover.

We are starting to plan for next year and we need YOU! If you are interested in getting involved on the Sisterhood Board or know anyone who would be a good candidate, please contact Lisa Flagel (lisaflagel@gmail.com or 678-591-7950). Come make new friends, have fun and feel more connected to Etz Chaim. Also volunteers are needed for Tuesday night minyan. Your time is welcomed and appreciated!

Many thanks to Stacey Warshowsky and Tammy Cohen for coordinating the Mishloach Manot program. Once again, the “bags of goodies” were in high demand and enjoyed by all. Thank you to the team of volunteers who assembled the bags.

We must give a huge shout out for the delicious 2nd annual Chocolate Seder! Sisterhood partnered with Lilmode and the MJCCA to bring us such a yummy program! We could not have done it without the help of Ilene Levin, Donna Bruckner, Tamara Jacobs, Beth Weiss, Pip Spandorfer, Debbie Berman and the always entertaining Rabbi Glusman, along with all who came out to help behind the scenes.

Our final Shalom in the Home was a huge success! Thank you, Shari Judenberg, for organizing this meaningful series…and of course, many thanks to Rabbi Lewis for his time and dedication.

We’d like to thank Susan Eckert for continuously coordinating Bingo night at the William Breman Home. We had a nice turnout in March. Thanks to all who participated. We are proud to be a part of this special program.

We hope many of you were able to participate in the Joint Atlanta Torah Fund Events that were held in March in conjunction with the Sisterhoods of the other conservative synagogues in our area.

A huge thank you to Sandy Bailey for representing Etz Chaim Sisterhood so superbly.

Make plans to attend morning minyan at 7:00 a.m. on Rosh Chodesh Nisan, Tuesday, April 1, in support of Women of the Wall, followed by a light breakfast. Thank you to Miriam Rosenbaum for offering to teach those who want to learn how to lead the beautiful Hallel service that is recited on Rosh Chodesh. She has also offered to make podcasts of the Hallel melodies and send them to whoever sends her their email address. To take Miriam up on either of her offers, please contact her directly at zubed@comcast.net.

Please note: We have a date change for our final Book Club of the year. It has been moved from Sunday, April 6, to Sunday, May 18. We’ll be discussing the book “Jacob’s Folly” by Rebecca Miller.

We hope you can make it.

Passover begins Monday, April 14. Remember to stop by our Judaica & Gifts Shop for all your Passover needs. We’ve got some beautiful new Seder plates by Michael Aram and lovely embroidered matzah covers you must come in and see! The shop is open during Religious School hours, Tuesday 4:30-6:30 p.m. and Sundays 10:30-12:30 p.m. or by appointment.

You can always log onto our page on the Etz Chaim website http://www.etzchaim.net/sisterhood/ for our calendar of events and copies of all our flyers, forms and brochure.

ATTENTION ETZ CHAIM MEMBERS If you are planning to be away for an extended amount of time, please inform the office.

From Our Scholar-in-Residence Weekend From left to right: Co-Chair of the Scholar-in-Residence weekend Suzanne Rivchun, with Scholar-in-Residence Michael Bar-Zohar, Rabbi Kerbel and Co-Chair Karen Needle

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Men’s Club Notes April is here and one hardly remembers the cold and snow of January and February. April is a very busy month for Men’s Club. We finished March with our first Family Spaghetti and Meatball dinner. It was a lot of fun and was well attended. April began with Men’s Club Shabbat on the 5th with Jeff Frankel, Steve Krodman, Jay Givarz and Andy Becker leading the way.

The Anshei Darom Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs had one of the best retreats in recent years. “Unplug” was the theme for this year’s retreat. Attendance was up from previous years and a great time was had by all attendees. A special thanks to Rabbi Bernstein of Gesher L’Torah and Rabbi Al Slomovitz for teaching us to “Unplug”. This year’s Retreat committee of Mark Isbitts, Brian Nadolne, Ben Needle, Mark Needle and Joe Ziskend did a fabulous job!

On April 27th, Etz Chaim Men’s Club will have a special Yom HaShoah breakfast. Steve Low, whose family migrated from Germany to escape the Nazi’s to Shanghai during the early 1940’s will speak to us on what life was like during that time. We will then have a memorial service at our Holocaust Memorial Garden and Kaddish will be recited. After that, we will attend the Atlanta Braves baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds. The seats are in the Terrace Reserve, on the third baseline in the shade. It doesn’t get much better than that. For additional information on attending the Braves game, please contact Bart Agrow at bart.agrow@ge.com.

As a reminder, the Men’s Club has order forms available for Holocaust Memorial Garden Bricks, which is a very special way to honor a loved one. The cost is $100. To honor someone for a birthday, Bar/Bat Mitzvah or any special occasion, you can order a Certificate. The Certificate is a photograph of the Holocaust garden with your custom message. The certificate is suitable for framing and is available for $18.

Shalom!

Jeff Frankel, Co-President Andy Becker, Co-President jlfrankel@gmail.com abecker73@gmail.com Come out and enjoy Your Men’s Club!

MEN’S CLUB is a vital part of our congregation. Our ongoing programs include: • Supporting the synagogue’s daily minyan • Sponsoring the annual Lag B’Omer Picnic and the Labor Day cookout • Laying tefillin for the World Wide Wrap with our Hebrew School kids • Providing scholarships to Etz Chaim teens through the Bob Goldman Fund • Men’s Club Shabbat • Sponsoring the Anshei Darom weekend retreat for members at Camp Ramah • Greater Atlanta Synagogue Softball League • Set-up and usher for High Holiday Services • Supports the Holocaust Memorial Garden Our goals are to provide our members with opportunities to meet other members and make new and lasting friendships, support our community, and have some fun in the process.

JOIN MEN’S CLUB and make a difference in our Etz Chaim community!

GET ON THE LIST! Contact Andy Becker at abecker73@gmail.com or Jeff Frankel at jlfrankel@gmail.com, or for information

Family Member in Hospital Our Rabbis have asked that you notify the office in the event of a family member’s hospital stay or serious illness.

The 2014 Gala Advertising Contract honoring Men’s Club Past Presidents is on pages 17 and 18; April 15 is the final deadline!

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PLEASE JOIN US FOR EVENING MINYAN – Sunday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

The Voice of Chaim | April 2014

We are here for you!

Have a great idea?

A question to ask?

Your Board of Trustee liaison is available to point you in the right direction or answer your questions.

Feel free to call or email him/her with your suggestions and concerns!

Not sure of the contact information?

Call the office 770.973.0137 to find that out.

Attendees at the recent AIPAC convention in Washington, D.C. from Congregation Etz Chaim.

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Prime Timers – A USCJ Chapter of Hazak

Something fun for everyone!

Sunday, May 4, at 1:30 p.m. – Breman Museum with docent for exhibit: Return to Rich’s, The Story Behind the Store Monday, June 2, Dinner at 5:30 p.m. – Chateau Saigon (Thai restaurant on Buford Highway) followed by Ballroom Dancing instruction (7:00 – 8:00 p.m.), practice (8:00 – 8:30 p.m.) at Knights of Columbus Hall, 2620 Buford Highway.

Let’s get together before/after Etz Chaim Lilmode or Social Action Events • DINNER after “Movies at the Etz” on Sunday, April 20 • DINNER before 92nd St Y: May 1 Questions about Prime Timers: Roz Reiss rozreiss@gmail.com or call 770-685-1217 Get Prime Timers’ E-vites: Norman Marinoff nms1553@yahoo.com or call 678-560-8430

ETZ CHAIM LIBRARY NEWS In April we will be celebrating Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, and Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel Independence Day. The Etz Chaim library offers many compelling books about the Holocaust and Israel. Here are a few of our new ones:

Nicholas Winton’s Lottery of Life by Matej Minac & Peter Rafaeli. Mr. Winton was a British young man who organized the rescue of 669 mostly Jewish Czech children in 1939. He raised funds, recruited foster parents and obtained entry permits for the children who were transported to Great Britain. Mr. Winton kept his actions a secret for fifty years. “Nicky’s Family”, a film about Nicholas Winton was aired at Movies at the Etz. Here is an opportunity to learn more about this amazing story.

Mossad: The Greatest Missions of the Israeli Secret Service

by Michael Bar-Zohar and Nissim Mishal provides an action packed account of the Mossad, Israel’s esteemed intelligence service. “This book tells what should have been known and isn’t - that Israel’s hidden force is as formidable as its recognized physical strength.” Israeli President Shimon Peres.

And for our young adult readers, Grades 6-9:

Michael Bar-Zohar was our scholar-in-residence in March and his latest book above on the Mossad, as well as several of his other books, are available in our synagogue library.

A Bag of Marbles by Joseph Joffo, Kris and Vincent Bailly. In 1941 occupied Paris, two brothers play a last game of marbles before running home to their father’s barbershop. With the German occupation threatening their family’s safety, the boys’ parents have the brothers disguise themselves and flee to their older brothers in the free zone. Based on an autobiographical novel, this graphic novel offers a harrowing but inspiring glimpse of a childhood cut short.

Like Dreamers: The Story of the Israeli Paratroopers Who Reunited Jerusalem and Divided a Nation by Yossi Klein Halevi is the latest winner of the Everett Family Jewish Book of the Year Award. The acclaimed journalist Yossi Klein Halevi interweaves the stories of a group of 1967 paratroopers who reunited Jerusalem, tracing the history of Israel and the divergent ideologies shaping it from the Six-Day War to the present.

You may self-check out books from the library at any time.

Directions for check out are on the library wall next to the book return basket. Someone is usually on duty in the library on Sunday mornings when there is Religious School to assist you in finding books and with book check out. The library has many new books for your reading pleasure so stop by and browse at your leisure!

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The Voice of Chaim | April 2014

New Faces

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The Voice of Chaim | April 2014

Bereavement Services Offered to Congregants Etz Chaim’s Chesed Committee will offer to provide meals of consolation to members. This meal is traditionally a dairy meal eaten by mourners upon their return home from the funeral.

It includes whole hard-boiled eggs, symbolizing the continuity of life. This service provided by the Chesed Committee allows the family and friends who normally provide the meal to attend the funeral themselves and give emotional support to the bereaved. Members attending out of town funerals, who sit shiva or hold a memorial service in Atlanta, will be offered either a fruit or sweets tray.

In order to bring standardized, caring service to each member, Etz Chaim is modeling its procedures after those of Temple Sinai’s successful Kesher Committee. Contributions made to the Chesed Fund will help to fund these services. Teams are currently being formed for these purposes.

Anyone wanting more information, or wanting to assist in performing these mitzvot, please contact Wendy Feinberg at 770-973-1217.

Your cooperation please!

The disabled parking spots are reserved for the exclusive use of those with permits. These spaces are NOT to be used by ANYONE else at ANYTIME. There is NO parking under the Education Wing overhang. It is a fire code violation.

Family Member in Hospital Our rabbis have asked that you notify the office in the event of a family member’s hospital stay or serious illness.

April Yahrzeits *Denotes a memorial plaque in our sanctuary to be lit on the day of the Yahrzeit and on all Yizkor holidays.

April 1 *April 1 *April 1 April 1 April 2 April 2 April 2 April 2 April 2 April 2 April 2 April 3 April 3 April 3 April 4 *April 4 *April 4 April 5 April 5 *April 5 April 6 April 6 *April 6 April 7 April 7 April 7 April 8 April 8 April 8 April 9 April 10 April 10 *April 10 April 11 April 11 *April 11 April 11 *April 11 April 12 April 12 April 12 *April 12 April 12 *April 13 April 13 April 13 April 13 April 13 April 13 April 15 April 15 April 15 *April 15 *April 15 *April 15 April 16 April 16 *April 16 *April 16 April 16 April 17 April 17

Louis Gloth Wilbert Cohen Katrin Hatami Carol Holley Stanley Gerson Barry Kram Irving Friedman Charles Kram Elishka Krosnarova Jason David Holley David Goldenberg Ted Levy Susan Frohlich Raye Singer Samuel Lederman Irving Weinberg Elaine Cojac Vera Kahn Sam Trommer Irving Goldman Sophie Price Annie Mendelsohn Irving Altholtz Charles Schancupp Julius Smith Robert Needle Arthur Suway Benjamin Stein Lena Chesin Irving Adair Norman Sabel Pearl Rosenberg Mordechai Fried Jeanette Feuer Hyman Coplon Bob Goldman Max Hasson Bernard Vexler Bella Kandel Rachamim Ben-Aroia Sarah Stein Bernice Krodman Louis Rappeport Joseph Schwartz Irving Jacoby Mary Golub Jack Goldstein Bertha Rothstein Sylvia Levit Ida Mozenter Adele Cohen Louise Baron William Rosenfeld Sidney Gordon Jean Jacobs Joseph La Vine Jean Sacks Harry Kramer Ken Seidman Irene Schonberger Harold Harris David Waxman

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1 Nisan 1 Nisan 1 Nisan 1 Nisan 2 Nisan 2 Nisan 2 Nisan 2 Nisan 2 Nisan 2 Nisan 2 Nisan 3 Nisan 3 Nisan 3 Nisan 4 Nisan 4 Nisan 4 Nisan 5 Nisan 5 Nisan 5 Nisan 6 Nisan 6 Nisan 6 Nisan 7 Nisan 7 Nisan 7 Nisan 8 Nisan 8 Nisan 8 Nisan 9 Nisan 10 Nisan 10 Nisan 10 Nisan 11 Nisan 11 Nisan 11 Nisan 11 Nisan 11 Nisan 12 Nisan 12 Nisan 12 Nisan 12 Nisan 12 Nisan 13 Nisan 13 Nisan 13 Nisan 13 Nisan 13 Nisan 13 Nisan 15 Nisan 15 Nisan 15 Nisan 15 Nisan 15 Nisan 15 Nisan 16 Nisan 16 Nisan 16 Nisan 16 Nisan 16 Nisan 17 Nisan 17 Nisan

*April 17 April 17 April 17 April 17 April 17 April 17 April 18 April 18 *April 18 April 19 *April 19 *April 19 April 20 April 20 April 20 April 20 April 21 April 21 April 21 April 21 April 23 April 23 April 23 April 23 *April 23 April 24 *April 24 April 24 *April 25 *April 25 April 25 April 26 April 26 April 26 *April 27 April 27 *April 27 April 27 April 27 *April 27 April 27 *April 27 *April 27 April 28 *April 28 *April 28 *April 28 *April 29 April 29 April 29 *April 29 April 29 April 29 *April 29 April 30 April 30 April 30 April 30 April 30 April 30 *April 30

Faye Hollander Morris Wexler Brad Leffe Lottie Hartnig Ruth Green Celia Masters Emanuel Kent Marcia Klein Anna Slomovitz Clement Douenias Melvin Intner Lynne Platt David Kohlenberg Harry Kolin Morris Goldstein Jack Briks Violet Levy John Cosgrove George Grauer William Nelson Albert Jacobs Della Witt Lillian Dauer Miriam Yampell Herman Weitz Helen Shelkoff Ellen Coltman Leona Rothstein Irving Mark Phillip Silverman Stephen Frohlich Edna Kaye Isak Kanner Edward Alan Effel Eizig Fried Leah Fried Joseph Alperin Mollie Rosner Murray Stern Lillian Greenspon George Shapiro George Schlachter Melvin Groskind Mary Schemo Aaron Freiman Cecelia Groskind Rhonda Sue Dvorin Joe Saruk Becky Whetstone Ragolda Stein Sylvia Shams Yetta Smith Friedel Bachenheimer Peter Liebschutz Henri Saffran Joseph Bejerano Meilakh Barshay Howard Lawrence Rose Katz Jon Marin Rose Bowman

17 Nisan 17 Nisan 17 Nisan 17 Nisan 17 Nisan 17 Nisan 18 Nisan 18 Nisan 18 Nisan 19 Nisan 19 Nisan 19 Nisan 20 Nisan 20 Nisan 20 Nisan 20 Nisan 21 Nisan 21 Nisan 21 Nisan 21 Nisan 23 Nisan 23 Nisan 23 Nisan 23 Nisan 23 Nisan 24 Nisan 24 Nisan 24 Nisan 25 Nisan 25 Nisan 25 Nisan 26 Nisan 26 Nisan 26 Nisan 27 Nisan 27 Nisan 27 Nisan 27 Nisan 27 Nisan 27 Nisan 27 Nisan 27 Nisan 27 Nisan 28 Nisan 28 Nisan 28 Nisan 28 Nisan 29 Nisan 29 Nisan 29 Nisan 29 Nisan 29 Nisan 29 Nisan 29 Nisan 30 Nisan 30 Nisan 30 Nisan 30 Nisan 30 Nisan 30 Nisan 30 Nisan

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The Voice of Chaim | April 2014

Remember to Sign Up for the Kroger Community Rewards Program.

See page 31 for instructions on how to sign up.

Enter Etz Chaim’s NPO# 80318.

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The Voice of Chaim | April 2014

Tzedakah | vesm Contributions received from February 8 – March 6, 2014 General Fund In loving memory of my father, Irwin Rickles

Barry and Stephanie Gang In loving memory of my dad, J.R. Shaw.

You are missed.

David Shaw To Rabbi Slomovitz, thank you for your kind words and helping during our minyan

Esther and Steve Horn In loving memory of Marjorie and Paul Shuster.

You are missed every day. Love, Heide

Heide Dranove In memory of my father, Eli Silberman

Irwin Silberman In memory of Lester Ebel

Lynn Sustak To Natalie Brodsky in memory of Irwin Brodsky.

Our prayers are with you, Aunt Nat, on the loss of Uncle Irwin, your loving husband. May your precious memories sustain you. Love, Elaine and Michael and Larry and Mindy and our families To Mr. and Mrs. Bill Motto, our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father and grandfather, Irwin Brodsky. Love, Elaine and Michael and Larry and Mindy and our families To Donna Brodsky, our deepest sympathy and in loving memory of your father, Irwin Brodsky.

Love, Elaine and Michael and Larry and Mindy and families

Mike and Elaine Shapow In memory of our beloved parents, Sylvia and Herman Grossman and Mildred and Sidney Rosenthal and in memory of our beloved brother (in‑law), Robert Rosenthal

Ron and Anne Rosenthal In memory of Freda C. Rothstein. We love you and we miss you!

Susan and Craig Adair and Family

Rabbi Lewis Discretionary Fund In memory of Israel Sopher

Albert Sopher In memory of Leo A. Levine, father and grandfather, on his yahrzeit

Allan and Vivian Levine In memory of Henry Breier

Murray and Ellie Breier In memory of Mehdy Nooromid

Shahrokh Nooromid To Rabbi Shalom Lewis, thank you for making Max’s bar mitzvah so special!

Steve and Susan Szczupak

Rabbi Kerbel Discretionary Fund To Rabbi Kerbel, I appreciate that you have a daily minyan so I could commemorate my father’s first yahrzeit.

Denise Jacobs In loving memory of my beloved husband, Sam, on his first yahrzeit

Fay Szeftel

In memory of Mair Algranati

Judith Algranati In memory of Wayne Landon

Shari Landon and Family

Linda H. Weinroth Education Fund In loving memory of Zelda Zlotin, mother and grandmother, always in our hearts.

In loving memory of Cynthia Feldberg, mother and nana. In loving memory of Joseph Feldberg, father and papa.

Elaine and Bob, Mike and Lacy, Sarah and Mark Planer, and Zack Feldberg To Bonnie and Neil Negrin, in honor of the birth of your grandson, Drew Strongin. Wishing you a Mazal Tov. Love, Lynn and Bob.

Bob and Lynn Sustak To Stephen Friedman in memory of your father, Ernie Friedman

Chuck and Marsha Bernstein In memory of Samuel Kaner. Honoring our father’s and grandfather’s memory, Samuel Kaner.

Forever in our hearts! Lovingly, Audrey and Howard Schemer, Rebecca and Brian

Howard and Audrey Schemer To Simone and Norman Marinoff in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of your grandson, Andrew Liban.

Mazal Tov. May your family go from strength to strength.

Jonathan and Maxine Schein To Lauren Smith in memory of Sheba Axelrod. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You were a great daughter.

Lynn Schimmel

Robert Klein Memorial Chesed Fund To Karen Needle in memory of your father, Charlie Jassen

Barry and Joyce Teitelman To Cliff and Loretta Weiss in memory of your beloved mother, Mildred Weiss. May her memory be a blessing.

Cheryl Hecht and Lenny Thurschwell In loving memory of our aunt, Edna Labert

Ken and Grace Graiser In memory of my dear husband, Manuel Fineman

Myra Fineman In memory of my beloved parents, Sylvia and Jack Schwartz

Phyllis Kent

PreSchool Playground fund James O. Stoney

College Connection Fund In memory of Carole and Irv Shapiro, parents of Adam Shapiro, on their yahrzeit

Adam and Saundi Shapiro In loving memory of our mother and grandmother, Joann Ziskend

Joe Ziskend and Family

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Kazer‑Lipson Library Fund In memory of Jacob Cohen

Beverly Cohen In honor of the Bat Mitzvah of our daughter, Rachel Givarz

Jay and Mimi Givarz To Stephen Friedman in memory of Ernie Friedman. Stephen, we are very sorry to learn of the passing of your father. I really enjoyed my time in Savannah getting to know him and your mother.

Ernie was a gentle soul and a true mensch.

His memory will bring you many blessings!

Jeffrey and Jessica Brown

Building Enhancement Fund To Stephen Friedman in memory of Erwin Friedman. Our deepest sympathies to Stephen and his family on the loss of their father and grandfather.

Ken and Eileen Schlenker In memory of my father, Martin Rivchun.

Love you and miss you.

Suzanne Rivchun

Wilensky Memorial Endowment Fund Happy Birthday to Destin Hersberg Happy Birthday to Grant Chernau Mazal Tov to Susan and Steve Szczupak on Max’s Bar Mitzvah Happy birthday to Harrison Miller

Frank and Barbara Wilensky

Social Action Fund Joe Freeman Lou and Helen Rosengarten To the Friedman Family in memory of Ernie Friedman. We are so sorry to hear of your loss.

Bob and Sheri Frohlich In memory of David Bodenstein

Steve Bodenstein

Bob Goldman Scholarship Fund In memory of Daniel Frankel

Jeff Frankel In memory of Daniel Frankel

Elyse and Frank Rubin

Sisterhood Endowment Fund To Judy and Paul Farber in memory of great aunt, Gertie Farber. We mourn the loss of your mother.

She was a great woman. She lived a long, wonderful life.

To Fern and Howard Farber in memory of great aunt, Gertie Farber. We mourn the loss of your mother. She was a great woman. She lived a long, wonderful life.

Jeff and Lauri Fellman

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Youth Scholarship Application The Youth Scholarship Fund provides funds, based on availability, to students whose families are members of Congregation Etz Chaim to participate in:

a. International USY Summer Programs and Nativ

b. Camp Ramah Darom (6th grade and above)

The deadline for submission of scholarship request forms shall be April 10th.

Funds Disbursement: Camp Ramah Darom and USY Summer Programs disbursements will be made directly to the Institution.

Criteria for Scholarship Eligibility

a. All youth scholarship recipients must be a member of one of Etz Chaim’s youth groups (USY or Kadima) and current in all obligations.

b. Students will be considered for scholarship based on: level of participation in the life of the congregation, including attendance at religious services, participation in volunteer and paid opportunities within our congregation that support synagogue youth programs and education, and leadership roles they play in Jewish youth groups or Jewish communal programs.

c. Scholarships are available for Camp Ramah beginning with sixth graders.

d. Your family must be considered “members in good standing” – synagogue dues are up to date.

To request a Youth Scholarship Application, contact Perry Birbrager, Youth Director, at perry@etzchaim.net or 770-973-0137

Bob Goldman Scholarship Fund Application Information This time of year, young members of Etz Chaim like you are considering Jewish-based learning experiences in Israel as well as other countries in Europe. Did you know that scholarships may be available for you? Review the criteria below to see if you qualify. If so, apply soon!

5. The program must take place in Israel or in the United States. Exceptions of program locale will be handled on a case by case basis with the Men’s Club Board.

A scholarship fund was established in honor of Bob Goldman, a dear member of Etz Chaim’s Men’s Club, to be used for the youth of our congregation.

He felt it was important to help the young members travel to Israel to study and take part in every-day Jewish life. Now may be the right time for you.

If so, the deadline to apply is May 1 and scholarships are limited.

Here are the criteria to be considered for the scholarship:

6. The applicant must provide a short essay that describes what he/she expects to gain from the program they will be attending. When providing the essay in the online form, be sure to save a copy of your essay on your local device before submitting your application.

7. Notice of acceptance from the program, including the program name and address, must accompany the application.

8. Scholarship applications can be obtained in the Administrative Office, Voice of Chaim newsletter, monthly mailings, or on the Congregation Etz Chaim website. NOTE: The preferred method is to apply online via the link below.

1. Parent(s) of the applicant must be in good standing of Congregation Etz Chaim in the year the application is received.

2. Applicant must be older than 15 years of age and younger than 23 years of age at the start time of the program they plan to attend.

3. To sustain the Scholarship fund endowment a student will not be permitted more than one lifetime award.

4. The applicant must be on a formal program, at least 28 days in length that is sponsored by one of the following organizations:

a. Congregation Etz Chaim

b. A recognized youth movement

c. A Jewish School

d. An Israeli University

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9. The applicant must provide an email address to facilitate timely communication.

So, here is the important website you need to go to for complete details and the application form. Remember to apply early.

Please visit our website at http://tinyurl.com/goldmanscholarship to apply and for additional information.

IF you have any questions about the program, contact Sam Roth at 404-317-5282.

The Voice of Chaim | April 2014

Diagnosing Autism The Autism Society of America defines autism as a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the United States, according to common statistics.

Autism affects people differently. Most signs become apparent between the ages of 2 and 6 years old, but some actually appear as young as 12 months. New research is promising to detect suspicion of autism in early infancy. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) lists some behaviors that might indicate a child has a form of autism: • Does not babble or coo by 12 months • Does not gesture (point, wave, grasp) by 12 months • Does not say single words by 16 months

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• Does not say two-word phrases on his or her own by 24 months As children get older, other signs become more obvious: • Lack of or delay in spoken language • Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects) • Little or no eye contact • Lack of interest in peer relationships • Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play • Persistent fixation on parts of objects Any of these signs merit further investigation by a pediatrician or specialist. Autism is treatable, and studies show early diagnosis and intervention can improve the outcome significantly.

For information about Autism Spectrum Testing Services, please call 770.677.9319 or email testing@jfcs-atlanta.org.

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Interior & Exterior Painting • Hardieplank® Siding Seamless Gutters & Gutter Helmet • Carpentry Window Replacement • Deck/Fence Refinishing

Quick, Personal Response • Free Estimates Licensed & Insured • Written Warranty Free Color Consulting on Complete Paint Job James Hardie® Siding Products Simonton Windows

770-642-7170 www.superiorpro.com Irwin Weitz 33

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Shalom J. Lewis, Rabbi Paul D. Kerbel, Rabbi Robert L. Bachrach Executive Director & COO Debbie Deutsch Education Director Perry Birbrager Youth Director Aram Blankenship Facilities Manager Su Berland Newsletter Production

visit our website www.etzchaim.net for the e-mails of our professional staff and lay leaders

Officers Cheryl Cohen-Miller President Todd Surden Executive VP John Flagel Chief Financial Officer Robin D. Brill Fundraising VP Allison Saffran Religion Co-VP David Wilson Religion Co-VP Jamie Lyons Education Co-VP David Levin Education Co-VP and Secretary Stacy Efrat Engagement Co-VP Joe Freeman Engagement Co-VP Scott Rittenberg Immediate Past President and Parliamentarian

Trustees

Nanci Aronstein Sheldon Berch Marsha Bernstein Larry Brown Adam Buxbaum Amy Charles Joe Cohen Mark Davison Linda Diamond Darin Dubovy Randy Figur Steven Flack Harris Fogel Stephanie Foster Barry Gang Nancy Gardner Denise Gelernter Mitchell Grey David Landau Lauren Levetan Leslie Lubell Norman Marinoff Frank Mobilio Dani Oren Gary Prager Ray Sonshein Ellen Spandorfer Josh Vexler Beth Weiss Tom Zack

Past Presidents

Scott Rittenberg Stephen Friedman Irwin Berman Bob Bachrach Judy Fineman Norman Radow Debbie Milstein Sue Rothstein David Witt Ken Schlenker George Pristach Richard Smith Allen Shulman Noah Levine Barry Forrest z”l David Tinkelman Ellis Abrams Stephen King

Organizations Lisa Flagel Erica Driver Sisterhood Co-Presidents Andy Becker Men’s Club President Josh Cohen USY President

Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills Parkway Marietta, GA 30068 Phone 770.973.0137 • Fax 770.977.0829 Religious School 770.977.4148 Preschool 770.977.3384 www.etzchaim.net Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

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Permit #433 Marietta, GA RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED