Issuu

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

August 2014 / Av - Elul 5774 / Volume 38, Issue 7 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 Yahrzeits page 20 Calendar page 21 Religious Corner page 25 Tzedakah page 28

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 | August 2014

From Rabbi Lewis

From Rabbi Kerbel

We live in a bubble and I make no apologies nor plan to puncture its delicate veneer. But is it an illusion? The cake eating residence of Marie Antoinette. But, perhaps, the larger question is where does reality reside – within or without? Pick up a paper, turn on the news and in every continent there are soaring numbers of refugees – not just folks fleeing Syria or Iraq or the Sudan but even on our own borders, just a short drive to a mall and McDonald’s. Drones target terrorists and terrorists behead and slaughter their way across the Levant. Young girls are kidnapped by Islamist monsters and threatened with slavery. China bullies Japan. Russia bullies Ukraine. Drug cartels paralyze Hispanic nations with endless bribes, chilling threats and appalling savagery. North Korea starves her citizens, saber rattles like a spoiled infant while lobbing ballistic missiles into the skies. Coups, counter coups and assassinations define much of today’s strategy and spirit. Our planet, every corner, is coming undone with a predictable fate of hopelessness, chaos, extinction for most. These are not revolutions of nobility but depravity and arrogance unleashed. And yet, many of us still cruise the Mediterranean, still make dinner reservations, still shop at Nordstrom, still run marathons, still audition a band for a simcha. The ‘stills’ we still do, luxuriant, routine and endless. Should we feel guilt? Discomfort? Should we throw our lot in with the suffering masses to show empathy? Surrender our lifestyle in solidarity? Are we the dream and they the nightmare or are we part of the same restless night? What should our behavior be when we live indulged and others endure horrific misfortune? Do we exit the bubble, and if so, what do we then do? Or is the bubble the envied Eden sought by those in exile from the garden? We do not make the healthy ill to cure the sick. We do not diminish liberty to make free the oppressed. We do not bring low the successful to raise up the broken. Many feel embarrassed by prosperity and bounty, even ashamed, though Judaism does not blush one crimson bit in the presence of good fortune. Indeed, with exquisite, uncompromising balance we are taught charity, compassion, responsibility and tears but also to be unashamed about enjoying life’s gifts. Misery is not celebrated. Poverty is not a goal. Our sages teach, indeed warn, that to subsist on crumbs in chilly darkness if one is capable of better is sinful. We can share but we also must spend. We can weep but we also must dance. We have earned the bubble. It is authentic as is the agony beyond. But let us not forget that the bubble is clear, divinely transparent for us to see beyond our opulent circumstances. Driven by what we observe, by our souls, by our deeds, perhaps some on the outside will enter the bubble. Let us party, but let us remember those who have no balloons.

What I Did During My Summer Vacation

– Rabbi Shalom Lewis

Generations of young people were asked by their Language Arts/English teacher to write an essay on “what you did during your summer vacation.” We can imagine family trips to a beach or mountain resort or Sea World or Disney World. Visits to the lake, fireworks and county fairs. Picking blueberries, drinking slurpees and eating home-made ice cream and fudge. My summer ‘vacation’ was given the name ‘sabbatical’ and thanks to our leadership and Rabbi Lewis, I was given the opportunity to spend two months in Israel allowing me to take time away from my duties to recharge my batteries but also to observe, study, learn, share and gain new perspectives that I could bring back to Etz Chaim. I will always remember these two months. Melissa and I arrived in Israel on the last Monday of April and I returned on June 30, three hours before the world was told that the bodies of Gilad, Naftali and Eyal, three Israeli teenagers who had been kidnapped, were found buried in a shallow grave near Hebron. In between, I visited Tel Aviv, Rehovot, Netanya, Haifa, Yokneam, the Dead Sea and the Golan Heights. I studied at the Conservative Yeshiva, Yad Vashem and Pardes Institute. I met Israeli writers and commentators Yossi Klein HaLevi, Danny Gordis and Gil Troy. I attended an international seminar on Anti-Semitism and was briefed on security in the Golan Heights. I studied with one of the Jewish world’s greatest historians, Yehudah Bauer, and conferred with educators at Yad Vashem and Hebrew University. I learned about graffiti art in South Tel Aviv, how to make pita from a Yemenite woman in Petach Tikvah and visited the newest Jewish National Fund park that is accessible to those with disabilities in Yokneam. While I was living in Israel, the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks failed, the Pope visited Israel, Palestinian Authority President proclaimed a unity government with Hamas, Egypt elected a new President, Israelis protested against the government about the economy, religion, the ultra-orthodox and whether supermarkets can open on Shabbat in Tel Aviv. While concerned by the many challenges Israel faces, I marveled at the spirit, the resiliency, the positive nature and sense of hope that pervades Israeli society. While I am very aware of the complexities of Israeli society, living there for two months allowed me to explore Israel a little further and a little deeper. I usually rush around Israel with a list of errands and things to look for and buy. My sabbatical allowed me to read every historical marker, linger at a meal, reconnect with old friends and take in the sights and sounds, the culture and rhthyms of Israeli life. I am so proud of what the Jewish people from over seventy different countries has created in the land of Israel over the past sixty-six years. Israel is not perfect. Every day I witnessed acts large and small that either inspired me or drove me crazy (like why do Israelis rush into the new Light Rail Train and leave no room for the people who want to get off the train to disembark?). Israel faces huge challenges on every level. And I am not sure that Israel’s government is always prepared to handle every challenge. But every day, I thank God for the blessing that is Israel – challenges and all. We are fortunate to witness the ingathering of our people to create a home in our own land. Everything else is commentary. – Rabbi Paul David Kerbel

The Voice of Chaim | August 2014

From Our President

From Our Youth Director

Happy Anniversary, Etz Chaim

Shalom Chaverim,

As I started to think about what I wanted to share in this article, I was in our second home in New Jersey without my computer. David and I spent the last week staying in my brother’s home for the third time this spring/summer as we worked with our contractor and his subs trying to rebuild our home after Hurricane Sandy made landfall in October 2012. Yes, this is a second home – one that we use as a rental property (as much as I would love to spend the whole summer at the Jersey shore near my family, it just isn’t a possibility) – but we do consider it our home, a home away from home. In my mind, I drew a parallel between our beach house and Etz Chaim, our spiritual home – both are a refuge from the daily grind. They are places we make a choice to have in our lives. We feel so fortunate and blessed to be able to have these special places and the people that are a part of them in our lives, our second homes – our homes away from home.

Welcome back to another exciting year in the Etz Chaim Youth Department! We are so thrilled to have everyone back and can’t wait for all of the amazing experiences and moments we will have together.

Next, I find myself with a two-hour wait in the International Terminal of Atlanta’s airport. I have flown in from New Jersey to meet Amanda who is returning from a leadership/service/language trip to Costa Rica. She is my youngest, my newest adventurer. Jessie has been overseas several times already and is in fact spending the summer working in Israel for her study abroad semester. I try to put words on paper, or at least type them into a word document, but I am too excited – I don’t want to miss seeing Amanda’s face as soon as she emerges from the terminal – and I am anxious as I dwell on my conversation with Jessie about the three young boys who were murdered in Israel, a country about the size of the state of New Jersey, so I know how close she is to where the boys were slain. Such a dichotomy of the heart, my heart aches for the families of these boys and is also filled with joy as I wait to hug my own daughter. I write nothing but I think about all of us as “Wandering Jews”. I think about our ancestors wandering in the desert for forty years, about the teen boys and my own children who are wandering in unknown parts, how travel abroad and to second homes is so much more common than when I was young. And I think about our Etz Chaim family, so many of us who are transplants from other parts of the country who have wandered to East Cobb to make our homes. So here I am again in my East Cobb kitchen, back from my recent wanderings, finally putting pen to paper as they would say in a previous generation. I think about how lucky I am to have my many places to call home and not to be wandering in a desert for 40 years. Which naturally brings me back to Etz Chaim and how blessed we all are as community to have our home away from home at Congregation Etz Chaim for the past 40 years. Yes, I did say 40 years – an interesting parallel to our ancestral wanderings. Founded in 1975, Etz Chaim will be celebrating 40 years in 2015 and we are looking forward to a year filled with Creating Meaningful Jewish Experiences as we reach this milestone anniversary. I hope that everyone will find something special to be a part of and enjoy as we try some new things, special Shabbats, different programs. The coming year will focus on all things that have been a part of our Etz Chaim home for the past 40 years and will culminate with our Annual Gala as we celebrate our past and look to our future. A few months ago I asked you in my article to “get engaged” with Etz Chaim and now I am looking forward to celebrating our 40th anniversary year with my Etz Chaim family. Come home to Etz Chaim, get engaged and be a part of this very special year. As always, if there is anything I can do to enhance your experience, please let me know and I will do my best. Happy 40th, Etz Chaim! – Cheryl Cohen-Miller

August brings a ton of excitement and fun for all ages. Please save the following dates on your calendars: Wednesday, August 13, from 6:30 – 9 p.m. USY Kick-off “Wacky” Sunday, August 17, at 12:30 p.m. Junior Kadima Mixers in the Annex Sunday, August 17, from 2:30 – 4 p.m. Kadima Kick-off in the Annex Wednesday, August 20, from 6:30 – 9 p.m. USY Mixers Wacky (Avi, Bryan, Melanie) Saturday, August 23-24, from 4 p.m. – 12 p.m. USY Camp Sababa in the Annex Sunday, August 24, at 12:30 p.m. Gesher Mixers in the Hammer-Chotiner-Tritt Social Hall We look forward to the fun and excitement ahead of us! Todah Rabah, – Perry Birbrager perry@etzchaim.net 770-833-3227

The Voice of Chaim | August 2014

Questions about purchasing a cemetery plot??? Call Bob Bachrach 770.973.0137

The Voice of Chaim | August 2014

Save the Date: Sunday, August 3

Sisterhood Ya-Yas “Music Wonderland” 5:00 p.m. at the School of Rock in Marietta.

Sunday, August 15

Shabbat in the Park (East Cobb Park) 5:00 p.m. Fun & Games 6:00 p.m. Dinner 6:45 p.m. Singing and Shabbat Service

Wednesday, August 27

Our Etz Chaim Community

Mazal Tov to…

Scott Lewin on the loss of his grandmother, Olga Saltzman, and Renee and Mark Kaplan on the birth to Sara and Alex Lewin on the loss of granddaughter, Blair Annabell of their great grandmother Shapiro, born on May 5 to Michele Carla Engel-Cook on the loss of and Stuart Shapiro her father, Herbert Engel Sally Greenstein, Lou Rosengarten, Faye Ellen Slutsky on the loss of Ken Graiser and Fran and Stan her mother, Sylvia Freedman Cooper Kaufman who were honored at the Weinstein Hospice Volunteer Appreciation Brunch on June 8

Thank You to Our Volunteers

Barbara and Bob Lehman on the birth of grandson Isaac Sebastian Gerry on June 26

Sisterhood Rosh Chodesh Services in the Chapel 7:00 a.m.

Arlene and Glenn La Vine and Gail and Frank Vexler on the upcoming marriage of their children, Shana and Josh

Sunday, September 7

Amanda and Joe Flaks on the birth of their daughter, Margot Abigail, on July 28

Mens Club Back to School/ Back to Shul Picnic (at the Annex) Noon - 2:30 p.m.

Condolences From Our Heart to...

Warren Kaplan on the loss of his father, Albert Kaplan, and to Emily, Carly and Sabrina Kaplan, on the loss of their grandfather Irv Greenspon on the loss of his sister, Leah Fink Eileen Cohen on the loss of her mother, Charlotte Berg

Sydney Cohen Tammy Cohen Lisa Flagel Adele Greenspon Sally Greenstein Michael Kaye Susan Kaye Abby Pollock Joan Rabin Helen Rosengarten Lou Rosengarten Linda Weinroth

Members on the Move… Ed and Lynn Fischler 2550 Akers Mill Road Apt. Q06 Atlanta, GA 30339 No landline. Lynn cell: 770-833-4401 Ed cell: 404-312-6094 Glynis and Elliot Okrent 2815 Sudbury Court Marietta, GA 30062

Welcome! New Members… Shelly and Evan Eisenstadt 6475 Chariot Street Atlanta, GA 30328 Evan: 404-558-6264 EvanEisenstadt@gmail.com Shelly: 404-518-5325 Shelbel715@gmail.com Matthew and Micah Gross 2327 Smoke Rise Court Marietta, GA 30062 Matthew: 770-355-2700 mattg510@gmail.com Micah: 770-891-2077 micahhgreen@gmail.com Elliot and Mallory Low 1132 Gables Drive Atlanta, GA 30319 Ph: (H) 770-598-6107 elliotlow82@gmail.com

New Emails…

John and Marylan Karp johnmarylank@gmail.com Valerie Polekoff vp558@outlook.com Beverly Barnhard bbarnhard7@gmail.com Brad Ross brad.ross57@gmail.com

The Voice of Chaim | August 2014

In respect of the Sabbath, we ask that if you must have your cell phone during services, it be turned off and not visible. 8

The Voice of Chaim | August 2014

A hearty Mazal Tov to these students celebrating their B’nai Mitzvah! Jordan Allan Mark will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on August 23, 2014 – 27 Av 5774. He is the son of Helaine and Lisa Mark. Jordan’s Bar Mitzvah parasha is Re’eh. He is a 7th grader at Marietta Middle School. Jordan has been a student in Etz Chaim’s Religious School for 7 years and attended our Preschool for 1 year. His hobbies and interests include Astrophysics, kayaking, finger-knitting and creating survival bracelets. Jordan’s D’var Torah quote is “You shall bring everyone in your community, including those who do not possess any belongings, and you shall rejoice in front of Adonai, your God… You shall give back, according to what you can, from what God has given you.” For Jordan’s mitzvah project, he hand-made paracord survival bracelets and dog collars, as well as finger-knit scarves, all of which he sold to benefit a no-kill animal shelter, as well as to support Alzheimer’s research. He also visited residents who have Alzheimer’s Disease in nursing homes, including the Jewish Home. David Foster Medof will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on August 30, 2014 – 4 Elul 5774. He is the son of Alli and Billy Medof. David’s Bar Mitzvah parasha is Shoftim. He is an 8th grader at Hightower Trail Middle School. David has been a student in Etz Chaim’s Religious School for 8 years and attended our Preschool for 4 years. His hobbies and interests include pro-Israel advocacy, space travel and basketball.

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 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.

David’s D’var Torah quote is one of the most famous passages in the Torah – “Justice, justice, shall you pursue, so that you will live and inherit the land which God gives you.” Note the word “pursue,” putting the onus on us to actively seek justice for others, not just passively wait for the unjust world to impact us personally. For David’s mitzvah project, through the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous, he is supporting Risa Pisareva of Kropotkin, Russia, a non-Jew, who during the Holocaust hid two children, her Jewish classmates, throughout the war, forging documents that allowed them to elude capture. Risa, now in her 80’s, still lives in Kropotkin.

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

The Voice of Chaim | August 2014

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: Erica Driver 678-643-1991 drivererica@comcast.net or Linda Berch 678-357-1005 cajunlin47@gmail.com

The Sisterhood Scoop We hope you had a wonderful summer and that the kids are ready to go back to school. To celebrate, we’re having a month-long “Back-to Shul” special at our Judaica & Gifts Shop (see ad on page 8). We’re also gearing up for the High Holidays with our Greeting & Yizkor Books, so If you haven’t placed your ads, you’ll want to get a jump on that (see instructions on page 17). We are excited to invite each of you to set sail with us at our Sisterhood Kickoff on Sunday, September 7. This year’s theme is “Cruizin’, Boozin’ & Schmoozin’ with Sisterhood” and will include many of the things you typically see on a cruise ship or at ports of call – all with a Sisterhood flair. Come to catch up with old friends and make some new ones! Our Sisterhood Ya-Yas are planning an amazing “Music Wonderland” for Sunday, August 3, at 5:00 p.m. at the School of Rock in Marietta. It promises to be a night of food, drink, dancing and karaoke (read your E-blasts). The cost is $18/person in advance or $20 at the door. If you’re an empty-nester and not receiving information about the Ya-Yas, please contact Cindee Sapoznik at cindeespartees@gmail.com. Most of what we do as Sisterhood members is joyful and happy, but occasionally we hear something that moves us to action. This summer we learned of the brutal kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teens and it struck us at the core of our being. We were angered by the thought that these monsters could do this in our homeland. We were sickened by the idea that this could happen to any of our own children making pilgrimage or living in Israel. And we were deeply saddened by all of the experiences that these boys and their families will never have the opportunity to enjoy. We cannot forget about Naftali Frenkel, Gilad Shaar, and Eyal Yifrach and should not let them fade away with yesterday’s news. As we approach the High Holidays, we challenge you to think of meaningful and impactful ways to send a clear message to the world that we will not stand idly by while our Jewish children are plucked from the streets of Israel. Think about what we can do as women, as mothers and as a Sisterhood. Erica & Linda Sisterhood would be nothing without YOU! Your volunteerism and participation is essential to the success of our programs. Please look for the sign-up sheets at kickoff or contact one of us directly if you can spare a few hours of your time.

Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook or at etzchaim.net

Anyone wishing an Aliyah should contact Bob Frohlich at bobfrohlich1@gmail.com or 770-579-1752 ATTENTION ETZ CHAIM MEMBERS If you are planning to be away for an extended amount of time, please inform the office.

The Voice of Chaim | August 2014

Men’s Club Notes Your Men’s Club Presidents hope everyone is enjoying the summer. Your Men’s Club is still busy and engaged over the summer months as we prepare for another round of great events, speakers and of course the Best Breakfast in Town™. We have several events planned for the August to December timeframe. Here are some of the events under consideration or already planned: August 15 Men’s Club will be the “CHEFS” at the Etz Chaim Membership Committee SHABBAT IN THE PARK September 7

Men’s Club will host our famous Back to Shul Picnic

September 21

Men’s Club Breakfast with a special speaker

October 14

Steak & Scotch in the Sukkah

October 26

Men’s Club Breakfast and Football: Atlanta Falcons vs. Detroit Lions

October 27

The first Men’s Club Mar-Cheshvan morning minyan

November 16

Thanksgiving Turkey Shoot

December 14

Men’s Club Breakfast and Jewish Film Festival Preview

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

Our Vice President of Programming, Jay Givarz, along with Henry Levine, have been working on a new program, “Career Change and Job Seekers’ Support Group”. At the time of writing this article, they just concluded their 4th simultaneous week of Monday morning sessions. Men’s Club was honored with a full page article last week in the Atlanta Jewish Times about this program. The attendance has been growing weekly and is definitely reaching out to both men and women in our community to help them with peer and professional support as they go through change in their work lives. If you have any questions or would like to participate please contact Jay, Henry or Andy for additional information. We remain the largest, most active and award winning FJMC club in the Southeast Region. If you haven’t had the opportunity to participate in one of our events, please plan to do so as we begin again in August. We are always looking for our membership to become more involved, so contact Steve or Andy if you have an interest. Shalom! Andy Becker, Co-President Steve Krodman, Co-President abecker73@gmail.com elisson1@aol.com Come out and enjoy Your Men’s Club!

• 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 Steve Krodman at elisson1@aol.com 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.

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

The Voice of Chaim | August 2014

Prime Timers – A USCJ Chapter of Hazak

Something fun for everyone!

Sunday, August 24 – Brunch in a Clubhouse (An Evite will be sent out with the address/time) SAVE THESE DATES: Saturday evening, November 22 Square Dancing and Snacks Hammer-Chottiner-Tritt Social Hall at Etz Chaim Saturday evening, January 10, 2015 Bowling evening (will end early enough for a late meal at the Marietta Diner) Sunday, March 15 Leo Frank Exhibit at The Breman Museum 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

The Voice of Chaim | August 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 a fruit 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 Cindy Lewis at 770-977-0240, Wendy Feinberg at 770-973-1217, or Julie Kleinman at 770-992-1231.

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.

August Yahrzeits

Memorialize a loved one with a Brick in our Holocaust Garden or a Plaque on our Yahrzeit wall. For information, please contact the synagogue office. August 1 August 1 *August 1 *August 1 August 1 August 1 August 2 August 2 August 2 August 2 August 2 *August 3 August 3 August 4 August 5 *August 5 August 5 *August 5 August 5 August 5 *August 5 *August 5 August 5 August 5 August 6 August 6 August 7 August 7 August 7 August 7 August 7 August 8 August 8 August 8 August 8 August 8 *August 8 August 9 August 9 August 9 August 9 August 10 August 10 August 10 August 10 *August 11 August 11 August 11 *August 11 *August 11 August 11 *August 12 August 13 *August 13 August 13 August 13 August 13 *August 14 August 14 August 14 August 14 August 14 August 14 August 15

Ruth Epstein Charlotte Kramer Sylvia Pomerantz Eleanor M. Cohen Rosie Riesenberg Louis Pollack Lena Simon Lewis Krosner Mollie Lande Louis Witt Abe Berman Pearl Stickgold Angela Sternberg Leslie Reicher Edith Davis Frank Isaacs Joseph Smith Susan Altfeder Phillip Kaplan Lois Cohen Debra Bernes Anna Rosenberg Ida Seifert Bella Lazerson Ella Field Nancy Wetstone Nathan Heller Mose Taffel Aline Harris Roselle Lewis Max Weinstock Anita Lichter Harry Diamond Edward Kappelman Barbara Lightstone Edna Brown Stephen Renyi Stanley H. Levine Abraham Goldstein Hilda Kurtz Gertrude Frost Jane Cohen Hajia Vaisenberg Raymond Kahn Martin Weiss Morris Elkan Percy Smith Minnie Seidman Harry Cohen Rueven Wollner Marc Elkan Dr. Jerome B. Cohen Joe Brown Isaac Haskel Koenig Joe Brown Patsy Printz Harry Crystal Mary Safran Joseph Rosenberg Sylvia Blumenstein Seymour Sklar Mitchell Bierman Abe Schultz Elaine Pollock

5 Av 5 Av 5 Av 5 Av 5 Av 5 Av 6 Av 6 Av 6 Av 6 Av 6 Av 7 Av 7 Av 8 Av 9 Av 9 Av 9 Av 9 Av 9 Av 9 Av 9 Av 9 Av 9 Av 9 Av 10 Av 10 Av 11 Av 11 Av 11 Av 11 Av 11 Av 12 Av 12 Av 12 Av 12 Av 12 Av 12 Av 13 Av 13 Av 13 Av 13 Av 14 Av 14 Av 14 Av 14 Av 15 Av 15 Av 15 Av 15 Av 15 Av 15 Av 16 Av 17 Av 17 Av 17 Av 17 Av 17 Av 18 Av 18 Av 18 Av 18 Av 18 Av 18 Av 19 Av

August 15 August15 August 16 August 16 August 16 *August 17 August 17 August 17 August 17 August 18 August 18 August 18 August 18 August 19 August 19 August 19 August 19 August 20 *August 20 August 20 *August 21 August 22 August 22 August 22 August 22 *August 22 August 23 August 23 August 23 August 23 *August 24 August 24 August 24 August 25 August 25 August 25 *August 25 August 25 August 25 August 25 August 26 August 26 August 26 August 26 August 26 *August 27 August 27 August 27 August 27 August 28 August 28 *August 28 *August 28 August 29 August 29 *August 29 August 30 August 30 August 30 August 31 August 31 *August 31 August 31

Jane Shilling 19 Av Dora Weinstock 19 Av Morris Potler 20 Av Dorothy Rifkin 20 Av Harold Sperling 20 Av Rosalind Schwartz 21 Av Max Rabin 21 Av Morris Katz 21 Av Harold Cohen 21 Av Ernest Singer 22 Av Margie Becker 22 Av Jack Blum 22 Av Sadie Simon 22 Av Ethel Cohen 23 Av Samuel Lebow 23 Av Mac Blatt 23 Av Sam Goodman 23 Av Susan Goldberg 24 Av Janice Hiller 24 Av Samuel Rifkin 24 Av Adolph Kronberger 25 Av Pauline Cohn 26 Av Henrietta Brooks 26 Av Millie Stern 26 Av Robert Felson 26 Av Jacob Friedman 26 Av Sidney Levy 27 Av Seymour Bessen 27 Av Doris Rosenblatt 27 Av Phillip Bass 27 Av Charles Hirsch 28 Av Mordechai Sternberg 28 Av Lena Frank 28 Av Irving Feld 29 Av Zina Kayne 29 Av Clarence Feuer 29 Av Ruth Bodzy 29 Av George Cohen 29 Av Herman Grossman 29 Av Ruth Kroll 29 Av Esther Schrage 30 Av Lillian Spiselman 30 Av Helen Waxman 30 Av Abraham Etscovitz 30 Av William Kurtz 30 Av Martin Sussman 1 Elul Benjamin Spelfogel 1 Elul Regina Isenberg 1 Elul Lila Kaplan 1 Elul Eleanor Mendel 2 Elul Daniel Sterling 2 Elul Judge Raymond Levith 2 Elul Rafael Fruchter 2 Elul Louis Chesin 3 Elul Rae May 3 Elul Rochelle Perlow 3 Elul Judy Himelfarb 4 Elul Jerome Young 4 Elul Frank Ptashkin 4 Elul Rebecca Levy 5 Elul Melvin Piel 5 Elul Harry King 5 Elul Simon Zimmerman 5 Elul

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

The Voice of Chaim | August 2014

ETZ CHAIM LIBRARY NEWS The summer is winding down and the High Holidays will be here before you know it. The Etz Chaim Library has a variety of books you can borrow to help you get into a spiritual mindset for the upcoming holidays. Here are a few of our inspiring titles: Rosh Hashanah Readings: Inspiration, Information, Contemplation edited by Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins. This is a powerful collection of writings that will add depth and holiness to your experience of the New Year. Discover new ways to connect to the Rosh Hashanah prayers. We have Sinned: Sin and Confession in Judaism. A fascinating look at sin, confession and pardon in Judaism by a variety of contributors. This book will give you a thoughtful, insightful preparation for the High Holidays. Making Prayer Real: Leading Jewish Spiritual Voices on Why Prayer is Difficult and What to Do about It by Rabbi Mike Comins. This is a powerful book about what it means to pray and how to rediscover meaning in the traditional prayer book. Follow the directions on the wall near the book return basket in the Library to self-check out books. Stay tuned next month for some great holiday books to read with your children!

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.

The Voice of Chaim | August 2014

New Faces at Etz Chaim Congregation Etz Chaim (aka CEC) happily welcomes Sharon and Brian Misnuner and their son, Aiden, to our family of friends. The Misnuners, who live in the Princeton West subdivision, moved to East Cobb for our good public schools, and they joined CEC because our shul gave them that “neighborhood” feeling they were also seeking. Sharon hails originally from New York, and Brian is from South Africa. The couple met here in GA. Brian is into kayaking, and Sharon enjoys scuba diving. Aiden is a rising 4th grade student at both Eastside Elementary and our Hebrew School, and he likes spending his spare time swimming, ice skating, and playing video games. For family fun, the Misnuners like to travel. We’re certainly glad they traveled to us and joined our Etz Chaim mishpocha! Congregation Etz Chaim is happy to welcome another young family to our mishpocha. They are Dr. Adam and Stacey Warshowsky and their children, Marley (age 8) and Logan (age 5). Adam, who was born and raised in New York, is a neuropsychologist, and Stacey, also a native New Yorker, is a social worker. Presently, while Stacey is getting her Georgia LCSW credentials in order, she is full-time mom, Sisterhood Ways & Means VP, and a member of the Social Action Committee of our Religious School…pretty amazing, as the family joined us only last October! The Warshowsky family is, indeed, a very active bunch; Stacey and Adam both love to work out, and both kiddos love to horseback ride and swim. In addition, Marley plays tennis, and Logan takes Karate. While school is in session, both children attend our Religious School and Rocky Mt. Elementary School, as the family lives in the Devon Oaks subdivision in the Lassiter district. So, there you have it! Again, we’re so glad that the Warshowskys have begun to call the Etz their second home…welcome, y’all! Congregation Etz Chaim (CEC) also happily welcomes Shelly and Evan Eisenstadt to our family of friends. The newlyweds (married April 27, 2014), live in a town home in Sandy Springs. Shelly, a proud graduate of UGA, is the social worker at The Jewish Home, and she loves her job! Evan, a Georgia Tech alum, is a project manager at Delta. The couple met through a mutual friend. Evan loves playing all sports and is an excellent bowler. Both he and Shelly like Pilates and enjoy exercising together. And, if all of that doesn’t keep them busy enough, the couple has a dog, Lily, a Golden-doodle, with whom they spend lots of time walking, hiking, and playing. We know that Shelly’s parents, CEC members Steve and Linda Horovitz, are thrilled that their kids have joined/rejoined our mishpocha, and the rest of us are glad they’ve “come home,” too! Congregation Etz Chaim happily welcomes Dr. James and Marla Zackheim to our family of friends. James, a native Londoner, is a neuroscientist, and Marla, a New Yorker and former fashion accessory “fashionista”, is the stay-at-home mom of Morgan (age 6) and Joshua (age 2). The family joined our shul, thanks to the excellent experience that Morgan had last year in our Religious School, and also because of Debbie Deutsch (thanks, again, Debbie!!), and feeling so at home having Joshie in the preschool. Morgan will continue in the program with us, and Joshie will be a Ladybug in our preschool program this coming school year. The Zackheim family lives in the Chatsworth subdivision in Roswell. They love to travel, and they also enjoy the beach and playing tennis. Morgan loves swimming and dancing, and Joshie, aka the “vilda chaya”, just “makes us all crazy,” says Marla, with a laugh! Welcome, folks! We’re so happy that you joined our mishpocha, here at the Etz!!

Do you have a simcha you would like to share in the Atlanta Jewish Times? If so, here is the URL to go directly to the Tell & Kvell page: http://atlantajewishtimes.com/submit-your-simcha-announcement/

The Voice of Chaim | August 2014

Tzedakah | vesm Contributions received from May 6 – July 7, 2014 General Fund In loving memory of my mother, Hilda Sopher, on her yahrzeit

Albert Sopher In memory of my parents, Suzanne and Stanley Levine, on their yahrzeits

Amy Levine Samuels In memory of Howard Goldman on his yahrzeit

Art and Liz Cohen In memory of Lucille O. Ray. We love you and miss you still.

Ellen, Billy, Mel and Josh Balser In memory of Richard “Cupper” Eppsteiner on his fourth yahrzeit

David and Cheryl Eppsteiner In honor of Mayer Smith’s 90th birthday

Don and Judith Kaye In memory of Laura Chartash

Donna Chartash In memory of Mose Siskin on his yahrzeit

Ellen Weinberger To Laurie Lavinsky and family in loving memory of your mother and grandmother, Ellen Rosenzweig

Frank and Nancy Shuster In loving memory of my father, Sidney Shuster

Frank Shuster To Stephen Friedman, in memory of your father, Ernie Friedman

Harris and Stacye Fogel In memory of my beloved husband, Daniel Goldman, on his yahrzeit

Jeanne Goldman In memory of my father, Marvin Berk

Judy Schancupp In memory of Barbara Goodman on her yahrzeit

Kent Goodman In memory of Marc Ebel

Lynn Sustak In memory of Samuel Cohen on his yahrzeit

Martin Cohen Wishing a speedy recovery to Shelley Brodsky! Much love, Shelly and Michael

Michael and Shelly Reiner To Carol Kent in memory of her sister Sandra Krales

Phyllis Kent In loving memory of our father and grandfather, Richard Feibel

Ron and Karen Feibel To Adele and Irv Greenspon in memory of Leah Fink. May the memories of your sister bring you much comfort in this time of sorrow.

Sam and Lisa Olens In memory of my beloved mother, Pauline Kahn

Shelley Reiner In loving memory of Faye and Morris Hollander

In honor of Sally Ledbetter. Congratulations on your retirement. Thank you for everything you have done through the years for us all.

Steve and Joanie King In memory of Anita and Julian Lichter

Sheri Schwartz For the Chapel Renovation

Debby and Stephen Dix

Rabbi Lewis Discretionary Fund To Mr. and Mrs. Rob Thaler in memory of Phyllis Thaler. Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother and grandmother.

Allan and Vivian Levine In memory of Louis Coltman. Another year has gone by.

Barney Coltman To Carole and Joe Sterling in loving memory on Daniel Sterling’s birthday

Betty Sterling In memory of my beloved father, Bernard Brown

Connie Glaser In memory of Ida Kaplowitz

David Kaye In loving memory of our mom and gammy, Florence Stiller

Ellen Jarrett In memory of Lloyd Goldsmith

Jeff and Alisa Unger In memory of Isaac Algranati In memory of David and Diane Albeldas

Judith Algranati In memory of Philip Sultzer, loving husband, father and grandfather. Love, Leila, Pam, and Stacy’s families.

Leila Sultzer In memory of Edythe Simon

Lenny and Jane Simon In appreciation of Maxine Schein with deepest thanks for the nourishing soups. It is more help than you can know. I appreciate you!

Marcy Graiser In loving memory of my husband, Irv Sonshein

Margie Sonshein In memory of Irving Sonshein

Mark and Julie Schlosberg In loving memory of my grandmother, Mollie Turk

Marty and Donna Bierman In memory of our beloved mother and grandmother, “MAW,” Alice Taffel Tenenbaum. Love, Marty, Myles and Melissa, Alison and Marc

Marty Taffel and Family In memory of Helen Breier

Murray and Ellie Breier In memory of David Negrin

Rhea Negrin

Rabbi Lewis, Thank you for your help at our grandmother, Olga Saltzman’s shivah, but also thanks for your friendship all these years. Bubby really liked you, was always happy to see you and have a visit on Shabbat. Sincerely,

The Lewin Family In honor of Shavuot

Sherry Adams In memory of my father, Moshe Welt, on his yahrzeit

Sophia Becker In memory of Allen E. Schwartz, on his yahrzeit

Steve and Eydie Koonin In memory of Y’vonne Miller

Terri Rakusin In memory of our beloved parents, Abe and Edith Glaser

Tom and Connie Glaser

Rabbi Lewis Endowment fund In memory of Mania Gontmakher. Every time I find more and more wisdom that you had. You were a role model for me as a mom and wife. Miss you so much. In memory of Feiga Sushik. You will always be in our memories as a loving person, not only for us but for others. Thank you for all your sacrifices that you made for your son. We appreciate it more and more.

Galina and Marat Barshay and Family In memory of Max Unger

Jeff and Alisa Unger In honor of Rabbi Lewis for his support and guidance during our daughter’s Bat Mitzvah preparations

The Pransky Family

Rabbi Kerbel Discretionary Fund In memory of Vera Lyons

David and Myrna Lyons In memory of Samuel Cohen

Lawrence Cohen In memory of Irving Sonshein

Mark and Julie Schlosberg To Jeff Brown and family in memory of Judith Brown. May the memory of your beloved mom be a comfort to you now and always.

Reid and Larisa Pearlman Rabbi Kerbel, Your words were so comforting at our grandmother, Olga Saltzman’s shivah. It was a lovely service. Just like at our father (grandfather), Stanley Simon’s funeral, you were respectful and caring. We appreciate all you do. Fondly,

The Lewin Family In memory of Kalman Becker and Netty Becker, on their yahrzeits

Sophia Becker

Stan and Bobbie Hollander In loving memory of Bassie and Salomon Kron

Stan and Bobbie Hollander Continues on page 29

The Voice of Chaim | August 2014

Tzedakah | vesm Contributions received from May 6 – July 7, 2014 Continued from page 28

Linda H. Weinroth Education Fund To Pam and Joe Ziskend in honor of Sarah’s wedding. Mazal tov and wishing Sarah many years of happiness.

Chuck and Marsha Bernstein Mazal tov to Pam and Joe Ziskend and family on Sarah’s marriage to Alex. Wish we could have been there to celebrate and dance with you at this wonderful simcha!

David and Elyse Shaw In memory of my father, Victor Silbert, on his yahrzeit

Ellen Chalef In memory of our beloved father and grandfather, Marc Sheinbein. Love, Amy, Evan, Madelyn, Hannah and Aidan

Evan and Amy Charles and Family Wishing Ken Schlenker a speedy and complete recovery. Hopefully, there’ll be no more rods for you! Wishing Josh Vexler a speedy and complete recovery. We’re so glad to see your progress thus far, and that you’re happily “on the mend”! Love, Arlene and Glenn To Irv Greenspon and family in loving memory of your sister and aunt, Leah Fink. May remembering all of your good times together help you through this difficult time of loss. Sincerely, Arlene and Glenn

Glenn and Arlene La Vine In honor of Alli Medof. Please accept our heartfelt thanks for your help facilitating our Lassiter group.

Glenn and Marla Zimmerman To Linda and Michael Weinroth, congratulations on the Holocaust legacy you created in Blue Ridge.

Harris and Stacye Fogel In loving memory of our wonderful mother and grandmother, Alice Kopen, on the 1st anniversary of her yahrzeit

Jay and Robin Brodsky In memory of Phyllis Thaler

Jeff and Traci Flome To Pam and Joe Ziskend in honor of the wedding of Sarah and Alex. Mazel tov. May their lives be filled with love and laughter.

Jonathan and Maxine Schein In memory of Sara Heller on her yahrzeit

Lou and Fern Heller In loving memory of Michael’s father, Saul Shapow, on his yahrzeit. You are always in our thoughts, Dad. In loving memory of our dear cousin, Claire Nichols, during her yahrzeit and unveiling

Mike and Elaine Shapow In honor of Mika Struhl and Tessa Struhl on their b’not mitzvah. Congratulations on your Bat Mitzvah milestone. We wish you the best with all your future endeavors.

Sam and Bonnie Roth

In memory of Sanford S. Juntoff

Steve and Helen Ehrlich In honor of Risa Mendelson for doing an outstanding job of tutoring and preparing our daughter for her Bat Mitzvah

The Pransky Family

Robert Klein Memorial Chesed Fund In loving memory of our dear father, Howard Levy

Barney and Ellen Epstein Wishing Shelley Brodsky a speedy recovery In honor of Sally Ledbetter. Thank you for your service and dedication to Etz Chaim over the last 30 years To Laurie Lavinsky in memory of your mother, Ellen Rosenzweig

Barry and Joyce Teitelman In honor of Shelley Brodsky. Wishing you a speedy recovery. In honor of Sally Ledbetter for all her years of dedication to Congregation Etz Chaim In honor of Iris Bachenheimer. Wishing you a quick and easy recovery. In honor of the birth of Isaac Gerry, grandson of Barbara and Bob Lehman. Mazal tov.

Bob and Lynn Sustak In loving memory of Laurie Lavinsky’s mother, Ellen Rosenzweig

Jill and Mark Rosner and Family In memory of our dear mother, Sylvia Schulberg

Ken and Grace Graiser In memory of Fritz Eden, our beloved father, grandfather and great‑grandfather. The Kings, Colemans, and the Thalers

Steve and Joanie King

Youth Fund In memory of Carole Platt. Bubbe, you are with us in our hearts now and always. Love, Ian, Laura, Alex and Noah

Laura Blaskett and Ian Platt and Family

Youth Scholarship Fund To Fran and Stan Kaufman, mazel tov on Maddux’s Bar Mitzvah.

Marvin and Lois Chesin In memory of my mother, Bea Stadtler, on her yahrzeit

Miriam Rosenbaum In honor of Mayer Smith’s 90th birthday. Mazal tov on your 90th birthday. Ad me’ah v’esrim.

Rabbi Paul and Melissa Kerbel In honor of Maddux Kaufman. Mazal tov on the occasion of your Bar Mitzvah.

Stan and Judy Fineman Wishing a speedy recovery to Norman Radow. Glad to hear you are on the mend! You are in our thoughts.

Radow Youth Scholarship Endowment fund Wishing Norman Radow a speedy and complete recovery

Louis and Rae Weintraub

Preschool Fund In honor of Sally Ledbetter. Be happy in your retirement. My best wishes to you always. To Rabbi Tom and Marilyn Liebschutz, mazel tov on the B’nai Mitzvah of your grandsons, Benjamin, Jacob and Samuel. Continued nachas always.

Chelo Saruk In loving memory of my parents, Anne and Eddie Leonard

Noah and Berna Levine

PreSchool Playground fund Marsha and Chuck Bernstein Marla and James Zackheim Mindy Elkan In memory of Audrey Cohen and Howard Goldman

Art and Liz Cohen In memory of Jack “Yankel” Kirshstein

Bob and Karen Schultz To Irv Greenspon and family in memory of your beloved sister, Leah, with sincere condolences. To Fran and Stan Kaufman in honor of your grandson Maddux’s Bar Mitzvah. Mazal tov and much nachas always.

Chelo Saruk In honor of Rabbi Kerbel. Thank you for your support during our father’s brief illness and passing. We appreciate all you did and do for us.

Edye Mahaffey, Staci Berch and Holli Hirsch To Steve Krodman and family, our deepest condolences on the loss of your father, Eli. We know he was a great source of joy, inspiration and humor to you and your family. May his memories bring you comfort and smiles. To Laurie Lavinsky, our sincere condolences on the loss of your dear mother, Ellen Rosenzweig. May your memories be sweet and bring you comfort. To Stephen Friedman and family, our sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved father, Ernie. May his memories bring you comfort and smiles. To Marsha Kummins on your marriage to Jack Conner. Mazal tov, sweetie! You deserve so much joy and happiness and we are so thrilled for you! To Marsha Conner and family, mazal tov on the birth of your sweet little guy, Tanner Froy. We know he will light up the world for Courtney, Brian, Carson and all of your family. Enjoy the giggles, snuggles and fun!

Hank and Karen Needle

Susan and Steve Pepper Continues on page 30

The Voice of Chaim | August 2014

Tzedakah | vesm Contributions received from May 6 – July 7, 2014 Continued from page 29 To Irv Greenspon, our deepest condolences to you at this sad time Mazal tov to Fran and Stan Kaufman on your grandson Maddux’s becoming aBar Mitzvah

Ken and Ruth Lewis In honor of Mayer Smith on his 90th birthday In memory of Leah Fink, sister of Irv Greenspon

Lou and Helen Rosengarten To Sydelle and Irwin Silberman, mazal tov on the Bat Mitzvah of your granddaughter, Sydney To Irv Greenspon in memory of your beloved sister, Leah Fink Mazal tov to Fran and Stan Kaufman on your grandson Maddux’s becoming a Bar Mitzvah

Mishpocha Chavurah In memory of my parents, Louis and Lillian Cohen

Sally Greenstein

College Connection Fund To Warren Kaplan and family in memory of Albert Kaplan, with our deepest sympathy

Elaine and Jay Schwartz and Family In memory of Samantha Fagin

Jim and Mindy Intner To Annette and Stephen Friedman, in loving memory of Ernie Friedman, beloved father of Stephen. May his memory always be a blessing to you and may the sound of the ocean give you comfort.

Yaron and Robin Brill

Phillip Michael Silverman Memorial Endowment To Adele and Irv Greenspon in memory of your sister, Leah Fink. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Mazal tov to Gail and Mark Rudel in honor of your son Steven’s wedding

Alan and Bonnie Silverman In memory of your dear father, Lawrence Fields To Larry Frank in honor of your 80th birthday! Congratulations! Have many more healthy, happy birthdays.

Bob and Eileen Silverman In memory of Eva and Louis Vilensky on their yahrzeits

Bobbi Shams In honor of Bob and Eileen Silverman. Mazal Tov to you on your 60th wedding anniversary, on June 13, 2014! You are both amazing. We love you. Bonnie, Alan and Laura

Bonnie and Alan Silverman and Family In memory of our mom and grandma, Barbara Millman, on her yahrzeit. We love and miss you every day.

Jo Ellen Levy In honor of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Silverman, on their 60th wedding anniversary

Judy and Cary Silverman

In honor of Eileen and Bob Silverman’s 60th anniversary! We wish you a fantastic celebration. We love you and miss you! With all our love, Kathi, Rick, Brandon and Jeremy

Kathi and Rick Silverman In memory of Ralph Sarlin, a beloved daddy, father‑in‑law, and grandana. We miss you. Love, Janet, Lewis, Miles and Hillary

Lewis and Janet Duncan To Cliff Weiss in memory of your mother, Millie Weiss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. To Stephen Friedman in memory of your father, Ernie Friedman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Marvin and Bobbi Shams In memory of Sylvia and Solomon Shams on their yahrzeits

Marvin Shams

Cynthia R. Freeman Memorial Endowment fund In loving memory of my father, Morris Steiner. I miss you always. Wishing a complete and speedy recovery to Shirley Brickman

Alan and Lisa Freeman Wishing a speedy recovery to Ellen Ullman. We love you! Bryan, Jill, Drew and Jacob

Bryan and Jill Ullman In honor of Joe Freeman. Mazal tov on winning the Corporate Counsel Award for Lifetime Achievement. We are all so proud! Felicia, Warren, Arielle, Jordy and Jake Berne To Amy and Warren Kaplan in memory of Albert Kaplan. May your wonderful memories of your father and grandfather bring you comfort during this difficult time. Lots of love to all of you. Felicia, Warren, Arielle, Jordy and Jake In honor of Sally Ledbetter. Congratulations on your retirement! You have truly given so much to our shul through the years. Your warm and beautiful smile have welcomed so many people and made us all feel special. We will miss you. Love, Felicia, Warren, Arielle, Jordy and Jake Berne

Felicia and Warren Berne and Family In memory of my mother, Joan Slovin, on her yahrzeit. I love and miss you always.

Jill Ullman Wishing a speedy recovery to Ellen Ullman

Kevin and Debbie Robbins In honor of Joe Freeman on being given the Lifetime Achievement Award for Corporate Counsel

Shirley and Perry Brickman

Morris Frank Sacred Text Fund In honor of Sally Ledbetter. Congratulations on your retirement. I will miss you.

Candy Frank

In loving memory of Steve Friedberg’s mother, Sylvia Friedberg

Candy Frank and Family In memory of my mother, Frieda Barnett Davis

Fred Davis In memory of my mother, Ericka Glancz, on her yahrzeit

Gary Glancz In memory of my beloved father, Louis Silverberg

Sheila Blatt To Irv Greenspon, our sincerest condolences on the passing of your beloved sister, Leah Fink. May her memory be a blessing.

Stan and Bobbie Hollander In memory of Leah Fink, sister of Irv Greenspon. May her memory be a blessing.

Stan and Fran Kaufman To Steve Krodman in memory of your beloved father, Eli Krodman

Stefan and Pam Pollack To Steven Krodman in loving memory of your father, Eli Krodman

Steven and Esther Low

Kazer‑Lipson Library Fund In memory of Isadore Cohn might be right just checking

Beverly Cohen In honor of Su Berland. Sisterhood appreciates you!! In honor of Susan Eckert. Sisterhood appreciates you!!

Cheryl Beer To Su Berland, thank you for all that you’ve done for the book club. To Susan Eckert, thank you for all you’ve done for the book club

Denise Tischler Many thanks to Susan Eckert for all you have done for the Book Club Many thanks to Su Berland for all you do for the Book Club

Donna Bierman In honor of Su Berland’s leadership of the Sisterhood Book Club

Etz Chaim Sisterhood In honor of Su Berland. Thank you, Su, for your years of service as Book Club President. In honor of Susan Eckert. Thank you, Susan, for all your contributions as a member of our Book Club.

Karen Keeter In honor of Su Berland. Thank you very much for all you’ve done for me and the book club. In honor of Susan Eckert. Wishing you nothing but mazal as you move to your new home.

Marsha Bernstein In appreciation of Su Berland for all you have done for the Book Club In appreciation of Susan Eckert for all you have done for the Book Club

Martine Bookman

Continues on page 31

The Voice of Chaim | August 2014

Tzedakah | vesm Contributions received from May 6 – July 7, 2014 Continued from page 30 In honor of Susan Eckert. Thank you for your contributions to our Book Club. In honor of Su Berland. Thank you for all you have done for our Book Club.

Melissa Kerbel In honor of Su Berland for chairing the Sisterhood Book Club and enriching our discussions! In honor of Susan Eckert for adding so much to our experiences as a member of the Sisterhood Book Club. You will be missed.

Nancy Miller In appreciation of Su Berland for all you have done to make the Sisterhood Book Club so special In appreciation of Susan Eckert for all you have done to make the Sisterhood Book Club so special

Pam Ziskend In honor of Mayer Smith. Mazal tov on reaching the milestone birthday of 90 years young. May you enjoy many more years of health and enjoyment of life (and we want to hear more of your harmonica!).

Richard and Sandy Smith In loving memory of Allen Robbins

Roni and Ian Robbins and family In honor of Susan Eckert. I will miss you at future book clubs with your bright smile, intelligence, and interest in others. You will be an asset to book clubs in Sarasota! Good luck and best wishes. In honor of Su Berland. Thanks for your dedication and organization with the Etz Chaim Book Club.

Sandra Craine In honor of Susan Eckert. I first met you at the Blumenthal pool reading a book! You have been an integral part of this book club. Most especially, your views have been cleverly insightful. It has been a treat knowing you over the years. You will be dearly missed! All the best to you and Chuck in Sarasota. Wishing that your next chapter of life be a wonderfully good read! In honor of Su Berland. Like the cover of a book, you held this book club together! You coordinated all aspects of the club. Most especially, you chose incredible books! From A Pigeon and a Boy, The Invisible Wall, to The Golem and the Jinni, the stories have been Jewishly diverse, educational, thought provoking and wonderful. Thanks for all the time and love devoted to the club. It has enriched our lives.

Sheri Rosenblum To Su Berland, thank you for all your years of dedication To Susan Eckert, thank you for all of your years of dedication. You will be missed.

Suzanne Rivchun

Building Enhancement Fund In memory of Herman Yucht. It is over 40 years, and we still miss you dearly.

Jonathan and Maxine Schein In loving memory of Gerald Sheftel

Myra and Tom Sheftel and Family

In memory of Marvin Flack on his yahrzeit

Steve and Susan Flack To Stephen Friedman, Abby, and your mom, Mary, in memory of Ernie Friedman. Our thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.

Wayne and Barbara Suway

Chapel Renovation Fund To Rabbi Lewis, thank you very much for a special, memorable baby naming. You made our family feel welcomed and special. We were all very impressed by you, the service and the synagogue. Our daughter’s relationship with Judaism is off to a great start, thanks to you.

Faith and David Kart and Family

Wilensky Memorial Endowment Fund Happy Anniversary to Martha and Herbert Blondheim Happy Birthday to Brady Traub Happy Anniversary to Lauren and Marc Chernau Happy Birthday to Steve King Happy Birthday to Alex Rittenberg Happy Birthday to Andrew Rittenberg Happy Birthday to Pat Wilensky Wishes for a speedy recovery to Iris Bachenheimer Happy Birthday to Iris Bachenheimer Happy Birthday to Sam Hirsberg Happy Birthday to Susan Postal Happy Anniversary to Lynn and Bob Sustak Happy Birthday to Madison Traub Mazal tov to Barbara and Bob Lehman on the birth of your grandson, Isaac Sebastian Happy Birthday to Joel Rittenberg Happy Anniversary to Linda and Michael Weinroth Happy Anniversary to Patti and Terry Hirsberg Happy Birthday to Shawn Traub Wishes for a speedy recovery to Shelley Brodsky

Frank and Barbara Wilensky

Social Action Fund Stephen and Annette Friedman In loving memory of Albert Pavlo

Fran Kaufman In memory of Eli Krodman, beloved father of Steve Krodman. May all your wonderful memories sustain you.

Norman and Nancy Miller In honor of Dalan Cohen. Congratulations on your graduation ‑ and #1 at that!

Steve and Joanie King To Stephen Friedman in memory of your father, Ernie Friedman

Alan and Sharon Lightstone In memory of Ernie Freidman, father of Stephen Friedman

David and Cheryl Eppsteiner

To Stephen Friedman in memory of Ernie Friedman. May your father’s memory be a blessing. In honor of Sally Ledbetter. Thank you for your years of dedication to Etz Chaim. We will miss your smile and calm demeanor. To Laurie Lavinsky in memory of Ellen Rosenzweig. Our sympathy on the loss of your dear mother. To Steve Krodman in memory of Eli Krodman. May your father’s memory be a blessing to you.

David and Paula Coplon In memory of Joanne Pattek

Paul Pattek In support of the children who need help with their lunches

Tamar Oren and Gabby Meharg

Staff Appreciation Endowment In honor of Sally Ledbetter, with much appreciation for being part of our Etz Chaim family for 30 years.

Alan and Sue Rothstein

Kitchen Fund To Sid Cojac, in loving memory of Edith Cojac

Alan and Roni Mintz In memory of Leon Robbins

Raye Sabel In honor of Sally Ledbetter on her retirement

Sandy Bailey

Bob Goldman Scholarship Fund In memory of my beloved father, Harold F. Needle

Hank Needle In loving memory of our fathers, Archie Struhl and Burnett Roth

Bonnie and Sam Roth In memory of Edna Frankel

Jeff Frankel In honor of Mayer Smith. Happy 90th birthday! Wishing you health and happiness on this momentous day!

Andy and Jayne Becker

Sisterhood Fund To Cheryl Miller, thank you for leading our synagogue

Harris and Stacye Fogel In memory of Ellen Rosenzweig, beloved mother of Laurie Lavinsky. May your memories comfort you.

Norman and Nancy Miller To Barbara and Alex Diener and family in loving memory of your mother and grandmother, Pearl Diener

Cindee and Al Sapoznik In memory of Ana Sapoznik. You are loved – you are missed.

The Sapoznik Family

The Voice of Chaim | August 2014

How to Transition to College Your adult — yes, adult — child is off to college and on his or her own probably for the first time. There are some things every 18-year-old should know how to do: laundry, study without prompting and ultimately take responsibility for him or herself. Parents need to learn this too. It can be hard learning not to be a crutch to lean on in every difficult situation. This is especially true in the age of cell phones. It is so easy for “Jill” to call or text you to ask what to do in any situation. But which is more beneficial — to let her make her own decisions or to make them for her? Then there is the world of social media. When “Jon” is sitting at his computer doing work, it is tempting to check out what others are doing. So it’s important for him to learn how to organize himself and manage his time amid all this technology.

Living in the dorm, “Anna” will learn there is a lot going on — all of it way better than studying! If she doesn’t learn how to manage her priorities, achieving success will be hard. What can parents do? Encourage college-bound children to be wise about their independence. Help them gain the skills they need to succeed. Teach them self-reliance. And remember adjustment to college takes time. Be patient. Things will fall into place! For more information on Child & Adolescent Services – Tools for Families, visit ytfl.org/ families For more information on Child & Adolescent Services – Tools for Families, visit ytfl.org/families

The Voice of Chaim | August 2014

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

The Voice of Chaim | August 2014

Your Ad Here. For more information, contact Bernice Isaac at 770-973-0137 in the synagogue office

The Voice of Chaim | August 2014

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 Erica Driver Linda Berch Sisterhood Co-Presidents Andy Becker Steve Krodman Men’s Club Co-Presidents Avi Lyons 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

PAID

Permit #433 Marietta, GA RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED