



The question is: “What is important to YOU – about your Judaism?”
The answer to this question is completely subjective, and based on my personal upbringing, education and experiences, as it would be for anybody. I’ll go first!
The first thing that comes to mind is experiencing my Judaism within the context of community, more specifically ‘family.’ Growing up, we didn’t sit around discussing interpretations of Torah portions or the intricate specifics of Jewish ritual. We gathered together for Erev Shabbat dinner, lit the candles, blessed the wine, ate, talked and laughed. We sat together for High Holy Day and other services, when during the closing benediction of each service, we’d lock pinky fingers on the top of the pew in front of us. We found transliterations of certain Hebrew words that would make us giggle. I can picture my mom at some point in any service (except Yom Kippur) looking for a roll of “Life Savers” to share with us. For the few years my grandfather lived with us (after my grandmother passed away,) I can still remember how he would tear up upon the striking of the match to light the Shabbat candles. I heard numerous stories about my mother’s great-uncle, Rabbi George Solomon and his wife, Aunt Julia. He was the rabbi at Savannah’s Mickve Israel congregation for over 40 years, and as they had no children of their own, my mother was like a granddaughter to them.
Synagogue communities have also been significantly important to me throughout my life. I love returning to Congregation Mickve Israel and seeing my relatives’ names all over the place. I sang in the Jr. Choir at The Temple (in Atlanta) without an inkling of how Jewish music would open the door for me in deepening my Jewish life. I was involved in our synagogue youth group and interacted with people I still see today. I served as The Temple’s third cantorial soloist before entering Hebrew Union College’s four-year graduate cantorial program (now a ‘five’ year program). As a student cantor I worked in Harrisburg, PA, Mahwah, NJ and West Hempstead, NY. My first position as an official cantor was at Temple Sinai in Oakland, CA after which I freelanced for several years before finding my home at Temple Beth Tikvah.
While I am a ‘professional’ Jew, I was reminded by the heaviest years of covid (2020, 2021) of how much I value in-person interaction with Jewish prayer, study, life cycle events and acts of Tikun Olam. Yes, you can pray and study and perform mitzvot, on your own but Judaism is not Judaism without COMMUNITY. I am grateful for the many people whom synagogues have brought into my life.
I love that Judaism encourages us to question, to consider different viewpoints, to grapple with our own understanding and experiences. I love that Judaism teaches that we are all holy, created in the image of the Divine. I am thankful that the structure of our prayers and rituals serve as ever-present reminders to be aware of the sanctity of time, space and relationships. I enjoy pontificating on what Judaism might have meant to my ancestors. I love the enthusiasm of our youth and the way that we come together to support each other in moments of joy and sadness.
On the Friday night services of December 20 through February 7 (except for 12/27), we will hear members of Temple Beth Tikvah share their own reflections on what their Judaism means to them. I hope you will join us at TBT to sing, pray and learn from each other. Here’s the line-up:
December 20 (6:30 PM) Andy Fried
January 3 (6:30 PM) Stephanie Bergman
January 10 (8:00 PM) Jules Salinas
January 17 (6:30 PM) Cindy Getty
January 24 (6:30 PM) Amy Fine & Josiah Wolff
January 31 (6:30 PM) Jeff Willard
Febuary 7 (6:30 PM) Karolyn Diamond-Jones
Happy 2025, TBT!
Did you know that we celebrate birthdays and anniversaries at TBT? If you’re having a birthday this year, (hahaha!) come to Erev Shabbat services on the first Friday of the month of your birthday. You’ll get a treat and a beautiful rendition of Yom Huledet Sameach. Anniversaries are also celebrated with a treat and a special wish for continued happiness. Mark your calendar on the first Shabbat of YOUR birth-month, and join us at 6:30 PM!
The year 2024 ended with all sorts of TBT gatherings. Various groups of people enjoyed movies, dinners, book festival outings, candle-making, a Chanukah concert, a preShabbat wine and cheese, Chanukah Graze program and more. Thank you to those who helped plan these programs, and to those who took part!
January and February are filled to the brim with ways to connect with others, learn and celebrate being a part of our community.
Our calendar is packed with the usual staples, as well as some unique stuff. Come join us for: KICK OFF 2025 AT TBT
1.9 Life Tips & Friendships with Bagel Rescue
1.10 New Member Shabbat 1.11 Shabbat Lunch & Learn 1.13 Book Club: “The Measure” 1.16 TBT Connect: Picklepalooza
1.18 Shabbat Hike 1.25 Casino Night
1.28 Challah Bake at Congregation Etz Chaim
1.28 Trivia at Miller’s Ale House
2.12 Graze into the Holidays: Tu B’shevat 2.22 Shabbat Hike
2.25 Trivia at Alessio’s
Have an idea of something you’d like to see happen at TBT? Please reach out!
Suzanne Hurwitz , Director of Engagement
suzanne@bethtikvah.com 770.642.0434
Greetings! My name is Josef Limor, and I joined the TBT Board this year as the VP of Finance. My family has been members of TBT for the past 10 years. We joined TBT because we were looking for a traditional Reform synagogue where we could find a community, and our kids could be involved in NFTY. Although this is my first "volunteer" role at TBT, I am not the first to volunteer. My wife, Judy (now Director of Education) was on the Board of Education for many years, and my daughter, Abby was very active in HOTTY leadership.
Besides spending time with my family, I enjoy the outdoors, manage the Camp Coleman ropes course, and am very active in supporting Camp Jenny.
In my role as the VP of Finance, I hope to step outside the day-to-day budget operations, to think "bigger" and more strategically about how we can work together: to make sure that our spiritual home is sustained not just this year, but for our children, and those that come after. Shameless plug if you read this far, and want to help in fulfilling this vision, I invite you to reach out. I could use all the help and ideas to make this house of hope stronger. Our focus will be evaluating how we are financed today, and then explore ideas on how to build on this, for the continued growth of this amazing Jewish community.
My family – my husband, Jerred, and our children, Julia and Jake – joined TBT in 2015, the same year Rabbi Shuval-Weiner arrived. We had the chance to connect with many wonderful congregants at the TBT Passover Retreat at Camp Coleman soon after. That experience marked the beginning of our deep involvement at TBT, and we have truly cherished being part of this vibrant and caring family.
Julia and Jake both attended Religious School, celebrated their B’nai Mitzvah, and have been active in HOTTY. Julia served three years on the Board, and Jake is currently serving his first year. Jerred really enjoys being part of Men’s Club, and likes helping plan and cook for the annual Bourbon & BBQ fundraiser for Camp Jenny.
Over the years, I have served on various committees, helping to plan meaningful events and programs. I had the privilege of serving last year as VP of Administration and am now honored to serve as VP of Engagement. I believe that connection is at the core of our human experience. I am passionate about fostering a sense of belonging and connection for all our members and am grateful to work alongside Sisterhood, Men’s Club and the Caring Committee, who go above and beyond to
engage and support our TBT community in meaningful ways. I hold an undergraduate degree in psychology and graduate degrees in business and healthcare administration from Emory University and Georgia State University, respectively. My professional background is in oncology administration, with experience in both academic medical centers and private practice. Most recently, I worked in healthcare consulting, focusing on internal coaching.
Outside of TBT, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Whether it’s playing tennis or pickleball, cooking, traveling, volunteering, binge-watching Netflix series, or walking our goofy Golden Retriever Finn around downtown Alpharetta, I value every opportunity to connect with those I love.
I draw inspiration and motivation from my parents and sister, all of whom are active in their communities and lead with compassion and integrity. From them, I’ve learned the importance of being present, transparent, and positive, as well as the power of truly caring for one another. I strive to bring these values to both my work at TBT and my daily life.
My family and I have been members of TBT for over 30 years. When we began temple shopping, it was love at first sight with Temple Beth Tikvah. My three children (Sam, Zach and Rachel) were all B’nai Mitzvah’d here and it’s always been a big part of my life. I’m so fortunate that my adult children all live locally and have careers that make them happy. I’m also proud and blessed that I have two beautiful grandchildren: Austyn (4) and Brayden (2).
I was born and raised in Columbia, SC and attended the University of South Carolina, but transferred to the University of Georgia in the hopes of making more Jewish connections. After graduating UGA with a degree in Marketing Research, I married my college sweetheart, and 42 years and three kids later, the rest is history.
decided to make a change and began employment with John Hancock for another 17 years up to the present. The second chapter has been more administrative in nature, which is why my position as Secretary with the TBT Board is a perfect fit for me. My spare time is usually spent exercise walking, cheering on the Gamecocks, or getting together with friends/family.
Bennett
I’ve held two jobs since college; the first was with SDR (marketing research company) for 17 years, after which I
Over the years, I’ve been involved with TBT in various capacities: gift shop coordinator, senior youth group and College Connection committee chairs. I quickly began to realize how important it is to be a part of a community, and wanted a similar experience for other young adults where they could develop relationships with other congregants. I’m hopeful that in some small way I can contribute to the development and growth of my beloved community and watch it continue to grow and flourish.
TBT Preschool had some fun over the past few months! We started November with an amazing Thanksgiving Performance and Feast. The children looked so cute in their costumes, and they all did a wonderful job singing and dancing. Each Preschool family brought in delicious food to share in a pot-luck luncheon; family members also helped with set-up and clean-up. With over 220 people in the room, it was an fantastic experience.
The Scholastic Book Club came to our school right before Thanksgiving. We sold many books and accumulated Scholastic Book points to
and create some fun crafts. It is always fun sharing the Festival of Lights with our family and friends.
Our Preschoolers were also very busy collecting gently used toys to bring in and give to foster families. Our students’ families went through their homes and gathered toys they’ve outgrown or no longer use, and brought them to school. After talking to our Preschool children about the whole process, Chad from Experiences Foundation picked up the toys and delivered them to families in need.
TBT Preschool is so grateful for the continued support from Rabbi Shuval-Weiner and Cantor Kassel. I personally feel very blessed and extremely lucky to work here with some of the most amazing teachers at TBT Preschool. I wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year!
Linda Siegel, Preschool Director
As parents, we know that learning happens everywhere and always, it is a continuum not bound by time, place, or age. Every person, every situation, every circumstance - these are all opportunities to add to our knowledge bank. This viewpoint is well-supported by the Jewish sages in Pirkei Avot. Rabbi Hillel says, "Do not say, 'When I am free I will study,' for perhaps you will not become free" (2:6). Similarly, Ben Zoma says, "Who is wise? He who learns from every person" (4:1).
Recently, I have had the fortune to continue my own learning process, attending three professional development seminars over the past few weeks. In midNovember, I participated in a workshop entitled "The Element of Choice," given by Tom Leahy. Tom talks about the instances when we require participation vs. those in which we offer choice. He proposes that both educators AND students must feel "in control," thus choice becomes an option when there is risk involved in participation. This risk can be physical (ex. playing a sport) or mental/ emotional (ex. contributing in a class discussion). Although the workshop focused primarily on the challenge course industry, I am excited to bring this concept to our Religious School teachers in the context of engaging student volunteers in the classroom setting and encouraging more active participation in Sunday morning t'fillah.
In early December, I spent a day with other Atlanta-area Jewish Education professionals learning from the staff of the iCenter. The iCenter works to "inspire and support the largest network of Israel educators across North America” and is presently "focused on empowering Israel educators to teach the complexity of the current environment and providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities to meet their changing needs." Over the course of the day, we discussed the landscape of Israel education, both in greater Atlanta and our own institutions, and explored mechanisms for meaningful discourse with teens in a saturated market. One of my take-aways from the session is a set of Israel
Resource Cards, intended to be a visual "jumping-off point" for conversation about Israel. I look forward to introducing our 7th graders to this tool when they begin their Israel unit in the spring.
Finally, as I write this article, I am still recovering from jetlag, having returned from the Foundation for Jewish Camping's bi-annual Leaders' Assembly less than 24 hours ago. In Chicago, I was lucky enough to learn with over 1,000 Jewish professionals from around the United States and Canada. We tackled the ever-changing dynamic that is our Jewish community, and addressed ways to support Jewish youth in a time where trauma has (unfortunately and in many ways) become the "new normal." We looked at points of stress (in schedules, class groupings, social settings, etc.) and debated where we should adapt, where we should teach coping strategies, and where we should (gently) allow our children to live for a bit in the struggle. I will be interested to see how I can incorporate this perspective into our TBT programmingover thecoming months.
I am so grateful that my role at TBT allows me the flexibility to take advantage of these learning opportunities!
1/5: Religious School Teachers Professional Learning Day
1/6: Teen Night + Parents - BeWell Roundtable
1/12: Back to School - Hebrew Language Celebration!
1/26: 5th Grade Family Education Program
1/31-2/3: 11th & 12th Grade Trip to Washington, DC
2/9: 4th Grade Family Education Program
2/23: 6th Grade B-Coming Program
Judy Limor, Education Director
Saturday night, February 22 is HOTTY’s Annual Camp Jenny Bingo Fundraiser! Before RSVP’ing to join us for the night, you might want to know more about Camp Jenny: Camp Jenny is a summer camp hosted by NFTY-SAR over the Memorial Day weekend at Camp Coleman, in Cleveland, GA.
The campers who attend Camp Jenny are from F.L. Stanton Elementary School, a school in an impoverished area of Atlanta. The kids must meet certain character standards, such as participation in school and kindness towards others in order to attend Camp Jenny, where they enjoy the activities and atmosphere of camp, as well as the love and attention of their counselors, all of whom are Jewish teens from around the Southeast. Find out more here. It costs $500 to send one camper to Camp Jenny. Last year HOTTY
dinner, a bake sale, an auction and raffle and tons of great prizes for you to take home. Hope to see you there! Register here.
Carol Schemo cschemo@gmail.com
Stephanie Joseph stephjo143@gmail.com
Rachel "Ray" Moffitt, daughter of Alan and Niki Moffitt, will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on February 15. Ray is in 7th grade at Hightower Trail Middle School, and enjoys reading, playing video games with friends, hanging out with her big brother, Hunter, and drawing. Ray has chosen The Trevor Project for her Mitzvah project, which provides support for LGBTQ+ youth. The Moffitt Family would like to thank Rabbi Shuval-Weiner, Cantor Kassel, Amy Peskin, and the TBT community for all of their support, encouragement and guidance.
Happy Chanukah !
Our Annual Campaign started in November 2024: the annual effort to help sustain TBT, allowing us to offer the richness of programming and maintain our financial stability for the long term. It’s still early, and through December 17, we have received pledges of nearly $28,000 from 45 donors. Thank you all very much! We are 22% of the way to our goal of $125,000. We know all members have obligations inside and outside TBT, and we are
Benefactor (Nadiv)
Mark and Gail Rudel
Stacy and Alicia Sher
Andrew and Ilana Zalkin
Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner and Jay Weiner
Sustainer (Tomech)
Dale and Wendy Bearman
Linda and Peter Birnbaum
Joe and Waynah Dunn
Omri and Molly Duek
Sam and Alice Herndon
Mike Levin
Scott and Lisa Morchower
Marcia Pearl
Rhonda and Scott Povlot
Mark and Sally Vosk
grateful to those who are able to go the extra mile for the Annual Campaign. We welcome your donations at whatever level is comfortable. Happy and healthy 2025, and thank you!
5785 Annual Campaign Contributors
Supporter (Yedid)
Pam Alterman
Andy Fried
Andrew and Jane Glickman
Gilbert and Ellen Ludwig
David and Elisa Siegel
Stuart and Frances Solomon
Friend (Chaver)
Joel and Aviva Margolies
Brad and Sarah Sapir
Judith Tolkan
Todd and Debbie Windsor
Mark and Debbie Weiss
Mark Rudel, Fundraising Chair
Contributor (Mustatfim)
Shari and Barry Alhadeff
Renee Davis
Gordon and Hollis Decker
Elliot and Donna Feller
Lesly and Trey Gregory
Meredith Hegarty-Sloan
Marc and Deborah Klein
Peter Klokow and Ellen Frank
Charles Lewis
Howard and Helaine Medoff
Brian and Ellen Nagel
Shirley Plotkin
Donald Restler
Nancy Schwartz
Rhonda Schweber
Ira and Brenda Share
Tom and Patti Seibold
Aaron and Sheila Stieglitz
David and Christine Toltzis As of 12/17/24
Thanks again to our generous hole sponsors and in-kind donors for our silent auction! Please consider these sponsors for your future needs:
Hole Sponsors
Capital City Home Loans – Gail Rudel
Brooklyn Bagels
Powered by Priority – Dave Faupel
Morgan Stanley – The Horizon Group
Brilliant Jewelry – Katie Jaffe
Sean Minor Wines – Larry Soble
Franchise Pros – Craig Derene
The Baldwin Group – Ted Nathan
1920 Restaurant – Jenna Aronowitz
Silverline Specialties – Bonnie Silverman
Shuster, Fryor, Lester, Pollack (Attorneys) – Mike Shuster
Ferguson/Shapiro (Insurance, Wealth Management) – Maury
Shapiro
In-Kind Sponsors (Gift cards/Silent Auction Merchandise)
Lola’s Burgers
Vos Restaurant
Osteria Mattone
Zest
Pure Taqueria
Alessio’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
Rock N Taco
Gate City Brewery
The Mill Kitchen and Bar
Hamp & Harry’s/McCray’s
The Wine Shop – Parkaire
Brookfield Country Club
The Standard Club
Atlanta National Golf Club
Jeff Rudel – Sports Collectibles
Save the date! May 19, 2025
TBT’s 4th Annual Golf Tournament @ Brookfield Country Club
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
2024/2025 in appreciation of
Rabbi Shuval-Weiner from Mike Levin in honor of
Daniel Ellison's Special Birthday from Mark & Gail Rudel
in memory of
Richard Freed from Barry & Shari Alhadeff
Richard Orloff from Charles Lewis
Jeanne Laibow and Jules Stein from Dale & Wendy Bearman
Lucille Falkof from Peter Klokow & Ellen Frank
Barry Feinberg from Peter Klokow & Ellen Frank
Elias Waxman from Renee Davis
Gary Cohen from Rhonda Schweber
FUND DONATION in memory of
Sarah Wixman & Murray Wixman from Bruce & Bonnie Walkes
CAMPERSHIP/ISRAEL FUND
in memory of
Bea Lowy from Hadley & Lisa Lowy
CANTORS FUND in appreciation of
Cantor Kassel - Thank you for helping me through these difficult times and for adding your beautiful voice, from Dana Cohen
Cantor Kassel - Yom Kippur evening service with cellist, violinist and singer was simply grand. Our thanks for making it all so moving, from Joel & Kathleen Schoenblum
in memory of
Sydney DeRiemer from Dan DeRiemer
Steven Liederman and Joseph Zimmerman from Janice Liederman
Leonard Liebowitz from Marsha Williams
FUND in memory of
Morris Harry Perling from Dr. Max & Carol Wolf
William Brooks from Burton & Sara Grossman
Gary Cohen from Stephanie & Dan Joseph
MEMORIAL FUND FOR MULTICULTURAL UNDERSTANDING in appreciation of
Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner from Sai Mukkamala
ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN in appreciation of
Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner’s Visit to CocaCola from Sai Mukkamala
GENERAL FUND in honor of
Mazel Tov to Laynie White and her family for her Bat Mitzvah from Harlan & Ivie Graiser in memory of
Susan Winner from David & Christy Toltzis
Steve Jandrelf from Harlan & Ivie Graiser
Gary Cohen from Harlan & Ivie Graiser
Eddie Manning from Nancy Greenberg
DeRIEMER MEMORIAL MITZVAH FUND in memory of
Sydney DeRiemer from Dan DeRiemer
PRAYERBOOK FUNDSIDDUR in memory of
Isadore Zierler from Gordon & Hollis Decker
PRESCHOOL FUND in memory of
Gail Belz from Jay & Linda Siegel
Bonnie Keller from Sidney & Lois Malkin
SHUVAL-WEINER DISCRETIONARY FUND in appreciation of
Rabbi Shuval-Weiner: We just want to express our appreciation for including our family in the service and making them feel part of our Jewish community; with a heartfelt thanks, from Alan & Sandee Rappaport
Rabbi Shuval-Weiner for Laynie White's Bat Mitzvah from Chas & Jaime White
Rabbi Shuval-Weiner: Thank you for helping me through these difficult times, from Dana Cohen
Rabbi Shuval-Weiner: Appreciation for how my Brother Marvin's Funeral was handled, from Burton & Sara Grossman
For the meaningful, insightful and uplifting High Holiday Sermons from Steven & Abbe Tobin in memory of
Ruth Fried, Mother of Andy Fried from Andy Fried
Sydney DeRiemer from Dan DeRiemer
Irv Laddin from Darryl & Ellen Laddin
George Jordan from Frances Jordan
Bernard Zarett from Jon Zarett
In Memory of Herbert Williams, Father of Mark Williams and Husband of Marsha Williams from Mark & Gail Rudel
Irving Cohen, Gladys Cohen, Howard Cohen from Michael & Wanda Cohen
George and Helen Diamond from Steven & Abbe Tobin
Yahrzeit of Murray Cohen from Stuart Caul
TIKKUN OLAM FUND in memory of
Irving Clymin from Lois Clymin
As of 12/17/2024
Temple Beth Tikvah acknowledges with sorrow the passing of:
from Temple Beth Tikvah
Does your business specifically support seniors, or caregivers? If you own a home care agency, Medicare planning consultancy, estate planning law firm, etc. we invite you to click the link submit a vendor request using this form: TBT Senior Resource Fair - Call for Vendors! For all: Save the date to attend!
9955 Coleman Road
Roswell, GA 30075
www.bethtikvah.com
Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner
Cantor Nancy Kassel
Rabbi Emeritus Donald A. Tam
Preschool Director Linda Siegel
Religious School Director Judy Limor
Engagement Director Suzanne Hurwitz
Youth Engagement Director Bobbee Griff
President Deidre Kinoshita
Vice President Mayrov Baru
Vice President Dalia Faupel
Vice President Lesly Gregory
Vice President Jill Leitman
Vice President Josef Limor
Vice President Debbie Malever
Treasurer David Siegel
Secretary Lynda Bennett
Immediate Past President John Restler
Budget & Finance
Karen Korshak karcpa@comcast.net
Camp/Israel Scholarship
Bobbee Griff youth@bethtikvah.com
College Outreach
Bobbee Griff youth@bethtikvah.com
Communications
Marlene Cohn
marlene@thecohns.us
Fundraising
Mark Rudel
mrudel2018@gmail.com
House
Ted Nathan tnathan@baldwinscheduling.com
Kehillat Chesed (Caring)
Helaine Medoff helainemedoff@gmail.com
Library
Ilana Zalkin ilanaz@att.net
Membership, Recruitment & Retention
Jaime White butcherj15@gmail.com
Samantha Mitman smitman7978@gmail.com
Men’s Club
Joe Feinberg mensclub@bethtikvah.com
Nominating Committee
Jenni Trebon jennirun@yahoo.com
Ritual
Rick Winer rsw@drrickwiner.com
Security
Jay Sausmer jsausmer@gmail.com
Sisterhood Stephanie Joseph stephjo143@gmail.com
Carol Schemo cschemo@gmail.com
Social Action/Social Justice
Sarah Malkin smalkin1989@gmail.com
Gary Loventhal gloventhal@gmail.com
Backpack Buddies
Jeannine Bernstein
jbern530@att.net
Renee Weiskopf rbweiskopf@hotmail.com
Website Development
Scott Povlot spovlot@yahoo.com