File - Limmud Atlanta + Southeast

Visioning For A Better Future:
Your Venture, Your Life, Your Change
(Student Leadership Center)
Coming of Age: Understanding
Teens and Why Gender Matters
(Library)
Healthy Kosher / Eco Kashrut Panel
(Social Hall )
Jews and Arabs in Israel:
The Challenge of Coexistence
(Chapel)
Givers & Takers: the Debate Between
Alexander the Great and the King of
Katzia About Good & Evil
(Student Leadership Center)
Global Development and
Jewish Tradition
(Library)
Get the Inside Scoop on the Jewish
Music Industry
(Social Hall)
Breaking Traditions: Abraham in
Jewish and Islamic Texts, an
Interfaith Study and Discussion
(Student Leadership Center)
Salvador Dali, Aliyah,
The Rebirth of Israel
(Library)
6-7:30 AJMF Closing Concert (Social Hall)
A Jewish Mosaic: Jewish Diversity
Sharing and Discussion
(Chapel)
Comedy Without Apology:
Comedian Steve Hofstetter
(Social Hall)
Change The World Starting with
Atlanta: Atlanta Organizations
Taking Social Action
(Building 1525 Auditorium)
Save a Life: What You Really Need to
Know About Preventing Jewish
Genetic Diseases
(Building 1525 Auditorium)
Jewish Law and American Civil
Liberty: Historical Confrontations
and Contemporary Implications
(Building 1525 Auditorium)
Session 3: 3:10-4:25
Session 2: 1:40-2:55
Session 1: 12:15-1:30
Experience Krav Maga!
(Terrace)
The Secret Lives of Teens: Find Out
Without Reading Their Diaries
(Lirbary)
Seder Mysteries
(Student Leadership Center)
“Shir” Soul: The Changing Sounds of
Sacred Music and Prayer
(Chapel)
Meet the Atlanta Indie Innovators:
8 Entrepreneurs Who Are Changing
Jewish Life in Atlanta and the Nation
(Building 1525 Auditorium)
Session 4: 4:40-5:50
Welcome to
Taste of Limmud
2011
Taste of Limmud
Dear Limmudniks,
Welcome to the Limmud Atlanta+Southeast Taste of Limmud! When people ask me to
describe Limmud, I tell them it’s part adult learning conference, part family camp, part festival,
and part celebration of community.
I was recently asked to write a blog for a national Jewish organization about anything in
my life that was related to Jewish life and living. As a veteran full-time Jewish professional,
there are thousands of topics I could have written about, but I chose to write about Limmud.
This excerpt from the blog, gives you a small glimpse into what I get out of the Limmud
experience.
Limmud gives me a phenomenal multi-generational community, from which I have made
some of my closest friends in Atlanta. These are all people who are committed to Jewish life,
however each one personally defines it. They are engaged, intelligent, loving…and a ton of
fun! Limmud gives me an outlet for my post-denomination Judaism, ongoing adult Jewish
learning for learning’s own sake, and front-line access to some of the world’s best Jewish
educators. It is such a rewarding experience to be involved in a Jewish community for
personal reasons, and not just professional ones.
Serving on the leadership team as a co-chair of Taste of Limmud just elevates this
experience. Limmud is run entirely by volunteers under the guidance of our part-time
executive director, Naomi Rabkin. It takes hundreds of volunteers to make Limmud a
success, from the program team and the logistics team, to the registration committee
and the presenters. Each person is a VOLUNTICIPANT, our special word for participants in
Limmud who also volunteer. The dedication and overall love for the Limmud experience
drives their hard work.
We are thrilled to be offering you a program today that is robust and exciting. The options
you have are as unique as each person participating in today’s event. The Limmud culture
is a make-your-own experience where each participant can customize an encounter with
Judaism that fits his/her own personality and interests. But remember, today is just a taste
– a taste of the ultimate Limmud experience – LimmudFest, which is held yearly over Labor
Day weekend at Tumbling Waters Retreat Center at Ramah Darom.
Your Taste of Limmud experience today will no doubt be filled with Jewish ideas, wisdom
and knowledge. But it was also embody the true values of Jewish community and Klal Yisrael.
It is my hope that you will leave today inspired by what you learned, full of spirit from the
celebration, and feeling a strong connection to the people you met.
As Limmud Atlanta+Southeast grows, I hope that each of you will be motivated to become a
VOLUNTICIPANT for future events. Please come find any member of the leadership team to
get involved today!
May you go from strength to strength!
L’Shalom,
Robyn Faintich, Co-Chair
Taste of Limmud 2011
Taste of Limmud
Dear Limmudniks,
Welcome to Taste of Limmud! I am so excited that you are here. Limmud, a Hebrew word for
learning, is a global movement inspired by the idea that when Jews from diverse backgrounds
come together to celebrate Jewish thought, arts, culture, life, learning and teaching the entire
community is enriched. We are now in our 4th year in Atlanta with a new and exciting
location at The Marcus Hillel Center of Emory University.
Many of you that have attended a previous Limmud in Atlanta will notice some changes.
We have scaled back our one day programs and we are now calling it “Taste of Limmud.”
We moved it from the Oglethorpe campus to the Emory campus and we are limiting the day
to a total of 18 incredible sessions. It is a great chance for you to experience the amazing
energy of Limmud for a day at Hillel’s brand-new gorgeous building. If you are craving more
than just a taste, I hope to see you at LimmudFest over Labor Day weekend.
For me, Limmud has been life-changing. I came to a Limmud event three years ago with no
real knowledge of what it was. The variety of the program, the amazing presenters I got to
hear, and the friendly people I met enticed me to get involved. During my two years as a
volunteer with Limmud Atlanta + Southeast I have had the privilege to travel to other
Limmuds around the world and have worked to grow our community here in Atlanta. It has
been an absolutely wonderful experience that I hope you can join me in for years to come.
There are so many new and exciting things for you “taste” today. We have two art exhibits,
a hilarious comedian, Krav Maga – Israeli self defense, Clive Lawton, one of the founders of
LimmudUK (now celebrating their 30th year), a Jewish innovators roundtable/exhibit, and
so much more. Along with all of the great sessions, the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival has
continued their partnership with Limmud for another great concert to conclude our day.
Naomi Less and Prodezra Beats will be live in concert while you schmooze with all the
great people here today.
We are also very proud to be bringing together Jews from Nashville, Birmingham, Charlotte
and beyond this weekend for the first Limmud Southeast Summitt. Through this and our
Limmudfest gathering this summer, we hope to explore ways Limmud programming can
address our regional community so the beauty of our rich southern Jewish heritage and
culture continues to flourish and survive in the 21st Century.
An incredible team of volunteers and a part-time staffer have worked endless hours to make
Taste of Limmud so successful again this year. Thank you to everyone whose dedication and
hard work went into today’s event. We truly hope you get that “Limmud feeling” here at the
Marcus Hillel Center with us. The hardest thing about today will be deciding which sessions
to attend.
Now that you have tasted Limmud, come have several meals with us at Camp Ramah Darom
over Labor Day weekend. LimmudFest is already gearing up to be the best yet in only its
3rd year. It’s one of the most inspiring events and my favorite weekend all year. See you
there! In the days and weeks to come I hope you feel inspired, connected, educated, and are
feeling that Limmud spirit. We are always looking for bright new minds to help us continue
to strengthen. Come find me and tell me about your ideas and experience today!
Leah Fuhr, Co-Chair
Taste of Limmud 2011
Taste of Limmud
What is Limmud Atlanta+Southeast?
Our Mission and Values
OUR MISSION
To celebrate Jewish life and learning in all its diversity by bringing together Jews of all
backgrounds and all ages for a multi-day retreat experience. We are driven by the belief that
diversity of perspective, dedication to learning in its broadest sense, and a strong sense of
volunteerism are keys to mobilizing and inspiring Jewish individuals and community.
OBJECTIVES
Learning: To nurture and support people in their Jewish discoveries, providing them with
informal mentorship and educational experiences.
Diversity: To provide a wide variety of Jews with numerous points of connection to Jewish life,
including intellectual, spiritual, emotional, familial and communal.
Volunteerism: To foster a strong volunteer corps who, though planning and attending our
annual event, experience the power of volunteerism in building their Jewish identities and
community.
CORE VALUES
Learning: We encourage the creation of a learning environment in which people are able to
reflect and grow – a place where everyone can be a teacher and everyone can be a student.
Community and Mutual Responsibility: Limmud is a learning community in which we can
achieve more together than we can individually.
Diversity: We believe in the richness of our diverse community and strive to create
cross-communal and cross-generational experiences.
Empowerment: We inspire people to be ambitious about their contributions; we challenge
people to open themselves to their potential; we empower people to make informed choices.
Participation: We are all responsible for each other and for the community we create—
everyone has an important contribution to make; volunteerism is a core feature of
everything we do.
Fostering Connections: We recognize the strength of providing a space where emotional
and intellectual connections can be made.
Expanding Jewish Horizons: Limmud strives to create collective and communal experiences
through which we strengthen and develop our Jewish identities.
Taste of Limmud
FAQs
Who should come to Limmud?
Everyone! Limmud is open to people of all ages, all levels of observance and all backgrounds.
I have some great suggestions for this year. How can I get involved?
We are glad you asked. Limmud is run entirely by volunteers so we need your help to make it
happen. No matter what your time commitment, we’d love to have your help. Learn more on
our Volunteer page or contact us at [email protected]
How much is each session? Do I have to sign up in advance?
There are no fees beyond the conference registration. Limmud is committed to ensuring
that no one is turned away because of cost. Please contact us to learn more about financial
assistance. Participants can come and go as they please, and attend as many sessions as
they like. There is no registration for individual sessions—just show up and learn!
What is the schedule for the day?
Our first session begins at 12:15 pm and our closing concert ends at 7:30 pm.
I’m hungry...what’s to eat?
Goodfriend’s catering will have lunches for sale during registration and enjoyed at the lounge
at the Marcus Hillel Center. IF you would like to bring your own lunch (Dairy/Vegetarian) it
can be enjoyed on the outside terrace or outside of the Camp Limmud programming area at
1518 Clifton Road (Rollins School of Public Health, Grace Crum Rollins Building
Throughout the afternoon, snacks and water will be available in the café and coffee and tea
will be available for purchase from Goodfriend’s Café. During our evening concert (beginning
at 6:00 pm) beer and pizza will be available at no charge.
All food at Limmud is kosher.
How do people dress at Limmud?
Casual – dress comfortably and in layers as different session rooms may be warmer or cooler
than others. Keep a coat handy as sessions are held in different buildings on campus, so you
may need to walk outside between sessions.
Who will be supervising the children during the day?
Camp Limmud counselors are young adults who have experience planning and implementing
children’s educational and/or leadership programs in a variety of communities (i.e. former
camp counselors, Jewish educators, religious school teachers, day care providers, etc.)
Where can I park?
Free parking will be available all day at the 1525 Building parking deck, which is adjacent to
the Emory Clinic at 1525 Clifton Road. Entrance to the parking deck can be found behind the
1525 Clifton Road building on Gatewood Road.
Is the Marcus Hillel Center Accessible?
All rooms and buildings are accessible, please ask a volunteer if you require additional
assistance.
For additional information, or any other questions, please contact us at [email protected]
or 404-507-6322.
Taste of Limmud
Limmud Atlanta+Southeast Was Brought to You by
Our Wonderful Sustainers:
Anonymous
Lois and Larry Frank
Michal & Jack Hillman
Rabbi Hillel and Johanna Norry
Snow Family Foundation
Jodi and Ross Mansbach
And these Generous Supporters:
Lynn and Murray Friedman
Diane Padellan
Marla Shainberg
Jay and Susan Rosenheck
Marcia Jacobs
Eric Robbins
Rae Sirottt
Simcha Wolfe
Valerie and Paul Wolpe
Steve and Helene Grossman
Nina Rubin
Allen and Lenore Lox
Barbara and Paul Flexner
Phyllis Weiser
Russell Gottschalk
Janie Grackin
Janet Lavine and
Rick Williams
Judy Marx
Ann and Michael Karlin
Mark and Tova Cohen
Steve Gold
Ethan and Monique Davidson
Ron and Susan Lee
Sara and Marshall Duke
Special Thanks To:
Marcus Hillel Center at Emory University
Goodfriend Catering
Avatar Events Group
And Thou Shalt Read for donating a portion of today’s proceeds to Limmud
Scott Banks and BAD Studio for the design, layout and production of this program book
Atlanta Jewish News
Taste of Limmud
Taste of Limmud Volunteers
Thank you VOLUNTICIPANTS!! You are truly the core of Limmud and the fabulous hinge that
brings us all together. Limmud could never happen if it wasn’t for your heartfelt dedication,
drive, and generosity. The time that each of you have contributed to make this Limmud a
reality is an invaluable asset to our community and appreciated by so many. Yasher Koach
on a magnificent team effort!
We hope that this team’s hard work and dedication has inspired you to join us! We have
already started planning for the Limmudfest Labor Day Weekend and would love to have
your energy and input!
If you would like to get involved with helping make Limmud a reality. We are having a
Limmudfest open planning meeting on April 12th at Yogli Mogli in Emory Village. Please
be in touch with us at [email protected] or call 404-507-6322 for more information!
Ginny Adams
Ron Lee*
Andrew Quitmeyer
Patrick Aleph
Elizabeth Lenhard
Michael Rabkin
Daniel Bekerman
Jennifer Leson
Jessica Ravitz
Valerie Berkovich Edelheit
Joshua Lesser
Jennifer Rivlin Roberts
Michael Beyo
Michael Levine
Eric Robbins*
Mindy Binderman*
Marcy Levinson-Brooks
Navit Robkin
Perry Birbrager
Susan Levitas
Nina Rubin*
Debbie Block
Carolyn Lippman
Nicole Rubin
Amy Bram*
Jodi Mansbach*
Ori Salzberg
Seth Cohen
Gabriella Markowitz
Andrew Schillinger
Ethan Davidson*
Amanda Goldstein Marks
Allison Schwartzbaum
Erika Eberhardt
Denise McLaughlin
Hallie Segal
Robyn Faintich
Melissa Hall
Marla Shainberg
Barbara Flexner
Michal Hillman*
Joel Silverman
Paul Flexner*
Rivka Kahn
Howard Slomka*
Ana Fuchs
Kathleen Kelly
Janis Snaid
Leah Fuhr
Judy Marx*
Phyllis Weiser
Evin Galang
Lindy Miller
Gayanne Weiss*
Noah Hartman*
Alan Minsk*
Valerie Wolpe
Jennifer Hays
Johanna Norry*
David Jaffe
Deena Pargman
Naomi Rabkin,
Executive Director
Janet Lavine*
Ed Queen
We would also like to thank our incredible presenters who are also volunteers.
Names in bold indicate Taste of Limmud Leadership Team,
Names with an * indicate Limmud Atlanta+Southeast Board Members
Taste of Limmud
General Information
If you have additional questions throughout the day, Limmud Volunteers will be available
to assist you. You will know them by their “Ask Me!” buttons.
Emergencies: In the event of an emergency within the Marcus Hillel Center, call 911 and alert
a Limmud volunteer or Emory Hillel Staff. If you are in building 1525 or the Rollins building
for Camp Limmud you can dial 404-727-6111 from a campus phone. Be prepared to state the
nature of the problem (medical emergency, fire, etc.) and your location. Do not hang up phone
until instructed to do so.
Parking: Free parking will be available all day at the 1525 Building parking deck, which is
adjacent to the Emory Clinic at 1525 Clifton Road. Entrance to the parking deck can be found
behind the 1525 Clifton Road building on Gatewood Road.
Registration: Regular registration will be set up as you enter The Marcus Hillel Center
at Emory University. 735 Gatewood Rd. Atlanta GA 30322. Children’s program drop off,
registration and all programming will be at 1518 Clifton Road (Rollins School of Public Health,
Grace Crum Rollins Building). This building is located across Clifton from the Marcus Hillel
Center. Please drop off and register your children before arriving at the Marcus Hillel Center
no later than 12:00 PM
Meals: Lunch is available for purchase during registration (from 11:30-12:15 ) from
Goodfriend’s Grill. If you would like to bring your own dairy or vegetarian lunch, you may
eat it outside on the Terrace, or at the Rollins building where Camp Limmud registration
will be held.
Water and other refreshments: Water and snacks will be available throughout the afternoon
in the Café area.
Name Tags: Please wear your name badge at all times, as it is vital for ensuring your security
by confirming you are a Limmud participant. If you lose your name badge, please see the
registration desk.
Volunteering: It’s not too soon to help plan for the next Limmud. Teams are forming for
Limmudfest Labor Day Weekend. If you want to join a volunteer team, visit the website,
contact [email protected] or stop by the registration desk to give us your name and
contact info. We will also be having an open planning meeting on April 12th at Yogli Mogli.
Contact [email protected] for further details.
Book Sales: And Thou Shalt Read will provide a selection of books of interest to all. Included
will be the books authored by our presenters so that you can make your purchase and have
them autograph your copy. (10% of all sales will be donated by And Thou Shalt Read to
Limmud Atlanta+Southeast).
Accessibility: All building are accessible, please as a volunteer if you require additional
assistance.
Have a Great Day at Limmud!
Taste of Limmud
Camp Limmud
Do your kids like to create, dance, sing, construct, laugh and play with their friends?
If so, they will LOVE Camp Limmud. Camp Limmud, held in a separate building than “grown-up
Limmud,” was designed by Ana Fuchs, Director, Jewish Kids Groups specifically with your
4-11 year old kids in mind! Please visit WWW.JEWISHKIDSGROUPS.COM to learn more!
“Campers” will spend the day with fun, experienced counselors and enjoy quirky, entertaining
and (some) educational presenters. Tentative schedule:
Time/ Age
3-5 year olds
6-8 year olds
9-12 year olds
11:30- 12:00 pm
Drop-off
Icebreakers
and games,
led by counselors
Icebreakers
and games,
led by counselors
Icebreakers
and games,
led by counselors
12:00- 1:00 pm
Music and movement
Debbie Block
Deena Pargman
Kids yoga
Swing dancing
1:00 - 2:00 pm
Swing dancing
Swing dancing
Fiber art project
2:00-2:30 pm
Super song session
Naomi Less,
Jewish rocker
Krav Maga
the Israeli martial art
Michael Beyo
the Israeli martial art
Michael Beyo
2:30-3:00 pm
Singing groovy music
Songwriting
Songwriting
3:00-4:00 pm
Art project
Game time
Snack and game time
4:00-5:00 pm
Elizabeth Lenhard,
Exploring Pesach
Exploring Pesach
Evin Galang
Michael Levine,
singer-songwriter
author
Evin Galang
Naomi Less,
Jewish rocker
counselors
Lindy Crane
Storytime and snack
5:00-6:00pm
Exploring Pesach
Lindy Crane
Evin Galang
Barbara Flexner
Krav Maga
Naomi Less,
Jewish rocker
counselors
Lindy Crane
Chill time
Elizabeth Lenhard,
author
Prodeza Beats,
Chassidic Rapper
Art project
“What’s it like
to be an author?”
Elizabeth Lenhard,
author
Taste of Limmud
Session One 12:15-1:30
Jewish Law and American Civil Liberty: Historical Confrontations
and Contemporary Implications
(Building 1525 Auditorium)
Jonathan Sarna
Just after the Revolution, Jews in early America began to confront the implications of freedom
and democracy for Jewish religious life. The challenge they faced was whether Judaism as
they knew it could be reconciled with new American values. In this session we will examine
several examples of the clash between Jewish law and civil liberty, and consider their
implications for today.
Get the Inside Scoop on the Jewish Music Industry
(Social Hall)
Patrick Aleph, Prodezra Beats, “DjCamille”
Moderated by Bram Bessoff
Join a diverse panel of Jewish hip hop, rock, indie, folk musicians and entertainment
promoters, listen to music samples and discuss the evolution of Jewish music and the
inner workings of the burgeoning Jewish music industry. Guests include rapper/producer
Prodezra Beats, JDub Records artist Patrick Aleph (Can!!Can), Atlanta’s DjCamille and
music producer Bram Bessoff.
Breaking Traditions: Abraham in Jewish and Islamic Texts,
an Interfaith Study and Discussion
(Student Leadership Center)
Jonathan Crane, Mohamed Khalifa
Jews and Muslims have a great deal in common, including a shared view of Abraham as
a radical theologian. Come encounter this brilliant and shrewd, funny and defiant and
iconoclastic leader from the Jewish and Muslim perspectives. How might his clever
destruction of outmoded traditions inspire us today?
Salvador Dali, Aliyah, The Rebirth of Israel
(Library)
David Blumenthal
Salvador Dali, the great surrealist artist, did several “Jewish” works, the earliest of which is
“Aliyah, the Rebirth of Israel.” This session will examine these 25 lithographs which are on
display at Hillel through June 1, 2011.
Taste of Limmud
Session Two 1:40-2:55
Save a Life: What You Really Need to Know
About Preventing Jewish Genetic Diseases
(Building 1525 Auditorium)
Caroline and Randy Gold, Paul Wolpe, Adam Starr, Karen Grinzaid
Chances are you carry one of the 18 known Jewish Genetic Diseases (JGDs) – 1 in 5 Askhenazi
Jews do! Hear the compelling story of Caroline and Randy Gold and why they founded the
Atlanta Jewish Gene Screen to promote awareness of carrier screening among rabbis, doctors,
and couples. Together with Rabbi Adam Starr, Karen Grinzaid and Paul Root Wolpe, explore
the rabbinic, medical and ethical perspectives on carrier screening and how we can stop the
transmission of JGDs in one generation.
Eco-Kashrut: A Jewish way of eating in the 21st Century
(Social Hall )
Rachael Bregman, Jonathan Crane, Joel Silverman
Many Jews who love to cook and eat are buying local organic vegetables, eating less meat,
and buying meat that is humanely raised. A movement is gathering steam to acknowledge
that farming, cooking, and eating with a concern for environmental impact and social justice
springs from a Jewish impulse, and seeking to expand traditional notions of kashrut in the
process. This session will explore the Jewish Food Movement and also present traditional
Jewish texts to support the idea that such concerns have deep roots in Jewish values and
scholarship.
Jews and Arabs in Israel: The Challenge of Coexistence
(Chapel)
Elie Rekhess
Jews and Arabs in the State of Israel: a perplexing and challenging issue that we all face as
Jews whether in the Diaspora or in the state of Israel. How did we get to where we are today
and what are the issues that face both communities as we move to the future? We will
explore the impact of the political and ideological constraints on the advancement of JewishArab coexistence in Israel from the perspectives of Jews and Arabs, from the viewpoint of
the Inter Agency Task Force on Israel Arab Issues, a non-governmental agency, as well as
from the Israeli government. Addressing the polarization of the Jewish and Arab reciprocal
attitudes, we will assess the possibilities for the future.
Givers & Takers: the Debate Between Alexander the
Great and the King of Katzia About Good & Evil
(Student Leadership Center)
David Silverman
Join one of Atlanta’s most beloved teachers in this Midrash about modern insight into the
nature of human beings: we are either givers or takers in our core, but can we change that?
Taste of Limmud
Global Development and Jewish Tradition
(Library)
Leah Jordan
How does social justice and global development work relate to our Jewish sources and
tradition? How can we understand our obligation as Jews as more than just a duty to our
neighbors/fellow Jews but as a “global obligation?” This session will explore American Jewish
World Service’s work in the Global South along with views (both Jewish and non Jewish) that
challenge this notion of global obligation and/or demand a more vigorous obligation to the
world at large. Come discuss!
Session Three 3:10-4:25
Change The World Starting with Atlanta:
Atlanta Organizations Taking Social Action
(Building 1525 Auditorium)
Faye Landey, Berylann Strada, Amy Zede, Jill Seider, Melanie Nelkin,
Moderated by Leah Jordan
Come meet the founders and leaders of some diverse Atlanta social action programs.
Learn how you too can get involved and help change the world! This panel, moderated
by Leah Jordan of the American Jewish World Service, will explore issues such as: how the
Atlanta leaders first became aware of the need for their programs; how they launched
their organization; what Atlanta resources they utilized; what obstacles they faced in the
beginning; and their plans for future funding and leadership.
Comedy Without Apology: Comedian Steve Hofstetter
(Social Hall)
Edgy but appropriate, Steve Hofstetter is unique on the Jewish comedy circuit. Rather than
doing tired jokes about Purim, he simply does his act from the perspective of someone
growing up Jewish in America. Hofstetter’s been compared to George Carlin and Bill Hicks.
He’s been on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and E! True Hollywood Story, Comics
Unleashed, Comedy All-Stars, Quite Frankly, White Boyz in the Hood, Countdown, and more.
Steve currently touring to support his brand new album, Pick Your Battles. He performs
300 live dates a year, and reached over half a million friends on Facebook and MySpace.
A Jewish Mosaic: Jewish Diversity Sharing and Discussion
(Chapel)
Moderated by Josh Lesser
This panel of Jews of Color & their parents will share their experiences living in Jewish
community. They will reflect on the richness of their identities and how the Jewish
community has alienated Jews of different races and ethnicities through privileging the
white experience and not addressing racism. As we restore wholeness to our Jewish
community, we have an opportunity to share the richness of Jewish history, culture and
ritual by including Jews of Color in the collective story.
Taste of Limmud
Visioning For A Better Future: Your Venture, Your Life, Your Change
(Student Leadership Center)
Shelby Zitelman and Jennie Rivlin Roberts
“Wherever you are, it’s probably Egypt. There is a better place, a Promised Land.”
— Michael Walzer
Before you can change you need to identify what is broken, how the future will look once that
is fixed, and why your venture or new practice will make that shift happen. Learn the tools to
build a structured vision and inspire others to join the march toward change. Adapted from
the PresenTense curriculum, this session is appropriate for anyone wanting to inspire change.
Coming of Age: Understanding Teens and Why Gender Matters
(Library)
Deborah Meyer
What is happening in the lives of Jewish teenagers today – and who is helping them figure
out what it means to be a man or woman? We will use a gender lens to explore how popular
culture impacts young men and women, drawing on the most current research. As a result,
we will better understand how we as Jewish parents and educators can support teenage girls
and boys in their journey to adulthood – thereby inspiring their connection to Jewish life.
Session Four 4:40-5:50
Meet the Atlanta Indie Innovators: 8 Entrepreneurs Who Are
Changing Jewish Life in Atlanta and the Nation
(Building 1525 Auditorium)
Jennie Rivlin Roberts, Patrick Aleph, Michael Sabini, Ori Salzberg, Marcy Levinson-Brooks,
Naomi Rabkin, Ana Fuchs, Russell Gottchalk
A group of social entrepreneurs are changing American Jewish life: engaging with thousands
of the new Jewish generation across the nation: addressing the Federation General
Assembly, teaching at Limmud and other international conferences, listed in the Slingshot
funding guidebook, covered by NPR, New York Times, CNN, and ABC News. “We are social
innovators working toward bettering Jewish life; we are founders of independent start-ups;
we live and work in Atlanta; come find out more about what we do!”Come discover the
exciting innovations that are happening right under your nose and meet the leaders
changing the American Jewish landscape.
“Shir” Soul: The Changing Sounds of Sacred Music and Prayer
(Chapel)
Will Robertson, Ariel Wolpe, Valerie Root Wolpe, Erica Morris, Michael Levine
Join us for an intimate, participatory song session with a delightful group of sacred music
innovators who are transforming the experience of Jewish liturgical song and prayer across
the religious spectrum. Musicians and others will perform their music and share what
inspires them. We will sing, make music together, and close with a stirred-up song tribute
to the pioneer of popular sacred music, Debbie Friedman. All ages welcome!
Taste of Limmud
Seder Mysteries
(Student Leadership Center)
Clive Lawton
Seder, like all Jewish things, is not only for children. But we’re so busy making it fun for
children we often forget to make it challenging for adults. We are so familiar with so much
of the ritual that we take much of it for granted. So why did the Angel of Death have to be
told who lived where? What is the annual miracle of the matza? Why is five, not four, the key
number for seder? At the end of it all, are we free or are we slaves?
The Secret Lives of Teens: Find Out Without Reading Their Diaries
(Libary)
Scott Fried
Sharing personal encounters with teens from around the world, Scott reveals the secrets
most teens would like to keep from their parents. Using himself as Exhibit A, he shares the
difficult story of his painful disclosures to his own family, followed by specific techniques
on parenting teenagers through the shoals of adolescence and their experiences as the
newest members of the sexual community. Come learn how to help your children make
healthy choices in these critical years.
Experience Krav Maga!
(Terrace; Rain location: Cafe)
Michael Beyo
Learn a bit of the hand-to-hand combat system developed in Israel that involves striking
techniques, wrestling, and grappling that is taught to regular and special forces in Israel
and has been adapted by law enforcement all over the world. Because of its natural flow
of movements and the rapid level of knowledge that students of Krav Maga achieve, it is
a system that has been taught to people of all walks of life and all ages. From children to
adult and senior - everyone can benefit from Krav Maga. Space is limited. Please sign up
at registration if interested in participating.
6-7:30
AJMF Closing Concert
(Social Hall)
Directly following Taste of Limmud (6 PM), Naomi Less
will perform with her full band in the social hall of the
Marcus Hillel Center. Known for her passionate style
and endless energy, Naomi amplifies empowerment
and positive self-esteem messages to both girls and
co-ed audiences in her music. Her mission is to build
tolerance and spirit in communities throughout the
world. Though Naomi loves rock, she was classically
trained in voice at Northwestern University. She’s
currently touring the US promoting her first Jewish
rock album, “Meshuga’at.”
For more info on Naomi Less, please visit:
www.naomiless.com
www.jewishchicksrock.blogspot.com
Taste of Limmud
Prodezra Beats from Savannah, GA will close out
the concert. While he is one of the only Jewish track
makers coming from a foundation of Southern Bump
that hits you hard & plays no games, Prodezra brings
a love of all music that gives him versatility in creating
Hip-Hop, “Country-Rap” Tunes, Pop, & Rock tracks, etc.
And for most Fresh Jewish Music…
The Atlanta Jewish Music Festival has announced the lineup for its second annual Spring
Festival, headlined by The Sway Machinery and Jaffa Road. This year’s festival has expanded
to three nights from May 19 – 21 at three different venues in the Atlanta area.
“We’re extremely excited to have three amazing nights of incredible music
with a diverse group of artists,” said AJMF’s director Russell Gottschalk.
“When we launched the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival last year we felt
that something was missing from the Jewish and cultural fabric of Atlanta,
and I think this year we’ve filled it in a big way.”
This year’s festival features a night for local artists at Eddie’s Attic
on May 19, a night of sacred music in a special Shabbat Service at
Congregation Bet Haverim, and a huge closing night party featuring
the headlining acts at Center Stage.
Bios
Patrick Aleph is the co-founder and Executive Director of PunkTorah, a Jewish non-profit
dedicated to independent Jewish spirituality, culture, learning and debate. PunkTorah
pioneered online Jewish engagement by creating OneShul, the world’s first online
community-led, online synagogue as well as other grass roots projects including the
PunkTorah blog, NewKosher.org and 3xDaily, the campaign for progressive Jewish prayer.
In addition, Patrick is a musician with the Jewish record label JDub Records and is lectures
on Jewish spirituality and social media technology.
Bram Besoff’s music industry experience started more than 13 years ago as the drummer for
Soup. Bram later created SoundArt Mgmt, worked with the Virgin College MegaTour, Atlantis
Music Conference and is now co-owner of IndieHitMaker. In 2007, Bram started Shabbat
Rocks after enrolling his daughter at the MJCCA preschool and discovering Robyn Shippel
rocking little kids out every Shabbat. Currently, Bram can be found performing concerts and
leading religious services for people of all ages across the country.
Michael Beyo was born in Milano, Italy and attended the local Jewish Day school and
later in Yeshivot Italy, UK, France, USA and Israel where he received three Rabbinical
Ordinations as well as two Masters in Political Science and Jewish History. He is a
regular guest lecturer at Georgia Tech where he teaches Intra-Israeli conflicts and Israeli
social movements. Michael served for many years for the Israeli security services where
he was an instructor of advanced Krav Maga and counter terrorism expert. He offers regular
classes and private lessons for self-defense, and Krav Maga for adults and kids throughout
Atlanta and can be reached at [email protected]
Taste of Limmud
David Blumenthal teaches and writes on constructive Jewish theology, medieval Judaism,
Jewish mysticism, and holocaust studies at Emory University. His previous published works
include numerous scholarly articles, reviews, and eleven books including the two volume
Understanding Jewish Mysticism, God at the Center, Facing the Abusing God: A Theology of
Protest, The Banality of Good and Evil: Moral Lessons from the Shoah and Jewish Tradition
and Philosophic Mysticism: Essays in Rational Religion. He is a member of the European
Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Religion.
Jonathan K. Crane is the Scholar of Bioethics and Jewish Thought at Emory University’s Center
for Ethics. He holds a B.A. from Wheaton College in Massachusetts, a M.A. in international
peace studies from the University of Notre Dame, a M.Phil. in Gandhian thought from Gujarat
Vidyapith in India, a M.A. in Hebrew literature and rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union
College in New York, and a Ph.D. in religion from the University of Toronto. He has served
Jewish communities in China, India, and North America and teaches about Judaism, interfaith
relations, Gandhian philosophy, and a variety of ethical issues. His most recent publication is
“Open-Source Covenant” in Jewish Theology in Our Time.
Scott Fried is a health educator, motivational speaker and writer. He has touched more than
a million people across the United States and in many other countries through his lectures,
TV/radio appearances and publications. His message for teens, young adults, parents,
teachers and professionals is a powerful one of love, responsibility, sacredness and
self-respect. He is the author of three books for teens and parents of teens. Scott lives
in NYC.
Ana Fuchs is Director of Jewish Kids Groups (JKG) whose mission is to reach beyond
traditional, boxy, supplemental Jewish education and design personal experiences that lay
the foundation for a lifetime of loving Judaism. Fuchs is Lead Instructional Designer at the
Emory University Institute for the Study of Modern Israel where she conducts teacher training
sessions on purposefully integrating technology into education. She has B.A. in Jewish
Studies and Middle Eastern Studies from Emory University and an M.S. in Instructional
Design and Technology from Georgia State University.
Evin Galang, director of the Premier Lindy Hop troupe, Down South Swing, has been teaching
Vintage Swing dances to adults and children for almost 15 years. She is excited to work with
the kids at Camp Limmud to get them shaking their tail feathers and having a great time!
Caroline and Randy Gold’s lives changed dramatically in August 2009 when, at 18 months old,
their daughter Eden was diagnosed with Mucolipidosis Type IV, a horrible and preventable
Jewish Genetic Disease. Devastated and surprised, because they were previously screened
for Jewish Genetic Diseases, Caroline and Randy eventually learned that they were only
screened for 8 of a possible 18 known diseases. They also learned that there is no standard
testing panel. Long time Jewish community activists, the Golds initiated Atlanta Jewish Gene
Screen in response to their family experience. Their goal is to educate others on how to avoid
a similar tragedy and have healthy children of their own. With funding from The Marcus
Foundation, Atlanta Jewish Gene Screen promotes awareness among rabbis, doctors, and
young couples about the need for screening for the currently 18 preventable Jewish Genetic
Diseases.
Hope Goldberg has over 15 years experience in marketing, project management, event
management and business development, giving her an in-depth understanding of the
business component of marketing. She has worked as the Event Planner of the Camp
Barney Medintz 40th Anniversary, Project Manager for various technology companies
and independently as the President of Stress Free Solutions handling the branding,
project management and research for various organizations and non-profits.
Hope dedicates herself to helping the community and has worked with Amy’s Holiday Party,
Creating Connected Communities for the previous 8 years. She now sits on the Board of
Directors as well as keeps her hands in the day to day running of the party. She also
volunteers at her children’s schools.
Taste of Limmud
Russell Gottschalk is a native of Atlanta and Emory alum. He works as a free-lance audio/
video producer throughout the Southeast and recently founded the South’s first celebration
of fresh Jewish music (the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival or AJMF). As a young Jewish
professional in Atlanta, Gottschalk hopes AJMF will engage and unify our community,
providing opportunities for musicians and audiences to deepen their connection to Jewish
music, culture and each other.
Karen Grinzaid is genetic counselor for the Atlanta Jewish Gene Screen and program director
for Emory’s Jewish Genetic Disease Program. She oversees counseling services for private
clients, coordinates community screenings and speaks at educational events. She is also
a clinical/research coordinator at Emory Genetics. Karen earned a BA in Psychology from
Northwestern University, MS in Human Genetics from Sarah Lawrence College. Certified in
Genetic Counseling and Clinical Research Coordination.
Leah Jordan is a Kol Tzedek Speaking Fellow with American Jewish World Service (a Jewish
international development organization) and currently a third-year rabbinical student
studying at Yeshivat Hadar in New York City. This past June, Leah participated on an AJWS
Rabbinical Students’ Delegation service-learning trip to Senegal in West Africa that, among
other things, explored the relationship between Jewish tradition and global justice work in
the Global South.
Mohamed Khalifa holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and is a General Manager of
Engineering for a Japanese Company in Newnan, GA. Dr. Khalifa is a founding member of
the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta. He has a passion for studying and teaching about
Islam, the role of religion in a Muslim’s life and the importance of interfaith understanding.
Dr. Khalifa teaches several classes about the above topics. He is married and has two sons,
a daughter and three grandchildren. Dr. Khalifa and his wife have been residents
of Peachtree City for 22 years.
Elise Kurian has been with National Council of Jewish Women, Atlanta Section, since 2007.
Before finding herself with the perfect place for her ideals and beliefs, she was a Jewish
communal worker and volunteer for over twenty years -- a synagogue administrator,
development director, and a volunteer board member. Elise is also on the board of Georgia
Rescue and Restore. Her favorite program, which she hopes to highlight is the Atlanta Jewish
Coalition for Literacy, a national program of volunteer tutors/mentors of all ages.
Faye Landey is cofounder and Board Member of the Georgia Network for Nonviolent
Communication, and a Registered Neutral Mediator with the Georgia Office of Dispute
Resolution, a Certified Trainer with the International Center for Nonviolent Communication
(www.cnvc.org) and offers workshops and conflict resolution especially for those who serve
as models for children. She currently is a team member of Compassionate Leadership,
(www.compassionateleadership.com) a yearlong international program for advanced training
of Nonviolent Communication. She has a BA degree from Emory University in Atlanta where
she met and married her husband, Ben Landey, a local Atlanta attorney.
Clive Lawton was one of the founders of Limmud in 1980 and is now its Senior Consultant. He
is a governor of the Metropolitan Police, scholar-in-residence at the London Jewish Cultural
Centre, a magistrate and a freelance broadcaster, writer and international trainer in the fields
of diversity, senior team development and vision setting with over a dozen books published.
Naomi Less is a Jewish rock singer and spiritual-ritual musician, experiential educator and
educational trainer. Her project, Jewish Chicks Rock empowers and ignites young Jewish
women and girls to pick up instruments and express themselves through music. Naomi tours
year-round with her band, providing concerts and educational workshops to all ages and
stages. Naomi is a founding company member of Storahtelling and serves as their Director
of Education and Training. www.naomiless.com
Joshua Lesser returned home to his hometown of Atlanta to serve as the spiritual leader
of Congregation Bet Haverim. Committed to inclusion, Josh spent many years working with
children and adults with disabilities including helping found Camp Big Heart. He edited Torah
Queeries, the first LGBT weekly Torah commentary. A member of the first Teach For America
Corps in New Orleans is where his education on race in America really began.
Taste of Limmud
Michael Levine is a man of many hats (to cover his elegantly shaved head). As a singersongwriter, he has released 4 CDs, he has opened for acts such as Dave Matthews Band and
Counting Crows and he won the prestigious Eddie’s Attic Open Mic Shootout in June 2005 in
Decatur, GA. You can hear his music at www.michaellevine.net or www.myspace.com/
michaellevine. As a record producer, he has won national awards and runs Watertown
Studios. As a music educator & children’s performer, “Mr. Michael” and business partner
“Mr. Eric” Litwin created & run The Learning Groove (www.thelearninggroove.com), which
creates cool music & classes for families & children ages 0-4.
Marcy J. Levinson-Brooks has worked as an investigative reporter in Florida, and a cops/
courts and features writer in Aiken, SC. She was the photographer and a reporter with the
Atlanta Jewish Times until June 2009. Since 2006 she’s been swimming in a fantastic world of
Atlanta Jewish life that has taken her to Israel and back. In January 2010 Marcy independently
launched www.AtlantaJewishNews.com providing Atlanta with an up-to-date news source
catering to all areas of the city’s large Jewish community. Marcy is from a family of business
people, the Levinson family of Newport News, Va. who owned Levinson Packing Co. They
shipped livestock to Europe under the Marshall Plan, and also shipped cattle to Israel under
the supervision of veterinarians from Brandeis University. All the family stories of “the early
days” had little meaning until she got older and had a greater appreciation of her family’s
role in stocking Israel’s cattle supply, and helping rebuild Europe. Marcy married Lt. Col. Craig
Brooks, United States Army, JAG in 2008 and they are members of Congregation B’Nai Torah.
They live happily in North Fulton County with their rescue dog, Seven.
Deborah Meyer, Moving Traditions’ founding Executive Director, works to inspire the Jewish
community to transmit healthy gender values to the next generation. Meyer played a key role
in creating the organizations’ programs, Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing!, empowering 10,000
girls to date, and The Brotherhood, a new initiative to reverse boys’ exodus post-bar mitzvah.
Through research, training educators and developing curricula, Meyer is committed to
moving Jewish tradition to help teen girls and boys reach their full human potential by
exploring femininity and masculinity.
Erica Morris is a sophomore at Emory University majoring in English. She is from Scottsdale,
AZ and is the middle of three sisters, all of whom sing and write music. For Erica, music is a
way not only to express herself, but also to connect with something higher. She has
written many different kinds of music from secular pop and Broadway-sounding songs
to new melodies for Jewish prayers (including a Havdalah service), and even spiritual rap.
She currently has a CD out on iTunes and cdbaby.com entitled “For a Moment” which
features a wide variety of her songs, both religious and secular.
Melanie Nelkin chairs the Georgia Coalition to Prevent Genocide (GC2PG). She was in the
inaugural Carl Wilkens Fellowship class with the Genocide Intervention Network (GI-NET) in
2009. On November 1, 2010 GI-NET and Save Darfur Coalition (SDC) merged to create a larger
national presence while working with smaller agencies and coalitions to build a permanent
anti-genocide constituency locally and throughout the United States. Melanie’s interest in
the history of genocide began with her involvement as a docent at The Breman Holocaust
and Jewish Heritage Museum in 1996. She is a past president of Jewish Federation of Greater
Atlanta (JFGA) Women’s Philanthropy and has served on the JFGA board of directors.
Naomi Rabkin is an educator, organizer and activist with a passion for experiential learning,
community building, and above all else, food. Naomi earned her Master’s degree in
Education at Stanford University in 2001 and focused on the intersections between Jewish
Values of Social Action and Service Learning Education. For the past 12 years, Naomi has
worked to build the field of Jewish service as the National Director of Programs at Spark:
Partnership for Service and the Director of Service Learning at the Jewish Funds for Justice,
and the National Recruitment Coordinator for Project Otzma. Her other professional
experiences include Teach for America, The Service Learning 2000 Center The Wexner
Heritage Foundation, and is currently the Executive Director of Limmud Atlanta + Southeast.
For the past four years, Naomi has directed her passion for vegetarian cooking, nutrition
and sustainable agriculture into developing and leading Atlanta’s first Jewish CSA program,
Taste of Limmud
which has developed into a community wide endeavor as the Jewish Food Alliance. She is a
member of Hazon’s Jewish Food Educator’s Network, and has served on Hazon’s CSA program
Advisory Board and chaired Hazon’s 2010 Food Conference.
Prodezra Beats - L’Shem Shamayim is from Savannah, GA. He’s been producing for 15 years.
Prodezra makes hard-hitting Jewish Rap full of meaning. He’s a unique Jewish producer/
rapper bringing the South sound. In college he began to dig back into his Jewish roots.
A Chabad Chassid, he’s now using his G-d given talent for good. Prodezra makes music that
people do more than just listen to, but feel in the soul. His love of Judaism is felt in every
song. Check the new album “Connection Revealed.”
Elie Rekhess is one of Israel’s leading experts on the Arab minority in Israel, Jewish-Arab
relations, Palestinian politics, and Islamic resurgence in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
He served as a Senior Research Fellow in the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and
African Studies, Tel Aviv University, and headed the Program on Jewish-Arab Cooperation in
Israel sponsored by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. As of 2009, Prof. Rekhess holds the
position of Visiting Crown Chair in Middle East Studies at Northwestern University and is
co-chair of its Middle East Forum. Rekhess appears as a regular public lecturer and
television commentator on Arab issues in Israel and abroad. He has spoken for the UJA,
UJC, Federations, Hadassah, and Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and represents the
Inter Agency Task Force on Israel Arab Issues in conjunction with the Jaffa Photo Exhibit.
Jennie Rivlin Roberts founded ModernTribe, which brings the world design-forward Judaica
and Jewish gifts via ModernTribe.com and PopJudaica.com. She also created No Limit Texas
Dreidel, the game that crosses dreidel with Texas Hold’em poker. Previously, Jennie earned a
PhD in Industrial & Organizational Psychology from Georgia Tech and consulted for Fortune
500 companies.
Will Robertson is an Atlanta-area music producer, and serves as the chorus director and
bandleader at Congregation Bet Haverim. He has composed and arranged several pieces for
CBH, and produced both of their CDs,. Will studied at Rice University and Berklee College of
Music. As a music producer, Will has worked with several talented singer-songwriters around
the country, including David Berkeley and CBH’s own Danielle Sansone. Will’s work has been
featured on primetime network television and radio stations across the country. For more
information, visit www.willrobertson.com.
Valerie Root Wolpe is a seeker and connector. Professionally, she consults with academic
medical schools on leadership searches. Valerie coaches individuals seeking connection
with a wider, deeper sense of their purpose and possibility. She runs training groups in
contemplative and creative practices that connect us with our sources of inspiration,
courage, and joy. Valerie experiences G-d most closely through music. She is moved to
connect you with artists who seek and find the soul through song.
Ori Salzberg is a teacher at the Greenfield Hebrew Academy in Atlanta, and Creative Director
of Bible Raps, a program that uses rhythm, rhyme and technology to enliven the core texts of
Judaism. After several years of studying in Yeshiva, he studied at the Rimon School of Modern
Music and Jazz and studied Philosophy at Hebrew University. He performs in diverse settings
as a guitarist, percussionist, vocalist and DJ and is also a sought after Chazan.
Jonathan D. Sarna is the Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History at
Brandeis University. He also chairs the Academic Advisory and Editorial Board of the Jacob
Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives in Cincinnati, serves as Chief Historian
of the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, and writes the “Now
and Then” column for the Jewish Forward in New York. Author or editor of more than twenty
books on American Jewish history and life, his American Judaism: A History won six awards
including the 2004 “Everett Jewish Book of the Year Award” from the Jewish Book Council.
Sarna is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and of the American
Academy of Jewish Research.
Taste of Limmud
Dave Silverman, Rabbi and dean of the Atlanta Scholars Kollel, prefers juggling and mime but
couldn’t make a living doing that so he became a rabbi/teacher instead. Recently he took over
the administrative responsibilities of the Kollel knowing only how to balance a check book on
his nose. Rabbinic ordination from Ner Israel Rabbinical College. Masters in Education Johns
Hopkins U. Age: the speed limit inside the perimeter.
Myron Smith is Food Donor Coordinator for Second Helpings. Second Helpings is an all
volunteer food recovery program based out of Temple Sinai in Atlanta. Since September 2004,
Second Helpings has distributed more than 1,400,000 pounds of food to food pantries, day
shelters, homeless shelters, and other agencies in Atlanta. Myron manages the relationships
with current food donor and solicits partnerships with potential new donors.
Joel Silverman is a professional photographer who gets a profoundly deep satisfaction from
vegetable gardening and raising chickens, stemming from the same reasons he used to keep
kosher – “it helps me to not take for granted where our food comes from and it’s important to
me that my daughters Sophie and Mira grow up feeling connected to the Earth even living in
an asphalt city.”
Adam Starr leads Young Israel of Toco Hills. He grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, and
studied at Yeshivat Shalavim in Israel for two years prior to college. He received his BA from
Yeshiva College and has rabbinical ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Rabbinical
Seminary at Yeshiva University. He is an instructor of Jewish Ethics and Purposes at the
Florence Melton Adult Mini-School based at the Jewish Community Center in Atlanta and
serves on the Executive Committee of the Rabbinical Council of America.
Phyllis Weiser has been a community leader in Atlanta for many years as a founding Board
Member of both the Davis Academy and the Weber School, President of Temple Sinai and
organizer and participant in social action programs throughout Atlanta. As a life-long student
of Jewish subjects, she strongly promotes and participates in Limmud.
DJ Camille has dazzled partygoers around the world with her unique style of contemporary
urban mixes fused with hip-hop, breaks, e-hop, top 40 and 80’s pieces of vinyl legitimizing her
as a purist in the “iPod” generation. Camille is also a celebrated rapper and has recorded with
producers The Beat Bullies and created the theme song for the Atlanta Falcons which aired
on the Morning Mayhem AM 790 show with Steak Shapiro. DJ Camille is currently in Atlanta,
where she has continued to be “The sound of the party” at Atlanta’s hottest nightclubs such
as Compound, Opera, The Mark, and Masquerade. Camille frequently travels throughout the
southeast as a DJ and performer to Florida and Alabama.
Paul Root Wolpe, Ph.D. is the Director of the Center for Ethics and the Asa Griggs Candler
Professor of Bioethics and Raymond Schinazi Distinguished Research Professor of Jewish
Bioethics at Emory University. Dr. Wolpe’s work focuses on the social, religious, and
ideological impact of biotechnology on the human condition. Active in the field of Jewish
Bioethics, Wolpe is a founder of the Society for Jewish Ethics and sits on the board of the
Victor Center for Jewish Genetic Diseases.
Ariel Wolpe hails from Philadelphia and began writing music on the guitar at age 14. Her
much loved “soothing sound” is influenced by folk and chanting traditions. Ariel and calls
her music “Acoustic Soul.” Her song “Trembling before the Lord” placed in the Emory Arts
Competition in 2008, and is playing as a local artist in the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival.
Ariel uses her music to explore moral dilemmas and spiritual connection to humanity and
the divine. She is currently working on completing her first CD, Wooden Hearts
(www.arielrootwolpe.com).
Shelby Zitelman joined PresenTense after spending a year in Israel studying at the Pardes
Institute of Jewish Studies and working for a joint MBA program between the University of
Maryland Entrepreneurship Center and the Technion. She is a graduate of the University of
Pennsylvania where she studied entrepreneurial management at the Wharton School, and
pursued this degree as an analyst at two early-stage venture capital funds in Philadelphia
while living in Moishe House Philadelphia. Shelby is excited to pursue her passion of
start-up consulting and social entrepreneurship as the Venture Resources Coordinator
for PresenTense, and co-coordinating the PresenTense NYC Fellowship.