March 2015 - Temple Sinai

d’var sinai
March 2015
Resolve to Get Involved
Now a few months into 2015, it is not too late to add a resolution: the
resolution to get involved. It is through involvement and volunteerism at
Sinai that we re-energize our community and inspire ourselves to fulfill the
Jewish mandate to repair the world. As service is a defining feature of what
it means to be Jewish, at Sinai there are many ways that your generosity of
time and skill help build our community.
Interested in helping in the temple office? See page 22. Maybe you’d like to
get involved by doing mitzvot (good deeds) for others? You could serve on
our Kesher committee bringing food and care to ill and grieving congregants,
participate in Second Helpings, support Family Promise, donate blood or
engage in one of our monthly Social Action Sundays.
There are also numerous events on our synagogue calendar that would not
occur without the help and devotion of volunteers. One of those events is
our annual Purim Carnival, this year on Sunday, March 1 (see page 10 for
details). Believe it or not, it takes approximately 120 volunteers to run the
carnival, Sinai’s most well-attended event of the year. We need extra hands
and big smiles - people to be stationed at our games, serve hamantaschen
and other food, monitor registration and sell tickets, oversee the jumpies,
help with arts and crafts and so much more.
If you have an hour or more to give and are willing to help with our Purim
celebration, we urge you to participate and be a part of our grand carnival.
Whether you want to volunteer with a friend, need a seated job, or have
other requests, we can arrange it. Your support is sincerely appreciated and
will not only ensure the success of our Purim celebration but also help to
influence our children’s memorable Jewish experiences!
Whatever the contribution, there are countless ways our congregants
voluntarily and enthusiastically support our synagogue, and the Purim
Carnival is just one glowing example. Thank you! Temple Sinai is so grateful
and blessed to have you in our family!
Temple Sinai’s Purim Carnival
Sunday, March 1
Temple Sinai
10:15 am: Family Megillah Reading, Sanctuary
11:00 am - 1:00 pm: Carnival, Everywhere!
See Page 10 for more information.
Want to get involved?
Did a volunteer
opportunity above
catch your eye? Contact
our Program Director
Judy Thomas at
404.252.3073, ext. 330.
Pictured above: Purim fun from 2014! Teen
volunteers, happy children in costumes,
and Rabbi Elana and Rabbi Brad as Scooby
Doo characters at the Megillah reading.
D’var Sinai | Shevat/Adar 5775
Temple Sinai Staff
To reach our staff via email, please use
first initial last name @templesinaiatlanta.org.
Ex: [email protected]
Spiritual Leadership
Rabbis
Ronald M. Segal
Bradley G. Levenberg
Elana E. Perry
Philip N. Kranz, Emeritus
Interim Cantorial Soloist
Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser
Executive Assistant to Rabbis
Rachel DeLine
Administrative & Programming Staff
Executive Director
Jack J. Feldman
Facilities/Event Director
Lillie Janko
Director of Operations
Shelly Dresdner
Program Director
Judy Thomas
Communications Director
Kathy Powell
Development Director
Lindsey Vicente
Accountant
Errol Atlan
Member Services Coordinator
Simone Kallett
Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
Jordan Adonailo
Administrative Assistant
Linda Tiller
Facilities Manager
Andre Parker
Your Journey. Your Home.
Education Staff
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Director of Education
Marisa Kaiser
Religious School Director
Caren Feingold
Religious School Administrative Assistant
Jenny Mopper
Interim Youth & Teen Director
Anna Roberto
B’nei Mitzvah Coordinator
Elise Halpern
Librarian, PNK Learning Center
Adelle Salmenson
Early Childhood Education Director
Carol Epstein
Preschool Administrative Assistant
Jennifer Adams
Board of Trustees
Scott Zucker | [email protected]
D’var Sinai
Published by Temple Sinai
5645 Dupree Drive
Sandy Springs, GA 30327
P: 404.252.3073; F: 404.252.8570
www.templesinaiatlanta.org
Be sure to visit our website to
register for upcoming events.
D’var Sinai Submissions
should be emailed to communications@templesinaiatlanta.
org. The deadline for the April issue is February 25. The
deadline for the May issue is March 25. Thank you!
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Did you know...
Sinai T’micha is a support group for parents with children
who learn differently, need behavioral support or have
special needs. We have informal, open-ended discussions
about our kids, as well as ideas for schools, services, camps,
activities, etc. Parents leave our sessions with new ideas and
connections to other parents facing similar challenges.
Our remaining meetings this year are at 9:30 am in the Sinai
Bridal Room on March 1, April 12 and May 3.
For additional information please contact Stacey Geer at
[email protected].
For more accessibility resources at Sinai, please contact our
Hineni Concierge, Ina Enoch, at [email protected] or Jan
Jay, at [email protected].
Test yourself and take a quiz:
1) Nearly 1.8 million people in this state are living in poverty.
Answer: Georgia
2) 16.7% of the population of this large metropolitan area is
food insecure, meaning that they don’t always know where
they will find their next meal. Answer: Atlanta
3) Which population represents nearly 30% of those living in
a food insecure household?
Answer: Children
These are heartbreaking statistics. Even if we can answer the questions above
correctly, when it comes to ethical consciousness, all of the answers are simply
wrong. How can we possibly accept the status quo, knowing that so many in our
local community suffer from hunger? Passivity is not an option.
Thankfully, each year there is an impactful way to make a difference to end hunger
in Atlanta, and it also happens to be tons of fun: The Hunger Walk! Taking place
on Sunday, March 15th, the Hunger Walk will benefit the Atlanta Community
Food Bank, Second Helpings, and other charitable organizations working to
combat hunger in Atlanta. It’s a great afternoon of community building, exercise
and celebration, but it’s also an important opportunity for activism, fundraising
and awareness raising, as we join with thousands of others to try to “stomp out”
hunger.
The support and visible presence of the Jewish community at this event has been
strong, as Jews of all denominations from across the city join together to put our
values into action. Temple Sinai’s presence has been particularly impressive, as
our “Sinai Striders” team has won the award for the largest congregational team
for the past 3 years in a row! This honor has earned us a monetary award that
we have used each year to support Second Helpings (and the bragging rights
are nice, too!). People say we can’t do it again, but I know that we can prove
them wrong. Will you help us to continue our winning streak by joining the Sinai
Striders?
It’s not too late to register for the team, or to make a contribution to the cause.
Please see page 16 for more details and to learn how you can join the “Sinai
Striders.” I hope to see you there!
Friday, March 6
Rock Shabbat Service, 6:30 pm
Friday, March 27
Tot Shabbat, 6:30 pm (See pg 11)
Shabbat Service with Cantor
Natalie Young, 6:30 pm (see
below for details)
Artist in Residence:
Cantor Natalie Young
Friday, March 27
6:30 pm, Shabbat Services
Cantor Natalie
Young is an awardwinning composer
whose music is
being used by
communities all
over the world.
Her gift for writing
beautiful and memorable melodies
has made prayer experiences
accessible for worshippers young
and old. Natalie has released two
solo albums of original music and
many of her songs have been
recorded by other artists. She is
currently working on publishing
a songbook of her original music,
due out this Spring. Natalie proudly
serves as the cantor at Temple Beth
El in Aliso Viejo, California.
An Evening of Jazz
Thursday, March 19
7:00 pm, Large Social Hall
All are invited to Temple Sinai
for a free concert featuring Jazz
Orchestra Atlanta directed by Brent
Runnels. Wine & cheese will be
available during the concert, as well
as a dance floor -- the dancing is up
to you! Come and enjoy a night of
great big band music! No cost, open
to all.
templesinaiatlanta.org | 404 . 252 . 3073
Beyond the much-needed funds raised at this event, one of the most impressive
things about the Hunger Walk is the way that it brings the Atlanta community
together. Last year, there were more than 15,000 people from all over the
metro-area, from all different faith backgrounds and perspectives, walking and
running for a common cause. It was a unifying experience, and the outpouring
of widespread enthusiasm to fight hunger boosted the spirits of everyone
present. The crowds enjoyed games, food and entertainment in the parking lots
as everyone got excited to begin the walk. And once it started, the downtown
streets were teeming with smiling faces. Some groups marched wearing matching
t-shirts or hats, some groups proudly held banners and signs. Parents pushed
strollers or pulled wagons, enjoying not only a beautiful day outdoors, but also
the opportunity to teach their children about stepping up to help others in need.
Special Themed
Shabbat Services
Worship & Rabbi Message
From My Perspective | Rabbi Elana Perry
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Vice President of Education’s Message | Larry Weiner
Our Sinai journey started in 1983
when we placed our names on the
Sinai membership waiting list. We
had planned it so at the end of the
approximate 15 month wait our son
David would be ready to start Sunday
school as a kindergartener. During
this waiting period we started to
take David to Preschool Workshops
once a month on Sunday, run by Lauren Mahady.
From the start we began to experience the welcoming
Sinai environment. Even though our family were not
“official” members, we were treated as though we
were. I mention this because people in our community
spoke of Sinai as an “aloof” congregation, a difficult
place to make friends. I am sure this was because of
the waiting list. I understood that Sinai never wanted
to become a congregation that was too big to lose its
family atmosphere.
As Sinai grew and slowly expanded its membership,
our family expanded its involvement. Along the way
Laura and I became involved with many committees. I
chaired the social action committee, sat on preschool
committees and search committees As the journey
continued I assumed leadership positions including
Chair of the Board of Education and Vice President
of Education. In 2004 I was asked to become Interim
Director of Education. During this time, whether as
a congregant or lay leader or employee, our family
has always experienced warmth and acceptance. The
“aloof” congregation never materialized.
Your Journey. Your Home.
Travel With Sinai
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Ever wanted to stroll through
Old Havana with Rabbi Brad?
Walk the Marrakech
marketplace with Rabbi Ron?
Learn about the Jewish
experience abroad?
Tour an international locale
with your Sinai family?
Now is your chance!
Sinai is excited to have two
upcoming congregational trips,
one to Cuba this fall, and a new
trip to Morocco next January.
More details at right.
Every house of worship wants to be a welcoming place.
Not all succeed. Sinai succeeds because it comes easy
for us. From the first phone call that we answer to
the greeters at Shabbat services, people feel like they
belong. Our building has been made accessible for all.
Our Rabbis and leaders make sure that being at Sinai
always feels like being with family. I believe that much of
our growth is because we are a welcoming congregation.
Our Rabbis and congregants are aware of newcomers in
our midst and value “welcoming the stranger”.
Sinai has recognized that each person has individual
needs and interests and has responded by offering
multigenerational and diverse programming. In any
given month one can choose social action, adult
learning, family learning, spiritual opportunities and
social activities, just to name a few. Sinai knows that
“one size does not fit all”.
Taking a journey requires a good road map and
preparation. When our family started our Sinai journey
in 1983 we did not know what our destination was or
have the tools for the trip. Over the years Temple Sinai
has given us and many others the tools to take our
Jewish journey. We have celebrated many wonderful
times and tough times, but Sinai has been there for us.
Our Sinai journey is far from over and we are excited to
see what’s around the next corner.
Temple Sinai Goes to Cuba
October 1 - October 6, 2015
Cuba brings to mind familiar images of cigars and old cars, Che and Fidel, sugar
cane and coffee. Led by Rabbi Brad Levenberg & Susanne Katz from Temple
Sinai and Miriam Saul from Other Cuban Journeys, the trip will explore Jewish
Cuba with a special emphasis on the arts. Contact Rabbi Brad Levenberg,
[email protected], to reserve your space.
Tour Morocco with Temple Sinai
January 10 - January 20, 2016
Join Rabbi Ron & Jill Segal and Martin & Robyn Tanenbaum on a tour of
Morocco. Highlights of the trip include: Casablanca (visit the third largest
mosque in the world), Fes (tour the Jewish Quarter, Mellah), Marrakech
(explore the marketplace), the Sahara Desert (off-roading in the desert) and the
Atlas Mountains! Contact Rachel DeLine, [email protected], for
more information.
A Night in Monte Carlo
April 25, 2015
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm, Temple Sinai
Black Jack, Roulette, Craps, Texas Hold ‘Em, Prize Wheel,
Grand Prize Raffle and Silent/Live Auctions
Cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, music, and dancing
General Admission Tickets: $100/ guest
Young Adult Tickets (age 36 and under): $50/guest
Invitations were mailed to the congregation in late February
and include more details about sponsorship opportunities
and ticket prices.
Please RSVP at www.templesinaiatlanta.org or call
Lindsey Vicente, Development Director at 404.252.3073.
Join us for a FABULOUS evening of fun, games,
and community building for our Sinai family. Your
support of our Night in Monte Carlo fundraiser will
help us raise the much needed dollars that directly
support and sustain all the things that we love about
Temple Sinai: our congregation, our community,
Our Journey, and Our Home -- the place where
we go for inspiration, spirituality, and connection;
where social action is encouraged; where lifelong
learning is cultivated and nurtured; where a large
congregation feels like a small one; where people
take care of each other; and where we experience
and celebrate life’s most important moments.
Many thanks to our Presenting Sponsor:
Want to help with our Night in Monte Carlo fundraiser? We are working hard to secure fabulous in-kind donations for
our Prize Wheel, Raffle, and Silent/Live Auctions. Please visit our Night in Monte Carlo page on Temple Sinai’s website,
download the in-kind donation packet, print it, and keep a few copies in your car. When you are visiting your favorite local
establishments (restaurants, stores, spas, fitness centers, aestheticians, hair/nail salons, etc.), pass it on to the manager and
help secure a gift for our fundraiser. You can also contact Lindsey Vicente at 404.252.3073 or lvicente@templesinaiatlanta.
org to obtain copies of our in-kind packet.
As well, we are working to secure high-end items, i.e. vacation homes, airline miles, chef’s dinners, sporting events and
theatre tickets, etc. We’d love to hear your ideas. If you know of some possibilities or have something that you might want
to donate, please contact Shirley Leaderman ([email protected]), Robyn Tanenbaum ([email protected]),
or Brooke Baras ([email protected]) to discuss further. Many thanks in advance for your help!
We look forward to celebrating with you on April 25!
Adult Education
92nd St Y
Sunday, March 29
7:30 pm
The State of World Jewry: Alan Dershowitz and
Deborah Lipstadt with Jeff Greenfield
Adult Ed Mini-Series with Dr. Mark Bauman
Ambiguous Encounters: Jews in the 19th Century South
Wednesday evenings
March 11, 18, 25, 7:30 pm
March 11 - The Origins of Reform Judaism in
America: Congregation Building and Change through
Reconstruction
March 18 - Southern Jewish Interaction with Others:
The Spectrum from Acceptance to Toleration to Overt
Antisemitism
March 25 - Jews and African Americans: Ambiguous
Encounters
Come to Temple Sinai to watch & discuss this program
from the 92nd St Y in New York City.
Dr. Mark K. Bauman, a retired professor of history
at Atlanta Metropolitan College, is the author of
biographies of Southern Methodist Bishop Warren
A. Candler (recipient of the Jesse Lee Prize) and
Rabbi Harry H. Epstein, as well as American Jewish
Chronology, and about fifty scholarly articles. He is
the editor of Quiet Voices: Southern Rabbis and Civil
Rights; Dixie Diaspora: An Anthology on Southern Jewish
History; and three special issues of American Jewish
History. He serves as founding and current editor of
Southern Jewish History.
Sinai Film Series: Defiance
Sunday, March 15, 7:00 pm
Your Journey. Your Home.
Mark your calendars! Come watch
the movie, Defiance, free of charge
with your friends, enjoy popcorn &
candy, AND a discussion moderated
by the daughter of Tuvia Bielsky,
the real person behind Daniel
Craig’s character in the movie.
Sponsored by the Susan and
Howard Rothman Adult Programming Endowment Fund.
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Save the dates! New film class at Sinai!
Fitting In: A Short History of Jewish Film in America
April 7 - May 12, Tuesdays, 10:00 am
Instructor Bob Bahr will lead a discussion with excerpts
from six important Jewish films, which explore the
theme of how American Jews have adapted to changes
in their own lives and in American society over the last
century.
Among the films discussed will be The Jazz Singer,
(1927), Gentlemen’s Agreement (1946), Diary of Anne
Frank (1959), Fiddler On The Roof (1971), Zelig (1983),
and Everything Is Illuminated, (2005).
Cost is $49 for the six week class. Please register on the
Temple Sinai website.
As conflicts in Israel and other areas of the world
persist, new waves of anti-semitism are being
reported. What are the challenges and threats facing
the Jewish people today? Will anti-semitism ever
be eradicated? Join outspoken law professor Alan
Dershowitz and renowned historian Deborah Lipstadt
as they discuss and debate many facets of this timely
and important issue.
Business Professionals’
Lunch n’ Learn
Wednesday, March 11
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Offices of Greenberg Traurig, LLP
(Terminus 200 Building,
3333 Piedmont Rd, Suite 2500)
Professionals in the Buckhead and surrounding areas
are invited to join Rabbi Segal for a monthly lunch n’
learn, where we will explore and discuss compelling
and relevant texts from Jewish tradition. Upcoming
dates: April 15.
Lunch will be available for $5. Please RSVP to Rachel
DeLine, [email protected].
Sinai Book Club
Tuesday, March 3, 7:30 pm
The next meeting of the Sinai Book Club will be
Tuesday March 3 discussing the book, A Replacement
Life by Boris Fishman.
In this tender, provocative, and often hilarious novel,
a failed journalist is asked to do the unthinkable: forge
Holocaust-restitution claims for old Russian Jews in
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Save the dates for our upcoming Endowed Lecture series!
Sponsored by the Sam Chyatte Memorial Endowment
Fund, this year’s Chyatte Lecture on May 3 at 10:00 am
will feature Dr. Smitha Bhandari, “ADHD -Are we over
treating or under treating?”
Sponsored by the Michael Alembik Memorial Endowment
Fund, this year’s Alembik Lecture on May 6 at 7:30 pm
will focus on End of Life Issues, featuring Dr. Paul Wolpe.
Women of Temple Sinai: Sisterhood/Neshamot
Thursday, March 12
Temple Sinai
Please come at 6:30 pm for a light dinner
and to socialize. Need a later start? Join
us at 7:15 pm for the program.
God is often referred to in masculine terms. When we sing
“Avinu Malkeinu,” we sing “Our Father, Our King.” Does
this imagery resonate with us, or does it alienate us? Does
God really have a gender? If so, could we imagine God
with a feminine identity? In this Rosh Chodesh session,
Rabbi Perry will help us explore concepts of gender and
theology, as well as images and prayer language referring
to a feminine God in Jewish tradition. Preconceived
notions of any particular theology are certainly not
required – just come with your curiosity and desire to
learn!
RSVP on the Temple Sinai website or
by calling the Temple Sinai office. Have questions?
Email [email protected].
Challah Making Program
Thursday, April 30, 9:45 am
Temple Sinai
Make your Shabbat special! Do you wonder about
the art of making challah? Learn how to bake this
delicious traditional Shabbat table iconic bread with
flair and ease from local challah baker Sara Franco.
Sara will share her favorite recipe using the bread
machine method, and you will leave with a fresh
baked challah and the confidence to try this at home
to the delight of your family and friends. The program
will end between 11:45 am - 12:45 pm, depending on
whether you choose to wait for your own loaf to bake.
No kitchen experience necessary. All supplies will
be provided. Please wear comfortable clothing and
maybe even an apron!
Refreshments will be provided. Cost: $10 for the
program for Sisterhood/ Neshamot members; $15
for non members. Class size is limited due to space so
please register online.
Upcoming Temple Sinai Brotherhood Events
Dinner and Conversation with Rabbi Segal
Men & Spirituality... an Oxymoron?
Sunday, March 1
7:00 pm
At the home of Dr. Jerry Richman
Men’s Night Out – March Madness
Thursday, March 26
6:30 pm
Harry’s Pizza, 2150 Powers Ferry Road
Join us for pizza, beer and NCAA Tourney Sweet 16 basketball
games. Trivia starts at 8pm. $5 for Brotherhood members, $20
for non-brotherhood members. Please RSVP online.
Special Brotherhood Brunch
The Stigma of Mental Illness
Sunday, April 19
9:30 am Brunch
10:00 am Program
Brotherhood and the Nefesh Committee will
host a brunch and discussion on the important
topic of adult depression and the stigma
associated with mental illness. Depression
affects over 19 million Americans, and directly
or indirectly, this disorder will likely impact
every family at Temple Sinai. By attending this
brunch, you will become better informed about
what depression is and how to help individuals
who are struggling with this illness.
The speaker panel for this program will include
Licensed Psychologists Dr. Caroline Leavitt
(Nefesh committee co-chair) and Dr. Stuart
Smith of the Link Counseling Center, along with
Sinai member Shaun Weinstock, and others.
templesinaiatlanta.org | 404 . 252 . 3073
We are excited to have a catered dinner and Rabbi discussion
hosted by Jerry Richman at his home in Vinings. Our quest
speaker, Rabbi Segal, will lead an interesting, funny and
thought provoking conversation titled: “Men & Spirituality…
an Oxymoron?” This event will be free to all Brotherhood
members and $20 for non-members. Please RSVP online
ASAP.
Mark Your Calendar - More Details to come
Brotherhood Social Action Sunday
Sunday, April 26
Sisterhood/Neshamot & Brotherhood
God is Everywhere... Can You Find Her?
Save the date
This program is open to the Sinai community,
free for Brotherhood members and $10 for all
others. Please RSVP online by Tuesday, April 14.
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Adult Programs
Second Night Passover Seder
Saturday, April 4
5:30 pm
Temple Sinai
Come enjoy Temple Sinai’s popular Second Night Passover Seder.
We’ll read the full Haggadah with Rabbi Ron and enjoy a 4-course
kosher style Passover Seder. Affordably priced at $25 for adults (age
13+), $15 for children age 5-12 and free for children 4 and under.
Non- temple members may also attend for $5 more per person. Wine
is included, though if you prefer a particular brand, please feel free
to bring it. Families, singles and couples are welcome to attend this
intergenerational, congregation-wide event. All reservations must
be made and paid by March 31. You can make reservations online or
contact the temple office.
SBA Welcomes Atlanta Hawks CEO Steve Koonin
Marketing and the Atlanta Hawks
Tuesday, March 10
5:30 pm
Temple Sinai
A native Atlantan, Steve Koonin was named CEO
of the Atlanta Hawks in April, 2014 at a very
tumultuous time for the Hawks. Yet poor publicity
did not dampen the sprits of the players and the
Hawks recently saw the longest winning streak in the
history of the franchise. How do you market and respond to such highs
and lows in one season? Find out at the next Sinai Business Alliance
meeting.
Your Journey. Your Home.
Koonin, who also has an equity position within the ownership group,
oversees all business, financial and strategic operations of the Atlanta
Hawks and Philips Arena, and represents the owners as the head of
the organization. His name may be familiar as he served as Turner
Entertainment Networks’ division president, overseeing programming,
marketing, scheduling, strategy and operations for top-rated networks
TNT, TBS, truTV, Turner Classic Movies, as well as Peachtree TV. Prior
to that, Koonin was at the helm of presence marketing and worldwide
advertising at The Coca-Cola Company, where he spent over a decade.
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$8 in advance, $13 at the door. Please register online at www.
templesinaiatlanta.org.
50’s and 60’s: Let’s Go Bowling
Sunday, March 8
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Bowlmor Lanes, 2175 Savoy Drive
It’s bowling time! Grab your ball and bag and come join us at Bowlmor
Lanes on Savoy Drive, between Chamblee Dunwoody Road and North
Peachtree Road, just inside I-285. $20 per person covers shoes, game
and refreshments. Beer and wine is extra. Prizes for “top scores” and
“best efforts”. Please RSVP online or through the Sinai office.
Above: Smiling faces from last year’s
Second Night Seder. Look to the left
for details on this year’s celebration.
Sinai’s ROMEO Club
Tuesday, March 17
1:00 pm
Hammocks Trading Company
7285 Roswell Rd NE
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Oh, ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating
Out)! The guys are nice and the rules
are simple: 1) no girls allowed and
2) the goal is to eat their way up and
down Roswell Road. God fun, good
guys, good food. RSVP to Charlie Stark
at [email protected].
Seniors: Lunch & Museum
Thursday, March 26
11:00 am, Leave Temple Sinai
Lunch at The General Muir
Visit Carlos Museum, Emory University
Enjoy a day of artifacts and appetite!
We’ll leave Temple Sinai at 11:00 am
to have lunch at The General Muir
near Emory, named the most authentic
New York Deli in Atlanta. From there
we will visit the exhibit “Two of Each:
The Nippur Deluge Tablet and Noah’s
Flood” at the Carlos Museum at Emory
University. The exhibit is “one of the
most exciting events in Near Eastern
archaeology was the discovery of
a cuneiform tablet from Nineveh
that recounted the ancient story of
Gilgamesh.” The cost of the museum is
$6 unless you are a museum member
and then it is free. Transportation will
cost $5 per person, unless you want
to meet at the restaurant. The cost
for lunch is between $11 and $18.
Please RSVP by Tuesday, March 24
so we can plan accordingly. To make
a reservation, please contact Judy
Thomas at 404.252.3073, ext. 330.
Religious School Special Events
9:30am – Regular Religious School
10:15am – Family Megillah Reading, Sanctuary
11:00am – Students will be dismissed to parents to join the
carnival
11:00am-1:00pm – Carnival, Everywhere
2nd Grade Family Workshop &
Parent Hebrew Meeting
Sunday, March 29
9:30am - noon
This day is designed for parents to come and learn with
their second grader during Religious School. This is going
to be a great program you do not want to miss! The last
30 minutes will be a brief parent-only meeting to discuss
Hebrew School which begins in third grade.
Youth & Teen Events
We need your help!
Grades 6-8 are hosting NFTY-SAR Hatikvah Kallah
March 20-22, 2015
All Sinai youth grades 6th-8th are welcome and
encouraged to join us for a weekend of meaningful
services, interesting programming, and fun socializing! You
can register by going to nfty.org/sar/events.
Our 2nd-4th graders will get to be “campersfor-a-day” at our outstanding Camp Coleman
in Cleveland, GA, the Southeast Region Union
for Reform Judaism (URJ) camp. This will be an
extended day instead of regular Religious School.
Not only will the students get to experience Jewish
camp but it will be a great community-building
opportunity for Sinai 2nd - 4th graders, in both day
school and religious school. Details to follow.
5th and 6th Grade Charleston Retreat
April 17-19
Join us as we visit historic Charleston for an
incredible weekend. Visit the oldest synagogue
building in continuous use in the US for Shabbat
Services, Explore historic Charleston and the
beautiful waterfront, and have lots of fun!
$400 Includes all Transportation, Housing,
Meals, and Tours. Register online at www.
templesinaiatlanta.org.
Above: Our Sinai Singers in mid-song.
If you are interested in opening your house to kallah
participants, please go to www.nfty.org/sar/about/
hatikvahhostform/. Please contact Anna Roberto with any
questions. Thank you for your help!
Save the Dates
SCRAPPY – March 15th
SCRUFY Goes to the Circus – March 28th
Club 345 – March 29th
Look for details about all of the above events in the March
Youth Newsletter email!
At right: Fun at
Krispy Kreme during
the 6th/7th Grade
Regressive Dinner
with Rabbi Brad.
templesinaiatlanta.org | 404 . 252 . 3073
We need your help to make the weekend a SUCCESS!!
One of the highlights of NFTY kallot is the home hospitality
provided by the host congregation. A great way to
show Temple Sinai’s hospitality is by hosting convention
participants. Participants will stay at your house Friday
& Saturday night. They will have breakfast and dinner
with you on Saturday. Whether you have older or younger
children, teens participating in the kallah or are an empty
nester, every house is PERFECT for hosting participants.
2nd-4th Grade Day Retreat to Camp Coleman
Sunday, April 12
Youth & Education Programs
Family Purim Celebration (See pg 10 for more info)
Sunday, March 1
Save the dates!
Upcoming Retreats
9
Purim at Temple Sinai
Family Purim Celebration
Sunday, March 1
10:15 am Family Megillah Reading, Sanctuary
11:00 am - 1:00 pm Carnival, Everywhere
*Regular Religious School at 9:30 am, followed
by the Family Megillah reading. Students will be
dismissed to parents at 11:00 am to join the carnival.
Hamantaschen! Bouncies! Cookie Walk!
Kiddie Games! Games for older kids! DJ Steve Bond!
Costume Parade! Face Painting!
Admission: $8 for each child & FREE for children 2 and under.
Lunch tickets available separately.
Purchase admission & food tickets online in advance
at www.templesinaiatlanta.org to avoid the lines.
Purim Carnival Volunteers Needed! Go
to our website to sign up for a 45 minute
shift. Seated jobs available. It’s simple,
fun, and we need your help!
Our cookie walk needs cookies! Please
bake or bring cookies pre-bagged
(no nuts) in sandwich bags anytime
beginning Monday, February 23.
INDEPENDENT. LOCAL. CONNECTED.
READY TO SELL IN 2015?
Look to Stacey Stoddard & the Karen Cannon Realtors
team to be your guide. We are selling homes
& our clients are getting top dollar!
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Your Journey. Your Home.
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10
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over 10 homes sold prior to listing
2014 average days on market was 26 days
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Call Stacey Today!
She will put her expertise to work for you!
For additional information, please contact
our Purim Carnival Chair, Lisa Goldstein, at
[email protected] or Judy
Thomas at the Sinai office, 404. 252.3073.
Stacey Stoddard
(404) 422-5669
[email protected]
www.KarenCannon.com
Stay Social With Us!
March Tot Shabbat
Join us for our monthly
family-friendly service designed for
children 0-5 years old, with snacks and a
craft after the service.
Daddy & Me
Save the date!
Pizza & Ice Cream
Saturday, March 21, 11:30 am
Hearth Pizza & Baskin Robbins
Please RSVP to daddyme@
templesinaiatlanta.org.
Mommy & Me
Tuesday, March 24
10:00 - 11:30 am
Preschool registration is now open
for the 2015/16 school year for children 12 months through
Kindergarten. For more information or to schedule a
private tour, please contact Carol Epstein, Director of Early
Childhood Education at 404.255.6200 Ext. 357 or cepstein@
templesinaiatlanta.org. Registration forms are available on our
website, www.templesinaiatlanta.org.
Preschool Program & Scholarship Fund
If you would like to make a donation to the Temple Sinai
Preschool, your tax-deductible donations will help with
scholarships, security and any other areas of financial
need. Donate easily online at www.templesinaiatlanta.
org by clicking on the “Tributes & Contributions” button
on the top left and selecting “Preschool” in the “Special
Funds” dropdown. Please contact Carol Epstein for more
information on how you can sponsor a preschool child or
program.
Early Childhood Education & Temple Sinai Preschool
Friday, March 27, 6:30 pm
Theme: Pesach
Led by our Director of Early Childhood
Education, Carol Epstein, and hosted
by our Chairs, Liann Baron and Jen
Freeman, this program is perfect for
mothers and babies 0 - 12 months old.
Through music, songs and play, the
class is a “first-step” in preparing your
child for preschool.
Above: Fun at January’s Mommy
& Me. Look to the left for details
on the March Mommy & Me.
March Social Action Sunday
Sunday, March 29
12:15 pm - 2:00 pm
Temple Sinai
The Early Childhood Education committee will be supporting the American Red Cross in its efforts to provide
essentials, such as toiletries and small toys, to families displaced from their homes during emergencies and natural
disasters. We will be stitching and assembling totes for each family and including inspiring notes and drawings from
our younger congregants. Join us for this wonderful day full of enriching activities to benefit families whose lives
have been turned upside down as a result of emergencies or natural disasters.
All ages welcome. Bring your friends and family and make it a memorable event! No cost. Pizza and drinks will be
served. Please RSVP online.
templesinaiatlanta.org | 404 . 252 . 3073
If you have any questions, please
contact Carol at 404.255.6200, ext. 357
or mommyme@
templesinaiatlanta.org.
11
Our Sinai Family
The listings below are January’s Sinai Family Updates.
Get “real-time” updates on our Sinai Family every
Thursday evening in the weekly “From Shabbat to
Shabbat” e-blast.
Welcome New Members
Sydney Barron &
Adam Josephson
Vicki & Leonard Peal
Alan Panzer
Josephine
Ross Brown
Gavin & Jonah
Susan & Michael Gamburg
Charles Lutin
David
Dana & Daniel Russotto
Elli & Kyra
Marcia & Larry Spielberger
To more accurately reflect the
scope of travel services we
offer, we’re changing our name!
Mazel Tov to...
Marcia and Toby Brown on
the birth of their grandson,
Ezra Jacob Brown.
Margery Diamond on her
75th birthday.
Warren Epstein on his 80th
birthday.
Arthur Heyman on his 88th
birthday.
Sharon and Mike Price on
the birth of their greatgranddaughter, Eviana Riley
Price.
Emily and Daniel Pullman
on the birth of their
son, Alexander Harrison
Pullman. Mazel tov to
Miriam and Seth Friedman,
aunt and uncle, as well.
HOTELS & RESORTS
Condolences to…
Tom Antonino on the death of his mother, Antoinette
Antonino.
Arthur Cornfeld on the death of his mother, Gladys D.
Cornfeld.
Todd Edlin on the death of his father, Leonard Edlin.
Your Journey. Your Home.
Ted Frankel on the death of his son-in-law, Mark Leopold.
Condolences to Craig Frankel and Kenneth Frankel,
brother-in-laws, as well.
ESCORTED TOURS
Alan Halpern and Jack Halpern on the death of their
brother, Owen Halpern. Condolences to Beth Halpern
Brown, niece, as well.
Lynn Hare on the death of her brother, Milton Silver.
Michelle Schingler on the death of her aunt, Linda Eudy.
Julie Serotta on the death of her father, Allen Olin.
CRUISES
Miriam Silver on the death of her husband, Norman Silver.
Wendy Siskin on the death of her mother, Lillian
Oppenheim Seligman.
Josh Spitalnick on the death of his father, Ted Spitalnick.
12
Shannon Sugarman on the death of her grandmother,
Vivian Gustafson.
770.952.8300 • 800.326.4971
tcava.com • OPEN 7 DAYS
March 2015 | Adar & Nisan 5775
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
5
6
7 Ki Tissa
4:45 pm - Hebrew
School
7 pm - Teen Lounge
9 am - Adult B’nei
Mitzvah Class
6:30 pm - Rock
Shabbat Service
12
13
9 am - Adult B’nei
Mitzvah Class
6:30 pm - Jazz
Shabbat Service
9 am - Sinai Singers
9:30 am - Religious
School; Sinai
T’micha
7 am - Traditional
Service
10 am - Melton Class
4:45 pm - Hebrew
School
7:30 pm - Sinai Book
Club
10:15 am - Family
Megillah Reading
7 am - Traditional
Service
5:45 pm - Kabbalat
Panim
9 am - Torah Study
10 am - Shabbat
Service
10:30 am - Bar
Mitzvah Ceremony
11 am - Purim
Carnival
7 pm - Brotherhood
Dinner &
Conversation (Away)
8
2 pm - 50s & 60s
Bowling (Away)
9
7 am - Traditional
Service
10
10 am - Melton Class
5:30 pm - Sinai
Business Alliance
11
12 pm - Buckhead
Professionals Lunch
n’ Learn (Away)
7:30 pm - Adult Ed
Mini Series
7 am - Traditional
Service
5:45 pm - Kabbalat
Panim
1:30 pm - Book Talk
with Rabbi Kranz
9 am - MAP; Sinai
Singers
16
7 am - Traditional
Service
9:30 am - STEP;
Religious School;
PreK (Rel. Sch.)
17
10 am - Melton Class
1 pm - ROMEO Club
(Away)
4:45 pm - Hebrew
School
12 pm - Hunger
Walk (Away)
18
19
20
7:30 pm - Adult Ed
Mini Series
9 am - Adult B’nei
Mitzvah Class
6:30 pm - Shabbat
Service
4:45 pm - Hebrew
School
7 am - Traditional
Service
5:45 pm - Kabbalat
Panim
7 pm - Jazz/Big
Band Concert
9:30 am - Religious
School; Torah Tots
23
7 am - Traditional
Service
24
10 am - Melton Class;
Mommy & Me
4:45 pm - Hebrew
School
9 am - Sinai Singers
9:30 am - Religious
School; PreK (Rel.
Sch.); 2nd Grade
Family Workshop
12:15 pm - Social
Action Sunday
12:30 pm - Club 345
7:30 pm - 92nd
Street Y
25
4:45 pm - Hebrew
School
6:30 pm - 7th Grade
Program
7:30 pm - Adult Ed
Mini Series
12:30 pm - L’atid
8 am - USO (Away)
9 am - Torah Study
10 am - Shabbat
Service
10:30 am - Bar
Mitzvah Ceremony
Hatikvah Kallah March 20-22
9:45 am - Town Hall
Meeting
29
21 Vayikra
5:30 pm - B’nei
Mitzvah Ceremony
7 pm - Adult Ed Film
Series
9 am - Sinai Singers
10 am - Shabbat
Service
11 am - Daddy &
Me (Away)
12:15 pm - SCRAPPY
22
9 am - Torah Study
10:30 am - B’not
Mitzvah Ceremony
6:30 pm - Rosh
Chodesh
15
14
VayakhelPekudei
30
7 am - Traditional
Service
31
10 am - Melton Class
4:45 pm - Hebrew
School
26 Preschool is 27
28 Tzav
7 am - Traditional
Service
9 am - Adult B’nei
Mitzvah Class
11 am - Retirees
Museum Tour
(Away)
6:30 pm Brotherhood Night
Out (Away)
10 am - Shabbat
Service
Closed
5:45 pm - Kabbalat
Panim
6:30 pm - Tot
Shabbat; Shabbat
Service with Artist
in Residence, Cantor
Natalie Young
9 am - Torah Study
10:30 am - Bat
Mitzvah Ceremony
6 pm - SCRUFY
(Away)
Philip N. Kranz Learning Center
Learning Center News | Mary Baron
The Association of Jewish Libraries recognizes outstanding
new books for children and teens by giving out the Sydney
Taylor Book Awards each year. These awards are presented
in memory of Sydney Taylor who was the author of the classic
All-of-a-Kind Family series about a family of Jewish immigrants
living in New York City. For the complete list of the 2015
winners, announced in January, visit www.jewishlibraries.org.
Many of these wonderful books are available at the Rabbi
Philip N. Kranz Learning Center.
For Younger Readers:
My Grandfather’s Coat. In this story, which is based on a folk
tale, a granddaughter recounts the events of her grandfather’s
life, from coming to America, becoming a tailor and making
himself a “handsome coat” and then follows how the coat
is recycled through four generations. Author Jim Aylesworth
uses rhyme and repetition to make this a fun story for parents
and young children to read aloud together.
Your Journey. Your Home.
Goldie Takes a Stand. The image most of us have of Golda
Meir is as the formidable prime minister of Israel, but Barbara
Krasner takes us back to her childhood in Milwaukee in this
charming book which is based on a real event in Golda’s
life. When young Goldie sees that many of her fourth grade
classmates can’t afford textbooks she decides to raise money
for them. As the self-appointed president of the American
Young Sisters Society she inspires her friends to join her
in organizing a community fundraiser. This book is a great
introduction to Golda Meir and offers an opportunity to
discuss community service with young children.
14
For Older Readers:
Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust. In this graphic
novel, a grandmother tells her story of surviving the
Holocaust to her young granddaughter for the first time.
She shares heartbreaking events, the disappearance of her
parents, being rescued by neighbors and then being sent
away from her home in Paris to the country where she had
to lie about her name and religion. While the story doesn’t
shy away from the difficult events the grandmother lived
through, it is appropriate for young readers because it is told
in a gentle way from the perspective of a young child. The
book addresses the hatred in the world, while also depicting
good people willing to risk their lives to help a stranger.
For Teen Readers:
Storm. Author Donna Jo Napoli reimagines the story of
Noah in this adventure about a sixteen year old girl named
Sebah who gets caught in the devastating rainstorm and ends
up a stowaway on the ark along with a young man named
Aban. Over the course of 40 days of rain and the 330 days of
receding waters, Sebah struggles to survive and becomes a
witness to the dynamics of Noah and his family as they care
for the animals while enduring the hardship of living together
in close quarters.
Book Talks with Rabbi Kranz
Thursday, March 12, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
“How to Read a Jewish Book”
Thursday, April 9, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
“The Ongoing Jewish Love Affair with
Abraham Lincoln”
Join us for these monthly presentations with
Rabbi Kranz at the PNK Learning Center.
Save the Date!
Spring Book Review
Sunday, May 3, 3:30 pm
PNK Learning Center
Join Rabbi Kranz as he discusses the book,
“Whipping Boy: The Forty-Year Search for My
Twelve-Year-Old Bully” by Allen Kurzweil.
Happy Birthday to the following
Birthday Book Program honorees:
Margaret Stifel, Vivienne Flynn, Hannah Much,
Sydney Kirsch, Adam Kirsch, Rachel Kirsch,
Ella Sugarman, Daniel Rosenberg
Library Guild
Thank you to the following members for
renewing their membership to the Library Guild:
Fred & Susan Feinberg, Henry Leibowitz,
Phyllis Kravitz, Renee & David Dudovitz
For more information about the Learning Center and
its programs, please call Librarian Adelle Salmenson
at 404.252.3073 ext. 320.
Jared worked with his friend, Micah
Kornblum, to raise over $4,000 to find a cure
for food allergies. The duo hosted a field
day for their friends and families and invited
their allergist, Dr. Kalish, to speak to the
participants about the dangers of food allergies and
how Epi-Pens can save lives.
For her TAG project, Hayden
volunteered at the Powers Ferry
Animal Hospital (PFAH). She assisted in feeding and walking boarded
pets and got to observe several procedures such as
animal teeth cleaning, suturing after surgery, and
treatment for wounds.
Liliya Cooper, daughter of Wendy Miller and
Sandy Cooper
Avi Young and Max Young, sons of
Michelle and Rick Young
Inspired by her love for animals, Liliya
volunteered at the Atlanta Humane
Society. She visited and cared for cats and
dogs, collected newspaper and supplies
for the shelter, and set up numerous lemonade stands to
raise funds for the shelter.
Carter Rohn, son of Steffi and Jake Rohn
Carter collected new and used stuffed animals from friends and neighbors and donated
them to several local fire departments, where
they can be given to children on the scene of
fires and car accidents to comfort them.
February B’nei Mitzvah
Hayden Sample, daughter of Alison
and Greg Sample
Jared Brown, son of Debra and Mark Brown
Avi and Max are brothers on a
mission to BOUNCE. Together with
family, friends and the help of social
media, they initiated the concept of
“Bounce it Forward,” which combined their love of sports and their
desire to give back to their community. Avi and Max encouraged
participants to give tzedakah to the
Four Diamonds Fund based on the
number of times each person could
bounce a ball.
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Senior Real Estate Specialist
Accredited Buyer’s Representative
Accredited Relocation Specialist
404-983-1059 cell
404-233-4142 office
[email protected]
templesinaiatlanta.org | 404 . 252 . 3073
MOVING WITHIN ATLANTA? CONTACT ME!
Temple Sinai members Robin Miller and Jason Rockman
Call me to test drive any of our new or used cars!
532 EAST PACES FERRY ROAD, ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30305 | WWW.HARRYNORMAN.COM
15
Join the Temple Sinai Striders to stomp out hunger!
Social Action at Sinai
Temple Sinai Supports the USO
Join Temple Sinai in supporting our troops through
volunteering with the USO. The USO offers a full
calendar year of dates for people to support our
troops coming in and out of the Atlanta airport.
2015 Hunger Walk/Run
Sunday, March 15 • Turner Field
Registration begins at 12:00 pm
Walk/Run begins at 2:00 pm
This is a HUGE annual event, in partnership
with Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and
benefitting the Atlanta Community Food Bank,
to raise money to feed hope for the 1 in 5
people who face hunger in our community. Join
Temple Sinai, and co-captains Shelly Satisky and
Laila Berland, in helping stomp out hunger!
2015 Dates
Sunday, March 29
Sunday, May 31
Sunday, August 30
Sunday, November 29
Thursday, December 24
Friday, December 25
Volunteer times are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in
four hour shifts: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, 12:00 pm to
4:00 pm, and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
If you see one or more dates that would fit with
your schedule, please contact Allan Hytowitz at
[email protected].
How you can help:
WALK Take the next
step against hunger by
walking/running with us
on March 15.
Be a Sinai Strider!
DONATE on behalf of the entire team or a
specific team member. Every dollar helps!
To join the team or donate, visit our
website, www.templesinaiatlanta.org, or go
to our Hunger Walk team page at
www.tinyurl.com/TempleSinaiStriders.
Atlanta Born ~ Atlanta Owned ~ Atlanta Managed
Funeral and Cemetery Pre-planning
It’s easy: Over the phone, online, in person
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It’s safe: Pre-payments are 100% escrowed in an
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Save the date and SAVE YOUR BLOOD!
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David Boring
16
■
Michael Braswell
Licensed Funeral Directors
Did you know that our Sinai Striders team was (again!)
the largest Jewish Federation team at last year’s Hunger
Walk? JOIN US THIS YEAR!
Edward Dressler
Temple Sinai Blood Drive
Sunday, April 19
9:00 am - 2:00 pm, Temple Sinai
Family Promise: Shonda’s Story
Shonda is a single mom of two wonderful boys.
One of her sons is a ten year-old and he enjoys
studying science, playing baseball and video
games. Her other son is a five year-old and he
enjoys playing football and going to the park.
Shonda never thought that she would experience
homelessness. She had a job where she was
working 29 hours per week but she just could not
make ends meet. She called Family Promise of
North Fulton/DeKalb for assistance. Her Intake
Interview was conducted and she was enrolled in
the program within a week.
Her first day in the Family Promise program was
actually on her birthday, which she says was a
“wonderful gift”! She describes the experience in
the program as overwhelming initially. However,
she says that the hosts at each congregation never
labeled her family or treated them differently....and
they made them feel like family. Shonda says that
she gained peace of mind knowing that each night
she and her boys had a place to lay their heads and
they did not have to wonder where their next meal
would come from.
Shonda says “I hope to speak to other struggling,
homeless moms to let them know that they are
not alone, and to stay encouraged. I am a living
testimony to that fact!!” She says that she cannot
thank the Family Promise staff, volunteers and
congregations enough for all of the things that
were done to help her family become self-sufficient.
(Reprinted with permission; Family Promise of North
Fulton/Dekalb Fall 2014 Newsletter)
March Social Action Sunday
Benefits the American Red Cross
Sunday, March 29
12:15 pm: Pizza lunch
12:30 - 2:00 pm: Social Action activities
Our March Social Action Sunday, chaired by the Early
Childhood Education Committee, will support the
American Red Cross in its efforts to provide essentials,
such as toiletries and small toys, to families displaced
from their homes during emergencies and natural
disasters. We will be stitching and assembling totes for
each family and including inspiring notes and drawings
from our younger congregants.
Join us for this wonderful day full of enriching activities
to benefit families whose lives have been turned upside
down as a result of emergencies or natural disasters.
All ages are welcome! Pizza and drinks will be served.
Please RSVP online so we can plan accordingly.
Questions? Contact Judy Thomas, 404.252.3073, ext. 330.
Daffodil Dash
March 29, 9:00 am
Georgia Perimeter College, Dunwoody
In preparation for his bar mitzvah in April, Evan Crow is
leading the Temple Sinai team in the Daffodil Dash. The
Daffodil Dash is a 1 mile or 5K Run/Walk in memory of the
1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust. Your
support helps create a Living Holocaust memorial as they
aspire to plant 1.5 million daffodils in memory of the
children. For more information, visit daffodildash.org.
To join the Temple Sinai team, please contact Evan’s mom,
Julie Crow, for details at [email protected].
templesinaiatlanta.org | 404 . 252 . 3073
Shonda says that her faith really played a positive
role in her situation. There were times that she felt
like giving up, but her faith and Family Promise
helped her to keep going. While in the program,
she was able to gain full-time employment and get
housing, all in the same week!!
Please note: We always collect soda/beer can tops to
benefit the Ronald McDonald House and hearing aids
and eyeglasses to benefit the
Lion’s Club of Georgia.
Social Action at Sinai
We are grateful for Temple Sinai’s commitment to
Family Promise. Temple Sinai and our volunteers,
along with the twelve other Family Promise North
Fulton/Dekalb congregations, support homeless
and low-income families in their journey to financial
stability and a better life. Please read a profile of one
of our recent graduates. Her first day in the Family
Promise program happened to be with Temple Sinai.
Throughout March, Temple Sinai will collect
Toiletries and Small Toys
to benefit the American Red Cross and coincide with
our Social Action Sunday project
(see information below).
Money placed in the Temple Sinai tzedakah boxes this
month will also go to the Ronald McDonald House.
17
Contributions | January 2015
Arlene & Bruce Turry
Programming Endowment
in honor of
Bruce & Arlene’s 54th Anniversary
Cary & Sherry King’s Anniversary
Sherry King’s Birthday
Adam Turry’s Birthday
Candy & Stephen Berman
Leadership Development
in honor of
Candy & Steve Berman
Chesed fund
in memory of
Barney Rogut
Congregant Relief Special Fund
in memory of
Ben Vaughn
David Snow
Lew Triff
Cultural Arts Special Fund
in honor of
Margery Diamond’s 75th Birthday
Deitch Family Library Resource
Endowment
in memory of
Isadore Deitch
Early Childhood Fund
in honor of
Jennifer Kusiel
Your Journey. Your Home.
in memory of
Allen Olin
Leonard Edlin
18
Ellyse & Warren Zindler -Tech.
Fund
in memory of
Anna Levy Zindler
Barbara Wolff Shemper
Perry Alterman
Sterling Mayer Zindler
Family Promise
in honor of
The Young Family
Fred Ellman Culinary Enrichment
in memory of
Irena Cabot
Joseph & Ann Zweig
Perry Altmeran
General Endowment
in memory of
Kyle Burnat
Harvey White Teen Endowment
in memory of
Martin White
Jan & Warren Epstein Cultural
Arts Endowment
in honor of
Warren Epstein’s Birthday
Kesher Special Fund
in appreciation of
Candy & Stephen Berman
in honor of
Alex Topelson
Di Diamond
Harriet Wilner
Betty & Phil Klein
in memory of
Alan Slyn
Antoinette Antonino
Archie Burchard’s Parents
Barbara Wolff Shemper
Doris Zucker
Isadore Crane
Josephine T. Specter
Leonard Edlin
Lewaaron H. Moyer
Mark Rosenberg
Perry Alterman
Stanley Wells
Kranz Institute for Jewish Learning
Endowment
in honor of
Rabbi Philip & Nancy Kranz
in memory of
Alyce Kranz
Dr. Jacob Epstein
Irena Cabot
Jay Weinstein
Mark Leopold
Mollie Troop
Michael Alembik Memorial
Endowment
in memory of
Judith Eisner
Michael Alembik
Operating Enhancement Special
Fund
in honor of
Drew’s Bar Mitzvah
Fran & Jerry Scher
Scott Zucker
in memory of
Allen Olin
Alyce Kranz
Barbara Wolff Shemper
Diane Gup
Dr. Jacob Epstein
Harry Unell
Helen Alexander
Irena Cabot
Dr. Jacob Epstein
Jay Weinstein
Laurence Rivkin
Leonard Edlin
Lillian Cohen
Morris Piha
Morris Whitlock
Nat Klausman
Philip Zuber
Sandra Ginsberg Reed
Saul Becker
Ted Kopkin’s Sister, Lena
praying for Refuah Sh’laymah for
Emily Green
Stanley Cohen
in memory of
Lillian Seligman
PNK Learning Center Special Fund
in memory of
Alyce Kranz
Anne Kingloff
Bernard Gordon
Ethal Lovenheim
Frances Reznick Lefkowitz
Irena Cabot
Jay Weinstein
Julia Klineman
Pre-School Fund
in memory of
Allen Olin
Perry Alterman
Rabbi Levenberg Discretionary
Fund
in appreciation of
Rabbi Brad Levenberg
in honor of
Alex Pullman’s Bris
Rabbi Brad Levenberg
Rabbi Perry Discretionary Fund
in honor of
Rabbi Elana Perry
in memory of
Mollie Mittelman
Sam Esterman
Torah Learning Special Fund
in memory of
Evelyn & Philip Postelnek
Harold F. Klein
Rabbi Segal Discretionary Fund
in appreciation of
Rabbi Ron Segal
praying for Refuah Sh’laymah for
Rona Balser
in honor of
Andrew Kaplan’s Bar Mitzvah
Rabbi Ron Segal
in memory of
Bertha Schaffer
Gladys Claman Miller Stein
Harriet & Harold Brochin
Janet Sinder
Jerry Gabriel
Joan Eichen
Joe Zoblotsky
Lillian Oppenheim Seligman
Lisbeth Kapp
Ned B. Cohen
Pauline Underbug
Richard Shipley
Rita Stern
Warren Jacobs Enrichment
Endowment
in memory of
Barbara Shemper
Jay Weinstein
Youth/Teen Program &
Scholarship Fund
in honor of
Liliya Cooper becoming a Bat
Mitzvah
The Bar Mitzvah of Alex Effron
in memory of
Esther Schwartzman Grablowsky
George Scheer Sr.
Morris Greenwald
S. Golden
Rebecca & Isaac May Scholarship
Endowment
in memory of
Lee Krick
Richman Spiritual Relationship
in memory of
Gladys Cornfeld
to thank
Rabbi Brad Levenberg
Second Helpings Special Fund
in honor of
Michael Blonder
in memory of
Estelle Silverman
Harriet & Harold Brochin
Herbert Spector
Mark Leopold
Oscar Rosen
Thank you for your generosity!
“The whole worth of a benevolent deed lies in the love that
inspires it.”
-The Talmud
Contributions can be made
online using the Tributes &
Contributions icon on the front
page of our website or by mail.
templesinaiatlanta.org | 404 . 252 . 3073
in memory of
Ann Lieder Savitz
Esther Forman
Henry Leff
Norma Davidow
Perry Alterman
Robert Moret
Sandy Ashe
Rabbi Richard Lehrman Memorial
Endowment
in memory of
Jacob Sherman
Contributions | January 2015
Philanthropic/Social Action
Special Fund
in honor of
Rabbi Segal
Rabbi Levenberg
Rabbi Perry
19
In the Community
You Actually Can Do Something about Hunger
The U.S. now has the second highest rate of child poverty among 35 industrialized nations. In a
new report the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) calls that a “shameful distinction.”
A NON PROFIT, CHARITABLE
FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROJECT
SPONSORED BY TEMPLE SINAI
According to CDF, financially strapped parents have fewer resources and less time to spend
with their kids because many work extra jobs to make ends meet. Hunger is related to health
problems. And poor kids are less likely to complete high school, which reduces their future
earning potential.
Solutions? Children’s Defense Fund recommends a number of ways to reduce the problem. These range from closing
tax loopholes to scrapping various government and military programs.
If you’re like most of us, such large-scale changes are difficult to imagine. What’s much easier to envision is your car
filled with fresh meat, produce and dairy products.
That’s what being a Second Helpings volunteer driver is all about. Our program, which distributed well over 730,000
pounds of nutritious food to those in need last year, is fueled by volunteers. They commit about 90 minutes a month
to pick up good food that cannot be used by grocery stories, schools, corporations, and other donors. Then they
deliver it to one of several partner agencies.
When it comes to reducing childhood hunger you really can make a difference!
Learn more by contacting Second Helpings Program Coordinator Julie Elster at [email protected].
If your organization would like to donate food, we need you, too!
Your Journey. Your Home.
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Imagine Sinai: Our Journey. Our Home. Our Future.
The start of 2015 has been a productive and exciting time for our Imagine Sinai endeavor. During the first phase
of our work in January, our Imagine Sinai committee, with the help of some of some of our Executive Committee
and Board members, interviewed over 100 congregants to gain insight and perspectives on the current state of
Temple Sinai. The committee also performed an extensive study on current trends in the broader Jewish and
faith communities. On January 30, a group of almost 50 congregants gathered for a post-Shabbat Parlor Meeting
for dialogue around engagement and community at Temple Sinai. On February 15, almost 100 congregants
representing a microcosm of our diverse Sinai family gathered for an exciting day of work at our Imagine Sinai
Summit, in which we began the discussion around our synagogue’s future direction. Please see Temple Sinai’s
website and Facebook page for pictures of our Imagine Sinai Summit.
This month, we are hosting a Town Hall Meeting open to the congregation on Sunday, March 22 at 9:45 am at
Temple Sinai. This Town Hall Meeting is an opportunity to discuss topics relating to education, worship, facilities,
social action, as well as the ongoing Imagine Sinai work. If you haven’t had a chance to participate in the Imagine
Sinai endeavor, this would be a wonderful opportunity to join the conversation. If you plan to attend, please RSVP
to Lindsey Vicente at [email protected].
We’d like to thank everyone who has participated in our Imagine Sinai work through interviews, attending our
January 30 Parlor Meeting, and/or being part of our Imagine Sinai Summit. As well, a BIG THANK YOU to members
of our Executive Committee and Board of Trustees who helped us conduct interviews during the month of January.
We are thrilled about the momentum, progress, and insight that the Imagine Sinai endeavor has generated in
the last couple of months. And we look forward to sharing and continuing the exciting work of imagining Sinai
together with all of you!
Grand Opening of Berman Commons
Sunday, March 8
2026 Womack Road Dunwoody, GA 30338
The Grand Opening Celebration of Berman
Commons is Sunday, March 8. Tours of the facility
will be open to the general public at 2:30 pm
onsite at Berman Commons, 2026 Womack Road
Dunwoody, GA 30338. This celebration is open
to the community and will include a tour of the
nearly completed facility and a light nosh. For more
information, please visit bermancommons.org or call
404.410.1200.
templesinaiatlanta.org | 404 . 252 . 3073
We are so incredibly proud to share the news of the
opening of the newest addition to the Jewish Home
Life Communities. Berman Commons, an assisted
living and memory care facility is named in honor of
our longtime Sinai community members, Candy and
Steve Berman and their family. Berman Commons is
dedicated to Steve’s 40 years of visionary leadership,
tireless service, and generous support of the Breman
Jewish Home and Jewish Home Life Communities.
21
Sinai Email Communication
Office Volunteers Needed
We are currently seeking individuals interested in
volunteering at Temple Sinai during the week to help
answer the phones and greet guests. This is a great
opportunity to get involved at the synagogue! If this is
something that interests you, or for more information,
please call Shelly Dresdner at 404-252-3073, ext 322 or
email [email protected].
Are You Missing Your Temple Sinai Emails?
We understand that many of you no longer get emails
from Temple Sinai on a regular basis. After doing a great
deal of research into “why”, we discovered two main
causes – and fortunately we have a solution for both! See
below for the details:
Your Journey. Your Home.
1.UNSUBSCRIBE: Temple Sinai sends email through
a service called Constant Contact. Within Constant
Contact we use a variety of email lists to ensure that
we are sending relevant and timely notifications to our
congregants. However, if you selected “Unsubscribe”
from the bottom of one of those emails, you were
removed from ALL mailing lists. Due to anti-spam laws,
Constant Contact does not permit us to add you back
to an email list without your permission. If you want to
be added to one or more Temple Sinai lists, go to www.
templesinaiatlanta.org and scroll down until you see a
box on the right hand side that says “Sign up for our email
newsletter”. This allows you to add your email back into
our system and select your preferred email list(s).
2.CALLING ALL GMAIL USERS: A few months ago,
Gmail changed the display of their email to separate
promotional email from personal (“primary”) email. The
rules Gmail uses automatically puts Temple Sinai emails in
the “Promotions” folder and out of view when logged in
to view your Gmail emails. GOOD NEWS! We can tell you
how to fix this…
• When in Gmail, go to the search box and click on the
small arrow in the far right side of the box that displays
“Show Search Options”
• In the “From” box, type in “@templesinaiatlanta.
org” (without the quotation marks)
• At the bottom of the box, click “Create filter with this
search”
• At the bottom of the page, select the box next to
“Categorize as” and chose the category “Personal”
• Select the “Create Filter” button
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Should you have any questions, or if you would like
to come by the office to do this with one of our staff
members, please call Shelly Dresdner at 404-252-3073,
ext 322 or email [email protected].
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A Vote for ARZA is a Vote for Religious Equality
Get Out the Vote for ARZA
In Israel, non-Orthdox rabbis are not granted equal status with
Orthodox rabbis in the officiation of life-cycle events such as
marriage, divorce and conversion. Reform synagogues have
struggled for state-granted funding. Orthodoxy controls the
role of women, of minorities, and has been able to impact
even civil policy such as the peace process and settlement
construction.
The very character of the State of Israel is affected by these
policies. By denying to its non-Orthodox Jewish citizens equal
treatment under the law, Israel violates its own Declaration of
Independence, which guarantees freedom of religion and the
fundamental human right to raise a family.
ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists of America, has
worked legislative channels in the government and made great
strides toward religious equality in Israel. ARZA envisions and
strives to make Israel a society in which all denominations are
treated fairly and with respect – and where all of us are seen as
Jews, regardless of our level of observance.
VOTE!
Visit ReformJews4Israel.org and we’ll help you cast
your vote for ARZA-Representing Reform Judaism in
the WZO elections. Voting ends April 30, 2015.
SPREAD THE WORD
Share this page or email a link to
ReformJews4Israel.org to your family and friends so
they can vote and help shape tomorrow’s Israel today.
But ARZA can’t do it alone- we need YOUR help.
Please see the information at right to vote and share.
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Equal Opportunity Employer
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23
5645 Dupree Drive
Sandy Springs, GA 30327
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DATED MATERIAL
Temple Sinai March Worship Schedule
Friday, March 6
6:30 pm
Rock Shabbat Service 
Saturday, March 7
10:00 am
Shabbat Service 
10:30 am
Bar Mitzvah ceremony of Adam Tropauer,
son of Vicki and Jim Tropauer. 
Friday, March 13
6:30 pm
Jazz Shabbat Service 
Saturday, March 14
10:00 am
Shabbat Service 
10:30 am
B’not Mitzvah ceremony of Sarah
Neuberger, daughter of Michelle and
James Neuberger; and Mary Ella Rinzler,
daughter of Leanna and Eric Rinzler. 
Friday, March 20
6:30 pm
Shabbat Service 
Saturday, March 21
10:00 am
Shabbat Service 
10:30 am
Bar Mitzvah ceremony of Zachary
Howard, son of Tracy and Jeff Howard. 
5:30 pm
B’nei Mitzvah ceremony of Rose Sanders,
daughter of Lori and Mark Sanders; and
Ryan Stoddard, son of Stacey and Bill
Stoddard. 
Friday, March 27
6:30 pm
Tot Shabbat Service
6:30 pm
Shabbat Service with Artist in Residence,
Natalie Young 
Saturday, March 28
10:00 am
Shabbat Service 
Can’t make it to synagogue?
Look for the  icon indicating that the service will be streamed live.
Visit www.templesinaiatlanta.org to watch!