the center line - Augusta Jewish Community Center

THE CENTER LINE
A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE AUGUSTA JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER & AUGUSTA JEWISH FEDERATION November ‐ December 2011 Chesvan ‐ Tevet 5772 Edition 9 Volume 11 ANNUAL JEWISH COMMUNITY
CHANUKAH LATKE & SALMON DINNER
SUNDAY • December 25th • 6:00 PM
AJCC • 898 Weinberger Way • Evans, GA
Members:
$12 Adults;
$6 Children,
Ages 4-12;
Under 3 - Free;
$35 Family max
Guests:
$15 Adults;
$8 Children,
Ages 4-12;
Under 3 - Free;
$50 Family max
Bring your Menorah and Candles
Prizes will be awarded this year for homemade Menorahs
Most Unusual
 Most Traditional
 Cutest
Most Creative Use of Materials

GIFTS
FOR
ALL
KIDS!

RSVP TO THE AJCC AT 706.228.3636
WRAPPING
PAPER
SALE!
Thank you for your gift to the 2011 Annual Campaign of the Augusta Jewish Federation -
The Power of Community
If you made a pledge in 2011 and your name does not appear below, please contact Ina at the Federation office at 706‐228‐3636. $255,926 raised so far!
Angel
$10,000 and up
Founder
$7500 - $9999
Guardian
$5000 - $7499
Redeemer
$2500 - $4999
Brian Marks
Dr. Robert & Lelia Botnick
Milton & Margie Ruben
2011 AJF Annual Campaign ‐ The Power of Community Ronald & Louise Aronow
Dr. Howard & Connie Bruckner
Dr. Louis & Dottie Scharff
Dr. Mort & Boots Wittenberg
2 *David & Meryl Alalof
Dr. Henry & Annie Alperin
Drs. Michael & Jackie Cohen
Eugene & Lucille Fleischer
Drs. Murray & Sandra Freedman
Al & Lily Grinspun
Dr. Gary & Debbie Katcoff
Arthur & Jackie Miller
Mildred Peskin
Dr. Alan & Janet Roberts
Abram & Cookie Serotta
*Jack & Tina Weinstein
Pacesetter $1500 - $2499
James & Amy Bernstein
Dr. Ziva Bruckner
*Karel Copenhaver
Dr. Lowell & Gloria Greenbaum
Irvin “Sonny” Levy
Dr. Stuart & Susan Marks
*Dr. William & Marjorie Phillips
Charles & Leah Ronen
Mary Steinberg
*Susan Steinberg
Builder
$1000 - $1499
Sustainer
$500 - $999
Sam & Robyn Budenstein
James & Cynthia Eiring
*Malcolm & Andrea Estroff
*Doug & Vera Frohman
*Jack & Cathy Goldenberg
*Meyer Kreisberg
*Gertie Parille
Jay Pearlstein
Louis & Elaine Saul
Jay & Mary Sawilowsky
*Dr. Manny & Shirley Weisman
Dr. Leonard & Frankie Wilensky
Anonymous
Dr. Deborah Bashinski
Dr. Morris & Lisa Cohen
Dr. Ronald & Eileen Daitch
*Stephen & Debbie Davis
Gerald & Harriet Ehrlich
Sustainer
$500 - $999
Patron
$100 - $499
Jack Ginsburg
Barbara Goldberg
Paul & Helene Graboff
Dr. Melvin Haas
*Harvey & Alaine Handfinger
*Jules & Charlotte Joslow
*Joey & Jill Korn
Morton & Hildegard Lindner
*Robert Meier
*Alan & Paula Schwartzman
*Dr. David & Julie Shapiro
Harold & Marian Shapiro
*Jack & Jackie Shapiro
Mike Shapiro
Norman Shapiro
Myrna Silver
*Milton & Yolanda Snapperman
*Dr. Warren & Jean Umansky
Gene & Elaine Weinberger
Pam Weinberger
Ila Abramovitz
Adas Yeshurun Sisterhood
*Drs. Bill & Nettie Albrecht
*Ron & Judy Altman
David & Esther Antopolsky
*Sam & Joan Arazie
*Doris Baumgarten
Dr. David & Alissa Bogorad
Matthew Bronson
Hillarie Clein
Joan Clein
Congregation Children of Israel
Sisterhood
Congregation of Adath Yeshurun –
Aiken, SC
Dorothy Daitch
Fred & Lisa Daitch
*William Dekle
Martin & Harriet Dolin
Dr. Stevin Dubin
Dr. Celia Dunn
Judi Estroff
*Dr. Gus & Joanne Etersque
Dr. Elaine Feldman
Rabbi Zalman & Chani Fischer
Steven & Cathy Fishman
Eric Fleishner
Sylvia Fogel
*Betty Frank
Dr. Lee & Ena Getter
Maurice & Shirley Ghingold
*Peter Goldberg &
Dr. Lynn Jaffe
Dr. Steven & Marsha Goldberg
Patron
$100 - $499
*Marc Gottlieb
*Bruce Gulko
Roland & Caroline Haskins
David & Amy Hersch
Cantine Jones
Barbara Joslow
Ed Kahal
Dr. Aman Kay
Marvin & Miriam Katz
Ken Kipnis
*Rabbi Robert &
Francine Klensin
Jack & Linda Korn
Maurice Kortick
Alan Kortick
Dr. Jonathan Krauss
Nathaniel & Elaine Kruskol
Burt & June Kunkel
Loretta Levi
Ernest Levinson
Joseph & Marisa Levy
Terry Liebowitz
Beverly Lowenstein
*Dr. Rhea Markowitz
*Henrietta Marks
Dr. Richard Melcher
*Steven Nathan
Ruth Neck
Arnold Newman
Dr. Julian Nussbaum
Annabelle Pomerance
*Anne Pomper
Lloyd & Nancy Portnow
*Michael & Cynthia Pousman
John & Meredith Ray
*David & Gail St. Martin
*Jerry & Sue Saul
Michael & Robin Scharff
Bernice Schlifka
Ira & Barbara Schneider
*Anne Schneider
Dr. Paul Schwartz
Sid & Shirley Seidenberg
Sandy Shapiro
Dr. Robert Shay & Rae Meyer
*Jonathan & Jennifer Shoenholz
Henry & Doris Simon
*Rabbi David & Stacy Sirull
Carolyn Shoemaker
Joel & Gerri Sobel
Drs. Lionel & Diane Solursh
Betty Sussman
Lloyd & Judy Wepman
Scott Walkowitz
Harvey & Marilyn Yarmon
*Indicates an increase over 2010. Together these donors have increased our ability to help those less fortunate by adding $4,833* to the campaign. (*Running total) Friend
Under $100
Anonymous
*Ina K. Abramson
Debra Baylor
*Dr. Karyl Bental
Robert & Janice Bledsoe
Elyse Bogo
*Martin Bogoslawsky
Ivan & Mary Bolgla
Mary Bolgla
Max Bolgla
Malea & Carol Breland
Dr. Robin & Leila Brigmon
Jean Brody
Lois Cohen
Audrey Chaplin
Gary Daitch
Gerald & Bert Daniel
George David
Eva Falk
*Dr. Gregory Francisco
Rochelle Friedman
Alberta Goldberg
*Sheila Goodman
*Peaches Graves
John & Robin Guy
Yetta Harelik
Marian Harelik
Jan Hillman
Dr. Bette Holzberg
Marvin & Harriet Kestin
Elyse Kronowski
Evelyn Lesser
Michael Mann
Gene Meder
Barbara Mintz
*Shirley Molar
*Ronald Molar
*Russ & Karen Nanning
Janet Newman
*Robert Podolsky
Norma Prefer
Dr. Michael Prisant
Kathy Rafoth
Vivian Rovins
Richard Salsitz
*David & Randy Scharff
Harold & Suzanne Shapiro
Lisa Shelton
Lea Silver
David Silver
Lee Sinsheimer
Robert & Edith Sirull
Richard & Shula Sorenson
*Terry S. Weaver
Dr. Erna Waxman
Larry Waxman
Mary Yaffee
A New Year Message from Have Levene
Director of Development, Neve Michael
New Year Thoughts
The Jewish New Year is here and I have been thinking a lot about the children at risk who
are at Neve Michael. Maybe I have been pondering more than usual because so many
new little boys and girls have joined us this year. In fact we had to open three more
family units and find places for 50 young ones. This is a CHALLENGE.
I see the kids every day. I love it when they come to visit me at home with their counselors. I understand why
they see LIFE a little differently than other children.
These children will only have the opportunity to succeed and cope if you and I take a risk. Taking a risk is
taking a chance and it takes courage. But if we do take a chance and help each and every girl and boy who
comes through our doors...they will be able to have the life that every child is supposed to have. And you and I
should do this because this is how we can show how much we appreciate the good that we have.
Please mail your pledge card TODAY and help the children of Neve Michael.
HIGH HOLIDAY APPEAL PLEDGES
5772 - 2011
$3,215 raised so far…
It is not too late to make your pledge and help the children of Neve Michael.
* Anonymous
* Ila Abramovitz
* Ina K. Abramson
*Drs. Bill & Nettie Albrecht
* Ron and Judy Altman
* Sam & Joan Arazie
* Ron & Louise Aronow
* Martin Bogoslawsky
* Hillarie Clein
*Drs. Michael & Jackie Cohen
* Karel Copenhaver
* Dorothy Daitch
* Jim & Cynthia Eiring
*Drs. Murray & Sandra Freedman
*Dr. Steven & Marsha Goldberg
*Dr. Mrs. Lowell & Gloria Greenbaum
* Al & Lily Grinspun
* Jules & Charlotte Joslow
*Dr. Gary & Debbie Katcoff
* Marvin & Harriet Kestin
* Nathaniel & Elaine Kruskol
* Terry Liebowitz
* Arthur & Jackie Miller
* Janet Newman
* Dr. Bill & Marjorie Phillips
* Anne Pomper
* Charles & Leah Ronen
*Lou & Elaine Saul
* Alan & Paula Schwartzman
* Jack & Jackie Shapiro
* Marion Shapiro
* Bob & Edith Sirull
Mr. & Mrs. Milton Steinberg
* Susan Steinberg
Haskell & Dale Toporek
*Gene & Elaine Weinberger
*Dr. Manuel & Shirley Weisman
* Lloyd & Judy Wepman
*Recognizes generous donors who have also made a
pledge to the AJF Annual Campaign. Thank you!
2011 AJF Annual High Holiday Appeal Pledges ‐ Neve Michael Children at risk are those beautiful kids who cannot live at home because it is too dangerous. Some arrive with
bruises and sad eyes; too many are afraid to be hugged, because they have been touched the wrong way, and
others are terrified of the man who beats mommy and disappears until he finds more drugs. We have parents
who are in jail and those who were killed. We have children who have to be told, everyday, that what happened
to them at home is not their fault. We must remove the children from danger and watch over them so that they
do not harm themselves.
3 Charitable Giving at Year-End
One of the most effective planning strategies to consider at year-end is accelerating your charitable
contributions. It can reduce your tax liability and get needed financial support into the hands of
your favorite charity sooner. Some year-end points to remember:


AJF Soup Kitchen • Charitable Giving at Year‐End 
4 Gifts by check are considered complete this year as long as dated and
mailed by December 31, even if the charity does not cash the check until
January 2012.
Pledges and other obligations cannot be deducted unless actually satisfied
by December 31.
Gifts of appreciated property that would produce long-term capital gains
directly to a charity generally provide a bigger tax savings than selling the
asset. The reverse is often true for gifts of loss property.
Because the overall tax rate situation is not likely to get better, that is, dramatically lower, in the
near future, you might want to consider accelerating several years’ worth of annual gifts into 2011,
up to an amount that would be deductible under the contribution deduction ceilings (50 percent of
adjusted gross income for gifts of cash to a public charity such as the Jewish Federation, 30 percent
of adjusted gross income for long-term capital gain property). Also, this could be the time to think
about replacing annual gifts with a large contribution to a donor advised fund from which you
could recommend annual grants in the future to the organizations you wish to support. And planned
giving alternatives also deserve consideration including charitable remainder trusts or charitable
gift annuities that create large deductions and minimize capital gains taxes.
AJF SOUP KITCHEN The Master's Table is Golden Harvest Food Bank’s soup kitchen in Downtown Augusta. It was started during the 1982 recession as one of the Food Bank's very first direct‐
service programs and, thanks to the kindness and support of our community, has grown to feed a noon meal to more than 300 homeless and hungry persons per day, 365 days per year. New volunteers are always welcomed at our Master’s Table Soup Kitchen. The AJF volunteers arrive at 8:00 AM one Sunday a month to feed 300+ guests a lunch meal. Volunteers are needed to assist with preparing food, serving food and greeting guests. To volunteer for the AJF Soup Kitchen, please email Susan Steinberg [email protected] or call 706‐364‐6086. The Master’s Table • 702 Fenwick St. Augusta, GA • 30901 AJF SOUP KITCHEN 2011‐2012 SCHEDULE November 27, 2011 December 11, 2011 January 8, 2012 February 12, 2012 March 18, 2012 

No AJF Executive Board or AJF Board Meeting scheduled for November, 2011. AJF Executive Board will next meet on Monday, December 12, 2011, at 6:30 PM. No AJF Board Meeting is scheduled for December. Federation Board
President
Louise Aronow
Vice-President, Campaign
Vice-President, Allocations
Jackie Cohen
Debbie Katcoff
Treasurer
Secretary
Immediate Past President
Al Grinspun
Bob Botnick
Al Grinspun
Board of Directors
Past Presidents/
Honorary Members
Louise Aronow
Alissa Bogorad
Bob Botnick
Ziva Bruckner
Jackie Cohen
Steve Dubin
Jim Eiring
Paul Graboff
Al Grinspun
Debbie Katcoff
Julian Nussbaum
Pat Sabel
Louis Scharff III
Susan Steinberg
Jack Weinstein
Ex-Officio
Rabbi Zalman Fischer
Rabbi Robert Klensin
Rabbi David Sirull
David Alalof
Michael Cohen
Sumner Fishbein
Leon Meyer
Louis Scharff
Abram Serotta
JackSteinberg
Susan Steinberg
Boots Wittenberg
Sam Budenstein
Joe Goldberg
Brian Marks
Michael Rivner
Ira Schneider
Norman Shapiro
Stephen Steinberg
Warren Umansky
Mort Wittenberg
June Kunkel, Reporter
Phone: 706-855-7279
E-mail: [email protected]
NEWSMAKERS: Paula Schwartzman was nominated by her school, Stevens Creek Elementary, for the "Teacher of the Year" program. Per the article in the Columbia County News Times, Paula was nominated because she is never one to maintain the status quo. Although she brings a wealth of experience to the classroom (28 years), it is the dynamic energy she displays that brings learning to life for her first‐graders. She communicates with parents and shares successful strategies with peers. She is a teacher that students appreciate in the moment, and also the one who is fondly remembered for years to come. Along with many others, the Sirull family, Stacy, Edith and Devra, came to help change the Torah covers at AYS. MAZAL TOV TO: Marcia and Carl Bogo on their 50th wedding anniversary. Nathan Jolles on his 50th birthday. Jill and Joey Korn on the engagement of their daughter, Julia, to Brannan Southerland. Jessica and Jeff Puncheon, on the arrival of their son, George. Bob Sirull on his 89th birthday. SAVE THE DATE ~ SUNDAY ~ MARCH 11, 2012 EMPTY BOWL NEEDS YOU!
There are numerous volunteer opportunities for Empty Bowl 2012. We need volunteers prior to the event to solicit restaurants for soup, etc. and silent auction items and merchants for silent auction items. If you are interested in volunteering for the committee or to solicit, please contact Lynda Jaremski at 706‐228‐3636. In the Neighborhood • Empty Bowl 2012 Dr. Louis Scharff III was pictured in the Augusta Chronicle just before being honored as "The Humanitarian of the Year" at the AJCC on October 22. The article explained that the award is presented to the person or couple within the Jewish community who has demonstrated generosity, charity and volunteerism. Lou has volunteered at the Masters Table Soup Kitchen for more than 30 years. He has also volunteered at the Medical College of Georgia Maternal and Infant Care Project and University Hospital Pediatric Clinic. He has served as president of Congregation Children of Israel, the Augusta Jewish Community Center, and the Augusta Jewish Federation. Former Augusta residents who were present to honor Dr. Scharff were Dr. Sumner Fishbein and Rabbi Richard White, Rabbi of Congregation Children of Israel in the 60's and 70's. 5 Made possible by a grant from the Maxine Saul Goldberg Fund Iranium John R. Bolton, Ethan Bronner, Richard Perle, Nazie Eftekhari and Alex Traiman Monday, November 7, 2011, 7:30 PM (Simulcast) Join a panel of influential and provocative names to discuss the threat of a nuclear Iran, featuring clips from the critically acclaimed documentary Iranium. The documentary is a stinging indictment of the current Iranian regime and highlights revolutionary efforts within Iran to topple the government. John R. Bolton is a former US Ambassador to the United Nations. Ethan Bronner is the Jerusalem bureau chief for The New York Times. Richard Perle is a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and served as chairman of the Defense Policy Board during the Bush administration. Nazie Eftekhari is the director for the Iran Democratic Union. Alex Traiman is the director of Iranium and a professional journalist covering breaking events and analysis in the Middle East. 92nd Street Y Live at the AJCC Finding a Lost Tribe of Israel: The Bnei Menashe of India Michael Freund, moderator Monday, November 28, 2011, 8:15 PM (Simulcast) 6 Hear members of the Bnei Menashe community, along with Shavei Israel founder Michael Freund, tell the remarkable story of how this lost tribe is finally coming home. The Bnei Menashe (Hebrew for “sons of Manasseh”) of northeast India trace their roots to the ancient Israelite tribe of Menashe, one of the Ten Lost Tribes exiled by the Assyrian empire more than 27 centuries ago. Despite being cut off from the rest of the Jewish people for generations, they clung to their identity. Michael Freund is the founder and chairman of Shavei Israel, a Jerusalem based organization that reaches out and assists “lost Jews” seeking to strengthen their connection with Israel and the Jewish people. Andy Borowitz Presents The Funniest American Writers With Alec Baldwin, Calvin Trillin and more Saturday, February 11, 2012, 7:30 PM (On DVD) Award‐winning comedian and New Yorker humorist Andy Borowitz presents an evening of literary laughter and a look at the new Library of America collection he edited, The Fifty Funniest American Writers—a hilarious collection of American humor writing from Mark Twain and James Thurber to David Sedaris and The Onion. Borowitz, who has been called “one of the funniest people in America” by CBS News Sunday Morning, will be joined onstage by an all‐star cast of the best American humorists. The Lost Jews of Kaifeng, China with Shi Lei Sunday, February 19, 2012, 3:00 PM (On DVD) Hear the fascinating history of Jewish life in Kaifeng, China. Beginning during the Northern Sung Dynasty (960‐1127), when the Jews of Persia and India traveled the Silk Road to Kaifeng, the com‐
munity thrived for many years but eventually died out in 1860. Shi Lei is a descendant of one of the original Jewish families in Kaifeng, China. A graduate of Henan University in China, Shi Lei currently works as a na‐
tional tour guide of Jewish sites in China, as recently highlighted in The New York Times Travel section. This event is presented by the 92Y Resource Center for Jewish Diversity with the organization Kulanu. Made possible by a grant from the Maxine Saul Goldberg Fund 2011-2012 92nd Street Y Live Sponsors
Corporate
Elliott & Sons • WAGT-TV
Individual
Peter Goldberg & Dr. Lynn Jaffe
Ila Abramovitz & Steve Nathan
Jules & Charlotte Joslow
Drs. Bill & Nettie Albrecht
Arthur & Jackie Miller
Dr. Bob & Lelia Botnick
Dr. Alan & Janet Roberts
Drs. Michael & Jackie Cohen
Louis & Elaine Saul
The Girl Scouts of the Greenbrier‐Harlem Service Unit wish to thank the AJCC for donating the space to make no‐sew scarves for those Veterans who may find themselves homeless this winter in the CSRA. The 2011 Hanukkah Stamp The 2011 Hanukkah stamp was issued in October 2011 as a “forever” stamp. Add a Hannukah stamp to all your postage and support the release of this new stamp. On Friday, October 7, 154 very eager participants met at the AJCC to make 670 no‐sew scarves for the homeless Veterans. The Greenbrier‐Harlem Service Unit was asked by Hope House for Women in Augusta to make 400 scarves to give away at the Stand Down for Homeless held October 28 in Downtown Augusta outside the Salvation Army. Hope House was one of multiple agencies that came together to provide a one‐stop location for homeless veterans searching for resources. Each Veteran received a large bag of essential items for the winter such as clothing, a sleeping bag and a scarf made by the Girl Scouts of the Greenbrier‐Harlem Service Unit. We are proud that the Girl Scouts not only met the challenge of making 400 scarves, but surpassed their goal by 270 scarves. Jane Behrand Events Director Greenbrier‐Harlem Service Unit AJCC Israeli Dance Workshop Beginners and experienced dancers welcome. No partners needed. Teens and up invited. Thursday, November 10th 6:00‐7:30 pm at AYS Sunday, November 20th 3:30‐5:00 pm at AJCC Thursday, December 1st 6:00‐7:30 pm at AYS Please contact Jackie Cohen at [email protected] or 706‐738‐9016 with questions and suggestions. 92nd Street Y Live Sponsors • Israeli Dance Workshop 2011-2012 Sponsorships are still available.
Please consider supporting this wonderful program.
7 ONE BOOK, ONE COMMUNITY SAVE THE DATES FOR THESE SPECIAL EVENTS The Augusta Jewish Community received a grant from the American Library Association to host the Emma Lazarus, Voice of Liberty, Voice of Conscience exhibit, which is travelling through several cities in the United States. The following events are planned to highlight this special presentation. Important dates to remember in 2012: January 7 – Opening Night Gala January 8 – Stories of Immigration, Poetry Contest Awards January 15 – Panel Discussion on Immigration January 17 – Discussion of book: Emma Lazarus by Esther Schor Please consider taking the time to read Emma Lazarus by Esther Schor as part of the ALA’s One Book, One Community Program. Then participate in a discussion on the book on January 17th. SHARE YOUR STORY On Sunday, January 8th, from 2‐4 pm, we will share our family stories of immigration. If you would like to be considered as one of the initial presenters, please submit your story to Leah Ronen, AJCC Executive Director, by December 1, 2011. Stories should take no longer than 10 minutes to share, in order to give others a chance to share parts of their families’ stories. During this program, the winners of the Emma Lazarus, Voice of Liberty, Voice of Conscience Poetry Contest, will read their poetry receive their awards. Emma Lazarus Exhibit Emma Lazarus: Voice of Liberty, Voice of Conscience was developed by Nextbook, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Jewish literature, culture, and ideas, and the American Library Association Public Programs Office. The national tour of the exhibit has been made possible by grants from the Charles H. Revson Foundation, the Righteous Persons Foundation, the David Berg Foundation, and an anonymous donor, with additional support from Tablet Magazine: A New Read on Jewish Life. 8 EMMA LAZARUS EXHIBIT PROGRAM INFORMATION In order to participate in the discussion on Esther Schor’s book, Emma Lazarus, (Knopf, 2006), you will need to purchase the book. New and used copies are available through www.amazon.com and hardcover and e‐book versions are available from Barnes and Noble online or by order through the bookstore at the mall. Several copies of this book will be available for purchase at The Book Tavern, 1026 Broad Street, 706‐826‐1940. The proprietor, David Hutchinson, will be pleased to help you. Don’t forget to mention that your purchase is in conjunction with the AJCC Emma Lazarus exhibit Book Discussion. Voices of Liberty Poetry Contest To the Maxine Saul Goldberg Fund, wishing Jerry Saul well By Shirley & Manuel Weisman Tributes
To the Alberta Goldberg Fund, wishing Renee Shoob well By Shirley & Manuel Weisman To the Alberta Goldberg Fund, wishing Bernice Schlifka well By Shirley & Manuel Weisman To the Alberta Goldberg Fund, wishing Meryl Edwards well By Shirley & Manuel Weisman To the AJF, in memory of Alan Roberts By Leah & Charlie Ronen To the AJCC, in memory of Alan Roberts By Anne L. Pomper To the AJCC, in honor of Lou Scharff being named Humanitarian of the Year, By Mike & Cynthia Pousman To the Jay Weinberger Fund, in memory of Meyer Kreisberg By cousins Elaine & Gene Weinberger To the AJCC, in memory of Meyer Kreisberg By The Hersch Kahn Family By Janet Newman A donation has been made toward planting
a tree in memory of Meyer Kreisberg
By Alan & Paula Schwartzman
By Leah & Charlie Ronen
Voices of Liberty Poetry Contest • Tributes & Trees The Emma Lazarus Poetry Contest offers middle and high school students the opportunity to express themselves through poetry inspired by the work of Emma Lazarus, the Jewish poet and activist whose sonnet The New Colossus is inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty. The Poetry Contest is part of a special program and exhibit sponsored by the Augusta Jewish Community Center and the Augusta Jewish Federation and made possible by a grant from the American Library Association. The exhibit will be available for viewing beginning January 7 through January 21, 2012. Other programs include an Opening Night Gala, a poetry reading, book discussion based on the book Emma Lazarus by Esther Schor and a discussion based on presentations by local people regarding their family immigration stories. Contest winners will be given the opportunity to read their original poems on the topic of liberty at an awards ceremony at the AJCC on January 8th at 2:00 PM. First place winners: Trophy and $100 Savings Bond Second Place winners: $50 Savings Bond Third Place winners: $25 Barnes & Noble gift card The deadline for entries is Friday, November 18, 2011. 9 AJF Comedy Night ~ Save the Date SAVE THE DATE!
10 Georgia Health Sciences Health System is looking for community volunteers for
The Children’s Medical Center, adult medical center, outpatient clinics and the
Cancer Center. Locations include but are not limited to: Trauma, ICU, ER, nursing
units, Central Supply, outpatient clinics, cafeteria, Quality Management, PICU,
administration and many more.
Sponsored by ADATH YESHURUN SYNAGOGUE Corner of Greenville St. & Barnwell Ave. Aiken, South Carolina A Wonderful Sisterhood Sponsored Get Together When: Saturday, December 10, 2011 Time: 6:00 P.M. Location: Woodside Country Club Included is dinner with entertainment! This is open to the entire congregation and your friends. Menu GOURMET SALAD W/ RED WINE VINGIARETTE ROLLS & BUTTER GARLIC WHIPPED MASHED POTATOES SEASONED GRILLED ASPARAGUS PLUS YOUR CHOICE OF ONE OF THREE ENTREES 1st CHOICE: SEASONED GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST 2nd CHOICE: GRILLED SALMON 3rd CHOICE: LONDON BROIL DESSERT: CHEESE CAKE w / BERRY SAUCE CASH BAR PRICE: $30.00 per person Please call Valerie Duarte with your reservation 641‐0204 and to make your choices Volunteer Opportunities • Adath Yeshurun Synagogue, Aiken Their required commitment is only three hours a week for six
months. They try to connect the volunteer with the area that
will utilize his/her talents and will offer a wonderful experience.
Since they are open 24/7, there is always a place for volunteers.
There is a process required and more information can be found
at www.georgiahealth.org/volunteer. Their main number is
706-721-3596 for more information.
11 Chapters in American Jewish History Since December 1996, the American Jewish Historical Society has been publishing Chapters in American Jewish History on a weekly basis in the national Jewish newspaper, the Forward and in other Jewish newspapers around the country. This month we feature Chapter 3. Chapter 3 America's First Glamour Girl Today, celebrities such as Madonna, Wilt Chamberlain and Warren Beatty are as well known for their defiance of conventional values and the notoriety that surrounds their personal lives as they are for their professional accomplishments. It was more than a century ago that Adah Isaacs Menken, the first American Jewish "superstar," helped pioneer the art of cultivating an outsized, even outrageous, personality as a path to fame and fortune. Even fame, however, could not guarantee her happiness. Chapters in American Jewish History In the 1860’s, Menken earned world fame in an equestrian melodrama, "Mazeppa." She daringly appeared on stage playing the role of a man, wearing nothing but a flesh‐colored body stocking, riding a horse on a ramp that extended into the audience. Menken’s costume scandalized "respectable" critics—even as it attracted huge and enthusiastic audiences that included such notables as Walt Whitman and the great Shakespearean actor, Edwin Booth. 12 As an actress, Menken became an early master of self‐promotion. According to historian Alan Ackerman, she made certain that a photograph of her striking face appeared in shop windows in every city in which she performed. Even in the context of the 1860’s, when most Americans looked upon actors as "loose" and disreputable, Menken was notorious for violating norms. She cropped her dark hair close to her head (she may have been the first important American woman to do so) and smoked cigarettes in public. Even more unladylike, Menken openly defied conventional married life, marrying four men in the space of seven years. Her second marriage, in 1859 to world heavyweight boxing champion John C. Heenan, led to the birth of a son, who died in infancy. Eight years later, a son by her fourth husband suffered the same fate. Her first marriage, to a Jew named Alexander Isaacs Menken in 1856, lasted only a few years but confirmed her own Jewish identity. Adah Menken’s true religious origins are controversial. Born in Louisiana in 1835 to Auguste and Marie Theodore, some historians believe that she was raised a Catholic, an assertion that Menken herself denied. In response to a journalist who called her a convert, Menken replied, "I was born in [Judaism], and have adhered to it through all my erratic career. Through that pure and simple religion I have found greatest comfort and blessing." In 1857, Adah and Alexander moved from New Orleans to Cincinnati, then the center of Reform Judaism in America. Adah learned to read Hebrew fluently and studied classical Jewish texts. It was at this time that Adah’s other artistic and intellectual talents emerged. An aspiring writer, she contributed poems and essays on Judaism to Isaac Mayer Wise’s weekly newspaper, The Israelite. Menken saw herself as a latter‐day Deborah, advocating for Jewish communities around the world. She urged the Jews of Turkey to rebel against oppression and place their faith in the coming of a messiah who would lead them to restore Jerusalem. She publicly protested the Mortara Affair, the kidnapping by Italian Catholic officials of a young Jewish boy whom the officials claimed the Jewish community had stolen. She also spoke out forcefully when Lionel Nathan was denied his seat in the English Parliament. And long before Hank Greenberg or Sandy Koufax did so, Menken refused to appear on stage during the High Holy Days even at the very height of her public success. Although world‐renown because of her appearance in Mazeppa, Menken’s deepest desire was to be known as a serious poet. She built friendships among an international literary elite that included Charles Dickens, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Alexandre Dumas the Younger, Algernon Swinburne and George Sand, who served as godmother to Menken’s second child. Menken was accused of having affairs with Dumas and Swinburne, neither of which can be confirmed, but the constant hint of scandal wherever she performed did little to discourage box office receipts. Adah Isaacs Menken’s life, like her celebrity, was like a comet. She died in Paris in 1868 at the age of 33, apparently from a combination of peritonitis and tuberculosis. When treatment by the personal doctor of Napoleon III of France provided no relief, a rabbi kept a bedside vigil. Menken was buried in the Jewish section of Montparnasse Cemetery. Little remembered today, Menken was a path breaking risk taker who lived a scandalous life in the theater, but who was a creative, if unpolished, literary talent. A collection of her poems, Infelicia, appeared a week after her death. Charles Dickens quipped about her, "She is a sensitive poet who, unfortunately, cannot write." Despite cultivating her "bad girl" persona assiduously, Menken retained a sincere devotion to her fellow Jews around the world. Today’s Hollywood celebrities have nothing on the glamorous, scandalous, tragic and paradoxical Adah Isaacs Menken. "Be There 4 Seniors"
(Access, Answers, Action, Advocacy)
The mission of the Area Agency on Aging is to promote dignity, safety, independence and accessibility for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Volunteer Opportunities ∙ Three Kosher Singers Wallace White, MPA
Volunteer Program Manager
CSRA Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging
3023 Riverwatch Parkway, Ste. A
Augusta, GA 30907-2016
Phone: 706-651-7309
Fax: 706-210-2016
Website: www.AreaAgencyonAging.com
Email: [email protected]
13 Adam Dunn Fund
Cumins Fund
A fund established in memory of Adam Scott Dunn
to serve the youth of the AJCC. The programs
supported by this fund are for educational, as well
as recreational purposes.
Alberta Goldberg Fund
(Jerome & Phyllis Cumins Educational and Special
Needs Fund) This fund was created by the Cumins
family in memory of their parents to assist Augusta
families participating in AJCC activities and to assist
Augusta Jewish students to further their education.
A fund established in memory of Alberta Goldberg
for general programming needs, to help with the
establishment of new programs of any kind.
Frances & Murray Schulman Playground Fund
The purpose of this fund is to establish, refurbish and
repair the AJCC playground equipment.
Andy Estroff Fund
Holocaust Memorial Fund
In loving memory of Andrew Roger Estroff, the
Estroff family and friends generously donated to
construct the Andy Estroff building at the Sibley
Road Center. Today this fund is used to provide
programs for teens and youths.
Established with the proceeds from a special showing of
the film “Schindler’s List”. This fund provides
educational programs on the Holocaust.
Biblical Garden Fund
This fund was established for the purpose of
creating a biblical garden on the grounds of the
AJCC.
Jay Weinberger Capital Improvements Fund
This fund was created to provide funds for capital
improvements to the AJCC.
Maxine Saul Goldberg Endowment
This fund was created as an Endowment Fund for
the AJCC.
This fund was created in loving memory of former
Center Director, Maxine Saul Goldberg. The income
from this fund is to provide for a lecture or series of
lectures by an author, educator or speaker on a subject
of Jewish interest.
Charles & Rae Silbert Fund
Myer & Mary Edelstein Athletic Award Fund
This fund was created by Charles and Rae Silbert,
born out of their life-long love of Judaism and of
young people. The income earned by this fund
provides the Jewish teens of Augusta with
programs, speakers and activities that serve to
strengthen their love and commitment to Judaism.
This fund was created to honor outstanding local Jewish
athletes by awarding plaques or trophies and sports
equipment to the Center.
Center Building Fund
Senior Activity Fund
Created by the Silbert family in appreciation of Ila
Abramovitz’s work on behalf of Jewish Seniors, this
fund provides transportation and program subsidies to
seniors.
Tree, Park Bench or Other Gift
For the AJCC please contact Mark Weinberger,
706-868-9494.
Tribute Forms
Tributes to the AJCC may be made to the funds listed above.
Cut & mail to AJCC ~ 898 Weinberger Way ~ Evans, GA 30809
14 Please accept my enclosed donation in the
amount of $________for the indicated fund
($10 minimum gift)
Make checks payable to AJCC.
You may call 228-3636, mail or
bring to the AJCC office.
CIRCLE YOUR CHOICE.
(In Honor of) (In Memory of)
(Continued Good Health)
(Mazel Tov) (In Loving Memory of)
(A Speedy Recovery)
_______________________________________
Recipient’s name
_______________________________________
Recipient’s address
_______________________________________
City/State/Zip
Check the fund for your donation below:

Adam Dunn Fund
Alberta Goldberg Fund
Andy Estroff Youth Fund
Biblical Garden Fund
Center Building Fund
Charles & Rae Silbert Fund
Cumins Fund
Frances & Murray Shulman Playground Fund
Holocaust Memorial Fund
Jay Weinberger Capital Improvements Fund
Maxine Saul Goldberg Endowment
Myer & Mary Edelstein Athletic Award Fund
Senior Activity Fund
X
SOUP’S ON
AJCC Staff
Leah Ronen,
Executive Director
Jackie Crute,
Office Manager
Lynda Jaremski,
Community Program Director
Joe Zuchowski,
Facility Specialist
November 16, 2011 11:45 AM AJF Staff
Leah Ronen,
Executive Director
Ina Abramson,
Admin. Assistant
Ila Abramovitz,
Jewish Family
Services Coordinator
Cathy G. Fishman & Mark Gottlieb
AJCC Office Hours
Monday-Thursday
9 am - 5 pm
Friday
9 am - 3 pm
Saturday closed
Sunday closed
Note: holiday hours
may vary.
Present "Poetry With Two Voices"
Mah Jongg at the AJCC
LEARNERS WELCOME
Come join your friends on
Thursdays at 12:30 pm
$1/member, $3/non-members
Call June for more information,
706-855-7279
Sunday Morning Tennis…..
is one of the longest-running,
successful AJCC programs.
An enthusiastic group meets Sunday
mornings at 9:00 for round-robin
Doubles.
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS 1:00 - 2:00 PM
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION
COME IN TO SIGN UP TODAY
706-228-3636
We welcome new players who are looking
for fun, exercise and a little competition.
FREE to AJCC members. All you need is a
tennis racket and some tennis balls!
AJCC Activities CALLING ALL
TENNIS PLAYERS
15 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U. S. POSTAGE PAID AUGUSTA, GA PERMIT NO. 34 11‐12/2011 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Young Men’s Hebrew Association Augusta Jewish Community Center Augusta Jewish Federation At Marks Park 898 Weinberger Way Evans, GA 30809 Phone: 706‐228‐3636 Fax: 706‐868‐1660 AJCC Email: [email protected] AJF Email: [email protected] Web: augustajcc.org PLEASE DELIVER TO: The AJCC contributes to Jewish life within the CSRA by fostering creative cooperation within our diverse community and by promoting Jewish values to enhance and improve our community and the CSRA. Thank you for supporting our mission. The next AJCC Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011 6:30 PM AJCC Executive Board — 7:00 PM AJCC Board NOTE: NO AJCC BOARD MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 2011 AJCC Officers 2011‐2012 Nettie Albrecht Alan Schwartzman Vacancy Rhea Markowitz Stephen Davis President Vice Pres. (Personnel) Vice Pres. (Planning) Secretary Treasurer AJCC Board Ila Abramovitz Arthur Miller Lewis Baylor Barbara Mintz Sam Budenstein Steven Nathan Mariana D’Amico Jonathan Shoenholz Peter Goldberg Susan Steinberg Ed Kahal AJCC Past Presidents (Beginning 1934) Nathan Jolles James Sawilowsky Izzy Shapiro Maxwell Estroff Charles Blank Sydney Carter Ike Shapiro Mort Wittenberg Morris Marks Ira Goldberg M.K. Steinberg Malcolm Estroff Louis Scharff David Alalof Gerald M. Daniel David Zacks Neil Melcher Haskell Toporek Ron Altman Bruce Alpert Jackie Cohen Barry Goldstein Gary Katcoff Ann‐Toni Estroff Morris Cohen Nettie Albrecht Celia Dunn Alan Schwartzman Stephen Davis Peter Goldberg Thank You
The Center Line Folders Team: Waunice Aldridge, Charlotte & Jules Joslow, Mary Kipnis, Gertie Parille, Anne Pomper, Bernice Schlifka, Edith Sirull and San Tannen. PLEASE NOTE THESE UPCOMING AJCC EVENTS November 7, 92nd Y Live—Iranium November 10, Israeli Dance Workshop at AYS 6:00 PM November 16, Soup’s On at the AJCC November 20, Israeli Dance Workshop at AJCC 3:30 PM November 28, 92nd Y Live—Finding a Lost Tribe of Israel: The Bnei Menashe of India December 1, Israeli Dance Workshop at AYS 6:00 PM December 21, Soup’s On at the AJCC December 25, Community Chanukah Latke & Salmon Dinner at the AJCC January 7 – Emma Lazarus Exhibit Opening Night Gala January 8 – Emma Lazarus Event: Stories of Immigration, Poetry Contest Awards January 15 – Emma Lazarus Event: Panel Discussion on Immigration January 17 – Discussion of book: Emma Lazarus by Esther Schor February 4, AJF Comedy Night at the AJCC February 11, 92nd Y Live—Andy Borowitz: The Funniest American Writers February 19, 92nd Y Live– The Lost Jews of Kaifeng, China