what`s inside - The Jewish Georgian

Jewish Georgian
THE
Volume 26, Number 4
WHAT’S INSIDE
The Art of
Motherhood
A 60-year-old painting is a still vibrant
expression of a mother’s love.
By Ashley Rosenberg
Page 5
The Family Store
For the Paradies Shops empire, the
family feeling extends from the owners
to the employees.
By Marvin Botnick
Page 18
A Quiet Time
and Place
Shabbat in Israel combines a holiday like
no other with a place like no other.
By Dr. Mort Barr
Page 22
A Different
Passover Message
The Temple’s landmark anti-trafficking
Seder is a somber reminder about the
enslaved among us.
Page 16
More than a
Ballgame
After their first-base collision in 1947,
Hank Greenberg reached out to Jackie
Robinson, encouraging him to stay
strong in the face of racism.
By Willy Leventhal
Page 7
A Civil Rights
Reunion
In June, the Mississippi Freedom
Summer 50th Anniversary will reunite
Civil Rights Movement activists not
to reminisce but to address today’s
injustices.
Page 28
Atlanta, Georgia
May-June 2014
FREE
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Page 2
Either/or is not always the answer
BY Marvin
Botnick
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion,
but not his own facts.”
— Daniel Patrick Moynihan
We have tools that make accessing
information faster, easier, and in greater
detail than has ever existed before. But,
unfortunately, the simplification of the
process does not seem to make individuals
more understanding. In fact, it appears as
though the new methods have fostered a
culture of selectively sourcing information
to buttress our already existing position.
One of the downsides that has resulted
from the new technology is that much
information is transmitted with pictures.
Pictures can be selected that, given their
viewing in isolation from the total activity,
can and will convey and reinforce an
existing belief.
Objectivity is a trait that is to be
sought and valued, but it is a quality that,
at best, exists in the abstract and only can
be partially attained. Contrary to what many
consider absolute truths, there are very few
beliefs that are unqualified and meet such a
standard.
Given the above, the polemical
positioning of those on both sides of the
many issues of the day makes it difficult
to resolve disputes. There appears to be an
attempt to impose one’s understanding and
beliefs on others rather than attempting to
resolve disagreements.
Reason and logic appear to have been
relegated to some faraway place. It seems
so simple to understand that in order to get
to a fair and reasonable solution, you must
hear the other side, even if you think the
other side is wrong. But, alas, too often we
are more interested in seeing and defining
our world and our opinions based on our
accepted beliefs. In fact, we are not even
interested in admitting that there is another
side.
Hardly a day goes by when we are
not buffeted by news of terrorists and
suppressers who are controlling the lives of
others. While we are not faced with similar
domination, we do seem to be less open to
accepting divergent views and opinions.
Vitriolic characterization of others is more
evident, and disregard for the facts has
become more prevalent.
Bernard Lewis, the Cleveland E. Dodge
Professor Emeritus of Near Eastern Studies
at Princeton University, wrote an article in
the May 2003 issue of The Atlantic Monthly,
which he titled “I’m Right, You’re Wrong,
Go to Hell.” While he speaks in this piece
about the conflicts in the Middle East, today
the title has application in almost every
facet of life and in the cultures in which
we live. It is this type of attitude that stifles
inter-personal relationships, mutual respect,
civility, and harmony within and outside of
the political sphere in which we reside.
Attitude, like objectivity, is an internal
characteristic that can and does differ from
person to person. A person’s perspective is
influenced by that individual’s attitude, and
the more open and reasonable is the attitude,
the more likely it will be that a resolution of
an issue will be reached.
In a piece by Rabbi Yissocher Frand
at torah.org, in which he addresses “The
Argument of Korach and His Community,”
he points out that “In order to get to the
truth, I must hear the other side. I may
May-June 2014
happen to think that the other side is wrong,
but I admit that there is another side.”
Later in the same commentary, Frand
recounts that “The Talmud tells us, ‘Just as
the faces of people do not exactly resemble
one another, so too their opinions do not
exactly resemble one another’ [Brochos
58a]. Just as no two people look exactly
alike, so too, no two people think exactly
alike.”
When I was in school I joined a
debating society. It was here that I began to
understand that there were good and sound
arguments that could be made on both sides
of the question. A debate is a forum in which
two different sides present arguments either
for, pro, or against, con, an assigned topic.
The position of each side, pro or con, is
arbitrarily assigned without regard to the
participants’ own personal views. What
better example can there be to remind us
that our position is not an absolute truth?
It would serve all of us well, either
as individuals, organizations, or nations,
if we did not approach issues as either/or
situations. Maybe, just maybe, we should
approached the solution as one of “and”
rather than “either/or.”
Jewish Georgian Epstein announces $1 million gift at groundbreaking ceremony
THE
The Jewish Georgian is published bimonthly by Eisenbolt, Ltd. It is
written for Atlantans and Georgians by Atlantans and Georgians.
T
Publisher
Marvin Botnick
Editor
Marvin Botnick
Co-Publisher
Sam Appel
Managing Editor
Marsha C. LaBeaume
Assignment Editor
Carolyn Gold
Consulting Editor
Gene Asher
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Barbara Schreiber
Copy Editor
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Makeup Editor
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Designer
Photographic Staff
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Advertising
Terri Christian
Terri Christian
David Gaudio
Allan Scher, Jonathan Paz
Karen Paz
Gene Asher, Jonathan Barach,
Janice Rothschild Blumberg,
Marvin Botnick, David Geffen,
Carolyn Gold, Jonathan Goldstein,
R.M. Grossblatt, Marice Katz,
Balfoura Friend Levine,
Marsha Liebowitz, Bubba Meisa,
Erin O’Shinsky, Reg Regenstein,
Stuart Rockoff, Roberta Scher,
Jerry Schwartz, Leon Socol,
Rabbi Reuven Stein, Ruben Stanley
Cecile Waronker
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Editorial Advisory Board Members
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8495 Dunwoody Place, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30350
(404) 236-8911 • FAX (404) 236-8913
[email protected]
www.jewishgeorgian.com
The Jewish Georgian ©2014
On April 2, The Epstein School held
a groundbreaking ceremony to mark
the beginning of the school’s upcoming
renovations, which began after the school
closed for Passover Break, on April 11.
Board of Trustees President Mark Stern
was on hand to officially declare the school
ready to begin renovations and symbolically
begin the demolition of the cafeteria. Head
of School Stan Beiner thanked donors and
shared the excitement and anticipation, as
About The Cover
HAPPY
SHAVUOT.
The stained
glass
window
used in the
sanctuary
of the
Ahavath
Achim
Congregation
building
on
Washington
Street in Atlanta, 1925-1956. The
window is in the Collection of the
Cuba Family Archives for Southern
Jewish History at The William
Breman Jewish Heritage Museum.
Photograph and photo-illustration
by David Schendowich.
Joyce Tritt, Jack Halpern, Lynne Halpern, Head of School Stan Beiner, Board
President Mark Stern, Tamar Stern, Bryan Lewis, and Carolyn Oppenheimer
phase one of the school’s transformation
began.
The renovation project is focusing
on the Orkin Educational Building. Most
notably, the school’s cafeteria will be
completely renovated into Epstein’s new
Chadar Ochel, which will house the new
cafeteria and theater with a state-of-the-art
sound and lighting system. The renovations
also include a new administrative office
suite, business office suite, energy efficient
windows, and a contemporary, updated
facade.
The Epstein School made a major
announcement during the ceremony:
the school received a $1 million gift,
generously donated by Lynne and Jack
Halpern and Carolyn Oppenheimer. This
is the first gift of this magnitude the school
has ever received. To honor the family, the
Upper School Building will be renamed The
Halpern Family Building, when renovations
are completed at the beginning of the 201415 school year.
“We are so grateful to the Halpern
family for going above and beyond,” said
Mark Stern. “Their generosity is matched
by their dedication to The Epstein School
and the Jewish community at large.”
May-June 2014
What’s
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
HAPPENING
BY Reg
Regenstein
EMILY
ROACH’S
WONDERFUL
MITZVAH. On a recent weekend, twelveyear-old Emily Roach flawlessly performed
her bas mitzvah and threw an “American
Idol”-type event that raised over $60,000
for kids with cancer. Not a bad way to begin
her official Jewish adulthood.
“Rally Idol” began almost a year
and a half ago, at her kitchen table, where
she and her family embarked on a project
to raise funds for the Atlanta-based
Rally Foundation, which they have long
supported. The foundation provides funding
for cancer research and help for individuals
with cancer.
Through the years, Emily has become
friends with many of the Rally kids, and
she so much admires them for remaining
“strong, brave, humble, and engaging.
They’ve overcome the most difficult things
life can throw their way,” she says.
And so, as Emily’s bas mitzvah project,
Rally Idol was born: “Five Kids. Four Idols.
One Amazing Night! These amazing kids,
each affected by cancer, performing for a live
audience and a panel of celebrity judges…
recording artists and former American Idols
Bo Bice, Lauren Alaina, Anthony Fedorov,
and Haley Reinhart.”
It was perhaps an overly ambitious,
unrealistic plan, but it is remarkable what
months of hard work and dedication can
accomplish. Emily’s parents, Alyson and
Shane, describe the spectacular evening
better than we ever could:
“It was a total family affair! Alyson’s
ten-year-old sister Courtney was our
greatest cheerleader! She sent handwritten
invitations to her classmates and her
teachers. And even pursued some of our
sponsors!
“The Rally kids soared to their highest
heights, on stage with the band at the
Buckhead Theater, live for everyone to see.
They touched the crowd with their courage
and their fight—they did it for other kids
fighting cancer. These young performers—
Andrew, Bailey, Jenna, Mary, and Tori —
reminded an entire theatre of people why
we should fight for kids like them. Adults
and kids alike were inspired, they were
humbled, and they were enlightened by
these kids and for their cause. It was a night
filled with inspiration and celebration like
you’ve never seen before.
“The night was carried on the shoulders
of so many dedicated volunteers...and we
simply couldn’t have done it without our
celebrity judges. Rally Idol was a smashing
success on many levels. We had more than
850 people together in the crowd and as
volunteers. We raised nearly $60,000 for
Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer
Research, and donations are still coming
in.”
A front page Atlanta JournalConstitution Living section article on the
event, by Rodney Ho, summarized the
evening with a quote from Rally founder
and CEO Dean Crowe, who observed that,
unlike “American Idol,” this evening “had
no winners and losers. Everyone was a
winner. This was a celebration of life.”
Emily Roach, right
THE TASTING. The Tasting, at the
Grand Hyatt Buckhead, was the usual fun,
entertaining, and wonderfully worthwhile
annual event, benefiting the ZimmermanHorowitz Independent Living Program of
Jewish Family & Career Services, which
“celebrates and supports the extraordinary
adults with developmental disabilities.”
What we really like is that, if you wanna
go out for some of Atlanta’s most delicious
food and can’t decide on a restaurant, the
best ones are right here: Avenue Catering
Concepts, Cibo e Beve, Davio’s, Double
Zero Napoletana, Food 101, The General
Muir, Genki Noodle & Sushi, The Grand
Hyatt, Haven, Honeysuckle Gelato, Lure,
1Kept, Parsley’s Catering, Red Pepper
Taqueria, Saltyard, Serpas, Smash, Sotto
Sotto, South City Kitchen, and Valenza.
And you could wash it all down with
a wide variety of irresistible libations,
courtesy of Hangar One Vodka, United
Distributors, Brown Forman, and Edrington
Americas.
But our favorite part of the evening
was viewing, and buying up, the beautiful,
colorful paintings by the program’s clients
from its “Go Wild” art collection, featuring
some of our favorite wild animals at their
most charming. To view dozens of the
loveliest artworks you will ever see for sale,
visit www.artworksatl.com.
KOREAN WAR MARINE HERO GENE
ASHER STILL GOING STRONG. Retired
Marine Corps Major General Larry Taylor
dropped by the
other day to see
his old friend and
mentor, and “one of
my heroes,” Gene
Asher, and said,
“He looks good,
still combat-ready,
as you’d expect
from a Marine and
former state Golden
Gloves champion.”
The
revered
Gene Asher
founder and former
columnist
for
the JG and sports writer for The Atlanta
Constitution turned 86 on May 5; he saw
combat in Korea as a Marine infantry officer
and received the Purple Heart after being
wounded. Larry says he first got to know
him when Gene was his boxing coach at the
old AJCC, on Peachtree Street in Midtown.
“I had read all the books (e.g. Leon
Uris’ Battle Cry) and seen all the movies
(e.g. Sands of Iwo Jima), but it was Gene’s
influence that pushed me into actually
signing on the dotted line for a Marine
officer candidate program in ‘59, when I
was between my freshman and sophomore
years at Georgia Tech.
“Gene likes to tell people that it was my
alleged boxing prowess that caused him to
push me toward USMC. I suspect, however,
that it was more the fact that Gene, being
a former state Golden Gloves champ, was
pleased to find another little Jewish kid that
liked to fight! Truth be told, I wasn’t that
good, but I was left-handed, and that’s a big
advantage in a short amateur bout.”
Larry rightly calls Gene “a great
Marine, a great American, and a great guy,”
noting that he uses the present tense because
“you never stop being a Marine, no matter
how long it’s been since you wore the
uniform.”
Larry himself served in combat in
Southeast Asia, in 1967-68, during the
Vietnam war, flying the H-34 helicopter. He
has also served in Iraq, Santo Domingo, and
Panama.
Semper fi, Gene and Larry.
Gene has had a profound influence
on many in our community, through his
writings, coaching, and the example he set
for others.
Attorney Bobby Fierman took boxing
lessons from Gene at the AJCC when he
was just starting out at Grady High School,
where there were lots of guys anxious to
prove how tough they were and to make life
miserable for those who were easy prey.
In 1965, Bobby won the City Golden
Gloves championship in the 127-pound
weight class. The story in The Atlanta
Constitution reported, “A Fighting Heart
Page 3
proves enough in gloves bout...His boxing
gloves when put together were wider than
his tiny shoulders.”
At Grady the day after the fight,
Bobby tells us, he was widely celebrated
and congratulated, and he never again had
to worry about anyone trying to intimidate
him. He wanted to go on and fight for the
state championship, but when his mom saw
what he looked like when he got home from
the city contest—with a black eye, swollen
face, rope burns on his back, and a broken
nose—she never let him box again.
Bobby still remembers a lesson he
learned from Gene: “Always be the first
one to land the first punch.” Bobby says that
lesson has paid off in court in his litigation
law practice, where he known for fiercely
defending his clients and scoring knockouts
against his opponents.
And, apparently, Gene still has it
together when it comes to the ladies.
The lovely and charming Marcia Jaffe,
vice president of the Buckhead Business
Association and captain of the WNBA
cheerleaders, recently went with Gene to an
ADL luncheon at the Four Seasons, where,
she says, “Many knew and greeted Gene
warmly, and I introduced myself as his
girlfriend. No one even blinked!”
QUILTS OF VALOR BY BELLA BAMERT.
Another great supporter of our military
heroes is Bella Bamert, who makes Quilts
of Valor for injured veterans and families of
fallen soldiers, as well as designing one-ofa-kind quilts for other customers.
Berkshire Hathaway realtor Emilie
Posner-Haas raves about the quilt Bella
designed and made for the daughter of
movie and TV star Alyson Hannigan (“How
I Met Your Mother,” “Buffy the Vampire
Slayer,” American Pie), who happens to be
Emilie’s daughter.
Bella has also made ten quilts for Emilie
and Joe Haas and other family members.
Emilie says, “She is incredibly talented.”
Bella can be reached at 770-490-6222
or [email protected].
Bella Bamert with her Quilt of Valor
in foreground and an award-winning
self-portrait quilt she created hanging
on the wall (Photo: Emilie PosnerHaas)
MARTY ALTERMAN DAZZLES THE
FASHION SCENE. Marty Alterman and
her brilliant seamstress, Emily Mak, have
teamed up to form a fabulous company
See HAPPENING, page 4
Page 4
Happening
From page 3
called Jane Darling by ME, named after Jane
Darling Lefco, Marty’s best friend for years.
Marty says that Jane “saw our first sample
the day before she died unexpectedly of
a torn aorta in 2008. I went to her family
(Stan Lefco, her children, and her sister,
Ann Levin) and asked if I could name my
company in memory of Jane. They were
thrilled, and that is how Jane Darling by ME
was started. I feel our clothes are almost as
special as she was.”
Marty’s friend Bonnie Wolloff says,
“Marty and Emily have been wowing
everyone with their marvelous creations,
not only in Atlanta, but all over the country.
Her trunk shows are packed, and rightly so.
Their legginskirts (leggings with attached
skirts) have been the perfect answer to the
question ‘OMG, how can we go about our
day straight from the gym or yoga?’”
Marty tells us exclusively that “you
can pair the legginskirts with our wonderful
tunic tops and jackets for any activity for the
rest of the day, or you can wear each piece
separately. They are not only stunning, but
the best ever made for travel. This is the
feedback I get from all who are devoted
followers. One of our best customers said,
‘When I travel domestic or international, all
I need is My Jane Darling by Me. And they
are proud to say...everything is made right
here in...Sandy Springs Georgia, U.S.A.’”
We always thought our old buddy
Richard Alterman married way over his head
when he wed Marty. But we never dreamed
that his wife and her partner, Emily, would
be paving their way to fashion stardom,
while their son, Joe, would become a famous
jazz pianist, playing at some of New York’s
and Atlanta’s premier music venues.
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
organize. We only wonder what he has in
mind for next year.
In his eloquent speech to the packed
audience, Ambassador Eizenstat, as he is
known all over the world except Atlanta,
talked about how growing up here had
played a major part in forming his character.
We wanted to share part of it with you here:
“I have never received a recognition that
has meant more to me than this award today.
Life is never perfect, however, and there
remains a hole in my otherwise full heart,
because my life’s partner and wonderful
wife, Fran, of 45 years, is not here by my
side. So much of what I am being honored
for tonight is a result of her support, advice,
counsel, encouragement, and love.”
“I want to talk with you today in
unusually personal terms.... The great
Southern writer Thomas Wolfe wrote a book
entitled You Can’t Go Home Again. He was
wrong. I am home when I am here. I have
the AA and Atlanta in my blood. From The
Varsity drive-in to Georgia Tech games,
from the beautiful dogwood trees and
azaleas to Coca-Cola, I love Atlanta.”
“It is in this city and this congregation
that my Jewish and American values were
shaped, my lifelong foundation molded.
That is why I decided the best way to honor
the memory of my closest beloved family,
now including Fran, was by bringing worldclass figures with whom I have interacted
in my public life
here, to share their
wisdom with this
congregation and
the entire Atlanta
community.”
“My
life’s
mission,
forged
here, has been to
help simultaneously
strengthen
the
United States of
Stu Eizenstat
America and the
Jewish people, here
and in Israel; to both work on behalf of
the most remarkable and enduring people
in world history, and to serve the greatest
nation and the greatest force for good in the
world.”
There must be something in the water
or Coca-Cola or The Varsity food that has
helped produce so many distinguished
citizens, none greater than Stu. But he
has never forgotten his roots, and he has
enriched Atlanta, our nation, and the Jewish
people in ways that are impossible to fully
appreciate or describe.
CPA IRA BLECKER. Ira was just promoted
to partner at the respected accounting firm
Levy Tax & Consulting in Dunwoody,
where he will help lead the firm, with
founding partner Sam Levy, to new heights
of greatness and success.
A letter to travelers
BY David
Geffen
These soldiers, men and women, learned
about the terrible Holocaust as they opened
the “camps” in the spring of 1945. Our
American Jewish military fighters worked
diligently to assure a Jewish nation, Israel.
May-June 2014
The only thing that concerns us a
little is that Ira attended the University of
Florida and is a Gator, and Sam is a Bulldog
from UGA. One thing is for sure, though,
although they are CPAs, they sure must
know how to throw a party!
AVELLINO’S PIZZA PUB. Our readers
keep telling us all about what they call the
best restaurant find in a long time, especially
if you like Mediterranean food—and who
doesn’t? Avellino’s, at 1328 Windsor
Parkway in south Brookhaven (404-5003841), serves delicious Italian fare such
as antipasti, ravioli, bruschetta, lasagna,
spaghetti, and colorful salads, with a long
list of affordable wines.
But their real specialty is wood-fired
pizza. One couple told us it has “the best
pizza in the city. It’s a real family restaurant,
with a patio, and you can bring your dog.”
And retail sales specialist Bonnie
Wolloff says, “it feels like home the
minute you walk in. The pizza is not only
incredible—it’s addictive.”
The chef and owner, Luigi Dirienzo,
even made us a great gluten-free, dairyfree, healthy and delicious pizza, without
complaining. It was as good as anything
we’ve ever had.
And if you live on the other side of town,
the original Avellino’s, on West College
Avenue, in Decatur (404-228-3285), is still
receiving rave reviews.
Brigade of the British Army. Together
they defeated Hitler and the Nazis.
Together they cared for the DPs (displaced
persons) until they could get to Palestine
officially. Many great stories can be told
about their efforts.
To all those from Atlanta traveling to
Israel:
Marty Alterman and Emily Mak
A SELLOUT CROWD FOR TRIBUTE
TO STU EIZENSTAT. The Ahavath Achim
synagogue’s eagerly anticipated tribute to
Stu Eizenstat, which we discussed in the
last issue, was a hugely successful, deeply
moving, highly entertaining extravaganza.
Produced and introduced by attorney
Bobby Ezor, it included a dazzling, funny,
nostalgic, amazing one-woman performance
by Broadway star Tovah Feldshuh. It was
nothing like or equal to anything you’ve
ever seen, and comparable only to the show
she put on at last year’s AA anniversary
celebration, which Bobby also helped
The first Atlanta visitors to the Holy
Land were Sara and Jacob Buchman, who
traveled by way of Egypt to Palestine,
in August 1910. At the time, Jacob
Buchman was president of Shearith
Israel; his signature in Hebrew adorns
my grandfather Rabbi Geffen’s three-year
contract, which began January 1, 1911.
Sara Buchman founded Atlanta Hadassah,
in 1916.
The Holy Land has changed
considerably in the last 100 years, with
a population now of almost eight million
people. Housing can be found all over the
country, as you will see.
With the recent celebration of the
66th birthday of Israel, on May 5, we
should recall the 550,000 Jews who were
in America’s armed forces in World War
II. Look closely at the composite image
of activities of Jewish war veterans in
the years before Israel was established.
Israel unfolds before you during your
mission. Make every moment count.
Understand truly what Israel is—the
homeland of the Jews.
Have a safe trip over and a safe trip
here. We look forward to seeing you—
young and old.
The other image, drawn by a member
of Young Judea in mid-1940s, portrays
the symbolic union of American Jewish
personnel and members of the Jewish
David Geffen
Jerusalem
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
May-June 2014
Page 5
FIDF Southeast Region honors Israeli soldiers at Atlanta gala
The Friends of the IDF Southeast
Region hosted its 2014 Atlanta Gala
Dinner: A Night to Honor the Soldiers
of the IDF, on May 15, at the Georgia
Aquarium. The gala featured active-duty
officers and soldiers, as well as a special
performance by the IDF Naval Ensemble.
The gala focused on three lifechanging FIDF programs: the FIDF
Lone Soldiers Program, the Adopt-ABrigade Program, and the FIDF IMPACT!
Scholarship Program, all of which the
FIDF Southeast Region actively supports.
FIDF honored the 22 Lone Soldiers
from the Atlanta community who have
left their families and friends to make
Aliyah and join the IDF. The FIDF Lone
Soldiers Program supports IDF soldiers
with no immediate family living in Israel
financially, socially, and emotionally
during their challenging military service.
Recently, the FIDF Southeast Region
Seth Baron
Garry Sobel
has adopted the IDF Combat Intelligence
Corps as part of the FIDF Adopt-ABrigade Program. This program allows
supporters to closely connect with IDF
soldiers and focuses on providing financial
aid for soldiers in need and their families,
supporting Lone Soldiers, sponsoring
general wellbeing activities, and granting
scholarships.
The gala highlighted the importance
of the FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship
Program. IMPACT! recipients are
Israel’s future leaders who, with the help
of FIDF and its donors, can realize their
greatest potential. These former combat
soldiers come from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds that hinder them
in their pursuit of higher education.
As part of the program, students must
complete 130 hours of community service
for every year of their scholarship.
Special guests at the gala included
FIDF National Director and CEO Maj.
Gen. (Res.) Yitzhak (Jerry) Gershon,
Executive Director of the FIDF Southeast
Region Seth Baron, and FIDF National
Board Member and Chairman of the
Southeast Region Garry Sobel. The
gala was co-chaired by Aviva and Eyal
Postelnik and Helen and David Zalik;
the host committee chair was Felicia
Voloschin.
Decades after her passing, a mother’s love is still in evidence
By Ashley Rosenberg
I’m a rising senior at the University
of Georgia. Every single Thursday, when
I step out of my final class and gear up for
my three-day weekend, I call both sets of
grandparents to catch up on the week that
has passed.
I always call my Mimi and Papa
second, because you can always count on
Mimi to have interesting stories to tell.
There is only one ring before you hear
“Hello,” in a very sweet, Southern voice, on
the line. Usually we talk about our weeks,
my cousins, and her friends, but a recent
week’s story was a little different, and it
pulled my heartstrings. After 32 years,
my grandmother received a Mother’s Day
present, and you’ll never guess who it was
from.
One Tuesday, my Mimi received a call
from a woman in Texas, looking for Miriam
Pass. When Mimi said that was her, she
couldn’t imagine the next words that would
come out of the woman’s mouth.
Years ago, my Mimi’s parents, Bert
and Keeve Pass, loved to paint. They made
beautiful paintings, one of which hangs in
my room at UGA. Bert and Keeve gave a
painting to their friends, Joann and Henry
Rosenbaum, who, years later, passed it on
to their daughter, Carolyn Rosenbaum,
who my Mimi was friends with when she
was younger. The parents requested that
when Carolyn did not want the painting
anymore, she give it to my Mimi (Miriam
Pass Botnick). Years later, Carolyn wrote
in her estate to return Bert Pass’s painting
to my Mimi.
What amazes me is, after all of those
intervening years—with deaths, people
falling out of contact, and the everyday
hustle and bustle of life—Carolyn followed One symbol that my Mimi has loved
through on her parents’ wish and left this for years is the angel. Walk into her house,
and that is the first thing you see. She has
painting for my Mimi.
With only three items, including the a wall of all of the angels her children and
painting, left in the estate, Debbie, the grandchildren have given to her over the
assistant to the lawyer in Texas handling years. I truly believe that this is a story of
Carolyn’s
three angels:
my
great
estate, made it
her mission to
grandparents
find my Mimi.
watching
over us and
Debbie did an
Internet search
the
woman
and
found
in Texas who
her
under
took the time
Volunteerism
to find my
Atlanta.
It
Mimi.
amazes
me
that
Debbie
Sometimes we
searched
for
get caught up
my
Mimi,
in our day-tobecause
I
day activities.
feel like most
Life can get
people would
busy;
days,
have let this
weeks,
and
go.
months pass.
But
there
My Mimi
are moments
believes that
where we all
this 60-yearshould
stop
old
painting
for a second
was a gift from
and remember
her mother, 32
how beautiful
years after she
life
is.
I
passed. I find
believe
that
this amazing,
My Mimi (Miriam Botnick)
my
great
because after
and Ashley Rosenberg
grandparents
someone
is
knew life was
gone and we
getting busy
no longer are
able to speak with them, we are able only to for everyone and wanted the entire family
hold onto memories from the past. But this to stop and realize the beauty of both life
allowed my Mimi to make a new memory, and our family.
years after my great grandparents passed.
All of my Mimi’s children and
grandchildren live in Atlanta. We grew up
together and spend every holiday together.
It’s not often that we take a second to
realize how lucky we are to have the family
we do, but this piece of art has really made
all of us appreciate everything, especially
in the moment. Because you never know
when someone will become an angel up
above.
Although I did not know my great
grandparents too well, since they passed
when I was young, this painting gives me a
chance to have a little something new from
them, even though they didn’t mean for it
to have such an impact. Think, years and
years ago, they never anticipated that my
Mimi would be receiving a gift from them
long after they were gone.
As is written on my great grandfather
Keeve Pass’ footstone, “A thing of beauty
is a joy forever.” My family is my joy
forever, and my great grandparents have
sent this painting, years and years later, to
show us that forever is, well, forever, and
they are simply “pass”-ing on the joy.
Thursday night calls will continue
to happen. My Mimi will always answer
on the first ring; she will be filled with
stories and fun craft ideas. She will give
me inspiration and push me to do my
best. She will always send me clippings
from newspapers and magazines. She will
always tell me to look at the moon and sing
our song. She will always sign off with 143
(I Love You), and, lastly, she will always,
always be my angel.
XOXO. 143. Forever.
Ashley Rosenberg is the daughter of Beth
Ann and I.J. Rosenberg.
Page 6
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Painting a vision of Israel’s future
By Beth Gluck
Israel is a masterpiece in the making.
Sixty-six years young, the modern State of
Israel, though advanced in many ways, has
yet to fully realize her potential. The lands
beyond Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa—
it is in these areas where Jewish National
Fund sees the greatest opportunity to shape
Israel’s future. JNF is spearheading the
much-needed development of the country’s
new frontiers to advance Israel’s security,
economic vitality, and quality of life for
generations to come.
As a lover of the fine arts, it is best for
me to color Israel on a canvas in the mind’s
eye to illustrate her. So grab a brush and let’s
sketch out the whole of Israel.
The undercoat of my creation is a
fiery orange, representing the rising sun, a
new dawn, and the boundless opportunity
for prosperity and abundance. The Negev
is 60% of Israel’s landmass, but home to
only 8% of her population. JNF’s Blueprint
Negev plan is dedicated to changing these
statistics, shifting population from the center
of the country to the South by building new
communities that offer affordable housing,
quality educational options, and sustainable
practices. New JNF projects, such as
Abraham’s Well, in Be’er Sheva; Timna
National Park; and Kibbutz Yahel’s family-
friendly,
sparkling
heart rhythms from
clean
rest
stop,
around the world,
promote international
beating in perfect
tourism and economic
harmony, as we unite
development.
to make life better for
The green on my
all Israelis, regardless
brush complements
of ethnicity, ability,
the
orange;
its
or need. Educational
brightness
and
standards are on the
warmth call attention
rise in the Western
to
the
growth
Galilee,
further
potential within this
encouraging uppernew frontier. JNF’s
middle-class Israelis
Go North initiative to
to leave overcrowded
advance the Western
cities and relocate
Galilee Region is in
their families to the
its infancy. Similar
emerging Galilee.
Beth Gluck
to Blueprint Negev,
Next,
I
Go
North
will
add
touches
of
encourage Israel’s population to move from gold pigment, to represent the lasting
the coastline and primary cities, to find a commitment to improving the lives of all
renewed quality of life in northern Israel. of Israel’s residents. The Negev is home to
A JNF committee is working with local Aleh Negev, one of the world’s most highly
community leaders to identify opportunities acclaimed residential communities for
for JNF to ignite, stimulate, and support more than 100 people with disabilities and
new economic and social opportunities. A outpatient services for some 12,000 children
new tourist information center in Acco, just and adults each year. JNF’s commitment
yards from the sea, will soon be our one-stop to Aleh Negev is an investment in an
shop for information on activities, hiking, inclusive society, smart development, and
sea sports, and an extraordinary 6000-year- the increased vitality of the underdeveloped
old ruin.
town of Ofakim, the site of Aleh Negev.
Vibrant and rich red strokes depict the Sky blue and aqua green are applied
liberally to the emerging painting to
symbolize the technological innovation
May-June 2014
and advances that offer limitless potential
in the Galilee and in the Arava Valley AgriTech Corridor. JNF and the Eilot Region of
the Negev are working together to create
high-level employment opportunities to
attract new residents to the South. To this
end, a Cooperative Center for Research
and Development and Renewable Energy
is under construction. Research conducted
in the center will include the study of
agricultural ecological systems and earth
sciences, producing solar energy through
thermo-chemical processes, and exploring
renewable energy and optics.
My painting of JNF’s vision for Israel
is, of course, incomplete. Swatches of
exposed canvas invite you to add your own
personal vision to the vibrant masterpiece
we hope to create together: the bright and
promising future of the land and people
of Israel. I ask you to choose a paintbrush
and pick a color with which to add your
personal mark on the future of our Jewish
homeland. With your continued support of
JNF, the unfinished spaces of our canvas
will be filled with colors and strokes that
are brilliant, stimulating, and inspiring. As a
stakeholder in the land of Israel, I hope that
you too will add your personal JNF stroke to
the masterpiece-in-progress that we call the
Jewish Homeland.
Beth Gluck is Jewish National Fund’s
Director of the Southeast. She recently
returned from Israel where she observed
JNF’s impact in the Negev and studied its
plans to develop the Western Galil.
Paul! A person worthy of exclamation points
BY Marice
Katz
Paul is my niece Sandy’s husband of many
years. This is a story of real determination...for
both of them.
Paul Friedman came to Florida to be near
family; he graduated from the police academy
at Palm Beach State College in 1977.
He worked in the Homicide and Forensics
Investigator’s Department of the Palm Beach
County Sheriff’s Office. Prior to that, he was
with Operation Blue Lightning, a War On
Drugs effort. Eventually, Paul had a Southeast
district assignment, traveling to teach other
police departments about homicide and
forensics work.
As it turned out, Paul was so fond of
teaching that he went on to teach part-time
for 10 years at Palm Beach State College.
He eventually earned a Master’s degree and
became an associate professor, full professor,
and then chair of the criminal justice
department. In 2013, Paul earned his doctorate
in education.
Somewhere along this journey,
Dr. Paul L. Friedman
Sandy and Paul had health challenges.
Paul developed a respiratory condition and
went to National Jewish Health Hospital In
Denver, Colorado. Around the same time,
Sandy had a double mastectomy. Through
this tough period, Paul somehow put in long,
long hours of study. They both succeeded in
overcoming their problems. They never lost
their great sense of humor.
It had been a challenge for both, but they
made it. I, for one, am so very proud of them.
I did ask Paul whether there was any humor
in his work. He answered that when you are
working in homicide and forensics, you stay
focused with gallows humor.
May-June 2014
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Baseball and Civil Rights heritage
Page 7
BY Willy
Leventhal
“Class tells, it sticks out all over Mr.
(Hank) Greenberg....”
— Jackie Robinson, May 15, 1947
I was always devoted to the game
of baseball, both as a fan and a player. I
was also a committed worker in the Civil
Rights Movement, having signed on with
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1965, when
he came to my college campus at UCLA
to recruit white students for the summer
voter-registration movement in the South.
So you can imagine the joy that I felt
when, on May 2 and 3, the Atlanta Braves
highlighted baseball’s leadership role in
the Civil Rights struggle with its second
annual “Heritage Weekend.”
However, one of the key related
episodes, which has not yet been
included in the recent baseball heritage
commemorations, happened 67 years
ago, on May 15, 1947. After there was a
collision at first base—between a 6‘4”
Jewish homerun king (at the time, second
only to Babe Ruth) and the first African
American to play in the big leagues in
the 20th century, who was perhaps the
best athlete in American history—Hank
Greenberg was the first opponent to go
out of his way to show respect and support
for Jackie Robinson. This was during
Robinson’s first month with the Dodgers, a
time when players on opposing teams were
making racist and crude taunts, throwing
bean balls, and slashing him with their
spiked shoes.
While Robinson’s 1947 saga, baseball’s
most famous Civil Rights legacy, was well
depicted in last year’s excellent film, 42,
the fact-based drama did not include this
incident or the mutual admiration between
Robinson and Greenberg. But it is almost
certain to be highlighted in Ken Burns’
2015 documentary about Robinson’s life
and times, which is in still in the production
process.
Led by Major League Baseball’s
Jewish baseball commissioner, Alan “Bud”
Selig, Robinson’s number (42) has been
retired by each of the 30 teams, and on
April 15, every game in the big leagues is
part of “Jackie Robinson Day.”
Robinson never forgot Greenberg’s
leadership. In the 1950s, he was a supporter
and friend of the legendary Sandy Koufax
during Koufax’s first few years, when
he had not yet attained success. Then,
in the 1960s, as is well documented in
various books, Robinson was steadfast
in denouncing anti-Semitism, and was
National Chairman of the Brotherhood
Week for the National Conference of
Hank Greenberg (right) presents an autographed
baseball to President Harry S. Truman, in 1946.
Christians and Jews.
Robinson’s appreciation and respect
for Greenberg—and his friendship with
Koufax—are not yet well known, even
within the Jewish community. However,
while researching and writing Brothers,
Bats and Balls…and Other Life Lessons
in Sports, I found, and included, copies
of articles from Hank Greenberg’s
scrapbooks, which are available at the
Center for Jewish History, in New York
City, and did an interview with Sandy
Koufax during the 50th anniversary of the
1955 Dodgers, in 2005, at Dodger Stadium.
Moreover, Ken Burns was most gracious
in his response to receiving a copy of my
book with the Robinson, Greenberg, and
Koufax documentation.
In an interview after the game, which
appeared in a column by Pittsburgh SunTelegraph Sports Editor Harry Keck,
Robinson explained that the next time he
came down the first base line, Greenberg
said, “I forgot to ask if you were hurt on
that play.” Robinson, who had attained
All-American status in football, basketball
and track at UCLA, replied that he was
okay. He told Keck that he was almost
overwhelmed with emotion, after all of
the rough treatment he had received from
opponents until then. Robinson continued,
“Class tells, and it sticks out all over Mr.
Greenberg.” A few days later, in the famed
Ed Sullivan’s column in the New York
Daily News, it was noted that heavyweight
champion Joe Louis was pleased to
learn from Robinson, his World War II
Army buddy, that “Greenberg has treated
Robinson the nicest” of all the National
League players.
In my interview with Sandy Koufax,
he was particularly animated when I
asked if he knew about the GreenbergRobinson incident, which he did. As to
At a ceremony on June 4, 1972, the Dodgers retired the
uniforms of Roy Campanella (39), Sandy Koufax (32), and
Jackie Robinson (42).
his own relationship with #42, he left no
doubt: “Jackie definitely befriended me....
He was a very important person for me. I
was a bonus player, shouldn’t have been
there; didn’t deserve to be there, and
Jackie made it a lot easier.” In Bums by
Peter Golenbock, there is documentation
that Robinson repeatedly let the Dodgers
manager know he supported the then-19year-old Koufax and wanted him to get a
fair chance to develop his amazing talent.
There are also other related sections,
including a fact-based fiction chapter,
“The Selma, Alabama, Star of David
Baseball Camp”; a brief interview with
Detroit’s Jewish manager Brad Ausmus
and former Braves first baseman Matt
Franco; a chapter about my being the first
white player in a previously all-“Negro”
semi-pro league of former minor leaguers
during the summer of 1965, when I served
on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s field staff;
a copy of the December 16, 2003, Macon
Telegraph article about my participation
in the program the Georgia Sports Hall
of Fame did about that team, the “Macon
Bombers,” and more.
Willy Leventhal has been a college
instructor, community organizer, writer,
and teacher/coach in public schools, as
well as serving on the staffs of Mrs. Coretta
Scott King and Ambassador Andrew J.
Young. He is the author of three books
and more than one hundred articles; his
documentation of his Civil Rights work,
The SCOPE of Freedom: The Leadership
of Hosea Williams with Dr. King’s Summer
‘65 Student Volunteers, has received
critical acclaim. He can be contacted at:
[email protected].
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Page 8
May-June 2014
In 1993, Sammy was hired by The
Atlanta Jewish Community Center as
assistant director of the Developmental
Disabilities Department. He has been
instrumental in starting programs for
individuals with special needs at the
MJCCA’s Camps Isadore Alterman and
Camp Barney Medintz. He has taken groups
with special needs to Israel and the United
Kingdom, as well as on 40+ group vacations
throughout the U.S.
In 1999, Sammy married Katie
Alterman, whom he met at the MJCCA.
They have one son, Max, age 7.
MJCCA News
AWARD WINNERS. The community
recently came together at the MJCCA’s
68th Annual Meeting, chaired by Bruce
Morris, to honor lay leadership and staff
achievements. New agency President
Doug Kuniansky was installed, as those in
attendance bid a fond farewell to Immediate
Past President Steven Cadranel.
Honorees included:
• Scott Ackerstein, who received the
Volunteer of the Year Award, for his
exceptional devotion as commissioner of
the MJCCA’s Shirley Blumenthal Park
(SBP) men’s basketball league.
• Teen Department Director Laura Ross,
who received the Phillip Bush Award
for Leadership. Laura has an enormous
responsibility managing one of the largest
JCC teen departments in the country.
• Barney’s Registrar/Food Service Director
Alan Barney, who received the Team Player
Award. He manages a system that provides
nearly 4,000 meals a day to campers and
staff. He coordinates all of the special dietary
needs and virtually always says “yes” to any
question, in order to make everyone happy.
• Membership Associate Jammie Harrison,
who received the Customer Service Award,
which recognizes a staff member who
works expertly with both internal staff
and members and approaches work with
a positive attitude, even under adverse
situations.
• FitLine, which received the Best New
Program Award. FitLine is a team training
functional fitness program designed to help
participants feel better, look better, and
perform better.
• Michele Rosenstein, who received the
Raye Lynn Banks Teacher of the Year
Award (at The Weinstein School). Michele’s
interactions with her students, as she
engages with them through the use of openended questioning and higher-level thinking
skills, are inspiring to watch.
• Donna Feller, who received the Raye
Lynn Banks Teacher of the Year Award (at
The Sunshine School). Donna treats her
one-year-olds with the utmost respect and
has often been noticed for her amazing
interactions with children and parents.
MJCCA President Doug Kuniansky
and CEO Gail Luxenberg
MJCCA
Past-President
Steven
Cadranel and Volunteer of the Year
award winner Scott Ackerstein
Gail Luxenberg and Raye Lynn Banks
Teacher of the Year Award winner
Michele Rosenstein (The Weinstein
School)
SAMMY ROSENBERG HONORED.
Sammy Rosenberg, assistant director of
the Marcus Jewish Community Center of
Atlanta’s Blonder Family Department for
Special Needs, received the prestigious
Nobis Works Luminary Award for Volunteer
Advocacy. The award was presented on April
30, at the Nobis Works’ 16th Annual Galaxy
of Stars & Tommy Awards Luncheon.
HARRIS JACOBS DREAM RUN. More
than 475 people participated as volunteers,
runners, or sponsors in the MJCCA’s 2014
Harris Jacobs Dream Run, on May 4,
helping raise more than $40,000 for MJCCA
programs and services. Enhanced prizes
for the various runner categories included
vacation packages from the JW Marriott
Atlanta Buckhead, Mizuno running shoes,
gift certificates from Dick’s Sporting Goods,
free massages from Massage Heights, and
tickets to the Atlanta Hawks 2014-2015
Season.
In addition to the Kids’ 1-Mile Fun Run/
Walk and the 5K Road Race/Walk, the HJDR
partnered with the Blonder Department for
Special Needs to orchestrate a new Special
Needs one-mile walk for youth and adults.
Gail Luxenberg and Team Player
Award winner Alan Barney
Sammy
Nobis
Gail Luxenberg and Customer Service
Award winner Jammie Harrison
Gail Luxenberg and Phillip Bush
Award for Leadership winner Laura
Ross
Rosenberg
and
Tommy
Bobbie Knopf, co-founder of Nobis
Works, who nominated Sammy for
this award said, “Sammy has first-hand
experience with disability (Sammy has
Tourette syndrome himself and is the
caretaker of his brother-in-law who has
Prader-Willi syndrome), and has worked
to overcome his disability and to become a
community leader.
“Sammy has spearheaded initiatives
that helped Atlanta become a model for
local-based community involvement,”
Bobbi continued. “Sammy provides a forum
to interact and participate in communal
activities. He allows for those with
disabilities to have a platform to own their
strengths and skills to benefit the community
at large.”
Originally from Newport, Rhode Island,
Sammy has been in Atlanta since he was
two years old. At age 11, he was diagnosed
with a neurological disorder known as
Tourette syndrome. Despite the challenges
of Tourette syndrome, Sammy attended
Curry College, in Milton, Massachusetts,
and graduated in 1987 with bachelor’s
degrees in social work and psychology.
Overall winners Cara Ovadia and
George Darden
Committee Chairs Kitty Jacobs and
Larry Gordon
See MJCCA, page 13
May-June 2014
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Katherine and Jacob
Greenfield Hebrew Academy
‫ש גרינפילד‬,,‫בית הספר היהודי ע‬
www.ghacademy.org
Page 9
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THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
May-June 2014
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Page 12
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
May-June 2014
Brittain Award honors service
By Stephen Fowler
that Light is the type of student-athlete that
only comes once a decade and serves as an
College senior and varsity softball inspiration to everyone around.
standout Megan Light will be awarded the “When [Light] walks into the room,
2014 Marion Luther Brittain Award, the everyone sits up a little straighter, the group
highest honor bestowed upon an Emory becomes a little more attentive, and the
energy brightens,” Siqueiros wrote. “She
student, at this year’s
is an educator in the gift
commencement,
of giving, whether she
according to Senior
knows it or not.”
Vice President and
Siqueiros
Dean of Campus Life
pointed
to
several
Ajay Nair.
examples of Light’s
The
$5,000
selfless
dedication,
award, named for
including
a
string of
former President of
grueling
practices
where,
the Georgia Institute
after
the
practices
were
of Technology and
finished,
Light
would
Emory
University
change clothes and
alumnus
Marion
immediately head to a
Luther
Brittain,
homeless shelter to serve
is presented to a
food.
graduating
student
Light wrote in
from any academic
an e-mail to the Wheel
division
of
the
that receiving the honor
university
who
is “unreal” and thanked
is
considered
to
Megan
Light
those
around her for
have performed the
shaping
her college
most
“significant,
experience.
meritorious
and
“When I was
devoted service to Emory University,”
called into [Dean] Nair’s office, I really had
according to the nomination form.
Light, an Atlanta native, is graduating no idea what he could possibly be talking
with a degree in anthropology and human to me about,” Light wrote. “I am proud to
biology with a minor in global health, receive this honor, but I also know that I
owe the majority of it to my family, friends,
culture and society.
Light served as a leader on the field, coaches, professors, and everyone who has
netting All-American, Player of the Year, helped me along the ride here at Emory.
and countless other accolades as the The support I have received throughout my
Lady Eagles’ first baseman, in addition college experience has been unbelievable.”
to volunteering with Challah for Hunger, After graduating, Light wrote that she
athletic advisory groups, and several non- will return to Emory’s Rollins School of
Public Health in the fall for her Master’s
profits.
Goodrich C. White Professor of degree in public health, and she plans
Anthropology George Armelagos wrote on using the award money to go towards
in his nomination letter that among other tuition.
things, Light is an excellent student, a Light also cites her time at Emory as
voracious reader, and intellectually curious teaching her so many things beyond the
classroom to prepare her for the future.
in her academic endeavors.
Armelagos also wrote that Light’s “I have learned how to appreciate
involvement and dedication to things both diversity, how to work with authority, how
inside and outside the classroom makes her a to be both a leader and a follower, how to
“wonderful ambassador” for the university. stand up for things you believe in, and how
“If [Light] were Wonder Woman, I to get involved in the things that mean the
could understand how she gets all this most to you while at Emory,” Light wrote.
done,” Armelagos wrote. “For a mere mortal “There are so many talented and interesting
she has established an unbelievable record students here, and I feel fortunate to be able
of accomplishments. There is no question to share classes and experiences with all of
she has made ‘significant, meritorious, and them.”
devoted service to Emory University’ with
This article is reprinted from The Emory
no expectation of recognition or reward.”
Penny Siqueiros, head softball coach Wheel, with permission.
at Emory, wrote in her nomination letter
May-June 2014
MJCCA
From page 8
The Harris Jacobs Dream Run
Sunday, May 4, 2014, will go down
in history as a day my family will forever
remember. The 21st Harris Jacobs
Dream Run will always be spotlighted as
a huge success. We are so grateful to all
the runners and walkers who attended!
Also, kudos to our many loyal sponsors
who supported us!
A wonderful event like this could
not have occurred without the leadership
of Larry Gordon, who was one of
the originators of the HJDR since its
inception in 1994, and the fabulous
assistance of the Dream Run Committee,
most of whom have continued to serve
since the beginning! Two dynamic staff
members of the MJCCA, Kayce Pearce
and Bonnie Brodsky, joined our team
this year and truly helped us deliver this
spectacular event!
Our sincerest thanks to all the
runners, walkers sponsors, volunteers,
MJCCA staff, and members of the
committee. You all scored A++ and hit a
home run out of the ball park!
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
published the complete list of “Top
Workplaces” on March 23.
MELTON KALLAH. The Lisa F. Brill
Institute for Jewish Learning at the MJCCA,
the local affiliate of the Florence Melton
School of Adult Jewish Learning, recently
hosted the International Friends of Melton
9th Annual Learning Conference (Kallah).
More than 65 Melton students from across
North America attended the conference,
which included learning sessions at the
Emory Conference Center and visits to The
Breman Museum and The Temple.
Highlights of the conference included
animated discussions about the significance
and importance of Jewish life in the South,
as well as an exploration of divergent
lifestyles of Jews living in the North and the
South. Several local students shared their
experiences with the out-of-town guests at
roundtable breakout discussions held over a
dinner at The Temple.
Professor Mark Bauman, noted expert
on the history of Southern Jewry, led
sessions. Janice Rothschild Blumberg led
a visit to the “Back to Rich’s” exhibition
at The Breman Museum; she also shared
insights and information on the history of
The Temple and her involvement in the Civil
Rights Movement with her late husband,
Rabbi Jacob Rothschild.
Sheryl Blechner, MJCCA graduate
of the Melton School and co-chair of the
conference remarked, “The success of this
kallah rested on the active participation of
our local participants, whose stories and
experiences added immeasurably to the
experience. Our out-of-town guests were
truly impressed with the high level of our
instructors and participants.”
Kitty Jacobs & Family
A TOP WORKPLACE. The MJCCA has
been named one of The Atlanta JournalConstitution’s “Top 100 Workplaces” for
the third consecutive year.
“Top Workplaces” are determined
solely on employee feedback, via a survey
conducted by WorkplaceDynamics, LLP.
This year, the MJCCA ranked 19th in the
mid-size category.
“To receive this award for the third
year signifies that we are doing something
right in the eyes of our staff, the lifeblood
of our organization,” said Gail Luxenberg,
CEO and executive director of the MJCCA.
“It means all the more to us because this
honor comes from them. We are committed
to providing our staff with a professional,
vibrant workplace—one where their
needs and the needs of their families are
consistently met.
“Many of our staff have met their
spouses here; have sent their children to
our preschools, summer camps, and afterschool programs; and have sought respite
care for family members in our adult day
services program. As an organization that
caters to families, the JCC staff is just
that—the ultimate family.”
Janice Rothschild Blumberg and Dr.
Lili Baxter at The Breman Museum
Professor Mark Bauman with Atlanta
students Bob Wenger, Roy Cobb,
Toby Holzer, Dorothy Lishkoff, and
Norma Baker
ICONS. A new speaker series, “ICONS: The
People Who Change Our World,” kicked off
May 20, with Joey Reiman, founder and
CEO of BrightHouse, the Atlanta-based
global consultancy.
Reiman discussed his most recent book,
The Story of Purpose: The Path to Creating
a Brighter Brand, a Greater Company, and
a Lasting Legacy, with local TV personality
and host Conn Jackson.
Reiman was named by Fast Company
magazine as “One of the 100 people who
will change the way the
world thinks.” He is
a brand expert known
for putting the smile on
the Pepperidge Farm
goldfish cracker.
R e i m a n ’s
breakthrough purpose
methodology
and
frameworks
have
been adopted by
Joey Reiman
individuals all over
the globe, along with
The Coca-Cola Company, McDonald’s, and
many other Fortune 500 companies.
FORWARD IN FITNESS. The MJCCA
has expanded its FitLine offerings, which
are held in the FitLine Functional Fitness
Studio, with classes for adults, FitLine Jr.
classes for teens, and new FitLine Family
classes.
Adult classes, offered multiple times
Page 13
throughout the day, combine small group
coaching, team training, and targeted fitness
programs.
FitLine Jr., for ages 11-17 and all fitness
levels, helps children learn the proper way
to push, pull, run, throw, climb, lift, and
jump both effectively and safely.
FitLine Family is a new program
for parents and their children ages 6-11.
Exercises include partner push-ups, partner
box jumps, partner ab work, and more.
FitLine Family is designed to encourage
the development of self-confidence,
strength, coordination, empowerment, and
self-awareness through fitness. This class
incorporates all aspects of a regular FitLine
class, while providing an adult role model
for children to look up to when exercising.
“FitLine is a different kind of
workout—off the treadmill and away from
the machines,” says MJCCA Total Heath
Director Rachael Rinehart.
FitLine’s strength and cardio workout
promote functional fitness, which fosters
the strength, stability, power, mobility,
endurance, and flexibility that people
need to thrive as they move through life.
The program involves basic functional
movement patterns like pushing, pulling,
hinging, squatting, rotating, carrying, and
gait patterns (walking and running).
For full class offerings or registration
information, visit atlantajcc.org/fitline, or
call 678-812-4060.
Page 14
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
May-June 20114
The gift of spit: how you can preserve the health and happiness of your family legacy
You burped and bathed them. You
taught them to look both ways before
crossing the street, wiped tears from their
faces, and kissed their boo-boos. Now that
they’re grown, your job ensuring their
health and wellness might seem complete—
except for giving them the gift of spit.
But what kind of power can saliva
hold? Whether your child, niece, or nephew
(or even a family friend) recently became
engaged, tied the knot, or discussed the
potential of adding a little one to his or her
own family, a simple saliva test can help to
ensure the health and happiness of future
family members and your legacy.
One in four people of Ashkenazi
Jewish heritage is a carrier of at least one
of 19+ different Jewish genetic diseases.
This means that while they may not exhibit
any symptoms or have any family history
of genetic disease, they are still able to
pass the condition to their offspring.
You’ve probably heard of Tay-Sachs
disease and cystic fibrosis; however, other
less-publicized conditions, like Canavan
disease and familial dysautonomia, are also
more common in the Ashkenazi Jewish
community than in the general population.
Preventing these diseases is as simple as
spitting into a tube. The “gift of spit,” JGift
is the first-of-its-kind program from the
non-profit JScreen initiative. It allows you
to help purchase genetic screenings for your
friends or loved ones who might be recently
engaged,
married,
or
considering
pregnancy.
T h e
process is easy:
visit
www.
jscreen.org/gift
and purchase a
gift certificate,
which
will
be sent to the
recipients of
your choice.
Gift certificate
recipients can
then register
on the JScreen
website and,
soon
after,
receive their
test kit in the mail. Then, they simply put
a saliva sample into the tube and send it
off in the pre-paid packaging. Results are
received in approximately four weeks.
If a person or couple’s risk is elevated, a
genetic counselor from Emory University’s
School of Medicine will privately address
the results, options, and resources to help
ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Participants can rest assured that their
spit kit is in good hands, too. JScreen, which
is based at Emory
U n i v e r s i t y ’s
Department of
Human Genetics,
is a nationwide,
communitybased
health
initiative
dedicated
to
preventing
Jewish genetic
d i s e a s e s .
JScreen’s
test
can screen for
over 80 different
genetic diseases,
19+ of which
are
common
in the Jewish
c o m m u n i t y.
Even
more,
JScreen detects nearly two times as many
carriers in people of Ashkenazi Jewish
descent, compared with the general
population.
So while you may not be reminding
your loved one every morning to brush their
teeth, there is still something you can do to
ensure your legacy stays happy and healthy
for generations to come. You might even say
providing your family the gift of JScreen
is your own personal way of safeguarding
your “spitting image.”
Emily and Andy Lipman make
“A Wish for Wendy”
May is National Cystic Fibrosis Andy is an accomplishment unto himself.
Awareness Month. Two Atlantans are He has lived well past 25, despite the
odds doctors gave him
working hard to raise
at an early age. Now
awareness and funds
40 years old, Andy is
to fight the condition,
which is one of the 19+
an avid weightlifter,
runs the Peachtree Road
Jewish genetic diseases
Race, and has even
screened with JScreen.
competed in a triathlon.
You might know
Andy has also authored
Emily Lipman as one
of the stars of Bravo
a book, The Drive at
35: The Long Road to
TV’s
“The
New
Beating Cystic Fibrosis,
Atlanta.” You might
an inspiring account of
even know she has her
Andy’s thirst for life
own clothing business,
and his perseverance
rawdenimatlanta.com.
while coping with his
You might not know,
condition.
however, about her
intense passion to help
Emily and Andy,
find a cure for cystic
along
with
their
tremendously supportive
fibrosis and provide aid
family, work to bring an
to those who are living
Andy and Emily Lipman
with the disease.
end to cystic fibrosis,
Emily’s drive to
grow awareness of
find a cure for CF is very personal. Her the disease within the community, and
brother, Andy, is currently living with the encourage people to use genetic screening
condition, and her sister, Wendy, passed tests like JScreen to discover if they are
away shortly after birth from the inherited carriers of cystic fibrosis or up to 80 other
genetic disease.
hereditary conditions. With fashion shows
Their family history with cystic for Raw Denim Boutique that benefit “A
fibrosis compelled Andy Lipman to start Wish for Wendy” and all of Andy’s public
“A Wish for Wendy,” a softball tournament speaking, book writing, and work planning
that has raised close to $2 million for the the softball tournament, the siblings truly
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
are prime examples of people in Atlanta’s
While the immense amount of money Jewish community who are effecting
“A Wish for Wendy” has donated to the CF change and making the world a better
Foundation is certainly an accomplishment, place for future generations.
May-June 2014
JSU News
PASSOVER WITH JSU. Another year comes
and another year goes—yet the tale of the
Jewish Exodus from Egypt stands the test of
time. Told each year at the Passover Seder, the
story is a pillar of Jewish heritage, passed on
like a torch, from generation to generation.
Leading up to the Passover holiday, Rabbi
Chaim Neiditch made the rounds to over a
dozen JSU high school clubs around Atlanta to
impart the importance of the Exodus story to
hundreds of local teens.
Rabbi Neiditch explained the entire
experience to the teens, including the Seder
rituals, the order of the Haggadah’s events, the
four cups of grape juice, the meaning of the
matzoh and maror, and the final songs sung.
The teens then had the opportunity to decorate
their very own Seder plates.
They also participated in an “Iron Chef”style matzoh pizza competition. A vast array
of cheeses, sauces, vegetables, fruits, and other
delectables were available, to help the teens
craft the most creative matzoh pizzas this side
of the Nile River.
With full stomachs and high spirits,
everyone left the Passover-themed events ready
to celebrate the ultimate Jewish holiday of
freedom with their families at the Seder.
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
UNITY CONVENTION. JSU clubs around
greater Atlanta joined together for a one-ofa-kind Jewish Unity Convention. Teens from
nearly two dozen high schools took part in
the event, which comprised an activity-filled,
spiritually uplifting Shabbos and a ski trip in
which the students, thanks to the generosity of
the host resort, had the slopes to themselves.
There were a number of firsts, as for many
teens it was their first ever Shabbos spent
bonding with their Jewish peers. Others had the
thrill of taking to the slopes for the first time.
The event took place at an exclusive resort
near the Nantahala National Forest. Taking in
the natural beauty and serenity of the setting,
teens also appreciated the extra care Rabbi
Neiditch and his dedicated advisory staff took
to infuse activities with greater educational
symbolism.
After Shabbos concluded with a rousing
havdalah ceremony, it was just a matter of
hours until the excitement reached even greater
heights—literally—on the resort’s snowcovered mountains.
Arguably, the pinnacle of the Jewish
Unity Convention was a Sunday night awards
ceremony, which honored graduating seniors
who took great strides with their personal
Judaism via their JSU affiliation. Those who
contributed their time and gave back to younger
peers and their local Jewish communities were
singled out for special recognition. Many of the
honorees opened up publicly about what it was
like to experience the positive transformation
over their high school years, words that surely
inspired the event’s other participants.
Maddi Kahn, Celia Senerman, and
Morgan Kahn proudly display their new
Seder plates at Centennial High School
JSU
Seth Kessel, Alec Rush, Tova Asher,
Jeffrey Rones, Noa Kalfon, and Eden
Kalfon enjoying the ski slopes in the
North Carolina mountains
Maddie Srochi, Davis Apseloff, Ashley
Siegel, and Rebecca Friedman make
matzoh pizza at Dunwoody High School
JSU
Perry Fried, Hunter Blanket, Ben Landes,
Jeffrey Kohn, Jacob Shelton, and Daniel
Axelrod enjoy delicious matzoh pizza at
Chattahoochee High School JSU
Teens have a blast bonding around
a bonfire at JSU’s Jewish Unity
Convention.
CELEBRATING PURIM. The Jewish calendar
has a peculiar quirk. While it’s traditionally
12 months long, it follows the lunar cycle; so
in seven years during a 19-year period, a 13th
month is added to keep it in sync with the solar
calendar. The added month is called Adar Bet,
and with Adar traditionally known for simcha
(happiness), it means we get a double dose of
happiness. This year included Adar Bet, with
the pinnacle of calendar happiness falling on
Purim, smack dab in the middle of the month.
Naturally, hundreds of teens at greater Atlanta
JSU clubs were in full celebratory spirit.
As with all Jewish holidays, there are
associated mitzvot, and Purim has four of them:
reading Megillat Esther, matanot le’evyonim
(giving alms to the poor), Shalach manos
(giving of gift baskets to your friends), and
seudas Purim (the festive Feast of Purim).
JSU Purim events touched upon all of these
mitzvot. Rabbi Chaim Neiditch engaged the
teens in the story of Purim, with an emphasis on
the underlying message of the Megilla, namely
that G-d works actively behind the scenes.
Participants enjoyed making and baking
hamentashen during the event and then packing
them, along with a variety of other foods,
into baskets, which they then decorated and
distributed to both their friends and the needy.
For many teens, this was their first time
celebrating Purim.
Page 15
Marshall Fine, Allison Fine, Ruby
Zimmerman, Alex Parman, Sammi
Schaffer, and Max Benjamin show
off their newly made hamentashen at
Lassiter High School JSU
Sammi Gold and Marissa Rothfarb
display their handmade chocolate chip
hamentashen at Johns Creek High
School JSU
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Page 16
May-June 2014
The Temple hosts landmark Anti-Sex Trafficking Passover Seder
As a part of its commitment to
eradicating modern slavery and human
trafficking, on April 8, The Temple, along
with the Interfaith Children’s Movement,
hosted its inaugural Anti-Sex Trafficking
Passover Seder. With over 110 people from
diverse backgrounds in attendance, the
Seder was the first of its kind in Atlanta.
Nationwide, it was one of the first and
biggest Passover Seders to bring to light this
modern-day human catastrophe.
Rabbi David Spinrad leading the Seder
“Central to Jewish tradition is the
teaching that we are to expand upon the
Passover story,” said The Temple’s Assistant
Rabbi David Spinrad. He and Temple lay
leader Mary Anne Frye, the ICM’s Pamela
Perkins Carn, and Janice Barrocas, of B’nai
Torah, were instrumental in planning the
Seder and created an original Haggadah
that weaved the traditional liturgy with
contemporary readings on slavery and
trafficking.
“We live in an age where 21 million
men, women, and children are enslaved.
Slavery is not merely a part of our ancient
narrative; it exists and flourishes in the very
city we call home,” said Rabbi Spinrad, in
reference to the Urban Institute’s recent
report outlining the $290 million dollar
market in Atlanta for illicit sex. “Be they
victims online or on the street, human
beings tonight will be trafficked and used
and abused as commodities. Their essential
humanity will be ignored. For us to fail to
join our voices to theirs, for us to recline in
freedom while ignoring their groans from
their labors and their cries to the Eternal
would be to fall short of our responsibility
to experience the Exodus as if it were we
who went out from slavery in Egypt.”
In attendance at The Temple were
Georgia State Attorney General Sam Olens,
Assistant United States Attorneys Susan
Coppedge and Elizabeth Hathaway, DeKalb
County Assistant District Attorney Dalia
Racine, Fulton County Senior Assistant
District Attorney Camila Wright, Atlanta
Police Department’s Community Liaison
for the Office of the Chief of Police Alice
Johnson, Former State Representative
Henrietta Turnquest, senior leadership
from the Episcopal Diocese, faith leaders
and representatives, and a host of leaders
from various anti-human trafficking
child advocacy groups, including Mary
Frances Bowley, of Wellspring Living, and
Shanaal Smothers, of Living Waters for
Girls. A special highlight of the evening
was Yewande Austin, a highly acclaimed
performance artist who speaks and sings on
the issue.
Performance artist Yewande Austin
Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan
Coppedge and Georgia Attorney
General Sam Olens
Looking around the room at the outset
of the Seder, Rabbi Spinrad noted the
outstanding community leadership and
representation and said, “On the issue of
sexual slavery and trafficking in our city,
we are somewhere between bondage and
liberation. Work has been done and work
is being done. We are not yet free, but we
can picture a day when all will be. This
is the promise of the Passover Seder and
this is the vision of the many praiseworthy
people, organizations, and communities
working tirelessly to make this a vision of
a world perfected, a reality we will know
speedily and in our days.”
The Temple’s next action in its AntiTrafficking Initiative will be to host
the Blessing Bag Project on Sunday,
June 15, 1:00-4:00 p.m. In conjunction
with StreetGRACE, the Fulton County
School system, and Brookhaven Christian
Church and citing the connection between
trafficking and hunger, Blessing Bags
will provide 2,000 non-perishable bags of
food to at-risk teens over summer break in
Atlanta.
To participate in the Blessing Bag
bag-stuffing event or to help underwrite
this excellent and effective project, e-mail
Rabbi Spinrad at dspinrad@the-temple.
org, or call The Temple offices at 404-8731731.
Head of the family leaves lasting legacy
In November of 2013, as Albert Maslia’s
grandson prepared for his bar mitzvah, he
chose a project close to his heart. He chose
to raise funds for pancreatic cancer, because
his grandfather (called “Poppy” by the
grandchildren) had been living with this disease
for five years. The project inspired not only his
family, but also friends and business associates.
Together they raised $19,000 for Team Poppy.
Two other grandchildren participated in College
Relay for Life, and raised close to $10,000 for
cancer research. His family did not know it
then, but they were living out Albert’s legacy
of family first and people being more important
than things.
Albert’s legacy is also
apparent in his career. He inspired numerous
retailers and business associates as he lived by
his motto, “The customer is always right.” He
had three very distinct careers, each allowing
him to make a lasting impact on all who knew
him. He spent 26 years with Rich’s Department
Stores, where he began his career as a trainee
in the shoe department, rising through the
ranks to become a senior vice president. He left
The family of Lucy and Albert D. Maslia
(Photo: Eric Wittmayer Photography LLC)
Rich’s to open Social Expressions, a greeting
card and gift shop. After a few years, one of
his daughters joined him in the operation,
which grew to 14 stores. After 22 years and
WE
STAND
with three of his four children involved, the
chain was sold to American Greetings. He went
on to work for Americas-Mart, as director of
retail development, for almost 14 years. Albert
AAA
brought hundreds of retailers to shop at major
gift shows and helped teach vendors how to
“think like a retailer” in order to grow their
businesses.
His grandchildren and children recall one
of Albert’s unique characteristics—the way he
related to all people. He always said, “Nothing
is so unequal as the equal treatment of the
unequals.” He knew that everyone was unique
in his or her own way, and he made a point to
understand the uniqueness of everyone he came
in contact with. That led to a special bond with
everyone in his life.
In his spare time, Albert also taught a
retail seminar series at his alma mater, Emory
University. Even during his chemotherapy
treatments, he continued teaching these classes
to give back.
That is the premise upon which the bar
mitzvah project was based: that family comes
first, people are more important than things, and
it is important to give back to the community.
In this way, the grandchildren honored their
grandfather, Albert D. Maslia, a/k/a Poppy.
WITH
ISRAEL
May-June 2014
Breman News
THE MEANING OF PEACE. This
summer The William Breman Jewish
Heritage Museum will be the epicenter
for a conversation on peace in Atlanta.
The museum will host “A Peace of My
Mind,” a multimedia art exhibition/project
by photographer John Noltner that fosters
public dialogue about issues related to
conflict resolution, civic responsibility, and
peace. The exhibition opens at 12:00 noon,
June 22 (member’s preview 10:00 a.m.12:00 noon) and runs through September
28.
In 2009, concerned about the corrosive
effects of divisiveness, Noltner began to
explore what connects us to one another.
This exploration became the basis for “A
Peace of My Mind.” Via black-and-white
portraits and oral histories, over fifty
subjects describe what peace means to them,
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
how they work toward peace in their lives,
and some of the obstacles they encounter.
Peace means different things to different
people. For some, it might mean the end of
war. For others, it is healing broken lives
and communities. For many, it starts with a
poem, a piece of music, or even a prayer.
Peace is something everybody seeks, but
as global conflicts increase and political
division deepens, lasting peace remains
elusive.
The William Breman Jewish Heritage
Museum is hosting this exhibition for the
first time in the Southeast. The installation
will use Noltner’s portraits as a starting
point to explore how the Atlanta community
understands the meaning of peace.
Visitors
will
have
multiple
opportunities to share their thoughts about
peace and become part of the dialogue.
This interactive exhibition is designed to
develop and evolve, as visitors respond to
messages from previous visitors and online
participants.
Guests will be provided activity guides
to explore a selection of the portraits;
special family and small group guides will
be available to stimulate interaction and
discussion. Visitors can select the portraits
they deem “can’t miss,” and their choices
will be shared with future visitors. Changing
questions about peace will be posted on a
chalkboard; visitors will be encouraged
to answer the question and snap a photo
to share with The Breman and their social
network. A “History of Peace” timeline will
include historic moments of peace shared
by museum and online visitors. Peace will
also be explored through the lens of various
faiths, and visitors will be asked to take
part in the creation of sculpture that will
physically illustrate the Jewish concept of
Shalom.
For more information, visit thebreman.
org, or call 678-222-3700.
My non-bucket list
BY Balfoura
“Bo” Levine
For anyone just arrived from another planet
and/or hasn’t heard of bucket lists, I’m here
to explain: it’s your personal list of things
you’d like to do, or accomplish before you
“kick the bucket.” That’s sort of like making
New Year’s resolutions, and I’m sorry to
say, I’ve not done well with that idea, either.
In fact, this past New Year’s resolution
was to have patience. Months later, I’m
losing my cool with some folks who do
nothing but complain about every little thing
around them. I’ve had passing thoughts of
strangling a couple of them, but a 20-year
prison sentence with 900 other angry women
around me has somehow lost its appeal.
So now I feel I can do better with a nonbucket list. Truth be known, I’m sure I can
keep up with that list.
For starters, it’s computers. I’m not
going to take computer classes or learn
to Google, Facebook, Twitter, text, sext,
twiddle, or anything else that folks do with
computers or phones. I won’t even use an
old cell phone my kids gave me while I was
still driving, for the “God forbid” time when
I’d need to call 911. My car’s gone, and
the cell phone is someplace in my kitchen
catch-all drawer—gone bye-bye, like my
car.
Page 17
YOM HASHOAH. The 49th Annual
Community-Wide
Yom
HaShoah
commemoration took place April 27, at The
Memorial to The Six Million, at Greenwood
Cemetery. Hundreds attended the ceremony,
at which Holocaust survivor, author,
and poet Norbert Friedman delivered an
astounding and touching speech. This
annual event is sponsored by Eternal-Life
Hemshech and presented by the Weinberg
Center for Holocaust Education and The
William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum.
Amember of Sabra Riders watches over
the Yom HaShoah commemoration,
at Greenwood Cemetery. The Sabra
Riders, who encourage Jews who
ride motorcycles to ride together
and enjoy each other’s fellowship,
provided security and helped manage
traffic at Greenwood Cemetery.
REMEMBERING FASHIONATA. “Be
Divine: A Tribute to Fashionata” was a
fundraiser held at The William Breman
Jewish Heritage Museum, on May 1. The
delighted crowd at this sold-out event
enjoyed a retrospective fashion show
featuring styles of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s,
accompanied by ‘80s-era recordings of the
voice of Sol Kent, Rich’s legendary fashion
director.
(Photos: Ivan Ivanov at Ivani Photography)
I’m still using my old reliable
IBM Selectric III typewriter for all
correspondence, which goes through the
U.S. Mail, even if postage has gone way
up to 49 cents. Spell check? My well-worn
dictionaries help me with words that elude
my old self.
Another non-bucket item is dieting.
At 88 1/2 (don’t forget the half), I’m not
worried about losing weight or looking
svelte; besides which, they’ve already
picked this year’s Miss America.
For years, my friends have begged me
to write a book, or at least compile some
previous articles into book form, or even
write about life in China. Many such books
have already been written by those very
same childhood friends.
Not me. I’m now going to live as lazy
an existence as I can. No more kids to raise,
hubbies to put up with or take care of,
not even pets to look after. And heck, my
silk plants and flowers don’t even require
watering. I am enjoying life; I can eat,
sleep, and sit out in the sunshine any time I
so desire.
After doing all of the above, most of
my adult life, I have no bucket list to fill,
no dreams to yen for. My non-bucket list is
done.
Some years back, I longed to go visit
my hometown of Shanghai, China. I also
wanted to visit London, perhaps have a spot
of tea with the queen. Not any more. I’ll just
keep old memories of Shanghai, along with
pictures of my childhood friends there. And
Queen Elizabeth will just have to do without
me at Buckingham Palace for tea!
Remember the old ads for Carnation
Milk, “the milk from contented cows”?
Well, that’s me, a contented old lady.
God Bless America.
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Page 18
Paradies Shops: family values in the retail world
May-June 2014
BY Marvin
Botnick
While many of us see the name
Paradies when we pass through one of the
many North American airports in which its
shops are located, not all of us realize that
this is an Atlanta-born and Atlanta-based
firm. This business is now being headed by
the third generation of the Paradies family, a
close-knit clan that has extended its mutual
respect and support to employees.
This year, for an unbelievable and
admirable 19th consecutive year, the
Sarah and I.J. Paradies
Dan Paradies
Jim Paradies
Gregg Paradies
company received the Best Overall
Retailer Award for its “overall excellence
in operations, service, and innovation” at
the national Annual Airport Revenue News
Conference. The beauty of this story is that
it exemplifies the scope and history of an
immigrant family that has availed itself of
the opportunities this country has afforded.
Family patriarch I.J. Paradies was born
in Latvia, in 1885. In 1902, at the age of 17,
he left Latvia and settled in South Africa,
where he was involved in raising sheep
and cattle, prospecting, and operating as a
merchant. In 1911, he left South Africa and
came to the United States.
Settling in Atlanta, he became involved
in several business and banking enterprises,
primarily the wholesale grocery business.
In 1942, he left that industry and formed
Paradies and Company, a wholesale
distributor of housewares and toys, which
eventually became the largest distributor of
CorningWare in the U.S.
I.J. Paradies was later joined in the
business by his two sons, first Dan and
then Jim. In the late 1950s, Atlanta Mayor
William Hartsfield, aware of the company’s
involvement in the toy industry, contacted
Dan Paradies concerning the opening of a
retail toy shop at the Atlanta airport. And
that is how, in 1960, The Paradies Shops
came into existence. In 1980, Paradies and
Company was sold, and the entire family’s
business effort was directed to the retail
operations.
In 1987, Jim’s son Gregg joined the
business; he is now president and CEO.
From that first toy store in the Atlanta
airport, The Paradies Shops has grown
to operate more than 550 shops at more
than 75 airports, hotels, and aquariums
throughout the U.S. and Canada. According
to the company profile from Hoover’s,
Inc., “...it serves more than a half billion
passengers annually, with retail sites that
include bookstores, gift shops, jewelry
stores, ladies accessory shops, newsstands,
sunglass stores, and western stores, among
others. Paradies Shops is also the exclusive
licensee of Brooks Brothers, CNBC, PGA
Tour, and the New York Times. The firm
operates several hotel properties and the
retail program for the Georgia Aquarium in
Atlanta.”
Mission statements and business plans
are the mantra of today’s business world.
But even before these business-school
concepts were codified, I.J. Paradies (and
later his sons and grandson) instinctively
knew what it meant to understand your
business and be focused on the details. But
above all, he lived by what is now formally
put forth as the business’s culture: “To
Maintain First Class Standards That Exceed
the Expectations of the Customers and
Business Partners We Serve.”
These are not just words, but truly the
concept that has been imbued in the entire
staff. Tim Ahmadzai, general manager of
the company’s Sacramento operation, says,
“The overall company philosophy is to focus
on our customers and our business partner,
the airport. But we really do have a family
culture here. It may be because Paradies is
owned by a family and that feeling trickles
down.”
So the next time you pass one of the
Paradies stores, smile and think, “Those
people really get it.”
Since the writing of this article, Dan
Paradies passed away at the age of 92.
Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta awards $72,800
The Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta
has issued its 2014 grant allocations to
nine programs that expand opportunities
for Jewish women and girls. The grantees,
located both in Atlanta and throughout
Israel, share JWFA’s mission to promote
social change through a gender lens.
The group awarded $72,800 in grants to
the following organizations/projects:
• Legal Education and Outreach for Civil
Action Against Get Refusal, Center for
Women’s Justice ($10,000)—Intensify the
impact of damage suits for get refusal by
making them available to all Jewish women
in Israel.
• Securing Israel’s Future through
Employment, IT Works ($10,000)—Raise
position of low-income and unemployed
women in Yokneam by imparting
technological and softskills training.
• Almah Derech Eretz,
Jewish
Agency
for
Israel
($10,000)—Offer
low-income
women
an extended period of
civic engagement before
military service, as well as
support after service ends.
• Women’s Crisis Fund, Jewish Interest Free
Loan of Atlanta ($7,500)—Prevent Atlanta’s
Jewish single women in temporary financial
crisis from losing their independence
and give them the capacity to fulfill their
potential by providing loans and budgeting
skills.
• Cracking the Glass Ceiling, Kol Israel
Haverim ($6,500)—Advance young women
to
scholastic
excellence
with
an emphasis on
science.
• Supporting and
Empowering
Adolescent Girls at
Risk, Orr Shalom
($5,800)—Group
home in Herzliya
for adolescent girls who have suffered
extreme abuse, violence, and neglect.
• Women’s Leadership Development in the
Galilee, WEPOWER ($5,000)—Nurture,
expand, and promote social activism and
social change with a gender lens.
• Open Space Project, Women’s Courtyard
($8,000)—Promote social justice, equal
opportunities, and the right of every woman
and girl to achieve self-fulfillment in
accordance with her will.
• Standing their Ground, Women’s Spirit
($10,000)—Provide Israeli female victims
of violence with tools to achieve self-reliance
and become financially independent and
integrate successfully into the job market.
The Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta is
dedicated to improving the lives of Jewish
women and girls. The Fund is comprised of
Jewish women of all ages and backgrounds
who use the power of collective giving to
find long-term solutions to problems and
issues that impact Jewish women and girls.
Women interested in JWFA can learn
more online. For more information, contact
Rachel Wasserman at 678-222-3716. JWFA
is sponsored by Jewish Federation of
Greater Atlanta.
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
May-June 2014
Page 19
BUSINESS BITS
By Marsha Liebowitz
ALL STAR GRILL. The Atlanta Braves
All Star Grill will open downtown this
summer. Operated by the Goldberg’s Group,
under license from the Atlanta Braves, the
8,000-square-foot state-of-the-art sports bar
will feature enormous video screens, chefinspired food, and exclusive Braves décor and
memorabilia. The location is 200 Peachtree,
an historic building that also houses Meehan’s
Public House, Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint, and
a special event space. Goldberg’s also partners
with the Atlanta Braves on the Atlanta Braves
All Star Grill at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
International Airport, on Concourse D, near
Gate D8. For more information, visit www.
facebook.com/AtlantaBravesAllStarGrill.
MICHAEL HOROWITZ HONORED.
Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta CEO
Michael
Horowitz
was featured in the
April 18-24 issue of
the Atlanta Business
Chronicle. The article,
titled “Highlighting
50 influential nonprofit leaders,” was
described by the
Chronicle as being
Michael Horowitz a “Who’s Who in
Nonprofits.”
FRIEDMAN PROMOTED. Jewish Family
& Career Services has promoted to the
position of chief development officer.
Friedman, who was hired as director of
development in December 2010, helped
generate tremendous
momentum
and
extraordinary results
for JF&CS this past
year. Working with
a superb lay and
development team,
she led JF&CS in
a
record-breaking
$1,369,000
annual
Miriam Friedman campaign
and
several
successful
fundraising events. She helped establish
the community’s Create a Jewish Legacy
program and has helped secure significant
planned giving gifts. In addition to her
current duties, Friedman will lead the
supervision and management of JF&CS’
Volunteer Services Department.
GLICKMAN JOINS HA&W. Jeff Glickman
has joined Habif, Arogeti & Wynne as
partner-in-charge of the State and Local
Tax Practice. Glickman has over 15 years
of state and local tax consulting experience,
assisting domestic and
international clients
across all industries
with multistate tax
matters,
including
income and franchise,
sales and use, real
estate
transfer
and
recording,
withholding,
and
other
state
Jeff Glickman
and
local
tax
challenges. Glickman’s expertise focuses
on transactional matters. He routinely
advises companies on state and local tax
implications of mergers, acquisitions,
joint ventures, internal restructurings, and
general business operations, and proposes
alternative structures to minimize multistate
tax liabilities.
REISS PROMOTED. Rebecca Reiss has
been promoted to recruiting manager at
UHY LLP, a full service national accounting
firm. Reiss is based in the Atlanta office,
serving UHY clients
nationwide. Prior to
joining UHY, Reiss
worked for TRC
Staffing
Services,
as
the
Atlantaarea assistant of
operations.
Before
that, she worked
for Pathfinders Inc.,
Carroll
Apparel
Rebecca Reis
Group, and Ramp
Publishing
Group.
Reiss received a bachelor of science degree
from Indiana University and participated
in American Intercontinental University’s
Study Abroad program. She lives in
Dunwoody with her husband and their two
children.
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THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Page 20
May-June 2014
Congratulations Davis Academy Class of 2014!
Eric Abel
Mitchell Abes
Molly Antebi
David Antonino
Dima Arkhipov
Miles Barkowitz
Benjamin Bernstein
Marshall Berton
Emily Binderow
Samantha Birger
Mitchell Bohrer
Samuel Brothman
Sophia Charanis
Justin Cobb
Jared Coffsky
Zachary Cohen
Zachary Durbin
Abbie Frankel
Abby Goldberg
Sienna Goren
Alex Hertz
Jenna Holland
Jared Hopkins
Haley Joffre
Eli Katz
Samantha Krinsky
Judah Krug
David Leven
Scott Leven
Zachary Leven
Ari Levin
Ian Levin
Jacob Lewis
Valerie Light
Alexandra Lipsky
Raye Claire Merlin
Proud Affiliate of:
Where the Journey Begins
www.davisacademy.org
Cara Miller
Eric Miller
Sophie Minsk
Jessica Mishkoff
Rachel Murray
Benjamin Nadolne
Mallory Nathan
Zachary Negin
Kyle Newman
Benjamin Nodvin
Ohad Rau
Aaron Rice
Charles Rinzler
Hannah Ripans
Ben Rosing
Paul Rosing
Max Rubenstein
Erica Rubin
Mia Schwartz
Mollie Schwarz
Benjamin Segal
Jordan Shoulberg
Rachel Sinclair
Adam Spector
Talia Spitzler
Asher Stadler
Zoe Starr
Megan Swygert
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Noah Trugman
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Maqueline Weiss
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Jewish Georgian
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
May-June 2014
Page 21
THE
Rich’s at the Breman
By Janice Rothschild Blumberg
Everybody has a story about Rich’s, and
that’s one reason it has been so much fun to
be a docent for The William Breman Jewish
Heritage Museum’s recent exhibition,
“Return to Rich’s: The Story Behind the
Store.” All together, the ten of us—Judy
Cohen, Phil Rosenberg, Michael Sakowitz
Twomey, Carla Silver, Shirley Michalove,
Shirley Osterneck, Guenther Hecht, Ruth
Hilsen, Bobby Mays, and yours truly—led
more than 2,000 visitors, most of them in
groups of up to 35.
They came from churches, synagogues,
retirement homes, Red Hat clubs, garden
clubs, school alumni organizations—you
name it. Families came with children
See RICH’S, page 24
From the Israeli
desert to Southern
U.S.—a tale of
Modern Zionism
By Ezra Ravins
In November 2013, I made a drastic
change in my life. I moved from a moshav
in the desert of Israel—in the Arava Valley,
on the Jordan border, where I raised peppers
for 35 years—to Atlanta, along with my
wife Debbie, to be the Jewish National Fund
emissary in Atlanta.
Janice Rothschild Blumberg leads a tour group through the exhibition
“Return to Rich’s: The Story Behind The Store,” on view through May 27
Kuniansky
Rabbi Hecht to lead
installed
as MJCCA combined GHA/YA
president
Native Atlantan Douglas Kuniansky
was recently installed as the 29th president
of the MJCCA’S Advisory Board. Kuniansky
accepted the presidency at the MJCCA’s 68th
Annual Meeting and will serve a two-year
term.
Rabbi Pinchos Hecht, a highly
experienced and nationally recognized
leader in education with a proven track
record of success, has been appointed
head of school for the newly combined
Greenfield Hebrew Academy/Yeshiva
Atlanta, effective July 1.
The boards of GHA and YA and the
search committee, headed by Michael
Siegel and Arthur Kurtz, have worked
Douglas Kuniansky (Photo courtesy of
Douglas Kuniansky)
See KUNIANSKY, page 25
Rabbi Pinchos Hecht
See HECHT page 23
Ezra Ravins
I was born in the U.S., and my family
made aliyah in 1962, when I was five years
old. My father gave up his American career for
the Zionist dream. We lived near Jerusalem,
close to the Jordanian border, where at the
age of 10, I had my first “Sabra experience,”
sitting in a makeshift shelter during the Six
Day War.
At 18, I joined the Israel Defense Forces
Paratroopers and married Debbie, and
together we embarked on our journey to be
a part of the Israeli dream. We saw our future
as being part of the cadre of early settlers
who wished to work towards developing
the Negev, that most difficult Israeli desert
terrain, referred to as Arava. You see, I grew
up in Israel in the 1960s—the early days of
the State of Israel. We were raised on the
legacy of David Ben-Gurion, our first prime
minister, who saw populating the Negev as a
national challenge.
See ZIONISM page 25
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Page 22
Shabbat in Israel
By Dr. Mort Barr
I have always considered Shabbat to
be an island in time, an oasis of serenity
in a world of stress, anxiety, hustle, and
bustle. We Jews got it right with our
weekly meditative respite from worldly
matters. We have our own built-in stress
reliever and anti-anxiety medication. We
call it Shabbat.
Shabbat manifests these characteristics
anywhere one may live. The more one
is embedded in a close-knit Jewish
May-June 2014
holy country, one can sense Shabbat
approaching with all five senses: Erev
Shabbat (Friday) has a distinctly Jewish
bouquet everywhere of schnitzel, cholent,
and a potpourri of cooking aromas; the
world slows down around us; shops shut
down after the morning hustle and bustle;
the public buses return to their parking
stations, devoid of passengers before
sundown; a holy quiet descends upon
all of us and our differences melt away
into the hallowed sunset of Shabbat. As
shkia (Halachic sunset) arrives, the sirens
announce the end of the mundane and the
beginning of the holy. Nowhere else in the
world can one see, hear, smell, touch, and
taste the onset of Shabbat.
Shabbat itself is uniquely serene. For
those who are unaccustomed, the first
observation on Shabbat morning is the
eerie absence of noise, save for the sound
of children playing on their meerpessot
(balconies). The quiet persists all day; the
Missing some of the landscape
because of clouded headlights?
Missing some of the landscape
because of clouded headlights?
Mort and Edie Barr
community, the more obvious and
pronounced the benefit. However, nowhere
on this planet is the benefit of Shabbat
more pronounced and therapeutic than here
in Israel. Not only is the impact amplified
here, but its duration is longer, its impact is
sharper, and its benefit is longer lasting.
Here in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Shabbat
is more than a physical demarcation of
time; it is an emotion and has profound
spiritual effects beginning the day before. I
would dare say Shabbat feels like two days
in Israel. What an enigma: In the diaspora,
chagim are two days instead of one and
Shabbat is always one day. Here is Israel,
except for Rosh Hashanah, all chagim are
one day, but Shabbat feels like two days.
The first taste of Shabbat arrives as
early as Friday morning, when the street
becomes saturated with the aroma of challot
baking, which began in the wee hours of
the morning. Lines begin forming early
to mid-morning in the bakery shops, and
the prevailing greeting to strangers in the
street or in the shops is “Shabbat Shalom.”
Especially here, in Ramat Beit Shemesh,
it can be “Good Shabbos.” There appears
to be a sense of urgency to get last-minute
shopping chores accomplished before the
shops begin to close, just past 1:00 p.m.
As the sun begins to set here in this
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Edie and Mort (far right) with
grandchildren Nechama, Shalom,
and Temima
routine sounds of construction, delivery
trucks, buses, and cars are absent. Children
conquer and inhabit the once traffic-filled
roadways, playing fearlessly in the middle.
Synagogues
abound,
one
on
every street and sometimes multiple
congregations within shouting distance
of each other; so after synagogue is over,
people are walking every which way.
No cars, no trucks, just peace and quiet,
serenity and calm. At lunchtime, sounds
of zmirot (Shabbat songs) fill the air, and
quickly one realizes that one is living in a
special place that, for a Jew, is like no other
in the world.
Dr. Mort Barr and his wife, Edie, live in
Atlanta and spend 4-5 months each year at
their Ramat Beit Shemesh apartment.
May-June 2014
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Page 23
Davis students take touching trip to Tennessee Holocaust memorial
More than a decade after The Davis
Academy community participated in
helping students in a small rural Tennessee
town create a Holocaust memorial, current
Davis students visited on a special field trip
to learn about the project and its history.
On March 21, The Davis Academy
6th-grade class spent the day in Whitwell,
Tennessee,
visiting The
Children’s
Holocaust Memorial and Paperclip Project.
While this site has received many
visitors from many places over the years,
The Davis Academy has a special connection
to this unique memorial, which was started
by Whitwell Middle School students in
1998 to learn more about tolerance. The
students decided to collect paperclips in
order to represent and honor the millions of
Holocaust victims. Paperclips are symbolic
because they were worn by Norwegians
during the war to protest the Nazi occupation.
In 2001, after learning about the project,
Davis students collected over 45,000
paperclips to send to the exhibit. Many of
the paperclips represented Davis students’
relatives who perished in the Holocaust.
The Whitwell students were so moved by
this contribution that they came to Atlanta
to meet and learn more about the students
from the Jewish school.
In November 2001, at the invitation of
the Whitwell students, Davis Middle School
students attended the exhibit’s opening
ceremony and recited Kaddish for the
Whitwell community. They even appear in
the renowned film that was made about the
project.
On the recent trip, the former principal
of the school, Linda Hooper, who was the
inspiration of the project more than 15 years
ago, greeted Davis 6th-graders. The students
Hecht
From page 21
tirelessly and diligently to hire a world-class
leader for the exciting times ahead.
Rabbi Hecht expressed his enthusiasm
for the position and the community. “What
moved me the most was the powerful
and positive chemistry I experienced in
every meeting I had with both the lay and
professional leaders, as well as with the
children I met and observed at both schools.
The quality of the faculty and student body
was obvious to me from my visit, and I am
excited to get started.”
Rabbi Hecht’s professional career has
been partly shaped by his family’s history.
Both of his parents were Holocaust survivors
who came from opposite spectrums of
Judaism. His father’s love of learning and
his mother’s devotion to tolerance and
acceptance helped shape Rabbi Hecht’s
educational philosophy. He believes every
Jewish child, regardless of background,
deserves a Jewish education, and a teacher’s
includes an authentic German railcar that
once transported victims. The car now holds
over 11 million paperclips representing
all—Jews and non-Jews—who perished
in the Holocaust. Some paperclips were
donated to represent entire towns and
families lost. The exhibit also contains
German letters of apology to Anne Frank,
an Israeli flag, and photographs. Eighteen
paving stones embedded with colorful
butterfly art surround the railcar in a garden
to symbolize life and hope.
For Davis students, the memorial
brought home some hard realities. For Mya
Artsa, the railcar was a sad and terrible
visual of how harshly the Jews were treated.
“It’s hard to imagine,” she said. For Phillip
Weinstein, the hate letters the memorial
organizers received from Holocaust deniers
seemed “insane.”
Before they left, the Davis sixth-graders
gathered together in front of the memorial
and recited the mourner’s Kaddish.
“Saying the Kaddish meant so much
more being there, with all the paperclips
to remind you of all the people. You could
really feel the souls,” said Artsa.
For Weinstein, who also read aloud
“The Butterfly” poem written in 1942
by a child who was held at the Terezin
concentration camp, the experience at the
memorial, which included “so much of our
Jewish history,” was more than interesting.
“I’d say it was touching,” he said.
Davis students Arie Voloschin
and Samuel Felner, in the butterfly
garden at the Children’s Holocaust
Memorial, at Whitwell Middle School
also met with the 8th-grade Whitwell
students who currently guide the tours.
During their visit, Davis students explored
the many artifacts that have been collected
since the start of the project, including
a rescued Torah and thousands of letters
containing family stories and expressions
of appreciation from people who donated
paperclips to the project.
The students walked through The
Children’s Holocaust Memorial, which
job is not merely to teach, but rather to make
sure children learn.
Rabbi Hecht fully embraces and lives
the mission of the combined GHA/YA. He
will be instrumental in making sure the
new school stays true to the principles that
have helped shape GHA and YA, while
also making sure the new school produces
the most unique and talented high school
graduates in the country—graduates
who are fully prepared for educational
excellence at the college level, as well as
graduates dedicated to giving back to their
communities and with a strong love for
Israel and faith.
First and foremost, Rabbi Hecht is
focused on creating a community of caring
that focuses on the needs of the children and
their best interests. He describes himself as
a “teacher’s teacher” and a product of the
rabbinic phrase umitalmidai yoter mikulam
(From all my teachers have I learned/gained
wisdom, and from my pupils more than all).
Search committee heads Siegel and
Kurtz describe Rabbi Hecht as “someone
with a blend of scholarly wisdom with a
decisive managerial style that will help us
build something truly different and great. If
The Davis Academy 6th-grade class looks out from the front of the German
railcar that was donated to the Whitwell exhibit.
we want to be best in class, we need to hire
best in class.”
Rabbi Hecht spent 19 years at the
Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy in
Silver Spring, Maryland, successfully
growing the school in terms of quality of
education and student enrollment. Today, his
former students are well represented among
the leaders and shapers in their communities,
their professions, and the modern Orthodox
and broader Jewish worlds, in both the U.S.
and Israel.
Following his time at the Hebrew
Academy, Rabbi Hecht spent 10 years
as head of school of the Fuchs Bet Sefer
Mizrachi School in Cleveland, Ohio, and
was instrumental in increasing enrollment
and improving the school’s financial wellbeing, while also building a new state-ofthe-art facility and a significant endowment.
During his leadership, both schools
grew, were nationally recognized as being
among the very best modern Orthodox
Jewish day schools in the country, and
earned the Presidential Blue Ribbon Award
on three separate occasions.
Most recently, Rabbi Hecht served
as head of school at the Hillel Scheck
Community Day School, where he was
instrumental in increasing the school’s
enrollment and implementing significant
enhancements to both its Judaic and general
studies programs. Rabbi Hecht also helped
bring the Presidential Blue Ribbon Award to
this fine day school.
Rabbi Hecht received his undergraduate
degree from Adelphi University, a master’s
in school administration from American
University, and a master’s in Jewish
education from the Hebrew Theological
College. He was awarded a permanent
principal’s license from the State of Ohio
and received his rabbinical ordination from
Yeshiva Gedolah.
Rabbi Hecht and his wife, Ruchie, have
five married children with grandchildren.
Three families live in Israel, and two live in
the U.S.
The challenge of merging two
institutions, each with its own history and
significant accomplishments, requires
openness, humility, experience, and a
willingness to look beyond the day-to-day
tasks and see that the ultimate sum of the
parts will be much greater than they are
today.
Page 24
Rich’s
From page 21
and relatives from distant cities, former
employees from the various Rich’s stores
held reunions at the Breman, history
professors brought their students.
So many booked for the tour featuring
afternoon tea, recalling ladies’ social visits
of long ago at Rich’s Magnolia Room, that,
by early April, The Breman had sold out the
afternoon treat for the rest of the exhibition
and had to turn down further requests.
Many groups booked for the Rich’s
Spend the Day Tea, reminiscent of the years
when women from all over Georgia would
make the round trip on the Nancy Hanks or
by special buses for shopping and socializing
at Rich’s. A representative of the store
would meet them at the station, give each
a badge identifying her as a VIP, and bring
the group to the downtown store. The ladies
were given special treatment throughout,
including lunch in the Magnolia Room,
with models showing the latest fashions. At
the end of the day, a Rich’s representative
transferred them back to the station. At The
Breman, we gave them the VIP badges and
showed them through “the store,” then to a
private room on the Federation’s side of the
building for a kosher lunch.
Everyone seemed to have a wonderful
time experiencing the Jewish version of a
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Magnolia Room lunch or tea, even without
Sol Kent’s glamorous models or Rich’s
famous coconut cake for dessert. One of
the visitors, incidentally, was Carl Dendt,
who headed Rich’s bake shop and created
that well remembered cake. He confided
to Tim Frilingos, The Breman’s new
exhibition manager and curator, that his
secret ingredient was truly fresh coconut.
He also shared the interesting fact that his
team began baking and freezing the cakes
in February to meet the demand for the
following Christmas season.
Each of us docents had our own favorite
aspects of the Rich’s story to emphasize, as
we took our guests through the galleries.
Mine was Atlanta history, pointing out
displays that illustrated the connection of
Jewish families, such as the original Rich
brothers, with each other and with the
community. Visitors studied it further on a
timeline that showed the development of the
store along with events in Atlanta.
Breman Executive Director Aaron
Berger admits that he was astounded
(happily so) at the success of this exhibition.
It’s not only in the numbers of viewers—
during February the Breman welcomed
over 3,500 visitors, a third of whom came
specifically for the Rich’s exhibition—
but also in the educational value, what the
exhibition reveals about Atlanta Jewish
history to that wide variety of non-Jewish
visitors. “It’s what a Jewish museum should
do,” Berger says. “We are a representational
institution—we represent Jewish history
to the larger audience. The Atlanta History
Center could have easily done this show, but
if they had, the Jewish component would
likely have been lost. I hope we can continue
to produce shows that highlight Jewish
contribution in our own community.”
The enormous number of requests for
tours has put unaccustomed pressure on us
docents. Since we are all volunteers, we
can’t claim to be overworked and underpaid.
But most of us are exhausted, albeit elated
and excited by the experience—the variety
of people we’ve met, the satisfaction we
feel for having given our time and energy
to a good cause, and the pleasure of hearing
the stories that the visitors tell us about their
own experiences at Rich’s.
Almost everyone has a story about
Rich’s returns policy. “I don’t see how they
made money,” one woman told me. She
knew someone who actually bragged about
the habit of buying two pairs of shoes at
May-June 2014
a time, wearing them for a year, and then
returning them with the claim that they
didn’t fit. I remember Mr. K. Pass, vice
president and merchandise manager of the
shoe department, who always felt that Rich’s
philosophy that “the customer is always
right” was the right way to create more
customers and sales. Judging by the loyalty
of its customers and the financial success of
the business, this core merchandising value
must have been correct.
One of the displays in The Breman
exhibition was the sheet music of a song
written by June Stevens for the Wit’s End
Club back in the sixties. It tells of a woman
who wanted to get rid of her husband, and,
after failing with every conceivable means
of doing away with him, finally succeeded
by returning him to Rich’s.
The Breman Museum deserves a round
of applause for enabling all of us to “Return
to Rich’s.”
May-June 2014
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Two Torah scrolls in Savannah
BY Jane
Kahn
Savannah’s Congregation Mickve Israel,
third oldest in the United States, is in possession
of both the oldest documented Torah in the
country and one of the newest. In February, a
new Torah was dedicated, the congregation’s
first new scroll in more than 150 years.
Jewish settlers arrived in Savannah in
July 1733, from London, on the William and
Sarah. They brought with them a Torah, scribed
during the early 1400s in Sephardic-Hebrew
letters, a gift from the sponsoring Bevis-Marks
Congregation. Four years later, the congregation
received another sacred scroll, also written in the
1400s, from London.
Both, on deerskin, are prized possessions
on display at Mickve Israel. Both of the historic
Zionism
From page 21
In 1980, along with 18 more families,
we moved to Moshav Tsofar, half a mile from
the Jordanian border. For 35 years, we grew
all sorts of vegetables, flowers, and more. All
of the crops were exported to Europe and the
U.S.
In addition to the hard farm work, we
raised five children, and I was able to fulfill my
dream of helping to build the country through
various public offices, including managing
the Agriculture, Research, and Development
Center for 10 years. It was during a fascinating
time in the Middle East, the Peace Treaty with
Jordan. I had the privilege back then to be part
of the cooperation efforts with Jordan on all
aspects of agriculture.
During 2007-2012, I served as the mayor
of the Central Arava Region and oversaw
many projects in the Negev meant to further
its development. In the past 20 years, I worked
Kuniansky
From page 21
“I am thrilled to accept this distinguished
position as the president of the MJCCA, an
agency that serves more than 55,000 people
annually, Kuniansky said. “One of my
primary objectives as incoming president
includes enhancing our already exceptional
outreach programming for the greater
Atlanta community. Additionally, I intend to
maintain collaborative efforts with the Jewish
Federation of Greater Atlanta, while forming
strategic alliances with other agencies within
the community.”
“We are pleased to welcome Doug
Kuniansky in his newest capacity as president
of the MJCCA,” said MJCCA CEO Gail
Luxenberg. “Like Doug’s late father, Max
scrolls are in excellent condition, clear and
legible and of tremendous interest to visitors to
the Mickve Israel Museum. But they are heavy
and difficult to handle, preserved for special
observances such as the anniversary of the
settlers’ arrival to Georgia.
In February, through the generosity of
long-time Mickve Israel member Sue Solomon,
the congregation dedicated a brand-new Torah
scroll. This and the recently kashered and rededicated Slany (Czech) Torah have become the
Torahs of choice for weekly services. The new
scroll was written on a lightweight and finer
parchment than the other five Torah scrolls in the
Mickve Israel collection.
A procession of Sue’s family and
congregation leaders carried the scrolls into
the sanctuary and walked with them, so that all
congregation members had the opportunity to
greet them—new and old—and accept them as
their own.
In Sue’s presentation, she remarked that
direct descendants of her families in Savannah,
several generations of them, will end with her.
(Her sons have all moved away.) Sue wanted
to leave a material legacy of Jewish history in
Savannah, honoring those who came before and
those who follow. “What better way than with a
Torah?”
In typical Sue fashion, she said, “I thought
one could walk down the street in a very religious
neighborhood in Brooklyn or Jerusalem and
purchase one off the shelf. Oh, no! First you
pick the parchment, then the script.” (Several
Congregation members were involved in the
selection.)
While the sofer worked, other decisions had
to be made, including choosing the Eitz Chayim
(Torah poles).
In her genealogical research, Sue discovered
that her family in this country originated in 1654,
in New York. The first of her Savannah forbears
came after the Civil War. Their names are on the
top of the Torah poles. The girdle that holds the
scroll together is dedicated to Sue’s sons, Arthur
(of Atlanta), Allen, and Richard Herman. In
her research, Sue also discovered that a greatgreat grandfather had given a sefer Torah to his
synagogue in Austin, Texas. That scroll is still
there.
Shortly before the completion and
Page 25
Sue Solomon with Mickve Israel’s
new Torah (Photo: Becky Smith)
dedication of MIckve Israel’s new Torah scroll,
community members had an opportunity to
scribe a handwritten Hebrew letter of their own,
to participate in the 613th commandment, “that
every person shall write a scroll of the Torah for
himself.”
A version of this story appeared in the April
Savannah Jewish News.
closely with Keren Kayemet LeYisrael (KKL)
and JNF, its American counterpart, the main
players in the development of the Negev, as
they worked towards realizing the flourishing
dream that is the Negev.
KKL/JNF’s offer for us to come to
Atlanta was perfectly timed. Our kids are
adults, and, but for our youngest son serving
in an IDF combat unit, all of them have homes
of their own. Our pepper farm is managed
by a partner. It was a perfect time for us to
come and represent the organization that is
so closely related to our Israeli dream—the
development of the Negev. We believed this to
be a challenge and true calling, an opportunity
to present to our friends in the U.S. what we
believe to be important and vital to Israel’s
future.
The Negev was included within the
original borders of Israel when, as a result
of the action by the United Nations, Israel
became a sovereign nation. In spite of
constant terrorist attacks that ensued during
the establishment of Israel, the residents,
acting both as defenders and farmers, were
able to establish thriving communities. We
felt like those who came 100 years before
us—the Halutzim—working the land during
the day, guarding it during the night.
The historic Peace Agreement between
the Kingdom of Jordan and Israel brought new
life to the area. The two countries began to
cooperate on tourism, agriculture, the paving
of the Peace Highway next to the border and
the removal of all landmine fields and their
transformation into farmland. “They will beat
their swords into plowshares and their spears
into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up
sword against nation, nor will they train for
war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4)
What was true during the establishment
of KKL, in 1901, and its land purchase
remains true to date. It is our presence,
the establishment of residence there, that
determines Israel’s borders and protects her.
Working the land all the way to the border
with Jordan is and will remain the most
effective first line of defense. You see, 60%
of the land of Israel is the Negev, but only 8%
of the nation’s population lives there. KKL/
JNF’s role in the development and protection
of its resources, water, and agriculture is vital.
Supporting JNF is thus a necessary job we all
do, in the hope of continuing progress in the
Negev, which is important to Israel on very
many levels.
The Middle East is always on unstable
ground—fluid and dynamic. Although we all
seek peace and calm in the area, we cannot
close our eyes and hope; we must actively
work to protect that which is ours, while
dreaming big.
My wife and I are excited about this
new chapter in our lives. We are dedicated to
Israel, we are dedicated to the Jewish people,
and, while we are only now getting to meet
many of the people in the Southeast, we
thank you for making us feel welcome and at
home. Your warmth and reception of us has
confirmed that truly Am Yisrael Chai!
Kuniansky (a past-president of the agency),
Doug brings his passion for building
community to his role as president.”
Doug had an extraordinary mentor: his
father, Max, who was a pillar of the Jewish
community for decades. Max—together with
other community notables such as Harry
Maziar, Erwin Zaban, and Sidney Feldman
(both of blessed memory)—was instrumental
in expanding the JCC headquarters, which
is located in midtown Atlanta. In addition,
Max was instrumental in working with the
Blumenthal family to develop the Shirley
Blumenthal Park branch of the JCC, which was
located in East Cobb. While the SBP campus
was named in honor of the Blumenthal family;
the SBP building was named in honor of the
Kuniansky family.
“The Kuniansky family epitomizes
the bedrock Jewish notion of L’dor V’dor,
from one generation to the next,” explained
Luxenberg.
Doug’s passion for the MJCCA comes
from his belief that his Jewish identity during
his youth was formed at “The J,” where he
spent time swimming, playing basketball and
softball, attending camp, and participating in
BBYO (Jewish teen movement). “I would
like to expand some of the core programs
that I grew up with, that are currently offered
in Dunwoody, into the Jewish communities
Intown and in the outlying metro Atlanta
suburbs.”
Doug Kuniansky is president of MK
Management Company, where he has been
employed since 1981. As a real estate broker,
Doug is a member of the Atlanta Board of
Realtors, National Association of Office and
Industrial Properties, and an associate member
of Society of Industrial and Office Realtors.
Doug is a graduate of the University of
Georgia. He has served on various Jewish
community boards, including Jewish
Federation of Greater Atlanta, Jewish Family
& Career Services, Breman Jewish Home, and
The Standard Club. He is an active member of
Temple Sinai.
Doug’s greatest volunteer commitment
has been to the MJCCA. He has served on
the Advisory Board for the past 12 years,
four years as a vice president and two years
on the Governance Board. Doug has chaired
the Development Committee for the last five
years and has been recognized by the National
JCC Movement (the JCC Association of
North America) for innovative fundraising.
He has served on numerous other committees,
including the Governance Task Force, the Abe
Besser Holocaust Memorial, and the current
Capital Campaign Committee.
Doug and his wife, Debbie, have five
children, Daniel, Evan, Hayley, Brooke, and
Carly.
Ezra Ravins is Jewish National Fund Israel
emissary to Southeast.
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Page 26
May-June 2014
Thought you’d like to know
By Jonathan Barach
MEET AND MINGLE. MJCCA Young
Adults on Tap will meet May 22, at 5 Seasons
Brewing Company, 3655 Old Milton
Parkway, Alpharetta. Admission is free,
with drinks and food available for purchase.
Young Adults on Tap is an opportunity to
socialize, network, and relax at some of
Atlanta’s hippest hangouts. These programs
attract a diverse crowd from throughout the
community. All are welcome, regardless
of religious affiliation or background. No
RSVP necessary. For more information,
contact Roey Shoshan, at roey.shoshan@
atlantajcc.org or 678-812-4055.
ANNUAL MEETING. AJC ACCESS
Atlanta’s 24th Annual Meeting, “Jewish
Leadership in Georgia,” is May 28, 6:30 p.m.,
at The William Breman Jewish Heritage
Museum. State of Georgia Attorney General
Sam Olens will be the guest speaker. Olens
has received numerous awards and honors,
including Emory University School of
Law’s 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award
and James Magazine’s 2013 Georgian of
the Year award. Olens graduated from the
Emory University School of Law in 1983
and was a member of Ezor & Olens, P.C.,
from 1983-2010. For details and registration,
visit www.AJCAtlanta.org.
Technologies and Partnerships, at AT&T.
Nachum “Homi” Shamir, former president
& CEO of Given Imaging, will receive the
Tom Glaser Leadership Award. Southeast
Medical Device Association will receive the
Community Partner Award. For details and
registration, visit 2014.eaglestargala.com.
YA DINNER OF HONOR. On Sunday,
June 1, beginning at 5:45 p.m., at The
Temple, Yeshiva Atlanta is rolling out the
red carpet for Zoya and Jack Arbiser, Alan
and Marilyn Feingold, and Tal Ovadia,
members of the 2014 Honor Roll. To make
reservations for this gala dinner, contact Jill
Ovadia, 770-451-5299 ext. 204 or jovadia@
yeshivaatlanta.org.
HOW TO TEACH THE HOLOCAUST.
The Summer Institute on Teaching the
Holocaust is June 16-20. Educators, Breman
members, and lifelong learners are welcome
to attend. Pick and choose; come for a day
or two—or more. For more information,
contact Dr. Lili Baxter, director, Weinberg
Center for Holocaust Education, lbaxter@
thebreman.org.
EAGLE STAR GALA. The 13th Annual
Eagle Star Awards Gala is June 11, at AT&T,
725 West Peachtree Street. The event
features Emcee Clark Howard, author and
host of the nationally syndicated “The Clark
Howard Show,” and a keynote address
by Glenn Lurie, president, Emerging
YOUTH SPORTS. Early sign-up for
MJCCA Fall Youth Sports ends June 20.
Traditional sports leagues include Flag
Football (Boys 6-12) and Soccer (Boys and
Girls 3-14). Leagues fill quickly; secure
your spot now. New this Fall is Rec Games
for Boys & Girls Ages 7-11; play a variety
of sports without the pressure of league
competition. For more information, e-mail
[email protected], or call
678-812-4174.
LIMMUDFEST. LimmudFest is Limmud
Atlanta + Southeast’s multi-day Limmud
retreat over Labor Day Weekend, August
29-September 1, at Ramah Darom, in
Clayton. The events are planned by a
community of volunteers: Jews from all
walks of life, all Jewish backgrounds, all
lifestyles and all ages. LimmudFest is
an opportunity to craft your own Jewish
experience and meet people who share your
curiosity and enthusiasm. Learn, play, and
have fun in the beautiful North Georgia
Mountains. Register at limmudse.org/
limmudfest.html.
EXPLORING THE CIVIL RIGHTS
MOVEMENT. From October 19-26,
young Jews interested in the South and
Civil Rights will have an opportunity to
visit the South through TENT, a week-long
traveling seminar hosted by the Goldring/
Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish
Life, in partnership with the Yiddish Book
Center. For more information, visit www.
tentsite.org/2014/south.
What your doctor needs to know and so do you
BY Carolyn
Gold
Your Doctors’ Manners Matter: Better
Health Through Civility in the Doctor’s
Office and in the Hospital
By Barry Silverman, M.D., and Saul Adler,
M.D.
Two Atlanta physicians have written
an advice book for both sides of the doctorpatient relationship. Dr. Barry Silverman
and Dr. Saul Adler have drawn on their
years of medical practice to tell doctors
what they have learned from observation
and experience and to tell patients what
they should know to get the best care.
Most importantly, the two professionals
say that “Manners Matter.” It sounds like an
old-fashion caution, but the authors list all
the modern changes and stresses that make
that reminder necessary. Some are:
• Relaxation of dress codes. The clean white
coat and the starchy nurses’ uniform are
often replaced with untidy scrub clothes.
• Undignified forms of addressing patients.
The patient may be referred to
as “the gall bladder in room
350.”
• Depersonalization due to
technology. Your medical
history is on a computer,
and the doctor types your
in-office complaint as he or
she sits looking at a screen.
The authors note an
increase in rude public
behavior in the last
50
years,
including
“aggressive
drivers,
parents at youth sporting
events, flagrant littering,
cell phone users in
public spaces, rude
face-to-face attendants
in retail stores, even
ruder
telephone
customer
service
operators …”
Many medical
experts are quoted
in
the
book.
Surprisingly,
a
non-doctor, Miss Manners, is generously
cited. “She lists specific examples of
rude behavior: systematically making
patients wait for appointments, failure
WE
STAND
to treat patients with respect, skipping
introductions, not asking permission before
touching a patient, not
explaining
procedures
adequately,
a
n
d
discussing
a
patient
around nonm e d i c a l
personnel.”
Silverman
and
Adler
maintain that
good manners
reflect
moral
principles
of
caring, respect,
and
tolerance.
Good
manners
also make good
medicine.
Dr.
Silverman states,
“More importantly,
as
the
book
illustrates, when bad
manners are present
the possibility of
medical errors and
poor quality care increases significantly.”
The book’s premise is that doctors
AAA
with good manners are more likely to listen
closely and patients are more likely to
follow the doctor’s advice.
An important quote from Chapter
Three is: “Ordering a lot of tests is not a
substitute for listening to a patient’s story.”
One section of the book is entitled
“Why It’s Nice to be Nice.” Section Two is
about “Finding the Right Doctor” and deals
with both office visits and hospital stays.
There are real stories of patients (not with
real names, of course) that illustrate the
results of doctors’ manners both good and
bad.
Changes in medical training and
hospital care-delivery are a part of the
book’s honest and clear appraisal. The
closing of many community hospitals and
the growth of large big-business hospitals
have brought significant personal loss to
staff and patient-doctor relationships.
Chapter Six gives special attention to
pediatricians, their young patients, their
parents, and to teenagers. It discusses
the
importance
of
immunizations,
regular check-ups, and positive medical
experiences. Best advice to parents:
“First, never use the doctor as a threatened
punishment.”
I read this book after I came home from
a doctor’s appointment. Wish I had read it
before I went.
WITH
ISRAEL
May-June 2014
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Page 27
Schwartz on Sports
BY Jerry
Schwartz
MJCCA
DOUBLES
PICKLEBALL
TOURNAMENT. Shanna Levy, Jared Levy,
Jamie Perry, and Jamie Harrison organized
and ran a great Pickleball Tournament, on
March 2, at the Marcus Jewish Community
Center of Atlanta. Ed Feldstein shared
information with the Pickleball Nation
(Pickleball enthusiasts at the MJCCA) and
wrote that the feedback from non-MJCCA
participants, as well as our own members,
was extremely positive. One non-member
told Ed that he’s attended Pickleball
tournaments extensively, and the MJCCA
was one of the smoothest, mosefficient, and
most enjoyable ones he has experienced.
Twenty-one teams participated and
were divided into advanced and beginner/
intermediate categories. A number of
the teams were composed of relatives:
grandfather/grandson,
father/son,
and
husband/wife. There were participants from
Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, and
other parts of Georgia.
My grandson, Jared Cohen, and I got
a taste of humble pie. We had won the last
tournament, and this time we didn’t even
qualify for the final eight single elimination.
The competition was first-rate and a real eye
opener for us.
Special congratulations go out to the
winners:
• First Place Advanced Bracket—Lou
Novakow and Bart Brannon
• Second Place Advanced Bracket—John
Wilson and Bob Huskey
• First Place Beginner/Intermediate
Bracket—Donald Critchett and Edward
Mitchell
• Second Place Beginner/Intermediate
Bracket—Amy Neuman and Maria Gitman
(MJCCA team)
Congrats to Ken Lester, who received a
special award of appreciation for all that he
has done and continues to do in promoting
Pickleball at the MJCCA.
A special thank-you goes out to
Fresh Market of Dunwoody, for providing
participants with delicious and healthy
snacks.
I am already looking forward to
and practicing for the next Pickleball
Tournament.
PLAY DAY AT MYRON’S. If you love
to play card games like poker, bridge,
and hearts; shoot pool; play table tennis,
shuffleboard, foosball, and air hockey; are
a mah jongg, chess, or Scrabble player; or
you’re hooked on video games; then you
would have been in Play Day heaven, on
April 5, at Myron Bloom’s home. Myron
held the first Play Day in 2008 and has
organized two a year at his home since then.
This man has a virtual play world in his
basement, which brings new meaning to the
term “Man Cave.”
I, along with 40 other guys, attended
Play Day. Not only did we play games
from 12:00 noon-4:00 p.m., but we had a
delicious all-you-can-eat buffet. Myron
was a great host, and I thoroughly enjoyed
myself.
I had a chance to see and talk with some
old friends, like Willie Green, Ronnie Urken,
Ron Klee, Tom Ulbricht, Chet Parver,
Sam Grasier, and Norm Rosner. I took my
Scrabble board, clock, tiles, tile racks, and
an Official Scrabble Players Dictionary,
and I had a great time in our group of four,
which included Al Finfer, Alan Kessler, and
Peter Jedel.
I also got a chance to shoot some pool
with Sam Graiser and played table tennis
with David Witt. Myron is an excellent
teacher and player in this sport. In fact, he
started a table tennis club at the MJCCA 17
years ago. See below for more about Myron
Bloom and his involvement in table tennis.
Some other highlights of the day were
great food (oh, I already mentioned that),
the camaraderie among the guys attending,
the great variety of activities to choose from,
and how welcome we were made to feel in
Myron and Cheryl’s beautiful home.
I’m already looking forward to the next
Play Day.
Pickleball participants ready to begin to play
Sunday, 1:30-6:00 p.m., you’ll find 1520 members playing table tennis at a very
highly competitive level. There will be
players there of all ages, sizes, and ability,
but the majority of the participants will be
very good.
Myron Bloom started the table tennis
program at the JCC 17 years ago. He served
as the Atlanta coach for five years for the
JCC Maccabi Games. The Table Tennis
Club has been an official USA Table Tennis
Club for 13 years. This year, the club will
sponsor the fifth High School Table Tennis
Tournament. Over the years, Myron has
coached well over 100 kids and several
adults for free. None of this would have
been possible without his wife, Cheryl’s,
patience and the MJCCA, especially Howie
Rosenberg and Margie Carroll, going above
and beyond in working with him.
COMING ATTRACTION. I couldn’t get
a story about the Alta Cocker VII Softball
Game in this edition, but promise you a story
and pictures in the July-August column.
As of March 17, Gene Benator had
been sending out his weekly emails as to
the status of the game on Sunday, April 20,
starting 9:15 a.m., at the MJCCA, and would
not be finished until the last deli sandwich
was eaten. He had 55 “drafted players,” who
would be attending and playing, with an
“Injured Reserve” list and a “Game Week”
decision group. He even listed the players
who had obtained their “Outright Release”
for this year’s game. Gene provided a long
list of best reasons to come, which included,
“Relive your glory days on the diamond and
expound on those lies, I mean exploits, of
yesteryear.”
When Gene gets started, he’s hard to
stop.
CORRECTION. The March-April edition
of “Schwartz on Sports” featured Ed
Levine and his postcard collection. I made
a mistake in that article, and, like any good
journalist, want to get the facts straight.
I had written that Ed moved to Atlanta in
1971. He actually came here in 1954 and
taught seventh grade in the Atlanta City
Schools at Ed S. Cook elementary, from
1954-1970. He then moved to the DeKalb
County School System in 1971.
Myron Bloom displaying the proper
form
As always, we’ve covered a lot of
ground. I hope you enjoyed the ride. Until
next time, drive for the bucket and score.
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Can’t have a Play Day without food.
From left: Dan Shedlowski, David
Witt, Willie Green, and Sid Newman
Ken Lester receives an award of
appreciation from Jamie Perry for his
contribution to Pickleball.
TABLE TENNIS CLUB. If you walk into
the MJCCA any Wednesday, from 4:006:00 p.m., Saturday, 2:00-6:00 p.m., or
City:____________________State:________Zip:_______
Please mail this form together with your check to:
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Page 28
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Federation News
PURIM AT THE JEWISH HOME. On
March 13, volunteers from Federation’s
Women & Philanthropy TOV Tikkun Olam
Volunteers helped make the Purim holiday
a special event for residents of The William
Breman Jewish Home and patients at the
Aviv Rehabilitation Center, Jewish Home
Life Communities.
Twenty volunteers spent a fun-filled
morning assembling mishloach manot gift
baskets to deliver to the residents, followed
by exciting rounds of Purim bingo—all of
which the residents thoroughly enjoyed.
They were also engaged by hearing the
story of Purim, as it came to life in words
through the game.
Jennifer Alberson, assistant director of
recreation therapy, said, “The program put
together by the Women & Philanthropy’s
TOV was absolutely fantastic. The residents
were thrilled to receive their Purim gift
bags and win lots of Purim bingo money.
You could literally feel the excitement and
energy in the room.”
Selma Kutner and Sylvia Rogoff,
residents of The Home, were delighted
to take part in the TOV program. Kutner
said, “It was so special, not only because
it was fun, but because it brought back so
many special memories of Purim from my
childhood.” Rogoff exclaimed, “It was the
most excitement I’ve had since I moved to
The Home!”
According to volunteer and newcomer
to Atlanta, Marcy Fortnow, “The TOV event
was a perfect way to meet other women in
the Federation’s philanthropic community.
The residents were so grateful; they just
filled my heart. I’m really not sure who
benefited from the interaction more, the
women or the residents.”
Event Co-Chair Kim Swartz said,
“TOV events are great bonding experiences
for the volunteers and recipients alike.
Spending quality time with the residents
and brightening their day makes us all feel
good. We were delighted that so many new
people to TOV joined us for today’s event.”
May-June 2014
Co-Chair Cherie Aviv added, “Working
hands-on with women from our community
was heartwarming and inspiring. Together,
we were able do so much to reach out to
our community’s seniors and celebrate the
joyous holiday of Purim.”
To learn more about Women &
Philanthropy TOV and connect with other
women volunteers, contact Karen Paz at
[email protected] or 404-870-1631.
Sylvia Rogoff (left) wins at bingo, as
Lynn Saperstein cheers her on.
ANNUAL MEETING. The 108th Annual
Meeting of the Jewish Federation of Greater
Atlanta is Tuesday, June 10, 5:00 p.m., at
the The Selig Center, 1440 Spring Street.
This event, which is free and open to the
community, will celebrate 108 years of
passing our Jewish values from generation
to generation. RSVP by June 2 to Marcia
Scott at [email protected] or 404-870-1607.
Selma Kutner (from left); Mena
Dorcin, CNA; and TOV co-chair Kim
Swartz celebrate Selma winning
coverall bingo.
Freedom Summer will reunite activists of diverse backgrounds
Fifty years ago, Larry Rubin, a Jewish
man from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was
fighting for civil rights in the Deep South.
“I was a SNCC [Student Nonviolent
Coordinating Committee] organizer off
and on, between 1961 and ’65, first in
Georgia and then in Mississippi,” Rubin
recalls. “It never occurred to me not
to work in the Movement. My parents
transmitted to me their belief that by
definition, what a mensch does is fight for
justice.”
Larry Rubin is one of many mensches,
Jewish, Christian, black, white, male,
female, Southern, and Northern, who
fought for change in the sixties—and who
will be returning to Mississippi this June
to commemorate 50 years since Freedom
Summer.
The Mississippi Freedom Summer
50th Anniversary event will reunite
activists of diverse backgrounds, and
the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of
Southern Jewish Life (ISJL) is organizing
a special program for Jewish activists
who played a role in the Movement and
contemporary Jewish activists who want
to make a difference in the ongoing work
of civil rights.
From June 25-29, at Tougaloo
College, in Jackson, Mississippi, activists,
elected officials, students, scholars, and
veterans of the 1964 Mississippi Freedom
Summer will gather to mark Freedom
Summer’s 50th anniversary. Events will
commemorate the achievements—and
shortcomings—of Freedom Summer, but
as activists, Freedom Summer volunteers
are people who generally look forward,
not backward. This will not be a typical
commemoration, but a launching pad
Heather Booth playing guitar for Fannie Lou Hamer during the Freedom
Summer Project in Mississippi, 1964. (Photo: Wallace Roberts; permission to
use granted by Heather Booth)
for social action focused on four closely
related issue areas: education, workers
rights, healthcare, and voting rights within
Mississippi and the nation.
The ISJL is collaborating with
national Jewish organizations committed
to social justice to offer programming that
will honor the legacy of Jewish volunteers,
who played a historically significant role
in the Movement, with a contemporary
Jewish presence.
“The history of Freedom Summer
inspired Malkie Schwartz, ISJL director of
Community Engagement, and me to offer
programming that gives participants an
authentic experience in the state in which
the campaign occurred, exchange ideas
with local and national activists, and, most
importantly, show that Jewish activism is
still alive and well, not just a story from
50 years ago,” says Rachel Myers, ISJL
Museum Project coordinator.
“We’re excited that Bend the Arc is
participating in the commemoration of
Freedom Summer and the role of Jewish
activists in the Civil Rights Movement,”
says Stosh Cotler, CEO of Bend the Arc:
A Jewish Partnership for Justice. “The
hard-won victories from that summer—
including the Voting Rights Act—are in
jeopardy today, making it meaningful and
even urgent for all of us to come together,
learn, and continue the vital work of
protecting the right to vote. It is especially
poignant to gather together in Mississippi,
where Freedom Summer culminated.”
While in Mississippi, Jewish social
justice advocates will have the opportunity
to learn from veterans of the Civil Rights
Movement and fellow advocates about
the work that lies ahead. Programming
will provide the space for people to learn
about Jewish activism during Freedom
Summer and the work of Southern Jewish
communities today. The experience
will include learning, networking, and
collective action.
“This event will commemorate
Freedom Summer by discussing tactics
and strategies for meeting today’s
injustices,” Larry Rubin says. “Economic
inequality is greater today than it was in
1964. Voter suppression laws are rampant.
The Freedom Summer 50th Anniversary
is planned to be a watershed event in
planning for the ongoing civil rights
struggle ahead, and I hope Jews and all
other activists will attend this important
gathering.”
For more information about the
Freedom Summer 50th conference,
visit msfreedomsummer50th.com. For
additional information on Freedom
Summer programming of Jewish interest,
call 601-362-6357 or visit isjl.org/
museum/freedom_summer50th.html.
May-June 2014
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Jewish Home Life Communities news
U.S. NEWS NAMES BREMAN HOME
A TOP NURSING HOME. As a result of
earning a five-star rating from the Centers
for Medicare & Medicaid Services,
The William Breman Jewish Home was
included in U.S. News & World Report’s
special report, “Best Nursing Homes 2014,”
released this March.
The annual “Best Nursing Homes” list
is announced after a review of state and
federal inspection reports of 17,000 skilled
nursing facilities across the country. The
data behind Best Nursing Homes come
from Nursing Home Compare, a website
run by the federal Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services, which sets and enforces
standards for nursing homes enrolled in
Medicare or Medicaid. CMS also collects
information from states and individual
homes and assigns each home a rating of
one to five stars in each of three categories:
state-conducted health inspections, nursing
and physical therapy staffing, and quality of
medical care. The ratings are combined to
produce an overall rating of one to five stars.
The William Breman Jewish Home, a
Jewish Home Life Community, has been
providing top quality skilled nursing care
for the elderly and their families since 1951.
The Home’s short-term rehab program was
renamed Aviv Rehabilitation Center in
2012.
“We are very proud that The Home is
being recognized on a national level for the
care and customer service we provide to
residents and their families,” said Harley
Tabak, CEO of The Home. “Our staff works
tirelessly to enhance our residents’ dignity
and provide them with the highest quality of
life possible.”
Board President Steve Merlin added,
“Because we aren’t a large nursing home—
just 96 beds to service our entire Atlanta
community—we have been strategically
expanding our services to meet the evolving
needs of our community. No matter where
someone is in the aging process, we have
the resources to help families along in their
journey—all operating under the guiding
principle of ‘honoring our mothers and
fathers.’”
This isn’t the first time The Home
has received national recognition for
quality care. For the past three years in a
row, The Home has been awarded the My
Innerview Excellence in Action Award,
which is a national honor recognizing The
Home’s commitment to superior customer
satisfaction.
“It’s a testament to our outstanding staff
and caregivers that we received the CMS
five-star rating,” stated COO Beth Laxton.
“They work hard to provide an environment
they can be proud of because they truly care
about each and every resident.”
A TOP WORKPLACE. The AtlantaJournal Constitution published its “Top
100 Atlanta Workplaces” special edition,
Sunday, March 23, and Jewish Home Life
Communities earned the No. 13 spot in the
midsize category. This was JHLC’s first
year entering the competition.
Jewish Home Life Communities,
the new system name for The William
Breman Jewish Home and its seven other
communities and services, has been
providing top quality care and resources for
the elderly and their families since 1951.
JHLC is the highest-ranked healthcare
organization in the Top 35 Midsize category.
The AJC measured JHLC against some of
the best known, highly respected brands and
companies in Atlanta, such as Microsoft,
The Paideia School, and Edward Jones.
“We’re proud to be included among
this distinguished list of companies,” said
Harley Tabak, CEO. “Our top priority is
providing the best possible care for our
residents, and making that happen takes
employees who are happy to come to work
each day and fully committed to our mission.
Creating a positive work environment has
made it possible for us to attract and keep
the high caliber of caregivers, nurses, and
professional staff that our families have
come to expect from our organization.”
The evaluation for the Top Workplaces
competition is based on feedback from an
anonymous employee survey administered
by Workplace Dynamics. Companies
were graded on several factors, including
the direction of the company, working
conditions, career paths, management, and
compensation and benefits.
During the selection process, Workplace
Dynamics surveyed 211 metro companies
and measured each against national
benchmarks from their database of more
than 5,000 companies. In the HealthcareSenior Living benchmark, JHLC rated 7078% above benchmarks on statements such
as “I believe this company is going in the
right direction,” “New ideas are encouraged
at this company,” and “I feel genuinely
appreciated at this company.”
JHLC rated 30-38% over benchmarks
on statements such as “My company
operates with strong values and ethics”
and “I have confidence in the leader of this
company.”
FRED GLUSMAN JOINS BERMAN
COMMONS STAFF. Fred Glusman
has joined the Berman Commons team
as chaplain, kashruth supervisor and
community liaison.
Glusman is a familiar face in the Jewish
community, serving for more than 26 years
as executive director of Congregation Beth
Jacob. He has a long history of working
with seniors and has already begun making
the rounds of discussion groups and mature
adult activities at the MJCCA as well as
other community events around town to let
people know where they can find him.
Until the building is completed in
late 2014, Glusman will be working in the
Berman Commons Information Center at
the MJCCA on Thursdays and whenever
needed.
THIRD ANNUAL HIGH TEA. Joyous
laughter and coquettish smiles were in
Page 29
songstress Joyce Bogrow, daughter of
Cohen Home resident Dorothy Krakow.
Joyce was accompanied by Sandy Stein,
who has provided the piano entertainment
for all three of The Cohen Home’s High
Teas.
Fred Glusman
abundance, beneath a multitude of frothy,
gorgeous hats at the third annual Spring
High Tea, at The Cohen Home, on March
20. The Cohen Home, A Jewish Home
Life Community in Johns Creek, offers
personalized assisted living and dementia
care in a homelike environment steeped in
Jewish traditions.
Spearheaded by longtime volunteer
Cookie Aftergut, the event featured not
only the usual delicacies from Cohen Home
Chef Dan Eifert, but also the addition of
Dressed up and ready for afternoon
tea
Residents and their families, dressed
in their finest, thronged the event, singing,
dancing, and preening in delight.
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN ~ KOSHER LIVING
Page 30
Kosher Affairs
BY Roberta
Scher
My husband, Allan, and I consider
Atlanta and Israel our two homes. We
treasure both our Southern roots and our
Jewish homeland. Recently we (along with
our children and some of our grandchildren)
were fortunate to return to Israel for the bar
mitzvah of our grandson Ian. Talk about
nachas!
We are privileged that our son Mitchell
(Rabbi Yitzchak Scher) helped prepare Ian
for his bar mitzvah. Each Sunday for over
a year, Uncle Mitchell, in Silver Spring,
Maryland, and Ian, in Atlanta, learned
together on Skype; during the week, Ian
completed his homework and reading
assignments. Ian had set a personal goal
to have his bar mitzvah at The Kotel (the
Western Wall) in Israel. And when Ian sets
his mind on something, he makes it happen!
On a Thursday morning in April, we
listened to our grandson read from the Torah
at a section of The Kotel called Robinson’s
Arch. We were delighted to share our
simcha with friends who live in Israel. The
minyan was made up of former and parttime Atlantans—many of our friends have
made aliyah. It was so nice to be joined by
the Barrs, Chernins, Daniel Feldman, the
Grossmans, the Lowensteins, and the Rams.
To further celebrate this milestone,
our children Eric and Andrea enlisted an
exceptional guide to take us on day trips—
Daniel Jacobs, a former IDF officer who
now leads family tours and Birthright Israel
tours. We all shared a van (thank you, driver
Sochi), and from early morning to late
afternoon, for five days, we walked, talked,
listened, cried, laughed, and were amazed
by the country, as Daniel shared the history
and beauty of our Jewish homeland.
In addition to sharing news of this
wonderful simcha with you, my readers, of
course you know that most all roads lead to
food for me. And they did in Jerusalem as
well.
We ate at some memorable restaurants,
some of which have been there for years
and some new. Try these on your next
trip: Café Rimon, for meat (a classic!);
Keyara Steakhouse; Sheyan, for Asian
food; Cofizz, on Ben Yehuda, for excellent,
value-priced cappuccino; and Katzefet, on
Ben Yehuda, for frozen yogurt, smoothies,
Belgian waffles, and French-style crepes.
We had the best falafels ever from a tiny
takeout called Maoz. And for Shabbos,
we purchased our meals from Heimishe
Essen—a takeout buffet. In addition to all
of the construction happening in Israel,
eateries are proliferating! Who
wants to join me on a wine and food
tour in 2015? Really! E-mail me if
you are interested.
Where to stay? If you are seeking
a gorgeous, luxurious, and convenient
hotel in Jerusalem, consider The
Mamilla—it is located right across
from The Kotel and is adjacent to
a new shopping mall. The Waldorf
Astoria is set to open shortly. For a
lovely apartment (three bedrooms, three
baths), send me an e-mail, and I will
connect you to the rental agency we used for
accommodations at the lovely King David’s
Crown complex.
----------
May-June 2014
Mazel tov to our friends Barbara and
Mark Fisher. While in Israel, we had the
pleasure of attending the wedding of their
son Jonathan to Shira Dina Mizrahi. It was
a festive, delicious, and beautiful wedding,
and we had the honor of being seated next
to Rebbetzin Estelle Feldman. An amazing,
inspirational woman and role model. I
treasure her friendship.
are warranted for some of the recipes, and,
yes, a few of the recipes may be challenging
to make kosher at all. But in my opinion,
the book is a must-have for those who want
to cook authentic Southern dishes. I am
currently cooking my way through the pages,
including Vidalia Onion Rolls (fabulous, I
ate too many!), Sweet Country Cornbread,
Fresh Georgia Peach Pie, Honey–Butter
Grilled Corn, Chicken Pot Pie, and on and
on. The cookbook was written by Julie
Lowenthal, the granddaughter of Kermit
Lynnwood “Red” Donaldson, who began
working at Johnny Harris Restaurant in
1927 and eventually became the full owner.
-----
----------
ATLANTA AND GEORGIA
And now to Atlanta and Georgia...
It’s almost summer and time to think
Southern barbecue, y’all!
Since 1924, Johnny Harris has been
a legendary name in Southern barbecue.
From its beginnings as a tiny BBQ joint,
the Johnny Harris Restaurant grew to be
one of the largest and most popular fullservice food destinations in Savannah.
Family members are still at the helm of the
company.
Unfortunately, the restaurant is not
kosher; however, much of the restaurant’s
growing reputation has been due to its nowfamous sauces. There are seven sauces—
Original BBQ, Hickory BBQ, Carolina
Mustard BBQ, Beef BBQ, Spicy Honey
BBQ, Hot Wing Sauce, and Steak Sauce—
all offspring of the original sauces, all
kosher certified by
SAV-K (Savannah
Kosher), and all
shipped worldwide.
I am revisiting
Johnny
Harris
because I love the
sauces, and they
have
recently
published a new
cookbook,
The
Johnny
Harris
Restaurant
Cookbook. If you are a
Southern food fan, buy it! Yes, substitutions
I have been dazzled by The Spicy
Peach. This new specialty grocery store has
filled my wish list for international cheeses,
ethnic sauces, and hard-to-find kosher
grocery items. The selection of ready-to-heat
frozen foods, dairy, refrigerated gourmet
items, candy, and disposable bakeware and
tableware is amazing. The shop also offers
a takeout salad and a panini bar. Congrats
to Tzippy Teller, Jodi Wittenberg, and Lydia
Schloss for filling a void in kosher Atlanta. I
am sure that the store will continue to evolve,
based on customer needs and requests. If
you have not yet visited, plan to go. The
Spicy Peach (404-334-7200) is located in
the Toco Hill Shopping Center...well worth
the drive from any part of Atlanta.
Lydia Schloss, Tzippy Teller and
Jodi Wittenberg (Photos by: Ruby
Grossblatt)
A look inside Spicy Peach
Shaya Scher and Ian Proser, with members of the IDF, at a military base near
The Golan Heights
----------
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN ~ KOSHER LIVING
May-June 2014
Page 31
More good news for kosher Atlanta:
The bakery at the Sandy Springs PeachtreeDunwoody Costco is transitioning to kosher
dairy. Be certain to check the labeling on the
baked goods.
---------
And finally, a word about the kosher
meat department at the Toco Hill Kroger.
I personally want to give a shout out to
Betzalel, the department manager. He
understands the concept of excellence in
customer service and continually offers it.
I recently tried some of the takeout dishes
from the meat department. Both the brisket
and fried chicken were delicious!
Please share your kosher food and
culinary gadget finds with me...favorite
products, restaurants, and news.
Spicy Peach
What’s cooking? E-mail kosheraffairs@
gmail.com. This column is meant to
provide the reader with current trends and
developments in the kosher marketplace.
Since standards of kashruth certification
vary, check with the AKC or your local
kashruth authority to confirm reliability.
KOSHER AFFAIRS RECIPES
Cheesecake Pie
Adapted from a recipe shared by my dear
daughter-in-law Aliza and her mother,
Chana Berliant.
Quick, easy, delicious; perfect for Shavuos.
Serves 6-8.
Crust:
1 1/2 cups finely crushed graham crackers
1 stick (1/2 cup) melted butter or margarine
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine crust ingredients; press into
the bottom of square 9” pan.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
Mix in blender or stand mixer, and
pour into baked crust.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes
until set in center.
Shortcut: Use a prepared graham cracker
crust. (I won’t tell.)
----Deluxe Kugel
By Chef Tina Wasserman
This has been tagged Killer Kugel
by Joan Nathan of The New York Times.
Butter, cream cheese, sour cream—need I
say more? But it is one of the most delicious
kugels that you will ever eat! Perfect for
Shavuos.
1/2 pound medium or extra-wide noodles
1 pound cream cheese
1/2 pound unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
1 pint sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 eggs
1 small can mandarin oranges, drained
1 small can crushed pineapple, drained
4 ounces walnuts
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter
Cook the noodles according to
package directions. Drain and place in a
4-quart bowl.
Combine the cream cheese and butter
in a processor work bowl and blend until
smooth. Scrape down the sides of the work
bowl. Add the sugar, and process until well
combined. Add the sour cream, vanilla,
and eggs, and process until well mixed.
Pour the mixture into the 4-quart bowl
with the noodles. Stir the fruits in by hand,
and pour the mixture into a buttered 13”
x 9” baking dish. The mixture will almost
overflow. Cover with plastic wrap and
refrigerate overnight.
When ready to bake, uncover and
place in a preheated 350 degree oven
and bake for 50 minutes. Combine the
walnuts with the sugar and cinnamon,
and sprinkle on top of the kugel. Dot with
the 2 tablespoons of butter, and bake for
15 minutes more. Serve warm or at room
temperature. This could be made totally in
advance, but it won’t be as light.
----Hot Cheesecake
Adapted from a Houston Chronicle recipe
This cake is designed to be served
warm, like a cheese Danish. However, you
can refrigerate it—it’s delicious cold, too.
Crust:
1 12-ounce box vanilla wafers, crushed
1 stick butter, melted
Filling:
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese,
room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Topping:
8 ounces sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
For crust: combine crushed vanilla
wafers and butter. Press into a 9”
springform pan. Set aside.
For filling: combine cheese, sugar,
eggs, and vanilla; beat 3-4 minutes on high
until smooth. Pour over crust; bake for 45
minutes or until set.
For topping: while the cheesecake is
baking, combine the sour cream and sugar.
Frost the top of the cake while hot, right
out of oven. Put back into oven for 15
minutes. Serve warm (or cold!).
----Vidalia Onion Rolls
Adapted from Johnny Harris Restaurant
Cookbook by Julie Lowenthal, © 2014
Johnny Harris Restaurant, Inc., used
by permission of the publisher, Pelican
Publishing Company, Inc.
Yields about 16 rolls.
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large Vidalia onion, diced
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 (.25-ounce) packages active dry yeast
2 large eggs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted*
6 cups all-purpose flour
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large
skillet over medium-high heat. Add the
onions, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon
salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, for
15 minutes, or until the onions begin to
brown.
Place 2 cups warm tap water in a
large bowl and sprinkle with the yeast.
Let stand 4 to 5 minutes, until it begins
to foam. Whisk in the eggs, 4 tablespoons
butter, the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2
teaspoon salt. Add the flour and 3/4 of the
onion, and mix until the dough becomes
sticky. Transfer the dough to a large bowl
and brush the top with the remaining 1
tablespoon oil.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and
let the dough rise 1 hour in a warm place
until it doubles in bulk.
Butter a 9” x 13” baking pan.
Punch the dough down. With wellSee RECIPES, page 32
Page 32
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN ~ KOSHER LIVING
Recipes
From page 31
floured hands, form the dough into 16
balls, and place in the prepared pan,
spacing evenly. Sprinkle the rolls with the
remaining onions. Cover the pan loosely
with plastic wrap, and let the dough rise
in a warm place another 30 to 40 minutes,
until it has doubled again.
Heat the oven to 400 degrees.
Remove the plastic wrap and brush the
dough with the remaining 2 tablespoons
butter. Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes,
or until the tops are golden. (Place a foil
tent over the rolls if the tops seem to be
browning too quickly.) Let the rolls cool in
1(8-ounce) package cream cheese, room
the pan for 5 minutes before serving.
temperature
3/4 cup sugar
* I made these using parve margarine, and
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
they were scrumptious!
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
6 tablespoons cornstarch
----6 cups firm, ripe peaches, peeled, pitted,
and sliced
Fresh Georgia Peach Pie
Adapted from Johnny Harris Restaurant
Praline Sauce:
Cookbook by Julie Lowenthal, © 2014
1 stick unsalted butter
Johnny Harris Restaurant, Inc., used
1/2 cup heavy cream
by permission of the publisher, Pelican
1/2 cup light brown sugar
Publishing Company, Inc.
1/3 cup toasted pecans, chopped
Serves 8.
1 pie crust, prebaked and cooled
Mix together cream cheese and 1/2
cup sugar in a small bowl, and spread the
EYDIE KOONIN
404-697-8215 cell
770-394-2131 office
[email protected]
KERI GREENWALD
404-307-6000 cell
770-394-2131 office
[email protected]
HARRY NORMAN, REALTORS ATLANTA PERIMETER OFFICE
4848 Ashford Dunwoody Road • Atlanta, GA 30338
www.harrynorman.com
mixture over the bottom of the cooled pie
crust.
Place the remaining sugar, orange juice,
2 tablespoons lemon juice, cornstarch, and
1/2 cup peaches in a blender and puree until
smooth.
In another bowl, toss the remaining
peaches with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and
set aside.
Heat the peach puree in a small saucepan
over medium heat, until thickened. Add the
fresh peaches, stir well to coat, and let the
mixture cool. Spread the cooled peaches
over the piecrust and refrigerate for 3 hours
before serving. Serve with the praline sauce
on the side.
To make the praline sauce: Melt
the butter, cream, and brown sugar in a
small heavy saucepan over medium-high
heat. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the
heat to low. Add the chopped pecans and
simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sugar has
dissolved and the sauce thickens.
----Chicken Pot Pie
Adapted from Johnny Harris Restaurant
Cookbook by Julie Lowenthal, © 2014
Johnny Harris Restaurant, Inc., used
by permission of the publisher, Pelican
Publishing Company, Inc.
Yields 2 pies.
May-June 2014
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped sweet onion
4 tablespoons margarine
4 cups chicken stock, divided
3 cups diced, cooked chicken
1 cup petit pois
1 cup diced carrots
4 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
3⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 (10-inch) pie crust pastries
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium saucepan over medium
heat, sauté the celery and onion in the
margarine for 3 to 5 minutes, until tender.
Add 3 cups chicken stock, the chicken, petit
pois, and carrots, and cook, uncovered, for
5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Combine
the cornstarch and remaining chicken
stock and add to the saucepan. Increase the
heat to high and cook, stirring constantly,
for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and
becomes bubbly. Add the spinach leaves
and pepper, and cook 1 more minute until
the spinach is wilted. Divide and pour into
2 ungreased 10-inch pie plates.
Roll out the pastry doughs and place
1 over each pie plate. Trim any overlap
around the edges and cut 5 (1 inch) slits in
each top to allow steam to escape. Bake for
45 to 55 minutes, or until the crust is lightly
browned. Let stand for 5 minutes before
serving.
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN ~ KOSHER LIVING
May-June 2014
Kosher Korner
BY Reuven
Stein
Spring is one of the most popular
seasons for getting married.
Every Jewish person should consider
having a kosher wedding. Kosher weddings
are available at different price ranges and a
variety of venues. Here is a list of kosher
caterers.
Avenue K Catering
770-578-1110
www.avenuekosher.com
736 Johnson Ferry Road, Building E,
Marietta GA 30068
Fuego Mundo
404-256-4330
www.fuegomundo.com
The Prado, 5590 Roswell Road, Sandy
Springs GA 30342
Full catering, pick-up orders, and Shabbat
meals. Semi-private room available at the
restaurant for special events.
“Redefining Glatt Kosher Events”; based at
Chabad of Cobb
The Goodfriend Catering Company
678-222-3719
TheGoodfriendCompany.com
5342 Tilly Mill Road, Atlanta GA 30338
Full-service glatt catering; specializing in
Southern cuisine
Broadway and Bijan Catering
770-457-4578
2191-B Briarcliff Road, Atlanta GA 30329
All-occasion full-service meat, dairy, or
pareve catering, with baked goods
Table 613
404-963-2548
735 Gatewood Road, Atlanta GA 30322
WE STAND
A
Page 33
Dolce Catering & Bakery
770-451-3065
cateringbydolce.com
3130 Raymond Drive, Atlanta GA 30340
Catering for all events and specialty baked
goods
For All Occasions and More Catering
770-565-8710
foralloccasionsandmore.com
5200 Northland Avenue, Atlanta GA 30042
Based at Greenfield Hebrew Academy;
creative full-service kosher catering
The Kosher Gourmet
404-636-1114
www.kgatl.com
[email protected]
2153 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta GA 30329
Full-service glatt kosher take-out and
catering
A Kosher Touch
678-447-2085
1440 Spring Street NW, Atlanta GA 30309
Rabbi Reuven Stein is director of supervision
for the Atlanta Kashruth Commission, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting
kashruth through education, research, and
supervision.
WITH ISRAEL
Spring was father’s favorite season
BY Leon
Socol
Surviving this past winter’s frigid
weather brought back memories of warmer
climes in West Texas, where I grew up. My
earliest memories of those delightful times
go back to age four. Most people can’t
remember that far back, but the events of the
spring of 1930 are clear in my mind. It was
the last year I spent with my father, before
he died prematurely in 1931.
My father, Israel Sheinberg, came to the
United States in the 1920s, to work in his
brother’s clothing store, in Ft. Worth, Texas.
Several years later, he sent for my mother.
They were married and moved to an oil
boomtown in West Texas, where my father
opened his own dry-goods store.
Like many immigrants from Poland,
father had worked the land and was gifted
with a green thumb. My folks built their
home on a small city lot, and my father
turned the land into a Garden of Eden. He
planted all manner of fruit trees, including
peach, cherry, apple, plum, and pear. He
also planted mulberry, willow, poplar, and
oak trees. The rest of his available ground
he used for honeysuckle vines and blooming
plants and shrubs. My folks’ home and
gardens looked like an oasis in the arid
Texas terrain.
My father’s crowning achievement
My parents, Rae and Israel Sheinberg,
shortly after their marriage in 1923
was a Concord grape arbor he located in
the midst of all his other plantings. Calling
it their “summerhouse,” he constructed
the arbor with openings throughout, so the
grapevines he planted around its base could
grow and cover the house so tightly that
they kept the inside of the house dry when it
rained. When the grape vines fully matured,
you could pick clusters of the delicious fruit
from inside the house.
During the spring and summer months,
my father would walk home from his store
for lunch. My mother served him his lunch in
My father, Israel Sheinberg, in his
garden in the late 1920s
the summerhouse, where he was serenaded
by two cages of canaries that hung on
opposite ends of the arbor. Whenever father
walked into the summerhouse, the birds
would sing. Beautiful warbling, coming
from both ends of the arbor, created a stereo
effect. I could never get the birds to sing for
me unless my father was with me.
When the grapes ripened, my mother
would cut a bunch from the vines and serve
them to father for his dessert. My father had
strategically planted a peach tree near the
kitchen window, and sometimes my mother
would reach through the open window
and pick a prize peach to be cut up in my
breakfast cereal. Our pear tree was located
near the back porch steps; since it wasn’t
a large tree, my father braced the limbs,
so they wouldn’t break bearing the load of
dozens of delicious pears.
My father enjoyed his beautiful garden,
and it rejuvenated him to work the ground
after being cooped up in a downtown store
all day.
He made time for other activities
besides gardening. He took me to various
events held in our town, and I remember
two very vividly. At a Christmas parade
on our town’s main street, a float bearing
Santa Claus came by. My father hoisted me
on his shoulders and moved into the street,
where Santa presented me with a candy
cane. Another time, my father took me to
see the famous humorist and movie star of
the period, Will Rogers. He had flown to our
town with his pilot, Wiley Post, a renowned
aviator who had flown around the world.
Meeting these men ignited my lifelong love
of aviation.
My father passed away on May 7, 1931,
just a month before my fifth birthday. It was
a beautiful time of spring’s bounty. I was
always happy he didn’t have to go through
another harsh and cold winter, when all of
his beautiful plantings would be dormant.
My father’s life was all too short, but I’m
grateful I still have vivid memories of him
during his last year of life.
Page 34
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
left), C-Span representative Vanessa Torres,
Taylor Herold, Eric Miller, Jessica Meyer,
Maqueline Weiss, Sen. Fran Millar, and
Davis Director of Visual & Performing Arts
Kendrick Phillips.
May-June 2014
and spirit. David Antonino (eighth grade)
plays the colorful chocolate-factory owner,
Willy Wonka, in one of the school’s five
full-house performances.
By Belle Klavonsky
TRACK TROPHY. The Davis Academy
Boys Track and Field Team took home
the first-place trophy in the Metro Atlanta
Athletic Conference (MAAC) Middle
School Championship, on April 8. The
Davis Lady Lions took 2nd place. Davis
boys took 1st and 2nd places in the
400-meter dash; 1st place in the 4X400meter relay; 1st and 3rd places in the pole
vault; 2nd place in the 4X100-meter relay,
high-jump events; 2nd and 3rd in the triple
jump and long jump. Team members are
(from left) Eric Abel*, Adam Spector*,
Ben Segal*, Ben Rosing*, Max Murray,
Jake Rubin*, Max Ripans, Andrew Ladden,
Sam Mahle*, Kavan Hussney*, Ian Levin,
Jacob Young*, and Asher Stadler*. (Not
pictured: Scott Leven*, Collin Goldberg*,
Alex Panovka*, Ohad Rau, Charlie Rinzler,
Justin Cobb, Sam Brothman, Jared Solovi,
and Josh Glass) (*Students who competed
in the championship)
SPRING SCIENCE. With spring comes
new life and fresh beginnings. At Davis
Academy, curious kindergarten students
put butterfly larvae into specially prepared
cups. Over the next few weeks, the students
will observe each caterpillar building its
chrysalis and then finally emerging as a
butterfly. Here, Joshua Eichenholz and
Tahel Shantzer place the larvae in the cups.
A PASSOVER TASTING. From traditional
Seders to creative experiences, Davis
students learned about and celebrated
Passover with classmates and family. This
year, the Davis third-grade theme was
Passover traditions from around the world.
Students and parents rotated through various
stations, where they learned about the ways
this special holiday is celebrated in other
countries. Here, Brooke Ross and her dad,
Bart, taste various samples of charoset from
Sephardic countries such as Greece, Italy,
and Turkey.
DOCUMENTARY WINNERS. Three
projects by Davis Academy students
received honorable mentions and $250
prizes in the 2014 C-SPAN StudentCam
Documentary Competition: “My Life to
Your Ears: The Highs and Lows of Being
a Type 1 Diabetic,” by Maqueline Weiss;
“Ensuring our Health: America’s Insurance
Crisis,” by Taylor Herold and Jessica Meyer;
and “Standardized Testing: Assessing the
System,” by Eric Miller. Pictured at an
April 10 recognition ceremony honoring
the students are Rep. Wendell Willard (from
EXPLORATION. This year, Davis
Academy sixth-graders took a three-day
trip to Charleston, South Carolina. They
visited local historic sites, such as the oldest
functioning fire station in the U.S. and Kahal
Kadosh Beth Elohim, one of the oldest
synagogues in the country, and studied the
local ecology. Here, Justin Edelman (from
left), Alex Effron, and Evan Bernath get
ready for a kayaking eco-tour.
A SWEET SHOW. Willy Wonka, Jr. was one
sweet show on the Davis Academy stage
this year. As always, a cast and crew of
students from kindergarten through middle
school brought the show to life with song
YOM HASHOAH. The seventh-grade
students at Greenfield Hebrew Academy
presented a memorial service for the
middle school for Yom HaShoah, Holocaust
Remembrance Day. The presentation
paid tribute to Anne Frank, who was the
same age as many of these students when
she went into hiding. Here, students read
excerpts from the memoirs of children of
the Holocaust, releasing balloons in their
memory: (front, from left) Elye Robinovitz,
Ido Sapir, Gabe Green, and Ruthie Stolovitz;
and (back) Jacob Leiberman, Avi Spector,
Ben Cohen, Datiel Dayani, Jacob Saltzman,
and Gideon Levy.
IMMIGRATION PLAY. As part of their
unit on United States history and geography,
GHA fourth-graders brought Jewish history
alive with their Immigration Project,
incorporating technology, creative writing,
music, and more. Their research revealed
that, among the 30 students, 22 countries of
origin appear in their family trees. The fruits
of their hard work can be viewed in the
Immigration Gallery of Learning just outside
their classroom. The project culminated in
the performance of a play dramatizing the
immigrant experience. Here, J.J. Brenner,
Ari Gabay, Jonah Gordon, Yonatan Levy,
Elliot Sokol, Eleanor Pearlman, Shiraz
Agichtein, and Ella Goldstein portray new
immigrants.
HONORING A.J. GHA’s Sidney Feldman
Legacy Golf Tournament honored A.J.
Robinson, prominent local businessman,
May-June 2014
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Page 35
Georgia, the third grade at Torah Day School
enjoyed an in-school program featuring
veteran Young Audiences performer Cathy
Kaemmerlen.
president of Central Atlanta Progress
and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement
District, and GHA parent. The tournament
kicked off with the wailing sounds of a
bagpiper playing “Hava Nagila.” After a
breakfast and opening ceremony honoring
A.J., the golfers enjoyed a game in weather
that seemed made-to-order for the occasion.
GHA parent Darren Tobin even made a
hole in one. Pictured: (from left) Nathaniel
Robinson, A.J. Robinson, and Ethan
Robinson
PESACH PLAY. Every class at GHA spent
the month of April immersed in Pesach
preparation. Morah Judith Swartz’ secondgraders presented a play about the Pesach
story, featuring their own script, costuming,
and set design. Leora Frank (from left),
Mikey Wilson, and Kayla Minsk portray
Pharaoh and his family.
MISHNAH VILLAGES. GHA’s Middle
School hosted a Day of Learning, and parents
of fifth-grade through eighth-grade students
were invited to the school to study with
their children and see what they had been
learning. Seventh-grade and eighth-grade
students displayed their Pesach knowledge
with poster boards about Passover facts
and a Haggadah-style compilation of their
research on the holiday. Fifth-graders and
sixth-graders created “Living Mishnah
Villages,” where they re-enacted halakhic
questions that they had studied in their
Mishnah classes. Here, fifth-graders Aidyn
Levin and Leead Silverstone demonstrate
what life looked like in Mishnaic times.
A TRIP TO ISRAEL. The day after Pesach,
GHA eighth-graders left for Israel, where
they spent sixteen days touring the country.
Torah studies came alive for students, as
they visited historic sites that they have
learned about for years. Eighth-graders also
observed Yom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron,
and the countrywide celebrations of
Yom Ha’atzmaut in Israel, an experience
replicated nowhere else in the world. Here,
Devorah Chasen enjoys a hike at Nahal
Jilaboun in the north of Israel.
IN THE COMPUTER LAB. First-grade
boys at Torah Day School of Atlanta love
their time in the computer lab. Mrs. Theresa
Burns teaches everything, including
keyboarding, coding, web design, and more.
CHILDREN OF THE HOLOCAUST. As
part of Torah Day School of Atlanta’s Yom
HaShoah programming, the eighth-grade
girls presented poetry and other reflections,
written by like-aged children who were
victims of the Holocaust, to other middle
school girls.
MAKING AND LEARNING ABOUT ART.
The seventh-grade boys at Torah Day School
of Atlanta create face masks with their art
teacher, Mrs. Charlie Lewis. In addition to
guiding the students in creating fabulous
art, Mrs. Lewis provides the children with
lessons about a variety of artists, including
their styles and mediums, as well as the
history surrounding them.
MAKING THE MOST OF IT. TSDA
middle-school girls made “lemonade”
during a special activity to illustrate their
goal of optimizing the short time left before
the end of the school year. They plan on
“squeezing in” as much learning, team
work, and cooperation as they possibly can.
LEARNING
ABOUT
GEORGIA.
Complementing their study of the state of
YOM HASHOAH. Mr. Steve Gilmer, owner
of Kosher Gourmet, in Toco Hill, addressed
middle school students at Torah Day School
of Atlanta as part of its multi-faceted Yom
HaShoah programming, arranged by teacher
and fellow child of survivors, Mrs. Rhoda
Gleicher (pictured). Mr. Gilmer’s parents
were survivors of the Holocaust and were
members of the Bielski partisans. He
described some of their experiences to the
students, and he shared how it felt to be the
child of survivors.
MEDIA CENTER. The Epstein School is
proud to announce that the Goldstein Media
Center has once again received Advanced
Accreditation Status from the Association
of Jewish Libraries. Only 50 schools/center
libraries over the past 16 years have earned
this outstanding honor and is a reflection
of the hard work done under the direction
of Michelle Epstein (media director) and
her team: (front) Gordon Carswell, library
media specialist; (back, from left) Michelle
Epstein, media director; Tali Ben-Senior,
Judaics media and technology specialist;
and Barri Gertz, media and instructional
technology facilitator
TALENT SEARCH. Seventeen Epstein
seventh-graders scored high enough on
the ACT to receive state-level recognition
and/or be eligible to participate in Duke
University’s Center for Summer Studies
or Academy for Summer Studies, and one
qualified for grand-level recognition. The
students who were recognized for the 2014
Duke Talent Identification Program are:
(back, from left) David Weinberg (grand
recognition), Daniel Stern, Leo Sachs,
Justin Kaplin, Sydney Pargman, (middle,
from left) Matthew Sidewater, Sophie
Schneider, Hannah Granot, Gabrielle Lewis,
Isabel Berlin, Hannah Pearl, William Tovey;
(front, from left) Abigail Meyerowitz,
Carla Wohlberg, Gabriela Goodman, Julia
Bardack, and Jacob Alayof
EAGLES TRIUMPHANT. The Epstein
Eagles Track & Field Team ends its season
at the Metro Atlanta Athletic Conference
Middle School Championships with six 1stplace, seven 2nd-place, and four 3rd-place
winners. The Boys Track & Field Team took
See CLASSNOTES, page 37
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Page 36
May-June 2014
MISH MASH
By Erin O’Shinskey
SOBEL ON FIDF BOARD. Garry Sobel of
Atlanta has been appointed to the National
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces Board
of Directors. Sobel has also been serving as
the FIDF Southeast Region Chairman. The
National Board supports the work of FIDF
and provides mission-based leadership and
strategic governance. Sobel is senior vice
president of the Kaufman Realty Group
and a longtime leader in the local Jewish
community. He became involved in the
FIDF Georgia Regional Chapter in 2007
and has helped expand the chapter’s impact,
expanding its focus beyond Atlanta to
Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North
Carolina, and Kentucky.
and community. Among her numerous
activities and accomplishments, she cofounded a business networking group
for young professionals, started a Jewish
singles group, volunteered for Shearith
Israel’s Homeless Women’s Shelter for 12
years, and is an active volunteer at Oak
Grove Elementary School.
TKE HONORS POPKIN. Temple Kol
Emeth honored Renae Marx Popkin for
her outstanding volunteerism. Popkin, Ira
Wajsman, and David Kimmel were named
“Lights of TKE,” at the Avodah Evening
of Honor banquet, April 19, at the Georgia
Aquarium. Popkin has volunteered long
hours creating newsletters, an annual ad
book, silent auctions and other projects
and events for TKE. She has also been
a strong supporter of MUST Ministries,
which serves families in metro Atlanta.
This year she rode on the “Little Debbies”
team for Ovarian Cycle, an annual wellness
fundraiser launched in memory of her late
sister-in-law, Debbie Green Flamm.
Many of the founding members of Congregation Dor Tamid
Abramow, Lynn Elster, Lisa Romm,
and Leslie Fox
KETURA VISITS BOOTH MUSEUM. On
March 2, Greater Atlanta Hadassah’s Ketura
Group and guests visited the Booth Western
Art Museum, in Cartersville. The docentled tour of the museum included many
works of art depicting the American West.
Highlighting the afternoon was “Windows
of the Soul: A Portrait of America,” an
exhibition by Susan Kaslow Friedland, who
spoke to the group about her exhibition and
her background as a photographer and artist.
The exhibition, a visual journey across
America, featured over 30 mixed-media
works depicting everyday life.
FIDF Southeast Region Chairman
Garry Sobel (from left), Israel Defense
Forces Chief of the General Staff Lt.
Gen. Benjamin (Benny) Gantz, and
FIDF Southeast Region Executive
Director Seth Baron (Photo: Shahar
Azran)
KAPLAN RECEIVES COMMUNITY
SERVICE AWARD. The DeKalb Association
of Realtors recently awarded the prestigious
Clark Harrison Community Service Award
to real estate agent Joan Kaplan. Kaplan is
affiliated with Marshall Berch & Associates
of Palmer House Properties. Kaplan has a
long history of initiating and participating in
philanthropic activities related to her home/
family, neighborhood, school, synagogue,
Joan Kaplan
photo, Orange Tiger Lily
Ketura shows appreciation to
Ms. Friedland: (from left) Ketura
President Annie Kohut, Susan K.
Friedland, and Event Chairs Maxine
Schein and Esther Low
Hadassah visitors in front of Booth
Western Art Museum sculpture:
(from left) Joan Solomon, Suzy
Wilner, Larry Ginsburg, and Larry
and Rachel Schonberger
Renae Marx Popkin
DOR TAMID GALA. On March 8, over
250 members and friends attended “Circus
of Dreams,” the 10-Year Anniversary Gala
of Congregation Dor Tamid, North Fulton’s
largest Reform congregation. The gala
recognized the synagogue’s predominance
in the local Jewish and secular communities,
served as CDT’s largest single fundraiser,
and honored CDT’s 180 founding members.
CDT resulted from a union, in 2004, of
Temple Shir Shalom and Congregation
B’nai Dorot. Led by Rabbi Michael
Weinstein, it offers a full range of activities
and programs, including extended day
preschool, religious school, sisterhood,
men’s club, youth groups, social action and
caring committees, adult education, and
havarahs.
Susan K. Friedland in front of her
SBP SALE COMPLETED. On April 30,
the Marcus Jewish Community Center
of Atlanta completed the sale of Shirley
Blumenthal Park, the MJCCA’s 32-acre
campus in East Cobb, to Mt. Bethel United
Methodist Church. Mt. Bethel UMC will
use the site for a new private high school.
The MJCCA operated the East Cobb
property for more than 25 years. MJCCA
services and partnerships will continue at
various synagogues and establishments
in East Cobb, and there will be free bus
transportation from East Cobb to more than
100 summer day camps at the main campus
in Dunwoody.
See MISHMASH, page 37
May-June 2014
Classnotes
From page 36
home silver honors. Kenan Berenson, Sloan
Wyatt and Scott Fineberg broke school
records. 1st-place honors went to Daniel
Livnat, Josh Izenson, Kenan Berenson,
Daniel Livnat, Noah Medwed, and Josh
Izenson. 2nd-place winners include Hannah
Shapiro, Sloan Wyatt, Jeffrey Parmet, Kenan
Berenson, Jordan Arbiv, Josh Izenson, and
Adam Sturisky. 3rd-place winners include
Josh Izenson, Jordan Arbiv, Dylan Oakes
and Sophia Videlefsky. Pictured (back, from
left) Scott Fienberg, Daniel Livnat, Kenan
Berenson, Jordan Arbiv, and Jeffrey Parmet.
(front, from left) Sophia Videlefsky, Sloan
Wyatt, Josh Izenson, Adam Sturisky, Dylan
Oakes, and Hannah Shapiro
TOPS IN TECHNOLOGY. Four Epstein
students place in the top three at the 2014
Georgia Educational Technology Fair.
Principal Aaron Griffin, Technology
Instructor Helene Marcus, Technology
Instructor and Regional Technology Fair
Co-Chair Leora Wollner, and Epstein’s
Systems Administrator and the Co-Chair for
the State Technology Fair, Anthony Shields
worked with students during the tech-fair
process. Pictured: Gavriella Mamane, 3rd
place, Digital Photography, 3rd-4th grade;
Benjamin Sturisky and Jordan Leff, 3rd
place, Mobile Apps Design, 3rd-4th grade;
and Isabel Berlin, 2nd place, Multimedia
Application, 7th-8th grade
MOBILE FURNITURE. Students from
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
conducted research at The Epstein School
as part of their study in Furniture Design.
Interest was sparked when SCAD learned
about Epstein’s new mobile furniture. As
part of The Epstein School’s move toward
creating a Blended Education-environment
last year, the school began piloting new
and innovative mobile furniture into its
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
MISHMASH
fifth-grade and middle-school classrooms
through a partnership with SteelCase
Furniture. The young designers’ research
helped them to envision what the next
generation of educational-furniture design
might look like and how it will need to
function to maximize student engagement
and 21st-Century learning. Pictured: (back,
from left) Zhiyi Zhao, Shivani Bhargava,
Dr. Meldrena Chapin, Niloufar Maddah,
Xin Wang, and Weijun Li (front, from
left): Yuchen Shao, Shannon Griffin, Tara
Headley, and Jonathan Partridge
From page 35
EXPLORING
MODERN
JEWISH
LITERATURE. Weber Junior Sarah
Spielberger (pictured) was one of 36
high-school students from around the
country chosen to participate in the oneweek, tuition-free Great Jewish Books
summer program, held at the Yiddish Book
Center, at Hampshire College, in Amherst,
Massachusetts. The program brings
together a select group of rising high school
juniors and seniors to read, discuss, argue
about, and fall in love with modern Jewish
literature. Participants will study with some
of the nation’s most respected literary
scholars and meet prominent contemporary
authors.
STATE CHAMPION. Weber School
Freshmen Becky Arbiv (center) ran a
historic 300m hurdles race at the 2014
GISA Track & Field Championship. Becky
competed at the state meet as the Region
Champion in the 300m hurdles, pole vault,
and high jump. She easily qualified for the
final in the 300m hurdles and took bronze
in the high jump. She was the #3 seed for
the 300m hurdles final race and crossed the
finish line in 1st place with a school record
time of 48.43. Becky enjoyed success as
a member of the Varsity Volleyball and
Varsity Basketball squads and was named
All-Region for both teams.
DIALOGUE AMONG FAITHS. Weber
members of Peace by Piece spent the day at
the W.D. Mohammed School learning about
Islam. Peace by Piece is a program designed
to encourage dialogue and interaction among
different faiths. Students, as shown here,
from the W.D. Mohammed, Marist, and
Weber schools visit each others’ schools and
participate in various community activities
together in order to break down stereotypes,
build bridges, and forge connections.
Page 37
WHAT’S NEXT FOR WEBER GRADS.
Members of The Weber School’s Class of
2014 are receiving acceptances to a variety
of colleges and universities, including
University of Michigan, Emory University,
University of Georgia, University of
Virginia, and Duke University. Students also
received early acceptances to distinguished
schools such as Colby College, University
of Pennsylvania, and New York University.
Of special note this year, three seniors signed
letters of intent to play NCAA Division III
baseball at Tufts University, Middlebury
College, and Denison University.
TENNIS CHAMPS. For the fourth straight
year, the Weber girls tennis team is the
Region 1-AAA champion. Boys tennis
had a 2nd-place region finish, their fifth
year as either 1st or 2nd in the region. In
girls doubles, Joni Seligson and Samantha
Leff won 1st in the region and were named
All-Region for the second straight year;
Samantha Krantz and Olivia Goldstein
placed 3rd. In singles, Lauren Rein placed
2nd and was named All-Region; Eden
Axler placed 3rd. In boys doubles, Nathan
Paull and Josh Lipton placed 2nd in the
region and were named All-Region; Scott
Tenenbaum and Matt Kurzweil finished 4th.
In singles, Jake Weiser placed 3rd, and Cole
Frieder placed 4th in the region.
COMMUNITY PURIM PARADE. On
March 9, The Mount Scopus Group of
Greater Atlanta Hadassah participated
in the Atlanta Purim Parade. Purim
marks the 102nd year for Hadassah.
Pictured: Mt. Scopus members Loretta
Bernstein (from left), Susan Berkowitz,
Rachael Schonberger, and Anita Levy
YOM HA’ATZMAUT. On May 18, the
Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast
and guest of honor, Georgia Governor
Nathan Deal, celebrated Israel’s 66th
Independence Day with a reception at
The Temple in Atlanta. The event brought
together members of the Atlanta area
religious, political, academic, business,
and cultural communities for an evening
honoring the great relationship between
the State of Georgia and the State of Israel
on the occasion of Israel’s 66th birthday.
Attendees included Attorney General Sam
Olens, Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald,
Commissioner Gary Black, Georgia Bureau
of Investigation Director Vernon Keenan,
American-Israel Chamber of Commerce
(AICC) President and CEO and Chairman
of the Board, Shai Robkin and Joel Neuman,
and Columbus State University President
Tim Mescon. Pictured (from left): Deputy
Consul General Ron Brummer, Consul
General Opher Aviran, First Lady Sandra
Deal, Governor Nathan Deal, Talyah Aviran,
The Temple Senior Rabbi Peter Berg toast
to Israel’s 66th Independence Day.
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Page 38
May-June 2014
How old is the universe? The Kabbalists and Newton weigh in
BY Rabbi Richard
Baroff, D.D.
Given the recent debate between
evolutionist Bill Nye the Science Guy and
creationist Ken Ham, there has been more
public talk than usual concerning the age
of the universe. For Ken Ham, and many
creationists, the answer would be about six
thousand years. Famously for creationists,
and infamously for evolutionists, 17thcentury Bishop James Ussher, of the
Church of Ireland, dated the cosmos to
4004 B.C.E. He even felt confident enough
to give the exact date. He would go on to
give a chronology of biblical events with
corresponding dates. Others had calculated
the age of the universe based chronological
studies as well, including two very great
scientists: Johannes Kepler and Sir Isaac
Newton.
Today, no scientists of the caliber of
Kepler or Newton would do so. But Kepler
and Newton were religious mystics, as well
as analytical scientists. In Kepler’s day
(1500s), astronomy and astrology had not
quite completely separated. Kepler would
only give up his mystical beliefs regarding
planetary motion reluctantly. In Newton’s
time (1600s), science and theology had
become completely distinct. So the great
mathematician and natural philosopher was
able to keep the two obsessions of his life—
physics and the Bible—separate. Newton
would study both with passion, but not at
the same time.
Kepler, Newton, and Ussher all
basically agreed—within a century or so—
on the time of creation. It was about 4000
B.C.E.—which would make the world about
six thousand years old today. It is ironic to
think that Newton, in particular, the father
of modern science and the most celebrated
figure of the Age of Reason, seemed to
have been a young earth creationist. But for
Newton, as much as for Maimonides, say,
both faith and science extolled the Creator.
For Maimonides, and for Newton, the
research of the scientist is a way to worship
God.
We live in the Jewish year 5774. The
creation began year one in Genesis Chapter
1. This would make the date of creation
roughly 3760 B.C.E. The Jewish sages
appear to be even slightly more young
earthers than Kepler, Newton, and Ussher.
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Rabbi Yose ben Halafta, a student of Rabbi
Akiva in the second century of the Common
Era, calculated the classical chronology
of the rabbis and so gave his version of
creation’s date. In his Grand Order of the
Cosmos (Seder Olam Rabba) he gives a
chronology from Gen. 1 to his own time. His
reckoning gives us a universe that would be
5,774 years old today.
In order for the six thousand year
“window” to be feasible, creation would
have to take place very quickly. Neptunism
was an early geological school of thought
that held that large-scale change on earth
can move with dramatic speed. Plutonism,
by contrast, held that geological processes,
such as rock formation, are slow and steady.
Did the seas quickly cause great granite
formations, as the school of Neptune (the
Roman sea-god) would have it? Or did
the molten rock under the surface cool
over time, as the school of Pluto (the
Roman god of the underworld) taught? The
Plutonists won out, largely due to the work
of Charles Lyell. His Principles of Geology
(1830) expanded on Plutonist ideas,
maintaining that the landscapes, seascapes,
and formations of our planet progress at a
largely steady rate over very long epochs of
time (Uniformitarianism).
What Lyell, the Scottish Enlightenment
geologist, succeeded in doing in his great
book was to create a framework in time
that would allow the natural processes of
evolution to unfold over enormous periods
of time. So the Principles of Geology
became central to the thinking of young
Charles Darwin.
Darwin’s Origin of Species owes a good
deal to Lyell’s work. The Earth was not
thousand of years old, but tens of millions
(and we now know billions).
The universe is even older—
cosmologists aver at least thirteen billion
years old. According to the Russian
physicist George Gamow, the cosmos began
in what was—and is—called the Big Bang.
Darwinian evolution must fit into the larger
evolution of the universe, a grand narrative
over thirteen billion years in the making. It is
interesting that Gamow also helped explain
biological evolution through his analysis of
DNA—the building blocks at the heart of
life.
Two medieval rabbis steeped in
Kabbalah theorized that the universe was in
fact billions of years old.
Both Bahya ben Asher ben Halawa and
Rabbi Isaac of Akko lived in the same time
(between 1250-1350). Both posited modern
sounding timelines for the universe. Rabbi
Isaac even overshot the birthday of the
cosmos a bit—he calculated a universe 15
billion years old.
Bahya Ben Asher is the more important
figure in the history of medieval Spanish
Jewry and Kabbalah. It was he who
developed the four-fold hermeneutic for
understanding Torah: scripture can be seen
on the level of narrative (P’shat), morality
(D’rash), science and philosophy (Sekhel,
later Remez), and mysticism (Sod). It was
Bahya’s vision of these four layers of
meaning that would be remembered by the
acronym PaRDeS, taken from the Persian
word for paradise. On the level of p’shat, it
is clear that Genesis Chapter One states that
the heavens and Earth were created in six
days. But at the deeper levels of philosophy
and mysticism, Bahya held that the cosmos
emerged billions of years ago. Bereishit
Rabba (he Great Midrash on Genesis) also
maintained a very old cosmic age.
Rabbi Isaac of Akko moved to Spain
after 1300, probably from Italy. He held that
there existed giant cycles of creation called
Shemitot. Tallying the Shemitot up, he came
to fifteen billion years. Jewish mystics,
much like the Hindu yogis, thought in such
astronomical numbers. Even Charles Lyell
did not imagine such a prodigious time
span. Of course, neither Isaac nor Bahya
developed a theory of evolution—either
cosmic or biological—but they expanded
the chronology suggested by Genesis from
six days to billions of years and the birth of
creation from thousands of years in the past
to billions of years ago. Thus they gave the
cosmos plenty of time for matter to develop
at a natural pace.
It would seem that Kabbalah opens the
mind to the grandeur of the very large and
the very long ago.
The six days of creation had become
very large successive eons of time—the
handiwork of an infinite God.
May-June 2014
THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Page 39
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THE JEWISH GEORGIAN
Page 40
May-June 2014
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