A Guide to the
High Holidays and 5781
Hope is a Mitzvah: A High Holiday Message By Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal
T
his last year has been full of uncertainties and challenges. Our lives have been upended in ways we could never have imagined. These times will be studied by future historians who will explore the heroism of humanity as well as its failures. As we sit amidst it all, it is hard for us to see it from afar, to take a step back and review, inspect and, of course, imagine what the future might hold; this is precisely what the Jewish religion asks of us at High Holiday time. This is what our God demands of us at this time: to take a look at our world, to take a look at our community and most importantly to take a look at ourselves. We must celebrate our accomplishments, seek amends for the marks we missed and strengthen ourselves for the spiritual journey ahead. This year, we will experience the holidays in a way that is like no other time in human history (and, hopefully, the only time in our history!). We will come together but stay apart. We will sing together but not be heard by each other. We will be brought into our sacred, holy synagogue building while remaining within the privacy of our homes. I will not pretend that any of this is ideal. It is far from it. And like I said, I hope this is the last time we experience the Yomim Noraim (The Days of Awe) in such a manner. However, moments like these can be the stepping-stones for great change and healing in the world. And, therefore, we must follow the commandment to be hopeful. The Jewish people have accomplished amazing feats with the idea of hope, Ha’Tikvah. The Jewish people have traversed the most difficult moments in world history with hope. We have raised our children and grandchildren to be proud of who they are even when our neighbors have treated us poorly. We built the nation of 1 • A Guide to High Holidays and 5781
Israel with just a hope and a prayer. We are the Jewish people! Our ancestors wrestled with angels and prevailed. We are descendants of kings and queens, warriors and poets, scholars, and healers. We stared down the mightiest of empires, megalomaniacs and dictators and shouted out hope. We will survive this moment and we will thrive. And our survival will be better if we do it as a family. This is why belonging to your Ahavath Achim family, a family of “Brotherly Love” is so important. You belong to a family who cares for one another. You belong to a family who celebrates and supports one another. You belong to a family who makes a difference in each others’ lives and the world around us. You belong to Ahavath Achim synagogue; and Ahavath Achim belongs to you.
A Message From the President By Gerry Benjamin
H
century pandemic.
aving served as Synagogue Executive Vice President for the past two years, I was certain that my learning curve would be steep and full of challenges upon assuming the Presidency of our AA Congregation. Little did I know, however, that upon my recent installation we would be facing a once-in-a-
We are witnessing, first-hand, both the economic and emotional impacts of COVID-19, as it takes a toll on all our AA family members, but particularly our most vulnerable populations. From our seniors, experiencing isolation and anxiety from needing to shelter at-home and whose loved ones fear infecting them with the virus if they were to come to visit, to young college graduates and professionals facing rampant unemployment or underemployment never imagined to be possible; for many, a feeling of indignity, having to file for unemployment benefits for the first time in their lives, to those grieving from the loss of a lovedone, whereby the comfort intended to be derived from shiva has had to be replaced with virtual interactions (hardly the same), to those laying a loved one to rest via a virtual funeral service. What have we all learned through this difficult time? I believe that each of us has been abruptly reminded of the importance of family, friends, personal interaction, and our faith. I’ve observed first-hand how our clergy, professional staff and lay leaders have responded in real time to these challenges, from conducting Shabbat services and daily morning and afternoon minyan in virtual format (with record participation), to telephoning each of our congregants to check on their well-being, inquiring if there are needs for pastoral care, to
conducting funeral and shiva services virtually, to hosting education and networking sessions for recent college grads and young professionals facing unemployment for the first time, to planning and conducting B’nai Mitzvah services via virtual format. To be certain, these are very challenging times for the AA. With neither the ability to gather in-person, nor to pray and experience the High Holidays together in our sanctuary, nor to solicit your support in-person, nor or to personally shake your hand to thank you for all you do for our AA family, we are forced to adjust to this uniquely challenging time. As you are likely aware, our annual dues cover only about two-thirds of the synagogue’s annual operating budget. Simply stated, we cannot balance our synagogue budget this year without your support. Thus, I respectfully ask for your special consideration and financial support in response to this year’s Yom Kippur Appeal. We are extremely fortunate to have identified four of our AA families who have recognized the unique challenge that we face this year, brought on by COVID-19, to balance the Synagogue’s budget, and have generously agreed to together match the first $100,000 of funds raised from this year’s Yom Kippur Appeal. Each of you should have previously received a Yom Kippur Appeal card in the mail, indicating the level of support that you are comfortable extending to the Synagogue. Before selecting a donation level, I ask you to reflect upon the importance of our AA family and those less fortunate than ourselves, and to dig as deep as you are able this year, to allow the Synagogue to care for each of our fellow AA family members in need. For over 133 years the AA has been here to provide you and your family with spiritual support and caring. From facilitating simchas and other life cycle events, to providing pastoral care, to engaging in social justice programs, to providing cultural and educational programming, A Guide to High Holidays and 5781 • 2
to caring for our most vulnerable members, our AA family is united in caring and celebrating together. I ask each of you to challenge yourselves and step up to do just a bit more in response to this year’s Yom Kippur appeal than may otherwise feel comfortable.
On behalf of my fellow AA officers and directors and our entire AA community, I thank you in advance for your generosity and continued support, and wish you and your families a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year and a G’mar Chatima Tova (good final sealing)!
CUT HERE
CUT HERE
5781 Yom Kippur Appeal Build our future by supporting the Yom Kippur Appeal
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Phone:
To make a donation, please complete this card and mail it (with check enclosed) to Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30327. Donations can also be made online at aasyn.org/yom-kippur-appeal.
3 • A Guide to High Holidays and 5781
Connections and Hope in a Socially Distant World By Rabbis Laurence Rosenthal and Sam Blustin Beyond singing, we knew that our future needed to be focused on our current family and on our family of the future, those not yet part of our community. This meant children. Through much discussion and soul searching, we re-imagined our capital campaign and built a fabulous preschool. From its beginning, Ahava has been a trailblazer in the Atlanta community with a Reggio-inspired program of learning that is a model of early childhood education. Ahava was created by you, our spiritual family. Led by our very own Elisa Ezor and the most talented team of educators, designers, builders, and others who are all part of our AA family, Ahava was built and is helping to change the lives of children and hile at this time, it is somewhat difficult families every day. to look to the future and be positive and excited, we have an opportunity Truthfully, if Rabbi Sam and Ahava were the only to be hopeful and enthusiastic about new signs of our bright future, Dayenu: that would opportunities for our spiritual family. As we have have been enough. But that isn’t the end of the made changes to the ways we work and socialize, story. Because of this focus on excellence, some we have an opportunity to make some changes of our families recommended the formation of to the way we worship. a new Youth and Family Education committee. As a result of the committee’s quick work, we There are challenges, of course, but these were able to engage a new Education Director, challenges mean that a spiritual community Sharon Graetz. Sharon’s experience, energy, and like ours has the greatest opportunity to be absolute love of Jewish education and synagogue impactful, provide support, and create a muchlife have positioned our education program to needed sense of connection and hope in a flourish and thrive. socially distant world. Many of you within our spiritual family have created a sunny forecast for Since last High Holidays, our congregation us. implemented and executed a listening campaign. More than 200 congregants met in small groups Over the last few years, you have leaned into to discuss the future of our beloved Ahavath our evolution. Our last few High Holidays have Achim congregation and how they wanted to see been all about spiritual music. We merged the it thrive. As a result of those discussions, the tent service with the main service. Although engagement committee was able to provide our there were skeptics, our AA family embraced the leadership with guidance to deepen our prayer experience and it was amazing. We changed the services, Chesed, and social justice offerings. format of our prayers and focused on praying Because our spiritual family spoke up during and singing together rather than continuing with our listening campaign, we heard our future the traditional “davening” and silent reading. loud and clear and now have the mandate and Our spiritual community leaned in and our guidance for meaningful engagement. singing grew. When it came time to hire another rabbi for our congregation, the choice was easy. COVID-19 has also provided an opportunity for We needed someone who feels as passionate our Chesed committee and social justice heroes about spiritual music as our AA community and to make a huge impact on our community. The who is talented enough to take us to the next Ring My Bell initiatives, Backpack Buddies, and level. Welcome, Rabbi Sam Blustin! Operation Isaiah 2.0, to help our fellow Jews and
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others in need, are only a few of the ways our community has impacted and supported our AA family and the Atlanta community. So, what can we expect in this bright future? With the aforementioned changes and additions to our synagogue life, we expect to experience spirituality and a closeness to God through song. Jews have been drawing near to Ha’Kadosh Barachu (The Holy One of Blessing) through song since we were formed as a nation over three thousand years ago. We will feel a new sense of spirituality and closeness, to tradition, to each other, and to God through the music that we make together, connecting us to something greater than ourselves. We will learn together. Following our Ahava example, we will begin creating new educational programs to improve our Jewish literacy and tap into the incredible wisdom Judaism has to offer. This will give all of us a greater sense of purpose and belonging.
5 • A Guide to High Holidays and 5781
Finally, we will see a new focus on leadership, not just leadership for our congregation, but also leadership for Atlanta, our country, and this world. Like in our creation story, the future is currently null and void: it has yet to be molded and formed. It would be foolish and dangerous to simply wait for the future to show itself and then adapt to the circumstances. Instead, we have been given a unique opportunity to be leaders in crafting a meaningful and purposeful Jewish future. It will take strong leadership to craft what tomorrow will look like. Through our synagogue and preschool governance, social justice initiative, and spiritual opportunities, we will craft a future that is brighter than we could ever imagine. We look forward to walking, hand in hand through turbulent waters, into the Promised Land. Let’s take our next steps together.
The Blessings of This Congregational Rabbi By Rabbi Neil Sandler
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Oh, so you’re a rabbi. What kind of job is that for a nice Jewish boy?” Over the years, people who have asked me that rhetorical question have done so with a smile. Others have turned to me and emphatically asserted, without a smile, “Boy, I wouldn’t want to do what you do!” Their statement had little to do with the rigors of observance or announcing pages at services. They considered all that a congregational rabbi does and the experience he/she has as a result (so the person thinks) of having “over a thousand bosses.” Who would want to do anything as difficult, unnecessarily challenging, and unappealing as being a congregational rabbi?! Me. “If I had it to do all over again, would I do anything significantly different?” “Would I have entered another profession?” I began to reflect on those questions long ago. Now that I have completed my full-time rabbinic career, I can emphatically tell you that I have never wavered in my responses. Have I been terribly frustrated and angry at times? Of course! But have I ever regretted my decision to become a congregational rabbi? Absolutely not! If I had it to do all over again, there is little I would change. I have been incredibly fortunate and blessed. My sixteen plus years at Ahavath Achim have been a continuation of the good fortune and blessings I experienced during my first twentyone years in the rabbinate. In fact, they have magnified those blessings.
More than anything I have derived sippuk nefesh, a profound sense of satisfaction, from the pastoral and life-cycle moments I spend with people. All of us can enjoy happy moments with others. All of us can offer consolation and hope to people at difficult times. But for reasons I came to understand and appreciate many years ago, when all is ‘right,’ I, the rabbi, add a dimension that no one else brings to that moment… I provide an awareness of God’s presence that uplifts or comfort of a sort different than others offer. Those times mean a great deal to me. In related fashion, sometimes in conversations, sometimes in teaching settings and sometimes through the uniquely clergy tool of the sermon, I have helped to create new understanding or meaning for people in ways that matter to them. Sometimes that awareness occurs in a specific moment; sometimes it is the result of the cumulative effect of my words over time (Personal note – Dennis Gilbride taught me that last point back in Des Moines. Twenty-five years later, he is still my congregant and friend here in Atlanta). What a blessing it is for me to know that I have contributed something of meaning, maybe even of a lasting sort, that makes a difference for someone. Finally, after more than thirty-seven years, I can recognize how I helped the congregations I served to progress in meaningful ways…each one somewhat different from the others. I may not have been effective in all those congregations, but I made a difference in most of them. Sometimes, over the course of my tenure, I was able to help the congregation heal. At other times, I enabled individual congregants and the congregation to see congregational life in a different, more helpful, light. That realization brings me additional blessing. My colleague, Rabbi Ed Feinstein, recently completed a book about his mentor, Rabbi Harold Schulweis (z”l), In Pursuit of Godliness and a Living Judaism. In a single sentence, Rabbi Feinstein captures the essence of a congregational rabbi’s sacred task - “The rabbi mediates between the A Guide to High Holidays and 5781 • 6
truths of the past and the conditions of the present.” Over the years, I have probably focused on my failures in that regard. That is my nature. However, when I ‘step back from the canvas’ of my entire rabbinic career, I recognize that I sought to create something of beauty and, at times, I significantly succeeded in doing so, as Rabbi Feinstein framed the rabbi’s task. What a blessing!
7 • A Guide to High Holidays and 5781
Susan, Ariel and Jamie, Aliza and Matt, and Josh and Rachel (boy, talk about blessings!) wish you and all your loved ones a year of good health and well-being. May you recognize your blessings and how YOU are a blessing!
5781 High Holidays Live From Your Living Room By Rabbi Sam Blustin
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t goes without saying that these Holidays will be unique. While we will not be together in our iconic sanctuary, we will be together live in your living room, joined by our AA family across Atlanta, the state of Georgia, and the entire United States. We are confident that despite the drawbacks of virtually celebrating the High Holidays together, the experiences we’ve curated will be the most meaningful experiences we can create in our COVID-connected world. In our services, we’ve tried hard to create as many moments of connection as possible – moments of connection to yourself, to your prayer, to your AA family, to your tradition, to your building, and to that which is larger than yourself. When possible, we’ll meet over zoom in a manner similar to our Shabbat services. In our more well attended services (Rosh Hashanah morning and all of Yom Kippur), we’ll be live streaming the services directly to our website homepage. All our main services will be led from in front our beautiful sanctuary ark, and will be joined by a handful of singers offering us uplifting harmony and the feeling that, even if we can’t be physically together as community, we are still together – praying, studying, pleading – and united. For the Torah Service, where we felt that we could not do without the faces and voices of those in our community who have leyned for many years, we’ve created a compelling recorded Torah experience which will be a part of the live stream and will feature those who have read our sacred texts year after year, framed by short intentions from our various community rabbis. Finally, for those for whom traditional services might be less meaningful or less participatory than they’re looking for, we’ve created several alternative study and prayer experiences on Zoom throughout our Holidays. For families, we’ve partnered with Eliana Light, an incredible educator and touring Jewish musician, to join with thousands of other families and dozens of communities across the U.S. for three unique family services. Many will have more intimate moments at the end, where you’ll join a separate Zoom room for storytelling with one of our rabbis. Sharon Graetz (our new Director of Education) and Jackie Nix will lead
several programs for families, and Rabbi Blustin will lead a special family service for our families on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. While the experience we’ve created has the potential to be transformative, we know that it would feel incomplete without feeling a physical connection to our makom kadosh, our holy gathering place. Therefore, we’ve created a drive-in Shofar experience in the afternoon on the second day of Rosh Hashanah that will allow us to gather together, in our cars, to hear the blowing of the Shofar and words of inspiration for the new year. This year, there are no tickets. We invite you to come as you are and participate where you feel comfortable. Feel free to jump between experiences, take a break as you need to, and be as present as you can while you’re joining us for prayer. For those who have never experienced online prayer, we invite you to give it a try. We encourage you to visit our website where we have published a special page devoted to the 5781 High Holidays; on this page, you will find everything you need (Zoom links, service schedules, etc.) as you navigate your way through our virtual, yet spiritual High Holiday experience. Check this page regularly for announcements and the most up-to-date information. Finally, we invite you to take some time on your own, in the quiet of your home or out in nature, to reflect on your year and offer up your own prayers. While our formal liturgy offers a really important vehicle to prayer, we recognize that it does not speak to everyone at every moment. Trust in your own soul to guide you towards what feels right and meaningful. See you live – right in your living room.
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Service Schedule Erev Rosh Hashanah - Friday, September 18 6:30 pm
Mincha/Ma'ariv
Zoom
1st Day Rosh Hashanah - Saturday, September 19 8:00 am
P'sukei D'zimra and Shacharit
Live Stream
Torah Service
Live Stream
Interactive Session A Chant Meditation Service Led by Bonnie and Michael Levine
Zoom
Interactive Session B Torah Study led by Judy Marx
Zoom
Interactive Session C HomeBeis@AA Family Program Unetanneh Tokef: Being Our Best Selves Led by Sharon Graetz and Jackie Nix
Zoom
10 am - 12:30 pm
Musaf
Live Stream
2:00 pm
Atlanta-Wide USY Teen Discussion Group (6th - 12th graders)
Zoom
3:00 pm
Family Service with Eliana Light followed by Story Time with Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal and Sharon Graetz
Zoom
7:30 pm
Mincha/Ma'ariv
Zoom
9 - 10 am
2nd Day Rosh Hashanah - Sunday, September 20 8:00 am
P'sukei D'zimra and Shacharit
Live Stream
Torah Service
Live Stream
Interactive Session A Torah Study led by Andy Zangwill
Zoom
Interactive Session B HomeBeis@AA Family Service Led by Rabbi Sam Blustin, Sharon Graetz, and Jackie Nix Shofar Blowing by Tyler Avchen
Zoom
10:00 am
Musaf
Live Stream
3:30 pm
Drive-In Shofar Service (registration required)
Lower Lot
7:30 pm
Mincha/Ma'ariv
Zoom
9 - 10 am
Kol Nidre - Sunday, September 27 4:30 pm
Family Service with Eliana Light
Zoom
6:30 pm
Mincha
Live Stream
6:45 pm
Kol Nidre Sermon
Live Stream
7:00 pm
Kol Nidre Service
Live Stream
7:45 pm
Ma'ariv
Live Stream
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Yom Kippur - Monday, September 28 8:00 am
P'sukei D'zimra and Shacharit
Live Stream
Torah Service
Live Stream
Interactive Session A Torah Study led by Dr. Steve Chervin
Zoom
Interactive Session B HomeBeis@AA Family Program Jonah and the Whale: How to Say Sorry Led by Sharon Graetz and Jackie Nix
Zoom
10 am - 1 pm
Musaf | Yom Kippur Appeal | Sermon | Yizkor Service
Zoom
3 - 4 pm
Family Service with Eliana Light followed by Interactive Session with Sharon Graetz, Jackie Nix, and Rabbi Neil Sandler
Zoom
3:30 - 5:30 pm
Yom Kippur Chant and Drum Service Led by Bonnie and Michael Levine
Zoom
5:30 pm
Mincha
Live Stream
6:30 pm
Neilah
Live Stream
7:45 pm
Ma'ariv
Live Stream
8:00 pm
Havdallah and Final Shofar Blast
Live Stream
9 - 10 am
2nd Day Rosh Hashanah Shofar Service Join your Ahavath Achim family for the most unusual and spectacular Shofar service in AA’s history. Park side by side with your AA family as you fulfill the spiritual obligation of hearing the Shofar sounded in person. For security and capacity purposes, registration is required. Please register online at aasyn.org/drive-in-shofar or by calling the office (404.355.5222). The deadline to register is Wednesday, September 16. For any questions or concerns, please contact Jackie Nix at jnix@aasynagogue.org or 404.603.5743.
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A Family United in Prayer and Tradition Daily Minyan
Torah Study
The daily minyanim at AA continue a rich tradition going back more than 100 years. They allow us to greet each morning with gratitude for our wellbeing and renew our spirit and energy for the day ahead. Each evening, we close our day with prayer and camaraderie, an opportunity to reflect on our efforts, accomplishments and aspirations.
Learn, engage, and renew at Torah Study! Are you interested in a deeper understanding of the Torah portions you hear recited each week? AA’s Torah study is your answer.
Ahavath Achim is one of a few Atlanta synagogues that offers a minyan every day of the week, two times a day. Both congregants and community members are invited to join the services for prayer, fellowship and Yahrzeit observances. Daily minyan services are held in Ellman Chapel. Morning minyan runs approximately 45 – 60 minutes, and evening minyan runs approximately 30 minutes. A minyan opens the spiritual heart of Ahavath Achim every day. If you are in mourning or saying Kaddish for a Yahrzeit, come to our minyan for those holy moments within our sacred community. While our physical doors are closed due to COVID-19, our virtual doors are open. Morning and evening services are being conducted via Zoom meetings. Zoom links can be accessed through our website’s online calendar at aasynagogue.org/events. Morning Minyan (presently via Zoom) Sunday: 9:00 am Monday - Friday: 7:15 am Evening Minyan Schedule (presently via Zoom) Sunday – Thursday: 6:00 pm
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Congregants attending Torah study are provided unique perspectives on weekly Torah portions. Each week a different leader facilitates the session and shares his or her interpretation of the Torah portion as a basis for group discussion. Contemporary issues related to the Torah are presented as well as parallel stories from other sources and renowned rabbinical writings. Attendees have the opportunity to analyze and express their ideas related to these materials with fellow congregants. Torah study at AA is one important way to enliven the Torah and enrich the people participating. Torah study is held every Shabbat morning from 10:30 - 11:30 am. Please join us! If you are interested in facilitating a Torah Study session or need additional information, please contact Joseph Citron (joecitron@aol.com) or Andrew Zangwill (andrew.zangwill@physics.gatech.edu).
Why do I attend evening minyan? I started participating in minyan to say kaddish after losing my parents. I came for them, but I stayed for me. I came for me, but I stay for community. I came for comfort, but I stay for enjoyment. I came for the rituals, but I stay for the friends I’ve made. - Hazel Gold
Attending minyan on a regular basis is meaningful to me because it has provided me the opportunity to meet and get to know congregants on a personal basis. Seeing the same dedicated individuals daily and talking with them before and/or after the service and sharing what is going on in our lives has meant that many of these congregants have become like family to me. Through minyan, I have developed some sincere friendships that go beyond the synagogue walls. Praying with these individuals daily has become an important part of my day. Especially now, in the time of the pandemic, it is even more important to me to have something positive to look forward to on a regular basis. It provides a sort of structure to my day. Thanks to the way our Shul has set up the Zoom sessions, we can see each other, hear each other, and chat before and/or after the service. - Charles Hacker
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A Family United in Making a Difference Beyond the Protest: Insight into My Passion for Social Justice By Taylor Smith
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had a privileged upbringing. My upbringing consisted not only of a good education and loving family, but I was part of a community that was extremely diverse and inclusive. My formative years were spent at a progressive private school here in Atlanta. There were classes whose sole purpose were discussing race and social reform, not just the one chapter in a US History book. Stories of Civil Rights leaders of the past were discussed in almost mythological proportions. In addition, I was fortunate to have a very diverse group of friends that embraced each other regardless of their differences. We were Black, White, Jewish, Protestant but that was insignificant because we all cared deeply about each other and still do. I realized it then, but it is very apparent now, that the world that I grew up in is very different from the world that I live in now. I remember going to college and seeing racism and bigotry firsthand. Racial slurs were more commonplace than I ever thought they would be. I knew that college would be different from my high school, but I didn’t expect to see such blatant forms of prejudice. I had a difficult time reconciling my new relationships without feeling like I have forsaken the ones that I cared about the most. My experiences in the professional world haven’t been much different. There are always the thinly veiled comments. In most cases, I have remained silent. I have felt powerless to change people’s perceptions for fear of reprisal. The shame and guilt of these situations are never far away.
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My wife, Bethany, and I have strong roots at AA. Both of our families have been a part of the synagogue for over three generations. Our daughter has been enrolled at Ahava Early Learning Center for the past three years and we were drawn to it, in part, because of its open and inclusive nature. It was very reminiscent of parts of my upbringing, which gives me great comfort. When Rabbi Rosenthal penned a response to the incomprehensible death of George Floyd, I felt compelled to let him know that I would help in any way possible. My wife jumped at the opportunity to help as well. We didn’t expect him to take us up on it, and we certainly didn’t expect to be in a position to help guide this new initiative. We call it Love Unites Hate Divides. Our goal is to promote outreach to the black community, create opportunities for learning within the congregation, and foster a community that speaks out against all forms of discrimination. We do not have all the answers, but we are intent on building relationships with people of color within our community in order to gain a better understanding of the challenges that exist. Lastly, our family attended a protest a couple of months ago. The protest was on the same street that I walked home from every day in high school. I walked up and down the street with my young son strapped to me in a baby carrier with him holding his sign that read, “Learning to Use My Voice.” I began to get emotional and overcome with a lot of feelings. There were hundreds of people everywhere gathered to express their concern over recent events. It was so peaceful and heartwarming. I realized that Atlanta was and is still a great place. Being on that street, I was reminded of the good that exists within our community and how appreciative I was of that during my formative years. I also realized that the issues that exist within the community must be solved by both sides. Some of the protests have proven to be positive events that galvanize individuals across wide spectrums. Other protests have devolved into anarchy and violence and been politicized. My wife and I view Love Unites Hate Divides as the continuation of the conversation that started with the protests, as we focus on creating strong
interpersonal relationships within and outside of the community. I was fortunate in my youth to have great relations, but I want to make sure the environment that I grew up in is not a privilege but commonplace.
Help End Sex Trafficking of Minors
The AAACTS (Awareness and Action to Abolish Child Trafficking for Sex) Committee, The Mitzvah of Giving Blood established in 2013, is one of AA’s social The American Red Cross began utilizing “blood action committees. mobiles” to allow for the collection of blood The group is comprised of members from AA, outside of Red Cross facilities in response to the needs of WWII servicemen. In November of 1948, other area synagogues, churches, and a mosque. The mission is dedicated to ending DMST the Commander of the Jewish War Veterans, (Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking) in Atlanta Isadore Heiman, launched a peacetime blood through awareness, advocacy, and action. collection effort in his hometown of Atlanta, AAACTS provides our AA family with the Georgia. Isadore Heiman, a butcher, was said opportunity to work with other nonprofits, to have offered a free chicken to all who gave educate others, lobby for legislation, and provide blood through his blood drive. In 1966 Ahavath hands on activities to help Georgia’s trafficked Achim opened its doors to Heiman’s blood drive children. We all know there is a long road ahead initiative and has, for the past fifty-five years, carried out Heiman’s legacy by hosting quarterly of us before we can abolish this horrific problem, blood drives. Today, our drives are co-sponsored but small wins along the way truly make a difference in children’s lives. We invite you to by Jewish War Veterans Post 112, Fulton join us and be a part of this important work. For Lodge #216 Free and Accepted Masons, and more information about joining the committee, Congregations Shearith Israel and Or VeShalom. Every day, blood donors help numerous patients: please contact the co-chairs: Linda Bressler (lindafb@bellsouth.net); Margie Eden, (margie. accident and burn victims, heart surgery and eden22@gmail.com). organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Mark your calendars for Making Our Community Greener our upcoming Blood Drives: November 1, 2020; February 14, 2021; May 2, 2021; and August 1, Guided by Jewish values, the Greening Group was 2021. You can schedule your appointment with established to foster environmental awareness AA by visiting redcrossblood.org and entering in our AA community. There are many ways you the code JWV into the “Find a Drive” box in the can help us make a difference in our community. top right-hand corner of the page. If you have We invite you to lend a hand with our gardening any questions or would like to volunteer, please initiatives, support our recycling ventures, contact the chair: Gail Solomon (gailsol@gmail. collaborate on environmental issues, work to com; 404.456.6171). preserve our amazing urban forest setting, maintain the daffodil garden in memory of children who died in the Holocaust, and more. For more information and to volunteer, contact Myrtle Lewin at aagreening@gmail.com.
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Our AA Family is United: Fighting Hunger to Make a Difference By Barbara Feinberg
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hat’s a Jewish occasion without food? Whether it’s a holiday or life cycle event, happy or sad, food is integral to the Jewish experience. Recognizing how we are blessed with plenty, our AA family is committed to helping others for whom food is never a sure thing, people who face daily challenges to feed themselves and their families. Thanks to your generosity Ahavath Achim has been the community leader in providing food and funds to fight hunger for over 30 years. And just as hunger can be a daily struggle for thousands of people, our efforts to alleviate it go on yearround.
Backpack Buddies (BPB), an AA program since 2018, has been providing nutritious weekend meals and snacks to food-insecure children at E. Rivers Elementary School and Bolton Academy, schools right in our neighborhood. Originally, backpacks were given to children at school on Friday afternoons, but with schools closed due to COVID-19, BPB has devised new plans to help feed families in this unprecedented time. Backpack Buddies has teamed up with Operation Isaiah, the Agape Atlanta, a non-profit organization that Jewish community’s serves 200 school-age children year round with annual Yom Kippur innovative academic support in a vibrant, safe drive to support the community. BPB will continue to work with Atlanta Community Agape to identify and fill the nutritional needs Food Bank (ACFB), of students. As this school year begins with a began at Ahavath distance-learning model, support Backpack Achim 30 years ago. Buddies’ efforts to provide resources to school Today the ACFB assists children and their families through Agape’s onnon-profit partner going learning programs. For more information, agencies that serve please contact the co-chairs: Sherri Wildstein 80,600 people each week, and AA has kept up (sherriwildstein@gmail.com); Carla Wertheimer with the demand. In the past two years, our (werth5@comcast.net). congregation (the undisputed leader in collections every year) donated food and The Hunger Walk/ monetary gifts that provided over 67,000 meals Run, the Atlanta to children, seniors, veterans, and working Community Food families, with much of that food going to Jewish Bank’s springtime Family & Career Services and its Kosher Food fundraiser, gratefully Pantry. Kol Nidre 2020 will be different. Unlike recognizes Ahavath prior years when congregants would bring Achim as the first hundreds of bags of food to the synagogue, this Jewish organization to year we will celebrate our High Holidays via sign up over 35 years computer to keep us safe from COVID-19, a ago. Since then, AA pandemic that has also increased the need for has been the number food by the most vulnerable among us. Plans are one religious underway to enable donors to “purchase virtual contributor in all of metro Atlanta, responsible bags of food” for Operation Isaiah. The AA family for providing more than 750,000 meals to feed once again will be able to demonstrate gratitude Atlanta’s needy families over these many years. for our bounty as we fulfill Isaiah’s vision, Our congregants demonstrate commitment with carrying out the fast God desires from us by their feet as well as their checkbooks: More than sharing our bread with the hungry. Please 1000 AA members have walked in past Hunger support our Operation Isaiah campaign by Walks to put our determination to fight hunger making a donation through our website at aasyn. on display. We always make an impressive crowd org/support. spanning all ages beneath a large AA banner as we celebrate this annual achievement. For more information about the Hunger Walk/Run, contact the AA chair: Sally Kaplan (sallykaplan710@ gmail.com).
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Operation Isaiah 2.0 is Ahavath Achim’s most recent response to food insecurity at a particularly critical time. COVID-19 intensifies the needs of elderly and impoverished communities. Many seniors in residential facilities have been locked down for weeks at a time, unable to venture out for food. Many people are in desperate straits, having difficulty providing adequate food for their families because of illness, loss of employment, and quarantine. In response, Operation Isaiah 2.0 purchased Passover food and generously contributed funds to JF&CS to buy produce for residents at the Jewish Towers. Beyond the Jewish community, Operation Isaiah 2.0 directed donations to Concrete Jungle, a local non-profit which purchased produce for food insecure families in Atlanta’s food deserts. Why is food such an important element in Jewish celebrations? Perhaps it’s because from the very beginning of our story we Jews have known hunger ourselves. Famine drove us down to Egypt, manna nourished us during the Exodus, conquerors lay siege to Jerusalem and starved us, and we scrambled for crusts of bread during the Holocaust. Surely it is our time to fight the hunger of others in gratitude for our freedom from fear and want. Opportunities to help abound at AA where, united, we do make a difference.
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A Family United in Caring Chesed Initiative - Loving Kindness Kindness is the language the blind can see and the deaf can hear. - Mark Twain
Ahavath Achim Refugee Initiative (AARI) Extend a Helping Hand
Do not oppress the stranger, because you know the heart of the stranger for you were a stranger in The Ahavath Achim Chesed Initiative was Egypt (Exodus 23:9). The AA Refugee Initiative established in 2018, and is made up of over 35 (AARI) was established by members of our AA volunteers who, through their acts of loving family who identify with the Jewish people’s kindness, have made a difference in the lives of historical experience as refugees from a variety our AA family and our community. Our Chesed of lands and as immigrants to the United States. volunteers work with our clergy, staff and AARI’s mission is to extend a helping hand to leaders to lend support and assistance to AA refugees in Atlanta who are innocent victims family members in need. We prepare meals for of war, famine, hate, or economic upheaval. AA family members who have experienced health We make a difference by providing refugees challenges, send condolence and get-well cards, with aid, through advocacy, education, and attend shiva minyans, support those that have direct services. To volunteer, share ideas or sustained a loss of a loved one, and offer support for more information, contact Carol Glickman to those in need of a shoulder to lean on. Chesed (annrobert4@yahoo.com) or Myrtle Lewin is the heart and soul of our Shul. We respond to (aagreening@gmail.com). our AA family in times of need. You can make a difference in lives of our AA family by becoming Havurah Initiative - An Extended Family a Chesed volunteer; to do so, please contact: Helaine Lasky (br2731@aol.com) or Nancy and “Make for yourself a Marshall Levine (nlevine2660@gmail.com). Rav (teacher); acquire for yourself a friend (Haver); and judge every person on the positive side” (Pirkei Avot 1:6). The Havurah Initiative is one of the many ways AA encourages friendships and the development of positive relationships. Havurah connects each of us to the other by engaging in small groups where we can share in Jewish ritual, conversations, celebrations, and friendship. Together we create an “extended family” within our AA community - a family, where one is honestly welcomed. In the past few months during the COVID-19 pandemic, times have been challenging for everyone. We no longer sit next to our friends to pray, to eat, to talk, but our Havurot have been active over Zoom! For those of us who are involved in The Havurah Initiative, we have a family of friends to share this experience - the good, the hard and the mundane. For example, Havurah Aleph met daily the first month of social distancing. We visited over Zoom 17 • A Guide to High Holidays and 5781
at lunchtime to talk. Sometimes we had a large group and other times just two people were present, but we were available for each other. During the pandemic, a new Havurah formed: Havurah Mussar. We are a group of four women who meet weekly and use the principles of Mussar to make this period of isolation a time of spiritual growth. Havurah Gimel is using this time to meet monthly over Zoom to socialize, keep up with each other and to ask hard social justice questions. Thirteen Gimelniks participated in a Zoom session that started with: “We propose to you a utopian thought experiment…” Can you imagine the conversation that followed?
members of our community. Prior to the onset of the Coronavirus, members of mAAc gathered to tour museums, attend lectures, and brunch together. During the pandemic, the mAAc group will be gathering virtually on Zoom to discuss recommended movies that will be critiqued and discussed through a Jewish lens. Our own Rabbi Sandler will be hosting these Zoom learning opportunities. The annual membership fee is $18.00 per person for AA members and $36.00 per person for non-AA members. To become a member of mAAc, please contact the mAAc Chair: Gail Solomon (solgail.627@gmail.com; 404.456.6171).
Would you like to be part of an AA Havurah family? We are starting new groups. Do you have an idea for a theme? Study, socializing, exerciseanything that connects you to another soul? Would you like to share your lives with a group of friends at the AA? Havurah is family where you are always welcome! For more information, please contact the Havurah Initiative Chair: Shelly Dollar (aahavurot@gmail.com; 404.358.7960).
Mature Active Adult Community (mAAc) Ahavath Achim’s Mature Active Adult Community (mAAc) was founded by Gail Solomon, who has been a member of our Ahavath Achim family for over 55 years. The Mature Active Adult Community offers members of our community, who are 65 and older, the opportunity to connect with new and old friends through social and educational opportunities. mAAc is made up of 160 vibrant A Guide to High Holidays and 5781 • 18
A Family United in Shaping the Future of Our Children Ahava Early Learning Center Baby Steps to Big Dreams In this season of awe, it is fitting to turn to a source who consistently inspires, brings joys, and reminds us of the wonders of the world – those who seek and sustain us with Ahava, with love. The community of Ahava Early Learning Center is a part of the AA family that infuses us all of us with a love of children, a love of Judaism, and a love of learning. During the past several months, Ahava has faced the same struggles as we all have, yet in doing so has always remained rooted to the belief in connected communities and the power of wonder to change our world. Though the facility was closed, children and teachers interacted on Zoom and Facebook Live for class meetings, cooking lessons, music sessions, and the connected moments for Shabbat and Havdallah. Parents shared pictures and resources of their adventures and challenges, even creating a book club to engage with timely issues of raising children to be committed advocates for racial justice. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Director Beth Helmey coordinated staff professional development, a COVID-19 Task Force, and the re-opening plan. Board President Roben Smolar led a team of support that always considered and planned for the needs of children, parents, and staff, and the AA community as represented by Executive Director Barry Herman provided the resources and foundational support to ensure our sustainability. Ahava reopened in July with methodical safeguards that preserve our joyful environment which nurtures independence, collaboration, and engagement with Jewish experiences. Children are empowered through play-based learning and creative exploration. Ahava is always present in our children, and the challenges of the pandemic have only highlighted the ways in which we as a community continue to come together as a source for Ahava ourselves. As we go into this new year and look to grow our best selves, may we see all the ways in which we reflect love to one another, and if you need a reminder, simply check in on Ahava Early Learning Center where love abounds among all. 19 • A Guide to High Holidays and 5781
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Welcoming Sharon Graetz
By Rebecca Sokol and Annsley Klehr Kesher Parents, Education Committee Members, and Passionate Members of AA
A
s invested parents of children in Kesher, it was our goal to find an education director who is both innovative and forward-thinking. We strove to find someone who could build and design an engaging and project based Jewish curriculum. We feel confident and fortunate to have found Sharon Graetz, who will not only be an integral part of the community, but also a patient and thoughtful leader. We welcome her and her family with open arms and look forward to a dynamic and exciting year.
Reimagining Kesher
By Sharon Graetz, Education Director
O
ver my first couple weeks at Ahavath Achim, I have had the privilege of connecting with nearly all our Kesher families. The enthusiasm and commitment from our families is palpable, and I am eager to help shape a program to match this enthusiasm. I find inspiration in the Proverbs verse, “Teach the youth according to his or her way so that even in old age, he or she will not turn away from it” (22:6). This verse reminds us that there is no one-size-fits-all model with which to engage our students, but with the right hook, we can inspire lifelong learners. Together with our stellar team of teachers, Kesher will offer a vibrant program with opportunities for students to engage in realworld and meaningful projects with the goal of making our Jewish tradition relevant and inspiring to our learners. I am drawn to project-based learning, a method in which students take the lead in their education, responding to authentic and engaging questions. In my previous work, for example, some second and third grade students were curious about how Shabbat practices developed over time. They ultimately created an original movie about time travelers’ journey through three different periods of history, learning how different communities observed Shabbat. The kids were excited to work on their project, and what they created was so much better than what their teacher or I could have dreamed of for them. I am so excited to see the great projects our Kesher kids will create, and I cannot wait to showcase them to our AA community.
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A
havath Achim cultivates a Jewish community of purposeful belonging. We inspire and support spiritual journeys by deepening relationships with one another. We believe it is at the crossroads of our spiritual paths that life’s purpose and God might be found. Ahavath Achim creates a vibrant, inclusive, spiritual community that empowers individuals to connect Jewishly beyond themselves.
f AhavathAchimSynagogue l @aasynagogueatl t @AASynagogueATL y Ahavath Achim Synagogue D www.aasynagogue.org V 404.355.5222 ] 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW
AA embraces interfaith families who desire to be part of our Jewish community. Our spiritual community serves all who wish to connect with us. Learn more about our interfaith values at InteraithFamily.com.
Atlanta, GA 30327
CLERGY Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal Rabbi Sam Blustin Rabbi Neil Sandler Rabbi Arnold Goodman Senior Rabbinic Scholar
STAFF Barry Herman Executive Director
Thank You! Thank you to the following volunteers for their help in crafting this publication:
Miriam Habif Director of Outreach & Engagement Sharon Graetz Director of Education Jackie Nix Director of Youth & Family Engagement Chris Carr Director of Facilities Investigator Joe Jones IV Director of Security Beth Arnold Helmey Ahava ELC Director Emily Kessler Serafin Ahava ELC Assistant Director Lauren Dube Marketing Coordinator & Graphic Designer Catherine Ficke Executive Assistant to the Executive Director Jill Rosner Executive Assistant to the Rabbis Stan Vogel Finance Manager Fern Schorr Receptionist Wesley Coney Facilities Anika Johnson Facilities Ken Johnson Facilities Marcus Thomas Facilities Heidi Herman Ahava ELC Administrator Susan Goff Ahava ELC Bookkeeper
OFFICERS OF THE BOARD Gerry Benjamin President Gary Alembik Executive Vice President Michael Plasker Financial Vice President Nikki Crohn Vice President Allen Soden Vice President Betty Sunshine Vice President Allison Feldman and Rachael Joseph Sisterhood Co-Presidents Matthew Aftergut USY and Kadima President
Marcia Spielberger Charles Hacker Barbara Feinberg