Atlanta Jewish Times, VOL. 101 NO. 1, January 15, 2026

Health & Wellness

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Sunday, March 15, 2026 • 5:30 pm

Buckhead, GA

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Jewish Groups Eye Georgia Legislature

By Dave Schechter

Beneath the gold-leafed dome of the Georgia capitol in downtown Atlanta, the state House and Senate reconvened on Jan. 12.

Anyone playing Gold Dome bingo should expect to find the already ubiquitous word “affordability” in the center square.

A couple of months ago, Greg Bluestein, political reporter for the Atlanta JournalConstitution, told the Jewish Community Relations Council of Atlanta (JCRC) to expect a “wild” session.

Wild because this is an election year and more than a dozen legislators are seeking offices above their current station, guaranteeing more political preening than usual.

The General Assembly session, scheduled to run for 40 legislative working days, is set to adjourn April 2. [Passover begins the night of April 1.] This being the second year of the legislature’s two-year cycle, measures that failed to cross the finish line in 2025 may get another hearing.

Several weeks after sine die (Latin that, in this case, means “time to go home”) will

come Tuesday, May 19, primary day in Georgia. The general election is Nov. 3.

Every seat in the legislature — 180 in the House and 56 in the Senate — will be on the ballot.

State representatives and senators are paid $17,342 plus per diem annually for their part-time jobs. Senate districts average 191,000 residents and House districts 59,500.

Republicans hold a trifecta, with majorities in the House (98 seats) and Senate (33 seats), and Gov. Brian Kemp as the state’s chief executive.

State law bars Kemp from seeking a third consecutive term and the contest to succeed him will play into the legislative session.

Democratic Rep. Esther Panitch remains the only Jewish member in the General Assembly.

Panitch, who represents a north Fulton County district, accounts for 0.04 percent of the General Assembly. An estimated 1.3 percent of the state’s population is Jewish.

Rusty Paul — the president of iSquared Communications, Inc., as well as the mayor of Sandy Springs — lobbies on behalf of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta (JFGA).

“Affordability” will be spoken of early and often during this year’s state legislative session. In this election year, legislating and campaigning may overlap.

Paul told the AJT: “The legislative agenda will be driven by issues these individuals think will help their electoral chances. More tax relief is expected as Lt. Gov. Burt Jones makes eliminating the state’s income tax his key issue” as he seeks the Republican gubernatorial nomination against key challengers Attorney General Chris Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.

Jewish organizations have issues they want to see addressed.

An outlook provided by the Jewish Federation identified five “core impact” areas, starting with “essential services.”

The JFGA statement said: “With healthcare access and affordability emerging as major themes statewide, we support measures that strengthen telemedicine, behavioral health, and dental care, especially for vulnerable and underserved populations.”

Affordability made a second appearance under Jewish education. “Jewish day schools and educational institutions continue to face rising operational and security-related costs. As affordability issues gain legislative attention, we will evaluate proposals that influence education funding, infrastructure, and family support,” the

statement said.

Affordability turned up again regarding Jewish engagement: “Community-building remains essential, especially as affordability and demographic shifts influence where and how families engage with Jewish life. We will monitor legislation related to cost of living, energy regulation, and public infrastructure, issues that directly impact household stability and the nonprofit organizations that support community engagement.”

Georgia’s relationship with Israel and the Jewish world also made the list. “We will also support legislative efforts that ensure Georgia remains a welcoming and safe environment for Jewish individuals and institutions with ties to Israel and global Jewry,” the Federation said.

That “welcoming and safe environment” was the fifth impact area. “We appreciate the state’s initial investment last session to support security needs for Jewish and other at-risk institutions. However, demand continues to significantly outpace available resources. This year, one of our top priorities is advocating for increased state funding for security enhancements at schools, synagogues, community centers, and nonprofits,” the statement said.

On security spending, Paul said, "The legislature put some money in the current budget to help Jewish and other threatened entities with security costs. The amount was small, but significant since it recognizes the greater security threats and costs that Jewish institutions face in today’s world. Jewish leaders are pushing Lt. Gov. Jones and others to increase security funding for schools and other institutions in the next budget."

Hunger is the Jewish Community Relations Council’s primary issue.

“The one thing we feel that we can lead on this year is hunger and food security,” JCRC Atlanta President Michael Jacobs said. “Taking on hunger represents part of our Jewish values.”

JCRC members met with Republican Rep. Matt Hatchett, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, to voice concerns that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be cut, as $47 million in administrative costs have been pushed onto the state by the federal government.

The Journal-Constitution reported that, as of June, 1.3 million Georgians, in 705,000 households — about 12 percent of the state’s population — received SNAP benefits. In May, the average recipient household in Georgia received $384, slightly more than the national average of $350 per household.

A JCRC statement said: “Judaism compels us to care for the poor and the hungry. Leviticus 23:22 states: ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all

the way to the edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger.’”

The agency also cited the Midrash Tannaim, a set of rabbinic Torah commentaries, in which it says, “whenever you give food to the poor, G-d accounts it to you as if you gave food to Him.”

JCRC pointed out that the state has $14.6 billion budget surplus, of which $5.6 billion is a revenue shortfall reserve, sometimes called a rainy day fund. Kemp's eighth and final "State of the State" address, scheduled for Jan. 15, could provide guidance on his intentions for utilizing the surplus.

Jewish HomeLife (JHL), which serves the elderly, disabled, and others in need of care, wants Georgia to join the federal Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), an effort to provide medical and social services that help frail elderly stay in their homes. JHL also wants the state to ensure that Medicaid reimbursements reflect the costs of care; recruit and retain more nurses and doctors specializing in geriatric care; maintain a focus on healthcare tort reform, and allocate money to upgrade care facilities, including generators to maintain electricity during emergencies.

Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS) wants the legislature to continue funding dental training programs associated with the Ben Massell Dental Clinic. Working with Republican Rep. Deborah Silcox, $500,000 previously was allocated.

“The Washington debate over health insurance subsidies has focused attention on healthcare access and we expect more legislation to expand telemedicine access, particularly in rural Georgia where provider resources are evaporating. The legislature expanded access to teledentistry in 2025 and similar bills for other fields are likely,” Paul said.

Looking ahead to the 2026 elections, Democrats were heartened by statewide votes in November that unseated two Republican incumbents on the Public Service Commission and by a December special election win that flipped an Athens-area House district.

“Affordability issues will also grab center stage,” Paul said, referencing these Democratic wins. “Concerns about who pays for the electrical infrastructure to feed Georgia’s burgeoning data center farms all played roles in these elections. Georgia Power is used to having unchallenged sway in the legislature, for example, having won the ability to charge for certain infrastructure costs before the assets came online. Expect legislation to rein in data centers and to force those businesses to pay all costs associated with feeding them the power they demand.” ì

Bearing Witness FREE

Unforgettable Stories from the Holocaust

JANUARY 25

Join us for a captivating story of a Holocaust Liberator and a Holocaust Survivor and how two families learned they share a common history.

LIBERATOR

Judge Aaron Cohn’s daughter, Gail Cohn

SURVIVOR

Itzik Slodowski’s son, Reuben Sloan, M.D.

Blank Foundation Donates $25M for Mental Health

By Bob Bahr

The Arthur Blank Foundation has announced a $25 million series of grants to support mental health and well-being for young people. The grants, which were made to several national organizations, are designed to boost mental health from infancy through adolescence.

The foundation’s staffer, who is responsible for the new national initiative, Beth Brown, described the grants as helping support young people at important moments in the human developmental process.

“Our strategy is ambitious and hopeful, focused on prevention. We’re pleased to invest in solutions that support the vision that every baby born today will have a stronger path toward flourishing mental well-being than any generation that came before.”

To support young mothers, The Together Project, which was recently founded by former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, will receive $3 million. The project aims to mobilize coordinated efforts that advance social connection

particularly among women for individual and collective well-being. The foundation has provided an additional $2.5 million to The Together Project through Arthur Blank’s founder initiative portfolio.

In recent years, the American Academy of Pediatrics, along with the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Children’s Hospital Association, have declared a national emergency in child and adolescent

mental health.

The two organizations called for increased funding for mental health resources, as well as other actions, including more integration of mental health care into schools and primary care, more

community-based systems to connect people to mental health programs, strategies to increase the number of mental health providers, and ensuring that there is insurance coverage of mental health care.

A recent survey in the Annals of Family Medicine found that 85 percent of primary care physicians had difficulty getting mental health care for their young patients.

In announcing the new round of grants, the foundation pointed out that they will support initiatives at all stages of critical development in the young. Nearly half of mental conditions, they pointed out, can be prevented by providing support and resources to encourage positive parenting skills and strong maternal mental health.

Over the next 10 years, the foundation’s grant making will be aimed at three main areas: creating stronger emotional bonds between parent and infants, encouraging resilience and a sense of belonging in children, and helping teens maintain healthy relationships with digital technology.

To help launch a national public education campaign on maternal and infant mental health, the Foundation is making a $2.4 million grant to the Ad Council. This campaign will raise awareness of symptoms, reduce stigma, connect mothers to trusted resources, and promote early relational health during the prenatal and perinatal periods.

As children age, formal education can play a vital role in the well-being of young people. Schools are where trained psychologists, social workers, and nursing staff can deliver mental health support and help to develop social and emotional skills.

Last year, Illinois became the nation’s first state to require schools to conduct universal mental health screenings.

A $3 million grant is being made to the Sandy Hook Promise Project, which is aimed at reducing social isolation by peer support programs in grades K-12

that create a stronger culture of belonging in schools nationwide. The foundation’s grant will support the expansion of student-led programs, such as No One Eats Alone, that combats loneliness in middle school lunchrooms.

The Blank Foundation is providing financial support for two types of programs that support elementary and middle school students. The two programs address mindfulness in young people and support for programs that strengthen a sense of belonging.

To support healthy relationships among teenagers, the Foundation is supporting programs that build digital literacy and artificial intelligence (AI) skills and increase opportunities for healthy online connection.

Common Sense Media has received a $3 million grant to promote more public awareness of how technology impacts youth mental health. Through the organizations Healthy Tech, Healthy Minds initiative, and its Digital Literacy & Well-Being Curriculum, the group aims to deepen provide guidance that helps schools navigate issues like how AI and cellphones are used by young people.

Young Futures will receive $1 million. This organization works at the intersection of technology and youth mental health. The foundation’s investment will support two innovation challenges, including its latest “Oops! … AI Did It Again,” to develop promising solutions that help young people navigate AI, and build healthy relationships with technology,

To encourage increased giving in the field, the foundation is providing $2.7 million to Mindful Philanthropy to help this organization provide guidance to the philanthropic sector with the intent to increase the quantity and quality of philanthropic investment in mental health and well-being.

Altogether, the Blank Family Foundation has provided more that $31 million since 2022 to support mental health among youth. ì

A New Year Thoughtfully Entered

Every move we guide represents a meaningful momenta transition handled with care, discretion, and intention.

At The Schiff Team, we believe in thoughtful advice, trusted relationships, and long-term stewardship.

From right-sizing to reinvention, every move is approached strategically and personally.

As the new year begins, we remain committed to listening first and guiding with integrity.

Grateful for our clients, our community, and the opportunity to serve Atlanta’s Jewish community.

The Schiff Team

JCRC Renews Commitment to Fighting Hunger

By Debbie Diamond

Alarmed by the possibility of deep cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Jewish Community Relations Council of Atlanta (JCRC) ended 2025 with a resolution that supports strengthening efforts to fight hunger throughout Georgia in 2026.

A large group of dedicated leaders, including Harold Kirtz, Abbie Fuksman, Howard Zandman, Sherri Wildstein, Michael Jacobs, and Rabbi Avi Kaiman, gathered recently at the final JCRC quarterly meeting for 2025, held at Congregation Shearith Israel, to discuss steps to address food insecurity in 2026. In opening the meeting, Rabbi Kaiman told participants, “By taking care of one another, we are a blessing and the world becomes a little closer.”

According to Jacobs, president of JCRC, the organization will focus on hunger and food insecurity throughout 2026.

SNAP is the country’s most significant anti-hunger program and provides food assistance to approximately 1.4 mil-

lion Georgians. The program has reduced food insecurity by 30 percent, according to the most recent figures released. The federal government is currently placing more of the SNAP costs on individual states, and Georgia’s new expenses are

expected to far exceed half a billion dollars each year just to maintain current support.

Fortunately, Georgia has a current budget surplus of $14.6 billion, including a rainy-day fund of $5.6 billion, according to figures shared by JCRC, which is urging its partners within and beyond the Jewish community to join their fight to end food insecurity and hunger throughout the state.

The action steps proposed and accepted at the meeting include:

• Meet with Georgia legislators before and during the General Assembly session about the necessity of including a fully funded SNAP line item in the state budget;

• Engage with synagogues, other Jewish organizations and Jewish individuals fighting hunger to enhance cooperation and strengthen the combined efforts;

• Provide resources and connections to faith-based and secular organizations committed to this work, expanding the organization’s communal power and reach through interfaith partnership;

• Gather for Hunger Seder on March 29, 2026, to share progress, resources and interfaith community.

Eliza Lieberman, vice president of public affairs at MAZON, flew in from Washington, D.C. to speak to attendees about the importance of continued giving and the impact MAZON, JCRC, and

the Jewish community has made on food insecurity and hunger. She pointed out that members of the military, veterans, college students, indigenous communities, single mothers, and members of the LGBTQ community have been hit especially hard in recent years.

“Jewish values from Torah are baked into our communities. In fact, the Atlanta community is famous for its yearly Hunger Seder, sponsored by JCRC,” she said. “Hunger is not always begging on the street. Often, it’s a parent skipping meals so they can feed their kids, or it’s someone who just lost a job and has no money for food. Pantry lines are too long, and there is a clear role for the government to do more, not less,” she added.

JCRC of Atlanta works to unite Jewish organizations, agencies, synagogues, and individuals into a community of conscience and action and to engage with interfaith partners in the general community around issues of concern.

MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger is a national organization fighting to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the U.S. and Israel. For more than 40 years, MAZON has been committed to ensuring that vulnerable people have access to the resources they need to put food on the table. ì

Six E state Planning

Re s olutions for 2026

Happy New Year from me, Henry Here at Robert M Goldberg and Associates, we really love this time of year It's a great opportunity to think about the past and the perfect time to set new goals for the upcoming year Were you able to reach the goals you set last January? Humans usually pick diet and exercise, but I think you should add a few estate planning resolutions too

Resolution 1 Create a Revocable Living Trust to Avoid Probate

Resolution 2. Create an Irrevocable Trust to Protect Asset s

Resolution 3. Create a Durable and Healthcare POA to Appoint a Decision Maker If You are incapacitated

Resolution 4 Create a Living Will for End-of-Life Decisions

Resolution 5 Create an Estate Plan If You Don't Already Have One

Resolution 6 Review Your Estate Plan with Your Loved Ones

If you have not yet created an estate plan, there’s no time like 2026! Making an estate plan is very important, but so is keeping it updated throughout your life We hope our list of estate planning resolutions inspires you to take the time to fully review your estate plan so you can make updates and ensure you're fully covered

Call Robert M. Goldberg & Associates today at (770) 229-5729 or visit www goldbergestateplanning com

Helping familie s prote c t everyone and everything

Family Looks to Sell Tifton Store After 115 Years

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Savvy family retail stores in small Southern towns are like lox to bagels. Or, at least, they were. As generations of children fly off to college and other worldly careers, the family store might succumb to a natural death or be run off by Walmart.

Or, in the case of small-town Tifton, Georgia’s long standing department store, aka, “The Big Store,” owner Phil Perlis, at a young 71, has decided to voluntarily retire along with wife, Susan, to write a new chapter traveling and “who knows what else.”

The store was founded in 1911. Now, after four generations, Phil Perlis declared, “We are leaving on a high note. 2024 was a record year, and 2025 is on track to top that.”

While searching for new owners, the duo has agreed to stay on for a bit to usher in a smooth transition. Actually, for the past five years, Phil Perlis has been considering an exit but recently decided to take definitive action based on the urg-

ing of family members.

While in college, Perlis was en route to the University of Georgia Law School,

when he returned to Tifton to try working in the store, and found he wanted to stay.

He said, “Something just clicked and I didn’t want to leave. I’m the luckiest person in the world to get to work with

parents, aunts, and uncles.”

With 22 employees, The Big Store sells men’s and ladies’ apparel, suits, shirts, pants, shorts, footwear, hunting boots, outdoor products, and more, with “not much demand for children’s wear, but we still carry it.”

The website is alive with colorful panels of upscale sneakers, a fashionable over-the-shoulder magenta dress, tasteful men’s outfits, suede boots, Yeti mugs, spiffy jeans and the like.

Tifton, with a population of 17,045, draws shoppers from nearby Fitzgerald (population 9,006) and Valdosta (population 55,378). Phil Perlis told the AJT he has close ties to the Fitzgerald Hebrew Congregation; interestingly, the synagogue where local rabbi emeritus of Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Rabbi Neil Sandler, serves part-time as visiting rabbi. Perlis noted, “Rabbi Sandler has really been a spark plug for our Fitzgerald congregation.”

In terms of the 13,000 square feet in The Big Store, Perlis is actively seeking buyers. He said, “Susan and I split duties and ran things smoothly, but we did not discuss work at home. We learned to pivot and adapted with the Internet. We made a living in slightly different ways

and provided a service -- not just in business ‘to sell things.’”

Perlis is also proud of winning the Cox Communications Family Business Award. With two grown children not living in Tifton, Perlis continued, “I don’t play golf, have zero hobbies, and have no grandchildren. I don’t plan to move to Atlanta but have learned to ‘never say never.’ We have a long list of places to see. Maybe starting with Spain.”

Recalling this writer’s now defunct family’s  schmattah store (nowhere near the caliber of The Big Store in Tifton) in La Grange, Ga., Jews worked well with Black and even farming communities, sometimes giving credit terms to poor families. In 1998, Stella Suberman published, “Jew Store: A Family Memoir,” with compelling photographs that told of soft good establishments retailing to locals in small, mostly Christian towns, where the KKK sometimes reared its ugly head. Nevertheless, owners, employees, and customers typically formed closeknit bonds.

The Big Store in Tifton’s tagline, “Where quality and service are second to none,” is looking to be embraced by new owners devoted to its longstanding mission in line with the Perlis’ legacy. ì

Israeli Rabbi Warns Nation’s Democracy Under Attack

By Bob Bahr

At a recent Friday night service, The Temple welcomed the Reform rabbi who serves the many Jews in the Megiddo region of northern Israel. For the past dozen years, Rabbi Michal Ratner Ken Tor has served an area that’s the home to approximately 10,000 Jewish residents. The region is also the sister community of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.

In introducing her to his Friday night minyan, The Temple’s Senior Rabbi, Peter Berg, described her as a person who is open and accenting of others, with “an unwavering belief in the inherent dignity of each and every individual.”

“Whenever she speaks,” Rabbi Berg commented, “she reminds us that Torah is not merely something we study, but rather, something we are called to live by, through justice, through kindness, through the daily choices that define who we hope to be.”

But in her response, Rabbi Ken Tor expressed deep reservations about how accepting her fellow Jews in Israel are of

others.

A recent survey that she mentioned showed that Israelis today are overwhelmingly concerned about the decline in social acceptance. Given a choice of the greatest problem facing Israeli society today, 86 percent said it was the lack of acceptance that concerned them most,

and that disagreements at the national level are often met with attempts to silence those who have opposing views, particularly if they are liberal religious views.

“Our mutual values here in The Temple and also in Megiddo region in the Reform movement are under major threat,” Rabbi Ken Tor said. “Democracy and Zionism that supports equality for all citizens and human rights and liberal Jewish thinking is under a deep threat.”

She pointed out that the minister of justice in Israel’s present government, which has been in a protracted battle to change how High Court judges are appointed, has not spoken to the head of the Supreme Court in over a year.

“It’s hard to believe the minister of justice is not talking to the president of the Supreme Court in Israel” she said. “This is not about which side believes in the policies of the right or the policies of left. This is thinking in a straight manner, conducting yourself in a straight manner, and walking in a direct manner.”

She mentioned that the conduct of government is not unlike the Biblical story of Joseph that was recently read from the book of Genesis. Joseph’s older brothers are so filled with hatred of him that they couldn’t speak to him peaceably.

“In translation of the Hebrew text,” she said, “they could talk to him in order to create peace. They just couldn’t talk to him because they hated him so much.”

Because of the present situation, Rabbi Ken Tor pointed out three past chief justices of the Supreme Court and the present presiding officer “warned politely, but unequivocally, that Israel is no longer the democracy it once was.”

“A nation that won’t listen to all of the voices,” the Israeli rabbi said, “particularly of criticism, is a nation where

silence rules. And where silence rules, darkness rules.”

Even though she is pessimistic about present government policy, and she believes that the voice of liberal Judaism is being silenced, she is encouraged by the response of the many Jews she serves. In the last two years, she pointed out that those attending her Torah study sessions and worship services, that are often held in an informal setting and outdoors, have tripled in number.

“I am not a very political person. I choose to channel my anger and my sense of threat into action.”

But it is not just in Megiddo that Jews are finding in religion a refuge from the social turmoil that has plagued the nation. A poll conducted three months ago by the Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI), an independent think tank founded by The Jewish Agency in Israel, found that 27 percent of Israelis have increased their observance of religious customs since Oct. 7, 2023. Roughly onethird of Jewish Israelis say they are praying more frequently than before the war, and about 20 percent report reading the Tanach or psalms more often.

The JPPI head Shuki Friedman said that many Israelis, and especially the young, felt the war had made them more aware of their Jewish identity “not necessarily in a halachic way, but in a way that shows up very strongly in their lives and in the public space.”

And even though a majority of Israelis say the war didn’t change their belief in G-d, about 30 percent said it strengthened their reliance on the Divine. The implication of that shift is yet to be fully understood and there is no guarantee it will last. How belief may influence the common good for Rabbi Ken Tor still remains an open question. ì

Mitzvah House Hosts Impactful Chanukah Events

By Robert Garber

As the holiday began, Mitzvah House was prepared for another year of Chanukah events. They held their first, a children’s story reading at the newly opened Prelude Bookstore in Dunwoody Village on the Friday just before the first holiday weekend. But as the weekend started, it began to look as if these plans would be upended.

“Last night, we saw the weather, that it was going to be freezing, and we were already nervous, and then this morning we were like, ‘I wish it was only the weather we were worried about and nothing else,’” said Chaya Goldberg, one of the Mitzvah House founders who organized the event, referring to the shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia. “As the day went on, the cancellations kept coming in from our vendors and from our volunteers and from people that were worried.”

Still, a strong crowd of more than a hundred showed at their event at Ashford Lane, celebrating the start of Chanukah in defiance of antisemitism, though dressed with deference to the bitter cold.

Between gathering around some small fires and heat lamps for warmth, visitors partook of sufganiyot and other holiday foods, while kids had visits with Elsa and Olaf from “Frozen,” got face paint, and took to a giant pile of Legos to make menorahs. Several vendors remained, including a local writer selling and signing Chanukah books for kids. All of it paused partway through for a wonderful, impactful menorah lighting.

“It was beautiful, thank G-d,” said Yehuda Robbins, a Mitzvah House volunteer who was helping people wrap tefillin “We had lots of people, a beautiful turn-

out. We had lots of people do tefillin, lots of mitzvahs, saw lots of beautiful Jews.”

“I really enjoyed the event,” said one attendee, Rebeca Stoil. “I think it’s so important in light of the events in Australia for everybody to come out and enjoy Chanukah whether they’re Jewish or not. It’s the best way of showing there is no room in our community or any community for intolerance or antisemitism.”

“To come here today and see so many people show up despite the cold, despite the hate in the world, has been really powerful to see,” said Goldberg.

The Mitzvah House’s event the following Tuesday at Dunwoody Village was even larger, and this time they were joined by many community members, including the Dekalb Fire Department, who handed out chocolate gelt, the Dunwoody High School band, playing beautiful Chanukah music, and Mayor Lynn Deutsch and other City Council members, who spoke in support of the Jewish community. Like the event on Sunday, there were many activities to participate in, including face painting, a balloon artist, a game truck, decorating donuts, making your own dreidels, and decorating other Chanukah crafts. Warm soup was served, and again, all activities paused for a menorah lighting for the third night of the holiday.

“It was a beautiful show of support, and lots of people came, including many college students and high school students,” said a Mitzvah House representative. “It was really powerful to see so many people of all ages show up and show their Jewish pride at this beautiful menorah lighting.”

“Honestly, sometimes you look at the world and can think ‘I’m just going

to hide away,’ and to be able to tap into that spark and say, ‘no, I’m going to show up louder and prouder,’ and to see everybody else have that energy, is really a powerful thing,” said Goldberg. “Light is catchy. If you light a fire, it just lights

Inspiring

another fire and lights another fire, so each one of the people that came today are going to be able to affect the whole surroundings around them for light and for good. So honestly, it was a powerful evening.” ì

THE NEXT GENERATION OF Women in

STEM

Atlanta Jewish Academy invites girls in grades 7–12 to an inspiring afternoon exploring the possibilities of STEM.

Meet accomplished women working in engineering, medicine, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more. Hear their stories, explore career paths, and discover opportunities to spark a future in STEM.

Ulman Celebrates 100th Birthday, Historic Bar Mitzvah

By Robyn Spizman Gerson

At 100, Bernard “Bubba” Ulman crossed a significant milestone turning a century old. Born in Savannah, Ga., his older brother couldn’t pronounce Bernard, and his name became, “Bubba,” and stayed that way forever.

The time was during the Depression era, and Bubba and his family settled in Rockmart, Ga., where they were only one of two Jewish families. When it came time for the High Holidays, Bubba’s family went from Rockmart to Congregation Rodeph Sholom in Rome, and when he turned 13, his father asked the gentlemen there to help him plan a bar mitzvah for his son. Since Bubba didn’t know Hebrew, his father asked if they could do it as a transliteration. Rodeph Sholom generously agreed, and he was the first bar mitzvah in, what was at the time, a new building for the congregation. His mother baked cookies and they celebrated on a Thursday, ensuring that Bubba had his bar mitzvah and that it was a special celebration.

According to his family, 100-yearold Bubba is a storyteller, incorporating his family history in a way his family will always remember. They call him a gentleman and a gentle man, his faith is strong, as is his unconditional love for his children and theirs for him, which includes Linda and Bill Frank, Robyn and Mike Geller, Alan, plus eight grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. For his birthday, his kids created a tribute collage from family and friends. His greatgranddaughter, Lily wrote, “Your stories never fail to make me smile. Somehow you always have the right words to say for each situation. You encourage my dreams as if they were your own. In

your 100 years of life, you have impacted countless people.”

Bubba’s lessons are many as he taught his family honesty, loyalty, Judaism, hard work, and advises don’t ever ask if someone needs something, just be there. They knew they could always count on him and added, “He always makes the person he is talking to feel like the most important person in the world. Even to this day, he is a walking human Google. You can ask him anything about everything. And never let your gas tank get below half full.”

Fast forward to the present, a magnificent celebration of his 100th birthday coincidentally coincided with the 150th anniversary of the Rodeph Sholom Congregation. Bubba started their celebration on the weekend before his birthday with Shabbat services at the synagogue. His oldest grandson, Adam Ulman, at-

tended services to help light Shabbat candles in his honor. In his youth, the synagogue in Rome gave Bubba a connection with his Judaism that living in an even smaller town didn’t have.

According to Shelly Peller, a fifthgeneration member of Rodeph Sholom, a congregational leader, volunteer, and one of the co-chairs of the synagogue’s 150th anniversary celebration, she had heard of the Ulmans from her mother, Louise Stock Stein.

Peller said, “Rodeph Sholom was founded in 1875 with a religious school founded in its earliest years. While we do not have a record of the young men who became a bar mitzvah in those first years, we do know that the dedication of our current building was held on March 27, 1938, with Rabbi Harry Epstein and Rabbi David Marx, both of Atlanta, officiating. That year would correspond with the year that Bubba Ulman became a bar mitzvah. Although services and religious school were held at the masonic lodge and previously in other locations during Rodeph Sholom’s first 60 years, Bubba shared that he was the first young man to become a bar mitzvah in the ‘new’ building. The synagogue was built in 1937 and remains the current location of the congregation in downtown Rome. We were honored and pleasantly surprised to have the connection made with Bubba’s children and thrilled to have one of his grandchildren participate in our Shabbat service celebrating our 150th anniversary.”

Peller added, “We have been lucky to have the involvement and support of numerous rabbis from Atlanta, includ-

ing Rabbi Jonathon Adler, Rabbi Donald Tam, Rabbi Scott Saulson, Rabbi Victoria Amour-Hileman, to name a few. We owe our deepest gratitude and thanks to our current rabbis, Rabbi Judith Beiner and Rabbi Steve Lebow, with each being a significant part of our congregation and of our 150th anniversary celebration.”

The brick used in building the synagogue was locally made in the Berry School’s brick kilns. An unusual and beautiful chandelier, used in a Belgium cathedral years ago, was converted from candlelight to electric and was presented to the congregation by I. D. Weitz of Atlanta, a great-uncle of Bubba Ulman. It still hangs from the ceiling of the sanctuary along with four small matching chandeliers in the original building, but each was lost when the ceiling collapsed in the 1960s. Luckily, no one was in the building, and the large chandelier was saved from destruction.”

As part of a small congregation, Peller explained they are aware that their very existence in a small Southern town is tenuous. Rodeph Sholom has survived for many years due to the tenacity and involvement of its members and friends. The generations before them ensured survival, and they want that tradition to continue for generations to come. Bubba’s birthday amidst Rodeph Sholom’s 150th anniversary celebration was a time to celebrate their past, present and future Jewish community in Rome.

To Bubba Ulman, we say, “happy birthday,” and to Rodeph Sholom, we wish decades ahead serving the Jewish needs of communities near and far. May each of their legacies live on. L’chaim! ì

Melamed Likens Jewish Doctors to Maccabees

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

The Jewish Medical Professional Network (JMPN) gave Chanukkah a new light at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta on Dec. 21, presenting “Miracle Makers in Medicine: Lights and Laughter,” featuring comedian Ami Kozak.

JMPN President Dr. Michele Melamed welcomed the crowd with a stirring motivational charge. “As we gather under this grand menorah, I don’t just see doctors, nurses, therapists, and healers, I see modern-day Maccabees, armed with compassion, and an unbreakable spirit … we don’t just save lives, we ignite hope and strength and act as conduits of a higher authority.”

This is why, in 2024, she founded the JMPN, where Jewish medical professionals can “step out of the glare of the hospital and into the glow of shared community, faith, and purpose.”

Gavy Friedson, who’s also head of United Hatzalah, served as the evening’s emcee. JMPN’s vice president, Dr. Paul Scheinberg, shared how his storied career has led to this place of leadership. A young New Yorker escaping the East Coast for the South, he knew he had the skill to carry him to the “goal post,” but along the way, especially in the suburbs, the established Atlanta practitioners didn’t jump to refer patients to him. He values the JMPN, “I know what it’s like to be an outsider. The blue bloods here weren’t quick to refer to me.”

Relying on his clinical competence, patience, and business savvy, Friedson built a successful pulmonology practice and made it to the top of his field.

Guitarist Dov Rosenblatt performed some upbeat songs before Rabbi Yossi Lerman, of Chabad of Gwinnett, lit the final night’s candle.

An upbeat Kozak began with “doc” jokes like how he feels safe if he would collapse in this room full of doctors. Then, there’s the dermatologist’s standard consult script, “Cause unknown: use steroids. If wet, dry it. If dry, wet it.” Later in his act, he leaned into his impressions, especially of President Donald Trump.

Fans Elaine and Dr. Ben Strauss said, “We thought he was really funny! Especially his political humor and marital jokes. We thought some of his really funny ones were about two types of grandparents: the security guards -- where the grandparents literally just sit there and watch the kids. Then, there’s the senior level management type of grandparents

-- getting on hands and knees and really engaging with the kids.”

Kozak told the AJT, “I’m an equal opportunity offender, when asked if his predilections lean to the “right.”

Melamed shared the organization’s mission, where flames burn the bright est: “To build a national -- and one day, global -- network of Jewish medical pro fessionals who see themselves not as cogs in a corporate machine, but as healers of humanity and the world.”

She concluded, “Tonight, we don’t just light candles; we defy darkness. We extinguish the darkness of exhaus tion that creeps in after long enduring shifts, the shade of antisemitic whispers in hospital corridors and faculty loung es, the thickness of standing alone in a white coat that suddenly feels too shrill against the world. Just as the Maccabees stormed a desecrated Temple, found one sealed cruse of pure oil, and watched it blaze impossibly for eight days, so do you, modern Maccabees in scrubs and stethoscopes, take the tiniest remaining reserve of strength, compassion, and unapologetic Jewish pride and turn it into miracles that last entire shifts, entire careers, entire lifetimes. Tonight, as we light this grand menorah, let its flames remind you: You are not alone. Your light matters. Because when medical professionals stand together, we don’t just heal bodies, we impact the world. So, tonight let’s laugh loudly, savor the latkes, and raise a glass to the miracles you’ve brought forth and ones ahead. When you leave here, carry this light back to your families, hospitals, clinics, and patients.”

cent tragic mass shooting in Australia at a Chabad Chanukah event. “This has touched us all deeply. Why this occurred, how it could happen, and to what purpose. Tonight, our focus is on coming to-

gether as a community, in light and joy. This is our resilience, our unwavering commitment to rededicate ourselves and to infuse the world with renewed positive energy.” ì

Melamed also addressed the re-

Exhibit Showcases Georgia Wood Artists

By Robyn Spizman Gerson

The Marietta Cobb Museum of Art (MCMA) presents the first MCMA-juried exhibition of wood art and woodworking. Focused solely on artists working in wood who live within the state of Georgia, this exhibition presents a selection of fine wood art from more than 150 submissions. Showcasing a diverse array of techniques and practices, this exhibition highlights the remarkable skill and creative depth of Georgia’s wood artists.

The Marietta Cobb Museum of Art is referred to as the Metropolitan-Atlanta fine arts museum focusing on American Art. Their permanent collection houses a variety of artworks dating from as early as the 18th century to the present. As a nonprofit organization, the museum is dedicated to building community through art and hosts a variety of events, activities, and educational opportunities throughout the year.

MCMA Curator Madeline Beck commented, “I am honored and thrilled to present the MCMA’s first juried exhibition of wood art. This is the third medium-spe-

cific, Georgia-focused juried exhibition I’ve presented annually at MCMA, and I am very excited to show the community the dynamic scope of wood in art and the fine skill possessed by these artists. Focusing solely on wood artists and woodworkers living and creating within the state of Georgia, this exhibition presents a selection of fine wood art, furniture, craft, and more. The pieces on display were chosen from over 150 submissions, showcasing the diverse array of techniques, materials, and practices used by Georgia artists working in this medium. As MCMA’s curator, I led the museum’s anonymous committee of local arts professionals to judge the submissions and select the final pieces for the exhibition.”

Beck added, “Types of wood art on display include, but are not limited to: carving, such as burning, whittling, or relief; woodturning; marquetry and intarsia, which is like mosaic-making; joinery, used in furniture-making; and epoxy woodworking.”

Included in the lineup are accomplished and well-known wood artists Arnold Abelman, Jody Pollack, Abraham Tesser, Thomas Williams, plus artist and advocate Doug Pisik who shared, “Several years ago I was discussing ideas for a wood art exhibition at the museum. The museum decided the timing was right to make this happen in 2026 and to open it up as a juried exhibition for Georgia woodworkers. This enabled artists of every style and technique of wood artistry to submit their work for consideration. Those submitting their work include members of the Jewish Woodworkers Group of Atlanta. The result is an amazing and eclectic collection of the finest wood art that Georgia has to offer.”

The Marietta Cobb Museum of Art continues to acquire works for its perma-

nent collections and features ambitious special exhibitions throughout the year. Tours, lectures, classes, art camp and other educational, social, and cultural opportunities are also offered. Dedication to fulfilling its slogan “building community through art” is evidenced throughout the Museum’s range of events and activities.

The Wood Art Exhibition will be held from Jan. 10 to March 22. Admission is $10 and free for museum members. The museum presents free admission on the first Sunday of the month and is located at 30 Atlanta St. SE Marietta, GA 30060. For more information, please visit www. mariettacobbartmuseum.org. ì

Blue Dove Foundation Announces National Partnership

By Bob Bahr

The Blue Dove Foundation, which has provided mental health resources for the Atlanta Jewish community, is partnering with the Be Well Initiative of the Jewish Federations of North America to make those resources available nationally.

The partnership is the result of discussions that have been aided by the Upstart Accelerator in Berkeley, Calif., which provides consulting services for several innovative Jewish philanthropic initiatives.

The president of the Blue Dove Foundation, Justin Milrad, who was also one of the three co-founders of the organization eight years ago, announced the partnership.

“Blue Dove on a very tight budget has reached hundreds of thousands of people and we want to reach millions. What we know is the Jewish element of tying in mental health and substance addiction helps people work through their mental health challenges.”

For the past eight years, the foundation has developed an extensive catalogue of resources of mental health materials that emphasize the Jewish dimension in mental healing.

“Jewish people struggle with mental health and substance abuse at similar rates as all others,” Milrad said, “yet we carry a heavy burden of shame and stigma. Because so many of us are programmed to be high achievers we find that many people know resources exist, but they don’t know where to start. When the Blue Dove Foundation was started, we found that nothing else existed to address mental health and substance abuse through a Jewish lens.”

Milrad, who was one of the founders of The Berman Center, which provides outpatient programs for mental health and substance abuse in adolescents and adults, indicated that the Blue Dove was set to become a part the Be Well Initiative more than two years ago, but that the events related to the Oct. 7 attack in Israel put the plan on hold.

“We were ready to partner with them then,” Milrad said, “but both organizations had to provide tools to support the community and help in the grieving both from the trauma of Oct. 7 and then rising antisemitism which was a real and tall and difficult order.”

Milrad points out that shortly after Oct. 7, the foundation created materials that were downloaded over 100,000

times. They were part of the extensive website the organization maintains for materials that provide mental health resources from a Jewish perspective.

There are printed materials and video programs that relate to Jewish holidays, Jewish prayers and spiritual teachings, and materials that address the needs and concerns of adolescents.

Those materials are now available to anyone who visits the Be Well website, which has been created in partnership with the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies in 20 communities with significant Jewish populations across the country.

“The ability to amplify our work has been tremendous,” Milrad pointed out, “and I think our relationship with the Be Well program was really a marriage made in heaven and, as they say in Yiddish, beshert. Be Well had a lot of amazing tools but they didn’t have a Jewish component; it was more psychoeducation, and we brought the Jewish components, so it worked really well.”

The initiative has the support of several important funders of national Jewish communal program, the Crown Family Philanthropies, the Jim Joseph Foundation, and the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies. Milrad credits the support of the Marcus Foundation here as a crucial factor in getting his own organization off the ground in 2018.

The recent tragedy in Los Angeles that resulted in the deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, allegedly by their son, was

nicity, or socio-economic factors. And even with all the resources that were available to the Reiner family, he said there was no way of predicting what, unfortunately, occurred.

“In terms of family systems, it's really tricky because it’s hard to make a family operate in harmony at all times,” Milrad observes. “But we provide a lot of tools to help an army of mental health first responders to make sure we are better equipped to help individuals, so that when something happens, they can jump in and react quickly.”

Milrad expects that in the new year his organization will develop new tools, expanded resources and powerful ways to connect Jewish communities around mental health and well-being. The work that Blue Dove has started, he believes, will continue with a greater reach and more impact than ever before.

a reminder, according to Milrad, that mental health and substance abuse doesn’t discriminate based on age, eth-

“The work is evolving, the reach is expanding and the impact ahead is profound,” he stated in announcing the new partnership. “We cannot wait to share what’s next.” ì

The International Jerusalem Winner Marathon returns for its 15th year and will take place on Friday, March 27 // Photo Credit: Sportphotography

International Jerusalem Winner Marathon set for March 27

The International Jerusalem Winner Marathon returns for its 15th year and

Today in Israeli History

Jan. 15, 2014: A flag-raising ceremony at the Geneva headquarters of the European Organization for Nuclear Research marks Israel’s status as the 21st full member of the physics organization known as CERN.

The slain soldiers from the Convoy of 35 were buried on Mount Herzl after the War of Independence.

Jan. 16, 1948: All 35 Haganah soldiers in a convoy bringing supplies on foot to the blockaded Gush Etzion settlements are killed in a day of fighting with Arab troops. Nearby British troops choose not to intervene.

Jan. 17, 1986: Spain becomes the last Western European nation to open formal diplomatic relations with Israel, a condition for Spain to gain admission to the European Community, the precursor to the European Union.

Jan. 18, 1974: Israel and Egypt sign a U.S.-brokered and -guaranteed agreement to create a U.N. buffer zone between their forces in the Sinai Peninsula. Israel and the United States sign a related memorandum of understanding.

ISRAEL PRIDE

NEWS FROM OUR JEWISH HOME

will take place on Friday, March 27, with tens of thousands of runners participating from across Israel and around the world.

Mayor of Jerusalem Moshe Lion said, “At the marathon, we will celebrate together the strength, unity, mutual responsibility, the Jerusalem spirit, and the hope of the people of Israel.”

The International Jerusalem Winner Marathon is considered one of the most beautiful, successful, and challenging marathons in the world. Over the years, it has become a recognized international brand and a key event on the calendar for both professional runners and the general public from Israel and abroad. The marathon continues to position Jerusalem as an attractive international sports capital, offering spectacular routes and historic landmarks, and serving as a major hub for tourism and athletic experiences, in a way only Jerusalem can offer.

Jan. 19, 1990: Arthur Goldberg dies in Washington at 81. He left the U.S. Supreme Court to become the ambassador to the United Nations in 1965 and helped draft Security Council Resolution 242 after the June 1967 war.

Reinhard Heydrich, shown in 1940, was one of the Kristallnacht organizers as well as the Wannsee convener.

Jan. 20, 1942: Convened by Gestapo head Reinhard Heydrich in the Berlin suburb of Wannsee, Nazis draft the plans for the “Final Solution” to European Jewry through deportation to deadly labor camps and mass murder.

Jan. 21, 1882: BILU, whose name comes from Isaiah’s “Beit Yaakov lekhu venelkha” (“House of Jacob, let us go”), is founded by 30 students in Ukraine, setting the groundwork for the First Aliyah of Zionist immigration.

Jan. 22, 2013: After the dissolution of the Knesset over a budget dispute in October, Israel votes for the 19th Knesset. The right wing loses seats, largely to the new Yesh Atid, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains in power.

The Jewish Agency for Israel has received a grant of $1.5 million from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

Jewish Agency for Israel Receives $1.5M Grant

The Jewish Agency for Israel has received a grant of $1.5 million from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust in support of the Security Fund, one of the most far-reaching Jewish security initiatives in the world. This latest contribution deepens the Helmsley Char-

Jan. 23, 1950: The Knesset votes 60-2 to adopt a Cabinet-drafted resolution declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel. Mapam and Herut abstain. The no votes are two Communists who favor an international status for Jerusalem.

Jan. 24, 1965: Syrian police arrest businessman Kamel Amin Tha’abet at his Damascus home and charge him with espionage. Tha’abet is actually successful Mossad agent Eli Cohen, who is hanged May 18, 1965.

Abba Eban, shown during a U.N. General Assembly debate over a ceasefire along the Suez Canal in November 1956, failed to win a U.S. arms deal for Israel that year. // U.N. Photo Library

Jan. 25, 1956: Israeli Ambassador Abba Eban and U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles discuss a proposed $50 million weapons deal to counter a Soviet sale to Egypt, but President Dwight Eisenhower isn’t interested.

Jan. 26, 2006: Hamas wins 76 of the 132 seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council during elections in which 77% of eligible voters cast ballots. Fatah, the party of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, wins 43 seats.

itable Trust’s commitment to safeguarding Jewish communities worldwide at a time of surging antisemitism and brings its total support for The Jewish Agency’s relief and security efforts to more than $11 million.

The Security Fund was established in 2012, at the request of the government of Israel, following the deadly terror attack at the Ozar Ha’Torah Jewish day school in Toulouse, France. Its mission is to ensure the safety of Jewish communities around the world — outside the United States — by providing financial assistance for securing and protecting Jewish communal institutions.

The new grant will be used to increase the physical security of 58 Jewish religious, educational, and communal institutions in Europe, North America, South America, and Australia that are vulnerable to potentially violent terrorist attacks.

Compiled by AJT Staff

The Palestinian delegation at Taba proposed this map, showing the Palestinian borders in green with land concessions to Israel in blue, according to The Economic Cooperation Foundation. // The Economic Cooperation Foundation

Jan. 27, 2001: Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in Taba, Egypt, conclude after a week of progress based on the Clinton Parameters, but Ariel Sharon rejects the discussions when he is elected prime minister 10 days later.

Jan. 28, 1790: The National Assembly of revolutionary France decides to give citizenship to Sephardi Jews after debating Jewish rights in December. The majority Ashkenazim are not emancipated until September 1791.

Jan. 29, 2005: Writer, playwright and filmmaker Ephraim Kishon dies at 80. His films include Golden Globe winners “Sallah Shabati” (1964) and “The Policeman” (1971), and his books sold more than 40 million copies.

Jan. 30, 1933: Recha Freier founds the Committee for the Assistance of Jewish Youth on the day Adolf Hitler is appointed the chancellor of Germany. Later renamed Youth Aliyah, the program rescues more than 11,000 Jews.

Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (israeled.org), where you can find more details.

Judge Escorts Diverse Legal Group to Israel

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Judge Stacey Hydrick escorted 19 legal professionals from Atlanta to experience Israel up close on a weeklong mission beginning Nov. 16. The group included Georgia Supreme Court justices, superior court judges, the president of the Georgia NAACP, president of the Georgia State Bar, and many other wellrespected attorneys.

The participants were Black, white, Jewish, non-Jewish, men, women, conservatives, and liberals. Hydrick recalled, “The number of burned homes, bullet holes in the walls, ceilings and floors, and the level of destruction was nothing like I had ever seen. While we have all seen some footage from Oct. 7, seeing the sites in person is indescribable.”

Note that the entire trip was funded by the Consul General of the Southeast/ Israeli Foreign Ministry.

What made this mission unique was its deep dive into Israeli law. The group visited the Israeli Supreme Court and met with justices and members of the Ministry of Justice, including an international law expert and the district attorney tasked with prosecuting the Oct. 7 attacks.

Hydrick concluded, “The most interesting thing was that Israel doesn’t have jury trials. All cases, civil and criminal, are heard by either a single judge or a panel of three judges … completely opposite of what we do here the U.S. I often spend days picking a jury on a complex murder or rape trial. And then, we often wait days for a jury to return a verdict, which must be unanimous.”

The group met with IDF soldiers who described the measures taken to ensure that every operation complies with Israeli and international law; and they learned

how the IDF coordinates truckloads of aid brought into Gaza post-Oct. 7. Hydrick was impressed with the ALMA research center on the Lebanon border that tracks open-source information and provides intelligence on threats to Israel from Hezbollah and other terrorist groups, followed by a session with a Druze judge who spoke about their culture and unwavering loyalty to Israel.

Hydrick related, “The Druze don’t share much detail about their beliefs, as they are kept secret. They are amazing, monotheistic, serve in the IDF, believe in equality for men and women, and in reincarnation.”

To round out the experience, Hydrick made sure to include Christian sites. “We visited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where Jesus was crucified, buried and

IS ELI HOSTAGE T CKER

The following is the most current information available as of press deadline. Bring Them Home.

resurrected … the Christian participants touched the marble slab that was placed over the limestone burial site where Jesus was buried. Visiting this church was as emotional for them as praying at the Kotel was for we Jews. Personally, I loved watching them experience something so meaningful and important to them.”

Two non-Jews in the group left with these comments: “My recent trip to Israel took me to the site of the Nova Festival, and I’m still processing everything I saw there. Standing on that ground, hearing directly from the people who lived through the devastation of Oct. 7 — it changes you. Witnessing the aftermath up close doesn’t just inform you … it shifts your entire outlook. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn, to listen, and to carry these stories forward.”

“It is hard to put to words the experience. Life changing best fits. We had a curated experience through the different regions and terrains of Israel: to bear witness to the horrors of Oct. 7, and the enduring beauty and patriotism of the Israeli people. It truly was a lifetime opportunity to be a part of the delegation and to see Israel through factual and direct lenses.”

After visiting the kibbutzim attacked on Oct. 7, Eric Fisher, a Jewish participant stated, “I was struck by the devastation at Kibbutz Kfar Aza. To see a community dedicated to building peace torn apart like it was shook me. And knowing that so much of that destruction was set up by many of the very people whom the kibbutz members were trying to help has made me rethink whether peace will ever be possible.” ì

Israeli hostages remaining: one hostage is either believed to be dead or his death has been confirmed: Ran Gvili, 24 (murdered in captivity)

Jewish Hockey Players set for Winter Olympics

David Ostrowsky

In just a few short weeks, the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games will commence and for the first time since the 2014 Games in Sochi, the U.S. men’s hockey team will be stacked with NHL players. And the star-studded roster that is hoping to contend with global heavyweights such as Canada and Sweden has a robust Jewish presence with the Hughes brothers — Jack’s a perennial All-Star center for the New Jersey Devils, Quinn an elite defenseman for the Minnesota Wild — along with Boston Bruins veteran goaltender Jeremy Swayman slated to participate.

Meanwhile, defenseman Adam Fox, a franchise cornerstone of the New York Rangers, has an outside chance of being tabbed as an injury replacement — if such an opportunity presents itself and he bounces back from a recent lower body injury.

The NHL’s return to the Olympics after a 12-year hiatus has stirred early stateside interest in this year’s Winter Games. When the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic hockey teams were revealed just after New Year’s, Jack Hughes, flanked by U.S. women’s hockey player Laila Edwards and American ice sled hockey player/ Paralympic gold medalist Declan Farmer, was featured on “The Today Show” as the face of the men’s squad.

“We’ve got a really good group of young hungry Americans that haven’t played in the Olympics before,” said Jack Hughes, the middle child in the Hughes family (baby brother, Luke, also plays for New Jersey but he will not be representing the Yanks next month in Italy). “We’re lucky the NHLers are back in the Olympics. Guys are pumped up and we should be really excited.”

Though all the current players were just a twinkle in their parents’ eyes when the United States shocked the world by knocking off the Soviets in the 1980 Lake Placid Games, the historical magnitude of the miraculous upset is not lost on them. They know a potential gold medal would etch their names in the annals of American sports history.

“It’s everything. If you’re a hockey player in the U.S., you grew up watching

‘Miracle on Ice’ and that’s like the biggest USA memory,” added Jack Hughes. “Every hockey player wants to grow up and play in the NHL, but I think the biggest dream is playing in the Olympics. It’s such an honor and such a privilege to be back and have that opportunity.”

Joining Jack on the American team is his older brother, Quinn, a slick-skating blueliner who copped the 2024 Norris Trophy as the NHL’s premier defenseman and was recently traded from the Vancouver Canucks to the Minnesota Wild for a package of players highlighted by 20-year-old Israel-American defenseman Zeev Buium.

While the eldest Hughes brothers were essentially a lock to crack the U.S. roster, there was less certainty about the fate of Bruins All-Star goalie Swayman, who a couple years ago, on the eve of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, shared that he had a bar mitzvah growing up in Anchorage, Alaska. After three consecutive spectacular seasons in net from 2021-24, Swayman regressed last winter to finish with career low numbers. Though his 2025-26 season has been marked by inconsistency, USA general manager Bill Guerin ultimately chose Swayman to round out the goaltending trio with Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck and Dallas’s Jake Oettinger.

“I was really hoping to be a part of it,” Swayman told the Boston Bruins website after he received the congratulatory call from Guerin on Jan. 2. “But you get caught by surprise, and when the phone call finally comes, it becomes reality. It’s an incredible moment that I’ll never forget. I think it’s just a great opportunity to experience playing with the best of the best and representing our country — of course, something that is a lot bigger than us as individuals.

“That is something I can really get behind. That’s what I love most about this kind of event, is because you’re playing your heart out for your country and you’re representing more than yourself.”

While Swayman and the Hughes brothers look forward to representing the U.S. in the men’s hockey tournament, which runs from Feb. 11-22, the omission of Fox continues to raise some eyebrows around the league. In what has thus far been an injury-riddled season, the Jericho, N.Y., native and onetime Harvard standout has potted four goals and assisted on 24 others. Before sustaining his most recent injury, one that will sideline him until at least Jan. 31, Fox was informed that he didn’t make the cut for the Olympics. That the U.S. men’s head coach, Mike Sullivan, is also the bench

boss for Fox’s Rangers only made the disappointing news harder to digest.

“Obviously, it’s disappointing,” Fox told the media after learning of his Olympic fate, merely days after returning from his first injury, one that shelved him for the entirety of December. “I thought I played as well as I think I could have and that decision comes out of your hands at a certain point. It is what it is. You just have to move on.”

Though Fox’s body of work across seven NHL seasons speaks for itself — he will likely go down as one of the league’s all-time most prolific scoring defensemen — it’s been posited that Fox may have been denied an invitation because he had an underwhelming showing in last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off, in which Canada bested the U.S. for the championship.

“I don’t think you have any expectation (to make the Olympic team) I would say, but I obviously thought my play this year was worthy of it and my track record as well,” Fox added. “But it’s out of my hands at a certain point. The decision is the decision, and I guess that’s how it goes.”

U.S. men hockey’s quest for gold begins on Feb. 12 when it takes on Latvia in a preliminary round matchup at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. ì

When Life’s a Peach (Bowl)

By David Ostrowsky

While the dominant national narrative surrounding this year’s Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl may have been the Indiana University Hoosiers’ sudden and shocking emergence to national prominence, the 58th edition of Atlanta’s cherished bowl game marked the end of a significant era for the city itself.

Throughout the 21st century, the Peach Bowl, a bowl that began as a rainsoaked contest between Florida State and LSU at Georgia Tech’s rainswept Grant Field in 1968 and is now played in front of sold-out Mercedes-Benz Stadium and watched by millions nationwide, has delivered a tremendous economic boon to Atlanta under the management of CEO & President Gary P. Stokan.

Per the Peach Bowl’s official estimates, the game and its corresponding events have generated $1.299 billion and $79.34 million in direct government tax revenue for the city of Atlanta and state of Georgia, respectively, since 1999, Stokan’s first year at the helm. Billing itself as college football’s most charitable bowl organization, the Peach Bowl has donated $58.8 million to local cash-strapped organizations since 2002, with one of its marquee endowed programs being the John Lewis Legacy of Courage Scholarship, which empowers students throughout Georgia with substantial scholarships. Most recently, Peach Bowl, Inc. pledged a $500,000 donation to the Red Cross in support of Hurricanes Helene and Milton relief efforts.

But last Friday night, as thunderous Mercedes-Benz Stadium was awash in Indiana University crimson — the Hoosiers, in what was essentially a home game for them, thrashed the Oregon Ducks 56-22 in the CFP semifinal — Stokan presided over his final Peach Bowl as he looks ahead to retirement. As recognition of his decades-long efforts to leverage the Peach Bowl resources towards driving forward gains for Atlanta’s economy. Stokan was named to this year’s class of Peach Bowl Hall of Fame inductees during the pregame pageantry minutes before standing next to MLB star and Indiana honorary captain Kyle Schwarber for the pregame coin toss. Following the Hoosiers’ resounding semifinal win, Stokan, who also served as president of the Atlanta Sports Council from 1998 to 2009, was front and center in the postgame festivities, presenting Fernando Mendoza, Indiana’s Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback (and prob-

able No.1 selection in April’s NFL draft), with the game’s most outstanding player award for spearheading one of the most overpowering offensive outbursts in CFP history.

“Basically, I’ve taken the ingredients of fantastic facilities, great hotels downtown, a great tourism industry, the best airport in the world, three interstates that intersect in middle Atlanta, a college football hotbed with [major] alumni bases of all the ACC and SEC schools, the best staff in the business, fantastic board support from headquarters companies like Chick-fil-A and Aflac and Kia and Delta and Home Depot and Georgia Power and volunteers that really enjoy providing Southern hospitality to events, big-time events and hosting people,” Stokan reflected on his career when speaking to the Sports Business Journal last week.

“Those are all ingredients. I just put it in a recipe to make Atlanta the sports capital of the world when I was running the Sports Council and then now the capital of college football. It’s been a labor of love, obviously. [I’ve] been passionate about it, had a vision to do it and just been in the right place, the right time with a great city and great people to do it with.”

Stokan’s Peach Bowl legacy transcends the immense financial rewards

of which Atlanta has been a chief beneficiary for both business development and charitable purposes. He has been instrumental in positioning the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl as one of the New Year’s quarterfinal bowl games in the College Football Playoff and is considered the driving force behind relocating the College Football Hall of Fame from South Bend, Ind., to downtown Atlanta. All told, the developments have equated to Atlanta becoming widely known as the aforementioned hub of the college football universe. The mantle seems justifiable when considering that hallmark college football games, including the Labor Day weekend Aflac Kickoff Game for football-hungry fans (a brainchild of Stokan’s) annually rank among Atlanta’s highest money-making events.

Historically, the Peach Bowl has been one of the most tightly contested bowl games, with over half of the games having been decided by one score or less. Friday’s night affair bucked that trend, as Indiana’s D’Angelo Ponds scored on a pick-six on the very first play from scrimmage to open the floodgates. Admittedly, this year’s edition wasn’t exactly chockfull of drama and suspense unlike last year’s double-overtime thriller between Texas and Arizona State, but Stokan’s final Peach Bowl nevertheless generated

more than $50 million of revenue for Atlanta’s economy. Ironically, that neither team hailed from the SEC may have been better for business as both championship-starved fanbases came from far and away and utilized Hartsfield-Jackson Airport while frequenting bars, restaurants, and hotels for several days in between holiday weekends.

Though this year’s participants naturally remained laser-focused on advancing to Monday evening’s CFP championship game in Miami, Fla., Stokan’s lasting legacy on the Peach Bowl and its host city wasn’t lost on them. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning opened his press conference the day before the big game by pointing out, “First off, it’s an incredible honor to be here. I want to thank Gary [Stokan] and his representatives here at the Peach Bowl. One thing that makes this game fun is recognizing how many things the Peach Bowl actually does outside of just this football game. It’s something my wife, Sauphia, and I have been able to be a part of and really grateful for the service that the Peach Bowl provides.

The next two Peach Bowls — the first ones of the post-Stokan era — will be included in the cluster of New Year’s Day quarterfinals games with no date set for its next hosting of the CFP semifinal. ì

Goldstein Returns to Marietta City Council Hadassah Metulla Group Installs Officers for 2026

Jason Goldstein is sworn in to his third term on the Marietta City Council. Pictured next to him is his fiancé, Kimberly Caras, and swearing in Goldstein is Senior Superior Court Judge Adele Grubbs // Photo courtesy of Philip Goldstein

Joseph Goldstein took the oath of office as councilmember for the City of Marietta Ward 7 seat on Dec. 22 for the Marietta City Council, for a third term. The Bible was held by Joseph’s fiancé, Kimberly Caras. Administering the oath of office was Senior Superior Court Judge Adele Grubbs. Councilmembers André Sims, Cheryl Richardson, and Carlyle Kent, and new councilmembers Tee Anderson, Jason Waters, and Daniel Gaddis were also in attendance. Goldstein was first elected at the age of 23 and was reelected at the age of 31 on Nov. 4 and started his third term on Jan. 1, 2026, at the age of 32.

Goldstein graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law with a J.D. in May 2017 (the youngest in his class). He received a B.B.A. with summa cum laude honors from the UGA Terry College of

Business in 2014. He graduated from Marietta High School in 2011 and is a lifelong resident of Marietta and Ward 7. Goldstein is the owner and manager of JRG 30 Whitlock Avenue, LLC, and currently works in his family’s real estate business. Goldstein has participated in many community service projects in the area and is a member of the Marietta Kiwanis Club.

Goldstein has had a lifetime interest in politics, seeing and hearing about the city from his father, Philip Goldstein, and attending conferences and various meetings over the years on city government. He wants to see Ward 7 and Marietta maintain orderly growth while continuing to develop and prosper. He is open and accessible to the public and is oriented towards citizen services.

Compiled by AJT Staff

Hadassah Greater Atlanta’s Metulla Group installed its 2026 officers at a Chanukah celebration and brunch on Sunday, Dec. 7. In addition to wonderful food and friendship, participants took a virtual tour of Hadassah’s Youth Aliyah Villages with Michele Rubin, Hadassah national chair youth Aliyah.

The installation, conducted by Hadassah Greater Atlanta President, Terry Nordin, took participants on a tour of the Gates of Jerusalem, linking each of the eight gates to the roles of Hadassah leadership.

Nordin encouraged members to “Look towards Jerusalem for inspiration. Jerusalem, the heart of Israel, is home to hundreds of thousands of people and spiritual home to millions. Hadassah’s projects and programs in Jerusalem and around the world enable people to benefit from Hadassah’s work.”

Incoming co-President Lara Rush spoke about the power of connection that Hadassah provides and co-President Mindy Cohen highlighted the many accomplishments of the Metulla group. Present were several past presidents of the Metulla group: Susan Linkwald, Michele Weiner-Merbaum, Nancy Schwartz, Anita Otero, and Nordin.

Today, Hadassah is 300,000 strong, across the country and across the generations, proof of just how big an impact Hadassah can have when bringing philanthropy and women’s leadership together. Hadassah believes that each of us has the power to heal our world. That means bringing healing - in every sense of the word - where it is needed most, in the U.S., Israel and around the globe. For more information, go to www.hadassah.org.

Compiled by AJT Staff

Buy & Sell

Learning Fest 2026 Unites Jewish Grandparents

The Jewish Grandparents Network, which educates, connects, and supports grandparents as essential partners in enriching Jewish life across generations, will host Learning Fest 2026 from 3 to 6 p.m., Jan. 27, the first global convening for Jewish grandparents to learn from experts and each other. The virtual gathering includes sessions covering long-distance grandparenting, generational dynamics around Israel, navigating interfaith families, supporting neurodivergent grandchildren, and much more.

“Grandparents hold a unique place in many families — they are the keeper of stories and a bridge between the past and future,” said Debra Weinberg, executive director of the Jewish Grandparents Network. “At the same time, many families have complicated dynamics, and the world today is also complicated. Learning Fest 2026 will help grandparents navigate these challenges, connect with each other for support, and feel valued. We’re excited to share knowledge and tools to build strong Jewish families and a brighter Jewish future.”

In addition to interest-based small group breakouts, expert-led sessions include:

At a Distance: Practical and Meaningful Ways to Build Relationships with Grandchildren Who Live Far Away; Kerry Byrne, PhD, founder of The Long Distance Grandparent

When Grandparents Get Canceled (and What to Do About It); Rachel Haack, LMFT, marriage and family therapist associate How Grandparents Can Bring Storytelling to Life Through Play; Jonathan Shmidt Chapman, founder of The K’ilu

Company

Has it EVER Been Possible for Families to Calmly Discuss Israel? Exploring the Generational Dynamics of Israel Infatuation, Anxiety, and Ambivalence; Jonathan Kessler, founder and CEO of Heart of a Nation

How Grandparents with Neurodivergent Grandchildren can Embrace and Support Their Family; Dr. Richard Solomon, developmental and behavioral pediatrician

Ritual Reimagined: Crafting Meaningful and Memorable Moments with Your Grandchildren; Ezra Bookman, founder, Ritualist

Opening the Heart: Becoming a Grandparent; Dr. Jane Shapiro, master teacher of Torah and Jewish thought, history and literature.

Doing Jewish, Feeling Jewish, Being Jewish: Grandparents as Guides in MixedHeritage and Multifaith Families; Rabbi Samuel Klein, director of Jewish Engagement at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle

Texts, TikToks & Time Together: Building Real Bonds with Your Teen Grandkids; Drew Fidler, LCSW-C, senior director of the BBYO Center for Adolescent Wellness, and Ian Kandel, BBYO’s senior vice president for movement building

Affirming and Loving Your Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Expansive Grandchildren; Tracey Labgold, Keshet’s Florida education and training manager

Register for the Jewish Grandparents Network Learning Fest 2026 by Jan. 19 at jewishgrandparentsnetwork.org/learningfest

Compiled by AJT Staff

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America has Never Been Easy

Dave Schechter

From Where I Sit

In a little under six months, on July 4, the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary, marking the day in 1776 when the Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, adopted the Declaration of Independence.

The year will feature events that range from the serious to circus-like.

Underpinning all of this should be an appreciation of the fragility of the nation’s founding.

One thought was constant as I watched “The American Revolution,” the six-part documentary on PBS by filmmaker Ken Burns and his collaborators: How close the colonies came to not attaining independence from Great Britain, how close they came to not becoming the United States of America.

The Revolutionary War was fraught with military missteps and political infighting, yet the colonists won enough battles and achieved sufficient agreement among themselves to forge a union, however shaky.

The United States has grown from the original 13 colonies to 50 states (and the District of Columbia), from 2.5 million people in 1776 to 343 million today.

And from each colony for itself to E Pluribus Unum, Latin for “Out of Many, One.”

If we succumb to hubris and the notion, sometimes true and other times not, of American exceptionalism, we risk taking for granted all that was required to create this nation and take for granted that its future is assured.

In the words of a fictional president in a film: “America isn’t easy. America is advanced citizenship. You’ve gotta want it bad, ‘cause it’s gonna put up a fight.”

Winston Churchill, speaking in the House of Commons on Nov. 11, 1947, in between his two stints as Britain’s prime minister, borrowed from others when he

called democracy “the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”

The Declaration of Independence speaks of truths that are held to be selfevident, about power deriving from the “consent of the governed,” and about “unalienable rights.”

In the Constitution of the United States, you read about a tripartite system of checks and balances, between the executive branch, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

There is concern in some quarters that not only are the legs of that threelegged stool uneven and wobbling, but that the stool itself is being kicked out from underneath the people it was designed to support.

From within the Jewish community, I hear that America is being irreparably harmed, that America is teetering on a precipice from which it could tumble easier than most people imagine.

From within the same Jewish community, I hear from people who survey the same political, economic, and social landscape, but reach a different conclusion and approve of what they see.

Each regards the other as either ignorant or willfully blind to the realities of the world around them. The discourse around these positions is often caustic.

The Declaration of Independence contained a bill of particulars, specific complaints against the rule of King George III of Great Britain and Ireland. Read that list and you may find language familiar to current debates and disputes.

Perhaps appropriately, 2026 —

America’s semiquincentennial — is an election year.

One-third of the U.S. Senate and every seat in the House of Representatives will be voted on, as well as half of the governors and countless statewide and local offices. Though the office of president will not be on the mid-term ballot, the results will be viewed as a referendum on the current occupant of the White House.

Those who contend that the Constitution is being torn apart; that history is being rewritten, erased or ignored; that care for the stranger has given way to cruelty for cruelty’s sake; that might does not always make right; that the agencies of government created to protect the public have been degraded — they can seek redress by voting.

Those who consider these assertions baseless; who endorse a range of policies now in effect, domestically and globally; who rejoice that, after decades of perceived excess, “elites” are being brought to heel; who believe that “America First” should take precedence over remedying the world’s ills — they can demonstrate their support by voting.

“The American Revolution” documentary provided a valuable service, even for those who think themselves reasonably well schooled in the history of this country’s formation and birth.

Two hundred and 50 years ago, military missteps and political infighting came perilously close to rendering this experiment in self-governance a failure before it began.

America isn’t easy. It never has been. And it is not now. ì

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Letters to the Editor

The AJT welcomes your letters. If you would like your letter to be published, please write 200 words or less, include your name, phone number and email, and send it to kaylene@atljewishtimes.com.

Letter to the Editor,

I just wanted to thank David Ostrowsky for the excellent article featuring Gene Benator’s 55 years of JCC softball. I’ve known Gene since he came into the league in 1971 and came to bat against him many times in the years that I played. I always admired his competitive spirit on the field. I even had the opportunity to write about him in my column in The Jewish Georgian, “Schwartz On Sports.”

It should be noted that Gene also was a long-time basketball official in the JCC Basketball League and I’m glad to read that he plans on remaining involved as a recruiter and coach. I’m looking forward to continuing reading about Gene’s influence on the MJCCA sports scene.

Jerry Schwartz, Alpharetta, Ga.

Letter to the Editor,

I condemn in the strongest possible terms the cold-blooded killing of fifteen Jews, and serious injury of many more, at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia, Dec.13. The victims were targeted simply because they were Jews. This murderous assault occurred on the heels of two years of intensifying Jew-hating attacks in Australia on synagogues and other Jewish establishments and institutions, since the Oct. 7, 2023, Tehran-backed Hamas pogrom in Gaza.

This and similar attacks are a threat to the labor movement and working people worldwide. History teaches us that Jew-hatred is used to divert attention from the convulsive cycle of crises endemic to capitalism -- the root cause of growing wars in the world, unemployment, financial meltdowns and other ills that are devastating working people’s lives. The unions must stand in solidarity with the Jewish community everywhere.

This must include defense of Israel’s right to exist as a refuge for Jews. We cannot look to Washington to protect Jewish people or defend Israel. Despite Trump’s rhetoric, Washington seeks only to defend its own economic and political interests, seeking more stability for the sake of U.S. profits at all costs. Only Israel is capable of eliminating the Nazi-inspired, Jew-hating Hamas group, which is terrorizing Palestinians and reorganizing to advance its plans to destroy Israel, home to half the world’s Jews.

My party, the Socialist Workers Party, stands in solidarity with all who speak out against Jew-hatred.

Sincerely,

Susan LaMont, 2025 SWP candidate for Atlanta mayor

Disclamer to our readers:

This section of the newspaper is a forum for our community to share thoughts, concerns and opinions as open letters to the community or directly to the newspaper. As a letter to the editor, we proof for spelling and grammatical errors only. We do not edit nor vet the information the letter contains. The individual signing the letter is accountable for what they share.

Letter to the Editor,

I agree with Rabbi Baroff. However, true dialogue requires that all parties involved in the discussion will negotiate and act to keep the obligations imposed on them in the final agreement. “Dialogue” with a party that insists, “You have to make concessions, but we do not,” is not going to end the conflict.

Three decades have passed since the Oslo Accords were signed, giving the Palestinians their first-ever chance to live under the administration of leaders of their own choosing. But Israel isn’t any closer to having peace with the Palestinians than it was in 1993. Palestinian schools continue to teach children to hate Jews and the Palestinian Authority incites Palestinians in Judea and Samaria (“The West Bank”) to attack and kill Jews, honoring and rewarding those who answer the call. While claiming that an Israeli “blockade” prevented it from developing Gaza’s economy, Hamas spent a billion dollars building an extensive network of terror tunnels, embedded deeply among the Gazan populace, guaranteeing that Israel’s army couldn’t respond to Hamas’ attacks on Israel without killing Gazan non-combatants despite the IDF’s exemplary efforts to avoid collateral damage. And, of course, the current war between Israel and Hamas continues, with Hamas refusing to surrender its arms and control of Gaza, as called for in the agreement proposed by President Trump.

Toby F. Block, Atlanta

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Podber Shares About Beating Breast Cancer

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

On a Sunday in June 2024, Morris Podber rubbed his watch against his breast and felt a sharp pain. He performed a self-examination and discovered a lump. He immediately called his primary physician and got a next-day appointment. Podber’s circuitous journey began there.

After the next day exam, the doctor pulled out his cell phone and called his surgeon friend, who told Podber that he would set up a mammogram and ultrasound for the next day, and the office would call with the time and place.

Podber explained, “The radiologist who read the mammogram and ultrasound told me that the lump had been there on previous chest x-rays, not to worry. So, I cancelled the appointment with the surgeon. The surgeon was not happy and notified the physician, and they both insisted I come in anyway.”

Podber saw the surgeon the next day. After an exam, the surgeon advised keeping a watchful eye and recommended

genetic testing. All indications were that the lump was benign, although Podber’s mother, cousin, and uncle all had breast cancer. The latter died of breast cancer in 1991. Even though genetic testing showed no known genes, it can be limited; and a

negative result doesn’t always rule out a genetic cause.

Podber explained, “There seems to be limitations of the specific test panel used and the possibility of an unknown or undiscovered gene causing my breast cancer.”

On July 5, the surgeon called and relayed that due to family history and a “gut feeling,” that he and the geneticist recommended removing the lump. On July 19, Podber had the lump removed.

Dermatology Associates of Atlanta: Your Skincare Home

Discover specialized patient care at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta! As the leading dermatology practice in Atlanta, think of us as your “skincare home” where you can explore a variety of treatments for the skin, hair, and nails at one of our eight distinct specialty centers. Whether you’re looking to undergo non-surgical fat reduction with our stateof-the-art Emsculpt® procedure or want help with removing acne scarring, our board-certified dermatologists are here to help.

Our team comprises three exceptional doctors: Dr. D. Scott Karempelis, Dr. Joseph R. Payne, and Dr. Ashley Curtis, along with a staff of highly skilled, board-certified physician assistants. Along with a dedication to their craft, Dr. Ashley Curtis and Dr. Scott Karempelis also hold a Castle Connolly Distinction. Castle Connolly Top Doctors are handselected, featuring only the top 7% of doctors in the country. Doctors can be nominated by their peers to be selected for screening by a physician-led research team. We are extremely proud to have

two doctors on our staff who hold this distinction, further solidifying our commitment to outstanding patient care.

What sets us apart is our eight unique specialty centers, which enable us to deliver patients with truly specialized care. The Dermatology Center assists individuals with various skin conditions, ranging from acne and age spots to hyperpigmentation and other dermatological issues. Skin Medics Medical Spa offers a range of cosmetic dermatology services, including non-surgical fat reduction, dermaplaning, chemical peels, and more. We’re also one of the leading providers of cosmetic laser treatments in the South-

east at our Laser Institute of Georgia center, where we offer services for any issue, including scarring and spider veins. Looking to get rid of unwanted body and facial hair? Our Hair Removal center uses industry-leading laser hair removal and electrolysis technologies! For those suffering from skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, the Psoriasis Treatment Center and Eczema Treatment Center are experts in addressing your needs. If you’re going through issues with hair loss, The Center for Non-Surgical Hair Loss and The Center for Women’s Hair Loss are industry leaders in this field.

No matter what your dermatological needs look like, our team at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is ready to help you reach your skin care goals. We pride ourselves on offering top-of-the-line services that are also versatile, enabling us to support patients at every stage of their lives. If you’ve been searching for a dermatologist's office that will listen to you and provide a tailored service experience, give us a call today at (404) 256- 4457! You can also visit our website at https://dermatlanta.com/ for more information and to fill out an appointment request form. We look forward to helping you feel your best from the inside out this new year!

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Morris Podber cautions men to pay attention to their family history, and that breast cancer is not just a disease for females.

Ten days later, he was called with the results. To Podber’s surprise, “It was indeed cancer, a 1.5 cm infiltrating ductal carcinoma with no positive lymph nodes. The doctor was totally shocked, as I was. I was relieved and thankful for the surgeon’s persistence, although I was not expecting this outcome after the radiologist’s report and the genetic testing. I would now have to go back for a second surgery for a mastectomy to be scheduled in August. Once I was diagnosed, I reached out to my brothers and cousins to let them know of my diagnosis, and that they should be checked periodically.”

Two weeks later, Podber had his first appointment with his oncologist and found out that he did not need radiation or chemotherapy. He now takes an antihormone drug, tamoxifen, and will for at least the next four years.

Podber’s compelling message is, “To you men out there, I recommend that you check yourself. According to the American Cancer Society, less than one percent of breast cancers occur in men. Primarily seen as a woman’s disease, men may sometimes ignore symptoms resulting in later stage diagnosis and potentially worse outcomes. Although survival for male breast cancer patients has improved, the prognosis for men has not advanced as much as it has for women. Research has shown that most breast cancers in men are not caused by inherited factors. As for me, knowing my

family history, it was informative and helped guide the decisions of the surgeon and the geneticist. Treatment in men is much the same as treatment in women with chemotherapy, radiation, and antihormone drugs. I currently see my oncologist once every six months and the surgeon once a year with mammograms and ultrasounds once a year.”

Podber is grateful that he did not have to go through chemotherapy or radiation, although he’s aware of those who did have more challenging treatments. He concluded, “Some have survived and some did not win the fight. I want to sincerely acknowledge those who went through treatment and those who lost the battle. In times of difficulty, relying on family, friends, community, and being open with my diagnosis, provided me with strength and reinforced my faith and helped me to get thru this shock of having cancer.”

Podber was the featured speaker in October at the Ahavath Achim “Pink” Shabbat highlighting cancer awareness. Morris, 74, is married to Ann Velkoff Podber and has two adult children, Adam and Rachel. An Atlanta native and child of Holocaust survivors, Podber grew up in Morningside, and attended Morningside Elementary, Grady High, and Congregation Shearith Israel. Currently, at Ahavath Achim, he attends most evening minyans by Zoom and leads the Wednesday evening service. ì

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BiTE Therapy Offers Hope for Cancer Treatment

By Sasha Heller

For those who are seeking treatment for Small Cell Lung Cancer, there is an innovative treatment now available called BiTE therapy, a novel form of immunotherapy designed to harness a patient’s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.

Atlanta Jewish Times recently interviewed Piedmont Cancer Institute physician Dr. Trevor Feinstein and Laura Houston, director of marketing for the Institute, to explain what the therapy is and its benefits.

AJT: What is BiTE therapy and why is it innovative?

Feinstein: BiTE therapy, or Bispecific T-cell Engager therapy, is a novel form of immunotherapy designed to harness a patient’s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.

BiTEs are small, engineered antibody proteins with two binding arms, each with a distinct function. One arm binds to CD3, a protein found on all T-cells, making it an ideal target for engaging the immune sys-

BiTE therapy is a novel form of immunotherapy designed to harness a patient’s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.

tem. The other arm is designed to bind a specific cancer-associated target. In small cell lung cancer, the BiTE therapy tarlatamab targets DLL3, a protein that is highly expressed on small cell lung cancer cells but

has minimal expression in normal tissues. By simultaneously binding to a Tcell and a cancer cell, the BiTE molecule physically links the two together. This close interaction activates the T-cell, en-

abling it to directly target and kill the cancer cell. Through this mechanism, BiTE therapy redirects the body’s own immune defenses to selectively attack cancer.

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AJT: What is Small Cell Lung Cancer?

Feinstein: Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive type of lung cancer that grows and spreads very rapidly. It most often begins in the central part of the chest, near the large airways.

Because of its fast growth and tendency to spread early, about two-thirds of patients are diagnosed when the disease is already extensive. “Extensive” means the cancer has spread beyond the lungs to other parts of the body, such as the liver, brain, or bones. Once SCLC has spread, it becomes much more difficult to cure.

AJT: What types of therapy were used previously and why is BiTE therapy now preferred?

Feinstein: Historically, patients with small cell lung cancer whose disease progressed during or after platinum-based chemotherapy had limited treatment options, most of which relied on additional chemotherapy. These treatments often provided modest benefit and were associated with significant side effects.

More recently, results from the DeLLphi-304 clinical trial, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, have highlighted the advantages of BiTE therapy. This study enrolled 509 patients with small cell lung cancer whose disease had progressed during or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients were randomized to receive either standardof-care chemotherapy or tarlatamab, a BiTE therapy targeting DLL3.

Treatment with tarlatamab resulted in significantly longer overall survival compared with chemotherapy. Patients also experienced improvements in cancer-related symptoms, including reduced shortness of breath and coughing. In addition, tarlatamab was associated with fewer adverse events and a lower rate of treatment discontinuation than chemotherapy.

Based on these findings, tarlatamab received FDA approval for the treatment of small cell lung cancer following progression on platinum-based chemotherapy, establishing BiTE therapy as a preferred option in this setting.

AJT: Can you elaborate on the benefits of BiTE therapy?

Houston: Hearing the words “you have cancer” changes life in an instant. Fear, uncertainty, and worry often take over, leaving patients overwhelmed by what comes next. Yet today, more than ever, a cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. Advances in early detection,

HEALTH & WELLNESS

targeted therapies, immunotherapy, genetic testing, and supportive care have transformed oncology. Many cancers can now be treated effectively, managed long term, or even cured, giving patients more options, more time, and renewed hope.

Survival rates continue to rise, especially when patients receive timely, personalized care. Precision medicine and innovative treatments are turning illnesses once considered life-ending into manageable conditions. People are not only living longer, but living better, with improved quality of life, fewer side effects, and stronger support throughout treatment. Each year, new therapies are approved, changing what was once the “worst day” of someone’s life into the beginning of a survivable journey.

The cancer experience is shaped not only by available treatments, but also by where and how care is delivered. Increasingly, patients are turning to private oncology practices, where care is personal, compassionate, and centered on the individual rather than the system.

Private practices offer a critical advantage during a vulnerable time: continuity of care. Patients are treated by a consistent team that knows them as people, not charts. Long-term relationships between physicians, staff, and patients build trust, improve communication, and support truly individualized treatment planning.

Access is another strength. Private oncology clinics often provide quicker appointments and fewer delays, allowing patients to begin treatment sooner — an important factor both medically and emotionally. These settings are typically calmer and more welcoming, helping reduce anxiety during an already difficult journey.

Cost transparency also matters. Without the added facility fees common in hospital systems, private practices often result in lower out-of-pocket costs for the same treatments.

While cancer remains serious, it is no longer hopeless. With modern medicine and the personalized, accessible care offered by private oncology practices, patients can move forward with clarity, strength, and genuine optimism for the future.

BiTE therapy is offered at a pair of Piedmont Cancer Institute locations: 1800 Howell Mill Road Suite 800 in Atlanta, and 1267 Highway 54 West Suite 4200 in Fayetteville.

For more information, please call Piedmont Cancer Institute at 404-350-9853 or visit PiedmontCancerInstitute.com. ì LUNCH & LEARN THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5th • 12:00-3:00PM

Mendelow Creates Diabetes Monitoring App

By Robyn Spizman Gerson

Familiar with coding video games as a hobby, Drew Mendelow believed he could create an app that made managing diabetes easier. He developed T1D1, which is an insulin calculator that allows people to calculate insulin dosages as well as track their blood glucose levels, insulin doses, and carbohydrates.

A freshman at Georgia Tech studying computer science, Mendelow is focused on app development and remains committed to helping others. He grew up in Gaithersburg, Md., and at the age of 13 was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. He designed the app T1D1 which stands for Type 1 from Day 1 diabetes with a clear user-friendly mission in mind. The app has an insulin calculator and allows users to choose different customized settings (e.g. insulin-to-carb ratio) for every meal.

In September of 2020, Mendelow went to the doctor with his mom because he had unexpectedly lost 10 pounds. After seeing that his blood sugar was through the roof, his doctor sent him straight to the hospital where he was diagnosed

with Type 1 Diabetes. In the hospital, he was overwhelmed by learning advanced math calculations for insulin dosing and all these terms that he had never heard of before. Naturally, as a 13-year-old, he thought, “there must be an app for that.”

Since there was not anything that met his needs, after being discharged

from the hospital, Mendelow was expected to manage this disease on his own. The insulin dosages needed to be just right. He shared, “If I gave myself too much insulin, I could go into a coma or seizure and if I didn’t give myself enough, I could end up back in the hospital with DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). It was scary to think I was

now in charge of my own medical care. The doctors were supportive, but I had to call in all my calculations every day which included my blood sugar levels, amount of carbs eaten, and insulin administered before every meal, snack and bedtime too (about five times per day). I personally created an Excel spreadsheet that I shared

with my parents so we could keep track of everything. This is when I realized that there must be a better way.”

Mendelow added, “I joked with the nurse in the hospital that I would create my own app because of my video game coding skills. Over the next month-and-ahalf, I worked with my doctor at the hospital and over 70 beta testers to create a fully working insulin calculator. I called it T1D1, which stands for Type 1 from Day 1. I wanted an app that would help other teens in my situation to calculate with confidence and make their lives easier. I remember how distracting it was, sitting in class sometimes thinking about how to manage this disease. T1D1 empowers kids (and their families) to manage this disease. I didn’t want my app to focus on making a profit, it was about making lives easier.”

Learning how to create an app while making T1D1, Mendelow said, “I have some experience with coding video games, but making apps is an entirely different world. I had to learn a new coding language and concepts to begin making T1D1. During COVID, there were many online coding courses available. I completely taught myself how to code video games and apps through YouTube videos and online coding courses. Diving in and creating something hands on was the best way for me to learn.”

T1D1 is available on iOS and Android phones 100 percent for free. Keeping the app completely free and designed for ages 12-plus was a huge must for Mendelow because he wanted this vital tool to be available to as many people as possible, removing any barriers like cost or access to care.

He said, “The main function of the app is to calculate how much insulin a person should take, using a math formula. The app allows people to track all their logs and easily send them to their medical providers as well. After releasing it, the app gained huge traction with over 45,000 downloads and reaching 74 different countries in the first six months.

“T1D1 is the first FDA-cleared, over-thecounter insulin calculator. T1D1 truly is the only app that is FDA-cleared and available to anyone in the U.S. (I’m working on getting regulations needed to spread globally again) completely for free. Any other similar app allowed you to track Diabetes data but did not have a calculator component. Any hospital required an app to have FDAclearance before they would feel comfortable recommending it to their patients.”

Mendelow added, “T1D1 is for people on multiple daily injects (MDI), meaning they give themselves insulin through shots every day. I was on MDI for the first six months after I was diagnosed and loved using my app to calculate how much insulin I needed

HEALTH & WELLNESS

to take around five times per day. However, I got an insulin pump after those six months, which no longer requires me to give myself shots and, therefore, I didn’t need the app anymore. Having been on MDI myself, I can truly appreciate how much burden the app takes off people’s lives, removing some of the stress of Type 1 Diabetes.”

The most rewarding part of the app for Mendelow is the emails of stories that he gets daily showing appreciation for the app. People have shared truly heartwarming stories, like a daughter who could finally sleep over at her grandparents’ house because, with the app, they could now trust that the grandparents would calculate her insulin doses properly. These stories make Mendelow confident that all his hard work over the last five years has paid off, making the lives of countless families just a little easier while managing this disease.

Regarding what is next, Mendelow said, “I’m working on translating the T1D1 app into different languages and getting the regulation required to expand into other countries as well. These both will allow me to remove even more barriers and make the app truly accessible to all (worldwide). I am also starting an internship at Abbott in the Heart Failure Department this upcoming semester and am super excited. I’m continuing my work in the Yellow Jacket Space Program and the Georgia Tech iOS Club. I’m always looking to explore more areas in computer science and am excited to see where my future goes.”

Jonathan Goldman, director, Georgia Tech Quadrant-i, shared, “What was unusual about Drew’s entrepreneurial efforts as part of Georgia Tech’s Create-X program was that he had to grapple with getting FDA approval. Analogous to what you would expect when new drugs and medical devices must be approved, Drew’s app had to go through a certification process, since patients will be relying on data delivered by the app, and that can impact health outcomes. While our team at Quadrant-i (https://quadrant-i.gatech.edu/) routinely sees this with the PhD students and faculty who we mentor and assist in helping them with their spinouts, this was definitely unusual to see with an undergraduate entrepreneur and is a testament to Drew’s drive and maturity as an entrepreneur and operator in that program.”

Georgia Tech Quadrant-i Principal Harold Solomon added, “Drew has taken the adversity of his personal story and used it to power innovation and impact. For a U.S. teen to enter a European medical device competition against scientists and entrepreneurs with far more training and experience and do so well, you can’t help but feel he is only beginning on a great journey.” ì

Brainspotting: An Emerging Tool for Trauma & Beyond

By Marcia Caller Jaffe

Local therapist Jodi Forman offers an emerging tool to help clients work with unresolved experiences beyond traditional talk therapy. Developed in 2003, brainspotting therapy is a somatic (relating to the body as distinct from the mind)-oriented approach that uses eye positions to access and help process trauma and emotional blockages not easily reached through more traditional therapy. Evidence and scientific consensus vary on its results.

Forman grew up in Fresh Meadows, N.Y., majoring in psychology and social science interdisciplinary at SUNY Stony Brook. She completed her master’s in social work at the University of Georgia School of Social Work. She has been a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) for more than 25 years.

In private practice since 2001, Forman works with adolescents and adults focusing on trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, and treatment for adolescents with sexually inappropriate behaviors.

She further describes brainspotting as “a gentle, brain-body therapy

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along with social awkwardness, due to school closures, social distancing, and isolation. Forman suggests that, “Girls show higher rates of depression and anxiety, typically internalizing their problems. Boys are more likely to exhibit distress through behavior or conduct issues. Research suggests that, on average, boys’ brains mature slightly later than girls particularly in areas related to selfregulation and impulse control. Societal expectations often encourage girls more than boys to develop emotional skills and discipline, traits commonly associated with maturity.”

Forman offers five tips for parenting:

• Normalize and validate - Teen angst is a normal part of development. Listen without judgment and validate their feelings.

• Stay calm and avoid taking things personally - Teens often direct strong emotions toward the safest people in their lives. Respond with patience, maintaining open communication.

that uses eye positions to help process unresolved trauma. It relies on a strong therapeutic relationship and dual attunement between client and therapist. Brainspotting can be effective for trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, emotional regulation difficulties, performance anxiety, and chronic pain. It can help people who feel ‘stuck’ in traditional talk therapy. It’s suitable for both children and adults.”

She reports that some clients notice improvement even after one session, while others may require more time. Because brainspotting works directly with the nervous system, many experience faster progress than with traditional talk therapy. Brainspotting can be performed within a standard 50-minute session and is covered by most insurance. Forman also offers longer intensive sessions, which are not covered by insurance, for $200 per session.

Forman has noticed a rise in anxiety and depression among teens compared to 10 years ago, believing that increased digital device use plays a role, contributing to poor academic performance, disrupted sleep, social withdrawal, and higher risk for depression and anxiety. She also sees greater use of pornography and illegal sexual behavior facilitated by digital communication, and increased substance abuse and drug-related overdoses.

Following COVID, rates of adolescent depression and anxiety have risen,

• Encourage expression - Let your teen share thoughts and feelings without unsolicited advice.

• Engage with their interests - Show genuine interest in their hobbies, TV shows, music, or games to strengthen connection.

• Model healthy coping - Demonstrate emotional regulation and constructive coping strategies; seek help for yourself if needed.

Forman also suggests seeking professional help if your teen:

• Shows persistent sadness, anxiety, or irritability;

• Withdraws from friends or activities they usually enjoy;

• Experiences significant changes in sleep, appetite, or academic performance;

• Talks about self-harm, suicide, or engages in risky behaviors;

• Struggles with substance use or aggression.

Forman describes emotionally healthy teens as able to regulate emotions, cope with setbacks, maintain supportive relationships, have a positive self-image, respect boundaries, take responsibility for their actions, and adapt well to change.

Forman has a 22-year-old son who attends Georgia Tech. In 2014, she lost her younger son to glioblastoma at age seven. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and pickleball. For more information, please visit www.jodiformanlcsw.com. ì

Did you know you can call your doctor directly? Meet Dr. Hutchinson!

By Tori Lee

I’ve always considered myself a reasonably capable problem-solver—until it came to managing my own health. Earlier this year, I found myself juggling questions about sleep, hormone replacement and joint pains, and what felt like a never-ending stream of mixed messages from different corners of the medical world. I’d leave one appointment with advice to “just monitor things,” only to sit with a specialist the next month who suggested something completely different. None of it felt connected, and I certainly didn’t feel like anyone was looking at me as a whole person.

Trying to piece together my own care plan felt a bit like trying to coach a sport I’d never played: lots of guessing, lots of Googling, and lots of hoping I was interpreting everything correctly. I remember thinking more than once, I wish there were someone who could just be the quarterback—someone who could see the whole field, call the plays, and guide me in the right direction.

So when I learned about Dr. Daniel Hutchinson at Polaris Primary Care, I immediately understood how he could help. He called himself a “quarterback for your health”. A doctor who would take the time to understand not only your current physical health, lifestyle and medical history but also your specific values and goals for your health. This was what I had been missing.

Dr. Hutchinson is a board-certified internal medicine physician with additional training in geriatrics. He previously practiced in Decatur before opening Polaris Primary Care on the Emory St. Joseph campus in Sandy Springs. He

built his practice on a simple idea: great medical care requires time, access, and someone who can bring the whole picture together. I am someone who doesn’t like to have lots of tests unless I really need them. Dr. Hutchinson’s approach wasn’t one-size-fits-all; he was able to explain all of my options and tailor his recommendation to what I was interested in doing.

Here’s how it works: Polaris Primary Care is a membership-based practice, meaning Dr. Hutchinson cares for a smaller panel of patients (around 250 instead of the typical 2,500 -3,000). Because of that, the appointments are unhurried and built to actually solve problems rather than rush through them.

The annual membership includes a 90-minute, head-to-toe physical exam, which covers:

• Detailed review of sleep, nutrition, mental health, and exercise

• Comprehensive physical exam (heart, lungs, abdomen, neurological system)

• Full body skin check

• Strength, gait, and balance testing

• Joint and mobility evaluation

• Neuropathy testing

• Preventive care planning

• Medication and supplement review

• Annual bloodwork included at no additional cost

Each follow-up visit is 60 minutes—imagine that!—and every patient receives Dr. Hutchinson’s direct cell phone number for 24/7 urgent access. Need to text him a question about new symptoms? Want clarification after an appointment with

another doctor? Wondering if a supplement you saw online is safe? You get an answer directly from him, not from a call center.

Before I joined his practice, I met Dr. Hutchinson for a free, no-pressure consultation to meet him, ask questions and decide if this model was a good fit for me. When I visited his office, on the lobby level between St. Joseph’s and Northside, I immediately noticed that the space felt different. Warm and calm, not clinical or rushed. Even parking was easy, which feels like a luxury these days.

As we talked, he shared examples of the kinds of patients he helps:

Retirees who’ve been healthy most of their lives, but who suddenly find themselves navigating things like blood pressure issues, joint replacements, or preventing dementia. These patients don’t just want a doctor, they want someone who will look at the full picture, talk through options carefully, coordinate with specialists, and help them make the best decisions. Dr. Hutchinson has access to all of your medical records including at Emory, Piedmont and

Northside.

He also sees busy professionals who want to take their health seriously but don’t have time to decipher lab results, compare treatment options, or schedule multiple appointments. They appreciate virtual access, flexible scheduling, and a doctor who can translate medical jargon into clear action steps.

Even though Polaris is a membership practice and doesn’t file insurance claims, Dr. Hutchinson still encourages patients to carry insurance or a health-sharing plan to cover expenses like specialists, imaging, medications, and hospital care.

If you’ve ever wished you had someone to help you navigate your health with clarity, compassion, and consistency, someone who can be your quarterback in a medical world that often feels chaotic, then Dr. Daniel Hutchinson at Polaris Primary Care may be exactly what you’ve been missing. You can call Dr. Hutchinson’s office at 404-882-7206 or schedule a new member consultation online at PolarisPrimaryCare.com.

Oy Vey VR, Weinstein Hospice Expand Services

In a groundbreaking effort to enhance emotional well-being and redefine compassionate care, Weinstein Hospice — part of Jewish HomeLife, a nonprofit network of seven at-home care services and residential communities supporting every stage of the aging journey — has partnered with Oy Vey VR, Inc. to expand the Weinstein Hospice VR Initiative, a visionary program bringing immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences to patients nearing the end of life.

What began as a pilot initiative has now become a vital part of the hospice experience for dozens of patients — and is now expanding thanks to growing demand and generous community support.

For patients facing physical decline, emotional distress, and cognitive challenges, this program has proven transformative. Using state-of-the-art AutoVR headsets, patients can now soar over mountaintops, walk the streets of Jerusalem, relax on serene beaches, or relive beloved moments through immersive 360-degree video — all from the comfort of their home or care facility.

For Jerry G., a 76-year-old retired

Navy captain battling early-stage Parkinson’s disease, the experience has been

nothing short of miraculous. Through Oy Vey VR’s custom-curated footage, Jerry was able to virtually stand once more aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier — a ship not unlike the ones he served on over 50 years ago.

“When he put on that headset and saw those jets launching off the deck, I saw a spark in his eyes I hadn’t seen in years,” said his wife, Peggy G. “It wasn’t just memory — it was pride, it was purpose, it was awe. This program gave me back a piece of my husband.”

Jerry’s story is just one of many emerging from the VR Initiative’s expansion, as the program reaches patients from all backgrounds — each with unique dreams, memories, and needs.

Dr. Mirie Manzour, volunteer services manager at Weinstein Hospice added, “Virtual reality is making waves in healthcare. For hospice patients, it gives individuals and their families the opportunity to experience activities they might not otherwise have access to. We have seen the VR sessions give patients a sense of agency and engagement with their loved ones and caregivers. By fulfilling adventure bucket-list goals, such as going on international city tours, or viewing reminiscence content, VR is revolutionizing end-of-life care. Patients can revisit places from their past, re-experience meaningful memories, and embark on adventures they’ve always dreamed of. The VR can be personalized allowing hospice patients to reflect on their lives, connect with fond memories, and ulti-

mately find comfort and peace.”

The expansion is made possible through the support of donors, volunteers, and the ongoing collaboration between Oy Vey VR, Inc., Jewish HomeLife, and Weinstein Hospice.

“Because of the demand and through our generous supporters, we are thrilled to be able to expand the VR program,” said Stuart Steiner, founder of Oy Vey VR. “It is truly the essence of a mitzvah to harness the power of VR technology to provide comfort and reduce anxiety for hospice patients at this difficult stage of life.”

The Weinstein Hospice VR Initiative, with its blend of science, spirituality, and storytelling, is more than just innovation — it’s a revolution in compassion. By allowing patients to revisit cherished memories or fulfill lifelong dreams, Weinstein Hospice and Jewish HomeLife are offering more than care: they’re delivering dignity, meaning, and wonder in life’s final chapter.

For more information on the Weinstein Hospice VR Initiative and how you can support this groundbreaking program, please visit www.jewishhomelife. org/living-options/weinstein-hospice.

To become a VR ambassador (a Weinstein Hospice volunteer) or to inquire about enrolling a candidate in the Weinstein Hospice VR Initiative, contact Steiner at 404-569-7254 or stuart@ oyveyvr.org. ì

JBI Has ‘Vision’ for Creating Connections

By Fran Putney

An estimated one in five adults will experience vision loss in their lifetime, according to government data. But one organization seeks to assist those with vision loss in maintaining, even enhancing, their connections to Jewish learning, literature, and even community.

New York-based JBI Library serves more than 11,000 patrons worldwide, providing a variety of materials from Jewish texts, prayer books, and other liturgical resources to popular literature, fiction and even magazines, as well as children’s materials. JBI’s circulating library currently has about 16,000 titles in a variety of forms for people who are blind or have low vision, including large print, braille, and audio books, all completely free of charge to the user.

JBI’s stated mission “is to ensure anyone that is blind, has low vision or other print disability can fully participate in and feel connected to all aspects of Jewish life, from culture, education, and community to religious practice.”

“We’re one of the Jewish community’s best kept secrets,” said JBI Executive Director Michelle Shapiro Abraham, whose goal as its director of less than a year is to get the word out about this important resource. “It’s something every Jewish leader should know about,” she said.

Many Jewish publishers make prayer books in commercial large print, which tends to be about 16 point at the most and are often really heavy, explained Shapiro Abraham. “While this does work for some people, it does not work for others. Therefore, JBI produces its own large print versions that are 22-point sans-serif type in order to really be able to help people fully participate.” More, she added, “if someone gets a prayer book in braille or in jumbo print from JBI, it’s theirs to keep.”

In its Manhattan offices, staff and volunteers produce audio books and materials in its own recording studio and have the ability to produce braille and large print materials in-house. The organization is an associate agency of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled at the Library of Congress, which provides free, easy-to-use playback machines for their audio recordings.

“We also have a team of three amazing librarians who don’t just answer the phones. They really support people in whatever they need in order to access the materials,” according to Shapiro Abraham.

In addition to its circulating library which mails materials postage paid and the large catalog of items available via its website, JBI fills custom requests. For example, they can supply b’nai mitzvah students who have low vision or are blind with their Torah portion and educational materials in braille or a specific large print.

In one unique request, JBI assisted a woman whose mother was a Holocaust survivor and had written down her memoir. After she passed away, her daughter didn’t have the vision to be able to access the work, so she reached out to JBI, which produced a braille version and then, because she was local, JBI had it hand-delivered to her to avoid the risk of losing it in the mail.

Founded in 1931 as the Jewish Braille Institute, with funding from the National Federation of Temple Sisters (now the Women of Reform Judaism), JBI was the first to publish the Hebrew braille code developed by Rabbi Harry Brevis, who, as a rabbinic student at the Reform seminary, was losing his eyesight to a degenerative disease. Today, that Hebrew braille is used around the world.

JBI also offers other educational, cultural, and community-building pro-

grams. Recently, two Atlanta synagogues - The Temple and Temple Sinai - participated in a Chanukah card project. All told, more than 100 groups requested the pre-brailled, large print cards with space for volunteers to add decorative tactile artwork such as fabric, raised shapes, and textured materials so that the recipient could experience the greeting via touch.

Jillian Penson, coordinator of teen and family experiences at The Temple, led the activity there with about a dozen ninth-grade students. “The teens really enjoyed this project,” she said. “They loved putting their creativity into it and making these Chanukah cards special for those who may not always get them. Each student made at least two cards with bright colors and beautiful designs. This will definitely be a project we do again next year!”

The Nathan L. and Suzanne K. Wolfson Merit Scholarship supports Jewish undergraduate and graduate students who are blind or have low vision and are attending an accredited university or college. Scholarship recipients demonstrate a strong academic record and engagement in the Jewish community. Two Georgia students, one currently attend-

ing University of Georgia, and another who completed undergraduate studies at Georgia Tech, have been recipients of the scholarship. Applications for the 2026-27 scholarship cycle are now open via JBI’s website.

JBI Library Board Co-chair Susan B. Gold, who is a Jewish public health professional, believes JBI’s programs help combat today’s epidemic of loneliness and social isolation, one reason that compelled her to take a leadership position in the organization.

“The very personal connections made between our patron friends and our staff is a community of its own. And not just our staff, but our volunteers as well: those who record audio books, those who create tactile Chanukah cards, those who assist with mailings of materials, those who host virtual book discussions and poetry talks, all become connectors and lifelines of their own. As thought leaders in the accessibility frontier, we actively seek out opportunities to offer our services - to individuals, groups, and organizations - filling a niche we know we do well and stemming the devastation of social isolation.”

For more information or to register to become a JBI patron, visit jbilibrary.org. ì

A Taste of The Hamptons Arrives at High Street

By Tessa Scharff

If you’re looking for a place that feels like a mini escape without leaving Atlanta, The Hampton Social delivers exactly that. Located at High Street, Dunwoody's new premier mixed-use development, this Chicago-based restaurant brings a coastal, Hamptons-inspired atmosphere to the city, offering a dining experience that feels relaxed, elevated, and intentionally transportive.

Founded in 2015 by owner Brad Parker, The Hampton Social was created with a simple goal: to design a space where people could gather, linger, and genuinely enjoy themselves. According to General Manager Landry Pierre, Parker’s original inspiration was to create a restaurant where his sisters would want to spend time, an idea that still shapes the brand’s social, welcoming feel.

What began in downtown Chicago quickly drew crowds, with guests lining up for both the ambiance and the food. Since then, the restaurant has expanded to multiple locations across Chicago, Florida, Nashville, Denver, Dallas, and now, Atlanta. The Atlanta location opened about six months ago and continues the brand’s mission of offering an East Coast–style experience in the heart of each city.

Atmosphere is one of The Hampton Social’s strongest selling points. The twostory space includes multiple bar areas, an outdoor patio, and a cocktail lounge where guests can relax while waiting for a table. The interior is bright and cohesive throughout, with coastal details that feel intentional rather than themed. No matter where you’re seated, the space feels polished but approachable. Service during this writer’s visit was efficient and friendly, striking a balance between attentive and relaxed.

Pierre describes the vibe as professional yet chill, with a strong focus on creating an experience guests remember long after they leave. That mindset is evident in how the staff interacts with diners and manages the space. While the restaurant is undeniably Instagram-friendly, it doesn’t rely on aesthetics alone -- the energy feels natural and lived-in.

When summer arrives, the patio is expected to become a standout feature. Overlooking the restaurant below, it feels tucked away and offers a more relaxed dining option compared to many outdoor spaces around the city.

The menu is inspired by East Coast,

coastal-style dining and is especially known for its seafood. The restaurant’s featured item is the lobster roll, a signature dish that many guests come specifically to order. True to the coastal theme, it’s a centerpiece of the menu and reflects what The Hampton Social is best known for.

Executive Chef Kevin Grossman, who is Jewish, emphasizes flexibility and guest comfort when it comes to dining preferences. While the restaurant is not kosher, there are several kosher-style options available, including the hamburger, steak frites, salmon, roasted chicken, and a variety of salads. Grossman also notes that one of the restaurant’s values is working with guests whenever possible to find something they’ll genuinely enjoy.

One notable detail is the restaurant’s reputation for rosé. The Hampton Social is the largest rosé purchaser in the United States and even has its own proprietary wine, the H Rosé. Crisp, refreshing, and easy to drink, it pairs well with the coastal menu and is a popular choice among guests.

Non-alcoholic beverages also shine, particularly the guava lemonade. Fresh

The private dining room, complete with an A/V set up -- perfect to host your corporate

and well-balanced, it isn’t overly sweet, and the guava flavor comes through cleanly. It’s refreshing and thoughtfully done.

For appetizers, the dynamite shrimp stood out. The shrimp were cooked perfectly with just the right amount of crisp, coated in a sweet and tangy sauce with a subtle kick. The scallions added depth, and the slaw underneath kept the dish light and balanced.

This writer was able to sample several entrées, including the Ahi Bowl, Asian Kale Salad with grilled chicken, filet mignon, and honey-glazed Norwegian salmon. The Ahi Bowl was especially impressive. The tuna was fresh and flavorful, paired with quinoa, sweet potato, edamame, avocado, kale, and a cilantro cream that tied everything together. The Asian Kale Salad was crisp and refreshing, with wonton crisps and peanuts adding texture. The grilled chicken was wellseasoned and juicy.

The filet mignon was another standout. Even when ordered medium-well, it remained tender and flavorful. The USDA prime six-ounce cut is served with mashed potatoes and a mushroom demi-

glace. The potatoes were soft, fluffy, and full of flavor. The honey-glazed Norwegian salmon was equally well-executed, featuring a slight crunch on top and a glaze that balanced sweetness and savory notes. It’s served with power greens and roasted heirloom carrots.

Dessert was the donut drops, served warm and topped with honey, powdered sugar, and cinnamon sugar, alongside Nutella for dipping and a side of vanilla gelato. Light and indulgent, they resembled beignets and were a satisfying way to end the meal.

The Hampton Social also offers weekday happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m., featuring $1.50 oysters, as well as live music daily from 5 to 7 p.m. On weekends, brunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a DJ. The restaurant also accommodates private events, from celebrations to corporate meetings, with a private dining room and A/V setup available.

The Hampton Social is located at 101 High St., Suite 100–200, Atlanta, GA 30346. Parking is free. Reservations, a full menu, and additional information can be found at: www.thehamptonsocial.com/atlanta ì

Neranenah Moves Ahead with New Season

By Bob Bahr

Neranenah, the Atlanta Jewish music and culture series, is deep into its new season of three performances that extend late into the spring. All three acts draw heavily on Jewish musical roots to reinforce their performing careers.

Still, the president of Neranenah’s Board, Jason Feldman, expressed the belief that Neranenah is aimed at a broad community audience.

“We want Atlantans of all backgrounds and beliefs to feel invited into this work,” Feldman said, “because the arts are for everyone. This season reflects that commitment and the joy that comes from sharing music, story, and community.”

As of press deadline, Neranenah was preparing to host “An Evening With Jonah Platt” at the Studio Theater of the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. Platt weaves together songs from his stage performances with reflections about his personal journey as an advocate for a meaningful Jewish life.

He is best known for his performance as Fiyero Tigilaar, the charming creation of the Broadway production of “Wicked,” the reimagined musical version of “The Wizard of Oz.” Fiyero’s transformation into the Scarecrow who is attracted to Elphaba, the main character in the show is an important part of developing production themes.

He’s an essential part of the development of the emphasis the show places on the importance of friendship, identity, and self-expression that is developed among the leading characters.

Some of those same concerns are expressed in his hit weekly podcast, “Being Jewish With Jonah Platt,” which bills itself as the No. 1 Jewish podcast in North America. It examines what its creator describes as the vast, beautiful, and often unexplored tapestry of Jewish identity.”

His most recent almost hour-long conversation with supermodel Cindy Crawford, who describes herself as a Jewish ally in both her family life and her 27-year marriage to her Jewish husband, businessman Rande Gerber, and as the mother to the couple’s two adult children.

Other recent interviews in the series have been with the prominent writer and philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy, who published his best seller, “Israel Alone,” following the events of Oct. 7. He’s also interviewed for a recent program about

his own wife’s Jewish conversion and her life as a Jewish mother.

Some of what Platt has learned about life in the public eye may have been the result of growing up in the show business world of Hollywood. His father is Marc Platt, a successful producer of such films as “Legally Blonde,” “Into The Woods,” and “La La Land.” His mother, Julie, was the chair of the Board of Trustees of the Jewish Federations of North America, which helps to co-ordinate the work of 146 Jewish charitable federation members.

Participating in the Platt show is Joe Alterman, executive and artistic director of Neranenah. Alterman has just completed a most successful year as a nationally acclaimed jazz composer and pianist. He completed his first ever European series of performances in St. Gallen and Basel, Switzerland, as well as club dates in Paris and London. He’s enthusiastic

about Neranenah’s schedule this year.

“These programs showcase how our traditions inspire today’s arts and entertainment scene. We’re providing world-class entertainment while building a platform where people from all backgrounds can gather, reflect, and be inspired.”

Neranenah will also welcome another Broadway star, Julie Benko, and her husband, Jason Yeager, on May 7. She became an overnight sensation when she took over the role of Fanny Brice in the Broadway revival of “Funny Girl” in 2022.

She won Theater World’s Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence when she took over the role of Brice after the sudden and unexpected departure from the show by Beanie Feldstein, who opened in the long-awaited revival that first made Barbra Streisand a star in 1964.

She’s currently appearing as Emma Goldman, the Jewish Socialist revolu-

tionary in the Broadway revival of “Ragtime,” based on the E.L. Doctorow novel. Her husband, Jason Yeager, is an awardwinning musician and a professor at the Berklee College of Music. Together, they’ll bring an evening of memorable Broadway songs and music that led Benko to be named the New York Times’ Breakout Star of the Year.

In December, Neranenah kicked off its 2025-2026 season with violin virtuoso Ada Pasternak and The Pasternak Family. Their performance featured the music of the family’s Russian Jewish heritage as well as original vocals by Ada, a talented and versatile violinist.

She emigrated from Russian when her family left the country after years of religious persecution. Pasternak is also a graduate of the Berkelee College of Music where she first discovered her talent for songwriting, In recent years, she’s made Nashville her home. ì

CALENDAR

Thursday, January 15

January / February 2026 JBaby Newborn Small Group- 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Shalom, and welcome to the newest members of the tribe! Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your growing family, this warm and welcoming group offers a safe, judgment-free space to share your experiences, ask questions, and build friendships with other new parents who truly understand what you’re going through. From sleepless nights to first smiles, we’ll celebrate the highs and support each other through the lows of early parenthood. It’s an opportunity to explore what it means to be a parent in the Jewish community today and discover simple routines and traditions that fill your family’s days with Jewish joy. Register athttps:// tinyurl.com/yb8h4d7u.

Shabbat – to – Go – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chabad Intown is thrilled to launch Shabbat-to-Go: A new, monthly, community-based program designed to bring the warmth and taste of Shabbat directly to those in need in collaboration with Mitzvah Kitchen! Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/2s3acz44.

Friday, January 16

January 2026 JBaby Intown Small

Group- 11:30 a.m. A five-week small group series for local families to bond over music, education, support, and playtime. Designed for babies ages 0–12 months and their parent(s). In this warm, welcoming space, neighborhood families come together for playful learning and meaningful support. You’ll connect with other parents, learn from developmental experts, and share new experiences with your little one — building friendships and a deeper connection to your community along the way. Each session is about 45–60 minutes, with plenty of time to socialize after. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yc7y45vx

Shabbat, Me & Rabbi G - 5 to 6 p.m. Experience the joy of Shabbat with Rabbi G! This exciting celebration is fun for the whole family, featuring lively Shabbat songs, heartfelt blessings, and delicious challah and grape juice. This is the perfect way to close out the week in a fun and relaxed setting. Get more information at https:// tinyurl.com/mr368csb.

Historical Black & Jewish Tour of Oakland Cemetery – 5:30 p.m. Join Repair the World for a historical tour of the Jewish and Black sections of Oakland Cemetery, before we join for a Shabbat Dinner to launch a special week of community and service. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ yy6jv6ch.

3rd Annual MLK CommUNITY DINNER at Oakland Cemetery – 7 to 10 p.m. Our thirrd annual MLK Shabbat community dinner will be co-hosted Jan. 16 by Repair the World Atlanta and Black and Jewish Leaders of Tomorrow at the Oakland Cemetery visitor center. There will be an optional tour for guests at 5:30, and event registration for the dinner will begin at 6:30 with programming starting at 7. The evening will include a Shabbat ritual, a festive meal, community service projects, and will highlight some of our service-partners as well as some of our young adult and college participants of some of our recent bridge-building programs. The event is free to guests. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/3rb65rjf.

Saturday, January 17

Shake It Up Shabbat at Etz Chaim – 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join us at Etz Chaim for our monthly Shabbat morning service geared toward students in kindergarten through seventh grades and their families. The goal of this service is for everyone to become more comfortable in the Radow Sanctuary, where our classes will lead parts of the service. After services, we invite you to join us for our kiddush lunch. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/29d2bcw7.

Sing-a-long Shabbat at Etz Chaim – 10:30

a.m. to 12 p.m. Congregation Etz Chaim and the Etz Chaim Preschool invite you and your family to join us for Sing-a-long Shabbat geared for families with young children. Find out more at https://tinyurl. com/yc7ez6ts.

An Evening with Jonah Platt – 7 p.m. Jonah Platt is a multi-platform performer whose career spans stage, screen, and sound. He is also known for his insightful commentary on Jewish identity, representation, and current events as the host of podcast, “Being Jewish.” On stage, Jonah is best known for his role as Fiyero in Broadway’s, “Wicked,” along with starring roles in, “The Engagement Party” (Geffen Theatre), “A Walk on the Moon,” “Found,” and “Hair” at the Hollywood Bowl. Jonah Platt will be accompanied by Joe Alterman, in conversation as he shares his Jewish journey through song and story. Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl.com/2ff3cp36.

Steve Marshall Comedy: Don’t Behave, Be Yourself! – 7 to 9 p.m. Last seen in 2025 in the Morris and Rae Frank Theatre at the MJCCA for a sold-out show with Comedy for Peace, audiences loved Steve so much that we brought him back for round two! Steve doesn’t walk or even run into the crowd -- he EXPLODES, opting for no microphone, preferring the audience to the stage. Weaving with speed through the audience, at times taking to the top of chairs, Steve moves like a battlefield medic under fire, healing people with laughter. A truly experienced funny man, quick-witted and animated, his goal is acceptance and happiness for all. Get tickets at https://tinyurl. com/26f4savr.

Sunday, January 18

Congregation Beth Shalom Mitzvah Day – 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join Congregation Beth Shalom for our annual Mitzvah Day on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/4fwzhjv8.

Men’s Brunch Club – 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join the Mitzvah House for breakfast with all the fixings. Easy vibes. Sunday morning connection. RSVP at https://tinyurl. com/24hxrav4.

Mitzvah Day with JF&CS – 2 to 4 p.m. Join Repair the World at JF&CS on Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend for a family-friendly afternoon of service and fun. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/mr2m3e8x.

Family Mitzvah Day - 2 to 4 p.m. Join JF&CS this Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend for a family-friendly afternoon of service and fun! Families with children ages 5-13 are invited to volunteer and learn about JF&CS and the importance of giving back. Enjoy refreshments while connecting with other families and serving the community! Teens, 14 and up, are welcome to participate with their family or register as an event volunteer. Register at https://tinyurl.com/hdrhwwuk.

Cook, Serve, Dine with Residents of Covenant House – 3:30 to 8 p.m. Join Repair the World for an eventful day of meal prep, serving, and community building at the Covenant House of Georgia. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/yvjy3xf4.

Beth Shalom Mini Movie Festival –January – 7 to 9 p.m. Join Beth Shalom for our next mini movie, “Chariots of Fire.” During the post-World War I era, two British athletes are naturally gifted runners who run for very different reasons. Harold Abrahams, the son of Lithuanian Jews, runs to overcome prejudice and antisemitism. Eric Liddell, a Scot born to Christian missionaries, is a devout member of the Church of Scotland who runs for the glory of G-d. After years of training and racing, these exceptional athletes are accepted to represent Great Britain in the 1924 Olympics in Paris. This dramatic and exhilarating historical sports film is based on a true story. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/ yek7e3dm.

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES

Torah Reading: Va’eira

Friday, January 16 Light Shabbat Candles: 5:35 PM

Saturday, January 17 Shabbat Ends: 6:34 PM

Torah Reading: Bo Friday, January 23 Light Shabbat Candles: 5:42 PM

Saturday, January 24 Shabbat Ends: 6:40 PM

Torah Reading: Beshalach

Friday, January 30 Light Shabbat Candles: 5:48 PM

Saturday, January 31 Shabbat Ends: 6:46 PM

Monday, January 19

Tree Planting at the Dunwoody Nature Center – 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Help Repair the World plant trees at the Dunwoody Nature Center to help sustain our urban forest. These trees will provide cleaner air, cool shade, and all-around improved habitat for humans and wildlife living in our community. Planting tasks include digging holes with shovels/mattocks, untangling roots with your hands, mulching, watering, and cleaning up your area. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/4n7khnsb.

EXODUSOverDinner + Repair Service Day with WAWA– 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join Repair the World for a day of service at the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA). RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/3yhcrwxb.

Oakland Cemetery Tree Planting – 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Help Repair the World plant trees in Oakland Cemetery to help sustain our urban forest. These trees will provide cleaner air, cool shade, and all-around improved habitat for humans and wildlife living in our community. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yc7z5acc.

MLK Day Mitzvah Marathon – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join us at our 4th annual MLK Day Mitzvah Marathon when we get together to work on service projects for members of our community. This year’s MLK Day Mitzvah Marathon will be held at two locations: the NCJW office and Congregation Bet Haverim. Children of all ages are welcome! Register at https://tinyurl. com/4s786hhc.

MLK Dunwoody Daffodil Project – 10

a.m. to 12 p.m. Beautifying Dunwoody’s park areas with daffodil planting in honor of Holocaust Memorial and MLK Day. Commit to plant flowers at https://tinyurl. com/s7nf9xnf.

MLK Chessed Day – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Chabad Intown has a beautiful opportunity for you and your children to honor his legacy of service by creating care bags for the homeless — a meaningful expression of Chesed (loving-kindness). Commit to volunteering at https://tinyurl.com/5aed978d.

MLK Family Day of Service 2026 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Families with preschoolage children will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on service projects benefiting organizations in the Atlanta community, move their bodies to music with Tkiya, and get creative and maybe a little messy at learning and mitzvah stations. Older siblings are invited to attend. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4f8kc48u.

Toco Hills Alliance Community Distribution – 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Help distribute food and much-needed supplies to community members with Repair the World. Tasks involve sorting, organizing, and distributing goods to families in their vehicles. Join by visiting https://tinyurl. com/3nxcwwt3.

Cook, Serve, Dine with Residents of Covenant House – 3:30 to 8 p.m. Join Repair the World for an eventful day of meal prep, serving, and community building at the Covenant House of Georgia. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/yvjy3xf4.

Tuesday, January 20

Hadar Atlanta: How to Learn Like the Sages – 7:30 to 9 p.m. What does it take to truly learn wisdom - not just to study, but to be transformed by it? Drawing on a rich rabbinic meditation on the verse, “Haskeit u’shema Yisrael” (“Be still and hear, Israel”), this session explores the spiritual craft of learning through the eyes of the sages. Together, we’ll uncover and practice the timeless principles of havruta - learning in partnership - and the mindset it demands: a continuously renewed sense of wonder, listening before speaking, humility in the face of correction, and the courage to wrestle for understanding. Come discover how the sages taught that wisdom isn’t received — it’s forged, together, in friendship, in partnership, and in community. Register at https://tinyurl.com/37d9u9kt.

Wednesday, January 21

JBN Lunch & Learn Part 3 with Brian Steel – 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m. Enjoy networking, delicious lunch and a thought-provoking talk! Join Chabad Intown for an inspiring new business Lunch and Learn featuring dynamic professionals from the Atlanta Jewish community. Brian Steel is a high-profile Atlanta defense attorney. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/he2dhs6b.

60th Anniversary of Nostra Aetate – 7 to 9 p.m. Join AJC Atlanta, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta, and the Bearing Witness Institute in commemorating the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/4w2u82hh.

Thursday, January 22

January/February 2026 JBaby Newborn Small Group- 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Shalom, and welcome to the newest members of the tribe! Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your growing family, this warm and welcoming group offers a safe, judgment-free space to share your experiences, ask questions, and build friendships with other new parents who truly understand what you’re going through. From sleepless nights to first smiles, we’ll celebrate the highs and support each other through the lows of early parenthood. It’s an opportunity to explore what it means to be a parent in the Jewish community today and discover simple routines and traditions that fill your family’s days with Jewish joy. Register at https:// tinyurl.com/yb8h4d7u.

January Banned Book Club – 12 to 1:30 p.m. Join NCJWA as we read and discuss banned books. Bring your lunch; we’ll provide dessert and drinks. RSVP at https:// tinyurl.com/yc884nsu.

Friday, January 23

January 2026 JBaby Intown Small Group- 11:30 a.m. A five-week small group series for local families to bond over music, education, support, and playtime. Designed for babies ages 0–12 months and their parent(s). In this warm, welcoming space, neighborhood families come together for playful learning and meaningful support. You’ll connect with other parents, learn from developmental experts, and share new experiences with your little one — building friendships and a deeper connection to your community along the way. Each session is about 45–60 minutes, with plenty of time to socialize after. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yc7y45vx

Tot Shabbat - 6 to 8 p.m. Tot Shabbat from Congregation Dor Tamid is a Shabbat program geared for children (second grade and younger) to laugh, meet new children, make new friends, and explore the wonders of Judaism in an exciting fun way! The service is filled with songs, prayers, blessings, stories, snacks, and a place where a kid can be a kid when they pray to G-d. This service meets on selected Friday nights throughout the year at 6 pm. Each service is followed by a pot-luck Shabbat dinner. Parents are encouraged to model the behavior they would like to see in their own children. So, remember: Come to Tot Shabbat ready to dance, sing, pray, and have fun. Tot Shabbat is geared toward children 4 and under. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/w94ra3de

Saturday, January 24

Bagels & Babies in Brookhaven – 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Welcome Shabbat with your JBaby community! Enjoy bagels, coffee, and baby-friendly vibes while connecting with other Brookhaven families in a warm, low-key setting. Come as you are and enjoy meaningful time together with your little one. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/5n7f6akp.

Havinagala: A Party for PAL – 8 to 11 p.m. JF&CS will be hosting Havinagala 2026 with hundreds of young professionals, light bites, drinks, a silent auction, and more. All proceeds benefit PAL, Atlanta’s only Jewish Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. RSVP at https://tinyurl. com/2c9rtzcu.

Sunday, January 25

Paint a Pot for Tu B’Shvat! – 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Let’s celebrate the birthday of the trees with color, creativity, and a little bit of dirt! Kids are invited to paint their very own flowerpots and plant seeds inside to take home and grow. It’s a joyful way to honor Tu B’Shevat while learning about nature, growth, and caring for our planet — one painted pot at a time. This hands-on event is perfect for young artists. Come ready to get a little messy, make something beautiful, and grow something meaningful! Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/34cbk4z5.

Sunday Family Fun Day– 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join us for a morning filled with music, joy, and family fun! Local children’s song leader Hannah Zale will kick off the day with an engaging concert that brings Joyful Judaism to life through music, guaranteed to get everyone singing and dancing. After the concert, stick around for exciting activities that the whole family will enjoy! Don’t miss this chance to make memories with your family and celebrate together – register now at https://tinyurl. com/4mnnycpu to secure your spot.

January 2026 JBaby Brookhaven

Neighborhood Small Group - 3:30 p.m.

A five-week small group series for local families to bond over music, education, support, and playtime. Designed for babies ages 0–12 months and their parent(s). In this warm, welcoming space, neighborhood families come together for playful learning and meaningful support. You’ll connect with other parents, learn from developmental experts, and share new experiences with your little one—building friendships and a deeper connection to your community along the way. Each session is about 45–60 minutes, with plenty of time to socialize after. Register at https:// tinyurl.com/6zbwutmc.

50s+ Singles Cooking Class – 4 to 6:30 p.m. 50s+ age singles, join Kibbitz and Konnect at The Cook’s Warehouse for a cooking class experience! The class will begin with beverage service and mingling, then we’ll divide into teams and whip up the selected menu to enjoy together at the end of the class. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/ cn6mwxyv.

A Stage Reading: My Name is Asher Lev at Etz Chaim – 5 to 7:30 p.m. Join Congregation Etz Chaim for a stage reading of Aaron Posner’s award-winning play adapted from Chaim Potok’s acclaimed novel. Appropriate for ages 12 and up. Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/2s4674ub.

HOPE and HUMANITY –

Mark Schonwetter’s Journey of Survival – 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. In commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Am Yisrael Chai presents a powerful and unforgettable event. Get the Zoom link at https:// tinyurl.com/yc7nadta.

Monday, January 26

Beyond the Headlines: Israel’s History, Society, and Politics with Dr. Eli Sperling - 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. Beyond the Headlines: Israel’s History, Society, and Politics is a five-part series that invites participants to explore Israel’s political and social journey from the birth of modern Zionism in the nineteenth century through the establishment of the state and into the complexities of the present day. The session situates major events and debates within their historical, regional, and global contexts, giving participants the tools to understand and analyze Israel’s evolving domestic politics, institutions, society, and foreign relations. This week’s session is October 1973, the ascendency of Likud, the 1990s peace processes, and Israel’s shift to the right after the failure of Oslo. Register at https:// tinyurl.com/yzncaj7a.

Tuesday, January 27

Lunch n Learn: Rooted in Responsibility – 12 to 1:30 p.m. Join the National Council of Jewish Women for lunch and learn about current environmental challenges in Georgia and discuss opportunities for faith-driven advocacy and partnership with statewide environmental organizations. Adamah ATL Director Joanna Kobylivker and GIPL Program Director Hannah Shultz will share current environmental threats facing Georgia and how we can make a difference. As people of faith, we are called to be stewards of this shared home, advocating for policies that ensure safe, accessible water, renewable energy, and environmental justice for all. Registration required at https://tinyurl. com/3hmdmupf.

Hidden Light, Hidden Life: Finding Strength, Purpose, and Agency in Times of Uncertainty – 7:30 p.m. Join Helen Zalik, JWC Atlanta co-founder for a journey of Jewish learning and deep conversation designed to help women rediscover their inner light and bring it forward with purpose and courage. Through Jewish text, psychology, and honest dialogue, each woman is invited to feel seen and heard — emerging with renewed clarity, resilience, and the confidence to speak her truth in the world. RSVP at https://tinyurl. com/4d5r2z7z.

Supporting Moms: A Perinatal Wellness Event - 7:30 to 9 p.m. Join JBaby and perinatal mental health specialist, Dr. Jordan Bulock, along with pregnant and postpartum moms in an intimate setting as we talk about hopes and fears from pregnancy to being a parent. Meet other moms in the same stage of life as you enjoy some light bites and ask Dr. Bulock your pressing questions about pregnancy and parenthood. Sign up at https://tinyurl. com/yvkrh2zx.

Wednesday, January 28

JFGA Women’s Philanthropy Pop Up

– 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Women’s Philanthropy POP Up Programs Philanthropy Opportunity with Purpose is a series of engaging programs planned by women for women. These programs allow us to get out into the community to learn and do together. See firsthand how the agencies and initiatives Federation supports strengthens Jewish Atlanta! Let them know you are coming at https://tinyurl.com/4xbm7kyh.

Undaunted – 6:30 to 10 p.m. Join Chabad Intown for an evening, marking 76 years of the Rebbe’s leadership and the passing of the Previous Rebbe, a day that forever reshaped the course of Chabad and Jewish life worldwide. RSVP at https://tinyurl. com/23yvyvyd.

Thursday, January 29

January/February 2026 JBaby Newborn Small Group- 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Shalom, and welcome to the newest members of the tribe! Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your growing family, this warm and welcoming group offers a safe, judgment-free space to share your experiences, ask questions, and build friendships with other new parents who truly understand what you’re going through. From sleepless nights to first smiles, we’ll celebrate the highs and support each other through the lows of early parenthood. It’s an opportunity to explore what it means to be a parent in the Jewish community today and discover simple routines and traditions that fill your family’s days with Jewish joy. Register at https:// tinyurl.com/yb8h4d7u.

Jewish Philanthropy After Oct. 7: Challenges, Shifts, and the Road Ahead – 12 to 1 p.m. Join The Dupree for a timely and thoughtful Lunch & Learn with Andrés Spokoiny — president & CEO of the Jewish Funders Network — exploring how Jewish philanthropy has evolved since October 7, and what this period has revealed about the responsibilities and direction of Jewish giving. RSVP at https://tinyurl. com/28aumxkk.

Grow a Legacy – 6 to 8 p.m. Grow a Legacy is the Atlanta Jewish Foundation’s annual event that recognizes the legacy commitments to numerous organizations in Atlanta’s robust Jewish community. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/2f8hbp5a.

Candler Concert Series: Vikingur Ólafsson, piano – 8 p.m. Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson has captured the public and critical imagination with profound musicianship and visionary programs. The 2025 Grammy Award–winner makes his Schwartz Center debut with a program of Beethoven, Bach, and Schubert centered around Beethoven’s exquisite, “Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, op. 109.” Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl. com/3njzphmj.

Friday, January 30

January 2026 JBaby Intown Small Group- 11:30 a.m. A five-week small group series for local families to bond over music, education, support, and playtime. Designed for babies ages 0–12 months and their parent(s). In this warm, welcoming space, neighborhood families come together for playful learning and meaningful support. You’ll connect with other parents, learn from developmental experts, and share new experiences with your little one — building friendships and a deeper connection to your community along the way. Each session is about 45–60 minutes, with plenty of time to socialize after. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yc7y45vx

Shabbat with your Jewish School Friends- 5 to 6:15 p.m. Taking the club out of school! Enjoy Shabbat dinner with your public-school friends. Sign up at https:// tinyurl.com/mr2btm56.

4th Annual Georgia Legislature Welcome Shabbat – 6:30 to 9 p.m. Join AJC Atlanta, in partnership with State Rep. Esther Panitch (D-51), State Rep. Todd Jones (R-25), and DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Stacey Hydrick, as we host the fourth Annual Georgia Legislature and Judiciary Welcome Shabbat in synagogues across the state. This special event aims to warmly welcome Georgia legislators, local elected officials, and judges to mark the beginning of the legislative session. We invite you to immerse yourself in the rich Shabbat experience by participating in meaningful services and breaking bread with fellow community members. Embrace the spirit of unity and engagement as we come together to celebrate and connect. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/5n8ykvz3.

Saturday, January 31

Tot Shabbat – 12 to 12:30 p.m. A weekly Shabbat gathering for little ones and their grown-ups!

Join Chabad Intown every Shabbat for a special experience designed for toddlers, preschoolers, and the adults who love them! Let them you are coming at https:// tinyurl.com/axmyewyf.

KEEPING IT KOSHER

Sheet Pan Chicken and Orzo

Ingredients

1 bag (500 grams/1 pound)

Gefen Orzo

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon chicken soup mix (if using water instead of broth)

1/4 teaspoon salt

dash of pepper

4 cups room-temperature water or chicken broth, such as Manischewitz

8–10 pieces boneless, skinless pargiyot (chicken thighs)

1/2 cup apricot jam

2 tablespoons soy sauce

3 cubes Dorot Gardens Garlic or 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit). Line a large, deep sheet pan with Gefen Parchment Paper and lightly grease it.

2. Spread the uncooked orzo evenly on the pan. Sprinkle with chicken soup mix, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.

3. Pour water (or broth) evenly over the orzo.

4. Arrange the pargiyot on top of the orzo.

5. In a small bowl, mix together apricot jam, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Microwave briefly (20–30 seconds) if needed to melt the jam and combine smoothly.

6. Spoon some sauce over each chicken piece, reserving a little for serving. Bake uncovered for one hour, until the chicken is browned and the orzo has absorbed the liquid. For extra crispness, broil for the last five minutes.

7. Brush the chicken with the remaining sauce before serving.

Recipe by Rena Tuchinsky kosher.com

The Accident

Anthony was hit by a ten-ton truck and landed in the hospital in intensive care. His best friend, Morris, came to visit him.

Anthony struggled to tell Morris, “My wife, Sadie, visits me three times a day. She’s so good to me. Every day, she reads to me at the bedside.”

Morris replied, “What does she read?”

“My life insurance policy.”

YIDDISH WORD

Faceboopkes

n. Facebook posts of trivial and/or boring content.

“All he writes about on Facebook is what he had for breakfast – total faceboopkes.”

Faceboopkes is derived from the Yiddish word, “boopkes,” or “bupkes,” meaning, “trivial.”

BRAIN FOOD

Biblical Misquotes

By: Lana & Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com

Difficulty Level: Easy

ACROSS

1. “The hour ___ hand”

5. With 17-Across, response from Cain when asked if he cleaned Abel’s room?

10. Caesar and King Louie, e.g.

14. The biggest parsha

15. Kislev item

16. Isn’t going to

17. See 5-Across

20. Nod along

21. “Pirates of the Caribbean” actress Knightley

22. Request from Moses for updates?

28. Comprehends

29. Words with “jail” in a popular board game

33. Harass

34. Loafer or moccasin

38. Command the chef to leave the rind on in a fruit salad?

41. Upcoming Disney live remake

42. The ___chelles (African islands)

43. Prefix meaning “water”

44. Animal in Egyptian art

46. Peter Pan alternative

47. Declaration before a prophet’s vision?

56. Hearty cheer

57. Parsha

58. HaHar lead in

59. Words of inspiration to a road crew?

64. Days of Chanukah, say 65. Moses, to Gershom

66. Spielberg’s Dr. Henry or Dr. Henry Jr.

67. Prepare, as hair

68. New alums, last yr.

69. Michael Aloni and Rotem Sela, in Israel

DOWN

1. Kind David alternative

2. Troop’s drill leader

3. Somewhat, after “of”

4. Carved pole

5. Possible drink with nuts or pretzels

6. Damage, as a surface

7. Word with “the law”

8. Israeli gov. VIPs

9. Wood used for Voldemort’s wand

10. Second half of a 1965 Beatles chart-topper

11. What neighbors might do

12. January in Madrid

13. Juice box accessory

18. “Yo!” alternatives

19. Barely gets by, with “out”

23. Children’s game with cake?

24. Workplace appraisals, for short

This week, 100 years ago

First radio message to Southern Jewry broadcast by David A. Brown, national chairman for the United Jewish Campaign.

Famous Jewish pianist Juliusz Wolfsohn announces tour of America.

This week, 75 years ago

The oldest Jewish citizen of Germany, Holocaust survivor Philipp Falkenstein, was honored by the Berlin Jewish community at a celebration of his 100th birthday.

Three Atlanta delegates (Charles Bergman, Sol Benamy, and Samuel Rosenberg) are selected to attend the National Conference on Jewish Education.

President Truman confirms the appointment of Anna Rosenberg as assistant secretary of defense, at the time, the highest-ranking woman in the history of the department.

Rabbi Baruch Rabinowitz begins duties at Adas Yeshuron in Augusta.

This week, 50 years ago

Brooklyn Rabbi Meyer Friedman is shot but recovers.

Herbert and Peggy Slotin of Atlanta announce the bar mitzvah of their son, Ronald Slotin, at Or VeShalom.

Four Tel Aviv youths jailed as prime suspects in a fire that caused $2 million damage at the Haaretz newspaper printing plant.

25 women (Catholics, Protestants, and Jews) take part in a Women’s Interreligious Study Tour of the Middle East, across Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and Israel.

The hundredth anniversary of Yiddish Theatre in America is celebrated at the AJCC with a showing of, “The Golden Age of Second Avenue.”

25. Seed, before fertilization

26. Possible nickname for Aharon’s most famous grandson

27. Jared of “Tron: Ares”

29. A JCC usually has one

30. Certain winning column

31. Dolphin Tagovailoa

32. Yosef’s wife

34. Bond novel genre, slangily

35. “If only ___ listened...”

36. Preposition in “The Star-Spangled Banner”

37. Orchestral ‘70s rock grp.

39. Kind of tag

40. Alternative to that

45. Guadalajara money

46. Marvel mutant Grey

47. Mexican gray wolves

48. Opt for

49. Easily irked

50. Tears up

51. Hoover’s middle name

52. Paisley and Garrett

53. Accra’s nation

54. Float in place

55. Hair lock

60. ___ Aviv

61. Hwy., perhaps

62. Some Bat Mitzvah hires

63. Maxwell House holder

Mr. and Mrs. Whitlock of Atlanta announce the bar mitzvah of their son, Miles Whitlock, at Temple Sinai.

This week, 25 years ago

Debra Ginsberg publishes memoir on waitressing.

Georgia Tech and the American Friends of Middle East Peace Education Program host an evening of harmony, featuring a Palestinian musician and an Israeli musician.

The AJT memorializes Daniel Zalik, who passed the week prior.

Issues of the AJT (then Southern Israelite) from 1929-1986 can be found for free online at https:// gahistoricnewspapers.galileo.usg.edu/lccn/sn78003973/

OBITUARIES

Lynne Joy Alpern 81, Atlanta

Lynne Joy Alpern, age 81, of Houston, Texas, and Atlanta, Ga., died Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025.

She is survived by her children, Kenneth “Ken” Alpern (Alison Kelly) and Eve Alpern (Brenda Morris); grandchildren, Grant Alpern, Verdant Morris, and Isaac Morris; brother, Douglas Shapiro (Charlynn); nephew, Aidan Ryder Adams Leighton Shapiro (Lauren Anne Aiosa Morris); and grand-nephew, Luca Piotr Ewing Aiosa Shapiro. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Robert “Bob” J. Alpern, and her parents, Julian and Ruth Shapiro.

When Lynne Alpern was 16, her mother said, “Lynne, you’re funny — you ought to write for television.” But who listens to her mother? So, she went to Vanderbilt University, earned a degree in math, and became a medical librarian at Case Western Reserve University.

Lynne was married to Bob (Robert Alpern, z’’l) for more than 51 years, during which time they raised two children (Ken and Eve), traveled the world, built a deep circle of friends and pursued their respective careers. Eventually — as her mother predicted — Lynne found her way back to humor.

Along with her longtime co-conspirator, Esther Blumenfeld, Lynne co-authored seven books of humor, published nationally, and wrote countless articles and columns, including a regular humor column for Business Atlanta. Her work found readers across the country and reflected her gift for noticing the absurd, the tender, and the familiar in everyday life. She taught humor writing and creative expression through Emory University’s Evening at Emory program, where she inspired students to take their writing — and themselves — a little less seriously.

Lynne also loved performing. She dabbled in stand-up comedy, wrote songs, sang joyfully with The Temple Singers, and was a member of senior performance ensembles connected to Atlanta’s vibrant theater community. Whether on the page or on stage, she believed laughter was both an art form and a survival skill.

Above all, Lynne was a warm and loving mother, grandmother, and friend, known for her huge heart and welcoming smile.

Even as Alzheimer’s slowly claimed Lynne’s wit, her laughter remained, and she continued to make those around her laugh — sometimes intentionally, sometimes not, and often at just the right moment.

A funeral was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at The Temple (1589 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309) or streamed online (https://streaming.the-temple. org), with graveside service to follow at Arlington Memorial Park (201 Mt. Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328).

Shiva was held Dec. 29 (6 p.m. to 8 p.m., minyan at 7 p.m.) at the home of Ken and Alison, and Dec. 30 (7 p.m. to 9 p.m., minyan at 7:30 p.m.) at the home of Eve and Brenda.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who wish to make a donation consider Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) or organizations pursuing Alzheimer’s disease research.

In the end, Lynne never wrote for television — but she spent a lifetime making people laugh. It turns out her mother was right.

Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Stanley M. Baum 81, Atlanta

Atlanta attorney and judge Stanley M. Baum died peacefully on Dec. 27, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Stanley was born in The Bronx, N.Y., to Mae and Al Baum, of blessed memory, and grew up alongside his beloved older sister, Betye, also of blessed memory. From an early age, Stanley reflected the best of both his parents: he inherited his sharp sense of humor from his mother and his tireless work ethic from his father. When he was nine, the family moved to New Rochelle, N.Y., where he lived until leaving for Rider College in New Jersey.

At Rider, Stanley distinguished himself as master of his fraternity, chairman of the College Young Republican Club, and chair of the President’s Council. He moved to Atlanta to attend John Marshall Law School, where he served as president of the student body, graduated summa cum laude, and was named class valedictorian. After graduation, he made Atlanta his home. In 1969, he met the love of his life, Louise Iteld, of blessed memory. They married in 1970 and shared a marriage of more than 53 years, marked by deep partnership and unwavering devotion.

Stanley and Louise welcomed two daughters, Rachel and Lauren. He was a devoted husband and father - helpful, loving, and always supportive. Rachel married Brandon Rosenbloom, whom Stanley met when Brandon was in law school. Stanley took a real interest in Brandon, and he loved their conversations about law and career. Over time, Stanley became Brandon’s mentor, sharing stories, advice, and wisdom, and Brandon became like a true son to him. Louise and Stanley later became Bubby and Zayde to their beloved grandson, Benjamin. They were deeply involved in Ben’s life, sharing in his joys and accomplishments with immense pride, supporting him in everything he did, and joyfully adoring and spoiling him together.

Stanley began his legal career as an assistant United States attorney before opening his own practice in 1974. He stayed in private practice for over 50 years, though he never truly retired. Even after stepping back, his sharp mind, quick wit, and lifelong curiosity kept him engaged in many roles, including judge, arbitrator, and legal advisor.

Stanley’s brilliance was matched by his warmth. He was generous, thoughtful, funny, deeply sensitive, perceptive, and kind. He maintained lifelong friendships spanning childhood, college, and the many chapters that followed. His rare combination of intelligence, humor, and heart made him someone people not only admired but genuinely loved.

Throughout his life, Stanley was an institution in many corners of Atlanta. His involvement across legal, civic, political, Jewish, and fraternal communities created a tapestry of close professional and personal relationships. He formed connections everywhere he went, nurturing them with sincerity, loyalty, and a generous spirit.

He served as president of both the Federal Bar Association and the DeKalb Bar Association. A graduate of Leadership DeKalb, he served on the DeKalb County Community Relations Commission and the DeKalb County Board of Ethics, chairing it for multiple terms. He was also a member of the MARTA Board of Ethics.

Stanley served as a pro hac vice judge in the Recorder’s Court of DeKalb County and later as a judge in the Municipal Courts of Tucker and Brookhaven. Politically active, he served as chairman of both the DeKalb County Republican Party and the 4th District Republican Party. He was a delegate to the Republican National Convention and a member of the Electoral College.

Stanley followed in his father’s footsteps and was a dedicated mason, serving as master of Fulton Lodge, chair of the Scottish Rite Guard, a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and grand orator for the Grand Lodge of Georgia in 2023. He was also president of Resurgens Atlanta, a bi-racial civic organization, and president of the Kiwanis Club of North DeKalb–Dunwoody.

Stanley was deeply connected to Jewish life in Atlanta. He served as president of Congregation Shearith Israel and sat on the boards of Ahavath Achim Synagogue, the Anti-Defamation League, Gate City Lodge B’nai Brith, the Bureau of Jewish Education, the Hebrew Academy of Atlanta, and the Jewish National Fund.

Stanley’s beloved wife, Louise Iteld Baum, predeceased him in 2023. He was also predeceased by his parents, Mae and Al Baum, and his sister and brother-in-law, Betye and Alan Wasserman. He is survived by his children, Rachel and Brandon Rosenbloom and Lauren Baum; his cherished grandson, Benjamin Rosenbloom; his sister-in-law, Judy Merlin Kaminsky; and his nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

His family will remember him always for his humor, his intellect, his kindness, his positivity, and the enormous love he carried for them. His impact on the communities he served, and the friendships he nurtured throughout his life, will continue to live on.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Stanley’s memory to the Louise Iteld Baum Memorial Fund for Holocaust Education at The Davis Academy, or to a charity of your choice.

Funeral and shiva arrangements to be determined. Check https://www.jewishfuneralcare.com/ for updates. Arrangements by Dressler’s, 770-451-4999.

Robert Jacob Boxer 90, Atlanta

Robert Jacob Boxer peacefully passed away on Dec. 9, 2025. Bob was born on April 9, 1935, in Brooklyn, N.Y. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, Brooklyn College, and received his PhD in organic chemistry from Rutgers University.

Bob taught organic chemistry for almost four decades at Oglethorpe University and Georgia Southern University before retiring to Sun City in Okatie, S.C., with his beloved wife, Riette. He was the author of many articles and books, including, “Essentials of Organic Chemistry,” published by McGraw-Hill in 1997.

Bob was a kind and gentle person with a wide-ranging set of interests, a love for life and a great sense of humor. He was and will continue to be loved and adored by those who knew him.

He is survived by a daughter, son-in-law, and cherished grandson, Deborah, David, and Joshua Lutchen, of Johns Creek, Ga.; and son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Betsy Boxer of Pinetown, N.C.

Graveside services were held on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, at 2 p.m., at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Ga. To sign the online guest book, visit www.jewishfuneralcare.com.  In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to Jewish HomeLife, www.jewishhomelife.org/donate/, or an educational charity of your choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care in Atlanta, 770-451-4999.

Olive Lucy Ellner

98, Atlanta

in the hopes that one day they would be released. Finally, on a march in New York City ending up at the United Nations, Natan Sharansky, a former Refusenik, spoke into loud-speakers after his long-awaited release. The people cried with joy since he was one of the many my mom and her team fought for.

Olive Ellner’s creativity was boundless. Her grandchildren had the best and most original costumes for Purim and Halloween. She had a reputation for her artistry. The director of musical productions at the local high school asked her to be the lead costume designer. She accepted, not expecting a cent in return, then designed, and sewed costumes for the local high school musical productions, such as, “Guys & Dolls,” “Gypsy,” “How to Succeed in Business,” to name a few. The students felt like $1,000,000 and gained great confidence through their acting. After these designing experiences, she was offered a permanent position as lead costume designer for a large community theatre. She turned down the offer because she always felt her family came first.

Even at 92, Olive organized a group of at least 10 residents and some of their friends and family from her local independent senior living community to knit large American flag laptop robes for disabled veterans at the Atlanta VA. Everything had to be “Just so” including the wrapping in white boxes with red, white, and blue yarns tied. A heartfelt patriotic poem written and illustrated by her granddaughter, Sarah Saltzman, was placed atop of the box. The boxes were then distributed to the Atlanta VA by a veteran living in the community.

Olive was an avid reader of mysteries, adventures, historical accounts, and nonfiction. Until mid- to late November, she was reading two newspapers daily: the Atlanta Journal Constitution and the Atlanta Jewish Times, in addition to her books. She held stimulating discussions on current events, politics, and more. She was a great storyteller, sharing stories from her youth up until current day with her children and grandchildren alike.

Eleven years ago, after her husband, Larry’s, passing, she moved to Atlanta to be closer to her daughter, Lisa Saltzman (Larry) and granddaughter, Sarah. She shared meaningful family time with them not only for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations. Just being together for love of family made all the difference in her life and the lives of her loved ones.

Born on Oct. 21, 1927, in Manhattan, Olive Ellner was the daughter of Helen and Charles Isaacson, and stepdaughter of Milton Klein. Four years after her father’s sudden passing at 40, her mother remarried. Olive was an extremely outgoing and creative independent person. She graduated Mepham High School in Merrick, then attended the New School and Traphagen School of Design, both in New York City. For her first job out of school, she was hired as chief designer for a leading doll clothes company. At 24, Olive met her future husband, Lawrence Ellner, at a UJA fundraising cocktail party in New York City. It was love at first sight. After three weeks of dating, they got engaged, then married two months later. They were happily married for 59 years. Together, they built a rich life filled with love, laughter, and family togetherness.

Olive’s life focused on love of Judaism and Israel, philanthropy, tikkun olam, social justice, and most of all, family. During the Civil Rights Era, she organized and ran a food drive involving her Long Island community, collecting busloads of food to make the journey to the South when trucking companies refused. She baked 180 challahs for Jewish poor in the South Bronx through Hatzilu (meaning “Rescue”) and assembled Shabbat care packages to be distributed after their Friday synagogue luncheon at her local synagogue. She reached out to local rabbis collecting monies from their discretionary funds to purchase coats and shoes in the winter for those without.

Olive was a founder in Hadassah holding positions of chapter president, American affairs chairperson, and speaker on the Speakers Bureau. She traveled to local high schools teaching girls the importance of monthly breast self-exams, and to colleges registering students to vote.

Olive championed the cause of Soviet Jewry, organizing busloads of supporters for participation in marches in Washington, D.C., and New York City. She, along with masses of volunteers, made placards of Soviet Refuseniks who were denied freedom to emigrate because they were Jewish. She never stopped writing letters to the Refuseniks

She was pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Lawrence Ellner, in 2012, mother, Helen, and father, Charles Isaacson, as well as stepfather, Milton Klein.

Olive is survived by her children, Lisa (Larry), Joseph (Michele), Jane (Chris) as well as grandchildren, Sarah, Zachary (fiancé Claire), Molly (Gabe), Alex, Katie, Hannah (fiancé Ian), sister, Ruth, as well as nieces and nephews.

On behalf of Olive, her family would like to give special thanks to her loving and devoted caregivers, namely, Gladys, “Louis,” Nyemade, Betty, Royel, Titi, and Nikki for their kindness, support, and friendship during the last 1.5-plus years. Their presence and personalities brought joy and laughter to “Ms. Olive.”

Olive will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and true friend to so many.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Olive Ellner to Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Congregation Beth Shalom (Atlanta), Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), Hadassah, or a charity of your choice.

The funeral was held on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in New York. May Olive Ellner’s memory be for a blessing to all who knew and loved her. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care 770-451-4999.

OBITUARIES

Phyllis Ann Linder Glass 81, Atlanta

Phyllis Ann Linder Glass passed away on Nov. 6, 2025. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 12, 1944, she had made her home in Atlanta for nearly 50 years where she built a large and supportive community filled with many friends who will always remember her kind spirit and dynamic personality.

She was survived by her two children, Jessica and Darren, her son-in-law, Rogerio, her grandson, Elliott, and her dog, Lucy. She had lost her husband, Gary, in 2024 after 58 years of marriage. Gary and Phyllis loved to explore the world together, whether it was trips to many different countries or films at the Jewish Film Festival where she spent many hours each year.

An alumna of The Ohio State University and Case Western University, Phyllis worked primarily as a therapist in private practice, but over the years worked with many different groups, including Karuna, Smith College, Emory University, and the Georgia Society for Clinical Social Work. She also loved spending time at craft shows where she enjoyed getting to know the artists and collecting jewelry.

There was a memorial service celebrating her life on Dec. 30, at 2:30 p.m., at Dressler’s Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, money can be donated to Planned Parenthood, one of the many causes that she cared deeply about. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care.

Betty Franco Handmacher 90,

Atlanta

Betty Franco Handmacher passed away on Dec. 24, 2025, at the age of 90, in Atlanta, Ga., the city where she was born, raised, and spent her life. She was an artist, a traveler, and a matriarch whose strength and independence will carry on for generations. Born on Jan. 3, 1935, to Jack and Catherine Franco, Betty was the eldest of three sisters, followed by Stella Franco DeLeon and Jeanie Franco Marx. She graduated from Grady High School in 1953 and later attended Georgia State University for college after having her family. Betty’s education continued well into her 70s as she continued taking continuing education classes in French and art, particularly when preparing for one of her many world travels.

At the age of 15, Betty met her true love and partner, Burton Edwin Handmacher. They were married a few years later on June 3, 1953. After 72 years of marriage, Betty passed nearly two months after the death of her beloved husband, who preceded her in death on Oct. 25, 2025. Their partnership was a defining anchor of her life, even as she remained fiercely and unmistakably her own person.

Her paintings — many of which still adorn the walls of her family’s homes — were most powerful when they reflected life as it truly was, especially her greatest love: her family. Betty was known for her directness, fearlessness and strength. She spoke her truth clearly and unapologetically, taking nothing from anyone that diminished her sense of self. To the women in her life, she passed down something rare and lasting: confidence without apology, independence without isolation, intensity, passion, and the courage to speak openly and honestly. Because of her, generations learned that love and selfhood are not opposing forces; they can exist together, fully and boldly.

Her marriage was her touchstone. While her husband meticulously planned their travels, Betty immersed herself in the soul of each place: learning the language, studying the art, and understanding what made each destination unique and beautiful. Together, they explored the world, from Machu Picchu to South Africa, Paris to the Colorado River, meeting each journey with curiosity, depth, and joy. Even in her later years, Betty remained deeply present and engaged and maintained her fearlessness and no-nonsense attitude. She famously took all six of her grandchildren camping and on many other adventures — a reflection of her strength, spirit, and boundless love for family.

She was Nanny Betty to her six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. Betty was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Benjamin Jarred Chanin, and by her husband, Burt Handmacher. She is survived by her children and their families: Lynn Handmacher Chanin and Butch Fowler, Albert and Akemi Handmacher, and Jack Handmacher; her grandchildren, Alex Chanin Nelson (Zach), Marrissa Chanin Faulk (Crandall), Erica Chanin (Andrew), Asuka Handmacher, and Akana Handmacher; her great-grandchildren, Reece and Olivia Nelson, Benjamin Faulk, and Gideon and Evelyn Chanin-Clark, and her sisters, Stella Franco DeLeon and Jeanie Franco Marx. She will be missed more than words can express. However, her spirit will live on through the profound influence she had on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We would be honored to have donations made to The Benjamin Jarred Chanin Scholarship Fund at The Galloway School – please use the following link:

https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/adaptive-donor-form/?formId=ea0bdf9e-b4a54aa7-9b35-32e05066aae4&envid=p-ep4a2ikksES2tG9trmmTwA&zone=usa.

Graveside services were held at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 28, at Arlington Memorial Park. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Jennifer Leah Moore 53, Austin, Texas

Jennifer Leah Moore, 53, died on Dec. 8, 2025, in Austin, Texas. She is survived by her mother, Ina, daughter, Laila, husband, Jim, sister, Rachel, and half-sister, Peggy, and her extended family. She was predeceased by her father, Dan, and sister, Shana.

Jenn grew up in Atlanta, where she graduated from Riverwood High School. She later studied at the University of Georgia and the University of Alabama.

Jenn was known for her outgoing personality, creativity, wit, and keen sense of humor. She cultivated a large circle of friends over her whole life. But the light of her life was her daughter, Laila, who was born in 2008, and whom she treasured beyond words.

All of us will miss Jenn dearly. She left this world too soon. May her memory always be a blessing.

Donations in Jennifer’s memory may be sent to Laila’s College Education Fund: https://gofund.me/9f0e11a53

A graveside service was held on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999

Phillip Slotin

96, Atlanta

Phillip Slotin passed away on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at the age of 96. He was born on Sept. 4, 1929, in Fairfax, S.C., and grew up in McRae, Ga., alongside his brothers, Marvin and Herbert.

Phillip attended the University of Georgia, where he was a member of Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity. He went on to earn his law degree from Emory University and later served proudly in the United States Army. After his military service, Phillip established a law practice in Atlanta. His career included several high-profile civil rights cases, and he became recognized as one of the city’s leading trial attorneys.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Phillip lived life with curiosity and passion. He was an avid fisherman whose adventures were often featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution sports pages. He was also a skilled tennis player and a longtime regular at the Bitsy Grant Tennis Center. Phillip’s love of the outdoors extended into photography. He was an award-winning nature and landscape photographer, with his work displayed in magazines and buildings around Atlanta. He also served as an official photographer for The Jewish Georgian newspaper.

Phillip is survived by his sister-in-law, Peggy Slotin; nephews, Philip, Ron, Mike, and Steve Slotin; and nieces, Debby Slotin Overstreet, Patty Slotin Stein, and Ami Slotin. He was loved greatly by his family and friends and will be missed. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private service will be held by the family. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care 770-451-4999.

Arlene Granoff Stevens 76, Atlanta

We mourn the passing of Arlene Granoff Stevens (Channah Bat Hadassah v’ Chayim), beloved mother, daughter, sister, grandparent, and friend who died on Jan. 1, 2026 (12th of Tevet, 5786) at the age of 76.

Arlene was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on July 27, 1949 (1st of Av, 5709) and was a longtime member of Congregation B’nai Torah of Atlanta, Ga. She is survived by The Green family (Temple Kehillat Chaim of Roswell, Ga.) daughter, Lauren, son-in-law, Nate, grandchildren, Drew and Owen; the Schwartz family (Temple Etz Chaim of Thousand Oaks, Calif.): son, Jason, daughter-inlaw, Rabbi Jennifer Flam, grandchildren, Eli and Mia; brother, Arthur Rudnick (Delray Beach, Fla.); and was predeceased by parents, Herbert and Esther Granoff, and sister, Maxine Perkins.

Arlene will be remembered for her contributions — love of family and friends, vibrant spirit, resilience, and proving “you can take the girl out of Brooklyn, but you can’t take the Brooklyn out of the girl.”

Funeral services were held on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at 11 a.m., graveside at North Atlanta Memorial Park, 5188 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody, GA 30360.

May Arlene’s memory be for a blessing.

Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

Obituaries in the AJT are written and paid for by the families; contact Editor and Managing Publisher Kaylene Ladinsky at kaylene@atljewishtimes.com or 404-883-2130, ext. 100, for details about submission, rates and payments. Death notices, which provide basic details, are free and run as space is available; send submissions to editor@atljewishtimes.com.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

How to Stay Productive

Allen H. Lipis

When I was growing up, I went to school to get an education. In those early years, I was busy studying and finding my way. I wasn’t thinking about being productive because I had a job, and that job was to go to school and learn.

After high school, I had to go to college to continue to learn, and I had to focus on my own growth, not just intellectually, but emotionally. And even after college, I did not feel that I had enough learning, so I went to graduate school. All along the way, I was very busy learning and growing and I felt productive.

Then, I went to work and work was demanding. I had lots of mentors, some good, some not so good, and it was a pro-

ductive time learning about business. Then, I found my wife, we married and we started a family. It was a very productive time making a living and raising children. I was working in business every day and sometimes overwhelmed with three responsibilities: finance, marriage, and children.

As my life progressed, my children found their own ways, my marriage stayed strong, my finances were adequate, and I looked forward to retirement. And finally, retirement did occur. All of the productive activities I was committed to slowly disappeared. I didn’t need to focus on supporting my children, I didn’t need to work and so my wife and I had more free time than previously. The question was – what do I do with all my free time? I wanted to stay productive, but now I had to find productive activities, and there was nothing obvious for me. I had to find my own way with thousands of possibilities. I considered getting involved in

charities, but no charity seemed the right thing to do. I thought that helping various Jewish organizations would be useful, and I did that for my synagogue and for a Jewish day school. I tried to stay in touch in business, and that did work for a short while as an expert, but my expertise shortly disappeared because I didn’t stay connected to the business world.

I tried teaching and that was productive for a short while. I made a few items in my wood workshop and then I ran out of ideas. My wife and I traveled for a few years, and that was always interesting, but it was expensive and more difficult as we got older. I wrote a few books for a couple of years, published them, but never wanted to promote them. It would never have been profitable to try to sell them.

I thought about playing the piano, but that seemed too demanding to become really good. I worked on fixing my model sailing ship, but that was finished

in a few weeks. I started playing Texas Hold ‘Em with a local group and that is fun, but it only occurs once a month or so. I could write another book, and that is a real possibility, but I needed something else, and I don’t know what that something else is.

I see other people my age working out daily, walking, or going to a gym. I see other people studying Judaism alone or in groups and that can keep you busy all of the time. I could review all of my photographs and that would be a big assignment. I could take up my coin collection that I did when I was a teenager, but that is not appealing, I could take up cooking, but that is what my wife does, so I don’t want to impose on her.

I need a productive assignment, and I don’t have one. I need some advice. Give me some suggestions and I will consider doing some of them. When you’re retired, you have lots of choices … perhaps too many choices. I need to be productive! Give me some suggestions. ì