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In Atlanta Jewish Community, Federation Innovation

Wisdom in a Pairing 

By Erica Greenblatt and Matthew Borenstein  

It wasn’t a typical first date, and certainly not a typical first-date conversation. But technically, it wasn’t even a first date. Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Wisdom Pairings—a professional networking event put on by Federation’s Innovation team—served as our first meeting. A year and a half later, we got married, and Federation continued to play a big role in our wedding weekend.  

What a first meeting it was at Wisdom Pairings. After hearing from the evening’s speaker, we were paired together in a breakout room, as our initial pairings both no-showed (thanks, y’all, and thanks to Erica’s manager for suggesting she attend). We talked QAnon conspiracies, living in space, kayaking, and a whole selection of random topics.  

There was a connection.  

When the time was up, Matthew meant to send Erica a Zoom direct message about an upcoming kayak trip. It went to the entire group. But it’s a good thing Erica realized it was for her and knew how to respond with a proper DM. That message led to a Linkedin conversation (Wisdom Pairing is intended for professional networking, right?) which led to a first date at Eventide Brewing.  

A year-and-a-half later, we began the weekend of celebration with a Shabbat dinner at the Selig Center; we met through Federation, after all, and are both involved in the Jewish community in our own ways: Erica, the Director of Philanthropic Outreach for the ADL’s Southern Division, and Matthew, who serves on the Federation Innovation Committee. We continued with a Saturday morning service and Kiddush luncheon at the Selig Center before our Sunday wedding at Zoo Atlanta.  

It turns out, Wisdom Pairings wasn’t our first conversation (although neither of us said anything on the initial Zoom). We were first set up, or at least the first attempt at a setup, just after Erica moved to Atlanta from New York for a promotion with the ADL. Matthew’s aunt and uncle are best friends with Erica’s sister’s in-laws. But there was no meeting, then, just a couple of texts. Life got in the way for the next couple of years—until Federation brought us together for good.   

Wisdom Pairings might have been our first Federation event together, but it won’t be our last—we are excited to continue our involvement.  

Erica Greenblatt and Matthew Borenstein were married on June 19 at Savanna Hall, Zoo Atlanta. The couple resides in Brookhaven, Ga.  

Wisdom Pairings is a series of events that aims to create person-to-person connections. The next event is for professionals who work at Jewish organizations, and is August 22 at 5 PM. Click here to register

jewishatl
In Atlanta Jewish Community, Caring, Global News

AURA Receives Matching Grant

The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta is proud to announce that we have been awarded a $73,000 matching grant from the Jewish Federations of North America in partnership with the Shapiro Foundation. 

This grant is part of a $1 million national initiative to support Ukrainians seeking safety in the U.S. Eric M. Robbins, President of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, says, “This grant will support the work of Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS) to build capacity within social service organizations to support displaced Ukrainians in the community.” 

The grant award is a dollar-for-dollar match; The Shapiro Foundation will match all donations to AURA (Atlanta Ukrainian Relief Assistance) up to $73,000. These funds will help Ukrainians who have made their way to Atlanta as they escape the war in their home. 

Zane Blechner, Program Manager of AURA, says, “Achieving this $73,000 goal from our community would open up the opportunity for AURA to help many more people.” So far, AURA has supported 56 individuals in Atlanta. 

Most people fleeing the war are on “humanitarian parolee” status in the US. Until their work permits are approved, they may not take a job to support themselves and their families—and work visas are backed-up. 

Blechner says that visa approvals are taking upwards of 10 months, causing a cascade of financial needs for these families. “Resettling a family usually costs about $8,000, but our families so far need more like $30 or $40 thousand.” 

While only about 10% of Ukrainians fleeing the war are Jewish, Blechner says that the Jewish community has been instrumental in offering support. “The Jewish community has stepped up,” he says. “We have had so many generous offers, but what these families need most are funds.” 

It is vital that these families are supported and comfortable while they shelter in Atlanta and that they can live with dignity. Your monetary donations ensure that they are fed, clothed, and housed and that their medical needs are covered while they wait for the conflict to end. 

Click here to take advantage of this matching grant and donate to AURA. Your generosity makes Atlanta a haven for those seeking safety during war. 

jewishatl
In Jewish Journeys, Young Leadership Division

Volunteering in and Exploring Mexico with Project TEN

By Amanda Budd
Last month, I had the pleasure of joining Hillels of Georgia in Mexico City for a trip with Project TEN. Project TEN is an initiative of the Jewish Agency for Israel. They allow participants to travel to any Project TEN center across the world to volunteer in and explore the local community—all while meeting Jews from around the globe.

Our meaningful days were spent with middle school-aged students in Santiago, Yancuitlalpan. We engaged them in various thinking games such as charades, memory matching, and human knots. We volunteered in a local community center where we met younger children participating in an after-school camp with Project TEN. As the students’ maestros, we organized games and arts and crafts focused on the solar system.

We traveled to see the pyramids of Teotihuacan and arrived in Bernal, Mexico, for the start of the Shabbat. In this picturesque town, we saw the Peña de Bernal; this small mountain is a spiritual center for the area’s indigenous people.

Following Shabbat, our group returned to Mexico City, where we enjoyed a tour of the Frida Kahlo Museum and a river tour in Xochimilco. Our last day featured a historical tour of Mexico City, where we saw the first synagogue in the city and the first Ashkenazi synagogue right next door.

At any given moment, our group spoke English, French, Spanish, and Hebrew, reinforcing the idea of a global Jewish identity. We arrived in the program as strangers and left connected by our love for Judaism and our shared experiences in this incredible country.

To learn more about Project TEN, please visit https://project-ten.online/

jewishatl
In Atlanta Jewish Community, PJ Library Atlanta

PJ Library Atlanta Heads Intown

For the past 4 years, PJ Library Atlanta has been meeting families where they are—with an emphasis on those living OTP. This summer, PJ Library Atlanta has been spending time learning all about its Intown families so it can bring unique, high-quality, low-barrier experiences to the breadth of our community. Through surveying families and studying the changing trends in PJ Library subscriptions, we know that the population of families raising young children is increasing in Intown Atlanta.

PJ Library Atlanta has a very successful history engaging families in Metro Atlanta.  This has traditionally been done by hiring a neighborhood connector (a part-time staff member) to establish programming in an area, connect families to each other, and deepen their relationship to the greater community.  In the past, connectors have been centered in Smyrna/Vinings, Dunwoody, North Fulton, and Brookhaven.

Now, we are replicating the model as Pam Cohen (Federation’s Family Engagement Coordinator, and former PJ Connector) is reaching out to families for one-on-one conversations to explore the findings of a survey which was posted in the new PJ Library Intown Atlanta Facebook group and plan events based on that feedback. Once we meet the right person, there will be a designated PJ Intown Connector to continue growing community connections and ensure PJ Library is meeting the unique needs of Intown Atlanta families.

If you are an Intown family, join the Facebook group for details on two park meet ups around Decatur and Grant Park planned in August! Reach out to Pam at pcohen@jewishatlanta.org with any questions.

jewishatl
In Secure Community Network

Welcome Our New Deputy Security Director

Bryan - jewish atlanta

Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta is pleased to welcome our new Deputy Community Security Director, Bryan Underwood! Bryan comes to us with an extensive background in law enforcement and we are thrilled to have him.

Bryan served for 25 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He performed tours of duty in Kansas City, Washington, St. Louis, Memphis, and Louisville. In 2015, he retired from the FBI as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Louisville Division. Bryan then served for six years as the Assistant Vice President and Director of Law Enforcement for the Eighth District of the Federal Reserve.

At Federation, he will help administer security programs not only for our organization, but for the larger Atlanta Jewish Community. His work will help protect schools, daycare centers, synagogues, camps, assisted living facilities, and other centers of Jewish life.

Bryan holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and Bible from Lipscomb University and a juris doctor degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. We are so pleased to have him on our team!

jewishatl
In Atlanta Jewish Community, Caring, Federation News

Camp is such a special time for kids

When you think of “summer camp,” what comes to mind? Swimming, singing songs, roasting marshmallows over a fire?

When I think of Jewish summer camp, I think of smiling faces. Camp is such a special time for kids—it gives them space to grow and learn, and introduces them to lifelong friends. Those bonds, and the joy they bring, are the hallmark of summer camp.

Last week, I had the immense pleasure of visiting Camp Coleman on Camp Kindness Day. After two tumultuous summers disrupted by Covid-19, Jewish summer camps are once again thriving.

Covid proved an enormous challenge for our camps. Staffing issues, kids leaving early—kids having to quarantine at camp! Our camp professionals deserve recognition for facing these challenges and making sure their campers had fun while still being safe.

This summer, our camps are seeing pre-covid registration rates. Camp Coleman was buzzing with excited energy, alive with laughter. All day, I saw children helping each other, making each other laugh, creating memories they’ll never forget.

Camp isn’t just a couple weeks or months; it’s an experience that changes kids and impacts them for the rest of their lives. Camp Kindness Day is a chance to celebrate the hardworking pros who make camp happen, and it was my honor to share it with them.

jewishatl
In Atlanta Jewish Community

Have a Jewish July

We’re in the dog days of summer, and while it’s tempting to chill out by the pool or stay cool in your air-conditioned digs, there’s also a tempting array of Jewish activities in metro Atlanta. Check out what’s happening around town and take some time to connect with the rich social and cultural Jewish community just outside your door. Here are just a few options—for other ideas, see our online calendar of happenings at Atlanta Jewish Connector.

Dive Into Shabbat — July 15 and July 29 at 5pm. Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta invites everyone to celebrate Shabbat with an open swim followed by songs and blessings with Rabbi G at 6 pm. Bring your own food; drinks available for purchase at the Snack Bar. For information call the MJCCA at 678-812-4000.

Hillel Tour D’Ice Cream — July 12, July 19, and July 26 at 2 pm. It’s Hillel of Georgia’s answer to cooling off this summer! Meet Hillel at a different ice creamery Every Tuesday through July. July 12 is Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Westside; July 19 is Big Softie, Summerhill; July 26 chill down at Roll It Up Ice Cream, Buford Highway. RSVP at hga.engage.hillel.org

Chabad of North Fulton Workshop — Thursday nights at 8 pm. Explore Jewish Spirituality and Mysticism during this weekly workshop designed to create meaningful personal growth. Phone: 770-410-9000

Shabbat Learners’ Service — July 16 (second Shabbat of each month) from 10:45 to 11:45 am. Bathe in the spirit of Shabbat in a warm, friendly setting. Enjoy inspirational stories, discussions, moving prayer and intelligent commentary. After the main service and Musaf, there is a Kiddush luncheon. Intown Jewish Academy, 730 Ponce de Leon Place, NE, 30306. RSVP at www.intownjewishacademy.org/shabbat

Book Festival of the MJCCA — July 26, 2022 at 7:30 pm. Daniel Silva, New York Times bestselling author of Portrait of an Unknown Woman: A Novel, in Conversation with Nadia Bilchik, CNN editorial producer, author, and speaker. $40. Become a Patron, Pacesetter, or Sponsor of the Book Festival to receive a complimentary ticket and pre-signed book. Tickets: https://www.showclix.com/event/daniel-silva-portrait

Splish Splash Shabbat — July 30 at 12 pm. Bring your little ones for a Kiddush lunch followed by water play at Congregation Etz Chaim. Learn more at www.etzchaim.net/event/splishsplash.

Sojourn’s Drawing from The Well – Every Friday from 12 to 1 pm. SOJOURN, the Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity, holds a weekly LGBTQ+Jews+Allies Meetup via ZOOM. Gather with an all-inclusive community and connect around the Torah, holidays, and relevant happenings around the world. LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/992253992⁠

CIE’s 21st Annual Educator Workshop — From July 24, 2022 at 11 am until July 26, 2022 at 3:30 pm. Sponsored by The Center for Israel Education helps build a comprehensive understanding of modern Israel’s history, politics, economy, and culture with a focus on curriculum enhancement. Get 14 hours of learning over three days. Registration: $150. Register at israeled.org/workshop. Questions? Contact workshop coordinator Heather Waters at heatherwaters@israeled.org.

jewishatl
In Atlanta Jewish Community, Jewish Camp Initiative

Working Hard to Have Fun at Camp

By Allyson and Mark Tibor
Our daughter, Rachel, has attended Camp Barney Medintz since she was a rising 3rd grader. There was no two-week session for her, as she was ALL IN from the very beginning. (She was so excited to have a vacation from her brothers!) Camp quickly became her true happy place.

Rachel entered 10th grade last Fall, along with her twin brother. She was returning to school in-person, like so many other kids, after a year and a half of remote learning. Unfortunately, this school year would prove to be very different. The pandemic had taken its toll, and it became evident that she would need extra assistance, and likely also summer school.

Panic began to set in, since her whole world revolves around camp and the friends she’s made there. She was devastated to learn that she might not be able to go. This summer she would be a JIT, which is the last year teens are eligible to be campers. Her friends were all registered and chattering about camp. But our hands were tied—with only a month or so left in school, nobody had any hope that she would pass her classes.

But Rachel became a machine, churning out her work and staying after school. Two weeks before school got out, she had brought up all her grades, and even passed an online course to make up for a science class from the Fall. I had always told her that if she could make it happen, I could make it happen. So now it was my turn.

I kicked it into high gear, much like she had. I made calls, completed paperwork, and prayed. I hoped the donors in our community would want a deserving young girl to have the opportunity to go to camp. Camp Barney was very understanding, supportive, and generous. The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Jewish Camp Initiative placed the last piece into the puzzle. Though we were very late in making our request, they understood our predicament and played a big role in “making it happen.”

Rachel attended Camp Barney’s first session, making new friends and participating in experiences that she could never have had anywhere else. This was the year for “solo,” in which she had to survive alone for 24 hours. She was so proud of herself for not only surviving but thriving! The confidence she gained from that one activity will surely serve her well in the future. If she could do that, she will have faith in herself, knowing what a strong woman she is becoming.

We are forever grateful to our Jewish community for assisting our child in having this life-changing opportunity. She was truly happy, and it showed in all the photos and letters from camp!

jewishatl
In Atlanta Jewish Community, Caring, People in Need

Inside the Allocations Process

By Avery Kastin

I’ve always heard that a gift to Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta supports the entire Jewish community. But what process ensures that those funds are wisely distributed? It seemed so opaque from the outside. It wasn’t until I became a volunteer on Federation’s Allocations Committee that I saw firsthand the incredible work we do.

See how we make allocation decisions.

The scale of our work is vast: Over 60 volunteers plus numerous Federation staff work year-round to identify and evaluate those organizations that will 1) take care of Jews in need and 2) build a stronger Jewish community today and tomorrow. Everyone is committed to the same goal: making informed decisions on how best to allocate the dollars Federation has raised.

The work of our committee is year-round: we have detailed discussions and site visits with partner organizations, address overlooked needs within our community, identify future issues that could impact our neighbors, and study best practices and trends in the Jewish world. Last year, those efforts culminated in our Allocations Committee distributing over $23 million in Jewish philanthropy to over 70 partner organizations!

Yes, the community has entrusted us with an enormous responsibility, but it is also the most wonderful and rewarding volunteer job. We facilitate all the good made possible by our collective Federation dollars. Together we create a more caring, more connected and stronger Jewish Atlanta.

We need your help to further our sacred work. Pease consider joining the Allocations Committee, a pearl of Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, and help us shape our future together.

Avery Kastin is Vice Chair of the Community Planning and Impact Cabinet

jewishatl
In Global News, People in Need

AURA Funding Needs Increase as More Families Arrive in Atlanta

Many Ukrainians are arriving in Atlanta with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They are not eligible for government relief programs and have no access to food stamps, medical intervention, or housing assistance. The need for funds to support them is urgent.

Federation has partnered with Jewish Family & Career Services to launch AURA, a fundraising effort dedicated to helping displaced Ukrainians in metro Atlanta. Federation has set aside an initial $200K from the Emergency Relief Fund to support this vital work, but fundraising will continue to meet anticipated needs. These funds, in coordination with volunteers at Atlanta area synagogues, temples, and other organizations, are currently supporting 56 individuals who have traveled to Atlanta to escape the war in Ukraine.

The Lotner family, members of Congregation Or Hadash, opened their hearts and their home to one Ukrainian family that was lucky enough to escape. Click below to read their story

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