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Atlanta Jewish Community

May 13 2022
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He Hadn’t Been to Israel Since His Bar Mitzvah. What a Journey!

By Atlanta Jewish Community, Global News, Jewish Journeys

Seventeen men have just returned from Federation’s Men’s Journey to Israel, and they have some stories to tell! On their ten-day adventure, they grappled with the many challenges, achievements, and miracles of life in modern day Israel. They also met with nine Israelis from Yokneam and Megiddo.  And, yes, there was plenty of male bonding!

Jerry Draluck, who had not been to Israel since his Bar Mitzvah 52 years ago, called the trip “one of the most memorable experiences of my life.”  He detailed the many ways the trip touched his soul: “We had in-depth discussions about life in Israel along with visiting historic sites. It helped me better understand modern Israel and what the future holds for citizens of Israel and for Jews around the world. The trip brought home all the reasons why it is so important for us to continue to support Israel with money and visits to the country. It is impossible to explain to an individual about the passion and love the Israelis have for their country.”

Howard Katz, who served on the Federation board and chairs Atlanta Jewish Foundation’s board said, “This was my first time in Israel but it will not be my last. If you have the opportunity to go on a Federation trip, do it!  It is time (and money) well spent!” Katz was especially moved that the trip ended with the observance Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day) and then Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day). “Just about every Israeli knows someone who has been killed in battle or in support of Israel.  We observed it at a high school in Ber Sheva which had lost many of its students over the years. The ceremony was an unbelievable opportunity to feel the collective loss, support, and love for one another. This somber day led right into an amazing celebration of Israeli Independence Day, an almost Mardi Gras-like celebration. Prior to these holidays we did roughly four community visits or events every day. Highlights included a visit to an active archaeological dig, presentations by bereaved families, visits with folks from Yokneam and Megiddo, a site visit to the Sports Center for the Disabled, and IDF training.”

“The time in Israel opened my eyes to the plight of our people there (and elsewhere), reminded me about the politics surrounding the country, and deepened my pride at how our community thrives despite the constant threat.  It was amazing to be in a country comprised entirely of Jews (at least where we were) where you can speak freely about Jewish topics without looking over your shoulder. We learned so much, had such great experiences and built such strong bonds with one another that we are already planning our follow up missions together.”

Registration for Federation’s 2023 Community Journey to Israel is now open! It’s a tremendous opportunity to see modern Israel with our Atlanta Jewish community and celebrate Israel’s 75th birthday. Learn more here

May 13 2022
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Host a Shinshin Next School Year!

By Atlanta Jewish Community, Global News, Shinshinim Atlanta

Last year the Davis family opened their hearts and their home to host Yael Yankelevitch, one of Atlanta’s Schoenbaum Shinshinim. It was a decision that impacted everyone in the family in the best possible way, and one they’ll never regret. As Mom Sara Davis says, ‘The most rewarding part of hosting a Shinshin was Yael herself. She became an older sister to my children as well as a close friend to me. She became a part of our family — the piece we didn’t know we were missing.”

Who are the Shinshinim? They are exuberant 18-year-old Israelis who just graduated high school who are taking a gap year in Atlanta before their army service. They are here to share and infuse their authentic Israeli experience across the Atlanta Jewish community.

What would you tell someone considering hosting a Shinshin? 

Hosting a Shinshin I would say, is the best gift you can give your family. I would advise going into the experience with an open mind, compassion, and understanding. These are young adults who most likely haven’t been away from home for longer than a month. They are in a foreign country and may or may not know the language. You can be the safe place for them to ask their questions, voice their concerns, and have a warm place to unwind at the end of the day. In the end, you will gain more from the program than they do.

What hesitations did you have before hosting? How have they been resolved? 

One hesitation I had before hosting was having a stranger in my home who might not do things the way I would hope or expect. Another hesitation was what if she didn’t blend well with our family, or if her differences made it awkward and uncomfortable. These hesitations were resolved by being open and having clear communication. Don’t just assume someone else will know your routines and how you keep your home. At the same time, understanding goes a long way, they are the ones alone and far from their family and everything they know. Compassion is key.

What has been the impact on your children by hosting a Shinshin? 

My young children had an older sister they looked forward to snuggling with at bedtime, playing games together, and learning the Hebrew word of the week. My now 3-year-old still talks about “Yael Bestie” regularly and asks to call her. The guest room in our home is no longer called a guest room but “Yael’s room.”

Host families are needed right away! Contact Jenn Handel and learn more about how hosting a Shinshin for the 2022-23 school year can bring joy to your family.

May 02 2022
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Help Resettle Ukrainian Refugees in Atlanta

By Atlanta Jewish Community, CARING, Global News

As the U.S. begins to open its borders for immigration, we will likely see many refugees come to Atlanta. If you would like to be on JF&CS’s list to help with the needs of Ukrainian refugees, please fill out this form. We will let you know when housing or items such as furniture are needed. JF&CS and Federation will keep you updated as this situation continues to evolve.

With the recent White House announcement of the admission of 100,000 Ukrainian refugees into the US, JF&CS is gearing up to assist refugees. We are currently awaiting guidance on what this process will look like, and how many will come to the Georgia area. We want to encourage anyone in the state of Georgia who considers themselves Jewish and entered the U.S. from Ukraine prior to 3/1 on a temporary visa, with or seeking, Temporary Protective Status, or received humanitarian parole status at a land border who needs assistance (financial, food, housing) to send an email to ukraine@jfcsatl.org. The message can be English, Russian or Ukrainian and we will have it translated.

May 02 2022
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Remembering my Father-in-Law

By Atlanta Jewish Community, Global News

By Matt Bronfman, Federation Board Chair
The State of Israel was born seventy-four years ago on May 14, 1948. Coincidentally, my father-in-law, Ben Walker, who was living in a small town in Romania after surviving the Holocaust, celebrated his bar mitzvah on the same day. Ben loves to tell people that no one paid any attention to him that day because the focus was on a much more important event!

Ben has lived in Atlanta for over fifty years and is one of the greatest people I know. He has shared so many stories with me that reflect this community’s generosity and resilience. In that vein, I am proud to highlight not only Federation’s role as a philanthropic champion (which I frequently note), but also as a community champion. To offer a few examples, we work to hold disparate organizations together; we direct people to the right organizations that can help provide them with the opportunities they need; we develop the next generation of leadership; and ensure that there is appropriate security so that we can convene in peace without fear. Our role as community champion is vital and helps ensure that we are even more vibrant and engaged moving forward.

Apr 15 2022
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Get a Gather Grant to Elevate Your Shabbat

By Atlanta Jewish Community, Gather Grants

Jewish Federation of Great Atlanta’s Making Jewish Places (MJP) initiative is pleased to offer a new round of $180 Gather Grants to make Shabbat experiences extra special. MJP grants are about you, your family, your friends and neighbors! If you have an idea for a way to make your Shabbat celebration more inclusive, more welcoming, or just “more fun,” please apply here. Applications are due by April 25, and awards will be announced by email on Friday, May 13.

Gather Grants help organizations and individuals create radically welcoming spaces and engage people right where they already live.  If you have questions, please reach out to Pam Cohen at pcohen@jewishatlanta.org.

By filling out a Gather Grant application, you agree to:

  1. Celebrate Shabbat (in a way that has meaning to you).
  2. Host an event with at least two other households.
  3. Post about your event on social media and include information about Federation’s Gather Grants.
  4. Fill out a post event survey about your experience hosting this program.
Apr 15 2022
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Propel Grantee a Leader in the “Maker” Movement

By Atlanta Jewish Community, CARING

More than a year ago, Federation Innovation sponsored a Propel Pitch funding competition for social entrepreneurs in Atlanta. The first-place winner was a team from Georgia Tech known as Tikkun Olam Makers, or TOM.  The Jewish Abilities Alliance (JAA) works closely with TOM. In 2022, JAA provided an Inclusion Microgrant to fund ASL interpreting services at the Makeathon and provided guidance and training around planning an event that is accessible and welcoming to individuals with disabilities.

The TOM movement started in Israel with a mission to serve the most neglected members of society — the elderly, people with disabilities, and the poor. This global movement brings together people with disabilities (known as “Need Knowers”) and people with creative abilities (known as “Makers”). TOM’s mission is to develop open-source assistive technology to address the everyday challenges faced by people with disabilities. At Georgia Tech, there are currently 10 projects in development. Federation’s Propel Grant provided a new infusion of funding that will help TOM scale up its team at Tech and establish new teams on other Georgia campuses.

Teddy Lambert, who leads TOM at Georgia Tech shared news about the 2022 Makeathon. “We had 30 students across 5 Maker teams working on 3 different challenges. Teams 1 and 3 developed a shower support and alert system for a Need-Knower with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition that causes lightheadedness and fainting. They developed portable shower support handles that would provide extra grip if the Need-Knower became dizzy or lightheaded and alert a family member or partner to come to assist the Need-Knower. Team 2 was working on a visual phone notification system for a Need-Knower that is hard of hearing. They developed a lightbulb-sized LED notification device that could be placed around the house and connected to the Need-Knower’s phone. When the Need-Knower’s phone received a notification, the device would flash a certain color based on the alert type, allowing the Need-Knower to pinpoint when a call or text was received. Teams 4 and 5 created low footprint upright standers for a Need-Knower whose son has CP. The teams’ standers provided support for the child while allowing them freedom of motion in front and to the side, making it easier for the child to play with toys.

The Makeathon culminated in the virtual showcase. After an intense 48 hours of making, three judges and over 20 public spectators logged on to the virtual event to see all the work the Makers accomplished during the weekend. Team 1, which developed one of the shower support systems, was crowned the winner. Even after the Makeathon, the work continues. Multiple teams are now finalizing their designs, with hand-offs to the Need-Knowers expected by the end of the semester. The Makeathon was a huge success, and the rest of the TOM executive board and I can’t wait to start planning next year’s events!

Apr 15 2022
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More Family Camp Weekends!

By Atlanta Jewish Community, CARING, Global News, Jewish Camp Initiative

Earlier this month 27 families totaling nearly 100 people gathered for Family Camp: Passover Edition at Ramah Darom. Once again, Federation helped create and convene an immersive family camp weekend along with partners 18Doors, Be’Chol Lashon, PJ Library Atlanta, Ma’alot, and the Israeli American Council.  Other family camp experiences have included PJ Library Atlanta’s Book it to Shabbat celebrating the love of Jewish books. In March, families gathered at camp for The Grand Getaway, bringing grandparents and grandkids together in partnership with Ramah Darom, the Jewish Grandparents Network, and PJ Our Way.

The Passover themed weekend targeted diverse families and was specifically geared for little ones, ages 0-5. Over the weekend families connected with one another in Hebrew, Russian, and Spanish. Bonds were forged over fireside chats, making charoset recipes from around the world, and dancing with handmade tambourines. Families who had previously felt marginalized due to their cultural identity, family structure, etc. shared that it was the first time they felt not only welcomed but embraced and celebrated by the Atlanta Jewish community.

Families said:

  • Our favorite part of the weekend was simply being immersed in Jewish culture with other Jewish families. All of the hosts and co-leaders were extremely welcoming, nice, and accommodating. It truly made us feel welcome, at home, and less-stressed in a new environment, when surrounded by so many new families.
  • We’ve always wanted to attend a weekend like this. We aren’t as involved in our Jewish community as we once were, and we’d love to be more involved again. After attending this weekend we know that there is a space for us in the community

Following the success of these weekends Federation is interested in expanding additional experiential offerings as well as a weeklong family camp. Interested? Let Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez, Director of Family Engagement & Education, know what kind of experience you’re looking for.

Apr 15 2022
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Announcing our 2022 Community Award Winners

By Atlanta Jewish Community

It is a special joy to announce the names of Federation’s 2022 Community Award Winners. They are passionate people who thrive on collaboration and volunteerism in service to Jewish Atlanta. We’ll honor these community builders, along with Carol Z. Cooper, Federation’s Lifetime of Achievement Award winner, on Wednesday, June 1 at Federation’s 116th Annual Meeting.

 

The Marilyn Shubin Professional Staff Development Award
Recognizes outstanding communal professionals

Caroline Goldberg | Educator, Cantorial Soloist; The Davis Academy
Caroline has served as a faculty member at The Davis Academy for nine years. As Grade Chair, she ensures that her colleagues are supported in planning, implementing lessons, and fulfilling their curricular and organizational goals. Caroline is truly an outstanding teacher, a leader among her peers, and a consummate team player.

Annie Garrett | Jewish Abilities Alliance Manager
Annie works tirelessly to make Jewish Atlanta more inclusive for everyone with disabilities. In addition to her role managing JAA, Annie also leads Federation’s legislative efforts. She led an 18-month long community-wide needs assessment on inclusion. Annie is a relentless advocate for those with disabilities and a master collaborator with staff and volunteers at a multitude of Jewish agencies who seek out her advice and guidance.

 

Tikkun Olam Community Impact Award 
Celebrates a community member doing innovative work at a non-profit organization
outside of the Jewish community

Jenny Levison | The Zadie Project
Jenny Levison started The Zadie Project in honor of her father, with a mission to tackle food insecurity by helping feed and educate children, families, and seniors in Atlanta. For each bowl of “My Dad’s Turkey Chili” sold at her restaurant Souper Jenny, a donation is made to The Zadie project. Funds are used to make and package soups into quart containers to help those who need it most. The program provides soup for Title 1 schools, women’s shelters, senior citizens centers and homeless shelters. including the Zaban Paradies Shelter.

 

Mary and Max London People Power Award 
Honoring outstanding initiatives

Jody Reichel | JF&CS Holiday Gift Program
Jody Reichel is a Sandy Springs City Councilwoman and a Real Estate Investor who has been an essential volunteer for J&CS’s holiday gift program. For more than 21 years, JF&CS’s holiday gift program has been providing a holiday experience for underprivileged families. The program makes it possible for JF&CS’s clients, of all faith and backgrounds, to create a special holiday for their family and kids. Personal gifts are given to each family based on their wish list.

Abe Schwartz Young Leadership Award 
Recognizes an under 40 community member demonstrating great
community involvement and leadership potential

Bari Beilinson | Community Volunteer
Bari Beilinson is a resident in the Virginia Highland Moishe House and is a member of both the Next Gen Committee and the Jewish Journeys Allocation Committee Federation. As a resident at Moishe House, Bari and her fellow roommates create and execute six programs a month for the Jewish young adult community. This is on top of her full-time job.

Elizabeth (Liz) Rowland | Community Volunteer
Liz Rowland is an active member of the Jewish Community in Atlanta and beyond. She has been involved for several years with Jewish Women’s Connection (JWC) attending and running classes for members. She is an active volunteer with PJ Library and previously served on the board of Hillels of Georgia. Liz’s Jewish creativity sparked her to launch @Jewishlyliz on Instagram, which currently has 8,700 followers- local and beyond.

 

Gerald G. Cohen Community Development Award
Celebrates outstanding communal work by a non-native Atlantan

Yoni Kaiser-Blueth | Jewish Community Activist
Yoni Kaiser-Blueth manages the Jewish Portfolio at The Marcus Foundation, Inc. and has established himself as a community volunteer. Before joining The Marcus Foundation, he was Director of the Latin America Desk at Hillel International. Along with his professional involvement, Yoni is also active with his synagogue, Congregation B’nai Torah.

Sylvia Newman Memorial Teacher of the Year Awards

Erin Johnson teaches 2nd-4th grade in the Kesher program at Ahavath Achim synagogue. Throughout her 6 years on the synagogue faculty, she has gone above and beyond in the classroom, developing creative curricula that inspire further learning among her students. Through dynamic storytelling and hands-on project-based learning methods, Erin has engaged both children and parents, and she has served as a leader and role model for fellow teachers, as well.

Josiah Wolff is a 6th-grade teacher at Temple Beth Tikvah. In a short time as a new teacher, he has become adept at making learning come alive for his students in “out-of-the-box” ways. Having taken advantage of every opportunity for professional development throughout the year, including an intensive year-long cohort, Josiah is a true role model, not only through the kindness he shows to others, but also as a lifelong learner himself.

We will recognize and celebrate all recipients at our 2022 Annual Meeting, on June 1, 2022, at the Federation Building. Stay tuned for more information.

Apr 15 2022
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Loving the Stranger. Paying Our Privilege Forward.

By Atlanta Jewish Community, CARING, Federation News

Nataliyah Fleshler and Masha Vaynman came to America with their families from Kyiv as young girls. They were part of the wave of Jews from the former Soviet Union who found refuge here in the late 1980’s and 90’s. In those years, Atlanta was a destination for Soviet Jews seeking a new life, and our community more than delivered.

Back then, Jewish Family & Career Services offered translation services to assist scores of refugees flocking to Atlanta. There was a Russian speaking social worker for the FSU (Former Soviet Union) Jewish community. Over time those services became less needed because Jewish refugees to Atlanta had become solid citizens, fluent in English, successful in their careers, yet still bringing their unique ethnic flavor to our city. Just like Nataliyah and Masha, who are both HR professionals and are raising families here.

Nataliyah and Masha are paying their privilege forward by organizing a massive volunteer program to send medical supplies to Ukrainian refugees. They are choosing to forget the bullying, the hatred, and the discrimination they experienced as Jewish children in Ukraine and are throwing themselves into Ukrainian relief work. To me there is something very Jewish about this.

Jews well understand the commandment to love the stranger and protect the vulnerable. Having been strangers in many hostile lands, having been isolated, persecuted, and exterminated because of our differences, we are uniquely attuned to the needs of immigrants and refugees. And baruch ha shem, we Jews have Israel — a Jewish homeland that has never stopped taking in huddled masses from North Africa, Ethiopia, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, and the former Soviet republics.

So, this Passover, let us celebrate Nataliyah and Masha, who have not turned away from the land they fled. They help renew the Passover story for us this year and remind us that we can all be part of a modern-day Exodus for millions of Ukrainians seeking safety and freedom.

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