Youth and Family Staff Announcement

Posted on by Damon Fonooni

Youth and Family Staff Announcement

Saying Goodbye to Sharon Graetz and Welcoming Annsley Klehr

Dear Ahavath Achim community,

It's with both appreciation and sadness that we announce that Sharon Graetz, our Director of Education, will be moving on from our congregation in May. For the last three years, Sharon has built a strong religious school, that kids are continually excited to attend, and which builds off the creativity and passions of both the teachers and our students. We are grateful for the passion and energy she brought to our synagogue community, and we wish her and her family well in the next steps of their journey.

Thanks to Sharon's hard work, we have a bright future ahead of us. We will continue to go from strength to strength, building off of the successes of these past few years as we continue to create that bright future together.

We are excited to announce that Annsley Klehr will be stepping in as the interim Director of Education while we conduct a national search for our next director.

Annsley brings with her a wealth of educational leadership experience and a deep passion for our Ahavath Achim community. As a parent of our Kesher and Nesiya programs, she is deeply committed to growing our program and continuing the excellence that has been built these last three years.

Over the coming weeks, we'll begin the search for a long-term Education Director who will bring their own passions and creativity to the important work of building deep Jewish connections and experiences for the next generation.

We hope you'll join us on May 7 when we'll honor Sharon as a part of the last day of Kesher celebrations.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Rabbis Rosenthal or Blustin.

Schmooze and News at AA

Posted on by Damon Fonooni
Schmooze and News at AA

New Member Spotlight

Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be highlighting new AA members in the form of a Q&A. We hope you will learn about and get to know the new members of the AA family!

Introducing Brandon Goldberg

What part of Atlanta do you live in and what's your favorite part to visit?
I live in midtown and love to visit midtown!

What's your 9–5 and 5–9 life?
9–5: I'm an attorney for a medical device company in Kennesaw focusing on data protection, ethics rules and international sanctions. 5–9: After work I'm involved in the community beyond the Synagogue… professional associations, American Jewish Committee, Alumni groups, political groups. I'm on eight or nine boards right now. I keep it all straight with spreadsheets and charts. It's easiest when I run it… I get to set the calendar!

Is what you're doing now what you always wanted to do growing up?
No… I went to college to be a doctor. In college I was more interested in politics and public policy but wanted to stay in the healthcare world. So I approached it from the legal side instead!

What's one fact about you that people would be surprised to find out?
I like Nickelback!

Why did you choose AA as your synagogue?
It was the American Jewish Committee. All my friends from there went to AA so I tagged along and went ever since. "There's this young rabbi doing services in a tent in a parking lot." I had no idea what that meant, but… it worked!

Do you have a favorite charity that you wish people knew more about?
As much as we joke about alma maters reaching out for money, most schools have a lot of nuanced ways to do that… particular causes within schools. So maybe not just their general fund but more targeted opportunities.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Volunteer. People always ask how I end up in leadership roles etc… Well I raise my hand to help and realize very few others are. And it's always helpful to volunteer for the responsibility no one else wants to do. You can make an impact very quickly.

MY PIECE OF ADVICE: Don't sample ice cream… just pick a flavor, and go for it.

You are starting a new obscure event in the Olympics. What would you compete in?
In the real world, I could be a gold medalist curler. Curling is quite a lot of fun!

Shabbat Corner

5783 Passover Hub

A source of everything you'll need as you navigate your Passover spiritual experience!
Service Schedule • Selling Chametz • Wheat Money • Proper Observance • Kashering • Community Resources
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Feel-Good News

Kiddush Sponors

Donna and Philip Newman in memory of Lynette Newman Cohen

Helen Lefkoff in honor of her birthday on 4/1

Susan and Jonathan Winner in honor of Susan's birthday on 4/5

Barbara and Dick Planer and Ira, Michael and Mindy, and Billy Planer in honor of Dick's birthday on 4/27

Barry Silver in honor of his birthday on 4/30

*Voting Closes Sunday* AA Nominated for Best of Jewish Atlanta: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards >>

Events

Ethiopian Heritage Festival

Wed, Apr 26 @ 5:00 p.m.–Thu, Apr 27 @ 8:00 p.m.
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Shir Shabbat

Fri, Apr 28 @ 6–7:15 p.m.
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NEW

The Great Big Recycling Event

Sun, Apr 30 @ 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
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Naomi's Book Club

Mon, May 1 @ 10:15–11:30 a.m.
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mAAc Meets: Movie Discussion — 200 Meters

Mon, May 1 @ 7:30–8:30 p.m.
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Arnovitz and Graduation Shabbat

Sat, May 6 @ 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
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Family Shabbat

Sat, May 6 @ 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
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B'nai Mitzvah Lunch and Learn

Sat, May 6 @ 12:30–1:30 p.m.
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Blood Drive

Sun, May 7 @ 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
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Sisterhood Closing Program

Sun, May 7 @ 1–3:00 p.m. Register by 5/4
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Georgian Chamber Players

Sun, May 7 @ 3–5:00 p.m.
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Lag Ba'Omer Community Bonfire

Sun, May 7 @ 5–10:00 p.m.
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mAAc Meets: Current Events with Rabbi Neil Sandler

Mon, May 8 @ 4–5:30 p.m.
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Czech Torah Happy Hour

Fri, May 12 @ 5–6:00 p.m.
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NEW

Rebbe's Tish

Sat, May 13 @ 12:15–1:30 p.m.
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Latte and Learn

Thu, May 18 @ 10:30–11:30 a.m.
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Israel Independence Day Celebration

Thu, Apr 27 @ 5–7:00 p.m. *New Date and Time*
Thu, May 18 @ 5–7:00 p.m.
More >>

Chodesh Tov: A New Moon Musical Meditation

Sat, Apr 22 @ 1–2:00 p.m.
More >>

For more events, please visit our events calendar.

View Calendar

Other Things Happening at AA

Overnight summer camp plans? Is your child is heading to an overnight camp this summer? If so, we'd love to hear your plans so we can try to arrange a visit (with local Jewish camps) and/or send a small gift (all camps). Please fill out this brief survey letting us know where your child will be and when.

Survey

This year, we would like to include grandchildren in our college and graduate school outreach. In addition to letters and treats around the Jewish holidays, our rabbis will be making visits to schools with more than three Ahavath Achim connected students. Let us know where your grandchildren are studying, and we will make sure they receive something meaningful from you and your spiritual family! If you have a grandchild enrolled in college, please contact Jill Rosner (404.603.5741; jrosner@aasynagogue.org) with the student's name, email, and school housing address.

We feel blessed to have a vibrant community that believes in the power of prayer as a source of comfort, strength and healing. At every service, we take a moment to recite the names of individuals we are holding in our hearts for health and healing. Beginning January 1, 2023, all are welcome to add names to our Misheberach (Healing) Prayer List for 30 days. These names will be recited each morning during prayer regardless of their support's presence at services. At the end of 30 days, we request that names be renewed with our office receptionist, Fern Schorr (fschorr@aasynagogue.org; 404.355.5222). Without renewal, names will be removed from the list with our hope that our prayers were successful in sending strength and wholeness.

Registration for Kesher (youth program) and Nesiah (teen program)  is now open!

Register | More Info

We are grateful for your continued support, patience, and fortitude as our community, country and world move through one of the most challenging times in modern history. With the guidance of the Center of Disease Control's (CDC) latest guidelines, we are sharing with you our updated protocols which will allow our synagogue building and community to live up to its traditional name, a Beit Knesset (A House of Gathering). Effective today, Friday, March 11, the following changes to our safety protocols will be in effect for our worship, cultural events, adult learning, and business meetings:
  • Fully vaccinated adults (16 years old and above) and individuals who have fully recovered from a documented COVID-19 infection in the last six months may attend indoor activities with or without a mask.
  • If you are not vaccinated or have not recovered from a COVID-19 infection in the last six months (natural immunity), we invite you to use our virtual platform to participate with our community.
  • If you are immunocompromised, a high-risk individual, or spend time around others who are, we encourage you to continue the use of masks when attending synagogue functions.
  • For programs that share spaces with kids under five years old, including Family Shabbat, Kesher, and holiday celebrations, we will continue to require masks while inside the building for all attendees. We will always strive for outdoor gatherings for these communities whenever the weather cooperates.

We are hopeful that we are in the final stages of this pandemic, and we can continue to go from strength to strength (Hazak, Hazak, vNet'hazek). As we slowly reemerge from these difficult two years, there will be anxiety, concern, and caution. We anticipate some people will continue to wear masks. It is understandable to still be nervous about removing our masks indoors. Whatever choice you make regarding masks, we ask that, in the spirit of the cohesive and empathetic community that we are, you respect the choices that others make, even if you disagree with them. We will be monitoring the CDC recommendations carefully and will continue to adjust as we know more; this might mean that we revert to more stringent protocols if guidance changes. We appreciate your understanding, support, and patience as we continue to navigate these unprecedented times.

Do you know an AA congregant who is in the hospital or infirm? We are concerned about loved ones and friends who are in the hospital or infirm. Although our synagogue office remains closed, we are still working and would like to connect with you, especially in regards to pastoral care. If you have information about friends or family in the hospital or other care facilities, please contact Rabbi Rosenthal (lrosenthal@aasynagogue.org) directly. We always appreciate the opportunity to speak with anyone in need and offer support in any way we can.
 

Through our membership with the ADL's (Anti-Defamation League) Kulanu Initiaitve, our AA family is creating an antisemitism task force to partner with other communities across the country to collectively fight hate and antisemitism. Membership on the task force will require a year's commitment and involve participation in ADL virtual meetings and community of practice working sessions. Our congregation will also offer special programs, initiatives, and action steps to raise awareness, call out local and national antisemitic incidents, and build relationships with communities susceptible to antisemitic infiltration. To learn more about or to join the task force, please contact Rabbi Rosenthal (lrosenthal@aasynagogue.org).

Help feed the women at Rebecca's Tent, a shelter for homeless women at Congregation Shearith Israel! There are 21 dates to fill during the months of December, January, and March. Volunteering to provide dinner this season is easier than ever; safety concerns limit the number of women served, and the shelter can now accept restaurant meals or your home-cooked specialties. If you're ready to choose your date(s) to volunteer, please fill out the online form (link below). After signing up, we will email you with confirmation of your submission. For more details or questions about volunteering, please contact Ann and Herb Alperin (alperin@mindspring.com; 404.231.2310).

Sign Up

The AAACTS (Awareness and Action to Abolish Child Trafficking for Sex) Committee is working to provide backpacks filled with school supplies to children who have been trafficked and rescued. Please help these children feel confident and cared-for as they start school in the fall. You can help make this possible by making a donation to AAACTS via the donation form below.

Donate
Select Fund>AAACTS

We have so many wonderful activities at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, from communal to spiritual to social action. The Membership Committee is requesting your help in asking others to come WITH you to any/all synagogue events! Share how many wonderful things are going on at AA with your friends and family! If you know of anyone who should be on our prospective member list or should be contacted by leadership in any way, please reach out to Miriam Habif Gelfond, Director of Outreach and Engagement (mhabif@aasynagogue.org). Thank you for your good word and promoting what Ahavath Achim – the synagogue of brotherly love – has to offer!
Ahavath Achim's Sisterhood is a dynamic organization of women of all ages with diverse experiences, talents, and interests within our synagogue, community, and the Jewish world. Every woman counts for Sisterhood to grow and thrive. Basic membership dues are $45, but we encourage you to join at a Chai-er level. Your generous dues and donations are vital for Sisterhood to continue to offer programs and projects that strengthen and sustain our Jewish values.
 
We need your involvement in AA's social action programs! Motivate your family and friends "into action" towards the betterment of our community, and envision our current programs continued for the future. Reach out to your nieces, nephews, friends, and new neighbors for new contacts and ideas to help us increase our pool of volunteers for our wonderful existing and future programs. We need you! Find out how you want to be involved by reviewing the list of social action programs in which our synagogue has been involved for many years. If you'd like to become involved, please email our Social Action Chair: Alan Wexler (alanwexler@databankinfo.com; 404.872.8880).
Are you a warm, friendly, dedicated volunteer who wants to make a difference in a fellow congregant's life through acts of loving kindness? Are you willing to make a personal call or visit to comfort and support a congregant who has lost a loved one or been ill? These caring touches – acts of loving kindness – make all the difference in the world to those receiving them. If you want to be a part of strengthening our community, then AA's new Chesed Initiative is for you! This committee will work with our clergy, staff, and lay leaders to connect members who need help with members who want to do good deeds! Additionally, if you know of a congregant who is facing personal difficulties related to health, loss, or grief, please contact Fern Schorr (fschorr@aasynagogue.org; 404.355.5222) to let us know. Help us reach out to members in need. We welcome your help and time with this important project.

In 1977 a very special Torah came to reside at AA. Czech Torah #1339 was originally written in the 1800s for the community of Plzeň, Czech Republic. The Torah survived the Holocaust, a coup, and 20 years in a basement with 1500 other scrolls before making it's way to London as part of the Memorial Scrolls Trust and eventually Atlanta. Today we are working to restore this piece of history to a usable state and welcome it into our sanctuary ark at our dedication in August. To do that, we need your help. Please consider making a donation to help restore this special Torah so it can be used for generations to come. The Czech Torah is championed by six generations of the Goldstein Family in memory of Betty and Leon Goldstein z"l and their love of Torah and learning.

Donate

Donate to the Ukraine Emergency Fund of Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta

Donate

Tribute donations offer the ability to memorialize or honor friends and family through donations to a variety of designated funds. Tribute donations can be made in honor of B'nai Mitzvah, the birth of a baby, a graduation, a wedding, or other special occasion. Donations in memory of loved ones are a thoughtful and meaningful way to remember those who have passed away. Your donation will be acknowledged with a card to the recipient of this tribute. Please note that Tribute Donations require a minimum contribution of $18.
 
The Rabbi Neil Sandler Education Scholarship is funded by the Sisterhood to further promote Jewish education in the older adult population. To be considered for a scholarship, the program must benefit the Ahavath Achim community and be targeted toward older adult Jewish education. Please fill out the application form for your program to be considered for funding.
 
We are proud and grateful to formally launch the Marilyn Ginsberg Eckstein Cultural Arts Program Fund. Formerly the Cultural Arts Program, established in 1977, this fund was established by congregant Marilyn Ginsberg Eckstein to perpetuate AA's broad cultural arts program offerings. AA's cultural arts programming currently consists of: the Fran Eizenstat and Eizenstat Family Memorial Lecture Series, the Chamber Concert Series, the Liturgical Music Artist-in-Residency Program, weekly Shabbat and annual High Holiday musical offerings, and jazz, pop, vocal and instrumental concert offerings. The Cultural Arts Program has long been recognized for its breadth of offerings and its excellence. We hope that you will consider making contributions to this fund as the Marilyn Ginsberg Eckstein Cultural Arts Program offerings continue to present world-renowned speakers, dignitaries, artists, and virtuoso musicians.
 
We are grateful and privileged to announce the launch of the Sonia Fishkin Memorial Fund. This fund was established by Dr. Andy Zangwill in Sonia's memory. The Sonia Fishkin Memorial Fund will honor Sonia's passion for the connection between song and Jewish spirituality. Contributions to the fund will sponsor individuals to create and bring new and singable Jewish music to Ahavath Achim and to the wider Jewish community for use during sacred events and services. Activities may include artists-in-residence, teaching workshops, concerts, and recordings.
 
We are proud and grateful to formally launch the Shirley Reisman Media Outreach Fund. This fund was established by the Reisman family in honor of Shirley z"l. Shirley was always passionate about the AA and together with her family had always been involved in various efforts and regularly attended services at the Shul I have had the personal privilege of knowing Shirley and always treasured my interactions with her, Don, and especially Bruce. This fund has been established to help us to upgrade and maintain the necessary audio/visual equipment to ensure that we give our clergy, staff, and leadership the necessary tools as we embrace the new digital platforms which will only become more important, even after the pandemic has ended. We hope that you will consider making contributions to this fund as we move forward so that we can remain current with the latest technology and trends.
 
AA and Ahava Early Learning Center are proud to participate in the ALEF Fund Scholarship, a program that allows families to make the dream of a Jewish school experience for their child a reality! Parents with children enrolled at Ahava are eligible and encouraged to apply for an ALEF Fund scholarship, which can provide up to approximately $9,000 of support per child per year! The ALEF Fund, Inc. is a registered Georgia 501(c)3 Student Scholarship Nonprofit organization that supports Jewish education in Georgia by helping taxpayers receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit for providing scholarships to students at the Jewish preschools or schools of their choice. This past year, thanks to the many who contributed a portion of their Georgia State Income Taxes to the ALEF Fund, Ahava received more than $100,000 in scholarship funds designated for students in our Pre-K class. Todah Rabah! Please visit the ALEF Fund website for more information about how you can allocate a portion of your taxes to help support Ahava or how your child can receive a financial scholarship for Pre-K. It's simple to qualify! Questions? Contact the Ahava ELC Director: Beth Arnold Helmey (beth@ahavalearning.org; 404.900.9411).