Toward the End of a Career

Posted on by Lauren Dube

Toward the End of a Career

By Neil Sandler
Rabbi Emeritus

Dear AA Friends,

Nearly half of my pulpit career has been spent in our congregation. I never imagined such a possibility, but serving you for many years was my good fortune.

More than five years ago, you will recall that I spoke to you on Rosh Hashana about my stepping down as Senior Rabbi in favor of Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal while I would remain a member of AA's rabbinic staff for two more years. Rabbi Rosenthal has served us well and with boundless caring. May he continue to do so for many years to come.

Nearly eleven months ago, during a time of rabbinic flux, our leadership asked me to temporarily return to the active rabbinic staff. It was an easy decision. I love you, and I love our congregation, so I was happy to help.

The months have flown by. God-willing, Susan and I will soon welcome a fourth grandchild (in Washington, DC). Susan has retired. My life and priorities have understandably changed. I am very pleased to hand my responsibilities over to Rabbi Michael Rothbaum. May he succeed magnificently in our spiritual community. May Rabbi Mike and his spouse, Anthony, become an integral part of our spiritual community and prosper within it.

When I entered the pulpit rabbinate, I had very little idea about what I was supposed to do. Slowly, I began to figure it out. I developed a "calling." I came to realize that I was meant to be a rabbi.

Forty-plus years later, I bring that rabbinic career to an end. You enabled me to "save the best for last." I interacted with people in pastoral situations that challenged me but also brought me great spiritual satisfaction. I spoke in settings that also challenged me but provided me with opportunities for growth. I was able to look at our congregants, understand their needs, and develop ways to reach out to them.

On Shabbat morning, December 28, I will reflect in my sermon on the meaning of my rabbinic career, especially to me. I hope you will join us in person or virtually.

I will always be a rabbi. I hope I will remain a Rabbi Emeritus of Ahavath Achim Synagogue. But my rabbinic career is now at a blessed end…" blessed" not because it is over but because you have helped me to share my skills and commitments with you in meaningful ways.

May the Holy One continue to bless the works of your hands and mine.

As I have previously told you, you have helped us to create our home in Atlanta. Atlanta is and will remain, God-willing, home. I look forward to seeing you at shul to enjoy the uplift of our spiritual community on Shabbat and holidays.

Rabbi Neil Sandler

Bringing Chanukah Light to Israel, Gaza, and All Those in Darkness

Posted on by Lauren Dube

Bringing Chanukah Light to Israel, Gaza, and All Those in Darkness

By Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal

Dear Beloved Community Members,

As the winter nights grow longer and we gather to light our chanukiot, I write to you with warmth in my heart and hope for our community. May this Festival of Lights bring renewed joy, peace, and blessing to each of your homes and families.

In challenging and joyous times, our community has remained a beacon of strength, support, and unity. Like the eternal light of the chanukiah, our bonds grow stronger with each passing day. May the light of Chanukah illuminate our paths forward and remind us of the ancient and present miracles that surround us.

As we celebrate Chanukah, we shine our light, knowing that too many in Israel are without celebration and light. We pray this Chanukah that light will replace the darkness and bring peace to all the people of that region. We pray that hostages will be freed from underground terror tunnels and brought into the light of the chanukiah, rejoining their families, surrounded by their light and warm embrace. Bring them home, now! We pray that the people of Gaza won't see the flames of Hamas' rockets firing from adjoining apartment windows or rooftops to launch attacks, making their homes a target. We pray that children will go to bed without the light of an explosion shattering their dreams.

I'd like to share with you a story that has been passed down through generations in the shtetls of Eastern Europe:

The Rebbe's Teaching on Light and Darkness

The great Rebbe of Kotzk once gathered his disciples on the first night of Chanukah. As they stood before the unlit menorah, he asked them, "Where does darkness go when we light a candle?"

His students offered various scholarly explanations about the nature of light and darkness, discussing complex philosophical ideas. The Rebbe listened patiently, then shook his head.

"When we light a single candle," the Rebbe explained, "darkness is not destroyed or pushed away. Rather, it is transformed into light. This is the deepest secret of Chanukah—that within the darkness itself lies the potential for great light. Just as the Maccabees found one small flask of pure oil that burned for eight days, we too can find that single point of light within ourselves that has the power to transform all darkness."

He continued, "Each night as we add another candle, we remind ourselves that our task is not to fight against darkness, but to increase light. And when we do this together as a community, even the darkest spaces become filled with divine radiance."

The disciples noted that on that night, the Rebbe's menorah seemed to burn with exceptional brightness, illuminating not just the room, but their hearts as well.

This story reminds us that each of us carries the power to spread light through acts of kindness and consideration for others. As we gather to light our menorahs this year, let us remember that our individual lights shine brightest when they illuminate the path for others.

With warmest wishes for a freylekhn khanike (Happy Chanukah),

Brooke and Laurence Rosenthal

Schmooze and News at AA

Posted on by Lauren Dube

Since being taken hostage by Hamas

BRING THEM HOME NOW

We demand the safe return of all citizens who have been taken hostage by the terrorist group Hamas. We will not rest until every hostage is released and returns home safely.

You can help bring them back home.

Schmooze and News at AA

Special Message

Shabbat Corner

Friday Evening–Saturday

▶️ Virtual 🔀 Hybrid ⏺️ In-Person

Feel-Good News

Sparks of Light + Summer Experience Expo 12.15.24 >>
Sparks of Light After Party 12.15.24 >>
Kiddush Sponsors

Esther and Michael Levine in honor of Michael's 90th birthday on 12/9!

Barbara and Ken Feinberg in honor of Ken's birthday on 12/11!

Jay Empel in honor of his birthday on 12/15!

Events

Champagne Blessings for the New Year

Tue, Dec 31 @ 5:45–6:00 p.m.
More >>

Sisterhood Chanukah Party

Thu, Jan 2 @ 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Registration Required by 12/30
More >>

Havdallah and Kiddush Levana

Sat, Jan 4 @ 6:08–6:23 p.m.
More >>

Naomi's Book Club

Mon, Jan 6 @ 10:15–11:30 a.m.
More >>

Family and Kesher Shabbat Experience

Sat, Jan 11 @ 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
More >>

Glass Blowing with Z'havah Sisterhood—Miriam's Cup

Jan 12 @ 2:30–5:30 p.m.
Sold Out
More >>

Adult B'nai Mitzvah Course

Wed, Jan 15 @ 7–8:00 p.m.
Registration Required
More >>

Atlanta Chamber Players

Sun, Jan 19, @ 3–5:00 p.m.
More >>

Shabbat Morning Service Honoring the Rosenthals

Sat, Jan 25 @ 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
More >>

Brotherhood Gathering

Thu, Jan 26 @ 8–9:30 p.m.
More >>

Rosh and Nosh

Thu, Jan 30 @ 8:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
More >>

Tu B'Shvat Tree Planting

Sun, Feb 9 @ 1–4:00 p.m.
Registration Required
More >>

You+2 Antisemitism Panel

Thu, Feb 6 @ 7–9:00 p.m.
More >>

Ahavath Achim 2025 Fundraiser

Thu, Feb 13 @ 7–9:00 p.m.
Register by 2/12
More >>

Sisterhood Donor Event

Sun, Mar 30 @ 2–4:00 p.m.
Registration Coming Soon
More >>

mAAc at the Fox Theatre—Parade

Sun, Apr 6 @ 1:00 p.m.
Registration Coming Soon
More >>

For more events, please visit our events calendar.

View Calendar

Other Things Happening at AA


For many years, money has been collected for our shul's Employee Holiday Fund. Our employees have faithfully continued to work and adapt despite challenging times.
 
Please join fellow congregants and send a check, payable to Ahavath Achim Synagogue, to 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30327, by Monday, December 30. Please designate the check for the Employee Holiday Fund in the memo line. Thank you for your participation in showing our valued AA employees how much they are appreciated.

The 2024 Fall Beineinu—High Holiday Issue is out! If you haven't yet received your copy in the mail, you can view the electronic version here.


2024–25 registration for Kesher religious school (Pre-K–6th Grade) and Neisah teen program (7th–9th Grade) is now open!

The Kesher and Neisah programs are generously endowed by the Judith and Aaron z"l Alembik Ahavath Achim Youth Education Program.

Register | More Info


Are you fun? Innovative? Passionate? Love kids? Kesher is seeking:

  • Madrichim (teaching assistants) for the fall of 2024. $10/hour or community service hours
  • Part-time teachers/facilitators for the fall of 2024. Beginning at $30/hour.
  • Subs

Kesher is AA's supplementary Jewish education program for students Pre-K through sixth grade. If you are interested, please email our Interim Director of Education: Annsley Klehr ([email protected]).

The Kesher program is generously endowed by the Judith and Aaron z"l Alembik Ahavath Achim Youth Education Program.


Looking for something different for your child? At Ahava Early Learning Center, we believe in connected communities and the power of WONDER to change the world. Our program for preschoolers and Pre-K students, ages 3–5, is now enrolling with limited spaces for the 2024–25 school year. Find out more about how your family can thrive in our true play-based, wonder-filled community where children are given the freedom to develop their independence, love of learning, and connection to one another that will lay the foundation for strong, empathetic, life-long learners! Visit our website, and call today to schedule a tour! Don't forget to ask about the ALEF Fund, which may help subsidize your Pre-K child's tuition as much as 50%!


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 ([email protected]) directly. We always appreciate the opportunity to speak with anyone in need and offer support in any way we can.
 


The AARI (AA Refugee Initiative) is collecting new and gently used coats for recently arrived refugees and other newcomers. If you have coats to donate, please bring them to the Synagogue and place them in the marked bin at the entrance to the Cohen-Kogon Pavilion until Sunday, January 5. AARI will also accept jackets, vests, and any warm outerwear—for both kids and adults—with a specific need for smaller men's and kids' sizes. Donations will be distributed by the refugee agency New American Pathways.

Questions? Contact the AARI co-chair: Myrtle ([email protected]; 404.409.3196).

It's time to order your 2025 Mah Jongg card(s)! To order, please email Barbara Nathan ([email protected]) with a list of names, e-mail addresses, and home addresses of all recipients by Wednesday, February 5, 2025. To pay (prices listed below), please write a check, payable to AA Sisterhood, and mail it to Barbara Nathan (200 Brandon Place, Sandy Springs, GA 30328). If you do not get confirmation from Barbara within a few days of your order, call her at 404.406.8770.

Standard card = $14
Large card = $15


The Pinch Hitter Program, which is organized by B'nai B'rith and chaired by Harry Lutz, provides volunteers to work in non-medical positions in area hospitals and assisted living places on Christmas Day to give employees the day off to spend with their families. Volunteers will work in (approximately) four-hour shifts at seven hospitals and assisted living facilities. All volunteers MUST be vaccinated. Wearing a mask is highly encouraged. To volunteer, sign up using the link below. Questions? Contact the chair: Harry Lutz (678.485.8179).

Sign Up


Backpack Buddies needs your help! Backpack Buddies is seeking volunteers weekly, monthly, or whenever you can help during the school year to pack food at the Synagogue. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up below or contact the chair: Carla Werthheimer ([email protected]). It's easy and fun!

Sign Up


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 ([email protected]; 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 ([email protected]; 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.


Freedom Tags is an initiative by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. Purchase a Freedom Tag to support the hundreds of innocent people kidnapped by Hamas. The Hostages and Missing solidarity tags are meant to remind us all of our commitment to bring them home. Now.

If you are interested in purchasing a Freedom Tag at discounted rate of $18 per tag, please contact the Director of Outreach and Engagement: Miriam Habif Gelfond ([email protected]; 404.603.5749).


Hamas is refusing to accept a U.S.-backed deal to free hostages in exchange for a pause in the fighting. But some are still blaming Israel. Calls for a temporary ceasefire should be directed to the one address preventing it from happening: Hamas. We need to make sure your members of Congress know that Hamas is to blame. It takes just a minute to email your members by clicking the link below. Please take just 1 minute to make a difference and stand with Israel! I encourage you to forward this email to your friends and family.

Tell Congress


Your donation to the Israel Emergency Campaign helps to rebuild damaged infrastructure and address the unprecedented levels of trauma caused by the horrific attack on Isreael.

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.
 

5785 High Holiday Hub

A source of everything you'll need to navigate your High Holiday spiritual experience!
Registration • Youth and Family • Service Schedule • Tunes and Meshorerim • Committee Fair • Yom Kippur Appeal/Chai Campaign • Honors • Machzorim • Operation Isaiah • Sisterhood Honey Fundraiser • Lulav and Etrog • Hearing Loop and Screen Assisted Service • Disabled Parking • Resources
Visit the Hub