mAAc Meets: Movie Discussion—Africa ▶️
2024-03-18 19:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | GA
Members of our Mature Active Adult Community (mAAc) are invited to a movie discussion on the film Africa. Struggling with post-retirement life, 68-year-old Meir goes out on a personal journey to reconstruct his shaken sense of meaning and vitality, in this cinematic experience of an aging parent crafted by the hands of his loving son. mAAc members are asked to watch the film prior to the program. It is available to watch on streaming sites.
Join Via Zoom

Sisterhood Hamantaschen Bake-Off ⏺️
2024-03-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Sent Upon RSVP
It's time for Sisterhood's annual Hamantaschen Bake-Off competition! We provide the dough and you bring the filling. The most creatively delicious hamantaschen will be awarded the crown!
This event is free to attend, but you must RSVP to Rebecca Sokol (sokolrebecca@gmail.com) by Monday, March 18 to receive the address.

Biblical Hebrew Class
2024-03-20 19:30 - 20:30 | GA
Join us every Wednesday for Biblical Hebrew Class, led by Hebrew instructor, Jim Dricker. In this class, we will cover all aspects of grammar and a well-rounded basic vocabulary. Students set the pace of the program, and we will proceed as fast or as slow as the majority of the class requests. We might take two years to complete… maybe more… perhaps less! The only prerequisite is the ability to sound out Hebrew words.
Required textbook: The First Hebrew Primer: The Adult Beginner's Path to Biblical Hebrew, Third Edition by Simon, Resnikoff, and Motzkin (available on Amazon and other book sellers)

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Esther's Banquet Sisterhood Shabbat 🔀
2024-03-22 17:30 - 21:30 | Ahavath Achim Synagogue—Ellman Chapel, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327, United States
Join us for an exquisite Esther's Banquet Sisterhood Shabbat! Come eat, pray, laugh, and dance as we enjoy an uplifting Shabbat evening service and an amazing dinner.
Schedule:

5:30 p.m.: Appetizers and Drinks
6:00 p.m.: Shabbat Evening Service
7:15 p.m.: Dinner

Cost:

$36 per person
$26 per person ordering vegetarian
$10 per child
$80 for family

The deadline to register (form below) is Thursday, March 14.

Register Join Via Zoom

Candle Lighting
2024-03-22 19:33, 2024-03-29 19:38, 2024-04-05 19:43, 2024-04-12 19:49, 2024-04-19 19:54 | GA

Erev Purim
2024-03-23 | GA

Shabbat Morning Service 🔀
2024-03-23 09:30 - 12:00 | Ahavath Achim Synagogue—Ellman Chapel, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327, United States
Join us in Ellman Chapel or via Zoom.
Join Zoom

Rebbe's Tish ⏺️
2024-03-23 12:30 - 14:00 | Ahavath Achim Synagogue—Srochi Auditorium, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave. NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327, United States
Join us during kiddush lunch on Shabbat mornings for Rebbe's Tish where we'll sing, do a bit of studying and kavanot, celebrate simchas, and fulfill the mitzvah of delighting in Shabbat and reciting the blessing after meals! Whether you attended the Shabbat morning service virtually, in person, or not at all, you are welcome to join us—Grab a seat at the square table in the atrium between the Sanctuary and Srochi Auditorium. We'll start around 12:30 p.m. (or ~30 minutes after the service ends) and sing the blessing after meals (Birkat HaMazon) between 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Questions? Contact music@aasynagogue.org.

Mincha, Seudah Sheleshet, Ma'ariv, Havdallah 🔀
2024-03-23 18:30 - 20:00 | Ahavath Achim Synagogue — Epstein Sanctuary, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327
Join us each week as we say goodbye to Shabbat and start the following week anew. Prayer, Torah reading, a short study with the rabbi, a light seudah sheleshet (third meal), and a musical havdallah will be part of this experience!
Join Via Zoom

Purim Evening Celebration 🔀
2024-03-23 18:30 - 22:00 | Ahavath Achim Synagogue—Ellman Chapel, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327, United States
Join your AA family for a fun-filled Purim night! We will conclude Shabbat with a musical ma'ariv service led by our AAbsolute Shabbat Band while Steve Grossman and friends chant their way through the Megillah (Book of Esther). This will be followed by a third meal and learning on the topic of the Meaning of Purim. Delectable and tasty libations will be on the menu for this joyous celebration of our Purim holiday—don't miss it!

6:30 p.m.: Shabbat Mincha Service with Torah Reading
7:00 p.m.: Pre-Purim Cocktail Hour
8:00 p.m.: Musical Ma'ariv Service with AAbsolute Shabbat Band
8:45 p.m.: Steve Grossman Megillah Reading

This event is free and open to the community.
Join Via Zoom

Conclusion of Shabbat
2024-03-23 20:17, 2024-03-30 20:22, 2024-04-06 20:28, 2024-04-13 20:33, 2024-04-20 20:38 | GA

Purim
2024-03-24 | GA

Purim PaloozAA
2024-03-24 10:30 - 12:30 | Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327
Join us for our annual Purim PaloozAA—It's going to be a carnival of fun! Put on your best costume and gather for games, crafts, prizes, and treats! Attractions include a dunk tank, inflatable obstacle course, bounce house, balloon twisting demonstration, games galore, and more!
The cost to attend is as follows. The cost covers all games, activities, and food. There will be a price increase for walk-ins.

$18 for individuals
$36 for families of 2–4
$54 for families of 5–6
$72 for families of 7+

Additionally, our religious school, Kesher, will have Mishloach Manot baskets available for purchase as a fundraiser. These baskets have been made by our students and reflect the driving question each class is learning about. Baskets can be purchased for $10 day-of or in advance and are limited in quantity! The four themes reflected in the baskets are:

Garden Theme Basket made by the Gan Class (Pre-K–K children)—Their question is "What do we need to help us grow to be our best selves?"
*SOLD OUT* Unhoused Support Basket made by the Ozrim Class (1st–2nd graders)—Their question is "What does it mean to take care of the world?" When ordered, these baskets will be delivered to an organization for distribution to the unhoused.
Wellness Basket made by the Cosim Class (3rd–4th graders)—Their question is "What is the magic of prayer?"
Spiritual Protection Basket made by the Menches Class (5th–6th graders)—Their question is "How do we protect/guard our community?"

Why do we make Mishloach Manot baskets? The Book of Esther states, "Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the 14th day of the month of Adar a day of gladness and feasting, a holiday, and of sending portions to one another." To complete the mitzvah of feasting, send love and joy to the Jewish people, and guarantee that both rich and poor share a feast, we send mishloach manot baskets!
The deadline to register (link below) is Friday, March 22 at 2:00 p.m.
Questions? Contact the Director of Community Connections: Jackie Nix (jnix@aasynagogue.org or 404.603.5743).
Register

One man's trash is another man's treasure! Help us minimize our carbon footprint by giving us your unwanted tchotchkes (new or lightly used) for us to use for carnival prizes.
Calling teen volunteers! We are looking for teen volunteers to help at the carnival.
For information about donating your tchotchkes or becoming a volunteer, please contact the Interim Director of Education: Annsley Klehr (aklehr@aasynagogue.org).

Rabbi Rosenthal's Talmud Class 🔀
2024-03-27 17:00 - 18:00 | Ahavath Achim Synagogue—Foyer, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327
Join Rabbi Rosenthal every Wednesday for an exploration into the minds of our rabbis to better understand our modern Jewish world and the innovative process of Rabbinic Judaism. This year we will be studying Tractate Megillah, Chapter 1 "Megillah Nikret," understanding the days that different Jewish communities and townships can read the Biblical Book of Esther in celebration of the Purim Holiday. As always, this study will take us far beyond the holiday of Purim giving us an insight into the lives Jews lived in the past and a better idea of the spiritual life we live today. No experience of Talmud study is needed. We will work in English translation and the conversation will flow from our hearts and minds.
Although an online text will be shared, Rabbi Rosenthal encourages all students to purchase their own copy of Tractate Megillah. He recommends the Koren Steinsaltz edition.
Join Via Zoom

Naomi's Book Club 🔀
2024-04-01 10:15 - 11:30 | GA
Join Sisterhood on the first Monday of the month for a lively book discussion. April's book is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, and the discussion will be led by Patsy Little.
Questions? Contact Madeleine Gimbel (maddy_gimbel@yahoo.com; 404.355.7711).
Join Via Zoom

An Afternoon of American Jazz Classics, Originals, and Lore ⏺️
2024-04-07 15:00 - 17:00 | Ahavath Achim Synagogue — Epstein Sanctuary, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327
The Marilyn Ginsberg Eckstein Cultural Arts Program Fund and Neranenah present An Afternoon of American Jazz Classics, Originals, and Lore featuring Joe Alterman (piano), Lewis Franco (vocals and guitar), Justin Chesarek (drums), and Scott Glazer (bass).
This concert is open to the community. Reception following the concert. No admission charge or reservation required. A $20 entrance donation for the Cultural Arts Fund is appreciated.
Questions? Please contact the Cultural Arts Committee Chair: Ivan Millender (ivanmillender@earthlink.net; 404.406.6333).

Meet the Musicians
Joe Alterman
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Joe Alterman studied music at New York University, where he received both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Jazz Piano Performance. In addition to performances with Houston Person, Les McCann, Dick Gregory, and his own trio, among others, Alterman has performed at many world-renowned venues, including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Birdland, and New York's Blue Note, where Alterman has opened, many times, for Ramsey Lewis. Alterman has released eight critically acclaimed albums, his most recent being 2023's "Joe Alterman Plays Les McCann: Big Mo & Little Joe." He was profiled three times by iconic journalist Nat Hentoff and was the subject of Hentoff's very last piece on music in March 2016. Les McCann calls Alterman "tiny, but only in stature; as a man and a musician he is already a giant," Ahmad Jamal called Alterman "a very special artist" and Ramsey Lewis called him "an inspiration to me" and his piano playing "a joy to behold." In addition to his piano work, Alterman is the Executive Director of Neranenah, an Atlanta-based Concert & Culture series which celebrates Jewish contributions to music and the arts. He's also a budding journalist who has written liner notes to three Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra w/Wynton Marsalis albums. Nat Hentoff called one of Alterman's columns on jazz "one of the very best pieces on the essence of jazz, the spirit of jazz, that I've ever read, and I'm not exaggerating."
Lewis Franco
According to Dan Bolles of SevenDaysVT, "Precious few hepcatamounts swing like Lewis Franco. The central Vermont guitarist, songwriter, and bandleader has almost single-handedly kept the jump and jive alive in the Green Mountains, wailing away with swagger and unimpeachable cool for nearly two decades." But Franco says he eventually noticed that most of the jazz and show tunes he loved were not just written by Jews (Berlin, the Gershwin's, Rodgers & Hart, Kern, Arlen, etc…), but were informed by Jewish values and concerns. His YouTube series, "Franco the ReJewvenator" is a result. His 2023 recording, "On the Sidelines", his sixth CD of original music, also reflects this awareness. It features Franco's cousin, Joe Alterman, on piano and includes titles such as "Say, Don't You Remember Yip Harburg?" and "Just Pretend I Wasn't Lorenz Hart." "I relate to these songwriters as nervous outsiders, observing American life while seeking a sense of belonging. And they weren't looking casually. They had either been persecuted themselves, or they felt the effects of centuries of European antisemitism. For them, the question of whether somewhere over the rainbow the American dream of a multicultural democracy really does come true, or if it's only a paper moon, was high stakes." "Yes, my experience is different from theirs. By the time I came along, Jews in the US were far more secure. However, being born and raised in Atlanta to Ashkenazi and Sephardi families, I felt similar anxieties and yearnings to the ones expressed in those amazing songs." Franco explores these themes through music, storytelling, and humor in his concerts. "Music has been my favorite form of Jewish observance ever since childhood, when we sang zmiros around my beloved Bubbe and Zeda's Shabbat table every Friday night. So this is super meaningful and super fun for me."
Justin Chesarek
Justin Chesarek has been mesmerized with drums since the age of 10. He earned a Bachelors of Music degree from Slippery Rock University, trekked south to Atlanta in 2008, and earned a Masters of Music and Jazz studies at Georgia State University, following which he landed a regular engagement at Churchill Grounds, Atlanta's premier jazz club at the time, which gig continued for five years. During that time, he made a name for himself as an exceptional musician. Justin performs regularly with the Alterman Trio and is a regular with the Atlanta Jazz Festival. He has performed at the Iridium and The Blue Note in New York City, DC's Kennedy Center, a TED Talk, Juneau Alaska Jazz and Classics Festival, the North Sea Festival in Holland, and the Montreax Jazz Festival in Switzerland. He has gigged with legendary artists, Count Bassie vocalist, Carmen Bradford, Grammy nominee trumpeter, Russell Gunn, and others. He teaches jazz percussion at Kennesaw State, Artist Affiliate in Jazz Percussion at Emory, and former Professor of Jazz Percussion at Moorehouse. His classes include jazz composition, improvisation and analysis, jazz combos, and piano accompaniment for jazz vocalists. He runs a private studio of his own in which he works with students of all ages. His alumni have become professional touring musicians Broadway pit players, and top call drummers.
Scott Glazer
What Wynton Marsalis is to New Orleans, Doc Severinsen was to Johnny Carson, and what Scott Glazer, with his decades of talent, is to Atlanta. We've heard him perform at clubs, symphonies, the Atlanta Jewish Life Festival, and Ahavath Achim Synagogue, in combos, and perhaps in Tokyo or Manhattan. He appeared in Courtenay Collin's Cabaret at the Alliance Theatre's Hertz Stage, where he harmonized with her. An Atlanta native, Glazer grew up within a musical family where his father, Morris, played coronet and appeared as a band leader. On the maternal side, he grew up in a world of opera, chazanut (cantorial) records, and music of the world, including Italian and Hungarian. Following graduation from Lawrence Academy, he earned a music degree at Georgia State University. "I enjoy a variety of situations–theater, orchestras, and jazz gigs. The gig I enjoy the most is the one I'm on right now." His group, the Mojo Dojo, is composed of two horns, vocals, and great guitarists performing The Allman Brothers Band with a twist or recognizable iconic songs from Sam & Dave, Ray Charles, and Wilson Pickett. He occasionally plays with jazz pianist Joe Alterman. Glazer has toured domestically and internationally and performed with artists as diverse as Grammy-winning guitarist Kristian Bush (Sugarland), Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke), Scott Henderson (Chick Corea, Jean-Luc Ponty), Edwin McCain, Carmen Bradford (Count Basie), The Last Waltz Ensemble, jazz sax legend Houston Person, Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie), Carmine Appice (Jeff Beck), and Liberty DeVitto (Billy Joel). He has played at Seattle's Jazz Alley, the Blue Note in New York City, and in Tokyo clubs on the road with the jazz legend Earl Klugh.

Antisemitism with Brendan Murphy—Part One ⏺️
2024-04-08 18:30 - 21:00 | GA
Ahavath Achim Synagogue and Cathedral of Christ the King will hold a two-part program on antisemitism presented by longtime educator Brendan Murphy. The presentation is titled Why the Jews? Understanding the Long and Tragic History of Antisemitism and the Future of Jewish-Christian Relations.

Part One: Monday, April 8, at 7–9:00 p.m., at Cathedral of Christ the King
Part Two: Monday, April 15, at 7–9:00 p.m., at Ahavath Achim Synagogue

Light refreshments will be available at each location beginning at 6:30 p.m.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Fern Schorr (fschorr@aasynagogue.org; 404.355.5222).

A special thank you to Helaine and Andy Lasky for their gracious and generous donation underwriting the expenses for this evening's program at Ahavath Achim Synagogue in loving memory of their parents Harriette (Hank) and Bennett (Buster) Oxman.
Host Committee: Barbara and Ken Feinberg, Helaine Lasky, Nancy Levine, Margery Eden, Karen Lansky Edlin, Annice Parker, Cookie Aftergut, Jessica and Douglas Ander, Betty Behr, Julia Bernath, Sara Borochoff, Avital Cohen, Melissa Cohen, Stacy and Emanuel Fialkow, Beth Friedman, Marianne Garber, Eve Goldstein, Gail and Gilbert Holzer, Rachael Joseph, Lana Krebs, Michelle Krebs, Myrtle Lewin, Naomi Liebman, Gerald Neumark, Nikki Novotny, Dara Povlot, Laurence Rosenthal, Jon Schnaubelt, Gail Solomon, and Marshall Sunshine

Rosh Chodesh Nisan
2024-04-09 | GA
Start of month of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar

Tot Shabbat ⏺️
2024-04-13 11:15 - 12:00 | Ahavath Achim Synagogue—Ellman Chapel, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327, United States
Join us on the first Saturday of the month for Tot Shabbat, a musical service that's fun for our young kids and engaging for adults! This service is designed for families with kids 0–2nd grade, but all are welcome.

11:15–11:30 a.m.: Shabbat-Friendly Activity and Schmooze
11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Family Service
12:00 p.m.+: Fresh-Baked Challah (lovingly brought by a different family each month) followed by Community Kiddush

RSVP is not required, but we'd love to know if you can make it—Please contact our Interim Director of Education, Annsley Klehr (aklehr@aasynagogue.org), if you plan to join!
The location depends on room availability and the weather. We'll set up outside if the weather allows; Otherwise, we'll set up in Ellman Chapel.
Dates: August 5, September 30 (last Saturday of the month), November 4, December 2, January 6, February 3, March 2, April 13 (second Saturday of the month), and May 4.

Sisterhood Donor Event
2024-04-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327
Exploring Together: Advocacy and Diplomacy through a Jewish Lens
We are delighted to welcome two wonderful speakers, Rachel Galloway and Dov Wilker. What does it mean to be Jewish in a foreign office? How do you effectively advocate for a cause? What strategies would you employ to promote constructive dialogue?
Please join Sisterhood as we dive into these questions during our Spring 2024 Donor Event, featuring Rachel Galloway and Dov Wilker, while enjoying tea and nosh catered by Chef Alex. Rachel Galloway is British Consul General in Atlanta and has served in numerous foreign offices for the United Kingdom since 2001. Dov Wilker has served as the Regional Director for American Jewish Committee since 2011 and National Director for Black Jewish Relations since 2018.
The cost to attend is $36 in addition to a donor contribution. The Donor Event is the only time that Ahavath Achim Sisterhood requests our membership contribute a donation above annual dues.
There are two ways to pay:

By credit card: Fill out the online form, and choose the option to pay by credit card.
By check sent in U.S. mail: Fill out the online form, and choose the option to pay by check.

The deadline to RSVP is Friday, April 5.
Thank you to our Table Hostesses. Your hard work and dedication are why our event will be a success: Shelia Adelman, Allison Feldman, Beth Friedman, Sherry Habif, Delcy Harber, Mandy Hirsch, Jean Jackson, Roslyn Konter, Alyson Lapes, Michelle Lerner, Nancy Levine, Jennie Moret, Brooke Rosenthal, Susan Sandler, Helen Scherrer-Diamond, and Rebecca Sokol
Donor Co-Chairs:
Lori Harber (404.786.9881; lori@performpilates.com)
Elissa Konter (404.822.2028; eskonter@gmail.com)
For complimentary babysitting, please email Jennifer Rosenfeld (jenhrosenfeld@gmail.com) by Monday, April 1.
Register

mAAc Meets: Current Events with Rabbi Neil Sandler ▶️
2024-04-17 16:00 - 17:00 | GA
Join mAAc members, fellow congregants, and Rabbi Neil Sandler twice a month for Rabbi Sandler's current events discussion group! Rabbi Sandler continues to keep us informed about current events affecting the Jewish Community. He teaches us not only to be aware of current events but also to understand them.
Join Via Zoom

Erev Passover
2024-04-22 | GA
