Ahavath Achim Synagogue

Candle Lighting
2024-04-05 19:43, 2024-04-12 19:49, 2024-04-19 19:54, 2024-04-22 19:56, 2024-04-23 20:41, 2024-04-26 19:59 (America/New_York) | GA

Conclusion of Shabbat
2024-04-06 20:28, 2024-04-13 20:33, 2024-04-20 20:38, 2024-04-27 20:44 | GA

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

Rosh and Nosh ⏺️
2024-04-09 08:15 - 09:00 | Ahavath Achim Synagogue – Lobby, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327
Join us once a month on Rosh Chodesh to elevate the new month with Ahava parents and minyan regulars! After the morning minyan service, we'll be offering the opportunity for our two wonderful communities to schmooze and learn a short bit of Torah that's friendly for the whole family. Stop in for coffee and a donut, and hang out as long as you'd like! Learning will last approximately five minutes and will be offered twice, at 8:30 a.m. and 8:45 a.m.

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.

Israel Exploration Shabbat Table 🔀
2024-04-13 12:45 - 13:45 | Ahavath Achim Synagogue—Paradies Hall, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave. NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327, United States
Join us one Saturday a month to learn about and discuss current issues involving Israel. With the incredibly complex reality that the Jewish state finds itself, the goal of this group is to learn and discuss. We will read through recent articles and publications highlighting major issues and welcome educators, advocates, Israeli Government, and NGO professionals to share their thoughts, work, and hope. Learning is at the core of this experience, so come with an open mind and heart.
Join Via Zoom
Source Sheets:

Saturday, June 15: Will Zionism Survive the War?—Yuval Harari; Liberal Zionism: A Pillar of Israels Settler Colonial Project—M. Muhannad Ayyash
Saturday, May 11: Pirkei Avot—Words that Bind OR Words that Break
Saturday, April 13: Opinion: Preaching Spiritual Coexistence During Ramadan as a Palestinian-Israeli Imam—Sheikh Khalil al-Baz
Saturday, March 2: Israel's Greatest Threat Unwavering Belief in Its Own Morality—Donielle Hartman
Saturday, January 13: Ahad Haam—The First Zionist Congress—1897

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

Office Closed at Noon
2024-04-22 | GA

Passover Day 1
2024-04-23 | GA

Office Closed
2024-04-23, 2024-04-24 | GA

Mincha Service 🔀
2024-04-23 12:45 - 13:45 | Ahavath Achim Synagogue — Epstein Sanctuary, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327

Young Adults Seder ⏺️
2024-04-23 19:00 - 21:00 | The Rosenthals
Join the young adults of AA for a fun and meaningful second-night Passover Seder! We'll have an exciting journey through the story of the Exodus while sharing a fantastic meal and good times.
This event is free, but RSVP is required (link below) by Friday, April 19.
RSVP

Passover Day 2
2024-04-24 | GA

Havdallah
2024-04-24 20:41 | GA

Passover Day 3
2024-04-25 | GA

Passover Day 4
2024-04-26 | GA

Passover Day 5
2024-04-27 | GA
