Ahavath Achim Synagogue

Tikkun Leil Shavuot Weekend with Scholar-in-Residence Rodger Kamenetz 🔀
2025-06-01 11:15 - 2025-06-03 13:00 (America/New_York) | Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327
Join us for a night of learning, reflection, and community as we honor the tradition of Shavuot with our annual all-night study session. We're thrilled to welcome Rodger Kamenetz (acclaimed poet and author of The Jew in the Lotus) as our scholar-in-residence. Together, we'll delve into Jewish wisdom, sacred texts, and rich conversation guided by this distinguished scholar. Come for the learning, stay for the spirit of the night!
Schedule Highlights:

Sunday, June 1–Monday, June 2

11:15 a.m.: Prayer Workshop: Rodger Kamenetz will join us after the Birthday and Anniversary Breakfast for a short teaching on prayer, where we'll deepen our connection to Jewish liturgy and spiritual practice.
7:00 p.m.: All-Night Learning—Together we'll honor the tradition of this sacred night through deep engagement with Jewish texts, ideas, and community. Guided by the wisdom of our distinguished guest, Rodger Kamenetz, we'll explore the spiritual richness of Shavuot—the festival that commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai—through thoughtful discussion, reflection, and celebration.
5:30 a.m.: Hashkama (Early Morning) Minyan Service—Our night of learning culminates in a serene Hashkama Minyan Service in the Mauldin Family Memorial Garden, followed by a festive holiday breakfast.

Tuesday, June 3

9:30 a.m.: Shavuot and Yizkor Memorial Service—Our Shavuot morning service, which will include the Yizkor Memorial Service around 11:45 a.m.—a solemn moment to honor and remember our loved ones who have passed. The service will be followed by a Kiddush lunch.
10:30 a.m.: Book of Ruth Text Study—Enrich your Shavuot journey with renowned biblical scholar Dr. Richard Elliot Friedman, as he offers expert insight into the timeless beauty and meaning of the Book of Ruth—traditionally read during this sacred holiday.

This event is free and open to the community! Registration is not required.
Questions? Contact Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal (lrosenthal@aasynagogue.org; 404.603.5744).

Full Schedule

×

Time

Sanctuary

Zoom Link

This is the Zoom link for all sessions held in the Sanctuary

Cavalier Room

Zoom Link

This is the Zoom link for all sessions held in Cavalier

Ellman Chapel

Zoom Link

This is the Zoom link for all sessions held in Ellman

Srochi Auditorium

Zoom Link

This is the Zoom link for all sessions held in Srochi

Sunday, June 1–Monday, June 2

11:15 a.m.

Prayer Workshop
Rodger Kamenetz will join us after the Birthday and Anniversary Breakfast for a short teaching on prayer, where we'll deepen your connection to Jewish liturgy and spiritual practice.

7:00 p.m.

Plenary Session: The Torah of Dreams
Rodger Kamenetz
We'll kick off all-night learning with a plenary session that explores how dreams connect us to divine revelation through ancient texts from Genesis, the Talmud, and the Zohar. Just as Shavuot commemorates our collective revelation at Sinai, we'll explore how dreams offer personal moments of sacred encounter.

8:30 p.m.

Ma'ariv Service, Candle Lighting, and Welcome
Meshorerim

9:00 p.m.

The Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Experience
Steve Grossman
Deep within the Talmud, we encounter a striking question: “When you study Talmud, is it a song?” Are its pages like lyrics we don’t fully grasp—mysterious, yet deeply moving? Do the words stir something in us, inviting us to listen, to question, to join the chorus? In this session, we’ll explore sugyot (passages) that reflect on the Talmud’s poetic, legal, and narrative dimensions, and consider how this ancient text might also be a kind of song—one that deepens our connection to Jewish learning and tradition.

Images of Sinai: Then and Now
Rabbi Neil Sandler
Exodus 19 is filled with vivid sensory imagery that sets the stage for the Israelites’ transformative encounter with Torah in chapter 20 at Mount Sinai. But was that moment truly one-of-a-kind? In this session, we’ll explore the powerful images of chapter 19 and ask how they might still resonate—offering insight into what it means to receive Torah in our own time.

Burning Bushes, Burning Bridges—Board Q&A
Mark Stern and Adam Hirsch

10:00 p.m.

The Torah of Your Dreams
Rodger Kamenetz
Discover practical, spiritually grounded techniques for uncovering sacred meaning in your dreams. Guided by Rodger’s 25 years of experience as a Natural Dreamwork practitioner, this intimate session invites you to explore the wisdom within your own dream life. Bring a dream to share and join a meaningful journey into the soul’s nighttime revelations.

Legacy Letters: Ethical Path to Hereafter
Rava Shulamit Cenker
As we confront end-of-life issues and the ethical dilemmas they raise, the urgency to pass on living legacies—wisdom and values for future generations—comes sharply into focus. Time may be short, but the need is profound. In this session, we will explore the importance of living wills and the ethical dimensions of guiding the transition from end of life to the afterlife.

Exploring Social Action and Justice
Alan Wexler
Our Torah and sacred teachings consistently call on us—and the entire world—to care for and uplift those in need. At AA, we strive to live out this mission through a wide range of social action initiatives. From Backpack Buddies and the Blood Drive to refugee support, LGBTQ+ advocacy, Habitat for Humanity, and food justice programs like Operation Isaiah, our community is deeply committed to making a meaningful impact. In this session, we’ll reflect on these efforts and explore new opportunities to pursue social justice and fulfill our responsibility to help repair the world.

11:00 p.m.

Hadar Community Group Info
Bonnie LevineParticipate in an informative session about Hadar, the Community Groups initiative, and learn how you can get involved in our new Atlanta Community Group. True to Hadar’s style, this session will include meaningful study paired with uplifting nigunim.

Ferguson/Fargesn: Racism, Jewishness, and White Supremacy
Rabbi Mike Rothbaum
In 1902, in a cramped room on the Lower East Side, countless Jews gave testimony before a local "Indignation Committee," recounting abuses by New York City police. Today, Black Americans continue to face systemic oppression within the U.S. criminal justice system. How do these experiences compare? Where do they diverge? And what do they reveal about the unique responsibilities of white Jews in the ongoing struggle for racial justice?

Souper Sinai: Eating Our Prayers, Torah, and Culture
Brooke and Ariela Rosenthal
What do mountains of grilled cheese and tomato soup have to do with Shavuot? Join Brooke and Ariela Rosenthal ion preparing these comforting foods while exploring Torah insights and the special significance of dairy during the holiday.
Srochi Kitchen

12:00 a.m.

What Kind of Jew Are You? Pesach or Shavuot?
Judy MarxJewish history calls to us through two enduring commandments: Remember and Do. The voice of remembrance urges us to recall who we are and where we’ve been—our slavery in Egypt, the sanctity of Shabbat, the wonder of Creation. The voice of action commands us to live out our values—Honor, Guard, and the bold declaration Na'aseh V'Nishma ("We will do and we will understand"). In this session, we’ll explore texts that illuminate these twin pillars and uncover what lies at the heart of our Jewish identity.

Game Theory in Garden of Eden
Michael MillerIn this session, we'll begin with a brief, accessible introduction to game theory, then explore how its concepts can shed new light on stories from the Tanach— including Adam and Eve, Esther, King Solomon, the Akedah, and more. No background in game theory is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to see familiar texts in a new way.

Shavuot: What Gives?
Paul FeldmanShavuot is the holiday that celebrates revelation. What was revealed?

1:00 a.m.

Be Present, But Don't Fool Me
Rabbi Chaim Listfield
The Torah recounts the troubling story of an unnamed man who cursed God—and was put to death by stoning. Oy. In this session, we will explore the deeper context behind this mysterious figure: Who was he, what led him to such a grave act, and what might his story reveal about justice, identity, and the power of words in our tradition?

Awakening and Receiving: What October 7 Teaches us about Torah and Jewish Identity
Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal
We'll explore Bret Stephens' essay "The Year American Jews Woke Up" through the lens of Shavuot—a time of receiving Torah and renewing our covenant. As we stay awake in study, we'll confront urgent questions: What does it mean to be "awakened" as American Jews today? How do we balance belonging with distinctiveness? And how can tradition guide us amid rising antisemitism? Stephens writes, "To have been born a Jew is the single most fortunate thing that ever happened to me." This Shavuot, we'll reflect on Jewish identity as both a priceless inheritance and a living responsibility.

2:00 a.m.

Bricks to Books: Rebuilding Without Stone
Rabbi Eric FeldWhat do you do when the very center of your world lies in ruins? Our sages answered with radical creativity, reshaping Judaism from a Temple-centered religion into a faith rooted in study, prayer, and resilience. Together, we’ll explore how the early rabbis’ bold vision for a more adaptable, portable Judaism transformed the future—and consider what their legacy can teach us about building our own path forward.

Beyond the Veil: Jewish Wisdom on Life After Death
Rabbi Laurence RosenthalWhat happens when we die? Where do we go? Do we meet again? These timeless questions have fascinated humanity, and Jewish tradition offers profound and varied perspectives on the mystery of death and the soul. Join us for an enlightening exploration of ancient Talmudic debates on resurrection and the World-to-Come, mystical teachings on the soul’s journey, concepts of judgment, Gehinom, and eternal bliss, as well as evolving views on reincarnation. Drawing from the Talmud, Midrash, Zohar, and Maimonides, we’ll uncover how our sages wrestled with these questions and what their insights reveal about living a meaningful life today.

3:00 a.m.

Who Is Responsible Fot Mitigating Antisemitism and How Is It Accomplished?
Ken Feinberg
This discussion will begin with a brief overview of recent trends in antisemitism, followed by an exploration of strategies for response and prevention. We also hope to create space for participants to share personal experiences and offer thoughts on how we, as a community, can confront and address antisemitism together.

Breaking the Chains: The Transformative Power of Forgiveness
Rabbi Laurence RosenthalJoin us for a powerful exploration of forgiveness as both a spiritual practice and a path to personal healing. Through the story of Joseph and his brothers, Talmudic wisdom, and insights from thinkers like Hannah Arendt and Desmond Tutu, we’ll uncover how forgiveness can transform broken relationships, liberate us from past pain, and bring healing to individuals and communities alike. This session will offer practical and spiritual tools rooted in Jewish tradition to help us understand repentance, embrace second chances, and apply ancient wisdom to modern challenges.

4:30 a.m.

Unexpected Allies: Great Non-Jews of the Bible
Gary Alembik
Join us for an illuminating late-night discussion exploring the vital roles of non-Jewish figures in the Bible. From Ruth’s bravery to Cyrus’s visionary leadership, we’ll uncover how outsiders to the covenant became unexpected agents of divine purpose, moral courage, and justice. Everyone is welcome to celebrate the power of story and the surprising individuals who shape it.

Is that REALLY Jewish?! Late Night Mysteries of the Talmud
Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal
Curious if Judaism really believes in angels with four faces or what the Talmud says about hell, demons, and the supernatural? This isn’t your typical Torah study. Join us for a deep dive into some of the strangest and most fascinating passages in Jewish texts—from Ezekiel’s wild angelic visions to surprising Talmudic teachings on Gehinom and the afterlife. You'll encounter ancient instructions for seeing demons (yes, involving a black cat placenta) and explore how Talmudic wisdom can offer a path to personal healing in a session titled “Exercising Your Demons.” Perfect for the traditional Shavuot night of learning, this program combines serious scholarship with the wonderfully weird side of Jewish tradition. Whether you're a seasoned learner or just curious about Judaism's hidden mysteries, prepare to ask yourself: “Is that really Jewish?!”

5:30 a.m.

Hashkama (Early Morning) Minyan Service
Our night of learning culminates in a serene outdoor Hashkama (Early Morning) Minyan Service, followed by a festive holiday breakfast.
Bluma and Morris J. Moldow L'Dor V'Dor Garden

Tuesday, June 3

9:30 a.m.

Shavuot and Yizkor Memorial Service
Our Shavuot morning service, which will include the Yizkor memorial around 11:45 a.m.—a solemn moment to honor and remember our loved ones who have passed. The service will be followed by a Kiddush lunch.

Zoom Link

10:30 a.m.

Book of Ruth Text Study
Dr. Richard Elliott Friedman
Celebrate the conclusion of Shavuot with a meaningful morning that honors both learning and memory. Our distinguished Scholar in Residence, Dr. Richard Elliott Friedman, will lead an engaging discussion on the Book of Ruth, delving into this cherished text traditionally studied on Shavuot for centuries. Dr. Friedman will illuminate Ruth’s timeless themes of loyalty, faith, and belonging—resonant reflections for this harvest festival that marks our receiving of the Torah.

Zoom Link

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All-Night Learning 🔀
2025-06-01 19:00 - 2025-06-02 06:30 | Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327
Together we'll honor the tradition of this sacred night through deep engagement with Jewish texts, ideas, and community. Guided by the wisdom of our distinguished guest, Rodger Kamenetz, we'll explore the spiritual richness of Shavuot—the festival that commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai—through thoughtful discussion, reflection, and celebration.
Join us in person or via Zoom (locations and links in the schedule below).

Full Schedule
×

Time

Sanctuary

Zoom Link

This is the Zoom link for all sessions held in the Sanctuary

Srochi Auditorium

Zoom Link

This is the Zoom link for all sessions held in Srochi

Cavalier Room

Zoom Link

This is the Zoom link for all sessions held in Cavalier

Ellman Chapel

Zoom Link

This is the Zoom link for all sessions held in Ellman

Sunday, June 1–Monday, June 2

11:15 a.m.

Prayer Workshop
Rodger Kamenetz will join us after the Birthday and Anniversary Breakfast for a short teaching on prayer, where we'll deepen your connection to Jewish liturgy and spiritual practice.

7:00 p.m.

Plenary Session: The Torah of Dreams
Rodger Kamenetz
We'll kick off all-night learning with a plenary session that explores how dreams connect us to divine revelation through ancient texts from Genesis, the Talmud, and the Zohar. Just as Shavuot commemorates our collective revelation at Sinai, we'll explore how dreams offer personal moments of sacred encounter.

8:30 p.m.

Ma'ariv Service, Candle Lighting, and Welcome Meshorerim

9:00 p.m.
The Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Experience
Steve Grossman
Deep within the Talmud, we encounter a striking question: "When you study Talmud, is it a song?" Are its pages like lyrics we don't fully grasp—mysterious, yet deeply moving? Do the words stir something in us, inviting us to listen, to question, to join the chorus? In this session, we'll explore sugyot (passages) that reflect on the Talmud's poetic, legal, and narrative dimensions, and consider how this ancient text might also be a kind of song—one that deepens our connection to Jewish learning and tradition.

Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal

Images of Sinai: Then and Now
Rabbi Neil Sandler
Exodus 19 is filled with vivid sensory imagery that sets the stage for the Israelites' transformative encounter with Torah in chapter 20 at Mount Sinai. But was that moment truly one-of-a-kind? In this session, we'll explore the powerful images of chapter 19 and ask how they might still resonate—offering insight into what it means to receive Torah in our own time.

10:00 p.m.
The Torah of Your Dreams
Rodger Kamenetz
Discover practical, spiritually grounded techniques for uncovering sacred meaning in your dreams. Guided by Rodger's 25 years of experience as a Natural Dreamwork practitioner, this intimate session invites you to explore the wisdom within your own dream life. Bring a dream to share and join a meaningful journey into the soul's nighttime revelations.
Exploring Social Action and Justice
Alan Wexler
Our Torah and sacred teachings consistently call on us—and the entire world—to care for and uplift those in need. At AA, we strive to live out this mission through a wide range of social action initiatives. From Backpack Buddies and the Blood Drive to refugee support, LGBTQ+ advocacy, Habitat for Humanity, and food justice programs like Operation Isaiah, our community is deeply committed to making a meaningful impact. In this session, we'll reflect on these efforts and explore new opportunities to pursue social justice and fulfill our responsibility to help repair the world.
Board Q&A
Mark Stern and Adam Hirsch

Legacy Letters: Ethical Path to Hereafter
Rava Shulamit Cenker
As we confront end-of-life issues and the ethical dilemmas they raise, the urgency to pass on living legacies—wisdom and values for future generations—comes sharply into focus. Time may be short, but the need is profound. In this session, we will explore the importance of living wills and the ethical dimensions of guiding the transition from end of life to the afterlife.

11:00 p.m.

Souper Sinai: Eating Our Prayers, Torah, and Culture
Brooke and Ariela Rosenthal
What do mountains of grilled cheese and tomato soup have to do with Shavuot? Join Brooke and Ariela Rosenthal ion preparing these comforting foods while exploring Torah insights and the special significance of dairy during the holiday.
Hadar Community Group Info
Bonnie Levine
Participate in an informative session about Hadar, the Community Groups initiative, and learn how you can get involved in our new Atlanta Community Group. True to Hadar's style, this session will include meaningful study paired with uplifting nigunim.
Ferguson/Fargesn: Racism, Jewishness, and White Supremacy
Rabbi Mike Rothbaum
In 1902, in a cramped room on the Lower East Side, countless Jews gave testimony before a local "Indignation Committee," recounting abuses by New York City police. Today, Black Americans continue to face systemic oppression within the U.S. criminal justice system. How do these experiences compare? Where do they diverge? And what do they reveal about the unique responsibilities of white Jews in the ongoing struggle for racial justice?

12:00 a.m.

Shavuot: What Gives?
Paul Feldman
Shavuot is the holiday that celebrates revelation. What was revealed?
What Kind of Jew Are You? Pesach or Shavuot?
Judy Marx
Jewish history calls to us through two enduring commandments: Remember and Do. The voice of remembrance urges us to recall who we are and where we've been—our slavery in Egypt, the sanctity of Shabbat, the wonder of Creation. The voice of action commands us to live out our values—Honor, Guard, and the bold declaration Na'aseh V'Nishma ("We will do and we will understand"). In this session, we'll explore texts that illuminate these twin pillars and uncover what lies at the heart of our Jewish identity.
Game Theory in Garden of Eden
Michael Miller
In this session, we'll begin with a brief, accessible introduction to game theory, then explore how its concepts can shed new light on stories from the Tanach— including Adam and Eve, Esther, King Solomon, the Akedah, and more. No background in game theory is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to see familiar texts in a new way.

1:00 a.m.

Awakening and Receiving: What October 7 Teaches us about Torah and Jewish Identity
Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal
We'll explore Bret Stephens' essay "The Year American Jews Woke Up" through the lens of Shavuot—a time of receiving Torah and renewing our covenant. As we stay awake in study, we'll confront urgent questions: What does it mean to be "awakened" as American Jews today? How do we balance belonging with distinctiveness? And how can tradition guide us amid rising antisemitism? Stephens writes, "To have been born a Jew is the single most fortunate thing that ever happened to me." This Shavuot, we'll reflect on Jewish identity as both a priceless inheritance and a living responsibility.
We're a Small Nation as It Is: Let's Not Exclude People
Rabbi Chaim Listfield
The Torah recounts the troubling story of an unnamed man who cursed God—and was put to death by stoning. Oy. In this session, we will explore the deeper context behind this mysterious figure: Who was he, what led him to such a grave act, and what might his story reveal about justice, identity, and the power of words in our tradition?

2:00 a.m.

Beyond the Veil: Jewish Wisdom on Life After Death
Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal
What happens when we die? Where do we go? Do we meet again? These timeless questions have fascinated humanity, and Jewish tradition offers profound and varied perspectives on the mystery of death and the soul. Join us for an enlightening exploration of ancient Talmudic debates on resurrection and the World-to-Come, mystical teachings on the soul's journey, concepts of judgment, Gehinom, and eternal bliss, as well as evolving views on reincarnation. Drawing from the Talmud, Midrash, Zohar, and Maimonides, we'll uncover how our sages wrestled with these questions and what their insights reveal about living a meaningful life today.
Bricks to Books: Rebuilding Without Stone
Rabbi Eric Feld
What do you do when the very center of your world lies in ruins? Our sages answered with radical creativity, reshaping Judaism from a Temple-centered religion into a faith rooted in study, prayer, and resilience. Together, we'll explore how the early rabbis' bold vision for a more adaptable, portable Judaism transformed the future—and consider what their legacy can teach us about building our own path forward.

3:00 a.m.

Breaking the Chains: The Transformative Power of Forgiveness
Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal
Join us for a powerful exploration of forgiveness as both a spiritual practice and a path to personal healing. Through the story of Joseph and his brothers, Talmudic wisdom, and insights from thinkers like Hannah Arendt and Desmond Tutu, we'll uncover how forgiveness can transform broken relationships, liberate us from past pain, and bring healing to individuals and communities alike. This session will offer practical and spiritual tools rooted in Jewish tradition to help us understand repentance, embrace second chances, and apply ancient wisdom to modern challenges.
Who Is Responsible Fot Mitigating Antisemitism and How Is It Accomplished?
Ken Feinberg
This discussion will begin with a brief overview of recent trends in antisemitism, followed by an exploration of strategies for response and prevention. We also hope to create space for participants to share personal experiences and offer thoughts on how we, as a community, can confront and address antisemitism together.

4:30 a.m.

Is that REALLY Jewish?! Late Night Mysteries of the Talmud
Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal
Curious if Judaism really believes in angels with four faces or what the Talmud says about hell, demons, and the supernatural? This isn't your typical Torah study. Join us for a deep dive into some of the strangest and most fascinating passages in Jewish texts—from Ezekiel's wild angelic visions to surprising Talmudic teachings on Gehinom and the afterlife. You'll encounter ancient instructions for seeing demons (yes, involving a black cat placenta) and explore how Talmudic wisdom can offer a path to personal healing in a session titled "Exercising Your Demons." Perfect for the traditional Shavuot night of learning, this program combines serious scholarship with the wonderfully weird side of Jewish tradition. Whether you're a seasoned learner or just curious about Judaism's hidden mysteries, prepare to ask yourself: "Is that really Jewish?!"
Unexpected Allies: Great Non-Jews of the Bible
Gary Alembik
Join us for an illuminating late-night discussion exploring the vital roles of non-Jewish figures in the Bible. From Ruth's bravery to Cyrus's visionary leadership, we'll uncover how outsiders to the covenant became unexpected agents of divine purpose, moral courage, and justice. Everyone is welcome to celebrate the power of story and the surprising individuals who shape it.

5:30 a.m.

Hashkama (Early Morning) Minyan Service
Our night of learning culminates in a serene Hashkama Minyan Service in the Mauldin Family Memorial Garden, followed by a festive holiday breakfast.
In the Mauldin Family Memorial Garden

Tuesday, June 3

9:30 a.m.
Shavuot and Yizkor Memorial Service
Our Shavuot morning service, which will include the Yizkor memorial around 11:45 a.m.—a solemn moment to honor and remember our loved ones who have passed. The service will be followed by a Kiddush lunch.

Zoom Link

10:30 a.m.

Book of Ruth Text Study
Dr. Richard Elliott Friedman
Celebrate the conclusion of Shavuot with a meaningful morning that honors both learning and memory. Our distinguished Scholar in Residence, Dr. Richard Elliott Friedman, will lead an engaging discussion on the Book of Ruth, delving into this cherished text traditionally studied on Shavuot for centuries. Dr. Friedman will illuminate Ruth's timeless themes of loyalty, faith, and belonging—resonant reflections for this harvest festival that marks our receiving of the Torah.

Zoom Link

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Ma'ariv and Candle Lighting 🔀
2025-06-01 20:30 - 21:00 | Ahavath Achim Synagogue — Epstein Sanctuary, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327
Join us in-person or via Zoom.
Join Zoom

Shavuot
2025-06-02 - 2025-06-03

Office Closed
2025-06-02 - 2025-06-03, 2025-07-04

Book of Ruth Text Study with Dr. Richard Elliott Friedman 🔀
2025-06-03 10:30 - 11:30
Celebrate the conclusion of Shavuot with a meaningful morning that honors both learning and memory. Our distinguished Scholar in Residence, Dr. Richard Elliott Friedman, will lead an engaging discussion on the Book of Ruth, delving into this cherished text traditionally studied on Shavuot for centuries. Dr. Friedman will illuminate Ruth's timeless themes of loyalty, faith, and belonging—resonant reflections for this harvest festival that marks our receiving of the Torah.
Join us in the Cavalier Room or via Zoom.
Join Zoom

Candle Lighting
2025-06-06 20:28, 2025-06-13 20:31, 2025-06-20 20:33, 2025-06-27 20:34, 2025-07-04 20:34, 2025-07-11 20:32, 2025-07-18 20:29

Conclusion of Shabbat
2025-06-07 21:12, 2025-06-14 21:15, 2025-06-21 21:17, 2025-06-28 21:18, 2025-07-05 21:17, 2025-07-12 21:15, 2025-07-19 21:12

The 138th Annual Meeting of Ahavath Achim Synagogue 🔀
2025-06-08 11:00 - 13:00 | Ahavath Achim Synagogue — Epstein Sanctuary, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327
The Annual Meeting is our time to gather as a congregational family to take stock of where we are and where we are going and attend to synagogue affairs. The "State of the Synagogue: Past, Present, and Future" will be presented. The business portion of the meeting includes the election and installation of officers and board of directors (2025–26 slate listed below). The morning will conclude with lunch featuring an Israeli culinary experience. We're thrilled to welcome Rabbi Eric Feld for a special visit before he officially joins us as our Assistant Rabbi!
The full slate of officers and board of directors presented by the Nominating Committee will be mailed to every congregant. All AA members in good standing who are present at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, are eligible to vote. A quorum of 100 members is required in person or by proxy (proxy form linked below).
The Annual Meeting will be held virtually and in person. If you plan to attend, kindly RSVP to Jackie Nix (jnix@aasynagogue.org; 404.603.5743).
Join Zoom
Proxy Form
Once you have completed the proxy form, please either email it to Jackie Nix (jnix@aasynagogue.org) or return it to the front office.

2025–2026 SLATE:
Officers:

Nancy Levine, Executive Vice President (one-year term filling Adam Hirsch's remaining term)
Andy Cozewith, Financial Vice President (one-year term filling Josh Hanna's remaining term)
Taylor Smith, Vice President (two-year term)
Randy Weinstein, Vice President (two-year term)

Board of Directors (two-year terms ending 2027):

Michael Joseph
Dee Kline
Barbara Marks
Sheri Panovka
Susan Saparow
Marcia Spielberger
Todd Surden

Board of Directors (one-year terms ending 2026):

Taylor Davis
Nikki Novotny
Alan Sunshine

Officers and Board Members (continuing terms ending 2026):

Mark Stern, President
Ryan Posner, Vice President
Lauren Barden, Board Member
Brandon Goldberg, Board Member
Helaine Lasky, Board Member
Gail Solomon, Board Member

Terms Expiring—Thank You for Your Service:

Dorita Arnold, Board of Directors Member
Linda Bressler, Board of Directors Member
Mark Cohen, Presidential Appointee
Josh Hanna, Financial Vice President
Jack Hillman, Board of Directors Member
Adam Hirsch, Executive Vice President
Nikki Novotny, Vice President
Ava Landrum Smith, Board of Directors Member
Rob Wildstein, Presidential Appointee
Randy Weinstein, Board of Directors Member

New Israel Fund Atlanta's Tzedek Awards Honoring Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat 🔀
2025-06-08 19:30 | Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327
Please join New Israel Fund Atlanta for the Tzedek Awards—an opportunity to gather with the local NIF community to support their work for equality, democracy, and a peaceful shared society in Israel. This year, NIF will honor our own Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat. The program will feature our honoree, compelling speakers, and tributes from those who have held the highest offices in the nation. 100% of contributions will support NIF's extensive work advancing coexistence, Jewish-Arab partnership, safeguarding civil and human rights, and promoting peace, justice, and equality.
Registration is required. We hope you will join us in person, but for those who cannot, the program will also be live-streamed virtually.
Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Dessert reception will follow.
Register

Juneteenth—Building Closed
2025-06-19

Rosh Chodesh Tamuz
2025-06-26, 2025-06-27
Start of month of Tamuz on the Hebrew calendar

Rosh and Nosh ⏺️
2025-06-26 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.
*This Month* Intermittent Fasting—A New Diet Fad or Ancient Spiritual Practice?
In this month of Tamuz, we'll examine how Jewish fasting traditions offer profound spiritual insights that go far beyond today's wellness trends.
Discover how our ancestors understood fasting as a pathway to heightened awareness, teshuvah (return), and connection to the Divine. Through traditional Jewish sources and contemporary reflection, we'll explore how intentional abstinence can awaken us to gratitude, compassion, and mindful living in our daily routines.
Whether you're curious about the spiritual dimensions of fasting or seeking to deepen your Jewish practice, this interactive discussion will offer fresh perspectives on bringing sacred intention into our relationship with food, time, and memory. Light refreshments will be served as we break our learning "fast" together.
Come hungry—for knowledge, connection, and meaningful conversation about how ancient wisdom speaks to modern life.

Green Team Campus Walk and Talk ⏺️
2025-06-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327
Enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning with the Green Team for a morning walk and talk! Start your day by attending morning minyan at 9:00 a.m. Then, at 10:00 a.m., we'll gather at the Cohen-Kogon Pavilion for some casual conversation before setting off on a short, scenic walk around our beautiful campus. We'll begin walking around 10:15 a.m., covering no more than a mile, and wrapping up by 11:30 a.m. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a reusable water bottle. We look forward to discovering hidden corners of our campus with you!
This event is free and registration is not required.
Questions? Contact the Greening Group co-chair: Myrtle Lewin (aagreening@gmail.com).

Fourth of July
2025-07-04

Tot Shabbat with Rabbi Feld ⏺️
2025-07-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Ahavath Achim Synagogue—Ellman Chapel, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave NW, Atlanta, GA, 30327, United States
While the season may be full of outdoor adventures and relaxation, we'd love to invite you to take a moment to connect with our spiritual family and with God at our upcoming Tot Shabbat. This special service, led by our new rabbi, Eric Feld, will provide a perfect opportunity for you and your children to meet him and his family. Whether you're long-time members or new to our community, this gathering is designed to bring families together in celebration and spiritual connection. You can expect a family-friendly Shabbat service led by Rabbi Feld, a special Shabbat-appropriate art project for the children, Shabbat snacks during the service, and a kiddush lunch to follow, giving everyone time to mingle and connect.
Even during the busy summer months, gathering as a spiritual community remains important for nurturing our faith and building meaningful relationships. We hope you'll join us for this special morning of worship, creativity, and fellowship. We look forward to seeing your family there!
This event is free, and registration is not required.
Questions? Contact Rabbi Eric Feld (efeld@aasynagogue.org; 404.603.6070).
