▶️ Virtual 🔀 Hybrid ⏺️ In-Person
Do the mitzvah of donating blood at Ahavath Achim Synagogue's quarterly Blood Drive. Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. The need for blood is constant, and, due to Covid-19, the blood supply is low and needs to be […]
Join Sisterhood on the first Monday of the month for a lively book discussion. August's book is The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Dare, and the discussion will be led by Maury Gerson. Questions? Contact Madeleine Gimbel (maddy_gimbel@yahoo.com; 404.355.7711).
On the first Tuesday of the month, join Rabbi Blustin and enthusiastic women minyan-goers (along with any men who would like to join) for Morning Minyan. Stay for coffee and danish afterwards. Join Via Zoom
Join us for Tuesdays@AA, now part of our congregation’s Mature Active Adult Community (mAAc). Every Tuesday, one of our rabbis will begin the class with a one-hour discussion. The second hour of the class will be led by another member of the group. Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal will teach on the first Tuesday of the month […]
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 […]
“Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars” (MLK Jr.) Finding hope in the hopeless moments... Join together for the solemn observance of Tisha B’Av (the 9th day of the month of Av) as we remember the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem through the study of scripture, the chanting of Eicha […]
Join us every Shabbat morning for Torah Study, where lay leaders, rabbis, and congregants lead lively discussions about the weekly parashat. This discussion requires no special knowledge and is designed to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Torah and the wisdom of our Sages. Questions? Contact the chair: Michael Miller (mgmiller@sloan.mit.edu). Join us in […]
Topics and Facilitators Kamtza and Bar Kamtza: Alternate Histories Facilitator: Rabbi Hillel Norry Source Sheet After a quick review of the Talmudic story, we will explore some ‘alternate histories’, imagining different possible endings. Join Via Zoom “Jewish Hope” the Math Is on Our Side Facilitator: Neal Yarm Source Sheet As Jews, our history had given […]
Topics and Facilitators There’s a Darkness upon Me That’s Flooded in Light Facilitator: Rabbi Neil Sandler Source Sheet Do you recognize those lyrics in the title above? The Avett Brothers capture the essence of our upcoming study session with these lyrics taken from their song, “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise.” Together we will […]
Topics and Facilitators Finding Hope During the Holocaust Facilitator: Rob Wildstein Source Sheet This study session will discuss how was it possible to find hope during the most unimaginable time of our history. We will look at writings from survivors and victims such as Eli Wiesel, Viktor Frankel, and Anne Frank. Join Via Zoom When […]
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 the current events but also to understand them. Join Via Zoom
Join us for Tuesdays@AA, now part of our congregation’s Mature Active Adult Community (mAAc). Every Tuesday, one of our rabbis will begin the class with a one-hour discussion. The second hour of the class will be led by another member of the group. Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal will teach on the first Tuesday of the month […]
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 […]
Join us every Shabbat morning for Torah Study, where lay leaders, rabbis, and congregants lead lively discussions about the weekly parashat. This discussion requires no special knowledge and is designed to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Torah and the wisdom of our Sages. Questions? Contact the chair: Michael Miller (mgmiller@sloan.mit.edu). Join us in […]
Join us on the second Shabbat of the month for Rebbe's Tish where we'll raise our voices in song, learn new melodies, share stories, and bring a little more joy into our Shabbat.
Join us on the second Shabbat of the month for Rebbe's Tish where we'll raise our voices in song, learn new melodies, share stories, and bring a little more joy into our Shabbat. At this Rebbe's Tish, we will recognize the hard work of our Torah Study leaders!
Ahavath Achim Synagogue is proud to announce that we have partnered with Arlington Memorial Park and Dignity Memorial in the acquisition of a new section designated for our congregation. We are equally proud to announce the creation of the Unity Garden, a sacred space created by Ahavath Achim Synagogue for the burial of multi-faith families, […]
Members of our Mature Active Adult Community (mAAc) are invited to a movie discussion on the film, 1945. 1945 is a 2017 Hungarian drama film directed by Ferenc Török and co-written by Török and Gábor T. Szántó. It concerns two Jewish survivors of the Holocaust who arrive in a Hungarian village in August 1945, and […]
Join us for Tuesdays@AA, now part of our congregation’s Mature Active Adult Community (mAAc). Every Tuesday, one of our rabbis will begin the class with a one-hour discussion. The second hour of the class will be led by another member of the group. Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal will teach on the first Tuesday of the month […]
Ahavath Achim Synagogue is proud to announce that we have partnered with Arlington Memorial Park and Dignity Memorial in the acquisition of a new section designated for our congregation. We are equally proud to announce the creation of the Unity Garden, a sacred space created by Ahavath Achim Synagogue for the burial of multi-faith families, […]
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 […]
Join us every Shabbat morning for Torah Study, where lay leaders, rabbis, and congregants lead lively discussions about the weekly parashat. This discussion requires no special knowledge and is designed to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Torah and the wisdom of our Sages. Questions? Contact the chair: Michael Miller (mgmiller@sloan.mit.edu). Join us in […]
Join us one Saturday a month for Family Shabbat! Bring a comfy blanket, and sing and dance to your favorite Shabbat morning jams. It's an event perfect for the whole family. Join us early at 10:15 am for a fun craft related to the story of the month. Questions? Contact the Director of Education: Sharon […]
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 the current events but also to understand them. Join Via Zoom
Join us for Tuesdays@AA, now part of our congregation’s Mature Active Adult Community (mAAc). Every Tuesday, one of our rabbis will begin the class with a one-hour discussion. The second hour of the class will be led by another member of the group. Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal will teach on the first Tuesday of the month […]
In an effort to educate the community about what a Post-Roe v Wade world looks like, NCJW Atlanta Section, in partnership with The Temple and Congregation Shearith Israel, will be presenting a dramatic program, The Post-Roe Monologues: A Theatrical Snapshot of our New Reality. The production, written by one of NCJW Atlanta’s board members, Mimi […]
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 […]
Raise up your voice at Sing Out Shabbat featuring guest artists-in-residence, Rabbi Josh Warshawsky and Coleen Dieker! Those of you that joined us for last year's Selichot Weekend with Rabbi Josh know it was a moving entrance into the High Holiday season. We hope you'll join us again and bring your friends and family! Registration […]
Join us every Shabbat morning for Torah Study, where lay leaders, rabbis, and congregants lead lively discussions about the weekly parashat. This discussion requires no special knowledge and is designed to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Torah and the wisdom of our Sages. Questions? Contact the chair: Michael Miller (mgmiller@sloan.mit.edu). Join us in […]
Join us for wine and hors d'oeuvres as we kick off the year and reconnect. We'd love to see you in person! The cost to attend is $12 per person. The deadline to register is Sunday, August 21. Register
Join us for Tuesdays@AA, now part of our congregation’s Mature Active Adult Community (mAAc). Every Tuesday, one of our rabbis will begin the class with a one-hour discussion. The second hour of the class will be led by another member of the group. Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal will teach on the first Tuesday of the month […]
New Machzor, but don’t know how to use it? Join Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal to learn more about what the new machzor offers and how it might enhance your High Holiday experience. These classes will take place from 5–6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, September 7, and September 21. Join Via Zoom Join Rabbi Sam Blustin […]
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 […]
Join us every Shabbat morning for Torah Study, where lay leaders, rabbis, and congregants lead lively discussions about the weekly parashat. This discussion requires no special knowledge and is designed to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Torah and the wisdom of our Sages. Questions? Contact the chair: Michael Miller (mgmiller@sloan.mit.edu). Join us in […]
What are the AA tunes? Our rabbis hear this question yearly as the journey toward the High Holidays begins. The AA tunes are melodies that have accompanied us through countless High Holidays throughout our youth and as we grew with the congregation. Cantor after cantor, choir after choir, some melodies have followed us, embraced us, and given us a sense of the holiness of the AA prayer experience. But what are they? We embarked on a mission to “find” the AA tunes, with our community’s help. Check out the journey!
Our Meshorerim (Hebrew for “spiritual singers”) group enhances prayer through music and song. The group is open to anyone regardless of musical background, Hebrew ability, or rehearsal attendance. Even if you’ve never attended a practice before, you can join our Meshorerim anytime. All we ask is that you sit up front during the Holidays in the designated “Meshorerim” section and sing along when you can! See the full schedule of gatherings on the AA Tunes Linktree.
Questions? Please contact the Interim Director of Music and Tefillah: Bonnie Levine (music@aasynagogue.org).
The Children’s Choir, introduced for the first time during the 5784 High Holiday services, will sing again this year! The Children’s Choir currently includes young singers ages 5–15 and rehearses on Sundays during our Kesher Jewish School program and Saturdays after Rebbe’s Tish.
They say listening to a band’s album before attending their concert can help people enjoy the show. The same is true of spiritual preparation for the High Holiday services. Familiarizing yourself with the audio tracks of the AA Tunes will lead to a more meaningful High Holiday experience! While we may not have an AA Tunes album (at least not yet), we offer sheet music and audio files for some of our selections. You can find an index with links here.
Ahavath Achim has a rich musical history of over a century, from commissioned choral works to rock band tributes. In addition to the AA Tunes Campaign playlist, please enjoy inspirational musical kavanot (Hebrew for “intentions” or “sincere feelings, directions of the heart”) and some of our favorite musical memories and stories about our beloved “AA Tunes” and other resources.
Articles:
Videos:
Kol Nidre—Friday, October 11 | ||
5–5:30 p.m. | Family Kol Nidre Service (up to 10 years old) | In-Person: Tent |
5:30 p.m. | Vegan Kapparot | In-Person: Breezeway |
6–6:15 p.m. | Mincha | In-Person: Sanctuary |
6:15–7:00 p.m. | Kol Nidre Service | |
7–9:00 p.m. | Ma’ariv Service | |
Yom Kippur—Saturday, October 12 | ||
7:45–10:00 a.m. | Childcare (6 months–6th grade) | Check-In at Ahava |
8:00 a.m.–2:15 p.m. | Sanctuary and Yizkor Services | In-Person: Sanctuary |
10:00 a.m.–2:15 p.m. | Child/Teen Programming (6 months–12th grade) | Check-In at Ahava |
10:15–10:50 a.m. 10:15–10:50 a.m. 10:15–10:50 a.m. 10:55–11:30 a.m. 10:55–11:30 a.m. 10:55–11:30 a.m. | Family Services: Pre-K–2nd Grade: Family Service 3rd–7th Grade: Audience Performance 8th–12th Grade: Speaker and Drum Circle Pre-K–2nd Grade: Audience Performance 3rd–7th Grade: Family Service 8th–12th Grade: Speaker and Drum Circle | In-Person: Tent In-Person: Paradies Hall In-Person: Library In-Person: Paradies Hall In-Person: Tent In-Person: Library |
10–11:00 a.m. | Torah Study (Led by Dr. Douglas Ander) | In-Person: Ellman Chapel |
2–3:00 p.m. | Beit Midrash Study Hall: (Re)Engaging Differing Faith and Ethnic Communities After 10/7 Join Anat Sultan-Dadon (the Consul General of Israel to the Southeast), Victoria Raggs (Executive Director, AJOCC Atlanta Jews of Color Council), and Samuel Halpern (Senior Associate, Advocacy and Programming, AJC Atlanta/Southeast American Jewish Committee) for an important conversation moderated by Judy Marx (Operations Manager, Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta and Consultant to Interfaith Organizations), exploring the challenges that Jewish communities have had engaging with the non-Jewish world since October 7, how we might reengage and the new opportunities that have emerged. | In-Person: Sanctuary |
3–6:00 p.m. | Yom Kippur Chant and Drum Circle Join us for our annual tradition of spending the last few hours before the afternoon service of Yom Kippur together singing, chanting, drumming, and meditating to original and familiar High Holiday melodies. Come and go; bring your hand drum if you’d like to play along; feel free to bring a yoga mat, cushion, or blanket to experience this special time. Led by Rabbi Michael Rothbaum, Bonnie and Michael Levine, and friends. | In-Person: Paradies Hall |
5:15 p.m. | Mincha | In-Person: Sanctuary |
6:15 p.m. | Neilah Service | |
7:32 p.m. | Ma’ariv/Havdallah/Final Shofar Blast Service | |
7:45 p.m. | Break Fast | Gold Doors and Breezeway |
Visit our events calendar for the Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah schedules! | ||
Congregation Bet Haverim is a Reconstructionist Jewish community in Atlanta. Our mission, in a nutshell, is to provide contemporary Jewish spiritual, educational, cultural, and social experiences in which an individual can integrate practice of Judaism with other aspects of their life, including social consciousness, intellectual curiosity, sexual orientation, and familial bonds. We serve and support the lesbian, gay, and transgender communities and promote the Reconstructionist concept of Judaism as an evolving religious civilization.
Ma’alot is an inclusive spiritual community that transforms lives through nature, music, and Jewish wisdom. Through immersive gatherings, we experiment, we remember, and we reimagine powerful Jewish practices that have transformed communities over the centuries. We take creative approaches to building holistic Jewish lives and welcome you just as you are.
18Doors is dedicated to empowering people in interfaith relationships to engage in Jewish life and make Jewish choices. We encourage Jewish communities to welcome these families and provide educational content, programs, and resources to support them in their Jewish journeys.
Music in Common curates experiences for people across social divides to discover common ground through facilitated conversation and music. Our nonprofit organization’s mission is to strengthen, empower, and connect communities through the universal language of music.
At our core, we hold high two foundational principles: it is hard to hate up close, and music can change the world. Our proven person-to-person methodology is informed by evidence-based social psychology and education models that help communities work through conflict. Gordon Allport’s Intergroup Contact Theory, Elliot Aronson’s Jigsaw Classroom, and 21st Century Learning’s Four C’s (communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking) are the cornerstones of our unique approach.
Since 2005, our programs and projects have directly served more than 10,000 people in over 400 communities worldwide, bringing together face-to-face Black and White Americans, Israelis and Palestinians, refugee, immigrant, and American-born youth, and Jews, Christians, and Muslims, among many others. 90% of MIC program participants surveyed report new learning about different faiths and cultures and resolve to reject stereotyping and increase respect for others moving forward.
Lili Baxter, a writer and teacher, was born in a DP camp in Sweden and grew up in Paris and New York. Having witnessed the familial and social ravages of hatred and war, she has devoted her life to the study and practice of nonviolence. Lili was hired by Coretta Scott King as the King Center’s director of nonviolence education and training and served for two decades on the U.S. and international boards of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, the world’s oldest interfaith peace organization. She directed the Weinberg Center for Holocaust Education at the Breman Museum and, upon her retirement, was invited to return to The King Center as NV365 Senior Educator. Lili holds a PhD from Emory University in Women’s Studies and Human Development.
Jordan Forman has been the Ba’al Korei at AA since 1998 and has been the Ritual Coordinator and one of our Shlichei Tzibbur since 2010. In his role as Ritual Coordinator, he has been the “closer” for our B’nai Mitzvah and maker of MP3s for those looking to assist with T-ah, Haftara, and tefillot. In his “spare time”, Jordan is a Partner at the law firm of Fox Rothschild LLP. Jordan has been married to native AA member Lori Tillem for nine years. His son Joshua is going into his third year at Georgia Tech, and he also has two stepchildren, Maxwell and Isabelle.
Audrey Galex is the author of the children’s picture book Turtle Rocks and the creator of The Abandoned Mattress Photojournalism Project. She serves as Community Engagement Director for AIB Network (Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters.) Audrey is on the Jewish Community Relations Council of Atlanta and Essential Theatre boards. She enjoys making a fool of herself on the dance floor, telling, listening to, and sharing stories and folktales, playing miniature golf poorly, drinking strong coffee, pulling weeds in her vegetable and herb garden, doing Duolingo despite the lack of mastery in any language other than English, and schmoozing with friends.
Gayanne Geurin currently offers vocal coaching and healing work in both individual and retreat settings. She served as music director at CBH for 18 years. Her experiences as a spiritual leader, music director, singer, and psychotherapist, along with her skills in vocal function and improvisational exploration, offer a unique and diverse toolkit for guiding folks in their journey with their voice. She came to claim her own singing voice through a long stop-and-start journey mixed with fear, spiritual cultivation, and expansive possibility. You can hear her on her album on Bandcamp: by the god tree and recordings by Congregation Bet Haverim on Spotify. What calls and inspires her now is how each of us develops a deeper relationship with the natural world, Earth. She can be reached at gayannegeurin@gmail.com.
Scott Glazer is a renowned musician based in Atlanta, and he is celebrated for his versatile talents as a bassist and vocalist. With several decades of career, Scott has become a staple in the Atlanta music scene, known for his dynamic performances and deep-rooted passion for music.
Rebekka Goldsmith, CBH Music Director, believes in the collective voice’s sacred and liberatory potential and regularly bears witness to the transformation and healing that can happen when people sing together. Trained as a singer, group facilitator, professional coach, and ritual leader, Rebekka has spent over 17 years guiding individuals and groups in explorations of voice, creativity, spirituality, and social justice. She uses voice as a physical, emotional, and spiritual practice for activating personal development and supporting deep group connection. She collaborates with many of today’s Jewish music artists. She has recorded an album called Seeding the Tree, exploring themes of nature, mysticism, ancestry, and the feminine in Judaism.
Lyra Hudson (she/her) is proud to have the opportunity to lend her voice and musical skills to the CBH community. A 27-year-old baritone from Atlanta, Georgia, she graduated from Yale in 2019 with a music degree and a background encompassing singing, guitar, piano, and composition (orchestral and digital). She is incredibly excited to be a new member of CBH and wants to extend her deepest gratitude to every person in the community.
Rebecca Leary Safon, a member and lay leader at Bet Haverim, is a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT) offering Therapeutic Yoga + Meditation specializing in Oncology Yoga for Cancer, Meditation, Gentle Yoga, and Yoga + Meditation through a Jewish lens. Her classes are available virtually, on my YouTube channel, and in studios, schools, and centers around the Atlanta metro area. Through Mother-to-Mother, she offers yoga for women throughout their lifecycles, including prenatal and postpartum, pelvic floor training, yoga for seniors, and chair yoga.
Bonnie and Michael form a Jewish music duo known as “sunmoonpie,” specializing in Jewish liturgical music and creative musical prayer experiences. Recently, they worked on Eliana Light’s album Ora Hi and Rabbi Sam Blustin’s album as part of the Sonia Project in memory of Sonia Fishkin z” l. Bonnie Levine serves in ritual and musical roles at Ahavath Achim Synagogue and Congregation Bet Haverim and is a practicing employment attorney. Michael is a professional musician, music educator, music producer, and audio engineer. He performs and leads musical experiences at Ahavath Achim and Bet Haverim, frequently with his wife Bonnie and their two children. You may know him as “Mr. Michael,” cofounder of The Learning Groove and music producer for the first four “Pete the Cat” books authored by Eric Litwin. Michael currently teaches music at The Weber School. Bonnie and Michael have two children, Eden (age 10) and Emet (age 8).
Dr. Linda Lippitt is a dedicated educator, researcher, and physician with a profound commitment to the advancement of medical science and education. A member of Ahavath Achim synagogue, she regularly chants Torah and Haftorah and teaches about Jewish wisdom and the ancient Jewish mystical tradition of Kabbalah.
Rabbi Chaim Stephen Listfield is a proud member of Ahavath Achim Synagogue. A magna cum laude graduate of Rutgers University, he was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1974, at which he delivered the valedictory address. Rabbi Listfield led Conservative congregations for 40 years. Now semi-retired, he is the part-time rabbi of Etz Chayim Synagogue in Huntsville, AL.
Michael Miller is mostly retired from careers as a consultant and business school faculty (most recently Goizueta, where he still teaches a summer course—hence the “mostly”). His children are grown and out of the house and he and his wife live in the Midtown Garden District after relocating from Boston. At AA, he cheerleads for, coordinates, and occasionally leads Shabbat morning Torah Study. He would love to have any or all of you join us on Shabbat mornings at 10:30 a.m. in the Cavalier Room (or via Zoom) for Torah Study.
Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal grew up in Los Angeles, graduating from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, eventually earning a Master of Arts degree in Hebrew Letters and Rabbinic Ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in May 2008. Laurence served as the president of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association (2019–2021) and is currently Board Chair for Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, inspiring faith-based organizations to take up the cause of environmental stewardship and justice. He continues to hone his skills as a musician, focusing lately on jazz guitar. He has worked hard to develop a yoga practice for health and mindfulness and is currently trying jogging.
Rabbi Michael Rothbaum is Bet Haverim’s senior rabbi. Ordained at the pluralistic Academy of Jewish Religion in New York (AJR-NY) in 2006, he graduated from the New College of Florida in 1997 with a BA in Public Policy/Economics. Rabbi Mike was raised in Rockland County, New York, just north of New York City. As a teenager, Rabbi Mike became involved in the local NAACP and helped start his high school’s first Amnesty International chapter. In retrospect, he has identified the Jewish imperative of r’difat Tzedek—the command to pursue justice—as the force that solidified his love of Judaism and his passion for becoming a rabbi. Rabbi Mike lives in the Summerhill section of Atlanta with his husband, internationally acclaimed Yiddish vocalist Anthony Mordechai Tvzi Russell, who kindly tolerates his passion for fair-trade coffee, Bob Dylan, and manual transmission.
Rabbi Emeritus Rabbi Neil Sandler served as Senior Rabbi of Ahavath Achim Synagogue from 2004–2019. He remained a member of the congregation’s rabbinic staff through June 2021. Upon retirement, Rabbi Sandler was given the title of Rabbi Emeritus. Today, in a period of rabbinic transition, he continues to serve the congregation in several ways. Neil is a graduate of the University of Minnesota. He received a master’s degree and Rabbinic Ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Upon ordination, Neil completed a Master of Science degree in Social Work at Columbia University. In retirement, Neil regularly participates in tai chi and dabbles in “diamond art.” Rabbi Sandler’s wife, Susan, is a longtime, well-respected social worker with Weinstein Hospice. Susan and Neil are the parents of three
