The High Holidays are a time that calls for renewal and rededication. We engage in chesbon nefesh, an accounting of our souls, to review our year, check in on our emotional selves, and take stock of the connections we've made—with ourselves, with others, and with God. We note those places where we have inevitably fallen short and missed the mark, and we rededicate ourselves to those things that truly matter in our lives. This year, as we return to our beautiful Sanctuary, we delve deep into the idea of rededication, exploring how we might live lives truly in line with our values. We hope that you'll join us, open-hearted and deeply present.

With the remodel of our Sanctuary finally completed, most services will take place in the Sanctuary. In addition to the main services, we will offer several shorter services geared towards families in the outdoor tent. Children's programming will run parallel to our main service.

This year, as in recent years, we offer the option to participate in services virtually and in person. If you want to join us in person (for services or children's programming), you do not need a ticket, but registration is required.

For information about the 5784 High Holidays, please use this Hub as a source of everything you'll need as you navigate your spiritual experience. You will have access to the live-streamed services on the days of services. We will continue to make updates as new information is made available.

Thanks to you, our holy community, our congregation is on a sound financial footing today. Each year, we rely on you to help us sustain the loving and caring community we are creating. We need your help. Please consider participating in our Yom Kippur Appeal/Chai Campaign if you have not already done so. You may send in a check or donate online. Thank you in advance for your generosity and continued support.

Wishing you and your families shanah tovah u'metukah—a good and sweet year!

Registration

You don't need a ticket, but registration is required for in-person services.
Register

Youth and Family

Register for children's programming and learn about family services.
Register

Service Schedule

From Selichot through Yom Kippur... view the full schedule of services and programming.
Click Here

Machzorim

Learn about digital access and hard copy loaners.
Click Here

Yom Kippur Appeal/
Chai Campaign

Together there is no limit to what we can accomplish.
Donate

Operation Isaiah

Donate to our annual hunger initiative.
Donate

Lulav and Etrog

Enhance your celebration of the Sukkot holiday with a set of the Four Species.
Order

Disabled Parking

Review the protocol for disabled parking.
Click Here

Hearing Loop and Screen-Assisted Service

Learn about the hearing loop and screen-assisted service.
Click Here

Resources

Explore resources from the community.
Click Here

Access Yom Kippur Services Via Zoom

Click Here

Watch Yom Kippur Services on YouTube

Click Here

Yom Kippur Appeal/Chai Campaign

Donate Now
Youth and Family

Children's Programming

Children’s programming for the 5784 High Holidays will be provided for children 1 years old through 4th grade on the following days:

  • Rosh Hashanah Day 1 (Saturday, September 16): 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
  • Rosh Hashanah Day 2 (Sunday, September 17): 10:15 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
  • Yom Kippur (Monday, September 25): 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Cost

1 years old–4th grade: $40 per child; $30 per sibling

5th–6th grade: free, only if helping in the classroom (otherwise will be sent to be with parents in main services)

Age Groups

Programming will be split into the following age groups:

  • 1 years old
  • 2–3 years old
  • Pre-K–Kindergarten
  • 1st–2nd grade
  • 3rd–4th grade
  • 5th–6th grade (classroom helpers)

Snacks

1–3 years old: A healthy kosher snack consisting of cucumber spears, sunbutter and jelly sandwiches, and bananas (cut to prevent a choking hazard) will be prepared by Chef Jodie.

Pre-K–6th grade: A healthy kosher snack will be provided (TBD).

What to Bring

1–3 years old: Must provide labeled diapers, wipes, a sippy cup of water (or milk), a lovey (optional), a pacifier (optional) and a change of clothes.

3+ years old: Please provide a labeled change of clothes if prone to accidents.

Registration is required.

Register for Children's Programming

Family Services (Free)

Family services will be held on the following days:

  • Rosh Hashanah Day 1 (Saturday, September 16): 9:30–10:30 a.m.
  • Kol Nidre (Sunday, September 24): 5–5:30 p.m.
  • Yom Kippur (Monday, September 25): 9:30–10:30 a.m.

If you would like attend family services, there is no cost, but we ask that you register through our High Holiday Service Registration Form (button below)

Register for Family Services

On Rosh Hashanah Day 1, we will hold an Apple Tasting in the lobby where there will be multiple tables, each labeled with two varieties of apples. Adults and children can vote for their favorites in each category!

For questions or concerns, please contact the Interim Director of Education: Annsley Klehr (404.603.5754; aklehr@aasynagogue.org).

Service Schedule

Selichot—Saturday, September 9


7:15 p.m

Mincha/Ma’ariv/Havdallah Service

In-Person: Sanctuary

Virtual: Zoom

Join Zoom

8:30–10 p.m.

In-Person: Shearith Israel

Register

Sunday, September 10

10:00 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery

1:30 p.m. at Arlington Memorial Park

In-Person: Greenwood Cemetery and Arlington Memorial Park

 2–4:00 p.m.

Reverse Tashlich

In-Person: Peachtree Creek Greenway

Register by 9/7

Erev Rosh Hashanah—Friday, September 15

7:15–8:45 a.m.

Morning Minyan

Virtual (Zoom)

Join Zoom

6:00 p.m.

Mincha/Ma’ariv Service

In-Person: Sanctuary

Virtual: Zoom and YouTube

Join Via Zoom

Watch on YouTube

7:26 p.m.

Candle Lighting

Rosh Hashanah Day 1—Saturday, September 16

8–9:30 a.m.

Coffee and Breakfast Oneg

In-Person: Breezeway

8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Morning Service

In-Person: Sanctuary

Virtual: Zoom and YouTube

Join Via Zoom

Watch on YouTube

9:30–10:30 a.m.

Family Service

In-Person: Outdoor Tent

9:30–10:30 a.m.

Torah Study Led by Michael Miller

“Finding our Personal Prayer in the High Holiday Liturgy”: Prayer is a central element of the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah, and then especially during the Yamim Noraim. We are all familiar with the prayers in our liturgy, but what about personal prayers, prayers for which we do not have a template or formula? The Torah and Haftarah readings for today provide three different models of personal prayer which we will examine, discuss, and contrast.

Source Sheet

In-Person: Ellman Chapel

Virtual: Zoom

Join Via Zoom

10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Apple Tasting

We will hold an Apple Tasting where there will be multiple tables, each labeled with two varieties of apples. Adults and children can vote for their favorites in each category!

In-Person: Lobby

10:30 a.m.–End of RH Service

Children’s Programming

In-Person: Check-In at Cavalier Room

12:30–1:15 p.m.

Oneg and Light Kiddush

In-Person: Srochi Auditorium

1:15–1:45 p.m.

Mincha Service

In-Person: Sanctuary

Virtual: Zoom and YouTube

Join Via Zoom

Watch on YoutTube

7:45–8:15 p.m.

Ma’ariv Service

Virtual: Zoom

Join Via Zoom

8:08 p.m.

Candle Lighting

Rosh Hashanah Day 2—Sunday, September 17

8–9:30 a.m.

Coffee and Breakfast Oneg

In-Person: Breezeway

8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Morning Service

In-Person: Sanctuary

Virtual: Zoom and YouTube

Join Via Zoom

Watch on YoutTube

9:30–10:30 a.m.

Torah Study Led by Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal

“Crowning God: An Exploration into Divine Coronation:” An important theme of the High Holidays is the crowning of God as sovereign, where God takes a seat on the divine throne. Join Rabbi Rosenthal on the second day of Rosh Hashanah as we will explore one of the reoccurring prayers of this High holiday season – L’El Orekh Din

Source Sheet

Hybrid: Paradies Hall and Virtual (Zoom)

Join Zoom

10:15 a.m.–End of RH Service

Children’s Programming

In-Person: Check-In at Cavalier Room

12:30 p.m.

Tashlich

In-Person: Meet at the Outdoor Tent where we will walk to the corner of Peachtree Battle Ave NW and Woodward Way

7:30 p.m.

Mincha Ma’ariv Service

Virtual: Zoom

Join Zoom

8:07 p.m.

Havdallah

Kol Nidre—Sunday, September 24

5–5:30 pm

Family Kol Nidre Service

In-Person: Breezeway

Virtual: Zoom

Join Via Zoom

5:30 p.m.

Vegan Kapparot

Yom Kippur challenges us to cleanse our souls from missteps over the past year. Our tradition seeks to imbue the ethereal nature of our good and evil, right a wrong into an object that can be consumed, cast out, or flung away. Kapparot seeks to take that which is weighing us down and swing it over our heads, casting it far away from us. We have reclaimed this medieval ritual for our modern spiritual life, replacing the killing of a chicken with the righteous act of tzedakah. Join Rabbi Rosenthal in the garden as we recite our prayers, imbue a bag of money with our regrets for the past year, and swing it over our heads, thereby turning our shortcomings into acts of loving kindness to help others. The Joseph family chicken will be on site… for petting only.

In-Person: Garden

6:10 p.m.

Mincha Service

In-Person: Sanctuary

Virtual: Zoom and YouTube

Join Via Zoom

Watch on YouTube

6:30 p.m.

Kol Nidre Service

7:00 p.m.

Ma’ariv Service

7:13 p.m.

Candle Lighting

Yom Kippur—Monday, September 25

8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Yom Kippur Morning Service
Yizkor Service begins around 12:30 p.m.

In-Person: Sanctuary

Virtual: Zoom and YouTube

Join Via Zoom

Watch on YouTube

9:30–10:30 a.m.

Yom Kippur Family Service

In-Person: Outdoor Tent

9:30–10:30 a.m.

Torah Study Led by Judy Marx

“G’mar Hatimah Tova—Getting the Seal of Approval”: Getting sealed in the The Book of Life is one of the most powerful images of the High Holy Days. Our High Holiday Mahzor is filled with references to books we should be sealed into: Life, Redemption, Sustenance, Merit, and Forgiveness (see Avinu Malkeinu). What are we really asking for when we pray to be sealed into these “books?” Does it imply that after Yom Kippur the fate of everyone is sealed for the rest of the year? We will look at texts and liturgy to better understand this image as one of the motivators for repentance.

Source Sheet

In-Person: Ellman Chapel

Virtual: Zoom

Join Via Zoom

10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Children’s Programming

In-Person: Check-In at Cavalier Room

1:30–3:00 p.m.

Beit Midrash (Study Hall) Led by Dr. Andy Zangwill

“Yom Kippur in Hell” is the title of the last short story written by the celebrated Yiddish writer Isaac Peretz. Andrew Zangwill will read the story aloud and lead a discussion of its themes. The text will be supplied so attendees (real and virtual) can read along.

Source Sheet

In-Person: Ellman Chapel

Virtual: Zoom

Join Via Zoom

3–5:15 p.m.

Drum Circle with SunMoonPie

In-Person: Paradies Hall

5:15 p.m.

Mincha Service
Reading of the Book of Jonah

In-Person: Sanctuary

Virtual: Zoom and YouTube

Join Via Zoom

Watch on YouTube

6:30 p.m.

Neilah Service

7:41 p.m.

Ma’ariv and Final Shofar Blast

7:55 p.m.

Havdallah

Machzorim

Lev Shalem Machzor

There are still copies of the new Lev Shalem Machzor available for purchase! If you’d like to order a machzor, please contact Jill Rosner (jrosner@aasynagogue.org; 404.603.5741). If you order the new Lev Shalem Machzor, you may pick it up during the week of September 7–13 during regular business hours (9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.).

Personally-purchased machzorim will NOT be available for pick-up on Rosh Hashanah (Day 1 or Day 2) and Yom Kippur. If you attend services in person and have not picked up your machzor(im), you will be asked to use a “loaner” from the synagogue’s collection which will be available in the Sanctuary. Please leave behind loaners at the conclusion of services.

Digital Machzor

If you plan to attend services virtually, an electronic copy of the machzor is available online.

Access the Digital Machzor
Yom Kippur Appeal/Chai Campaign

If nothing appears, please click here.

Operation Isaiah

During the High Holidays of years past, our congregants would bring hundreds of bags of food to our shul. This year, for the Operation Isaiah initiative, we will collect both monetary and food donations.

Monetary donations collected will benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the JF&CS Food Pantry. Food donations can be dropped off at the synagogue during Sukkot. All food will be donated to the JF&CS Food Pantry. More information on most needed food items can be found on the JF&CS website.

Your contributions will enable the Atlanta Community Food Bank and JF&CS to help feed those in our community who are food insecure.

Please click on the link below to make your donation today! If you would like to donate by check, please make it out to Ahavath Achim Synagogue, and write Operation Isaiah in the memo line. Check can be mailed or dropped off at the synagogue.

Donate

Under “Choose the type of donation you would like to make,” select “Tribute”>”Other”>type “Operation Isaiah” into the field.

Disabled Parking

The upper parking lot will be reserved for disabled parking. In order to park in the upper lot, visitors must have a government-registered disabled parking permit/tag. Spot availability will function on a strictly first-come, first-served basis. Non-disabled parking will be available in the lower lot. Visitors are welcome to make drop-offs in the carpool lane in front of the breezeway/Cohen Pavilion entrance.

Hearing Loop and Screen-Assisted Service
Hearing Loop

Description of a Hearing Loop

A hearing loop is a special type of assistive listening system that transmits an audio signal from a venue’s sound system electronically, wirelessly, and directly to telecoil-equipped listening devices. Most hearing aids and Cochlear implants are telecoil-equipped, i.e., they have a built-in telecoil to receive a signal transmitted by a hearing loop. Some of the world’s most sophisticated audio spaces use a hearing loop to provide assistive listening (for example, the new David Geffen Theater in the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, the IMAX Theater in NASA’s Cape Canaveral Visitor Center, and the classrooms in most Apple Stores.)

A hearing loop is installed on the main level of the Sanctuary of Ahavath Achim Synagogue. On the main level, users of telecoil-equipped listening devices will be able to hear clearly the sound captured by the microphones on the bimah without hearing surrounding background noise.

What is a Telecoil (T-coil)?

A telecoil (or T-coil) is an alternate input for a hearing aid. The T-coil is a tiny coil of copper wire that is built inside most, but not all, hearing aids and Cochlear implants. The normal input for a hearing aid is one or more tiny microphones that pick up surrounding sound (that you want to hear) as well as surrounding noise (that you don’t want to hear). A more-familiar alternate input for a hearing aid is Bluetooth which can receive an audio signal from a smartphone or other Bluetooth device without receiving surrounding background noise.

Telecoils were first put into hearing aids more than sixty years ago to receive the magnetic signal generated by the speaker in the handset of a telephone (hence the name telecoil). The magnetic signal received by the T-coil was much clearer than the audible squawking from the speaker that was received by the hearing aid microphone. Since then, engineers determined that a simple low-voltage current can deliver clear audio through a magnetic signal to T-coils in large spaces such as auditoriums.

Does My Hearing Aid Have a T-coil?

If you are not sure if your hearing aid or Cochlear implant has a T-coil, ask your hearing aid provider the following questions:

  • Does my hearing aid have a built-in T-coil?
  • If so, when may I come by to have the T-coil program activated and to learn how to switch from the microphone input to the T-coil input and back?
Screen-Assisted Service

As we eagerly anticipate the sacred moments of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we are thrilled to introduce a new initiative that aims to enhance our communal worship experience. This year, we are extending our innovative screen-assisted service—a feature that has successfully fostered inclusivity and accessibility in our Shabbat services—to our High Holiday ceremonies.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Customized Presentations: Separate from our regular Shabbat presentation, these special presentations have been meticulously crafted to align with the unique themes and liturgy of Rosh Hashanah (both Day 1 and Day 2) and Yom Kippur services, helping attendees swiftly locate and follow the specific pages or sections within the machzor.
  • Honoree Identifiers: To streamline the execution of honors during these services, we have integrated a novel system that includes both current and upcoming honoree identifiers. These will contain detailed descriptions of the honors and a unique honor reference ID, enabling honorees to effortlessly match their assignments to the instructions on their respective cards coordinated by the gabbaim.
  • Easy Navigation: Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or joining us for the first time, the presentation aims to facilitate quick orientation at any point during the service, enhancing the flow and collective participation.

As we embark on this exciting journey, we remain committed to refining the process to ensure alignment with the service. We acknowledge that there may be instances where the slides might not be perfectly in sync with the service; however, we are diligently working to minimize such occurrences and align the presentation to the best of our abilities.

We sincerely hope that this initiative will add a layer of richness and engagement to our High Holiday services, fostering a warm and inclusive environment for all.

We look forward to celebrating the High Holidays with you, united in spirit and enriched through innovation.

High Holiday Resources

Study Resources

The Hadar Institute High Holiday Reader

Lifnai ve-Lifnim: The Innermost Sanctum

JTS High Holiday Reader

JTS provides extensive resources to help you reflect and focus your intentions around Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Sing Along

Service Schedule

Selichot – Saturday, September 17

7:15 p.m

Mincha/Ma’ariv/Havdallah Service

Hybrid: Ellman Chapel and Virtual (Zoom)

Join Zoom

8:10 p.m.

Selichot Service

Erev Rosh Hashanah – Sunday, September 25

9–10:30 a.m.


Morning Minyan

Virtual (Zoom)

Join Zoom

6:00 p.m.

Mincha/Ma’ariv Service

Hybrid: Srochi Auditorium and Virtual (Zoom)

Join Zoom

7:12 p.m.

Candle Lighting

Rosh Hashanah Day 1 – Monday, September 26

8–9:00 a.m.

Coffee and Schmooze

Co-sponsored by Sisterhood

In-Person: Garden

8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Service

Hybrid: Srochi Auditorium and Virtual (Zoom and Live Stream)

Join Zoom

9–10:00 a.m.

Family Service

In-Person: Outdoor Tent

9:30–10:30 a.m.

Torah Study Led by Dr. Andrew Zangwill

“Happy Birthday World!”: After each Rosh Hashanah shofar blast, we chant a short poem which begins “hayom harat olam,” a phrase often translated as “today the world was born.”  This session examines this (and other) translations of ”hayom harat olam”  and teases out their meaning for us today. Andy Zangwill is a native of Pittsburgh and is somehow related to the British Zionist Israel Zangwill. He has taught physics at Georgia Tech since 1985 and has helped administer the AA Torah Study since 2000.

Hybrid: Cavalier Room and Virtual (Zoom)

Join Zoom

10:00 a.m.–End of RH Service

Children’s Programming (0–5th Grade)

In-Person: Check-In at Ahava ELC

12:30–1:00 p.m.

Oneg and Light Kiddush

In-Person: Garden

6–7:00 p.m.

Mincha/Ma’ariv Service

Hybrid: Srochi Auditorium and Virtual (Zoom and Live Stream)

Join Zoom

7:54 p.m.

Candle Lighting

Rosh Hashanah Day 2 – Tuesday, September 27

8–9:00 a.m.

Coffee and Schmooze

In-Person: Garden

8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah Service

Hybrid: Srochi Auditorium and Virtual (Zoom and Live Stream)

Join Zoom

9:00 a.m.–End of RH Service

Children’s Programming (0–5th Grade)

In-Person: Check-In at Ahava ELC

9:30 a.m.

Torah Study Led by Dr. Paul Feldman

“From Yom Teruah to Rosh Hashanah – A Rabbinic Journey”: The torah instructs us that, on the first day of the seventh month, there should be “teruah.” From that, it becomes a New Year where, hopefully, our Father, our King, inscribes us in the book of life. Let’s explore the rabbinic mindset that defines us as Jews. Paul Feldman has attended AA’s Shabbat Torah Study religiously for over 20 years. His interests include the historical aspects of Tanakh and the intellectual history of b’nai Yisrael through the ages. 

Hybrid: Paradies Hall and Virtual (Zoom)

Join Zoom

12:30 p.m.

Tashlich

In-Person: Outdoor Tent

7:30 p.m.

Mincha/Ma’ariv/Havdallah Service

Hybrid: Srochi Auditorium and Virtual (Zoom and Live Stream)

Join Zoom

Aseret Y’mei Teshuva (Ten Days of Repentance) – Sunday, October 2

9–10:30 a.m.

Morning Minyan

Virtual (Zoom)

Join Zoom

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Family Taslich and Picnic with Shofar Blowing

In-Person: Morgan Falls Overlook Park

2–4:00 p.m.

Reverse Tashlich

In-Person: Peachtree Creek Greenway

Register

6–7:00 p.m.

Evening Minyan

Virtual (Zoom)

Join Zoom

Kol Nidre – Tuesday, October 4

5–5:30 pm

Family Service

Hybrid: Breezeway and Virtual (Zoom and Live Stream)

Join Zoom

5:30–6:15 p.m.

Vegan Kapparot

Yom Kippur challenges us to cleanse our souls from missteps over the past year. Our tradition seeks to imbue the ethereal nature of our good and evil, right a wrong into an object that can be consumed, cast out, or flung away. Kapparot seeks to take that which is weighing us down and swing it over our heads, casting it far away from us. We have reclaimed this medieval ritual for our modern spiritual life, replacing the killing of a chicken with the righteous act of tzedakah. Join Rabbi Rosenthal in the garden as we will recite our prayers, imbue a bag of money with our regrets for the past year, and swing it over our heads, thereby turning our shortcomings into acts of loving kindness to help others. Farmer Joe and his chicken will be on site… for petting only.

In-Person: Garden

6:10 p.m.

Mincha Service

Hybrid: Srochi Auditorium and Virtual (Zoom and Live Stream)

Join Zoom

6:30 p.m.

Kol Nidre Service

7:00 p.m.

Ma’ariv Service

Yom Kippur – Wednesday, October 5

8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Yom Kippur and Yizkor Services
Yizkor Service begins around 12:30 p.m.

5783 Yizkor Book Supplement

Hybrid: Srochi Auditorium and Virtual (Zoom and Live Stream)

Join Zoom

9–10:00 a.m.

Family Service

In-Person: Outdoor Tent

9:30–10:30 a.m.

Torah Study Led by Judy Marx

“Everything Old is New Again”: This session explores how understanding our history through Yom Kippur’s Torah reading and liturgy lead us to repentance and forgiveness. Judy Marx is a long-time Jewish community professional. She was the Atlanta Director of the American Jewish Committee for twelve years and is currently with the Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta. In her free time she consults with interfaith organizations and prepares for Torah Study at AA.

Hybrid: Cavalier Room and Virtual (Zoom)

Join Zoom

10:00 a.m.–End of YK Service

Children’s Programming (0–5th Grade)

In-Person: Check-In at Ahava ELC

2:30–4:00 p.m.

Beit Midrash (Study Hall) Led by Dr. Dennis Gilbride

“The Golden Calf, Consuming Fire, Atonement, and Forgiveness”: This session focuses on two relatively well known, but under-studied stories in the Torah: the Golden Calf and the death of Aaron’s sons, Nadav and Avihu.  By exploring midrashim and ideas that tie these two episodes together, we will provide an interesting and provocative understanding of the Jewish approach to atonement, forgiveness, and connection to G-d. Dennis Gilbride has been a professor for 32 years, first at Syracuse University and, for the last ten years, at Georgia State University in its Department of Counseling and Psychological Services. He began his career at Drake University in Des Moines Iowa where he and his family were congregants of Neil Sandler, AA’s Rabbi Emeritus.

Hybrid: Srochi Auditorium and Virtual (Zoom)

Join Zoom

4–6:30 p.m.

Chanting with SunMoonPie

Hybrid: Paradies Hall and Virtual (Zoom)

Join Zoom

5:30 p.m.

Mincha Service
Reading of the Book of Jonah

Hybrid: Srochi Auditorium and Virtual (Zoom and Live Stream)

Join Zoom

6:30 p.m.

Neilah Service

7:41 p.m.

Ma’ariv/Havdallah and Final Shofar Blast

AARI Elul Campaign

*Updates*

Many of our committees and initiatives have agreed to host and share their beautiful sukkot around Atlanta with all of us. Everybody, whether assembling a welcome kit or not, is invited to come together for the holiday of Sukkot!

If you have pledged to assemble a welcome kit, one of these sukkot parties will function as your drop-off location. Bring your kit to the sukkah, and an AARI Committee member will ensure it makes its way to the Welcome Co-Op, our partner in caring for the newly arriving refugees. Additionally, each sukkah party will have all the supplies needed to assemble a bag so more can support and share our abundance with those in need.

Below is a list of the sukkah parties going on around Atlanta. You do not need to be a part of the host’s community (i.e. involved in Kesher, Sisterhood, mAAc, etc.) to join a particular sukkah party. If you love AA Synagogue and are a part of our spiritual family, you are welcome to any party that is convenient to you. (And just think: You might meet somebody new and make a new friend.) Join a Sukkah party, enjoy snacks and camaraderie, and assemble a welcome kit for a newly arriving refugee family. We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the holiday of sukkot as a community!

mAAc Sukkah Party: Wednesday, October 12, 1–3 p.m., Ahavath Achim Synagogue (600 Peachtree Battle Ave, NW Atlanta GA 30327)

Kesher Sukkah Parties:

  • Wednesday, October 12, 5 –7 p.m., Home of Sara and Mark Papier (3231 Hunterdon Way SE, Marietta, GA 30067)
  • Thursday, October 13, 6–8 p.m.
    • Home of Elana and Ben Yonas (1841 McLendon Avenue NE Atlanta, GA 30307)
    • Home of Heleen and Steve Grossman (5170 Trimble Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30342)

Sisterhood Sukkah Party: Thursday, October 13, 6:30 –8:30 p.m., Ahavath Achim Synagogue (600 Peachtree Battle Ave, NW Atlanta GA 30327)

Meshorerim (Spiritual Music) Sukkah Party: Saturday, October 15 7–9 p.m., Home of Bonnie and Michael Levine (460 Gift Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316)

Interfaith Inclusion Committee (IIC) Sukkah Party: Sunday, October 16, 1–3 p.m., Ahavath Achim Synagogue (600 Peachtree Battle Ave, NW Atlanta, GA 30327)

Inclusion and Belonging Committee Sukkah Party: Sunday, October 16, 1–4 p.m., Home of Shelly and Allan Dollar (2192 Greencliff Drive Atlanta, GA 30345)

There are many that have been forced to flee their homelands to come to a new country, fearful, and facing uncertainty. Most of us are only two or three generations distant from those refugee experiences ourselves, grateful our families survived the life-threatening turmoil in their homelands and could receive any help their new communities could offer. During the month of Elul and through the High Holidays, the AARI is launching the Elul Campaign as a way for the AA community to make an impact. As a part of this campaign, volunteers will assemble welcome kits to be given to refugee families as they arrive in Georgia (kit contents detailed below). We often have to purchase personal items for people to place in their homes, so having these kits on hand is of tremendous help and saves families money.

Volunteers can do this activity in whichever location and on whichever timeline they’d like. All items should be placed in a container (reusable shopping bags are recommended), and label each kit so we know what/who it’s for. It’s a good idea to re-enforce products with liquid contents with tape to prevent spillage.

Welcome kits need to be dropped off during the holiday of Sukkot (October 11–16). After Yom Kippur, a full list of dates, times, and locations of the many sukkot around town will be emailed to volunteers. Volunteers will choose a convenient sukkah to which to deliver the welcome kit(s). Volunteers are asked to hold on to welcome kit(s) until they can be delivered to the sukkah of their choosing. Deliveries are meant to be social events, so volunteers should plan to drop off the kit(s) and socialize a bit before leaving.

Volunteers who are unable deliver to a sukkah should email Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal (lrosenthal@aasynagogue.org) who will arrange for one of the AARI Task Force members to pick up the kit(s) from their home.

  • Drinking glasses (4 regular size)
  • Light bulbs (4-pack)
  • Small and large kitchen knives (1 of each)
  • Dish detergent (regular size)
  • Scouring powder (regular size)
  • Sponges (2-pack, kitchen)
  • Trash bags (box, tall kitchen)
  • Laundry deterg. (reg. size liquid or powder)
  • Can opener (manual)
  • Notebook (spiral or composition)
  • Pack of pens
  • Shower curtain and rings
  • Toilet paper (4 rolls)
  • Women’s deodorant (regular size)
  • Feminine hygiene (pack, pads)
  • Disposable razors (2 or 4-pack)
  • Shaving cream (regular size)
  • Shampoo (regular size)
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrush
  • Bath soap (4 bars)
  • Bath towel and wash cloth
  • Toilet paper (4 rolls)
  • Men’s deodorant (regular size)
  • Shaving cream (regular size)
  • Disposable razors (2 or 4-pack)
  • Shampoo (regular size)
  • Toothpaste (4-6 oz. tube)
  • Toothbrush (adult)
  • Bath soap (4 bars)
  • Bath towel and wash cloth
  • Notebook (spiral or composition)
  • Pack of pens or pencils
  • Bath soap (4 bars)
  • Shampoo (regular size)
  • Toilet paper (4 rolls)
  • Toothpaste (4-6 oz. tube)
  • Toothbrush (child)
  • Bath towel and wash cloth
  • Small stuffed animal
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