Schmooze and News at AA

Special Message

Shabbat Corner

Friday Evening–Saturday Evening

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Feel-Good News

Kiddush Sponors

Lauren and Todd Surden in honor of the third anniversary of their son, Gavi's, Bar Mitzvah!

Mazal Tov to June Neumark >>

Events

Other Things Happening at AA

Would you like to know how to pray? Would you like to lead prayer? Prayer is an important part of Jewish, spiritual life. The Siddur, Jewish prayer book, is a master document of melody, poetry, philosophy, theology, history and personal aspiration. Its brilliance can be intimidating, especially when leading a congregation in prayer. We are seeking individuals who are up for the challenge of learning how to pray and leading our community in prayer. Complete our survey (link below) to let us know what you know, what you would like to learn and how we can help get you there.

Take the Survey


Camp and Summer Experience Scholarship applications are open and available to help support the summer experiences of our AA members! Scholarships are generously provided by family funds, Sisterhood, and AA's general budget. Applications are due by Saturday, February 3. For more information, please contact the Interim Director of Education: Annsley Klehr ([email protected]; 404.603.5754).

Apply


Rabbi Rosenthal and Lynne and Tom Greenfield are seeking interest in a congregational trip to Israel in solidarity and support for our Israeli Brothers and Sisters. This trip will be focused on education, Israeli/Middle East policy and politics, visiting communities affected by the October 7 attacks, and supporting Israeli culture and economy. There will also be opportunities for additional sightseeing and time to visit with Israeli family and friends. We are looking at ten days between mid-May and mid-June. If you are interested in joining or have any questions, please contact Rabbi Rosenthal ([email protected]) and Lynne and Tom Greenfield ([email protected]).

The 2023 Fall Beineinu High Holiday issue is out! If you haven't yet received your copy in the mail, you can view the electronic version here.


Are you fun? Innovative? Passionate? Good with children? We are always seeking exceptional subs to join our Kesher team. Kesher is AA's supplementary education program for students four years old through sixth grade.

If you are interested, please email our Interim Director of Education: Annsley Klehr ([email protected]).


Registration for Kesher religious school (3 Yrs–6th Grade) and Neisah teen program (7th–9th Grade) is now open! Take advantage of our early-bird rates by applying before Saturday, July 1!

Register | More Info


We feel blessed to have a vibrant community that believes in the power of prayer as a source of comfort, strength and healing. At every service, we take a moment to recite the names of individuals we are holding in our hearts for health and healing. Beginning January 1, 2023, all are welcome to add names to our Misheberach (Healing) Prayer List for 30 days. These names will be recited each morning during prayer regardless of their support's presence at services. At the end of 30 days, we request that names be renewed with our office receptionist, Fern Schorr ([email protected]; 404.355.5222). Without renewal, names will be removed from the list with our hope that our prayers were successful in sending strength and wholeness.


Do you know an AA congregant who is in the hospital or infirm? We are concerned about loved ones and friends who are in the hospital or infirm. Although our synagogue office remains closed, we are still working and would like to connect with you, especially in regards to pastoral care. If you have information about friends or family in the hospital or other care facilities, please contact Rabbi Rosenthal ([email protected]) directly. We always appreciate the opportunity to speak with anyone in need and offer support in any way we can.
 


Cabi Clothing Show at the home of Beth Friedman on Thursday, February 22, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Come shop for your Donor outfit and Passover clothing! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Sisterhood!


It's time to order your 2024 Mah Jongg card(s)! To order, please email Barbara Nathan ([email protected]) with a list of names, e-mail addresses, and home addresses of all recipients by Friday, February 2, 2024. To pay (prices listed below), please write a check, payable to AA Sisterhood, and mail it to Barbara Nathan (200 Brandon Place, Sandy Springs, GA 30328). If you do not get confirmation from Barbara within a few days of your order, call her at 404.406.8770.

Standard card = $14
Large card = $15


Through our membership with the ADL's (Anti-Defamation League) Kulanu Initiaitve, our AA family is creating an antisemitism task force to partner with other communities across the country to collectively fight hate and antisemitism. Membership on the task force will require a year's commitment and involve participation in ADL virtual meetings and community of practice working sessions. Our congregation will also offer special programs, initiatives, and action steps to raise awareness, call out local and national antisemitic incidents, and build relationships with communities susceptible to antisemitic infiltration. To learn more about or to join the task force, please contact Rabbi Rosenthal ([email protected]).


Ahavath Achim's Sisterhood is a dynamic organization of women of all ages with diverse experiences, talents, and interests within our synagogue, community, and the Jewish world. Every woman counts for Sisterhood to grow and thrive. Basic membership dues are $45, but we encourage you to join at a Chai-er level. Your generous dues and donations are vital for Sisterhood to continue to offer programs and projects that strengthen and sustain our Jewish values.
 

We need your involvement in AA's social action programs! Motivate your family and friends "into action" towards the betterment of our community, and envision our current programs continued for the future. Reach out to your nieces, nephews, friends, and new neighbors for new contacts and ideas to help us increase our pool of volunteers for our wonderful existing and future programs. We need you! Find out how you want to be involved by reviewing the list of social action programs in which our synagogue has been involved for many years. If you'd like to become involved, please email our Social Action Chair: Alan Wexler ([email protected]; 404.872.8880).

Are you a warm, friendly, dedicated volunteer who wants to make a difference in a fellow congregant's life through acts of loving kindness? Are you willing to make a personal call or visit to comfort and support a congregant who has lost a loved one or been ill? These caring touches – acts of loving kindness – make all the difference in the world to those receiving them. If you want to be a part of strengthening our community, then AA's new Chesed Initiative is for you! This committee will work with our clergy, staff, and lay leaders to connect members who need help with members who want to do good deeds! Additionally, if you know of a congregant who is facing personal difficulties related to health, loss, or grief, please contact Fern Schorr ([email protected]; 404.355.5222) to let us know. Help us reach out to members in need. We welcome your help and time with this important project.


Your donation to the Israel Emergency Campaign helps to rebuild damaged infrastructure and address the unprecedented levels of trauma caused by the horrific attack on Isreael.

Donate


Donate to the Ukraine Emergency Fund of Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta

Donate

Tribute donations offer the ability to memorialize or honor friends and family through donations to a variety of designated funds. Tribute donations can be made in honor of B'nai Mitzvah, the birth of a baby, a graduation, a wedding, or other special occasion. Donations in memory of loved ones are a thoughtful and meaningful way to remember those who have passed away. Your donation will be acknowledged with a card to the recipient of this tribute. Please note that Tribute Donations require a minimum contribution of $18.