Voice of Chaim€¦ · January 12, at 7:30 p.m. Please read the book When ad Things Happen to Good...

Inside this issue:

From Rabbi Dorsch Page 2

From Our Executive Director Page 2

From Our President Page 3

Director of Engagement Page 3

Education News Page 4

From Our Youth Director Page 6

Our Etz Chaim Community Page 7

B’nai Mitzvah Page 9

Men’s Club Update Page 10

Sisterhood Scoop Page 11

Lilmode Happenings Pages 14 - 15, 17 and 25

Yahrzeits Pages 20

Calendar Pages 21

Last Opportunity to Give to Renewal 2020! Page 27

College Connection Page 28

Tzedakah Pages 30 - 31

Daily Minyan Times: Sunday: 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Monday - Thursday: 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Shabbat Services: Friday, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m.

Links are available at: www.etzchaim.net/livestream

Voice of Chaim

www.etzchaim.net January 2021 ▪ Tevet/Shevat 5781 ▪ Volume 45, Issue 1

To a New Year of Growth,

to Life,

to Tu B’Shevat.

ה ים ב ָּ יקִּ ֲחזִּ ַ יא ַלמ ים הִּ ר .ֵעץ ַחי ִּ ָּ .ְוֹתְמֶכיהָּ ְמֻאש Etz chayim hi lamachazikim ba, vetomecheha me-ushar.

It is a tree of life for those who hold fast to it,

and those who uphold it are happy.

To find out how you can purchase a tree to honor a

loved one or for a special occasion, please see page 19

to plant a tree in Israel in our Sisterhood Grove.

The Voice of Chaim ▪ January 2021

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From Executive Director Marty Gilbert A Message from Rabbi Dan DorschAs a part of a fellowship, two years ago I took the Meyers-Briggs (MBTI) personality test. The findings were generally not all that surprising. Were you aware, for example, that I was extroverted: in fact, the most extroverted of twenty rabbis participating in the entire program?

That said, the most interesting finding from the test had to do with my attitudes toward innovation and tradition. According to this study (of me), at work within my rabbinic psyche are two significant, but often dissonant threads.

According to the survey, I am generally predisposed to want to try new things and I am not afraid to take risks. This has always spoken true to how I understand my vision of my rabbinate. I am not a believer of what Rabbi Ron Wolfson jokes is invisibly inscribed above the ark of most synagogue communities: “We’ve always done it this way.” I understand that in the coming decades, synagogues and houses of worship in general are going to have to take some big risks to thrive in this time of religious contraction (especially among younger Americans) in our society.

And yet, the desire to innovate and create something new often comes into conflict with the third area where I score off the charts: a sincere love, reverence, and adherence to tradition. I am where I am today because I fell in love with the Judaism of my youth. I want that Judaism to continue and I want it for my children, even though overwhelming numbers of American Jews are voting with their feet to ignore it. I had terrific rabbinic role models who invested them-selves in their synagogue families and grew their communities. I am a Camp Ramah/USY alumnus who was raised in a thriving, growing, 1990s Conservative movement. No small part of me relishes the way we’ve always done it and would be thrilled if we could always continue it that way.

Enter COVID. As you can now imagine, this has been an immensely challenging year for cognitive dissonance. I don’t usually get personal in my columns. But with the new year, to paraphrase the great author Joyce Carol Oates, I’ve been thinking a lot about where we are going and where we have been.

To create Jewish community in a time of pandemic, we’ve gone boldly where Conservative Jews have never gone before. We’ve had to roll out an entirely new program for religious and spiritual growth, from our religious services to our programming. Given my love of innovation, you might imagine that this has created within me a great deal of professional satisfaction. It has. You may have heard the old expression, “there are no atheists in foxholes.” Well, today, the entire world is a giant foxhole. Many of you have responded to what we do. You come to Parking Lot Tot Shabbats, livestreaming services, and sign-up en masse for online classes. All of this is immensely gratifying.

And yet, the sheer volume of innovation we’ve been doing gives me pause to reflect on what was, and what I hope will still be after the pandemic. Full rooms at kiddush after serious, reflective, lay-led Shabbat morning services. Meaningful, in-person High Holy Day services. A Scotch in the Sukkah where we can actually crowd together in the Sukkah. I say to myself, Chadesh Yameinu Kekedem. Have we gone too far and too quickly? Will all this be there when we get back?

I am going to be honest. I don’t have a good Jewish ending for this column. I don’t have a pithy expression or a piece of Talmudic wisdom which would somehow render this inner conflict moot or resolved. All I have is Mark Twain who once urged us to continue to “do the right thing: it will gratify others and astonish the rest.”

I pray that the God of Abraham and Sarah will continue to guide my heart toward understanding and doing what is right for the vitality and strength for our community in the new year.

As if there haven’t been enough things to disagree about this year, here is another thing: was January 1, 2020 the start of the new decade or is January 1, 2021?

Personally, I think, based on this year, a do-over is in order. Or maybe we make 2020 its own decade. Makes sense to me. Enough happened in 12 months to make it feel like 10 years.

To be fair, we’ll make January/February one month since February is short anyway and COVID was still in China and Europe. March/April can be one month since we were mostly in lockdown buying up toilet paper, using Instacart and watching Netflix. So now we are at 10 months for the year and each month felt like a year.

Passover was certainly strange. We wanted to continue our new tradition of a First Night Communal Seder, but it had to be cancelled. It’s hard to reward the finder of the afikomen when they also did the hiding.

May came and went without our Annual Celebration. We wanted to honor the completion of the Renewal 2020 Capital Campaign and enjoy our beautiful new Hammer-Tritt Social Hall and Sunshine Kitchen. But it was not meant to be. We did have a spectacular Ad Journal response and were able to exceed our budget goal! We also started holding limited attendance, physically distanced, mask-required Shabbat Services in the Sisterhood Outdoor Sanctuary. Aram became a camera and film crew rolled into one.

June graduations and in-person weddings were wiped out, and cases continued to remain high. At least we could out-door dine and patio visit with family and friends, but six feet is far from an intimate distance with people who are our nearest and dearest. On the flip side, we were able to start limited in-person Shabbat Morning services being livestreamed from our beautiful Radow Sanctuary.

July brought fireworks and more gatherings which didn’t help our cause regarding whether High Holiday Services, Religious School and Preschool would be live, virtual, or a combination of the two. Debbie and her team did a magnificent job of rethinking the Religious School and Preschool and we were able to proceed with both in a safe and thoughtful way as we moved into August, where we enjoyed meeting outside for Kona Ice and falafel on a couple of different dates, plus we handed out dixie cups of ice cream. We also began to celebrate our B’nai Mitzvah candidates with in-person calls to the Torah.

September presented us with a mostly virtual High Holiday Experience. Through a very generous donation in memory of Stuart Turner (z”l) we were able to create a thoughtful and unique experience. We even managed to sneak in a live shofar blowing in four different locations throughout the area.

In October we drove through our Drive-Thru Sukkah. “Would you like fries with that?” Men’s Club dined al fresco in the parking lot for Beef and Bourbon. Sisterhood kicked off their year with a wonderful program celebrating Jewish women’s role in securing the vote.

November brought us the beginning of our wonderful Lilmode programs. Unfortunately, we were also beginning to hit our Zoom wall and the realization of cooler weather would put an end to our outdoor dining, gatherings, etc. Also Thanksgiving was going to be a little lonelier than usual this year with family and friends having to forgo traveling.

And now we get to December, the beginning of our winter of discontent. The vaccine is out and being given. The prospect of a return to normalcy is seen on the horizon but still many months away.

How do we plan for Passover, a Celebration, Camp, a big massive hug? Do we start planning for a real live?? High Holiday Program in early September? All these things remain in the fog which the virus has created. I for one cannot wait to unmute myself and say, “Unmask at last, unmask at last… thank goodness I can unmask at last.”

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From Our President From Our Director of EngagementHappy New Year! I think we are all are glad to say goodbye to 2020. We have great program opportunities to start the secular year off right, so I hope you’ll attend.

You can still join the cruise, Making Calm from Chaos-Cruising into a New Year. We have 4 exciting Ports of Call! January 6, at 7:15 p.m. - Pilates and Chakra; January 13, at 7:15 p.m. – Nutrition; January 24, at 5:00 p.m. – Yoga; and Wednesday, January 27, at 7:15 p.m. - Art. There is only a small fee of $10. Open to the community so feel free to invite your friends from near and far. You do not want to miss the boat! See page 12 for more details.

Virtual Movies @ the Etz discussion on Sunday, January 10, at 4:00 p.m. The film is Prosecuting Evil: The Extraordinary World of Ben Ferencz. It’s about the story of the last surviving lead prosecutor on the Nuremberg Trials. Ben Ferencz is an inspiration as he has committed himself to the pursuit of justice that altered the rule of law. Please watch the movie prior. For details, go to page 9.

We are having a Congregation-Wide Book Discussion on Tuesday, January 12, at 7:30 p.m. Please read the book When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Rabbi Harold. S. Kushner and plan to discuss it. It is a short, powerful read with lessons pertinent for today. We will utilize Zoom breakout rooms to have small group discussions and hope that we have a big turnout from the congregation. See our ad on page 14.

We will have an eye-opening program you do not want to miss, Jews and Blacks in the Civil Rights Era Then and Now: Midrash and Fact on Tuesday, January 26, at 7:00 p.m. Learn with founder and director of Etgar 36, Billy Planer, and explore the reality of the relationship between the Jewish and Black communities during the Civil Rights era then and now. Details are on page 15.

Virtual Havdalah is back! Havdalah is not so late this time of year so we can celebrate Havdalah together on Zoom and Facebook Live. See details on page 13.

Virtual PJ Havdalah is on Saturday, January 9, at 6:00 p.m. Families, come join us on Zoom in your PJs as we say goodbye to Shabbat. We will have an art activity together which is easy to do at home and hear a PJ Library book. We welcome the full congregation to be part of Havdalah at 6:30 p.m. led by Heather Blake. See page 6 for details.

Virtual Baby & Me Playgroup is Sunday, January 10, at 10:00 a.m. Music, story and lots of fun! Bring your child 2 & under and older siblings for a virtual playgroup. We will learn about the holiday of Tu B’Shevat. See details on page 9.

Keep an eye out for details on our Lilmode Programs for February through May in next month’s Voice of Chaim. Here’s to a great new year!

L’shalom,

Heather Blake

My November column ended with a question. More specifically, I wondered when and how Conservative Judaism became more open to women’s participation. Of course, we all know that traditional or Orthodox Judaism has specifically defined roles for men and women, and women’s participation in prayer and ritual practice in a synagogue is limited – though I understand a wide spectrum of practice exists for some Orthodox women, at least these days. Historically, in the Conservative movement, women have longed played an important role in Jewish education, gender equality, and religious leadership. Nonetheless, women were “exempt” from many of the “obligations” reserved for men in ritual practice and leadership for decades.

In the early to mid-20th century, Conservative women set examples for their families and focused on education, family, and the home. Congregational women and their “sisterhoods” staffed and supported religious schools and educational programming. Women raised funds for building expansions and often maintained the synagogue kitchen, both to ensure kashrut standards and to serve as cooks and hostesses for the events that were the hubs of synagogue activities. But by the 1940’s and 1950’s, women began to expand their efforts into issues beyond the traditional roles and concerns. Women advocated for and began celebrating Bat Mitzvahs (though not yet reading Torah on a Shabbat morning). They further began addressing difficult issues like divorce and the status of women under Jewish law and women’s participation in Jewish ritual. As early as 1955, a few congregations permitted women to be called to the Torah for an aliyah. In 1973, the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards issued a decision that allowed women to count in a minyan equally with men. The following year, the committee equalized men and women in all areas of ritual, including serving as prayer leaders. Actual change occurred slowly, as, even to this day, individual congregations can choose egalitarian or non-egalitarian services.

Finally, in 1985, after years of debate, the Rabbinical Assembly voted (636 for and 267 against) to admit women as rabbis. The momentous news made the front page of the New York Times. No longer were women “exempt”; rather, women had the blessing and joy of both the opportunity and responsibility to participate. As the years passed, most congregations began to offer girls the same Bat Mitzvah service as the traditional Bar Mitzvah service for the boys, and women increasingly entered main-stream religious life. Today most Conservative congregations embrace egalitarian practice. Both men and women participate in all aspects of Conservative Jewish life at Etz Chaim – whether it is cooking, supporting religious school, leading services, or serving in leadership.

We are fortunate to have the benefits of our congregants’ skills and talents in any area, no matter their sex. Conservative Judaism had indeed lived up to its founding principle - the belief that Jewish law is divinely inspired but can change to meet the modern world – and I am glad I have found my religious home in Conservative Judaism.

Linda Pollock

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I think 2020 was a struggle for all of us. Between an unprecedented worldwide pandemic that began in March and a very tense election season, these last 9 months have been rough to say the least. We’ve been locked in our homes, unable to see loved ones and forced to watch family milestones on a screen. This has been terrible…but have you stopped to think about how lucky we are?

Growing up near Orlando, I was able to go to Disney World regularly. When I was younger, Disney’s Annual Pass options for Florida residents were so affordable that it made the hour-long drive to Celebration a lot more bearable. One of my favorite places in Disney was Epcot. They had classic entertainment like Journey into Imagination with Figment and Honey I Shrunk The Kids, rides with Living with the Land and Spaceship Earth, but they also had some amazing insight into the future at Innoventions.

This “preview of tomorrow” was so huge that it was split into two buildings! It featured an amazing arcade-style setup of the top video games of the day on Sega and introduced amazing new concepts like Segways and smart homes! One of the most intriguing to me was the concept of a video phone. Keeping in mind that this predates cell phones, the idea of having a phone at home that featured a camera and screen so I could see the other caller seemed insane!

Fast forward 20 to 25 years, I can now call my family in New York from my couch in Marietta and see them on my screen in seconds. Quarantining is a term I never thought I’d use almost daily, but the idea of having to quarantine in 1998 is such a different concept than it is in 2020.

Don’t let me sugarcoat it: not seeing people nor hold youth group events has been very difficult. When my nephew was born in September, I had to strictly quarantine and wait until he left the hospital before I could see him, which happened the day before his bris. This December was only the third time since 2004 that I wasn’t traveling to staff USY’s International Convention. However, I was able to see my nephew the night he was born because my brother was able to text me pictures. TEXT ME PICTURES!!! I was able to staff my 15th USY International Convention from the comfort of my own home and see people from all over the world.

I think it’s easy for us to slip into all of the negativity and difficulty we’re surrounded by and all of the agita that comes with it that it makes it very difficult for us to think about how lucky we are to be alive in 2020. In that light, I encourage you to make a list of things that you’re grateful for, post it somewhere in your house, and add 1 thing every day. I also suggest taking your time as you write each thing; while I think it’s important to be grateful for the big things in life, I think it’s equally important to think about how lucky we are for the little things. For example, most of you reading this are doing so online (due to the hard work of our very own Communications Administrator Bernice Isaac), so one of things you may consider adding to your list is how grateful you are to be able to have internet access.

All I know is one of things I’ll be adding to my list is how grateful I am to be a part of this community.

Steven Resnick

From Our Youth Director

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Mazal Tov to… Dr. Stanley M. Fineman who was chosen as the 2020 recipient of the Gold Headed Cane Award by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. This professional achievement award is the most prestigious one the professional medical association offers. ACAAI represents more than 6,000 allergist-immunologists and allied health professionals. He received the award during the 2020 ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting in mid-November.

Betsy and Mark Popkin on the birth of grand-daughter, Mia Gail, born on October 31, to Ilana and Jonathan Lind of Charlotte, NC

Betsy and Mark Popkin on the engagement of their daughter, Shira, to Tyler Porter

Condolences to… Robert Rosenbaum on the loss of his beloved mother, Lila Booth, and grandmother of Shira, Ora and Aviva Rosenbaum

Iris Silver on the loss of her beloved father and congregant, Edwin Berger, and grand-father of Brian, Michael, Jordan Silver and Jodi Loar

Randy Goodman on the loss of his beloved mother, Annette Goodman, and grand-mother of Jonah Goodman

Marisa Gewertz on the loss of her beloved father, Jerome (Jerry) Rosenblum, and grand-father of Joseph, Jordan and Kira Gewertz

Arline Scheinzeit on the loss of her beloved mother, Muriel (Moo) Greenblatt

Thank You to our Office Volunteers… Linda Weinroth Thank You to our Program Volunteers… Cheryl and Bob Beer Justin Blake Paula Coplon Bonnie Dix Audrey Fried-Sheets Safa Nooromid Donna Krodman Sharon Lightstone Esther Shultz

New Email Addresses… Joe Freeman [email protected]

Members on the Move… Esther Low 999 Hood Road, #157 Marietta, GA 30068

Jill Lewis 6100 Heards Creek Dr. Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Have news you’d like to share with our community? Please contact Bernice in

the shul office at [email protected].

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A hearty Mazal Tov to This STUDENT Celebrating his bar Mitzvah!


Upcoming B’nai Mitzvah

The Voice of Chaim features information on upcoming B’nai Mitzvah.

If your child has a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in the coming months, we would like to feature your child’s:

▪ Biographical information▪ School information▪ Photo▪ D’Var Torah Quote▪ Mitzvah project

To have your child’s simcha included in the Voice, please email the Bio form which is included in the B’nai Mitzvah Handbook from the Religious S cho o l a l on g w it h a h i g h resolution photo to Bernice in the Synagogue office at: [email protected]

All materials must be received no later than the 1st of the month prior to the simcha. We will gladly accept material earlier.

Questions about purchasing a

cemetery plot?

Call Marty Gilbert 770-973-0137

Did you know…

You can make your

donations online.

For step-by-step entry, go to:

https://www.etzchaim.net/

payment.php

For assistance, email Lisa

at [email protected]

Gavi Ethan Surden will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on January 16, 2021 – 3 Shevat 5781. He is the son of Lauren and Todd Surden and brother of Noah Zev Surden. Gavi’s Bar Mitzvah parasha is Vaera. He is a 7th grader at High-tower Trail Middle School. Gavi has been a student in Etz Chaim’s Religious School for nine years. His hobbies and interests include rockets, spacecrafts and reading.

Gavi’s D’var Torah quote is “The Torah portion talks about the stiffening of Pharaoh’s heart and how he was unable to feel compassion for his people as God

inflicted the plagues upon Egypt.” For his mitzvah project, Gavi participated in a virtual tree stewardship training program with Trees Atlanta and made a donation to #teamtrees.

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Men’s Club Notes David and I hope everyone had an enjoyable Chanukah and a safe New Year's.

I am pleased to present our slate of officers and trustees for 2021:

Officers: Jeff Frankel President David Lieberman 1st Vice President Richard Millman Treasurer Bart Agrow VP – Programming Jerry Cohen VP – Activities John Chaifetz VP – Membership Steve Caras Engagement Daniel Pransky Goldman and Krodman Scholarship Funds OPEN Corresponding Secretary Chuck Bernstein Recording Secretary Alan Lightstone Parliamentarian

Trustees: Steve Dix – FJMC Region Advisor Arvin Goldberg Joseph Goldstein Bob Gordon Hank Needle Henry Levine Stefan Pollack Barry Riesenberg Al Sapoznik David Selby Richard Smith Barry Teitelman

Men’s Club is a vital part of our congregation. Our ongoing programs include:

▪ Supporting daily minyan

▪ Sponsoring picnics

▪ World Wide Wrap

▪ Providing scholarships

▪ Men’s Club Shabbat

▪ Anshei Darom Retreat

▪ Synagogue Softball League

▪ Usher for High Holidays

▪ Support Holocaust Garden

Our goal is to provide our members with opportunities to meet one another and make new lasting friendships, support our community and have fun during the process.

JOIN MEN’S CLUB and make a difference in our Etz Chaim community.

GET ON THE LIST - CONTACT: Jeff Frankel [email protected]

Virtual Shabbat Services and Minyanim links are available at www.etzchaim.net/livestream

If you have a loved one who has passed away, a yahrzeit, Bar/Bat Mitzvah or a special occasion you wish to honor, please consider a donation to the Holocaust Memorial Garden Brick Program. You can make your donations online using a credit card on the etzchaim.net website under Men’s Club or via mail with a check. If paying by check, please make your check payable to Etz Chaim Men’s Club.

We are actively seeking someone to fill the Corresponding Secretary position on our Board. If you enjoy working with social media and communications, please contact David or myself for additional details.

Please join us for our kickoff event of the Virtual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. The dates for this event are tentative at this point so please watch the EtzBlast for additional information. This is always a great event and a fun way to start the new year. We will also be installing our Officers and Trustees for 2021.

Looking ahead, in February we will sponsor the Virtual World-Wide Wrap, on Sunday, February 3, as we instruct and share with our youth the mitzvah of Tefillin.

This year our retreat will be virtual. The Virtual Anshei Darom Retreat will be three separate days consisting of 90-minute sessions. The planned dates are February 24, March 3, and March 10. Please note, these dates are weeknights. The featured speaker will be Rabbi Chuck Simon, past president of FJMC. Look for more details in the EtzBlast as we get closer to the event. The event represents all Clubs in the Southeast Region. The Etz Chaim Men's Club is by far the most honored organization at this event having won the FJMC Torch Award and bringing the largest contingent of members. This is an outstanding event and if you have not had the opportunity to participate, please make plans to do so this year!

Rounding out the first quarter of 2021 is the Virtual Men's Club Shabbat on Saturday, March 13.

As Men’s Club co-presidents, David and I look forward to another great year!

Shalom!

Jeff Frankel, President Come Out and Enjoy Your Men’s Club! David Lieberman, 1st Vice President [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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Minyan Makers Etz Chaim’s Sisterhood takes responsibility for making a minyan on Thursday evenings. If you are available to help make minyan on a Thursday at 6:30 p.m., sign up at: https://www.tinyurl.com/cecthursminyan. If you would like to get more information, please contact our co-chairs by email at Helen Rosental:

Centerpiece Rental Consider using our beautiful new topiary centerpieces for your Friday night dinner, Kiddush luncheon or Saturday evening affair. Contact the Gift Shop for more information.

JNF Trees for Israel Honor someone special by purchasing a tree in the Etz Chaim Sisterhood grove. For more information, contact the Sandy Bailey at 770-490-7874 or the Gift Shop.

For more information about Sisterhood, please contact:

Melissa Sklar at 404-520-0955 [email protected] OR

Fern Meharg at 770-380-8830 [email protected]

Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook or at www.etzchaim.net

The Sisterhood Scoop

ATTENTION ETZ CHAIM MEMBERS:

If you are planning to be away for an extended amount of time, please inform the office.

Judaica and Gifts Shop Hours

The shop will be open by appointment only.

Please contact the synagogue office

to schedule your visit.

We hope that everyone had an enjoyable Chanukah and all of your homes were blessed with the warmth of the Festival of Lights. We would also like to wish everyone a very happy and healthy Secular New Year. Please read on to discover the full calendar of events we have designed to welcome in the new year.

Speaking of the New Year, this is the perfect time to join or renew your Sisterhood membership. During the month of January, when you join or renew, you will automatically be entered into a drawing for a free membership for the following year. This is our way of “paying it forward!” Current members are also eligible. So, take this opportunity to start fresh, hit the reset button, and make a new year’s resolution to join your “sisters” this year! For more information and to join/renew, please see the ad on page 13.

A big thank you to those who contributed to our annual Sisterhood Knitting Project. All of the knitted and crocheted items donated will help those in need during the winter months. You are a blessing to Must Ministries and a great credit to our community. An extra shoutout to Neda Gayle for coordinating this year’s successful program.

Purim is coming early this year and Sisterhood is gearing up for our annual Mishloach Manot gift program! Be on the lookout for your personalized ordering code to complete your orders online. And, for your safety and convenience this year, Sisterhood will be delivering all gift baskets locally. Ordering begins on January 6. Fulfill one of the Mitzvot of Purim while supporting our community and staying connected. Please see the ad on page 16 for more information.

We’re putting on our dancing shoes and counting down to what promises to be a lively evening of DJ-hosted music, competition, and prizes on January 9 at 7:30 p.m. for Virtual Jukebox Bingo! Sponsored by Sisterhood and Men’s Club, there is still time to register, but hurry, as the deadline is January 4. Open to all. The cost is $10 per “screen.” Please see the ad on page 7 to register.

Rosh Chodesh Shevat is on Thursday, January 14. Please join us virtually at 7:00 a.m. for our monthly Rosh Chodesh service in solidarity with Women of the Wall. Please contact Cheryl Eppsteiner at [email protected] for the most updated information regarding these services and special events. See our ad on page 16.

Bam, Crack, Dot. It’s time to order the 2021 Mah Jongg Card! Let Sisterhood process your order for you. It is the same price as ordering through the National Mah Jongg League, but Sisterhood receives a rebate to help support Etz Chaim programs! And now you can order completely online! It’s that simple. The deadline is January 22, so order today! Please see the online link and printable order form on page 22.

Another stimulating meeting of Sisterhood Book Club is scheduled for Sunday, January 24, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. Join us as we discuss “The Arrogant Years” by Lucette Lagnano. Zoe King will moderate. Please see the ad on page 18 to RSVP.

Tu B’Shevat is January 28. It’s the perfect time to plant a tree in Israel to honor loved ones or commemorate a special occasion. And now, for your convenience, Sisterhood has moved the JNF tree ordering online! It’s so easy! With the click of your mouse, you can order and pay all at once and your recipients will receive a beautiful, personalized certificate. Please see the ad on page 19 for more information or to place an order.

This year, we will be conducting our annual Sisterhood Shabbat on January 30. Please join your sisters for a “Pandemic Style” Shabbat service virtually. This promises to be a very special service conducted by members of Sisterhood. Please see the ad on page 24 for more information.

Our popular lunch and learn series, Shalom in the Home, continues virtually on February 8 at noon. Join Rabbi Emeritus Shalom Lewis as he leads us in a stimulating discussion about “The Book of Ecclesiastes”. Please see the ad on page 25 for the remaining meeting dates and to register.

Travel with us virtually to the Illinois Holocaust Museum to view the landmark exhibit, ‘Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg'. Experience firsthand the life story of this modern pioneer as we first watch a video showcasing the exhibit followed by a live question and answer session with the curator. Our private group tour departs on Zoom on Sunday, February 14 at noon. Free to all current Sisterhood members and $10 for non-members. Or, join Sisterhood when you register and attend for free! Deadline to register is February 7, so sign up now! Please see the ad on page 26 for more information and to sign up.

We encourage you to get involved with Sisterhood! Volunteer. Join a committee. Attend Sisterhood-sponsored Thursday night (virtual) Minyan. The possibilities are endless! Feel connected, have fun, and make new friends. Have questions? Please contact Missy Sklar at [email protected] , 404-520-0955 or Fern Meharg at 770-380-8830, [email protected].

Until next time….

Missy and Fern Co-Presidents, Sisterhood

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

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Please note, we will be able to say Mourner’s Kaddish if we have 10 participants in our virtual minyanim.

As we continue to physically distance, the synagogue office is available by appointment only. Please continue to check our livestream schedule on our website for our Daily Morning and Evening Minyanim, and Friday night services.

Go to: www.etzchaim.net/livestream for the Zoom links to participate online.

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Virtual Torah Study with the Rabbi Every Thursday in January, at 10:00 a.m.

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/385991428

Daf Yomi - January 21 at 5:30 p.m.

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Bereavement Services Offered to Congregants

Etz Chaim’s Chesed Committee will offer to provide meals of consolation to members. This meal is traditionally a dairy meal eaten by mourners upon their return home from the funeral. It includes whole hard-boiled eggs, symbolizing the continuity of life. This service provided by the Chesed Committee allows the family and friends who normally provide the meal to attend the funeral themselves and give the emotional support to the bereaved. Members attending out of town funerals, who sit shiva or hold a memorial service in Atlanta, will be offered a fruit tray.

Contributions made to the Chesed Fund will help to fund these services.

Please contact: Lisa Flagel—678-591-7950

Your cooperation please!

The disabled parking spots are reserved for the exclusive use of those with permits. These spaces are not to be used by anyone else at anytime. There is no parking under the Education Wing overhang. It is a fire code violation.

Family Member In the Hospital?

The rabbi has asked that you notify the synagogue office in the event of a family member’s hospital stay or serious illness.

January Yahrzeits Memorialize a loved one with a Brick in our Holocaust Memorial Garden or a

Plaque on our Yahrzeit Wall. For information, please contact the synagogue office.

*Denotes a memorial plaque in our sanctuary to be lit on the day of the yahrzeit and on all Yizkor holidays.

* 1 January Morris Frank 17 Tevet

1 January Ethel Wise 17 Tevet

1 January Judith Engel 17 Tevet

1 January Rita Kagan 17 Tevet

2 January Albert Gelb 18 Tevet

2 January George Walter 18 Tevet

2 January Mina Rubenstein 18 Tevet

2 January Sophie Mayer 18 Tevet

2 January Barbara Golsen 18 Tevet

3 January Irene Rainbow 19 Tevet

* 3 January Mae Slone Reich 19 Tevet

4 January Lee Silverman 20 Tevet

* 4 January Beth Rubin 20 Tevet

5 January Harvey Slovin 21 Tevet

* 6 January Jacob Taylor 22 Tevet

6 January Virginia Raider 22 Tevet

* 7 January Ferencz Frank 23 Tevet

7 January Seymour Gothelf 23 Tevet

7 January Sidney Silverman 23 Tevet

8 January Mose Darling 24 Tevet

* 8 January Sol David 24 Tevet

8 January Belle Lessans 24 Tevet

* 10 January Charlie Jassen 26 Tevet

* 10 January Harry Phillips 26 Tevet

10 January Gertrude Silverstein 26 Tevet

10 January Tess Weintraub 26 Tevet

* 11 January Lillian Morris 27 Tevet

12 January Murray Kalish 28 Tevet

13 January Larry Krieger 29 Tevet

13 January Philmore Dickson 29 Tevet

14 January Betty Singer 1 Shevat

14 January Molly Nelson 1 Shevat

14 January Rose Lebow 1 Shevat

14 January Gloria Wilensky 1 Shevat

15 January Irwin Sisselman 2 Shevat

15 January Leon Spielman 2 Shevat

* 15 January Judith Caplen 2 Shevat

15 January Shirley Sarlin 2 Shevat

16 January Jay Schulberg 3 Shevat

16 January Julius Pomerantz 3 Shevat

16 January Maureen Zack 3 Shevat

16 January Sylvia Fogel 3 Shevat

17 January Michael L. Gordon 4 Shevat

17 January James Vines 4 Shevat

17 January Ron Patinkin 4 Shevat

17 January Marsha Blatt 4 Shevat

17 January Sandra Sandrowitz 4 Shevat

* 17 January Sarah Yucht 4 Shevat

* 18 January Louis Siegel 5 Shevat

* 18 January Ron Toron 5 Shevat

18 January Jean Bart 5 Shevat

* 18 January Rose Bernknopf 5 Shevat

* 19 January Ira Altfeder 6 Shevat

19 January Samuel Kahn 6 Shevat

* 19 January Steven Krodman 6 Shevat

19 January Lucille Ehrlich 6 Shevat

20 January Rae Weiss 7 Shevat

20 January Leona Weiner 7 Shevat

* 21 January Harold Stiller 8 Shevat

* 21 January Ruth Lutzky 8 Shevat

22 January Edward Fortas 9 Shevat

22 January Manny Riesenberg 9 Shevat

22 January Estelle Marsand 9 Shevat

22 January Henia Mayers 9 Shevat

22 January Robbie Goldin 9 Shevat

23 January Alexander Freeman 10 Shevat

* 24 January Nathan Rosenzweig 11 Shevat

24 January Gertrude Olens 11 Shevat

25 January Christopher Hassey 12 Shevat

* 25 January William Galin 12 Shevat

26 January Bernard Levit 13 Shevat

* 26 January Sam Szeftel 13 Shevat

27 January Elaine Shapiro 14 Shevat

27 January Jeanette Katz 14 Shevat

27 January Rose Wexler 14 Shevat

* 27 January Sarah Graiser 14 Shevat

28 January Charles Wexler 15 Shevat

28 January Eddie Masters 15 Shevat

28 January Herman Davis 15 Shevat

* 28 January Ruth Richman 15 Shevat

* 28 January Donald M. Sencer 15 Shevat

29 January Lorry Deino 16 Shevat

29 January Sandy Zelony 16 Shevat

* 30 January Leo Altfeder 17 Shevat

* 30 January Bernard Cohen 17 Shevat

30 January Samuel Scopp 17 Shevat

30 January Sidney Itzkowitz 17 Shevat

30 January Lionel Schlosberg 17 Shevat

31 January Ira Segal 18 Shevat

* 31 January Selda K. Slater 18 Shevat

31 January Sylvia Berman 18 Shevat

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UA

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If you would like to order your Mah Jongg card through our website, go to https://www.etzchaim.net/form/mahjonggcard

https://www.etzchaim.net/form/mahjonggcard

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Tzedakah Project for JF&CS’ Kosher Food Pantry

Etz Chaim continues to college food for the JF&CS Kosher Food Pantry. Right now, They are low on the following items:

Canned tuna and salmon, shelf stable milk, cereal, pasta sauce, peanut butter, jelly, Publix brand Macaroni and cheese, kosher soup and soup packets.

Please make sure ALL items are marked with a kosher symbol.

For more information, contact Bob Beer at [email protected]

NPO# KY946

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For details on upcoming Youth Group events, you can follow us using the following links:

https://etzchaim.net/youth_programs

https://www.facebook.com/etzchaimyouth/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/EtzChalutzim/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/EtzAtid/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/EtzChaimKadima/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/EtzChaimUSY/

https://www.instagram.com/sababa_usy/

Registration forms are online for membership in one of our many Youth Groups

for the Youth Department

www.etzchaim.net/form/ygmembership20-21

https://etzchaim.net/youth_programshttps://www.facebook.com/etzchaimyouth/https://www.facebook.com/groups/EtzChalutzim/https://www.facebook.com/groups/EtzAtid/https://www.facebook.com/groups/EtzChaimKadima/https://www.facebook.com/groups/EtzChaimUSY/https://www.instagram.com/sababa_usy/

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Have you heard about Roots, Etz Chaim’s new interest-based small groups initiative? Below are current Roots groups. Do you

have an interest-based group in mind for Etz Chaim? Let’s make it happen! Once we have a volunteer leader and five committed members, a group can be formed. You decide when and where. Have questions or want to form a new Roots group? Please contact Heather Blake, Director of Engagement, by email at [email protected] or 770-

973-0137. Interested in being part of the Engagement Committee to help oversee Roots groups? Please let Heather know.

Roots Movie Group

Roots Hiking Group Explore local beauty by joining us on a hike once a month on a Sunday afternoon. This small group is open to all ages and abilities. Please reach out to Dani Oren at to be added to the email list at [email protected]. Information will also be shared in the Etz Chaim Virtual Kiddush Facebook Group.

Birthday Club The Etz Chaim Birthday Club is a social club enjoying lunch once a month and helping celebrate our congregants’ birthdays. We choose a local spot for a 1-2 hour lunch on a Friday afternoon, get together and learn a little bit about each other. If you would like to be added to this group, please contact Laurie Lavinsky at [email protected] or Malka Riesenberg at [email protected].

Walking/Running Group Start your Sunday off right by joining us for a morning walk/run with your Etz Chaim friends and family. This takes place Sunday mornings, at 9:30 a.m. in the Etz Chaim parking lot. If you are available, we ask that you please join us for morning minyan at 9:00 a.m. too. If you have any questions or want to participate in the Sunday morning walking/running group, please contact Amir Oren at [email protected].

Woodworkers of Etz Chaim If you enjoy woodworking of all types and are interested in participating in an interest group, please contact Hank Needle at [email protected] or text 678 520 8635 indicating your interest in this group. We will begin with an organizational meeting followed by a tour of shops. This way, we can meet one another and see what each of us does individually and then take it from there. Look forward to hearing from interested parties.

Artists Collective Are you an artist? An art roots group is forming at Etz Chaim! This is an opportunity for all artists to meet, explore Jewish art connections, discuss art topics, support each other in our projects, and contribute to our community. All mediums welcome. Whether it is a hobby or profession, please come to share your art interests and skills as we create this exciting new group! For more information and to be part of this group, please contact Rob Foster at [email protected].

Etz Chaim Cancer Support Group Etz Chaim is forming a circle of care for cancer patients undergoing treatment and those in remission. If there is interest, we will meet together to share feelings and support to each individual. If you would like to be part of this Roots group, please contact Marylan Karp at [email protected] or 678-290-1673.

Roots—Etz Chaim’s Small Group Initiative:

Please note:

The Voice of Chaim is produced one month prior to delivery. Donations received after the first of each month may not appear in the current issue. Thank you. We appreciate your generosity.

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:(678)%20290-1673

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Contributions processed from November 1 - 30, 2020

GENERAL FUND

In appreciation of:

Rosalind Reiss for her dedication and patience with tutoring our son, Adam Sandak. He looks forward to his Hebrew lessons with Roz and he has retained and learned so much from her. We can't thank Roz enough for her wonderful teaching methods that have encouraged our son to enjoy learning Hebrew. Sarah and Matthew Sandak

In blessed memory of:

Tillie Tenenbaum, mother of Toby and Dave and grandmother of Adam and Lauren Fagin. May her memory be a blessing. Mindy and Louis Kandel

In memory of:

My mother, Belle Testa Joanne Chaifetz

Burton Jacobs, father of Linda Berch

Tillie Tenenbaum Lisa and Sam Olens

RABBI DORSCH DISCRETIONARY FUND

Richard Karol and Leslie Jeter

In appreciation of:

Rabbi Dorsch for a beautiful and memorable Bar Mitzvah service Ethan Efrat and Family

Rabbi Dan Dorsch and our continued friendship Janet Scharfstein

Rabbi Dorsch. Thank you so much for taking the time to install my mezuzah. It made my move complete. I really appreciate your kindness. Karen Schultz

Rabbi Dorsch for visiting Debbie when her sister-in-law, Judy Zager, passed away. Lee and Deborah Elfenbein

Rabbi Dorsch. I want to acknowledge your very important assistance to our growing family - especially Jordyn! Good wishes and good health to you and your wonderful family. Patricia Lane

In honor of:

Rabbi Dorsch. Thank you for helping with "Movies @ the Etz". Luci and Stan Sunshine

our son, Meylakh, who will take extra steps in order to help, to support and who will travel in order to spend time and bring joy

to his parents. Good luck in getting into medical school. With unconditional love from your dad and mom who miss you a lot, Marat and Galina Barshay

In loving memory of:

Robert Coltman Barnet Coltman

our sister and aunt, Sandra Jarrett Ellen, John, Rebecca and Joshua Jarrett

our mother Betty Ann Jacobson's yahrzeit Nancy J. Freedman

In memory of:

Helen Goldman, grandmother of Liz Cohen Art and Liz Cohen

Burton Jacobs, father of Linda Berch. We are so sorry for the loss of your father. May wonderful memories help sustain you at this time. Donna Bierman and Maxine Schein

Linda Idelson, sister of Kathy Schwartz. My sincerest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your sister. May wonderful memories sustain you at this time.

Mildred Press, the most amazing Grandma anyone could have had Donna Bierman

Helen Kanner. You are forever in my heart. I miss you every day. Edward Kanner

Manny Rothstein Jana and Brad Ross

Caren Greenberg on her yahrzeit Lee and Deborah Elfenbein

Howard SchneiderLila Booth Luci and Stan Sunshine

my sister, Margery Cohen Meredith Cohen

Jo Diamond, loving Mother and Grandmother Michael, Linda, Sarah and Benjamin Diamond

Beatrice Rakusin Robert Rakusin

Manny Rothstein - Husband, Father, Grand-father, and Great Grandfather, on his yahrzeit Saundra Rothstein

Edward Metzker on his yahrzeit Shelley and Steve Buxbaum

RABBI LEWIS DISCRETIONARY FUND

In memory of:

Evelyn Brindle Robert and Sandra Brindle

RABBI LEWIS ENDOWMENT

In appreciation of:

Rabbi Lewis for a beautiful and memorable Bar Mitzvah service Ethan Efrat and Family

BUILDING ENHANCEMENT FUND


Tillie Tenenbaum, mother of Toby Fagin and family. May she rest in peace. Debbi and Randy Chartash

My beloved grandmother, Minnie Altholtz

My beloved mother, Irene Friedman Altholtz Linda Bernknopf

My beloved mother, Rose Bernknopf. Stan Bernknopf

CYNTHIA R. FREEMAN MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT


Our dear mother, Rita Freeman, on the anniversary of her yahrzeit. We miss you and think about you every day. Debbie and Kevin Robbins

FIGUR FAMILY OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

In memory of:

Tillie Tenenbaum, mother of Toby Fagin. Sharing our thoughts and prayers on the loss of your mother. Adrienne and Randy Figur

JOAN H. RABIN MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT

In memory of:

Amy Isaacson. May her memory be a blessing. Dan Rabin, Sarah Rabin and Hooman Nourparvar, and Stephanie Rabin and Gilad Moyal

LINDA H. WEINROTH EDUCATION FUND

In appreciation of:

Linda Weinroth. Thank you for your patience and guidance while tutoring Ethan. You made his Bar Mitzvah prep a wonderful experience. Stacy and Amir Efrat

In honor of:

the wedding of Rebecca and Michael Barnhard. Wishing them a long, happy life together! Ronni and David Beker

In memory of: Alan Danis. Dad, I continue to live your life's lessons and I miss you every day. Ken Danis

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Contributions processed from November 1 - 30, 2020

MORRIS FRANK SACRED TEXT FUND


Allan Carp Candy Frank

my beloved wife, Etta Frederick Davis

my father, Irving Funk, on his yahrzeit Marsha Shrago

In memory of:

Lila Booth, mother of Robert Rosenbaum Marsha Shrago

Wishing a speedy recovery to:

Walt Shultz Wendy and Ron Feinberg

PHILLIP MICHAEL SILVERMAN MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT


Linda Idelson Sheri and Mark Schwartz

PHILLIP'S LIBRARY FUND

In memory of:

Betty Balaban, mother of Lynn Fischler. Sincere condolences to you and your family. Beverly Barnhard

Rose Levine. Henry Levine

Isadore Cohen. Lawrence Cohen

PRESCHOOL FUND


Tillie Tenenbaum, mother of Toby Fagin Annette and Stephen Friedman

In honor of:

Jill Lewis. Welcome to Sandy Springs. Mazel tov on your new home. Lynn and Bob Sustak


our grandson, Jordan Chefchis (z"l) Berna and Noah Levine

Joseph L. Reiter, Saundi's father Saundi and Adam Shapiro

In memory of:

my brother, Jeff Jassen, on his first yahrzeit. May you be making music with the greats! Karen and Hank Needle

ROBERT KLEIN MEMORIAL CHESED FUND

In memory of:

my mother, Pauline Teitelman Joyce and Barry Teitelman

Tillie Tenenbaum. Our condolences to Toby Fagin and family on the loss of your beloved mother. Laurie and Mark Lavinsky

Esther Cohen Lawrence Cohen

Tillie Tenenbaum, dear mother of Toby Fagin. May your memories and love warm your heart at this difficult time for you and your family. Lynne G. Johannesen

SISTERHOOD ENDOWMENT FUND


Tillie Tenenbaum, mother of Toby Fagin. May her memory be a sweet blessing for you. Paula L. Coplon

In celebration of:

Rosh Chodesh Sherry Adams

In loving memory of: Burton Jacobs, sweet Dad of Linda Berch. May his memory be a blessing. Paula L. Coplon

STEVEN KRODMAN MEN'S CLUB SCHOLARSHIP FUND


Burton Jacobs, beloved father of Linda (Sheldon) Berch Art and Liz Cohen

YOUTH FUND


Rufus Shelkoff, loving Dad, Papa and friend to all he met. Miss your funny humor and interesting conversations. Bernice and Bruce Mellman, Jenn, Aaron and Jason

In memory of:

Burton Jacobs Marsha and Chuck Bernstein

Wishing Mazal Tov to

Berna and Noah Levine on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Brandon Levine Linda and Stan Bernknopf

YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND

In memory of:

Dr. Oscar Stadtler Miriam Rosenbaum

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Publication’s Title and Number: Voice of Chaim ▪ Volume 45 ▪ Issue 1 Issue Date: January 2021 Frequency: Monthly Authorized Organization’s Name and Address: Congregation Etz Chaim ▪ 1190 Indian Hills Pkwy. ▪ Marietta, GA 30068

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Did you know…

You can make your donations online.

For step-by-step entry, go to:

https://www.etzchaim.net/payment.php

For assistance, contact Lisa at 770-973-0137

Torah Reader Communications

We are in the process of restructuring how we recruit Torah readers here at Etz Chaim for Shabbat and Festivals. If you are interested in periodically reading Torah on Shabbat, Rabbi Dorsch would be interested in hearing from you!

If you are currently receiving the weekly emails looking for Torah readers and are no longer interested in receiving the emails, please contact Rabbi Dorsch.

If you are not currently receiving the emails and would like to be placed on our list to read Torah, please contact Rabbi Dorsch. Thank you in advance.

Rabbi Dorsch [email protected]

Do you know someone looking

to advertise their business?

This space is available for purchase!

For more information, contact

[email protected].

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Promote Your Business Here!

For advertising information,

please contact Bernice

in the synagogue office

at 770-973-0137

or by email at

[email protected]

Please note, we will be able to say Mourner’s Kaddish if we have 10 participants in our virtual minyanim.

As we continue to physically distance, the synagogue office is available by appointment only. Please continue to check our livestream schedule on our website for our Daily Morning and Evening Minyanim, and Friday night services via Zoom and Saturday morning Shabbat service live on our website at: www.etzchaim.net/facebook-livestream.

Go to: www.etzchaim.net/livestream for the Zoom links to participate online.

Daniel I. Dorsch Rabbi

Shalom J. Lewis Rabbi Emeritus

Martin Gilbert Executive Director

Debbie Deutsch Director of Education

Heather Blake Director of Engagement

Steven Resnick Youth Director

Aram Blankenship Facilities Manager

Bernice Isaac Newsletter Production

Officers Linda J. Pollock President

Jamie Lyons Executive VP

Billy Balser Chief Financial Officer

Alan Lightstone VP of Fundraising

Harris Fogel Co-VP of Religion

Robert Gray Co-VP of Religion

Lance England VP of Education

Elliot Okrent VP of Communications

Dani Oren VP of Membership Services

Tamara Jacobs VP of Engagement

Allison Y. Saffran Immediate Past President and Parliamentarian

Trustees Bob Beer Felicia Berne Pamela Chambers Lauren Chernau Esther Deino Jeff Frankel Audrey Fried-Sheets Barry Gang Michelle Grey Leslie Lubell Fern Meharg Rob Miller Leigh Nathan Jonathan Olens Jennifer Pila Dena Saginor Josh Schwartz Marsha Shrago Bonnie Silverman Beth Weiss

Past Presidents Allison Y. Saffran Todd H. Surden Cheryl Cohen-Miller Scott Rittenberg Stephen Friedman Irwin Berman Bob Bachrach Judy Fineman Norman Radow Debbie Milstein Sue Rothstein David Witt Ken Schlenker George Pristach Richard Smith Allen Shulman Noah Levine Barry Forrest z”l David Tinkelman Ellis Abrams Stephen King

Organizations Melissa Sklar Fern Meharg Sisterhood Co-Presidents

Jeff Frankel Men’s Club President

Pnina Sasson USY President

Congregation Etz Chaim

1190 Indian Hills Parkway

Marietta, GA 30068

Synagogue Office 770-973-0137

Education Office 770-977-3384

Fax 770-977-0829

www.etzchaim.net

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit #433 Marietta, GA

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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