January 2015 Voice of Chaim

Voice of ChaimCongregation Etz Chaim • 1190 Indian Hills Parkway • Marietta, GA 30068 • 770.973.0137

Creating Meaningful Jewish Experiences

January 2015 / TeveT - ShevaT 5775 / volume 39, ISSue 1

In this Issue: From Our Rabbis page 2

From Our President page 3

From Our Youth Director page 3

Education News Page 4

Our Etz Chaim Community page 7

B’nai Mitzvah page 9

Sisterhood Scoop page 10

Men’s Club Notes page 11

Religious Corner page 18

Calendar page 19

Yahrzeits page 20

Tzedakah page 29

Daily Minyan Times:

Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m.

Sunday, 9:15 a.m.

Sunday – Friday 6:30 p.m.

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

www.etzchaim.net

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The Voice of Chaim | January 2015

With a new year, we attempt to fix that which is sort of broken in our lives – our eating habits, our spending habits, our smoking habits…our bad habits. It is a convenient moment in time that inspires us to improve our behavior, but, of course, though the road is paved with good intentions, as January fades, we often become our old selves, gobbling, buying, puffing and indulging as before.

We are all victims of gallant attempts, but our weaknesses are too often overpowering and most of us never had a chance, as we backslide into February. Results are testimony to altered ways but do we get credit for at least trying and admitting our persistent imperfections? Judaism is a faith of remarkable insight – thousands of years of accumulated I.Q.s and experience. Our faith acknowledges that perfection is impossible but sees divinity as incremental self-betterment. As my father z’l would say, “Yiddle by Yiddle”. Wise baby steps, not unsustainable grand leaps, can help us mend our ways and improve our human spirit. But Judaism is not naïve nor easily snookered and insists “Lo hadibbur ela hama’aseh – not words but deeds” are the measure of a person. In today’s parlance – ‘Talk is cheap’.

The purpose of life (actually not such a daunting question) is to grow in soul – to be better when we leave this earth, by contrast, to when we first appeared. Yet the quality of a man/woman at final departure must be calculated in some manner, and so the empty wind of words is meaningless in judgment. “What did you do?” is the question asked, not “What did you hope to do?”. Life is action, not intent. It is kinetic, not cerebral.

As Jews and as human beings, goals must be real and reasonable, not dramatic and fanciful. How often do we hear commitments to change that are foolishly ambitious and not rooted in the practical?

Climb a steep hill before attempting Everest.

Come to shul once a month before vowing allegiance to the daily minyon.

Give up desserts before swearing off carbs.

Eliminate shrimp from the diet before dunking your kitchen into a mikve.

Reduce daily cigarette consumption before going into agonizing withdrawal.

Enjoy a family Friday night meal before putting your house in weekly lockdown for twenty five hours.

Resolutions are well intentioned, but fragile. Change is noble, but not easy. So do we simply yield to the momentum of habit or do we slog forward but with prudence? Reckless, rapid change is fleeting and lasts but a short time. A transformation that is cautious, deliberate and serious stands a chance of surviving the winter and the seductions along the way.

As Rabbi Dusty Springfield wisely taught – “Wishin’ and hopin’ and thinkin’ and prayin’…plannin’ and dreamin’” will get us nowhere.

Resolve intelligently. Implement realistically and maybe this will be the year of true growth in soul and in deed.

– Rabbi Shalom Lewis

Congregation Etz Chaim As A Caring Community

Our congregation is recognized in our Jewish community as a major partner in our Jewish community for collaboration, partnership and bridge building on a wide range of issues, community services and programs. When the Marcus Foundation gave Jewish Family & Career Services its initial grant in a pilot Synagogue Outreach Initiative, who did they call as their first partner? Etz Chaim! When AIPAC launched its Synagogue Outreach Initiative, Etz Chaim was one of the first synagogues to be visited to be invited to join their educational outreach program.

In recent months, we have joined with community partners to educate our congregation and show our support:

• Our Youth Department hosted a Wacky Wednesday with SOJOURN, the Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity to help sensitize our youth about these issues and allow young people affiliated with SOJOURN to participate in a Jewish youth program in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

• For the second year in a row, Etz Chaim hosted a Sober Shabbat, a program of HAMSA – Helping Atlantans Manage Substance Abuse – celebrating Shabbat and learning about the Torah portion of the week in the spirit and peace of Shabbat.

• Our Seventh Grade students studied about the Holocaust through the Breman Museum’s Holocaust Education program meeting Holocaust survivors and gaining knowledge about the history and experience of our people in Nazi Europe.

• And in February, Etz Chaim will join many congregations in participating in Disability Awareness Month. At Tot Shabbat on February 6, at Religious School on February 10 and at Shabbat Services February 13-14, our congregation will learn and become more sensitive to a diverse range of disabilities facing our members and our community.

Our tradition teaches us: “Despise no person and consider nothing impossible. For there is no person who does not have his hour and there is nothing that does not have its place.” (Pirke Avot, The Ethics of the Fathers 4:3). As individuals and as a community, we must always strive to be sensitive to the concerns, the challenges, the crises and epidemics that affect our society. Our Jewish community is not immune to alcoholism, drug abuse or addiction. We have children and adults with a variety of special needs. Everyone has a place at the Jewish table and as a congregation, we must strive to reach out to everyone and provide a place at the table or in our sanctuary so that everyone is welcome.

Our Torah teaches, “Love Thy Neighbor As Thyself!” Rabbi Akiva commented: “This is the greatest principle of the Torah.” Rabbi Ben Azzai also noted: “In the day that God created man, He did so, ‘in the likeness of God.’” Ben Azzai is reminding us that every human being is a child of God created in the image of God. Ben Azzai concluded: This is a principle greater than that (Love They Neighbor As Thyself.” May we so live, and may we strive as individuals and as a community to live by these principles and inculcate them into our beliefs and actions so that no one is left behind.

– Rabbi Paul David Kerbel

From Rabbi Lewis From Rabbi Kerbel


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By the time this hits your mailbox, we will have celebrated Chanukah and be preparing to welcome in the secular New Year. I hope that the Festival of Lights brought joy and happiness to all our families and your loved ones. As you read this, I am most likely on the trip of a lifetime and I am sure you will never guess where. I will not be eating pasta in Italy or sipping champagne at the Eiffel Tower or praying at the Western Wall or lying on the sun drenched beaches of St. Tropez. But for the average marching band mom, or any parent for that matter, what could be more thrilling than being in Pasadena for New Year’s Day and having the chance to watch my daughter, and her friends, march down Colorado Avenue in the Rose Parade. Amanda, and 181 of her friends from the Walton High School Marching Band, will proudly march in the 2015 Rose Parade and I can’t imagine a better way to usher in the New Year than to be in the grandstands.

When we return to East Cobb in time for the second semester, Etz Chaim will be almost ready to usher in our next administrative year as we install our 2015 Board of Trustees. Installation will take place during Shabbat services on Saturday, January 10, 2015. We will also be celebrating our Third Decade Shabbat as we honor members who joined between 1995-2004. I will look forward to seeing a full sanctuary as we pay tribute to our incoming and outgoing boards, as well as our third decade members.

I want to take a moment to thank our immediate Past President, Scott Rittenberg, for overseeing our nominating committee. Scott and his committee worked diligently to put together the Slate of Officers and Trustees who are being installed this month. Our new nominees, along with those who are completing the second year of their terms, are ready to represent our congregation and to work alongside our officers to ensure that Etz Chaim continues to thrive. The Executive Committee is pleased to welcome two new VP’s, Adam Buxbaum and Denise Gelernter. Adam has recently completed, and Denise is currently engaged in, the Jacobson Leadership Institute. We are excited to have them on the board and look forward to learning from them as they share their new insights with us as we begin 2015. I want to extend my personal thanks to everyone serving on our 2015 Board of Trustees. Your time and dedication to Etz Chaim are truly valued and appreciated, and I challenge each of us to become more engaged and find ways to make positive changes for our congregation.

The past year has been busy for our board and I would be remiss if I did not thank each of them for their hard work and patience as we tackled the changes and challenges of 2014. A special thanks to our outgoing Executive Committee members, Stacy Efrat and Joe Freeman, for their service. Stacy has been involved with membership, young families and most recently as Engagement VP. Joe, who has been active on the board and also as Engagement VP, will continue to chair our Shabbat Greeters Committee. Our Executive Committee and Board of Trustees are just a small number of the people who are busy on a daily basis at Etz Chaim. We have a vast array of committees and affinity groups who work tirelessly to keep the daily workings of our shul running smoothly. (This sounds like a topic for next month as these committees are always looking for new people to get engaged.)

I do want to highlight some of the things that have been accomplished at the board level this year – besides a balanced budget and monthly meetings. Our board members are engaged in our newly formed and very active social

From Our President From Our Youth Director Shalom Chaverim,

As we head into the New Year, we look back on an amazing Fall semester. Featuring Shabbat dinners, lasertag, bowling, whirlyball, conventions, and many more events, we had an incredible time!

Coming up in the next couple of months is our annual Purim Carnival fundraiser! By now you should have gotten a fundraising letter in the mail, asking for support to help make this year’s carnival a blast. We rely solely on donations to help put on a successful event, and this March 1st, we hope we can rely on you to continue to go above and beyond and provide our synagogue with an amazing experience that exceeds expectations.

I invite you to turn to page # and consider helping us start the year right. With your support, no matter how big or small, you can help us make a difference, providing scholarships for our youth and stellar programming across the board.

Come on by for a warm plate of fun for everyone! Stay warm, stay dry, as we brave the cold with so many amazing events this January. We have something for everyone, so save the dates!

January 10 9th – 12th Grades: Progressive Dinner: 6:30-9 p.m.

January 10 3rd – 5th Grades: Havdalah, Movie and Game Night at Etz Chaim: 7:30-10 p.m.

January 11 K – 2nd Grades: Ice skating at Marietta Ice Center: 1:30-3 p.m.

January 19 8th Grade: Hangout at Starbucks: 3-4:30 p.m.

January 25 6th – 8th Grades: “Minute to Win It” at the Youth House: 12:15-2 p.m.

January 31 USY: Limo Lock-In at the Youth House: 6:45 p.m. start time

Please be aware, the dates and times are subject to change. Don’t forget to check our emails for the most current information! Please check your spam folders if you are not getting our emails!

We are so excited for what the future semester brings. Not sure what we are all about? Come stop by the synagogue and say hi! Check out one of our events, or check out our flyers in the synagogue lobby. From one Sababa Frog to another, hop on down for a good time this year!

See page 27 for more Youth Group News.

– Perry Birbrager [email protected] 770-833-3227

Continues on page 6

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Save the Date for These Amazing Programs at Etz ChaimOur Third Annual Chocolate Seder sponsored by Sisterhood. Wednesday, March 18th

Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Professor Stephen M. Cohen sponsored by The Ramie A. Tritt Family Foundation. Friday – Sunday, March 20 -22, 2015

media/marketing committee, implemented a fabulous new service – Blue Jean Shabbat, are working on outreach to our interfaith families, are involved in the planning of our 40th anniversary celebration year and are looking for ways to make Etz Chaim a more inclusive and dynamic congregation. We always welcome your input as we strive to make sure that all our congregants have an opportunity to create meaningful Jewish experiences here at Etz Chaim.

Again, my most sincere personal thanks to everyone who has been or will be engaged in leadership at Etz Chaim – working on a committee, serving as a Trustee or Officer. You have made and will continue to make a positive impact on our congregation.

David, Jessie and Amanda join me in wishing everyone a very healthy, happy, joyous, loving and “Rosy” New Year.

– Cheryl Cohen-Miller

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Save the Date:Saturday, January 10 Third Decade Shabbat

Saturday, January 10Coffee, Cake and Torah at 7:30 p.m.

Monday, January 12 Shalom in the Home at Nancy Miller’s home 12:00 noon

Tuesday, January 20Emory At the Etz with Professor Eric Goldstein, Director, Tam Institute for Jewish Studies, Emory University at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 31Sisterhood Shabbat 9:30 a.m

Sunday, February 1Sisterhood Book Club at Suzanne Rivchun’s home 9:30 a.m

Sunday, February 1Men’s Club World Wide Wrap

Mazal Tov to…Our Youth Director, Perry Birbrager, who is being honored by Camp Ramah Darom for all of his work with the disabled community over the years. He will be honored at a ceremony on Sunday, February 8, through the Federation, along with others in the Jewish community.

Luci and Stan Sunshine on the birth of their grandson, Leo Asher, on November 23

Robin and Jay Brodsky, on the upcoming baby naming of granddaughter, Alexis Rachel Brodsky. Alexis was born on August 22.

Jamie and Matt Dranove on the birth of their daughter Samantha Brett, born on December 10

Heide and Paul Dranove on the birth of their 3 new granddaughters, Brooke Mackenzie, born on November 10, to Elissa and Adam Klug, Leah Ivy born on December 6, to Rebecca and Jason Dranove and Samantha Brett, born on December 10, to Jamie and Matt Dranove

Regina and David Witt on the birth of grandson, Joseph Daniel, on December 15, to Ellen and Scott Monen

Our Condolemces to...Lori Sperling on the passing of her sister, Jodi Churneftsky

Ken Danis on the loss of his father, Alan Danis

Edward Kanner on the loss of his mother, Helen Kanner

Al Cohn on the loss of his mother, Lois Cohn

Thank You to Our Office VolunteersAdele GreensponSally GreensteinHelen RosengartenLou RosengartenLinda Weinroth

New Emails…Faye Ellen Slutsky [email protected]

Our Etz Chaim Community

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February 9th and March 9th

January 12th


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Upcoming B’nai Mitzvah

The Voice of Chaim is featuring photos and biographical information on upcoming B’nai Mitzvah.

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

• Biographical information

• School information

• Photo

• D’var Torah Quote

To have your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah information included, please email the material and a photo (if available) to Bernice at [email protected].

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

Lily Isbitts will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on January 17, 2015 – 26 Tevet 5775. She is the daughter of Debbie and Mark Isbitts. Lily’s Bat Mitzvah parasha is Va’era. She is a 7th grader at McCleskey Middle School. Lily has been a student in Etz Chaim’s Religious School for 7 years and attended Etz Chaim’s Preschool for 4 years. Her hobbies and interests include figure skating, reading, band and shopping!

Lily’s D’var Torah quote is “Therefore, say to the children of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will take you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will save you from their labor, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments.’” For her mitzvah project, Lily is going to donate a portion of her Bat Mitzvah money to her Middle School Band and Foundation. McCleskey is a huge positive force in Lily’s life and means a lot to her. Her school band is always needing funding and the foundation is new and in dire need of funding.

Shaan Sohail will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on January 24, 2015 – 4 Shevat 5775. He is the son of Beth Sohail. Shaan’s Bar Mitzvah parasha is Bo. He is a 7th grader at Dickerson Middle School. Shaan has been a student in Etz Chaim’s Religious School for 8 years. His hobbies and interests include swimming, camping, trumpet, video games and hanging out with friends.

Shaan’s D’var Torah quote is “You can never be prepared enough for certain things in life.” For his mitzvah project, Shaan is collecting games for the Genesis Shelter.

A hearty Mazal Tov to these studentscelebrating their B’nai Mitzvah!

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The Sisterhood ScoopMinyan Makers – if you are available to help make minyan on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm, even if it is just once per year, please let us know. Contact Nancy Gorod for our schedule – [email protected].

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

JNF Trees for Israel Honor someone special by purchasing a tree in the Etz Chaim Sisterhood grove. Contact the Judaica and Gift Shop, 770-973-0137 ext. 124 for more information.

For more information about Sisterhood please contact:

Erica Driver 678-643-1991 [email protected]

or

Linda Berch 678-357-1005 [email protected]

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

We hope everyone enjoyed their Chanukah celebrations with family and friends and are ready to begin the New Year after a restful winter break.

We’d like to send a heartfelt “Thank You” to Liz Cohen for another amazing Chanukah Shuk. For those of you who don’t know, Liz shops all year for bargains so your kids have something (that they pick out and pay for) to give as Chanukah gifts.

We would also like to thank Perry and his USYers for all of their help pulling together another wonderful Chanukah Party. Our Programming Committee (Tamara Jacobs, Beth Weiss and Amy Surasky) really outdid themselves this year!

Need some exercise? Come stretch your mind at this month’s Shalom in the Home, where Rabbi Lewis will lead an interactive discussion on one of a number of Jewish topics, Monday, January 12th, at the home of Nancy Miller (2804 Cranmore Ct., Marietta). See ad on page 8 or contact Linda Berch at [email protected] to RSVP or for further information.

If you haven’t ordered your 2015 Mah Jongg Cards yet, the deadline is swiftly approaching. ALL orders must be received by Tuesday, January 20th. See page 22 for order information.

Please join us in unity with the Women of the Wall as we celebrate Rosh Chodesh Shevat on Wednesday, January 21. Services begin at 7 a.m. in the Chapel and are followed by a light breakfast.

And last, but not least, we would like to personally invite you to join us for a celebration of “Sisterhood” at this year’s Sisterhood Shabbat on Saturday, January 31st (see page 7). If you’ve never been, it will blow your socks off! On this special Shabbat, the women of Etz Chaim run the entire show…everything from greeters and ushers to rabbis, gabbaim and Torah readers. We take this opportunity to thank all of the women who volunteer their time for our congregation throughout the year. And after the service, we ask that you join us for delicious Kiddush luncheon. It is always one of our favorite annual traditions!!!

Please keep our Judaica & Gifts Shop in mind for all your mitzvah and wedding gift needs (many are pre-wrapped for your convenience). You can even stop by and start a registry. The shop is now open during religious school hours, Tuesdays 4:30-6:30 p.m. and Sundays 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

We are always looking for volunteers to get involved in Sisterhood. If you are interested, please contact Erica Driver (678-643-1991, [email protected]) or Linda Berch (678-357-1005, [email protected]). If you want to feel connected, get involved, have fun and meet people, this is for you. We are always looking for people to volunteer for minyan and in the gift shop.

Erica & Linda

Anyone wishing an Aliyah should contact Bob Frohlich at

[email protected] or 770-579-1752

ATTENTION ETZ CHAIM MEMBERSIf you are planning to be away for an extended amount of time, please inform the office.


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The end of my term as Co-President of Etz Chaim Men’s Club has come and gone. Now is the time to welcome and support Mark Isbitts and Jay Givarz as Co-presidents for the next two years. It is a bittersweet time for me because I have seen a major change in the programming and events the Men’s Club has offered. The transition began with my predecessor Jeff Frankel, supported by my Co-President Steve Krodman, and enacted by the Men’s Club Executive Committee and Board of Trustees, a great group of men to work with and a whole lot of new activities on the docket.

The Kristallnacht Remembrance Program held Sunday, November 9, in the Etz Chaim Holocaust Memorial Garden was overwhelming. This program is one that everyone should attend at least once to have the honor and solidarity of remembering the fallen Jews who were murdered at the hands of the German military and promising “Never Again – Never Again”.

We had a great turnout on Sunday, December 14, as we hosted our popular Best Breakfast in Town™ featuring a preview of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. Over the past several years, this has been one of our most well-attended events – hardly a surprise, given the ever-increasing audience AJFF has drawn.

Coming up next on the Men’s Club calendar, we have:

• Feb 1 – The World Wide Wrap – giving children and their parents a chance to learn about the mitzvah of tefillin

• Feb 6-8 – The sixteenth annual Anshei Darom Regional Retreat at Camp Ramah Darom – a weekend of Shabbat that combines spirits, spirituality, and camaraderie with men from all around the southeast. See ad on page 22 for additional information.

Please consider purchasing a Holocaust Memorial Garden brick in memory of a loved one or a Certificate to celebrate a simcha. Memorial bricks and certificates are available through the Men’s Club or online at etzchaim.net.

Your dues support our year-long activities, but what we really need is your participation. If you have an interest in running or participating in a committee, or in joining the Men’s Club Board of Trustees, please contact Mark Isbitts or Jay Givarz.

Look for your Men’s Club events and activities in the monthly Voice of Chaim, the Friday e-Blast, and on our website at http://www.etzchaim.net/mens_club.aspx.

Best Wishes,

Andy Becker, Co-President Steve Krodman, Co-President [email protected] [email protected]

Come out and enjoy Your Men’s Club!

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

• Supporting the synagogue’s daily minyan

• Sponsoring the annual Lag B’Omer Picnic and the Labor Day cookout

• Laying tefillin for the World Wide Wrap with our Hebrew School kids

• Providing scholarships to Etz Chaim teens through the Bob Goldman Fund

• Men’s Club Shabbat

• Sponsoring the Anshei Darom weekend retreat for members at Camp Ramah

• Greater Atlanta Synagogue Softball League

• Set-up and usher for High Holiday Services

• Supports the Holocaust Memorial Garden

Our goals are to provide our members with opportunities to meet other members and make new and lasting friendships, support our community, and have some fun in the process.

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

GET ON THE LIST! Contact Andy Becker at [email protected] or Steve Krodman at [email protected] for information.

Family Member in HospitalOur Rabbis have asked that you notify the office in the event of a family member’s hospital stay or

serious illness.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR EVENING MINYAN –

Sunday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

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C a t c h i n g u p w i t h P r ime T ime r s ! ! !

Our recent Square Dance on Saturday, November 22, was a huge success!! Everyone came dressed for the occasion with their Western attire------boots, jean, and plaid shirts. The Caller did his job very well. By the end of the evening, all of us had learned several square dance “Moves”. Also, the refreshments were quite tasty. Lots of fun!!!

Our Next Event: Saturday, January 10, 2015—Bowling 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at the AMF Marietta Lanes, 565 Cobb Parkway, Marietta. Cost is $13 per bowler for two hours of bowling and includes shoes. Check your email for our Evite.

Save these Dates: Sunday, March 15, 2015—to be announced (The visit to the Breman Museum has been cancelled.) Friday, March 20, 2015— Scholar-in-Residence – We will reserve a table if we have enough people who want to attend.

Looking for information about our events? Call Arlene Brown at 770-953-3821 or email her at [email protected] or Norman Marinoff at 770-401-4026 or [email protected].

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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 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.

In order to bring standardized, caring service to each member, Etz Chaim is modeling its procedures after those of Temple Sinai’s successful Kesher Committee. Contributions made to the Chesed Fund will help to fund these services. Teams are currently being formed for these purposes.

Anyone wanting more information, or wanting to assist in performing these mitzvot, please contact Cindy Lewis at 770-977-0240, Julie Kleinman at 770-992-1231 or Felicia Berne at 770-399-0090.

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 HospitalOur rabbis have asked that you notify the office in the event of a family member’s hospital stay or serious illness.

January YahrzeitsMemorialize a loved one with a Brick in our Holocaust Garden or a Plaque on our Yahrzeit Wall.

For information, please contact the synagogue office.

*January 1 Morris Shapiro 10 Tevet January 1 Evelyn Surasky 10 Tevet January 1 Estelle Dichter 10 Tevet January 3 Betty Cohn 12 Tevet January 3 Rita Adelman 12 Tevet January 4 Sol Hiller 13 Tevet January 4 Reva Epstein 13 Tevet January 4 Sara Finkelstein 13 Tevet January 4 Frank Krasner 13 Tevet January 4 Myron Fogel 13 Tevet January 4 Rose Chayet 13 Tevet January 4 Nettie Bernstein 13 Tevet*January 5 Rita Freeman 14 Tevet*January 5 Saul Stickgold 14 Tevet January 5 Elaine Forman 14 Tevet January 6 Rhonda Knowles 15 Tevet*January 6 Judith Baer 15 Tevet January 6 Oscar Ogman 15 Tevet January 7 Natan Silbiger 16 Tevet January 7 Mel Gelernter 16 Tevet January 7 Judith Engel 16 Tevet January 7 Leon Barman 16 Tevet January 7 Israel Coplon 16 Tevet January 7 Harold Komisar 16 Tevet January 7 Phoebe Heller 16 Tevet January 8 Ethel Wise 17 Tevet*January 8 Morris Frank 17 Tevet January 8 Joseph Taylor 17 Tevet January 8 Louis Lebowitz 17 Tevet January 9 Sophie Mayer 18 Tevet January 9 Albert Gelb 18 Tevet January 10 Igor Dralyuk 19 Tevet*January 10 Mae Reich 19 Tevet January 10 Irene Rainbow 19 Tevet*January 11 Irving Buchalter 20 Tevet January 11 Lee Silverman 20 Tevet*January 12 Irving Schwartz 21 Tevet January 12 Harvey Slovin 21 Tevet January 13 Anne Silverman 22 Tevet January 13 Virginia Raider 22 Tevet*January 13 Jacob Taylor 22 Tevet*January 14 Ferencz Frank 23 Tevet January 14 Sidney Silverman 23 Tevet January 14 Julius Silverman 23 Tevet January 15 Belle Lessans 24 Tevet January 15 Daniel Rubin 24 Tevet*January 15 Sol David 24 Tevet January 16 Albert Freedman 25 Tevet*January 17 Joseph Gluckman 26 Tevet January 17 Charles Jassen 26 Tevet*January 17 Harry Phillips 26 Tevet January 17 Tess Weintraub 26 Tevet January 17 Gertrude Silverstein 26 Tevet January 18 Joseph Goldstein 27 Tevet

*January 18 Lillian Morris 27 Tevet January 19 Robin Bernath 28 Tevet January 19 Murray Kalish 28 Tevet January 20 Victor Sater 29 Tevet January 20 Sarah Viner 29 Tevet January 20 Philmore Dickson 29 Tevet January 21 Betty Singer 1 Shevat January 21 Gloria Wilensky 1 Shevat January 21 Rose Lebow 1 Shevat January 21 Molly Nelson 1 Shevat January 22 Leon Spielman 2 Shevat*January 22 Judith Caplen 2 Shevat January 22 Frances Berman 2 Shevat January 23 Charles Teitelbaum 3 Shevat January 23 Abraham Lazerson 3 Shevat January 23 Molly Craine 3 Shevat January 23 Sam Elman 3 Shevat January 23 Jay Schulberg 3 Shevat January 24 Marsha Blatt 4 Shevat January 24 Ruth Coplon 4 Shevat January 24 Ron Patinkin 4 Shevat January 24 Sandra Sandrowitz 4 Shevat*January 24 Sarah Yucht 4 Shevat January 24 James Vines 4 Shevat January 25 Doreen Brandt 5 Shevat*January 25 Rose Bernknopf 5 Shevat January 25 Rebecca Sackett 5 Shevat January 25 Edward Effel 5 Shevat*January 25 Louis Siegel 5 Shevat January 25 Lori Fierman 5 Shevat*January 25 Ron Toron 5 Shevat January 26 Thelma Cohn 6 Shevat January 26 Samuel Kahn 6 Shevat January 27 Rae Weiss 7 Shevat January 27 Lucille Ehrlich 7 Shevat*January 27 David Funk 7 Shevat January 27 Leona Weiner 7 Shevat*January 28 Ruth Lutzky 8 Shevat*January 28 Harold Stiller 8 Shevat January 29 Edward Fortas 9 Shevat January 29 Rebecca Berman 9 Shevat January 29 Manny Riesenberg 9 Shevat January 29 Edward Fortas 9 Shevat January 29 Estelle Marsand 9 Shevat January 29 Henia Mayers 9 Shevat January 29 Abe Singer 9 Shevat January 29 Bertha Russ 9 Shevat January 30 M. Arnold Lyons 10 Shevat January 30 Nathan Greenberg 10 Shevat*January 30 Casper Rapkin 10 Shevat January 31 Eva Saperstein 11 Shevat January 31 Gertrude Olens 11 Shevat*January 31 Nathan Rosenzweig 11 Shevat

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


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The books below were featured at the MJCCA Book Festival in November and are a few of the new books now available for you to check out from the Etz Chaim Library.

Invisible City – In her riveting debut, Julia Dahl introduces a compelling new character, crime reporter Rebekah Roberts, who is asked to cover the story of a murdered Hasidic woman from Rebekah’s mother’s cloistered world.

Alex’s Wake by Martin Goldsmith follows his grandfather’s and uncle’s perilous journey on the ill-fated St. Louis. This is a compelling history of the voyage of the St. Louis in 1939.

Alyson Richman, the bestselling author of The Lost Wife, brings us another beautifully written novel, The Garden of Letters, set in World War II Italy. It is a story of first love, great tragedy and spectacular bravery.

Goldie Takes a Stand! by Barbara Krasner introduces us to Golda Meir who, as a child in Milwaukee, helped to raise money to buy textbooks for immigrant classmates. (for ages 7-9)

For the littlest ones in your family try Shabbat is Coming! by Tracy Newman, a great board book about a family and their dog preparing for Shabbat.

You may self-check out books at any time. Directions for check out are on the library wall next to the book return

basket. Please stop by and browse at your leisure for books that are entertaining and enriching! Someone is usually available on Religious School Sunday mornings to help you find books and check them out.

ETZ CHAIM LIBRARY NEWS

ETZ CHAIM HAS NEW LIBRARY BOOKS AVAILABLE !!


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The teens of Etz Chaim had a marvelous time listening to Steve Koonin, the CEO of the Atlanta Hawks. Steve covered important topics, such as Judaism, life lessons, and of course, basketball!

Etz Chaim now has a Gaga Court in the rear of the building for everyone to enjoy.

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Continues on page 30

GENERAL FUNDIn memory of my dad, Lazaro Sapoznik, on his yahrzeit

Alberto SapoznikTo Susan Ullman in memory of Frances Robbins. We will cherish Frances’ memories forever...what a great lady.

Arlyn and Ron CookTo Melissa Goodman and Family in memory of your mother, Thelma Donner

Cookie and Maurice DraluckIn memory of my grandmother, Mildred Press

Donna BiermanTo Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Stein in memory of Frances Robbins. With sincere sympathy on the loss of your beloved sister.

To Amy and Evan Charles in memory of your beloved grandmother, Dorothy Mintz

Faye and Paul CohenIn loving memory of my brother, Marc Walter

Fern HartnigIn memory of Lorena Prager on her yahrzeit

In memory of Philip PragerGary Prager

In loving memory of my mother, Esther GerstenHelene Jacoby

In memory of Frances Robbins, beloved mother of Kevin Robbins

Hilda and Raymond TenenbaumTo Mollie and Doug Robbins in loving memory of your mom, Frances Robbins

Jan, Jeff and Mitchell SmithTo Mollie and Doug Robbins in memory of Frances Robbins

Julie and David GordonIn loving memory of Bubbe Ray Jacobs, on her yahrzeit. Mom, I miss you very much.

To Larry Hechler in loving memory of your beloved daughter, Susan

Leila SultzerTo Kevin Robbins and Family in memory of Frances Robbins. I loved her as a best friend and miss her.

Lenora BuchalterTo the Family of Frances Robbins in loving memory of our dear friend, Frances

Marian and Myron RadwinIn memory of our mothers, Zelda Lincoln and Jo Diamond

Mike and Linda DiamondTo Mollie and Doug Robbins in memory of Frances Stein Robbins. We grieve with Doug on the loss of his mother.

Pam and Marion RiversTo Kevin Robbins and family in memory of Frances Robbins

Ralda and Martin ReishTo Lisa Freeman in memory of Frances Robbins

Renee and Howard Karchmer

In memory of my beloved daughter, Randi PhillipsRuth Phillips

In memory of our grandmothers, Grandma Jo and Momma Z

Sarah and Ben DiamondIn memory of Alan Danis, beloved father of Ken Danis. Our condolences to you and your family.

The Pransky FamilyTo Su Berland, congratulations to two very wonderful and special people. Wishing you a hearty Mazal Tov on your recent engagement to Jonathan Schaer.

To Sandy and Alan Saltzman, Mazal Tov on the engagement of your daughter, Sarah, to Marc Neeland

To Jan and Paul Wachter, a hearty Mazal Tov on the birth of your first grandchild, Alana Maya

To Beth and Steve Mintz, a hearty Mazal Tov on the newest addition to your family, Harrison Reid

To Arlene and Glenn La Vine, a hearty Mazal Tov on the recent marriage of your daughter Shana to Josh Vexler and on the birth of your newest addition to the family, Cairn

To Robin and Yaron Brill, Mazal Tov on Tal’s becoming a Bar Mitzvah. Tal, Mazal Tov on your Bar Mitzvah You did a magnificent job. The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.

To Randy Padawer in loving memory of your beloved mom, Evelyn Padawer

To Steven Bodenstein in loving memory of your beloved mom, Rebecca Bodenstein

Irwin and Ava Weitz

RABBI LEWIS DISCRETIONARY FUNDTo Melissa Goodman and Family, in loving memory of Thelma Donner, mother of Melissa and grandmother to Jenna and Emily. Hoping the wonderful years you had with her will keep a smile in your heart and help you through this difficult time.

Andy and Jayne BeckerIn memory of Robert Coltman

Barney ColtmanTo Mollie and Doug Robbins in memory of Frances Stein Robbins. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. We hope that the memories of your times together help soften the sadness you feel.

Carol and Michael MittelIn memory of William Kaplowitz

In memory of Bella GreenbergDavid Kaye

To Kevin Robbins in memory of Frances Robbins. May the wonderful memories of your dear mother sustain you during this sad time.

Irv and Adele GreensponIn loving memory of our sister, Rona Weiss

Jerry and Barbara Mayer

To Rabbi Lewis in light of all you have taught me and the special, warm welcomes I always receive from you and the Etz Chaim Congregation. I’m most grateful for our wonderful friendship and appreciate all you and Cindy mean to me personally.

Susan O’DwyerIn memory of Beatrice Rakusin

The Rakusin FamilyIn appreciation of Rabbi Lewis

Renee Berman

RABBI KERBEL DISCRETIONARY FUNDIn memory of Robert Coltman

Barney ColtmanIn memory of Eva Oslick and in appreciation of the daily minyan

Barry OslickIn memory of Warren Lebish

Faye and Craig Lebish and FamilyIn memory of our dear husband and father, Mordechai Becker, son of Kalman and Netty Becker. May your memory be blessed forever. You were the best and most loved husband and father. We miss you very much.

Sophia Becker and Haim Becker

LINDA H. WEINROTH EDUCATION FUNDIn memory of Norma Mador. You are always in my heart – greatly missed.

The Weiss Family

ROBERT KLEIN MEMORIAL CHESED FUNDIn appreciation of the aliyah on Rosh Hashanah on the first day

Esther LowIn loving memory of my mother, Hana Kramer, and in loving memory of my aunt, Ruth Diamond.

Shelley Brodsky

YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUNDIn loving memory of Oscar Stadtler

Robert and Miriam Rosenbaum

PRE-SCHOOL FUNDTo Shari and Ron Judenberg, Mazal Tov on the Bat Mitzvah of your daughter, Carly

Irv and Adele Greenspon and Family

To Robin and Yaron Brill, Mazal Tov on the Bar Mitzvah of your son, Tal

Irv and Adele Greenspon and Family

Congratulations to Debby and Steve Dix on the birth of your granddaughter, Isla Jaye Caron

Steve and Donna Krodman

PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUND FUNDTo Kevin Robbins and Family in memory of Frances Robbins. She was a lovely lady.

In loving memory of my dear father, Zachary RillMyra Fineman

Tzedakah | vesmContributions received from November 7 – December 5, 2014

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Continued from page 29

Tzedakah | vesmContributions received from November 7 – December 5, 2014

To the Robbins Family in memory of Frances Robbins. She was very special to me and will be missed by many.

Patty MorrisonTo Kevin Robbins in memory of your dear mother, Frances. She always had a smile and kind words to say. We hope your good memories of your mother help at this difficult time.

Stan and Judy Fineman

COLLEGE CONNECTION FUNDIn memory of Dorothy Schwartz

Elaine and Jay Schwartz and FamilyIn loving memory of Joan Kalish

The Kalish Family

PHILLIP MICHAEL SILvERMAN MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUNDIn memory of Max Slutsky, father and grandfather

Bernie and Faye Ellen SlutskyTo Ken Danis in memory of your father, Alan Danis

Billy and Ellen BalserIn honor of Janet Duncan on the occasion of your very “special” birthday! Have many more healthy, happy birthdays!

Bob and Eileen SilvermanTo Melissa Goodman in memory of Thelma Donner. Our sincere sympathies on the loss of your mother

David and Susan RifkinIn memory of our aunt, Florence Bergstein

Richard and Sandy Smith

CYNTHIA R. FREEMAN MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUNDTo Susan Ullman in loving memory of Frances Robbins, my very good friend and in-law-twice over. You will be missed.

Alex FreemanIn loving memory of Manny Rothstein

Brad and Jana Ross

To Ken Danis in memory of Alan Danis. We are saddened to learn of the passing of your father, Alan. We wish you peace at this difficult time and know that your father’s memory will bring you many blessings.

Jeff and Jessica BrownIn memory of Frances Robbins. She was a wonderful friend.

Joe FreemanTo Kevin, Debbie, Jennifer and Stephanie Robbins in memory of Frances Robbins. Frances was a lovely lady. It was an honor to have known her. Sincerest condolences.

To Doug, Mollie, Richard and Gordon Robbins in memory of Frances Robbins.

Frances was a lovely lady. It was an honor to have known her. Sincerest condolences.

Jyl, Rebecca, and Rachel Batterman To Lisa and Alan Freeman in memory of Frances Robbins

Sharon and Peter JedelTo Kevin Robbins in memory of Frances Robbins. May the memories of your wonderful mom/grandmother bring you comfort. She was truly a remarkable and beautiful lady.

Warren and Felicia Berne

MORRIS FRANK SACRED TExT FUNDIn loving memory of my beloved wife, Etta Davis

Fred DavisTo Randy Padawer and family in memory of your mother, Evelyn Padawer

To Kevin Robbins and Susan Ullman and Families in memory of your mother, Frances Robbins. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

To Arlene and Glenn La Vine in honor of the birth of your grandson, Cairn Elijah

Ron and Wendy Feinberg

In memory of Randy Padawer’s beloved mother, Evelyn Padawer. May her memory be a blessing.

In memory of Donna’s step-father, David Canter, on his first yahrzeit. We miss you, Dave.

Steve and Donna Krodman

KAZER-LIPSON LIBRARY FUNDIn memory of Isadore Cohn

In memory of Esther CohenBeverly Cohen

In appreciation for our aliyah during the Decade Shabbat

Steven and Esther Low

BUILDING ENHANCEMENT FUNDIn memory of my father, Jimmy Cohen, on his yahrzeit

Myra SheftelIn memory of my dear husband, Manny Rothstein

Sandy RothsteinIn memory of our beloved and special aunt, Libby Crystal

Susan and Craig Adair and Family

SOCIAL ACTION FUNDIn memory of my father, Irving Funk on his yahrzeit

To Ken Schlenker in hopes of a speedy and complete recovery

Marsha Shrago

KITCHEN FUNDIn memory of Samuel Klemes Yucht

Jonathan and Maxine ScheinTo Marcia and Bert Karol, wishing our parents a speedy recovery.

Sandy Bailey and Rich Karol

BOB GOLDMAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND In memory of Rosalind Struletz

Allan Struletz


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Questions about purchasing a cemetery plot??? Call Bob Bachrach 770.973.0137

JF&CS of Cobb provides the following services:• Individual, child, family and marital counseling• Adoption services• AVIV Geriatric Care Management, and Legacy Home Care• Shalom Bayit domestic violence education• Volunteer opportunities

1501 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 100 • 770.933.0081 • [email protected]

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For more information on this space, please contact Bernice Isaac in the synagogue office at 770-973-0137

or [email protected].

Got Advertising?


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This advertising space can be yours!

For more information, contact Bernice Isaac at the synagogue

office: 770-973-0137.

For Rent!

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Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, corporate, weddings, school events, and holiday parties.

For contact information: Cathy Schwartz 404-931-5779 Joy Hoffmann 770-855-6682


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Robert L. Bachrach Executive Director & COO Debbie Deutsch Director of Education Perry Birbrager Youth Director Aram Blankenship Facilities ManagerSu BerlandNewsletter Production

OfficersCheryl Cohen-Miller PresidentTodd Surden Executive VPJohn Flagel Chief Financial OfficerRobin D. Brill Fundraising VP Allison Saffran Religion Co-VP David Wilson Religion Co-VP Jamie Lyons Education Co-VPDavid Levin Education Co-VP and SecretaryStacy Efrat Engagement Co-VPJoe Freeman Engagement Co-VPScott Rittenberg Immediate Past President and Parliamentarian

TrusteesNanci AronsteinSheldon BerchMarsha BernsteinLarry BrownAdam BuxbaumAmy CharlesJoe CohenMark DavisonLinda DiamondDarin DubovyRandy FigurSteven FlackHarris FogelStephanie FosterBarry GangNancy GardnerDenise GelernterMitchell GreyDavid LandauLauren LevetanLeslie LubellNorman MarinoffFrank MobilioDani OrenGary PragerRay SonsheinEllen SpandorferJosh VexlerBeth WeissTom Zack

Past PresidentsScott RittenbergStephen Friedman Irwin BermanBob BachrachJudy FinemanNorman RadowDebbie MilsteinSue RothsteinDavid WittKen SchlenkerGeorge PristachRichard SmithAllen ShulmanNoah LevineBarry Forrest z”lDavid TinkelmanEllis AbramsStephen King

OrganizationsErica Driver Linda Berch Sisterhood Co-PresidentsAndy Becker Steve Krodman Men’s Club Co-PresidentsAvi Lyons USY President

Congregation Etz Chaim1190 Indian Hills Parkway

Marietta, GA 30068 Phone 770.973.0137 • Fax 770.977.0829

Religious School 770.977.4148Preschool 770.977.3384

www.etzchaim.net

visit our website www.etzchaim.net for the e-mails of our professional staff and lay leaders

Shalom J. Lewis, RabbiPaul D. Kerbel, Rabbi

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit #433Marietta, GA

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January 2015 Voice of Chaim

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