THE CENTER LINE A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE AUGUSTA JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER & AUGUSTA JEWISH FEDERATION

November ‐ December 2011 Chesvan ‐ Tevet 5772 Edition 9 Volume 11

ANNUAL JEWISH COMMUNITY CHANUKAH LATKE & SALMON DINNER

SUNDAY • December 25th • 6:00 PM AJCC • 898 Weinberger Way • Evans, GA

Bring your Menorah and Candles Prizes will be awarded this year for homemade Menorahs

Most Unusual Most Traditional

Cutest Most Creative Use of Materials

RSVP TO THE AJCC AT 706.228.3636

Members: $12 Adults; $6 Children, Ages 4-12; Under 3 - Free; $35 Family max

Guests: $15 Adults; $8 Children, Ages 4-12; Under 3 - Free; $50 Family max

GIFTS FOR ALL

KIDS!

WRAPPING PAPER SALE!

*Indicates an increase over 2010. Together these donors have increased our ability to help those less fortunate by adding $4,833* to the campaign. (*Running total)

2

Angel $10,000 and up Brian Marks Founder $7500 - $9999 Dr. Robert & Lelia Botnick Milton & Margie Ruben

Guardian $5000 - $7499 Ronald & Louise Aronow Dr. Howard & Connie Bruckner

Dr. Louis & Dottie Scharff Dr. Mort & Boots Wittenberg

Redeemer $2500 - $4999 *David & Meryl Alalof Dr. Henry & Annie Alperin Drs. Michael & Jackie Cohen Eugene & Lucille Fleischer Drs. Murray & Sandra Freedman Al & Lily Grinspun Dr. Gary & Debbie Katcoff Arthur & Jackie Miller Mildred Peskin Dr. Alan & Janet Roberts Abram & Cookie Serotta *Jack & Tina Weinstein

Pacesetter $1500 - $2499 James & Amy Bernstein

Dr. Ziva Bruckner *Karel Copenhaver Dr. Lowell & Gloria Greenbaum Irvin “Sonny” Levy Dr. Stuart & Susan Marks *Dr. William & Marjorie Phillips

Charles & Leah Ronen Mary Steinberg *Susan Steinberg

Builder $1000 - $1499 Sam & Robyn Budenstein

James & Cynthia Eiring *Malcolm & Andrea Estroff

*Doug & Vera Frohman *Jack & Cathy Goldenberg *Meyer Kreisberg *Gertie Parille Jay Pearlstein Louis & Elaine Saul Jay & Mary Sawilowsky *Dr. Manny & Shirley Weisman Dr. Leonard & Frankie Wilensky

Sustainer $500 - $999 Anonymous Dr. Deborah Bashinski Dr. Morris & Lisa Cohen Dr. Ronald & Eileen Daitch *Stephen & Debbie Davis Gerald & Harriet Ehrlich

Sustainer $500 - $999 Jack Ginsburg Barbara Goldberg Paul & Helene Graboff Dr. Melvin Haas *Harvey & Alaine Handfinger *Jules & Charlotte Joslow *Joey & Jill Korn Morton & Hildegard Lindner *Robert Meier *Alan & Paula Schwartzman *Dr. David & Julie Shapiro Harold & Marian Shapiro *Jack & Jackie Shapiro Mike Shapiro Norman Shapiro Myrna Silver *Milton & Yolanda Snapperman *Dr. Warren & Jean Umansky Gene & Elaine Weinberger Pam Weinberger

Patron $100 - $499 Ila Abramovitz

Adas Yeshurun Sisterhood *Drs. Bill & Nettie Albrecht *Ron & Judy Altman David & Esther Antopolsky *Sam & Joan Arazie *Doris Baumgarten Dr. David & Alissa Bogorad Matthew Bronson Hillarie Clein Joan Clein Congregation Children of Israel Sisterhood Congregation of Adath Yeshurun – Aiken, SC Dorothy Daitch Fred & Lisa Daitch *William Dekle Martin & Harriet Dolin Dr. Stevin Dubin Dr. Celia Dunn Judi Estroff *Dr. Gus & Joanne Etersque Dr. Elaine Feldman Rabbi Zalman & Chani Fischer Steven & Cathy Fishman Eric Fleishner Sylvia Fogel *Betty Frank Dr. Lee & Ena Getter Maurice & Shirley Ghingold *Peter Goldberg & Dr. Lynn Jaffe Dr. Steven & Marsha Goldberg

Patron $100 - $499 *Marc Gottlieb *Bruce Gulko Roland & Caroline Haskins David & Amy Hersch Cantine Jones Barbara Joslow Ed Kahal Dr. Aman Kay Marvin & Miriam Katz Ken Kipnis *Rabbi Robert & Francine Klensin Jack & Linda Korn Maurice Kortick Alan Kortick Dr. Jonathan Krauss Nathaniel & Elaine Kruskol Burt & June Kunkel Loretta Levi Ernest Levinson Joseph & Marisa Levy Terry Liebowitz Beverly Lowenstein *Dr. Rhea Markowitz *Henrietta Marks Dr. Richard Melcher *Steven Nathan Ruth Neck Arnold Newman Dr. Julian Nussbaum Annabelle Pomerance *Anne Pomper Lloyd & Nancy Portnow *Michael & Cynthia Pousman John & Meredith Ray *David & Gail St. Martin

*Jerry & Sue Saul Michael & Robin Scharff Bernice Schlifka Ira & Barbara Schneider *Anne Schneider Dr. Paul Schwartz

Sid & Shirley Seidenberg Sandy Shapiro Dr. Robert Shay & Rae Meyer *Jonathan & Jennifer Shoenholz Henry & Doris Simon *Rabbi David & Stacy Sirull Carolyn Shoemaker Joel & Gerri Sobel Drs. Lionel & Diane Solursh Betty Sussman Lloyd & Judy Wepman Scott Walkowitz Harvey & Marilyn Yarmon

Friend Under $100 Anonymous *Ina K. Abramson Debra Baylor *Dr. Karyl Bental Robert & Janice Bledsoe

Elyse Bogo *Martin Bogoslawsky

Ivan & Mary Bolgla Mary Bolgla Max Bolgla Malea & Carol Breland Dr. Robin & Leila Brigmon Jean Brody Lois Cohen Audrey Chaplin Gary Daitch Gerald & Bert Daniel George David Eva Falk *Dr. Gregory Francisco Rochelle Friedman Alberta Goldberg *Sheila Goodman *Peaches Graves John & Robin Guy Yetta Harelik Marian Harelik Jan Hillman Dr. Bette Holzberg Marvin & Harriet Kestin Elyse Kronowski Evelyn Lesser Michael Mann Gene Meder Barbara Mintz *Shirley Molar *Ronald Molar *Russ & Karen Nanning Janet Newman *Robert Podolsky Norma Prefer Dr. Michael Prisant Kathy Rafoth Vivian Rovins Richard Salsitz *David & Randy Scharff Harold & Suzanne Shapiro Lisa Shelton Lea Silver David Silver Lee Sinsheimer Robert & Edith Sirull Richard & Shula Sorenson *Terry S. Weaver Dr. Erna Waxman Larry Waxman Mary Yaffee

Thank you for your gift to the 2011 Annual Campaign of the Augusta Jewish Federation - The Power of Community

$255,926 raised so far! If you made a pledge in 2011 and your name does not appear below, please contact Ina at the Federation office at 706‐228‐3636.

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11 AJF Annual Cam

paign ‐ The Power of Community

3

2011 A

JF Annual H

igh Holid

ay Appeal P

ledges ‐ N

eve M

ichae

l

A New Year Message from Have Levene

Director of Development, Neve Michael

New Year Thoughts

The Jewish New Year is here and I have been thinking a lot about the children at risk who

are at Neve Michael. Maybe I have been pondering more than usual because so many

new little boys and girls have joined us this year. In fact we had to open three more

family units and find places for 50 young ones. This is a CHALLENGE.

Children at risk are those beautiful kids who cannot live at home because it is too dangerous. Some arrive with

bruises and sad eyes; too many are afraid to be hugged, because they have been touched the wrong way, and

others are terrified of the man who beats mommy and disappears until he finds more drugs. We have parents

who are in jail and those who were killed. We have children who have to be told, everyday, that what happened

to them at home is not their fault. We must remove the children from danger and watch over them so that they

do not harm themselves.

I see the kids every day. I love it when they come to visit me at home with their counselors. I understand why

they see LIFE a little differently than other children.

These children will only have the opportunity to succeed and cope if you and I take a risk. Taking a risk is

taking a chance and it takes courage. But if we do take a chance and help each and every girl and boy who

comes through our doors...they will be able to have the life that every child is supposed to have. And you and I

should do this because this is how we can show how much we appreciate the good that we have.

Please mail your pledge card TODAY and help the children of Neve Michael.

* Anonymous * Ila Abramovitz * Ina K. Abramson *Drs. Bill & Nettie Albrecht * Ron and Judy Altman * Sam & Joan Arazie * Ron & Louise Aronow * Martin Bogoslawsky * Hillarie Clein *Drs. Michael & Jackie Cohen * Karel Copenhaver * Dorothy Daitch * Jim & Cynthia Eiring *Drs. Murray & Sandra Freedman *Dr. Steven & Marsha Goldberg

*Dr. Mrs. Lowell & Gloria Greenbaum

* Al & Lily Grinspun * Jules & Charlotte Joslow *Dr. Gary & Debbie Katcoff * Marvin & Harriet Kestin * Nathaniel & Elaine Kruskol * Terry Liebowitz

* Arthur & Jackie Miller * Janet Newman

* Dr. Bill & Marjorie Phillips * Anne Pomper

* Charles & Leah Ronen *Lou & Elaine Saul * Alan & Paula Schwartzman * Jack & Jackie Shapiro * Marion Shapiro * Bob & Edith Sirull

Mr. & Mrs. Milton Steinberg * Susan Steinberg

Haskell & Dale Toporek *Gene & Elaine Weinberger *Dr. Manuel & Shirley Weisman * Lloyd & Judy Wepman *Recognizes generous donors who have also made a pledge to the AJF Annual Campaign. Thank you!

HIGH HOLIDAY APPEAL PLEDGES 5772 - 2011

$3,215 raised so far… It is not too late to make your pledge and help the children of Neve Michael.

4

AJF Soup Kitch

en • Charitab

le Giving at Year‐End

AJF SOUP KITCHEN

The Master's Table is Golden Harvest Food Bank’s soup kitchen in Downtown Augusta. It was started during the 1982 recession as one of the Food Bank's very first direct‐service programs and, thanks to the kindness and support of our community, has grown to feed a noon meal to more than 300 homeless and hungry persons per day, 365 days per year.

New volunteers are always welcomed at our Master’s Table Soup Kitchen. The AJF volunteers arrive at 8:00 AM one Sunday a month to feed 300+ guests a lunch meal. Volunteers are needed to assist with preparing food, serving food and greeting guests.

To volunteer for the AJF Soup Kitchen, please email Susan Steinberg sumost50@yahoo.com or call 706‐364‐6086.

AJF SOUP KITCHEN 2011‐2012 SCHEDULE

November 27, 2011 December 11, 2011 January 8, 2012 February 12, 2012 March 18, 2012

The Master’s Table • 702 Fenwick St. Augusta, GA • 30901

Federation Board President Louise Aronow

Vice-President, Campaign Jackie Cohen

Vice-President, Allocations Debbie Katcoff

Treasurer Al Grinspun

Secretary Bob Botnick

Immediate Past President Al Grinspun

Board of Directors

Louise Aronow Alissa Bogorad Bob Botnick Ziva Bruckner Jackie Cohen Steve Dubin Jim Eiring Paul Graboff Al Grinspun Debbie Katcoff Julian Nussbaum Pat Sabel Louis Scharff III Susan Steinberg Jack Weinstein Ex-Officio Rabbi Zalman Fischer Rabbi Robert Klensin Rabbi David Sirull

Past Presidents/ Honorary Members

David Alalof Michael Cohen Sumner Fishbein Leon Meyer Louis Scharff Abram Serotta JackSteinberg Susan Steinberg Boots Wittenberg Sam Budenstein Joe Goldberg Brian Marks Michael Rivner Ira Schneider Norman Shapiro Stephen Steinberg Warren Umansky Mort Wittenberg

No AJF Executive Board or AJF Board Meeting scheduled for November, 2011.

AJF Executive Board will next meet on Monday, December 12, 2011, at 6:30 PM. No AJF Board Meeting is scheduled for December.

Charitable Giving at Year-End

One of the most effective planning strategies to consider at year-end is accelerating your charitable contributions. It can reduce your tax liability and get needed financial support into the hands of your favorite charity sooner. Some year-end points to remember:

Gifts by check are considered complete this year as long as dated and mailed by December 31, even if the charity does not cash the check until January 2012. Pledges and other obligations cannot be deducted unless actually satisfied by December 31. Gifts of appreciated property that would produce long-term capital gains directly to a charity generally provide a bigger tax savings than selling the asset. The reverse is often true for gifts of loss property.

Because the overall tax rate situation is not likely to get better, that is, dramatically lower, in the near future, you might want to consider accelerating several years’ worth of annual gifts into 2011, up to an amount that would be deductible under the contribution deduction ceilings (50 percent of adjusted gross income for gifts of cash to a public charity such as the Jewish Federation, 30 percent of adjusted gross income for long-term capital gain property). Also, this could be the time to think about replacing annual gifts with a large contribution to a donor advised fund from which you could recommend annual grants in the future to the organizations you wish to support. And planned giving alternatives also deserve consideration including charitable remainder trusts or charitable gift annuities that create large deductions and minimize capital gains taxes.

5

In th

e Neighborh

ood • E

mpty B

owl 20

12

EMPTY BOWL NEEDS YOU!

There are numerous volunteer opportunities for Empty Bowl 2012. We need volunteers prior to the event to solicit restaurants for soup, etc. and silent auction items and merchants for silent auction items. If you are interested in volunteering for the committee or to solicit, please contact Lynda Jaremski at 706‐228‐3636.

June Kunkel, Reporter Phone: 706-855-7279 E-mail: burton_k2000@comcast.net

NEWSMAKERS:

Paula Schwartzman was nominated by her school, Stevens Creek Elementary, for the "Teacher of the Year" program. Per the article in the Columbia County News Times, Paula was nominated because she is never one to maintain the status quo. Although she brings a wealth of experience to the classroom (28 years), it is the dynamic energy she displays that brings learning to life for her first‐graders. She communicates with parents and shares successful strategies with peers. She is a teacher that students appreciate in the moment, and also the one who is fondly remembered for years to come.

Dr. Louis Scharff III was pictured in the Augusta Chronicle just before being honored as "The Humanitarian of the Year" at the AJCC on October 22. The article explained that the award is presented to the person or couple within the Jewish community who has demonstrated generosity, charity and volunteerism. Lou has volunteered at the Masters Table Soup Kitchen for more than 30 years. He has also volunteered at the Medical College of Georgia Maternal and Infant Care Project and University Hospital Pediatric Clinic. He has served as president of Congregation Children of Israel, the Augusta Jewish Community Center, and the Augusta Jewish Federation. Former Augusta residents who were present to honor Dr. Scharff were Dr. Sumner Fishbein and Rabbi Richard White, Rabbi of Congregation Children of Israel in the 60's and 70's.

Along with many others, the Sirull family, Stacy, Edith and Devra, came to help change the Torah covers at AYS.

MAZAL TOV TO:

Marcia and Carl Bogo on their 50th wedding anniversary.

Nathan Jolles on his 50th birthday.

Jill and Joey Korn on the engagement of their daughter, Julia, to Brannan Southerland.

Jessica and Jeff Puncheon, on the arrival of their son, George.

Bob Sirull on his 89th birthday.

SAVE THE DATE ~ SUNDAY ~ MARCH 11, 2012

6

92n

d Street Y Live at th

e AJC

C

Made possible by a grant from the Maxine Saul Goldberg Fund

Iranium John R. Bolton, Ethan Bronner, Richard Perle, Nazie Eftekhari and Alex Traiman Monday, November 7, 2011, 7:30 PM (Simulcast) Join a panel of influential and provocative names to discuss the threat of a nuclear Iran, featuring clips from the critically acclaimed documentary Iranium. The documentary is a stinging indictment of the current Iranian regime and highlights revolutionary efforts within Iran to topple the government. John R. Bolton is a former US Ambassador to the United Nations. Ethan Bronner is the Jerusalem bureau chief for The New York Times. Richard Perle is a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and served as chairman of the Defense Policy Board during the Bush administration. Nazie Eftekhari is the director for the Iran Democratic Union. Alex Traiman is the director of Iranium and a professional journalist covering breaking events and analysis in the Middle East.

Finding a Lost Tribe of Israel: The Bnei Menashe of India Michael Freund, moderator Monday, November 28, 2011, 8:15 PM (Simulcast) Hear members of the Bnei Menashe community, along with Shavei Israel founder Michael Freund, tell the remarkable story of how this lost tribe is finally coming home. The Bnei Menashe (Hebrew for “sons of Manasseh”) of northeast India trace their roots to the ancient Israelite tribe of Menashe, one of the Ten Lost Tribes exiled by the Assyrian empire more than 27 centuries ago. Despite being cut off from the rest of the Jewish people for generations, they clung to their identity. Michael Freund is the founder and chairman of Shavei Israel, a Jerusalem based organization that reaches out and assists “lost Jews” seeking to strengthen their connection with Israel and the Jewish people.

Andy Borowitz Presents The Funniest American Writers With Alec Baldwin, Calvin Trillin and more Saturday, February 11, 2012, 7:30 PM (On DVD) Award‐winning comedian and New Yorker humorist Andy Borowitz presents an evening of literary laughter and a look at the new Library of America collection he edited, The Fifty Funniest American Writers—a hilarious collection of American humor writing from Mark Twain and James Thurber to David Sedaris and The Onion. Borowitz, who has been called “one of the funniest people in America” by CBS News Sunday Morning, will be joined onstage by an all‐star cast of the best American humorists.

The Lost Jews of Kaifeng, China with Shi Lei Sunday, February 19, 2012, 3:00 PM (On DVD) Hear the fascinating history of Jewish life in Kaifeng, China. Beginning during the Northern Sung Dynasty (960‐1127), when the Jews of Persia and India traveled the Silk Road to Kaifeng, the com‐munity thrived for many years but eventually died out in 1860. Shi Lei is a descendant of one of the original Jewish families in Kaifeng, China. A graduate of Henan University in China, Shi Lei currently works as a na‐tional tour guide of Jewish sites in China, as recently highlighted in The New York Times Travel section. This event is presented by the 92Y Resource Center for Jewish Diversity with the organization Kulanu.

Ila Abramovitz & Steve Nathan

Drs. Bill & Nettie Albrecht

Dr. Bob & Lelia Botnick

Drs. Michael & Jackie Cohen

Peter Goldberg & Dr. Lynn Jaffe

Jules & Charlotte Joslow

Arthur & Jackie Miller

Dr. Alan & Janet Roberts

Louis & Elaine Saul

7

92n

d Stre

et Y Live

Sponso

rs • Israe

li Dan

ce W

orksh

op

Made possible by a grant from the Maxine Saul Goldberg Fund

2011-2012 92nd Street Y Live Sponsors

Corporate

Elliott & Sons • WAGT-TV

Individual

2011-2012 Sponsorships are still available.

Please consider supporting this wonderful program.

AJCC Israeli Dance Workshop

Beginners and experienced dancers welcome. No partners needed. Teens and up invited.

Thursday, November 10th 6:00‐7:30 pm at AYS Sunday, November 20th 3:30‐5:00 pm at AJCC Thursday, December 1st 6:00‐7:30 pm at AYS

Please contact Jackie Cohen at cohenjm70@comcast.net or 706‐738‐9016 with questions and suggestions.

The 2011 Hanukkah Stamp The 2011 Hanukkah stamp was issued in October 2011 as a “forever” stamp. Add a Hannukah stamp to all your postage and support the release of this new stamp.

The Girl Scouts of the Greenbrier‐Harlem Service Unit wish to thank the AJCC for donating the space to make no‐sew scarves for those Veterans who may find themselves homeless this winter in the CSRA.

On Friday, October 7, 154 very eager participants met at the AJCC to make 670 no‐sew scarves for the homeless Veterans. The Greenbrier‐Harlem Service Unit was asked by Hope House for Women in Augusta to make 400 scarves to give away at the Stand Down for Homeless held October 28 in Downtown Augusta outside the Salvation Army. Hope House was one of multiple agencies that came together to provide a one‐stop location for homeless veterans searching for resources. Each Veteran received a large bag of essential items for the winter such as clothing, a sleeping bag and a scarf made by the Girl Scouts of the Greenbrier‐Harlem Service Unit.

We are proud that the Girl Scouts not only met the challenge of making 400 scarves, but surpassed their goal by 270 scarves. Jane Behrand Events Director Greenbrier‐Harlem Service Unit

8

Emma La

zaru

s Exhibit

ONE BOOK, ONE COMMUNITY SAVE THE DATES FOR THESE SPECIAL EVENTS

The Augusta Jewish Community received a grant from the American Library Association to host the Emma Lazarus, Voice of Liberty, Voice of Conscience exhibit, which is travelling through several cities in the United States. The following events are planned to highlight this special presentation.

Important dates to remember in 2012:

January 7 – Opening Night Gala

January 8 – Stories of Immigration, Poetry Contest Awards

January 15 – Panel Discussion on Immigration

January 17 – Discussion of book: Emma Lazarus by Esther Schor

Please consider taking the time to read Emma Lazarus by Esther Schor as part of the ALA’s One Book, One Community Program. Then participate in a discussion on the book on January 17th.

SHARE YOUR STORY On Sunday, January 8th, from 2‐4 pm, we will share our family stories of immigration. If you would like to be considered as one of the initial presenters, please submit your story to Leah Ronen, AJCC Executive Director, by December 1, 2011. Stories should take no longer than 10 minutes to share, in order to give others a chance to share parts of their families’ stories.

During this program, the winners of the Emma Lazarus, Voice of Liberty, Voice of Conscience Poetry Contest, will read their poetry receive their awards.

Emma Lazarus: Voice of Liberty, Voice of Conscience was developed by Nextbook, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Jewish literature, culture, and ideas, and the American Library Association Public Programs Office. The national tour of the exhibit has been made possible by grants from the Charles H. Revson Foundation, the Righteous Persons Foundation, the David Berg Foundation, and an anonymous donor, with additional support from Tablet Magazine: A New Read on Jewish Life.

EMMA LAZARUS EXHIBIT PROGRAM INFORMATION In order to participate in the discussion on Esther Schor’s book, Emma Lazarus, (Knopf, 2006), you will need to purchase the book. New and used copies are available through www.amazon.com and hardcover and e‐book versions are available from Barnes and Noble online or by order through the bookstore at the mall. Several copies of this book will be available for purchase at The Book Tavern, 1026 Broad Street, 706‐826‐1940. The proprietor, David Hutchinson, will be pleased to help you. Don’t forget to mention that your purchase is in conjunction with the AJCC Emma Lazarus exhibit Book Discussion.

9

Voice

s of Lib

erty P

oetry C

ontest •

Tributes &

Trees

Voices of Liberty Poetry Contest The Emma Lazarus Poetry Contest offers middle and high school students the opportunity to express themselves through poetry inspired by the work of Emma Lazarus, the Jewish poet and activist whose sonnet The New Colossus is inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty. The Poetry Contest is part of a special program and exhibit sponsored by the Augusta Jewish Community Center and the Augusta Jewish Federation and made possible by a grant from the American Library Association. The exhibit will be available for viewing beginning January 7 through January 21, 2012. Other programs include an Opening Night Gala, a poetry reading, book discussion based on the book Emma Lazarus by Esther Schor and a discussion based on presentations by local people regarding their family immigration stories. Contest winners will be given the opportunity to read their original poems on the topic of liberty at an awards ceremony at the AJCC on January 8th at 2:00 PM. First place winners: Trophy and $100 Savings Bond Second Place winners: $50 Savings Bond Third Place winners: $25 Barnes & Noble gift card The deadline for entries is Friday, November 18, 2011.

To the Maxine Saul Goldberg Fund, wishing Jerry Saul well By Shirley & Manuel Weisman

To the Alberta Goldberg Fund, wishing Renee Shoob well By Shirley & Manuel Weisman

To the Alberta Goldberg Fund, wishing Bernice Schlifka well By Shirley & Manuel Weisman

To the Alberta Goldberg Fund, wishing Meryl Edwards well By Shirley & Manuel Weisman

To the AJF, in memory of Alan Roberts By Leah & Charlie Ronen

To the AJCC, in memory of Alan Roberts By Anne L. Pomper

To the AJCC, in honor of Lou Scharff being named Humanitarian of the Year, By Mike & Cynthia Pousman

To the Jay Weinberger Fund, in memory of Meyer Kreisberg By cousins Elaine & Gene Weinberger

To the AJCC, in memory of Meyer Kreisberg By The Hersch Kahn Family By Janet Newman

Tributes

A donation has been made toward planting a tree in memory of Meyer Kreisberg By Alan & Paula Schwartzman By Leah & Charlie Ronen

10

AJF Comedy Night ~ Sav

e the Date

SAVE THE DATE!

11

Volunteer O

pportu

nitie

s • Adath

Yesh

uru

n Syn

agogue, A

iken

Sponsored by

ADATH YESHURUN SYNAGOGUE Corner of Greenville St. & Barnwell Ave.

Aiken, South Carolina

A Wonderful Sisterhood Sponsored Get Together

When: Saturday, December 10, 2011 Time: 6:00 P.M.

Location: Woodside Country Club

Included is dinner with entertainment! This is open to the entire congregation and your friends.

Menu GOURMET SALAD W/ RED WINE VINGIARETTE

ROLLS & BUTTER GARLIC WHIPPED MASHED POTATOES

SEASONED GRILLED ASPARAGUS PLUS YOUR CHOICE OF ONE OF THREE ENTREES 1st CHOICE: SEASONED GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST

2nd CHOICE: GRILLED SALMON 3rd CHOICE: LONDON BROIL

DESSERT: CHEESE CAKE w / BERRY SAUCE CASH BAR

PRICE: $30.00 per person Please call Valerie Duarte with your reservation 641‐0204 and to make your choices

Georgia Health Sciences Health System is looking for community volunteers for The Children’s Medical Center, adult medical center, outpatient clinics and the Cancer Center. Locations include but are not limited to: Trauma, ICU, ER, nursing units, Central Supply, outpatient clinics, cafeteria, Quality Management, PICU, administration and many more. Their required commitment is only three hours a week for six months. They try to connect the volunteer with the area that will utilize his/her talents and will offer a wonderful experience. Since they are open 24/7, there is always a place for volunteers. There is a process required and more information can be found at www.georgiahealth.org/volunteer. Their main number is 706-721-3596 for more information.

Chapter 3

America's First Glamour Girl

Today, celebrities such as Madonna, Wilt Chamberlain and Warren Beatty are as well known for their defiance of conventional values and the notoriety that surrounds their personal lives as they are for their professional accomplishments. It was more than a century ago that Adah Isaacs Menken, the first American Jewish "superstar," helped pioneer the art of cultivating an outsized, even outrageous, personality as a path to fame and fortune. Even fame, however, could not guarantee her happiness.

In the 1860’s, Menken earned world fame in an equestrian melodrama, "Mazeppa." She daringly appeared on stage playing the role of a man, wearing nothing but a flesh‐colored body stocking, riding a horse on a ramp that extended into the audience. Menken’s costume scandalized "respectable" critics—even as it attracted huge and enthusiastic audiences that included such notables as Walt Whitman and the great Shakespearean actor, Edwin Booth.

As an actress, Menken became an early master of self‐promotion. According to historian Alan Ackerman, she made certain that a photograph of her striking face appeared in shop windows in every city in which she performed. Even in the context of the 1860’s, when most Americans looked upon actors as "loose" and disreputable, Menken was notorious for violating norms. She cropped her dark hair close to her head (she may have been the first important American woman to do so) and smoked cigarettes in public.

Even more unladylike, Menken openly defied conventional married life, marrying four men in the space of seven years. Her second marriage, in 1859 to world heavyweight boxing champion John C. Heenan, led to the birth of a son, who died in infancy. Eight years later, a son by her fourth husband suffered the same fate.

Her first marriage, to a Jew named Alexander Isaacs Menken in 1856, lasted only a few years but confirmed her own Jewish identity. Adah Menken’s true religious origins are controversial. Born in Louisiana in 1835 to Auguste and Marie Theodore, some historians believe that she was raised a Catholic, an assertion that Menken herself denied. In response to a journalist who called her a convert, Menken replied, "I was born in [Judaism], and have adhered to it through all my erratic career. Through that pure and simple religion I have found greatest comfort and blessing."

In 1857, Adah and Alexander moved from New Orleans to Cincinnati, then the center of Reform Judaism in America. Adah learned to read Hebrew fluently and studied classical Jewish texts. It was at this time that Adah’s other artistic and intellectual talents emerged. An aspiring writer, she contributed poems and essays on Judaism to Isaac Mayer Wise’s weekly newspaper, The Israelite. Menken saw herself as a latter‐day Deborah, advocating for Jewish communities around the world. She urged the Jews of Turkey to rebel against oppression and place their faith in the coming of a messiah who would lead them to restore Jerusalem. She publicly protested the Mortara Affair, the kidnapping by Italian Catholic officials of a young Jewish boy whom the officials claimed the Jewish community had stolen. She also spoke out forcefully when Lionel Nathan was denied his seat in the English Parliament. And long before Hank Greenberg or Sandy Koufax did so, Menken refused to appear on stage during the High Holy Days even at the very height of her public success.

Although world‐renown because of her appearance in Mazeppa, Menken’s deepest desire was to be known as a serious poet. She built friendships among an international literary elite that included Charles Dickens, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Alexandre Dumas the Younger, Algernon Swinburne and George Sand, who served as godmother to Menken’s second child. Menken was accused of having affairs with Dumas and Swinburne, neither of which can be confirmed, but the constant hint of scandal wherever she performed did little to discourage box office receipts.

Adah Isaacs Menken’s life, like her celebrity, was like a comet. She died in Paris in 1868 at the age of 33, apparently from a combination of peritonitis and tuberculosis. When treatment by the personal doctor of Napoleon III of France provided no relief, a rabbi kept a bedside vigil. Menken was buried in the Jewish section of Montparnasse Cemetery.

Little remembered today, Menken was a path breaking risk taker who lived a scandalous life in the theater, but who was a creative, if unpolished, literary talent. A collection of her poems, Infelicia, appeared a week after her death. Charles Dickens quipped about her, "She is a sensitive poet who, unfortunately, cannot write." Despite cultivating her "bad girl" persona assiduously, Menken retained a sincere devotion to her fellow Jews around the world. Today’s Hollywood celebrities have nothing on the glamorous, scandalous, tragic and paradoxical Adah Isaacs Menken.

12

Chap

ters in America

n Jewish Histo

ry

Chapters in American Jewish History Since December 1996, the American Jewish Historical Society has been publishing Chapters in American Jewish History on a weekly basis in the national Jewish newspaper, the Forward and in other Jewish newspapers around the country. This month we feature Chapter 3.

13

Volunteer O

pportu

nitie

s ∙ Three Kosh

er S

ingers

Wallace White, MPA

Volunteer Program Manager

CSRA Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging

3023 Riverwatch Parkway, Ste. A

Augusta, GA 30907-2016 Phone: 706-651-7309

Fax: 706-210-2016 Website: www.AreaAgencyonAging.com

Email: wwhite@csrarc.ga.gov

"Be There 4 Seniors"

(Access, Answers, Action, Advocacy) The mission of the Area Agency on Aging is to promote dignity, safety, independ-

ence and accessibility for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Adam Dunn Fund A fund established in memory of Adam Scott Dunn to serve the youth of the AJCC. The programs supported by this fund are for educational, as well as recreational purposes. Alberta Goldberg Fund A fund established in memory of Alberta Goldberg for general programming needs, to help with the establishment of new programs of any kind. Andy Estroff Fund In loving memory of Andrew Roger Estroff, the Estroff family and friends generously donated to construct the Andy Estroff building at the Sibley Road Center. Today this fund is used to provide programs for teens and youths. Biblical Garden Fund This fund was established for the purpose of creating a biblical garden on the grounds of the AJCC. Center Building Fund This fund was created as an Endowment Fund for the AJCC. Charles & Rae Silbert Fund This fund was created by Charles and Rae Silbert, born out of their life-long love of Judaism and of young people. The income earned by this fund provides the Jewish teens of Augusta with programs, speakers and activities that serve to strengthen their love and commitment to Judaism.

Cumins Fund (Jerome & Phyllis Cumins Educational and Special Needs Fund) This fund was created by the Cumins family in memory of their parents to assist Augusta families participating in AJCC activities and to assist Augusta Jewish students to further their education. Frances & Murray Schulman Playground Fund The purpose of this fund is to establish, refurbish and repair the AJCC playground equipment. Holocaust Memorial Fund Established with the proceeds from a special showing of the film “Schindler’s List”. This fund provides educational programs on the Holocaust. Jay Weinberger Capital Improvements Fund This fund was created to provide funds for capital improvements to the AJCC. Maxine Saul Goldberg Endowment This fund was created in loving memory of former Center Director, Maxine Saul Goldberg. The income from this fund is to provide for a lecture or series of lectures by an author, educator or speaker on a subject of Jewish interest. Myer & Mary Edelstein Athletic Award Fund This fund was created to honor outstanding local Jewish athletes by awarding plaques or trophies and sports equipment to the Center. Senior Activity Fund Created by the Silbert family in appreciation of Ila Abramovitz’s work on behalf of Jewish Seniors, this fund provides transportation and program subsidies to seniors. Tree, Park Bench or Other Gift For the AJCC please contact Mark Weinberger, 706-868-9494.

Tributes to the AJCC may be made to the funds listed above. Cut & mail to AJCC ~ 898 Weinberger Way ~ Evans, GA 30809

Please accept my enclosed donation in the amount of $________for the indicated fund

($10 minimum gift) Make checks payable to AJCC. You may call 228-3636, mail or

bring to the AJCC office. CIRCLE YOUR CHOICE.

(In Honor of) (In Memory of) (Continued Good Health)

(Mazel Tov) (In Loving Memory of) (A Speedy Recovery)

_______________________________________ Recipient’s name _______________________________________ Recipient’s address _______________________________________ City/State/Zip

X Check the fund for your donation below: Adam Dunn Fund Alberta Goldberg Fund Andy Estroff Youth Fund Biblical Garden Fund Center Building Fund Charles & Rae Silbert Fund Cumins Fund Frances & Murray Shulman Playground Fund Holocaust Memorial Fund Jay Weinberger Capital Improvements Fund Maxine Saul Goldberg Endowment Myer & Mary Edelstein Athletic Award Fund Senior Activity Fund 14

Tribute Form

s

AJCC Staff Leah Ronen, Executive Director Jackie Crute, Office Manager Lynda Jaremski, Community Program Director Joe Zuchowski, Facility Specialist AJF Staff Leah Ronen, Executive Director Ina Abramson, Admin. Assistant Ila Abramovitz, Jewish Family Services Coordinator AJCC Office Hours Monday-Thursday 9 am - 5 pm Friday 9 am - 3 pm Saturday closed Sunday closed Note: holiday hours may vary.

Mah Jongg at the AJCC

LEARNERS WELCOME Come join your friends on

Thursdays at 12:30 pm $1/member, $3/non-members

Call June for more information, 706-855-7279

CALLING ALL TENNIS PLAYERS

Sunday Morning Tennis….. is one of the longest-running, successful AJCC programs. An enthusiastic group meets Sunday mornings at 9:00 for round-robin Doubles. We welcome new players who are looking for fun, exercise and a little competition. FREE to AJCC members. All you need is a tennis racket and some tennis balls!

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS 1:00 - 2:00 PM

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION

COME IN TO SIGN UP TODAY

706-228-3636 15

AJC

C Activitie

s SOUP’S ON

November 16, 2011 11:45 AM

Cathy G. Fishman & Mark Gottlieb

Present

"Poetry With Two Voices"

PLEASE NOTE THESE UPCOMING AJCC EVENTS

November 7, 92nd Y Live—Iranium November 10, Israeli Dance Workshop at AYS 6:00 PM

November 16, Soup’s On at the AJCC November 20, Israeli Dance Workshop at AJCC 3:30 PM

November 28, 92nd Y Live—Finding a Lost Tribe of Israel: The Bnei Menashe of India December 1, Israeli Dance Workshop at AYS 6:00 PM

December 21, Soup’s On at the AJCC December 25, Community Chanukah Latke & Salmon Dinner at the AJCC

January 7 – Emma Lazarus Exhibit Opening Night Gala January 8 – Emma Lazarus Event: Stories of Immigration, Poetry Contest Awards

January 15 – Emma Lazarus Event: Panel Discussion on Immigration January 17 – Discussion of book: Emma Lazarus by Esther Schor

February 4, AJF Comedy Night at the AJCC February 11, 92nd Y Live—Andy Borowitz: The Funniest American Writers

February 19, 92nd Y Live– The Lost Jews of Kaifeng, China

11‐12/2011 Young Men’s Hebrew Association Augusta Jewish Community Center Augusta Jewish Federation At Marks Park 898 Weinberger Way Evans, GA 30809 Phone: 706‐228‐3636 Fax: 706‐868‐1660 AJCC Email: augustajcc2@hotmail.com AJF Email: augustafed2@knology.net Web: augustajcc.org

The Center Line Folders Team: Waunice Aldridge, Charlotte & Jules Joslow, Mary Kipnis, Gertie Parille, Anne Pomper, Bernice Schlifka, Edith Sirull and San Tannen.

AJCC Officers 2011‐2012 Nettie Albrecht President Alan Schwartzman Vice Pres. (Personnel) Vacancy Vice Pres. (Planning) Rhea Markowitz Secretary Stephen Davis Treasurer

Ila Abramovitz Lewis Baylor Sam Budenstein Mariana D’Amico Peter Goldberg Ed Kahal

AJCC Past Presidents (Beginning 1934) Nathan Jolles M.K. Steinberg Jackie Cohen James Sawilowsky Malcolm Estroff Barry Goldstein Izzy Shapiro Louis Scharff Gary Katcoff Maxwell Estroff David Alalof Ann‐Toni Estroff Charles Blank Gerald M. Daniel Morris Cohen Sydney Carter David Zacks Nettie Albrecht Ike Shapiro Neil Melcher Celia Dunn Mort Wittenberg Haskell Toporek Alan Schwartzman Morris Marks Ron Altman Stephen Davis Ira Goldberg Bruce Alpert Peter Goldberg

The AJCC contributes to Jewish life within the CSRA by fostering creative cooperation within our diverse community and by promoting Jewish values to enhance and improve our community and the CSRA. Thank you for supporting our mission.

AJCC Board

The next AJCC Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011 6:30 PM AJCC Executive Board — 7:00 PM AJCC Board

NOTE: NO AJCC BOARD MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 2011

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U. S. POSTAGE PAID

AUGUSTA, GA PERMIT NO. 34

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

PLEASE DELIVER TO:

Thank You

Arthur Miller Barbara Mintz Steven Nathan Jonathan Shoenholz Susan Steinberg