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

January 2007 Tevet-Shevat 5767 Edition 5 Volume 1

Annual Campaign 2007

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Don’t Miss This Free Concert!

The Dr. Abraham and Sylvia Miller Series of the Mind will present The King David String Ensemble at Adas Yeshurun Synagogue 935 Johns Road, Augusta on Saturday, January 6, 2007 at 8 PM. This free concert, followed by a dessert reception, is open to the community. The King David String Ensemble has become one of the foremost chamber music groups in Israel and around the world, since its founding in Jerusalem in 1992 with musicians who immigrated to Israel from the former Soviet Union. This unique modular chamber orchestra is comprised of nine virtuoso string players of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. The ensemble has performed across the United States from the east coast to Hawaii, in twenty-five countries on five continents, and in international festivals and major concert halls. They have received many prizes for musical excellence, and are among the finest chamber ensembles active today. Anita Kamien, conductor, born in New York is considered one of the finest women conductors in Israel. She began her career as a pianist, having studied at the Julliard School. She holds a M.A. in music analysis from Queens College where she taught. She launched her conducting career while studying in Italy. In the United States, she held positions as conductor of prestigious groups in the New York area. Upon immigrating to Israel, she founded the Hillel Hebrew University Symphony Orchestra and Choir. In l997, she was asked to conduct the King David String Ensemble. The ensemble performs a varied repertoire that ranges from the Baroque to the present day, and has produced CD’s of their live and radio concerts. For information, contact Adas Yeshurun Synagogue, 706-733-9491

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Randy Kagan This year, the Augusta Jewish Federation will host Entertainer Randy Kagan at our Annual Community Event. Find out why.

He is a Jewish comic not from New York, Boston or Chicago. He was born in Ohio and raised in Arizona. He didn't take the subway to temple, he road his dirt bike. He may be the only Jew in Hollywood who drives a Ford pickup truck. He started standup in Arizona where he won the Arizona Johnny Walker Comedy competition in the early nineties. The finals were at the Hollywood Improv. That's when he became a regular and decided to make the move to L.A. Soon after an executive from MTV saw him; he was hired to work for a show called "The Big Picture." He was a correspondent at the Academy Awards, Golden Globes and even The Cannes Film Festival in France. He was fortunate enough to interview Clint Eastwood, Sharon Stone, Robin Williams, Bill Crystal, Eddie Murphy and Tom Cruise. It was a very exciting time for him. Since then he has been able to enjoy a career in hosting and TV correspondent work while still living in the world of stand up. This year he hosted a special in London for The E! Network

called "Take Me." As a pilot for Fox, a clip show called, Starliscious Makeovers" also for E! and "My Coolest Years" on VH-1. He can also be seen on the new G4TechTV network hosting a show called "Game On." Stand up has also been keeping him busy. He has been touring with Mitch Hedberg at Improvs all over the country and was at the Hollywood Improv on New Year's 2005. He was on Kilborne twice in 2004, the Conan O'Brien show and the Game show network's “Funny Money." The most amazing thing that happened in the 2004 was his surprise trip to Israel. At the last minute a comedian named Judy Gold cancelled her gig in Israel. Avi Lieberman called him and asked if he had a passport and two weeks. His heart jumped and this was the moment. He said am I really going to have the guts to go? He had dreamt of the chance for a long time. He went for two weeks and had a life changing experience. For the first time he was surrounded by Jewish people. Words fall short how amazing it was for him to do stand up in the homeland. He fell in love with everything, Tiberias, Masada, The Dead Sea, The Jordan River, and of course Jerusalem. He loved the food, the people, the markets and the power of the area. But mostly he came back with a renewed respect for the Jews living there. He said it was a vibrant hip country full of music and art. He said Israel has a thriving community of young people who swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean by day and enjoy Tel Aviv by night. He states the real Israel is never reported in the news, only tragedy. Comedy has brought him to many exotic places: Argentina, London, France, Rome and Costa Rica. But the most surprising, the most enchanting and life-changing place his career has ever taken him, has been Israel.

Save the Date!

February 22, 2007

Augusta Jewish Federation Community Event

Deli Night

Featuring Comedian Randy Kagan

Details to follow

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Leonid Feldman Rabbi Leonid Feldman will speak at the Pacesetters Event this year. Find out why this is the year you should become a Pacesetter.

Leonid Feldman is a living example of the drama of modern Jewish history. He has experienced total assimilation, Jewish rebirth, violent anti-Semitism, imprisonment in Russia as a Zionist activist, and freedom in the West. The spiritual leader of Temple Beth El in West Palm Beach, Florida and CLAL Associate, Leonid Feldman is the first and only Soviet-born Conservative

Rabbi in America. He is also the President of the Ami-Da Institute for training Russian Jewish leaders. Rabbi Feldman’s emotional return to his hometown of Kishinev was featured on the NBC TODAY Show, and the Israeli National television. He also hosted a TV show on a Christian Cable channel in Florida for 2 years. In 1996, Rabbi Feldman served as visiting Professor at the Jewish University of Moscow. In 1999, taught Homiletics at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, and in 2000, Rabbi Feldman delivered the keynote address to over 3000 people at the UJC Young Leadership Conference in Washington. In 2002, he was the keynote speaker at the Evangelical Christian Convention in Nairobi, Kenya. Rabbi Feldman has lectured in thirty-seven states and nineteen countries. He has testified before the United States Congress and Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and addressed the California Senate and Florida House of Representatives. The subject of feature articles in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Jerusalem Post, Miami Herald, Los Angeles Times, Insight Magazine, Moment and a myriad of other general and Jewish publications, his biography appears in Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in Religion, Men of Achievement, International Who’s Who of Intellectuals, etc. Leonid Feldman has served as a scholar for the Wexner Heritage Foundation and as Director of Education for Soviet Émigrés in Italy. Rabbi Feldman holds graduate degrees in Rabbinics from the University of Judaism in Los Angeles, in Education from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and in Physics and Theater Arts from Kishinev State Pedagogical Institute in the U.S.S.R. He is also a Ph.D candidate in International Relations at University of Miami. Rabbi Feldman’s varied and unusual life and background in a Marxist society enable him to teach and lecture on Judaism with a passion and perspective that is unique and exhilarating.

SAVE THE DATE

Augusta Jewish Federation Pacesetters

Thursday February 8, 2007

At the home of Louise and Ron Aronow

Featuring an Outstanding Speaker:

Rabbi Leonid Feldman Minimum Pledge required:

$1200 – First time Pacesetter $1500 - Pacesetter

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R Pledge Payment Predicament or $301,000 in Promises

Just from the headline, I know that I have already lost most of my readers. But if you have not yet paid your pledge this year, or any other year’s pledges, please keep reading.

In just a few weeks, the Augusta Jewish Federation Allocations Committee will meet to decide, on your behalf, how to allocate the funds collected from the Annual Campaign. For many years now, the Federation only allocates the cash that is in hand. In other words, allocations are not made on promises, just on reality.

This system makes pledge payment all the more important. As I write, $51,908 is still unpaid for the 2006 Annual Campaign. This time last year, all but $3,313 had been paid for the 2005 Annual Campaign. The implications are frightening. Unless the pledges for the 2006 Annual Campaign are paid before the Allocations Meeting at the end of January, the committee will have much less money to allocate, despite a higher campaign.

What does this mean? Think of some of those who depend upon us: • The children at risk of Neve Michael • The terminally ill children of Chai Lifeline • The 240,000 elderly Jews in the Former Soviet Union who receive our packages • Our kids who benefit from the Jewish Educational Loan Fund • Our kids who benefit from their involvement with BBYO • Our kids who benefit from local and national Hillel • Members of our community who benefit from our food pantry and help from Jewish Family Services • The AJCC, that has given the community an exhibit in the Augusta Museum of

History, the Anne Frank Exhibit, and most recently, a fabulous Community Chanukah Dinner that brought together over 230 people, including many new to our community.

Where do you think the committee should start cutting? Working with $50,000 less than last year, the cuts will be deep.

And there really should not be a reason for the panic or the cuts. Campaign has reached an all time high. You pledged because you wanted to help others less fortunate than you. You pledged because it was the right thing to do. You pledged because you are able to look beyond your own needs and recognize the needs of others for whom we are responsible.

Please write your check today. Or pick up the phone and give us your credit card information. After all, payment before December 31st is good for your charitable deductions, too!

Thank you.

Leah Ronen

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Federation Board President Robert Botnick Vice-President, Campaign Debbie Katcoff Vice-President, Allocations Ziva Bruckner Treasurer Al Grinspun Secretary Paul Graboff Past Presidents/Honorary Members David Alalof Sam Budenstein Michael Cohen Joe Goldberg Sumner Fishbein Brian Marks Leon Meyer Michael Rivner Louis Scharff Ira Schneider Abram Serotta Norman Shapiro Jack Steinberg Stephen Steinberg Susan Steinberg Warren Umansky BootsWittenberg Mort Wittenerg

Board of Directors Meryl Alalof Louise Aronow Robert Botnick Jeff Broder Ziva Bruckner Marc Gottlieb Paul Graboff Al Grinspun Debbie Katcoff Mike Pousman Margie Ruben Michael Scharff Louis Scharff III Jonathan Shoenholz Pam Weinberger Ex-Officio Rabbi Zalman Fischer Rabbi Robert Klensin Rabbi David Sirull

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ADDITIONAL 5767 HIGH HOLIDAY PLEDGES The Israel Emergency Fund has raised $50,538.84 so far!

PLEDGE Mr. & Mrs. Martin Dolin Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm Estroff

Thank you! for your gift to the 2006 Live Generously Campaign of the Augusta Jewish Federation.

$301,479 raised so far! Remember you have until December 31, 2006 to pledge.

Add your name to the list below. Send in your pledge card TODAY. Patron $100 - $499 Rabbi H. Richard White Dr. Allan Goodrich Martha Goodrich

If you made a pledge recently and your name does not appear above, please contact Ina at the Federation office, 228-3636, for further information.

AJCC 150th Anniversary Funds Contributions can be made to the General Fund of the AJCC’s 150th Anniversary Year or in support of specific events and projects. Please call AJCC 228-3636 for more information. 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. 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. Bella Blum Children & Youth Fund This fund memorializes Bella Blum for her efforts on behalf of the Center’s programs for young children. The income from this fund is used for the purchase or construction of equipment or facilities, or for programs designed for children under seven years of age. Center Building Fund This fund was created to serve 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 pro-grams, speakers and activities that serve to strengthen their love and commitment to Judaism. Friends of the Center Call 228-3636 for information and details.

Tree, Park Bench or Other Gift For the AJCC please contact Mark Weinberger, 868-9494. 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. Ira Goldberg Basketball Fund The purpose of this fund is to maintain a basketball court at the AJCC. The court is to be used by Day Camp as well as available to all AJCC members. 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.

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: AJCC 150th Anniversary Fund Adam Dunn Fund Andy Estroff Youth Fund Bella Blum Children & Youth Fund Center Building Fund Charles & Rae Silbert Fund Cumins Fund Frances & Murray Shulman Playground Fund Holocaust Memorial Fund Ira Goldberg Basketball Fund Maxine Saul Goldberg Endowment Myer & Mary Edelstein Athletic Award Fund Senior Activity Fund

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Sharing Chanukah in the Classroom – One Parent’s Story Robyn Budenstein began bringing Chanukah to her children’s classes when her eldest son, Daniel, was just two years old. It was then that he began asking about Santa Claus and Christmas trees. Robyn says that, “teaching him and his class about Chanukah was my way of showing him how important it was and that being Jewish was special and wonderful.” Robyn felt that teaching Daniel in his classroom, that Chanukah was special would help him to feel good about their family traditions and not be “sad” that his family did not participate in Christmas traditions. By the time Daniel reached the third grade, he insisted on teaching Chanukah to his class, without Robyn’s help. Robyn continues to bring Chanukah to her three younger children’s classrooms. Each year she explains the reason for the holiday, its symbols and traditions. She reads the children a story, makes latkes and gives out dreidels. This year the children in Julia’s class used plastic beans to play the dreidel game and had lots of fun. Robyn also left several Chanukah books with Julia’s teacher who was excited to learn more about the holiday. Do you have a story to tell about bringing Jewish holidays, customs or practices to your child’s school or your work place? Email it to us at augustafed1@knology.net

INTEREST-FREE LOANS AVAILABLE

TO AUGUSTA STUDENTS

ATLANTA — Interest-free loans for post-secondary education (college, graduate school, vocational and professional courses) will be available to Jewish students in the Augusta area for the 2007-2008 school year from the Jewish Educational Loan Fund. The loans can also be used by those already in the workforce who need further education to update or change their careers.

Since 1985, JELF has granted more than $3 million in interest-free loans to over 2,000 students. The JELF loans are need-based and offer “last-dollar” financing. In other words, JELF provides the final dollars that bridge the gap between a student’s total financial resources and the cost of attending school. Applicants must attend a recognized, accredited institution and be studying to receive a degree or certificate. Applications for the interest-free loans, which are due April 16, 2007, can be downloaded from JELF’s website at www.jelf.org beginning February 1 and can be completed on-line. Applications can also be obtained Leah Ronen at Augusta Jewish Federation who administers the JELF program in Columbia. Personal interviews are required, and loan applicants are encouraged to contact Ms. Ronen to make an interview appointment before submitting an application. The Jewish Educational Loan Fund, headquartered in Atlanta, offers interest-free loans to Jewish students in 15 member communities in the Southeast. The organization, which started as the Hebrew Orphans’ Home and then became the Jewish Children’s Service before becoming JELF, just celebrated its 130th anniversary.

Tributes To the Adam Dunn Fund In memory of Harry Eichholz In memory of Sidney Asher In memory of Mr. & Mrs. Bobby Gordon In memory of Harold Katcoff Father of Gary Katcoff In memory of Mrs. Jeanette Lipsitz By Celia Dunn To the A JCC Building Fund In honor of Meryl & David Alalof Humanitarians of the Year By Helene & Paul Graboff Get well to Jean Umansky Continued good health to Alberta Goldberg Congratulations to Sylvia Fogel on the Engagement of Stacey Fogel Wallach To Harry Stern By Mary Steinberg

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IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD..." June Kunkel, Reporter, 706-855-7279 NEWSMAKERS Jay and Pam Weinberger, son of Elaine and Gene and daughter of Janet Newman, and children, Hannah and Saul, were featured in an article in the Columbia News-Times about the celebration of Hanukkah. Preston Feiler, who was also pictured in the classified section of the Columbia News-Times, works for the Marketing department of the Augusta Chronicle. Dr. Mark Husid, the founder and medical director of the Walton Rehabilitation Health System's Headache Center, recently passed the certification examination of the United Council of Neurologic Subspecialties for Headache Medicine.

Mazal Tov to Anne and Joseph Pomper, parents of Leah Ronen, who will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on January 25th. May they enjoy many more. Mazal Tov to Mary Steinberg, whose grandchildren, Hannah and Jordan, children of Lynn S. and Lewis Redd of Atlanta, who recently celebrated their B'nai Mitzvah. Mazel Tov to everyone. Harold Rivner, son of Roberta and Michael Rivner, received early acceptance to UGA and Georgia Tech. He is among the semi-finalists for the Presidential Scholarship.

Mazal Tov to Brad Wilkof and Rebecca Thomas, on the birth of son Asher Darwin Wilkof. Congratulations to Gary Katcoff upon being elected to the Board of Directors of First Bank of Georgia. Roberta Rivner reports that the BBG's (B'nai B’rith Girls) have learned to play Mah Jongg. The game will not cease to be a good pastime with my generation, as I have also taught my daughter and grandchildren. If any of you girls are off from school on a Thursday, please feel free to join the group who play at the "J". Our heartfelt sympathy to the families of: Annette Barton on the recent loss of her mother, Mrs. Rose Berry Sara Elstein and family on the loss of their husband, father and grandfather, Melvin Elstein Jackie Miller and Henry Schlifka, on the loss of sister, Germaine Schlifka Quatrevaux Shelley Kunkel, on the loss of cousin, Micah Z. Baird Maurine Meleck on the recent loss of mother, Minnie Smiler

Mark, Hannah, Saul and Pam Weinberger

Dr. Mark Husid

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Israel's war with Hezbollah this summer began

with the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers

across the northern border. It followed by three

weeks the kidnapping of another soldier by

Hamas across the border of the Gaza Strip. As

winter comes to the Middle East, Udi

Goldwasser, Eldad Regev and Gilad Shalit

remain in the hands of terrorists - alone and

cut off from everything they have ever known.

We had hoped that a way would have been

found to bring them home already, but the

passage of time gives us no reason for greater

optimism. None of us can stand idly by when

we have a chance to raise our voices on their

behalf and in concert with the voices of their

families.

Join us in our effort to bring international

attention to their plight by adding your name to

the pe t i t i on a t th is webs i te -

www.freethesoldiers.org. Help us to make sure

that their families know that they are not alone

in their struggle to bring their sons, their

brothers and their husbands home.

It will only take a moment to take add your

name. When we reach one million

signatures, JCC Association and the JCC

Movement will join organizations from across

the Jewish world in delivering our petitions to

the UN and to the halls of power everywhere.

Join us now. Thank you.

Dear Friends

AJCC Staff Leah Ronen, Executive Director Alberta Goldberg, Program Director Jackie Crute Office Manager Kimberlee Klemm, Terry Siegel-Weaver Office Assistants Brian Scott, Facility Specialist AJF Staff Leah Ronen, Executive Director Ina Abramson, Admin. Assistant Charlon Seegar Jewish Family Services Coordinator AJCC Office Hours Monday-Thursday 9 am - 5 pm Friday 9 am - 3 pm Saturday closed Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm Note: holiday hours may vary.

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SHALOM

Soup’s On! January 17, 2007

Cantine Jones Ensemble

Don’t miss this

Wonderful Program

RSVP 228-3636 Please mark the third Wednesday of every month on your calendar!

Mah Jongg at the AJCC

LEARNERS WELCOME

Come join your friends on Thursdays at 12:30 pm

$1/member, $3/non-members

Sunday Morning Tennis….. Is one of the longest-running, successful AJCC programs. An enthusiastic group meets Sunday mornings at 10:00 am 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.

ISRAELI DANCE RESTARTING

Starting January 7 No dancing January 14

Beginners 5-5:30 pm

Inter. & adv. 5:30-6 pm Dancing 6-7 pm

RSVP Loretta, 706-447-3858

Young Men’s Hebrew Association

Augusta Jewish Community Center At Marks Park 898 Weinberger Way Evans, GA 30809

Non-Profit Org. U. S. POSTAGE

PAID Augusta, GA Permit No. 34

AJCC Officers: 2006-2007 Stephen Davis President Susan Steinberg Vice Pres. Arthur Miller Vice Pres. Alan Schwartzman Treasurer Rhea Markowitz Secretary AJCC Directors: Bill Albrecht Lewis Baylor BBYO Representative Peter Goldberg Lauren Jolles Leslie Lambert Marilyn Paul Jennifer Shoenholz

FREE FOOD

Dr. Abraham & Sylvia Miller Series of the Mind

Will Present

The King David String Ensemble

Saturday, January 6, 2007

8 pm

Adas Yeshurun Synagogue

Free Concert

Followed by a Dessert Reception

Open to All

Kosher Wine Tasting

Saturday, January 27, 7 pm

King David String Ensemble

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