December 2019

Congregation Dor Tamid

11165 Parsons Road

Johns Creek, GA 30097

Inside this Issue

President’s Message 2

Cantorial Soloist’s Message 4

Education Director’s Message 5

Condolences 7

Donations 8

Sisterhood 9

Primetimers 11

Social Action 12

Tot Shabbat / Play Tamid 14

Caring Committee 15

Lifelong Learning 15

In the Community 18

Advertisers 20

Staff and Board of Directors 24

Support our Advertisers

Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta

Jewish Family & Career Services

Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care

Photo Keepsakes

JAC Preschool

Team Jacober

Seven Sisters Scones

Aussie Kids Gold Academy

Spot On Therapy for Kids

Top Play

Hilary Woodman, LCSW and Michel Bordeau, LCSW

Dear friends,

We have many special and sacred objects that define our holy space as Jews. From the ner tamid (eternal light) to the Shabbat candlesticks, each one has a sacred meaning and seeks to bring us closer to God. But, there is no object with more sacred meaning than the sifrei Torah (the Torah scrolls) that reside in our ark. The scrolls, and the words written within, are what roots us as a Jewish people in our history, our values, and our peoplehood.

It is with this in mind that I am excited to share with you that CDT will be receiving a new Torah scroll in the coming months.

During the Second World War, it was the practice of the Nazis in Czechoslovakia to collect Torah scrolls and other Jewish books and ritual objects. These holy items were to be used in a “Museum to a Dead Race” that was planned for the conclusion of the war. Thankfully, this never came to fruition and, following the war, over 1500 sifrei Torah lay in a basement in Prague. These scrolls were then sent to the Westminster Synagogue in London for safekeeping. In deciding what to do with, and how to care for, these scrolls that were a witness to one of the worst tragedies to ever befall our people, the Westminster Synagogue formed the Memorial Scrolls Trust.

It is the duty of the Memorial Scrolls Trust to care for these scrolls and to ensure that they are given a prominent role in the spiritual and educational life of the institutions to which they have been entrusted. The Trust endeavors to help these organizations build a bond with the community symbolized by their Memorial Scroll and to maintain a continuous awareness of the special significance of these scrolls.

Each Memorial Scroll is a messenger from a community that was lost, but does not deserve to be forgotten. We are honored that CDT has been chosen to receive, on permanent loan, one of these sacred scrolls. I will make sure to let you know more information, as we receive it, as to when our new scroll will be arriving and how we will honor its presence and officially welcome it to its new home.

I would also like to thank each of our dedicated congregants who have pledged to fund the yearly upkeep of the Torah ($360) for the first eight years of this scroll being in our care. If any of you would like to help contribute to our new scroll or have any questions about how to help with its dedication at CDT, please feel free to contact me.

In this season of hope and rededication, as we celebrate the lights of Chanukah, we can truly feel the light that this news brings. I look forward, along with each of you, to bringing this sacred scroll into our community and using it for years to come, to connect CDT and the future of the Jewish people to a community that has been lost, as well as to bring more holiness to our lives.

B’ahavah (with love),

Rabbi Jordan

Rabbinic Reflections

As the weather outside was changing, there were exciting changes going on inside our synagogue in November. As Rabbi Jordan has described in detail in his message, CDT is welcoming a special new Torah to our family. I am so incredibly proud that we can give this amazing Torah, which dates back prior to World War II, a new loving and caring home on our beautiful bimah. This is quite an impressive accomplishment for CDT. And speaking of beauty, you must come by CDT to see our long-awaited new carpeting. After countless services, programs, simchas, and just everyday wear and tear on the carpet, I think you’ll agree it’s certainly time for a fresh look around CDT. Thank you to Ruthie Cohen, Lisa Danzig, and Stacey Jahanfar for their time and

devotion to making this project come to life for all of us to enjoy for years to come.

This year, CDT’s Chanukah Party will have a fresh new twist. For a change, rather than during religious school, we will instead come together as one CDT community on the evening of the first night of Chanukah on December 22. Yes, we realize this is the first weekend of winter break and some of you will likely be headed out of town. And, yes, we realize that there are candle lightings planned at Avalon and Halcyon the same night. My hope is that you and your entire family will join with your CDT family to celebrate the first night of Chanukah together at the synagogue. We will have a potluck dinner, latkes, sufganiyot, and of course a very special candle lighting. Mike is preparing to lead us in a Chanukah sing-a-long and Rabbi Jordan is preparing a few stories. Molly is busy figuring out the logistics of how to bring the entire congregation together in a most unique way this year. Look for more information on the event and how you can participate. This is an open event to CDT members and the community.

On a final note, I want to let you know we have extended the High Holy Days Appeal to end on #GivingTuesday, which is December 3rd. It’s not too late to give, and we are so close to meeting our target for this campaign! If you haven’t already donated, this is a great time to do so (at dortamid.org or through the CDT office). CDT relies quite heavily on donations throughout the year.

Have a fun and safe winter break.

B’Shalom,

Dan

Daniel Rosen President

President’s Message

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Click here to RSVP!

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Cantorial Soloist’s Message

Shalom chaveirim – Hello my friends!

I hope that you and your loved ones had a wonderful Thanksgiving. This is such a wonderful time of the year. It is brisk outside (fireplace and hot chocolate time – yippee!), the leaves have fallen, winter break is coming, and – most importantly – CHANUKAH IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

Ah . . . latkes (with applesauce and sour cream – of course!), sufganiyot, dreidles, gelt, family – and presents! Over the years, I have acquired quite a Chanukiah collection. I am sure that you have a few Chanukiyot hanging around your houses as well. I love the songs, the lighting of the Chanukah candles, arguing over HOW to light the candles, playing dreidle (sanctioned gambling – I know), latke cooking competitions. I love it all!

I hope that if you haven’t caught the Chanukah fever (if there is actually such a thing) you will.

This has become such an important holiday for us – specifically as Jews in the South. At a time of the year when being Jewish seems to stand in stark contrast to the rest of the population, it is so special to have a holiday of our own. That Chanukah serves to celebrate the perseverance of our faith only adds to its meaning.

There always seems to be much debate about the various Jewish observances of Chanukah. Is it okay to have a Chanukah bush or tree? What about Chanukah Harry? Can I put up Chanukah lights outside like my neighbors do for some of their holidays? Oy!

Short answer – Chanukah bushes are not kosher, Chanukah Harry . . . not so much either.

But, please and by all means, light a HUGE Chanukiah on your front lawn (or even still, put one in your window, as that is the traditional way to fulfill the mitzvah of publicizing the miracle)!

In all seriousness . . .

May the Chanukah lights lift your soul and warm your hearts. May the lights serve to remind you of all that our people have experienced. During this time of year, when the night is longest, may the candles of the Chanukiah shine bright!

Please join us Sunday evening, December 22 (the first night of Chanukah), at CDT us as we celebrate Chanukah together!

Happy Chanukah to you and your loved ones!

L’Shalom,

Mike Zuspan

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Education Director’s Message

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Dear Family,

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. We have a lot to be thankful here at CDT.

Not only are the numbers of students growing, but also the smiles. Here is a recap from every grade from last month.

Pre-K/K are always having fun learning with Ms. Annette. They are getting ready to tour the Temple after learning what is a “Place to Pray”.

1st grade learned about Jacob and Esau and made vegetable stew in the class just like Jacob made.

2nd graders were busy learning about Samson. They all believed they had Samson’s strength.

3rd grade has been learning with Ms. Gonzalez about Parshat Noah, and they read a play together.

4th grade has been working hard learning Hebrew on the computers individually and with partners.

5th grade made beautiful sand art after learning about the Dead Sea.

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Our 6th grade class is learning about one of the most important milestones in a Jewish life — a Jewish wedding. Maybe we’ll have a “shidach “ one day with some students in the class.

Our 8th grade class is continuing to learn about different places of worship. After learning from Rabbi Jordan about Reform Judaism, Ms. Gonzalez took the class to Chabad to learn more about Orthodox Judaism in the world of Chabad.

One of the greatest mitzvot is to make an elderly person happy, and boy did our 7th graders do just that. They went with Zohar (our shinshin) to The Cohen Home to sing beautiful songs to the residents. The residents were so happy to watch our students sing and talk about themselves. The week after, we treated the 7th grade to a social event at Get Air just because we love them so much!

9th grade is having an amazing year with Mike Zuspan. They have been learning about Israel and have reached the point in time to study about the Holocaust. Mike is preparing them for their upcoming trip to the Paper Clips exhibit next week!

Confirmation class had a deep conversation with Rabbi Jordan about Jews and tattoos. They are also getting ready for their trip to New York in January.

Condolences

May their memories be for a blessing.

Kathleen and Rob Sable and family, on the passing of Kathleen’s father,

William “Bill” Ferguson

November 2, 2019

Ken and Diane Frontman and family, on the passing of Ken’s father,

Richard Frontman

November 19, 2019

Janet Levy and family, on the passing of Janet’s husband,

Joel Levy

November 21, 2019

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Donations

Many thanks — תודה רבה

Cantorial Soloist Discretionary Fund

Terry & Fred Segal — in memory of Richard Frontman

Gan Tamid (Garden) Fund

Lesley Radov — in memory of Richard Frontman

Wendy & Dan Rosen — in memory of William Ferguson

General Fund

Ethel & Irwin Rubenstein — in memory of Richard Frontman

Enid & Darryl Berman — in memory of Phyllis Fielding Henry London — in memory of Richard Frontman

Social Action Fund

Janet Levy — in memory of Henny Loewenberg

Jackie & Larry Berger — in memory of William Ferguson

Jodi & Steve Wolfe

Beautification Fund

Ruthie Cohen — in memory of Ilene Jurist — in honor of Mitch Skyer’s 50th birthday — in memory of William Ferguson

Yahrzeit Fund

Jeff Freedman — in memory Robert Freedman Building Fund

Rita Joan — in memory of Arthur Jonas

Sisterhood Plant a Tree in Israel

Franny Rosenstock — in memory of Ruth Eve

High Holy Days Appeal

(since November newsletter)

Anonymous

Larry Benator

Enid & Darryl Berman

Juli & Jody Butler

Ellyn & Jerry Carbone

Jason, Julie, & Reese Epstein

Richard Fiedel and Jessica Lutz

Frazer Family

Michele Hochheiser

Perri & marty Kunofsky

Lorra Jason Kurtz

Michele & Rob Lederman

— in memory of Richard Frontman

Ethel & Irwin Rubenstein

— in honor of Yom Kippur Aliyah

Rae & Larry Saidman

Stephen Scherer

Gerri & Jason Shanks

Sandra & Allan Slovin

— in honor of the men and women of

the U.S. military

Charla & David Weinsier

Sisterhood

Our Mission: The Women of Congregation Dor Tamid’s primary function is to support the synagogue through Judaism,

Community Service, Friendship, & Fundraising.

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DINNER AT NOOSH . . . YUM

INTERESTING FASHION AT THE SCAD MUSEUM . . . AND LUNCH AT THE SWAN

HOUSE. A WONDERFUL DAY OUT!

WHAT’S NEXT?

NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS

Veterans Shabbat — Friday, December 6

Join us on Friday, December 6 at 7:30pm as we honor CDT’s Veterans and their families, as well as active duty service men and women and their families. During the Musical Shabbat Service, those who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces or their family members will be invited onto the bimah for a special blessing. Please contact Ruthanne in the CDT office at 770-623-8860 or rwarnick@dortamid.com by December 5, so we can make sure to recognize you during services.

Rabbi Jordan at The Cohen Home

You are invited to join Rabbi Jordan as he leads a monthly Shabbat service at The Cohen Home for the residents. Join together at 2:30pm as we sing and pray on the following dates.

December 6 January 10 February 7 March 6 April 17 May 8

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Primetimers

Dinner at Thai Basil Kitchen was delicious with over 25 Primetimers enjoying the food and each

other’s company. Dessert at Ethel and Irwin Rubenstein’s home was spectacular. Thanks go out

to the Rubensteins for hosting and for all those who brought dessert.

Our next event is Saturday, December 14 — Pot Luck Dinner at CDT to celebrate Chanukah. We

will have a gift exchange as well as a fifty-fifty. Please join us for this wonderful event.

Upcoming events . . .

Saturday, February 1 — Dinner at Pearl Lian in Johns Creek. Please note the date change.

Sunday, March 15 — Kosher Deli Night at CDT. Harriet Jacobs will chair this event.

Sunday, April 26 — We will take a tour of the Atlanta History Museum and Cyclorama.

These are our current planned events. If you have any other suggestions for activities or would like

to chair a scheduled event, please email me at moved2ga@bellsouth.net or call 404-668-1135.

Carol Kovar

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Social Action

There is so much we can do as a congregation to make the world a better place.

Your Social Action Committee is working on a number of projects.

ZABAN PARADIES CENTER (ZPC) – If you are looking to do a rewarding project with your child, grandchild, friends, or spouse, consider volunteering for this. We provide and serve dinner to the residents for one evening. This organization assists couples transitioning from homelessness to resettlement and independence by providing shelter, basic necessities, and counseling services. Lesly Radov is our Coordinator. We still have some dates we need to fill — December 18th and March 18th. If you are looking for a rewarding experience, please contact Lesley Radov for details at lradov85@gmail.com .

———————

IT’S BACK, THE HUNGER WALK: March 15th in the afternoon. This would be a wonderful Bar/Bat Mitzvah project. Paula Bloom is interested in meeting with teens and asking one of them to co-chair with her. Interested in getting involved? Contact srocco1951@gmail.com for more details.

———————

The HOMES AGAINST HUNGER program is back for the 2019-2020 year. The first pickup was Sunday, November 17. Thank you to everyone who helped us fill our bags and barrels last month.

As winter is upon us, the need for food is rising, and the need increases even more throughout the holiday season. Please give generously and with your heart, if you are able. Perhaps even ask friends if they can gather some food for you to donate! Next pickup: January 12th. Future dates: March 18 — Purim Carnival May 17 —Annual Meeting We will pick up your donation from your home! Please have your bags outside by 8:30 AM, so our volunteers can pick them up. Email Jackie Berger at jackieb.berger@gmail.com and let her know if you are going to DROP OFF food at CDT or if you cannot participate for any reason.

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Tikkun Olam — עולם תיקון

Repair the World

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BEANIES FOR PREMATURE BABIES — Winter is coming, and we are looking for congregants who crotchet or knit to make beanies — and octopuses, too — for premature babies in the Northside Hospital NICU. The first scheduled dropoff to Northside Hospital is in December. Please help us fulfill this need.

You can make them at home on your own time and bring them to CDT.

For more information and to receive the pattern instructions, contact Sharon Rocco at srocco1951@gmail.com

OR

If you are looking for some camaraderie while working on your projects, join us for

our monthly get-togethers. Want to learn more? Contact Leslie Penuel at

ljpenuel1@gmail.com or 770-853-2496.

Next get-together is Thursday, December 12

1:00-3:00PM at CDT

GAN TAMID — The fence around the garden fell down due to poor weather conditions, and we are in the process of reinstalling a new fence. Lesley Radov has already planted garlic and will plant other fruit and veggies as appropriate for the season. Thank you to Lesley and to our 7th graders for helping with the garden cleanup.

Social Action (cont.)

For Our Youngest People

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Join Us for

PLAY TAMID

and

TOT SHABBAT

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Caring Committee

At any moment you may find yourself, your family, or your friends in need of a helping hand, and the CDT Caring Committee is here for you! Acts of loving kindness are our specialty, and we are here for congregants who may need help getting through difficult situations.

The Caring Committee’s ability to help starts with you! If you or someone you know could use some support, please reach out to us and let us know what’s going on. We will work closely with Rabbi Jordan and the staff to help us be successful in providing for the needs of our congregants. Our committee’s goal is to reach out to every congregant who may need us!

If you or someone you know is mourning, undergoing surgery, recovering from an accident or illness, or has something going on in your/their life and could use our assistance, please contact the CDT office (770-623-8860), Rabbi Jordan directly (770-623-8860), or Leslie Fox, Caring Committee Chair (678-296-4646), and let us know. It’s so important that we, as a congregational community, care for one another.

If you have any questions, or would like to be a part of the Caring Committee please let us know.

Leslie Fox

Caring Committee Chair 678-296-4646

Lifelong Learning

An In-Depth Look at the Basics of Judaism

On select Shabbat mornings, join Rabbi Jordan as he digs deep into the Basics of Judaism. We will explore the history, liturgy, customs, and holidays that make up our Jewish tradition, religion, and community. All classes begin at 9:00am.

1/11/20 Purim, Tu Bishvat, and Minor Festivals

2/8/20 Jewish Prayer II (The Amidah)

2/22/20 Jewish Prayer III (Aleinu and Kaddish

2/29/20 Jewish Prayer IV (Kabbalat Shabbat)

3/7/20 Jewish Prayer V (Blessings)

3/14/20 Pilgrimage Festivals III (Pesach

4/18/20 Israeli Holidays

4/25/20 Pilgrimage Festivals IV (Shavuot)

Torah Study

Join Rabbi Jordan each Wednesday at 11:00AM for our great weekly discussions as we continue

our study of the Torah.

Be sure to check the CDT calendar on our website for any changes to the schedule.

An Interfaith Perspective — January 31, 7:30PM During our Shabbat service, Dr. Shaun King, Senior Pastor at Johns Creek Baptist Church, will deliver the sermon.

An Introduction to Mussar Sundays, February 2 and 23, 9:30AM Taught by Rabbi Harvey Winokur, Rabbi Emeritus, Congregation Kehillat Chaim

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In the Community

Hours of Freedom dramatizes music by fifteen composers imprisoned in the Theresienstadt (Terezín)

Concentration Camp during WWII. Presented as nine chapters with titles including, “Hope,” “Fate,”

“Longing,” and “The Eyewitness,” this concert combines music, video, and narrative to highlight

works by Viktor Ullmann, Gideon Klein, Zigmund Schul, Pavel Haas, Rudolf Karel, and ten others.

The compositions performed portray the agony and suffering of camp life, along with the inspiration,

revelation, harmony, and hope that comes through music.

Admission is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Reserve by November 30th at aasynagogue.org/hours-of-freedom

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BE A ‘PINCH HITTER’ VOLUNTEER

ON DECEMBER 25th!

The Pinch Hitter Program, which is organized by B’nai B’rith and

chaired by Harry Lutz, provides volunteers to work in non-medical

positions in area hospitals on Christmas Day to give employees the

day off to spend with their families. We will work in (approximately)

four-hour shifts at eleven hospitals and assisted living facilities this

year. You can sign up on line at www.pinchhitters.org.

Call Harry at 678-485-8179 for more information.

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Our Advertisers

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Visit us on the web to see how it works

Dan@djrphotography.com

Daniel Rosen, Owner

CDT Member

404.900.0675

JAC is a multicultural Childcare Facility located at

Congregation Dor Tamid in Johns Creek.

At JAC students learn about different cultures, languages and traditions. Students learn to be more inde-

pendent, more creative and social. Though the school year has already started, it’s not to late to

enroll your child. Call now to find out about any promotions we are running.

At JAC your child will learn in Hebrew and English!

Schedule your tour today at 770.321.8484

(ext:1 or 3)

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2019-20 Board of Directors and Staff

Staff Senior Rabbi Jordan M. Ottenstein, RJE Cantorial Soloist Mike Zuspan Education Director Molly Peled Executive Director Stacey Jahanfar Administrative and Ruthanne Warnick B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator Custodial Staff Stacey Bell, Mo Alqaraghuli CDTTY Advisors Jaime & Eric Benson

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9 Executive Committee

President Dan Rosen COO Art Criden Finance VP Mitch Skyer Operations VP Doug Katz Education VP Jodi Rosa

Marketing VP Justin Blackman Secretary Jackie Berger Presidential Appointee Rob Lederman

Trustees Fundraising/Campaigns Scott Brown Ritual Sherry Nemiroff Membership Rachel Allen Trustee-at-Large Ashley Chenault Trustee-at-Large Denise Deitchman Sisterhood Lisa Danzig Men’s Club Larry Benator