Kesher Quick - A Great Use of Your Time to Fight Antisemitism in Georgia
Author
Date Added
February 2, 2024 | 24 Shevat 5784 | Issue # 503
A Shabbat Message from Rabbi Spike Anderson
A Great Use of Your Time to Fight Antisemitism in Georgia
Dear Temple Emanu-El,
The Jews of Georgia had a big ‘win’ this week!
For those of you who were awake this past Yom Kippur for the sermon, we talked about the importance of passing HB30, known as the ‘antisemitism bill’ through the Georgia State Legislature.
The previous two years we were unsuccessful in this effort, but this past Thursday, HB30 passed overwhelmingly in the Georgia State House and Senate.
Many Jewish organizations have put significant time and energy into lobbying elected officials, meeting with them, and explaining how HB30 will increase our (sense of) protection as Antisemitism continues to dramatically rise. (An important note, out of all the Georgia State legislators, only one is Jewish (Esther Panitch, House District 51).
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) really quarterbacked this effort, and I am VERY PROUD to say that Temple Emanu-El did our part.
Almost 400 of you were at our Legislative Shabbat dinner & service on January 12th, where we hosted more than 50 elected officials. Some of you were ‘buddied’ up for the evening, to host our guests, and talk about what it was like to be Jewish in America today, and the importance of passing HB30.
Many of our congregants took the day last Thursday to be at the state capital to fill the gallery with our voices as the votes were cast.
Yesterday was a historic day as Governor Kemp signed HB30 into law.
This is a big deal.
Now, I would ask one more thing of you. We need to follow up, and we need to do it thoroughly.
The AJC has provided us with the language, and the links, to reach out to the Georgia legislators who voted for HB30, and the ones who voted against HB30.
I cannot stress enough how important it is that we get in touch with them in significant numbers.
If you want to personally make a difference against antisemitism in Georgia, this is an excellent use of your time.
For our allies on HB30, they need to know that we see and appreciate them with words of gratitude and recognition. Trust me, they are hearing from other constituents who are unhappy with their vote.
For those few who voted against HB30, they also need to hear from us. We need to be respectful, but firm that we are very disappointed. We are not looking to burn bridges, but we need to let them know that we are paying attention.
Additionally, we need to thank Governor Brian Kemp and Lt. Governor Burt Jones for their support of HB30.
Chazak Chazak V’NitChazak- Be Strong, be strong, and through one another may we be strengthened.
Shabbat shalom Rabbi Spike
February is Jewish Disabilities month...
... in honor of that, we are featuring testimonies from various Temple Emanu-El congregants who have something to say.
By Bill Gordon
Let’s be honest, having children can be both the most rewarding and the most challenging experience of our lives. Adding the additional complexity of having a child with Special Needs completely changes the way you look at raising a child and life itself. Our family is blessed to have three amazing boys, Spencer 13 and Noah and Parker who are 11-year-old twins. Parker has Down Syndrome which is also called Trisomy 21 meaning he has an extra chromosome on the 21st pair.
Liam Denneen is a 13 year old who has been a very active member of Temple Emanu-El since he was an 18 month old Schiff pre-schooler. Shortly before his third birthday, Liam was diagnosed with a rare disease called Hunter Syndrome (MPS II). Hunter Syndrome is a progressively degenerative disease that impacts every cell in the body, leading to various physical and cognitive disabilities and a relatively short lifespan.
Help Needed - Caring Committee Food Delivery Volunteers
Are you looking for a way to make a difference in your community and give back?
The Caring Committee is looking for volunteers who live in the zip codes 30092, 30022, 30076, and 30328 to join our list of food delivery volunteers.
As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to make a direct impact on the lives of those who may be struggling during challenging times by delivering a warm meal. And the best part? You get to do it with a smile and a friendly hello! It's a wonderful opportunity to help those in need with a simple act of service.
If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please get in touch with Gerri Penn at pennfam@bellsouth.netor Sharon Cohen at sfcohen70@gmail.com .
Thank you for your support!
Tax Letters
Click the image to visit our New "Standing With Israel" page!
Spring Forward- Game On
Dinner, Drinks, Entertainment, Live & Silent Auctions
In the wake of the brutal and devastating attack by Hamas on October 7 and the unfolding war in Israel, we are introducing a special series from the For Heaven's Sake podcast with Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi, For Heaven's Sake: Israel at War.
Listen to “For Heaven’s Sake” daily podcast. You must have an Apple Podcast or Spotify app to listen.
7:30pm - Koleinu: Inclusion Shabbat Service with Rabbi Spike and Cantorial Soloist, Jessica Tillem with Guest Speakers Brent & Kyle Pease in the Sanctuary followed by Oneg in the Lobby Join us in person! Facebook Live | Youtube Live
February 3 - Saturday
9:00am - Chevrah Torah with Rabbi Spike in the Diamond Family Chapel Join us in person!Click here to join over Zoom
10:00am - Shacharit Bat Mitzvah Service with Rabbi Rachael, Cantorial Soloist Jessica Tillem and Olivia Herd in the Sanctuary Join us in person! Facebook Live | Youtube Live
Mazal Tov Olivia!
11:00am - Tot Shabbat in the Diamond Family Chapel Register here
4:00pm - NextDor Curling
4880 Lower Roswell Rd #910, Marietta, GA 30068 Register here
February 4 - Sunday
9:00am - Diamond Family Religious School
9:00am - Blood Drive
February 5 - Monday
7:00pm - Foundations of Prayer with Ilan Weismark - Zoom Only Register here
February 8 - Thursday
2:00pm - Temple Mah Jongg in the Chapel Register here
7:00pm - Sisterhood Wellness: Nourishing the Mind, Body and Soul This event is Sold Out! To be added to the waitlist - please email Marina - malberhasky@teatlanta.org
**Please LOG-IN to your My Emanu-El Portal to register for all classes & events.
This will ensure you receive all email notifications and reminders. Contact the office for help.**
Sponsor an Oneg!
There are two mitzvot pertaining to the Shabbat meal. One is oneg, the mitzvah to delight in Shabbat, as it is written: “Call Shabbat ‘delight’ (oneg)” (Isaiah 58:13). Oneg is fulfilled primarily through the meals, but snacks and a Shabbat nap are parts of it as well." (Peninei Halakhah, Shabbat 7:2:2) Providing the Oneg is performing a Mitzvah for our community.
Hosting an Oneg is not only a Mitzvah, but it can also be a way to celebrate a family event and share the good news with the congregation.
Commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, awards, graduations, B’nai Mitzvah and other happy occasions. Sponsor an Oneg today!
Sisterhood Tree of Life
Her ways are pleasant and all her paths, peaceful. She is a tree of life to those who grasp her, and whoever holds on to her is happy. Proverbs 3:17–18 Honor a loved one or a special occasion by purchasing a leaf on our Tree of Life
To order your Leaf on the Sisterhood Tree of Life, please click on the image or email Marina.
Remember A Loved One
I will give them, in My House And within My walls, A monument and a name Better than sons or daughters. I will give them an everlasting name That shall not perish. (Isaiah 56:5)
We are commanded not merely to grieve but also to remember and to observe.
Temple Emanu-El’s Yahrzeit plaques both perpetuate the cherished memory of the loved ones we have lost and create a permanent family legacy.
Memorializing our loved ones in this way fulfills the commandment to give tzedakah in their honor.
To order your yahrzeit plaque(s) or to reserve a space, please click on the image or emailMarina.
Are you a new, new-ish or even a "seasoned" member of TE, and not already a member of a Chavurah? If so, this is a fantastic time to be a part of our revitalized Chavurah program! A Chavurah is a group of around 6-12 individuals, couples, and/or families who have some common interests. It is a great opportunity to develop closer friendships with a smaller group of TE members.
Click here for more information and fill out a short questionnaire to help the Chavurah Committee place you with a group. The committee will help get you started and will provide any assistance that you need to make your Chavurah successful!
If you have any questions, please contact Lori Goldberg at lsideman@hotmail.com .
Be sure to set up your password to access your My Emanu-El Account.
If you need assistance, please contact the Administrative Office - 770-395-1340.
