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Monday Motivation: Fran Galishoff - Ahava ELC
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Featured Congregant: Fran Galishoff
Length of time as an AA member: from birth to present
Organization: Ahava Early Learning center
Organization website: ahavalearning.org
How long have you been involved with the organization? 2 years
How did you get involved with the cause/organization?
I am a retired teacher. Several congregants have shared with Rabbi Rosenthal that I had been their teacher. He took that information and decided I would be a good candidate for the first Ahava Board.
Why are you passionate about this cause/organization?
Ahava 's philosophy and teaching methods entice children to learn. The Reggio Emilia method, which is the mainstay of the curriculum, demands that teachers pique student interest and lead the learners to develop a keen desire for inquiry. I have watched the enthusiasm for learning in our students who range from ages 12 weeks to six years of age and celebrate the excitement that these preschoolers show.
Like many of you, I wondered why Rabbi Rosenthal wished to reopen a preschool. When I asked, he responded that the sound of happy children was the lifeblood of the synagogue, but more importantly, was the one thing that would insure its continuation. Children bring in their parents, their parents join the synagogue, and our congregation grows. But, would it happen again in Buckhead?
I know better than to doubt the Rabbi. In two years, we have come close to enrolling up to capacity. Not a week goes by that our director, Hannah Williams, doesn't field calls about the program and host parent tours of the school. Our financial picture has reached the "black" column as we begin to function under our founder and president, Elisa Ezor's, executive leadership rather than the AA Board's oversight.
"What does this have to do with me?" you might ask. We want you to get to know this marvelous wing of our shul and to play a small part in the growth of these youngsters. We want you to volunteer your time, with no formal commitment as to time, so you can feel the joy and hope they represent. Even if volunteering is not your thing, you'll look forward to any amount of time you spend with us in our beautiful new addition to the synagogue.
"What would I do?" you might ask. Show up for one hour and read to our kids. In doing so you enable teachers to develop lesson plans and complete other administrative tasks. We'll provide the books; you just show up! Other jobs might entail sitting at the front desk and answering the phone for one to two hours. If you have a penchant for cooking, you can assist our cook, Lynn Abrams, with lunch serving or preparation. If you have an artistic flair, you can assist students with art; if you have a green thumb, you can assist students in the outdoor greenhouse. You can give us as little or much time as you have. How thrilled you'll be to talk about your experiences with Ahava children and your newfound hope for the synagogue's future.
In August, I'll be out to the Rabbis' classes, minyans (both morning and evening), and other synagogue events to enlist volunteers. I hope you'll decide that this is a great way to participate in our synagogue. In the meantime, go to our website ahavalearning.org to learn more about Reggio Emilia curriculum and how Ahava produces kids who love learning. You can reach me at fgalishoff@bellsouth.net or 404.309.7767. |
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Transforming the Future in 100 Days
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Habitat for Humanity Build: AA Synagogue needs volunteers for its annual Habitat for Humanity House Build on Sunday, October 29 (site location to be announced soon). AA is proud to have built more than 20 Habitat houses in the past years as part of an interfaith effort with other synagogues and churches from the Buckhead and North Atlanta areas. Our efforts resulted in providing affordable housing for more than 100 family members. For further updates prior to the October 29 build date, contact Jeffrey Victor at 404.702.3469; jeffrey@creative-si.com or Alan Wexler at 404.872.8880; alanwexler@databankinfo.com. This experience is cherished by all our volunteers; please let us know if you would like to become part of the team.
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Zaban Paradies Center: This fall, AA Synagogue volunteers will be providing meals at the Zaban Paradies Center for Homeless Couples (originally called the Temple Zaban Night Shelter for the Homeless). AA has performed this mitzvah for more than 40 years - AA is one of several religious organizations that provide food for a few nights. Each night, more than 20 homeless couples receive shelter and a full dinner. The meals, while not having to be strict Kosher, need to follow the basic kosher-style tradition (no pork products or the like). There is no requirement to stay overnight - the time commitment extends from 6:00 - 8:30 pm on the assigned night for each volunteer. For further details, please contact Jen Rosenfeld at jenrosenfeld@comcast.net or Alan Wexler at 404.872.8880; alanwexler@databankinfo.com. Exact dates for volunteering will be announced in the next few weeks. We welcome your participation in the true tradition of AA volunteerism.
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Rebecca's Tent - Shearith Israel: During the fall and winter months, AA Synagogue provides volunteers for Rebecca's Tent Shelter at Congregation Shearith Israel (1180 University Drive, Atlanta - off North Highland Avenue). For the past ~50 years, our synagogue has provided meals every night for the 15+ homeless women who reside at Shearith Israel during the fall and winter months. We need your help and welcome your participation. For more information on providing the kosher meals, please contact Shirley Rich at 404.355.7700 or 404.583.7753; bubbesr@webtv.net.
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Sisterhood Honey Fundraiser:
Send an 8-ounce jar of delicious kosher honey to friends, family, and business associates for the New Year. A personalized card, with the words "L'Shana Tova - Wishing you a Healthy and Happy New Year", lets the recipients know that donations have been made in their honor to Ahavath Achim Sisterhood. To order, click HERE
, click on "click here to start your order", and follow the step-by-step instructions.
Order by July 24 to avoid a $4 per jar shipping fee!
For more information, contact Janet Kupshik at 404.313.1874 or
janet6420@aol.com
.
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AA Sisterhood Directory Needs Helpers:
Sisterhood has begun to organize the 2018-19 Sisterhood Directory. Your help is needed! We are asking for workers to solicit advertisements, contact department chairs for articles and work with committee members. This is a short term commitment. Please contact Barbara Nathan at bgnathan@mindspring.com or
Delcy Harber at delcyharber@comcast.net.
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Need A Regular-Size Mah Jongg Card? If you need a regular-size Mah Jongg card, there is one available. Please contact Barbara Nathan at bgnathan@mindspring.com or 404-406-8770.
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Food Sorting & Packing - Sunday, August 20, 1:00 - 4:00 pm, Atlanta Community Food Bank: Help us sort and box donated food. There is something for everyone to do regardless of physical ability or experience. Close-toed shoes are required. For more information, contact Nancy Canter Weiner at ncweiner@mindspring.com.
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Blood Drive - August 6, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm: Please be a blood donor. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments save you time. To schedule an appointment, click HERE and enter sponsor code JWV - you will be taken directly to the AA Blood Drive site where you can schedule your appointment. For more information, contact Gail Solomon at gailsol@gmail.com or 404.351.1900 to schedule an appointment for you.
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Have You Seen Our Monday Motivation Eblasts? Every Monday, our eblast features a different congregant, a cause that is meaningful to him/her, and the organization he or she is involved in to support the cause. This could be a non-profit or for-profit organization, one of the many social action groups at the synagogue, or something community-wide. If you would like to shed light on your cause and teach others how they can get involved, please reach out to Director of Marketing, Anne Cohen, at acohen@aasynagogue.org.
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Share Your Skills: Do you have skills (or expertise) you'd like to share? For example, do you have a background in Public Relations, Writing, Event Planning and/or Coordination, Volunteerism, Fundraising, Business Consulting, Number Crunching, Teaching, Strategic Planning, Customer Service, Research, Education, Sales, or anything else? If so, we'd love to know about it! Please email Director of Marketing, Anne Cohen, at acohen@aasynagogue.org with your name, contact information, and information about the skill set you're bringing to the table.
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Greeters Needed: If you can smile and say "Shabbat Shalom" then you are a fully trained greeter. Greeters welcome everyone with a smile. They stay in the foyer in front of Ellman Chapel for approximately one hour on Shabbat. Greeters are needed for one-hour shifts on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur! To join the greeter team contact Mildred or Marty Kwatinetz at zaydekw@comcast.net or 404.812.1734.
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| Transportation and Apartment Rental Needed: If any congregant desires to help with persons who need medical transportation or who need to rent a small apartment (for a monthly rental fee), please contact Alan Wexler at 404.872.8880 or alanwexler@databankinfo.com. |
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Give Back with the Community
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JF&CS Employment Workshop Series: This is an innovative series of workshops that offer essential tools for today's job seekers: job search basics, resume writing, interview skills, etc. Workshop topics include:
- Savvy Job Searching and Networking (Every 1st Tuesday)
- Expert Resume Development (Every 2nd Tuesday)
- Practice Makes Perfect: Keys to Successful Interviewing (Cobb: Every 3rd Tuesday)
- LinkedIn: Leveraging the Power of Online Networking (Every 4th Tuesday)
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Wo/Men Infertility Support and Help (WISH) Support Group - Every second Thursday of the month, 6:00 - 7:30 pm, MACoM, 700-A Mount Vernon Hwy NE, 30328: Join together with others who struggle with this difficult situation as we support each other and learn about opportunities and hope for the future. RSVP at RSVP@JewishFertilityFoundation.org. For more information, contact Lynn Goldman at 404.275.9678. For more information about Jewish Fertility Foundation, visit their website HERE. |
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Sharsheret Needs Your Help! Sharsheret, Hebrew for chain, is a national Jewish organization supporting women and families of all backgrounds facing breast and ovarian cancer. Sharsheret has designed a brief online survey to gather input about how we can inspire more women to reach out to Sharsheret for support. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey HERE
, and share it with other women who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer or at high risk due to family history or a genetic mutation. The more people heard from, the better the chances are at enhancing resources and services. Respondents can enter a raffle to win an Amazon gift card.
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Monday
July 17
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Tuesday
July 18
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Wednesday
July 19
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Thursday
July 20
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Friday
July 21
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Saturday
July 22
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Sunday
July 23
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7:15 am
Morning Minyan
6:00 pm
Evening Minyan
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7:15 am
Morning Minyan
TuesdAAys@AA
6:00 pm
Evening Minyan
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7:15 am
Morning Minyan
6:00 pm
Evening Minyan
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7:15 am
Morning Minyan
8:30 am
Talmud Berakhot w/ Rabbi Sandler
6:00 pm
Evening Minyan
7:00 pm
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7:15 am
Morning Minyan
9:15 am
Ahava Shabbat Together
8:27 pm
Candle Lighting
6:30 pm
Shabbat Evening Service
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9:00 am
Shabbat Morning Service
10:00 am
SaturPlay@AA
10:00 am
Vacation Bible Shul
(Paul Feldman)
8:15 pm
Mincha/Ma'ariv/
Havdallah Service
9:09 pm
End of Shabbat
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8:30 am
M
orning Minyan
6:00 pm
Evening Minyan
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For a full list of Saturday Vacation Bible Shul leaders, click here
Look out for our Wednesday Word eblasts for information about general synagogue or community-wide events!
For more information about an event or a complete list of events happening in the next weeks or months, visit our events calendar here.
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