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On today's episode of The Jewish Times, host Jeff Silberblatt welcomes a distinguished rabbinic roundtable featuring Rabbi Peter Berg, Rabbi Ari Kaiman, and Rabbi Ilan Feldman. Together, they explore pivotal questions from the Bible, Torah, and Jewish tradition. From the historical and spiritual narratives of the Maccabees to the debate over the Torah’s truth, the conversation delves into topics that shape Jewish identity and belief. The discussion examines the concept of the Messiah, the significance of keeping kosher, and how varying interpretations of Jewish law influence contemporary practice. Don’t miss this episode.
IN THIS EPISODE:
KEY TAKEAWAYS
RESOURCE LINKS:
Jewish Time - Podcast
Atlanta Jewish Times - Website
Atlanta Jewish Times - Facebook
Atlanta Jewish Times - YouTube
Rabbi Peter S. Berg - The Temple
Rabbi Kaiman - Congregation Shearith Israel
Rabbinic Staff - Beth Jacob Atlanta
BIOGRAPHIES:
Rabbi Ilan D. Feldman, Senior Rabbi at Beth Jacob Atlanta, has served the community since 1980, succeeding his father in 1991. He founded Torah Day School of Atlanta, helped establish the Atlanta Scholars Kollel, and serves as Dean of the Atlanta Kashruth Commission. Ordained at Ner Israel Rabbinical College, Rabbi Feldman holds a degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University, combining religious and practical guidance in his counseling work.
Rabbi Ari Kaiman began his rabbinic career at Congregation B'nai Amoona in St. Louis and has served as Rabbi at Congregation Shearith Israel since 2016. He fosters a culture of volunteerism and inclusivity, emphasizing diverse pathways to meaningful Jewish living, including prayer, learning, and social action. A proud Zionist, Rabbi Kaiman envisions a future of peace for all in the region. He and his wife, Emily, have four children and enjoy hiking, CrossFit, and reading.
Rabbi Ilan D. Feldman, Senior Rabbi at Beth Jacob Atlanta, has served the community since 1980, succeeding his father in 1991. He founded Torah Day School of Atlanta, helped establish the Atlanta Scholars Kollel, and serves as Dean of the Atlanta Kashruth Commission. Ordained at Ner Israel Rabbinical College, Rabbi Feldman holds a degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University, combining religious and practical guidance in his counseling work.
On today's episode of Jewish Time, host Jeff Silberblatt delves into the high-profile YSL Young Slime Life court case with criminal attorney Doug Weinstein, who represents Deamonte Kendrick, aka Yak Gotti. Doug offers an insider's perspective on the trial proceedings that have unfolded over the past two years. From the controversial involvement of Judge Granville to the unreliable testimony of Kenneth Copeland, aka Lil Woody, Doug provides a candid account of the challenges and intricacies of this prolonged trial. He also shares his thoughts on the skilled legal team involved and the stark contrasts between criminal and patent cases. Doug emphasizes that while this case has been undeniably bizarre, the reality is that defendants are sitting in Fulton County Jail every day, awaiting their fate in a place no one would want to be.
IN THIS EPISODE:
TAKEAWAYS
RESOURCES:
Jewish Time - Podcast
Atlanta Jewish Times - Website
Atlanta Jewish Times - Facebook
Atlanta Jewish Times - YouTube
Weinstein Law - Website
Doug Weinstein - X
BIO:
Doug Weinstein is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, the University of Alabama Birmingham, and the University of New Hampshire. After graduating from law school at the top of his class, he litigated for almost 25 years in federal and state courts with the top law firms in the country. Mr. Weinstein is a seasoned attorney with over 20 years of experience providing counsel to companies of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 100, focused on intellectual property and business matters.
Today on Jewish Time, Jeff Silberblatt sits down with Steve and Susan Sadow, prominent attorneys in Atlanta. Steve, a criminal defense attorney with a roster of celebrity clients, and Susan, renowned as Atlanta's Super Lawyer in workers' compensation, share their journeys. They discuss their decision to attend Emory Law School, reflect on how Atlanta has evolved over the past 40 years, express their pride in the Jewish community, and celebrate the achievements of their two sons. Additionally, they reveal the secrets behind their enduring marriage. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation with two of Atlanta’s proud citizens.
IN THIS EPISODE:
TAKEAWAYS
LINKS:
Atlanta Jewish Times - Website
Atlanta Jewish Times - Facebook
Atlanta Jewish Times - YouTube
Steve Sadow - Atlanta Jewish Times
Super Lawyers - Website
Susan Sadow - Website
Steve Sadow - New York Times
Steve Sadow - Reuters Website
BIOS:
Steve Sadow is a nationally recognized criminal defense attorney. His 44-plus-year career includes numerous high-profile clients, including 45th President Donald J. Trump, rappers/entertainers TI, Rick Ross, Gunna, Usher, Howard K. Stern (Anna Nicole Smith’s boyfriend/attorney), and Steve Kaplan (Gold Club owner). In 2020-2024, Steve was selected by Atlanta Magazine as one of the Top 500 most powerful, influential leaders in Atlanta. Steve was raised in Trotwood, Ohio, and graduated from Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio, before moving to Atlanta in 1976 to attend Emory Law School.
Susan Sadow is a workers’ compensation claimant attorney. She began practicing in 1981 and started her firm in 1992, now named Sadow & Froy. Susan has been recognized as a Georgia Super Lawyer since 2006 and by Best Lawyers in America since 2003, including being selected 2024 Lawyer of the Year. Her specialty is catastrophic injuries. She is also a certified mediator. Susan was raised in Englewood, N.J. and graduated from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, before moving to Atlanta in 1978 to attend Emory Law School.
Jeff Silberblatt is delighted to welcome Jenny Levison to the Jewish Times podcast. Jenny is the mastermind behind Souper Jenny, a thriving chain of five restaurants serving delectable soups and salads in the bustling Atlanta metroplex. Beyond her culinary success, Jenny's heart shines through her creation of The Zadie Project, a 501c3 nonprofit named after her father (“Zadie” is Yiddish for “Grandfather”), and dedicated to providing healthy nourishment to children in Title 1 schools. Prepare to be moved by Jenny's journey and the impactful initiatives of The Zadie Project. Tune in for a dose of inspiration, and you may find yourself craving a visit to one of her inviting locations after hearing about the mouthwatering menu!
IN THIS EPISODE:
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
RESOURCE LINKS:
Jewish Time - Podcast
Atlanta Jewish Times - Website
Atlanta Jewish Times - Facebook
Atlanta Jewish Times - YouTube
Atlanta Jewish Times Feature - Souper Jenny
Atlanta Jewish Times Feature - The Zadie Project
Atlanta Jewish Times Feature - Jenny Levinson
BIOGRAPHY:
Jenny Levison is a local celebrity, national TV personality and cookbook author. Before entering the restaurant business, the Atlanta native attended Carnegie Mellon and worked as an Actress in Los Angeles and New York. She moved back to Atlanta to perform with Actor’s Express and has been here ever since.
After spending two years traveling the world and learning to prepare different cuisines, Levison realized the one thing that was universal was soup. This realization was her inspiration to start Souper Jenny in 1999. From that initial inspiration, Souper Jenny now has five different locations, the Souper Farm and “The Zadie Project,” a nonprofit that provides meals to Atlantans in need.
Jeff Silberblatt sat down with Michael A. Morris, Owner and Publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times, to reflect on the resounding success of this year's Atlanta Jewish Life Festival. Held at the GA Aquarium, the 5th annual event brought the vivacity of Jewish culture to this iconic venue, where attendees immersed themselves in celebrating Jewish heritage, art, music, and cuisine against the backdrop of mesmerizing marine life. They also explored other pertinent topics of interest in the Jewish world. From analyzing current trends to addressing pressing issues within the community, their conversation provided valuable insights into the dynamic landscape of Jewish life in Atlanta and beyond. (This episode was recorded on March 27, 2024)
IN THE EPISODE:
TAKEAWAYS
RESOURCES:
Atlanta Jewish Times - Website
Atlanta Jewish Times - Facebook
Atlanta Jewish Times - YouTube
Michael Morris - Purchases the AJT
BIOGRAPHY:
Michael A. Morris is a renowned businessman and philanthropist who has owned and published the Atlanta Jewish Times since 2014. Since acquiring the AJT, he has expanded the paper’s commitment to the community by creating the Atlanta Jewish Connector, an online Jewish events calendar and resource guide, and the Atlanta Jewish Life Festival, which celebrated its fifth year of bringing Jewish organizations together.
Morris has built a reputation as someone who can help nonprofits solicit funds. Although he’s served in various leadership roles with Jewish organizations, he finds he’s most effective when concentrating on two or three nonprofit board positions at a time that don’t solicit from the same pool. He advises those considering where to volunteer: “When you join a board, don’t try to do everything. Pick things that can make a difference and focus your energies on that.”
We are excited to host the Best of Jewish Atlanta recipients. Today, we celebrate the achievements of four business owners who have excelled in their craft. We will chat with Gayle Rubenstein of Balloons over Atlanta, Cathy Schwartz of Atlanta Fever Entertainment, Sandra Bank of Added Touch Catering and Ramin Djaved representing City Springs. We will delve into the distinctive qualities that set their businesses apart and have garnered favor among the residents of Atlanta. To them, we extend a heartfelt mazel tov.
IN THIS EPISODE:
KEY TAKEAWAYS
QUOTES:
“With Jewish events, it's a step up because usually, it's a more high-end caliber and detailed. What I like about Jewish events is there is a timeline and nine out of 10 times, they stick to that timeline, which makes our actual job easier.” Ramin Djaved
“TikTok is a massive influence for my clients. The kids all love the songs on TikTok, the popular songs and the dances accompanying them—all of my MCs and dancers are well-versed with TikTok and all the popular music, so we incorporate those into our parties. Almost every client's child wants the TikTok songs.” Cathy Schwartz
RESOURCE LINKS:
Jewish Time - Podcast
Atlanta Jewish Times - Website
Atlanta Jewish Times - Facebook
Atlanta Jewish Times - YouTube
Balloons Over Atlanta
Atlanta Fever Entertainment
Added Touch Catering - Website
City Springs - Website
Sponsor:
This episode of Jewish Time is sponsored by 42West! As the west side’s most sought after simcha venue, 42West has created a name for itself in the Atlanta event industry with its modern and award-winning design, flexibility in event times, flat rates with no extra fees and a very hands-on approach. Your mitzvah, wedding or corporate event is guaranteed to be a unique and elevated experience. Check out 42West at www.42westentertainmentgroup.com or on Instagram @ 42 west entertainment group.
BIOGRAPHIES:
ABOUT GAYL
Aleeza Ben Shalom is a matchmaker, dating coach, and the host of the Netflix hit “Jewish Matchmaking.” She explains how her services are unique in matchmaking by providing guidance and mentoring throughout the dating process. Aleeza dives into the nitty-gritty of dating in this decade and gives advice you may be seeking if you are a single man or woman in Atlanta. Hear why her motto is, “date-um until you hate-um.” Don’t miss this engaging and fun-filled conversation today on Jewish Times.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[00:22] Jeff introduces Aleeza, and she discusses the Netflix Show and delves into why dating in this day and age is so difficult. [03:48] Aleeza finds that moving to Israel has made her business international and describes what happens on her world tour events. [07:00] Aleeza gives her advice to single Jews living in Atlanta, discusses her business, and the differences between the age groups she sees. [12:30] Aleeza describes her reaction when the date goes well and why faith-based people are easier for her to connect with. [15:32] How is Aleeza’s business unique from others?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
When people share the same faith, finding someone to love is easier because they hold the same values. Older daters are looking for people similar to themselves, whereas younger ones are looking for someone different. Give dating someone a chance before you toss in the towel and move on to the next person.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Jewish Time - Podcast
Atlanta Jewish Times - Website
Atlanta Jewish Times - Facebook
Atlanta Jewish Times - YouTube
"Get Real Get Married" on Amazon
Aleeza Ben Shalom’s ELI Talk
Aleeza Ben Shalom's - Website
Atlanta Jewish Times on Ben Shalom's Atlanta Events
BIOGRAPHY:
Aleeza Ben Shalom, the dating coach at the center of Jewish Matchmaking, has her own matchmaking business working across the United States and Israel and specializes in helping to pair up compatible couples in Jewish communities. Her business, Marriage Minded Mentor, offers matchmaking services as well as life coaching, dating advice, online courses, and events. Aleeza’s books Get Real, Get Married and Virtual Dating guide singles through the dating world to find their soulmate. Ben Shalom's matchmaking work has helped over 200 Jewish couples get married under the chuppah.
QUOTES:
I find it an extremely challenging job because we don't want to be in the position of saying, “I'll just get a new partner if this doesn't work out.” It's not like a job where we can switch every couple of years. Ideally, we're trying to match people so that they can find the person that they're going to choose to live with for a lifetime.” - Aleeza Ben Shalom
“One unique thing about our services is that we will not offer straight matchmaking, meaning making introductions only. We will make introductions, but it must be accompanied by coaching and support, another part of the matchmaking process. So for us, it's a well-rounded process.” Aleeza Ben Shalom
Mike Leven, the visionary behind the Holiday Inn Express Chain, philanthropist, and accomplished business executive, delves into the significance of the Jewish Future Pledge and the Jewish Youth Pledge, shedding light on strategies to uphold our Jewish heritage and provide ongoing support to the state of Israel. By embracing the Jewish Future Pledge, individuals commit themselves to a moral duty of allocating 50% of their wealth towards the betterment of Jewish causes. Mike Leven will explain the pledge's mechanics and share pertinent information about the Jewish Youth Pledge, presenting a comprehensive roadmap for fostering our Jewish legacy and bolstering Israel's welfare.
IN THIS EPISODE:
KEY TAKEAWAYS
RESOURCE LINKS:
Jewish Time - Podcast
Atlanta Jewish Times - Website
Atlanta Jewish Times - Facebook
Atlanta Jewish Times - YouTube
Atlanta Jewish Times Interview with Mike Leven on his Book
Reviews for Can't Do It Yourself Book
Jewish Future Pledge - Website
BIOGRAPHY: Mike Leven
Mike Leven is a legendary business executive, philanthropist and author who co-founded the Jewish Future Pledge to carry on his family’s commitment to Judaism.
The Jewish Future Pledge is a commitment that from the funds you leave to charity at your passing, at least half will be earmarked to support the Jewish people and the State of Israel.
Their website: https://jewishfuturepledge.org/
Leven’s prominent career in the hospitality industry included the launch of the Holiday Inn Express brand and reorganizing Days Inn of America, growing it from a regional chain to one of the largest hotel organizations in the world. He served as President and COO of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, Chairman and CEO of US Franchise Systems, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Georgia Aquarium. Mr. Leven is also a co-founder of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), which has more than 19,000 members owning more than 40,000 hotels.
In 2019, he ended his tenure as the Chairman and Chief Executive of Georgia Aquarium to devote more time to philanthropic e
Dr. Guy Lurie, a Research Fellow of the Democratic Values of Institutions program of the Israeli Democracy Institute, known as the IDI, joins Jeff today to discuss the state of the Supreme Court in Israel. Dr. Guy has an inside track of what is happening in Israel and what the IDI is doing to educate decision-makers to help shape policy. In addition, they will discuss the different factors that have forged the decisions made recently and the unrest in the State of Israel. Don’t miss this enlightening episode of Jewish Time.
IN THIS EPISODE:
KEY TAKEAWAYS
RESOURCE LINKS:
Jewish Time - Podcast
Atlanta Jewish Times - Website
Atlanta Jewish Times - Facebook
Atlanta Jewish Times - YouTube
Israeli Democracy Institute - Website
BIOGRAPHY:
Dr. Guy Lurie is an attorney and holds a PhD in History from Georgetown University (2013). He is a former coordinator of the Shamgar Commission for the Formulation of Rules of Ethics for Members of the Government, and served as a post-doctoral fellow on the Faculty of Law at the University of Haifa.
Kaylene Ladinksy, Managing Publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times, gives us some history of a newspaper in its 98th year of publication. She shares insights on the growth and diversity of the paper. The AJT focuses on bringing the community together and accomplishes that goal. Host Jeff Silberblatt and Kaylene talk about the exciting episodes of the podcast you will hear in the future and community gatherings hosted by the AJT to come. Don’t miss this enlightening episode of Jewish Time.
IN THIS EPISODE:
KEY TAKEAWAYS
RESOURCE LINKS:
Jewish Time - Podcast
Atlanta Jewish Times - Website
Atlanta Jewish Times - Facebook
Atlanta Jewish Times - YouTube
BIOGRAPHIES:
Jeff Silberblatt, the host of “Jewish Time,” brings a memorable radio voice, accustomed to serving as a voice-over actor in radio commercials. He has a 22-year history managing broadcast programming for radio stations and groups nationwide and has worked with CBS Radio, Clear Channel Communications (now iHeartMedia), Viacom and Cumulus Media.
He managed radio stations in Michigan, Washington, D.C., and Honolulu before coming to Atlanta to manage Peach 94.9.
As a broadcast manager, he rubbed shoulders with celebrities, including Elton John, Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen, and while in Hawaii, he was part of a production team that produced sold-out concerts at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu starring Celine Dion, Lionel Richie, The Rolling Stones and Ricky Martin.
Atlanta Jewish Times’ Kaylene Ladinsky has been with the AJT since January 2011. She has served the AJT as a writer, business manager, and associate publisher throughout her tenure and is now the newspaper’s editor and managing publisher. She is a recipient of multiple Simon Rockower Jewish Journalism Awards, nationally recognized as a Marquis Who’s Who of America and Who’s Who of America’s Women of Influence, and currently serves as an executive board member for the American Jewish Press Association and Atlanta Jewish Life Foundation, as well as an active member of the National Newspaper Association.
News and community relations took priority when becoming the founder and president of Americans United with Israel Corporation, a charitable 501(c)3 NGO based in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2009.
She has 15 years of experience in corporate mediati
From the publisher's feed
The mission of the Atlanta Jewish Time Podcast is to create a sense of community throughout the geographically dispersed Jewish people of greater Atlanta. The AJT accomplishes its mission through…