Your Guide to Atlanta’s Jewish Nonprofits
With this issue we offer a brief directory to help you navigate through Atlanta’s wealth of worthwhile nonprofit organizations.
For each organization, we tried to offer a website and, when available, a phone number, as well as professional and lay leadership.
We contacted the organizations and asked them to verify their information and to provide us with a brief summary of what they do. In some cases, we had to create those summaries ourselves based on our dealings with the organizations and their available online materials.
We did not include day schools, religious schools, camps, synagogues and synagogue-type organizations, simply because we provide issues devoted to those nonprofits at other times of the year. For example, our annual synagogue issue, including coverage of religious schools, is coming out Aug. 19.
We do hope that all of Atlanta’s Jewish organizations will take advantage of the opportunity to send the community New Year’s messages in our Rosh Hashanah issue Sept. 30.
We also did not include the many family foundations and other philanthropic organizations that often operate behind the scenes to fund the many nonprofit groups that provide services to the community. That’s perhaps a guide for another day.
As always, we did our best to be as complete and accurate as possible with this directory, and we apologize for any errors or omissions. Send any corrections or suggested additions to mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com.
Jewish Atlanta Nonprofit Directory
ALEF Fund
www.aleffund.org, 678-222-3739
Coordinator Karen Campbell
Board Chair Mitchell Kopelman
The ALEF Fund offers Georgia taxpayers a simple way to redirect a portion of their state income taxes to become scholarships at any of 16 participating Jewish preschools and day schools.
American Israel Public Affairs Committee
Southeast Region
www.aipac.org, 770-541-7610
Southeast Regional Director Elliot Mendes
Atlanta Chair Fred Shaftman
AIPAC aims to strengthen, protect and promote the U.S.-Israel relationship in ways that enhance the security of both nations.
American Jewish Committee
Atlanta Chapter
www.ajcatlanta.org, 404-233-5501
Regional Director Dov Wilker
Regional President Greg Averbuch
AJC’s Atlanta Regional Office works to bridge the gap between the Atlanta Jewish community and other ethnic and faith communities. AJC Atlanta also works with the diplomatic corps representing foreign governments across the Southeast.
Americans United With Israel
americaunitedwithisrael.org, 404-563-2227
President Kaylene Ladinsky
Americans United with Israel provides awareness of the value of democracy in the Middle East and Israel, encourages and facilitates Israel education programs for children and the general public, and improves the lives of underprivileged Israelis.
Anti-Defamation League
Southeast Region
atlanta.adl.org, 404-262-3470
Regional Interim Director Shelley Rose
Regional Board Chair Steve Pepper
For over 100 years, ADL has led the fight against racism, bigotry, intolerance and anti-Semitism and is the leader in providing diversity education in schools, communities and workplaces.
Atlanta Jewish Film Festival
ajff.org, 404-528-2614
Executive Director Kenny Blank
Board President Steve Labovitz
AJFF, with its year-round programming, including the largest Jewish film festival in the world, seeks to inspire communities to new levels of social and cultural understanding by entertaining diverse audiences with film through a Jewish lens.
Atlanta Jewish Music Festival
Executive Director Russell Gottschalk
President Becky Herring
AJMF uses music year-round, including a signature spring festival of world music, to grow the Jewish community and celebrate our heritage.
Atlanta Kosher Commission
kosheratlanta.org, 404-634-4063
Director of Supervision Rabbi Reuven Stein
An Orthodox, community-based kosher supervision agency, the AKC certifies over 150 companies in the Southeast and beyond, including manufacturing facilities, bakeries, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels and caterers.
Atlanta Scholars Kollel
www.atlantakollel.org, 404-321-4085
Dean Rabbi David Silverman
Board Co-Presidents Eric Bern and Raanon Gal
The Atlanta Scholars Kollel is a group of rabbis and families dedicated to engaging high school and college students and adults in the beauty of our heritage by imparting Jewish knowledge through text learning and discussions, as well as spirituality through Jewish experiences such as Shabbat and holiday programs and meals.
Birthright Israel Atlanta
www.jewishatlanta.org/what-we-do/israel-overseas/birthright, 678-222-3746
Engagement and Leadership Development Manager Jessica Segal
National board member Doug Ross
Three Birthright Israel Atlanta community trips each year bring a total of 120 people ages 22 to 26 to Israel for 10 days. The Atlanta community trips are organized by Israel Outdoors, the largest Birthright provider. Birthright Israel Atlanta also offers events to Birthright alumni and the Atlanta Jewish young adult community.
B’nai B’rith International
Achim/Gate City Lodge
pinchhitters.org, www.bnaibrith.org, 770-645-1239
President Karen Weinberg
B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. The Pinch Hitters Program provides volunteer replacements for hospital workers so Christians can have Christmas off.
Breman Jewish Heritage Museum
www.thebreman.org, 678-222-3700
Executive Director Aaron Berger
Board Chair Craig Frankel
The Breman, Atlanta’s Jewish museum, celebrating its 20th year, offers exhibitions, events and programs covering Jewish culture, art and history. The museum also is home to the Weinberg Center for Holocaust Education and the Cuba Family Archives for Southern Jewish History.
Camp Living Wonders
www.camplivingwonders.org, 678-888-2259
Directors Noah and Chanie Pawliger
Camp Living Wonders is the Southeast’s only Jewish residential summer camp built to empower people 7 and older with special needs — including autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Fragile X, PDD and LD/ADD/ADHD/NODD — and their families to integrate into the community with confidence and independence.
Conexx: America Israel Business Connector
www.conexx.org, 404-843-9426
President Guy Tessler
Board Chairman Ben Fink
Conexx creates business opportunities for Israelis looking to expand in the U.S. and Americans looking for entry into Israel. The business connector provides access to groundbreaking technologies and to partners in the Southeast, Israel and beyond through exchanges, networking and corporate business missions to Israel.
Etgar 36
www.etgar.org, 404-456-6605
Executive Director Billy Planer
Etgar 36 is a Jewish educational institute devoted to using group journeys to cultivate American and Jewish identities in a manner that sharpens social and political awareness, critical thinking skills, and sense of how to create change in the world.
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces
Southeast Region
www.fidf.org/Southeast, 678-250-9030
Executive Director Seth Baron
Regional Chairman Garry Sobel
FIDF offers educational, cultural, recreational and social service programs and facilities to support the well-being of the soldiers who protect Israel and Jews worldwide, as well as their families.
Friendship Circle of Atlanta
www.fcatlanta.org, 404 205-5994
Executive Director Rabbi Yale New
Director Rickelle New
Friendship Circle of Atlanta addresses the challenges facing families of individuals with special needs. Innovative programming and volunteers create friendships and inclusion, bridging the gap between the typical and special needs communities and giving people with special needs the opportunity to celebrate and learn about their Jewish heritage.
Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange
www2.gsu.edu/~crirxf/gilee.htm, 404-413-1035
Founding Director Robbie Friedmann
GILEE, a research unit of Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, improves public safety by enhancing interagency cooperation and educational training among law enforcement communities by offering best practices and sources of excellence in a peer-to-peer environment.
Hadassah Greater Atlanta
www.hadassah.org/atlanta, 678-443-2961
Super South Hub Managing Director Crystal Anderson
President Paula Zucker
Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, inspires a passion for and commitment to the land and people of Israel. It enhances the health of people worldwide through the Hadassah Medical Organization. It empowers members and supporters through opportunities for personal growth, education, advocacy and Jewish continuity.
Hebrew Order of David
North American Governing Lodge President David Joss
HOD is an international fraternity of Jewish men dedicated to the continuity of the Jewish people and performing acts of charity to enhance the lives of HOD brethren and the community at large. Atlanta has four lodges: Carmel (Sandy Springs), Bezalel (Cobb), Magen David (Toco Hills/intown) and Shimshon (Johns Creek/Alpharetta).
Hillels of Georgia
hillelsofgeorgia.org, 404-963-2548
Executive Director Rabbi Russ Shulkes
President Michael Coles
Hillels of Georgia serves more than 5,000 students across the state through Jewish programming, leadership training and advocacy to ensure that the next generation of Jews will be ready to carry the Jewish torch.
Ian’s Friends Foundation
www.iansfriendsfoundation.com, 404-966-0752
Executive Director Amy Kane
Co-founders Cheryl and Phil Yagoda
IFF’s mission is to undertake and support initiatives at research institutions around the country that focus on developing therapeutic methodologies for the treatment of pediatric brain tumors, for which, historically, little research had been done.
InterfaithFamily/Atlanta
www.interfaithfamily.com/atlanta, 404-991-2238
Director Rabbi Malka Packer
IFF/Atlanta offers programs, from “Love and Religion” workshops to holiday parties and Shabbat gatherings, and strives to be as welcoming and inclusive as possible to support and empower interfaith couples and families.
Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation
jajf.org, 404-537-5253
Operations Director Lindsey King
President Jon Albert
JAJF provides memorable experiences to children facing the imminent loss of a young mom or dad to cancer. Oncologists prescribe JAJF as part of the treatment protocol for the patient, the spouse and their children.
Jewish Community Relations Council of Atlanta
jcrcatlanta.wordpress.com, 678-222-3740
Administrator Noah Appley
President Harvey Rickles
JCRC Atlanta educates and advocates on vital issues and provides a common table for Atlanta’s Jewish community. The organization provides textbooks about Israel and Judaism to teachers and sponsors programs such as Georgia legislative activism, the Holocaust Community Council, lectures and town hall meetings.
Jewish Educational Loan Fund
jelf.org, 770-396-3080
CEO Jenna Shulman
President Marianne Daniels Garber
JELF grants interest-free, last-dollar loans for higher education to Jewish students in need. Since 1961, JELF has granted over $10 million to 4,000-plus students in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia and has a 99 percent repayment rate.
Jewish Family & Career Services
www.JFCSatl.org, 770-677-9300
CEO Rick Aranson
President John Perlman
JF&CS improves the quality of life and builds self-sufficiency for individuals and families in greater Atlanta through counseling, career support, addiction programs, dental care, and services for older adults and for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The agency serves more than 30,000 people a year regardless of age, race, religion, national origin or ability to pay.
Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta
www.jewishatlanta.org, 404-873-1661
CEO Eric Robbins (as of August)
Chairman Joel Marks
Federation provides opportunities, care, connection, support and strength for the greater Atlanta Jewish community, for Israel and for Jews globally. The vision is for a thriving, inclusive Atlanta community with healthy organizations that engage every generation to secure our Jewish future. Federation values compassion, diversity, generosity and commitment to Jewish values and to our people worldwide.
Jewish Home Life Communities
www.jewishhomelife.org, 404-351-8410
CEO Harley Tabak
Board Chair H. Stephen Merlin
What began as the William Breman Jewish Home has expanded to become a comprehensive system of life care communities and services to meet the many needs of seniors and their families. Jewish Home Life Communities combines the Breman Home, Aviv Rehabilitation Center, Zaban Tower, Cohen Home, Berman Commons, One Group, Meyer Balser NORC and Weinstein Hospice.
Jewish Interest Free Loan of Atlanta
jifla.org, 470-268-5665
Executive Director Nancy Weissmann
President Laura Kahn Travis
JIFLA provides interest-free loans to help fellow Jews in the Atlanta area maintain financial stability through periods of financial distress with an alternative to high-interest-rate debt.
Jewish Kids Groups
www.jewishkidsgroups.com, 404-913-9554
Executive Director Ana Robbins
Board President Susan Levitas
JKG is an independent network of Jewish supplementary schools that educate and inspire children in a way that feels like summer camp, engendering positive Jewish learning, identity and friendships. Locations in Morningside, the Old 4th Ward and Congregation Or VeShalom in Brookhaven serve students in preschool through seventh grade.
Jewish National Fund
Southeast Region
www.jnf.org/about-jnf/in-your-area/southern-zone/southeast, 404-236-8990
Southeast Executive Director Beth Gluck
Southeast Board Co-Presidents Alan Wolk and Howard Wexler
JNF, which helped re-establish a Jewish homeland in Israel, is following its “$1 Billion Roadmap for the Next Decade,” an innovative plan for Israel’s future. Its Blueprint Negev program has made the Negev Desert an attractive place to live and work, and Go North is growing tourism and increasing employment in northern Israel.
Jewish Student Union of Atlanta
jewishstudentunion.com, 678-666-5678
Director Rabbi Chaim Neiditch
JSU supports clubs at public and non-Jewish private high schools and offers activities outside school to give thousands of students the chance to do something Jewish.
Jewish War Veterans Post 112
www.jwv.org, robertjmax@gmail.com
Post Commander Robert Max
JWV Atlanta Post 112 supports military veterans and active-duty personnel. The post raises funds for and volunteers at the VA hospital and nursing homes, Operation Homefront, blood drives, and the USO. Monthly meetings feature interesting speakers. Membership is open to veterans and nonveterans.
Jewish Women’s Connection of Atlanta
Co-Directors Julie Silverman and Batsheva Gelbtuch
Co-Presidents Helen Zalik and Bev Lewyn
JWCAtlanta connects women through friendship, learning and Jewish values that transform and impact them, their families and the community. Free trips to Israel, inspiring classes, and interactive, dynamic programming create a unity among Jewish women that transcends all barriers.
Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta
www.jwfatlanta.org, 678-222-3716
Executive Director Rachel Wasserman
Board Chair Lisa Haynor
Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta expands opportunities in the lives of Jewish women and girls via grants, advocacy and education through a gender lens. The grants provide sustainable benefits. Jewish Women’s Fund empowers women to be leaders, philanthropists and decision-makers.
JScreen
jscreen.org, 404-778-8640
Senior Director Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid
Board Chairman Larry Smith
JScreen is a Jewish genetic screening program for anyone planning to start or expand a family. JScreen provides affordable, at-home saliva testing for over 100 diseases, including those most common in people with Ashkenazi, Sephardi and Mizrahi ancestry. JScreen has become the national resource for Jewish genetic screening.
Kollel Ner Hamizrach
kollelnh.org, 404-594-5999
Executive Director Rabbi David Kapenstein
Kollel Ner Hamizrach’s 10 young rabbis, who study Talmud under Rabbi Eliezer Cohen, teach and tutor in the evenings throughout Jewish Atlanta. Kollel Ner Hamizrach aims to create a bastion of Torah scholarship, serve as a catalyst to encourage young couples to move here, and share Torah knowledge and traditions with Jews of all affiliations.
Limmud Atlanta + Southeast
www.limmudse.org, 404-507-6322
Staff member Leslie Mallard
Board Chair Nina Rubin
Limmud Atlanta + Southeast is a Jewish learning and leadership organization whose mission is to celebrate Jewish life and learning by bringing together Jews of all backgrounds, affiliations and ages. Limmud is committed to diversity, learning in its broadest sense, and volunteerism. The capstone event, LimmudFest, is held over Labor Day weekend at the Ramah Darom Retreat Center.
Marcus Jewish Community Center
www.atlantajcc.org, 678-812-4000
CEO Jared Powers
Board Chair Joel Arogeti
The Marcus JCC is committed to strengthening the quality of life throughout metro Atlanta. From preschoolers and adolescents to young adults and active seniors, the center offers engaging programs, events and services for every member of the community.
Metro Atlanta Community Mikvah
www.atlantamikvah.org, 404-549-9679
Executive Director Barbara LeNoble
Board Chair Caryn Hanrahan
In addition to its traditional uses, mikvah has been used in recent years for creative expressions that acknowledge personal milestones and journeys. MACoM takes a unique view of the time-held traditions we Jews observe year after year. The interdenominational mikvah is a one-of-a-kind Georgia facility where all are welcome.
National Council of Jewish Women
Atlanta Section
www.ncjwatlanta.org, 404-843-9600
President Rachel Rosner
National Council of Jewish Women tutors students and provides supplies and coats for Title I schools. NCJW raises money with the Bargainata store at 6600 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special sales are planned for the Georgia sales tax holiday.
ORT Atlanta
www.ortatlanta.org, 404-327-5266
Regional Director Jay Tenenbaum
Board President Harvey Spiegel
ORT America promotes the understanding and appreciation of Jewish values through a network of schools and training programs in 63 countries. The cutting-edge educational skills acquired at ORT schools, colleges and international programs provide marketable skills that enable 300,000 students and beneficiaries annually to attain successful careers, become community leaders and live independently.
PJ Library in Atlanta
www.jewishatlanta.org/what-we-do/ensuring-the-jewish-future/welcome-to-pj-library-in-atlanta, 404-870-1870
PJ Library and Engagement Associate Nathan Brodsky
PJ Library in Atlanta, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation powered by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, gives age-appropriate, Jewish-themed books and CDs, along with diverse programming, to children ages 6 months to 8 years old in Jewish homes.
Second Helpings Atlanta
www.secondhelpingsatlanta.org, 678-894-9761
Executive Director Joe Labriola
Board representative from Temple Sinai Myron Smith
Second Helpings Atlanta is a food rescue organization dedicated to fighting hunger and reducing food waste in metro Atlanta. SHA’s 500 volunteer drivers rescue excess nutritious food daily from over 60 food donors and deliver it to over 30 partner agencies that serve people in need.
The Sixth Point
thesixthpoint.org, 470-210-6847
CEO Michelle Krebs Levy
The Sixth Point is an independent, nondenominational Jewish community in Atlanta for adults in their 20s and 30s (ish). Events once or twice a month range from social to cultural, spiritual to intellectual, and everything in between. There’s a little something for everyone.
SOJOURN
www.sojourngsd.org, 404-275-4637
Executive Director Rebecca Stapel-Wax
Board President Leanne Rubenstein
SOJOURN: The Southern Jewish Resource Network for Gender and Sexual Diversity advances lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer affirmation and acceptance across the South. SOJOURN works with faith leaders and local communities to increase education and understanding of gender and sexual diversity through safe space education, the Welcoming Communities Project and suicide prevention programs.
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