Congregation Ariel Celebrates Quarter Century

It’s been a quarter century since Congregation Ariel opened its doors. On Feb. 10, the Orthodox synagogue in Dunwoody celebrated its 25-year anniversary.

The occasion was marked with an elegant dinner honoring 11 of the founding couples of the synagogue. Special tribute was paid to Rabbi Menachem Deutsch, founding director of the Atlanta Scholars Kollel and current CEO of the global Jewish outreach organization, Olami.

In August 1993, several Jewish families living in Dunwoody urged Rabbi Deutsch to help form an Orthodox community in that area, where, at the time, there was no Orthodox presence for Shabbat-observant families.

These first few families began to attract others, who were drawn to the warmth and excitement of this fledgling community. Founders recall walking miles to attend services, drawing plenty of unwanted attention with their smoky efforts to bake matzah in the rabbi’s garage, and sharing inspiring Shabbat meals with other community pioneers.

Rabbi Binyomin Friedman presented a painting to Rabbi Menachem Deutsch.

In 1994, Rabbi Binyomin and Dena Friedman joined the community as Ariel’s spiritual leaders. Today the community includes almost 200 families, many of whom are Shabbat-observant. There are multiple daily services and classes; a full slate of women’s learning opportunities and youth programs; a mikvah (ritual bath); and holiday programs. The Friedman home remains the heart of the community and a welcoming destination for a stream of guests.

Looking back on this milestone occasion, founder Rabbi Deutsch said he saw the potential for a Torah community in Dunwoody but could never have imagined the growth and vibrancy that Ariel has achieved.

Honoree Bunnie Taratoot, her son Jeff, and daughter-in-law Esther Taratoot.

Ariel will soon expand with the construction of additional classrooms, prayer, learning and office space, and room for a future preschool. The synagogue looks forward to the future with enthusiasm and optimism.

Those honored at the anniversary celebration were:

• Rabbi Menachem and Dena Deutsch

• Dan and Kim Cohen

• Miriam Seidband Cole and Howard Seidband z”l

• Lester and Linda Czuper

• Terry Eden and Sam Eden z”l

• Larry and Sandee Glassman

• Marcia Lerner

• Steve and Pearl Schaikewitz

• Murray Siegel and Iris Siegel z”l

• Bunnie Taratoot and Louis Taratoot z”l

• Terry and Jan Tenenbaum