Don’t Stop, Make it Pop
AJT's Editor and Managing Publisher, Kaylene Ladinsky, notes the resiliency and creativity of the Atlanta party and simcha communities during COVID.
In addition to being the AJT’s managing publisher and interim editor, Kaylene Ladinsky is the president of Americans United With Israel.
Atlanta manages to find a way to make their parties pop with flare, meaning and a sense of community in the face of a worldwide pandemic. Thinking outside the box and pivoting like never before, the stories that fill this winter simcha issue spotlight non-traditional party plans. Let’s start with the couple who had to change their original wedding plans because of COVID and logistics but stayed true to their roots. Bride Anna Streetman graces our cover.
You may have noticed large celebration signs on neighbors’ lawns announcing a special occasion. The AJT interviews the sorority sisters who started a rapidly expanding sign company in response to the pandemic.
Other businesses profiled in this issue offer scrapbooking to record the event and tie dying as a gift option or an artsy party activity.
We take you outdoors and socially distant to learn about ethnic driveway celebrations taking place in a Marietta neighborhood. Read how some b’nai mitzvah students had to learn a second Torah portion when their plans changed because of COVID. The AJT covers the first kosher wedding at Zoo Atlanta and reports on the opening of The General Muir in Sandy Springs with its beefed-up focus on catering.
Speaking of party food, there’s a piece on elaborate cookie cakes and, because you can’t have too many simchas, we highlight a second marriage and a double sibling mitzvah.
These celebrations and more prove the resilience of Atlanta’s Jewish community. Just ask area party planners how they’ve pivoted to meet their clients’ desires to keep the party rocking despite the obstacles. Just goes to show, the party doesn’t have to stop when a worldwide crisis gets in the way.
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