📖 Faith Without the Leap

by Logan C. Ritchie

Calling all letter writers

Thursday, Aug. 6 (23 Av 5786) — It’s an election year, and Y’alla is here to bring you all voting-related events. Submit yours.

This week, Abdul El Sayed won an open Senate seat in Michigan where Jewish voters make up just 1.4% of the electorate. But the community has become deeply invested in the race – with Jews both in fierce opposition to El-Sayed and fiery support. The Forward has the story below.

Closer to home, David Alan Scheer II, the son-in-law of Senate candidate U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, is under growing scrutiny for his posts promoting antisemitism and white nationalism.

Do you feel passionately about issues happening in the Atlanta Jewish community? Submit a letter (up to 300 words) on a timely topic, and we’ll consider it for publication.

Speaking of writing, Rabbi Emeritus Shalom Lewis has a new book called “Faith Without the Leap.” Keep reading for more.

Y’alla,
Logan

New book explores faith

Rabbi Shalom Lewis, Congregation Etz Chaim Rabbi Emeritus, has released a new book, “Faith Without the Leap.” The book offers an honest and deeply personal approach to spirituality, embracing questions and doubt.

“This book is the synthesis of my life — an expression of my theology and the evolution of my thinking and beliefs over the years,” Lewis said.

“Faith Without the Leap” is written for believers, skeptics, seekers, and anyone wrestling with life’s biggest questions. The book offers a perspective on how faith can serve as a source of strength, clarity, and hope in uncertain times.

Celebrate with Lewis on Sunday, Aug. 9 at Congregation Etz Chaim in Marietta. The event is free to attend.

Dinosaur Summer. It’s here.
SPONSORED BY THE FERNBANK MUSEUM

The world’s most famous predator is back—and science is rewriting its story.

At Fernbank’s T. rex: The Ultimate Predator, discover how new research is changing what we know about the “tyrant lizard king,” from feathered ancestors to lightning-fast growth spurts. Explore life-sized models, hands-on interactives, and come face-to-jaws with a full-scale adult T. rex during Dinosaur Summer, now through Sept. 7.

➞ See the king of dinosaurs up close at Fernbank this summer.

New look for Shearith Israel

Congregation Shearith Israel in Morningside has kicked off a major building renovation that will feature a welcoming, accessible, and secure entry.

The first synagogue to be established in DeKalb County, the congregation settled on University Avenue in 1946. It was the filming location for a bar mitzvah episode of the 2021 television remake of “The Wonder Years.”

Shearith Israel is also building a new kitchen, a reimagined multi-purpose community space, space for socializing, green space, and a porch.

Join the groundbreaking and community celebration on Sunday, Aug. 16.

El Sayed wins Michigan primary, a showdown over Israel and AIPAC

Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic nomination for an open Senate seat in Michigan Tuesday night in a widely watched race that had become a proxy fight over the Gaza war and a referendum on Israel supporters’ influence in Democratic politics.

El-Sayed is a physician and the son of Egyptian immigrants. He narrowly defeated Democrat Rep. Haley Stevens 48.5% to 47.5% in the race for the open Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Gary Peters.

The results delivered a blow to the establishment and to the U.S.-Israel fundraising group, AIPAC, marking its biggest setback since it started its direct political spending in 2021, and after years of helping defeat progressive critics of Israel who challenged congressional incumbents.

The brand has become increasingly controversial among Democratic voters in the wake of the Gaza war. Congressional candidates, including some Jewish Democrats, have promised not to take contributions from AIPAC.

Read the full story on the Forward.

Look & Listen

Birthright Israel celebrated summer’s end with 1,700 participants at Tel Aviv amphitheater.

The new Women’s Pro Baseball League kicked off Aug. 1 in Springfield, Ill. The league is run by Jewish founders and co-owners Justine Siegal and investor Keith Stein.

Alyssa Rosenheck, who wrote “White. Blonde. Jew,” says her book launch was canceled over Zionism at Bell Bird Books in Nashville.

What’s doin’ around town
SPONSORED BY CONGREGATION OR HADASH

Aug. 8: Prep for High Holidays at Or HaDash.

Aug. 9: Jewish Cub Scouts info session.

Aug. 14: Shabbat Ba’Beltline services and potluck.

Aug. 16: Campy movies kick off with AJFF.

Aug. 20: Ethical wills workshop.

Aug. 21: Interfaith Rosh Hashanah cocktails.

The next Jewish holiday is Rosh Hashanah, which begins at sundown on Sept. 11.

Light Shabbat candles this week at 8:14 p.m.

Find your place at Or Hadash! Experience our joyful, musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, then enjoy a delicious community dinner on August 21. Whether you’re exploring Jewish community or reconnecting, you’ll find uplifting services, inspiring music, and friendly faces. RSVP today!

Before you go

Moishe House Toco Hills is on a tight deadline for new residents.

Do you love bringing people together? Moishe House Toco Hills is looking for young adults to help build a vibrant Jewish community. Residents host monthly peer-led gatherings – Shabbat dinners, social nights, and creative programming.

The program provides subsidized housing and funding for events to make it all possible. Commitments are needed by Aug. 20. Contact Moishe House for more.