Celebrating a Century of Community Connection in Atlanta
As we gear up to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, there’s an exciting milestone on the horizon for our cherished Atlanta community. This year, we mark the 100th anniversary of the Atlanta Jewish Times, previously known as the Southern Israelite. What began nearly a century ago as a simple temple bulletin has blossomed into a vital publication that connects and informs Jewish families throughout Atlanta and beyond.
A Journey Through Time
It all started way back in July of 1925 at the Beth Israel synagogue in Augusta under the guidance of Rabbi Cert Strauss. From its humble origins, the publication grew and changed, finding its way to Atlanta between the years of 1927 and 1929 when Steven Schiffer took up the role of Editor. In a significant shift, the Southern Israelite became independent from the synagogue, paving its own path forward.
Fast forward to 1975, and our publication celebrated its 50th anniversary, a milestone that was proudly observed by Adolph Rosenberg, the owner, and Vida Goldgar, the editor. Their names are deeply etched in the history of the paper, as they both played pivotal roles in shaping its identity. By 1980, Goldgar would take over the editorial reigns, ensuring the publication remained a representative voice for the community.
Reflecting on the Past, Celebrating the Future
In August 2000, the paper celebrated its 75th anniversary, still going strong under the steady leadership of Steve Levene. Now, as we embrace the new year, our own journey continues, and we are looking forward to celebrating the next chapter in the paper’s long legacy. Over the next year, you can expect a delightful mix of old and new. We will be publishing classic articles and advertisements to reminisce about the past while also featuring pieces that highlight our current challenges and triumphs.
This centennial celebration will also include a series of events and reflective articles around the history of the Atlanta Jewish Times, aiming to pay homage to the owners, publishers, and editors who have kept the paper thriving for all these years. And let’s not forget, we’ll also explore what the next decade might look like for a publication that has stood the test of time in an increasingly digital world.
Looking Ahead with Hope
While we have much to celebrate, it’s essential to take a moment and reflect on the present. The ongoing conflicts affecting our family in Israel remain daunting. The struggles faced by our community in Israel, including the tragic loss of approximately 700 IDF soldiers and the countless civilian lives impacted, weigh heavily on our hearts. Similarly, the distressing situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, with around 70,000 soldiers and over 11,000 civilians having lost their lives since the onset of the invasion.
Despite these somber realities, our communal spirit remains unshaken. It’s a time for us to come together, to celebrate resilience, and hold on to hope. As we gather to honor our traditions and ring in the New Year, know that we are united in purpose and resolve.
From my family to yours and from all of us at the Atlanta Jewish Times, we wish you a Chag Sameach filled with health, happiness, and joy. Here’s to a Shanah Tovah U’Metuka, a sweet and good year ahead!
