Jewish Time: Just Kibbitz: Where Moms Do the Matchmaking

Michael A. Morris: A True Visionary and Philanthropist

Jeff Silberblatt sat down with Michael A. Morris, Owner and Publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times, to reflect on the resounding success of this year's Atlanta Jewish Life Festival. Held at the GA Aquarium, the 5th annual event brought the vivacity of Jewish culture to this iconic venue, where attendees immersed themselves in celebrating Jewish heritage, art, music, and cuisine against the backdrop of mesmerizing marine life. They also explored other pertinent topics of interest in the Jewish world. From analyzing current trends to addressing pressing issues within the community, their conversation provided valuable insights into the dynamic landscape of Jewish life in Atlanta and beyond. (This episode was recorded on March 27, 2024)

IN THE EPISODE:

• [1:15] Jeff Silberblatt introduces Michael A. Morris, Owner and Publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times.
• [1:47] Morris discusses the success of the Atlanta Jewish Life Festival, the impact of the festival on the non-Jewish population in Atlanta, and what he learned from Jews and non-Jews who attended the event.
• [5:28] Morris outlines the entertainment and how the festival brings the community together through music, as well as what activities were provided in the Kids Zone.
• [6:34] Morris discusses his first few years of owning the Atlanta Jewish Times.
• [9:40] Morris shares what he sees for the next 100 years of Jewish news, statistics on the number of Jewish newspapers throughout the US, and that Kaylene Ladinsky will take over when he steps aside.
• [12:24] Morris speaks to how he prioritizes his busy schedule and a discussion of the war in Israel (As of March 27, 2024).

TAKEAWAYS

• This year, the Atlanta Jewish Life Festival enlivened the iconic Georgia Aquarium with the rich tapestry of Jewish culture. Attendees immersed themselves in a celebration of Jewish heritage, art, music, and cuisine amidst the captivating marine life backdrop. The festival offered diverse experiences for all ages, from colorful performances to engaging activities for children.
• 2024 is the 10th anniversary of Morris being owner and publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times.
• The Atlanta Jewish Times aims to deliver news to the entire Jewish community about various aspects of Jewish life in Atlanta. While individual interests may vary, the coverage of activities, news events, and features unites the community.

RESOURCES:

Atlanta Jewish Times - Website

Atlanta Jewish Times - Facebook

Atlanta Jewish Times - YouTube

Michael Morris - Purchases the AJT

BIOGRAPHY:

Michael A. Morris is a renowned businessman and philanthropist who has owned and published the Atlanta Jewish Times since 2014. Since acquiring the AJT, he has expanded the paper’s commitment to the community by creating the Atlanta Jewish Connector, an online Jewish events calendar and resource guide, and the Atlanta Jewish Life Festival, which celebrated its fifth year of bringing Jewish organizations together.

Morris has built a reputation as someone who can help nonprofits solicit funds. Although he’s served in various leadership roles with Jewish organizations, he finds he’s most effective when concentrating on two or three nonprofit board positions at a time that don’t solicit from the same pool. He advises those considering where to volunteer: “When you join a board, don’t try to do everything. Pick things that can make a difference and focus your energies on that.”

Celebrating the Best of Jewish Atlanta Recipients

We are excited to host the Best of Jewish Atlanta recipients. Today, we celebrate the achievements of four business owners who have excelled in their craft. We will chat with Gayle Rubenstein of Balloons over Atlanta, Cathy Schwartz of Atlanta Fever Entertainment, Sandra Bank of Added Touch Catering and Ramin Djaved representing City Springs. We will delve into the distinctive qualities that set their businesses apart and have garnered favor among the residents of Atlanta. To them, we extend a heartfelt mazel tov.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:23] Jeff introduces his guests as we celebrate the Best of Jewish Atlanta.
• [01:58] Ramin shares what is different at City Springs since Covid and whether or not there is a difference between preparation for an event between Jewish and non-Jewish events.
• [04:44] City Springs has planners on staff, and they work to ensure events follow a detailed plan.
• [05:50] Sandra Bank of Added Touch Catering explains the difference between a kosher event and a non-kosher event and how staff is trained for the events.
• [09:00] Cathy describes her business model and talks about her DJs and how in tune they are with the clients and that they travel from state to state.
• [13:31] Gayle discusses how Balloons over Atlanta has evolved and the unique requests they provide for their clients.
• [16:11] Cathy and Gayle explain how influencers have affected their businesses.
• [18:10] Jeff asks Ramin how far in advance is necessary for a booking for City Springs services.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Distinguishing between organizing a Jewish event and a non-Jewish event reveals both subtle and significant contrasts.
• Influencers undeniably sway the general public, and the masses request what they observe on social media platforms.
• You may need to work with several different vendors to procure a large variety of kosher products.

QUOTES:

“With Jewish events, it's a step up because usually, it's a more high-end caliber and detailed. What I like about Jewish events is there is a timeline and nine out of 10 times, they stick to that timeline, which makes our actual job easier.” Ramin Djaved

“TikTok is a massive influence for my clients. The kids all love the songs on TikTok, the popular songs and the dances accompanying them—all of my MCs and dancers are well-versed with TikTok and all the popular music, so we incorporate those into our parties. Almost every client's child wants the TikTok songs.” Cathy Schwartz

RESOURCE LINKS:

Jewish Time - Podcast

Atlanta Jewish Times - Website

Atlanta Jewish Times - Facebook

Atlanta Jewish Times - YouTube

Balloons Over Atlanta

Atlanta Fever Entertainment

Added Touch Catering - Website

City Springs - Website

Sponsor:

This episode of Jewish Time is sponsored by 42West! As the west side’s most sought after simcha venue, 42West has created a name for itself in the Atlanta event industry with its modern and award-winning design, flexibility in event times, flat rates with no extra fees and a very hands-on approach. Your mitzvah, wedding or corporate event is guaranteed to be a unique and elevated experience. Check out 42West at www.42westentertainmentgroup.com or on Instagram @ 42 west entertainment group.

BIOGRAPHIES:

ABOUT GAYL

Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaker Talks About Love and Atlanta

Aleeza Ben Shalom is a matchmaker, dating coach, and the host of the Netflix hit “Jewish Matchmaking.” She explains how her services are unique in matchmaking by providing guidance and mentoring throughout the dating process. Aleeza dives into the nitty-gritty of dating in this decade and gives advice you may be seeking if you are a single man or woman in Atlanta. Hear why her motto is, “date-um until you hate-um.” Don’t miss this engaging and fun-filled conversation today on Jewish Times.

IN THIS EPISODE:
[00:22] Jeff introduces Aleeza, and she discusses the Netflix Show and delves into why dating in this day and age is so difficult. [03:48] Aleeza finds that moving to Israel has made her business international and describes what happens on her world tour events. [07:00] Aleeza gives her advice to single Jews living in Atlanta, discusses her business, and the differences between the age groups she sees. [12:30] Aleeza describes her reaction when the date goes well and why faith-based people are easier for her to connect with. [15:32] How is Aleeza’s business unique from others?

KEY TAKEAWAYS
When people share the same faith, finding someone to love is easier because they hold the same values. Older daters are looking for people similar to themselves, whereas younger ones are looking for someone different. Give dating someone a chance before you toss in the towel and move on to the next person.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Jewish Time - Podcast

Atlanta Jewish Times - Website

Atlanta Jewish Times - Facebook

Atlanta Jewish Times - YouTube

"Get Real Get Married" on Amazon

Aleeza Ben Shalom’s ELI Talk

Aleeza Ben Shalom's - Website

Atlanta Jewish Times on Ben Shalom's Atlanta Events

BIOGRAPHY:

Aleeza Ben Shalom, the dating coach at the center of Jewish Matchmaking, has her own matchmaking business working across the United States and Israel and specializes in helping to pair up compatible couples in Jewish communities. Her business, Marriage Minded Mentor, offers matchmaking services as well as life coaching, dating advice, online courses, and events. Aleeza’s books Get Real, Get Married and Virtual Dating guide singles through the dating world to find their soulmate. Ben Shalom's matchmaking work has helped over 200 Jewish couples get married under the chuppah.

QUOTES:

I find it an extremely challenging job because we don't want to be in the position of saying, “I'll just get a new partner if this doesn't work out.” It's not like a job where we can switch every couple of years. Ideally, we're trying to match people so that they can find the person that they're going to choose to live with for a lifetime.” - Aleeza Ben Shalom

“One unique thing about our services is that we will not offer straight matchmaking, meaning making introductions only. We will make introductions, but it must be accompanied by coaching and support, another part of the matchmaking process. So for us, it's a well-rounded process.” Aleeza Ben Shalom

Mike Leven on U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism

Mike Leven, the visionary behind the Holiday Inn Express Chain, philanthropist, and accomplished business executive, delves into the significance of the Jewish Future Pledge and the Jewish Youth Pledge, shedding light on strategies to uphold our Jewish heritage and provide ongoing support to the state of Israel. By embracing the Jewish Future Pledge, individuals commit themselves to a moral duty of allocating 50% of their wealth towards the betterment of Jewish causes. Mike Leven will explain the pledge's mechanics and share pertinent information about the Jewish Youth Pledge, presenting a comprehensive roadmap for fostering our Jewish legacy and bolstering Israel's welfare.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:11] Mike explains what the Jewish Future Pledge is and why he founded it.
• [04:01 Mike outlines how the pledge works upon someone passing.
• [06:30] What are examples of the contributions the Marcus Foundation makes annually?
• [08:57] Mike's thoughts on whether generations following will have the same regard for their heritage.
• [10:18] What is the Jewish Youth Pledge, how are youth reminded of their commitment, and where are these programs based?
• [14:00] Mike believes that future generations will remember who they are because antisemitism continues to remind them who they are.
• [15:42 Mike discusses his book, Can’t Do It Yourself – How Commitment From Others Leads to Personal Prosperity.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The Jewish Pledge is not a legal document. It’s a moral obligation. Jewish people will remember their heritage because antisemitism reinforces remembering.
• The Jewish Youth Pledge uses an ingenious method of the time capsule to remind the individual of the pledge they made in their youth.
• The Jewish Pledge is a fantastic tool to remember the state of Israel and other related Jewish concerns.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Jewish Time - Podcast

Atlanta Jewish Times - Website

Atlanta Jewish Times - Facebook

Atlanta Jewish Times - YouTube

Atlanta Jewish Times Interview with Mike Leven on his Book

Reviews for Can't Do It Yourself Book

Jewish Future Pledge - Website

BIOGRAPHY: Mike Leven

Mike Leven is a legendary business executive, philanthropist and author who co-founded the Jewish Future Pledge to carry on his family’s commitment to Judaism.

The Jewish Future Pledge is a commitment that from the funds you leave to charity at your passing, at least half will be earmarked to support the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

Their website: https://jewishfuturepledge.org/

Leven’s prominent career in the hospitality industry included the launch of the Holiday Inn Express brand and reorganizing Days Inn of America, growing it from a regional chain to one of the largest hotel organizations in the world. He served as President and COO of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, Chairman and CEO of US Franchise Systems, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Georgia Aquarium. Mr. Leven is also a co-founder of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), which has more than 19,000 members owning more than 40,000 hotels.

In 2019, he ended his tenure as the Chairman and Chief Executive of Georgia Aquarium to devote more time to philanthropic e

Atlanta's Connection To Overhauling Israel's Supreme Court

Dr. Guy Lurie, a Research Fellow of the Democratic Values of Institutions program of the Israeli Democracy Institute, known as the IDI, joins Jeff today to discuss the state of the Supreme Court in Israel. Dr. Guy has an inside track of what is happening in Israel and what the IDI is doing to educate decision-makers to help shape policy. In addition, they will discuss the different factors that have forged the decisions made recently and the unrest in the State of Israel. Don’t miss this enlightening episode of Jewish Time.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:01] Dr. Guy explains what his role is at the IDI and how they have tried to draft a constitution that was accepted as both Jewish and democratic and would acknowledge the principles of Israel's democracy.
• [04:50] What influence has the IDI had in Israel?
• [06:07] Dr. Guy explores the riots and protests occurring recently in Israel and why there have been problems regarding policy.
• [09:14] Dr. Guy discusses the Supreme Court of Israel and the differences between it and the United States Supreme Court.
• [12:11] What is the trust factor from the people living in Israel for the Supreme Court, and how is it viewed throughout the world?
• [14:34] What was the perception in Israel when the Prime Minister came under indictment, and how weak are the checks and balances?
• [17:23] What action is the IDI taking to shape policy, and how has the US viewed the judicial overhaul?
• [20:37] How soon could we see the judicial overhaul? Be sure to take advantage of the writings of Dr. Guy available to you on the IDI website.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Recent riots in Israel resulted from the sacking of the Minister of Defense and the issue of enlistment to the military.
• The extreme right wing has gained power in Israel and is pushing forward a more extreme legislative agenda.
• The US frowns on overhauling the Israeli Supreme Court and has some influence because of the money the US appropriates to Israel.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Jewish Time - Podcast

Atlanta Jewish Times - Website

Atlanta Jewish Times - Facebook

Atlanta Jewish Times - YouTube

Israeli Democracy Institute - Website

BIOGRAPHY:

Dr. Guy Lurie is an attorney and holds a PhD in History from Georgetown University (2013). He is a former coordinator of the Shamgar Commission for the Formulation of Rules of Ethics for Members of the Government, and served as a post-doctoral fellow on the Faculty of Law at the University of Haifa.