THEN & NOW: Birdie and Josiah Benator
As an Atlanta Jewish Times tradition, we spotlight some of the city’s most optimistic and fun-loving couples who share how they met and their secrets to longstanding marriage.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Years Married: 75
August 1947
Location: Or VeShalom Synagogue
How did you meet?
Josiah: When I was 14, living on Pryor Street, Birdie’s parents, whose mother taught Hebrew, asked me to tutor Birdie, who was only 10. Her parents gave me a quarter for each session. We met at this young age, but there was nothing romantic yet. We met again when I was visiting my sister in New York before the beginning of World War II. When I returned from the war, the Office of Veterans’ Services hosted a veterans’ banquet and invited Birdie to join me as my date. Birdie’s mother allowed her to fly all the way from L.A. to be with family and attend the banquet. A few days later, the family threw a party and said that I should marry Birdie. They celebrated our engagement before I even asked her to marry me. It was an arranged engagement!
Initial attraction?
Birdie: I liked the idea that he was serving his country. He knew how to earn a living and how to keep a family together. During the war, we wrote love letters.
Josiah: Birdie loved to kiss and so did I!
Secrets?
Birdie: Be very thoughtful and patient. Occasionally say “You win” before an argument starts.
Josiah: I always say, “Yes dear, whatever you say!” and don’t argue. Whatever she wants to do is what she wants to do.
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