NCJW ‘Sheroes’ Take Action
Four daring Atlanta women were honored for their approach to service and daring to dream big.
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.
National Council of Jewish Women-Atlanta Section celebrated its sixth annual “Women Who Dare” luncheon at The Temple on Peachtree at noon, Friday, April 25.
The four “Sheroes” who were celebrated were Dr. Amanda Cohn, Kate Kratovil, Sheri Labovitz, and Rabbi Lydia Medwin.
Co-chair/mother-daughter team of Sandra Bank and Samantha Bank Schoenbaum welcomed the group of 300 and recognized past Sheroes, defined as women who care, generate radiance, hope for future generations, and those who dare, all rooted in Jewish values and justice. Local politicians and council members were also recognized.
The invocation and Hatikvah were presented by Rabbi Loren Filson Lapidus, Cantor Tracey Scher, and Rabbi Lara Tessler. Added Touch (founded by Sandra Bank) was heralded for creative catering serving exquisite lacquer bento boxes on aqua tablecloths with red napkins and chopsticks, and NCJW fortune cookie messages. Tangerines served as centerpieces with scattered chocolate coins.
After lunch, Co-Presidents Susan Gordon and Stacey Hader Epstein spoke about NCJW’s past year of impact. Gordon thanked the Sheroes committee, which included Sherry Frank, for orchestrating the event “down to every detail forming our own Jewish conclave.”
Not incidentally, Frank is headed to Washington, D.C., in a few weeks to receive NCJW’s Rising Tide Champion Award at the organization’s Washington Institute Convention. Hader Epstein referred to the NCJW Atlanta’s 130th year milestone and the organization’s delight at welcoming so many new faces to their efforts this past year. She spoke of the new Board installation on May 13, a brunch featuring jazz pianist Joe Alterman. She then highlighted their three general meetings, Lunch ‘n Learns on the courts system, legislative sessions, and programs on food insecurity, election preparation, sponsoring an Atlanta Jewish Film Festival movie, and their recent Women’s Seder with 90 women attending a women’s seder with singing and dancing.
Other programs highlighted a woman’s right to choose, and their Teens 4 Repro Health program. Gordon spotlighted Post-Abortion Comfort kits, MLK Values, Mitzvah-in-Motion Days, their MLK Day Mitzvah Marathons, tutoring program in Title 1 schools, and pop-ups with costume jewelry shops where less fortunate children can select Mother’s Days gifts.
Next up was the Sheroes recognition platform. Each honoree was presented with a personal handcrafted Miriam’s cup as polished videos were shown while each woman came to the stage with highlights of their accomplishments playing on the screen.
Rabbi Lydia Medwin
Rabbi Medwin’s video showcased her Memphis roots. From an interfaith family, she heads conversions at The Temple and spoke of the late Rabbi Alvin Sugarman finding a spark in her (and everyone) and also the late Rabbi Jacob Rothschild’s inspiration to make the city more whole through social justice.
Sheri Labovitz
Labovitz, a graduate of Duke Law School, spoke of her pioneering a reduced work schedule after maternity leave, which took “some negotiating.” She said she actually preferred working for free now, in her commitment to political activism vs. making a salary. She related to a Pollyannaish outlook. Labovitz was referred to as a “political powerhouse” and “badass.” One of her main projects is serving as a long-time champion of Second Helpings, which rescues surplus, perishable food from restaurants for those in need. She then saluted her personal “shero” — local volunteer Lois Frank.
Kate Kratovil
Kratovil, also from an interfaith family, was saluted for daring to show up and have difficult conversations in unfamiliar spaces to build bridges, advocate on behalf of her values, and move communities forward. She mentioned her political connections to State Rep. Esther Panitch and Sen. Jon Ossoff. She often volunteers for local and statewide races and held post-Oct. 7 conversations with elected leaders.
Dr. Amanda Cohn
Dr. Cohn was recognized for her dedication to addressing misinformation about science and data with concerns about COVID-19 and measles vaccines. She stated that her own Shero was her mother, Carol Zaban Cooper, who was bravely facing her own health challenges. She said, “Jewish people have to care for marginal groups.”
Cohen got the audience giggling when she revealed that when she was an intern, she invited her single male resident over for Passover dinner to set the stage for their romance — and eventual marriage.
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