Sasha Heller’s Passover Message for 2026

What Does it Mean to be a Good Jew?
Well, I asked the question … now I have to answer it.
First off, it’s a loaded question – I’ll be the first to admit it. And I was heavily inspired by Dave Schechter’s recent From Where I Sit column entitled, “What’s a Self-Hating Jew?”

Being a “good Jew” can mean many different things as evidenced by so many thoughtful Passover messages shared by our fellow community members.
For me, at this point in my life, being a “good Jew” means serving as the best steward of this publication that I can be. Atlanta Jewish Times is such a valued resource for Jewish Atlanta and it’s my role to ensure the paper and community remain connected. I want the AJT to be the best Jewish paper and website in the country and to serve as a reflection of Jewish Atlanta.

So, personally, being a “good Jew” isn’t so much about going to temple, studying Torah, or performing mitzvahs. It’s about creating the best version of the AJT today while also looking toward the future – for example, finding the next generation of writers. Also, we recently added section headers on our website, making it easier to find section-specific content; and we will launch a new, modernized website (with accompanying app) later this year that I’m certain the community will appreciate.

In the meantime, I’ll be a “good Jew,” waking each day, coming to work, and putting together one of the most trusted Jewish resources in the country. We are all Atlanta Jewish Times. Chag Sameach!

Sasha Heller is the Editor-in-Chief of Atlanta Jewish Times.