Finding A Home Away From Home
For Rifka and Inon Dinesman, moving to Atlanta was an exciting but challenging transition. Leaving behind their close-knit Jewish community, they knew finding a new house meant more than just finding a place to live—it meant finding a sense of belonging.
Both grew up deeply immersed in Jewish life. Rifka’s Jewish center in Venezuela was the heart of her friendships and cultural identity, while Inon’s service in the Israeli Defense Forces reinforced the importance of community and support. As they planned their move, friends and acquaintances assured them that the Marcus JCC of Atlanta would be the place to find that connection.
“Before we even arrived, people told us, ‘You have to check out the MJCCA—it will help you meet people and feel at home,’” Inon recalled. “And that’s exactly what happened.”
One of the first steps was finding a nurturing environment for their newborn. The Weinstein School at the MJCCA quickly became an easy choice, offering an excellent education and an opportunity to connect with other young families. What began as casual interactions at drop-offs and pick-ups soon blossomed into meaningful friendships.
From there, the Marcus JCC of Atlanta became the center of their daily lives. Their involvement expanded beyond preschool to afternoons on the tennis courts and evenings in fitness classes or cheering on their son in sports leagues. “The Marcus JCC is where we met our first friends in Atlanta,” Rifka said. “It became the foundation of our community here.”
As their children grew, so did their engagement. Their oldest son, now eight, eagerly looks forward to Shabbat every Friday, a ritual he first experienced at the MJCCA. Jewish holiday celebrations, summer camps, and sports programs have all played a role in shaping their children’s understanding of their heritage. “Our kids love the Marcus JCC,” Inon said. “We go almost every day—whether it’s pickleball, basketball tryouts, or just meeting friends.”
As they became more involved, Rifka and Inon recognized the importance of giving back. Rifka and Inon participated in the Erwin Zaban Leadership Development Program, where they gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to sustain and grow a place like the MJCCA. “The biggest takeaway for me was realizing how important it is to get people involved,” Rifka says.
One of their biggest goals became expanding the MJCCA’s reach. “A lot of people think if they don’t live in Dunwoody, the Marcus JCC isn’t for them,” Rifka said. “But it’s for everyone.” They’ve helped multiple families moving to Atlanta discover the MJCCA.
Now, eight years after moving to Atlanta, Rifka and Inon look back on their decision with gratitude. The Marcus JCC has provided them with a community, friendships, and a place where their children can embrace Jewish identity in meaningful ways.
I imagine a world where as my kids grow, they continue to go to the Marcus JCC, meet their friends and spend the afternoon there,” Rifka said. “That’s the kind of life I want for them.”