Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 by Jewish Observer

Jewish Nashville Adding Their Voices Jewish community helps create Nashville sound Page 26

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Shalom Nashville, In my capacity as editor of The Jewish Observer of Nashville, I have done several stories over the past year about Jewish songwriters and musicians – Stacy Beyer’s recording of the candle blessing with an original melody performed by a “virtual choir” of Jewish musical luminaries from around the country, Linda Kartoz-Doochin’s recent CD of original Chanukah songs, and the Partnership2Gether project spearheaded by singer/songwriter Russell Wolff to produce a CD of original Jewish music featuring performers from the Hadera-Eiron region of Israel, Nashville and other Jewish communities in the Southeast. Music City is a magnet for musicians and music industry types, so Nashville has a number of Jews who make their living in the business. For the 2015 Guide to Jewish Nashville, Kathy Carlson (my predecessor as editor of The Observer and the Guide) has written a feature story about some of them. It’s not comprehensive – no story could be because there are simply too many Jews involved in the music business to include all of them. But her story will give you an indication of the breadth of their involvement in the industry for which Nashville is most noteworthy. The Guide to Jewish Nashville provides the only comprehensive listing of local synagogues and other Jewish services and organizations – the institutional and social glue that binds Nashville-area Jews together as a community. Published by the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, the Guide is intended to both introduce newcomers to our vibrant community and remind longtime residents what it has to offer. We urge everyone to look through the Guide. Whether you’re young or not so young, whether you’ve been here for a month or a lifetime, we think you’ll ﬁnd information about Jewish Nashville you didn’t know as well as ways to become or remain active in Jewish life here. The guide is sent to everyone who receives our sister publication, The Observer. Copies also are distributed to synagogues and local businesses and provided to newcomers to the Nashville area and those contemplating a move here. Our advertisers help make this publication possible. As you look through it, you’ll see ads for places to eat and shop. You’ll ﬁnd ads for businesses that offer professional services as well as recreational and cultural opportunities. We hope you will patronize these businesses, and when you do, please tell them you saw their ads in the Guide to Jewish Nashville. Charles Bernsen, editor

Contents: Feature: Adding Their Voices Jewish community helps create Nashville sound ...................................................... 26

Listings: Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee .....................................................6 Jewish Foundation ..................................................................11 Gordon Jewish Community Center ...............................12 Synagogues and Affiliate Organizations .................... 15 B’nai Mitzvah ........................................................................... 23 Jewish Family Service......................................................... 24 Schools & Jewish Education............................................. 31 Youth Groups .......................................................................... 35 Young Adult Organizations.............................................. 39 Cultural, Service and Social Organizations .............. 42 Political Organizations........................................................50 Resources ................................................................................. 52

Publisher ................................................................... Mark S. Freedman Editor.............................................................................. Charles Bernsen Copy Editor ...................................................................... Kathy Carlson Designer................................................................................ Tim Gregory Advertising Manager.......................................................... Carrie Mills Editorial Contact .........................................................(615) 354-1653 charles@jewishnashville.org Advertising Contact ................................................... (615) 354-1699 carrie@nashvillejcc.org While the Guide to Jewish Nashville makes an effort to accept only reputable advertisers of the highest quality, we cannot guarantee the kashrut of their products.

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The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 5

Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee Carol Hyatt, president Mark S. Freedman, executive director 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite 102 Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 356-3242 Fax: (615) 352-0056 info@jewishnashville.org www.jewishnashville.org

hether you are a newcomer to Nashville or a longtime resident of what The New York Times has called one of America’s “hottest” cities, you will find it a great place to experience an active and vibrant Jewish life. And the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee is a big part of that experience. The Federation has been rapidly evolving its programs and services to appeal across the age spectrum and offer something for everyone. We are blessed with creative and thoughtful volunteer and professional leadership, and we’ve been able to channel high communal engagement to create new ways of doing business. A major impetus for change was the Best Jewish Nashville project, a broad, communitywide assessment process un-

The President’s Award, the Nashville Federation’s highest honor, went to seven people in 2015 in recognition of their legacy of voluntarism and philanthropy. The recipients – Richard and Jane Eskind (clockwise from upper left with family members), Eugene and the late Madeline Pargh, Annette Eskind, and Joel and Bernice Gordon – were honored in February during the Federation’s annual Bonim Society Dinner. Photos by Rick Malkin

dertaken in 2010. We are energized by a sharpened focus on how and what we ask of our generous donors when seeking their essential support for our annual campaign. As a result, we are serving more people in more settings and touching more Jewish lives. For example, PJ Library connects with young families by providing Jewish-themed books and music for children up to age 8. There’s now a PJ Library option in Hebrew, Sifriyat Pijama. Enrolling in PJ Library is easy – just a simple phone call

to the Federation or a computer click to our website at www. jewishnashville.org. We continue to meet the needs of our seniors through programs like TGIT (Thank Goodness It’s Thursday), which serves hot, kosher lunches and provides entertaining and enlightening programs at the Gordon Jewish Community Center. The Federation also funds senior programs at several of our local congregations, and we work collaboratively with Jewish Family Service to offer critical social services to the

elderly and our at-risk population. Our New Initiatives Fund has supported Israel-education programs and advocacy training. One such program is Increase Your Israel IQ, coordinated by the Federation’s Community Relations Committee, which has brought expert speakers on current Israelthemed topics. And in our effort to reach as broad an audience as possible, we continue to offer communitywide educational and cultural programming such as the Global Day of

Welcoming Newcomers to Nashville

he Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee works with the local synagogues and other Jewish organizations and agencies to make newcomers feel at home in our wonderful Jewish community. We try to welcome every newcomer with a letter from the executive director along with a copy of the Guide to Jewish Nashville and other information about local congregations, agencies and organizations. If you or someone you know would like a welcome packet, we’ll be happy to send you one. Just contact Barbara Schwarcz at (615) 354-1630 or Barbara@jewishnashville.org.

6 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

lin, where they witnessed the renewal of Jewish communities in the very places where they were destroyed only a few generations ago. Last year, the Federation also sponsored a highly subsidized training mission to Israel for campaign volunteers, who returned brimming with confi-

dence and enthusiasm, poised and ready to ask others to join you in supporting the Federation’s annual campaign. And if you are considering a visit to Israel why not travel with the Jewish Federation and all of our local congregations on a community mission that Continued on page 8

Community Relations Committee In the fall of 2014, the Federation sponsored a “roots” mission to Eastern Europe, where the 27-member delegation saw ﬁrsthand the renewal of a vibrant Jewish culture, including the Jewish Community Center in Krakow, Poland.

Jewish Learning each November, the Community Relations Seder during Passover season and special events to commemorate important dates on the Jewish calendar such as Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Memorial Day), Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day for Israel’s fallen soldiers) and Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day). We welcome everyone to join us at these special events that do so much to enrich Jewish life in Nashville. Our successful NowGen Nashville program offers a wide array of opportunities for young adult Jewish professionals to connect, network and engage in a meaningful Jewish life. The goal of the program is to address professional and social interests so that each individual can pursue activities that best fit his or her needs while helping to strengthen the overall Jewish community.

We are not content with these successes, however. This year we are undertaking the first major survey of the Jewish population in Nashville and Middle Tennessee in more than a decade. The survey will gather demographic information such as denominational affiliation and gauge local Jewish attitudes on issues ranging from Israel to Jewish education. Perhaps most important, it will provide feedback about services and programs provided by the Federation and other Jewish agencies and institutions so that we can improve those services and programs and identify areas of need. We are reaching out to Jews around the world in many ways. Last year, for instance, we sponsored an East European “roots mission” that took 27 Nashville residents to Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Ber-

The Federation sponsors programming like this 2014 candle-lighting ceremony on Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) to commemorate important dates on the Jewish calendar.

The Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee Arthur Perlen, chair Abbie Wolf, community relations director (615) 354-1637 abbie@jewishnashville.org

he Community Relations Committee (CRC) is the public affairs arm of the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. The CRC sponsors Israel advocacy programs and develops relationships with the broader Nashville community on social and public policy issues of concern to the Jewish community. The CRC recently completed a comprehensive strategic planning process. As a result, it has been restructured with a broader membership that reflects the diversity of the Nashville Jewish community. In a continuing effort to be responsive to the needs of this diverse community and the challenges it faces, the CRC now includes at-large members as well as representatives from every synagogue and most communal organizations. These representatives serve as liaisons between the CRC and their organizations. The CRC offers a broad range of programs for the Nashville Jewish community. It emphasizes Israel education by hosting a regular series of speakers on Israel and Israel advocacy called “Increase Your Israel IQ: From Argument to Advocacy.” While CRC members may have different viewpoints, they all care passionately about Israel and its future. The CRC also is a participant in coalitions with interfaith and ethnic groups and social service agencies. In the education arena, the CRC is involved in issues affecting Jewish students in public and private schools. Through its Textbook Project, for example, the CRC is working to ensure that textbooks and curriculum in Tennessee classrooms accurately and fairly portray Jews, Judaism and Israel. Each year, the CRC hosts its Community Relations Seder. Past themes have included civil rights, education and immigration. The event has been attended by Nashville’s mayor and other government officials, clergy, social service agency directors, advocacy organization members and education leaders. Members of the community with interest in the work of the Community Relations Committee are invited to discuss membership with Community Relations Director Abbie Wolf, who can be contacted at abbie@jewishnashville.org or (615) 354-1637.

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 7

Storyteller and puppeteer Library Pete – aka Pete Carden – brought Jewish stories to life for 50 children (plus their parents) at PJ Library’s second annual PJ Palooza. PJ Library, which provides Jewish-themed books and events for families with children up to age 8, is one of the many new programs that have emerged from the Federation’s Best Jewish Nashville initiative, which relies on broad community feedback to continuously improve programming and services. Continued from page 7

will take place March 27 to April 7, 2016. While more than a year away, it’s not too early to consider this special journey that will take you to places in Israel and allow you to have unique experiences you would rarely have access to if you were on a self-guided trip or booked through a traditional tour company. If you want more information about any of the Federation’s ongoing missions, please contact Campaign Director Naomi Limor Sedek or Executive Director Mark Freedman. Every Federation staff member is always available to speak with you. There is a directory below containing each staff member’s email and direct telephone number. We welcome

all inquiries and our promise and commitment to you is to respond promptly when you call on us. Every Jewish organization in Nashville benefits from the Federation’s grant-making process, and the Federation encourages all of its local agencies and the congregations to offer innovative ways to build and enrich Jewish identity and engagement. We expect this trend to continue as we strive to make Best Jewish Nashville even better and make use of the demographic survey results to improve services. We invite you to join us as a volunteer, a donor and most importantly as a participant in the richness of Jewish life in Nashville. We are certain that you will find it fulfilling and enjoyable.

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Executive Office Mark S. Freedman, executive director (615)354-1660 mark@jewishnashville.org Carolyn Benick-Brown, administrative assistant (615) 354-1668 carolyn@jewishnashville.org Barbara Schwarcz, events and newcomers coordinator (615) 354-1630 barbara@jewishnashville.org Lynn Fleischer, Jewish community archivist (615) 354-1655 library@jewishnashville.org Annual Campaign Naomi Limor Sedek, campaign director (615) 354-1642 naomi@jewishnashville.org Lauren Mielziner, community engagement associate (615) 354-1650 lauren@jewishnashville.org Andrea Crowe, donor center manager (615) 354-1676 andrea@jewishnashville.org Jewish Foundation Risa Klein Herzog, director of foundation development (615) 354-1651 risa@jewishnashville.org Community Relations Abbie Wolf, community relations director (615) 354-1637 abbie@jewishnashville.org

Liron Finkelstein, community shlicha (Israel emissary) (615) 354-1632 liron@jewishnashville.org Community Planning/ Israel Partnership Harriet Schiftan, planning and Partnership2Gether director (615) 354-1687 harriet@jewishnashville.org Finance and Information Technology Michelle Faulkner, controller (615) 354-1624 michelle@jewishnashville.org Heath Hinson, accounting and human resources (615) 354-1654 heath@jewishnashville.org Allen Cummings, information technology director (615) 354-1675 admin@jewishnashville.org Lauren Rosentreter, Akiva School business manager (615) 432-2554 lrosentreter@akivanashville.net The Jewish Observer Mark S. Freedman, publisher (615) 354-1660 mark@jewishnashville.org Charles Bernsen, editor (615) 354-1653 charles@jewishnashville.org Carrie Mills, advertising manager (615) 354-1699 carrie@nashvillejcc.org

www.jewishnashville.org

The Jewish Observer of Nashville Mark S. Freedman, publisher (615) 356-3242 mark@jewishnashville.org Charles Bernsen, editor (615) 354-1653 charles@jewishnashville.org Carrie Mills, advertising manager (615) 354-1699 carrie@nashvillejcc.org 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Suite 102 Nashville, TN 37205 jewishobservernashville.org

he Jewish Observer of Nashville is 81 years old, and we like to think we’re getting better with age. Published by the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, the goal of The Observer is to be the primary source of information relevant to the local Jewish community. The newspaper is published on the first of every month and is mailed to every Jewish household in Middle Tennessee as well as to members of the Gordon Jewish Community Center. But you can also see all of the stories and photos in the current issue online at jewishobservernashville.org. Our website also includes an archive of back issues as well as regular updates of breaking news. In our pages you will find useful advances about upcoming events as well as interesting news and feature stories about people, organizations and trends in the Nashville Jewish community. Our regular Lifecycles column carries submissions about b’nai mitzvah celebrations, weddings, graduations, honors and obituaries. We also subscribe to wire services such as the Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Israel21c that provide news and features from Israel and Jewish communities in the United States and around the world. Each issue of The Observer also includes a special section. Some focus on the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Passover and Chanukah while others are themed on topics such as travel, dining, and planning simcha celebrations. As a community newspaper, we are eager to respond to the needs of our readers. Articles and digital photos, suggestions for stories or information about upcoming events may be submitted by email to the editor for consideration for publication. Over the past two years, The Observer has revitalized its opinion pages with more letters to the editor, op-ed pieces and a column that rotates among the community’s congregational rabbis. The Rabbis’ Corner provides commentary on current events through the lens of Jewish values. We invite individuals and organizations to submit letters and op-ed columns, which are reviewed by an editorial board that consists of members from each of Nashville’s Jewish congregations. Advertising is a major source of revenue for The Observer, so please let our advertisers know that you saw their ads and appreciate their financial support for the newspaper. We also raise much-needed funds through our annual Patrons Campaign, which allows readers to show their support by making contributions. The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 9

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Jewish Foundation of Nashville Sandy Averbuch, foundation development chair Risa Klein Herzog, director of foundation development risa@jewishnashville.org (615) 354-1651 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, TN 37205 www.jewishnashville.org

isualize the future of Nashville’s Jewish community . . . and make it happen! If you have the next great idea in Jewish life, the Jewish Foundation is the place where it can come together. When you leave a Jewish legacy through the Jewish Foundation, you say proudly that Jewish life – in Nashville, in North America, in Israel and the world – will not just survive or endure but also thrive. Whether your passion is a local, national or international agency or service, the Jewish Foundation provides the opportunity for you to help strengthen and build our Jewish community. The Jewish Foundation offers a variety of tax-advantaged and estate planning vehicles to enable donors to meet their individual financial and estate planning needs, to realize their philanthropic dreams and to create a Jewish legacy for the future. Among these are: Bequest, Field of Interest Fund,

The future of the Middle Tennessee Jewish community is alive and well as demonstrated by local B’nai Tzedek members who gathered to make Purim mishloach manot baskets for delivery to Jewish seniors and Ronald McDonald House families. Each year new B’nai Tzedeks join more than 300 Nashville youth who learn the importance of philanthropy by creating B’nai Tzedek funds with the Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

Designated Fund, Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment Fund (PACE), Lion of Judah Endowment Fund (LOJE), Charitable Gift Annuity, Tree of Life Fund, Charitable Lead Trust, Charitable Remainder Trust, Donor Advised Fund, Donation of Qualified Retirement Plan, Gift of Life Insurance, Gift of Real Estate and the B’nai Tzedek Fund (a philanthropy program for bar and bat mitzvah-aged donors supported by the Feldman/Hassenfeld Fund for B’nai Tzedek). The Jewish Foundation of Nashville was established in 1980 as the endowment arm of the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the Jewish Foundation debuted The Book of Life. With over 60 charter members, The Book of Life recognizes donors who have made or have promised to make a permanent en-

dowed gift to benefit a Jewish agency, organization or synagogue, regardless of the size of the gift. Donors whose permanent gifts are $25,000 or more are honored with an electronic donor page in The Book of Life featuring their photograph and a personal statement about why they have created this legacy or their hopes for the future. The electronic Book of Life is in the lobby of the Gordon Jewish Community Center where the entire community can view and enjoy it. The Jewish Foundation is honored to be the community’s trusted resource for philanthropy for generations into the future. What is important to you in the Jewish community? How do you wish to be remembered? The security of our beloved community lies in your answer to these questions and the Jewish Foundation is here to assist you in fulfilling your goals.

L’dor v’dor: Raymond Zimmerman and son Fred Zimmerman are among those upholding a tradition of family giving through funds established with the Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

Jewish Foundation Development Committee Members: Sandy Averbuch (chair), David Cooper, Annette Eskind, James Fishel, Mark Goldfarb, Ellen Levitt, Jan Liff, Andrew May, Joshua May, Stephen Riven, Martin Satinsky, Nan Speller, David Steine Jr., and Fred Zimmerman

Foundation Is Life. Pass It On… The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 11

Gordon Jewish Community Center (GJCC) of swimmers. Water aerobics classes, from certified arthritis programs to prenatal, give you an opportunity to exercise without the strain of impact.

David Lewis, president Leslie M. Sax, executive director 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 356-7170 Fax: (615) 353-2659 www.nashvillejcc.org info@nashvillejcc.org

ocated on a picturesque 52-acre campus in west Nashville, the Gordon Jewish Community Center is a family-oriented, vibrant facility with a tangible sense of community and belonging. From our state-of-the-art fitness center to our expansive athletic fields and courts, from our pools to our community garden, and from our youth and adult sports programs to our arts activities, GJCC can offer you a place to maintain a healthy lifestyle, build relationships and engage in enriching activities.

The Gordon Jewish Community Center includes this 25-yard, heated indoor saltwater pool along with a 50-meter outdoor saltwater pool.

The GJCC is a community of people of all ages, stages, and beliefs who share laughter, learning, listening, and leading. People who love the GJCC have aspirations to learn, to grow, to stay in shape, to put themselves and their families on paths to meaningful lives. Whether one’s goals are as modest as shooting hoops in a friendly, dynamic environment, or as ambitious as imparting

Shalom Baby Gordon Jewish Community Center Renee Geltzer 354-1640 Renee@nashvillejcc.org

values to one’s kids, the GJCC offers the ideal environment to live up to those goals. There’s something about this place.

Cultural Arts The Janet Levine March Gallery’s rotating art exhibits, concerts, guest lecturers, and social gatherings enrich members’ cultural identity. We also have the Janet Levine March Gallery 2, the Sig Held Art Gallery, and the House Gallery. The Nashville Jewish Film Festival brings quality films with Jewish content to the Nashville area each November.

Fitness and Wellness Along with the latest equipment, experienced staff, and certified personal trainers, there are 45 weekly group fitness classes – spinning, kickboxing, yoga and more – free for members.

Adults Our offerings include classes, lectures, luncheons and annual Nourish Your Mind series. The program offerings, both on campus and off, are designed to meet a wide variety of educational opportunities and interests.

Aquatics We have a 25-yard heated indoor saltwater pool, a 50-meter outdoor saltwater pool and baby pools. Swimming lessons and TigerSharks Rec and USA Swim teams attract hundreds

Adults over 65 Weekly meetings, group fitness, book club, games, trips, and more offer camaraderie and companionship in your home away from home.

halom Baby recognizes that each birth is a special event, and the Nashville Jewish community wants to share in the celebration. Shalom Baby welcomes newborns with pretty gift bags filled with gifts, resource information from local Jewish organizations, and special offers. Shalom Baby gift bags are available to all families in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee community in which at least one parent is Jewish, regardless of affiliation. All parents of newborns (up to 6 months of age) or newly adopted infants are eligible to receive a Shalom Baby gift bag. Shalom Baby is funded by a New Initiative Grant from the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. If you or someone you know has welcomed a new member of the Nashville Jewish community, contact Renee Geltzer at (615)354-1640 or Renee@nashvillejcc.org

12 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

With trainer Carolyn Rudin (right) instructing, Pascal Wade works out on the TRX Suspension Trainer in the GJCC’s gym.

Early Childhood Learning Center The ECLC provides a rich and unique early childhood learning experience for children ages 6 weeks-kindergarten. The curriculum includes ageappropriate academics, Jewish cultural enrichment, Discover CATCH, music, physical education instruction and swim lessons. Our ECLC has a threestar rating, the highest award by the Tennessee Department

of Human Services. School-Age Kids Planet Kids (also three-star rated) offers after-school activities along with transportation from area schools. Camp Davis provides summer day camp fun and school vacation programs. Teens Our programs for teens include the JCC Maccabi Games, an Olympics-style competition

for sports and camaraderie, AZA and BBG (the two local BBYO groups sponsored by the GJCC), and BBYO Connect for middle-schoolers. Sports We offer many different sports throughout the year for both adults and kids including soccer, baseball, flag football, basketball and racquetball. Adults can play pick-up basketball games weekly – and partici-

stronger together

pate in basketball and softball league play. Jewish Community and Identity Marking every occasion on the Jewish calendar, from our annual Chanukah Festival and menorah lighting to our community Israel Independence Day celebration, the GJCC is the social hub for the Jewish community of Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

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The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 13

Gordon Jewish Community GJCC Adults of All Ages Meryl Kraft, coordinator than 1,000 people participated Center Adults Over 65 meryl@nashvillejcc.org in the series, which is funded by Meryl Kraft, coordinator meryl@nashvillejcc.org 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 356-7170, ext. 223 www.nashvillejcc.org

Prime Time at the J All area senior adults are invited to join Gordon Jewish Community Center’s Prime Time, which hosts a huge variety of activities, including monthly meetings, day and overnight trips, parties, lunches, monthly casino trips, holiday programs, classes, a movie club, cultural events like the TPAC Broadway series, concerts, and opportunities for participation in community events. Watch for the Mystery Bus Trip in May – you never know where you’ll go with Prime Time! The group also hosts an annual overnight trip.

TGIT at the J Have you lived in Nashville your entire life or are you new to the city? Either way, this program is for you! For more than 67 years, we’ve had a blast at the GJCC on Thursdays. Thank Goodness It’s Thursday attracts up to 90 people who participate in a blood pressure check with a registered nurse and an exercise class, and then are served a delicious lunch and enjoy an exciting program. Upcoming programs include Israeli Day, Ethnic Nashville neighborhoods, brain health, computers, theater, Mardi Gras music, surrealism with the Frist, music with Sheldon Kahane, Purim with Dennis Scott, Ms. Cheap, Aging Matters with NPT, the Nashville Zoo, Israeli cooking, Symphony dress rehearsal, Lag B’Omer, fraud watch, African Safari, and Ponder Anew for Memorial Day.

14 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

801 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 356-7170, ext. 223 www.nashvillejcc.org

he Gordon Jewish Community Center offers something for everyone. If you want it, let us know and we’ll offer it. We want YOU to be part of the GJCC.

Nourish Your Mind at the J The GJCC offers fabulous classes and events that appeal to a wide range of interests. They are open to adults of all ages. Pick up a 2015 catalog at the GJCC or visit www.nashvillejcc.org for more information. Some of our programs include: • Barry Scott performing the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. • A live concert by the WannaBeatles • Mind, Body & Spirit Day with Rabbi Rami Shapiro • Discussions and demonstrations on reflexology, yoga, fitness assessments, goal setting and makeovers • Tour of Nashville for Nashvillians II (by bus) • “On Being” with Krista Tippett • Musical performance by Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn The 2015 series includes 48 programs, classes and workshops. In the mix are 12 visual arts classes; five culinary arts classes; five home, garden and personal style classes; four sessions on history, religion and government; four on music and literature; five on social media, cards and games; and three wellness classes. We have something for everyone! Don’t forget to make reservations for everything. Between January and May of 2014, more

the Sol Stern and Rose Stern Adult Education Fund of the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, the Meryl Kraft Discretionary Fund and the GJCC Nourish Your Mind Fund. Art on the West Side and the GJCC Art Academy Art on the West Side is the GJCC Fine Art and Craft Show featuring artist David Nichols and 45 of Middle Tennessee’s most renowned artists. The event occurs in April and includes a show, cocktail opening reception and kids activities sponsored by the Frist. Art Academy art classes are offered at the GJCC in the new art studio furnished by Art on the West Side. This year’s classes included acrylic painting, oil painting, how to market your art, art journaling, holiday cookie decorating, art at the zoo and others. Look in the Nourish Your Mind catalog for new classes. Music at the J The GJCC offers a variety of musical programs which include the Blue J Café featuring Nashville’s finest songwriters, the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra and the Nashville Community Concert Band. Summer Camp, Fall Classes and Ongoing Classes for Adults Summer camp for adults celebrated its sixth season in 2014 and included Healthy You: A Wellness Day Devoted to You, two photography classes, two art classes, two cooking classes and Mah Jongg classes. We also offer a small series of fall classes. Ongoing weekly sessions include knitting, bridge, Mah Jongg, poker and oil painting. And, if you like to read, the GJCC Book Club meets monthly.

Synagogues and affiliated organizations Congregation Beit Teﬁlah Chabad Orthodox Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel rabbi@chabadnashville.com Esther Tiechtel, educator and rebbetzin etiechtel@yahoo.com Michael Simon, president msimon105@comcast.net 95 Bellevue Road Nashville, TN 37221 rabbi@chabadnashville.com (615) 646-5750 www.chabadnashville.com

enowned for warmth and friendliness, Congregation Beit Tefilah offers true Jewish Southern hospitality. Whether you’re a longtime Nashvillian or a newcomer, Chabad welcomes you and offers something for everyone. A Place to Call Home Imagine worshipping in an atmosphere of total acceptance, where you are welcome and implored to be as nonjudgmental of your neighbors as they are of you. Services are traditional and conducted primarily in Hebrew, with select readings in English. The language you use or your pace are not of paramount importance. Our pristine new sanctuary, enveloped in a natural environment, is the perfect setting to feel connected to G-d. Shabbat Shalom As the sun sets on Friday,

Taking part in the mystical musical Havdalah ceremony at Congregation Beit Teﬁlah are (from left) Dianne and Brian Berry, Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel and Jack Simon on the guitar.

everyone streams in for that magical moment of candle

lighting as the spirit of Shabbat sets upon Nashville. Congre-

gants lift their voices in song and prayer. Mystical insights from the rabbi bring in a meditative peace. Each second and fourth Friday of the month, a grand T.G.I.S. (Thank G-d It’s Shabbat) dinner follows services and is open to the entire community, always at 6:30 p.m. Shabbat morning brings the reading of the Torah, as the rabbi tells the story of the weekly Torah portion, and guest cantors lead musaf prayers. Educator Esther Tiechtel leads the CKids weekly Shabbat morning children’s service, which includes story time, edible crafts and prayer. Continued on page 16

Mikvah Mei Chaya Genesis Campus for Jewish Life 95 Bellevue Road Nashville, TN 37221 For private appointment: Call (615) 601-1895 or text (615) 480-4225.

ei Chaya is the first mikvah built in Nashville exclusively for the mitzvah of taharat ha-mishpacha – family purity. Experience the beauty of this special mitzvah in the privacy and intimacy of a most luxuriously decorated mikvah. The mikvah is flawlessly maintained, fully equipped with all your spa needs and beautifully appointed to make your visit a pleasurable one. Nothing was spared in the building of this structure. All materials – from the travertine stone imported from Turkey to the mikvah’s glass tiles, from elegant lighting fixtures to the most exquisite furnishings and

paintings, from the limestone vanities and modern plumbing fixtures to the surround sound audio system – were selected by a team of top interior designers to make it a five-star “mikspah” experience. Mei Chaya was built with the needs of the local Jewish community in mind. It offers women the opportunity for a moving, spiritual experience – a spa for both body and soul. The facility boasts a well-appointed reception room, two luxurious preparation rooms and a uniquely designed mikvah

that offers both a tranquil and spiritual setting. Mikvah means “a gathering of natural water.” Unlike an ordinary tub or pool, complex laws and specifications govern construction of a mikvah. The primary uses of a mikvah cover many elements of Jewish life, but the most significant usage today is by brides and married women practicing taharat hamishpacha— the Jewish laws of family purity. The mikvah lies at the heart of the beauty and spirituality of the marital relationship, endowing it with a charming dimension of sanctity and love. For thousands of years, it has been Judaism’s secret to harmonious marital living and Jewish survival. The mikvah is available by appointment only. Please call for an appointment 48 hours in advance.

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 15

Continued from page 15

B’nai mitzvah and other lifecycle events take place in our new ballroom and are tailored to the talents of each bar or bat mitzvah student. Jewish Women’s Roundtable Join us on Tuesday evenings for the popular women’s study group Torah and Tea that features discussions on values and ethics led by Mina Tiechtel. Weekly classes explore Torah and other topics, including Jewish mysticism. Youth Programming At Sunday morning Hebrew School, children study the Treasures Curriculum, mark the holidays with family workshops and utilize the “Aleph Champ” Hebrew reading curriculum. Teens enjoy their first foray into kabbalah and their chance to wrap tefillin together.

Chesed and Caring We extend a welcoming hand to guests, giving all visitors a warm welcome and the feeling of being with mishpacha – family. Our “Chicken Soup Squad” brings hot foods to the homebound or ill. Congregation Beit Tefilah is a place you want to call home. Come and visit and we are sure you’ll want to stay. L’hitraot!

Congregation Micah Reform Rabbis Philip “Flip” and Laurie Rice rabbiﬂip@congregation micah.org rabbilaurie@congregation micah.org

16 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

Todd Evans, executive director tevans@congregation micah.org Julie Greenberg, education director jgreenberg@congregation micah.org Lisa Silver, music director/ cantorial soloist lsilver@congregationmicah. org Ali Friedman Zola, membership director membership@congregation micah.org Megan Scurlock, administrative assistant mscurlock@congregation micah.org Celia Lerch, administrative assistant office@congregationmicah. org

Marjean Coddon, president president@congregation micah.org 2001 Old Hickory Boulevard Brentwood, TN 37027 (615) 377-9799 Fax: (615) 377-7996 office@congregationmicah. org www.CongregationMicah.org facebook.com/CongregationMicah twitter.com/micahnashville (Also look for us on Pinterest and Vimeo)

ongregation Micah is a spirited community that honors and celebrates our communal commitment to God, each other, Israel and the world we live in. Authentically diverse, unafraid to break the mold and guided by visionary leaders, Micah infuses the lives of its congregants with a Judaism that is mean-

ingful, relevant and transformative. Promoting the values of liberal Judaism, our services are musical and participatory; our educational opportunities are compelling and enriching; and our social gatherings are undeniably enjoyable. Together we attempt to answer deep questions, like what it means to live fully American and Jewish lives. God We approach God through the authenticity of our intentions, the prayers of our heart and the ancient rituals of our people. On Shabbat and at other services we include traditional, contemporary and innovative musical settings of liturgy by our nationally known musical team as well as other local artists. Our awardwinning sanctuary inspires us by framing its beautiful ark with windows which invite the natural beauty behind us inside. Our 35-acre campus also

Congregation Micah religious school students, parents, and teachers gather for a group Torah Wrap photo. The different colored shirts designate the students’ grade levels.

includes a chapel for more intimate worship, a memorial garden and a cemetery. Torah Lifelong learning begins in infancy, so our Tennessee 3-star rated preschool begins at 6 weeks and continues through pre-kindergarten; the curriculum includes Tot Shabbat and time on our natural playscape.

Our religious school is known for its creativity with regard to Hebrew instruction, family services, b’nai mitzvah preparation, confirmation classes and beyond. Special programs include the Kids/Teen Choir, music, photography, Jewish history, family education, and social action programs. Additional youth enrichment is provided through our flourishing

youth groups. Micah Midweek allows students to pray, eat and learn together. And our bar/bat mitzvah candidates are tutored exclusively by our clergy. The rabbis weekly teach Torah, schmooze with our seniors and educate from the pulpit. Our Micah Book Club convenes monthly, short courses are offered for adults on Wednesdays and Sundays, and scholars visit seasonally. Together we celebrate the holidays: At Chanukah and Passover, we share a meal as a community, and Purim is an exciting time of skits and a carnival. Israel Micah offers trips to Israel for teens, families and adults. We seek to make connections both locally and with Jewish communities throughout the world. We invite a multiplicity of voices as we invite you to join us on our joyous and sacred journey. Continued on page 18

S y n d a n g E o t gu e s e W A

Jewis r o f r e cent

h community life, inspiration and c

elebra

tion

Worship • Education • Service Award-Winning Religious School • Children’s Services • Family Programs • Youth Groups Camp Ramah • Torah Study • Adult Education • Social Action • Seniors’ Activities Men’s Club • Sisterhood

Rabbi Joshua Kullock Executive Director Marcia Stewart Director of Lifelong Learning Sharon Paz Ritual & Tutoring Coordinator Sophie Rapoport Education Director Emeritus Miriam Halachmi

3810 West End Avenue, Nashville 615-269-4592 (toll-free 888-335-8993) http://www.westendsyn.org

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 17

Continued from page 17

Congregation Sherith Israel Open Orthodox Rabbi Saul Strosberg Asst. Rabbi Aaron Finkelstein Cantor George Lieberman Evelyn Koch, board president 3600 West End Avenue (615) 292-6614 (615) 292-6615 Fax: (615) 463-8260 info@sherithisrael.com www.sherithisrael.com

pleased to celebrate Rabbi and Daniella’s 10th year of service to the Shul, Akiva School, the community and to the individual people whose lives they’ve touched in their time here. As a bonus, their three fabulous children add spice to our synagogue and are beloved by all.” A new assistant rabbi, Aaron Finkelstein, recently arrived from New York with his lovely wife, Julie Sugar, to join the rabbinical team at Sherith Israel, sharing his time between the synagogue and Akiva School. Rabbi Aaron has restructured the Sherith Israel Sunday school program and has brought new creative programming to the youth and adults at the Shul and beyond. He will also be offering classes in basic synagogue skills, such as reading from the prayer book and understanding the flow of Shabbat and Yom Tov services. In addition, Rabbi

ongregation Sherith Israel could perhaps be described as an “unorthodox Orthodox synagogue,” where the stereotypes of Orthodox synagogues in years past and in other places don’t always hold true. Led by a progressive young rabbi who’s as comfortable behind a jazz trum- Rabbi Saul Strosberg leads a parade of Sherith Israel pet as he is congregants into the synagogue during the dedication ceremony of a new Torah scroll in June of 2014. in front of a Torah scroll, Sherith Israel is Aaron partners with the Jewish known for its warm, accepting Federation of Nashville to offer atmosphere, and has enjoyed Torah on Tap, a Jewish learning significant growth in young initiative that brings together families in the 10 years of Rabbi young professionals in a comSaul Strosberg’s leadership. fortable venue of their choice. Congregational President And finally, Rabbi Aaron will be Evelyn Koch says, “We owe so teaching a course in Israeli litmuch to Rabbi Saul and Dani- erature in the Melton Scholars ella Pressner for their work program this year. Julie Sugar in our Shul and in the com- brought some of her energy and munity since arriving here in talent to the Shul this fall with 2005. Rabbi’s warm personality Sherith Israel’s first Yiddish class. and energetic innovations and Cantor George Lieberman, Daniella’s leadership at Akiva whose mellifluous voice has School as well as her teaching graced the Sherith Israel sancfor the Melton Scholars pro- tuary for nearly 20 years, congram have added so much to tinues to engage the hearts and Jewish life in Nashville. We are minds of children and teens

18 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

in individualized after-school Hebrew language and Torah classes. In addition, the Cantor teaches adults who want to learn more advanced synagogue skills, such as learning the meaning of the prayers, reading from the Torah, or chanting Haftorah portions during Shabbat or Yom Tov services. Shabbat services at Sherith Israel are always followed by delicious sit-down Kiddushes produced by an innovative chef whose expertise and skill are renowned. People linger over the Kiddush, often sitting and “schmoozing” long after Shabbat services are over, noshing at the dessert table and relaxing with their friends. Cantor Lieberman offers a Torah class after the Kiddush. Sherith Israel’s facility has undergone extensive renovations in the last few years, including beautification of the main sanctuary, the library, social hall, rabbi’s study, Sunday school classrooms and more.

The congregation’s growing numbers of young children enjoy the new playground area as much as they do the child care

available during services. Anyone interested in “testdriving” the synagogue is invited to visit us for a Shabbat Kiddush

or a Yom Tov service, or to drop in and visit the Shul. We are known for our welcoming spirit and we hope to see you there.

Sherith Israel Sisterhood 3600 West End Avenue Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 292-6614 Ruth Levitt, president

he dictionary defines sisterhood as “the close relationship among women based on shared experiences, concerns, etc.” The Congregation Sherith Israel Sisterhood (SIS) fits this description. We are a group of women of different ages and backgrounds who come together with the common concern of supporting individuals and families in our community in their times of weakness and strength, joy and sorrow. We welcome women in the community to join us in our mission to bring Jewish women together to serve our communities and make

deep and lasting friendships. SIS has recently helped support, and continues to support, the following congregational projects: • Providing high holiday flowers for the sanctuary • Renovation of Sunday school rooms • Assisting a local student with a college scholarship • Mikvah upkeep • Kitchen deep cleaning • Library fund • Meals for shivas and other community needs • Reaching out to shut-ins with home visits In addition, the entire Sisterhood membership meets for learning about Jewish holidays and customs. Our rebbetzin, Daniella Pressner, led a wonder-

ful learning session about the personal meaning we can find from the holiday of Sukkot. Recently Cantor Lieberman instructed us on traditions and stories about Chanukah. Our meetings are always filled with lively discussion, friendship and great food! SIS is funded through annual membership dues and planned fundraisers. Each year our members look forward to lighting the Limor Menorah facing West End Avenue at the Sisterhood Latke Supper. This year’s themed celebration, “Light the Night,” includes a silent auction, with handmade jewelry and knitted items and donations from very generous area businesses. Activities for spring include challah baking, a Purim dinner and more learning sessions.

Mazel Tov to the B’nai Mitzvah Class of 2021!

We have a bright future & we invite you to become a part of our Temple family! 5015 Harding Road - Nashville, Tennessee 37205 - (615) 352-7620 - www.templenashville.org The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 19

pate actively in the life of our larger Jewish and Nashville community.

The Temple – Congregation Ohabai Sholom

Joyous Shabbat worship and holiday celebrations are filled with music, warmth, creativity and joy. During school hours, our preschool and religious school hallways are filled with the laughter of children.

Reform Rabbi Mark Schiftan Rabbi Shana Mackler Rabbi Michael Shulman Cantor Tracy Fishbein Rabbi Michael Shulman, director of education and next generation programming Erin Zagnoev, director of membership and development Corye Nelson, director of The Temple Preschool Ralph Levy, board president www.templenashville.org (615) 352-7620 5015 Harding Pike Nashville, TN 37205

The Temple’s Mazel Tones (junior choir) traveled to The Cumberland to perform for the residents.

he Top 10 terrific things people are saying about The Temple:

Welcoming and Inclusive We have a diverse membership from singles to married and same-sex couples, interfaith and intercultural families, newcomers and natives, families with children, mid-lifers and senior adults. Our members live all over Greater Nashville.

Embracing We honor and cherish all of our members and families no matter what their background – Jewish or non-Jewish, traditional or interfaith. Conversion Conversations provides opportunities for those seeking to learn more about Judaism. Approachable Clergy and staff are available and accessible to meet your lifecycle and pastoral needs. Our clergy partici-

Innovative We offer relevant, current and intentional programs including: • Pursuit of Harmony: A weekend of music and learning dedicated to deepening our understanding of the complexities of the Arab-Israeli conflict • A Peace of Our Minds: A sacred weekend of conversation and reflection around mental health • Justice Programs such as our Jim Crow series and JewishMuslim Relations

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20 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

• Fun and engaging monthly programming for families with young children Evolving We strive to improve on our successes year to year. We find opportunities to try new approaches and programs to meet the needs and desires of our growing and evolving congregation, including our wellness initiative, lay-led study groups and Satellite Shabbat programs.

and stimulating curriculum with dynamic and caring teachers. • Religious School and its emphasis on learning in the context of community through fun, creative, relevant and engaging experiences for our students and families. • Our strong and rich tradition as the heart of Reform Judaism in Nashville since 1851.

Enriching We offer dozens of opportunities to learn and grow Jewishly throughout the year with our Weekly Lunch with the Rabbi, Shabbat Morning Torah study and Women’s Torah study, family and parent education programs on Sundays and scholars-in-residence.

Don’t just take other people’s word for it, come experience The Temple for yourself! Our doors are always open. Give us a call, check out our website, stop by and visit us. Find a Jewish home here at The Temple.

Connecting We work hard to connect our members to one another through our programs throughout the year including Next Dor (social events for young adults and couples ages 22-40), Passover Seders around the city, W.E.L.L (Women Engaged in Living & Learning), JACS (support group for addictive behaviors) and Caring Connection (congregants helping other congregants at times of joy and sorrow).

West End Synagogue

Committed to Community Our congregation continues to expand and deepen our commitment to making our Nashville community a better place in so many ways: the Boulevard Bolt, Room in the Inn, monthly collections of food and other needed supplies, Social Action initiatives, interfaith programming and connections with other local congregations. Proud We kvell with pride for our: • Preschool, with its toprated, full-time, innovative

Conservative Rabbi Joshua Kullock rabbi@westendsyn.org Marcia Stewart, executive director mstewart@westendsyn.org Sharon Paz, director of lifelong learning spaz@westendsyn.org Sophie Rapoport, ritual and tutoring coordinator sophie@westendsyn.org Miriam Halachmi, education director emerita Susan Schwartz, board president roadrunnersss@comcast.net 3810 West End Avenue Nashville, Tennessee 37205 (615) 269-4592 Fax: (615) 269-4695 office@westendsyn.org www.westendsyn.org

Kindergarten students at West End Synagogue Sunday School practice the blessings for Shabbat during a “mock Shabbat.” As part of the experience, they even baked their own challah.

est End Synagogue is Nashville’s traditional, egalitarian congregation. Our diverse community is united by the shared values of Torah (learning), avodah (prayer) and gemilut chasadim (kindness). Together, we strive to imbue ancient rituals with modern meaning. Torah Lifelong education is integral to the West End experience. Our Beit Miriam Religious School, led by Sharon Paz, enriches the lives of our children and teaches them Hebrew and Jewish values and rituals. We are proud to have so many students spend summers at Camp Ramah Darom in Georgia, where they are fully immersed in Jewish life and community. We offer ongoing opportunities for adults to study Torah, including Talmud Ahora,

Unrolling the Torah and the special Learn and Lunch series for seniors. Guest scholars from Nashville and beyond teach us through our Pray, Eat, Learn series and our annual Scholarin-Residence Program. Weekly Hebrew classes are offered to those who wish to better follow along in our services. You can join dozens of students of all backgrounds for an Introduction to Judaism, taught by Rabbi Joshua on Sundays from January-May. Avodah We pray together every day of the year. Daily morning and evening minyans bring us together in prayer. Minyannaires provide comfort for mourners who come to say Kaddish and offer blessings for families celebrating life-cycle events. Bagels and coffee after morning Continued on page 22

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 21

Rabbi Joshua engages us with enlightening sermons. Families and children come together for bi-monthly children and youth services. Kiddush lunch is our weekly opportunity to eat, schmooze, and sing together.

Continued from page 21

minyan fill your belly after minyan has fed your soul. Shabbat is the highlight of our week. We bring Shabbat in together on Friday evening, filling the chapel with soulful melodies. Shabbat morning services are led both by our clergy and lay-leaders of all ages, and

Gemilut Chasadim (Social Action)

We partner with many Nashville organizations to serve those in need. Through Room in the Inn, we house and feed homeless men each Monday evening from November through January. With Martha O’Bryan Center and Second Harvest, we stock a food pantry and deliver meals on wheels.

Each year, we fill a Mitzvah Crib for families in need. We also care for one another - visiting the sick and providing food for members of our community in times in need through our We Care Committee. We invite you to join our synagogue family. Come visit us any time!

West End Synagogue Sisterhood grounds. The Sisterhood was founded in 1903 and affiliated with the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism (WLCJ) in 1948. New female synagogue members receive a free one-year membership in the Sisterhood. WES Sisterhood nourishes our religious school and congregation family, financially and literally, with food. Through money raised by selling Purim Bags (mishloach manot), sisterhood pays for enhanced school programming and hosts a first-day-of-school brunch for

President: Marsha Raimi sisterhood@westendsyn.com 3810 West End Ave. Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 269-4592 Fax: (615) 269-4695 office@westendsyn.org

est End Synagogue Sisterhood is involved in activities that enrich our congregation, support religious education and enhance our youth programs. Members span a wide range of interests, ages and back-

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religious school parents. The Sisterhood prepares several Shabbat Kiddush meals and Friday night family dinners each year. We support our kosher kitchens and provide the Yom Kippur break-fast meal. WES Sisterhood supports our youth of all ages. We offer discounted babysitting during the High Holidays for infants through 12-year-olds. We fund transportation to conventions for the congregations’ two youth groups, Kadima (middle school) and USY (United Synagogue Youth for high school students), and we send the USY young leader to the group’s annual leadership retreat. We help WES maintain its distinction as the Conservative congregation with the most children attending Camp Ramah Darom by providing scholarships to families in need. Finally, we send holiday gift packages to our college students so they remain connected to WES. As a member group of WLCJ, we support the Conservative movement of Judaism via the annual Torah Fund campaign. This money helps educate our clergy and educa-

tional students at two seminaries in the United States, one in Israel and the one attended by our Rabbi Joshua Kullock, Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano in Buenos Aires. We foster our personal Jewish education and spiritual growth through participation in Sisterhood Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh celebrations and a lively Book Club. We also operate the WES Judaica Shop, which is open on Wednesday afternoons until 6:30 p.m. and on Sunday mornings during the school year. Other hours are available by appointment through the synagogue office. Planned social and educational events this year include: • Papercut Workshop with Kim Phillips • Vodka, NO Latkes (December 20th) • Paid Member Lunch – “A Life with Things” • Fundraising Dinner for Torah Fund and Youth Activities • Rosh Chodesh visit to the Mikvah • Vashti’s Banquet (February 21st) • Hosting WLCJ Southern Region Conference

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22 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

LOCATED IN THE SCHULMAN CENTER FOR JEWISH LIFE ON VANDERBILT CAMPUS

1585 Mallory Lane Suite 103 Brentwood, TN 37027

W W W. B O N G O J AVA . C O M / G R I N S

B’nai Mitzvah 2015 West End Synagogue Zach Berkon Ellie Hornick Adena Rosenbloom Hallie Fine Zach Fine Max Yazdian Josh Usdan Grace Cleveland Carlee Klements Toby Averbuch Daniela Liebman

January 3 January 10 January 17 March 28 March 28 May 30 September 5 October 24 November 14 December 19 December 26

Congregation Sherith Israel Herschel Peiser

June 20

Congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad Samuel Militiello Benjamin Elbaz Chana Tiechtel

February 7 July 4 August 22

Congregation Micah Gabriel Abram Max Greenberg Samuel Cohen Melanie Aron Cameron Roth Jordan Roth Max Roth Julia Weinstein Gideon Mosse Jennifer Hall Ethan Hall Matthew Kaplan Sydney Saul Shai Rice Amanda Curtis

January 10 February 7 February 14 February 21 February 28 February 28 February 28 March 7 March 14 March 28 March 28 April 18 April 25 May 2 May 9

Lily Hershkowitz Abby Hershkowitz Phoebe Stern Ryan Krichbaum Evan Guzman Gordon Yancey Jonah Foster Noah Jacobs Andrew Kiepek Eli Kirith Alexa Honigsblum Benjamin Miller Abigail Moschel Emma Rudy Srebnik Alana Rothenstein Lily Greenberg Zoe Rosenblum Adam Karp Maxwell Keller Rosie Diamond Sara Solan Annabelle Ervin Gabriella Roseman Aileen Lorge

May 23 May 23 May 30 June 6 June 13 June 20 June 27 August 8 August 15 August 22 September 5 September 19 September 26 October 3 October 10 October 24 October 31 November 7 November 14 November 21 December 5 December 12 December 12 December 19

The Temple-Congregation Ohabai Sholom Annie Jacobs Anna Schwarcz Samuel Landau Jordan Marger Sarah Jacobs Ali Jacobs Morgan Jacobs Carly Harris Emma Harris

January 31 February 14 March 21 May 16 August 29 October 3 October 3 November 21 November 21

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 23

Jewish Family Service Sandra Hecklin, president Pamela Kelner, executive director 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite 103 Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 356-4234 Fax: (615) 301-0676 info@jfsnashville.org

Blake McMeans and Phaedra Marriott-Olsen (both seated) were the featured speakers at a Jewish Family Service program for teens on the issue of impaired or distracted driving.

www.jfsnashville.org

ewish Family Service supports our community— one child, one adult, one family at a time. Our agency has provided social services

to the Nashville Jewish community for over 160 years. JFS offers a comprehensive range of social services to people of all income levels, ages and backgrounds. Services include: • Adoption • Counseling • Case management

Supporting our community one child, one adult, one family at a time

• Family life education • Emergency financial assistance • Chanukah Gifts for Children program • Helping Hands Volunteer program • Information and referral • Kosher Food Box program • Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! • School supply drive • Senior adult services • Shevet Achim: The Brotherhood • Support groups Fees are charged for some services. Counseling fees may be covered through private health insurance and Medicare. A sliding-scale fee is

We’re Here for You since 1853

• Adoption - Domestic & International • Case Management • Counseling & Psychotherapy • Emergency Financial Assistance • Family Life Education • Support Groups • Helping Hands Volunteer Program • Information and Referral • Kosher Food Boxes • Hanukkah Gifts for Children • Jewish Job Network • School Supplies

(615) 356-4234 www.jfsnashville.org 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite 103 Nashville, TN 37205

24 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

available for those who are without insurance or those who choose not to use it. JFS also serves as a professional resource offering consultations and other services to agencies and congregations throughout the community. Professional, affordable and fully confidential counseling services are provided by licensed clinical social workers. Our LCSWs can help you work through a variety of issues including, but not limited to: depression; anxiety; significant life transitions, such as divorce, job loss or illness; relationship conflicts with friends, spouse or partners; loss and grief; domestic violence; issues of aging; and child behavior problems. Helping Hands is a program designed to support senior citizens and people with disabilities in the Nashville Jewish community. Volunteers match their interests and skills with the needs of seniors to create a mutually rewarding experience. Services include friendly visiting, telephone reassurance, transportation to medical appointments and the grocery store, Shabbat observance, holiday gift-basket deliveries, and Jewish programming in assisted-living facilities. In addition, Helping Hands matches musicians with people living

with Alzheimer’s and/or other forms of dementia for one-onone musical visits. The Kosher Food Box Program provides vital assistance to those who are experiencing financial hardship. The Chanukah Gifts for Children Program provides holiday presents for children who would otherwise go without. Jewish Family Service offers many Family Life Educa-

tion programs throughout the year, often in partnership with the Gordon Jewish Community Center, Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, congregations or other community organizations. Please support Jewish Family Service by volunteering your time, by making a financial contribution and by attending the annual JFS Chesed Dinner held each spring.

JFS sponsors regular Friday night services at three assisted living facilities, including the Cumberland at Green Hills, where members of NowGen Nashville led a recent service.

ADOPTION JOURNEYS: A Program of Jewish Family Service Teri R. Sogol, LCSW, casework director Toni L. Jacobsen, LCSW, adoption supervisor 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite 103 Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 356-4234 Fax: (615) 301-0676 info@jfsnashville.org www.jfsnashville.org

ewish Family Service is a Tennessee-licensed adoption agency. Our adoption program, Adoption Journeys, provides confidential, professional services to prospective adoptive parents, adoptees and birthparents without regard to race, religion, marital status or sexual orientation. Whether a prospective adoptive parent is seeking a child domestically or internationally, independently or through an agency, JFS can provide the required education, preparation, home studies and post-placement services. We maintain relationships with domestic and international placing agencies across the country. We are partners with two of the

largest and most respected international placing agencies in the country, Children’s Home Society and Family Services in St. Paul, MN, and Holt International in Eugene, OR. However, we will work with any licensed international placing agency our clients choose. Our services are available not only during the adoption process but also throughout the life of the adoptive family. JFS does not provide placement services for expectant parents but does offer counseling to enable them to examine the available options in order to make a decision that is in their and their child’s best interest. Such counseling may also be offered to support them through the placement process and to address issues of grief and loss post-placement. If the expectant parent decides to make an adoption plan, Jewish Family Service will provide referrals to a list of licensed adoption agencies and attorneys within the Middle Tennessee area. Jewish prospective adoptive families may be eligible for adoption loans through the Earl Kirshner Free Loan Program. Contact JFS for additional information about this program.

New and Improved Shalom Taxi! We’ve made it easier for you to use! Monday - Saturday • NEW certiﬁed MTA access driver! Extra riders going to the same destination will not need a voucher and will only pay $1 per extra rider. Six riders maximum per same destination. To purchase $5 vouchers contact Carrie Mills at the Gordon Jewish Community Center at 615-354-1680 or email: carrie@nashvillejcc.org

Trusted Financial Advisor It’s not about the numbers. It’s about understanding how they can aﬀect your life. As a business owner, Cathy uses her knowledge of tax, accounting, business, and life experience to explain things in terms you can understand, so you can make informed decisions.

Cathy Werthan President, CPA/PFS

615.322.1225 www.cpacg.com 109 Kenner Avenue • Suite 100 • Nashville, TN 37205 • Email: info@cpacg.com

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 25

Adding Their Voices

Jewish community helps create Nashville sound By KATHY By YC CARL CARLSON R O

early 40 years ar ago, go, D Dennis i Scot Scott first sset se et eyes e on N Nashville. illle. Th T The h N New Yo York Y o native, n ve touringg w with th the he Am American ca can folk llk group the th New Ne Christy N C ri Chr Min-

strels and a folk-rock st r band b ndd frrom Belarus, larrus, was h here ere ttoo rrec record re eccord rrd aatt C Colu Columbia o umb mbi b studiosss.

26 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

Dennis Scott has made his living in Nashville’s music industry, writing songs and leading the WannaBeatles tribute band. The WannaBeatles include, from left, Bryan Cumming, Scott, David Toledo and Nathan Burbank. Scott also directs the junior choir at The Temple. (Submitted photo)

“In between recording sessions I walked around Music Row and was pleasantly surprised at how open and welcoming people were,” Scott says of his 1976 visit. “I actually went through the doors at MCA Records and was encouraged to play my songs for one of the A&R staff.” Scott made a gradual shift to Music City, with a second trip to Nashville nudging him southward. “As a songwriter-producer living in New York, I enjoyed hearing the songwriting craft coming out of Nashville,” he says. When it came time to record “Sesame Street Country” in 1981, he wanted the sound to be authentic so he persuaded the recording company to let him record the album in Nashville. The recording won a Grammy, and Scott’s experience creating the record in Music City “was a total revelation. I fell in love with the camaraderie, the musicianship, and the relaxed feel of the recording session…. I was a prime target to fall in love with Nashville.” Scott moved here full-time in 1989. He has made his living in music, garnering Grammy nominations, leading the Beatles tribute band the WannaBeatles and directing the Mazel Tones, the junior choir at The Temple, one of Nashville’s five Jewish congregations. He and other members of Nashville’s

Jewish community have seen from the inside how the music scene has evolved from vinyl to downloads and from country stronghold to broad-based entertainment phenomenon. There are Jewish session players, songwriters and managers making their mark not only in country music but in children’s music, Christian music and, yes, Jewish music. Whatever their role, they share a love of Music City that can still surprise them, even now.

No turning back Ask Michael Ochs – songwriter and composer in residence at Congregation Micah – if he ever thought he’d be living and working in Nashville, and he says, “Never once in a million years.” But a visit to his brother, who was in school here, changed everything. “I drove down and pulled off 40 at Demonbreun and pretty much never looked back,” he says. One of this former New Yorker’s first songs to be recorded after he moved here, “On My Knees,” won a Dove Award for song of the year in Gospel/Christian music. “It wasn’t a secret that I was Jewish and it was really unexpected …. It was amazing. The song has become a real standard in

Though he never imagined his music career would take him to Nashville, New York native Michael Ochs has been here for more than 10 years. Now the composer in residence at Congregation Micah, his songs have been recorded in a variety of genres – pop, country, rock, classical-crossover, Safro jazz, and contemporary Christian, including the No. 1 gospel hit “On My Knees.” (Submitted photo)

contemporary Christian churches around the world. It opened up a whole door to meaningful, inspiring interfaith dialogue for me with members of the Nashville Christian community.” Continued on page 28

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 27

Continued from page 27

Today Ochs is composer in residence at Congregation Micah. He and former Micah cantorial soloist Daniel Leanse collaborated on Gesher, a CD of original songs that have become well-known at Micah and elsewhere. His latest project, “The Pursuit of Harmony” with Palestinian singer Alaa Alshaham, combines original music with photos, videos and their personal testimony about overcoming cultural divides. .

Students in Lisa Silver’s music elective class practice a new song. From left are Jake Rosen, Carson Pearlman, Silver and Melanie Aron. Before she became the cantorial soloist for Congregation Micah, the singer/ songwriter played the ﬁddle on recordings by Chet Atkins and Ray Stevens, sang backup for Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks and Vince Gill and wrote or co-wrote dozens of songs including “Forty-Hour Week,” the Grammy-nominated hit by Alabama. (Photo by Kathy Carlson)

Yankee fiddler Singer, songwriter and classically trained violinist Lisa Silver came to Nashville in the early 1970s from Michigan with others in a band called the Honky Tonk Angels. She recalls how inexpensive it was for them all to move here, rent a house, and work to make it in the world of country-rock music. She became known as the female Yankee fiddle player, she says. With the help of legendary fiddle player Buddy Spicher, she began lining up gigs as a session violin/fiddle player, and soon after as a vocalist. She has played on recordings for Chet Atkins and Ray Stevens, recorded background vocals for Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks and Vince Gill, was a staff songwriter with publishing companies and saw some 50 of her songs recorded. The group Alabama recorded “Forty Hour Week,” which she co-wrote. It went to No. 1 and earned her a Grammy nomination. Silver also has written Jewish liturgical music and since 2002 has been Congregation Micah’s Music director and cantorial soloist. She and Ochs can often be heard on Friday nights, leading the congregation in song.

28 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

Rocking downtown Minnesota native Rod Essig came to Nashville from Los Angeles in 1993. He has concentrated on artist management as a vice president with Creative Artists Agency’s Nashville office. From CAA’s penthouse digs in downtown Nashville, Essig talks about how CAA started out here with six employees – including himself – and five acts to represent. Now, it represents 65 acts, employs 104 people and looks forward to adding more. “Everything is going on downtown,” he says. “We have a lot of people who have moved here from New York, L.A…. It’s such an easy way of living (in Nashville)…. The city is really growing. (Nashville Mayor) Karl Dean has been a great friend of the music industry.” The Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena and new Music City Center provide plenty of space for awards shows and events, he says. “Now we have 10,000 people who live downtown. It’s changing the game.” Changing the game for country music are younger audiences, he says. “Taylor Swift started getting younger people interested in country music. The age group (of country music fans) went down and that is great…. The core audience has stayed with us. They still love Tim McGraw, they still love Kenny Chesney.” Live music – including country – is hot right now, and Nashville the television show has helped draw attention to the city’s live music scene, Essig says. This summer, for example, the CMA Music Festival and Bonnaroo Music Festival will take place on the same weekend. That means big crowds at the airport heading in different directions for two distinct – and huge – musical events. “There are a lot more festivals” throughout the music industry these days than in past years, he says. The megaevents are a great deal for attendees, giving them the chance to enjoy dozens of shows over a long weekend. Individual Nashville music events often feature lots

of stars as well. At Kelly Clarkson’s 2014 Christmas show, 12 other artists performed a song or two, he says. “That doesn’t happen anywhere else.”

Since moving to Nashville in 1993 to comanage Creative Artists Agency’s office here, Rod Essig has seen both a broadening of the city’s musical inﬂuence to genres beyond country as well as a revival of the live music scene. (Photo by Kathy Carlson)

A Tradition since 1925 Julian “Bud” Zander, Jr., CIC IåýųåƼ I ¬±ĹÚåųØ F Michael A. Weinburger Diane Sacks

HOME AUTO LIFE HEALTH BUSINESS DISABILITY LONG-TERM CARE IDENTITY THEFT

615.356.1700

800.356.4282

4 Generations

90 Years of Service zanderins.com

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 29

IT’S NOT JUST A MAP.

IT’S

a vote OF CONFIDENCE.

Families have relocated from 32 states and seven foreign countries, citing Currey Ingram Academy as a major factor in their decision to move to this area. We offer individualized learning plans for every student and a robust host of athletics, arts and extracurricular activities — all on a beautiful 83-acre campus just minutes from downtown Nashville and Cool Springs/Franklin, in the heart of Brentwood.

Find out more at curreyingram.org Currey Ingram Academy is a co-ed, K-12, college-prep day school for students with learning differences and unique learning styles.

Currey Ingram Academy 6544 Murray Lane I Brentwood, Tenn. I (615) 507-3173

Scan this QR code to watch a short video. Like us on facebook

To access the Community Calendar, go to www.jewishnashville.org and click on “Calendar.” Every community event is listed for your convenience.

30 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

Schools & Jewish Education Akiva School 809 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 356-1880 Fax: (615) 356-1850 www.akivanashville.net Uzi Yemin, board president Avigal Soreq, board treasurer Michael Rosen, board secretary Lynn Heady, head of school Daniella Pressner, principal Christina Evans, director of recruitment and outreach

Second-grade general studies teacher Laura Codron welcomes students on the ﬁrst day of classes at Akiva School.

kiva School is a highperforming, K-6 academic institution, a leader among Jewish day schools in the South. Our mission is to pursue excellence, foster

critical inquiry and inspire informed Jewish living. Akiva graduates are consistently accepted into the most selective private middle and high schools, as well as public mag-

net schools, and are recognized as leaders in both character and academics in their schools and in Nashville. The rigorous curricula in both general studies and Jewish studies challenges students to analyze, investigate, question and take risks. We ask students to apply what they’ve learned. During the 2015-16 school year, our curriculum will center on applied/project-based learning and will include strategies to strengthen science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Many students graduate from Akiva with exceptional language skills and are able to analyze and understand Continued on page 32

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 31

Continued from page 31

high-level texts in Hebrew as well as English. An Akiva education moves beyond the classroom, allowing students not only to learn about their Jewish and American identities but also to live them. Students learn about both American and Jewish history, culture, and current events in an environment that promotes love of learning, appreciation of our shared experience, and pride in one’s growing and changing identity. Akiva students participate in extracurricular activities such as after-school clubs and sports teams. Akiva also hosts Nashville’s annual Math Olympics, one of the city’s finest middle school math competitions. Our goal is that all families, regardless of affiliation, feel welcome at Akiva. We take pride in the diversity of our student body and respect each family’s decisions regarding religious observance. We maintain smaller class

sizes to provide a nurturing atmosphere that meets individual students’ needs. Teachers create strategies to enhance each child’s learning experience and are committed to ongoing professional development. Akiva is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). For more information, call Christina Evans at 615-4322552 or email her at cevans@ akivanashville.net.

The GJCC Early Childhood Learning Center Terri Katzenstein, director Terri@nashvillejcc.org Renee Geltzer, assistant director Renee@nashvillejcc.org

801 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 354-1640 Fax: (615) 353-2659

t the Gordon JCC’s Early Childhood Learning Center, sounds of fun, laughter and learning echo through the halls. Open to children from 6 weeks old up to kindergarten, the ECLC embraces families of all backgrounds and cultivates a connection with Jewish values and traditions. This secure and nurturing environment ensures that we maintain our three-star rating from the Tennessee Department of Human Services. With practices rooted in research, our teachers work collaboratively to nurture the gifts of each child, to encourage a questioning mind, to spark creativity, and to foster independence. Every classroom offers age-appropriate progressive academics, enriched by specialists in music, physical education, and swimming. Our pre-kinder-

garten and junior kindergarten classes use Handwriting without Tears and Everyday Math curricula to facilitate kindergarten readiness. New to the curriculum in 2015 is Discover CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Children’s Health). CATCH uses stories with puppets and activities that resonate with preschoolers to provide an environment where physical activity, health education, gardening, and healthy eating behaviors are valued and taught. Little ones are motivated to walk, run, jump, dance, and move their whole bodies while playing and having fun! Jewish culture, traditions, and language are central to our program and are included in every classroom. Jewish holidays are explored and celebrated. Every Friday, our preschoolers welcome Shabbat with song and dance during Rockin’ Shabbat celebrations. The ECLC takes full advantage of its location on the

Montgomery Bell Academy is a school where boys are taught the value of leadership and character; are equipped with the fundamental tools to succeed in the classroom and beyond; develop an appreciation for the effort required to achieve excellence; and form friendships that last a lifetime. Facts & Figures: • 17 National Merit Semifinalists, 13 AP National Scholars in 2014 • 100 boys per year participate in school-funded exchanges and programs on six continents • 15 varsity sports competing at the highest level • 5-time Science Olympiad State Champions

Building Boys into Better Men

• Nationally-recognized Art, Music, and Theater programs • 7 to 1 student-teacher ratio • 24% of students receive $1.9 million in need-based financial aid • 100% of graduates are college-bound • 24 Advanced Placement Courses offered

MONTGOMERY BELL ACADEMY 4001 Harding Road • Nashville, TN 37205 615-369-5311 • MONTGOMERYBELL.EDU 32 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

GJCC campus. There is plenty of space to explore and play on our age-appropriate modern playgrounds, in our gymnasium, in indoor and outdoor swimming pools and throughout our beautiful campus. Children

may also participate in afterschool enrichment activities such as sports, tennis, and swim lessons. The ECLC offers yearround scheduling to meet family needs.

Micah Children’s Academy

2001 Old Hickory Blvd. Brentwood, Tennessee 37027 (615) 942-5162 Theresa LePore, director tlepore@micahchildrensacademy.org Jacquee Parris, assistant director jparris@micahchildrens academy.org www.micahchildrens academy.org Fax: (615) 353-2659

apping into the natural curiosity of preschoolers, the Micah Children’s Academy is a place where students enjoy playing and learning in a secure and nurturing environment. This Tennessee three-star rated preschool opened in 2010 at Congregation Micah and provides a warm, nurturing place where students develop and grow emotionally, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. We offer a custom curriculum centered on monthly schoolwide themes based on Jewish values. These themes are then translated into age-appropriate activities and experiences. For example, the schoolwide unit Continued on page 34

Come explore with us!

The Temple Preschool Jewish-Focused.

Curiosity-Driven.

5015 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205 615.356.8009

West End Synagogue religious school

Beit Miriam WHERE HEBREW IS A LIVING LANGUAGE • • • • • • • • •

Accredited by The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism as a “Framework of Excellence School with Commendation” 75% of the faculty are certified teachers by profession State of the art computer lab Special programs for families with young children Unparalleled Bat and Bar Mitzvah preparation Plenty of opportunities for teens to lead services Innovative programs for Post Bat and Bar Mitzvah students Educational and fun family programs Private tutoring for children who come without knowledge of Hebrew

Contact Sharon Paz, Director of Lifelong Learning (615) 269-4592, ext. 17 www.westendsyn.org 3810 West End Avenue Nashville, TN 37205

West End Synagogue

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 33

Academy. We welcome new families with open arms. For the most up-to-date information, please call the office at (615) 942-5162 or check Follow us to Micah Children’s Academy. our website at www.MicahChildContinued from page 33 Hakarat Hatov is scheduled rensAcademy.org. You can also during November so students find us on Facebook and Twitter. concentrate their learning on thankfulness for our families and community. Students sing, learn prayers, and read books to supplement their activities. Depending on age, students receive a music lesson taught (For children 6 weeks-pre-K) weekly by our cantorial soloist, Director: Corye Nelson a nature class, a fitness program, a weekly Spanish immersion Phone: (615) 356-8009 class, drama class, and a cel- Fax: (615) 352-9365 ebration service every Friday E-mail: preschool@ templenashville.org to welcome Shabbat led by our rabbis and our cantorial soloist. 5015 Harding Pike Students spend outside time Nashville, TN 37205 enjoying our natural playscape – http://www.templepre school.org/ an environment that helps develop large motor skills, fosters Mission creativity, and provides a classWith a Jewish-focused, curoom for the weekly nature class. A large stage encourages acting riosity-driven curriculum, our and dance with items from our mission is to enable, empower, “dress-up center.” Miniature and encourage each child to dehuts inspire pretend activities, velop physically, socially, cognia Plexiglas art wall allows bud- tively, creatively and spiritually ding artists to create pictures of to his or her fullest potential. their world, and a drum and xyClassroom lophone inspire musical talents. Along with parents and Our planting garden is a spot where students can experience teachers, the classroom envihow food is grown, tended, har- ronment is a resource for teaching young children. Each of our vested and eaten. Theresa LePore, direc- classrooms is carefully designed tor of the Academy, has a rich to support curiosity and the pobackground in special educa- tential for deeper explorations tion as well as early childhood and learning. We select natueducation. She is committed ral, open-ended and authentic to developing a team of teach- objects that encourage dynamers, activities, and experiences ic, hands-on learning. We offer that are high quality and guar- very few plastic, passive materianteed to provide students the als when there is a real alternaconcepts needed for success. In tive; instead, in our classrooms addition, a strong parent board you will find baskets, tiles, clay, open to all families is valued real keyboards, phones, pots and and plays an important role in pans, etc. By offering these audefining quality preschool edu- thentic materials, we not only cation. Our hope is that Jew- communicate to children that ish families will find the right we see them as active particiblend of learning and spiritual pants in their own learning, but growth at the Micah Children’s that we also respect them as hu-

The Temple Preschool

34 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

mans worthy of engaging with real-world items and beautiful, natural materials. Attitude about Children We view children as competent, curious and capable members of our community. We view the role of teacher as a co-researcher who helps the child pursue genuine interests, realize his/her own potential and grow in all developmental areas. Our teachers are facilitators in children’s interactions and problem-solving, encouraging children to think through their actions, consider multiple options and communicate their feelings respectfully and responsibly. Communication and asking questions are at the heart of our approach. We rarely want to directly answer a question for a child as that would deprive them of opportunities to develop their own theories and possible solutions – valuable skills that require practice and encouragement. Instead we pose additional questions with the intent of gaining clarity in what the child really wants to know, and we provide relevant and extended experiences to give children the tools they need to become great thinkers and problem-solvers. Curriculum The Temple Preschool features an emergent, child-centered curriculum. Each classroom is unique, providing rich and meaningful learning experiences based on individual and group interests and curiosities. Throughout these explorations, teachers thoughtfully integrate developmental goals such as literacy, science, math, art, and movement. An example of this is when a class recently investigated castles in response to the children’s interest in a popular movie. Children chose roles such as architects, interior designers, costume designers etc. The children were exposed to math, science, physics, art, literacy, social studies, creative arts and much more as they created

At The Temple Preschool, our curiosity-driven curriculum encourages children to explore their world through open-ended and authentic materials.

blueprints, castles, armor, signs, costumes, scripts and more while transforming their environment into a medieval landscape. Our pedagogista, or curriculum specialist, works closely with teachers, parents and children to ensure continuity and depth of experiences both inside and outside the classroom. The pedagogista is a resource for teachers and families with questions or concerns about developmental expectations, generation and implementation of ideas, and facilitating trainings on topics such as facilitating turn-taking, creating sensory experiences for infants and toddlers, and conflict mediation for young children. Additionally, our Judaic specialist works closely with the teachers to bring lessons of Jewish values, holidays and traditions into the classroom weekly. With great intentionality, she incorporates the lessons with strong connections to their classroom experiences. Our connection to The Temple is considered among our most meaningful assets. The rabbi, the cantor and our Judaic specialist work with the children within the classrooms and they are also an important part of our weekly celebration of welcoming Shabbat. Come check out what The Temple Preschool can offer you and your family!

Youth Groups BBYO BBYO Connect Andrew Exler, Nashville associate regional director aexler@bbyo.org (615) 354-1659 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, TN 37205

re you a Jewish teen in 9th through 12th grade? Then BBYO is looking for you. And if you’re not quite in high school, check out BBYO Connect. BBYO is the nation’s leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement. BBYO reaches tens of thousands of Jewish teens from all over the world, from all types of Jewish backgrounds. Music City BBG of Nashville after their ﬁrst chapter meeting of the year.

Involvement in BBYO is open to any Jewish teen, regardless of current or previous communal and congregational affiliations. BBYO is a teen-led organization in which the teens themselves plan their own programs under the supervision of volunteer adult advisers and BBYO

professional staff. For more than 85 years, BBYO has offered unique and exciting opportunities for Jewish teens to connect with one another, build friendships and learn leadership skills that can last a lifetime. The majority of programming occurs on the local and Continued on page 36

Athens of the South AZA perform at their 2014 New Member Weekend.

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 35

Continued from page 35

regional levels, but many exciting opportunities for travel exist nationally and internationally. BBYO also has a range of summer experiences for teens, from leadership development to Jewish learning to Israel travel, entrepreneurship, community service and more. Most last about two weeks and need-based scholarships are available. New member intake is in early fall for incoming ninth graders. However, any Jewish 10th-12th grader who has not attended previously is welcome. Jewish teens can also join BBYO at any time during the year. BBYO Connect is for Jewish youth in grades 6 through 8. We offer fun social opportunities for Jewish middle school students in Nashville to get to know each other. Contact

Andrew Exler if you have any questions. Nashville BBYO is partially funded by the Gordon Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

Get Connected Rachel Koch, president GetConnectedIsraelTeen Tour@gmail.com RachelCKoch@gmail.com (615) 513-8533 P.O. Box 50418 Nashville, TN 37205

“I had never felt closer to Judaism and Israel than I did at our first Shabbat in Jerusalem and it helped me see the similarities and differences between American and Israeli Jews.”

Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Weddings Private Parties We meet all your planning needs: Linens, Decorations, Flowers, Custom Cakes & More

615-383-0777 catering@sovafood.com

– Leah C., Get Connected alum, The Temple (Congregation Ohabai Sholom)

ould you like to “Get Connected” to other Jewish teenagers from Nashville and the Middle Tennessee area through a fun and exciting trip to Israel? Imagine seeing the sun rise over Masada, floating in the Dead Sea, participating in an archaeological dig, and dancing in the streets of Jerusalem Nashville teens on a camel ride during the 2014 on Shabbat … with Get Connected trip to Israel. The program meaningful relationships between your best friends! creates Jewish high school students in the Nashville If you are a Jewish area and Israeli teens through an exciting and teen in the 10th educational, highly subsidized two-week trip or 11th grade, we to Israel. would like to send you on the students with the introductrip of a lifetime! We welcome tory tools to understand the experience they will have in Israel. These educational sessions, kallot, help the students to understand the geography, history, culture, and language of Israel. In the process, the teens transform from being merely future travel partners to becoming a close-knit community of friends, connecting socially with each other and their chaperones so that they Creative are better prepared for their amazing journey. The second and most meaningful part of Get Connected is the transformative and awe-inspiring two-week trip to Israel during the month of June. Teens connect not only with the land of Israel through an exciting, spiritually enriching, and in-depth tour, Custom but also with Israeli teens and their families through the hospitality of home stays for a few days during the trip! “One of the best parts of the trip was the home stay.” – Alex R., Get Connected alum, West End Synagogue

SOVA Catering features Chef Kevin Alexandroni Trained At The Culinary Institute of America

36 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

Jews from all denominations, backgrounds, and levels of observance. Although the highlight of our program is our incredible two-week highly subsidized trip to Israel, there are three main components. The first provides

Kosher

The third part of the program is the opportunity to host some of the same Israeli teens

when they visit Nashville. These visits reinforce the important connections made in Israel and create relationships that last a lifetime. “Get Connected was arguably the best time of my life, Israel was everything like they said and more. I highly recommend anyone that is interested in going, to go.” – Lucas I., Get Connected alum, Sherith Israel Over the past eight years, we’ve sent more than 125 students to Israel through the Get Connected program. We manage to keep individual costs to the families at a minimum through various fundraising events and private donations along with the generous financial support of the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee and the Zimmerman Fund. If you’d like to learn more about this fabulous adventure, please contact us! “I had the best two weeks of my life. We all began to view the program name a little differently. Getting Connected was exactly what we did in so many ways.” – Emma D., Get Connected alum, Congregation Micah

MiTY Middle MiTY Congregation Micah Office: (615) 377-9799 MiTY director: micahtemple youth@gmail.com

iTY (Micah Temple Youth) is for teenagers in grades 9-12. MiTY members enjoy a variety of social and spiritual activities each year, including attending and hosting national and regional NFTY (North American Federation of Temple Youth) kallot. Locally, the youth develop social action projects, host lock-ins and hold fundraisers to support their travel and tzedakah efforts. Students contribute to Jewish Family Service by leading an annual Shabbat worship service for seniors in assisted-living facilities. During the High Holy Days, MiTY members participate in our youth services, revealing their insights and visions as engaged young Jews. Just as importantly, they also help run programs such as hosting the Religious School’s annual Purim Carnival. Middle MiTY is Micah’s Junior Youth Group for 6th-8th graders. The program includes similarly fun activities centering on worship, social action and team-building. Students make and sell their famous “Mensch Munch” to support their activities as well as to fund their annual contributions to Tzedakah Tzunday. Their tzedakah contributions directly benefit the Ronald McDonald House, where they also annually volunteer – true philanthropists in the making. Call the Micah office or contact the MiTY director for details and come see what all the fun’s about!

Members of MiTY (Micah Temple Youth) traveled to the Goldman Union Camp Institute in Zionsville, IN to attend a regional leadership kallah of the North American Federation of Temple Youth.

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 37

MTUSY/Kadima Middle Tennessee United Synagogue Youth Noah Crowley and Julia Cohen, co-presidents Ari Klein and Dan Weitz, advisers Helen Crowley, Youth Commission chair West End Synagogue 3810 West End Avenue Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 269-4592 Fax: (615) 269-4695 www.westendsyn.org

he United Synagogue Youth (USY) is the official youth organization of

United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ). USY is an international organization with thousands of high schoolage members. It provides a comfortable social and educational environment for Jewish teens in Nashville, the Southeast region, the United States and throughout the world. USY strives to build meaningful relationships between its members. MTUSY is West End Synagogue’s chapter of USY and falls under the Ha-Negev region, which includes Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida and Mississippi. HaNegev is divided into three sub-regions; MTUSY falls under the Ein Gedi sub-region. MTUSY participates in local, sub-regional, regional and national events including conventions, leadership training at Camp Ramah Darom and Shabbatons with sister chap-

38 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

MTUSY is West End Synagogue’s chapter in Conservative Judaism’s international organization for high-school teenagers.

ters. MTUSY plans a wide variety of local events. These have included Friday night dinners, Shabbat service for USY, social action projects such as Room in the Inn and High Holiday food collection, rock climbing, swimming, baking hamantashen, leading services, laser tag, Ein Gedi sub-regional conventions, Ha-Negev conventions, Yom Disney in Orlando, FL and more. MTUSY is open to all

Jewish youth in the grades 9-12. United Synagogue also has Kadima, a youth group for kids in grades 6-8 with lots of social, cultural and religious events. There are also regional conventions and events for this age group. If you are interested in learning more about USY or Kadima, please visit www.hanegevusy.org. You may also contact West End Synagogue at 269-4592.

Young Adult Organizations Chabad at Vanderbilt Rabbi Shlomo & Nechama Rothstein, co-directors 111 23rd Avenue North Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 686-3905 www.chabadatvanderbilt.org

reat things are happening at Chabad at Vanderbilt. We recently purchased a new home at 111 23rd Ave. North just across West End Ave. from Vanderbilt, an ideal location for our student center. The center is

already in use, and we’re planning a full renovation that will make it even better. Activities have grown since the purchase of the house, including an overflow crowd of 200 students for our 2014 Rosh Hashanah event. Attendance at our weekly Shabbat dinners has grown as well as the Shabbat morning “davening” circle. Always available and accessible, Chabad at Vanderbilt opens its doors and hearts to every student. We are dedicated to engaging every Jew, regardless of background, affiliation or personal level of observance. We provide a place where students can grow as individuals and the resources

to help increase their level of Jewish knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment. Chabad’s warm atmosphere makes it every ’Dore’s Jewish “home away from home” on campus. The Vanderbilt Chabad center is one of 130 full-service Chabad Jewish Student Centers on campuses worldwide, with community Chabad organizations providing hundreds of other campuses with Jewish resources. Under the auspices of Chabad-on-Campus International and Chabad CJA of Nashville, Rabbi Shlomo and Nechama Rothstein opened Chabad Jewish Student Center

in December 2007. Since then, thousands of students have benefited from Chabad’s programs, classes, and the genuine warmth of the Rothsteins. Rabbi Shlomo is a chaplain with Vanderbilt’s Office of Religious Life and offers counseling and guidance. For many students, just having a personal rabbi or rebbetzin in their life is significant. College students are exposed to new ideas and experiences. Chabad seeks to provide resources to ensure that students graduate as stronger and more empowered Jews than when they entered. There are social events, joyous holiday Continued on page 40

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 39

our programs are free and open to the community. For further information, please contact Vanderbilt Hillel.

Continued from page 39

celebrations, women’s groups and lively Shabbat meals with something for everyone to enjoy and take part in. We encourage students to take ownership of their experience and empower them as Jewish leaders on campus. Through unique classes and discussions taught by the rabbi and rebbetzin, hands-on programming and Jewish awareness tables, there are a variety of opportunities to develop a deeper appreciation of Judaism’s rich heritage. Chabad offers retreats such as Mayanot Taglit-Birthright Israel, Israelinks and the National Jewish Student Shabbaton in New York.

Vanderbilt Hillel and the Ben Schulman Center for Jewish Life Barbara Mayden, board president Ari Dubin, executive director 2421 Vanderbilt Place Nashville, TN 37235 Main Line: (615) 322-8376 Fax: (615) 322-7286 ari.dubin@vanderbilt.edu www.vanderbilt.edu/hillel/

anderbilt Hillel is the center for Jewish life on campus. Our students,

NowGen Nashville Contact Lauren Mielziner Lauren@jewishnashville.org (615) 354-1650 (office) (615) 352-0056 (Fax)

staff, and the entire community are dedicated to providing a strong, supportive environment for Jewish students and maintaining a strong Jewish presence at Vanderbilt. Hillel actively seeks to engage uninvolved Jewish students on their own terms: to provide them with opportunities to do Jewish activities that are meaningful and appealing to them. Students are empowered to take responsibility for their Jewish identity, whether they wish to participate in a community service project, express themselves artistically, participate in a social event, engage in informal Jewish learning or attend religious services. Any Jewish student may participate in Hillel. The Vanderbilt Jewish community contains a diverse spectrum of Jews, and we strive to provide a home away

from home for every student. With the construction of the 10,000-square-foot Ben Schulman Center for Jewish Life, the establishment of a Jewish Studies program, the creation of a kosher vegetarian cafe, and the hiring of program staff, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of Jews attending this school. Since 2008, Vanderbilt’s Jewish student population has topped 1,000 students, approximately 15 percent of the undergraduate population. This is a far cry from the 3 percent just a few years before. In addition to a wide range of social and cultural programs, Hillel offers students a variety of religious activities, including: Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox services on Shabbat; kosher Shabbat dinner; High Holiday services and meals; and Passover seders. Many of

801 Percy Warner Blvd. Suite 102 Nashville, TN 37205 On the Web: Nowgennashville.org Twitter: nowgennashville Facebook: NowGen Nashville

owGen Nashville is a Jewish group for young professionals ages 22-40. The Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, in partnership with the area’s Jewish community and organizations, has helped established NowGen Nashville so these young professionals can enhance their engagement in the community. With a wide variety of social, networking, philanthropic, educational, and professional development events, we are dedicated to helping make Nashville a meaningful place for you. Events include the Purim Masquerade, Mitzvah Madness,

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Last year’s gathering of young Jewish professionals for dinner on erev Rosh Hashanah was one of many events sponsored by NowGen Nashville.

Cocktails and Conversations, Potluck Shabbats, Torah on Tap, Rosh Bash, and Leadership Development Seminars. We are dedicated to supporting the Jewish community both here in Nashville in Israel, and around the world. It is our turn, it is our time. Join us as we look to lead the way.

Jmingle 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite 102 Nashville, TN 37205 Contact: Lauren Mielziner Lauren@jewishnashville.org Telephone: (615) 354-1650 Fax: (615) 352-0056 Facebook Group: Jmingle

mingle welcomes and fosters a community for Jews ages 22-35. We seek to create a strong, active, vibrant community of Jewish young adults through a diverse array of social, athletic, religious, philanthropic, educational and professional activities. Join us for our monthly roaming happy hour as we tour the Nashville scene and connect with our friends. Trivia nights are always successful, and we’re not shy about our victories. From comedy clubs to Nashville’s music underground, Jmingle is on the cusp of the best places to hang out with your friends. We also offer the best holiday parties, including Rosh Bash, our annual Rosh Hashanah party. We’d love to have you join our amazing community.

Jmingle members gather regularly to foster a sense of community among Nashville-area Jews ages 22-35.

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 41

Cultural, Community Service and Social Organizations B’nai B’rith Maimonides Lodge #46 Michael Gryll, treasurer nashgryll@comcast.net (615) 352-7070

ounded in the fall of 1863 during the Civil War, B’nai B’rith Maimonides Lodge #46 is the oldest chartered Jewish organization in Nashville. For more than 150

years, it has maintained an outstanding record of brotherhood and benevolence. The lodge has committed to assisting the visually impaired children of Nashville and the surrounding area since 1971 by establishing and running for almost 40 years the Mary and Harry Zimmerman Camp for Visually Impaired Children. It is committed to continuing support to visually impaired children by sponsoring the annual Braille Challenge and the Academic Challenge at the

Tennessee School for the Blind. The lodge also is working with Jewish Family Service by helping to meet the many needs of our local visually impaired with products that will enhance their lives with our Visual Aids Closet. The lodge also has established a scholarship in its name and for three years running has awarded a scholarship to help a visually impaired student from the Nashville community pay for continuing educational needs. Maimonides Lodge also continues to help

Jewish Family Service with its Chanukah gift program for Jewish families in our community. As part of community outreach, the lodge also sponsors brunches throughout the year that feature interesting speakers, including Davidson County Dist. Atty. Gen. Glenn Funk this past year. In 2014, the lodge held its 43rd annual Cohens and Kelleys Night, an interfaith dinner co-sponsored with the Knights of Columbus. The 2014 dinner was at The Cathedral of the Incarnation.

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In November of 2014 Maimonides Lodge sponsored a program at the Nashville Veterans Hospital led by Carol and Robert Ponder called Ponder Anew: A WWII Warrior’s Story, complete with refreshments. We have scheduled the same program as a gift to the community in May of 2015 at the Gordon Jewish Community Center. Maimonides Lodge #46 is very proud of the programs and projects that have stood the test of time. It continues to research and apply methods to recruit and retain membership to meet today’s busy lifestyles. Join the oldest chartered Jewish organization in Nashville, founded in the philosophy of benevolence, brotherly love and harmony.

B’nai B’rith Social Unit Larry Goldberg, president lgetal@msn.com (615) 661-5148

chapters that strive to promote friendship, social awareness and camaraderie while conforming to the values of Judaism and B’nai B’rith. Our membership is highly involved in a wide range of activities such as delivering Meals on Wheels, unique Jewish education programs, theater nights and monthly social events which have included our annual summer picnic, dinner get-togethers, game days, musical events and our December 24 theme party. We look forward to welcoming new members to our chapter whether they are newcomers to Nashville or longer-term residents of our community.

Genesis Campus for Jewish Life Chabad of Nashville

Joyce Fox, membership vice-president (615) 661-9499

Rabbi Yitzchok and Esther Tiechtel, executive directors Tommy Bernard, president

95 Bellevue Road Nashville, TN 37221 (615) 646-5750 rabbi@chabadnashville.com

ur chapter was founded in 1994 as a social group for active adults who are or are about to become empty nesters. We have served as a model for other, newer

Community Passover Seder at Chabad of Nashville in the ballroom of the Genesis Campus for Jewish Life.

ooking for a connection, for meaning in the everyday, for joy in our tradition? Chabad of Nashville has what you’re seeking. We welcome you regardless of affiliation, perspectives on Judaism or levels of observance, whether you’re just starting your journey for spirituality or seeking to renew your commitment to Judaism in a judgment-free environment.

Chabad of Nashville is situated at the Genesis Campus for Jewish Life in Bellevue on nine wooded acres. The facility boasts a Jerusalem-like entrance, a sanctuary with soaring floor-to-ceiling windows, an oak library for Torah study, a magnificent ballroom with outdoor patio for lifecycle and communal events, two Shabbat guest suites, state of the art Continued on page 44

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child-friendly classrooms for summer camp and Hebrew school, two commercial kosher kitchens (which provide fresh challah and kosher takeout through chabadchallah. com), a meditation courtyard, a hip youth lounge and a stateof-the-art mikveh. It’s a true Lighthouse of Judaism. Chabad offers services for people of all ages. Our philosophy is based on the work and wisdom of the Rebbe, who taught us to teach and care for every single person, for every individual is important and can have a positive effect on this world. Chabad publishes Nashville’s Jewish art calendar. Holiday programs include the Shofar Factory, Family SukkahFest, Purim celebrations and the Model Matzah Bakery. We ignite Jewish pride with the lighting of public Chanukah menorahs at the State Capitol and around Nashville, and host community Passover Seders.

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Educational programs include the Jewish Learning Institute, Lunch N’ Learn sessions for businesspeople, Rosh Chodesh Society Women’s Group, and Torah To Go, tailored to various levels of study and interest in Judaism. There’s also Shabbat-ToGo, Glatt Kosher Take-Out Shabbat meals by order, and Shabbat Bed and Breakfast getaway suites (“The ChallahDay Inn,”) that include lodging and delicious Shabbat meals. Call our office about these new services. Chabad also publishes The Mosaic, a quarterly communal newspaper, and the weekly emagazine “eTorah” (sign up to receive at rabbi@chabadnashville.com). We assist Jewish prison inmates and families in the military services. Call, e-mail, join a program, and become a link to the future. We look forward to seeing you soon. At Chabad of Nashville, our motto is “Judaism Done Joyfully.”

Margaret Smith Medical Accounts Mgt, Inc. Health Plan (including Medicare) Consulting, Enrollment and Advocacy yesmam.com 615.386.3356 Dalih Suchet, CLTC Long-term Care Insurance Specialist whitehallbeneﬁts.com 615.742.8767 Elizabeth Moss, LPN Caregivers by WholeCare “Engaged Caregivers” caregiversbywholecare.com 615.298.9201

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Nashville Chapter of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America Leslie J. Klein, president nashvillehadassah@yahoo. com lesliejklein@gmail.com (615) 649-8284 www.nashville.hadassah.org Nashville Chapter of Hadassah Associates Mike Gryll, chair nashgryll@comcast.net (615) 352-7070

n February 14, 1912, seven women organized the first meeting of what was then called

The Daughters of Zion. This became Hadassah, which now includes 300,000 members. Hadassah International has groups on five continents, enhances the image of Israel through the work of the Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) and serves as a bridge to the nations through medicine. The hub of Hadassah is in Israel, where the HMO is a world leader in research and health care. The Hadassah College Jerusalem provides educational opportunities for many young Israelis who would normally not have one. Hadassah’s Kibbutz Ketura is part of the Green Kibbutz movement and does environmental research. The Hadassah-Neurim Youth Village provides educational opportunities for gifted students from underprivileged homes. In the United States, Ha-

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dassah assists Young Judaea with its camping and youth educational opportunities, including the well-attended Year Course in Israel. This dynamic organization holds regional and national conferences to highlight the scientific and humanitarian achievements of Hadassah worldwide, to provide leadership training for its members, and to recognize the achievements of Jewish women in public life. On the local level, Hadassah provides educational programs to our members and our community, holding get-

togethers for fun, sharing of our lives, and recognizing one another’s talents. We also provide opportunities for our members to further their careers and accomplishments through networking and advancement in the Hadassah regional and national structure. Our affiliate, Hadassah Associates, began in 1996 to involve men and identify new sources of funds to support Hadassah’s initiatives. Our associates are a vital part of Nashville Hadassah. Our Nashville chapter of

more than 700 women and 150 associates offers many programming and volunteer opportunities. Some of our Nashville events include: • Tri-Region Conference in New Orleans in April of 2015 • Annual Sukkah party • Hadassah Annual Donor Event • Hamantashen Bake Fest • Holiday benefit gift wrap • May 2015 Spring Fling • Hadassah Shabbat Celebration • National initiatives: The Uplift Project: Breast Cancer Awareness and Every Beat Counts: Heart Health for All Ages and Stages • Healthy, Wealthy, Beautiful and Wise Series • Men’s poker tournament • Men’s health initiatives Call or e-mail if you’d like to attend any of our events. Let us know if you are new to our community so we can offer you a ride and an introduction to our friendly, fun group.

Nashville Jewish Film Festival Fran Brumlik, managing director Laurie Eskind, Jackie Karr, Cindy Moskovitz and Loretta Saff, co-directors 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, Tennessee 37205 (615) 356-7170 nashvillejewishﬁlmfest@ gmail.com nashvillejff.net

he Nashville Jewish Film Festival is a program of the Gordon Jewish Community Center. In 2015 the NJFF will celebrate its 15th year of making available to the community entertaining, informative and thought-provoking Jewish-themed films from the United States, Israel and the world. The festival’s screenings Continued on page 46

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 45

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take place during November in a variety of locations throughout the area, including the historic Belcourt Theatre in Nashville and the Franklin Theatre in Franklin. A schedule of screenings will be available as details are confirmed. The NJFF aims to create a forum for the wider Middle Tennessee community to understand the complexity of issues surrounding Jewish life in contemporary society and those factors that have created that society. The films chosen each year are meant to demonstrate the breadth and depth of the Jewish cultural, religious, historical, and social conditions of the modern era. Along with special guests, panels, and opening and closing night celebrations, the NJFF is an annual event dedicated to the awareness and celebration of Jewish life. Each year NJFF presents the annual Kathryn H. Gutow Student Film Competition. Originating in 2005 and named in memory of the co-founder of the festival, the competition features thematically Jewish films made by students from campuses around the world. Student filmmakers are eligible for a $1,000 cash prize made possible by the Kathryn H. Gutow Fund for Jewish Arts and Culture and Creative Artists Agency. Student film competition finalists are screened during NJFF. The winning film is then screened the following year during the annual Nashville Film Festival. To access the Community Calendar, go to www.jewishnashville.org and click on “Calendar.” Every community event is listed for your convenience.

The Nashville Israeli Folk Dancers Sharon Morrow morrow7141@comcast.net (615) 662-4881 (615) 312-9019 Tammy Lasakow tammy.lasakow@vanderbilt. edu (615) 322-3004 (615) 269-5387 www.vanderbilt.edu/ israelidance Facebook:Nashville Israeli Folk Dancers

he Nashville Israeli Folk Dance Group was started in 1993 by a small group of amateur folk dance enthusiasts. It is modeled after groups found in every major city in the world where people of all ages and cultures get together regularly to participate in Israeli folk dancing. Since Israel’s population is the result of an ingathering of many different nationalities, its folk dance repertoire is truly

international. Dance styles include Spanish, Hassidic, Moroccan, Yemeni, Greek – even disco and rock. The Nashville group has flourished with weekly dance sessions, courses for beginners, workshops with renowned instructors from Israel, community outreach, parties and performances. In Nashville, Israeli dancing means great music and exercise among the friendliest people in town. Weekly dance sessions take place on Thursday nights at the

Ben Schulman Center for Jewish Life at Vanderbilt University. The first hour (7:00-8:00 p.m.) is devoted to beginning dance and the second (8:009:30 p.m.) to intermediate/advanced dance instruction and request dancing. Parking at the Schulman Center is along the street as available in the area, in the metered lot next to the center, or free parking in the small lot right past the gym coming from West End Avenue. Please contact us if you would like to be on our mailing list to receive notices of upcoming events, including special beginners courses and dance workshops, or if you have any questions about our group. There are special dance workshops featuring dance instructors from Israel. Check our website or Facebook page for upcoming workshops.

National Council of Jewish Women, Nashville Section 801 Percy Warner Blvd. (615) 352-7057 nashvillencjw@gmail.com Jamie Brook, Freya Sachs and Erin Zagnoev, presidents

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he National Council of Jewish Women is a volunteer organization inspired by Jewish values. We work through a program of research, education, advocacy and community service to improve the quality of life for women, children and families, striving to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all. Nationally, NCJW takes a progressive stance on issues such as child welfare, women’s rights, and reproductive freedom. The Nashville Section is pleased to support such advocacy efforts such as NCJW’s Reproductive Justice Campaign, which educates and empowers individuals to advocate for women’s universal access to contraceptive information and health services. Locally, NCJW’s 490 members continue their involvement in service to the community. Members volunteer in a number of ways. Some of the programs NCJW currently supports are: • Buz-A-Bus: Transportation for our community’s seniors

• CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children • Jewish Family Service Kosher Food Box: Food for families in the Jewish community • P.G. 13 Players: A program that combines peer education and theater to help young people deal with teen issues • Reach for Survivorship: A program for children and adults with cancer at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center • Renewal House: Nashville’s first, largest, and most comprehensive long-term recovery community for women with substance-use addictions and their children • Scholarship Loan: No-interest loans for undergraduate and graduate students • Senior Friends: Delivery of traditional Rosh Hashanah food items to seniors

• Snack Box Program: For children attending the Sexual Abuse Clinic • Vanderbilt Hillel Shabbat dinner

Tennessee Holocaust Commission Larry Leibowitz, chair Danielle Kahane-Kaminsky, executive director 2301 Vanderbilt Place-PMB 406311 Nashville, TN 37240 (615) 343-2563 danielle.kahane-kaminsky@ vanderbilt.edu www.tennesseeholocaust commission.org

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ne of the oldest and most recognized commissions of its kind in the United States, the Tennessee Holocaust Commission was formed in 1984 to commemorate the Holocaust and educate the public about it. We provide seminars, educational resources, workshops, traveling exhibits and commemorations to school systems and communities statewide. The commission creates awareness of the Holocaust to fight prejudice and to encourage tolerance and understanding among all people. Our programs include: • Educator programs • Teacher workshops and fellowships • Customized classroom resources • Loaned literature • Educational outreach • Trips to U.S. Holocaust Museum • Trips to primary Holocaust sites in Europe • Belz-Lipman Holocaust Educator of the Year Award • Adult workshops • Speakers bureau • Annual Days of Remembrance commemorations • “Living On” multimedia exhibition featuring Tennessee survivors and liberators • Traveling exhibits

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Political Organizations AIPAC – The American Israel Public Affairs Committee Southeast Regional Office Atlanta, GA (678) 254-2620 www.aipac.org Regional contacts: Elliott Mendes, Southeast Region director emendes@aipac.org Kate Samuels, Southern States area director ksamuels@aipac.org Jeff Stein, Southern States leadership management director jstein@aipac.org Local contacts: Jeff Jacobs jjacobs@stradishealthcare. com Jeremy Werthan jeremy@werthangranite. com Fred Zimmerman fredz@foursquared.com

IPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, is the only American organization whose sole mission is to lobby the U.S. government about legislation that strengthens the relationship between the United States and Israel. AIPAC is not a political action committee and does not rate or endorse candidates. AIPAC is a pro-Israel, bipartisan lobbying organization. More than 100,000 citizens from across the country work with AIPAC staff to strengthen the bonds between the United States and Israel. AIPAC members in all 50 states are encouraged to be politically active and

develop relationships with their members of Congress to help educate them about the importance of U.S.-Israel ties. While building support in Washington is essential, AIPAC is found wherever the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship could be affected. AIPAC has a network of 10 regional offices and seven satellite offices that help pro-Israel activists from Missoula to Miami learn how they can affect Israel’s future and security by promoting strong ties with the United States. Pro-Israel advocacy and strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship is a cause that concerns a broad spectrum of Americans. AIPAC professionals work with synagogues and churches to promote pro-Israel advocacy in their congregations. African-American and Hispanic leaders work with AIPAC staff and their members of Congress to ensure that America supports our ally in the Middle East. AIPAC also works on hundreds of college and high school campuses, empowering and educating student activists to answer Israel’s detractors and on how to use political involvement to build support for Israel. AIPAC empowers pro-Israel activists across all ages, religions and races to be politically engaged and build relationships with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to promote the U.S.-Israel relationship.

J Street Nashville Ruth and Bill Smith, co-chairs P.O. Box 58525 Nashville, TN 37205 nashville@jstreet.org www.Jstreet.org/nashville

50 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

Street Nashville is the local chapter of J Street, the national political home for pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans. The organization gives political voice to mainstream American Jews and other supporters of Israel, who believe that a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is essential to Israel’s survival as the national home of the Jewish people and a vibrant democracy. J Street’s mission is twofold: first, to support American diplomatic leadership in helping to achieve a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, as well as a broader regional peace; second, to ensure open discussion of Israel and the Middle East in national politics and the American Jewish community. J Street Nashville, part of the J Street Educational Foundation, offers a variety of educational activities and opportunities. Such events include nationally and internationally recognized speakers, and smaller group presentations on various topics, relating to American Jewish concerns regarding Israel and the Middle East.

National Conference on Jewish Affairs Contacts: Michael Dobrin, Michael Hershey, Daniel Bregman, Harvey Eisen, Alan Koufer, Jill Melody, Tomer Minuskin facebook.com/NashvilleNCJA P.O. Box 210981 Nashville, TN 37221 michael.dobrin@comcast.net

he National Conference on Jewish Affairs supports the rights and safety of the Jewish people in America, Israel and around the world by providing strong Jewish leadership to respond to and counter the growing, orchestrated demonizing of Israel, Jewry and America. An umbrella organization uniting active Jewish leaders and groups across America, NCJA was formed to give voice to those who want to express support for and act on behalf of justice for Jews, Israel and Zionism. NCJA asserts the right of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel based on history, religion and international law and demands an end to the funding of the culture of hate, which sabotages the development of a true and lasting peace in the Middle East. NCJA works with Americans who share our commitment to defend our country and our people, recognizing that a strong America means a strong Israel and an America proud of its liberty is a strong example to the world. NCJA supports Jewish students on campus, focusing on defending the rights of students and faculty to study, pursue research, articulate arguments and learn in an open intellectual, environment, free of physical and intellectual intimidation. NCJA works for the security of the United States and to protect the U.S. Constitution and to restore the pride and moral confidence of those Jews proud of their JewishAmerican heritage. See what’s happening in the community. Go to www.jewishnashville.org

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A ST. PATRICK’S POPS WITH NATALIE MACMASTER & the Nashville Symphony March 17 BOYZ II MEN with the Nashville Symphony March 19 to 21

DVORÁK’S ‘NEW WORLD’ with the Nashville Symphony February 5 to 7

THE ADVENTURES OF YOUNG AMADEUS with the Nashville Symphony March 21

VALENTINE’S WITH PATTI LABELLE & the Nashville Symphony February 13 & 14

EMANUEL AX with the Nashville Symphony April 3 & 4

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A TRIBUTE TO BILLIE HOLIDAY WITH CASSANDRA WILSON April 8

STYX with the Nashville Symphony February 19 to 21

BERNADETTE PETERS with the Nashville Symphony April 9 to 11

MAHLER’S NINTH with the Nashville Symphony February 27 & 28

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Resources Gordon Jewish Community Center Library 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 356-3242 ext. 1699 Fax: (615) 353-2659 library@jewishnashville.org

hether you are looking for a recent book of Jewish interest, back issues or current issues of Jewish magazines, a book for your child or an audiotape of Jewish music, the Gordon Jewish Community Center Library is the place to start. There you can find children’s books, fic-

tion, biographies, history and cookbooks, along with books about Jewish practice and holidays, the Holocaust, Israel, and many other topics related to Jewish life and religion. The library has special collections of large-print books, and yizkor books compiled by survivors of East European shtetls. The fiction and nonfiction collections can be located by using the Internet station in the library or by accessing the catalog at www. jewishnashville.org, the website of Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. The library also has audiotapes of Jewish music, Jewish short stories from Eastern Europe and lectures and commentaries by Dennis Prager, plus a selection of films on videotape.

A limited amount of additional material is available on CD. Library materials may be borrowed for two weeks and renewed by phone. The library is usually open whenever the GJCC main building is open. Please call the library office if you have a reference question or want to know more about its holdings or operation.

Annette Levy Ratkin Jewish Community Archives Lynn Fleischer, archive associate library@jewishnashville.org 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 354-1655 Fax: (615) 352-0056 http://www.jewishnashville. org/resources/annettelevy-ratkin-archives

he Ratkin Archives has since 1979 collected the records of the families, businesses and institutions of the Jewish communities of Middle Tennessee, which began in the middle of the 19th century. Housed in the Gordon Jewish Community Center, the archives has the records of such local organizations as the Nashville section of the National Council of Jewish

Women (NCJW), Hadassah, B’nai B’rith, the Jewish Community Council (which later became the Jewish Federation), the synagogues, Jewish Family Service, and book clubs such as Magazine Circle, organized in 1898, and their daughters, the “Junior Magazine Circle,” which soon became Tri Arts, organized in 1925. The archives also houses microfilm, hard and digital copies of The Jewish Observer of Nashville, which began publication in 1935, and its predecessor, The YMHA News, first published in 1915. An oral history audiotape collection, sponsored by the NCJW, documents the memories of older adults who grew up in Nashville. It also has been transcribed, as has a collection of reminiscences by NCJW past presidents. A DVD oral history collection, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, records the experiences of Holocaust refugees, survivors and liberators. Tombstones dated before 1900 in the Jewish cemeteries of Nashville have been photographed, preserving their inscriptions. All documents and photographs are stored in acidfree folders and boxes, and are available to researchers from the Jewish and secular community under supervision of the archives staff. “A Caring Community, the History of the Jews of Nashville,” is a multimedia program produced by the archives. It traces the development of the Nashville Jewish community from 1851 to date through source material and photos from the archives. Available in DVD and VHS formats, it can be purchased from the archives for $10 plus postage. Continued on page 54

52 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 53

Continued from page 52

The archives assisted in the production of “Bagels & Barbeque, the Jewish Experience in Tennessee,” an exhibit prepared with the Tennessee State Museum and other Tennessee Jewish Federations for the 2007 General Assembly of the United Jewish Communities. After the GA the exhibit toured the entire state of Tennessee for two years. The archives seeks to preserve the records of all of the Jews of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, whether here for six generations or six years. Please consider donating your family’s papers to the archives.

PJ Library® Sara Hanai, coordinator 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, TN 37205

PJLibrary@nashvillejcc.org www.pjlibrary.org/communities/jewish-federationnashville/112

here is a library based in Western Massachusetts that you don’t visit; it comes to you. PJ Library is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation in partnership with local Jewish communities. Its goal is to support the Jewish journeys of families raising young children. Knowing that families read together in the quiet moments before bedtime, when kids are in their PJs and getting ready for sleep, the program’s founders thought, “Why not make those moments Jewish moments?” PJ Library mails free, highquality Jewish children’s books and music to families on a monthly basis, helping them explore the timeless core val-

ues of Judaism. To date, over five million books have been mailed to children in over 200 communities around the world. By partnering with local Jewish organizations, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation makes PJ Library not only possible but free as well. In Nashville and Middle Tennessee, PJ Library is open to families that are raising Jewish children ages 6 months to 8 years. This year, with the help of our community shlicha, Liron Finkelstein, we’ve begun collaborating with Sifriyat Pijama, which is PJ Library in Hebrew. It’s for children with at least one Hebrew-speaking parent. PJ Library and its partners – the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, Akiva School, the Gordon Jewish Community Center, Micah Children’s Academy, the Temple Preschool and West End Synagogue Men’s Club – serve

UPCOMING 2015 ISSUES OF THE JEWISH OBSERVER

January Simchas & Celebrations

February Camps

March Passover

April Home & Gardening

Deadline: January 15

Deadline: February 15

Deadline: March 15

May Health & Beauty

June Coupon

July Back to School

August All Things Seniors

Deadline: April 15

Deadline: May 15

Deadline: June 15

Deadline: July 15

September Rosh Hashanah

October Entertainment & Dining Out

November Travel & Leisure

December Chanukah

Deadline: October 15

Deadline: November 15

Deadline: December 15

Deadline: August 15

Deadline: September 15

54 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

hundreds of families and promote Jewish literacy and education for generations to come.

Vanderbilt University Judaica Collection Vanderbilt University Divinity Library 419 21st Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37240-0007 (615) 343-2865 Fax: (615) 343-2918 divlib@library.vanderbilt. edu

ot for scholars only! Vanderbilt’s renowned Harry and Mary Zimmerman Judaica Collection is not limited to university students and faculty. The librarians want Nashville’s Jewish community to know that anyone who wishes to use this extensive collection of religious books, research material and Yiddish and Hebrew literature is welcome to do so. The Judaica collection, the largest in the South, includes works by Franz Rosenzweig, Gershom Scholem and Martin Buber. There are also 1,600 Yiddish and Hebrew books, many of them poetry and literature. Much of the collection was acquired in 1991 when Vanderbilt purchased Nahum Glatzer’s library of 7,000 items, thanks to a substantial donation from Raymond Zimmerman. The Judaica collection is located in the Divinity Library, on the bottom level of the Jean and Alexander Heard Library. To use the Judaica material, anyone in the Jewish community may apply for a library card at the circulation desk of the Divinity Library. Books may be borrowed for three weeks.

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PatriciaStraus.com Re/Max Elite 278 Franklin Road, Suite 190 Brentwood, TN 37027 M: (615) 305-8465 O: (615) 661-4400

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Hebrew lettering included. Compliments of All Seasons

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56 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

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INSURANCE

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The Observer Carrie Mills The best use of your advertising dollar. 801 Percy Warner Blvd. 356-3242 x299

APPLIANCES ELECTRONIC EXPRESS now carries a full line of home appliances as well as consumer electronics! We have the brands you know and trust: Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, General Electric, Frigidaire, and LG. Count on Electronic Express to help you make the best choice. Nobody beats our prices. Free basic delivery and pick-up of your old appliances with this ad. Available at any of our 16 stores. Visit us on the web at www.electronicexpress.com for a location near you. HERMITAGE LIGHTING GALLERY Lighting • Appliances • Hardware Custom Cabinetry and Baths We Light Up Your Life! 615-843-3300 www.hermitagelighting.com

ATTORNEY MARTIN SIR, ATTORNEY Family Law / Personal Injury / Probate Fifth Third Center 424 Church Street, Ste. 2250 Nashville, Tennessee 37219 (615) 256-5661 www.martinsirlaw.com

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ROBINS INSURANCE Bruce Robins, CPCU, CIC, ARM; Tom Loventhal; Marsha Jaffa, CIC; Van Robins, CIC Auto, Home, Life, Health, Business Insurance 30 Burton Hills, Suite 300 Ph. 665-9200 • www.robinsins.com ZANDER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. Julian “Bud” Zander, Jr., CIC Jeffrey J. Zander, CIC Michael Weinberger Auto, Home, Life, Health, Business, Long Term Care, Identity Theft Protection 212 Oceola, Nashville, TN 37209 356-1700 www.zanderins.com

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The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015 • 57

The Jewish Observer PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY ORTHODONTISTS

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58 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

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60 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2015

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