Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

Page 1

Guide to Jewish

2017

Nashville

18 Unique Facts about Jewish life in Middle Tennessee Page 29

Your home for Broadway, ballet, opera, theatre, comedy, concerts, and more!

73$& 25* 615-782-4040

TPAC Box Office at 505 Deaderick Street TPAC.org is the official online source for buying tickets to TPAC events.

Left, top to bottom: photo by Erika Chambers, Something Rotten! Š Joan Marcus 2015, photo by Michael Dominic Tedesco, photo by Mimosa Arts

Shalom Nashville, This issue of the Guide to Jewish Nashville is unique. Along with the usual listing and description of all the Jewish congregations, organizations and services in Nashville and Middle Tennessee, the 2017 Guide includes a special 10-page section that provides a detailed profile of the vibrant Jewish community they serve. The information comes from a comprehensive demographic study conducted online and by telephone over a three-month period in 2015 by the Steinhardt Social Research Center, which is connected with Brandeis University’s Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies. It was funded by the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Harriet Schiftan, the Federation’s associate executive director, and Lisa Smith, the Federation’s marketing and communications specialist, have used the study’s results to paint a remarkable portrait of Jewish Nashville. Designed by Allison Parker, the easy-to-read package employs charts, graphs and photos to provide not only demographic details of Jewish Nashville but also information about synagogue affiliation and ritual practices, engagement in communal affairs, philanthropic activity and attitudes toward Israel. The study results are more than just interesting. The Federation and other Jewish organizations are already using it to improve their programs and services to fit the community's needs. For instance, the demographic feature begins on page 29, where you will find a map that shows the distribution of Jewish homes in the seven-county Metro area. It indicates that while our community is still largely concentrated along the West End Avenue-Harding-Highway 70 corridor where many of the large Jewish institutions are located, there are growing pockets of Jewish households in outlying areas too – especially in East Nashville and Williamson County. As a result, the Federation and congregations are looking to create new satellite programs to reach these families. Appropriately, this demographic picture of Jewish life in Nashville is presented in 18 segments. Eighteen, of course, is the numerical value of the Hebrew word chai – life – and is traditionally given mystical significance. Published by the Nashville Federation, the Guide to Jewish Nashville is intended to both introduce newcomers to our 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 Jewish Observer of Nashville. 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.

Contents: Feature: 18 Unique Facts about Jewish life in Middle Tennessee ................................................... 29 Listings: Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee......................................................5 Jewish Foundation...................................................................11 Gordon Jewish Community Center................................12 Synagogues and Affiliate Organizations..................... 18 2017 B’nai Mitzvah................................................................. 26 Jewish Family Service.......................................................... 27 Jewish Education................................................................... 39 Youth Groups...........................................................................44 Young Adult Organizations............................................... 47 Cultural, Service and Social Organizations................ 51 Political Organizations......................................................... 59 Resources.................................................................................. 63

Publisher.................................................................... Mark S. Freedman Editor............................................................................... Charles Bernsen Designer................................................................................. Tim Gregory Copy Editor.............................................................................Abbie Wolf 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.

Moving is SERIOUS business! But, it can be an exciting and enjoyable experience. With your needs and goals my main focus I am dedicated to guiding you through a successful transaction! LORNA M. GRAFF Broker, ABR, CRS, GRI Lifetime Member, Gold Award of Excellence

Office: Cell: E-mail: Web:

615.794.0833 615.351.5343 lorna.graff@zeitlin.com Lornagraff.com

Charles Bernsen, editor The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 3

0,//,216 2) -(:6 ),1' (9(5< '$< $ 6758**/( Ê )('(5$7,21 ,6 $ /,)(/,1( !+,(!ƫ&1/0ƫ(%'!ƫ1/Čƫ+1.ƫ $%( .!*Čƫ+1.ƫ, .!*0/ƫ+.ƫ#. * , .!*0/Čƫ !/,!. 0!(5ƫ*!! ƫ+1.ƫ$!(,ċƫ

!3%/$Æ« ! !. 0%+*Æ«.!)+2!/Æ«+ /0 (!/Ä‹Æ« !Æ« .% #!Æ«# ,/Ä‹Æ« Æ«$+0Æ«)! (Æ«%/Æ« !(%2!.! Æ«0+Æ« Æ« $+)! +1* Æ«!( !.(5Æ«,!./+*Ä‹Æ« *Æ«!)!.#!* 5Æ«(+ *Æ«"!! /Æ« Æ«/0.1##(%*#Æ«" )%(5Ä‹Æ« Æ« 1/Æ« .%*#/Æ« Æ« $%( Æ«0+Æ« ),Ä‹Æ« Æ«. ),Æ«+,!*/Æ«1,Æ« !3%/$Æ«(%"!Æ«"+.Æ« Æ« %/ (! Æ«,!./+*Ä‹ 0Äš/Æ«5+1.Æ« !3%/$Æ« ! !. 0%+*Æ«#%"0Æ«0$ 0Æ«$!(,/Æ«) '!Æ« ((Æ«0$%/Æ«,+//% (!Ä‹Æ« (! /!Æ«#%2!Æ«0+Æ«0$!Æ« !3%/$Æ« ! !. 0%+*Æ«+"Æ« /$2%((!Æ«Ä’Æ« % (!Æ« !**!//!!Ä‹Æ« %/%0Æ«1/Æ« 0Æ«333Ä‹&!3%/$* /$2%((!Ä‹+.#Æ«0+ 5Ä‹

4 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee

The Nashville Israeli folk dancers lead a lively line dance during the 2016 celebration of Israel’s Independence Day in Bellevue’s Red Caboose Park. More than 500 people attended the annual Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration, one of many community events sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Malkin)

801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite 102 Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 356-3242 Fax: (615) 352-0056 info@jewishnashville.org www.jewishnashville.org Lisa Perlen, president Mark S. Freedman, executive director

W

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 and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee is a big part of that experience. The Jewish 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 volun-

teer and professional leadership, and we’ve been able to channel high communal engagement to create new ways of doing business. Following up on a community-wide assessment process undertaken in 2010 to identify critical needs in the Jewish community dubbed Best Jewish Nashville, last year the Jewish Federation released the findings of the 2015 Nashville and Middle Tennessee Jewish Community Study. It revealed that many newcomers from larger communities are impressed by Jewish Nashville’s closeness and intimacy while newcomers from smaller cities and towns appreciate the diversity of our institutions and the significant resources that are available to sustain Jewish life. This is reinforced by the many anecdotal comments in the study that described Jewish Nashville’s cohesiveness and the willingness of Jewish institutions to collaborate in programming that is open to all. Even before the study’s release, the Jewish Federation launched its Welcoming Ambassadors and Newcomers Program. This unique outreach initiative matches longer-term residents of the Jewish community with individuals and families who are newcomers as well as those who have been in Nashville for a while and are looking to connect or re-engage in Jewish life. Quarterly meetings for newcomers are hosted in the homes of our ambassadors and they have been a tremendous success. Anyone interested in attending one of these gatherings is encouraged to contact Barbara Schwarcz at barbara@jewishnashville.org. Continued on page 6

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 5

Continued from page 5

The Jewish Federation’s work centers around five areas: convening local Jewish organizations to impact short and long term community-building strategies, efficient fundraising through a centralized annual campaign, funding programs that promise to improve Nashville and world Jewry, creating endowments to ensure a Jewish future for generations to come, and deepening connections between Israel and the Middle Tennessee Jewish community. The Jewish Federation sponsors and funds more than 70 programs and projects that touch Jewish lives ranging from Shalom Baby, which welcomes our newest members of the community, to Shalom Taxi, which provides highly subsidized taxi vouchers for our seniors. We are firmly committed to supporting formal and informal Jewish education at all levels. We provide grants to Akiva School, Nashville’s Jewish day school for children in grades K-6; we sponsor annual programs like the Global Day of Jewish Learning for adults, and we offer special incentive subsidies for teens and college-age students who want to study in Israel for a gap-year or semester-long educational experiences. We’ve also expanded our PJLibrary Program to include PJ Our Way, which provides free books and other Jewish learning media to children ages 9-11. The Jewish Federation also provides special grants to all of our local synagogues to allow them to offer Jewish enrichment and education programs that are open to all community members. Every Jewish organization in Nashville benefits from grants made possible by the Jewish Federation’s annual fundraising and unrestricted endowments, and the Jewish Federation encourages all of its local agencies and the congregations to offer innovative

More than 80 members of Nashville’s Jewish community representing all five congregations took part in the Nashville CommUNITY Trip to Israel in 2016, which was sponsored by the Jewish Federation. Shortly after their arrival, they paused on their way to the Old City to recite the Shehecheyanu, the traditional Jewish prayer celebrating a special event, and posed for a group photo wearing the blue t-shirts made especially for the trip.

Continued on page 7

The Federation’s Welcoming Ambassadors Program holds quarterly receptions like this one for Jewish newcomers and those seeking to get newly involved in the Nashville Jewish community. (Photo by Barbara Schwarcz)

Welcoming Newcomers to Nashville

KEEP

6 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

T

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 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. In 2015, the Federation launched the Welcoming Ambassadors Program, an initiative aimed at improving the experience of Jewish newcomers and those seeking to get newly involved in the Jewish community through personal, face-to-face interactions. More than 30 individuals have volunteered to be welcoming ambassadors, hosting and attending quarterly gatherings for newcomers, meeting individually with them, and helping them find a place in their new Jewish community. If you or someone you know would like a welcome packet or more information about the Welcoming Ambassadors Program, contact Barbara Schwarcz at (615) 354-1630 or barbara@jewishnashville.org. •

Continued from page 6

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 through our most recent strategic planning initiative, Best Jewish Nashville 2.0. A number of workgroups will be making recommendations to the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation that will respond to the key findings from the Jewish population study. The goal is to improve services and reach as many members of the Jewish community as possible with innovative and meaningful programs. We invite you to join us as a volunteer, a donor and, most important, as a participant in the richness of Jewish life in Nashville. We are certain that you will find it fulfilling and enjoyable.•

Every year the Nashville Federation underwrites a Partnership2Gether exchange that brings Israeli high school students to Nashville, where they are hosted in the homes of Jewish teens who have had their own exchange experience in Israel. In 2016, the visiting Israelis helped refurbish the faded “SHALOM” greeting on the grounds of the Gordon Jewish Community Center.

Federation Contacts Executive Office Mark S. Freedman, executive director (615) 354-1660 mark@jewishnashville.org

Community Planning/Israel Partnership Harriet Schiftan, associate executive director (615) 354-1687 harriet@jewishnashville.org

Tania Bukengolts, office administrator (615) 354-1668 tania@jewishnashville.org

Rachel Koch, Get Connected coordinator (615) 354-1820 rachel@jewishnashville.org

Lynn Fleischer, Jewish community archivist (615) 354-1655 library@jewishnashville.org

Barbara Schwarcz, events and newcomers coordinator (615) 354-1630 barbara@jewishnashville.org

Total Financial Resource Development Naomi Limor Sedek, assistant executive director (615) 354-1642 naomi@jewishnashville.org

Finance and Information Technology Becky Gunn, controller (615) 354-1624 becky@jewishnashville.org

Carolyn Hecklin-Hyatt, community engagement associate (615) 354-1650 carolynh@jewishnashville.org

Heath Hinson, accounting and human resources (615) 354-1654 heath@jewishnashville.org

Lisa Smith, communications/marketing specialist (615) 354-1676 lisa@jewishnashville.org

Allen Cummings, director of information technology (615) 354-1675 admin@jewishnashville.org

Andrea Crowe, donor center manager (615) 354-1676 andrea@jewishnashville.org

Carolyn Benick Brown, Akiva School business manager (615) 432-2554 cbenickbrown@akivanashville.net

Jewish Foundation Risa Klein Herzog, director of foundation development (615) 354-1651 risa@jewishnashville.org

The Jewish Observer Mark S. Freedman, publisher (615) 354-1660 mark@jewishnashville.org www.jewishobservernashville.org

Community Relations Abbie Wolf, director of community relations (615) 354-1637 abbie@jewishnashville.org Adi Ben Dor, community shlicha (Israel emissary) (615) 354-1632 adi@jewishnashville.org

Charles Bernsen, editor (615) 354-1653 charles@jewishnashville.org Carrie Mills, advertising manager (615) 354-1699 carrie@nashvillejcc.org

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 7

The Jewish Observer of Nashville 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Suite 102 Nashville, TN 37205 jewishobservernashville.org 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

T

he Jewish Observer of Nashville is 81 years old, and we like to say 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 Jewish community in the area. 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. You can also find all of the stories and photos in the current issue online at jewishobservernashville.org. Our website also includes a searchable 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 the Jewish Telegraphic Agency and other wire services 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. The Observer also includes a regular opinion page where we publish letters to the editor as well as local and national op-ed pieces that focus on Jewish themes and issues. 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 two-month Patrons Campaign each summer, which allows readers to show their support by making contributions. •

8 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

The 2016 Community Relations Seder celebrated the 50th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, a Vatican decree that changed the relationship between Catholics and Jews. Here Jews and Catholics link arms while singing “Hineh Ma Tov,” a traditional song whose lyrics express “how good and pleasant it is for brothers to sit together in unity.” (Photo by Rick Malkin)

Community Relations Committee The Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee Ron Galbraith, chair Leslie Kirby, vice chair Abbie Wolf, community relations director (615) 354-1637 abbie@jewishnashville.org

T

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 important to the Jewish community. The CRC has a broad 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 includes at-large members as well as representatives from synagogues and Jewish communal organizations. These representatives serve as liaisons between the CRC and their organizations. And to ensure the ongoing vitality of its volunteer board, the CRC has launched the Emerging Leaders Initiative to recruit and train young adults to be the next generation of CRC leaders. 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. 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, including religious accommodation and anti-Semitism. The CRC also works to ensure that textbooks and curriculum in Tennessee classrooms accurately and fairly portray Jews, Judaism and Israel. Additionally, each year the CRC hosts a Community Relations Seder. Past themes have included civil rights, education, immigration, and outreach to other communities, including the Latino and Catholic communities. 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 2017 • 9

Your Nashville Symphony /,9( $7 7+ ( 6&+( 50 ( 5+251

&RQFHUWV RQ 6DOH 1RZ 6$9( 2)) 0267 7,&.(76 0XVW 8VH &RGH 2%6(59(5 1DVKYLOOH6\PSKRQ\ RUJ 2EVHUYHU 10 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

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

H

ow would you like to be remembered? Do you want to help ensure a strong Jewish future in Nashville? In Israel? Around the world? Would you like to see our community grow and thrive for generations to come? The Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee helps connect donors’ interests, values and passions to the legacies they wish to create and to give back to the community by establishing endowments that address our most pressing needs, enrich our culture, and strengthen our community. The Foundation enables donors to create an enduring legacy that honors and reaffirms our traditions and shapes and assures a vibrant future for what we treasure most – our families, community and Jewish heritage. Established more than 35 years ago, the Foundation is the endowment arm of the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. With growing assets of over $32 million, the Foundation provides a major source of funds to support the vital work of the Federation and the broader community to make Nashville a thriving city for Jewish life. The Jewish Foundation is the source of one third of the funds the Federation distributes annually. In 2016, the Foundation partnered with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s Life & Legacy Program to begin a four-year initiative aimed at helping local Jewish congregations, schools, agencies and organizations secure endowments while building legacy giving into their philanthropic culture. While enhancing assets is crucial to the Foundation's strength and stability, growth alone is not the Foundation's objective. We work to fulfill the cherished precepts of tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repair of the world) by managing the charitable funds of donors and working with them to strengthen our Jewish community, the Jewish people and to make a difference in the lives of needy Jews locally, in Israel and around the world. The Jewish Foundation has relevance from cradle to grave, providing opportunities for philanthropy at all stages of life. The Foundation offers a variety of tax-advantages and estate planning vehicles, allowing donors to meet their individual financial goals while also being active participants in the strengthening and building our community. Among these are: • Bequests • Area of interest or designated funds • Perpetual annual campaign endowment funds (PACE or LOJE) • Donor advised funds

With support from the Feldman/Hassenfeld Fund for B’nai Tzedek, the Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee has encouraged more than 350 teenagers to establish endowment funds and learn about Jewish philanthropy. Two dozen of them attended the annual B’nai Tzedek Program gathering in 2016.

Jewish Federation President Lisa Perlen spoke to 52 leaders representing 13 local Jewish synagogues, institutions and agencies during the kickoff of Life & Legacy, a program spearheaded locally by the Jewish Foundation that seeks to boost legacy giving in the Nashville Jewish community.

• Gifts of IRA designations or life insurance • Annuities and trusts • The B’nai Tzedek Program, which encourages philanthropy by b’nai mitzvah-aged donors with support from the Feldman/ Hassenfeld Fund for B’nai Tzedek. With more than 60 charter members, The Book of Life was created to recognize the growing number of donors who have made or have promised to make a permanent endowed 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, featuring their photograph and a personal statement highlighting why they have created this legacy and 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. We continue to add new names and welcome new donors as their legacy plans are formalized. • Jewish Foundation Development Committee Members: Adam Landa (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 2017 • 11

Gordon Jewish Community Center (Gordon JCC)

The Holy Flock team from Congregation Sherith Israel competes in the second annual Nashville Kosher Hot Chicken Festival at the Gordon Jewish Community Center.

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

L

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, the Gordon JCC can offer you a place to maintain a healthy lifestyle, build relationships and engage in enriching activities. The Gordon JCC is a community of people of all ages, stages, and beliefs who share laughter, learning, listening, and leading. People who love the Gordon JCC 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 or as ambitious as imparting values to one’s kids, the Gordon JCC offers a friendly, dynamic environment to live up to those goals. There’s something about this place.

12 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

Fitness and Wellness Along with the latest equipment, experienced staff, and certified personal trainers, there are 45 weekly group fitness classes – indoor cycling, boot camp, yoga, Pilates and more – free for members. Monthly Wellness offerings provide information on selected topics and offer ways to stay healthy. Aquatics We have a 25-yard heated indoor saltwater pool, a 50-meter outdoor Working out and running into friends at saltwater pool and baby the J. pools. Private and group swimming lessons are the perfect way to learn to swim. The TigerSharks recreational swim team provides an opportunity for kids to perfect their strokes and compete locally. Water aerobics classes, from certified arthritis programs to prenatal, give you an opportunity to exercise without the strain of impact.

Shalom Baby

Gordon Jewish Community Center Renee Geltzer, contact (615) 354-1640 renee@nashvillejcc.org

S

Children learn to swim at the Gordon JCC.

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. Art on the West Side, on April 22 and 23, 2017, provides an opportunity to see and collect affordable art by local artists. The Jewish Author Series brings authors from the Jewish Book Council to Nashville throughout the year. The Nashville Jewish Film Festival brings quality films with Jewish content to the Nashville area each fall.

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 a pretty bag 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 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

Adults Our offerings include classes, lectures, luncheons and the 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. Continued on page 14

GORDON JCC CC NASHVILLE

T Gordon Jewish The Community Center welcomes all, builds community, and provides excellent programs rooted in Jewish values to enrich the mind, body, and spirit.

nashvillejcc.org | 615.356.7170 The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 13

Continued from page 13

Adults over 65 Weekly meetings, group fitness, book club, games, trips, and more offer camaraderie and companionship in your home away from home. Early Childhood Learning Center The ECLC provides a rich and unique early childhood learning experience for children ages 6 weeks-prekindergarten. The curriculum includes age-appropriate academics, Jewish cultural enrichment, Discover CATCH, music with Mr. Steve, swim lessons, and Shabbat with Mr. Jack. Our ECLC has a three-star rating, the highest award by the Tennessee Department of Human Services. Programming for School-Age Kids Planet Kid, our after-school program, runs from 2:30-6 p.m. – and the children will love every minute of it. They start the afternoon off with a snack and then may spend time on the huge Pargh Playground, swim in our indoor pool or play in our gym. Activities, both structured and unstructured, are geared to developing social, physical, and cognitive skills. We know homework is important, so tutors are on-hand to help your child complete their tasks. Books, games, puzzles and friends are always here too. Two separate but linked classrooms allow us to provide planned activities and games in one room, while keeping the other room quieter for homework, reading and low key activities. The facilities of the GJCC allow us to spend time outside the classroom too. Our calendar reflects the schedules of Akiva School and Metro Public Schools, and we are open even when school is not. We offer transportation from Akiva, West Meade and Harpeth Valley.

Camp Davis kids celebrate superheroes.

Camp Davis, the Gordon JCC day camp for children in grades K-9, lives up to its motto “Keeping Kids Dirty Since 1930.” Camp Davis provides a Jewish summer day camp experience that is safe, inclusive and, most important, fun. Holding Jewish values high, Camp Davis is a community of support where children are encouraged to try new things and take risks on a daily basis as well as appreciate our natural world. Traditional camp, late nights and overnights, as well as specialty tracks encourage children to build their own sense of confidence and sense of belonging within the community. During the school year, Camp Davis offers engaging programming for kids in grades K-5 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on days when school is not in session, with optional early care starting at 7 a.m. and later care extending until 6 p.m. Children participate in a number of activities including art projects, music, sports, physical challenges, board games, puzzles, playground time, cooking, dramatic play, and the list goes on! In addition, we are also able to take advantage of our great indoor pool facility, so be sure to pack a suit and towel to join in on the fun. 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, tennis, fencing and racquetball. Adults can play pick-up basketball games weekly – and participate 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 Kosher Hot Chicken Festival, the Gordon JCC is the social hub for the Jewish community of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. •

14 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

GJCC Adults of All Ages 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 356-7170, ext. 223 www.nashvillejcc.org Alex Heller, adult programs director alex@nashvillejcc.org (615) 354-1623

Nemin Begovic plays the accordion for seniors at a TGIT (Thank Goodness It’s Thursday) luncheon at the Gordon Jewish Community Center.

Gordon Jewish Community Center Adults Over 65 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, TN 37205 www.nashvillejcc.org Alex Heller, adult programs director alex@nashvillejcc.org (615) 354-1623

Prime Time at the J All area senior adults are invited to join the Gordon Jewish Community Center’s Prime Time, which hosts a variety of activities, including monthly meetings, day and overnight trips, parties, lunches, holiday programs, movie and book clubs, cultural events like the TPAC Broadway series, concerts and opportunities for participation in community events. Check our emails or fly-

TRANSITION

ers at the Center for more information. 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 almost 70 years, we’ve had a blast at the GJCC on Thursdays. Each week at Thank Goodness It’s Thursday, we’ll do exercise and stretches as well as a blood pressure check with a registered nurse. This is followed by a delicious kosher lunch and an exciting program. Upcoming programs include cooking Israeli food with the community shlicha, speakers from Thistle Farms and the Body Farm in Knoxville, Jewish holiday celebrations, and monthly musical performers. •

T

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 and Wellness Programs The GJCC offers fabulous classes and events that appeal to a wide range of interests. They are open to adults of all ages. Please watch our emails and flyers around the building for other upcoming programs. Some events from past years included: • Martin Luther King Jr. Day luncheon program • A class on pairing chocolate and wine • Classes on organization and stress management • Memoir writing

• Musical performance by Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn • Overnight trip to Huntsville, Alabama to visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Museum and the art museum • Dinner club • Bone density screenings • “Whole Health Day,â€? focusing on yoga, meditation, Ayurveda medicine, and aromatherapy Ongoing weekly sessions include bridge, mah jongg, and oil painting. And our movie club and book club both meet monthly. Art on the West Side Art on the West Side is the GJCC Fine Art and Craft Show featuring artists Rhonda Wernick, Cathy Moberg, and Debe Dohrer; along with 45 of Middle Tennessee’s most renowned artists. The two-day event on April 22-23, 2017 includes a show and opening cocktail reception. Music at the J The GJCC offers a variety of musical programs which include the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra and the Nashville Community Concert Band. •

&XWH &RPI\ 6KRHV

SERVICES

Redefining Living Solutions for Aging • Aging in Place Design and Planning Services • Move Management and Relocation Assistance • Downsizing, Packing and Sorting Services • Estate Sale and Donation Coordination • After the Move Support

www.aginginplaceservices.net 615.330.9918 Sara Beth Warne sbwarne@aginginplaceservices.net

+LOOVERUR 5G LQ *UHHQ +LOOV EHWZHHQ :HQG\¡V 6XEZD\

2SHQ IURP DERXW 0 ) 6DWXUGD\

/DGLHV 6KRHV ZLWK 6W\OH 4XDOLW\ DQG &RPIRUW The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 15

Voices of Belmont Village

“The friends that I have made here have turned my life around.” To many, living at home means freedom and independence. But it can also be isolating. Belmont Village residents enjoy a lifestyle that keeps them physically active and mentally engaged, delighting in the company of friends old and new. At Belmont Village, you don’t have to live alone to be independent.

It’s not just your home. It’s your community. Distinctive Residential Settings | Chef-Prepared Dining and Bistro Premier Health and Wellness Programs | Award-Winning Memory Care Professionally Supervised Therapy and Rehabilitation Services

GREEN HILLS

The Community Built for Life.® 615-279-9100 • belmontvillage.com © 2017 Belmont Village, L.P. | ACLF License 59

16 2EVHUYHU*XLGHBVRFLDOB LQGG • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

30

Nashville Holocaust Memorial www.nashvilleholocaustmemorial.org

I

n 2006 the Nashville survivor community and their descendants, with the support of many generous donors, created the Holocaust Memorial and Educational Site on the grounds of the Gordon Jewish Community Center to honor the Jewish victims of this monumental tragedy and inspire future generations to live by the principle: “Never again to us or anyone.” Designed by architect Manuel Zeitlin, the interactive memorial provides an educational opportunity to learn about the Holocaust through the distinctive history of Nashville survivors and their families. The site includes memorial walls inscribed with the names and personal information of loved ones, an eternal flame and a symbolic sculpture of the “Book of the Jewish People,” which was inspired by Holocaust survivor Irvin Limor and created by his son, Alex. The creation and fundraising effort was led by Felicia Anchor. The secluded wooded site has proven to be a respite for personal reflection. It is open to the public and accessible during the hours when the GJCC is open. A self-guided tour is available through a series of information stations describing the memorial area as well as a printed guide. Groups may arrange guided tours by contacting Danielle Kahane Kaminsky at (615) 343-2563. Visitors can also learn more about the memorial, including eyewitness accounts of survivors and the personal profiles of those

Alex Limor’s sculpture “Book of the Jewish People” is the centerpiece of the Holocaust Memorial and Education Site on the campus of the Gordon Jewish Community Center.

who are remembered on the granite walls, by visiting the memorial website at www.nashvilleholocaustmemorial.org. Donations to the memorial upkeep and educational efforts are appreciated and can be made through the Gordon Jewish Community Center’s Holocaust Memorial Fund. •

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 2017 • 17

SYNAGOGUES

Synagogues

and affiliated organizations Congregation Beit Tefilah

discussions on values and ethics led by Rebbetzin Esther Tiechtel. Beit Tefilah also hosts weekly classes that explore the weekly Torah portion and other topics, including Jewish mysticism, and adult Hebrew reading.

Chabad 95 Bellevue Road Nashville, TN 37221 (615) 646-5750 www.chabadnashville.com Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel rabbi@chabadnashville.com Esther Tiechtel, educator and rebbetzin etiechtel@gmail.com Michael Simon, president msimon105@comcast.net

R

enowned for warmth and friendliness, Congregation Beit Tefilah offers true Jewish Southern hospitality. Whether you’re a longtime Nashville resident 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 welcomed and implored to be nonjudgmental of your neighbors. Services are traditional and conducted primarily in Hebrew, with select readings in English. Neither the language you use nor your pace is of paramount importance. Our beautiful sanctuary, enveloped in a natural environment, is the perfect setting to feel connected to G-d. Shabbat Shalom As the sun sets on Friday, everyone streams in for that magical moment of candle lighting when the spirit of Shabbat settles upon Nashville.

Educator Esther Tiechtel with the children of Bertram and Beatrice King Chabad Hebrew School at the annual menorah workshop.

Congregants 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. Children also enjoy the CKids Shabbat morning service,

which includes story time, edible crafts and prayer. Bar and bat mitzvah and other lifecycle events take place in our new ballroom and are tailored to the talents and personality of each child. Community members enjoy a weekly Shabbat buffet lunch following the services, including a cholent and an array of Shabbat delicacies. Jewish Study Roundtable Join us on Shabbat afternoons for the popular Jewish Women’s Circle that features

Youth Programming At Chabad Hebrew School, children study the Treasures Curriculum, mark the holidays with family workshops and learn to read Hebrew with the nationally acclaimed “Aleph Champ” 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! •

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.

M

ikvah Mei Chaya offers women the opportunity for a moving, spiritual experience – a spa for both body and soul. All materials – from the travertine stone imported from Turkey to the glass tiles, elegant lighting fixtures, limestone vanities and surround-sound audio system – make it a five-star “mikspah” experience. The facility boasts a wellappointed reception room, two luxurious prepa-

18 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

ration rooms and a uniquely designed mikvah that offers both a tranquil and spiritual setting. The uses of a mikvah cover many elements of Jewish life, but the most significant today is by brides and married women practicing taharat ha-mishpacha— 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 relationships and Jewish continuity The mikvah is available by appointment only. Please call 48 hours in advance. •

SYNAGOGUES

A bar mitzvah in Congregation Micah’s sanctuary.

Congregation Micah Reform 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 Instagram and YouTube) Rabbis Philip “Flip” and Laurie Rice rabbiflip@congregationmicah.org rabbilaurie@congregationmicah.org Celia Lerch, executive director clerch@congregationmicah.org Julie Greenberg, education director jgreenberg@congregationmicah.org Lisa Silver, music director/cantorial soloist lisa.silver@yahoo.com Ali Friedman Zola, administrative coordinator afzola@congregationmicah.org Piper Panzeri, communications coordinator piper@congregationmicah.org

Mindy Drongowski, family services coordinator mindy@congregationmicah.org Jeff Landman, president Lynn Heady, president elect

C

ongregation Micah is a spirited community that honors and celebrates our communal commitment to God, each other, Israel and the world. Authentically diverse, unafraid to break the mold and guided by visionary leaders, Micah infuses the lives of its congregants with a Judaism that is meaningful, 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 award-winning sanctuary inspires us by framing its beautiful ark with windows which invite the natural beauty behind us inside. Our 35-acre campus also includes a chapel for more

intimate worship, a memorial garden and a cemetery. Torah Lifelong learning begins in infancy. 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. • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 19

SYNAGOGUES

Congregation Sherith Israel Open Orthodox 3600 West End Avenue Nashville, TN 37205 615-292-6614 www.sherithisrael.com Rabbi Saul Strosberg Asst. Rabbi Aaron Finkelstein Cantor George Lieberman Roberta Goodman, board president

C

ongregation Sherith Israel offers a flavor of Orthodoxy unique to Nashville and is a community open to all regardless of religious background, level of observance or knowledge. We are a diverse congregation, yet we are all committed to our Shul family, the Jewish people, and the State of Israel. Our well-attended, participatory services are meaningful, warm and welcoming,

with inspiring words of Torah, beautiful singing and a feeling of community. We offer extensive programming, including education for youth and adults alike, social events, an active Sisterhood and community service. Shabbat and Holidays Shabbat at Sherith Israel begins with a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat in the heart of Music City. All are then welcome to join in a festive Shabbat dinner in Abraham and Sarah’s Tent. Shabbat day services are filled with joy, song and active participation as well as special programming for younger children. Following services, we join together as a community at our catered Kiddush luncheon, catching up with old friends and making new friends. There are classes both before Shacharit and after the Kiddush luncheon. The calendar is full of community celebrations of Jewish holidays, starting with a Rosh Hashanah luncheon and tashlich, Yom Kippur break-

20 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

About 200 people participated in a multi-generational hamentaschen bake in 2016 hosted by Congregation Sherith Israel.

the-fast after a day of truly inspiring prayer, Shabbat in the Sukkah and a community Simchat Torah dinner, Chanukah menorah lighting and party, Purim Se’udah, Passover seders, and Shavuot learning. In addition, we join together to

commemorate national days of service and holidays, including Martin Luther King Day. Women’s Programs Sherith Israel’s Sisterhood has played a vital role in our community for many years;

SYNAGOGUES please see its separate entry. In addition, we recently established a monthly member-organized Women’s Tefillah on Shabbat. Members lead Shacharit, read the Torah service and give a d’var Torah. In another first, the Women’s Tefillah group also convened on Simhat Torah, offering every woman who wished an aliyah. Sherith Israel also operates a community mikveh open to all wishing to use it. Youth Programs Under Rabbi Aaron and Cantor Lieberman’s leadership, we offer individualized programs for children of all ages on Sundays and after school. In addition to Hebrew language and Jewish studies, students participate in arts and craft, cooking projects, and chesed projects. In 2016, we initiated Maccabeanies, a monthly program for infants, toddlers and their parents. We offer individualized bar and bat mitzvah preparation, NCSY, Youth Shabbatons and fun out-

ings for teens as well as programs appropriate to younger children. Adult Education Every year, Rabbi Saul, Cantor Lieberman and Rabbi Aaron offer classes including Torah study, Talmud study, instruction in reading Torah and Haftarah portions, and special programs, such as Melton or instruction in Hebrew. Events Our calendar is packed with events such as scholars in residence and other special speakers, concerts featuring our talented Rabbi Saul with congregants and special guests, and outings to concerts or plays. We also commit time to community service, such as Room at the Inn, Habitat for Humanity and other programs. We invite you to join us for Shabbat services, meet our community at Kiddush luncheon, and become part of the Sherith Israel family. •

Sherith Israel Sisterhood lasting friendships. The sisterhood continues to support the following projects for Congregation Sherith Janet Taeedkashani, Israel: president • Family programming Jkash67@aol.com • Camp/College scholarships • Mikvah upkeep he dictionary defines • Kitchen maintenance sisterhood as “the close • The Library Fund relationship among • Meals for shivas and other women based on shared excommunity needs periences and concerns.â€? • High Holiday flowers for The CSI Sisterhood fits this the sanctuary description. We are a group • Reaching out to shut-ins of women of different ages with home visits and backgrounds who come In addition, the entire Sistogether with the common terhood membership meets for cause to support individuals learning about Jewish holiand families in our communi- days, traditions and other topty, in times of joy and sorrow ics. Our meetings are always and everything in between. filled with lively discussion, We welcome all women to friendship and great food! join us in our mission to build Sisterhood is funded through community, to serve commu- annual membership dues and nity and to make deep and planned fundraisers. â€˘ 3600 West End Avenue Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 292-6614

T

2XU RSHQ RUWKRGR[ FRQJUHJDWLRQ LV PRUH WKDQ MXVW PHPEHUV RI D FRPPXQLW\ ,W LV D IDPLO\ ERXQG E\ ORYH PXWXDO UHVSHFW DQG OLYHV FRPPLWWHG WR WKH WHDFKLQJV RI WKH 7RUDK 7UDGLWLRQDO EXW LQQRYDWLYH ZH DUH GHHSO\ FRPPLWWHG WR VWUHQJWKHQLQJ WKH ERQGV RI XQGHUVWDQGLQJ DPRQJVW GLIIHUHQW PRYHPHQWV ZLWKLQ WKH -HZLVK FRPPXQLW\ &RPH H[SHULHQFH D 6KHULWK ,VUDHO 6KDEEDW KROLGD\ FHOHEUDWLRQ FRQFHUW RU VRFLDO HYHQW DQG MRLQ RXU 6KXO IDPLO\ QR H[SHULHQFH UHTXLUHG

9LEUDQW 0HDQLQJIXO 6HUYLFHV q 'DLO\ 0LQ\DQ q (UXY q :RPHQnV 7HILODK q 0LNYHK q 6LVWHUKRRG &RPPXQLW\ 6HGHUV q :HHNO\ &RPPXQLW\ 6KDEEDW 'LQQHU q )UHH /LYH &RQFHUWV q $GXOW <RXWK (GXFDWLRQ 6RFLDO 5HOLJLRXV (GXFDWLRQDO (YHQWV q 6RFLDO $FWLRQ (QJDJHPHQW q 6WURQJ 'LYHUVH &RPPXQLW\ 5DEEL 6DXO 6WURVEHUJ q 5DEEL $DURQ )LQNHOVWHLQ q &DQWRU *HRUJH /LHEHUPDQ :HVW (QG $YHQXH q 1DVKYLOOH 71 q q ZZZ VKHULWKLVUDHO FRP The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 21

SYNAGOGUES

The Temple – Congregation Ohabai Sholom Reform 5015 Harding Pike Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 352-7620 www.templenashville.org 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 Martin Sir, board president

Photo by Rick Malkin

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

T

lifers and senior adults. Our members live all over Greater Nashville.

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-

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

:H +DYH D %ULJKW )XWXUH :H ,QYLWH <RX WR %HFRPH D 3DUW RI 2XU 7HPSOH )DPLO\

+DUGLQJ 3LNH 1DVKYLOOH 7HQQHVVHH 22 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

ZZZ WHPSOHQDVKYLOOH RUJ

SYNAGOGUES 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. 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 ArabIsraeli 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 Program • Vibrant musical programming including the Temple Mazel Tones (youth choir), Temple Volunteer Band, Musicians in Residence, collaboration with local Jewish musicians and Mitzvah concerts • 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. 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.

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 (a support group for those with addictive behaviors) and Caring Connection (congregants helping other congregants at times of joy and sorrow). 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 top-rated, full-time, innovative 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. 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. • To access the Community Calendar, go to www.jewishnashville.org and click on “Calendar.â€?

THE TEMPLE

:EVMIX] SJ KMJX[EVI ERH XS]W EW [IPP EW MXIQW JSV &EV &EX 1MX^ZELW [IHHMRKW GSRZIVWMSRW FEF] REQMRKW ERH QSVI

3RI WXST WLSTTMRK JSV EPP ]SYV .YHEMGE ERH LSPMHE] RIIHW

-XIQW JVSQ +EV] 6SWIRXLEP &EHEWL )QERYIP (EZMH +IVWXIMR 5YIWX 1MGLEIP %VEQ ERH 8EQEVE 'LMPHW XS REQI E JI[

7XHVGD\ Ž 6XQGD\ -J XLI 8IQTPI MW 3TIRŠ8LI +MJX 7LST MW 3TIR ;I +MJX ;VET

,EVHMRK 4MOI ;I EGGITX GEWL GLIGO ERH EPP QENSV GVIHMX GEVHW

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 23

SYNAGOGUES

:HVW (QG 6\QDJRJXH

$ FHQWHU IRU -HZLVK FRPPXQLW\ OLIH LQVSLUDWLRQ DQG FHOHEUDWLRQ

:RUVKLS ‡ (GXFDWLRQ ‡ 6HUYLFH

Award-Winning Religious School ChildrenÕs Services Family Programs Youth Groups Camp Ramah Torah Study

Adult Education Social Action SeniorsÕ Activities MenÕs Club Sisterhood

5DEEL -RVKXD .XOORFN $VVLVWDQW 5DEEL -RVKXD %DUWRQ ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU 0DUFLD 6WHZDUW 'LUHFWRU RI /LIHORQJ /HDUQLQJ 6KDURQ 3D] (GXFDWLRQ 'LUHFWRU (PHULWXV 0LULDP +DODFKPL ]µO

Come Learn at Beit Miriam: • Where lifelong Jewish values are taught in a thought-provoking and relevant way • Where Jewish history, traditions, and prayers come alive through lively experiential programs • Where Hebrew is a living language • Where students, teachers and families share special holiday and Shabbat celebrations To become a part of the Beit Miriam family contact Sharon Paz, Director of Lifelong Learning at (615) 269-4592 ext. 17 or spaz@westendsyn.org

24 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

West End Synagogue Conservative 3810 West End Avenue Nashville, Tennessee 37205 (615) 269-4592 Fax: (615) 269-4695 office@westendsyn.org www.westendsyn.org Rabbi Joshua Kullock rabbi@westendsyn.org Asst. Rabbi Josh Barton jbarton@westendsyn.org Marcia Stewart, executive director mstewart@westendsyn.org Sharon Paz, director of lifelong learning spaz@westendsyn.org Miriam Halachmi, education director emerita, z’’l Barbara Dab, board president barbaradabpr@gmail.com

W

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 Torah is our element and lifelong education is integral to the West End experience. Beit Miriam, our 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 in a broader sense, learning the weekly Torah portion, Talmud, Jewish mysticism and Bible on

West End Synagogue Sisterhood 3810 West End Avenue Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 269-4592 Fax: (615) 269-4695 office@westendsyn.org Barbara Silberschein Herman, president Bbayla73@gmail.com

T

SYNAGOGUES

he West 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 backgrounds. 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 sisterhood membership. WES Sisterhood nourishes our religious school and congregation family – financially and literally with food. Through money raised by selling Purim bags (mishloach manot), the sisterhood pays for enhanced school programming and hosts a firstday-of-school brunch for religious school parents. The sisterhood prepares several Shabbat Kiddush meals and Friday night family dinners each year. We support our kosher kitchens and the Yom Kippur break-fast meal. WES Sisterhood supports our youth of all ages. We offer discounted babysitting during the High Holidays for infants and children through age 12. We fund transportation to conven-

Students await instructions at the beginning of “The Chanukah Games” at West End Synagogue’s religious school, Beit Miriam.

a weekly or monthly basis. We also host 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 scholar-in-residence program. You can join dozens of students of all backgrounds for Introduction to Judaism, taught by Rabbi Joshua Kullock on Sundays from January-May.

Avodah Morning and evening minyans bring us together in prayer every day of the year. Minyannaires provide comfort for mourners who come to say Kaddish and offer blessings for families celebrating life-cycle events. Bagels and coffee fill our bellies after the morning minyan has fed our souls. Continued on page 26

tions for the congregations’ two youth groups, Kadima (middle school) and 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 of WLCJ, we support the Conservative movement of Judaism via the annual Torah Fund campaign. This money helps educate our clergy and educational students at two seminaries in the United States, one in Israel and the one attended by our own Rabbi Joshua Kullock, Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano in Buenos Aires. We foster our personal Jewish education and spiritual growth through participation in Sisterhood Shabbat 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: • Paid up Membership Luncheon: January 29 • Sisterhood Shabbat: February 29 • Jewels for the Queen: March 8 • Passover Recipe Exchange: April 2 • Old/New board installation: May 21 • Opening meeting in September • Sisters Night Out at the Nashville Jewish Film Festival and other events to be announced The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 25

SYNAGOGUES

West End Synagogue Gemilut Chasadim Continued from page 25

Shabbat is the highlight of the week. We usher in Shabbat together on Friday evening, filling the chapel with soulful melodies. After services we often have pot luck meals organized by congregants. Shabbat morning services are led both by our clergy and lay-leaders of all ages, and our rabbis engage 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.

(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 the 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! •

2017 B’nai Mitzvah Zoe Bressman Sloan Hurwitz Alex Altman Dillon Aronoff Lawson Berman Kyle Wolfson Jackson Liff Issac Gorden Joshua Jacobs Ellie Ruben Jonah Hirt Abby Green Anna Straus Max Elliot Noah Spigel Cameron Gordon Jack deRiesthal Samantha Rittenberg Talia Phillips Olivia Jacobs

The Temple

West End Synagogue Carson Kirshner Abby Landa Sayde Prebus Arianna Bendell Sydney Emesen Maia Prichard Dusty Averbuch Jonah Hoffman Lindsay Hornick Joseph Potash Abby Cohen Benny Yazdian Ethan Bengelsdorf Erin Keenan Gavi Pieser

Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee at

www.jewishnashville.org

26 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

January 21 January 28 February 4 March 4 April 1 April 8 May 6 May 13 May 20 August 12 August 26 September 2 September 1 October 7 October 14 October 21 October 28 November 4 November 11 November 18 January 7 February 11 February 18 March 11 March 18 April 1 April 29 May 13 August 12 August 26 September 2 September 9 November 4 December 16

Congregation Sherith Israel

Congregation Micah Jacob Greenberg Alex Duben Jack Moschel Adam Miller Andrew Krichbaum Russell Warsetsky Jake Binda Gabriel Light Bray Jacobs Leah Miller Ruby Plume Andrew Biller Alexander Glasser Eleanor Spark Samantha Lichtenstein Iris Aikin Cambria and Rachel Linn

Spring 2017

March 4 March 18 April 8 April 22 April 29 May 20 May 27 June 17 June 24 August 19 August 26 September 2 September 16 October 14 October 21 October 28 December 2

Jewish Family Service

Seniors enjoy the entertainment at the regular Golden Lunch Bunch, just one of many senior services sponsored by JFS.

801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite 103 Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 356-4234 Fax: (615) 301-0676 www.jfsnashville.org Howard Safer, president Pamela Kelner, executive director info@jfsnashville.org

J

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 163 years. JFS offers a comprehensive range of social services to people of all income

levels, ages and backgrounds. Services include: • Adoption • Counseling • Case management • 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 • Support groups Fees are charged for some services. Counseling fees may be covered through private health insurance and Medicare. A sliding-scale fee is 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

A portion of the gifts donated for JFS’s Chanukah Gifts for Children program.

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 Continued on page 28

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 27

Continued from page 27

in assisted-living facilities. In addition, Helping Hands matches musicians with people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia for one-onone musical visits or art. 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. Emergency financial assistance is established to help alleviate a temporary financial crisis by helping to pay for basic needs such as rent, utilities and food. Jewish Family Service offers

many family life education programs throughout the year, often in partnership with the Gordon Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, congregations or other community organizations. This year’s educational program, Freedom Song, is a transformational musical that will shatter the myth of Jews being immune to addiction. The program will be held at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at the GJCC. Please support Jewish Family Service by volunteering your time, by making a financial contribution and by attending the annual JFS Chesed Dinner which will be held on April 27, 2017. Save the date now! •

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

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

LOCATED IN THE SCHULMAN CENTER FOR JEWISH LIFE ON VANDERBILT CAMPUS

W W W . B O N G O J AV A . C O M / G R I N S 28 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

ADOPTION JOURNEYS:

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

J

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 couples but does offer counseling to enable them to examine the available options in order to make a decision that is in the best interests of both the parents and the child. Such counseling may also be offered to support them through the placement process and to address issues of post-placement grief and loss. 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. •

18

Unique Facts ABOUT JEWISH LIFE IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE Compiled from results of the 2015 Nashville and Middle Tennessee Jewish Demographic Study conducted by Brandeis University’s Steinhardt Social Research Center and funded by the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

For a complete copy of the 2015 Nashville and Middle Tennessee Demographic Study, please contact Harriet Schiftan at Harriet@jewishnashville.org.

+0Æ« !*/%05Æ« ,Æ«+"Æ« !3%/$Æ« +1/!$+( /Æ«%*Æ«0$!Æ« .! 0!.Æ« /$2%((!Æ« .! Ä‹Æ«Æ« $Æ« +0Æ«.!,.!/!*0/Æ«"%2!Æ«$+1/!$+( /

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 29

Our Jewish Community Our community is larger and somewhat older than it was 14 years ago. We have approximately 11,000 people (includes everyone who resides in a home with a Jewish person) living in 4,700 homes and our median age is 48.

1

AGE OF JEWISH COMMUNITY POPULATION

7%

31%

21%

0-17 Years 18-34 Years

AGE

17%

35-54 Years 55-74 Years 75+ Years

24% 4,983 Jews

1982

6,750 Jews

1988

2002

5,490 Jews

2

2015

8,000 Jews

Past Nashville and Middle Tennessee ommunity /tudies estimated Jewish population.

Our community has grown by about 20% since 2002

Our population is transient but stable; approximately the same number of Jewish residents are moving into the area as is moving away each year. However, we are also experiencing slow but steady growth.

30 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

NUMBER OF YEARS LIVING IN NASHVILLE AND MIDDLE TENNESSEE

3

36%

WHO WE ARE

26%

22% 16%

There are

1,500 Jewish children ages 17 and under 2,200 nonJewish adults

10 -19 ye Le ars ss tha n1 0y ea rs

of those there are

6,500 Jewish adults

ye ars

20 -29

4,700 Jewish households

30

living in

+y ea rs

11,000 people

Our community is highly active and engaged; 82% of Jewish households in Nashville and Middle Tennessee are involved in Jewish communal life, and nearly half (47%) are moderately or highly engaged.

Community Strengths •

Our community is considered warm and welcoming to newcomers, including to interfaith families and/or same sex couples.

•

We have a high level of collaboration amongst our local congregations and agencies. All of our local organizations work together to include the ENTIRE Jewish community when it comes to programming and welcoming non-members.

living in a household

800 nonJewish children ages 17 and under living in a Jewish household

Overall, three-fifths (60%) of Jewish households in Nashville and Middle Tennessee include a married couple. Over half of these marriages (56%) are intermarriages, higher than the national average of 44%.

4

We have a higher than average intermarriage* rate among Jewish adults at 56%.

*Intermariage: Only one spouse self-identifies as Jewish

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 31

Levels of Community Engagement HIGH ENGAGEMENT

18%

NO ENGAGEMENT

18%

High Involved in all aspects of organized Jewish life

Moderate Involved in some aspects of organized Jewish life

MODERATE ENGAGEMENT

29%

LOW ENGAGEMENT

35%

Low Involved in few aspects of organized Jewish life

No Involved in no aspects of organized Jewish life

CHILDREN LIVING IN INTERFAITH FAMILIES

40%

Being raised exclusively Jewish

47%

Being raised no religion or undecided Being raised Jewish and another religion, another religion or not as a Jew

5

We are highly educated. 86% of Jewish adults have at least a bachelor’s degree, with 54% attaining an advanced degree, significantly higher than the national average )+*#ƫ

!3%/$ƫ 1(0/ƫof 58% with at least a bachelors degree and 28% attaining an advanced degree.

32 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

13%

WHAT WE DO OCCUPATIONS MEDICINE/ HEALTHCARE

17%

OTHER

25%

LEGAL

7%

WORK

SOCIAL SERVICES AND NON-PROFIT

13%

EDUCATION

13%

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

8%

17%

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING

WHERE WE LIVE

JEWISH HOUSEHOLDS BY COUNTY

75%

10%

Da v Co idso un n ty W illi a Co mso un n ty Su rro u n Co d un ing tie s

16%

6

We are relatively affluent. 50% reported household incomes of over $100,000 and 85% describe their household standard as prosperous or comfortable... but some of us face poverty and need help.

CARING FOR THOSE IN NEED IN OUR COMMUNITY In the past year, 11% of our community has had to cut back on basic needs —skipping meals, not getting a prescription filled for medication, or missing at least one housing payment— as a result of financial circumstances.

15%

of Jewish households said that they were “just getting along,” nearly poor or poor.

Ritual Life in Jewish Nashville

7

Our synagogue affiliation rateƫ+"ƫąĂŌƫis slightly higher than the national averageƫ+"ƫ39%, with 5% belonging to more than one congregation.

Almost half (48%) of long-time Nashville residents (those who have lived here for 11 years or more) belong to a local synagogue, compared to 31% of newcomers.

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 33

Adult Affiliation by Denomination

82%

of Jewish households have been to a synagogue hosted program.

REFORM

45%

20% of Jewish households

RECONSTRUCTIONIST/ RENEWAL/OTHER

1%

SECULAR, JUST JEWISH OR CULTURALLY JEWISH

24%

have a member who participates in Jewish programs at least monthly.

CONSERVATIVE

24%

Jewish Involvement

6% ORTHODOX

8

Synagogues are the primary institutions for participation in the organized Jewish community. 82% of households have been to one or more programs organized by a local synagogue in the past year. ATTENDANCE AT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS Chanukah Festival

56%

Nashville Jewish Film Festival

55%

Seder at a synagogue

46%

Israel Independence Day Celebration

45%

Israel Rally Global Day of Jewish Learning

9

41% 20%

We support each other’s programming regardless of affiliation. Community members frequently attend programs organized by synagogues to which they do not belong.

JEWISH RITUAL LIFE

49%

of our community lights Shabbat candles at least sometimes

86%

of Jewish households light Hanukkah candles, higher than the national average of 75%

81%

of Jewish households participate in a Passover seder, higher than the national average of 70%

9%

keep kosher at home or all the time

For each congregation, between one-quarter (27%) and two-thirds (64%) of program attendees were not members of that synagogue, and about one-quarter of synagogue-based program attendees (28%) did not belong to any local synagogue. 34 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

Jewish Education

10

Over half (55%) of preschool-aged Jewish children are enrolled in non-Jewish preschools, compared to 31% in Jewish preschools.

•

55% of age-eligible Jewish children are enrolled in Jewish .!(%#%+1/ƫschoolƫ(parttime).

•

10% of age-eligible children in our community are enrolled at Akiva School.

Among all girls aged 12 and older or all boys aged 13 and older, just over half (53%) have celebrated, or intend to celebrate, a bar or bat mitzvah. 80% of age-eligible children being raised exclusively or partially Jewish have had or plan to have a bar/ bat mitzvah.

CHILDREN IN JEWISH EDUCATION

PARTICIPATION IN INFORMAL JEWISH EDUCATION

YOUTH GROUPS, JEWISH OVERNIGHT CAMP, JEWISH DAY CAMP

55%

26% 31%

22%

19%

pa BB rtic i yo YO opate uth r o d i gr the n ou r ps att ov end ern ed igh Jew t c is am h p att en de d da Jew y c is am h p

pr Je e-s w ch ish oo l

(ƫ ++ $

! .0ġ0%) (%# %+1 ! /ƫ

Je wi sh Sc Da ho y ol

10%

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 35

11

Nearly half (46%) of age-eligible families participate in the PJ Library program and receive a free book about Jewish themes each month.

Israel

12 42%

Half of our Jewish adults have been to Israel, including 21% who have visited more than once; by contrast, 43% of all American Jews have been to Israel, including 23% who have visited more than once.

of Nashville and Middle Tennessee’s Jewish community feels strongly connected to Israel.

13

36 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

31% of young adults (aged 42 and under) in our community have gone on a Birthright Israel trip.

One-third (32%) of Jewish adults

14

50% of our Jewish community seeks news about Israel at least weekly; 22% seek news about Israel at least daily.

15

Almost half of Jewish adults are aware that Nashville has a community shlicha, or Israel emissary.

believe Nashville has a JAFI Partnership Region in Israel. Approximately 19% correctly identified this area as Hadera-Eiron.

Local Jewish Continuity

16

In the month before our survey, one half of Jewish adults in our community volunteered for any organization, including 61% of synagogue members and 62% of Vanderbilt affiliated adults. 28% of Jewish adults volunteered for Jewish organizations in the month prior to completing the Demographic Study survey.

31% of Jewish households include at least one person who is a Vanderbilt student, alumnus/alumna or employee.

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 37

17

Our young adults want to be more involved in the Jewish community. 94% expressed interest in greater involvement in the community.

Almost three quarters of young adults have been invited to a Jewish program in the past six months and over half (56%) have participated.

Legacy Giving One in ten households have designated a Jewish organization in their will. 37% of age-eligible children who had a Bar/Bat Mitzvah have a B’nai Tzedek fund at the Jewish Foundation.

18

95% of Jewish adults have made a charitable donation in the past year. Of all donors, 76% made a gift to at least one Jewish organization.

Jewish Nashville’s top volunteer causes:

JEWISH YOUNG ADULTS There are approximately

1,300 young adults

in Nashville and Middle Tennessee Jewish households, of whom

900 are Jewish. There are approximately

450 “young adult households”

in the community, defined as households comprised solely of individuals EDUCATION

POVERTY

HEALTH

ISRAEL

CULTURE

POLITICS

38 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

aged 18-39 without children.

JEWISH EDUCATION

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 Eileen Ruchman, board secretary Tony McLarty, executive director Daniella Pressner, principal Julie Fortune, director of admissions

A

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 magnet schools, and they 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 2016-17 school year, our curriculum centers on applied/project-based learning and includes strategies to strengthen science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Many students graduate from Akiva with exceptional language skills

Akiva fifth and sixth graders received the Outstanding Community Partner Award in 2016 from the Nashville Food Project for their work helping prepare meals for those in need.

and are able to analyze and understand 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 mid-

dle school math competitions. Our goal is that all families, regardless of affiliation, feel welcomed 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 (615) 356-1880 or email curiosity@akivanashville.net. •

Akiva School students

kindergarten

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 39

JEWISH EDUCATION

The GJCC Early Childhood Learning Center 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 354-1640 Fax: (615) 353-2659 Terri Katzenstein, director Terri@nashvillejcc.org Renee Geltzer, assistant director Renee@nashvillejcc.org

At the Gordon Jewish Community Center’s Early Childhood Learning Center, kids are encouraged to be active and discover.

t the Gordon Jewish Community Center’s Early Childhood Learning Center, sounds of fun, laughter and learning echo through the halls. Open to children from ages 6 weeks through pre-K, 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, encourage a questioning mind, spark creativity, and foster independence. Every classroom offers age-appropriate progressive academics, enriched by specialists in music, physical education and swimming. The ECLC is a Reggio Emilia-inspired school with great attention given to the lookAMand feel 8:54 Page 1 of the classroom.

A

ObserverGuide16-17.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/16

Environment is considered the “third teacher.” Long hallways are meant for running, doors are meant to be opened and closed, stairs are meant to be climbed. Teachers carefully organize space for both small and large group projects as well as intimate spaces for one, two or three children. Documentation of children’s work, plants and collections made at outings are displayed at the eye levels of both children and adults. This welcoming environment encourages a child to engage in activity and discovery. The Reggio Emilia approach integrates nature into the curriculum so that children learn to appreciate the physical and structural environment. The ECLC curriculum uses Handwriting without Tears and Get Set for School Curriculum to facilitate kindergarten readiness. The curriculum also includes 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, gar-

Jewish Middle School (JMS) Nashville

Building Boys into Better Men

809 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 864-4268 jmsnashville.org Rabbi Saul Strosberg, founder director@jmsnashville.org

MONTGOMERY BELL ACADEMY

4001 Harding Road • Nashville, Tennessee 37205 615-298-5514 • www.montgomerybell.edu

40 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

J

MS is a great new affordable private middle school open to all kids in Nashville in grades 7-9. We provide: • Small class sizes with individualized learning • Extended collaborative learn-

dening 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. On Monday they gather again for Havdalah to say “good bye” to Shabbat and “hello” to a new week. The ECLC takes full advantage of its location on the GJCC campus. There is plenty of space to explore and play on our age-appropriate modern playgrounds, in our gymnasium, in the indoor and outdoor swimming pools and throughout the beautiful campus. Children may also participate in after-school enrichment activities such as tennis, soccer, dance and swim lessons. The ECLC offers yearround scheduling to meet family needs. • ing projects • Field trips throughout the semester for on-site learning and exploration • A diverse social life emphasizing emotional depth and values • A culture where the students themselves bring their own vision and creativity to the table every day JMS is located at Nashville’s Gordon Jewish Community Center Campus, 809 Percy Warner Blvd., and offers a complete Hebrew and Judaic studies curriculum for those who are interested. If you are looking for all the benefits of individualized learning with just the right mix of social activity and in-classroom experience, then JMS Nashville is for you. For more information or to set up a tour/interview, contact us at (615) 864-4260 or director@jmsnashville.org. •

JEWISH EDUCATION

Micah Children’s Academy

from our “dress-up center.” Miniature huts inspire pretend activities, a Plexiglas art wall allows budding artists to create pictures of their world, and a drum and xylophone inspire musical talents. Our planting garden is a spot where students can experience how food is grown, tended, harvested, and eaten. Theresa LePore, director of the Academy, has a rich background in special education as well as early childhood education. She is committed to developing a team of teachers, activities, and experiences that are high quality and guaranteed to provide

students the concepts needed for success. In addition, a strong parent board open to all families is valued and plays an important role in defining quality preschool education. Our hope is that Jewish families will find the right blend of learning and spiritual growth at the Micah Children’s 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 our website at www.MicahChildrensAcademy.org. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter. •

2001 Old Hickory Blvd. Brentwood, Tennessee 37027 (615) 942-5162

+DUSHWK +DOO

www.micahchildrensacademy.org

Theresa LePore, director tlepore@micahchildrensacademy.org

T

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 Hakarat Hatov is scheduled during November so students concentrate their learning on thankfulness for our families and community. Students sing, learn prayers, and read books to supplement their activities. Students (depending on age) receive a weekly music lesson taught by our cantorial soloist, a nature class, a fitness program, a weekly Spanish immersion class, drama class, and a celebration service welcoming Shabbat led by our rabbis and our cantorial soloist every Friday. Students spend outside time enjoying our natural play scape—an environment that helps develop large motor skills, fosters creativity and provides a classroom for the weekly nature class. A large stage encourages acting and dance with items Please support the businesses that advertise in the Observer and help support our community in all ways! Make sure to let them know... you saw their ad here!

INSPIRATION for GIRLS WHO

;I<8D

9@> 8E; >F =8I Visit our website to

learn more and apply

www.harpethhall.org &OR GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN IN GRADES s &INANCIAL !ID !VAILABLE (OBBS 2OAD s .ASHVILLE 4. s

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 41

JEWISH EDUCATION

The Temple Preschool 5015 Harding Pike Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 356-8009 Fax: (615) 352-9365 www.templepreschool.org Corye Nelson, director preschool@templenashville.org

Mission We are a pre-school for children 6 weeks through preK. With a Jewish-focused, curiosity-driven curriculum, our mission is to enable, empower, and encourage each child to develop physically, socially, cognitively, creatively and spiritually to his or her fullest potential. Environment Along with parents and teachers, the classroom environment is a resource for teaching young children. Each of our classrooms is carefully designed to support curiosity and the potential for deeper explorations

The Temple Preschool’s curiosity-driven curriculum encourages children to explore their world in a nature-rich environment.

and learning. We select natural, open-ended and authentic objects that encourage dynamic, hands-on learning. We offer very few plastic, passive materials when there is a real alternative; instead, in our classrooms you will find baskets, tiles, clay, real keyboards, phones, pots and pans, etc. By offering these authentic materials, we not only communicate to children that we see them as active participants in their own learning, but that we also respect them as humans worthy of engaging with real-world items and beautiful, natural materials. We have two studios in which teachers can work with small groups on focused proj-

42 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

ects and/or investigations. Our wood working studio provides opportunities to build, create or fix items with real tools. Our art and light studio offers a wide variety of options for visual art and light and shadow investigations. Approach with Children We view children as competent, curious and complex 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 domains. Our teachers are facilitators in children’s interactions and problemsolving, 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

JEWISH EDUCATION literacy, science, math, art, and movement. An example of this is when a class recently investigated construction based on the teachers noticing how many houses the children were building in the classroom. The teachers and children found a house that was being built in the neighborhood and spent the year visiting the house, watching, sketching and documenting the progress. They interviewed electricians, architects, plumbers, foremen, carpenters, locksmiths and more. A banker visited the classroom to tell them about how to get money to build a house. A carpenter visited the classroom and showed the children how to work with tools. A locksmith brought his truck to school and children learned how locks work and made their own keys. Through this, and other, similar investigations children learn about a wide variety of subjects and work on cognitive, motor and social emotional skills vital to maintaining a love of learning.

Staff We have a wide range of experience, degrees and specialized certifications represented among our teaching staff including masters degrees in early childhood education, social work, and nursing. We are pleased to have a teaching staff that brings longevity, experience, expertise, diversity and a dedication to viewing the child as competent members of our community. Teachers participate in an orientation class and ongoing continuing education (18 hours/year minimum) in the areas of child growth and development, healthy and safe environments, developmentally appropriate practices, the Reggio Approach, family relationships, cultural and individual diversity, and professionalism. Enrichment We offer a variety of enrichment opportunities through auxiliary staff members. We have a yoga instructor who works with the children every other week.

We have an optional gross motor and movement class provided by Amazing Athletes. And we often invite special guests into program for specific celebrations or investigations. 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 connec-

ϳ͗ϬϬ ĂŵͶϲ͗ϬϬ Ɖŵ ŶƌŝĐŚŵĞŶƚ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ͗ :ƵĚĂŝĐĂ ^ƉĂŶŝƐŚ /ŵŵĞƌƐŝŽŶ DƵƐŝĐ >ŝďƌĂƌLJ ƌƚƐ EĂƚƵƌĞ

tions 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! •

dĞĂĐŚŝŶŐ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ŚŽǁ ƚŽ ůŽǀĞ ŝŶ Ăůů ůĂŶŐƵĂŐĞƐ͊

^ĞƌǀŝŶŐ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ϲ ǁĞĞŬƐ ƚŽ ϱ LJĞĂƌƐ ŽĨ ĂŐĞ ϮϬϬϭ KůĚ ,ŝĐŬŽƌLJ ŽƵůĞǀĂƌĚ ƌĞŶƚǁŽŽĚ͕ dE ϲϭϱ͘ϵϰϮ͘ϱϭϲϮ

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 43

YOUTH GROUPS

Youth Groups BBYO BBYO Connect 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, TN 37205 Sheri Rosenberg, Nashville city director/Cotton States regional director sherirosenberg@bbyo.org (615) 354-1659

I

f you’re a Jewish teen in grades 9-12, BBYO is looking for you. The nation’s leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement in America and around the

BBYO teens enjoy a Shabbat dinner together last year and heard a presentation from community shlicah (Israel emissary) Adi Ben Dor about Israel.

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

Creative

Custom

615-383-0777

catering@sovafood.com SOVA Catering features Chef Kevin Alexandroni Trained At The Culinary Institute of America

44 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

Kosher

world, BBYO is open to any teen who identifies as Jewish. BBYO is a teen-led organization under the supervision of volunteer adult advisers and a 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. Nashville has two BBYO chapters: Athens of the South AZA (boys) and Music City BBG (girls). Nashville is part of Cotton States Region that includes Jewish teens from Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, Birmingham, Huntsville, and New Orleans. Regional chapters come together four times a year for conventions. There are various programs for BBYO teens here in Nashville – sisterhood/brotherhood dinners, formals, community service, chapter meetings and holiday celebrations. BBYO also has a range of summer experiences for teens – leadership development, Jewish learning, Israel travel, entrepreneurship, community service and more. (Scholarships are available for all programs). Teens are eligible to join BBYO starting in January of their 8th grade year or anytime during high school. For those are not yet in high school, BBYO Connect offers fun social opportunities for Jewish students in grades 6-8. Activities range from pool parties to cooking challenges to volunteer opportunities. There are programs every four to six weeks during the academic year. Nashville BBYO is partially funded by the Gordon Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. •

YOUTH GROUPS

Get Connected

The Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee

important connections made in Israel and create relationships that last a lifetime.

Rachel@JewishNashville.org 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Suite 102 Nashville, TN 37205 Phone: (615) 354-1820 www.jewishnashville.org/ get-connected

"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

“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.” • Leah C., Get Connected alum, The Temple

W

ould you like to “Get Connected” to other Jewish teenagers from the Nashville and 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 on Shabbat…with your best friends! The Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee’s Get Connected program is designed to provide Nashville’s 10th and 11th grade students with a deeper connection to Judaism, their peers in the Nashville community and Israel and its people. Research indicates the achievement of these goals provides many future benefits for teens to live a meaningful Jewish life with af-

Get Connected builds meaningful relationships between Jewish high schoolers in the Nashville area and Israeli teens through an exciting and educational, highly subsidized 2-week trip to Israel!

finity to the Jewish community. We welcome Jews from all denominations, backgrounds and levels of observance. Although the highlight of our program is an incredible two-week, highly subsidized trip to Israel, there are three main components. The first provides students with the introductory tools to better appreciate the experience they will have in Israel. These educational sessions, kallot, help the students to understand the geography, history, culture, and language of Israel. These classes begin during the school year (once a month, January through May). In the process, the teens transform from mere future travel partners into a close-knit community of friends, connecting socially with each other and their chaperones so that they are better prepared for their amazing journey. The second and most meaningful part of Get Connected is the transformative two-week trip to Israel during June. Teens connect not only with the land

of Israel through an exciting, spiritually enriching, and indepth tour, 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 The third part of the program is the opportunity to host some of the same Israeli teens when they visit Nashville in July. These visits reinforce the

Over the past 9 years, we’ve sent 200 students to Israel through the Get Connected program! This is a highly subsidized trip offered through the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, with additional scholarship opportunities available. If you’d like to learn more about this 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

To access the Community Calendar, go to www.jewishnashville.org and click on “Calendar.” Every community event is listed for your convenience. Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee at

www.jewishnashville.org

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 45

YOUTH GROUPS

Members of MTUSY, Conservative Judaism’s international organization for high-school teenagers, attend a sub-regional meeting in Atlanta.

Members of MiTY (Micah Temple Youth) competed against each other at The Escape Game Nashville.

CHAI & MiTY Middle MiTY (615) 377-9799 jgreenberg@ congregationmicah.org

C

HAI & MiTY is the newly-expanded hybrid program for Congregation Micah’s teens in grades 9-12. CHAI Society meets on Wednesday nights with Rabbi Flip Rice and Julie Greenberg and introduces teens to texts and topics taught by various rabbis and lay leaders throughout the larger Jewish community. CHAI Society also includes membership in MiTY (Micah Temple Youth, part of NFTY – the North American Federation of Temple Youth). Through both programs, students enjoy a variety of social and spiritual activities, including attending and hosting national and regional NFTY kallot. Locally, the youth develop social action projects, host lock-ins and hold

fundraisers like the Purim Carnival to support their travel and tzedakah efforts. CHAI & MiTY members are also automatically registered for monthly gender groups – Sisters @ Sinai and Honorable Men-schen – where students explore gender-specific ways in which Judaism can inform and strengthen their spiritual growth as young adults. Middle MiTY is Micah’s youth group for those in grades 6-8. The program includes similarly engaging activities centering on worship, social action and team-building. Their tzedakah contributions benefit the Ronald McDonald House, where students also volunteer by making meals for resident families and collecting aluminum pull tabs. The annual Rockin’ Lock-In hosted by local songwriters and musicians is one of the many highlights not to be missed. Call the Micah office or contact Education Director Julie Greenberg for details and come see what all the fun’s about! •

Advertising in the Jewish Observer of Nashville Reach thousands of readers in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area by taking advantage of this cost-effective way to reach a loyal repeat audience! Call Carrie Mills, Advertising Manager Phone 615-354-1699 or e-mail carrie@nashvillejcc.org

46 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

MTUSY/Kadima Middle Tennessee United Synagogue Youth West End Synagogue 3810 West End Avenue Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 269-4592 www.westendsyn.org Jordan Cohen, president Noah Crowley and Zoe Kress, advisers Helen Crowley, youth commission chair

T

he United Synagogue Youth (USY) is the official youth organization of the 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 is in the Ein Gedi sub-region. MTUSY participates in local, sub-regional, regional and national events including conventions, leadership training and Shabbatons with sister chapters. MTUSY plans a wide variety of local events such as Friday night dinners, Shabbat services for USY, social action projects such as Room in the Inn and activities like laser tag, swimming, baking hamantashen, leading services, movies, Ein-Gedi sub-regional conventions, Ha-Negev conventions, and Yom Disney in Florida. MTUSY is open to all Jewish youth in the grades 9-12. United Synagogue also has a youth group called Kadima, which offer social, cultural and religious events for children in grades 6-8. 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 can also contact West End Synagogue at (615) 269-4592. •

The Jewish Observer of Nashville is online at www.JewishObserverNashville.org

YOUNG ADULT

Young Adult Organizations Rohr Chabad House at Vanderbilt University 111 23rd Ave. North Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 686-3905 www.chabadvanderbilt.com Rabbi Shlomo and Nechama Rothstein, co-directors rabbi@chabadvanderbilt.com Nechama@ chabadvanderbilt.com

T

he Rohr Chabad House at Vanderbilt University welcomes Jewish students

of all backgrounds and provides a place for them to connect with their Jewish identity at their own pace, whether through the observance of Shabbat and the holidays, a family who cares for and supports them, or the timeless wisdom and beauty of the Torah. The Chabad House is a space that offers a compelling, rich, and meaningful Jewish experience to all. Under the auspices of Chabad-on-Campus International and Chabad CJA of Nashville, Rabbi Shlomo and Nechama Rothstein opened the Chabad Jewish Student Center in 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 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 cam-

pus. Through unique classes and discussions taught by the rabbi and rebbetzin, hands-on programming as well as Jewish awareness tables, there are a variety of opportunities to develop a deeper appreciation of Judaism’s rich heritage. Chabad offers travel opportunities such as Mayanot Taglit-Birthright Israel, Israelinks and the National Jewish Student Shabbaton in New York. We purchased a home at 111 23rd Ave. North just across West End Avenue 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. Continued on page 48

JESSICA AVERBUCH, CEO 615.294.9880

|

615.383.0183

|

JESSICA@ZEITLIN.COM The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 47

YOUNG ADULT Continued from page 47

Activities have grown since the purchase of the house, including an overflow crowd of 280 students for our 2016 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 is 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.” • Please support the businesses that advertise in the Observer and help support our community in all ways! Make sure to let them know... you saw their ad here!

Vanderbilt Hillel

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

V

anderbilt Hillel is the center for Jewish life on the Vanderbilt University campus. Our students, 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 stu-

dents 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-squarefoot Ben Schulman Center for Jewish Life, the establishment of a Jewish studies program, the creation of a kosher vegetarian

We Offer The Finest in Cigars, pipes, tobaccos, humidors & cigar accessories.

premium cigars 48 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

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

CIGARS FROM

A. FUENTE, ASHTON, CAO, COHIBA, DAVIDOFF, MONTECRISTO, PADRON, TATUAJE, ZINO, & MANY MORE...

Mon.-Sat. 9am-8:30pm Sunday 12pm-6pm Belle Meade Plazza 4518 Harding Rd. Nashville, TN

615-297-7963

www.bellemeadecigars.com

YOUNG ADULT

TWO-ROOM SUITES. COMPLIMENTARY, 0$'(-TO-ORDER BREAKFAST. LUSH, OPEN-AIR ATRIUMS. WHO WOULDN’T DRINK TO THAT?

Our nightly (YHQLQJ Reception* is the perfect place for guests to meet and raise a glass - to spacious two-room suites, lush, open-air atriums and complimentary, PDGe-to-order breakfast. All our services and amenities are there to make sure guests like you get out of your stay what you need and want. Nothing more. Nothing less. In other words, cheers. These are just some of the ways Embassy Suites Hotels® puts extra thought into everything we do.

EVERYTHING FOR A REASON

®

For reservations, please call 615-320-8899, 800-Embassy or visit embassysuites.com for Our Best Rates. Guaranteed. Complimentary shuttle within 2 miles of Hotel, based upon availability

*Subject to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age.

Robert Taeidkashani was one of the chefs for the Hebrenero Peppers, the NowGen Nashville team that took the prize for best booth at the second annual Kosher Hot Chicken Festival last year.

NowGen Nashville 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Suite 102 Nashville, TN 37205 Carolyn Hecklin-Hyatt, community engagement associate (615) 354-1650 carolynh@jewishnashville.org nowgennashville.org Twitter: nowgennashville Facebook: NowGen Nashville

N

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 establish 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 Day, Cocktails and Conversations, Menorah Mingle, 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. •

PROVIDING WEALTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Proudly Recognized As:

2016 Power Leaders in Finance 2016 Women of Influence 2012 Advisor Hall of Fame 615.385.2718 | www.ArgentFinancial.com The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 49

FROM

BUDDHIST

ART

TO

NICK

CAVE

SOUNDSUITS

MASTERWORKS IN MUSIC CITY HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE EXHIBITIONS WE ARE FEATURING IN 2017. VISIT FRISTCENTER.ORG FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE.

6HFUHWV RI %XGGKLVW $UW 7LEHW -DSDQ DQG .RUHD )HEUXDU\ ±0D\ 2UJDQL]HG E\ WKH 1HZDUN 0XVHXP

6WDWH RI WKH $UW 'LVFRYHULQJ $PHULFDQ $UW 1RZ 0D\ ±6HSWHPEHU 2UJDQL]HG E\ &U\VWDO %ULGJHV 0XVHXP RI $PHULFDQ $UW %HQWRQYLOOH $UNDQVDV

1LFN &DYH )HDW 1RYHPEHU ±$SULO 2UJDQL]HG E\ WKH )ULVW &HQWHU IRU WKH 9LVXDO $UWV

+V^U[V^U 5HZO]PSSL )YVHK^H`

5HZO]PSSL ;5 MYPZ[JLU[LY VYN

$WWULEXWHG WR *\HMX 6HDWHG %XGGKD .RUHD WK FHQWXU\ -RVHRQ 3HULRG ± :RRG ODFTXHU JROG DQG URFN FU\VWDO 1HZDUN 0XVHXP 3XUFKDVH 0U DQG 0UV :LOOLDP 9 *ULI¿Q )XQG /DXUHQ *DOODVS\ 7KH SDUWV WKH\ NHHS DSDUW 3RUFHODLQ JOD]H XQGHUJOD]H JRXDFKH DQG YDUQLVK &ROOHFWLRQ RI &U\VWDO %ULGJHV 0XVHXP RI $PHULFDQ $UW %HQWRQYLOOH $UNDQVDV 3KRWR FRXUWHV\ RI WKH DUWLVW 1LFN &DYH 6RXQGVXLW 0L[HG PHGLD LQFOXGLQJ YLQWDJH WR\V DQG JOREHV ZLUH IDEULF UXJ PHWDO DQG PDQQHTXLQ &RXUWHV\ RI WKH DUWLVW DQG -DFN 6KDLQPDQ *DOOHU\ 1HZ <RUN ‹ 1LFN &DYH 3KRWR -DPHV 3ULQ]

50 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 )& B0 DEB -HZLVK*XLGH7R1DVKB [ LQGG

30

ORGANIZATIONS

Cultural, Community Service and Social Organizations B’nai B’rith Maimonides Lodge #46 Steven Remer, president go4mets56@aol.com (615) 356-2383 Michael Gryll, treasurer nashgryll@comcast.net (615) 352-7070

F

ounded in the fall of 1863 during the Civil War, B’nai B’rith Maimonides Lodge #46 is the oldest chartered Jewish organization in

B’nai B’rith Social Unit Joyce Fox, president Jdf3@comcast.net (615) 661-9499 Jackie Harrison, membership vice-president Jackieharrison1951@ gmail.com (615) 730-7588

I

n the early 1990’s, Nashville saw an influx of Jewish empty nesters who moved here from all around the country. Most came for business reasons, and because they had moved many times, knew how important it was to become connected in the Jewish community. A chavurah was formed, which then developed into a support group, becoming both friends and family for one another. Shortly thereafter, the group decided to affiliate with B’nai B’rith International by establishing a new chapter, one which would be organized differently from

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. It continues to support 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 to help meet the many needs of our local visually impaired seniors with products that will enhance their lives. existing chapters. In 1994 our unit was founded as a social group for active adults who are or about to become empty nesters, with a continuing goal of maintaining that original sense of close friendship and family. Since our inception, we have served as a model for newer chapters across the country that strive to promote friendship, social awareness and camaraderie while conforming to the values of Judaism. As a lodge of B’nai B’rith International, we adhere to and support the purposes of the national organization which has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. In our 23 years, we have more than tripled our membership to more than 90. Through the years, our unit has been engaged in a number of community service projects. Currently, we conduct an annual drive among our members to provide books to Book-em, which serves underprivileged children; supply items to Jewish Continued on page 52

The lodge has established a scholarship in its name and for the past four years has awarded help to a visually impaired student from Nashville pay for continuing educational needs. As part of our community outreach, the lodge also assists Jewish Family Service with its Chanukah program for Jewish families in our community. The lodge sponsors brunches throughout the year that feature interesting speakers. Traditionally, the lodge holds four events and four business meetings annually. In 2016, we participated in both the community-wide celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut,

Israel Independence Day, and Global Day of Jewish Learning. The Maimonides Lodge #46 is very proud of its commitment to the mission of B’nai B’rith, which is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, supporting the State of Israel, advocating on behalf of senior citizens and providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief. There are many opportunities to work with B’nai B’nai through their website www.bnaibrith.org. The Lodge continues to research and apply methods to recruit and retain membership to meet today's busy lifestyles. •

INVEST IN ISRAEL Invest in Israel Bonds israelbonds.com

Development Corporation for Israel Israel Bonds Southeast Region 3525 Piedmont Road · Building 6, Suite 250 Atlanta, GA 30305 atlanta@israelbonds.com · 404.817.3500 This is not an offering, which can be made only by prospectus. Read the prospectus carefully before investing to fully evaluate the risks associated with investing in Israel bonds. Member FINRA Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 51

ORGANIZATIONS Continued from page 51

Family Service for its Kosher Food Box program, and participate in delivering Meals on Wheels on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. In addition we plan monthly events that consist of such activities as our annual Shabbat dinner, an annual December 24th theme party, attending theatre and musical performances and hosting a screening during the Nashville Jewish Film Festival. We also host lectures on Jewish as well as secular topics. Speakers have included local politicians, U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper and Metro Council member Fabian Bedne, as well as spiritualist Rabbi Rami Shapiro. We’ve held about 250 social, educational and cultural events over the years, and to the delight of the Nashville business community, we’ve contributed greatly to the bottom line of quite a number of restaurants in town!

We look forward to welcoming new members to our chapter whether they are newcomers to the Nashville area or longer term residents of our community. For more information, contact Jackie Harrison at Jackieharrison1951@gmail. com or (615) 730-7588. •

Chabad of Nashville Genesis Campus for Jewish Life 95 Bellevue Road Nashville, TN 37221 (615) 646-5750 www.chabadnashville.com Tommy Bernard, president Rabbi Yitzchok and Esther Tiechtel, executive directors rabbi@chabadnashville.com

The perfect setting for your most memorable event.

Weddings | Bar/Bat Mitzvahs

Rooftop glass enclosed banquet room for up to 64 people. Spacious suites as well as beautiful standard rooms. Complimentary expanded breakfast | Free internet access Seasonal outdoor pool and Jacuzzi | Free parking

615-777-0001 2324 Crestmoor Road Nashville, TN 37215 Behind the Mall at Green Hills www.nashgreenhillssuites.hamptoninn.com 52 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

Celebrity chef Elizabeth Kurtz (back row, left) led a program at Chabad of Nashville on preparing food for the High Holidays. Participants feasted on a four course gourmet dinner.

L

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 spiritual journey or seeking to renew your commitment to Judaism or just want to enjoy the holidays and traditions, this is the place for you. Chabad of Nashville is situated on the Genesis Campus for Jewish Life, a nine-acre natural landscape in Bellevue. The center uplifts you with its Jerusalem-like entrance, a sanctuary with soaring floor-toceiling 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, child-friendly classrooms for summer camp and Hebrew school, two commercial kosher banquet kitchens (one dairy and one meat), a meditation courtyard, a hip youth lounge and a state-ofthe-art mikvah. 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 everyone, for every individual is important and brings a special light to this world. Chabad publishes Nashville’s Jewish art calendar which includes a programming guide for many of the events and lectures, taking place throughout the year. Holidays are always celebrated with a unique and creative twist. They 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. Educational programs include the Jewish Learning Institute, Lunch N’ Learn sessions for businesspeople, guest lectures, Rosh Chodesh Society women’s group, the Mega Challah Bake, and Torah To Go, tailored to various levels of study and interest in Judaism. Chabad of Nashville also runs a most fun and nurturing summer day camp for youth, Camp Gan Israel, where children experience warm and loving moments that they cherish for a lifetime. •

Please support the businesses that advertise in the Observer and help support our community in all ways! Make sure to let them know...you saw their ad here!

ORGANIZATIONS

Nashville Chapter of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America hadassahnashville@gmail.com www.nashville.hadassah.org Facebook: Hadassah Nashville Nili Friedman, president nashvillehadassah@ yahoo.com QueenNili@aol.com (615) 498-4564 Nashville Chapter of Hadassah Associates Mike Gryll, chair nashgryll@comcast.net (615) 352-7070

T

he Nashville Chapter of Hadassah is comprised of a dynamic group of women who share a passion for social action, helping others and supporting the State of Israel. This multigenerational group of women also focuses on women’s health issues, education, and just getting together to have a good time. Our Nashville chapter, comprised of more than 700 women and over 150 associates, offers many programming and volunteer opportunities for those who want to be involved. Some of our favorite programs over the years

have included: • Tu B’Shevat Seven Species Potluck • Multigenerational Hamentaschen Bake • Dress for Success Clothing Exchange • Movie and Mimosas • Sukkot Progressive Dinner • Spring Fling • Hadassah Shabbat The history of Hadassah goes back to February 14, 1912, when seven women led by Henrietta Szold organized the first meeting of what was then called The Daughters of Zion. Today Hadassah has more than 330,000 members in the United States alone. Our affiliate, Hadassah Associates, began in 1996 to involve men in supporting Hadassah’s initiatives. Hadassah’s fundraising efforts support the Hadassah Medical Organization in Israel, which has been a world leader in medical research and in fostering peace through the power of healing. In 2005, Hadassah Medical Organization was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize because of its commitment to treat the terrorist alongside the terrorist victim. As Israelis face the latest wave of violence, Hadassah’s motto is, “We can’t stop the bloodshed, but we can stop the blood.â€? Other Hadassah initiatives include The Hadassah College in Jerusalem, which provides career-focused education for Israelis; Hadassah Youth Aliyah, which provides services to immigrant and at risk children

Call for your free Heirloom “Put It In Writing� Calendar

(COKN[ 5VCHĹżPI 5QNWVKQPU +PE Stay Independent, At Home, In ChargeÂŽ

Personal Care Assistance At Its Best Bonded & Insured, State Licensed Celebrating 15 Years of Excellence

in Israel, and Young Judaea, medical research, ending huwhich runs camps and youth man trafficking, securing womprograms in the United States en’s reproductive rights, and and the well-attended Year making affordable childcare accessible to all. Course in Israel. Call or e-mail us if you In addition to supporting causes in Israel, Hadassah pro- would like to attend any of our motes equality and advocates events. And please let us know for women’s issues here in the if you are new to our commuUnited States. Included on nity so we can offer you a ride Hadassah’s domestic advocacy and an introduction to our fun [ &RQWDFW %DUEDUD 2OVKHU IRU 'HVLJQ agenda are gender equity in and friendly group. •

+$'$66$+ ',' ,7 ),567 ,1 ,65$(/ :( %8,/7 ,65$(/œ6 ),567 ),567 ,1 ,65$(/ :,7+ ‡ +HDUW OLYHU OXQJ ERQH PDUURZ ‡ 0HGLFDO 6FKRRO WUDQVSODQWV ‡ (5 8QLW IRU 3UHPDWXUH %DELHV ‡ &RPSXWHU JXLGHG KLS UHSODFHPHQW ‡ 7UDXPD 7UHDWPHQW &HQWHU ¿UVW LQ ZRUOG

‡ &DQFHU ,QVWLWXWH ‡ 0DFXODU 'HJHQHUDWLRQ FOLQLFDO WULDO XVLQJ HPEU\RQLF VWHP FHOOV ‡ $PEXODWRU\ 6XUJHU\ &HQWHU WR UHSDLU YLVLRQ QG LQ ZRUOG

Thinking about your parents...We can be there when you cannot. 109 Holiday Court Franklin, TN 37067

208 Uptown Square Murfreesboro, TN 37129

2000 Richard Jones Road Nashville, TN 37215

119 McGrew Street Shelbyville, TN 37160

309 N. Jackson Street Tullahoma, TN 37388

615-472-1563

615-848-6774

615-383-5656

931-680-2771

931-222-4080

YYY HCOKN[UVCHĹżPI EQO

Hadassah members advocate for gender equity in medical research during their annual Day in the District program.

-RLQ 8V 1LOL )ULHGPDQ &KDSWHU 3UHVLGHQW +DGDVVDK1DVKYLOOH #JPDLO FRP The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 53

ORGANIZATIONS

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

T

he Nashville Jewish Film Festival is a program of the Gordon Jewish Community Center, and 2017 will mark the 17th year of presenting entertaining, informative and thought-provoking Jewish-themed films from the United States, Israel and the world to our Middle Tennessee community. The festival’s screenings take place during a three week period in late October and early November in a variety of locations throughout the area, including Nashville’s historic and newly remodeled Belcourt Theatre and the Gordon Jewish Commu-

)LIW\)RUZDUG I\

&DUH 7HDP Former collegiate and professional basketball player David Blu speaks following a screening of “On the Map� at the 2016 Nashville Jewish Film Festival. The film tells the story of the 1977 Israeli national basketball team that won the European Cup.

+HOSLQJ ROGHU DGXOWV DQG FDUHJLYHUV DFFHVV VHUYLFHV DQG JDLQ SHDFH RI PLQG

:LWKRXW WKH JXLGDQFH RI D SURIHVVLRQDO GHFLVLRQV DQG FKRLFHV FDQ EH RYHUZKHOPLQJ /HW XV VXSSRUW \RX ZLWK RXU H[SHULHQFH

:KHWKHU \RX DUH LQ D FULVLV RU ZDQW WR SODQ DKHDG \RX ZLOO EHQHĂ€W IURP )DPLO\ DQG FDUHJLYHU HGXFDWLRQ VXSSRUW DQG PHGLDWLRQ ,Q KRPH FDUH UHIHUUDOV DUUDQJHPHQW DQG PRQLWRULQJ +HDOWK FDUH DQG EHQHĂ€WV DGYRFDF\ 1XUVLQJ KRPH DVVLVWHG OLYLQJ YLVLWDWLRQ PRQLWRULQJ DQG PXFK PRUH

*UHWFKHQ )XQN 06: 'LUHFWRU 6XSSRUWLYH &DUH 6HUYLFHV

)RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ FRQWDFW XV DW HPDLO JIXQN#ÀIW\IRUZDUG RUJ RU YLVLW ZZZ ÀIW\IRUZDUG RUJ VXSSRUWLYH FDUH

:H RIIHU FRPSHWLWLYH SULFLQJ D VOLGLQJ IHH VFDOH DQG DYDLODELOLW\ PDNLQJ XV DFFHVVLEOH ZKHQ \RX QHHG XV PRVW $OO IXQGV UDLVHG WKURXJK WKLV LQLWLDWLYH DUH UHLQYHVWHG WR VHUYH ORZHU LQFRPH ROGHU DGXOWV ZKR FDQQRW SXUFKDVH VHUYLFHV

54 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

nity Center. A schedule of screenings is made public each year as details are confirmed in late spring. The NJFF creates a forum for the wider Middle Tennessee community to understand the complexity of issues surrounding Jewish life in contemporary society. The films chosen each year demonstrate the breadth and depth of Jewish cultural, religious, historical, and social life in the modern era. Along with special guests, panels and opening and closing night events 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. The 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 the NJFF. The winning film is then screened the following year during the annual Nashville Film Festival. •

ORGANIZATIONS

The Nashville Israeli Folk Dancers www.vanderbilt.edu/israelidance Facebook: Nashville Israeli Folk Dancers Sharon Morrow morrow7141@comcast.net (615) 662-4881 (615) 491-0840 Tammy Lasakow tammy.lasakow@vanderbilt.edu (615) 322-3004 (615) 269-5387

T

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 in which 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, Hasidic, 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. We have three weekly sessions: • Thursday, 8-9:30 p.m., the Ben Schulman Center for Jewish Life at Vanderbilt University. The first hour is devoted to beginning dance, and the rest of the session to intermediate/advanced dance instruction and request dancing. Parking is available in Schulman Lot, nearby lots or along street as appropriate.

• Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m., the Gordon Jewish Community Center. The first hour is for beginners/easy danc-

ing and remainder for intermediate/ advanced dancing. • Friday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Akiva School for those who cannot make the evening class or prefer a day class. Please contact us if you would like to be on our mailing list to receive notices of upcoming events, including special beginner courses and dance workshops, or if you have any questions about our group. And check our Facebook page (Nashville Israeli Folk Dancers) for upcoming workshops, weekly class information, or special events. •

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

Advertising in the Jewish Observer of Nashville Reach thousands of readers in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area by taking advantage of this costeffective way to reach a loyal repeat audience! Call Carrie Mills, Advertising Manager Phone 615-354-1699 or e-mail carrie@nashvillejcc.org

4 Generations

90 Years of Service

zanderins.com

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 55

National Council of Jewish Women, Nashville Section 801 Percy Warner Blvd. http://www.nashvillencjw.org/ info@ncjw.org Jamie Brook, Freya Sachs and Erin Zagnoev, co-presidents La Quita Martin and Julie Sugar, vice presidents of advocacy

Ceci Sachs and Abbey Benjamin, vice presidents of projects Jaime Heller, Lana Pargh, Alyssa Trachtman, and Kelly Unger, vice presidents of membership and programming Rachel Hauber, secretary Mary Jones and Amy Katz, treasures

T

he Nashville section of the National Council of Jewish Women is a volunteer organization inspired by Jewish values. We strive to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all by working

Members Mary Jones, Risa Herzog, Alyssa Trachtman and Suzanne Schulman cook for Renewal House, a project of the NCJW Nashville Section

through a program of research, education, advocacy, and community service to improve the quality of life for women, children and families. 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 are involved and volunteer in service to the community in a number of ways. Some of the local projects the Nashville section currently supports are: • Abe’s Garden Alzheimer’s and Memory Care Center of Excellence • CASA (the Court Appointed Special Advocates program for children) • Jewish Family Service Kosher Food Box, which provides food for local Jewish families • PG-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 addictions and their children • Scholarship Loan Program, which provides no-interest loans for undergraduate and graduate students • Senior Friends, which delivers traditional Rosh Hashanah food items to seniors • Senior Transportation for Jewish seniors • Snack Box Program for children attending the Sexual Abuse Clinic • Vanderbilt Hillel Shabbat dinners • 56 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

Pictured: Alive Hospice President & CEO Anna-Gene O’Neal and Founders Dr. David Barton and Lynn Barton

Founded by Pillars of the Jewish Community: Dr. David Barton, Mrs. Lynn Barton, Dr. John M. Flexner & Many Others

Tennessee’s Only Jewish-Accredited Hospice Accredited by the National Institute for Jewish Hospice With Grateful Appreciation Alive Hospice thanks the Jewish Federation & Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee for grant funding that made it possible to become accredited as a Jewish Hospice for the first time in 2015. Because of your support, Alive Hospice can ensure that Jewish patients receive care that honors their values, traditions, and goals of care.

More Reasons to Put Faith in Alive Hospice: • A Pioneer (founded in 1975 – the 3rd-oldest hospice organization in the nation) • Hospice-Certified Staff Providing Exceptional, 24/7 Care for Adults and Pediatric Patients • Comprehensive Grief Support for Adults & Children • Education via the Alive Institute for Education, Outreach, Innovation and Advocacy • Provides More Mission-Focused Services Than Any Other Hospice In Tennessee

Alive Hospice’s Mission: We provide loving care to people with life-threatening illnesses, support to their families and service to the community in a spirit of enriching lives.

Not every hospice is Alive Hospice. You can choose. 615.327.1085 | AliveHospice.org | A 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit : facebook.com/alivehospice : twitter.com/AliveHospice : linkedin.com/company/alive-hospice : youtube.com/alivehospice The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 57

58 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

POLITICAL

Political Organizations AIPAC – The American Israel Public Affairs Committee Southeast Regional Office Atlanta, GA (678) 254-2620 www.aipac.org Local contacts: Jeff Jacobs jjacobs@ stradishealthcare.com Jeremy Werthan jeremy@werthangranite. com Fred Zimmerman fredz@foursquared.com

A

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 proIsrael 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

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. •

P.O. Box 58525 Nashville, TN 37205 www.Jstreet.org/nashville Ruth and Bill Smith, co-chairs w.p.smith3886@att.net

J

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 Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee at www.jewishnashville.org

For Making

Your Favorite Italian Restaurant! Authentic Italian Cuisine Since 1989 Tennessee’s Only VPN Certified Neapolitan Pizza Fine Wines, Craft Cocktails, and Amari

21 White Bridge Road, Nashville Take Away | www.EatAtPortaVia.com | Catering

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 59

POLITICAL

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

T

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. We demand 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 that 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 Jewish-American heritage. •

([SHULHQFH 5HOLHI )URP 6XIIHULQJ $FKLHYH <RXU )XOO 3RWHQWLDO , Q G L YLGXDO 7K HUDS\

$VVH VVP H Q WV 7 H VWL Q J

& R X SOHV 7 K HUDS\

* U RX S 7KH U DS \

)DP LO\ 7KHUDS\

&DU H H U $VV H VVP H Q W &RXQVHOLQJ

'DQLHO *ROGVWHLQ 3K' /LFHQVHG 3V\FKRORJLVW GDQ#QDVKYLOOHSV\FK FRP

ZZZ QDVKYLOOHSV\FK FRP +DUGLQJ 3LNH 6XLWH 1DVKYLOOH 71 60 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

Nashville Jewish Social Justice Roundtable Contacts: Irwin Venick and Avi Poster jsjrnashville@gmail.com

T

he Nashville Jewish Social Justice Roundtable (NJSJR) is an independent, non-partisan Jewish voice for progressive views on social justice issues including poverty, affordable housing, education, mass incarceration, employment and voting rights primarily focused on local and state concerns. Formed in 2016 and open to all members of the Jewish community, the NJSJR stands on the Jewish moral values of mishpat (justice for all); tzedakah (social justice); gemilut hesedim (acts of loving kindness) and rahamim (compassion for those in need). Our mission is to advocate in support of solutions to problems that will advance the principles of democratic pluralism, religious freedom and economic justice. When appropriate, NJSJR takes positions on specific social

justice issues and encourages its members to advocate for those positions by contacting civic leaders and others via email and telephone, being sure to let them know that the opinion expressed is from this Nashville Jewish organization. At other times, NJSJR will join with groups in the broader Nashville community to strengthen advocacy for social justice issues. NJSJR also sponsors membership meetings to educate its members and the larger Jewish community about timely concerns. Over time NJSJR plans to affiliate with national Jewish social justice organizations to better educate its members and the greater Nashville Jewish community on national issues of specific local and state concern. As NJSJR is primarily concerned about local and state social justice issues, it does not address issues involving Israel or the Middle East. Anyone interested in joining or learning more about NJSJR can contact the group by email at jsjrnashville@gmail. com or call Avi Poster at (615) 414-2396 or Irwin Venick at (615) 390-6689. •

LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO TAKE YOU IN A NEW DIRECTION? 30 Burton Hills Blvd. Suite 300 Nashville, TN 37215

615-665-9200

www.robinsins.com

Robins Insurance Agency, Inc.

Business Card D i r e c t o r y

YOUR GUIDE TO FINE BUSINESSES AND SERVICES AROUND MUSIC CITY. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS, THEY’RE THE BEST!

615.356.3242 EXT. 299

Please support the businesses that advertise in the Observer and help support our community in all ways! Make sure to let them know...you saw their ad here!

The Jewish Observer of Nashville is online at www.JewishObserverNashville.org The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 61

I value the friendships I’ve made cooking for other people and the joy you bring to me.

GOLDIE SHEPARD CATERER

Catering for all your occasions

356-2472 or 305-9438

62 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

$ -RHO *OXFN ''6 06 -RQDWKDQ *OXFN ''6 06' 6SHFLDOLVWV LQ 2UWKRGRQWLFV 'LSORPDWH $PHULFDQ %RDUG RI 2UWKRGRQWLFV

5LFKDUG -RQHV 5RDG 6XLWH $ 1DVKYLOOH 71 3KRQH ZZZ GUJOXFN FRP

RESOURCES

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

S

ince 1979 the Annette Levy Ratkin Archives has collected the records of the families, businesses and institutions of the Jewish communities of Middle Tennessee, which began in the mid-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 of Nashville and Middle Tennessee), 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, 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,â€? 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 format, it can be purchased from the archives for $10 plus postage. The archives assisted in the production of “Bagels & Barbeque, the Jewish Experience in Tennessee,â€? 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 seek 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. •

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

W

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, fiction, 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. •

Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee at

www.jewishnashville.org

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 63

RESOURCES books have been mailed to children in more than 200 communities around the world. 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Thanks to the support of its Nashville, TN 37205 partners – the Nashville Jewish Federation, Akiva School, pjlibrary.org the Gordon Jewish Community pjourway.org Center, Micah Children’s AcadFacebook: PJ Library of emy, The Temple Preschool Nashville and Middle and West End Synagogue Men’s Tennessee Club, PJ Library is able to provide children not only with books but Nili Friedman, coordinator also with Jewish themed monthly PJLibrary@nashvillejcc.org programs as well. Some of our (615) 473-1011 programs include: • Apple picking on a farm for he PJ Library is not a Rosh Hashana physical library but rath• Making various projects out er a program where Jewof real clay ish children ages 6 months to • Peace, Love, Havdalah 8 years can receive high qual• Library Pete Story Time for ity Jewish children’s books and Children go on a tractor ride at an apple farm at the PJ Pickin’ Party. the Birthday of the Trees music each month for free. An • Learning about Jewish sports affiliated program, PJ Our Way, Foundation and the Jewish not make those moments Jewheroes at a Nashville Predaoffers children ages 9-11 the Federation of Nashville and ish moments?” By providing tors game opportunity of choosing their Middle Tennessee. families with high-quality JewWe are always looking for own Jewish books each month. Knowing that families read ish children’s books, PJ Library new ideas for programs, so please The affiliated programs are together at bedtime in their PJs, helps families explore the time- share any ideas you have. And if made possible by a partnership the program’s founder, Harold less core values of Judaism. To you are not yet receiving books SPTZ-21OB GuideToJewishNash_3_7.5x4.875 1:10 PM Page 1 between theGuideToJewishNash_3_7.5x4.875_SPTZ-21OB Harold Grinspoon Grinspoon, reasoned, “Why date, more than 11/15/16 five million or emails, please sign up. •

PJ Library

T

Sprintz offers professional interior design services. From one room to an entire house - we can help you with all of your design needs. Call today to schedule an appointment with a Sprintz Interior Design specialist.

Nashville: 325 White Bridge Pike (615) 352-5912 (Mattress Center 350-1316)

sprintz.com

Cool Springs: 1965 Mallory Lane (615) 236-1700 (Mattress Center 350-1421)

Fine Furniture • Rug Gallery • Leather Gallery • Casual Dining • Recliner Gallery • Home Office Kids’ Furniture • Mattress Center • Accessories • PLUS Interior Design Service

Thanks for all your support. – The Sprintz Family 64 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

RESOURCES

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

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana

• Educational outreach • Trips to the 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 •

Advertise in The Observer

Reach thousands of readers in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area by taking advantage of this cost-effective way to reach a loyal repeat audience! To place your professional listing, contact Advertising Manager Carrie Mills at (615) 354-1699 or carrie@nashvillejcc.org

IT’S HARD. WE GET IT.

O

ne of the oldest and most recognized organizations 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 efforts include: • Educator programs • Teacher workshops and fellowships • Customized classroom resources • Loaned literature

Caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s or Dementia can be challengeing, to say the least. Life changes day to day, even hour to hour. At Barton House, we’re here—with full time residency, respite, an active support group and many shoulders to lean on.

M E M O R Y

C A R E

A S S I S T E D

L I V I N G

6961 US-70S, Nashville, TN 37221 | 615.673.6922 www.bartonhousetn.com a6SHFLDOL]LQJ LQ $O]KHLPHU¶V 'HPHQWLD 2YHU <HDUVa

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 65

RESOURCES

MARSHALL-DONNELLY-COMBS FUNERAL HOME

327-1111

For Over 150 years, our dedication to service and personal attention has made us the premier choice of families in our community. Our staff is dedicated to compassionately supporting your family before, during and after the loss of your loved one.

201 25th Ave North (at Centennial Park) Nashville, Tennessee 37203

P‹ YĄ‹ò˜ Slow Sm o k e d

UNJ\[

t #FFG #SJTLFU t 5VSLFZ #SFBTU t $IJDLFO #SFBTU t 5SBEJUJPOBM ##2 .FBUT

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

N

ot for scholars only! Va n d e r b i l t ’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

Thanks, Nashville ... For voting us Best Mediterranean Restaurant for 2004, 2005 & 2006

LcWW[NIOZWUI I(WUN[\aTNI3QMN[

#cWW[N aW]Z WOONZ

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. •

0GG "OZ 4BOEXJDI 0GG "OZ 'BNJMZ 1BDL %BJMZ 4QFDJBMT

We think the world of you, too!

7NI$NTQ^NZ J 3XNLQJTQbQVPIQVI"ZQ[SN\

>OP[L )YPKNL 9VHK )LOPUK +HS[Z ‹ +PJRL`Z 'NTHPS JVT

Mon-Thurs 11-8pm • Fri & Sat 11-9pm Closed Sunday • BYOB Green Hills • 3764 Hillsboro Road, Phone: 383-8700 • Fax: 383-8788

ª %JDLFZ T #BSCFDVF 3FTUBVSBOUT *OD 0GGFS FYQJSFT

USA FREE

F OOD FOOD

%

& !" " ! ' " " !

$ " # %%%

20% off FIRST DRY FOOD ORDER

20LCL14

615-986-9285

www.DeliverMyPetFood.com 66 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 67

I like to come here, Fran z. As I have for nearly twenty years now.

And the rose bush has turned into a lovely little tree.

Quality and Craftsmanship Since 1928 I never had such a green thumb as you did, Franz. Probably you helped me there a little bit, don’t you think? And if one of the roots reaches down to you,

then that means a little bit of you is in the blossoms and you can see the summer every year. The people who run the cemetery said that the rose bush can stay when the lease on the plot runs out.

Hebrew lettering included. Compliments of All Seasons

ALL SEASONS MEMORIALS 6014 Lenox Avenue Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.356.0738

68 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

Our philosophy for 3 generations has been to make each memorial the best way we know how. We find that it still takes the hands of a skilled craftsman to produce a monument that will be everlasting.

Nashville's Only Certified Memorialist and Member of AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF COMMEMORATIVE ART Hunt Memorials, Inc. 4807 Gallatin Rd.

Nashville, TN 37216 262-1313 262-1313

www.huntmemorials.com

Guide to Jewish Nashville

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANTS Cathy Werthan, CPA, PFS CPA Consulting Group, PLLC Providing traditional tax and accounting services in a non-traditional way 109 Kenner Ave., Suite 100 (615) 322-1225 • www.cpacg.com

ADVERTISING 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 Your Total Design Center Lighting • Appliances • Kitchens Baths • Hardware • Plumbing 615-843-3300 www.hermitagelighting.com

ATTORNEY LISA B. FORBERG, ESQ Practical Legal Solutions that Preserve Your Assets and Protect Your Privacy

FORBERG LAW OFFICE A Collaborative Approach to Divorce & Family Law 1612 Westgate Circle #220 Brentwood, TN 37027 615-767-5930 www.forberg-law.com 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

BALLOON DECOR PARTY ANIMALS Balloon Decor & Entertainment 615-941-3177 www.PartyAnimalsTN.com

CARE GIVER FAMILY STAFFING SOLUTIONS, INC Stay Independent*At Home*In Charge® ‘Personal Care Assistance At Its Best” 2000 Richard Jones Road Nashville, TN 37215 615-383-5656 208 Uptown Square Murfreesboro, TN 37129 615-848-6774 119 McGrew Street, Suite A Shelbyville, TN 37160 931-680-2771 309 North Jackson St. Tullahoma, TN 37388 931-222-4080 109 Holiday Court, Suite C-8 Franklin, TN 37067 615-472-1563 www.familystaffing.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

INSURANCE JAMES A. ROTHBERG ADAM ROTHBERG James A. Rothberg & Associates Office: 615-997-1833 Fax: 615-665-1300 1 Burton Hills Blvd. Suite 220 Email: jrothberg@jarinsurance.com info@jarinsurance.com 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 Diane Sacks Auto, Home, Life, Health, Business, Long Term Care, Identity Theft Protection 6213 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209 615-356-1700 www.zanderins.com

OPHTHALMOLOGIST HOWARD ROSENBLUM, M.D. Eye Physician & Surgeon Nashville Eye Center St. Thomas Hospital • Ph. 386-9200

OPTOMETRIST DR. MICHELE SONSINO Optique Eyecare & Eyewear 2817 West End Ave., Nashville 615-321-4EYE (4393)

YOUR HOME HANDYMAN Rich Adler, Small Job Specialists. Free estimates, Excellent references. 615-646-4900 or 615-972-3093 cell Natcheztrace100@aol.com

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 69

Guide to Jewish Nashville

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY ORTHODONTISTS

REAL ESTATE

A. JOEL GLUCK, DDS, MS JONATHAN GLUCK, DDS, MSD Specialist in Orthodontics Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics Green Hills 269-5903 2002 Richard Jones Road, Ste. A-200 www.drgluck.com

PRINTING & SIGNS 1DVKYLOOH 'RZQWRZQ

More than fast. More than signs® Fastsigns.com/2098 (615) 647-8500 Email: 2098@fastsigns.com

www.Zeitlin.com

Residential & Relocation Specialists JESSICA AVERBUCH, CEO Managing Broker, ABR, CRS, ePRO 383-0183 (bus.) • 294-9880 (cell) jessica.averbuch@zeitlin.com www.jessicaaverbuch.com Local Expertise...Global Exposure!

Jackie Roth Karr, REALTOR www.JackieKarr.com JackieKarr@gmail.com Mobile: 615.330.9779 Office: 615.463.3333

®

LORNA M. GRAFF Broker, GRI, CRS, ABR 371-0185 (bus.) • 351-5343 (cell) lorna.graff@zeitlin.com www.lornagraff.com NAN SPELLER Broker, GRI, ABR 383-0183 (bus.) • 973-1117 (cell) nanspeller2014@gmail.com

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT GHERTNER & COMPANY Homeowner Association and Condominium Management Full Service and Financial Management Property Management since 1968 255-8531 www.ghertner.com

PSYCHOTHERAPY & COUNSELING

Patricia Straus, MBA, Broker, CRS RE/MAX Elite Marketing Real Estate to a Global Clientele www.PatriciaStraus.com patricia@patriciastraus.com O: 615.661.4400 M: 615.305.8465

IRA HELDERMAN, PhD, LPC Psychotherapy for Individuals, Adolescents and Couples Please contact: 615-473-4815 or ira.p.helderman@vanderbilt.edu

Advertise in our Professional Services Directory Reach thousands of readers in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area by taking advantage of this cost-effective way to reach a loyal repeat audience! Call Carrie Mills,Advertising Manager to place your professional listing. Phone 615-354-1699 or e-mail carrie@nashvillejcc.org

70 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

Franklin Pargh and Lana Pargh Synergy Realty Network synergyrealtynetwork.com Franklin’s cell: 615-351-7333 Email: fpargh@me.com Lana’s cell: 615-504-2685 Email: lanapargh@gmail.com

SPORTING GOODS TEAM NASHVILLE Your Running/Walking Swimming Headquarters 3205 West End Ave. Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 383-0098

0':6 61 +6 #.. 5'%10& 61 010' Hilton Nashville Downtown, a AAAA Four-Diamond hotel nestled in the heart of “Music City� presents the only all-suites full service luxury hotel in downtown Nashville. Experience chic and modern upgrades to all 330 guest suites, atrium lobby, grand ballroom, meeting rooms, and landmark executive lounge.

For additional information visit nashvilledowntown.hilton.com or call +1 615 620 1000 and book today!

*+.610 0#5*8+..' &1906190

ÂŁĂ“ÂŁ ÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŒÂ… Ć‚Ă›iÂ˜Ă•i -ÂœĂ•ĂŒÂ… N >ĂƒÂ…Ă›ÂˆÂ?Â?i] / N ĂŽĂ‡Ă“ä£ N ³£ ĂˆÂŁx ĂˆĂ“ä £äää N ˜>ĂƒÂ…Ă›ÂˆÂ?Â?i`ÂœĂœÂ˜ĂŒÂœĂœÂ˜°Â…ˆÂ?ĂŒÂœÂ˜°Vœ“

CASUAL CHIC DINING TRATTORIA IL MULINO NASHVILLE

5(:/=033,Âť: ,30;, +0505. =,5<, 1 6 0 5 < : - 6 9 3 < 5 * / ( 5 + + 0 5 5 , 9

3 5 , 9 $ 7 ( ( 9 ( 1 7 6 3 $ & ( $ 9 $ , / $ % / (

-0-;/ (=,5<, :6<;/ 36*(;,+ (; /03;65 5(:/=033, +6>5;6>5 9 , : , 9 =(; 0 6 5 : ; 9 (; ; 6 9 0 ( 0 3 4 < 3 0 5 6 5 ( : / = 0 3 3 , * 6 4

The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017 • 71

72 • The Guide to Jewish Nashville 2017

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.