The Observer Vol. 90 No. 1 – January 2025

Jewish OBSERVER

Michelle Biesman Named 2024/25 Sandy Averbuch Young Leader

By BARBARA DAB

Michelle Biesman is what is often referred to in Nashville as a unicorn, that rare native born and raised in the local Jewish community. Her legacy includes her parents and grandparents, as well as her education at Akiva and involvement in BBYO and NCSY chapters. “What my family did was show us what it all meant. I remember at Akiva I started to realize that feeling of being part of something larger than yourself,” she says, “I yearned for that when I went to Harpeth Hall which is a secular environment.” And by the time she joined BBYO she was “all in,” with stints on the board, the regional board, and the summer programs.

Michelle left Nashville to attend the University of Chicago where she became active in the Hillel chapter. She held many roles and is currently a member of the Executive Board. Following college, she moved to Minnesota and a Jewish community that was not as welcoming as she would have liked. “It was not very transplant friendly and that really shifted my mentality. Even though I am a Nashville native, how can I make this a welcoming place for everyone.”

Inspiration comes from her grandmother, Irma Kaplan, the first woman president of the Gordon Jewish Community Center. “The first call I made was to my grandmother.” In later

Continued on page 15

Faith in Action: The Red Tent Fund and the Fight for Reproductive Justice

By BARBARA DAB

M

ore than half of women of reproductive age enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP live in states that ban assistance coverage for abortion, with very rare exceptions. And about half of those women are women of color. That is according to the National Council of Jewish Women. At a recent event for the local chapter of NCJW, Allison Tombros Korman, founder of The Red Tent Fund, assisting those who need care is a fundamental Jewish value. “For me, Tikkun Olam needs to be more than just repairing a broken world. It needs to be about being proactive in preventing those things in need of repair from hap-

pening in the first place.”

Korman founded the Red Tent Fund following the terrorist attacks of October 7th. At the time she was working for the DC Abortion Fund and found herself the target of what she says is antisemitic conduct by staff and board members, something she says is becoming widespread throughout other abortion fund across the country. “After October 7th, I was the only Jewish person on staff, there were no Jewish board members and my colleagues, and the board members were really insistent that the DC Abortion Fund say something about what was happening in Gaza.”

Her view that donors were mostly

focused on funding local abortions, rather than advocating for what she says are geopolitical issues, was largely ignored. So she pushed for acknowledgement that as a reproductive justice organization, it was necessary to also recognize the sexual violence carried out on October 7th. The response at that point was swift and dramatic. “Over those few weeks between October 7th and when I resigned in mid-November I was pushed out of the organization by my colleagues. People would not speak to me because I didn’t adhere to their perspective on what was happening in the Middle East.”

Korman explains the concept of reproductive justice was developed about 30 years ago by Black woman activists that asserted that justice itself, rather than simply health, means that peo-

Continued on page 18

Vanderbilt University to Host “We Are Here” on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

By BARBARA DAB

For one night only, Vanderbilt University’s Ingram Hall will be alive with music created in the ghettos of Europe and the Nazi concentration camps.

We Are Here: Songs from the Holocaust is being presented on January 27th in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day and will feature performances of music once believed to have been lost forever.

The concert was conceived and created by Chicago based musician and producer Ira Antelis who was inspired by the late Elie Wiesel to continue giving voice to those lost during the Holocaust.

“When I was growing up Elie Wiesel was the fixture of anything related to the Holocaust. And when he died the first question that entered my mind was, ‘Who becomes the voice for all of us to talk about the Holocaust?’”

As Antelis read more about Wiesel, he discovered an article that described Wiesel’s love for music and referenced a forward he’d written for a book called We Are Here about the music created in the ghettos and camps. A lifelong composer, musician, and producer who works in a multitude of genres, Antelis was surprised

to learn of this music. He tracked down the book and began dreaming up ideas for a concert.

Antelis connected with a friend, David Mendelson, who is also from Chicago and a Vanderbilt alum. What came next was a collaboration between two good friends to bring the concert to life. Mendelson says the two formed a small organization to engage with Temple Sholom, the largest Reform congregation in Chicago, the Illinois Holocaust Educational Center, and a couple of other Jewish organizations. The concert was scheduled to be performed at Temple Sholom, but the Covid19 pandemic forced its cancellation.

Antelis did not give up his dream of eventually producing the music. After about a year and a half when Covid started to die down, Mendelson called Antelis to begin planning again. Antelis says, “I was researching, and I found another article about a group of songbooks called The 14 Shoah Songooks and I thought, ‘Now I know what I want to do. I want to find those songbooks and do a song form each songbook in memory of the writers and tell the story of the songs.’”

Mendelson says, “We got everyone

back together and put the concert on. And we had no idea how many people we were going to get, and we ended up filling 1,000 seats.” And it was a mere two days later when Antelis called Mendelson back with yet another idea. “He says, ‘David, I got two words for you: Carnegie Hall,’” says Mendelson. So, off the two went to plan for a Carnegie Hall concert. The one night only performance sold out with 2500 people.

Not long after that momentous concert, Mendelson found himself in Nashville for a speaking engagement, while also visiting Vanderbilt with his daughter. During that visit, Mendelson remembered the early days of Vanderbilt’s Holocaust Lecture Series and thought it would be a good fit. He called Antelis and pitched the idea of doing the concert as part of the series.

Eventually Mendelson connected with Darren Reisberg, senior counsellor to the Chancellor at Vanderbilt. Both of them thought the concert would be a natural fit for the Dialogue Vanderbilt program. Reisberg says, “The University is honored to host the tremendously powerful and moving We Are Here

Continued on page 15

Michelle Biesman to receive the 2024/25 Sandy Averbuch Young Leader Award.

Allison Tombros Korman is founder and Executive Director of The Red Tent Fund

Community Relations Committee

JCRC Update: Bridging Divides: Black-Jewish Solidarity in the Face of Rising Tensions

By DEBORAH OLESHANSKY

Reports and articles detailing disturbing and frightening incidents of stress, hostility and in some cases violence between Black and Jewish communities in New York have been in the news for some time. These tensions reached a boiling point in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks. A new documentary, All God’s Children, was produced to explore the racism and antisemitism underlying this situation. It attempts to heal some of the hurt, tension and division resulting from this unprecedented level of animosity.

The documentary is described this way:

“In an unprecedented attempt to heal centuries of racism and antisemitism and combat the rising racial and ethnic tension in their Brooklyn communities, the largest reform synagogue and the oldest black Baptist Church attempt to unite their congregations and bring about peace, by becoming family. Shot over five years by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ondi Timoner, ALL GOD’S CHILDREN follows her sister, activist Rabbi Rachel Timoner, and her Congregation Beth Elohim’s partnership with Reverend Dr Robert Waterman of Antioch Baptist Church as their faith is put to the test, and both congregations struggle not to let their differences drive them apart. Though it’s a fraught partnership,

they refuse to walk away, no matter how hard it gets, and ultimately emerge with an inspiring model for how other communities might build bridges across religious, economic and class divides to foster enduring, powerful partnerships.”

The work of developing and securing relationships across differences is challenging, but essential to the work of addressing antisemitism. On a local level, we endeavor to build and maintain the connections between different communities based on joint interests, and these personal and positive relationships are a key component of being proactive rather than reactive in combatting antisemitism. We are far less likely to hate, distrust, or attack those with whom we have a personal connection, and having an open relationship is critical to forging the critical, and sometimes challenging, conversations that are necessary to creating an environment of respect and trust.

Last year, we partnered with Urban League of Middle Tennessee to highlight and celebrate an exhibit at the Tennessee State Museum: Building a Bright Future: Rosenwald Schools in Tennessee. The Rosenwald Schools were a collaboration

Campaign Update

By JASON SPARKS

As we start 2025, the first thing that I am holding is a sense of gratitude. This year we received more gifts from more people than we have since before the pandemic. We also regained a record number of lapsed donors, even though there are still more people out there that we need to connect with in the new year. I am very proud of how many donors were kind enough to increase their gifts to help us meet the challenges that we have faced and to further enrich our communal life. And one last piece I am humbled by is how many first-time donors to our Israel Crisis Fund made the decision to become regular donors to our 2024 Annual Campaign after seeing the work we have been doing to support

Jewish life here in Nashville. So, thank you to everyone who supported our work, and more importantly our entire Jewish community.

And it isn’t just about the Annual Campaign. As an organization, we must begin thinking bigger and embracing the co ncept of “Total Financial Resource Development” or “Total FRD.” This is the concept that, while the Annual Campaign is still very important, our revenue sources are more than just that. For example, our Jewish Community Foundation holds hundreds of funds and is currently valued at $45 million. And while there are many wonderful foundations in our city, there’s only one that is managed by and specifically for Jewish Nashville. The more individuals who transfer their funds to our Foundation

between the Jewish businessman, Julius Rosenwald, and the Black educator, Booker T. Washington. Together these gentlemen created over 5000 schools across the south to provide opportunities for Black academic excellence during a time when many Black children has not access to education. Many of these students went on to become leaders of the Civil Rights movement.

The friendship and partnership of Black and Jewish leaders, like that between Dr. Martin Luther King and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, has become ancient history in some circles, and for some, especially young people in these communities, it is all but forgotten with little left to remind people of the common bonds and common interests these groups once shared. While many have been hurt or disappointed in each other, now is not the time to turn away from these relationships but rather a time to commit to the difficult, but urgent task of forging they relationships that will guide us towards creating a local community of mutual respect which is the foundation of our safety and security.

January provides a valuable opportunity to highlight these relationships, and a way to physically stand together in honor and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, and the way he used physical action through peaceful marches to further his cause. The photos of Rabbi Heschel and Dr. King on the front lines of these marches can be both a reminder and inspiration for rebuilding and strengthening the bonds of our communities.

Dr. Martin Luther King Day will be celebrated on January 20, and JCRC will sponsor transportation for members of our community interested in participating in the march and convocation. Transportation will leave from Gordon JCC and Elmington Park.

REGISTRATION LINK:

JCRC December Activity:

• JCRC provided guidance and resources for students, families and administrators at three different private schools in Nashville dealing with incidents of antisemitism

• JCRC is a member of the Hate Crime Working Group convened by State Senator Mark Pody, to propose state legislation to address issues of antisemitism and other hate crimes. Once this proposed legislation is finalized, we will advocate for its successful passage.

• JCRC continues to work in an ongoing partnership with Mayor O’Connell and Metro Council to address antisemitism in our city.

• JCRC assisted in working with the Predators organization on Jewish Community Night with the Preds. In its second year this program shines a light on our local Jewish community during a Predators game. This year, Cantor Josh Goldberg, Congregation Micah, sang the national anthem and Cantor Tracy Fishbein entertained during the pregame party and she and Deborah Oleshansky served as Fan Captains during the game. •

or establish designated funds, the greater our capacity to take on impactful projects. Best of all, these contributions directly benefit and remain within our community.

Our Life and Legacy program has helped many of our partner agencies build a plan of legacy giving that has already realized $1.7 million and has the potential to have millions of dollars flow in over the years to sustain our institutions through the generations. There are still many eligible members of our community who we have a duty to connect with through our partner agencies, help them build a plan to create enduring legacies, and ensure that those agencies have a sustainability plan in place to continue that work into the future.

Senior Move Management Services

“Always the right move.

Corporate giving is another area of support outside of our Annual Campaign that has a major impact on the work that we do. When I speak to my peers around the country, they are constantly in awe of the growth of Jewish Nashville, but also the growth of our business community. We have so many opportunities to create partnerships that will allow us to help those companies to better support their Jewish employees while also helping our community as well.

Stewardship of our donors is also a very important part of our work. I’ve

had deep, meaningful conversations with community members who despite limited means, have given more because they know it is so important to fund the work we are doing in these times. I’ve spoken to donors who have raked me over the coals for mistakes they have perceived that we have made, and I have been grateful for those conversations. Because it is far easier to walk away silently than to speak up to try and fix what is wrong; and feedback is a gift. I have been deeply grateful for members of our community that have built philanthropic legacies for many generations who have reached out to give advice and tell their stories. And it has been so rewarding to weave in folks that are new to our fair city to our great history and help them to begin their own new Jewish Nashville stories. I’m very excited to see what we will achieve as an organization in this new year. It’s not just about being prepared for whatever happens to our community locally or abroad, while that is a very important role we play, our most important goal is to be able to support our entire community, regardless of ideology or politics. My partners at Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville are deeply committed to see our mishpacha not just sustained, but thriving. And with the help of all of us working together, we will. •

A Note from the Publisher of The Jewish Observer

Iwant to take this opportunity to advise our loyal readers of an important addition to our “Editorial Submissions Policy and Deadlines” which appears each month in The Jewish Observer. Effective with the February 2025 edition of The Jewish Observer, Letters to the Editor will be limited to 250 words or less. Additionally, each letter that is submitted will be limited to not more than two signatories and will be subject to review by The Jewish Observer Editorial Board. Submitted letters must contain the email addresses of the authors that will be printed along with the letter. As is our current policy, submitted letters will be published at the

Opinion

discretion of The Jewish Observer which reserves the right to edit submissions.

In order to preserve the limited space we have for Letters to the Editor, rebuttals or comments to previously published letters will only be considered for publication in the month immediately following the original Letter to the Editor that is the subject of the rebuttal or comment. In order to allow for the greatest range of letters to be published, no further rebuttal or comment letters will be published in connection with the original letter or rebuttal letters.

I also want to advise you of a clarification to Opinion (Op-Ed) submissions. Op-Eds will be limited to 650 words or

less and, as with Letters to the Editor, will be limited to two authors. Op-Ed submissions are subject to review by the Editorial Board and will be published at the discretion of The Jewish Observer which reserves the right to edit submissions.

I want to also remind our readers and those who submit letters and op-eds that The Jewish Observer maintains a commitment to principles of civility that is reflected in a statement adopted by the Jewish Federation of Great Nashville and most of its member agencies and congregations in June of 2011; “Even when we disagree, we listen to each other without threats of reprisal, and we treat all with decency, honor and

mutual respect.”

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank our Editor, Barbara Dab and the members of The Jewish Observer Editorial Board, Chair Dr. Frank Boehm, Teena Cohen and Scott Rosenberg for all the time and effort they invest every month to maintain the quality and integrity of The Jewish Observer. It is largely due to all of them that The Jewish Observer has become a highly valued and award-winning publication. •

Mark S. Freedman, Publisher The Jewish Observer markfreedman51@gmail.com 615-354-1660

Defending Our Homeland: The Core of Jewish Values

By RABBI MARK SCHIFTAN AND BERNIE PARGH

“If someone comes to kill you, get up in the morning to kill him first.” This is what the Talmud teaches us.

If we are going to delineate a list of Jewish values, the act of the self preservation of the Jewish people would most certainly top that list.

If we are to mourn the loss of innocent life, we ought to begin with the nearly one thousand Jewish boys and girls — the brave soldiers who have who have perished in the defense of our homeland and our people.

Publisher Mark Freedman

Editor Barbara Dab

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The Jewish OBSERVER

If we are going to speak of Jewish values, let us begin by the value of parents and children — forced to say kaddish for those fallen heroes.

Two recent letters to the editor ignore this preeminent and primary Jewish value: the right and responsibility for Jews to legitimately defend themselves and their ancestral homeland.

The first letter takes issue with the “assumptions (we) made about what fuels terrorist ac-tivity and how to stop it.”

We agree with the author’s suggestion that to get to the “roots of the conflict” the “ideologies behind the organizations” must be addressed.

Indeed, it is the ideological mandate of the perpetrators, burned into their written

Corrections Policy

charter, the UNWRA school materials and lauded by relatives of suicide bombers, that drives this unending conflict. With the support of their elected leadership, the Palestinians have made it unambiguously clear that their commitment, for however long it takes, is to wipe Israel and its Jews off the map.

In the aftermath of October 7th, how should Israel commit to its physical and existential survival when its selfavowed enemies want them dead?

We indeed “agree that we need to do everything in our power to protect innocent life, and especially young children…” When civilians in north Gaza were prevented by Hamas from evacuating after being warned by the IDF in advance of its strike, what more should be re-quired either by universally accepted rules of engagement or Jewish law?

even though in the face of many many years and virtually one-sided efforts to live in peace with its bordering enemies, it remains true that the relevant “Jewish value” in this war is self preservation. Are we to understand from the writer’s “Jewish values” argument that the Israeli military should be held to a higher standard than any other country’s military? If so, then the politi-cal forces aligned against Israel will be rewarded with an IDF commanded to protect its country with at least one hand tied behind its back.

As we stated in our piece, the current war started by Hamas on October 7 was not about any Israeli policy, leader or absence of a declared “Palestinian state”. It was and always has been the ideological driving force behind those who refuse to accept Jews living and thriving in their ancestral homeland; the sole Jewish state in the world.

Editorial Submissions Policy and Deadlines

The Jewish Observer welcomes the submission of information, news items, feature stories and photos about events relevant to the Jewish community of Greater Nashville. We prefer e-mailed submissions, which should be sent as Word documents to Editor Barbara Dab at barbaradab@jewishnashville.org. Photos must be high resolution (at least 300 dpi) and should be attached as jpegs to the e-mail with the related news item or story. For material that cannot be e-mailed, submissions should be sent to Barbara Dab, The Jewish Observer, 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite 102, Nashville TN 37205. Photos and copy sent by regular mail will not be returned unless prior arrangement is made. Publication is at the discretion of The Observer, which reserves the right to edit submissions.

To ensure publication, submissions must arrive by the 15th of the month prior to the intended month of publication.

The Jewish Observer is committed to making corrections and clarifications promptly. To request a correction or clarification, call Editor Barbara Dab at (615) 354-1653 or email her at barbaradab@jewishnashville.org Founded in 1934 by

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When Hamas embeds itself in schools, mosques and hospitals, is it Israel’s fault that Pal-estinian lives are lost in the defense of the State of Israel. Enough is enough. Israel did not start the war in Gaza, nor anywhere else. But Israel is obligated to finish it.

It must be wonderful to question a country fighting for her very survival from the comfort and security of a distance of ten thousand miles.

A second letter likewise took issue with the fact that in the writer’s opinion, our opinion did not track “Jewish values“

Jews living in relative safety in the diaspora (as in, we are not yet being rounded up or re-sponding to missile attacks), who insist that Jewish values of tikkun olam and pikuach nefesh must dominate Israel’s wartime actions miss the most critical point: Israel is en-gaged in a war for its very survival. It must respond to the realities of the region, We owe our loyalties to those who have fallen, and to those who still defend the dream and reality of the Jewish homeland. •

Life & Legacy Update

By NORMA SHIRK, LIFE & LEGACY™ COMMUNITY COORDINATOR

On January 28, 2025, our community will celebrate eight years of participating in the LIFE & LEGACY™ program and we will honor the donors who are no longer with us. Over the past eight years, 418 individuals have pledged gifts to local Jewish organizations with an estimated value exceeding $26,000,000. More than $1.7 million has already been received by the participating organizations.

“We are blessed with hundreds of caring volunteers who want to be a part of ‘L’dor v’dor,” said Howard Safer, a long-time volunteer in the program. “LIFE & LEGACY provides a very effi-

cient and effective approach to make Nashville’s Jewish Community more sustainable for the next 120 years”. The Nashville Jewish community joined the LIFE & LEGACY program in 2017. “We became aware of the Life & Legacy program by learning of the very positive experiences of other Jewish Federations that were already participating from prior years,” stated Mark Freedman, Interim Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Director at the time our community joined the program. “We expressed our interest to the Harold Grinspoon Foundation who invited us to complete an extensive application process, and we were ultimately accepted into the program.”

Continued on page 6

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Shlicha Corner

Different Views, Same Coffee: Let’s Talk About It

By ZIV SHEMESH, COMMUNITY SHLICHA

“What do you think about the genocide in Palestine?” a woman asked me after hearing me speak Hebrew.

At first, I was shocked by her directness, but I seized this opportunity with both hands to engage in an honest and courageous conversation. I invited her to sit and talk with me about it, share my experiences, and listen to her opinions. Perhaps she could teach me something, and maybe I could teach her something too.

In the very first line of my response — where I said, “You can’t explain this in a single sentence,” I felt I had already lost her because the moment she realized I didn’t share her perspective, she ended the conversation and walked away.

What disturbed me most about this situation wasn’t that she left, but the fact that she is a teacher. She educates our children to be intolerant of opinions different from their own and only to voice their own views.

“The greatest danger to our future is not disagreement, but disengagement.”

– Barack Obama

In his book A Passion for a People: Lessons from the Life of a Jewish Educator, Avraham Infeld talks about educational moments.

Education arises from encounters - unexpected moments when a person confronts something that challenges their previous worldview or expectations. These encounters, whether with ideas, people, or situations, generate a sense of discomfort and raise questions.

Learning is a linear and structured process where a person gradually acquires knowledge. It begins with foundational elements and builds upon them with layers of facts and information, all organized in a logical sequence that leads to mastery of the subject matter, tailored to the learner’s developmental stage.

Education, on the other hand, is a deeper, emotional process that is not centered on acquiring knowledge alone. It involves attaching emotions to concepts, cultivating beliefs, and shaping lifestyles rooted in those beliefs. Unlike the organized nature of learning,

This discomfort, coupled with the paradoxes that emerge from such encounters, drives profound reflection and leads to new insights about the world. These insights, in turn, influence the individual’s worldview and behavior. The key to the educational process lies in attentiveness – the ability to notice what is happening around us –and awareness of the paradoxes born from these encounters. Thus, education is not a technical process of acquiring information but an experiential, emotional, and meaningful engagement that leads to deep transformations in a person and their approach to the world.

I experienced such a moment recently.

I met Omar, a Muslim Bedouin, on a rappelling trip organized by a mutual friend to bring together Jews and Bedouins. The connection was immediate. As we walked toward the stream, I told him about my plans to travel to Greece. When I mentioned

that a friend had canceled and I had an extra ticket, he joked about joining me. Half-seriously, I replied, “Yalla” (let’s go in Arabic)

Was I making a terrible mistake by traveling with a man I barely knew, or was this a brave and adventurous decision?

After we both said we were serious, we met again to ensure it would work. He invited me to visit the school where he works, which integrates Jewish and Muslim youth. If you’ve never experienced Arab hospitality, you haven’t truly experienced good hospitality.

Two weeks later, we found ourselves on a flight to Greece.

Shaul Tchernichovsky, the renowned Jewish poet, once said, “Man is but the imprint of his native landscape.”

Though we come from the same country, separated by just a two-hour drive, our landscapes and worlds are vastly different. We rented a car and spent countless hours navigating the winding roads of Greece, using the time to delve into conversations that opened windows into each other’s inner worlds.

We spoke of dreams and worldviews, contrasting Bedouin culture with Jewish culture, the arid south of the country with the bustling center.

By the end of the week, we had arrived at a profound realization: despite our differences, we have so much in common. We discovered that it is not only possible to live together in this land but also to do so with joy and mutual respect.

However, we couldn’t compromise on one thing: how much sugar belongs

in coffee. In my opinion, black coffee should never be sweetened — period!

In his book The Dignity of Difference, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks writes that God created difference, which is sacred, beautiful, and worthy of a place in our lives.

I invite you to embrace meaningful encounters in your life — to engage in open conversations about our differences. Let’s start with something simple: you and me, sitting together over a cup of coffee, exploring our worldviews on any topic. Let’s talk about what the word “Israel” means to you and me. No topic is off-limits if there’s mutual respect and a willingness to listen.

Beyond that, I invite you not only to talk about Israel but also to see it.

From June 5–12, we’re organizing an unforgettable journey for volunteers aged 18–40. Over the course of 8 days, participants will work in agriculture and logistics in the mornings and immerse themselves in authentic Israeli culture in the evenings.

Feel what it’s like to land and instantly feel at home. Soak in the vibrant energy of Tel Aviv and the profound intensity of Jerusalem. I’d love for you to join this journey — or, at the very least, to meet and share a cup of coffee (unsweetened, of course). Let’s connect and start the conversation! •

To learn more about the volunteer program or to start the conversation, get in touch today.

ziv@jewishnashville.org

Tour Nashville Holocaust Memorial to Observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day

By MARSHA RAIMI

Nashville’s Holocaust Memorial invites the entire community of Nashville to a special tour of its grounds on January 27, 2025, at 2:00 pm. Docent Chair, Marsha Raimi, will highlight the experiences of her father, Saul Raimi/Betzalel Reingevirtz (z.l.), who survived over two years in Auschwitz concentration camp and a 150-kilometer death march through Germany. Approximately 125 of his family members, from two towns in Poland, were murdered. Immediately after emigrating to Israel in 1948, he fought in its War for Independence. He subsequently emigrated to suburban Detroit, Michigan where he raised his family and spoke at what is now the Zekelman Holocaust Center for twenty years. The dates of both Yom HaShoah and International Holocaust Remembrance Day are intertwined with his personal history.

The country of Israel instituted Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, in 1951, only six years after World War II ended. Most Jewish communities throughout the world, including in the United States, adopted the day as a time to commemorate the approximately six

million Jews murdered in the Holocaust by Nazi Germany and its collaborators, and to honor the Jewish resistance from 1939 to 1945. After considering several dates for the commemoration, including the start of the war (September 1st), or the day the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising began (14th of Nisan), Knesset selected the 27th of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, April 23rd in 2025, for its symbolism almost exactly between Passover and Israel Independence Day. Like many other communities in the Diaspora (outside Israel), Nashville observes Yom

HaShoah on the Sunday closest to the Hebrew date.

It wasn’t until 2005 that the United Nations passed General Assembly Resolution 60/7 to create an international memorial day. The resolution came after a special session was held earlier that year on January 24th to mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps and the end of the Holocaust. January 27th was chosen to commemorate the date when the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated by the Red (Soviet) Army in 1945. (Source: Wikipedia)

Nashville’s Holocaust Memorial, located on the grounds of the Gordon Jewish Community Center in Bellevue,

is a sacred space for remembering those who suffered during the Holocaust. The twelve Pillars of Remembrance contain names of family members who perished, as well as those who survived and subsequently lived in the Nashville area.

Holocaust Memorial Committee Chair, Felicia Anchor said, “For many of us second- and third-generation survivors, there is no cemetery we can visit to remember and honor our loved ones lost in the Shoah. The Memorial was created for this purpose; as well as to educate future generations about the dangers of antisemitism and other forms of hatred.”

To reserve your space, or ask questions, email us at NashvilleHolocaustMemorial@ gmail.com•

Saul Raimi survived the Auschwitz concentration camp and a death march through Germany before being liberated.

Nashville’s Holocaust Memorial will be the site of a special tour on January 27, 2025.

Guardians of Memory: Preserving Jewish Nashville’s Rich History

By BARBARA DAB

Tucked away in the Jewish community library at the Gordon Jewish Community Center is a treasure trove of the history of Jewish Nashville. The Annette Levy Ratkin Archive is a collection of stories, artifacts, photographs, and records dating back to 1851 when the community was founded. The archive itself was founded in 1978 by the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Educational Services committee, and was funded after Ratkin wrote a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

The archive was initially staffed by professionals from Vanderbilt University. Eventually Ratkin earned a master’s degree in library science at Peabody College and took classes at the Jewish archive in Cincinnati, and returned to become Nashville’s Jewish community archivist, a position she held until her retirement.

In 2000 Lynn Fleischer became the community librarian, managing all the Jewish community libraries. When budget cuts led to the elimination of her position, she was asked to assume the role of archivist, a job she continues to hold.

With a background in data processing and computer programming Fleischer is an unlikely archivist. After working for several years, she stopped to have children and raise a family and become what calls a “professional volunteer” for the next 20 years. By the time she was ready to return to the work force, she says everything in the computer industry had changed.

Fleischer’s friend Susan Pankowsky was the community librarian at that time and was looking for a successor. She asked Fleischer for help with the library, and it was the systematic organization that appealed to her. “Susan told me how to process books, create call numbers and do the joint catalogue, and I loved it.” The rest, as they say, is history.

Today the archives house the collections that make up the fabric of Jewish Nashville. There are record groups, which are the main organizations such as The Jewish Federation, Gordon JCC, and Jewish Family Service. The 44 manuscript collections are larger and contain the records of Congregation Sherith Israel, West End Synagogue, Congregation Micah, other organizations and several families. And finally, there are about 250 small collections, mostly from families.

When it comes to the family collections, Fleischer says they come from anyone who has ever lived in Nashville, many of whom do not live here anymore. She frequently receives calls from people who are cleaning out family homes. “This man called me recently and said his mother has a lot of material on the Rettleheimers in Nashville. So, I went to the collection to see what we had, and it was fascinating. Their history went back to the 1800s.” Fleischer says she is looking forward to adding new materials to the family’s collection.

The highlight for Fleischer is the minute books from congregation Ohava Emet, a reform temple founded in 1860. “The ledger book went with the family who had it in their possession. It was found in an art gallery by Heloise Kuhn’s daughter,” she says. She adds that the family who took it with them to Kentucky eventually allowed a child to use the book as a scrapbook, and the pages are now covered in newspaper clippings.

The archive is not only used as a repository. It also serves as a valuable resource and Fleischer has been working with interns for the last few years, one of whom began digitizing all the materials. Valeria Eadler is a PhD student at Middle Tennessee State University. She met Fleischer a few years ago while working out at the Gordon JCC. She stopped by the library to visit and the two became fast friends, leading Eadler to agree to work with Fleischer. What began as a sixmonth commitment led to a three-year deep dive into the Jewish community archive. “Lynn is so passionate about the history, and she knows so much about the Jewish families.”

Eadler says the process is painstaking and difficult but rewarding. “It’s very interesting to read about the families, especially scanning old photographs, and thinking, ‘All those people are gone.’” Eadler’s interest was piqued and she began buying books about Jewish history, going to etate sales, and visiting Jewish museums.”

In addition to digitizing the archives, Eadler says the archive has been an important tool in her own research, which focuses on the history of the Germantown neighborhood. “I tried to find some connections about the Germans and the German Jews. There were a few who lived in Germantown. And that experience was very valuable for my research.”

Another highlight of the archive is the collection of Jewish Observer newspapers dating back to its creation in 1943. Current intern Ellie Smith

is a graduate student assistant at the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU, while studying America and the Holocaust and media studies. It was while visiting the archives to research The Observer that she broached the idea of digitizing the newspaper’s microfilm. “She said the microfilm reader is not great, but I told her if there’s microfilm, we can digitize that.” Her goal is to complete the process early this year so the newspapers will be keyword searchable and accessible at the archives.

For Smith, the archives will be a valuable tool in her ongoing research into reporting about the Holocaust. “For my PhD I’m proposing to continue this research into American Jewish English language newspapers about what they were publishing during the Holocaust.”

Smith’s work led her to discover that sometime at the beginning of 1942 many of The Observer’s bylines were from a source simply labeled JPS, which stood for the independent Jewish Press Service. After some digging, Smith found similar bylines from cities around the world. “All

that exists on the independent Jewish Press Service currently is a very small Wikipedia page. So, I discovered something through The Observer that hasn’t been written about,” she says.

In addition, Smith says it is through the pages written by Jacques Back, The Observer’s founding publisher and editor, that readers found meaningful information and perspective on the events unfolding in Europe. “He sees it so clearly for what it is. And it’s shocking to see someone in the summer of ’42 completely understanding what’s going on.”

Although the work to digitize the archives are tedious and slow, Fleischer believes these efforts are critical to the continuation of Jewish Nashville’s history. Funding is always an issue and support for the digitization of the archives themselves, separate from The Observer, has run out. The archive does have a designated fund with The Jewish Federation, and donors can make gifts directly there. For more information about the archive, contact Fleischer at archives@jewishnashville.org. •

Lynn Fleischer works to compile, organize, and preserve Jewish Nashville’s historic archive

The archive’s crown jewel, the 1860 minutes and ledger from Congregation Ohava Emet, an early reform temple.

The archive’s collection of The Jewish Observer dating back to it’s creation in 1934.

The collection of Annette Levy Ratkin for whom the archive is named.

Commentary

Rebuilding Empathy: Reflections on October 7, Antisemitism, and Black-Jewish Solidarity

By JONATHAN HOLMES

My name is Jonathan Holmes, and I have been passionate about and engaged with racial justice issues throughout my life. Over the past year, I have been troubled by the silence and justification of antisemitism, even among those who claim to champion justice and morality. The lack of nuance and sensitivity to the collective suffering caused by war abroad and hate at home prompted me to reflect. In this article, I aim to share reflections on recent events and explore opportunities for Black and Jewish communities-historical moral compasses in the fight against injustice-to engage in dialogue, repair harm, and build alliances for a more just future.

When I first learned of the October 7 attacks on Israeli civilians in 2023, I reacted with emotions that mirror my responses to other national and global tragedies, with a mix of sadness of the loss of innocent life, a numbness to the persistence of evil and violence in our world, and a curiosity of how others would respond. As I browsed social media feeds and videos in the upcoming days and weeks, I was alarmed by the seeming indifference towards Jewish and Israeli communities and families from fellow progressives who were committed to social justice. Rather than acknowledging the harm and violence that was done towards Israeli families on October 7 and the subsequent harm of Jewish communities globally in its aftermath, the response was that of

deep critique towards the Israeli state as a colonial White supremacist empire.

As a Black male who has supported and engaged with social justice work for over 10 years in a variety of capacities, the responses to October 7 served as a reminder to the deep tribalism, the absence of empathy, and the erosion of nuance that exists within many social justice circles. This includes activists and thinkers who have fought against systemic racism and economic injustice and yet refuse to lament and challenge the rampant antisemitism on college campuses, the deep plight of the hostages and families, or condemn the violent attacks that Jewish people around the world have experienced. Instead, many have resorted to reducing the Israel/Palestine conflict to an oppressor/oppressed narrative, without a complex historical and contemporary understanding of the region at large. This has included statements such as: “this would be solved is Isreal ceased fire and ended the occupation” or “this conflict is not complicated, it’s quite simple, it’s about genocide.”

The reality is that this situation is complex. Like any country, Israel does engage in policies and practices that can be discriminatory and harmful to some, and it is real that many innocent Palestinians are deeply suffering because of the war. Furthermore, in some spaces, critiques of Israel and the Israeli government are not welcomed, and easily dismissed and anti-Arab and anti-Muslim narra-

tives are often used to stoke fear in many people. On the other hand, many Israelis experience fear for their lives daily as a result of rockets being targeted towards them, Jewish students on college campuses experience regular fear for their safety and often have to invisibilize themselves to survive, synagogues and Jewish schools need bodyguards to protect themselves and their communities from violence. All these realities are significant and deserve compassion towards those impacted, outrage at the systems and evils that perpetrate them, and a commitment to remedying such injustices in our own capacities.

The aftermath of October 7 exposed not just the rampant antisemitism in our world, but also reflected the deep division and tensions that has plagued our society. Within Black and Jewish communities, these events highlighted both the tension within communities as well as the historical collaborations that can serve as blueprints for renewed opportunities for alliances. In recognizing these challenges, it is essential to build trust and strengthen collaboration, particularly between Black and Jewish communities through dialogue and empathy. Here are some helpful ways to begin this work:

1. Facilitate discussions that center around deep empathy and learning: Both Black and Jewish communities have a historical and contemporary reality of discrimination and oppression which breeds a deep sense of fear. Furthermore, both communities have

experienced harm from one another, which has often exacerbated tension. Practicing deep empathy, which not only feels one’s pain but connects to the emotion that one is expressing, is critical for building deep learning and understanding. This can manifest itself through shared storytelling, interfaith dialogues, and historical learning.

2. View other opinions/perspectives as insights to strengthen your perspective rather than threaten it: Disagreements are real and uncomfortable and yet they are healthy. Too often, we view disagreements as threats to be canceled, shut down, or dismissed rather than assessing how a different opinion may not only be “interesting” but also necessary. This does not suggest accepting hateful or dehumanizing ideologies, but rather acknowledging that engaging in thoughtful critiques and context can expand and deepen our understanding and commitment to justice. Justice is bigger than any opinion or worldview and is not limited to time or place. Engaging in different perspectives and ideas is critical to pursuing justice. By starting with these practices and ways of being, while honoring the rich prophetic traditions and legacies of Black and Jewish communities, we can help build a world where empathy and justice is real, and nuance is actively engaged. •

A Rabbi and a Doctor Discuss the Recent Election

By RABBI MARK SCHIFTAN AND DR. FRANK BOEHM

F

rank: Mark, we have all been asked many times in our lives whether our glass was half full or half empty, to ascertain if we were optimistic or pessimistic about a certain situation. Recently I have been asked that question as it relates to the outcome of the presidential election, and I responded that I felt as if my glass was half full and that even though my candidate did not win, I was not going to let that fact change my love for America and that I remain optimistic about certain important political issues such as the safety and survival of Israel and the American Jewish people. My question to you is this: with the recent elections now over, is your glass half full or half empty?

Mark: Frank, what you are describing is more about your general outlook on life than on the outcome of any election, including this one. To be a Jew is to know that we have lived in numerous places and under countless forms of governments and rules of law, some more favorable to our people, some less so. This country, with the freedoms and protections it has afforded us, is unsurpassed in the history of our people. Given the opportunity to succeed and to achieve, America has been the Golden Land, both for our ancestors, and most certainly for us as well.

Many are troubled, uncertain, and fearful given the outcome of the election; many are less so. As Jews, the way we traverse through uncertain times is by the determination to celebrate the joys and blessings that are ours to enjoy every day.

The cup of life, as viewed through this lens, is abundant and overflowing.

The American people wanted change: not all, to be sure, but many. For some, the political pendulum swung too far to the left. For others, it now may sway more towards the right. But so far, in a test of 248 years, the pendulum of American democracy always redirects itself towards the center. I trust that it will continue to move in much the same way, even now.

So, Frank, to put it bluntly, do you believe Trump will be good for the Jewish people, and for the State of Israel?

Frank: If I were a one issue voter, and the safety and support of Israel was my one and only issue, I would have voted for Trump. In that regard, I feel that Israel will have the kind of backing and support it needs to survive the ever-occurring desire for its neighbors to destroy it. That feeling does help me feel more positive about Donald Trump’s victory. I am aware, as you state, that the pendulum of politics, despite often swinging to the far left or far right, most often does return to the middle where most Americans live. Part of my ever-present optimism is that fact and I look forward to the pendulum once again returning more to the middle. In the meanwhile, because I love this country, I plan to remain hopeful that the United States Constitution written in 1787 by our founding fathers will remain unblemished and viable despite what appears to be apparent future headwinds.

Our country is now divided in a way that we have not seen since the days of the Vietnam war, and I plan to do what I can to help in bringing people together.

Despite our many differences, we need to listen to each other more intently and in doing so, let those with whom we disagree know that we are listening and willing to have a civil discourse. Others, and especially Jews should model this and in so doing lead the way. We, of all people, who have been “otherized” for millennia, need to stop disparaging the “other” and go back to the basics of loving our neighbors, especially with whom we disagree politically. Let us find common ground and work together to help the pendulum move to the center.

I agree with you that America has been history’s best friend of the Jewish people ever since President George Washington wrote to the Jews in Newport, Rhode Island in 1790: “May the Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants; while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there be none to make him afraid.” Despite the rising incidents of Jew hatred, I remain optimistic that American will continue to be the place where our people, “shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree.”

Mark, does my half full glass analogy, which is based on a long history of America’s acceptance of the Jewish people and Israel’s well-being and survival resonate with you?

Mark: I also chose not to vote for Donald Trump. However, as based on his past presidential record, I believe he will be a strong and resolute supporter of the State of Israel. And a strong Israel is of ultimate and essential importance to both

American Jews and the worldwide Jewish community.

Frank, as you know, the Israeli people overwhelmingly supported the choice of Donald Trump in this year’s presidential election. They based their support on the evidence of his first administration:

1) They remember his decision to move the United States embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Many previous presidential candidates made the promise to do so; he was the only one who finally had the boldness and determination to do so.

2) They recall his decision to end the questionable nuclear arms agreement with Iran crafted by the Obama administration.

3) They saw merit in his decision to close the diplomatic offices of the Palestinian Authority in Washington, D.C.

4) They felt supported by his determination to cut off funding to corrupt Palestinian entities.

5) They rejoiced in the successful completion of the Abraham Accords, forging new peace treaties with several Arab nations.

6) They celebrated his official recognition of the annexation of the Golan Heights And now, though I know some will disagree, he has coalesced the support of the evangelical Christian community by the selection of Governor Mike Huckabee as the new U.S. ambassador to Israel along with the proposed Ambassador of the United Nations, Elise Stefanik, and Continued on page 9

A Transformative Journey: Nashville Mothers

Visit Israel with Hadassah and Momentum

By PAM ABROMOWITZ

T

he Nashville chapter of Hadassah partnered with Momentum to bring five mothers to Israel on a highly subsidized immersive journey that included community service and Jewish education. The Nashville cohort consisted of: Ori Hart, Amanda Stein, Keri Ross, Maegan Greenspan, and Pam Abromowitz.

The group traveled for about a week with 45 other women from around the country, spending most of their time in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Some of the highlights included hearing firsthand accounts of the tragedies on October 7,

spending Shabbat with Holocaust survivor, Rena Quint, being inspired by Jewish educator Adrienne Gold-Davis, to think more Jewishly in our day-to-day lives.

On our last day we visited Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus- The Gandel Rehabilitation Center. There we were blown away by the amazing facility that was built in a short amount of time. From the two large therapy pools to the mock apartment set up, and the workout facility using NASA technology to help the many soldiers and civilians regain their strength and health. Everything was top notch.

We met with several injured soldiers who shared with us their story, and their

inspiration to rejoin their family and their military unit. As part of this construction project, Hadassah also built an underground Hospital which they refer to as their “G-d forbid” hospital. It has everything they need to move patients from above ground to below ground bomb shelter if need be. They are still working to secure the remaining funds to complete this project.

If you are able to help, please visit www.Hadassah.org to donate. Deana Goldstein and Pam Abromowitz worked together seamlessly for the past two years to help make this experience a reality for Nashville mothers. •

From Jerusalem to Jeddah: A Chasidic Journey Through The Heart of the Arab World with YouTuber Shloime Zionce

Chabad of Nashville will be hosting Scholar in Residence, Popular Hasidic Jewish YouTuber, podcaster and travel writer, Shloime Zionce, on the weekend of January 24 – 25, 2025.

Shloime will speak at the TGIS Friday night dinner on January 24 following the Shabbat service which begins at 6:30 PM, and again at the Shabbat lunch on Saturday, January 25 at 12:30 PM.

Shloime Zionce is a Hasidic influencer, and an out of the box Chasid. Zionce, a 31-year-old father of two, has traveled to 55 countries and is a travel writer for Ami magazine. He also serves as an “ambassador” of sorts to the Hasidic community, often appearing viral in

Life & Legacy

Continued from page 3

During the initial four years of the program, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation provided substantial training and financial support to implement the program. Participating organizations have shared incentive grants totaling $290,650 based on the achievements of their volunteers.

Teams of volunteers representing each participating organization have spent the past eight years meeting with community members to discuss securing the future of the Nashville Jewish community. “I’ve had the honor of working in the program as a Jewish communal professional in Nashville, and my husband and I are proud to be participants of the program”, says Shannon Small. “We participate in the program because we believe in the future of the Jewish community here in Nashville and around the world. In order to sustain our Jewish future for our children, we believe that supporting Jewish organizations through

Rabbi and Doctor

YouTube videos, with millions of views, and has been featured on CNN, BBC, and on Al-Jazeera, explaining Chasidic culture and traditions.

As he travels around the world, he teaches about Judaism while learning about other cultures and shares his perspective as an Orthodox Jew on his journey around the globe.

Zionce described his travels to Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Afghanistan and many other countries. He shares stories about his meeting with ISIS fighters in Iraq, Secret Jews in Lebanon, and members of the Royal Family in the United Arab Emirates, and even being mistaken for an Israeli spying in Saudi Arabia.

this program is essential”.

Volunteers have a variety of reasons for supporting the LIFE & LEGACY program. Felicia Anchor volunteered because of “my deep concern about transmitting the lessons of the Holocaust to future generations. Our Holocaust Memorial represents a tragic and pivotal history that impacted our worldwide Jewish Community 80 years ago. The LIFE & LEGACY program ensures that our Memorial will be sustained and available to the public for generations to come. This legacy ensures that the Memorial remains as a beacon for remembering the past but empowering the future to become up-standers rather than bystanders in the face of discrimination and hatred”.

The LIFE & LEGACY program was created by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation to support Jewish organizations across North America through partnerships with local Jewish Federations and Foundations to promote after-lifetime giving. After-lifetime giving allows donors to use their money during the

He said that at times he encountered challenging and even dangerous situations. But he also shared the life lessons he learned.

“We need to see the humanity in other people and try to interact with individuals who are different from us,” Zionce said. “It will enrich both your life and the lives of those around you.”

In many countries, Shloime was the first Chasidic Jew people met, and the positive and warm impression shaped the way Jews were viewed.

“As Jews, let’s be proud to be Jewish,” says Zionce. “I’ve walked around dressed as a Chasidic Jew in the heart of the Arab world, and all I have received is love and

donor’s lifetime while confirming they will leave a gift to the organizations of their choice.

“I believe the most important factor was the long-term positive impact for the Jewish Federation and all the other Jewish organizations that decided to join in the effort. Every organization had already realized that a strong endowment was essential to their future financial health in fulfilling their vision and mission. Leading the Life & Legacy effort underscored the Jewish Federation’s role as a community convener. The great success of Life & Legacy for Jewish Nashville will be felt for many generations to come,” stated Freedman.

“Anyone who has concern about our Jewish future can make an initial commitment that fits their circumstances, shows their family their intent and doesn’t significantly reduce their security and family resources,” responded Safer.

Becoming a LIFE & LEGACY donor is an easy, straightforward process. A donor must sign a letter of intent (LOI), pledging a gift to one or more partici-

respect, because people love and respect someone who is 100% comfortable in their own skin.” Recently Shloime has launched Candle & Strap, a Jewish-Pride apparel line.

Hear Shloime Zionce’s fascinating story from Jerusalem to Jedda, a Chasidic Journey through the heart of the Arab world. January 24 & 25 at Chabad of Nashville.

There is no cost to attend, RSVP at chabadnashvillle.com. For more information call 615-646-5750 or go to chabadnashville.com

To view Shoime’s Youtube channel, www.youtube.com/c/ShloimeZionce/ videos. •

pating organizations. Donors currently pledge to leave a gift to an average of 2.2 organizations. Donors may then take up to a year to formalize their LOI’s by amending their will to add a bequest or adding their chosen organizations as beneficiaries to a retirement account or life insurance policy.

“I think each of us hopes that we can leave this world better than the one we lived in, asserts Felicia Anchor. “We want the generations of our families to feel safe and have opportunities for growth and to enjoy life. But this does not happen by magic. Ken and I have a sense of deep satisfaction knowing that we are helping to support a healthy future”. Perhaps the best advice comes from Safer, who urges, “Do it now!”

On January 28, 2025, at 6:00 pm at the Gordon Jewish Community Center, we will celebrate eight years of achievements in the LIFE & LEGACY program made possible by the volunteers and donors. Achieving a sustainable future for Jewish Nashville is a great gift for the entire community. •

Continued from page 8 Visit The Jewish Observer’s website www.jewishobservernashville.org

Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, all of whom are ardent supporters of the State of Israel

So, Frank, to answer your question, while I remain skeptical of numerous Trump’s actions and outbursts, I believe he will be good for Israel. And what is

good for Israel is also good for the Jews, especially here in America. For that, I remain hopeful and optimistic and for that, all our cups, not just yours and mine, should be half full. •

Rabbi Mark Schiftan can be reached at mschiftan@aol.com

Dr. Frank Boehm can be reached at frank.boehm@vumc.org

Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville at www.jewishnashville.org

Five Nashville members of Hadassah visited Israel as part of the Momentum experience.

Jewish Community Night with the Predators Ushers in Hanukkah Season

By BARBARA DAB

The Preds may have lost to the Calgary Flames, but the Jewish community was the big winner of the night at last month’s Jewish Community Night. Fans enjoyed a pre-game reception, including music by Cantor Tracy Fishbein from the Temple, a visit from Gnash, and Hanukah delicacies from Sova catering. But the fun did not end there. Cantor Josh Goldberg, from Congregation Micah

sang the national anthem, and Cantor Fishbein and her children were honored as the mayors of Smashville in the first break, and Deborah Oleshansky, from the Jewish Federation, and the Resnick family were the mayors in the second break.

The event was a partnership between The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville and the Nashville Predators. The Predators generously donated $585 from ticket sales to the Federation. •

Heart of the Matter

By TONI JACOBSEN

JFS brought love and light to 27 children during Hanukkah 2024. The Hanukkah Gift Program has been around since 1993 and started out with providing gifts to families who were clients of the agency. In 2005, we expanded the program to the entire community.

that do not attend the same synagogue or schools as to avoid a donor recognizing the coat or shoes they purchased for a child. We truly preserve the family’s privacy in any way we can.

This program is one of the fun events that take place at JFS! Our social workers are often supporting people through life’s transitions, and Hanukkah is a nice change for our social workers to be involved in simply spreading joy.

As the program coordinator, my position carries a unique perspective on the program. I am involved in every aspect of the program including identifying families, gathering wish lists, working with donors, receiving the gifts and the joy of watching the families receive the gifts. I have the pleasure of witnessing the joy it brings to everyone involved.

The JFS Hanukkah gift program is unique in many ways. The aspect I am most proud of is the integrity it holds for everyone involved. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance, so the social workers are the only ones who have access to the list of families. The gifts purchased by the donors are non-identifying as well as the donors’ identities are held in confidence. We try to assign donors to families

Our program is unique in that we gather wish lists from the parents. Many holiday programs do not allow the parents to ask for gifts and they simply can have the opportunity to pick out a few gifts amongst generic gifts for their child. We do it this way to preserve the dignity of the parents by allowing them to give gifts that are meaningful and relevant to their child. The gifts are given to the parents unwrapped so the parents themselves can wrap them and present them to their child. The children are not aware that JFS is involved. By allowing the parents to submit a wish list, it not only alleviates the financial stress during holiday time, but it ensures that the family is not disrupted in any way.

My position within this program is heartwarming. From the first call to a struggling parent, to the excited donors who wants to help, meeting with a donor parent with their child to receive the gifts and spending a few minutes explaining the program to the child (a future Mensch) and to seeing the grateful parents pick up the gifts. I witness joy in every step of the program. The program is intense for a period of 6 weeks, and I am exhausted at the end but the joy I get from the program and knowing that the families are having a good holiday, is worth its weight in gold. •

Monday, January 20

Bus transportationprovided fromGordon JCC at 8:00am&Elmington Parkat8:15am. Bus will depart fromthe event at 10:30am.

- Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel

At Our Congregations…

Nashville’s congregations

Here are the websites for all five Nashville Jewish congregations, with information on services, upcoming events and more:

Congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad, www.chabadnashville.com

Congregation Micah, www.congregationmicah.org

Congregation Sherith Israel, www.sherithisrael.com

The Temple – Congregation Ohabai Sholom, www.templenashville.org West End Synagogue, www.westendsyn.org

The Observer provides congregational listings of events and services as a complimentary service to the community. If your congregation is not listed, it is because we did not receive the information in time to meet our publication deadline. Please give your rabbi, executive director, or synagogue volunteer a gentle nudge.

@ Chabad /Congregation Beit Tefilah

2025 New Year Resolutions at Chabad of Nashville

Looking for a New Year’s Resolution, one filled with meaning and purpose? Chabad of Nashville is offering various new and ongoing opportunities to nourish your Mind, Body and Soul. Pick one that suits your taste from this page and make 2025 an even more meaningful year.

Delving Deeper on YOUTUBE is an All New Learning opportunity for 2025

Chabad of Nashville values a deep, rich learning experience and aims to provide this in an unequivocal way. Chabad presents an all new series of Delving Deeper, and is released weekly on YouTube, on Wednesdays of every week.

Delving Deeper is taught by Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel and includes an inspirational message on the weekly Torah portion, and will engage students by challenging them intellectually, spiritually and emotionally. These lessons will explore contemporary issues through a Torah perspective as well as tackling timeless questions in the Jewish tradition.

Each lesson introduces ideas and issues from the current weekly Torah portion and creates a meaningful connection between the timeless wisdom of the Torah and modern-day living.

The purpose of Delving deeper goes far beyond a mere discovery of knowledge. Every lesson creates an opportunity to truly understand how you can better your life today.

To subscribe to Delving Deeper on YouTube, go to YouTube.com and in the search box type: RabbiYitzchokTiechtel and you can then subscribe to receive the link to the weekly Delving Deeper with Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel. These lessons will nourish your mind, body and soul.

New Learning Opportunity – 30 Minutes a Week

During the winter Chabad of Nashville is offering an all new learning opportunity with a weekly Mishnah class from the comfort of your home!

Have you ever wondered what is the Mishna? Who wrote it? What is it all about?

What is the Mishnah? It is the first compilation of the oral law that was authored by Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi (Judah the Prince) back in 200 CE.

Join Chabad on Thursday nights at 8:00 PM for 30 minutes on Zoom. This class is suited for beginners and advanced curious seekers of wisdom.

Chabadnashville.com/zoom

For more information or to register go to www.chabadnshville.com or call 615646-5750.

Chabad to host two TGIS celebration in January

Start your Shabbat off right with good friends, great conversation, and excellent kosher cuisine, all seasoned with the perfect amount of spirit and joy. TGIS is a Club Med Shabbat: An all-inclusive Shabbat experience. Enjoy a Friday night Shabbat dinner replete with traditional dishes. Blended with spirited singing, a Chasidic tale, and a chance to meet some wonderful new people.

TGIS will be held on Friday evening, January 10, and on Friday, January 24, at 6:30 PM at Chabad of Nashville. There will be a special guest Scholar in Residence for the weekend on January 24- 25, 2024.

There is no cost to attend the TGIS Shabbat experience, however we kindly request that you RSVP by letting us know you will be attending at chabadnashville@gmail.com

Torah and Tea- A Weekly Jewish Women’s Study Group

The Five Books of Moses—the Torah—is quite simply the most widely-read, most influential literary work in all of human history. Since its first appearance in a blaze of Divine revelation on Mount Sinai over 3300 years ago, the Torah and its teachings have provoked inspired inquiry to discover its infinitely-layered designs and meanings.

Chabad of Nashville will host “Torah and Tea” an all women’s classical Jewish learning opportunity, in a series of clear and engaging weekly classes. Probing the ideas and issues related to the Jewish woman, these classes will offer timely lessons -from the most timeless of all texts.

Join Mrs. Esther Tiechtel together with fellow Jewish women in Nashville for inspiring Torah study, warm camaraderie, hot tea and delicious refreshments, on Shabbat afternoons at 1:00 PM, at Chabad of Nashville.

Enjoy a steaming cup of tea, a relevant Torah insight, inspired discussion and friendly interaction with Jewish women.

Saturday Night Live: An Evening of Soulful Music at Chabad

Chabad of Nashville to host Saturday Night Live, and evening of Soulful Music, featuring some of Nashville’s most talented musicians, On Saturday night, January 11, at 7:30 PM.

Soulful Music will be an evening of immersive musical experience, featuring Chasidic melodies, fascinating narratives, and motivational messages—woven together into an enjoyable musical introduction to the transformative voice of your very own soul.

Beyond its soulful sound, melody called the Nigun, or melody, provides a language for the spiritual side of life. From yearning lows to sudden highs, hopeful bridges to striving refrains, experience the journey of a Jewish soul in its own words. It will be an evening of Jewish music and Chassidic songs that will inspire the heart and express the soul.

An Evening of Soulful Music with Chabad will take place on Saturday night, January 13 at 7:30 PM at Chabad of Nashville. Participants will enjoy an Israeli falafel bar and drinks, while enjoying and evening of Soulful Music with several of Nashville’s most talented musicians.

There is no cost to attend, however one needs to RSVP at chabadnashvillle.com. For more information call 615-646-5750 or go to chabadnashville.com

RSVP at chabadnashville.com

BLT – Bagels, Lox and Torah

Join friends for a morning of Bagels, Lox and Torah on Sunday, January 26, at 10:00 AM, in the Bernard Ballroom at Chabad of Nashville.

Partake in a delicious spread of bagels, lox, cream cheese, and freshly brewed coffee as you learn Chasidic insights into the Weekly Torah Portion. Nourish your Mind, Body and Soul with BLT at Chabad of Nashville. RSVP at chabadnashville.com

Meet in Person for Storah Telling and Cholent

Chabad of Nashville invites you to the Shabbat morning Storah-Telling. Participants will learn the story of the weekly Torah reading, as Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel tells the story and shares relevant insights for day to day living.

The Storah-Telling is followed by followed by a hot cholent, freshly baked Challah, a gourmet buffet lunch, and a weekly farbrengen with some friendly L’Chaim.

Participants will go home with nourishments for their Mind, Body and Soul.

Join your friends on Shabbat morning at 10:30 AM at Chabad, for warmth and companionship that emanate from the Chabad of Nashville community.

A Coin in Charity a Day Brings Blessings Your Way

It is a well-known Jewish tradition to give charity (Tzedakah) daily, as it draws down Divine energy of blessings and success in all of your endeavors.

Chabad of Nashville is offering a free Tzedakah box for your home or office, that can be used to fulfill the Mitzvah of giving Tzedakah daily.

The Tzedakah box is a free gift for the first 50 people to contact the Chabad of Nashville office at rabbi@chabadnashville.com

@ Micah

Congregation Micah - an inclusive, innovative synagogue exploring and celebrating Jewish life - is committed to building community and repairing the world! We offer creative and diverse ways to live a Jewish life in Tennessee and beyond, using the rich beliefs and practices of Progressive Judaism as our foundation. Visit our 30+ acre campus or access our virtual programs from our website, www.congregationmicah.org. Like us on socials: Facebook, and Instagram @MicahNashville; sign up for our e-blasts; learn and pray with us in-person, or livestream our service on our website, YouTube, or Facebook. In our tent, there is room for everyone!

Continued on page 13

Continued from page 12

Weekly Events

Sanctuary Shabbat Services: Fridays at 6 PM

At Micah, we approach God in many ways: the inspiration of words, the beauty of sacred space, the authenticity of our intentions, and through the power of music and song. Join us in-person or virtually for services this month that will be as diverse as they are engaging, as moving as they are participatory. Come early and schmooze with us starting at 5:30 PM! Light refreshments are served.

Saturday Morning Torah Study: 9 AM on Zoom

Deep conversations about the text with thoughtful and caring people led by the clergy.

Mah Jongg: Tuesdays from 12:30 PM- 3:30 PM

Join our players for an afternoon of fun in the social hall! For more information, contact Paula: pgkwn@comcast.net.

Schmooze & Views: Thursdays from 10:30 AM- 11:30 AM

At Micah, we keep politics off the pulpit but not out of the building. Share your views in a round-table discussion on current events facilitated by Rabbi Flip and Dr. Bob Smith.

January Events

Women’s Circle: Friday, January 17 at 12 PM

Rabbi Laurie engages your intellect and inspires conversation on a variety of Jewish topics. All are welcome. Bring a friend.

Micah Reads: Monday, January 20 at 7 PM on Zoom

Education Director Julie Greenberg leads the discussion on “Hotel Cuba” by Aaron Hamburger.

Didactic Service: Saturday, January 25 at 10:30 AM at Micah Micah’s clergy leads a special service to teach about the history and choreography of the Shabbat morning service.

@ Sherith Israel

Schedule of Services:

Weekday mornings: 6:25 / 6:30 am

Sunday mornings: 8:00 am

Weekday afternoons: 10 minutes before sunset

Friday afternoons: 5 minutes after candle-lighting

Shabbat mornings: 9 am Main Service, 10:30 am Family Service

Shabbat afternoon: 20 minutes before sunset

Save the Date:

Jewish Women’s Book Club

January 12th, at 7:30 pm

Hosted by Batya Rosenfeld

People Love Dead Jews by Dara Horn

Visit www.sherithisrael.com for more infomation

Musical Winter Shabbaton with Dov Rosenblatt

February 15-16

Visit www.sherithisrael.com for more information

Sherith Israel Annual Fundraiser

Celebrating the 120th Anniversary of Sherith Israel & the 20th Anniversary of the Strosberg Pressner Family in Nashville

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Visit www.sherithisrael.com for more information

@ The Temple

Exploring the Prayerbook

Every Friday from 5:00-5:40 PM before Shabbat Services

Start Shabbat with a little study each week. We will explore the prayers of our Shabbat Service and discuss and discover how these ancient Jewish texts still speak to us today.

At Our Congregations…

Shabbat Schedule for January

Our Shabbat Services will be held in person at The Temple. You can also watch via zoom from templenashville.org

Friday, January 3rd ~ 6:00 PM

Friday, January 10th ~ 6:00 PM- FAMILY SHABBAT WITH BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS

Friday, January 17th~ 6:00 PM

Friday, January 24th ~ 6:00 PM – BLUE JEAN SHABBAT

Friday, January 31st ~ 6:00 PM – BLUE JEAN SHABBAT

Chevrah Torah Study

9:30AM on Saturdays

Join us for our weekly Torah study on the portion of the week, led by the clergy. You can join us in person at The Temple or via zoom from thetemplehub.org

Tot Shabbat for Families with Young Children.

January 11th at 10:00am- Shabbat Theme

For families with children up to age 5

Tot Shabbat offers families the chance to celebrate Shabbat with their young children in a creative way!

Women’s Torah Study

January 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th 10:30 AM on Thursdays

Ongoing weekly women’s Torah study led by Patty Marks.

Available in person at The Temple and via zoom through thetemplehub.org or templenashville.org

Lunch with the Rabbi

January 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

Lunch at 11:30AM

Program12:00-1:00 PM

$15 per person for lunch

Engage with Rabbi Danziger and guests in a discussion of current and important issues from a Jewish perspective.

RSVP on thetemplehub.org or by calling the Temple at 615-352-7620

Available in person and via zoom.

Zoom Room: thetemplehub.org

Monday Mah Jongg with Canasta

Join Us for MAH JONGG Mondays at The Temple! January 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th 1:00pm Drop in for Mah Jongg. We’ll have coffee and water. Bring your friends, a card, and a set and have some fun. Mah Jongg cards and sets are available for purchase in The Temple Gift Shop.

Golden Lunch Bunch

Will meet at Temple from 11:30-1:00pm on January 7th: Bill Sleeter

January 21st: Zeta Kenner

RSVP to Jewish Family Service at 615-354-1686 or via email at helpinghands@ jfsnashville.org

Potluck Bagel Brunch & Trivia with Rabbi Danziger

For the 50’s & 60’s Social Club Saturday, January 11th

11:00am in Bellevue-address provided upon RSVP Temple with provide the bagels.

RSVP to Sheri at sheri@templenashville.org with the side/snack/drink you are bringing.

Club Sandwich

For those in the “sandwich generation” caring for both aging parents and growing children

Join us Thursday, January 16th

6:30-8:00pm @ The Temple For Conversation, Resources & Community RSVP at templenashville.org

Six Week Book Study- January 8th – February 12th

Join Rabbi Mackler every Wednesday at 12:00pm for a lunchtime study of The Madwoman in the Rabbi’s Attic: Rereading the Women of the Talmud by Gila Fine

As we discuss each chapter of this award-winning book, we’ll learn the profound moral teaching that the Talmud imparts, how to read the six named heroines of the text, and ultimately, how to regard the people in our lives.

Join online or in person. For more information, visit templenashville.org

The book is available on Amazon.

The Temple’s Next Dor & Temple Together with Jewsic City Invite you for Shabbat Dinner & Musical Service

Friday, January 31st at 6:30pm

Address will be provided upon RSVP

Cost $8

Rsvp at https://www.templenashville.org/form/jewsic-city

*Next Dor is for Young Professionals and Temple Together is for those 35-50.

At Our Congregations…

Continued from page 13

@ West End

For links to the following online services or programs, please email office@westendsyn.org or visit our website calendar for more information https://westendsyn.shulcloud.com/calendar

1/6 - WES Connections: Mah Jongg –6:00 p.m.

If you are interested in playing, please RSVP to Marc Jacobs, mjacobs@westendsyn.org.

1/8 – The Sandi Goldstein Learn & Lunch Program for ages 60+ – 11:00 a.m.

Reservations required, catered lunch following the presentation.

Speaker: Ziv Shemesh, Nashville Jewish Federation Community Shli’cha

Lunch catered by Goldie Shepard at 12:00 p.m. Cost: $5.00 RSVP 615-269-4592 ext. 11 or office@westendsyn.org.

1/9 – Men’s Torah Group (in person) –12:00 p.m.

Join us for our Torah class for men followed by a pizza lunch. We are currently reading the Book of Ezra.

1/11 - Meital Kullock’s Bat Mitzvah – 9:30 a.m.

1/12 – Music & Me for families with young children 3 and under - 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Inviting all parents and children under 4 for a morning of music and movement on Sunday, January 12th, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Please email Sharon Paz at spaz@ westendsyn.org to rsvp.

1/13 - WES Connections: Mah Jongg –6:00 p.m.

If you are interested in playing, please RSVP to Marc Jacobs, mjacobs@westendsyn.org.

1/15 – Women’s Torah Group (on Zoom) –11:00 a.m.

Rabbi Joshua leads our Women’s study group. We have just begun learning the book of Joshua.

1/15- Sisterhood Book Club: “Songs for the Brokenhearted” – 7:00 pm. (Zoom)

Join us as we discuss Songs for the Brokenhearted: A Novel by Ayalet Tsabari. Reservations are required to receive the Zoom link. RSVP at bit.ly/MCSJanuaryBookClub.

1/17 – Tot Shabbat – 5:30 p.m.

Friday night Shabbat services for Families with Young Children led by Nili Friedman & Sharon Paz. RSVP to spaz@westendsyn.org.

1/17 – Woodlands Shabbat Dinner – 6:00 p.m.

Join us for a delicious catered kosher dairy Indian dinner at approximately 7:00 p.m. following Kabbalat and Maariv Shabbat Services at 6:00 p.m. There will be less spicy and a non-Indian option for those less adventurous. Adults: $18, Children (under 13): $10, Children (under 3): FREE, and Families of 4+ people: $72. RSVP’s required by Tuesday, 1/21.

RSVP at: tinyurl.com/WoodlandsDinner25.

1/19 – Intro to Judaism Begins – 9:30 a.m.

Meets every Sunday from 9:30-11:00 a.m. until mid-May. Go to bit.ly/ WESINTRO25 to register and learn more!

1/22 – The Sandi Goldstein Learn & Lunch Program for ages 60+ – 11:00 a.m.

Reservations required, catered lunch following the presentation.

Speaker: Ari Dubin, Executive Director of Vanderbilt Hillel

Lunch catered by Goldie Shepard at 12:00 p.m. Cost: $5.00 RSVP 615-269-4592 ext. 11 or office@westendsyn.org.

Learning Opportunities

Talmud on Tuesdays

Rabbi Joshua leads a lively Talmudic discussion at 7:30 a.m. in person and on Zoom every Tuesday, immediately after morning minyan. Come and join us!

Torah Study on Thursdays

Come join us for breakfast and Torah study at 7:40 am following morning minyan

Jewish Ethics on Fridays

Between Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv, every Friday we study together a portion of Pirkei Avot and we delve into the world of Jewish Ethics.

Intro to Judaism

Begins January 19th and meets every Sunday from 9:30-11:00 a.m. until mid-May. Go to bit.ly/WESINTRO25 to register and learn more!

Religious Services

Shacharit (in person)

Our minyanaires are always looking for more people to strengthen the only egalitarian minyan in town! Sunday services are at 9:00 a.m. and Monday-Friday at 7:00 a.m. Thursday minyan is followed by breakfast.

Maariv (on Zoom)

Join us for daily Maariv at 6:00 p.m., Sunday-Thursday.

Kabbalat Shabbat (in person)

You are invited to join us every Friday for Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 p.m.

Shabbat Morning services (In person and on Zoom)

Please join us every Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. Great davening, insightful learning of the Torah portion followed by a yummy (and nutritious!) kiddush lunch following services! •

Community Listings

B’nai B’rith Social Unit

Bring together long-term members of the Nashville Jewish Community and people new to Nashville who are ages 50+ for fun social, educational and service programs.

February 9-----Super Bowl Party

March 2---------Progressive Dinner

April 5------------Havdalah and Dinner

May 5------------Kentucky Derby Party

For more information, contact Gil Fox at gsfox3@comcast.net

Widowers & Widows Social Group

Group of Jewish widowers and widows who have lost his/her spouse due to death. This is not a dating service or a meet/meat group but a group of adult individuals who have lost his/her spouse recently or in the distant past and are interested in being comfortable in doing things in a group of people who have been through a similar loss as opposed to doing things by him/herself. We meet for lunch on the 2nd Monday of each month at various restaurant.

January 13----Lunch at Etc

For more information, contact Gil Fox at gsfox3@comcast.net

East Side Tribe

Thursday, January 2, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.: The 9th Night of Hanukkah Party

The Hanukkah celebrations continue for an extra night of bonus revelry! Hosted by our good friends at Inglewood Lounge, the only bar in East Nashville that lets us light a bunch of candles indoors.General admission is free, or sign up for a “Hanukkah Feast Pass” add-on which gets you a drink ticket and access to Actual Food Nashville‘s legendary Hanukkah Feast buffet, featuring insane latkes, gooey sufganiyot, top-shelf brisket sammies, and more! Go to HanukkahOutEast.eventbrite.com. •

Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville at www.jewishnashville.org

The Jewish Observer’s website

PLAN YOUR

…so that it’s not just a fairy tale.

“AULD LANG SYNE”

By LORETTA SAFF

HAPPY NEW YEAR,

2025! This month’s column is all about that traditional New Year’s Eve song, “Auld Lang Syne.” That song, which is sung at midnight, makes everyone look around for some old friends to kiss or hug and then, perhaps, to start looking for some new friends.

Actually, here’s the surprise – we don’t really know what Auld Lang Syne means. It’s literally translated as ‘old long since.’ No wonder Harry and Sally weren’t sure what it meant when it started playing that New Year’s Eve!

HARRY: Should old acquaintance be forgot’. Does that mean that we should forget old acquaintances? Or does it mean that if we happened to forget them, we should remember them? Which is not possible because we already forgot them!

SALLY: Ha! Maybe it means that we should remember we forgot them or something. Anyway, it’s about old friends

Regardless of where you are in

We Are Here

Continued from page 1 Concert on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and ever grateful to alumnus David Mendelson for bringing this special opportunity our way.”

The concert format includes performances by local musicians which in Nashville means students from Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music will share the stage with professional recording artists, some of whom are award winners. Local community members will introduce each piece, as well. Linda Kartoz Doochin will be representing the Jewish community. She says she is happy to participate in such a unique program. “I’m delighted this program will be coming to Nashville. It is a sacred commemoration of history, bringing to life the music of those lost in the Holocaust. It’s basically a theme of love, loss, and hope.”

The emcee of the program is Rabbi Charles Savenor who was the rabbi at

Biesman

Continued from page 1 years, Irma Kaplan was honored by the National Council of Jewish Women, with Michelle doing the introductions. Michelle also credits her mother, Didi Biesman, with showing her the value of volunteering and giving back. “I remember at Akiva my mom was the chair of the Torah dinner and we got to help promote it with her during school drop off. And we got to help her when she and Karen Weil chaired the Main Event. I have very fond memories and thought it was so cool.”

Since her return to Nashville, Michelle has been the chair of NowGen, the young adult group of The Jewish Federation as well as serving as a Newcomer Ambassador. Aron Karabel, incoming president of The Federation,

your journey to finding your happily ever after, friends are connections, and ‘connection’ is a basic human need. Anytime is the right time to increase your connections. The ‘gold’ ones (old) will take care of themselves – let’s talk about the ‘silver’ (new) ones and how to find them.

You may think you have enough friends. But reaching out and making new friends is important. Old friends know you and your idiosyncrasies. You know theirs and the surprises are few.

With new friends, you will increase your curiosity and actually lower your stress level! You will be eager to learn about these new friends and what their interests are. Meanwhile, you’ll also improve your self-confidence and raise your sense of belonging. How’s that for some benefits!

I’ve decided to offer you a few criteria to use when searching for new friends - in no particular order:

1 – Make sure the people you interview ( ) ask YOU questions Someone who is not really interested in your thoughts, background, or your opinion about things will not make a good friend. This person is more self-centered and is not someone you can turn to or trust when

Continued on page 20

Congregation Anshei Emet in Chicago two decades ago, and Antelis was a congregant. The two had not been in touch but bumped into each other on the streets of New York where Savenor currently lives. “Ira is really a visionary and has a huge heart.” When Antelis asked him to participate in the concert, Savenor did not hesitate to say “yes.” “Our contribution to memory would be spotlighting what people were thinking in real time as they went through the worst possible experience imaginable.”

Savenor articulates what all the participants agree is the overarching goal of the concert: to build community. “I thought originally, we would be holding the concert in a synagogue. When we were working on the New York concert Ira called to tell me we were doing it at Carnegie Hall. He said, ‘These people’s music deserves to be played on the world’s most prestigious stage.’” He adds that by not using places of worship, the concert venue becomes a neutral communal space. “This wasn’t just

says, “Michelle did a wonderful job as co-chair of NowGen by greatly increasing engagement and outreach in that group during her tenure. We are lucky to have her in our community. Her contributions have and will have a lasting impact. Looking forward to partnering with her to build on her successes.”

In addition to her work with The Federation, Michelle serves as a leader for Jewish Family Services’ Rosh Hodesh program for girls from the 6th grade upward from Middle Tennessee. The monthly sessions address issues relevant to that age group including body image, stress, competition, and family dynamics, all through a Jewish lens. Pam Kelner, Executive Director of JFS, manages the program and selects and trains the leaders. Kelner says most of the leaders are teachers since the program is curriculum based, but Michelle was a

The Mazel Tov Players present Woody Allen’s farce “Don’t Drink the Water”

By SUZANNE BURNS, DIRECTOR

What do a caterer from New Jersey and an international spy as well as a priest turned magician, a Mideast sultan, and an inept US embassy staffer have in common? Well, almost nothing except a very funny escapade as the caterer, suspected to be a spy, and his family attempts

about the Jewish community. It was also about the human community.”

In the wake of October 7th, Savenor says there were some specific concerns. In fact he says last year’s concert in Chicago fell on the 30th day of the shloshim mourning period after October 7th. “We were concerned about protests. We were concerned about turning the concert into a statement about what was going on in the world.” But he said the concert had almost a cathartic effect for the Jewish community. “We’re committed to not making this concert into a statement about what’s happening today in this war. But we do believe that the concert does talk about the resilience and hopefulness of the Jewish people that any dark moment will be followed by something better.”

Despite all that, Savenor says there were some musicians who were uncomfortable performing in last year’s concert. “They thought their presence at a Jewish event would send a statement that they didn’t feel they could make.”

rare exception. “When she moved back, I knew she had to be a group leader,” says Kelner, “What we look for in our Rosh Hodesh leaders is somebody who will be a role model for these young teen and tween girls and Michelle provides that in every way.”

Michelle says, “I love the Rosh Hodesh program. I so yearned to have that kind of group when I was in middle school and to have girls that I could be Jewish with outside of school and peers all going through the same thing. Being Jewish but in a secular environment.”

Professionally, Michelle is passionate about healthcare and has focused her education and career on the intersection of the public and private healthcare arenas. She began her career with UnitedHealth Group’s Corporate Development team, learning about the business of the industry. She spent time

to escape from the embassy in a small Communist country. Join us for Don’t Drink Tte Water, A Farce by Woody Allen, produced by David Merrick.

Play dates are: Jan 16, & Jan 23 at 6pm and Jan 19 and 30 at 2pm.

Tickets are $10 at the door. Come beat the winter doldrums and have a laugh or two or three! •

Nevertheless, there is a diverse group of presenters and performers, including someone from the Islamic community. “That’s the type of world we envision,” he says, “I think the type of hopefulness that comes out of the music itself is that a healthy world is going to be when we can all stand on the stage together and remember and build something better.”

Promotion for the concert is in partnership with The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville and will serve as the Federation’s annual Holocaust Day Remembrance event. Deborah Oleshansky, director of the Jewish Community Relations Committee says, “We are pleased to have this opportunity to partner with Vanderbilt in promoting this event in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, and to have one of our community members participate.”

The concert is scheduled for January 27th at Vanderbilt University’s Ingram Hall, at 7:00pm. To register visit www. boxoffice.vanderbilt.edu. •

working with Evergreen Nephrology on its operations and strategy teams. And she recently joined Rubicon Founders’ investment team to continue learning about innovative methods that enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes. Despite her demanding career, Michelle continues to prioritize her involvement in the Jewish community.

“I was pleasantly surprised when I got the call about this award. I wasn’t expecting it. But the “why” of doing it wasn’t that. I hope it’s more so a reminder to the next generation of leaders in the community to keep doing the work and to have others step up to the plate.”

Michelle will receive her award at the Jewish Federation’s 89th annual meeting on January 28th at 7pm at the Gordon Jewish Community Center. For more information, or to rsvp, visit www. jewishnashville.org/annualmeeting. •

Vanderbilt Hillel Launches Program to Go Beyond the Labels

By BARBARA DAB

Students from Vanderbilt University’s Hillel are learning how to engage in conversation with their peers about Zionism and Israel. Led by Hillel’s assistant executive director, Veronica Grady, the program is part of Hillel International’s offerings called 4 the Moment. This year’s syllabus is Beyond Labels: Jewish Perspectives on Zionism. Grady says, “The intention behind this cohort offering was to offer students a timely and relevant experience to dig and dive deeply into a topic that might be interesting to them and in a way that is accessible for students.”

While most of Hillel’s learning programs consist of eight to 10 sessions, this cohort is just four sessions, and Grady says it was aimed at student leaders who are already engaged in Jewish life on campus. “It is designed to maximize the impact for top level Hillel students to be able to imbue their Hillel involvement further with Jewish learning that their other commitments might not allow them the time to do so.”

Grady says she and Hillel executive director, Ari Dubin, spent the better part of the year discussing ways to address the needs of students, something that is part and parcel of Hillel’s overall goals. But she says after October 7 and as the war continues, there is a new urgency to make sure students feel supported, particularly the student leaders.

“We suddenly realized there was a pretty concerning gap for our student leaders, our most engaged, most involved, most active Hillel student leaders who were the ones being asked in university spaces, but also in social spaces and the classroom to speak on behalf of the Jewish community. To understand Zionism, to refute antizionism.” She says often, the students were unprepared and lacked the confidence to meet the moment. Grady says the curriculum provided by Hillel International seemed to fit the bill.

The first cohort consisted of eight student leaders, most of them board members. The program takes a traditional “chevruta” approach, with students reading text offerings out loud to each other and engaging in small group dialogue around the text and answering provided questions.

At the culmination of the four weeks, members of the greater Jewish community were invited to attend a dinner and sample the learning method for themselves. The student leaders at each table led the discussion using source material adapted from Hey Alma on the various types of Zionism, such as Post-Zionism, NonZionism, and Anti-Zionism. Participants were asked to share their views in pairs and then with the group.

The process helped each person dive deeper into their understanding of Zionism and the various forms and to articulate their views. Becca Carp, vice president of engagement for Hillel was one of the table leaders. She said the discussion helped her to see the various sides of the subject. “It shows me you can be a Zionist and disagree with other Zionists.”

Overall, the program provided helpful insights and tools for the student leaders who find themselves on the front lines as examples of Jews on campus. Carp said this year during the Founder’s Walk, the annual ceremony welcoming the incoming Freshmen, she and other Hillel students were videoed and laughed at while they manned an information table. “I was disheartening to see people videoing and to be made to feel othered from the first week.”

Visitors around the table shared their own experiences expressing their Jewish identities and dealing with antisemitism.

Jacob Kupin, Metro Councilmember for Nashville’s District 19, said he personally felt othered during a recent council meeting dealing with the community’s security needs. “Last night was one of the saddest. We were booed, hissed at. We watched other groups needs being talked about, but

not us. I felt if I stood up it would put a target on the Jewish community.”

Rabbi Saul Strosberg of Congregation Sherith Israel, said about half of his family is currently in Israel, something he wants to change. “I hope to make it more [than half] in Israel. It’s painful to me because I want to be there.”

Debby Wiston, executive director of West End Synagogue, says she was pleased to see a program like this because one of her own children had a difficult experience with a classmate. “My child had a classmate who was being antagonistic, so I sent him to talk to Hillel to get support. How fortuitous to have this opportunity to learn how to cope with this type of thing,” she said.

Other participants agreed that programs like this go a long way toward arming students with appropriate tools to deal with the tough subjects. Howard Safer said, “I’m glad I had the opportunity to see the results of positive program of Jewish education and leadership coming from the students.”

Grady says she is pleased to see the students grappling with their own feelings about Israel as they work toward becoming more confident representatives of the Jewish community on campus and beyond. Specifically in the area of revisionist Zionism, a topic not covered in the curriculum. “It’s definitely one of the hardest topics and we brought in some of those voices outside of the source sheet. These are the voices that folks opposed to Zionism are focused most deeply on and I really believe in preparing students for conversations by giving them space to have their emotion filled reactions to new information in their safe space.” •

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Your Friends and Family Belong Here!

By PASCALE WADE, GORDON JCC DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP

The Gordon JCC is kicking off the New Year with an exciting Membership Referral Program! From January 1 through January 31, you can share the many benefits of the JCC with your friends and family—and get rewarded for it. For each person you refer who joins the Gordon JCC, you’ll receive one month off your membership dues! It’s a win-win: your loved ones gain access to all the amazing amenities, programs, and community events the JCC offers, while you enjoy a little extra savings. Staff

members are also eligible and will receive $100 for each referral that results in a new membership.

To qualify, the new member must include your first and last name on their membership application at the time of registration. Please note that Health Insurance Memberships are not eligible for this promotion, and all memberships require a 12-month commitment, with a 30-day written notice needed to cancel after the first year. If you have any questions, reach out to Pascale at Pascale@ nashvillejcc.org. Be sure to spread the word—because your friends and family truly belong here! •

Gordon JCC Adult Program Happenings:

TGIT – January 2025

January 2nd

Eye Care – In our continuing Health Series, Donelson Eye Care and Cool Springs Eye Care present “The Aging Eye.” It promises to be a very informative presentation with Dr. Kegarise.

Lunch: Tuna and egg salad sandwiches, tomato soup, salad, Birthday cake and ice-cream.

January 9th

Alzheimer’s Association Part 2. This will be the second part of a two part series given by the Alzheimer’s Association on all things you need to know about Alzheimers. You do not have had to attend Part 1 to attend. It promises to be chockful of information presentation and discussion.

Lunch: Salmon, sides, salad and dessert.

January 16th

Musician Brett Fromson –

Specializing in music of the 50s and 60s. Elvis, classic country, Motown, we are in for a treat with this talented performer.

Lunch: Lasagna, salad, greens, bread, and dessert.

January 23

Senator Heidi Campbell - Heidi Campbell is an American music publisher and politician from Tennessee. A Democrat, Campbell has represented the 20th district of the Tennessee Senate, covering the inner suburbs of Nashville, since 2020. Come for an informative legislative discussion.

Lunch: Chicken, salad, sides, and dessert.

January 30th

Keri Pagetta – Filmaker “What Departs with Us” will be here to discuss her documentary depiction of Ethel Rosenberg’s story. A feature film written and directed by Carolyn German, starring Keri Pagetta, and with cinematographer Luis Marin.

Lunch: Chili, salad, sides, bread, and dessert. •

The Jewish Observer 90th Anniversary

Continuing our 90th anniversary celebrations of The Observer, we are including some archives from 1935.

Red Tent Fund

Continued from page 1 ple have the right to decide whether to have a family through reproductive means. She says this framework, which was developed in the United States, does not entirely apply to the situation in the middle east. “You have evidence of a lot of people involved in this conflict who say this isn’t a framework that doesn’t necessarily lay completely on top of the lived experience folks are having there.”

At this point, Korman realized she was not alone. After publishing her story in an article in Tablet magazine, she heard from others. “I heard from so many people, specifically Jewish people who were active in progressive movements and in the reproductive health and abortion movements. And it made me feel like this is such a false choice that you should have to choose between your Jewish identity and your support for reproductive health.”

Korman set out to create what she says is the first ever Jewish direct service abortion fund. She points to halacha, or Jewish law, as the core of the organization’s mission. “That is where our affirmation of the right to abortion comes from.”

Rabbis agree that abortion is a fundamental Jewish mandate. Rabbi Laurie Rice of Congregation Michah says, “As

Jews, pikuach nefesh is a commandment of the highest order. We are meant to do everything we can to safeguard and preserve our health. Even In our daily prayers the prayer for our body is separate from the prayer for our soul. If our bodies are not functioning to best of our ability, we are not able to literally supplicate to God.”

When discussing the idea of helping provide health care to everyone, regardless of faith, Rice says organizations like the Red Tent Fund are part of a long history of Jewish organizations working for the betterment of humanity in general. Torah is meant to teach us about how to interact and behave in the world, not just with our own people.”

Currently the Red Tent Fund supports five clinics in four states using the block grant model of directly funding abortion clinics. The funds are available to anyone in need of support, regardless of religion, background, or gestational age. In the coming year, the organization is building out a warm line that would refer callers in need of assistance to a list of abortion funds, with the Red Tent being one of those.

Korman credits NCJW as being a leader around abortion and reproductive health. She says nationally, NCJW has been doing the work for several years. “They’re at the 30,000-foot level doing the advocacy, the fundraising, the lobby-

ing. And Red Tent is more on the 1,000foot level of direct service.”

Tennessee is one of the states that has a near total ban on abortion, with few exceptions, so abortion seekers must look elsewhere for providers. Pam Kelner, Executive Director of Jewish Family Service, says, “If someone is needing to go elsewhere, we’re able to connect them with different resources in the country.”

Kelner says immediately after Roe v. Wade was overturned, the Network of Jewish Human Services Agencies, presented an informational session about the National Abortion Federation, the primary national abortion resource. “They have what they call ‘navigators,’ and they have them all over the country. They know all the resources in specific areas so they can help facilitate appointments. They have resources for financial assistance.” She says JFS does not provide assistance for medical procedures, but it does help with referrals to appropriate resources.

According to La Quita Martin, vice president of advocacy for NCJW Nashville Chapter, there are funds in state available to help people who need to travel. She says nationally NCJW has raised nearly $2 million to provide access to abortions, and those dollars are available to anyone who needs it. “There is money that was raised by Jewish people in this country to allow not only Jewish

women, but all women access.”

Martin says currently, reproductive health issues nationally and at the state level are in flux since the election. “We had our high hopes that the Federal position would change. And we also were really looking for some seats to be flipped in the state. That would have made a much more powerful path for us.” She says expects to see the usual bills seeking to completely overturn the state’s abortion ban. More realistically, she’s hoping for some progress in lifting restrictions on physicians and health care providers, as well as looking into funding for clinics that provide prenatal care without any education on options for abortion.

Another area to watch, says Martin, is the ongoing discussion around license plate readers which she says pro-choice advocates oppose. “Because of the ongoing prosecution of people taking someone across state lines to help them receive an abortion. This is something we continually fight based upon that.”

Martin says she is shocked by what happened to Korman and angry at what she perceives to be a double standard. “I’ve had people ask me what I thought about what happened and what’s going on in Gaza. You know I think what’s going on in Gaza is terrible. But I also think what Hamas did on October 7th was terrible. There is no winner in this. Everyone is losing.” •

Dancing - a fun way to fulfill your fitness New Year’s Resolution!

Looking for a new way to get fit with good music and great camaraderie?

Come and try

Israeli folk dancing, which includes music and dances not only from Israel, but from many other countries, including Yemen, Morocco, Greece, Spain, Ireland, and others. Dancing is good for a healthy brain and a healthy body. Meet new friends at this no-cost, fun activity.

When and Where?

Wednesday evening in the Dance Studio at the GJCC

(you don’t have to be a JCC member to participate)

5:45 - 6:15 p.m. Beginners/easy dancing

6:15 -7:15 p.m. Intermediate/ advanced dancing. Questions? Email Judy Given @ given223@bellsouth.net

Friday morning in the JCC gym

(you don’t have to be a JCC member to participate)

11:30 am – 12:45 pm Intermediate and advanced Questions? Email Evelyn Koch @ kochevelyn@hotmail.com •

Kvetch in the City

By CARRIE MILLS

WKids’ Corner

This month’s column features another poem by nine-year-old Naomi Becker, a student at Lockeland Elementary School. Our new Kids Korner will be reserved for stories, poems, games, recipes, and other creative submissions by children in our community. If you, or a child under 13 in your life, is interested in participating, please contact editor Barbara Dab at barbaradab@jewishnashville.org.

Two Sheep

By Naomi Becker

Two sheep run in the forest, There is fear in the air.

They sit and plea to their mother, Who in love, they share:

“Oh Mama, will you sleep with us tonight? Cuddle close and warm, waiting for the morning light. Oh Mama, will you play with us today? Watch close, so we aren’t led astray.”

Two sheep sleep in the forest, Side by side. Two sheep lie together, Waiting for their mother to come that night.

Lifecycles

B’rit Mitzvah

Beena May Sharmat

inter. Besides getting to wear my favorite cozy clothes covering my entire body and a multitude of sins, I pretty much dread this time of year. They say the holiday season is a season of miracles. Although it just past, quite honestly, if there are any left-over miracles, I could use one or two right now.

While I’ve never been officially diagnosed, I think I might have Seasonal Affective Disorder. I think I may also have HOA Condo Living Affected Disorder (I seriously have got to sell my condo and move), and might as well throw in, The World’s Gone Mad All Year Long Affected Disorder. The list goes on.

Meanwhile, this holiday season I found myself attending the usual festive get-togethers indulging in far too many bites of empty calories, greeting once a year acquaintance and saying, “We should get together” knowing the likelihood of that happening between now and next year’s jamboree is pretty much nil. All the while trying my best to find a few laughs to help me through the darkness of the daily 4:30 pm sunset, which only exacerbates my inability to drive well after dark. Forget driving altogether if it’s raining and nighttime.

I think my sour mood or let’s just call is Seasonal Affective Disorder is playing into my dating life as well.

The last man I matched up with on Hinge/NYC certainly seemed to be a gentleman. Mind you, not a Gentile man, an actual Jewish dentist from New Jersey. I could practically see my mom applauding from the grave, may she rest in peace. Finally, a Jewish doctor!

However. Yes, there is a however, I think I blew it. How many things can I blame on Seasonal Affected Disorder? Let’s see!

On our first phone FaceTime call before meeting in person, I found myself saying out loud that I’d prefer meeting

in person because phone calls are most likely just wasting my time until we meet up. To which he politely questioned, “Wasting your time?” Now, while I stick to my guns, it probably was one of those thoughts best left unsaid.

And it doesn’t end there. When he contacted me to meet up in person and was making plans to do so, he made a lovely comment that although he was having trouble making reservations at the restaurant I preferred, the meeting up was the more important part of the date. To which I replied, and yes, I said these words out loud, “Let’s just get it over with.”

Amazingly, he did show up. He did casually mention at dinner that it probably would have been nicer had I said I looked forward to meeting him rather than “Let’s just get it over with.” I agreed. Surprise, surprise, after that meet and greet, I’ve not heard from him since.

So, at the last holiday party I attended where we played that gift exchange game called, “Dirty Santa” where the gifts were by no means indiscreet, we were asked to introduce ourselves to everyone when it was our turn to pick a gift. At my turn to play, I said, “Hi, I’m Carrie. I write a column called, “Kvetch in the City” and proceeded to go on a little ramble/rant about how when I started writing the column it appeared I was meeting men from writing the column, however, once I wrote about said men, the whole thing seemed to backfire on me. At which point, some clever guy in the back of the room yelled out, “Seems like you’re in a Kvetch 22.”

Got that right.

Hey, here’s an idea. Maybe I can kill two birds with one stone. Move to Norway, Sweden, Finland, Alaska, Antarctica, Iceland, Greenland, Nunavut, Canada or Yakutsk, Russia. I mean, I know it’s not NYC however it stays light in those places practically all year round. With my self-diagnosed Seasonal Affective Disorder in check and a fresh start, maybe I’ll meet a Jewish doctor who I won’t be tempted to write about in my column.

Here’s to miracles. •

Visit The Jewish Observer’s website at www.jewishobservernashville.org

Beena May Sharmat will become a bat mitzvah on Saturday, January 4, at 11 a.m. at The Temple. She was born on January 9, 2012, in New York City, and moved to Nashville with her family in 2021.

Her parents are Samuel and Alissa Sharmat. Her grandparents are Judy Fein and the late Benjamin Fein of New York City, George Leskovac and the late Donna Bell of Louisville, Ky., Stephen Sharmat of Los Angeles, Calif., and Bruce Bell of Ajijic, Mexico.

A seventh grader at JT Moore Middle School, Beena likes to write music, read, design clothes, play video games, spend time with friends and is always singing and dancing.

For her mitzvah project, she is raising money and cooking meals for Nashville Launch Pad, an organization that provides emergency shelter and support services for LGBTQ+ youth.

Asher Thomas

Asher Thomas will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, January 18, at 10:30 a.m. at Congregation Micah. He is the child of Sarah Thomas and Dylan Thomas, and the brother of Alaina Thomas.

A seventh grader at Brentwood Middle School, Asher is on the BMS competitive robotics team and plays club soccer with Aris.

Due to his love for soccer, his mitzvah project is raising funds to assist players in meeting the financial requirements of club level soccer. Additionally, he is collecting gently used equipment to support access to the sport.

Obituaries

Jean Taylor (Porterfield) Kamerman

Condolences to the family of Jean Taylor (Porterfield) Kamerman who died on November 30.

Jean is survived by her husband Elliot; daughters, Rachel Anne and Rebecca

Brody; son-in-law, David Knight; granddaughters, Merit and Ziva; her older sisters, Mary and Sarah Porterfield; brother-in-law, Arthur Shippee; sister-in-law, Laura Kamerman-Katz; and brother-inlaw, Nathan Kamerman.

Dr. Bruce Daniel Rogers

Condolences to the family of Dr. Bruce Daniel Rogers who died on September 19 at the age of 78. He was born to the late Arthur and Ruth Rogers in New York City in the Bronx. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Norma Rogers, his son Alex Rogers, daughter-in-law Alexis Rogers, and his three grandchildren, Isabelle, Charlotte and Theodore.

A graduate of the Bronx High School of Science, Bruce received his bachelors and masters degrees from SUNY Binghamton and his PhD in public policy from Indiana University where he met his wife Norma at Hillel. They moved to Nashville where he spent 40 years at Tennessee State University as a professor teaching doctoral students in the Department of Public Policy and retired as the dean of the Department of Public Policy, Urban Affairs and Social Work. His colleagues from other departments at the university also sought his leadership. At their behest, he served at various points as the chairman of the Faculty Senate as well as the Appointments, Promotions, and Tenure Committee.

Bruce was a devoted member of the Nashville Jewish community serving for many years on the board of the Jewish Community Center, ultimately leaving its board after serving as its chair.

Following retirement, he and Norma moved to Delray Beach, Fla., where he was an active member of the Valencia Palms community regularly playing both tennis and canasta with his friends. He was a frequent visitor to Ocean Reef in Key Largo to see Alex, Alexis, and his grandchildren. He also loved travel, especially cruises with his grandchildren and seeing the world with Norma and friends.

Bruce was dearly loved by those who knew him and will be missed by his family, friends, tennis partners, and local community.

Bruce was a strong supporter of Pap Corps of Valencia Palms. Contribution on his behalf can be sent to Valencia Palms Pap Corps, 6750 Summerland Blvd., Delray Beach, FL 33446

January in the Galleries: Featuring the work of Harry Whitver, Eva Rabin and Cindy Wynns Waggoner

The Janet Levine March Gallery will feature the work of Harry Whitver. Born in 1943, Whitver moved with his family to Nashville in 1946, graduating from Hillsboro High School and earning a BA from Peabody College in 1965. During the Vietnam War, he served from 1966 to 1969 as a combat artist in the US Navy. After discharge, he attended Art Center School in Los Angeles. He returned to Nashville and a commercial art career, setting up his own studio in 1979. Alongside his work as a technical illustrator, he continued drawing, painting, and printmaking, creating mostly photorealistic and whimsical work.

The JLMG2 Gallery will feature the work of Eva Rabin, an artist and instructor. In a random act of fate, Rabin discovered the art of embroidery and immediately fell in love with its rich feminist history and portability. She was recently promoted to the position of stay-at-home-mom, so she works here, there and anywhere. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she has lived and studied in New England, the Pacific Northwest and the UK. She holds a BA in History, a BA in Three-Dimensional Design and an MFA in Applied Craft & Design. She now lives in Nashville with her

husband, toddler and beloved pup.

The Sig Held Gallery will feature the Cindy Wynns Waggoner. Longtime

has explored and discovered her enthusiasm for abstract art and her sense of imagination is evident. Originally from Dickson, TN, Waggoner always had a passion for interior design while raising a family and pursuing a medical career. Through color and composition, she creates abstract works that have a transitional, imaginative element appreciated in both modern and traditional homes.

The House gallery will feature the Under One Roof community wide collaborative exhibit.

The Senior Lounge Art Gallery will feature the work of Pamela Dove.

The Art Reception will be January 15th from 6 – 8pm.

The Exhibition Dates are January 2 -30th.

Plan Your…

Nashville resident and local artist, Waggoner presents various artistic abilities through her use of mixed media on canvas and other 3D compositions. Leaning on her creative passion and working with the flow of paint, she

Continued from page 15 you are planning your free time or have something you’d like to share.

2 – Look for people who are positive. How can you tell a person is more on the positive side? You can tell within the first 10 minutes. If you find that they complain a lot, like to gossip, and/or have a snide comment about all that is going on around you, that would be a hint! Negative people bring you down, make you feel like you would have been better off staying home and watching the new episodes of Yellowstone.

3 – Consider something you are passionate about and reach out to a new interest group to find new

The exhibitions are free and open to the public. Attendees will need sign in at the front desk. For more information, contact the GJCC at 615.354-1699, Curator Carrie Mills at carrie@nashvillejcc.org, or go to www. nashvillejcc.org. •

friends. When you do this, you will start off with something in common (photography, art, taking a course, salsa dancing, etc.) and will enjoy sharing thoughts and experiences. 4 – Take a risk and make it an adventure. Sure, you may think you are out of practice for this. ‘New Friend’ business. The only way to change your outlook on ‘Is this all there is?’ or “What’s next?” or “I’m stuck!” is to push yourself to do something. Get started and realize that if one road you go down is not quite right, you can easily choose another. Happy New Year, and Happy new friend hunting! •

Let me know how it goes, Loretta loretta@coachingwithloretta.com

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!

Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville at www.jewishnashville.org

Embroidered photo, by Eva Rabin

Poppies, by Cindy Waggoner

Take a Train, by Harry Whitver

Simchas & Celebrations

ISSUE

JANUARY 2025

Sperry’s

As we step into 2025, Sperry’s is proud to continue offering the same unforgettable dining experiences that have made us a Nashville institution for 50 years. From expertly prepared steaks to the freshest seafood, every dish is crafted with the dedication to excellence that our guests have come to expect.

In addition to our renowned dining experience, Sperry’s is the perfect venue for private dining and events. Whether you’re hosting a corporate gathering, milestone celebration, or an intimate family dinner, our elegant private dining rooms offer a sophisticated setting that ensures your event is truly special. Our team works with you to create customized menus and flawless service, making every occasion one to remember.

As we reflect on five decades of success, we want to express our deepest gratitude to you—our cherished guests. Your support and loyalty have been the foundation of our journey, and we look forward to continuing to serve you in the years to come.

Here’s to a new year filled with more memories, delicious meals, and exceptional events at Sperry’s. Thank you for being a part of our story—here’s to the next 50 years!

Belle Meade Cigar

When considering a unique gift for a cigar aficionado, look no further than Belle Meade Premium Cigars and Gifts. This gem of a cigar shop is locally owned and sells

Continued on page 23

the finest cigars, gifts, pipes, and tobacco related products in town! Swing by the Belle Meade Premium Cigars and Gift store today to purchase the finest tobacco in town... you don’t even have to leave the store to sample your purchase!

The store is complete with a smoking lounge where cigar connoisseurs relax, smoke, and enjoy themselves. Come to the Belle Meade Premium Cigars and Gifts store to enjoy the best smoking experience that Nashville has to offer!

After more than 20 years in business, Belle Meade Cigar will be moving in February 2025 to a new location.

New location address: 104 46th Ave N., Nashville, TN 37209, Sylvan Park Area, 1.5 miles from their current location.

https://www. bellemeadecigars.com/about-us/

Belle Meade Jewelry

Experience a new level of personalized service at Belle Meade Jewelry & Repair. Our transition to a Private Jewelers office allows us to better meet your needs with tailored, one-on-one consultations. Elevate your existing pieces or curate new ones with our skilled design team. Automatic, battery or pocket watches welcome. Pricing may vary by make and model. Schedule time with our third-generation jeweler to receive an estimate today.

Belle Meade Jewelry’s journey started in 1941 when Sol and Lester Berry opened Berry’s Loan Co. on historic Deaderick Street in the heart of downtown Nashville, TN. From there, each generation grew the business even further… until grandson Scott Isaacs decided to start his own legacy in 2006, and thus BMJ was born.

Here at Belle Meade Jewelry our goal is to melt tradition and innovation into the perfect blend. Each piece created or rebuilt here is a true reflection of refined beauty and timeless sophistication, as unique as the gems that adorn it.

Visit us at their new location 4515 Harding Pike, Suite #112, Nashville, TN 37205 in the Covenant Capital Group Building. www.bellemeadejewelry.net 615-269-3288. Book Your Appointment today. Belle Meade Jewelry & Repair | Scott Isaacs, Jeweler

Old-Fashioned House Cleaning

“I hate housework. You make the beds, you wash the dishes and six months later you have to start all over again.” — Joan Rivers

Well, someone’s got to do it! Have you just had a great party or event and are too exhausted to do the clean-up required to restore your home to its beautiful self. Call Old-Fashioned House Cleaning for a Meticulous, Hardworking, Trustworthy, and Dependable cleaner to do the job.

Reasonable Rates • Excellent References 615-636-7639

Mazel Tov from Argent Trust

Mazel Tov! Your daughter just gave birth to a healthy baby girl. You want to help her financially but are not sure of the best way to help. Outright gifts of cash for immediate needs, saving for future educational expenses through a 529 plan, creating a trust that can grow with your loved one – these are all great options but finding the right one takes planning. The staff at Argent Trust can help you decide how much to give to your children and grandchildren and when to give it to them.

Moments of joy, simchas, are to be celebrated. They are also a wonderful opportunity to review your financial

plan. Argent Trust has assisted clients as they plan to celebrate a birth, bar/bat mitzvah, graduation, marriage, new home, sale of business, retirement, and more! Contact your CPA, Attorney or Argent Trust at mhirt@argenttrust.com or (615) 385-2718 to start a conversation.

The Pargh Team

Congratulations on starting your journey together as newlyweds! At the Pargh Team, we know how exciting – and a little overwhelming – it can be to find your first home. That’s why we’re here to make the process smooth, fun, and memorable.

As trusted real estate experts, we specialize in helping couples like you navigate the market to find a home that fits your lifestyle, dreams, and budget. Whether you’re looking for a cozy starter home in a quiet neighborhood, a modern downtown condo close to the action, or a charming bungalow with room to grow, we’ll help you discover the perfect space to start this new chapter.

With personalized attention and a deep understanding of the local market, we’ll guide you through every step – from getting pre-approved for a mortgage to finding the ideal property and negotiating the best deal. We pride ourselves on making the home-buying experience seamless so you can focus on building your life together.

Let us help you say, “I do” to your dream home. Reach out to the Pargh Team today and take the first step toward making memories in the perfect place for your happily-ever-after!

Call or text us today to start your journey!

Contact the Pargh Team at 615.351.7333

Continued on page 24

• Customized college list creation tailored to your interests, strengths, and goals

• Expert guidance on the Common Application, personal statements, and supplemental essays

• Strategic advice on extracurricular activities and resume-building

• Support for students at all stages: from high school planning to college transition

Stephanie Speller Townsend stephspeller.townsend@gmail.com

Continued from page 23

Carrie Mills Designs: Customized art for your special occasion

Carrie Mills, fashion designer, illustrator, and Parson School of Design alumni, creates customized art for your special occasions.

How wonderful for a bride to own a one-of-a-kind illustration marking her once in a lifetime day, or a portrait of the happy couple who just became engaged? What about the gift of a personalized mixed media beautiful collage forever commemorating a loved one’s life or a special occasion?

Invite Carrie to create a piece of art in her unique and elegant style that will be celebrated in the moment and passed down for generations to come. Make your special day even more memorable with an original work of art highlighting your special moment or a loved ones’ life. It makes for a truly original great wedding, bar or bat mitzvah, anniversary or birthday gift. For more information please visit www.carriemills.org or call 615-210-5044.

Bubbie’s Bake Shop

Bubbie’s Bake Shop is one of Nashville’s best kept secrets; a kosher (NKC) bakery, offering fun and fresh takes on classic recipes. Owned by Nashville native Yoni Limor, the bakery is inspired by the strong Jewish women in his life— grandmothers, aunts, and particularly his mother, Bobbie, who was one of the best Kosher caterers in town. Equipped with years of kitchen knowledge and family recipes (along with many of his own), Yoni chose the name “Bubbie” to honor these women and their timeless recipes, including sweet egg challah, crunchy mandel bread, decadent Babka Bites, and more; all made from scratch with the finest kosher ingredients.

SUPERL AT IVE st yle

The Crestmoor at Green Hills will exemplify sophisticated, rental retirement living in our vibrant city. Surrounded by the heritage neighborhoods of Green Hills, Belle Meade, service detail, dining and resort style living make it a premier a new level of indoor-outdoor living. Spaces designed for a secure, lock and leave lifestyle for members.

Bubbie’s Bake Shop is perfect for weekly orders, whether it’s a fresh loaf of challah for Shabbat or just your weekly mandel fix. The bakery also caters larger events, like bar mitzvahs, corporate gatherings, and any celebration looking for a little extra sweetness.

Though there’s no physical storefront (yet!), ordering is a breeze at www. BubbiesBakeShop.com, with convenient pickup available every Friday at the GJCC or even at the Akiva front desk for parents. Yoni is excited to share “Bubbie’s Bake Shop” treats with the Nashville Jewish community and looks forward to being part of life’s special moments for years to come!

Katy’s Gifts

A one stop, locally owned shop, to answer all your Simcha gift giving needs, look no further than Katy’s Gifts in the heart of Belle Meade. Charlie and Sherilyn Tallent purchased Katy’s Nashville in 1998 and, at that time, owned stores in Atlanta as well. After commuting for years, they decided to sell their Georgia stores and, in 2006, moved to Tennessee full-time. They just moved to their expansive new location at 6033 Highway 100 in Nashville in the Westgate Shopping Center at the corner of Highway 100 and Tyne Blvd.

In 2014, they purchased Brentwood Stationers and changed the name to Katy’s Brentwood as it is today. They enjoy contributing and being a part of both communities, and hope to continue to offer their guests a unique and welcoming place to shop for years to come! Visit the store or shop online. 615-383-1422. https://www.katysgifts. com/belle-meade.

Continued on page 25

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!

Hampton Inn Green Hills -Making your out-of-town guests feel at home

Complete confidence that out-of-town guests will feel “right at home” is a primary concern for every host or hostess, no matter what the social event. The fully renovated Hampton Inn & Suites-Green Hills specializes in just that: making our home their home-away-from-home while they attend your special event.

We are a boutique-style select service hotel in the heart of Green Hills’ fantastic shopping, dining and entertainment district. We can offer both comfortable standard rooms and spacious residential king suites with fully furnished kitchens.

We provide your guests with complimentary cost saving services and amenities that other hotels often add to their bills. Our rate includes free parking, internet access, local calls and our highly praised daily breakfast buffet with hot items. The facility offers a computer center, fitness facility, and laundry services for the convenience of guests during their visit.

The atrium-style sixth floor Belle Meade room offers a dynamic view of the Green Hills area, perfect for bridesmaid luncheons, rehearsal dinners, receptions and birthday parties. To keep your visitors entertained during those free times of your special event, we are in walking distance of the Mall at Green Hills, 15 restaurants and a 16-screen cinema.

Contact our sales department to learn how we can help relieve some of the responsibilities so you can better enjoy your next social event. Find out more at www. nashgreenhillssuites.hamptoninn.com .

Red Spirits - For all your special occasions!

As the calendar year of 2024 has come to a close our team at RED Spirits and Wine would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the Nashville JCC and all of our guests for the wonderful support that we have received during the 13 years since we first opened our doors in Bellevue. We hope that this holiday season has brough everyone in our community an opportunity to cherish special time with friends and family. Mazel Tov! Being a local business, we feel extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful support base. In fact, we like to say that the “best thing” about RED is our fabulous customers! We look forward 2025 and hope to see a lot of familiar faces, along with some new ones too! Again, we wish that everyone reading this is blessed with health, happiness, love, and peace! Shalom. •

ACCOUNTANTS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY

CATHY WERTHAN, CPA

CBIZ 1221 Broadway, Suite 1925 Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 245-4070 • CBIZ.com

APPLIANCES

ELECTRONIC EXPRESS is a leader in top quality, brand-name electronics and appliances at exceptionally low prices. Stocking the latest items, Electronic Express takes pride in providing customers with products at prices to fit any budget. From televisions, appliances, smart devices and cameras to security systems, furniture and mattresses, Electronic Express has everything to take your home to the next level. Electronic Express offers special financing, delivery and installation options. We make it happen! Visit us at any of our 18 locations or online at www. electronicexpress.com

ATTORNEY

MARTIN SIR, ATTORNEY

Family Law / Personal Injury / Probate 3200 West End Avenue, Suite 500 Nashville, Tennessee 37203 615-256-5661 (phone) 615-256-5115 (fax) www.martinsirlaw.com

CARE GIVER

Custom senior care for active, healthy lifestyles. Affordable/no minimums. Meals, meds, transp., outings, dementia care & assist with hospital discharge. Professional trusted care partners. Locally owned. Call Moises for Free Assessment: 615-678-9223 www.curaforcare.com

In-Home Care & Engagement | Respite Dementia Day & Early-Stage Programs

Independent & Assisted Living Memory Support | Caregiver Resources 615.434.2160 | services@abesgarden.org

AROSA (formerly Family Staffing Solutions, Inc.)

Integrated Care Management and Home Care Provider

2000 Glen Echo Road, Suite 104 Nashville, TN 37215 615-595-8929

143 Uptown Square Murfreesboro, TN 37129 615-848-6774

768 N. Main Street Shelbyville, TN 37160 931-680-2771

Elite Caregiving Services

Compassionate Care In Your Home

We offer aftercare from surgical procedures, part-time assistance, and 24 hour elderly care. 615-881-6528

Hannah@EliteCaregivingServices.com EliteCaregivingServices.com

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

DR. BRADLEY KROCK D.C.

Discover relief with Dr. Krock, DCExpert chiropractic care for pain, wellness, and injury recovery. Book your appointment today!   615-723-0201 www.krockchiropractic.com

DENTIST

STEVEN R. HECKLIN, DMD

DAVID M. SMILEY, DMD

ABBY DILUZIO, DMD

Cosmetic and Family Dentistry www.drhecklin.com 5606 Brookwood Place 615-356-7500

INSURANCE

BILTMORE INSURANCE SERVICES

Greg Zagnoev, Agent 615-746-RISK (7475) Home, Auto, Business, and Life

JAMES A. ROTHBERG

ADAM ROTHBERG

James A. Rothberg & Associates Office:  615-997-1833 Fax: 615-665-1300 2000 Glen Echo, Suite 208 Nashville, TN 37215 Email: jrothberg@jarinsurance.com info@jarinsurance.com

ROBINS INSURANCE

Bruce Robins, CPCU, CIC, ARM; Van Robins, CIC Auto, Home, Life, Health, Business Insurance 11 Music Circle S Ph. 615-665-9200 • www.robinsins.com

ZANDER INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

Jeffrey J. Zander, CIC Auto, Home, Life, Health, Business, Long Term Care, Identity Theft Protection 6213 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209 615-356-1700 www.zanderins.com

M JAFFA HEALTH INSURANCE

Marsha Ross Jaffa, CIC, LUTCF 615-482-3860 Medicare, Health, Dental, and Life

OPTOMETRIST

DR. MICHELE SONSINO Optique Franklin 436 Main Street, Franklin 615-591-4191

DR. JAMES W. KIRKCONNELL Bellevue Eyecare Center 7640 Hwy 70 S, Ste 102 Nashville 615-662-7588 www.bec2

ORTHODONTISTS

GLUCK ORTHODONTICS

Specialists in Orthodontics

Dr. Joel Gluck DDS, MS

Dr. Jonathan Gluck DDS, MSD 2002 Richard Jones Road A-200 615.269.5903 drgluck.com

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

GHERTNER & COMPANY

Homeowner Association and Condominium Management Full Service and Financial Management Property Management since 1968 615-255-8531 www.ghertner.com

PSYCHOTHERAPY

& COUNSELING

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

REAL ESTATE

FRANKLIN PARGH

615-351-7333

franklin.pargh@compass.com

LANA PARGH 615-504-2685

lana.pargh@compass.com www.pargh.com Instagram: @theparghteam

JACOB KUPIN, REALTOR HAYLEY LEVY KUPIN, REALTOR 615-281-9035

Jacob@TheKupinGroup.com

Hayley@TheKupinGroup.com www.TheKupinGroup.com

We’ve got your back!

GREG ANSEL, REALTOR® Phone/Text: 615-815-6405

Email: GregAnsel@kw.com “Let’s Get Moving!”

Jackie Roth Karr, REALTOR® ABR, CRS

JackieKarr@gmail.com

JackieKarr.com

Mobile: 615-330-9779 Office: 615-463-3333

SPORTING GOODS

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

TRAVEL SERVICES

Expedia Cruise Ship Centers A Full Service Travel Agency Alan Cooper: Office: 615-454-6439 www.expediacruises.com/AlanCooper 7081 B Hwy 70 S / Kroger Shopping Ctr.

TREE SERVICES

JESSICA AVERBUCH

Broker/ Owner

Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty 615-294-9880 jessica.averbuch@zeitlin.com

KAROL FARAGALLI 615-289-3359 karolfaragalli@gmail.com

LORNA M. GRAFF Broker, GRI, CRS, ABR 615-351-5343 lorna.graff@zeitlin.com www.lornagraff.com

SETH HOFFMAN

Associate Broker 615-351-2150 seth@sethhoffmannashvillehomes.com

NAN SPELLER

Broker, GRI, ABR 615-973-1117 nanspeller2014@gmail.com

Nashville: 615.383.0183 Franklin: 615.794.0833 zeitlin.com

Preserving the Natural Beauty of Trees and Shrubs. Specializing in the care of shade and ornamental trees and shrubs for residential and commercial properties. Serving Nashville since 1978. 615-373-4342 www.druidtree.com

Seniors and Post Hospital Care

Notice of the

89 Annual Meeting th

SLATE OF OFFICERS & BOARD MEMBERS 2025

Officers (One Year Term)

President: Aron Karabel

Vice President: SethGoldberg

Treasurer: Jacob Kleinrock

Secretary: David Bockian

Board of Directors (Three Year Term)

Arlene Averbuch

Bill Berk

Erin Coleman

LindseyDanziger

BeccaGroner

OriHart

Submitted by the 2025 Federation Nominating Committee

Carolyn Hecklin Hyatt

Larry Hyatt

Eric Mirowitz

Sean Ross

Goldie Shepard

Avigal Soreq

Chair: Steve Hirsch CommitteeMembers: Lindsey Danziger, Vivian Fischer, Becca Groner, JacobKupin and Karen Weil

Tuesday, January 28, 2025|7:00pm

Jewish Community Center

Please note: Any twenty-five members of theJewish Federationmay submit additionalnames provided such names aresubmitted to thePresident or to the Chief Executive Officer at least twenty days before the annual election. The persons nominated forofficerpositions must be or have been membersof the Boardof Directors. The Nominating Committee list and all other qualified lists aretobepresented for electionat the annual meeting which is open to all membersof the Jewish Federation. The officialnoticeofthe slateof nominees, as selected by theNominating Committee, waspublished and circulated previously to members of theJewish Federation thirty days priortothe annual meeting as required by theFederation Constitution.

y | Februar 20th