The Observer Vol. 89 No. 11 – November 20224

Jewish OBSERVER

Abe’s Garden Launches $20 Million Campaign to Expand Memory Care Services and Create Replicable Model

By BARBARA DAB

Local nonprofit senior living community Abe’s Garden announced a $20 million campaign to expand and enhance its memory care facilities and services, and to establish a replicable model. “Abe’s Garden has become a solution to families’ challenges for nine years. In fact, it’s become a household

name,” says Risa Klein Herzog, director of donor relations at Abe’s Garden. “It’s an option for people who want to live independently, who want assisted living, and people who may need our memory support services.” She says the memory support, which is the newest addition, is the “jewel in the crown.”

Abe’s Garden was created when Mike and Lisa Shmerling purchased the

former independent living residence, Park Manor in 2008. “They added services and then added assisted living while they toured the country, found best practices in memory support, and then built out the new part,” says Herzog. The plan will include adding approximately 50 percent more memory support residences which will increase capacity from the current 42 to 62. Herzog adds this will

alleviate a waiting list of about 50 people a month.

A top priority for the next phase includes creating a model for memory care that can be replicated. The Shmerlings are partnering with Vanderbilt University’s division of geriatrics through the Abram C. Shmerling, M.D. Endowed Chair. Herzog says it was

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Metro Council Passes Four Bills Aimed at Curbing Hate Groups

By BARBARA DAB

Metro Council passed, and Mayor Freddie O’Connell signed, four ordinances designed to deter hate groups coming into Nashville, as some did over the summer, demonstrating in front of West End Synagogue and downtown businesses, and disrupting a Metro Council meeting. Some groups wore face masks, others demonstrated and hung antisemitic signs on overpasses. This was in addition to the group that littered private homes with antisemitic fliers over the last couple of years. Metro Council member Sheri Weiner (District 22), says, “If you look at those four, what it does, it just gives the police and the courts more

teeth. We didn’t have enough teeth for the police to grab hold of. That was one of the biggest problems we saw.”

The ordinances include changes that will:

• restrict the solicitation or distribution of handbills on private property to daylight hours,

• create exemptions for wearing masks or disguises in public, including health and sincerely held beliefs,

• create buffer zones around public buildings and parking lots,

• prohibit placement of unauthorized signs, signals, or markings above a highway.

Weiner says each of those ordinances had approximately 19 sponsors, which

amounts to nearly half of the entire council. “The hope here is that these new measures offer more of a deterrent to people showing up. But if you show up, you can’t hide your identity. And that was one of the things they were doing.”

What comes next, says Weiner, both in the hands of the police and the courts. She says both she and Judge Dan Eisenstein were asked by District Attorney Glenn Funk to provide continuing education for his staff. “It is about how important these bills are, and about how you keep from re-victimizing victims of hate speech and antisemitic behavior, and anti-islamophobia.” She adds that the goal was to be inclusive of all victims in order to best protect free speech.

Eisenstein says overall the language in the ordinances is good, but there are limitations since these are not criminal statutes. “The issue is these are Metro ordinances, which are civil offenses. The maximum fine is $50 and costs. Getting them enforced can also be tricky.” Nevertheless, he says it is important to be prepared in how to get violations implemented.

Eisenstein and Weiner plan to share with the DA’s staff the importance to the Jewish community of enforcing these ordinances. “We will discuss the feelings of people in our community about what’s going on,” says Eisenstein, “I think the DA’s office is very sensitive to this and responsive.” But he says it is incumbent

Continued on page 2

Pictured l. to r.: Nashville’s former Mayor Bill Purcell, Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Dr. Sandra Simmons at Abe’s Garden recent groundbreaking ceremony

Pictured l. to r.: Sherry Stein, Risa Klein Herzog, Margaret Reinheimer, Shirley Foster.

Photo credit: Rick Malkin

Campaign Update: With Gratitude

By JASON SPARKS

With two months to go in our 2024 Annual Campaign, I have been reflecting on my first seven months here at Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville. It has been humbling seeing the generosity of our donors all around the community. Donors who have given for years are increasing their pledges and we have had more new donors join our philanthropic efforts than the last several years combined. We are helping folks new to Nashville everyday find their Jewish home while supporting our institutions here and around the world, and that feels really good.

This has been a really, really challenging year for our work at home, but also with our work overseas. It has been amazing seeing the great work that my colleagues have been doing all around the organization. I am so thankful for the team I get to work with every day. Their passion and dedication to our community inspires me every single day and I’d like to take a moment to recognize them.

The indomitable Lynn Fleischer maintains our archives and tirelessly catalogs the wealth of documents, photos,

and memorabilia the organization has catalogued over the years. And she can tell the most amazing stories about our vibrant community. Barbara Schwarcz, who also has an ocean of knowledge about our community does an incredible job setting up events that always deliver. I am so thankful for her attention to detail and for keeping us on track. Leeron Resnick has been an amazing asset to our team, not only teaching young people to be philanthropists through our B’nei Tzedek program, but also helping to organize special events like our October 7th Commemoration. Ziv Shemesh just recently joined us as our community Schlicha and has already begun building bridges in her work as our emissary from Israel.

Norma Shirk has been an incredible gift to our organization. Through her work with our Life and Legacy program, she has ensured that our partner agencies will be receiving gifts of millions of dollars over the coming years, sustaining Jewish Nashville for generations to come.

Becky Gunn who was named CFO of the year by the Nashville Business Journal and Tania Bukengolts make sure that our finances are in order and assist with the

bookkeeping of some of our partner agencies, like Akiva School and Congregation Sherith Israel to name a few. Michal Eskenazi Becker not only manages our grants process, but she also supports our emerging community groups and is growing the next generation of community leaders through the Leadership 615 program that launched last year.

Over the last year, we had two wonderful new additions to our team, Emma Canter and Joelye Davis. Emma helps to manage our communications and has done a fantastic job with our digital Observer, and Joelye has taken our social media to a level we didn’t know existed. Heath Hinson tirelessly works behind the scenes handling our HR administration needs and Allen Cummings handles our IT needs, along with the needs of the JCC and our partner agencies; both have been supporting our community for decades. Eitan Snyder is everywhere and does everything, from helping to shepherd our NowGen program for young adults, to managing our relationships with our overseas partners through our Partnership2Gether programs – we are so lucky to have him.

Barbara Dab is not only the editor of

this paper, but she is also in charge of our communications team and a media force of nature. When she calls a reporter, they listen, and she is constantly on the hunt to find stories about our unique community. Carrie Mills helps us keep the advertising going to support the paper and makes the JCC look wonderful with her art exhibits. Deborah Oleshansky does the work of three people, managing our relationships with the community from politicians, to schools, to the police, and has continued the tradition of the lovely JCRC Seder – and she is a fierce authority combatting antisemitism of all forms. And of course, all of us are supported by our many, many community volunteers that are always there when we need them.

So please, help our team continue to be the voice of Jewish Nashville. Support our community through your generous gift to our annual campaign. You may not have been asked to pledge yet, but that doesn’t mean that our needs are not greater than they ever have been. We are grateful for the support that has been shown for so many years and with your help, we will continue that work through the future. •

NowGen Introduces 2024-2025 Co-Chairs

By EITAN SNYDER

NowGen is so excited to present our new co-chairs for this year! These three volunteer leaders are stepping up to take charge of NowGen for the coming year and have some great programs coming up for the rest of the year and through 2025.

If your organization is interested in partnering with NowGen or connecting more Nashville Jews in their 20s and 30s to your organization, please reach out to one of them so we can make it happen!

I am so excited for these three amazing leaders to take the reins as I plan to leave my position at the Federation on November 27. I will still be around and plan to continue being part of the community as a participant and as a lay leader.

Liran Federmann

I was born in Kfar Saba in Israel,

Metro Council

Continued from page 1 on the police to cite offenders, or make arrests, and then testify in court.

The police department, for its part, is pleased to have the additional tools to assist them. Don Aaron is the public affairs director for the Metro Nashville Police Department. He says especially for those groups who come from outside Nashville, the ordinances send a clear message, “The actions of the administration and the approval by the Council of these four ordinances is further testament to the fact that Nashville does not appreciate the perpetuation of hate in our community.”

Aaron also says during the incidents that occurred over the summer the police were also subjected to hate speech. “Nashville needs to know that our men and women were there. They didn’t turn

but I grew up just outside Boston (in the same town as Myles!).

I’ve been in Nashville for just over three years now, and I work full time as a freelance graphic designer. The day after I moved to Nashville happened to be Yom Kippur, and I met NowGen folks at services who told me about a break fast. From that break fast, I learned about more events (Sukkot, happy hours, etc.) and that was that. I’ve felt blessed to have found friends and community through NowGen and other Jewish organizations in Nashville, and bringing that to newcomers and long-time Nashvillians feels like the best way I can give back.

Myles Hoffman

I am originally from the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts (funny enough,

away. They were engaged in ensuring the public safety was maintained. And should there be a return, they will do the same thing.”

Another concern, according to Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, is keeping the peace during an election year, and a time of global tensions. “At a time when global events have impacted local communities in ways that seem to fray even our local social fabric, we wanted to take steps that were meaningful, that would reduce the likelihood of public demonstrations, public interactions becoming violent.” He adds those were his primary goals for signing these ordinances.

When drafting the language for the ordinances, O’Connell echoed Weiner’s focus on protecting free speech, while ensuring the bills are effective. He says he believes freedom of expression is an important part of culture in America, as well as political and faith culture. “The

I grew up in the same hometown as Liran!). I’ve lived in Nashville for almost six years now after moving here to attend Belmont University for undergrad. I currently work at Make Wake Artists, a Country/ Americana Artist Management Company based here in Nashville (most notable for managing Luke Combs). I’ve always been involved in Reform Jewish life growing up, between going to a URJ camp, participating in NFTY, and then later on being involved with Hillel in college. Being a leader in the Nashville Jewish community to me is all about keeping traditions alive, bringing people together, and making sure everyone feels like they belong. I’m thrilled to be able to lead and collaborate with

hardest conversation I had through some of these episodes of hate groups deciding that it was appropriate to visit Nashville and publicly demonstrate their hateful ideology and rhetoric is that under that profound power they frequently have the right to do so.” He says he took an approach that looked at violence prevention at its core. His legal team worked with a first amendment specialist to ensure the steps they took would be substantively legal if ever challenged.

The mayor also cited concerns for public safety in the wake of the war in the Middle East and the local tensions that have become heightened. “We still want anybody attending services, attending community events in our faith communities to know they are safe there.”

Despite holding a non-partisan office and being mindful of the separation of church and state, O’Connell says interfaith dialogue is a long-standing tradition

my other board members on future programs to further build the Nashville Jewish community! Tali Izhaky I was born in Israel, but lived in the Seattle area most of my life. I just hit 3 years of living in Nashville and I work at Sony Music Publishing and work on their independent publisher partnerships team - SMP Indie Biz as we like to call it! I got involved in Jewish life in Nashville because I went to a Rosh Hashanah Newcomers brunch and the rest is history. The Nashville Jewish community has been so welcoming to me over the last few years, and I’d like to give back by helping foster the Jewish Nashville young adult community. Kehillah Kedosha! •

in Nashville. “This has been a really hard year in that regard. I have so many close friends and relationships spread across the faith communities, and different racial and ethnic communities in Nashville and when there are clashes that cause division it’s really challenging personally.” He references his own Jewish heritage and says he has enjoyed observing the many interfaith activities the local Jewish community has participated in. “Well into the past year, the hardest thing to hear from people was, ‘Hey can we come together?’ From all corners the refrain was, ‘It’s too soon.’” O’Connell says the number one job of government is to keep people safe. “One of the things that has challenged my outlook on that somewhat is that I feel very satisfied with the ways we were able to keep people physically safe. But what I learned through much of the past year is that it’s much harder to keep people emotionally safe.” •

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

Editor’s Note…

By BARBARA DAB

I

n just a few weeks me and my family will be sitting down to our Thanksgiving table to enjoy a delicious meal prepared by all of us. It is a time not only of celebration, but also of reflection and gratitude. As we have been sharing with you all, this year marks the 90th anniversary of The Jewish Observer. A true milestone in this day of disappearing

newspapers and shrinking local news. We are so proud that our community sees value in our long tradition of Jewish journalism, and in the legacy that began in 1934 with Jacques Back. We have published pages from our archives chronicling that first year when Jews in Europe were in peril, and the community here in Nashville was yearning for information about their loved ones. We have also enjoyed revisiting the cele-

brations, births, deaths, and even some advertisements that highlight what life was like at the time.

This month and next we are asking you to continue supporting The Observer as a living document of our lives and history. Inside the pages you will find our fundraising envelope and we ask you to kindly send it back with your gift to ensure the tradition of this newspaper.

I have said it before, but it bears

repeating; it is an honor to be editor of The Observer and to serve my community doing what I love most, telling stories of the people and events that shape our lives.

And so, with much gratitude I thank you for your readership, your comments and feedback and most important, your support.

Wishing you all a joyous, happy, and delicious Thanksgiving. •

The 2024 Gordon JCC Program Guide Goes Digital

By JESSE FELD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Here at the Gordon JCC, we are uniquely positioned to have many opportunities for fresh starts. We have the Jewish New Year on the 1st of Tishrei, the Gregorian Calendar New Year on January 1st, our Annual Meeting where we welcome new folks on our Board of Directors, and of course, each year brings a new program guide! This year, our guide has gone digital. It can be found on our website homepage at nashvillejcc.org . This is my Letter from the Director, included in the guide, in case you missed it.

In the short time that I have had the privilege of serving as Executive Director of the J, I have been able to see just how vibrant and lively our community is and the value we bring to building Jewish life here in Nashville.

After some extensive work, we have exciting and fresh new equipment for both our indoor and outdoor pools. Inside, we had a brand-new HVAC system installed to minimize sound as well

c c c c STAFF

Publisher Jewish Federation

Editor Barbara Dab

Editorial Associate Emma Canter

Advertising Manager Carrie Mills

Layout and Production Tim Gregory

Editorial Board Frank Boehm (chair), Teena Cohen, Scott Rosenberg

Telephone 615/356-3242 Fax 615/352-0056 E-mail barbaradab@jewishnashville.org

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The Jewish OBSERVER

as making sure the floors stay dry. We also reimagined the deck by building more storage, and revitalized the look by investing in new equipment and a fresh acid wash of the plaster to make it shine. Outside, we are excited to have replaced our filtration system with a brand new and very effective filter. This update was a long time coming and will help keep the pool clean and operating for years to come. We have so many committed swimmers year-round, from our Tigersharks swim team to water aerobics, lap swimmers and everything in between,

Corrections Policy

we love our aquatics community and appreciate their patience as we made these necessary renovations.

Along with the fresh and new, we are also bringing back some of the great larger community programming that brings so many folks together and provides unique experiences for members and non-members alike.

pickleball, basketball, or more, there are so many ways to stay active at the J.

You will be thrilled to learn more about our new Pilates classes in the new Pilates studio, as well as a bevy of different art class offerings which will take place in our gorgeous Madeline Pargh Arts & Crafts Center.

Children of all ages have opportunities to grow and build friendships year-round with JCC programming as well. The excellent Gordon JCC Early Childhood Learning Center has a brandnew playground and has been soaring under the leadership of new Director Elizabeth-Lee Gertonson, and Assistant Director Michele Dills.

Kids can now have a camp experience all year round too with the newly named Camp Davis Clubhouse, formerly known as Planet Kid. Camp Davis Clubhouse has taken the great momentum and ruach from a fun summer at Camp Davis and is keeping the fun alive all year long. For teens, a growing BBYO program that offers chapter programming on a regular basis, and convention opportunities to connect with other Jewish teens in the region throughout the school year.

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

For advertising deadlines, contact Carrie Mills, advertising manager, at 615-354-1699, or by email at carrie@nashvillejcc.org.

We will have a fresh new lineup of music, and fresh Kosher Nashville Hot Chicken at this year’s Nashville Kosher Hot Chicken and JAM Fest, Sunday, November 3 right at the J. Our Nashville Jewish Film Festival is incorporating interactive community events with each viewing, happening from mid-October through November at a few different locations including the J, AMC Bellevue 12, and the Belcourt Theatre.

Every day at the J there are so many programs you can join. Whether its participating in Mah Jongg, our TGIT program for older adults, viewing our monthly changing art galleries, fitness classes,

We have such a special community here at the Gordon JCC. I am so appreciative of our professional staff for all the hard work they put in to make this a warm and welcoming place, and to you, our members, who fill the halls with a great spirit and vibrancy. Building community is a team sport, and I love being on the team with each and every one of you. •

Nashville Jewish Community Commemorates October 7th

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ast year the Jewish people experienced its greatest tragedy since the Holocaust when 1200 people were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists, and 240 others were kidnapped into Gaza. During the past year, more than half of the hostages were either murdered at the hands of Hamas or perished in captivity. There are currently 101 people who remain hostage in Gaza.

To commemorate these events,

approximately 900 people gathered on October 7th of this year to grieve and to share stories, songs, art, and photos. The event was held at The Temple and included partners from every part of Nashville’s Jewish community.

Below are some of the photos from that event. To see a recording of the program, visit the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville’s Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=4NaXb8ZvV04 •

Fo r Sale by Th e Pa rgh Te am

Franklin Pargh Lana Pargh

Partne re d wi th Justin M. Le e at Guarante ed Ra te

917 33rd Ave N, Unit A Nashville, TN 3720 9

Israeli Folk Dancing Great cardio activity that provides exercise for mind and body

By EVELYN KOCH

What, you’ve never tried Israeli folk dancing??? Well, it’s about time you did! The awesome benefits are great music from Israel and all over the world, good exercise for mind and body, and wonderful camaraderie. Some of us are Jewish, some are not – what unites is our love for dance.

One of our dancers, Sharon Morrow, says, “Israeli folk dancing expresses the love and heart of the Jewish people. It doesn’t matter if you can’t dance or can’t dance well. Just get up and dance. It’s worth the effort.”

No risk at all – just come and try it! If you have never or rarely danced, come on Wed. night when Judy begins each session with instruction for new dancers. If you are a dancer who hasn’t danced for years? Come on back - and try either the Wednesday or the Friday group.

When and Where?

Wednesday evening in the dance studio at the GJCC (no fee)

JCC membership not needed to participate

6:00 – 6:30pm - beginners (no experience necessary for the beginner session)

New dancers welcome!

6:30 – 7:45pm - intermediate and advanced Questions? Details? Email Judy Given @ given223@bellsouth.net

Thursday evening at Abe’s Garden Community (no fee)

5:30 – 6:30 pm

This is a beginners’ class focusing on the steps you’ll need to learn more challenging dances. New dancers most welcome. Thursday dancers, please RSVP! Class will be canceled if I don’t know you are coming! Questions? Details? Email Judy

Given @ given223@bellsouth.net

Friday morning in the GJCC gym (no fee)

JCC membership not needed to participate 11:30 am – 12:45 pm Intermediate

and advanced - if you’ve danced before in another city, come and dance with us. We invite you warm-

A Rabbi and a Doctor Discuss Forgiveness

By RABBI MARK SCHIFTAN AND DR. FRANK BOEHM

F

rank: Mark while we were on our trip last year to Berlin, we often spoke about issues surrounding the topic of forgiveness, and with the High Holidays now over, I thought this would be a good time to review some of those issues and begin by asking if you believed there were instances and events that we are unable to forgive?

Mark: Frank, the whole concept of forgiveness, both the ability to give it to others, as well as the desire to receive it, in return, from others is both extremely complex and emotionally complicated.

This is especially true for acts which are unforgivable: acts of violence, sexual abuse, neglect, and of course, heinous acts of hatred designed to terrify and terrorize other human beings. I am not sure these actions that so clearly dehumanize others are forgivable under any circumstances. Certainly, it is not in our power to forgive others — like the Nazis— for the brutality brought upon our people. What are your thoughts about this, especially after our trip to Berlin last year?

Frank: I agree with you that there are acts which are not forgivable and the Holocaust and October 7 massacre would certainly be two of those events,

but I do not believe we should continue to withhold forgiveness to Germany and all Germans living now for the crimes against our people during the time of WWII. Germany is doing all it can to admit their crimes against nature, teaching it to all students and adults and pledging to never let such an atrocity happen again. We saw this while we were visiting Holocaust museums throughout Berlin by the many busloads of students taken to various museums of horror, something our own country is shying away from doing. In contrast to Germany, we seem to be unwilling to acknowledge the historical injustices of our own country.

1) Not to ever bring it up again.

2) Not to ever bring it up to anyone else.

3) Not to ever bring it up to yourself as well.

Mark: I think you have it exactly right Frank. I would only add one thing to your list, for the one seeking forgiveness: A pledge to never, ever commit the same offense again, recognizing and fully understanding the harm inflicted on the one to whom an apology is due.

Mark: Frank, I totally agree with you. Just as we cannot forgive the Nazis for what they did to desecrate and dehumanize our people, we also cannot hold the current generations of Germans for the crimes perpetrated before them. Viewing the history of our own country, there is still a need to accept and acknowledge our own transgressions.

Now that the High Holy Day season is over, let us bring this down to a more basic level of human relationships and the struggles to seek forgiveness from those we have wronged and to offer it to others who may have offended us. Of course, these are among the most difficult tasks to undertake as human beings because they incur the risks of vulnerability and complete contrition. Still, these efforts can set our minds free, to release our souls from the burdens we carry, and to allow us to make peace with ourselves, our neighbors, and our Creator.

Frank: Mark, what interests me most about forgiveness are the important principles surrounding the process of forgiveness. The three basic principles of asking for forgiveness are:

1) Recognizing the wrong you did.

2) Recognizing the negative impact of what you did.

3) Taking ownership of and asking for forgiveness for both the first and second of these principles.

Conversely, the person wronged must feel that the person asking for forgiveness is truly repentant and that when you state that yes, I forgive you, you are also agreeing to another three principles which are:

This is the beauty of our Jewish tradition: Once each year, we take a measure of our time on Earth, and our conduct towards others. And before we dare seek forgiveness from God, our tradition requires that we first make peace with our neighbor and try to reconcile with one another.

Frank: Mark, there is one item we also need to mention regarding the issue of forgiveness and that is to be able to forgive oneself. This is truly a difficult thing to do as you are both the offender and the one being offended. Here is where guilt plays a key role as guilt is an incredibly destructive emotion that desperately needs our personal forgiveness. It is under these circumstances that prayer and self-reflection can be of immense.

Mark: Frank, I love this concept of forgiving oneself, so long as it does not release us from the need to continue to seek forgiveness from others. I believe that we all harbor regrets that can burden our thoughts and weigh heavily upon our hearts. We all have deeds we wish we could undo, or words that we could take back that should never have escaped from our lips. Even worse, there are actions taken against those we loved who live no more, or perhaps it was our inaction or inattentiveness for which we now have remorse.

By acknowledging and accepting our shortcomings, our failures, and our regrets, and with the help of our sacred Judaism we can begin to forgive ourselves as well as extending forgiveness to others. Such is the power of redemption and renewal that form the promise of every New Year. •

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

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

ly to come back to dancing! Questions? Details? Email Evelyn Koch @ kochevelyn@hotmail.com•

Young Families Welcome the New Year

By ORI HART

On October 6, NowGen and the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville hosted a High Holiday Hangout for young families at The Monkey’s Treehouse in Brentwood.

The program was led by Federation board member Ori Hart, who has been organizing events for young families over the last two years based on her own experience as a young parent.

“NowGen was a great way for me to meet people when I moved to Nashville in my late 20s, but as my family grew, I didn’t have a great avenue to meet other Jewish families,” Hart said. “We decided to expand NowGen to include a young

family component to support other Jewish families new to the area or who are looking for connection in the community.”

Previous events included a post-Passover pizza party at Hart’s home in Brentwood as well as a Sukkot event at a park pavilion with snacks and balloon animals. This event marked peak attendance for Hart’s programs with over 30 families in attendance.

“Standing in the middle of the Monkey’s Treehouse surrounded by chatting parents and children playing was such a special moment for me,” Hart said. “It felt like the culmination of a lot of work and effort filling a need in the community.”

For some of these families, this was

Heart of the Matter

next week. This ongoing stress can affect every aspect of family life.

their first Federation sponsored event, and they are looking forward to future events. Even for the families who are already engaged in other ways, they agreed that events like this help them stay connected and meet other people in the community.

“We felt a strong sense of community, and our kids had a blast with friends old and new,” Emily Smachetti said. “We enjoyed the opportunity to get to know other parents and families in our community and will be looking forward to future events!”

“It was a wonderful event,” Randee Inman said. “It was so nice to have a low

key event in the mornings for the younger kiddos. My kids really enjoyed it!”

Hart plans to continue organizing these programs as she thinks that young family programming is crucial to Federation’s work building a warm and welcoming Jewish community.

“A lot of Jewish people moving to Nashville have young kids and are looking for connection but might not have joined a synagogue yet or the kids are too young for Sunday school,” Hart said. “This is a great way to engage Jewish families in the broader Jewish community so they feel welcome.” •

By ASHLEY FRANKLIN, LCSW

I

n my role at JFS, one of our programs that I have the privilege of working with is helping families through our Food Delivery Program. When a person or family can’t meet their basic needs, it makes it harder to function and be productive in other areas of life. Food insecurity is a challenge that many families face, even if it’s not always talked about openly. It’s more than just skipping a meal; it’s the uncertainty of knowing whether there will be enough food to feed their family tomorrow or

It’s hard to reach out for help, and it’s always very humbling to have people share some of their biggest struggles and vulnerabilities with me. Some people may only need temporary help until their next paycheck; and others may need more ongoing help while going through a tough time in their life. We can also help find solutions or budgeting help if that is something that is needed. Helping families with these needs is about creating a supportive environment where families have access to nutritious food without shame or stigma, with the support and understanding from their community. It’s an honor to be able to work with these families so that they don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. •

JFS Food Delivery Program

New Chabad Center Opens in Williamson County to Support Growing Jewish Community

By BARBARA DAB

T

he last few years have seen significant growth beyond the borders of Metro Nashville, with much of that growth in Williamson County. Just last year, the city of Franklin hosted its first ever menorah lighting during Hanukah, and a new Jewish Franklin Facebook group was created to help organize the several hundred families in the area. And now, a brand new Chabad of Williamson County, led by Rabbi Mendel Baron and his wife Chana Baron, is opening a center in the Cool Springs area.

Chana Baron is the daughter of Chabad of Nashville’s Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel, so she is a product of the Nashville Jewish community. She and Mendel were married last year, and plan to settle in the Williamson County area around Thanksgiving. “I grew up in Nashville and know the community and now to be able to give back is exciting,” she says. And she says she will bring her special skills to the role of Rebbetzin.

“We’re going into this as a lifelong mission. And the Rebbetzin does as much as the rabbi. There are things the rabbi can’t do that the Rebbetzin can do and vice versa.”

According to Rabbi Mendel Baron, newcomers to the area were reaching out to Chabad of Nashville expressing a need for programming and services. “Nashville is such a growing area and there are so many people now moving

south and feel they could be serviced a bit more.”

The new Chabad’s first event was a Sukkot program held in Fieldstone Park, and much more is planned. Mendel says, “The main focus is really about families. There are so many families with children and they’re looking for programs to help them out.”

Folks in the area are pleased to have additional leadership to help with the growing needs. Ellen Monen is one of the founders of the Jewish Franklin

group. She says the community is excited to have an expanded Jewish presence, regardless of what form that takes. “It’s funny because what I could say very generally about Jewish people who have chosen to live in Williamson County (land of no synagogues and a City that didn’t even have a known Jewish presence until March of last year when the Facebook group started) is that they we ARE typically NOT very religious.”

Nevertheless, she says most of the people are interested in building a community of shared Jewish values and to pass along traditions to the next generation. “Through Jewish Franklin, the truth is that most of what we have done to date has been out of need — we were all desperately seeking community.”

And meeting the needs of the community is precisely the mission of Chabad. “Chabad doesn’t always have a specific plan,” says Rabbi Baron, “Williamson County is very unique. Historically there were very, very few Jews.” Monen says for those volunteers who have been leading the current organizing efforts, having professional leadership is very welcome. “While we are clearly Jewish, and we obviously have some great leaders, we are not exactly ‘Jewish leaders.’

So, I think now might be a fair time for us to sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labor, focus more on the friendly community aspect and let someone else with a more specialized skillset

plan Sukkot and Seders. The more the merrier, but I know I personally won’t feel quite as much of an urgency to plan some of these things since I know someone can and will be there to do it.”

The newest addition to organized Jewish life in Middle Tennessee is an outgrowth of Chabad of Nashville, led by Rabbi Tiechtel. He stresses that Chabad of Williamson County, while part of the greater Chabad movement, is there to meet the specific needs of a different demographic. He says, “The goal of the new Chabad Center is to service the over 800 families who make up the growing Jewish community of Williamson County. Some of the programs and events might cross over, but the constituents are many different families.”

Rabbi Tiechtel also says he believes the growing need for Jewish connection is directly related to the tragic attacks on October 7, 2023. “Today we have the phenomena of the October 8th Jew, which is an awakening of the Jewish soul since the atrocities of October 7th, 2023. Today more than ever before, many Jewish people are seeking a connection to their faith and heritage.” He adds that he is thrilled at the return of his daughter and her husband to lead the new Chabad center. “having our daughter Chana with her husband Rabbi Mendel serve as Chabad Shluchim in Middle Tennessee, makes us very proud parents, Thank G-d.” •

A Spark of Light in the Darkness

Bernie and Maria Pargh

Dedicate an Ambucycle to United Hatzalah Israel in Honor of Beit Miriam @ WES

On Tuesday night, September 24, Sharon Paz, YoYo Prebus, Harrison Prichard, and Sam and Max Workman presented a donation from the Beit Miriam families in the amount of $2500 to Eli Beer, founder and CEO of United Hatzalah Israel. Beit Miriam adopted United Hatzalah Israel as its Tzedakah project for 2023-2024.

United Hatzalah volunteers respond to emergency calls within 90 seconds in metropolitan areas in Israel and within 3 minutes in rural areas of the country. Hatzalah volunteers are religious, secular, Druze, Arab, Jews, and Christians, men and women. United Hatzalah services are totally paid for by donations.

Beit Miriam students have been bringing Tzedakah for United Hatzalah since August 2023. After October 7th, our commitment to support the amazing volunteers of United Hatzalah grew in strength. Hatzalah volunteers from all over the country rushed to the Gaza border kibbutzim before they fully realized what was happening. Their courage and dedication in the face of the Hamas atrocities against Israeli citizens on that day will never be forgotten.

A special thanks to Bernie and Maria Pargh for bringing Eli Beer to Nashville and for giving us the opportunity to present our donation in person. In addition to donating 4 ambulances to United Hatzalah themselves, Bernie and Maria and their family recognized the efforts of our Beit Miriam families by donating and dedicating an Ambucycle in our honor! Todah Rabah, Bernie and Maria! •

Pictured are West End Synagogue’s Beit Miriam students, Director of Lifelong Learning Sharon Paz, Bernie Pargh, and United Hatzalah founder and CEO Eli Beer

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Moishe House Nashville: A Welcoming Home for Jewish Young Adults Amidst Rising Antisemitism

By DAVE PRESS, MOISHE HOUSE SENIOR DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

I

n the heart of East Nashville, Moishe House continues to be a beacon of connection and community for Jewish young adults. By offering a space where people can gather, celebrate Shabbat and Jewish holidays, and form lasting friendships, Moishe House Nashville is playing a vital role in sustaining Jewish life in the city. With programs ranging from social events to volunteer opportunities, the house has become an integral part of the young adult Jewish experience in Nashville—especially during a time when being visibly and proudly Jewish is more important than ever.

The newest resident, Dalia Thaler, is excited to bring her own passions and warmth to Moishe House Nashville. A registered nurse and midwifery student at Vanderbilt, Dalia’s commitment to supporting women and families through childbirth reflects her deep sense of care for others—qualities that are already shining through in her role as a resident. “My calling is to support women and families through childbirth as a midwife, and I am so grateful to be in a program studying my passion,” she shared. While her future goal is to open her own clinic, she’s equally passionate about creating a nurturing and vibrant Jewish community in Nashville.

For Dalia, living proudly as Jews is an expression of deep-rooted joy and pride. “I want my home to be a warm and welcoming place, much like Sarah and Abraham’s tent in the desert,” she says, envisioning a space where all are invited to share in the joy of Jewish life, even in the face of adversity.

Having grown up in New York City, Dalia’s Jewish journey has taken her through a variety of leadership roles, from being a camp counselor to teaching Hebrew school and serving as president of Chabad on Campus during her undergraduate years at SUNY New Paltz. This foundation has prepared her to take an active role at Moishe House, where she joins fellow residents Ellie Shafron and Ruthie Perlman in fostering a sense of belonging and pride.

Beyond the formal leadership roles, Dalia embodies a spirit of adventure and inclusivity that promises to enhance the house’s programming. When she’s not studying or volunteering at the hospital or a prenatal clinic, you might find her skateboarding around town, exploring

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the local farmer’s market, or even skydiving—yes, she’s done it three times! But her heart always returns to Shabbat dinners and the deep sense of community that Moishe House offers.

For many, like Dalia, the house is a space where they can explore their Jewish identities while making friends and connections. Whether it’s a casual gathering over dinner, a Jewish learning session, or a holiday celebration, the residents aim to create a home that is welcoming, supportive, and filled with the warmth of Jewish traditions—while also affirming the importance of standing proud as Jews.

As Moishe House Nashville continues to grow, its impact on the local Jewish community becomes even more apparent. With new residents like Dalia bringing their unique perspectives and energy to the house, the future is bright for young Jewish life in Nashville.

For those looking to find their place within Nashville’s Jewish community, Moishe House is ready to welcome you with open arms. After all, as Dalia and her co-residents continue to show, Moishe House is more than just a house—it’s a home, and a proudly Jewish one at that.

To learn more about Moishe House Nashville, upcoming events, or how you can support their mission, visit moishehouse.org. Your support helps ensure that young Jewish adults continue to have spaces where they can connect, thrive, and live proudly as Jews, even in the face of rising challenges. •

So Where Did My Family Come From?

By ROY HILLER, JEWISH GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF NASHVILLE

In doing family research, many times people will insist that their ancestors came from a particular country because that’s what it says on a census record. But can you take that record as being accurate? The answer is yes and no.

A large portion of Jewish immigrants to the US were listed as coming from

Russia, Austria, or Poland. Or perhaps in your family you were told they came from Galicia or the Pale of Settlement. At face value these assertions are correct. The issue arises when you consider the geopolitical landscape at the time they immigrated.

Let’s take Russia for example. If your ancestor immigrated in the early 1900s, what was considered Russia at the time? A quick search of the Russian Empire shows the following coun-

tries: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Poland, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and the United States (Alaska). So where did your ancestors come from? Try researching on ship manifests and naturalization documents for the city from which they came. This will help you then verify the country of origin and therefore where to look for records. •

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

Moishe House residents pictured l. to r.: Ellie Shafron, Ruthie Perlman, and new resident Dalia Thaler

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

DELVING DEEPER on YOUTUBE is an All New Learning opportunity for 5785

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 Parsha and Chassidus, and is released weekly on YouTube.

Delving Deeper is taught by Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel, and includes an inspirational message on the weekly Torah portion and the Jewish calendar, 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.

Chabad to host two TGIS celebration in November

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, November 8, and on Friday, November 22, at 6:30 PM at Chabad of Nashville. There will be a special guest Scholar in Residence for the weekend on November 8, 2024. (See article in this Observer about Rabbi Pinchas Taylor visit to Nashville.)

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.

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 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

RJMP to host The ultimate Babka baking experience

The Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool will be hosting a Thanksgiving Babka Bake with Instagram celebrity chef, Naomi Elberg. Famed for her creative Babka’s and challah, Naomi will be in Nashville on Sunday, November 22 at 1 PM for an exclusive Babka Bake fundraiser, in support of the Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool (RJMP) of Chabad!

Naomi, whose recipes have been featured on Kosher.com, The Kitchn, The Forward, and Fleishigs Magazine, is celebrated for her delicious and inventive approach to baking, especially her renowned babkas. She has shared her expertise across the U.S. and Canada, visiting Jewish communities across North America.

At this special event, Naomi will demo the art of making the perfect chocolate babka, and guide participants through her signature babka recipe.

Participants will have the opportunity to make their own take home Babka, and learn from Naomi her tips and trade secrets for making that perfect holiday Babka, and participate in a Q&A focused on her Babka and Challah creations.

Tickets for the Babka Bake, for adults and children ages 10 and up, can be purchased at chabadnashville.com. Early bird tickets are $36 per person until November 10. After that tickets will $45.00 per person. Families and friends can enjoy reserving a table for a discounted price of $250.

Proceeds of the Babka Bake will go to the Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool children’s fund, which enhances and beautifies the classrooms and outdoor playscape for the children of the RJMP.

New Course on Nurturing Relationships is coming to Nashville

Chabad of Nashville will host a groundbreaking six-week course, Nurturing Relationships, offering students practical wisdom for improving any interpersonal relationship. The first of six weekly sessions begins on Monday, November 11, 7:30 PM, at Chabad of Nashville with instructor Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel.

Developed by the globally recognized Rohr Jewish Learning Institute, Nurturing Relationships draws on thirty centuries of Jewish teaching to deliver effective, relevant tools for better connections today—from empathy, active listening, and healthy disagreement to managing reactions around flawed behavior, being a good influence, and achieving forgiveness.

In a distracted age, this course offers a roadmap back to genuine human connection. “We see too many people with plenty of friends, family, and connections still longing for more closeness in their relationships,” says Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel. “This course gives participants effective tools they can apply to cultivate real depth and meaning in all their relationships.”

The course’s six sessions combine text-based learning with engaging discussions and real-world applications. Each week, participants examine one core relationship skill in depth and come away with a clear understanding of the topic—plus real tools they can use that same day.

To register for this new course Nurturing Relationships, go to myjli.com and select the city you are seeking to take this groundbreaking course, For more information please call 615-646-5740 or go to chabadnashville.com

Weekend of Spiritual Growth with Celebrity Coach Rabbi Pinchas Taylor

Chabad of Nashville will be hosting a weekend of Renewal, Inspiration, Learning and Spiritual Growth with Scholar in Residence, Rabbi Pinchas Taylor, on the weekend of November 8 and 9.

Rabbi Taylor is a world renown lecturer and a best-selling author. He is the author

Continued from page 12 of two books, “Pillars of Faith” and “A Jewish Guide to the Mysterious” and they are both great works of insight and scholarship into the spiritual realm. He is a certified cognitive behavioral therapy practitioner, a certified clinical trauma specialist, and has been called the “Celebrity Life Coach” for his work with actors, athletes, and other public figures, and founded “The Ark,” a faith based study and coaching program.

Rabbi Pinchas Taylor will speak at Chabad of Nashville at the TGIS Friday night dinner on November 8, on “The Kabbalistic Perspective on Dreams, Astrology, Alien Life and Reincarnation,” following the Shabbat service which begins at 6:30 PM.

Rabbi Taylor will speak again at the Shabbat lunch, November 9, at 12:30 PM. He will address the topic of “From Pessimist to Powerhouse, Mastering the Mechanics of Positive Thinking.”

On Saturday night, November 9, at 7:00 PM, Chabad of Nashville will host a Havdalah ceremony and a light dinner, and Rabbi Taylor will address the topic of “Finding Your Purpose, A How-to-Session with a Celebrity Life Coach.”

Rabbi Pinchas Taylor is a graduate of the Rabbinical College of America, an inspirational young scholar, is a sought-after educator and speaker. He lives in South Florida and serves as the Director of Adult Education and Outreach at the Chabad of Plantation, and has an online following with ten of thousands of people from all faith backgrounds.

Hear Rabbi Taylor on November 8 & 9, 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

@ 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!

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.

November Events

Micah Reads: Monday, November 18 at 7 PM In Person and Online at the Temple Education Director Julie Greenberg leads the discussion on “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride on November 18. This session of the group will be hosted by the Temple Ohabai Sholom.

Women’s Circle: Friday, November 22, at 12 PM

Rabbi Laurie engages your intellect and inspires conversation on a variety of Jewish topics. All are welcome. Bring a friend. RSVP on Micah’s event page.

At Our Congregations…

@ Sherith Israel

Weekly Minyan Schedule

Daily Shacharit - 6:30 am

Shabbat Shacharit - 9:00 am

Sunday Shacharit - 8:00 am

Daily Mincha/Maariv - 10 minutes before sunset

Kabbalat Shabbat - 5 minutes after candle-lighting

Teens Latte and Learning with NCSY

Sunday Evenings 5:00 pm at Starbucks

Beit Midrash Adult Learning with Torah Mitzion

Wednesday Evenings Beit Midrash Adult Learning with Torah Mitzion 8:00 pm in the Sherith Israel library

Family Tefillah

Community davening for families with young children

Shabbat mornings at 10:30 am

For more information about late-breaking events, visit www.sherithisrael.com

@ The Temple

Pirkei Avot: Jewish Wisdom for Today’s World

Every Friday from 5:00-5:40 PM

Get ready for Shabbat with a little text study! Each week we will study a piece of wisdom from Pirkei Avot, The Ethics of our Ancestors, an ancient Jewish text still relevant in our own times. Available in person at The Temple and via zoom.

Zoom Room: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81973096738

Shabbat Schedule for November

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

Friday, November 1st ~ 6:00 PM

Friday, November 8th~ 6:00 PM- FAMILY SERVICE

Friday, November 15th~6:00 PM

Friday, November 22nd~ 6:00 PM – BLUE JEAN SHABBAT

Friday, November 29th~ 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 templenashville.org

Tot Shabbat -Gratitude

Friday, November 22nd at 5:15pm

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!

Hike & Havdalah at Percy Warner

Presented by The Temple’s Worship and Music Committee

Saturday, November 23rd

Where and When for the Hike? Meet at the Edwin Warner Park Nature Center on HWY 100 at 2:45 PM for a family friendly walk on a paved trail followed by Havdalah at 4:30pm.

Who? All ages! Bring friends and family.

For more information or questions, please contact Anne Davenport at adavlaw@ comcast.net

Golden Lunch Bunch

Will meet at Temple from 11:30-1:00pm on November 5th: Calentano (Holly Tashian)

November 21st: Wannabeatles

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

At Our Congregations…

Continued from page 13

Women’s Torah Study

November 7th, 14th, 21st

10:30 AM

Ongoing weekly women’s Torah study led by Patty Marks. Available in person at The Temple and via zoom through thetemplehub.org

Lunch with the Rabbi

November 7th, 14th, 21st

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!

November 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th

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.

Network & Nosh-For Young Professionals

Wednesday, November 13th

6:00-8:00pm At The Temple

Sponsored by Temple’s Next Dor (for young adults) and Now Gen Nashville of the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville

Chai Society

Join us for a visit to Whitwell, Tennessee-Location of the Paperclips Project

Wednesday, November 13th

Bus leaves Temple at 9:00am

$20 includes lunch at a local Mexican restaurant

Sign up at templenashville.org

The Temple Chai Society is for 65+

Transportation is sponsored by the Tennessee Holocaust Commission

Club Sandwich

For those in the “Sandwich” Generation Caring for Both Aging Parents & Growing Children

Join us Thursday, November 14th

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

Thanksgiving Concert

Together in Gratitude, Together in Song: An interfaith Thanksgiving Concert Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 4:00pm at The Temple

We are thrilled to gather together for a free concert of choral and liturgical music showcasing the shared ideologies of thanksgiving and gratitude. Please join us for this exciting and unique musical experience. A festive reception will be held at the conclusion of the concert.

Boulevard Bolt- Thanksgiving Day 2024

Imagine a world where Baptists, Jews, and Episcopalians pause from carving the Thanksgiving turkey and join hands to serve the homeless. No imagination is necessary - that’s actually what happens each Thanksgiving Day in Nashville as three congregations work together to put on the Boulevard Bolt, a 5-mile race on Belle Meade Boulevard. There is an amazing spirit and sense of cooperation among the volunteers from Immanuel Baptist Church, St. George’s Episcopal Church, and The Temple who make the Bolt happen each year.

Online registration is open. In-person race packet/t-shirt pickup will take place at The Temple. Please refer to www.boulevardbolt.org website as the race approaches for more detailed information on location and times.

For more information go to www.boulevardbolt.org. To volunteer to help with this year’s effort, call The Temple at 615-352-7620.

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

@ 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

11/1 – Potluck Shabbat

Join us for an intimate Shabbat dinner experience in the Sukkah with delicious food and fabulous company following Kabbalat Shabbat services. RSVP to spaz@westendsyn.org and plan on bringing a pareve or dairy dish to share with friends.

11/2 – Noah Nahmias Bar Mitzvah – 9:30 a.m.

11/8 – 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.

11/9 – Evan Zagnoev Bar Mitzvah – 9:30 a.m.

11/13 – The Sandi Goldstein Learn & Lunch Program for ages 60+ – 11:00 a.m.

Reservations required, catered lunch following the presentation. Speaker: Sally Poolat from Leket Israel Lunch catered by Goldie Shepard at 12:00 p.m. Cost: $5.00 RSVP 615-269-4592 ext. 11 or office@westendsyn.org.

11/13 – Women’s Torah Group (on Zoom) –11:00 a.m.

Rabbi Joshua leads our Women’s study of the book of Deuteronomy.

11/14 – Men’s Torah Group (in person) –12:00 p.m.

Join us for our Torah class for men. We are currently studying the Second Book of Kings and will be eating pizza.

11/16 – Federation Shabbat with D’var Torah by Jason Sparks, Chief Development Officer Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville –9:30 a.m.

11/17 – Music and Me – 10:30 a.m.

Inviting all parents of infants and/or toddlers for a morning of music and movement with song leader Brett Fromson. RSVP to Sharon Paz at spaz@westendsyn.org.

11/22 – Thanksgiving Member Shabbat –6:00 p.m.

Join us as we give thanks for all our wonderful members and welcome those who joined in the past year. We will celebrate everyone with an oneg reception following Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv. RSVP’s not necessary but help us plan accordingly. RSVP at bit.ly/MemberShabbat24. For more information, contact Marc Jacobs at mjacobs@westendsyn.org.

11/23 – Kid’ish Club – 10:30 a.m.

Inviting all 2nd – 7th graders for Kid’ish Club Shabbat morning from 10:30-11:30 a.m. And we will honor our Life & Legacy members during services, followed by a special Kiddush lunch.

11/30 – Birthday Shabbat – 9:30 a.m.

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!

Continued on page 15

At Our Congregations…

Continued from page 14

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.

Mincha/Maariv (on Zoom)

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

Kabbalat Shabbat

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

Shabbat Morning services

You are invited to join us every Saturday morning in person or by Zoom at 9:30 a.m. Great davening, insightful learning of the Torah portion and a yummy (and nutritious!) kiddush lunch following services! •

Community Listings

Tennessee Holocaust Commission

We are proud to introduce a special program series in November that will address antisemitism and promote Holocaust education. The program is called “God and the Holocaust: Investigating Faith, Uniting Against Contemporary Antisemitism. The program series are led by renowned scholars and theologians in Holocaust and interfaith studies.

Gordon JCC Adult Program Happenings:

TGIT – November 2024

November 7th

Music Davidson

Musician, Music Davidson, yes, that’s his real name!, who worked at Camp Davis will be entertaining us with jazz and popular music on the piano.

Lunch – Soup, sandwich, sides, birthday cake and ice cream.

November 13th

Jennifer Samareck – Car Talk

Our favorite auto person, Jennifer Samareck is back with a fun, humorous

Bear witness to October 7 with Nova Survivor Din Tessler

October 7, 2024, was a meaningful day in the Nashville community, as many gathered to commemorate and be inspired. Yet, as life goes on, we must remember, and NEVER FORGET the atrocities and barbaric acts of what was done to our fellow Jews in our homeland by the Hamas Terrorists. We must hear from survivors of the horrors that happened in Israel when over 1200 people were massacred and hear the stories of survival.

On November 4, at 7:00 PM, Chabad of Nashville will host Din Tessler, a Nova Survivor, who will share his miraculous story of survival.

Tessler, 22, was a security guard at the Nova Festival and managed to escape and hide. He came to work with his childhood friend, Bar Kupershtein who is currently a hostage. IDF Soldier Yarin Tepper will offer his thoughts and feelings about being on active duty during

START

these turbulent times in Israel.

To acquire a ticket for this event, go to chabadnashville.com. RSVP required to attend. The location of this event will be provided upon registration. Come and hear their stories and be inspired and moved! •

NOW TO PLAN YOUR

(…because it’s not just about the money!)

By LORETTA SAFF

(Author’s note: I’ve changed the name of my column. The reason is that the word ‘Retirement’ makes some people who are still working feel my message doesn’t apply to them. Actually, they are the perfect audience (yes, you in your 50s)! As a result, I’ve decided to call my column ‘happily ever after’. Read on to find out why.)

We all grew up with fairy tales. Years ago, I taught gifted kids in a creative writing class. One of the exercises I used was to challenge the kids to write a follow-up of what happened to any fairy tale character of their choice - TWO YEARS LATER. Oh, the tales I got –and with such unique endings!

1 - Cinderella and Prince Charming split up. The prince gambled away his fortune, and Cinderella moved to LA and opened… a shoe store!

2 - Snow White married her prince, and she found that his mother looked in the mirror even more than Snow White’s stepmother. Soon her new mother-in-law chased Snow White away, forcing her to end up keeping house for the seven dwarfs. Ultimately, she became hard of hearing because of all that whistling!

really want and begin making plans that can lead you to your new goals. Here’s the first step.

Let’s say you are 50+ and beginning to ask yourself, “Is this all there is?” You’ve worked hard and you’ve accomplished a lot. The question then changes to, “What’s next?”

Assuming you are like the rest of the world and say, “I just want to be happy,” This is the time to take a good look at who you are NOW and what really makes you happy. (Yes, you at 50+) Hint: Think about some of those things you were really good at or interested in but gave up because of career or family obligations.

How would you feel doing some of those things NOW? Maybe it’s 1. Continue with clarinet lessons

2. Go scuba diving

3. Learn a foreign language 4. Have fun in a line-dancing group 5. TBD

THIS STEP IS CALLED SELF-AWARENESS

If you purposefully make time for some or one of those activities, you will be not only challenging your brain with something different, you will also be creating a new community for the future and having fun as well.

and informative talk. She will be here to teach and empower you in taking care of your car.

Lunch - Salmon, salad, sides and dessert.

November 20th

Israeli Schlicha, Captain Ziv Shemes

The NJFF will present “Irena’s Vow” in the Gordon JCC auditorium at noon with special guest, Jeannie Smith, Irena’s daughter.

The screening is complementary to GJCC senior adult members.

Deli brown bag lunch for TGIT group members only. •

This made me think a lot about fairy-tale endings. How can we make them happen for ourselves so that we don’t end up like this prince and the princesses??

Whether it’s career issues, relationships, or life transitions in general, I believe people are searching for that “Happily Ever After.” Over the years almost every coaching client I’ve worked with answers the question, “What do you really want?” the same way: “I just want to be happy.”

So, what does being happy really mean to you? And how can you get there? Well, the fact is that you can sit back and just let things happen around you, or you can think about what you

Go ahead and try it. Whether you are simply feeling stuck, facing one of life’s many transitions, or just wanting more, you’ll find self-awareness to be the first step on your path to ‘happily ever after.’ You’ll be motivated, energized, and more determined to reach your goals. Here’s a little creative writing idea for you. Like my students did for the fairy tales, take a few minutes to describe yourself two years from now. Writing about achieving what we want makes the victory a lot closer.

Thanks for stopping by for the launch of my newly named column. Join me next month when we’ll work together to help you not waste time wondering “What’s next?” •

Loretta Loretta@coachingwithloretta.com

Nova survivor Din Tessler will speak about surviving the Nova festival. He is pictured with his childhood friend Bar Kupershtein, currently being held hostage.

Abe’s Garden

Continued from page 1

important to the Shmerlings to be partnered with a facility that is serious about geriatric brain health.

Mike Shmerling explains that the journey to Abe’s Garden began when his father, Abe, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease just six months after retiring from his medical practice. His sister, Judy, eventually moved her family back to Nashville to help with their father’s care, and suggested they find a facility that was better able to care for his needs. After visiting several local places, and trying a day program, the family was frustrated. “The issue was always the same,” says Shmerling, “It was absolute, chronic boredom. It was early stages, and he just couldn’t stand it. We’d take him out to do things and when we’d take him back, he’d almost cry. I felt helpless for one of the first times in my life.”

After consulting with friends and family in the medical field to learn where the best facility in the country was, Shmerling decided to build it. “Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in America. One hundred percent fatal, no prevention, treatment, or cure,” he says. He consulted with specialists like Dr. Harry Johns, at the time the president of the American Alzheimer’s Association. “I asked him, ‘What is the model, the center of excellence for Alzheimer’s,’ and he couldn’t tell me. The more I looked, the more I realized that’s what we need.”

Shmerling found what he calls a “thought leader” in Dr. Sandra Simmons, professor of geriatrics at Vanderbilt. Simmons led Shmerling to visit facilities all over the world over a six-year period. The result was the purchase of the towers on Woodmont Boulevard, which they immediately turned into a nonprofit organization.

Simmons had begun her career focusing on nursing homes and long-term care quality. “Over two-thirds of long stay nursing home population has some form of cognitive impairment. It’s not always Alzheimer’s disease, but certainly dementia is prevalent in that setting,” she says.

By the time Shmerling connected with Simmons, she was conducting several clinical intervention trials to improve nutritional care quality in nursing homes. She says ensuring people with memory care issues receive proper nutrition is key to their long-term health. In addition, she was involved in studying staffing needs. “In all of our projects to improve quality of care in nursing homes, inevitably any intervention that proved efficacious required more staff time and resources than what nursing homes typically have,” she says.

And finally, Simmons says providing a staff member who can help prioritize, standardize, and routinize care is another factor in developing best practices. “No place is perfect and you’re constantly hiring and training new people. And the residents themselves, as they move along their trajectory of dementia their care

needs change and you have to constantly make adjustments.”

When it comes to creating a replicable model, Simmons says it is possible to translate what Abe’s Garden is doing in other dementia care within assisted living. “The reality is that over 95% of dementia care within assisted living facilities is private pay.” She says this is true of most chain facilities. “Families are paying a premium for their relative to live in those places.”

Simmons says the bigger challenge is in community nursing homes. “That’s where there is a bigger gap. But I’ve done many quality improvement projects in partnership and in nursing homes. The primary difference there is they can’t do everything Abe’s Garden is doing simultaneously. But most facilities have capacity to take a small piece of that.” For example, they can focus on supplement and between meal snack delivery to help bolster caloric intake. She says it is also important to help people continue to engage in activities they enjoy and to encourage freedom of movement. “Allowing people to continue to live and having the respect for the individual person and their preferences and being willing to make adaptations.”

Education and training of staff is another key to ensuring quality of care. “Providing a positive work environment engenders longevity amongst their team.”

She says staff turnover is a big problem, along with unrealistic ratios that create burnout. “All the different strategies that Abe’s Garden uses to try to foster a strong team and well-being really does make a big difference. The longer you can keep a core team of people in place, the more successful you are.” She says creating a sense of community and interconnectedness between residents and staff is also a key element of success.

The sense of community at Abe’s Garden is felt throughout the various programs. Sherry Stein has lived in the independent living program for four years after moving from her home in Tampa, Florida. “I was at a particularly low period in my life. My husband had just died, and my adult children decided I needed to be closer to one of them,” she says, “So we sat down at a family meeting and that’s how I came to Nashville.”

Stein made the move during the

Covid-19 pandemic, which proved challenging. “I came here, and I didn’t know anyone. Once things like the dining room opened up, it’s just a very nice place to be,” she says, “I had the security of not being alone, but I have the independence of doing what I want to do.”

She calls Abe’s Garden “magical” and says it is due to the caring atmosphere. “I think the people who are at the level to make decisions that affect the whole community care about what these decisions are.”

Ryan Moses’ late father, Bob Moses, lived in the memory care section of Abe’s Garden. Ryan Moses says his father initially was in the day program at Abe’s Garden prior to needing around the clock care. “I think Abe’s Garden is second to none in terms of dignity for the individual and who they are, and then dignity for the families who are going through that.”

He attributes this to the staff and the nonprofit model. “It’s a different way of approaching it. And because Abe’s does such a good job of retention of staff, and then the teaching and coaching of staff members, they have people who are really trained for this and who care.”

Moses also is impressed with the

work being done to build models and metrics for other facilities. “That’s another place where I think Abe’s is going above and beyond. Not only how do we do this for ourselves, how do we create a repeatable process that we can create operating procedures around and holistic models that we can then push out all over the world.”

Ground has been broken on the expansion, with $16.4 million already committed. Shmerling says the project should be ready in 16 months. It is the next step in a 20-year history that was inspired by his dad. “The helplessness of not being able to find something for my dad created this. And since then, I’m shocked about this, this place has a lot of recognitions. Including the International Alzheimer’s Report, which is 54 countries who share best practices.”

Shmerling says 35% of residents are not from Davidson County. “We’re not about mass care. If Abe’s Garden could handle 100% of just the people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in Nashville, we’d need 330 beds. Our mission is to demonstrate as a center of excellence best practices and disseminate those broadly and free to anybody who wants to see them.” •

Ground is broken on expansion of Abe’s Garden

Ryan Moses and his mother, Marlene Eskind Moses. PHOTO CREDIT: RICK MALKIN

Pictured l. to r.: Molly Shmerling Perry, Lisa Shmerling, Mike Shmerling, Andy Shmerling, in front are Mike and Lisa’s two grandsons. PHOTO CREDIT: RICK MALKIN

NCJW-Nashville Section and Vanderbilt Hillel Partner for Challah Baking program

By SHANNON SMALL

NCJW (National Council of Jewish Women)-Nashville Section and Vanderbilt Hillel spent time on September 25th baking challahs for the Nashville Food Project as part of the Challah 4 Hunger program. Challah 4 Hunger is a national organization with individual chapters at college campuses across the country. Students meet once a month to make challah from scratch and sell the loaves on campus. Challah 4 Hunger provides opportunities for leadership, entrepreneurship, and social justice awareness, both locally and globally.

The Vanderbilt Hillel Challah 4 Hunger student leader, Hailey Jane Frank, a sophomore, enjoyed having local community members from

NCJW join for the challah bake. “It was extremely heartening to see how members of the community joined us in the fight against hunger in Nashville. Everyone who came was so eager to help and learn how to make challahs, and I am so proud of everything we accomplished together. In total, we made over 160 challot. We are so grateful to everyone in NCJW. We truly could not accomplish all that we do without them.”

Stephanie Kirschner, Challah 4 Hunger NCJW co-chair, garnered significant support from NCJW members during the challah bake and had a rewarding experience. “Baking for the Challah 4 Hunger with Vanderbilt Hillel in collaboration with NCJW Nashville was a truly wonderful experi-

ence. It was inspiring to see the students come together for such an important cause and do a mitzvah. My children especially loved braiding the challah, and they’ve been asking to go back to Hillel and do it again ever since.”

Other NCJW members found the bake to be a delightful experience.

“The challah baking event at Vanderbilt Hillel was a fun time. It was so great to see so many NCJW members connecting with the local college students all while doing good for our community. Looking forward to more events between our two organizations in the future.”, said Sheri Rosenberg, NCJW member

NCJW and Vanderbilt Hillel look forward to future challah bakes this school year. •

… because your memories matter 479 Myatt Drive, Madison, TN 37115-3024

615-712-9521 • rdschultz@schultzmonument.com

Vanderbilt Hillel students and NCJW members braid challah together. PHOTO CREDIT: SHANNON SMALL

The Jewish Observer 90th Anniversary

Continuing our 90th anniversary celebrations of The Observer, we are including some archives from 1934.

Making the Most of the Fall Foliage

Shopping local also means shopping for the best local tree service you can find.

Here’s what Druid Tree Service has to say about their Fall services.

“We’ve all been waiting for it. The daily high has dropped below 90°, and your backyard patio is finally going to get the dinner party it deserves. Underneath a beautiful canopy of fall foliage, nestled between azaleas and boxwoods, you and your guests will spend the evening enjoying the cool breeze and each other’s company.

Unfortunately, the winds of summer afternoon thunderstorms have taken a toll on your trees. Your backyard looks more like the set to a spooky movie rather than a potential cover of Better Homes and Gardens. You can’t possibly serve your neighbors that pumpkin inspired cocktail amongst a sea of deadwood and heat-stressed plants.

At Druid Tree Service, this is our specialty. No, not the cocktails. Our business is preserving the health and beauty of your trees by applying natural fertilizers like beneficial fungi, bacteria and tree growth hormones to the trees and their soil, and clearing dangerous and unsightly deadwood from your gorgeous trees. Our services will make your backyard more vibrant and inviting than ever before. Your guests will admire the exquisite layering of a properly pruned Japanese Maple. Our dedicated and experienced team excels at hand pruning small topiary form trees, yews and boxwoods, as well as maintaining and illuminating the natural beauty of mature trees.

Don’t let your trees be the scariest Halloween decoration in your yard this fall. Give us a call at (615) 373-4342 or email us at office@druidtree.com. We look forward to talking with you about your trees.”

RED Spirits & Wine

The Fall Season of 2024 will mark the 13-year anniversary that RED Spirits & Wine has been partnering with the Observer in our service to the Greater Nashville community. We have enjoyed the opportunity and appreciate the support of our guests throughout the years. We look forward to many more seasons of bringing the best variety of distilled spirits, beer, and wine in Bellevue. As many of the major holidays are approaching, we hope that we can continue to earn the favor of our patrons by providing a combination of service, selection, convenience, and value that reflects the top tier of our industry. We wish everyone a healthy, safe, and joyous remainder of 2024 and hope to see our many friends and neighbors soon at RED!

Shalom.

M Jaffa Health Insurance, LLC

When shopping locally, keep in mind local insurance agents! While new shoes are great...let’s face it...insurance can be a financial life saver.

Continued on page 23

As you prepare for a busy holiday season of shopping, entertaining and dining out with friends and family, please take time to think about your health insurance needs as important deadlines are coming up soon. Open enrollment for Medicare starts October 15th. Open enrollment for Obamacare starts November 1st.

The Marketplace can be overwhelming with all the deductibles co-pays, networks and companies to choose from. Sitting down with an experienced local insurance agent helps make sure you understand your options, the pros and cons of each choice and may guide you in making these difficult decisions. Let me personally guide you through the maze of the healthcare plans. I am passionate about matching each client to the best networks of doctors and hospitals available while making sure the insured understands aa their options and choices.

I will do my best to make sure you are receiving the coverage you need for the lowest available price. I’ll work with you to find an individual, family or Medicare plan that fits your specific needs. I offer a free virtual or in person meeting to explain the Medicare process, and all the medical insurance options.

I represent an array of supplemental and advantage plans. I am a Nashville native with 40 years’ experience guiding clients through their insurance decision process and would like the opportunity to help you find health insurance.

Please feel free to contact me at mjaffahealthins@outlook.com or 615-482-3860. If you leave me a message, I’ll call you back usually within 24 hours.

Appreciate you! Marsha Jaffa

Belle Meade Jewelry & Repair

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.

Belle Meade Jewelry & Repair | Scott Isaacs, Jeweler

Host Your Next Event in Style with Private Dining at Sperry’s

Looking for an elegant setting to host your next special event? Sperry’s Restaurant offers private dining experiences that combine exceptional service, refined cuisine, and a timeless atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a holiday party, rehearsal dinner, corporate luncheon, or family gathering, our private dining rooms provide the perfect backdrop for any occasion.

With over 50 years of serving Nashville, Sperry’s is known for its impeccable attention to detail and commitment to making every event memorable. Our private dining spaces are designed to accommodate both intimate gatherings and larger parties, with customizable menu options featuring our signature dishes, including prime steaks, fresh seafood, and classic Southern sides.

From personalized service to a seamless planning process, our dedicated Private Dining and Events Manager will work closely with you to tailor every aspect of your event, ensuring it exceeds your expectations. Whether it’s a business function or a festive celebration, Sperry’s provides the ideal environment for making your event unforgettable.

Reserve your private dining experience at Sperry’s today and let us help you create an event that your guests will rave about for years to come.

Carrie and Garrett Mills

In the old days family businesses were called Mom & Pop. In the modern world, for this mother and son team, it might be called a Mom & Pup. Carrie and Garrett Mills are a mother and son portraiture and fashion photography team. Designer and artist, Carrie Mills has been called a “Renaissance woman”. She studied fashion design at Parson School of Design and spent almost twenty years in the fashion business as a designer. She is currently the curator and art director at the Gordon JCC. Her son, Garrett, a George Washington University graduate and self-taught fashion photographer works for the Creative Director at J Crew handling social media content for the Creative Director and behind the scenes photography for the company. Together, Carrie and Garrett have created a unique photography style of their own. They have been working for several years with fashion agencies and their work has been featured on Vogue Italia website and in multiple editorial pieces.

For more information, contact Carrie Mills 615-210-5044 or Garrett Mills 615593-4331. •

November in the Galleries: Featuring the work of Joe Swing, Donald Olea and Carrie Mills.

The Janet Levine March Gallery is featuring the work of artist Joe Swing. Joe is a native of Lynchburg, Tennessee, and has called Nashville home for the last 50+ years. With previous careers in marketing and advertising with Jack Daniel Distillery and property acquisition and disposition for the Metropolitan Government of Nashville, Joe’s inmost passions bloomed after retirement.

His newfound time allowed him to explore the creative world and experiment with pencil, charcoal, oil painting, pottery, stained glass and marquetry. Selftaught and always learning, Joe claimed an area of his garage as studio space to nurture and fuel his creative enthusiasm. It is there that he has found the part of himself that feels most accomplished and that he enjoys sharing. With joyful dedication, Joe began to focus on creating a collection of art that wholly reflected his unique thought process and linked all the layers of his artistic experimentations.

Joe describes his work as “… art that’s different. On purpose.”

The JLMG2 Gallery will feature the art of GJCC Gallery Curator Carrie Mills. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Carrie Mills is an artist, stylist, fashion designer and illustrator, singer/songwriter and columnist. Her many muses and forms of expressions include songwriting, singing, drawing, photography, collage, jewelry design, fashion stylist, writing, and pet portraiture. Upon moving to Nashville, she designed a line of vests that were

instantly snapped up by numerous country and pop music stars, including none other than Ringo Starr. The Tennessean newspaper and Nashville Woman magazine have both written feature articles on her work labeling her a Renaissance woman. Her fashion illustrations and fine artwork continues to be shown in several Nashville galleries and can be found in numerous private collections. Carrie created a successful recurring Fashion Camp for children at the Gordon JCC and for the Frist Center for the Visual Arts to coincide with their Italian Fashion Exhibit in 2015. For the last 8 years she

has also worked as a fashion stylist and art director with her photographer son, Garrett Mills.

The Sig Held Gallery will feature the work of Donald Olea. Although a native of San Diego, CA, Don and his wife have lived in Gallatin, TN for the past 23 years. He has more than 30 years of professional experience as an award-winning illustrator, photographer, digital and watercolor painter. He is currently a board member of the Nashville Artist Guild and a member of the Tennessee Watercolor Society.

Olea has been an artist all his life, starting with simple pencil drawings as a child, then charcoals and pen and ink, etc. His grandfather gave him his first camera when he was a sophomore in high school in 1979 and that began his of love of capturing the world around him on film.

As the computer age ushered in a new era of graphic designers and digital photography, Olea gravitated toward commercial art and advertising design as well as newspaper and magazine design. Working as a commercial artist he was able to take advantage of both his drawing and photography skills.

Olea spent 10+ years as a photographer and graphic designer for Billboard Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter and Amusement Business Magazine in Nashville and Los Angeles. The music, entertainment, and sports industries have always been among his favorite subjects to paint or draw. However, in an effort to expand his subject matter, he turned his attention to depicting historical military art.

As an Airborne Army veteran (1983-86), and an amateur military his-

buff, Olea has been inspired through his watercolor and digital paintings, to honor and tell the story of those who came before him serving with honor and distinction. His realism style serves the historical military art genre well and helps to tell their story to fellow veterans, family members and enthusiasts. His goal is to eventually have at least three paintings representing every major military conflict from the Revolutionary War to the present. As a proud veteran and artist, Don Olea will not let the flame of patriotism vanquish.

The Senior Lounge will feature the art of Pam O’Daniel.

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

The Exhibition Dates are November 2 - 30.

The Artist reception will be held on November 13th from 6-8 pm and feature music by DJ Joseph Harris and Henna by Fizza, along with a pop-up jewelry shop by Chandler Dezigns.

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

Cindy and Andy, by Carrie Mills

Trigonometry, by Joe Swing

The Bug to the Rescue, by Donald Olea tory

Lifecycles

Birth Announcement

Jordyn Ava

Harrison Buc & Hope Spector of Nashville announce the birth of their first child, daughter Jordyn Ava on September 16, 2024. The proud grandparents are Jodi & Fred Buc of Nashville and Dori & Mark Spector of Sarasota, Florida.

B’rit Mitzvah

Noah Nahmias

Natalie Kravitz

Natalie Kravitz will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, November 9, at 10:30 a.m. at Congregation Micah. She is the child of Samantha Saturn and Steve Kravitz, the sister of Zander Kravitz, and the grandchild of Barbara and Herbert Kravitz of Boynton Beach, Fla., and the late Nancy and Alan Saturn.

and also competes in track and field for her school.

Sophia Lynn Rogozinski

the Brett Boyer Foundation, which focuses on funding research for patients with congenital heart disease.

Noah Nahmias will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, November 2, at 9:30 a.m. at West End Synagogue. Noah is the son of Sandy and Evan Nahmias and grandson of Linda of Memphis, PR and Wendy Nahmias of Ft. Collins, Cole., and Susan and (Z”L )John Price of The Villages, Fla.

Like his older brothers, Elliott and Leeds, Noah is a graduate of the Akiva School and attends Montgomery Bell Academy. In the summers, Noah returns to Camp Sabra in Rocky Mount, Mo. When not studying, Noah strives in theater, hockey, football, golf, wrestling and any positive endeavor with friends.

For his Mitzvah project, Noah is volunteering at West End Synagogue.

Keira Obstein

A seventh grader at Harpeth Hall, Natalie loves to play club soccer as well as run track and field, and she also enjoys travel, theater and art.

For her Mitzvah project, Natalie will be working as a volunteer and will be doing a fundraiser and supplies-drive for Room in The Inn, a local organization that provides food, shelter and a broad range of support services for Nashville’s homeless population.

Evan Alexander Zagnoev

Sophia Lynn Rogozinski will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, November 16, at 11 a.m. at The Temple. She was born in Rochester, N.Y., on October 30, 2011. Her parents are Lindsay and Joel Rogozinski, and her grandparents are Gregg and Cynthia Wright of Rochester, N.Y.

A seventh grader at John Trotwood Moore Middle School, she volunteers for Pawster of Nashville, an organization with a mission to end pet homelessness.

Her special interests include competitive swimming, sailing, traveling, and math. She also loves spending time with family, friends, and most of all her big black lab Stella.

Obituaries

Kenneth Lee Eisenberg

Condolences to the family of Kenneth Lee Eisenberg, who died October 11. He was the brother-in-law of Kay Robins (Bruce); uncle of Van Robins, and Leigh and Mike Dunlop. Tributes may be made in Kenneth’s memory to Congregation Micah.

Alton Berkeley Grove

Condolences to the family of Alton Berkeley Grove, who died October 4. He was the grandfather of Daniel Grove (Emily). Tributes may be made in Alton’s memory to Congregation Micah or Bedington United Methodist Church.

Judith Wolf Mandell

Keira Obstein will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, November 2, at 10:30 a.m. at Congregation Micah. She is the child of Kerri and Keith Obstein, the sister of Finley and Saoirse Obstein, and the grandchild of Cindy and Dan Aminoff of Sarasota, Fla., and Ann and Frank Tyman of Boston, Mass.

A seventh grader at Grassland Middle School, Keira loves dance and is a member of the Nashville Dance Center (NDC) competition team. In addition to dance, Keira enjoys being outdoors, playing sports, eating donuts and cannoli, and cheering on her beloved Buffalo Bills (GO BILLS)!

Joshua Phillip Sapp

Evan Alexander Zagnoev will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday November 9, at 9:30 a.m. at West End Synagogue. Evan was born in Los Angeles, Calif., on November 1, 2011, and has been living in Nashville since he was seven months old. Evan is the son of Jennie and Brad Zagnoev, and brother of Zoe and Emma Zagnoev. His grandparents are Goldie and Mark Shepard of Nashville, and Noreen and Dudley Zagnoev of Los Angeles, Calif. via Johannesburg, South Africa. Evan’s great grandmother is Sylvia and EB (z”l) Shepard of Nashville, and Mildred (z”l) and Paul (z”l) Flexer of Nashville.

A seventh grader at University School of Nashville, Evan is most happy playing soccer, basketball, flag football, and lacrosse. He loves attending live sports games with his grandpa Mark, uncles and friends and spending his summers at his summer place- Camp Barney Medintz.

For her Mitzvah project, she is fostering Nahla, a dog in need of a temporary home.

Matilda Emme and Violet Gabriella Menachem

Matilda Emme and Violet Gabriella Menachem will become Bnai Mitzvah on Saturday, November 23, at 11 a.m. at The Temple. They were born in Philadelphia, Pa., on August 15, 2011. Their parents are Jonathan and Robin Menachem. Their grandparents are Allan and Karen Menachem of Nashville, Joni and Cliff Brockway of Franklin, and Jeff Burton of St. Helene, Calif.

Condolences to the family of Judith Wolf Mandell who died on September 23.. She is survived by her husband Allan Mandell; children Abbie Wolf (Ari Dubin), Seth Wolf (Adina), Barry Mandell (Anita), Stephanie Mandell (Patrick Wiebe), and Laurie Mandell; grandchildren Davi and Emmie WolfDubin, Orly and Anna Wolf, Alena and Byron Mandell, and Natalie and Jessica Dumm.

Tributes may be made in Judith’s memory to Congregation Micah.

Dr. Stewart Segal

Condolences to the family of Dr. Stewart Segal, who died on September 19. He is survived by his brother Alan (Martha) Segal, sister-in-law Martha, and niece Alli.

Oleg Torban

Both girls are in the eighth grade at Harpeth Hall. They love sports and spending time with their family and friends. They are both on the school soccer, hockey, and Lacrosse teams and also participate in other team activities. They will spend their summer sailing and motorboating at Camp Seafarer.

Their Mitzvah project is in support of

Joshua Phillip Sapp will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, November 2, at 11 a.m. at The Temple. He was born on November 27, 2011, in Manhattan, N.Y., and moved to Nashville with his family in 2021.

His parents are Debra and Michael Sapp, and his grandparents are Jeanne and Arthur Abbo of Clearwater, Fla., and Marie Sapp and the late Perrin Sapp of St. Augustine, Fla.

A seventh grader at University School of Nashville, Joshua likes to play Ultimate Frisbee, video games and strategy card games.

For his Mitzvah project, he is delivering food to homebound seniors through The Branch and creating food boxes for the Nuevo Vida food pantry.

For his Mitzvah project, Evan is hosting a shoe drive for Soles4Souls, an international nonprofit providing shoes and clothing to people in crisis. He is collecting shoes (both new and gently used) that will be distributed to children and adults in need. Evan has also been collecting sports equipment that will be donated after his Bar Mitzvah to several local organizations.

Snow Mannes

Condolences to the family of Oleg Torban who died on October 5. Oleg, 70, passed away due to complications with Parkinson’s disease, surrounded by his loved ones. Oleg was born to the late Mark and Emil Torban of Odessa, Ukraine, on June 17, 1954, and emigrated to Nashville with his family in 1989. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Sema, his sons Steve (Allison) and Sasha, and granddaughters Eva and Anna. •

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

Snow Mannes will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, November 16, at 10:30 a.m. at Congregation Micah. She is the child of Peter Mannes and Keren Bernard, the sister of Neko Mannes, and the grandchild of Harvey and Eve Mannes of Atlanta, Ga., Chaim Bernard of Tel Aviv, Israel, and Regina Bernard of Herzliya, Israel.

A seventh grader at Harding Academy, Snow loves all subjects, but especially math and creative pursuits. She plays soccer for both club and school

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Kids’ Corner

This month we are introducing something new, a Kids Corner. This space 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.

This first submission is a poem by Naomi Becker. Here in her own words are some interesting facts about her:

• I am Naomi Becker, and I am a human

• I am nine

• I go to Lockeland Elementary (LDC, Lockeland Design Center)

• I do swimming

• I CARE SO MUCH ABOUT SNAILS AND DRAGONS

• I am also good at tech

CHERRY LONGLEG LITEE

Head of the Funding Committee said to his Chief

A bad disbelief

That spread throughout the city

Cherry Longleg Litee

Had a black kitty

But then he said

“Off with your head!”

And killed his cat named Mitee

Cherry Longleg Litee

Was dead, but it was no pity

No one was sad

Because he was so bad

So they only had a funeral for his kitty

Kvetch in the City

By CARRIE MILLS

These days if someone asked me where in the world

I would most like to live, I’d probably answer by telling them where I’d most like to die. I know that can appear to sound morbid, however, the seed for this way of thinking started way back in the day.

In my twenties I used to go to Kundalini yoga classes on the regular in NYC’s East Village. While holding poses for long stretches at a time, the yogi instructor would go down some spiritual rabbit hole which quite honestly, I enjoyed immensely. During one such class, he began one of these little asides. He said, “Imagine you are on your death bed. You are looking back on your life. What do you see? Imagine that life you want to live, now go live it.”

Yup, that was it. That was the life changing yoga class for me, or as Oprah would put it…having an Aha moment. I gave serious thought at a young age, with the acute awareness of death, how I wanted to live my life. And that thought has continued to inform me for most of my life.

And ironically, it was one of the moments that brought me to Nashville. I knew I wanted to pursue songwriting as a career, or at least give it a try, because I knew I did not want to be on my death bed thinking of all the what ifs or if only dot dot dot…fill in the blank, things I did not pursue or at least try in my life.

Somewhere along the way, the thought of how I want to live my life turned into imagining where and how I might want to die. One thing became pretty clear to me…I realized I didn’t want to die in Nashville. While living in the South has been good to me in many ways, no disrespect to my Southern friends, it’s just an inner recognition that I’ve been a fish out of water in what is now half my life here, so the thought of being buried in the ground in Tennessee, well, there’s something that just does not sit right with me about the whole death locale of it all. I just don’t think I would truly rest in peace. I fear I may actually turn into some kind of ghost that starts haunting the place, tormented for eternity. Oh, wasn’t there a movie about some girl named Carrie that had an ending like that?

And, no, I’m saying I want to die in New York City, as in being pushed in front of a train, or hit by one of those electronic bikes, or stepping out by accident in front of a bus. If I have a say in all this, I’d like to imagine I die in my sleep of old age in an Upper West Side six, or that Park Ave doorman building. Come to think of it, it would probably be the doorman who finds me.

Now since I want to envision a peaceful Manhattan ending and not a haunted scenario...it seems I may need to find a way back to NYC at some point, preferably while I am still a youngish older person and can enjoy what’s left of life.

Oh, I forgot to add, I’ve informed my son, I’d want my ashes spread in the Sinai desert on the coast of the Red Sea, a place called Nueiba, part of the southern peninsula of the Sinai desert that once was a part of Israel. Not sure how he’s going to handle that.

Years ago, I mistakenly gave away the last family plot in Brooklyn, NY to my cousin who didn’t even need it at the time.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, as I acknowledge in my own way the inevitable fact of life for all of us, that no one gets to live forever, at least not yet, I find some comfort in thinking I get to own my wishes, even if I don’t know what’s going to happen next.

For now, I’m reminded...”I’ve got a lot of living to do…” •

Make

ACCOUNTANTS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY

CATHY WERTHAN, CPA

401 Commerce Street, Suite 1250 Nashville, TN 37219 (615) 245-4070 • marcumllp.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 Fifth Third Center 424 Church Street, Ste. 2250 Nashville, Tennessee 37219 (615) 256-5661 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

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS COUNSELING

MICHELLE ROSEN, M.ED. Comprehensive College Planning Support 615-497-5198 nashvillecollegecounselor.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.bec2020.com

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!

www.zeitlin.com

Residential & Relocation Specialists

JESSICA AVERBUCH Broker/ Owner Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty c: 615.294.9880 o: 615.383.0183 jessica.averbuch@zeitlin.com

LORNA M. GRAFF Broker, GRI, CRS, ABR 615-794-0833 (bus.) 615-351-5343 (cell) lorna.graff@zeitlin.com www.lornagraff.com

NAN SPELLER Broker, GRI, ABR 615-383-0183 (bus.) 615-973-1117 (cell) nanspeller2014@gmail.com

JENNIE ZAGNOEV Affiliate Broker 615-383-0183 (bus.) 615-838-2048 (cell) jennie.zagnoev@zeitlin.com

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

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