The Observer Vol. 87 No. 2 – February 2022

the Jewish

www.jewishobservernashville.org

bserver Vol. 87 No. 2 • February 2022

30 Sh’vat-27 Adar I 5782

New JFS Adoption Fund to Expand Aid for Families

By BARBARA DAB

C

reating a family can be a challenging and often expensive experience. For some couples wishing to adopt, the high cost associated with the process is a barrier to fulfilling their dream of parenthood.

There is a home study, travel expenses, legal fees, and many other out of pocket costs not covered by medical insurance, which can deplete a couple’s resources. Jewish Family Service of Middle Tennessee has been guiding families through the adoption process for more than 40 years providing resources, support, and financial aid. One significant resource, The Earl Kirshner Adoption Loan Program, provides no interest loans to Jewish couples who are clients of JFS. According to Howard Kirshner, Earl’s son, his father was passionate about supporting the Jewish community and he loved children. “Jewish Family Service

was very important to my dad. It makes us very happy to be able to help people create Jewish families and I know my dad would be proud.” And now, JFS is announcing they have a new adoption loan fund, the Abe and Renette Corenswet Adoption Loan Fund, that will provide similar assistance, but is expanding the scope of the fund to those who are not currently clients. Toni Jacobsen, Clinical Director of JFS, says this new fund allows even more people to get the help they need, “The initial purpose of the Kirshner Fund was to help build Jewish families. This fund allows us to really build upon that and be open to any family in the area, not just our clients.”

For Helene Dunbar and her husband John, the road to parenthood had many obstacles. They eventually adopted their daughter, Keira, now 12 ½, from Bulgaria. “I don’t want to boil the whole adoption down to finances, but

Helene and John Dunbar with their daughter, Keira.

it’s exhausting and there are a lot of unexpected costs.” Helene and John’s journey took them from Nashville to the West Coast, Bulgaria, and back home to Nashville. It included mountains of governmental paperwork from two countries.

“We had problems finding an agency to do our home study, but being able to align with JFS was amazing,” says Helene, “The services and professional advice we needed appeared at just the right time.”

The Dunbars received a loan from the Kirshner Fund just in the nick of time and provided them with a safety net. “We have such a sense of gratitude for the help we received.”

Building families through adoption is nothing new for the Corenswet family. Haley Attridge, Abe and Renette Corenswet’s granddaughter, says her late father, Robert, and her mother Lucy, fostered over 20 babies between 1997 Continued on page 3

Nashville’s Jewish Community Responds to Texas Hostage Standoff

By BARBARA DAB

L

ast month on a normal Shabbat morning in Colleysville, Texas, a stranger walked into the Beth Israel synagogue ostensibly looking for something to eat. Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, the congregation’s spiritual leader, welcomed the stranger and even offered to make him some tea. As the congregation watched in horror via Zoom, the stranger became a captor, holding the Rabbi and three congregants hostage for 11 hours.

The details of the hours leading to the hostages escape and the gunman’s death are still being revealed. The situation sparked fear among the American Jewish community and ignited debate about how to balance the need for security with the Jewish value of welcoming the stranger. In Nashville, the reaction was much the same as elsewhere. Local congregational Rabbis, law enforcement officials, and professional staff of The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, shared words of comfort, reflection, and hope with The Observer.

Eric Stillman, CEO of The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee: Reacting to the news as it unfolded, I found it so difficult waiting for updates as A Publication of the

WWW.JEWISHNASHVILLE.ORG

the hostage crisis stretched on for hours and hours. When I learned that the hostages escaped before the authorities entered the congregation and killed the hostage-taker, I was filled with relief and gratitude for the safety of the Rabbi and his congregants. Upon hearing and reading interviews that the Rabbi and one of the congregants gave after the ordeal, I reflected on how essential the security training was in advance, which clearly saved their lives in this situation. I am grateful to the Jewish Federations’ Secure Community Network (SCN), ADL, the FBI, and local law enforcement for the emphasis placed on Jewish community security, and I know that our Nashville Jewish community will apply the lessons learned from the hostage situation at the synagogue in Texas to better protect our congregations, agencies, and Jewish community organizations and members here.

Rabbi Mark Schiftan, Senior Rabbi of The Temple: The events Texas should put us all on notice. This was a premeditated attack on a specifically Jewish target, a synagogue engaged in a worship service on the Sabbath. A rabbi was among the hostages.

Sadly, we are living in a new and far more dangerous era as an American Jewish community.

This should remind us all of the Josh Goldberg joins Congregation Micah as Cantor, page 6

need for a strong and vigilant security presence and ongoing training for Jewish communal professionals, employees, and attendees of Jewish institutions.

Rabbi Laurie Rice, Congregation Micah: Rabbi Cytron-Walker is a hero. The bravery he exhibited at the eleventh hour to get them all out was incredible. But it is profoundly sad that we are unable to feel comfortable letting someone into our synagogue who may be in need. It is a sad state of affairs in our world that we can no longer tend to these people.

Adam Bronstone, Director of Planning and Israel Partnerships, The Jewish Federation: This person entered the synagogue on the pretense of needing help. We are accustomed to welcoming the stranger, and that’s what the Rabbi tried to do, but this person used our faith against us. The fact that we now need to rethink how we welcome people who would not normally be in our spaces is chipping away at pieces of our soul. It’s a fine line. How do we remain in a state of readiness without putting people in a perpetual state of unease? But we do have a better culture of security today than we did three years ago. There is still work to be done, but the community is getting there. We have amazing law enforcement in our commuReflection: Dan Einstein, Z”L 1960-2022, page 16

nity who are ready to care for us and continue to develop better ways to do that.

We must continue the conversation.

Doug Korneski, FBI Special Agent in Charge, Memphis Field Office: All of us at the FBI are relieved the hostage situation in Colleyville, Texas, was resolved without physical injury to those taken hostage. We never lose sight of the threat extremists pose to the Jewish community and to other religious, racial, and ethnic groups, and we will continue to work tirelessly with the Secure Community Network, the Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish Federation, and others to protect members of the Jewish community from all potential threats.

Preventing acts of terrorism and violence is the number one priority of the FBI. Throughout Tennessee, the FBI has had a close and enduring relationship with the Jewish community for many years and we value having representatives of the Secure Community Network and the Jewish Federation on the FBI Memphis Field Office’s Community Engagement Council.

Rabbi Philip Rice, Congregation Micah: As a result of the frightening act of anti-Semitism in Texas, synagogues Continued on page 2

Back To School

Camps Special Section, page 21

Jewish Teens to Explore Philanthropy Through 2022 B’nai Tzedek Program

By BARBARA DAB

E

ach year Jewish teens in Nashville gain some real-world experience in philanthropic giving through the B’nai Tzedek program. Youth between the ages of 13 and 18 come together in an event designed to help them explore their values and interests, as well as developing advocacy skills. Through brainstorming activities, study, and group discussion, the teens can determine where their passions lie and develop an action plan for giving that will extend throughout the years. This year’s program is scheduled for February 27th, in person at the Gordon JCC. Beginning at age 13, B’nai Tzedek members each create their own fund into which they can make annual donations with the goal of reaching a full donor advised fund of $5,000 by age 33. Initial donations are matched by gifts from the Feldman/Hassenfeld Fund for the B’nai Tzedek Program and the Al Feldman Memorial Fund housed at the Jewish Foundation of Nashville. Each year, the teens have an opportunity to donate from their funds to a Jewish charity of their choosing.

There is a seven-member Board that

will choose two organizations for an annual group gift using money gathered from individual funds. This year’s Board consists of: Celia Wiston, Abby Landa, Ethan Bengelsdorf, Dustin Averbuch, Max Lapidus, Batya Coleman, and Carson Pounds. Abby Landa, a senior at Franklin High School, has participated in B’nai Tzedek since she was 13. She credits her parents, who are themselves very involved in Jewish philanthropy, with being role models. “I have really enjoyed giving back through this program and love its mission to promote philanthropy in Jewish teens. I am proud and happy I could participate in this program.” Abby says the Board is still deciding which charities to choose for this year, but she has a special interest in the ACLU. “I am very passionate about their work helping fight hate, in particular social and environmental hate, racism, and their advocacy for women’s rights.”

This year’s program is also adding a hands-on experience. During the February 27th program, the teens will create “Mitzvah Bags” for healthcare workers from a local hospital and will also write cards for the patients. Abby Landa says, “It’s gratifying to have something specific

2020 B’nai Tzedek participants

to do where we can actually see a product.” Board member Carson Pounds is in the 8th grade at Jewish Middle School.

This is his first year with the program.

He says healthcare is definitely an area of interest for his giving. “I feel like it’s a great thing to help the healthcare workers and that is definitely one of my interests as to where the donations will go.”

The B’nai Tzedek program is avail-

able to any Jewish teen in the Nashville area who is 13 or over. The B’nai Tzedek program is sponsored by the Al Feldman Memorial Fund and the Feldman/ Hassenfeld Fund for the B’nai Tzedek Program. For more information about the program, contact Shannon Small, Assistant Financial Resource Director and Foundation Director, at shannon@ jewishnashville.org •

Proposed Federal Tax Law Changes – Whether, When, and What If None Take Place? for the plan administrator to pay all or a portion of n the October 2021 issue the amount otherwise disof The Observer, I wrote tributable to them directabout how three of the proly to charities as a qualiposed changes in federal tax fied charitable distribution laws would affect charita(QCD). Amounts paid as ble giving. At the time of QCDs are not included in that article, I assumed that taxable income of the IRA Congress would soon pass owner or the retirement new federal legislation that plan beneficiary but count would contain several fed- Ralph Levy is a member of toward the amount of RMD eral tax changes that would The Jewish Federation’s the donor is required to become effective on January Professional Advisory take each year. Also, the 1, 2022, in order to help Council amounts paid as QCDs are pay for significant investments in physnot included in taxable income of the ical and human infrastructure included donor and as a result, the donor cannot in the new laws. Much to my surprise claim a charitable deduction for the (and in all likelihood to the surprise of amounts paid directly to the charity.

President Biden), this legislation was Strategy #2: Fund charitable donanot enacted last year nor is it certain tions with highly appreciated assets that any legislation of the type originally Despite COVID, the stock marbeing considered will be enacted in the ket experienced significant gains during near future. What impact will this signif2021. As a result, individuals who own icant change (i.e., that no federal tax law highly appreciated publicly traded stocks changes are imminent) have as we conand bonds may want to consider donatsider plans for 2022 charitable giving? ing these stocks and bonds as “in kind” Three strategies designed to maximize donations to charities rather than makthe benefits of charitable giving come ing cash donations. By doing so, the to mind. donor is entitled to claim a charitable Strategy #1: Take advantage of deduction for the fair market value of Qualified Charitable Distributions the securities donated but can avoid the Individuals who must take required capital gains taxes that would have been minimum distributions (RMD) from incurred if the donor had first sold the IRA’s and other retirement plans and securities and then donated the proceeds who have attained age 70½ may elect of the sale to charity.

By MINDY HIRT

I

Please support the businesses that advertise in the Observer and help support our community in all ways!

Make sure to let them know...you saw their ad here!

2

February 2022 • The Jewish Observer

Strategy #3: Plan for the “Double Donation” In order to itemize deductions for federal income tax purposes in 2022, married taxpayers who file joint tax returns must have at least $25,900 of itemized deductions (1/2 that amount, or $12,950 for single taxpayers). As a result, it may make sense for donors to “double up” on charitable deductions every other year. An example would be Mort, a single taxpayer, who has $9,000 of real property taxes on his residence and who regularly makes $5,000 of charitable donations to the Jewish Federation each year. Mort may want to consider donating $10,000 in December, 2022 and advise the Jewish Federation that the “extra” $5,000 donated in December, 2022 is in lieu of his “normal” 2023 $5,000 donation. With this strategy, Mort can claim $19,000 of itemized deductions in 2022 (just over $6,000 above the $12,950 2022 standard deduction amount) and roughly $13,350 as the standard deduction for 2023 ($12,950 increased by an assumed $400 inflation adjustment for 2023). If Mort had con-

tributed $5,000 in each of December, 2022 and in January, 2023, his $14,000 of itemized deductions in 2022 and 2023 would have generated only just over $1,000 in “extra” itemized deductions above the standard deduction amount for 2022 and less than $1,000 in extra itemized deductions for 2023.

So, for now consider these three strategies and watch for future federal tax law changes that could affect charitable giving. Especially considering the upcoming mid-term elections, we know that one assumption will never changethat federal tax law changes of some type will take place. What we do not know is what type of changes will take place, when they will take place and which types of taxpayers will be affected by the changes (either positively or negatively). •

Standoff

the best times to be Jewish, antisemitism in many different forms remains an ongoing threat to all of us. At West End Synagogue we will continue to keep our congregants safe without giving up being a welcoming, inclusive and warm place for all at the same time.

Rabbi Yitchok Tiechtel, Chabad of Nashville: I hope as a global and local Jewish community, we will continue to focus on our common thread, of being one Jewish family, despite differences we may have. As a unified community we can and overcome all darkness and hate, and merit an era of light and redemption. •

Continued from page 1 all over the world are again having to make very difficult decisions, balancing an open, inclusive environment, with the realization that there are those who wish to do us harm. During this emotional time, Congregation Micah joins with all people of good faith as we navigate what is best for our communities.

Rabbi Joshua Kullock, West End Synagogue: I was saddened to see what happened in Texas, but not completely surprised.

Even in our days, as we live in one of

Ralph Levy is a member of the Jewish Federation Professional Advisory Council (PAC). For more information about the PAC, please contact Shannon Small, Assistant FRD Director and Foundation Director at shannon@jewishnashville.org.”

Editor’s Note Pandemic Reflections

By BARBARA DAB

I

t is hard to believe we are entering the third year of the COVID19 pandemic.

When I first took the position of Editor of The Observer, there were mere whispers of a strange virus overseas and the hint that it may eventually make its way to our shores. No one could predict the havoc it would wreak, the deaths it would cause, and the irrevocable changes that would occur in our world. A mask was a costume element, or a beauty treatment.

Social distancing was how I set boundaries with certain friends. Six feet was my son’s height. Lining up for vaccines was a distant memory from my childhood. And testing positive, well that meant something else entirely. In short, we not only have a new language, but we also have new behaviors to help us navigate an uncertain world. There has been much to grieve these last few years, and still, much to celebrate. In the pages of this newspaper, we have reported on marriages, births, job promotions, kids doing amazing things, diverse communities supporting each other. In short, the life of our local Jewish community, though changed, has marched on. I reached out to ask folks to share some reflections on how their lives have changed. I received several submissions, and here, I share a few.

Carrie Mills: I started writing a column for the Observer, Kvetch in the City, during the pandemic.

It’s been a great help in finding c

STAFF c

c

Telephone 615/356-3242 Fax 615/352-0056 E-mail barbaradab@jewishnashville.org ‘The Jewish Observer’ (ISSN 23315334) is published monthly for $25 per year by the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Nashville, TN 37205-4009.

Periodicals postage paid at Nashville, TN. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE JEWISH OBSERVER, 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Nashville, TN 37205 This newspaper is made possible by funds raised in the Jewish Federation Annual Campaign.

The Jewish Observer is a member of the American Jewish Press Association and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

While The Jewish Observer makes every possibly effort to accept only reputable advertisers of the highest quality, we cannot guarantee the Kasruth of their products.

The Jewish Observer Founded in 1934 by A

C

Q

U

E

S

B

A

Richard Barnett: The Covid 19 pandemic has transformed my life in a positive way that I could not have imagined. Having retired in 2010 at the young age of 54, my days and years leading up to the pandemic were largely spent trading stocks, watching sports, and exercising. My observance of Shabbat, studying Torah and continuing my Jewish education were almost non-existent.

As the pandemic raged on, causing me to spend weeks in virtual isolation and to consider pulling out the few remaining hairs on my head, one Friday evening I decided to tune into a Shabbat service on YouTube. Within minutes I came to understand the adage, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” I didn’t know how soothing Shabbat music could be, how comforting prayer is and how the sense of community could pervade through the television screen and into my living room.

Ever since that Friday evening more than a year ago, I have not missed a weekly virtual Shabbat service. At the conclusion of each service, announcements are made about upcoming events including Torah study. Having not studied Torah since Hebrew school decades ago, I decided to give it a try. Once again, I quickly realized that you don’t know what you don’t know.

I was fascinated with the wisdom I was learning in Torah study and took it

c

Publisher Eric Stillman Editor Barbara Dab Advertising Manager Carrie Mills Layout and Production Tim Gregory Editorial Board Frank Boehm (chair), Teena Cohen, Laura Thompson, Scott Rosenberg, Liz Feinberg

J

humor in a trying and stressful time.

While it’s been a great outlet for introspection, connection, and laughter, it’s yet to yield Mr Right!

C

K

Corrections Policy 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

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.

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

upon myself to read the Torah from beginning to end. Upon completion, I next read Songs Ascending, The Book of Psalms

by Rabbi Richard Levy and followed that with Proverbs, Pathways to Wisdom. I am currently reading The Bedside Torah and The Social Justice Torah Commentary.

We are blessed to live in a community that offers many on-line adult education opportunities, most at no cost.

There is something for everyone with a wide range of topics and time slots.

There are other on-line Jewish classes available, including those sponsored by Hadar, the Haberman Institute and My Jewish Learning.

No longer are my days consumed with trading stocks and watching sports. Rarely does a day go by when I am not participating in a class to further my Jewish education nor does a Friday evening go by when I am not observing Shabbat.

There are times when I wonder if I should take a day or two off from my Jewish studies. This mostly occurs when someone on zoom asks if the pajamas I’m wearing are new or if I am wearing the same shirt as the previous day. I try to be cognizant of my on-line appearance in case a woman on the other end is checking me out.

The Covid 19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the world, our country, families, and friends. I am grateful for my health and the friends and acquaintances that I have met over the past two years. I am especially grateful for how the pandemic

has renewed my love for Judaism, my desire to study Torah and to understand the importance of observing Shabbat.

JFS Adoption

fund came as a bit of a surprise to Kelner, who received word after Renette passed away last summer. “Agencies often don’t know about these types of bequests until after someone has passed. We are so happy to be able to connect with the Corenswet family and would have loved to have been able to show our gratitude to Renette in her lifetime.” Kelner says the Life & Legacy program, which was created several years ago to help communities develop legacy giving, now allows agencies to show appreciation to donors during their lives, and perhaps even encourages others to consider their own legacy planning. Haley Attridge says the Abe and Renette Corenswet Adoption Loan Fund is an example of her grandmother’s welcoming nature, and her ability for growth. “My grandmother was influenced by watching the many babies who came through our house of all races and ethnicities. I saw her evolve and find ways to learn and expand on what she already knew.”

For information about adoption services, or to apply for a loan, contact Toni Jacobsen at tonijacobsen@ jfsnashville.org •

Continued from page 1 and 2007, working directly with Miriam’s Promise, a Nashville based adoption agency. In fact, Haley was herself adopted at birth, as was her brother, through the agency. She remembers fondly the many babies who spent weeks, and sometimes months, in her home. “I loved it. It was so fun to have the babies in our house.”

Over the years, Haley says her mother met, and continues to keep in touch with, many of the adoptive families. “The first baby stayed several months with us,” she says, “My parents stayed in close contact with the family and became the baby’s God-parents.”

The Corenswet Adoption Loan program provides no interest loans to families needing assistance, with the requirement that the loans are paid within three years.

According to Pam Kelner, Executive Director of Jewish Family Service of Middle Tennessee, the idea is to continually replenish the fund in perpetuity.

“Loans like this might be just what a family needs to help them move forward in their goal of adopting,” she says. The

Rabbi Saul Strosberg: First and foremost, our job is to continue to be attentive to community members who are suffering from Covid, from isolation, or from any of the challenges of our time. Number two is for each of us to pursue our individual and organizational missions in the given situation - and to keep up with the times. I do believe that in many instances, the case needs to be stated or restated for in-person gatherings - what compels a person to show up to their community?

Every synagogue and organization has to figure out the answer to that.

Another question involves redundancy. Why should I attend my Nashville synagogue, if I can zoom into NY or Jerusalem? In many of these cases, it boils down to personnel connection - but it should be much more than that.

Finally, a time will come when it will be safe to gather as a community, without the health concerns that we have today.

How quickly will we be able to embrace one another? Will we be willing to forgo differences we had in how we approached Covid? Will we remember what it is like to be close to and care for people who are not in our immediate virtual orbit? And how good will we be at reaching out to newcomers, who continue to land in Nashville, even throughout the pandemic. •

… because your memories matter 479 Myatt Drive, Madison, TN 37115-3024 615-712-9521 • rdschultz@schultzmonument.com

The Jewish Observer • February 2022

3

Perspectives Labels Mean Nothing when Talking about Jews

By RABBI YITZCHOK TIECHTEL, CHABAD OF NASHVILLE

O

ne Saturday evening last month, when we put on our phones right after Shabbat, we saw the shocking news of what happened in Colleyville Texas.

Four Jews had been taken hostage within their Temple, during Shabbat services. It was irrelevant what community the Rabbi represented, or what style service he led.

A Jew was in trouble, and that was all that mattered. We all sprang into action, first praying ourselves, and encouraging others to pray as well.

It didn’t take long for more information to come out about this Rabbi and his philosophical beliefs. Facebook (knowing everything about me) placed him in my feed as a friend I might know. Indeed, the rumors were true, his worldview and approach to Judaism was fundamentally different than mine on so many levels.

But who cares? What he believes about Israel or gun laws in absolutely no way changes the concern I had for him when he was being held hostage. I care deeply for my fellow Jew, regardless of his denomination or religious association.

Labels mean nothing when talking about Jews. They mean even less to our haters.

The fact that I stopped reading the news to pray for the four hostages doesn’t mean that I now agree with their life choices. If your biological brother or sister were held hostage, it would make no difference how much you disagreed. You would pray for them. You would ask others to pray for them. You would be unable to

On Polarization

go to sleep knowing they were being held hostage by a crazy Jew hater.

There are times when we need to stand strong for what we believe to be right and true and holy. But when a Jew is in need, the only thoughts we should feel is an absolute, undiluted love for our brother in need.

We read in the Torah how the Jewish people camped at the foot of Mt. Sinai to receive the Torah. Interestingly, the phrase, “they camped,” is not written with the correct grammar for a large plurality of people camping (”vayachanu - and They camped,”) rather it is written in the singular tense (“vayichan - and He camped.”)

The reason for this grammatical oddity is to tell us about the state of the Jewish people at the moment they reached the desert of Sinai: they were, “Like one man with one heart.”

Notice that they still had different minds, ideas, viewpoints, and philosophies. But their hearts were one. Despite different heads, their hearts were one.

They were completely united as one person, with absolute care and commitment to the other Jew - the other part of their own body. The only way in which we become worthy of experiencing the greatest Divine revelation man would ever see, is when we are united with “one heart”.

I hope as a global and local Jewish community, we will continue to focus on our common thread, of being one Jewish family, despite differences we may have.

As a unified community we can and overcome all darkness and hate, and merit an era of light and redemption, may it be in our days, Amen. •

Join us for the

Women of the Wall Program F E AT U R I N G

A N AT H O F F M A N , C H A I R O F T H E B OA R D V I A ZO O M

Anat Hoffman is the Executive Director of the Israel Religious Action Center, the legal advocacy arm of the Reform Movement in Israel.

Sunday February 13th, 11am CT

By RABBI JOSHUA KULLOCK, WEST END SYNAGOGUE

A

t times, the Talmud can be a bit technical. Pages over pages with discussions that can test the patience of those willing to spend some time learning from this ancient fountain of wisdom.

Sometimes it can be hard to just keep it up. And yet, in the midst of so much argument and debate on any given subject, if you pay close attention, you may discover wonderful insights that continue to be relevant in our days.

In a way, it reminds me of Moses and the burning bush. Moses’ genius was not related to the fact that he saw a burning bush. In the wilderness, bushes burn all the time. What set Moses apart was his ability to discover the one bush that was burning but not consumed. For that, you need to be willing to pay attention to the details that, otherwise, could go unnoticed. In the sea of technical Talmudic details, if we look carefully, we may be able to find beautiful pearls of eternal wisdom.

Something like this happened to me a few days ago while reading the opening pages of tractate Moed Katan. This tractate deals with a lot of rules and regulations that apply to the intermediate days – or in Hebrew: Chol HaMoed – of Pesach and Sukkot. As you may remember, while during the first and last days of those holidays, no work is allowed, the law changes during the in-between days.

On Pesach, for example, you still must eat Matza and refrain from Chametz, but you can do certain specific activities. Well, on tractate Moed Katan we have a long list of dos and don’ts for those days in between.

As you may imagine, the conversation gets technical. Watering fields on this way is OK, but if you do it this other way then it is not OK. Repairing roads for the sake of public needs is fine, but only is doesn’t cause too much exertion. And the list goes on and on.

In that context, the Talmud discusses whether you can trap moles and mice in an orchard during these intermediate days or whether destroying ant holes is permitted or not. The Rabbis go back and forth on these subjects and I won’t bother you with the details. However, in the midst of this discussion, we read the following lines: “How does one destroy ant holes?

Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel says: One

brings soil from this ant hole and places it in that ant hole and since the ants from the two nests are not familiar with each other, they strangle each other” (6b).

First of all, I am always amazed at the Talmud’s ability to surprise me with all kinds of things, including a recipe for killing ants. I don’t have ants in my backyard, but you may want to try this formula next time you come across a nasty nest of fire ants. In any case, what I found profoundly interesting is that if you change ants for human beings, you actually get a sense of what’s going in our days with the huge amount of polarization that is engulfing us. We are becoming so far apart from one another that we no longer know how to recognize somebody who may have different ideas than ours and, as a consequence of that, we end up strangling each other. We lose sight of the divine spark that has been hidden in all of us and, in the midst of that painful blindness, we set ourselves for failure.

But the Talmud doesn’t stop there, and shares with us another insight: “This advice works only in certain circumstances: When the ant holes are located on two opposite sides of the river, when there is no bridge connecting the two sides, when there is not even a plank bridge over the water, and when there is not even a rope stretched taut across the river.” In other words, as long as there is a link between the two sides of the river, the ants won’t be able (or willing) to annihilate each other. As long as there is a connecting bridge, the ants will recognize each other and instead of competing with one another, they will cooperate and eventually become stronger than ever before.

As I read those lines, I kept thinking about the importance of continuing to do that type of holy work in our days.

Even if at times we feel as if there was a huge river separating us from those on the other side, if we remember to keep building bridges, we should be fine. As long as we spend time strengthening connections, we should be able to overcome.

In these days loaded with hatred and growing antisemitism, our strength may lie in our ability to embrace more than ever our particular identities, while at the same time reaching out to our allies and friends as we all engage in shaping a society that will cherish and celebrate our differences. Even in the aftermath of what happened in Texas a few weeks ago, I still want to believe that those willing to create an inclusive and welcoming world are stronger and more resilient than those who are vested in consolidating the politics of polarization, fear and loathing. Even today, I still want to believe that we have in our power the chance to shape the type of society that we want to craft for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren as well. •

jewishnashville.org/wow to register and learn more.

ZZZ DJLQJLQSODFHVHUYLFHV QHW 7EVE &IXL ;EVRI WF[EVRI$EKMRKMRTPEGIWIVZMGIW RIX

For more information, contact Deborah Oleshansky at Deborah@jewishnashville.org.

4

February 2022 • The Jewish Observer

JFON-WOW-10x13-Feb22.indd 1

1/12/22 8:32 PM

The Pargh Team

One Team, Eight Residential Real Estate Experts 120

Families our team helped find their perfect home or investment property.

$110M+ in sales for 2021 by

our full service team of experts.

Proudly ranked in the top 1% of all Realtors in Tennessee and featured on the 2021 REAL Trends “America’s Best Real Estate Professionals” list as seen in The Wall Street Journal.

9VOsVOo |dt BoO _dd^WbU sd Jt| do pO__Û 2VO +BoUV 2OBa Wp oOBM| sd zdo^ Tdo |dtà 9O KBbĆs zBWs sd VOBo Toda |dtÝ B__ tp sdMB|Ý

@theparghteam

@parghteam

Franklin Pargh M: 615.351.7333 franklin.pargh@compass.com

pargh.com

Lana Pargh M: 615.504.2685 lana.pargh@compass.com

2VO +BoUV 2OBa Wp B sOBa dT oOB_ OpsBsO _WKObpOOp BT _WBsOM zWsV dalBpp . Û B _WKObpOM oOB_ OpsBsO Jod^Oo BbM BJWMOp J| OntB_ VdtpWbU dlldostbWs| _Bzpà 2d oOBKV sVO dalBpp . dT KOÛ KB__ à à

The Jewish Observer • February 2022

5

Josh Goldberg Joins Congregation Micah as Cantor W

e are thrilled to announce that Josh Goldberg will become the Cantor of Congregation Micah on July 1, 2022. He will join Rabbis Philip (Flip) & Laurie Rice as a full-time member of the clergy team.

The search committee received many applications over the last several months and conducted several interviews for this important position. Search Committee Chair Rich Abelson shared, “Our goal was to discover the person who would be the right fit for Congregation Micah’s culture – to come upon that one person to fill our place of worship as uniquely and beautifully as Ms. Lisa Silver has these past twenty years. That person was not to replicate her work and talent but to build on the grace and spirituality she infused with every prayer and song and use that foundation to create and define their own place here at Micah. The expectations were high – aspiring for this next generation of musical programming to guide the Micah adult, child, and families through services and all life cycle events. With so much on the line, the committee, with confidence, has chosen Cantor Goldberg to step into the role of cantor and provide the congregation with a presence that we all will recognize, as well as leading us into new places through his passion for Jewish music and prayer.”

Cantor Josh Goldberg joins Congregation Micah as a full-time member of the clergy beginning July, 2022.

“We are so excited to welcome Cantor Goldberg to the clergy team at Micah. His soul-filled music moves kids and adults alike, and he is sure to build upon the tradition of musical excellence and innovation we have come to expect and remains such a large part of our identity. Cantor Goldberg will no doubt enrich Nashville’s Jewish

music program,” said Rabbis Laurie and Flip Rice.

Cantor Goldberg is currently based in Los Angeles where he has worked at Stephen Wise Temple since 2020.

He graduated with a BA in Popular Music from University of Southern California’s renowned Thornton School of Music before attending The Academy for Jewish Religion in California for his cantorial studies. Josh was born and raised in Dallas, Texas at Temple Emanu-El where Senior Rabbi David Stern shared, “His music is a window into his soul, providing an opening invitation to ours. What a blessing to the Jewish community that his vision and gifts continue at Congregation Micah.”

Additionally, Cantor Goldberg is an accomplished songwriter and performer including touring collaborations with Grammy-award winner Macy Gray, and Jewish musicians Craig Taubman, Rick Recht, and Mikey Pauker. His music has been published in multiple volumes by Transcontinental Music Publications and has been performed by others at the White House as well as at synagogues, summer camps and youth conventions throughout the United States. Goldberg also founded his record label and production company, Kosher Style Records, which has helped dozens of other Jewish artists around the

country develop and grow their careers.

“I look forward to joining the Congregation Micah family, which I already feel has welcomed me in with open arms! I hope to bring my experience and passion for engaging people of all ages and utilizing sacred music as a powerful tool for community building and disseminating the beauty and wisdom of our tradition,” says Goldberg, who is thrilled to move to Nashville with his wife Andrea this summer and bring his unique style of spiritual leadership to Micah.

Dr. Howard Baum, Board President of Congregation Micah agrees, “We are excited for the entire Nashville community to benefit from all that Cantor Goldberg brings musically and spiritually. We look forward most to watching the connections he will foster and nurture amongst our entire Micah and larger Nashville community.”

Lisa Silver, Micah’s talented and cherished Cantorial Soloist for over 20 years, announced her retirement in 2021.

The congregation has plans to honor Ms. Silver at a tribute concert and celebration this spring for all of her many talents and contributions of love, spirit, and music that she has brought to Micah over the years. She leaves an indelible mark on the community. •

Rosh Chodesh Society – Advanced Studies for the Progressive Jewish Woman C

an you express yourself effectively in 140 characters or less? Should you?

The rise of the internet, mobile phones, and social media has completely changed the way we relate, interact, and communicate with one another - and it’s high time we reclaim this lost art.

In Jewish philosophy, communication is more than just a tool: it is who we are.

Humans are defined as communicative beings with a communicative soul and

aligning ourselves with this soul is our raison d’etre.

Mrs. Esther Tiechtel from Chabad of Nashville, will be leading a special course for women on “Communication: Its Art and Soul.” This course will contrast Jewish thought with scientific discovery to unearth the essence of communication, and how to utilize its powers to better ourselves, our relationships, and all of society.

The class will be held on the second

REALTORS® who: • Act fast • Lead with honesty and integrity • Give to the community • Keep your best interests at heart That’s The Kupin Group. We’ve Got Your Back!

615.440.6673

and fourth Monday nights of February and March (via zoom for now) from 7:30pm - 8:30 pm, The course will include six topics are relevant to all who seek to be good communicators in their personal journey of life.

The Essence of Communication What is communication? It’s not speech, it’s not a language, it’s not even words. Explore the pros and cons of new digital forms of communication, exploring mystical anthropomorphic references to human communication to get to the essence of what communication is all about, why it is the stuff relationships are made of, and what your communication style reveals about you as a person.

Opening Up to New Perspectives Communication advice is so often about learning how to listen. Why is it so hard to listen to others? And what do we gain from listening? Is it merely a mutually beneficial arrangement - l’ll listen to you, if you listen to me? Or is there more to be gained from opening ourselves up to new perspectives— viewpoints we may never have considered had we not opened ourselves up to truly listen to others?

If Sticks and Stones Can Break Bones, Words Are Atom Bombs What makes silence golden? Why are well-timed words so powerfully constructive, whereas ill-timed words are so fatally destructive? What makes words so powerful? This lesson considers how our words impact people’s impressions of us, as well as our emotions and reality,

and how we can learn to unleash the power of words more discerningly.

Context Matters The simplest messages are often misconstrued in ways we could never predict. Constructing a clear argument is important, but peripherals such as tone, body language, and context can ruin our message, making it sound like static noise, or worse. How do we ensure the listener’s takeaway is the same as the one we intended to communicate?

Influence Communication is the tool of great leaders and a powerful way to influence. Is communication meant for self-expression, or do we carry a responsibility to utilize its power to influence others? How do we know when to share, and when to keep to ourselves? And how do we determine when we are being influential, and when we are just projecting our insecurities onto others?

Conflict Resolution Surprisingly, conflict isn’t always a bad thing. In adversarial collaboration, conflict broadens horizons to reveal more profound truths. What can we learn from the argumentative style of Talmud study, to shift from an ego-driven, winlose mentality to one in which all parties are winners? And how can we engage in healthy conflict-and resolution-for the betterment of society?

To sign up for this fascinating course on Communication: It’s Art and Soul, go to chabadnashville.com/ communication •

615.279.5310 Learn more about the Jewish community at www.jewishnashville.org

6

February 2022 • The Jewish Observer

! s U Join • 2022 6 .

B E F 1am 1

: o t on i s s i M l , a u O t C ir C V L O a E R A n R O MO A I D IN

S I &

Enjoy destination inspired treats,

Interact live

Choose your own destination track

and see first-hand how your generosity impacts vulnerable Jews overseas.

Via

drinks, and trinkets curated for you and delivered in advance in a customized carry-on bag.

with our overseas partner agency leaders and service recipients to see the life-changing programs and services that are made possible through Federation donations.

Register by JAN. 31

to receive your carry-on bag of goodies! www.jewishnashville.org/missionpossible

The Jewish Observer • February 2022

7

Sherith Israel to Hold West End Synagogue First In-person English Plans a Wild, Wild, In-Person, Fundraiser!

Tea Fundraiser

By ROBERTA GOODMAN

A

fter two years of “virtual” fundraising events, Sherith Israel is planning an in-person English tea party the afternoon of March 27, 2022. Featuring delectable English pastries, finger sandwiches and an array of teas (and potentially some more exciting “unauthorized” beverages), the party will provide both indoor and outdoor spaces for everyone’s comfort. In addition, there will be complimentary babysitting for young children and programming for older children to provide entertainment for the entire family. Evan Rittenberg, President of Sherith Israel, commented, “We’ve had so many new members join during the Covid period that we are excited to have an event at which

our growing community can reconnect and also meet new friends. And of course, no Sherith Israel event would be complete without wonderful food, this time with incredible scones and other pastries by Melissa Sostrin.”

Yuri Livshitz remarked “We are not planning a formal program in the interest of maximizing the schmoozing time so popular in the Nashville Jewish community that we’ve all missed during the last two years.” Roberta Goodman added, “The goal for the fundraiser is to match or exceed the $125,000 that we raised last year in order to fund our ongoing personnel and other operating expenses.” For additional information, please contact the event organizers (Evan Rittenberg, Yuri Livshitz or Roberta Goodman) via the Sherith Israel office (615-292-6614). •

T

he date is set, and the fun is planned, West End Synagogue is thrilled to announce the return of our in-person annual fundraiser. For one night only, grab your hats and dust off your best boots and join us at Wild, Wild West End! Sunday evening, May 1st we will step back in time to an Old West Saloon. This unforgettable evening will include casino games, a silent auction and more.You won’t want to miss out on the tasty grub either. Enjoy signature libations and the best smoked kosher BBQ in town! According to Rabbi Joshua Kullock, “We are looking forward to celebrating together.The Wild, Wild West End event is a wonderful opportunity to be grateful for all that we have accomplished so far, and a reminder of how the generosity of our community is at the root of our growth as a congregation.”

Event chairs, Helen Crowley and Debby Wiston have recruited a tremendous

committee to ensure that everyone has a fabulous time. When asked about the vision for the event, Helen said, “We are planning an evening where everyone can feel safe getting together in person to just have a good time. After the last few years, it’s about time we have fun together again! It’s also the first real opportunity for members of our community to see the results of the amazing renovations to the Social Hall and enjoy food cooked in our brand-new kosher kitchens.” The renovations to the Sanctuary, Social Hall, and the Kitchens were part of a Capital Campaign overseen by past Presidents, Steve Hecklin, Steve Hirsch and Karen Weil and Rabbi Kullock.

The rooms are beautiful and we cannot wait to show them off to everyone. So, saddle up and plan to mosey on over! Tickets, Sponsorships, and more information can be found on the West End Synagogue Website www.westendsyn.org •

Incentive Grants Program Helps Teens Connect with Israel

By BARBARA DAB

A

ccording to the recent Pew Study of American Jews, nearly 60 percent of Jewish adults feel connected to Israel in some way. The study also found the connection is strongest among those who have visited the country. Those connections often begin in the teen years with organized trips providing a

backdrop to formative experiences. The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee is helping to create those opportunities through incentive grants programs. One of those, the Mary and Harry Zimmerman Youth Exchange Endowment Fund, is helping to provide local teen, Bella Crowe, with the opportunity to spend the current semester studying at the URJ

EVER WONDER WHERE THE PEOPLE WITH ALL THE ANSWERS, GET ALL THE ANSWERS?

Ask MARCUM

marcumllp.com Cathy Werthan, CPA, Office Managing Partner

401 Commerce St., Suite 1250 • Nashville, TN 37219 615.245.4070 | cathy.werthan@marcumllp.com

8

February 2022 • The Jewish Observer

Heller High School in Israel. For the next four months, Bella will study, tour and experience Israel. “I’m so excited to visit all the historical places I’ve been learning about,” she says. Highlights of Bella’s semester will include a trip to Poland, four days of training in the IDF, and a sea-to-sea hike between the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea, all in addition to Hebrew and Judaic studies, and secular curriculum.

The Zimmerman Youth Exchange fund was created specifically to build connections during the teen years that will carry through into adulthood. Fred Zimmerman, Mary and Harry’s grandson, says, “Sponsoring youth trips to Israel was always a high priority for the family. And if you look at where a lot of foundations are going these days, you can see this was a little ahead of its time.” He adds that while Birthright trips have seen great success, there is also the realization that the program might have evolved differently had there been greater support for high school age trips. For Bella Crowe, the assistance she is receiving form the Zimmerman Fund is in large part what accounts for her being able to participate in the semester program.

Adam Bronstone, Director of Planning and Israel Partnerships for The Jewish Federation, says, “This is exactly what this fund is for. To help young people have these defining experiences.”

Bella and her family are members of Congregation Micah in Nashville. Rabbi Laurie Rice says the whole community is excited Bella will be participating in the program. “We don’t have many in our community who can go to Israel for a whole semester. But it’s always been important to Bella and her family to be involved in congregation and our school,” she says. “Bella undoubtedly will grow in some amazing ways.” For her part, Bella says she can’t wait, “I just love

Nashville teen Bella Crowe is spending this semester in Israel and will be sharing her experiences in The Observer.

being out there.”

During her time in Israel, Bella is hoping to spend a Shabbat with a family in The Federation’s partnership community. She also plans to share her experiences in The Observer. Readers can look for her columns in the coming months. She plans to return to Nashville in May. •

Please support the businesses that advertise in the Observer and help support our community in all ways!

Young Adult Emissaries Share Insights About American Jewish Life in Israel

By BARBARA DAB

A

typical day for Jasmine Hubara and Benny Winkelman includes teaching English, American diplomacy and citizenship to Israeli school children, taking Ulpan classes to learn Hebrew, working in the Jewish Agency for Israel’s (JAFI) Partnership office, and socializing.

Jasmine and Benny, both 24, are, “Shlichim,” or emissaries, and their jampacked days are part of their mission to spend time living and working in Israel, educating Israelis about American Jews.

They are the first to participate in the JAFI Hadera-Eiron Partnership Southeast Consortium’s newly created program and are living in the town of Pardes Hanna.

According to Adam Bronstone, Director of Planning and Israel Partnerships for The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, “It is somewhat well known that Israeli Jews know very little about diaspora Jews, so we all thought this was a way to change the music, so to speak.”

Jasmine, 24, is from Charleston, South Carolina. She is a graduate of Goucher College in Baltimore, where her thesis research centered on antisemitism in the United States and Israel. She says she has always been active in the Charleston Jewish community, so this program just felt like the right step.

“This program is a perfect blend of my two passions: Judaism and my

Jasmine Hubara and Benny Winkelman are living in Israel, sharing and educating about American Jewish Life

hometown.” Benny, also 24, is from Richmond, Virginia. He comes from a large Jewish family, and his grandparents are Holocaust survivors. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati, where he majored in communications, and Hebrew, and was a member of the AEPi fraternity. After graduation, he worked for AIPAC, until this new opportunity presented itself. He says his family hosted Israeli Shlichim, so he is no stranger to the concept. “I’ve seen that this is a great

way to bring our culture to Israel. I really wanted to represent my country in this way and to give back.”

Both Jasmine and Benny agree one of the hardest things to explain to Israelis about American Jews is the difference between the three main branches.

“Israelis just go to synagogue, or not, and they study Torah. They don’t understand the space between religious and secular life,” says Jasmine. And Benny says, “The concept exists for them, but they don’t define it the way we do here. They just have a different way of looking at it.”

Other issues young Israelis are curious about include politics, family, and college. “Every day, I see the importance of this program,” says Benny, “They want to know what it’s like to live in America, specifically, they ask about antisemitism and whether I’ve experienced it.”

Not every interaction takes place in the classroom. Jasmine says informal settings like Shabbat dinners provide a relaxed backdrop for sharing the American Jewish experience. “Each family we visit has a different approach,” she says, “I’ve been able to share that in America, we make the choice every day to be Jewish and to participate in Jewish life. In Israel, it’s all around us, so it’s

easier to feel Jewish.”

The pair are active on social media and have been conducting virtual programs as well as spending time in person visiting a nursing home, working in a youth center and just being who they are: young American Jews in Israel.

“We’re the first shlichim to come to Israel,” says Benny, “We’ve had to jump in quick and learn by doing.” And Jasmine says she is proud and honored to be part of the inaugural team. “I feel we are really building something here. I’m excited to see a future where this program is well established. We can really help Israelis understand how much American Jews need Israeli support, and we want people to also feel Hadera is an extension of our community back home.” And Benny agrees. “If we are to continue our relationship with those here in Israel as equals, it is as important to share our way of ‘Southern Jewish life’ with them as it is for us to gain insight into theirs. Our American Jewish Zionism must progress and forge longstanding relationships that only come from connecting our people.

What better foundation to this type of relationship, than sending an ambassador to explain our American Jewish life to our partners here in Israel.” •

Learn more about the Jewish community at www.jewishnashville.org

GO FOR THE GOLD! GORDON JCC's annual fundraiser

Big Night Out now on

march 5, 2022 we're keeping everyone safe and changing the date. see you at the starting line on march 5!

tickets at nashvillejcc.org/bignightout The Jewish Observer • February 2022

9

Longtime Gordon JCC Staffer Receives Promotion T

he Gordon JCC’s veteran staffer, Carrie Mills, has been promoted. In addition to her 20-year stint as assistant to the TGIT program, and Curator for the J’s art galleries, she will now add the role of Older Adults Program Manager. Noted as a Renaissance woman, Carrie is also an artist, designer, and musician. Her broad, diverse, creative life includes painting, collage, photography, fashion, styling, jewelry design, songwriting, singing, and pet portraiture.

For nearly 20 years, Carrie has been the advertising manager for the Observer newspaper and she currently writes a monthly column, “Kvetch in the City” for the paper. For 10 years, Carrie has also taught a popular Fashion Camp for Camp Davis. She is very excited about her new role as Older Adults Program Manager and has great plans for creative and engaging programming. Coming your way, The Arlene & Alan Show featuring Rabbi Kohansky and his beautiful bride who consider it an honor to sing and dance and kibbitz with our seniors, their favorite mensches! Also in the works is a presentation on balance and fall prevention. Who doesn’t need that?!

Stay tuned! And please…let Carrie know if there are programs that you would like to see. Feel free to share any other good ideas…carrie@nashvillejcc.org. •

Federation Welcomes New Staff

By BARBARA DAB

T

he Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee is pleased to welcome our two new Engagement Associates.

Trisha Lewis and Eitan Snyder will be welcoming Jewish newcomers to Nashville, helping them navigate the community and providing meaningful opportunities to participate in the Jewish Federation. Eric Stillman, CEO of The Jewish Federation says, “Strategic Engagement is an important initiative for the Federation, and we are very fortunate to have Trisha Lewis and Eitan Snyder joining us as part-time Engagement Associates. Both Trisha and Eitan are very engaged in the Nashville Jewish community as recent Newcomers. They can relate to others who are new or considering moving to Nashville, which is an essential way that

we will continue to grow as a Jewish community by welcoming people.”

Eitan is a pop and country songwriter who moved to Nashville in June 2021. He is a proud graduate of the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, MD and the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music in Coral Gables, FL (Go Canes!). Eitan is excited Eitan Snyder welcomed Trisha Lewis welcomed to give Jewish Nashville as new Engagement as new Engagement newcomers a warm and Associate for The Jewish Associate for The Jewish Federation friendly welcome to this Federation wonderful community. by the local Jewish Community she Trisha Lewis joins Jewish Federation has decided to help others make the of Nashville and Middle TN Engagement transition. In addition to her Federation Team as a relative newcomer to the area work, Trisha is a clinical social worker herself. She relocated 3 years ago with her with a private psychotherapy practice. • husband and son. She felt so welcomed

Music and Reading Start at a Young Age at the Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool M usic is an integral part of the Montessori education at the Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool.

Children learned about Tu B’Shvat with a musical presentation by Cantor Dov Rosenblatt, and then played their own musical instrument in the new Outdoor Playscape. Children at the Revere Montessori Preschool also start learning how to read and get to know their colors from the very young age of 18 months.

To learn more information or register your child for the fall 2022 semester please call 615-646-5750. •

Big Night Out Postponed

Big Night Out, the annual fundraiser at the Gordon JCC, has been postponed until March 5, 2022 due to the current Covid surge in Nashville.

Nevertheless, Chairs Julie Galbierz and Caroline Sprouse are encouraging everyone to meet at the starting line and gather their teams for some friendly table-side trivia competition at the Olympic-themed event when it is safer to gather.

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

10 February 2022 • The Jewish Observer

Bowery Rabbi to present the Korn Story

C

habad of Nashville presents The Korn Story with Rabbi Yonah Korn, known as “the Bowery Rabbi.” This special event will take place on Monday, February 14, at 7:30 PM, via the world of Zoom.

Rabbi Korn, born David Brandon Korn, was raised in Morristown, New Jersey, the only child of secular Jewish parents and spoiled rotten. Rabbi Korn was all over middle school. He got straight “A’s,” served as class president, and dabbled in professional acting. As an actor he was D. Brandon Korn. He idolized Dylan McKay in Beverly Hills 90210 and denied what he perceived as his “Krusty-the-Clown-like” Jewish ancestry. In camp he was known as Korny, a camper of legendary status, captain of the color war, star of the camp play.

Rabbi Korn, using the moniker Dave, questioned the purpose of life and meaning of existence at the tender age of fifteen. His dissatisfaction with the

standard answers sent him on a quest for knowledge, leading him across the country and into the annals of every religion save his own. Hinduism, Catholicism, Rastafarianism, hippie counterculture, afros, dreadlocks, and Jerry Garcia brought him peace for a time, but those moments were fleeting and far between. While at a Grateful Dead Concert in Las Vegas, Rabbi Korn, then known as Butterfly, met an angel…his future wife Sarah…but the timing was off and they parted ways.

As meaningful and spiritually uplifting as Rabbi Korn’s travels were, eventually he was forced to look himself in the mirror. He gazed at his nose and realized that he could not hide from his heritage anymore; he was a Jew. His search brought him onward to Yeshiva University, and finally to Hadar HaTorah, a Rabbinical Seminary in Brooklyn.

Before she was Rebbetzin Sarah Korn, she was Sari, a vegan “Deadhead”

Rabbi Dov Yonah Korn, pictured with his wife, will speak via Zoom about his life story.

with long blonde dreadlocks and a sweet smile, standing in front of Circus-Circus in Las Vegas on the fated day that young couple met. She eventually said goodbye to the dreadlocks, but never lost her

smile. Ultimately, after a series of events both dramatic and otherwise, Sarah made her way to Brooklyn and attended Machon Chana Women’s Institute.

Dov Yonah and Sarah were married shortly after and were soon blessed with their first daughter, Liba, now a vivacious and awe-inspiring twelve-year-old. The Korn’s second presentation to the world at large was Chaya Mushka. Mushkie, now ten-years-old, is funnier than most adults, and gives incredible hugs. Chana, lovely young lady number three, is eightyears-old. The Korn’s fourth daughter, six-year-old Rivkah, has the sweetest smile around. Esther Bracha, a.k.a.

Esty, comes in at number five. This past summer, the Korns welcomed daughter #6, Nechama Fraida to the familly.

To join this fascinating Zoom presentation and interact with the star of the Korn Story, please register at chabadnashville.com/kornstory •

Exciting Events are Underway with the Gordon JCC’s Nashville Jewish Book Series

By RACHEL CLARK, MARKETING DIRECTOR

F

or the first official event of the New Year, award-winning author Francine Prose joined virtually on January 4th in conversation with local author and educator Freya Sachs. More than 30 guests tuned in to hear Francine speak about her fascinating book The Vixen, a historical novel about the execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. She talked about the effect on her psyche of the Rosenberg’s trial and execution, and how it inspired her to write about their story.

As primarily a fiction writer, she let her imagination run wild, making up stories about who was behind the persecution and execution of the couple, only to find out in her research that some of those things happened to be true.

The Series continues in February with two exciting events.

On February 7 at 7pm, the Gordon JCC of Nashville will welcome virtually authors Zibby Owens and Melissa Gould for an evening of parenting advice and anecdotes about everything from love and grief to perseverance. Zibby Owens, host of the award-winning podcast Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books, and a mother of four herself, created an online magazine in 2020 called We Found Time to help those struggling and stuck at home. Authors from all walks of life contributed to the themes of eating, reading, working out, breathing, and having sex, and the magazine eventually evolved into Moms Don’t Have Time To: A Quarantine Anthology.

When essayist and screenwriter Melissa Gould’s husband, Joel, was unexpectedly hospitalized, she could not imagine how her life was about to change.

Overwhelmed as his condition tragically

worsened, she had to believe that while Joel’s loss was permanent, so was their love. Left to raise their young daughter on her own, and to act as if she could resume life without her beloved husband by her side, Melissa found that she didn’t fit the typical idea of widowhood or meet the expectations of mourning. She didn’t look like a widow or act like a widow, but she felt like one. Melissa was widowish.

Owens and Gould will be joined by local Nashville writer Claire Gibson, author of Beyond the Point, who will serve as moderator. Gibson grew up at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where her father was a professor.

She attended Furman University in South Carolina and studied in Asia as a young adult. In 2009 she moved to Nashville and has been here since. Claire is a writer of many things including her novel Beyond the Point which was published in 2019.

February 16 brings a very special in-person event that we’re honored to host at the Bobby Hotel. Best-selling author, celebrated photographer, and speaker, Alyssa Rosenheck will speak about her book The New Southern Style.

Readers get an all-access pass into the conversations and home tours of more than 30 creative entrepreneurs. The mission with this project is to support the reader through life pivots, inspire creative courage, and encourage us all to be our own agents of change. Alyssa is amplifying the voices of the next generation of creatives and turning messages into movements.

Join us at 6pm for light bites and cocktails for a conversation with Alyssa and our very own committee member, Amelia Edelman. “I’m thrilled to be moderating a fireside chat in conversation with photographer, writer, and one of

Please support the businesses that advertise in the Observer and help support our community in all ways!

Make sure to let them know...you saw their ad here!

my greatest creative inspirations, Alyssa Rosenheck. We’ll talk about everything from Jewishness to creative process to the state of the arts in the South, and of course her fantastic book The New Southern and upcoming projects. Alyssa’s work always serves as a great reminder to prioritize what feeds your soul, to lift other women up—and to never let yourself be pigeonholed.”

The Nashville Jewish Book Series

runs from December 2021 to May 2022. Find the full schedule, and ticketing information at nashvillejcc. org/book. Information on Chai Y’All, the membership book society, is also available online.

For more information, please visit nashvillejcc.org/book or contact Sharon Benus, Adult and Community Wide Programming Director at sharonb@ nashvillejcc.org •

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

The Jewish Observer • February 2022

11

A year ago, Modern Orthodox ice skater Hailey Kops was studying in Jerusalem. Now she’s heading to the Winter Olympics

By HILLEL KUTTLER

(JTA) — When Josh Groban’s cover of the 1965 song “The Impossible Dream” blares from the loudspeakers at Beijing’s Capital Indoor Stadium on Feb. 18, its lyrics will ring true for the Winter Olympian figure skaters Hailey Kops and Evgeni Krasnopolsky. That’s because as recently as June 8, when she returned to the United States after a gap year of study at a Jerusalem seminary, Kops had put competitive skating behind her.

A Modern Orthodox Jew from West Orange, New Jersey, Kops has plans to attend Touro College’s nursing school in Manhattan. But she put those plans on ice after Boris Chait, the Israel Ice Skating Federation’s New Jersey-based president, telephoned that afternoon to offer Kops a chance to vie for a spot on the country’s Olympics team. By late September, after practicing together for

Krasnolpolsky and Kops at Israel’s national championships, Dec. 1 2021. (Amit Schussel)

just three and a half months, she and Krasnopolsky secured an Olympics berth by finishing fifth at an international qualifying event in Obersdorf, Germany.

Serving the Wealth Management Needs of Nashville For over 30 years, Argent has provided individuals and families with a broad range of wealth management services, including trust administration, estate planning, investment management and oil and gas (mineral) management, as well as a variety of services for businesses and institutions. Today, Argent is responsible for more than $35 billion of our clients’ assets.

We Look Forward To Hearing From You Howard Safer

Mindy S. Hirt, CFP®

Vice Chairman, Argent Trust

SVP, Wealth Advisor

3102 West End Avenue Suite 775, Nashville, TN 37203

(615) 385-2718

www.ArgentTrust.com

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

12 February 2022 • The Jewish Observer

That occurred on a Friday night, and Steven and Lisa Kops — who had accompanied their daughter abroad and, like her, are Shabbat-observant — embraced the pair in the arena’s concourse but couldn’t celebrate by calling loved ones back home. “It means a lot to skate to that music,” Kops, 19, said in an early January phone conversation. “I did not necessarily see myself coming back to skating. But the opportunity [Chait] offered was something it would be crazy to refuse.”

Modern Orthodox athletes who observe Shabbat are an extremely rare sight in the Olympics — even on Israel’s teams, Chait said. But in Beijing, Kops and Krasnopolsky will be skating on Shabbat. Kops explained that she’s comfortable with balancing her commitments both to skating and religious observance. “From a young age, I integrated the two. It is definitely normal for me,” she said. “When there’s a will, there’s a way.”

The day after her Jewish Telegraphic Agency interview, she and Krasnopolsky were scheduled to fly to Estonia to compete in the European Figure Skating Championships, but Chait cancelled the trip at the last minute, concerned that the COVID-19 risk there might sideline the pair in Beijing. The pandemic-driven, bubble-like conditions at the Olympics also mean that the skaters’ families, like all athletes’ loved ones, won’t be in Beijing to cheer them on.

“Of course, I want to be there,” said Lisa Kops, who until 2016 was her daughter’s skating coach. “I wish I could be there to support her.”

This will be the third Olympics for Krasnopolsky, 33, who at age 3 moved with his family from Kiev, Ukraine, to the small Israeli town of Metula, home to the country’s premier ice rink, where he trained. “She’s very dedicated, a hard worker and doesn’t waste time,” Krasnopolsky said of Kops. “She doesn’t say that something’s hard or ‘I’m tired.’”

Kops lauded Krasnopolsky’s experience, too. “Having him as a partner is also like having him as a mentor [who has] helped guide me through this crazy journey,” she said. “Without him, none of this would be possible.”

The pair practice each day for nine hours beginning at 7:15 a.m. at Codey Arena in Montclair, New Jersey.

Withdrawing from the European competition gave them an extra pre-Olympics week of practice. “Their chemistry and how they understand each other, work together and communicate with each

other — that’s been really exciting to be around,” said Galit Chait-Moracci, the pair’s coach and a three-time Olympics ice dancer for Israel. She is also Boris Chait’s daughter.

Israel’s other four athletes heading to Beijing are figure skater Alexei Bychenko (coached, too, by ChaitMoracci) and short-track speed skater Vladislav Bykanov, both making their third Olympics appearances, and Alpine skier siblings Noa and Barnabas Szollos.

Krasnopolsky was selected to bear Israel’s flag at the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 4.

“It’s one of the best things that could happen to me,” Krasnopolsky said of the honor. “I can’t wait to walk [with the flag] into that stadium.”

Like most of Israel’s elite athletes who compete internationally, the six 2022 Olympians train abroad: the figure skaters in New Jersey, the skiers in Austria and Bykanov in the Netherlands.

Kops and her mother became Israeli citizens in 2013, when Hailey joined Israel’s national juniors figure-skating team. Aside from the gap year, Kops spent a summer in Israel and has made what she called “numerous” skating-related trips there, including for three national championships.

One Israeli who will be closely following the Olympics competition is an 11-year-old girl who was paired with Kops in a program for children in foster care based at the Jerusalem seminary last year. (Kops said she is not permitted to provide the girl’s name.) The two spent many afternoons together, picking up bits of the other’s native language in conversations at the playground or on excursions in town.

They have stayed in touch, and the girl plays Kops’ skating videos on YouTube, proudly promoting the new Olympian to her peers. “It’s crazy to think that an 11-year-old girl could inspire me,” said Kops. “I look at her as like a little sister.” That’s understandable, given that Kops is sandwiched between two older brothers and two younger ones. That dynamic brought about Kops’ nickname: Bird.

As a child, she bemoaned her fate as the lone daughter and demanded explanations. Steven played along, telling Kops that she was hatched from an egg and found by her parents in a nest. The gag stuck and eventually fit when Kops entered figure skating, which entails graceful soaring and leaps.

At last September’s Oberdorf competition, Steven and Lisa bought Kops a decorative wooden bird. It sits on her bedroom shelf — at her parents’ house, where she still lives — alongside four medals earned at international competitions representing Israel and two other medals from Israel’s national championships.

On her wall is a drawing that Kops sketched in pencil at age 11. It depicts her standing on the uppermost step of a podium, preparing to receive an Olympics gold medal down the road, in 2018. Below, her father, in the form of a heart, tells her, “Go, Bird. I love you.”

The drawing has been crumpled for years, its creator having folded it incessantly and slept with it under her pillow.

While no one predicts that she and Krasnopolsky will emerge with medals, it’s no longer an impossible dream. •

Welcome to Writers Pickleball at the J of the Lost Ark I

By BO SACKS

W

riters of the Lost Ark is made up of Temple members who love to write poems, prose, songs and stories.

The group meets once a month to discuss works in progress and get feedback, creative encouragement and new ideas to write about. Members also share things online during the month and are very interactive with each other between meetings. And yes, Writers of the Lost Ark is a play on “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” only this is The Temple’s version!

Here’s a sample of WOTLA’s musings. Check back again for more of their creativity in the future!

time I have come to understand a few fundamental issues regarding the retirement process, the most important of which is the process of “doing nothing.” I have come to understand over the past few years that “doing nothing”, is doing something!

Impressions of winter-

Here is what I am doing when I am doing, “nothing”:

Silver clouds Canopy of frozen sea foam Still as sleep.

Doing Nothing

I am busy taking deeper breaths.

I am busy thinking about letting the muscles in my neck and shoulder relax.

I am busy listening to my body for any important message it might be sending me.

I am busy sitting outside, viewing the beauty of nature.

I am busy sharpening my sense of listening to the world around me.

I am busy thinking about the truly important issues of life.

I am busy silencing worthless thoughts.

I am busy calming my anxious mind.

I am busy thinking about all the love that is in my life.

I am busy thinking how grateful I am for all I have and for all the good things in my life.

I am busy doing “nothing”.

I have been retired for approximately two and a half years and during this

If all these things are doing nothing, then I believe we should all, retired and otherwise, do more of “nothing”.

By Ruth Thomas

Tree branches outstretched Like Pavlova’s arms dancing The Swan Perfect grace.

Leafless winter wood Dormant and twisted Life held within Steeled for ice Spring, a promise.

Slow growing Root and renew Winter work.

Meditation is preparation.

Warmth is not optional.

By Frank H. Boehm

A retired friend of mine asked me the other day what I was going to do that day and I replied, “nothing.” My friend responded, “But you did that yesterday,” upon which I responded, “Yes, but I was not finished.” Funny, yes, but in many ways quite true.

Renowned Genealogist to Share his Spiritual Pilgrimage

A

Mr. Kurzweil will be rthur Kurzweil will be happy to entertain questions the Jewish Genealogical about all the above plus plans Society of Nashville’s guest for new and revised editions of speaker (via Zoom) on February 20, 2022, at 2 p.m. his reference books, as well as any book or research topics he Central Time. has in the works or on the back Mr. Kurzweil’s topic will burner. More information on be Jewish Genealogy as a Mr. Kurzweil can be found Spiritual Pilgrimage. He will draw on his landmark book, World famous Arthur here: https://arthurkurzweil.

From Generation to Generation, Kurzweil to speak com/arthurs-bio/ . to Nashville Mr. Kurzweil’s presentahis Encyclopedia of Jewish virtually Jewish Genealogical tion will be free to NJGS Genealogy and will inform us Society. members. There is a $5 sugof how, despite having lost so gested donation for nonmembers. Those many relatives in the Holocaust, he’s still who RSVP to nashvillejgs@gmail.com been able to trace his family back to the will receive a link to the presentation. • 15th century.

Please support the businesses that advertise in the Observer and help support our community in all ways!

Make sure to let them know... you saw their ad here!

have been a Gordon JCC member for over 30 years. About five years ago, my wife Diane and I were doing a tennis drill with Lori and Brad Fishel.

Lori said, “This looks like Pickleball,” and I asked, “What’s pickleball?” That question changed my life.

Pickleball is a combination of tennis, badminton, racquet ball and ping pong. The game is played in an area approximately half the size of a tennis court, the ball resembles a wiffle ball, and the hard paddle is twice the size of a ping pong paddle. The game is fast and fun and is great for all ages and skill levels.

Currently it’s the fastest growing sport in America, spreading like wildfire across the country.

My first time playing was at the J, and within minutes I had fallen in love with the game. I started showing up every night open play was available. One of the things I noticed was that people older than me were laughing like they were kids, and I was immediately struck by that. I also liked that anyone could play, regardless of age, experience, or fitness level.

The more time I spent playing pickle ball the hungrier I was to improve my game and play at a higher level. I quickly found like-minded people at recreational centers around the city and began to take lessons from various coaches, which is when I began to learn the real fundamentals and strategy of pickleball.

The best part is, pickleball has opened the door to experiences and connections I never expected.

I am now a PPR Certified Pickleball Instructor and play or teach everyday.

My true love of the game lies in teaching others. I enjoy working with players of all abilities and relish the opportunity to help them reach their full potential. Pickleball has taken me all over the country and I

Bo and Corey Sacks are excited to teach Pickleball Clinics at the J this winter

love the common thread that binds the players I meet along the way.

My son Corey and I are looking forward to teaching Pickleball clinics at the Gordon JCC in February. There will be one for beginners and one for players who want to enhance their skills.

Check out the J’s website for more details. We have also started a company hosting corporate team building events with pickleball as the main activity.

It’s a great way to bring your employees and other groups together for some fun and friendly competition. The social aspect of pickleball lends itself to quality interaction with co-workers.

To learn more contact us at corey@ pickleballbo.com •

Hadassah Happenings February 3rd 7pm ET Virtual Watch Party: What Zionism Means to Me, Young Women Speak Their Truths February 21st 7:00pm Zoom Board meeting All members welcome to attend

March 13th 1pm Zoom Hamentachen Bake Led by Melissa Sostrin More info to come!

March 27th 4pm Zoom Bookclub Gateway to the Moon

by Mary Morris

Contact Sarah Motis Ruden with any questions at spm5222@gmail.com

To access the Community Calendar, go to www.jewishnashville.org and click on “Calendar.”

Visit The Jewish Observer’s new website www.jewishobservernashville.org The Jewish Observer • February 2022

13

Students Impress at Akiva’s Annual International Steam Design Competition

By ELLY EBIN

A

t Akiva, STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) begins at a young age, where students are encouraged to explore, discover, and think critically about the world around them. The engineering design process is woven into all aspects of an Akiva education to help cultivate the skills needed to excel in today’s world.

STEAM is also meaningfully integrated into the Hebrew and Judaic Studies curriculum to give students the opportunity to see Jewish history and culture come to life through experiential education. The archetype of Akiva’s integrated learning approach is their annual #DoYouDreidel STEAM Design Competition.

Open to Jewish Day School students across North America, the #DoYouDreidel competition challenges students twofold: utilize the engineering design process to build a dreidel that spins for an extended period and design the dreidel to reflect an annual theme relating to a Jewish principle or attribute. This year’s theme was ometz lev, moral courage.

Participating students throughout the United States and Canada applied skills learned in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, art, and Jewish Studies, to create meaningful projects that reflected their considerable knowledge of STEAM modules, and their

Eliana Wolf’s competition Dreidel

Eliana Wolf with her second place #DoYouDreidel certificate

own understanding of ometz lev.

Eliana Wolf, an Akiva second grader, received Second Place in the Kindergarten-2nd Grade category.

Eliana’s dreidel, made from a recycled bath toy, cardboard, and popsicle sticks, depicts Noah’s Ark. According to Eliana, “When Noah was building his ark, he felt unsure because nobody understood what he was doing. Building the Ark was an act of ometz lev, moral courage, because Noah knew in his heart that it was the right thing to do.” The competition called for an impressive level of creativity and innovation, and

Eliana’s parents, Michael and Rachel Wolf were “thankful for this opportunity for her to exercise her creativity while learning about important values.” The process of studying the story of Noah and creating her dreidel taught Eliana a lot. She shared that she wants “to be like Noah and show moral courage by doing something because it’s the right thing, even when I don’t want to.” She continues, “for example, if I see another friend being unkind, I will stand up for

that person instead of just watching.”

A panel of four adjudicators assessed all submissions, examining the dreidel design, length of spin time, artistic presentation, and artists’ statements. Rabbi Laurie Rice, Rabbi of Congregation Micah in Nashville, was one of this year’s judges. Rabbi Rice said that she was “impressed with the variety of ways in which students chose to express their sense of social justice and how Judaism compels them to make the world a better place.” She believes that the dreidel competition provides students with a “unique way to express themselves and their Jewish identities.” This year, 13 Akiva students placed throughout three different grade categories.

STEAM learning has far-reaching benefits, from fostering creativity and teamwork, to encouraging experimentation and problem solving. The #DoYouDreidel STEAM Design Competition is a unique and creative way to help strengthen students’ solid foundation for engineering and artistic discovery, as well as their knowledge and understanding of complex Jewish ideals. •

JMS Students Explore New Ideas at Annual Science Fair

By ELLY EBIN

T CRAWFORD SERVICES “The Name You Can Trust” SM

)81(5$/ +20(

Chu C Ch hu h ucckk & H Heid eiiide eeid id de Craw raw ra awfor ffo ord or

Providing Funeral Services Since 1985 (615) 254-8200 www.crawfordservices.com

14 February 2022 • The Jewish Observer

housands of middle schoolers across the country will participate in school science fairs this year, inspiring many of them to pursue advanced studies and careers in the sciences. Research by the National Science Foundation and Educational Development Center suggests that science fairs, “provide students with an opportunity to investigate interesting questions, work independently, and engage in what we think of as authentic science experiences.

These experiences are critical for engaging students in STEM and potentially inspiring them to pursue STEM careers down the road,” (EDC: Putting Science Fairs to the Test). At the Jewish Middle School, this year’s science fair has been an opportunity for students to pursue an advanced understanding of their chosen area of research.

JMS faculty encouraged students to think about what interests them and pursue projects based on those interests.

Choosing their own research projects turned into a unique moment of selfawareness for students. As part of their project, students had to design an experiment, write a research paper, design a visual component presenting their findings, and include an infographic depicting all mathematics used in their experiment. Some of the projects that will be presented range from topics like The Chemistry of Chocolate to The Myth of Memory and everything in between.

Zach Wood, an eighth grader, was interested in the timely question of how isolation affects the brain. After researching both the positive and negative effects that isolation can have on a person’s brain development, Zach surmised that throughout history mankind has always championed

JMS student Zack Wood in front of his Science Fair presentation.

intentional interaction with others. As a result, remaining isolated and alone goes against our very nature and can cause negative effects on mental health and wellbeing.

At the other end of the science spectrum, Thomas Bishop directed his interest in athletics to create an experiment aimed at assessing various skateboard stunts and determining which one would produce the highest average maximum height. Performing his own experimental stunts, Thomas collected data on different ollies, a skateboarding trick where the rider and board jump into the air without using their hands.

Thomas studied the physics of an ollie and recorded average heights on flat ground and rolling ground jumps before determining that a rolling ollie produces a higher average maximum height than a flat ollie.

This year’s JMS Science Fair was designed to encourage student engagement with the sciences, and cultivate skills essential for science literacy, all while letting students pursue their interests and have some fun! •

Maccabi Games are Back and Recruiting Now!

By SKYLAR HAAS

T

eam Nashville is knee-deep in recruiting for their 2022 JCC Maccabi Games delegation in San Diego. This summer join Jewish teens for an experience that teen athletes in local Jewish communities from around the world are itching to attend. After a two-year hiatus, the games are back, and Nashville is ready to go. A unique opportunity that the JCC Maccabi Games offers is for teens who come from smaller Jewish communities to participate in a mixed team. The mixed team experience is an exceptional one in that the teens arrive at the Maccabi games, meet their teammates, and some of them, their coach for the first time, and just play. It allows for teens to bond over their love for the game and create relationships with Jewish teens from across the country.

This year Nashville is excited to continue the legacy of ‘The 615 Boys’, our 16U Flag Football team. We are looking to build a team of five to eight young men for the games this summer and supersede our 2019 Silver Medal.

There are also a ton of individual sports

offered and we are currently seeking at least two individuals to represent Team Nashville in any of those.

Location: San Diego, CA Dates: July 31st through August 5th Eligibility: Jewish teens 13-16 years old as of July 31st, 2022 Sports Offered Team | Baseball, Basketball (5v5 and 3v3), Flag Football, Ice Hockey, Soccer, Volleyball Individual | Dance, Esports, Golf, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis The JCC Maccabi Games offers something to Jewish teens beyond medals. It opens doors to new faces, coaches, mentors, and lifelong friends, all through the common love for the game and a little bit of friendly competition.

There is nothing more powerful than teamwork. On and off the field, in or out of the water, teens walk away for the games better team players and better teammates and we’re already filling the roster for 2022 in San Diego. Will you be on it? Registration closes March 7th.

For more information, reach out to Team Nashville Delegation Head, Skylar Haas, skylar@nashvillejcc.org •

The 2022 Maccabi Games are back and there are many opportunities available for teens of all ages.

Shep’s is named after beloved grandfather, Israel “Shep” Shapiro.

He immigrated from Eastern Europe and settled in Bayonne, New Jersey.

Shep was one of thirteen children and his love of food was not only legendary in his family, but also inspiring.

OPEN DAILY CHALLAH@SHEPSDELI.COM | CATERING@SHEPSDELI.COM 1000 MAIN STREET | NASHVILLE, TN | 615.252.5700

To access the Community Calendar, go to www.jewishnashville.org and click on “Calendar.”

Please support the businesses that advertise in the Observer and help support our community in all ways!

Make sure to let them know... you saw their ad here!

The Jewish Observer • February 2022

15

Life Can Be Carefree

Dan and Ellen Einstein pictured having fun with Michal Becker’s daughter.

Our outstanding employees make day-to-day life easy, fun and rewarding for Clarendale residents.

A Great Place to Live and Work Clarendale residents benefit from remarkable team members in life enrichment, housekeeping, maintenance and the business office. These people are the embodiment of excellence, making Clarendale an exceptional place to live and work.

Special Thanks to Our Support Team Brianna Sieck, Business Office Manager With appreciation for our Concierge Staff: Richard C / Jan G. / Brenda M. / David N. / Wendy T. Avery Toy, Director of Life Enrichment With praise for our Life Enrichment Staff: Rachel L. / Mykah F.

An outpouring of support for Dan Einstein at Sweet 16th Bakery, a social hub for the East Nashville community.

Reflection: Dan Einstein, Z”L 1960-2022

By MICHAL BECKER

E

ight years ago, when so many people in Nashville were wondering about the fast growth of the city, its changing character, and the tall skinny houses, I had a discussion with Dan about Nashville. I said that growth is good for the city: more sidewalks, better schools, more coffee shops, and restaurants— what are people so afraid of?

Dan agreed with all of this. But then he added, in a quiet voice: “But I don’t want the community to change.”

And guess what? It hasn’t.

When you have people like Dan and his wife Ellen in your neighborhood, there will always be a community. They created a snowball. Because when newcomers come, and receive a smile, help in whatever they need, and get a box of food to take home—it is contagious.

Next thing you know, they are the ones who are smiling at other newcomers and giving a hand when needed. They are helping their neighbors; they care about the others too. Dan and Ellen set the tone of “this is how we behave in East Nashville.” And we followed.

When you know that there will always be a place where people remember your name, where you will always be invited for a Seder, and where you’ll get

a hug (and a muffin)—you always feel at home.

This is what the Sweet 16th Bakery was for so many people. This is why so many people know that things will never be the same.

Dan died on Saturday 1/15/22 after his body was already tired of fighting. He died peacefully, leaving his wife Ellen, and hundreds of kids: his community.

Yehi Zichro Baruch.

Michal Becker is the Engagement Director for the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle

Tu B’Shvat

Ryan Bowen, Director of Plant Operations With a salute to Housekeeping and Maintenance: Philista E. / Latavia F. / Terry H. / Brandon R. / Harold S. / Asia W.

Call 615-271-5511 or go to ClarendaleAtBellevuePlace.com for more about living or working at Clarendale.

INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

7632 Highway 70 South Nashville, TN 37221 12-21

The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee collaborated with Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and PJ Library to celebrate Tu B’Shvat.

16 February 2022 • The Jewish Observer

February in the Galleries: Featuring the Work of Olasubomi Bashorun, Robbie Lasky, and Akiva Students D uring the month of February, The Janet Levine March Gallery will feature the work of Olasubomi Bashorun.

He was born in Lagos, Nigeria, but spent most of his adolescent life in Edmond, Oklahoma. He graduated Oklahoma Baptist University with two bachelor’s degrees, one in fine art and one in family psychology. Bashorun had intentions to return to school to earn his master’s in art therapy but decided he would rather be an artist. He now lives and creates in the Middle Tennessee. In addition to creating original pieces, he teaches art, instructs ballroom dancing, and hosts creative workshops. He also spends time volunteering for a non-profit organization geared towards relieving homelessness.

The Sig Held Gallery will feature the annual Akiva student art exhibit, Pre-K to 6th Grade. Akiva students this year are learning about the seven elements of art: Line, Shape, Form, Space, Texture, Value, and Color. Their work is inspired by artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Romero Britto, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Georgia O’Keeffe, Mary Cassatt, and others.

The Senior Art Gallery will feature

the work of Robbie Lasky. Robbie has an intuitive abstract style of painting, using acrylics, along with a variety of tools and media focus on colors, lines, forms, textures, and patterns, along with emotions, to share a visual language and tell a story.

The House gallery will feature the ongoing Under One Roof community collaborative exhibit. The Exhibition February 1 – 27th. The exhibitions are free and open to the public. All visitors must wear a mask when visiting the galleries. All visitors will need to sign in at the front desk. For more information, contact the GJCC at 615.354-1699, Curator Carrie Mills at carrie@nashvillejcc.org, or go to www.nashvillejcc.org •

Akiva students art to be displayed in the Sig Held Gallery

Olasubomi Bashorun’s work is featured in the Janet Levine March Gallery

Tu B’Swap

Reduce, recycle reuse: The Jewish Federation collaborated with Moishe House Nashville in a Tu B’Swap event in honor of Tu B’Shvat. What better way to celebrate Tu B’Shvat (Jewish Earth day) than a clothing and stuff swap!

The Jewish Observer • February 2022

17

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

@ 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; Instagram; @MicahNashville; sign up for our e-blasts; learn and pray with us in person or on YouTube, Zoom and our Livestream. In our tent, there is room for everyone!

Programming at Micah – February 2022 Sanctuary Shabbat Services - Fridays at 6:00 PM

@ Chabad /Congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad to host two TGIS celebration in February 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 evenings, January 11, and 25, at 6:30 PM at Chabad of 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

At Micah, we approach God in many ways: the inspiration of words, the beauty of sacred space, and the authenticity of our intention and through the power of music and song. This Spring we are featuring Musical Director Ms. Lisa Silver as she is set to retire this June. 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.

Micah Reads - Monday, February 7th at 7:00 PM

All are welcome for a Zoom discussion on the book The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman. Education Director Julie Greenberg leads the conversation for this community-wide event.

Sports Trivia - Tuesday, February 1st at 10:30 AM

Have you spent the last 25 years of your life wondering who was on 3rd base when Bobby Thompson of the New York Giants hit “the shot heard round the world” to defeat the Brooklyn Dodgers to get into the world series in 1951? Answers to this question and many more of little importance when you join Martin Light and other Micah members for an hour of a sports trivia contest to be held in the Micah social hall on the first Tuesday of every month. All are welcome. Contact martylight@aol.com with any questions.

BLT – BAGELS, LOX AND TORAH

Weekly Events

Join friends for a morning of bagels, lox and Tanya (Jewish mysticism) on the first Sunday of every month, beginning on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at 10:00 AM. Partake in a delicious spread of bagels, lox, cream cheese, and freshly brewed coffee as you learn the weekly Torah portion and its relevance to your personal life. There is no cost to attend, however kindly RSVP at Chabadnashville.com

Keeping the politics off the pulpit but not out of the building, share your views in a round-table discussion on current events facilitated by the rabbi and Dr. Bob Smith.

Attendance includes both in-person and virtual options.

A Journey in the Life of Samuel the Prophet

Deep conversations centered around the Torah’s wisdom with thoughtful and caring people. Led by the rabbi on Zoom.

Want to take this relationship to the next level? Apply for membership! For more information contact Mindy Drongowski at mindy@congregationmicah.org

Chabad will be presenting during the month of February “Biblical Tales of Kings, Warriors and Prophets,” on the Book of Samuel II. Classes to take place on Wednesday evenings, starting on Wednesday, February 16, during the month of February, in the Oak Library at Chabad of Nashville.

Participants will be immersed in the richness of the Jewish Scriptures, and delve into the fascinating world of the ancient prophets of Israel. This new learning opportunity explores the dramatic stories and powerful messages contained in the Book of Samuel.

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

Kosher Meals to Go Have out of town guest coming to visit you? Not up to cooking dinner? Need a kosher meal to go? Not to worry.

Chabad of Nashville now is offering delicious kosher breakfast, lunch and dinners to go, and include either a meat, dairy, or vegetarian option. For Shabbat, there is also a Shabbat in a bag with freshly baked challah, and a bottle of grape juice with a kiddush cup to go.

These delicious meals are prepared by a local gourmet chef, and are under the Kosher supervision of Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel of Chabad of Nashville.

The meals are double wrapped in a to-go pan, and can be heated in any oven while keeping its glatt kosher status.

To see the menu options, and to place an order for your Kosher Meals, go to nashvillekoshertakeout.com or call 615-646-5750.

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.

Chabd 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

18 February 2022 • The Jewish Observer

Schmooze & Views - Thursday mornings at 10:30 AM

Torah Study - Saturday Mornings at 9:00 AM

@ Sherith Israel

TEFILLAH SONGWRITING WORKSHOP LED BY CANTOR DOV

Learn about a tefillah (prayer) and how to write an original song, collaboratively, based on our discussions OPEN TO ALL AGES

2.13.22 / 11AM Chapel / Library

PLEASE RSVP TO DOVROSENBLATT@GMAIL.COM

At Our Congregations…

Jewish Learning on Your Own Schedule

@ The Temple

Look for podcasts and videos prepared by musicians, scholars and clergy! 13 Attributes of God, Jewish Cooking Demos, Clergy Chats, Inside Israel and Jewish Music Sessions. Sessions will be posted on thetemplehub.org

All programming can be accessed via thetemplehub.org unless noted to be in person

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.

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

Lunch with the Rabbi Thursday, February 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th from 12:00-1:00 PM

Bring your lunch and engage with Rabbi Schiftan and guests in a discussion of currents and important issues from a Jewish perspective.

Zoom Room: thetemplehub.org

Women’s Torah Study Every Thursday from 12:00-1:00 PM

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

Zoom Room: thetemplehub.org

Shabbat Schedule for February

Our Shabbat Services will be held in person at The Temple. Please reserve your spot via thetemplehub.org. You can also watch via zoom from thetemplehub.org.

Friday, February 4th ~ 6:00 PM Friday, February 11th ~ 6:00 PM Friday, February 18th ~ 6:00 PM with Birthday Blessings Friday, February 25th ~ 6:00 PM

Chevrah Torah Study* 9:30a.m. on Saturdays via thetemplehub.org

Join us for our weekly Torah study on the portion of the week, led by the clergy.

9:30 am on Saturdays.

Tot Shabbat –Love & Families Saturday, February 12th @ 10:00a.m.

(for families with children up to age 6) These opportunities offer families the chance to celebrate Shabbat with their young children in a creative way.

For more information and to join in, please visit thetemplehub.org or www.templenashville.org

Are You Looking for a Creative Outlet? Join Writers of the Lost Ark!

“Writers of the Lost Ark” meets the first Wednesday of each month currently via Zoom. This is a safe, supportive, and no pressure environment to share your creative ideas whether they be stories, songs, poems, or prose. The group is open to all regardless of how little or how long you’ve been writing. Those curious to find their creative side are welcome as well.

Wednesday, February 2nd ~ 7:00-8:00 pm For more information, please contact ninapacent@bellsouth.net.

Go to thetemplehub.org for Zoom info.

Next Dor Torah on Tap

(Next Dor is Temple’s young professionals group) Back by popular demand, come ask Rabbi Mackler any question you can think of!

Wednesday, February 23rd at 6:00pm Greenhouse Bar Drinks and snacks on The Temple.

If you have any questions, please reach out to The Temple’s Director of Membership and Inclusion, Sheri Rosenberg (sheri@templenashville.org).

Welcoming Wellness-

Learned Optimism/ Self-Care/Love Yourself Wednesday, February 9th Time TBD More information coming soon!

Dr. Amy-Jill Levine Returns to The Temple!

Tuesdays at 7:00 pm Witness at the Cross: How Gospel Stories Reveal Jewish History

February 1st The Crucifixion of Jesus and Jewish History: How Psalms became Prophetic February 8th Daughters of Jerusalem and Women from Galilee: The Jewish Women in the Gospel Story February 15th Soldiers at the Cross: Galilee, Judea, and Rome Co-sponsored by The Temple and the Reverend Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership at Belmont University.

@ West End For links to the following services or programs, please email office@westendsyn.org

Introduction to Judaism Class with Rabbi Kullock is back in person!

Join us every Sunday from January 9th - May 1st, 2022, from 9:30am – 11:00am For more information contact Linda Sisselman @ linda@westendsyn.org

Shacharit

Join us for in-person morning minyan!

Sunday services will be at 9am and Monday-Friday will be at 7am

Daily Mincha (afternoon service) or Maariv (the evening service) depending on Daylight savings times Join us for daily Mincha/Maariv on Zoom only at 6:00 p.m.

Kabbalat Shabbat

You are invited to join us for Kabbalat Shabbat on Fridays in person or on Zoom at 6:00 p.m.

Morning Shabbat services

You are invited to join us Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in person or by zoom.

Talmud class on Tuesdays

Rabbi Joshua Kullock teaches a Talmud class on Tuesdays at 7:30am.

Torah class for Women:

Join Rabbi Joshua on the first Wednesday of each month at 11am via Zoom (call for details)

Torah class for Men:

Join Rabbi Joshua the second Thursday of each month at 12pm.

Miriam’s Torah Class:

Wednesday, November 3 at Noon

Seniors - Lunch & Learn is Back!

February 9th – Learn with Cantor Sarah Levine February 23rd – Learn with Cantor George Lieberman Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm & 12:00pm – 1:00pm for Lunch Contact Linda Sisselman @ linda@westendsyn.org

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

To access the Community Calendar, go to www.jewishnashville.org and click on “Calendar.”

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

Please support the businesses that advertise in the Observer and help support our community in all ways!

Make sure to let them know...you saw their ad here!

The Jewish Observer • February 2022

19

Beloved Sweet 16th Bakery Owner, Dan Einstein, Dies E ast Nashville residents and others across Nashville are mourning loss of Dan Einstein, 61, who died on December 16. He and his wife, Ellen, have owned the Sweet 16th Bakery and coffee shop in Lockland Springs since 2004, a place that opened before East Nashville became “hip.” Over the years, it became a gathering place for the neighborhood, a local center of the community.

A Connecticut native, Einstein moved to California with his family and began a fledgling career in the music business as a UCLA student booking on-campus concerts. He went on to an honored career in the business, working with the late John Prine and Steve Goodman on Red Pajamas and Oh Boy record labels.

Obituaries Col. Dr. Robert Begtrup

Condolences to the family of Col. Dr. Robert Begtrup who died on December 22, just shy of his 80th birthday.

A child psychiatrist, Green Beret, athlete, musician, singer, occasional thespian, autodidact, grandfather, father, uncle, husband, brother, and son, “Dr. Bob,” as he was affectionately known, was multitalented. He was born in St. Louis, Mo., attended Northwestern University, and received his M.D. from Tulane University. He was board certified in family medicine adult, and child and adolescent psychiatry. He volunteered in the United States Army during the Vietnam War during which he met his wife, Captain Barbara. They were particularly proud of their time served in Korea where Colonel Begtrup held a command post at the DMZ (demilitarized zone) on the 38th parallel.

A flight surgeon and commander,

Dan earned a Grammy in 1987 as co-producer of the Best Contemporary Folk Recording, “Tribute to Steve Goodman” that featured Bonnie Raitt, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Prine, among others. He also produced Prine’s 1988 “Live” album, Goodman’s “Unfinished Business” and a “Live from the Mountain Stage” series.

Many other artists recorded with Prine on Oh Boy including Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, John Mellencamp and Todd Snider.

Eventually, Dan decided to make a change as he left the music business and he and Ellen opened Sweet 16th, where they rose in the early morning hours to create baked goods happily consumed by their East Nashville neighbors.

And in 2021, they were named “East Nashvillians of the Year” by the local East Nashvillian publication.

Dan was predeceased by his father, Ted Einstein, and his mother, Nedra LeVine Einstein. He is survived by his wife, Ellen (Krause) Einstein; sisters, Susan (Andrew) Richman and Loryn Einstein van den Berg (Mark); nephews, Joseph Richman and Garth Einstein; and niece, Amy Richman.

Once the news of Dan’s illness and move to Alive Hospice spread, a GoFundMe account was started for Ellen, and in a matter of days, had 1,600 donors, a testament to the high esteem the community feels for the couple.

Donations may be made to Vanderbilt University’s Medical Center

Development to support the critical research work of Dr. Michael Savona, who pioneered CAR-T treatment in the South with Dan as his first patient https:// give.vanderbilt.org/daneinstein. Checks may be mailed to: Vanderbilt University Medical Center Development, Gift and Donor Services, In Memory of Dan Einstein, 3222 West End Avenue, Suite 900, Nashville, TN 37203 (write “In Memory of Dan Einstein” on the check).

Or donations may be made to Alive Hospice of Mashville at www.alivehospice.org/donate.

A celebration of life memorial will be held some time in the spring. To attend, send your contact information to Kevin Richman (richman@gmail.com) to receive updated information •

Colonel Begtrup earned his wings jumping out of airplanes. The Army brought Dr. Bob and Captain Barbara to Ft. Campbell where the Begtrup family settled into the historic Eupedon farm in Clarksville. There he milked goats, built fences and took his family on epic horseback rides into the wilds of the country.

After his military service, Dr. Bob and family moved to Nashville, where he became a professor at Vanderbilt University. He was the first medical director of the Vanderbilt Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital (VCAPH). Forced to medically retire at 48 after his first aortic dissection due to Marfan Syndrome, Dr. Bob dedicated the next three decades of life to his family. Active in the Jewish community, he was former president of Congregation Sherith Israel.

He participated in the Nashville Symphony Chorus and was a founding supporter of The Nashville Symphony, as well as off-shoot musical groups.

He was a Court Appointed Special Advocate helping abused and neglected youths.

Dr. Bob is survived by his wife, Barbara; sisters Marilyn (Lee) Seaton and Sylvia (Richard) Begtrup-Winberry; children, Armin of Nashville, Mageina

Tovah (Mike) of Los Angeles, Calif., Rebecca (David) Broniatowski of Silver Springs, Md., and Gavi (Amber) of Cincinnati, Ohio; six grandchildren; and numerous pets and grand pets.

Donations may be made in Dr. Bob’s honor to National CASA/NGL at https:// nationalcasagal.org/ or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) at https:// support.dav.org/campaign/In-Memorialfor-Col--Dr--Robert-O--Begtrup.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Congregation BethEL of Montgomery County, Morning Minyan Fund. 8215 Old Georgetown Rd. Bethesda, Md. 20814. https://www. bethelmc.org/give/

Phillip Borish

Condolences to the family of Phillip Borish, 94, who died December 18, 2021. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Fannye (Miner) Borish, his sisters Muriel Miller and Joyce Jaffee, and his loving wife of 67 years, Hope Fain Borish. He is survived by his children, Marilyn Siegel (Ralph), Ellen Goldring (late Shmuel Z”L), Peter Borish (Julie) and twins Anne Borish (Barbara Auerbach) and Linda Borish; grandchildren Moshe Siegel (Katie), Micha Siegel (Susie), Noam Siegel (Amy), Ariel Goldring (Lisa), Oren Goldring, Isabel Borish (Zach Grant), Harley Borish, and Eliza Borish; and great grandchildren, Annie, Maddie and Jacob Siegel, Sarah and Hanna Siegel, Isla and Henry Siegel, and Mia Goldring.

Steven Joel Duben

Condolences to the family of Steven Joel Duben who died on December 18, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Pam Duben; sons, Scoob Duben (Jen), David Duben (Ingrid), James Duben (Jen); brother, Robert Duben and sister, Teri Miller; grandchildren, Matt, Amanda, Mattie, Alex, Rachel, James and Jaxon.

Memorials may be made in Steven’s name to Congregation Micah or your favorite charity.

Norman Edward Heyman

Condolences to the family of Norman Edward Heyman, who died on December 23, 2021. Survivors include his son, Stephen Heyman (Colleen); grandchildren, Caitlin Heyman Tisch, Anna Rose Heyman Harris and Samuel Heyman; and great grandchildren, Xander and Wyatt Tisch. Memorials may be made in Norman’s name to Congregation Micah’s Religious School Fund.

Dorothy Roth

Condolences to the family of Dorothy Roth, 94, who died in on January 7 in Los Angeles, Calif. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sylvia and Max Feigenbaum, her husband, Morris Roth; sons, Sanford Roth and Clifford Roth; daughter-law, Jacque Roth; sisters, Evelyn Brin and Debbie Ross. She is survived by her grandson, CameronRoth (Rebecca) and great Grandson Levi Roth; sister, Ethel Eisman, and brother Dr. Joel Feigenbaum (Betty); nieces, Diane Ake (Chris) and Sandra Harris (Sandy); great niece BarbaraDavis (Tom); and great-great nieces ,Sydney Davis and Caroline Davis.

Alexander Jonah Zhislin

HUNT MEMORIALS, INC 4807 GALLATIN PIKE | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

20 February 2022 • The Jewish Observer

Condolences to the family of Alexander Jonah Zhislin who died on December 26, 2021. He was predeceased by his wife, Sophia Zhislin; brother, Yuri Jonah Zhislin; and son, Mark Alexander Zhislin. He is survived by his daughter, Helen Crowley (Jason); grandsons, Zachary Crowley, Noah Crowley, Joshua Crowley, Jonah Zhislin and Eli Joslyn; sister-in-law, Geralda Zhislin; nephew, Igor Zhislin; niece, Victoria Zhislin (Richard Gilbert); and numerous cousins, ‘adopted’ children, grandchildren and friends.

ADVERTORIALS

CAMPS FEBRUARY 2022

The Jewish Observer • February 2022

21

ADVERTORIALS

Young Artist Programs at Belmont The Young Artist Programs at Belmont helps kids and teens develop creatively as they cultivate artistic skills. Led by outstanding artists, designers, and educators, these programs explore the artistic process with emphasis on problem solving, designing, communicating and creating. Young artists will have the opportunity to work with real materials, in college studios, immersed in a full week of artistic inspiration. The R.O.Y.G.B.I.V. Multi-arts Camp for ages 6 – 8 and 9 – 11 is inspired by weekly themes: Ocean Adventures, Wonders of Nature, and The Mysteries of Space. Campers spend half of the day creating 2D art and the other half creating 3D art, and every kid leaves

with a portfolio that expresses their creative exploration of the week’s theme. The Studio Series Camp for ages 12-14 delves into a specific medium, project, or theme each week, introducing basic principles and elements while exploring advanced techniques for further practice. Themes this year include Comic Illustration, Sculpture and Spray Paint, and Digital Illustration. The Watkins Launch and O’More Summer Studios programs for teens helps high school students create portfolio ready work for college applications and scholarship consideration. Participants will engage in college-level instruction during 1- week sessions, reflecting the rigor and atmosphere of Belmont’s university programs. Participants can mix and match classes in fine art, digital media, photography, printmaking or fashion design. All instructors are working professional artists and designers who are active in the field of study they instruct.

For more information visit: https://www. belmont.edu/watkins/community-education/youth-education.html

Camp Davis

this way to community At Jewish overnight camp, kids discover who they are—and who they want to become—while having the time of their lives. They sing under the stars, share jokes and build traditions. And they do it with an amazing crew of friends and counselors.

Plus, you might be eligible for UP TO $1000 OFF your camper’s first summer.

Find your perfect camp at OneHappyCamper.org.

Summertime is the time of the year that we love to hear cheers, songs, and laughter from our campers...it’s the time of year we wait for all year long at Camp Davis! We’ve been gettin’ kids dirty since 1930 and we’re ready for your kids to come have fun and be themselves.

This year we have added a whole new level of excitement with new camp leadership, revamped specialty tracks, and more. But don’t worry, the traditions and ruach that have made Camp Davis special for decades are still in place and ready for campers! Camp Davis is more than a place for your kids to spend their summer – it is a place where your children will grow and push themselves to new levels of independence as they conquer their personal goals. At Camp Davis, we are committed to providing our campers with positive and meaningful interactions with their peers, staff members, and the natural world. It is also a great place for high school and college

Shaping the next generation of creative minds.

ART AND DESIGN CAMPS FOR AGES 6–18 JUNE 6–24 belmont.edu/artcamps

22 February 2022 • The Jewish Observer

ADVERTORIALS students to work and gain valuable life and professional experience while having fun themselves in the great outdoors.

To learn more- visit us at www.campdavisnashville.com, or swing by the Gordon JCC and say hey!

Camp Ben Frankel At Camp Ben Frankel we are located amidst the amazing Shawnee National Forest just three hours from Nashville. Camp Ben Frankel is an intimate sleepaway camp open to children from any Jewish background.

New campers are warmly welcomed to our camp family. We highly value being welcoming and inclusive while creating a Jewish environment full of fun, friendships, and excitement. With enrollment capped at 120, our community is closely connected so every camper can thrive. Ask us how Nashville campers can qualify for $1500 their first summer at CBF! Campers love choosing from our 100+ elective activities! From sports to aquatics, from arts to adventure, from gaming to STEM, every camper will find something they love.

Our campsite is situated on a picturesque lake and nestled within the stunning Shawnee National Forest with access to incredible parks, hikes, waterfalls, rock climbs, mountain biking trails, and much more. Our facility includes air-conditioned cabins, a sports complex, beach, ropes, zip line, teams course, and more.

We believe that it’s of the utmost importance to recruit and train outstanding camp staff to care for your children. We strenuously recruit the most passionate role models we can find and maintain a low ratio of campers to counselors.

Camp Ben Frankel is accredited by the American Camp Association and partners with the Foundation for Jewish Camp.

To learn more please head to www.campbenfrankel.org or reach out to our director, Aaron Hadley: aaron@campbenfrankel.org or call 618-235-1614

Fashion Camp – Project Runway Green Fashion Camp Project Runway Green 2022 is proud to announce that the camp has been extended to two weeks. The first week , June 13- 17th will be for Grades 1-4. The second week, June 20 -24th will be for Grades 4-8. This exciting camp takes a full-blown dive into learning the art of fashion design from the bottom up taught by the camp creator, Carrie Mills, a Parsons school of design alumni. Both weeks culminate with a professional fashion show of original designs created and worn by the up and coming fashion camp participants. The camp covers everything from sketching, designing with fabric, repurposing, accessory design, modeling, fashion photos, and styling.

This is truly a one-of-a-kind unique and exciting camp experience. Please see the Camp Davis brochure or online registration for enrollment at www.campdavisnashville.com.

Continued on page 20

Fashion Camp Project Runway Green Taught by Parsons alumni, Carrie Mills Camp Davis Gordon Jewish Community Center Week 1- Fashion Camp June 13th - 17th Grades 1 - 4 Week 2 - Fashion Camp June 20st - 24th Grades 4 - 8 Engaging campers in the design process from concept to fabrication to a full on fashion show.

Three hours from Nashville in Southern Illinois

A pluralist Jewish camp that's welcoming, Inclusive, and Fun! 100+ Activities!

This camp fills up quickly! Enroll now! www.campdavisnashville.com

Ask Us How Campers From Nashville Can Save $1500!

getting kids

Learn more:

campbenfrankel.org

info@campbenfrankel.org

DIRTY since

Limited to 120 campers Ages 7-17 All genders Kosher kitchen

1930!

Early bird s pecial of $20 off pe r week ends F eb.

15th!

Registration is now open for Summer 2022!

Register here!

Please support the businesses that advertise in the Observer and help support our community in all ways!

Make sure to let them know...you saw their ad here!

campdavisnashville.com

supported in part by

Learn more about the Jewish community at www.jewishnashville.org The Jewish Observer • February 2022

23

ADVERTORIALS

Adventure Science Center

Spring Break Camp March 14 -18 | Theme: Blast Off!

SUMMER 2022

Weekly Sessions Starting May 30

Register Today at AdventureSci.org/camps

Adventure Science Center is gearing up for a creative, innovative, quirky, fun, and educational year of camps for kids in grades K-6th. Weekly sessions explore themes your children know and love while introducing STEAM concepts to ignite their curiosity.

The science center inspires a life-long passion for learning and fosters an environment for creative problem solving, teamwork, and critical thinking through hands-on activities, exciting experiments, and scientific explorations. Children will emerge with new learnings, new friends, and a newfound passion for learning in action. This Spring Break - March 14 to 18, campers will become astronauts-in-training and dive into the depths of space, learning about a wide variety of astronomical topics. Weekly summer sessions run from May 30 to August 5 and explore themes from forensic investigation to wizarding worlds and the science behind superpowers. Sessions are filling fast, so learn more and register today by visiting adventuresci.org/camps. Let the adventure begin!

Fun in the Summer Sun at Harpeth Hall Join us for summer camp, STEM Summer Institute, and our newest program, Spark!

Whether it is serving a tennis ball or serving others, catching bugs or catching basketballs, stringing a violin or stringing gemstones, Harpeth Hall summer camps

Come have fun in the summer sun at Harpeth Hall!

At Harpeth Hall, we do everything that girls like to do!

From chemistry experiments to creative design, our unforgettable summer camp experiences offer adventures in academics, athletics, and the arts.

Registration is open!

To learn more visit:

HarpethHall.org/community/summer-camps

Harpeth Hall is a college preparatory school for girls in grades 5-12 where students learn to think critically, to lead confidently, and to live honorably.

24 February 2022 • The Jewish Observer

ADVERTORIALS offer unforgettable experiences and adventures in academics, athletics, and the arts.

Learning new things starts with trying new things. At Harpeth Hall, your daughter can discover what she loves and be what she dreams — an engineer, an ARTchitect, a printmaker, an outdoor explorer, and so much more. Harpeth Hall summer camps welcome girls in pre-K through 8th grade. Registration is now open at HarpethHall.org.

In addition, Harpeth Hall’s premier research-based program, the STEM Summer Institute, offers select middle school and high school students the opportunity to solve real-world problems as they create, build, and test their own prototype solutions.

Imagine finding a way to create and supply hand-washing stations to communities in need or designing a better birthing bed to help with safer infant deliveries for women in Kenya. The STEM Summer Institute brings together girls from schools all over the Nashville area who apply to participate in a true integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as they work to support other girls in a global setting.

Plus, there’s Spark! Harpeth Hall’s summer newest program is available to rising 6th grade students. Spark will ignite the joy of learning, inspire academic and personal growth, and celebrate the whole girl as she makes discoveries and develops supportive friendships in a small cohort of learners. Interested participants must apply.

To learn more about all the summer camp and learning opportunities at Harpeth Hall, visit: www.harpethhall.org/community/summer-camps g women to think critically, to lead confidently and to live honorably. Learn more about our incredible school at harpethhall.org.

Kupin Group There is nothing better than extending a day at summer camp by spending summer nights outside on your porch, in your garden, or playing games in the yard! If you or your loved ones are looking to find a place with more space to make that happen, look no further than the Kupin Group. At the Kupin Group, we have agents well versed in helping you find a home with more space or closer to one of Middle TN’s beautiful community parks so that you can be outside all day long! Reach out today to learn more- Jacob Kupin from The Kupin Group 615.440.6673

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

Currey Ingram Currey Ingram’s camps are designed to bring out the best in our campers! No matter their level of experience, we aim to encourage the participation of all campers in activities, and our counselors are dedicated to inspire campers to try new activities outside their comfort zones every day.

Our programs provide fun and meaningful experiences on an 83-acre campus featuring nature trails, creek, sports fields, and creative indoor spaces.

Our smaller camp size allows for counselors and campers to get to know each other on a personal level, while keeping your children safe and providing a more individualized experience. We believe we have a camp that will excite and challenge campers with a variety of interests.

Our camps include the ADHD Summer Treatment Program, the ASD Summer Treatment Program, Camp Beech Creek, Mustang Athletics Sports Camps, the Reading Intensive Program, Workforce Readiness and Preparation (WRaP), and the new Writing Intensive Program. Whether your camper is interested in an educational, sports-focused, professional, or otherwise enriching experience, Currey Ingram has a range of programs available to all ages.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please reach out to camps@curreyingram.org. We are looking forward to a fun-filled summer and hope to see you around campus very soon!

Please support the businesses that advertise in the Observer and help support our community in all ways!

Make sure to let them know... you saw their ad here!

The Jewish Observer • February 2022

25

Lifecycles B’nai Mitzvah Asher Freiberg

Asher Freiberg will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, February 19, at 11 a.m. at The Temple. He was born on February 17, 2009, in Atlanta, Ga. His parents are Dara and Craig Freiberg. His grandparents are Ellen Freiberg of Hixson, Tenn., and Robin Bluestone of Evanston, Ill. A seventh grader at University School of Nashville. Asher is an avid soccer player for Barca Academy. He enjoys watching sports, collecting trading cards, traveling with his family and fishing with his dad. At home, you’ll find him playing with his two dogs, Penny Lane and Lennon, and kicking around the soccer ball (in the house) with his brother, Rory.

For Asher’s mitzvah project, he is collecting items on the wish list for Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee in honor of and in memory of the many relatives in his family affected by cancer. Gilda’s Club provides support, education, and hope to all people impacted by cancer, including family members and friends of those diagnosed.

Alister Mack Cohen-Poole

Alister Mack Cohen-Poole will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, February 26, at 11 a.m. at The Temple. Mack was born on February 12, 2008, in Nashville. His parents are Alison Cohen and Michael Poole.

His grandparents are Teri and Alan Cohen of Nashville, and Shirley Poole and the late Mack Poole of Nashville.

An eighth grader at University School of Nashville, Mack enjoys art, reading, manga, sports and biking.

For Mack’s mitzvah project, he volunteered with the Afghan Refugee Assistance program.

Dear Esther Dear Esther, Will I ever get over the death of my husband? He passed away one year ago after a two-year battle with cancer.

When can I start dating again?

– Lisa Dear Lisa, I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s death. May his memory be a blessing. As for your question about whether you will ever get over his death, the goal is not to get over it but to learn to live in spite of it. The memory of your loved one will stay with you and be incorporated into who you are as a person. Grief can be a difficult journey, and everyone’s experience is different. You made it through the first year and will now be entering the second year of grieving which can be more difficult for some folks. There is no right or wrong way to grieve and the process is not held to any timeframes.

Losing your spouse can be like losing a limb. You will initially need to tend to the wounds so it can heal. After it heals, you learn to walk again with the aid of a prosthetic. After that you live your life in spite of the handicap. You will start living again but this time with the handicap from losing your husband. Grief never goes away but changes and needs periodic attention. Grief has a way of showing up when you least expect it. Every holiday, special occasion or life event will bring it to the surface, and you will grieve again.

For most people, time softens grief and I hope this is the case for you.

Only you will know when the time is right to begin dating. There is no prescribed timeline for grief. Sometimes when you know of the impending death ahead of time, loved ones start grieving

before the person passes. This can look like the person’s grief is going quicker on the outside but actually they just got a head start. One thing to keep in mind, your late husband will always have a special place in your heart and anyone coming into a relationship with you should recognize and honor that. Some people wonder if they will ever love the same way. Your heart has the capacity to care deeply for more than one person. Life is short so date when you want to and open yourself up to being loved again if and when you are ready.

Jewish Family Service will be starting a new grief group in the spring. If you are interested, contact Toni Jacobsen at 615354-1672.

You might be interested in Widowish, a book by Melissa Gould. It’s a memoir of a young widow that is being highlighted on February 7th as part of the JCC Book Series. More information is included in this month’s edition.

– Esther Esther recently migrated to Nashville from New York and will be partnering with JFS on an advice column for The Observer. Esther is a retired Psychologist, veteran grandmother who brings a lifetime of experience including dysfunctional families, raising children, relationships, kosher cooking and even interfaith families. Esther is excited to be in Nashville and promoting her famous matzo ball soup that she believes heals just about anything.

Please submit your questions to esther@jfsnashville.org on anything under the sun and watch for answers in her column. •

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

26 February 2022 • The Jewish Observer

Kvetch in the City

By CARRIE MILLS

While I was greatly relieved to make note of the fact that the days are once again starting to grow longer, I still found myself having a bit of a dark day recently. At first, I tossed it off to the fact that the Golden Globes was not being televised this year due to its problems with correcting its apparent political incorrectness and NBC not wanting to bet so much money on broadcasting it. While I acknowledge the rightness of this decision, it is still a big deal loss for me as I love award shows and the Golden Globes kick off the awards seasons. I love the red carpet, the fashion, the speeches. Especially the mandatory speech where the stunned-looking winner stands, statue in hand, and tells the entire world if they could win such an award, every little boy and girl should hold onto their dreams, and they too could one day see their dreams come true. To which I start yelling, “Yes!” to the tv, to the actor, to nobody in my living room. And the little girl in me remembers all the dreams I’ve held onto for a lifetime…winning a gold medal at the Olympics for swimming, an Oscar for acting or designing costumes, a Grammy for Best Album, or song or artist of the year. I love identifying with the winner, and subsequently feel bad for the losers, whose faces flash across the screen and who try to make believe they are sincerely happy for the winner. The whole show is just a roller coaster of emotions to which I enthusiastically buy a front

row seat on my couch every year in the middle of the dark, gloomy days of winter. The countdown to each award show seems to make January and February somehow pass more quickly.

But not this year…this year, along with the other gazillion things Covid and this politically correct yet so incorrect political world has upended, I have now added being deprived of the privilege of zoning out on award show fantasy only to be faced with real life for another 24/7.

January and February historically are my roughest time of the year emotionally, it seems. I don’t think I’m alone in this since there is that thing called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) with lack of light being the main culprit. And smack in the middle of the dark days, February 14th comes right on time to shine a light on the total lack of romantic spark in my humble human existence. Maybe February 14th could be changed from celebrating commercially tainted romantic love to celebrating SAD, and make a day, or how about 365 days, where everyone is obligated to cheer someone up in a real way. Forget the Hallmark card and actually show up for someone. That makes so much more sense to me.

So, with no red carpets being rolled out on the big screen this year, I think I’ll roll one out myself, put on the most frivolous dress I can still fit into in my closet, put on my N-95 fitted mask and find someone who needs to be rewarded with some love and kindness. Because at the end of the day, who couldn’t use some of that, after all…don’t we all? •

Classified Ads UNIQUE GIFTS

DRIVER NEEDED

Need any special and unique gifts? We have something for everyone, unique vintage items, Gorgeous 14kt and Sterling Silver Jewelry, Womens Bathing Suits, Various Archie Comic Digests, Action Figures and more. If you see something you love and can’t live without please make us an offer and we will try to work with you, have fun shopping!!! Please visit our store/ closet on Poshmark.com The name of our store is called @ezorganizing or Ellen Zucker.

615-400-7229

Part time driver needed for Shalom Taxi starting February.

Pay involved. You do not need to use your own vehicle.

For more information contact Carrie at carrie@nashvillejcc.org 615-354-1699.

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

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANTS

ORTHODONTISTS

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

Lighting • Appliances • Hardware Kitchen • Plumbing • Accessories Smart Home Products Low Price Guarantee 615•843•3300 www.gohermitage.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

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 208 Uptown Square Murfreesboro, TN 37129 615-848-6774 768 N. Main Street Shelbyville, TN 37160 931-680-2771

Advertise in our Professional Services Directory Reach thousands of readers in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area by taking advantage of this cost-effective way to reach a loyal repeat audience!

Call Carrie Mills, Advertising Manager, to place your professional listing.

615-354-1699 carrie@nashvillejcc.org

www.zeitlin.com Residential & Relocation Specialists

Custom senior care for active, healthy lifestyles. Affordable/no minimums.

Meals, meds, transportation & outings.

Memory loss and Hospital recovery.

Professional & screened care partners.

Locally owned. Call Moises for Free assessment: 615-678-9223 www.curaforcare.com

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

DENTIST

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

STEVEN R. HECKLIN DMD BRITTANY BURD, DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry www.drhecklin.com 5606 Brookwood Place 615-356-7500

INSURANCE

DR. TODD A. RUBIN, M.D. Specializing in Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics 615-342-6300

PERSONAL SHOPPER

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

GIL COHEN / PERSONAL SHOPPER Partnering with Dillards 39 years Clothing / home decor / gifts Call or text 615-568-5187

ROBINS INSURANCE Bruce Robins, CPCU, CIC, ARM; Marsha Jaffa, CIC; Van Robins, CIC Auto, Home, Life, Health, Business Insurance 30 Burton Hills, Suite 300 Ph. 615-665-9200 • www.robinsins.com

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

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

PSYCHOTHERAPY & COUNSELING

MOVING & STORAGE Let us exceed your expectations!

Pre/Post Move Organizing • Move Mgrs. Packing • Unpacking • Sr. Downsizing FREE CONSULTATION – 615.415.8920 www.HomeAndOfficeTransitions.com

OPHTHALMOLOGIST HOWARD ROSENBLUM, M.D. Eye Physician & Surgeon Nashville Eye Center St. Thomas Hospital • Ph. 615-386-9200

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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

JESSICA AVERBUCH, CEO 615-383-0183 (bus.)

615-294-9880 (cell) jessica.averbuch@zeitlin.com www.jessicaaverbuch.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

Local Expertise...Global Exposure!

Jackie Roth Karr, REALTOR® www.JackieKarr.com JackieKarr@gmail.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 Expredia Cruise Ship Centers A Full Service Travel Agency Alan Cooper: Office: 629-202-8945 www.cruiseshipcenters.com/AlanCooper 7081 B Hwy 70 S / Kroger Shopping Ctr.

TREE SERVICES FRANKLIN PARGH 615-351-7333 Franklin.pargh@compass.com LANA PARGH 615-504-2685 Lana.pargh@compass.com www.pargh.com Instagram: @theparghteam

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

OPTOMETRIST DR. MICHELE SONSINO Optique Eyecare & Eyewear 2817 West End Ave., Nashville 615-321-4EYE (4393) DR. JAMES W. KIRKCONNELL Bellevue Eye Center 7640 Hwy 70 S, Ste 102 Nashville 615-662-7588 www.bec2020.com

JACOB KUPIN C - 615.440.6673 O - 615.279.5310 Jacob@TheKupinGroup.com We’ve got your back!

LYNCH TREE SERVICE Year Round, Complete Tree Care 615-444-4676 www.LynchTreeService.com

The Jewish Observer • February 2022

27

Home ISSUE & Garden !

MARCH 2022

We e will be highlighting HO OME & GARDEN! We kn now that you willl want to be included in this s issue e.

For adve ertisers who contract a 1/8 page e ad or large er we e will be happyy to contact you for article es pertaining t i i to t your business. b i

Deadline for ads is February 15, 2022

28 February 2022 • The Jewish Observer

Contact: Carrie Mills, Advertising Manager 615-354-1699 e-mail: carrie@nashvillejcc.org fax: 615-352-0056