The Observer Vol. 87 No. 5 – May 2022

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Vol. 87 No. 5 • May 2022

www.jewishobservernashville.org

30 Nisan-1 Sivan 5782

Anna Stern to Receive 2022 Sandy Averbuch Young Leadership Award

By BARBARA DAB

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nna Stern loves being busy. In the five years she has lived in Nashville, she started a career in education, joined the Board of a local nonprofit, and become involved in Jewish life through the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee’s NowGen program. A self-professed “ringleader,” Anna typically finds herself in the middle of things. It is this drive for connection and activity that led her to seek out like-minded friends, namely Hayley Levy, the 2021 Sandy Averbuch Young Leadership Award winner. “Hayley and I just clicked immediately,” says Anna, “Thanks to her I kind of fell into my involvement with NowGen.” The Young Leadership Award recognizes distinguished service to the community and was first given in 1971 to Sandy Averbuch. After her passing in 2016, the award was named in her memory. Eric Stillman, CEO of The Jewish Federation, says, “Anna has engaged so many newcomers in her role as co-chair of the NowGen Engagement Committee. She really is an essential welcoming ambassador on behalf of our Federation.”

Anna is originally from Chicago, and attended college at Washington University, St. Louis. After graduation, she spent three years teaching history at a boarding school in Beaverdale, Wisconsin. When she learned of the opening at University Continued on page 5 A Publication of the

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Rabbi Mark Schiftan will retire from the pulpit at The Temple at the end of June.

Guardian of Tradition, Agent of Change: Rabbi Mark Schiftan Retires from the Pulpit

By BARBARA DAB

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abbi Mark Schiftan, The Temple’s senior rabbi, and currently one of the longest serving rabbis in Nashville, is set to retire from his post at the end of June. His career spans more than three decades, during which time he has been instrumental in the growth of his congregation, as well as being a leader in building bridges between the Jewish community and its non-Jewish neighbors.

Temple President Jimmy Marks, says he is happy Schiftan has reached this point, “The clergy’s job is to push us to find the best in ourselves. Rabbi Schiftan has done that, and more, over the years.”

Schiftan views Judaism as a joyous celebration of life, a philosophy he inherited from his parents, both Holocaust survivors, who married in Shanghai after

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World War II. They eventually settled in San Francisco and worked hard to put the past behind them. “My parents were new Americans who escaped a very dark past,” says Schiftan, “They were very celebratory of the gift of each day.” The family spoke German at home, belonged to a Conservative synagogue, and surrounded themselves with other immigrants.

Schiftan says his parents were eager to pick up the pieces of Jewish life, and for them, rabbis and teachers were those role models. But over time, he found himself gravitating toward the more modern Reform movement. “To me it made sense for the American Jewish experience,” he says, “I liked the elegance and decorum of the services, which were mostly in English. I looked around, and people really knew what was being said.” But it was his summers spent at Camp Swig, a URJ camp

in the Bay Area, where Judaism came to life for him. “Camp made Judaism meaningful and joyous.” It was also at camp where he met his wife, Harriet.

In addition to finding joy in Judaism, Schiftan says he was heavily influenced by the freedom and excitement of San Francisco. “The Bay Area is an incubator for social activism, for tolerance, for creative freedom,” he says. After completing his rabbinic training at Hebrew Union College, he began his career at San Francisco’s renowned Temple Emanu-El. “It was a dream. It was there I learned the art of delivering a sermon, among many other things.” He says during those years, he also attended many funerals of AIDS patients with whom he’d visited bedside.

“It made a big impact on me. People were so far removed from the organized Jewish Continued on page 10

Jewish Federation to Send Delegation to Poland for Ukraine Aid Mission

he Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee is sending a small delegation to Poland May 2-8. Eric Stillman, CEO of The Jewish Federation says, “This delegation representing our Jewish Federation will participate in a handson opportunity to assist Ukrainian refugees on the ground in Poland and bring desperately needed supplies to the Krakow JCC.” During the weeklong mission, participants will spend time in Warsaw visiting the local Jewish Community Center

Lisa Silver Retires as Cantorial Soloist at Congregation Micah, page 3

and learning about Ukrainian refugee assistance efforts by the American Joint Distribution Committee. They will also visit the Poland/Ukraine border, where, say Stillman, “These participants from Jewish Nashville will bear witness to the first-hand accounts of the Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion devastating their country.” The group will end their trip in Krakow at the local Jewish Community Center volunteering in the aid effort. As has been previously reported, most of the refugees are women and children. Currently the refugees are

Jewish Community Day Brings Everyone Together, page 11

being matched for home hospitality in the local community, but services are being provided at the JCC. Participants in this mission are Rabbi Joshua Kullock, Leslie Kirby, Steve Hirsch, Jacob Kleinrock, Fred Zimmerman, and Deborah Oleshansky.

They will be bringing much-needed supplies, and a $20,000 donation from our Federation to purchase food for Ukrainian refugees. For those in the community wishing to send monetary donations, visit www.jewishnashville. org/ukraine. •

Health & Beuaty Special Section, page 15

Jewish Federation Participates in MNPD’s Faith-Based Police Initiative

By BARBARA DAB

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he hostage crisis at a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas earlier this year shined a light on the vulnerabilities that still exist for houses of worship. For Metro Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake, it was a wakeup call that more needed to be done to secure synagogues, churches, mosques, and other faith-based locations. The result was the creation of a Faith-based Liaison, a position within the Police Department that works to bridge what he saw to be a gap in the community. Dr. Anita Herron is the new Faith-based Liaison. She says the most important part of the job is education. “The plan is to help teach local police what is needed to accommodate each faith group,” she says. To facili-

tate that education members of MNPD’s leadership meets each month with a different faith group. Recently, close to 60 members of the department met at the Gordon Jewish Community Center to listen and learn from Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. The gathering was attended by Police Department leaders at the Community Coordinator level and above, including Chief Drake. Long term, Dr. Herron says the hope is to build awareness among the entire department, “It will trickle down to the patrolmen.

There are 600 square miles in Nashville, and we want to be transparent about what they see, and what our citizens see.”

Nashville’s growth in both population and diversity means greater diversity in religious groups. But the growth also means some groups are more vulnerable

Celebrating Year Five of Life & Legacy

By NORMA SHIRK

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ive years ago, the local Jewish community began participating in an initiative, the Life & Legacy program, to ensure the future of Jewish Nashville. On June 8, 2022, the community will celebrate the successful conclusion of our fifth year of the Life & Legacy program. As a part of the celebration, the Jewish Federation is presenting From Treasure to Tzedakah.

Please join us for a cocktail reception on June 8th, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Congregation Micah, preceding the Federation’s Annual Meeting which begins at 7:00 pm that same evening.

(The event was rescheduled from April 14th.) This event is an opportunity for

members of the community to learn more about the value of the non-cash assets they own. Appraisers will be on hand to provide non-binding estimates of the value of art, jewelry, watches, and sterling silver.

Life & Legacy assists communities across North America, through partnerships with Jewish Federations and Foundations, to promote after-lifetime giving to build endowments that will provide financial stability to Jewish day schools, synagogues, social service organizations, and other Jewish entities. In Nashville, our community has obtained commitments in excess of $22 million of which over $550,000 has already been paid to the designated organizations. •

to hate crimes. Dr. Herron says this is why the Faith-based initiative is a top priority for the MNPD. “We can’t take things for granted anymore,” she says, “We want to make sure there are already measures in place for those faiths that are targets for hate crimes.” Top among those is the Jewish community. According to the Anti-Defamation League, Jews remain the most targeted religious group in the country. That is why building a strong relationship with law enforcement is so important. Eric Stillman, CEO of The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee says, “Jewish Federation is grateful for the willingness of MNPD to learn about the Jewish community, history, religion, and ritual practices. It is through this deeper understanding on the part of MNPD leadership and officers that will increase safety and security for the Jewish community.”

In addition to the Faith-based Liaison, MNPD offers other support services for those who are victims of crime. The recent arrival in Nashville of Afghan immigrants is highlighting the need for increased awareness of services, as well as advocacy for those in need.

Elizabeth Thomas is the Refugee and Immigrant Advocate for MNPD’s Family Intervention Program. She attended the session with the Jewish Federation and says for her it was a good opportunity to connect with those in the Jewish community who are assisting the Afghan allies. “It’s important to build that rap-

port and be there with information if someone experiences any type of crime.”

She says free and confidential services are available regardless of citizenship status.

“Our community partners, like the Jewish Federation and the District Attorney’s office are our main source of referrals.”

Thomas says a top priority of her office is educating people about their rights.

Part of the Jewish community’s ongoing focus on security includes helping local law enforcement develop a deeper understanding of historic concerns.

During the Faith-based meeting, participants visited the Nashville Holocaust Memorial. Deborah Oleshansky, Director of the Jewish Community Relations Committee says, “For some people it was the first time they had visited, and some didn’t even know there was a Holocaust memorial in Nashville.” The visit provided an opportunity for gaining greater insights about Jewish experiences and was a vehicle for making new connections. Beth Thomas says, “It was a very meaningful interaction. And it gave me a chance to meet Federation staff who are coordinating assistance efforts for the Afghan immigrants. And as I was leaving, I was able to meet the local Imam who also was there.” And according to many participants, it is this deeper level of understanding that leads to preparedness when something does happen.

Oleshansky says, “We can’t always work from a crisis. The relationships we are building with [local law enforcement] is giving us a foundation to build on.” •

Slate of Officers and Meeting Announcement 86th Annual Meeting Wednesday, June 8, 2022 7:00 pm In person, Congregation Micah Slate of Nominees for Officers and Board Members 2022-2023: Officers (One Year Term) President - Leslie Kirby Vice President - Aron Karabel Treasurer - Gary Fradkin Secretary - Jacob Kleinrock Incoming members of the Board agreeing to serve new 3-year terms are: Mary Cornelius Anna Stern

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May 2022 • The Jewish Observer

Completing current terms as members of the Board and agreeing to serve new 3-year terms are: Amy Goldstein Batia Karabel Jacob Kupin Hayley Levy Lana Pargh Dan Weisman Christie Wiemers Submitted by the 2022 Federation Nominating Committee: Steve Hirsch, Chair; Greg Averbuch, Alex Brown, Jacob Kupin, Ben Papa, and Cara Suvall

Lisa Silver Retires as Cantorial Soloist at Congregation Micah

By BARBARA DAB

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isa Silver is a musician who is not defined by any one genre, style, or even by instrument. But at a recent concert at Congregation Micah honoring her 25 years of service, there was a distinctive sound that is unmistakably hers. From the charming Micah Song, sung by the Micah Kids Choir, to the moving In the Image, sung by Lionel Cartwright, there is no mistaking that certain something that has been inspiring and moving congregants for more than a generation.

Growing up in Detroit, Silver was influenced by her father, a high school music teacher, and congregational music director. “We belonged to a Conservative synagogue, but I did not have a strong Jewish education,” she says, “I absorbed a lot of what I know about Jewish liturgy through osmosis. It all really came back to me when I started this work.” Silver began her formal music training on the violin. Eventually she headed to the University of Michigan School of Music to continue her classical work. But something unexpected happened. “I fell in with a group of guys who were starting a country band,” she says, “I found I really liked playing the fiddle. After school, I came to Nashville in 1972. It was not a hip place to be in those days.” She found herself playing fiddle, singing backup in studio sessions, television commercials, and doing voiceover work. That path led to a career performing, writing, and collaborating with Dave Loggins, Chet Atkins, Don Schlitz, Reba McEntire, Alabama, Matraca Berg, and many others. Silver says she was influenced by singer/songwriter Carole King and music of the late 1960s and 1970s. And along the way she also picked up a Grammy nomination in 1986 for her song, “Forty c

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Lisa Silver retires from Micah after 25 years.

Hour Week,” recorded by Alabama.

Over the years, Lisa says her Jewish identity was always a source of pride. “At one time, I was perhaps one of the only Jewish people in the session world,” she says, “I was happy to be representative of the Jewish world.” Becoming a mother was another turning point for Silver. She wanted to create a Jewish connection for her daughter and her friend Wendy Spira invited her to the newest local synagogue, Congregation Micah. “Although it was a Reform congregation, I really liked it and thought I might want to join,” she says.

Not long after, Spira suggested they team up to create a children’s choir, and the rest is Micah history. “The timing was just right for me. As trends changed and evolved over the years, my work in secular music slowed down, giving me room for my work at Micah.”

Silver’s work at Micah began with a children’s choir, but she quickly found herself called to fill in for then Cantorial Soloist Daniel Leanse. After his departure in 2002, Silver took over and for the last 20 years, she has inspired, educated, entertained, and uplifted the congregation. Along the way, she wrote dozens of songs, created a siddur (prayer book) for young families, and officiated at lifecycle events. “Participating in lifecycle events has been a real highlight. Being

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

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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.

Lisa Silver in earlier days performs with Chet Atkins Lisa Silver conducting Children’s Choir

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Micah

part of the milestones in people’s lives really moved me,” she says. And she has learned a lot herself in the process.

“I’ve loved getting to know the world of beautiful Jewish music from composers I never knew about. It was Rabbi Saul who introduced me to Israeli music.”

The road to a career in Jewish music was not a direct one for Silver, but it has been a fulfilling one. The impact she made will be felt for a long time. Rabbi Laurie Rice says she has some big shoes to fill.

“Music, Micah, and Lisa Silver are synonymous. She just embodies the whole faith, religious, spiritual component at Micah.

She had a circuitous route, but her heart was in it so she was able to learn what

she needed to know, and had the heart to touch people’s lives.”

Silver says she plans to continue making music. These days, that is done at her home in Florence, Alabama, where she and her husband, keyboard player and Musician’s Hall of Famer Clayton Ivey, have landed. But family, and the connections she made over decades in Nashville will continue to pull her back for visits. Silver says she is proud of the work she did and the legacy she leaves behind. “I am really grateful for the opportunity I’ve had the last 25 years at Micah. I hope people will remember the music I made there.”

Fans and friends can find Lisa’s music on her new website www.lisasilversong. com •

Disability Inclusion Corner Event Update: On May 12 @ 7:00pm join the Disabilities Inclusion Committee for Let’s Talk About It, an online roundtable discussion about mental health wellness and awareness, featuring teen, young adult and adult speakers and a special guest. Look for more information about the program in The Observer and online.

Organizational Spotlight: As the only Jewish (Elementary) Day School in Middle Tennessee, Akiva School is dedicated to serving a diverse group of students and families. We recognize that, as the only JDS in Nashville, we have an obligation to ensure that our school is inclusive, and students and families feel welcomed and accepted. We serve over 92 Jewish children from a variety of backgrounds. Over 30% of our student body comes from international households and almost 10% of our students self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color). Additionally, our student body is made up of a wide range of learning styles and needs, and because of this, we have invested an incredible number of resources to ensure ALL students are able to receive the supports s/he

requires for success. Our Student Support Team, made up of a full time Learning Specialist and School Counselor, meet regularly. We provide modifications and accommodations to both students who need support and those who require enrichment. Through our “whole child” approach, Akiva alumni have a deep sense of self and matriculate into some of the most competitive independent schools in Nashville including the Jewish Middle School (JMS), University School of Nashville (USN), Harpeth Hall, Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA), and Ensworth. For more information about Akiva, please visit www.akivanashville. net or reach out to Julie Fortune at jfortune@akivanashville •

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

Continued on page 8

The Jewish Observer • May 2022

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May 2022 • The Jewish Observer

Opinion Russia’s Brutality and Energy Grab: Where Does it End?

By RICHARD R. FORBERG

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s we sit in horror witnessing the gross atrocities and indiscriminate destruction of a peaceful civilization by Putin’s “Special Military Operation” we are shocked and seemingly surprised at this turn of events in our supposedly post-colonial world, one with many international agencies to promote peace, tolerance and prosperity, plus special courts to capture and punish “war criminals.”

Still worse, we cannot comprehend how any large fraction of the Russian people can tolerate this being done in their name, nor for their benefit; much less how they can support it. Sadly, I think we are failing to see the obvious.

We only need to look at Russia’s land-grab of Crimea in 2014. But let’s first look at our reactions to Russia’s brutality.

Like many, I hoped this war was only Putin’s personal agenda for self-aggrandizement, and that he is out-of-touch with the mainstream of the Russian people. We want to believe his support is limited to a few favored oligarchs, plus some loyal generals, henchmen and senior bureaucrats. We look to the day it all fails, Putin is widely disgraced within Russia, and the full force of the negative blow-backs are harshly placed upon him in the International Criminal Court.

We can wish. But so far, most likely many, if not most Russians have no problem with his strategy and behavior.

We just have not been paying attention.

Anna Stern Continued from page 1 School of Nashville, she jumped at the chance to make her move to Music City, and never looked back. Although she was not involved in organized Jewish life as a child, the move to a new city drove her to find connection with her Jewish peers, namely NowGen. “I got really lucky. I entered this group at the perfect age, not too young, not too old,” she says. Thanks to her friendship with Hayley Levy, she was asked, and agreed, to become the involved with the Engagement Committee. “Helping newcomers was a place where I could see my skill set being used to the fullest.”

Perhaps the biggest challenge for Anna was helping newcomers who came to Nashville during the Covid19 Pandemic. “People were isolated and locked in their apartments. It became obvious how much they needed to make connections, and it was so rewarding,” she says, “It was amazing to see how fast people’s demeanor changes when you take the time to meet and get to know them.”

Anna says she is also excited to meet new people and share her enthusiasm for the local Jewish community, as well as for Nashville. “Nashville is a somewhat transient city. There are always people leaving and others coming, so the dynamic keeps changing.” She says young adult programming has grown during the pandemic years. “The pandemic created a need for connection, and now there is something almost every day.”

A forward thinker, Anna is already planning for the future for NowGen. As the young adult population evolves, she sees a need for more robust programming

And we easily forget that a majority is not needed to keep a “popular” dictator in power. Dictators need only a single digit of actual support for regime stability, because it is easily magnified by deceptive techniques and into the double digits, well-above 70%, after widespread intimidation and data massaging.

So next we ask: can a fair opinion poll of Russians be made by a research firm in the West? It turns out some groups have tried. The results so far are disappointing: 50% to 75% support the war, depending on how it is asked or framed. Life in most of Russia is still hard and they resent the West. Putin’s outrageous propaganda resonates easily. And we do not understand where the cracks and divisions are among his supporters.

So, we will likely continue to under-estimate his support and well-honed KGB propaganda methods, as updated for his special brand of pseudo-democracy.

Now consider what happened when Russia seized Crimea in 2014. Was there any bad press in Russia? It is highly doubtful. It was a very popular and almost bloodless action. We in the West may have thought Russia was simply protecting the civil rights of the many Russian speakers and Russian Naval Base in Crimea – as Putin would have us believe.

However, the taking of Crimea occurred after months of popular protests in the streets against Putin’s hand-picked leader for Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, installed four years earlier. These protests for young families. “We’ve surveyed the young families to gauge their interests in types of programming and scheduling.”

In addition to her involvement with the Federation, Anna is the Volunteer Co-Chair for Gilda’s Club Associate Board. She loves to help people solve problems and understands the importance of meeting people where they are.

Professionally she would like to become an administrator and use her leadership skills to help develop educational policy and curriculum. “I love thinking about how to teach and how to help children learn,” she says. She also wants to work to streamline processes to help organizations avoid complex and unwieldy bureaucracy.

Anna will be joining the Federation’s Board for the 2022-23 year and is excited to learn more about the community. “I’m looking forward to working with the veteran members of the Board, and curious what that opportunity will look like,” she says, “I am so grateful and very lucky that NowGen entrusted me to be the face of The Federation for newcomers. I know what it is like to be in your 20s and 30s in Nashville. It’s been a very rewarding experience.”

The Sandy Averbuch Young Leadership Award will be presented at the 86th Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, on Wednesday, June 8th, at 7:00pm at Congregation Micah. Recent winners of this award include Jacob Kupin, Christie Wiemers, Jacob Ruden, and Ellie Flier.

In prior year, winners also included Tara Axelroth, Batia and Aron Karabel, and Ben Russ. To RSVP for the Annual Meeting, visit www.jewishnashville.org/ annualmeeting2022 •

were triggered by Yanukovych’s refusal to establish stronger relations with Europe and grew increasingly violent and deadly in February 2014. It is well-documented that Putin sent in Russia snipers and other agitators to create more bloodshed in the streets of Kyiv, where more than 100 protesters died. As a result, there was no organized Ukrainian government or prepared military to resist Russia’s take-over of Crimea which occurred only days later that same month, just after Yanukovych escaped by helicopter to Moscow to save his skin.

Not only is Crimea’s location strategic militarily for Russia it is also rich in energy resources. It juts out into the Black Sea, giving it rights and access to a huge expanse of the sea-floor for exploration and extraction. Russia thereby effectively took over about 80% of Ukraine’s developed oil & gas fields.

Russia also stole outright, and then simply continued operating, billions of dollars of equipment, platforms, pipelines etc. all of which belonged to Ukraine’s major state-monopoly for producing natural gas, which is also key input to the production of fertilizer for crops. Russia then proceeded easily, with no Western resistance or harsh comment, with the sales of that gas to the world market, but mainly to Europe, with some probably to Ukraine.

Russia is now focusing its war efforts to force Ukrainians to give up their land, from the Donbas Region to Odessa and

on westward to the border with Romania, and possibly further, to control all energy wealth in the Black Sea. Russia’s strategy is clear: depopulate most of Ukraine via campaigns of mass murder, expulsion, starvation, wide-spread destruction, and forced relocation of some Ukrainians to work as slave laborers in Russia. They must squash all sources of resistance to gain full, reliable control of the country.

Within a few years they hope to have Ukraine as a “peaceful” Russia province, gaining massive amounts of rich farm land. Eventually they may slowly re-populate the farms and the parts of the cities still standing, all with loyal Russians seeking much better and warmer land.

Will the West be paying attention or care a few years from now? Putin clearly thinks not.

That is our challenge now: to recognize we have mis-understood Putin and Russia for decades and that raw power is what matters most now, if we care to save the Ukrainian people and nation.

Diplomacy, negotiations, sanctions, vague threats, war crime tribunals, and our slow drip of military aid will not be enough stop Russia. Their alliance with China and the existence of many large neutral nations all hungry for energy will allow Russia stay on their war path for a long time.

To stop this the West will need to be committed for a long time, using every resource and strategic barrier we have, intelligently. •

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The Jewish Observer • May 2022

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Newcomer’s Column in Pittsburgh (go Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins!), went to both college and law school at Georgetown University, n my work as the Federation’s and currently work as a lawyer for the Newcomer Engagement Associate, Federal government. Like everyone else, I meet so many Jews who are movit seems, my job brought me to Nashville ing or want to be moving to in December 2020. Although Nashville. They come from this is my first time living in all sorts of places for all sorts “the South,” I’m actually no of reasons, and we bring them stranger to town: my uncle, into Nashville’s Jewish comaunt, and cousins coincidenmunity through our monthly tally moved here more than Newcomer Shabbat Dinners, 40 years ago, well before it our quarterly Newcomer was a trendy (or Jewish) thing Welcome Receptions, and by to do! They made moving to connecting them with coma new city, where I didn’t munity members and organiknow anyone else, much zations who can help them more manageable — particufind what they are looking Newcomer Matthew larly during a pandemic. for. One of my favorite parts Caplan made the move • What has your Jewish of this job is getting to hear from Washington DC story been like up to this to Nashville in 2020 these newcomers’ dynamic, point? How did you get engaging stories, so we are starting this involved with Nashville’s Jewish new monthly feature in the Observer so community? you can get to know some of them and Since childhood, I’ve always been their stories too. We hope you enjoy very proud to be Jewish. That pride often reading these and hope you will give compels me to explore the Jewish commuevery newcomer you meet a smile and a nity in any city that I live in or visit. So, warm Nashville welcome! when I first moved to Nashville, reaching out to the Federation to find Jewish young Introducing: Matthew Caplan professional groups was an instinct. From • Tell us your story. Where are there, I was put in touch with all the great you from? How did you end up in people in NowGen. They’ve helped me Nashville? make friends, forge professional connecI am a twin, the son of a twin, and tions, and explore the city — especially once attended the International Twins the local brewery scene!

Festival in Twinsburg, Ohio. I grew up • How has your experience been in

By EITAN SNYDER, NEWCOMER ENGAGEMENT ASSOCIATE

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Nashville so far? Any notable memories or experiences?

I actually moved to Nashville the day after the Christmas Day bombing, less than a mile from where it happened.

Phone and Internet service were heavily interrupted, and I was not able to access or move into my apartment building for quite some time. Needless to say, it made for a dramatic first night in town. However, amidst that tragedy and adversity, I quickly saw the remarkable loyalty and resilience in the community.

This has remained a constant and has made living here both rewarding and fun.

The city is beautiful, there are countless places to explore (shout out to McCabe Park, Percy Warner Park, Cornelia Fort Airpark, and Centennial Park), and the people could not be nicer (even many of the roving visitor Bachelorette parties Broadway)!

• What do you love about being Jewish?

What’s not to love about being Jewish? I especially love that, despite how diverse the community can be spiritually, culturally, and traditionally, I could walk into any synagogue in the world and feel like I belong. When I travel, I always make it a point to visit synagogues and/ or Jewish organizations in order to meet fellow Jews. Among the places I’ve been welcomed are: Ireland, Cuba, Turkey, Hungary, Moldova, and Romania. In every one of these places, the Jewish community has made me feel at home — even when I didn’t speak the language.

How special is that?

• What do you love about being Jewish in Nashville?

On paper, Nashville has the smallest Jewish community of any city I’ve lived in. Before moving here, I assumed that meant there would be fewer ways to get involved with Jewish life. But I could not have been more wrong. It is precisely because of the community’s size, not in spite of it, that the community is as welcoming, robust, enthusiastic, and engaged as it is. I went from being a complete stranger to now even helping to welcome new Jews to town on behalf of NowGen and the Federation. This would not have happened but for the incredible people I’ve met in the community along the way.

Other cities’ Jewish communities could learn a thing or two from Nashville about how to welcome newcomers.

• What does the next year look like for you? Is there anything that you are still looking to do or experience in Nashville?

The next year will include a lot more exploring Nashville. There’s no better way to feel at home in a city than to get out and occasionally pretend you’re a tourist. My list of restaurants to visit grows by the day and it feels impossible to keep up. (Sean Brock’s new restaurant, Audrey, is at the top of my list). I’m also, of course, eager to continue meeting all of the great people in Nashville’s Jewish community. So, if you see me, don’t be a stranger! •

A Taste of Hillel to Provide a Look Inside the Life of Vanderbilt’s Jewish Students T

Newcomer Shabbat dinner at the home of Gail and Ron Rivlin.

Newcomer Shabbat Returns O n Friday night, April 8th, the Federation hosted its revitalized monthly Nashville Jewish Newcomer Shabbat where Nashville Jewish community members hosted new Jewish Nashvillians in their homes for Shabbat dinner. These dinners ranged from young professionals to new parents to retirees with attendees and hosts from

across Davidson and Williamson counties. The program will continue the 2nd Friday night of the month with the next Newcomer Shabbat scheduled for May 12th. To sign up to be a host, visit https:// form.jotform.com/220975428480159.

Newcomer wishing to attend a dinner can visit https://form.jotform. com/220964408537158 •

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May 2022 • The Jewish Observer

his year, Vanderbilt Hillel is inviting the community to get a glimpse into how first year students transition from new arrivals to considering Vanderbilt Hillel a home away from home. The event, Kehilla Kedosha “Creating a Holy Community,” will offer an inside look at Vanderbilt student life. “This program was designed to replicate the students experience, and hope community members connect through the various activities we are offering,” says Shannon Small, Development Director at Vanderbilt Hillel, “That’s what we do at Hillel.

We connect Jewish students with shared common experiences.” Last year’s Taste of Hillel was virtual due to the Covid19 pandemic, and this year represents a return, not only to in person events, but to a deeper connection. “We think people are ready to come back in person and that those who attend the event will have an engagement that reflects the type of connection our students feel at Hillel,” says Small.

Student involvement in Hillel is a key factor in determining future Jewish community engagement. Through participation in Hillel’s Tikkun Olam programs, blood donations through the Red Cross Blood Drive, and registering with the bone marrow and stem cell Gift of Life programs, students learn ways to impact the lives of others.

Vanderbilt Hillel will share their experiences with the community at an interactive event.

This year’s Taste of Hillel will provide an opportunity for people to engage in interactive stations that showcase what Vanderbilt Hillel does for students and the Jewish community. The stations include Israel, Tikkun Olam, Jewish Education, and Social/Cultural Engagement. There will also be stations pairing Goldie’s food with craft beers and cider.

The program is Sunday, May 15th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Vanderbilt Hillel building. For more information, please contact Shannon Small, Development Director, at shannon. small@vanderbilt.edu •

Commentary What’s at the core of our Jewish identities?

By RABBI JOSHUA KULLOCK

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n 1982, Rabbi David Hartman wrote a powerful essay titled, “Auschwitz or Sinai?” There, Hartman asks himself about the defining event that should be shaping our Jewish identities today.

During a big part of the last seventy-five years, the Shoah took that role.

In the aftermath of possibly the biggest catastrophe ever known to humankind, the Jewish people adopted a narrative of defiance, making sure that everybody knew that, “Never again will we be vulnerable.” The State of Israel was born and raised on those premises. Now we are strong, now we have a Nation of our own, and nobody will ever cause us to suffer and die as we did during the Shoah.

This is, without a doubt, a very powerful narrative. At the same time, it is rooted in pain and trauma and is a discourse that came as a reaction to what happened to us in the hands of others.

That is why, among other things, Rabbi Hartman was not entirely sure that we should make the Shoah the cornerstone of our Jewish identities. He wrote: “I believe it is destructive to make the Holocaust the dominant organizing category of modern Jewish history and of our national renewal and rebirth. It is both politically and morally dangerous for our nation to perceive itself essentially as the suffering remnant of the Holocaust. It is childish and often vulgar to attempt to demonstrate how the Jewish people’s suffering is unique in history. Our bodies have painfully tasted man’s indifference and inhumanity to his fellow man. We have witnessed in our own flesh the moral evil present in human society. But this should not tempt us to become morally arrogant. Our suffering should not lead us to self-righteous postures, but to an increased sensitivity about all human suffering.”

Writing in 1982, I’m fairly sure that Hartman’s reflections are somehow related to what was going on at that time with the Lebanon war. Consequently, he wanted to make sure that our pain wouldn’t translate as some sort of blank check to justify any and all pains that we may pass on to others for the sake of our own survival. Walking that line was never easy.

Not in 1982 and not today. And that’s why I think that Hartman’s essay is still pretty much relevant in our days.

Instead of focusing exclusively on the Shoah, Hartman wanted us to shift gears and to see Sinai as the cornerstone of the Jewish identity. For him, that was the defining moment in our history and its echo had to become our anchor today. He wrote: “The model of Sinai awakens the Jewish people to the awesome responsibility of becoming a holy people. At Sinai, we discover the absolute demand of God; we discover who we are by what we do. Sinai calls us to action, to moral awakening, to living constantly with challenges of building a moral and just society which mirrors the kingdom of God in history. Sinai creates humility and openness to the demands of self-transcendence. In this respect, it is the antithesis of the moral narcissism that can result from suffering and from viewing oneself as a victim.”

I’m sharing these ideas because

between the end of April and the beginning of June, we Jews mark in our calendars both Yom HaShoah, the day in which we honor those who were murdered by the Nazis, and Shavuot, the holiday in which we are called to receive the Torah. All throughout these weeks, Auschwitz and Sinai are connected, and so this season becomes a good opportunity to ask Hartman’s question once again: What should be the defining historical moment that shapes our identities?

And, perhaps in countering Hartman, I’d like to claim that we don’t have to choose one or the other, but we need to learn how to integrate both, and how to learn the right lessons from both Auschwitz and Sinai.

A few years ago, there was a piece in the Washington Post claiming that two thirds of American millennials do not know what Auschwitz is, and twenty-two percent of them haven’t even heard of the Holocaust at all. It might be that one or two generations ago the Shoah was a defining moment for Jews and a wellknown historical event for everyone else, but that doesn’t seem to be our current situation. And we need to make sure that we do something about that because, as philosopher George Santayana used to say: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

The Shoah must be our constant reminder of how alive anti-Semitism is in our days, and about how pervasive it is, even within the realm of worthy causes that then become deeply toxic. The Women’s March is but one example of that. Something that should unite everyone around the creation of conditions that will shape an egalitarian society with equal opportunities for realization, recognition, and payment for all, is now hijacked by voices supporting BDS and trashing the State of Israel at every step of the way.

How can that be? The double standards of those leaders are appalling. As is their blatant anti-Semitism, even if disguised as anti-Zionism. We should always pay attention, because anti-Semitic feelings are always around, sometimes dormant, and sometimes pretty much awake. That is why, among other things, we must continue talking and teaching about the Shoah.

But as we remain conscious of the poisonous anti-Semitism around us, I think that Hartman has a point when speaking about the centrality of Sinai in our identities. Sinai was the moment in which we fully became a people. From that time on, we were not only free from the Egyptian tyranny but also free to do something meaningful with our freedom. And that is what living a life of Torah should be all about. A calling to be present. An invitation to make a difference in our world. A reason to get involved in shaping a moral society. Sinai was about the development of a particular practice that would create the Jewish people as such but also about the commitment to do things way beyond the scope of our synagogues and homes, and way beyond our rituals and traditions.

All of those are important because they remind us of who we are, but then we are expected to jump higher and get involved in creating the type of society we want for ourselves, for our neighbors and for our Continued on page 8

Nurturing Fins and Scales in our Children

By RABBI YITZCHOK TIECHTEL

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ecently, we read on Shabbat about the laws of kashrut, and we learned of the two characteristics which render creatures of the sea Kosher. It is stated in the Book of Leviticus, chapter 11, “These shall you eat of all that are in the waters: whatever has fins and scales.”

Beyond its literal meaning, this verse is filled with symbolism. In traditional Jewish literature the Jewish people are likened to fish. For example, in the book of Genesis, we read about Jacob who blesses his children that they “proliferate like fish within the land…”

Thus, in the verse above, the Torah can be seen to be outlining two fundamental criteria which help constitute what it means to lead a “kosher” life.

Scales primarily serve to protect fish from the elements, to keep their bones and bodies intact from predators and adversity. The function of fins, on the other hand, is to facilitate marine travel. They allow fish to lift, thrust, and steer themselves through water, to advance beyond their current station.

In the human condition “fins” can be interpreted as ambition since both fins and ambition serve as instruments for advance. “Scales” can be likened to integrity, to the protective ethical armor we build in order to protect our values and belief system from external threat.

Both ambition and integrity are essential ingredients for successful living. Without ambition one can become passive and complacent; without drive there is nothing to motivate us to travel beyond our comfort zone and seek to expand our horizons.

At the same time, the danger of ambition is that in the pursuit of the better life, we can come to compromise our core principles and beliefs. The desire for more and better, if left unchecked, can become all-consuming and corrupt our moral compass, leading us to try to eliminate anyone and anything that stands in our way.

The drive for growth and expansion, while crucial for self-development and self-actualization, if not married to honesty and humility, can fast deteriorate into narcissism and greed, desensitizing us to the needs and wellbeing of others.

Which is why it is so essential, in a world that often glorifies material success at all costs, that we inculcate within ourselves, our children, and communities, integrity and good character, kindness not just cleverness, and educate the next generation not just about outward success, which is often defined by net worth, but about inner peace and satisfaction which is determined by self worth.

Put differently, we need to supply our children not only with wings but with roots; not only with the academic and professional tools enabling them to take flight into a vast world of unlimited opportunities, but equally, if not more importantly, with strong identities and a core set of ideals that will root them in an otherwise confusing world plagued by moral relativism and ambiguity.

By nurturing in our children both “fins” and “scales”, the essential Kosher ingredients for success, we will help them navigate the seas and storms of life, procuring for them safe and successful passage into the bright and beautiful future that surely awaits them. •

Jewish Federation Engagement Associate, Eitan Snyder, meets with students at Christian Community School in White House, Tennessee.

Jewish Federation on the Road: Local Staff Brings Passover Story to Christian School

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he Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee was contacted by Christian Community School’s Bible teacher wanting a member of the local Jewish community to teach about Passover. Eitan Snyder, Jewish Federation Newcomer Engagement Associate and a local singer/songwriter, discussed the Passover story with the students, and even shared a song. Below are some of the email responses Eitan received from students.

“Thank you so much for coming to our school today. I’m very glad you took time out of your busy schedule to come educate us on the passover. It was very interesting to listen to and I also loved

your little concert. Thank you so much for sharing your story!!”

Maizey Lester “Hey! I just wanted to say thank you for coming to our school and sharing with us today about the passover and sedar. I really enjoyed hearing about it, and the food was really good.”

Thank You, Brianna Hester “I’m one of the students at CCS and I just wanted to thank you for coming out and speaking to us. It was very interesting and I learned a lot of new things about the Jewish culture that I didn’t know before.

Again, thank you for speaking to us.”

Asher Nix

The Jewish Observer • May 2022

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Nashville Activists Help Pass Two Bills Benefiting the Jewish Community

By JOANNE BREGMAN

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ith the combined efforts of the Israeli-American Coalition for Action, Professor Mark Goldfeder, Rabbi Mark Schiftan, Pastor Lyndon Allen, community activists Bernie Pargh and Joanne Bregman, two pieces of landmark legislation that send a message about Tennessee values and help protect our state’s Jewish communities have become law.

Early in this year’s legislative session, Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson) and Rep. Ryan Williams (R-Cookeville), sponsored a bill to combat the antisemitic Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement against Israel (BDS). Tennessee’s state government is now empowered to reject subsidizing such blatant discriminatory activity with public funds. The bill authorizes the state government to decline contracts with parties who engage in commercial discrimination against Israeli owned or affiliated companies. To date, 36 states have adopted laws, executive orders or resolutions that are designed to discourage

such discriminatory boycotts. Like those other states, Tennessee’s bill, signed into law by Governor Lee earlier this month, applies strictly to commercial activity. It is restricted to government speech, and in no way impairs anyone’s constitutionally protected speech.

Rabbi Mark Schiftan testified before the House committee emphasizing the importance of explicitly including the Israeli-controlled territories in the bill’s language defining the State of Israel consistent with the Trade Promotion Act signed by President Obama in 2015.

The “territories” language was purposefully formulated to confront “settlements only” boycotts, similar to recent attempts by AirBnB and Ben & Jerry’s.

The importance of Tennessee’s bill should not go unnoticed if for no other reason that in 2020, state exports to Israel totaled over $71 million dollars.

This is not just about supporting an ally and standing up against discrimination, it is also very much about protecting the state of Tennessee.

The anti-BDS bill passed both the House and Senate with overwhelming GOP support. Unfortunately, only three House Democrats chose to vote for the bill, while Senator Heidi Campbell was the lone no vote in the Senate.

A second bill sponsored by Senator Paul Rose (R-Shelby) and Rep. Jerry Sexton (R-Bean Station), makes Tennessee an early leader in codifying a uniform definition of antisemitism into state law. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism is already utilized by various branches of the U.S. government including the State Department and the Department of Education. According to a recent study by the Combat Antisemitism Movement and Tel Aviv University, the IHRA has been adopted by more than 865 key entities worldwide, including over 200 in the past year.

Mark Goldfeder, a former constitutional law professor and Director of the National Jewish Advocacy Center,

authored the model statute that the bill is based on, and helped educate several individuals working on the initiative.

Goldfeder has published what many consider among the most comprehensive law journal articles on the IHRA in which he explains the necessity of defining antisemitism, as well as the benefits for all state agencies, K-12 school systems and institutions of higher education when state government adopts the IHRA as a standard to help them assess the motivation behind unlawful discriminatory anti-Jewish behavior.

Bernie Pargh was instrumental in bringing the IHRA model bill language to the attention of House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville). The bill has passed both chambers. Governor Lee’s Holocaust Remembrance Day proclamation endorsed using the IHRA as a definitional standard, and, as he is a staunch supporter of the Jewish community, it is expected that he will also sign this bill into law when it reaches his desk. •

JFS Annual Chesed Dinner Honors Howard Safer and Nancy Flexer

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ancy Flexer and Howard Safer are the recipients of Jewish Family Service’s 2022 Chesed Award, given each year to acknowledge the contributions the recipients have made to the Jewish and broader Nashville communities. Chesed is Hebrew for, “loving kindness,” and occurs when the command to, “love your neighbor as yourself,” is fulfilled. The Jewish community of Nashville couldn’t be luckier to have Nancy and Howard as neighbors, as they are prime examples of what Chesed means in the Nashville Jewish community.

Nancy and Howard were to receive the Chesed Award in 2020 and then again in 2021, but COVID-19 prevented our community from gathering in person.

Instead, JFS sent out fundraising letters updating the community on how the agency had responded to the pandemic by adding new programming focused around three main service areas: mental health, serving our treasured older adults, and financial stability. The community responded with amazing financial support of the agency.

“We decided to postpone honoring Nancy and Howard until we could meet in person again to show them how very appreciated they are by the community and show them the Kavod (Honor) that they both so richly deserve, which we are FINALLY able to do. Nancy and Howard live and breathe the essence of Chesed! They both share their talents freely with so many organizations both in the Jewish and broader community,” says JFS Executive Director Pam Kelner.

Jewish identities Continued from page 7 children as well.

Coming back to the edge of Mount Sinai is a wonderful reminder of what is being expected from us. It is an opportunity to get a glimpse, once again, not only of the beauty of our tradition but also of the powerful nature of its message.

And it is a good time to recommit to it, to take ownership, and to figure out ways to transform those ideas into concrete actions because that’s how we make sure that Judaism remains a positive and relevant force in our times. •

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Howard Safer and Nancy Flexer to be honored at JFS annual Chesed Dinner.

“One of the aspects I love most about the Chesed Award is the opportunity to share with the entire community what our amazing honorees have done to impact the quality of life for so many in our community. We can all be inspired by their accomplishments.”

Born and raised in Nashville to Mildred and Paul Flexer z’l, Nancy embodies the meaning of a true Nashvillian.

Nancy is a human “google search engine” and can tell you about anyone who has lived in the Nashville Jewish Community for the last 70 years. She not only knows everyone but lends an ear and connects people to each other.

Upon finishing her graduate degree at University of TN, Nancy began a 41-year career as a first-grade teacher at Cole Elementary in Antioch, earning Teacher of the Year several times.

Anyone who has been touched by Nancy in their own lives knows that teaching her students math and how to read and write was her job, but touching the lives of each of them personally is her true gift.

Her students remember the heartwarming notes she wrote them on report cards, the ways she helped them overcome shyness and awkwardness, and how she inspired them to future academic success to earn scholarships and advanced degrees.

Nancy has been blessed to connect with Jewish Family Service and

May 2022 • The Jewish Observer

other Jewish agencies which have given great meaning to her life post-retirement.

Nancy is JFS’s biggest cheerleader and has served as the agency’s Secretary, co-chaired the Annual Campaign several times, and co-chaired the Chesed dinner.

When reflecting on her involvement with JFS, Nancy said, “From my very first Board meeting of JFS I knew this was different from any other organization I had been involved in, the passion of both the volunteers and staff was palpable. I love everything the organization stands for and the services it provides, in particular the focus on our senior population who are the gems of our community. The minute any crisis happens, whether on a personal basis for individuals or in the community JFS is there to respond.”

Howard may not be a native to Nashville, but he’s been here since freshman year at Vanderbilt in 1961. He met his wife of 56 years, Arlene, at the Jewish Community Center and soon began participating in the strong and giving community. Howard and Arlene proudly raised their 3 daughters, Lori Gillman, Traci West and Mindy Hirt with Jewish values and culture. A current pleasure is watching grandchildren grow up in Nashville and Atlanta.

Howard learned the importance of the Jewish community from his parents in Jacksonville, Florida where the Joe P. Safer Community Service Award is given each spring. He learned the importance of Israel and giving back to others from his Lithuanian grandparents.

Arlene and Howard began participating by joining two local Synagogues and many nonprofit groups. Howard has served on numerous committees including Executive, Investment, and “Life and Legacy.” He was among the youngest Presidents of the Gordon JCC from 1979 – 1981 and among the oldest Presidents of JFS from 2015 – 2017. During the gap he served as an officer, board member or committee member for the Jewish Federation, Vanderbilt Hillel, NCJW, AICPA PFP, TSCPA and Guardianship and Trust Corp.

Professionally, Howard has spent more than 25 years as a CPA and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) and over 25 years as a Trust Officer and Wealth

Manager. He currently serves as CEO of Argent Trust Company where he is blessed to work with his daughter, Mindy.

Howard previously served as President of Bradford Trust, Executive VP of Regions Morgan Keegan and Managing Partner of Kraft CPAs. Over his career, he has received the, “Outstanding CPA in Business and Industry,”, “Dedication to Excellence,” “Top 100 Wealth Advisors,” “Power Leaders in Finance,” and “Financial Advisors Hall of Fame” Awards.

Howard’s hobbies include tennis, pickleball, boating and teaching. He attributes his growth in business to his MBA from Tulane University, his family values to Arlene and his moral compass to the Jewish community.

When asked about receiving the Chesed Award, Howard said, “It has been rewarding to have had the opportunity to see the role of Jewish Family Service mature in our community. Working with JFS has helped me better understand the important role of responding and supporting individuals and families through life’s transitions. I appreciate being recognized with Nancy Flexer this year but know that dozens of our peers contributed to making Nashville’s social service agency what it is today. Thank you to all for your continued support.”

The awards will be presented to Nancy and Howard at the annual JFS fundraiser dinner that will take place on Thursday May 19, 2022. The Chesed Dinner will begin with a reception at 6:15 p.m. on at the Gordon Jewish Community Center with kosher dinner following at 7 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person. For more information or to make reservations, contact Janet Parr at (615) 356-4234 or RSVP online at https://jfsnashville.org/ ways-to-help/chesed-dinner/ .

The Chesed Dinner is the primary fundraiser for Jewish Family Services, one of Nashville’s oldest social service agencies. Last year JFS served more than 1,800 individuals through its 21 services and programs in the areas of adoption, counseling, psychotherapy, financial assistance, senior services, information and referral, and family life and community enrichment.

For more information about JFS, contact Pam Kelner at (615) 354-1644 or visit the JFS Website at www.jfsnashville.org. •

Art on the West Side Brought the Nashville Art Scene to the Gordon JCC he Nashville Art Community came together on April 9-10 for Art on The West Side. The eighth annual event featured wonderful artists from Nashville and adjacent states. Just under 40 artists showcased their work over the two days, spanning many media and styles including paint, sculpture, jewelry design, clay and fiber, wood, and glass. Handmade

jewelry and ceramics were popular items, along with unique paintings and carved stone objects.

Some artists had participated in prior Art on the West Side shows; however, we had many artists showing for the first time. Jackie Schlicher of Wildhair Pottery shared, “This was my first time participating in Art on the West Side and I have to say I’m glad I did. I found the staff to be generously supportive and helpful during set up and throughout the event.

And I was really impressed with the vari-

Rabba Daniella Pressner and her daughter discuss art with artist Willy Schumm

An Art on the West Side attendee admires art by Fran Bostick.

By SHARON BENUS, GORDON JCC ADULT AND COMMUNITY WIDE PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

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ety of artists and the quality of the work they had on display. It was great to be a part of such a friendly and creative event.

I will definitely keep this on my list for future opportunities to show my work.

Truly a fun time.”

Joe Edward Swing who has shown in both the JCC art gallery and Art on the West Side said, “Finding new homes for several of my works would have, in and of itself, made 2022 Art on the West Side a successful show. However,

working with the dedicated and talented staff of the Gordon JCC made it a truly memorable event. I am grateful for the opportunity.”

Thank you to our event Chair Beth Easter. We also are incredibly grateful to work with all the talented artists who help make Art on the West Side a wonderful experience and appreciate the more than 300 art-lovers who attended the event, supporting local artists and the Gordon Jewish Community Center. •

Artist and Gordon JCC community member Robbie Lasky discusses her art with event attendees

Event Chair Beth Easter and Gordon JCC Adult and Community Wide Programs Director Sharon Benus

Seminary Student Revives Judaism in Germany vices, you had to learn to lead the prayers; if you wanted to study, you had to privately evi Israel Ufferfilge, 33, a rabbinical stuhire and pay a teacher. Levi’s father, who dent at the Zacharias Frankel College worked for NATO at the time, hired a col(“the College”) in Potsdam, Germany was league, Moshe Mendel, to be Levi’s tutor. the guest speaker at Music City Sisterhood’s He tutored Levi in all areas of Judaism, plus annual Torah Fund event Yiddish and English, for ten on Sunday, March 27th. years, ending when Levi finMusic City Sisterhood, ished grammar (high) school. a group for female-identiMoshe Mendel spoke often of fying congregants of West “der goldene kyte” – the golden End Synagogue, supports chain of Jewish tradition, and the congregation with fundthe responsibility of each Jew ing for its religious school to be a link. And if the chain and youth groups, runs its was broken because of the Judaica shop, volunteers in Shoah, or Communism, it’s many areas, and educates our opportunity to repair that and supports its members in break. Levi is infused with the rabbinic student, performing rituals and tradi- German hard work and discipline of his Levi Israel Ufferfilge tions. The group is an affiligrandmother in the service of ate of the Women’s League for Conservative repairing de goldene kyte of his teacher.

Judaism (WLCJ), a more than 100-year-old This sense of responsibility and oppornonprofit founded by the wife of the sectunity inspired Levi to study Judaism as a ond chancellor of the Jewish Theological career choice. He moved to the larger city Seminary (JTS) in New York. In 1943 of Dusseldorf and over the course of six WLCJ began the Torah Fund campaign to years earned a Bachelor’s in Jewish Studies raise funds for scholarships, programming, and two Masters’ Degrees, one in Jewish and learning spaces. In addition to the origStudies and one in Yiddish Studies. As a inal JTS in NY and the newest Zacharias teenager in the late-1990’s, Levi thought Frenkel College in Germany, Torah Fund that Germany had progressed enough from supports students at three additional the lingering post-War antisemitism that institutions: Ziegler School of Rabbinic he began to wear a kippah in public. He Studies, CA, Schechter Institutes of Jewish was proud to be Jewish and thought he Studies, Israel, and Seminario Rabinico shouldn’t to have to put away this visible Latinoamericano, Argentina. West End’s sign every time he left a Jewish space. He Rabbi, Joshua Kullock, graduated from the immediately was subjected to harassment, latter and its Cantor, Sarah Levine, from which increased to three or four incidents JTS. Education Director Sharon Paz also a day in the larger city. It was a nightmare attended JTS. for his parents and grandmother, who were Levi’s work is focused on preservin constant fear for his safety. He was overing and rediscovering German Jewish trawhelmed, angry and at a loss for what to do. ditions. This drive comes from his two The German police weren’t helpful because greatest childhood influences – his grandthey were in denial that antisemitism still mother and his tutor, both of blessed memexisted, outside of occasional vandalism ory. His grandmother’s family was able to of Jewish cemeteries. His grandmother move to Manchester, England shortly after advised him to write everything down, it Kristallnacht, returning to Germany after would be a safe place to put all his fear and the war. Levi describes his grandmother anger, rather than keeping it inside and as someone who followed all the tradifeeling powerless. It took one year for him tions, was disciplined and hardworking. to fill his first “antisemitism diary”, as he She taught Levi that, because of the loss of called it. The second one took half as long. so many Jews in the Shoah, Judaism was a Shortly after Levi moved back to “do-it-yourself” affair – if you wanted serMunster to begin his doctoral thesis in

By MARSHA RAIMI

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Halakah (Jewish Law) and Ethics, he was diagnosed with cancer. In 2017 he moved to Munich for treatment where his oncological surgeon was a Palestinian Muslim from the Gaza strip, who treated him kindly and professionally. As he went through treatment with its uncertain outcome, Levi thought, “As a good German Jew, I should write a book in my life. And this could be the last chance for me.” After years of urging from friends and family, he turned his “antisemitism diaries” into a book called Nicht ohne meine Kippa! (Not Without My Kippah!} which was published in 2021.

To his publishers’ surprise, the book sold well. It is now being recorded on audio and translated into French. An English version is under consideration.

Concurrent with his education, and even during his cancer treatment, Levi was a teacher and lay-clergyperson for the local schools and Jewish communities where he lived. Under a joint initiative of the Bavarian (regional) government and a private Jewish nonprofit organization, Levi was part of a group of educators sent to the Southern United States to learn best practices for providing Jewish education. “They didn’t send me to New York or Chicago or LA, because they thought these conditions are incomparable. You could never adapt New York Jewish life to Germany in any form. They thought, ‘We have to send him to a real Jewish diaspora’.” He spent two weeks visiting several congregations in North and South Carolina, run by every denomination. The most moving event of the trip was the 97 year-old Shoah survivor who spoke to him in flawless “high” German immediately, which he hadn’t spoken since fleeing the country.

In 2020 Levi became the interim Headmaster of the Berlin Masorti (Conservative movement) Primary School while also beginning seminary studies at the Zacharias Frankel College. The opening of the seminary in 2017 signaled a large revival of Jewish life in Germany, where Frankel originally founded it, calling it “historic positive” Judaism. Although all of Levi’s current classmates are from other countries in Europe, internships are primarily in German Jewish communities, to

aid their growth and revival. Levi describes the school as very European and cosmopolitan, with the biggest challenge often being which language to speak.

In 2021, Levi became a Rabbinic Intern in his hometown of Munster.

Additionally, earlier this year Germany reconstituted the military rabbinate, which is the last Jewish institution to return to public life in Germany. Levi is now chaplain for the Army and writes speeches for the Hungarian head of the rabbinate, as well as Halakich (Jewish Law) response literature on military ethical issues, such as the treatment of prisoners of war. He expects to be ordained at the end of 2023 and return to Munster as its first full-time rabbi since the Shoah.

Levi inspired all the Music City Sisterhood members in attendance with his passion for reviving German Jewish traditions and leading their observance. We’re grateful to know that our Torah Fund contributions are helping to creating a vibrant Jewish future in Germany. The 2022 campaign is accepting contributions through June 30, 2022. Contact president@musiccitysisterhood.com if you wish to donate.

Some statistics about Jews in Germany: • 120,000 Jews currently live in Germany • Most Jews in Germany live in big cities • About 85% of Jews in Germany are of Ukrainian and Russian heritage, who came as refugees in the Mid-1990s • There are about 20,000 Israelis in Berlin • Levi describes himself as a “unicorn,” one of a tiny number of Jews born in Germany “We are a nice bunch of very different people, stuck into one and the same community.

We have [an] interesting form of unified community, so if you like it or not, everyone – secular Jews, Orthodox ones, liberal, Conservative – they all need to be squeezed into one community, in one place, so that we can afford to have everything that we have. So, it’s a nice melting pot of different Jewish people. And you know the Jewish people – we are a very easy-going, simple people, of like-minded creatures, we are always alike and never have different opinions – so, it’s very easy to be in a Jewish community in Germany.” Levi Israel Ufferfilge •

The Jewish Observer • May 2022

9

Perspective THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS and The NEGEV SUMMIT NEW REGIONAL ARCHITECTURE

By AVI POSTER

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t’s been awhile since I last opined about Israel in The Observer. Like so many of you, Israel is never far from my thoughts.

I awake each morning angst-ridden to read the Israeli news of the day, which too often provides a pallet of concerns.

I am deeply worried that the latest reign of terror in Israeli streets, skirmishes on Temple Mount, or episodes of violence in the Occupied Territories could again ignite dangerously blazing flames difficult to extinguish. I quiver thinking what it means that two of the latest terrorist acts within Israel were perpetuated

by Israeli-Arab citizens. I am concerned that the recent resignation of a member of the ruling coalition in the Knesset could topple or neuter the political order carved out by Prime Minister Bennett and Alternate Prime Minister Lapid which has led to a far more orderly and functional government and accommodations in the territories that have tampered unrest. I am concerned that Israel’s cautious posturing regarding Russia’s heinous attack on the Ukraine will create fissures in its relationship with the West and, in the end, will not deter Russia from restricting Israel’s needed access to the airspace over Syria that Russia controls or deter Russia from aiding Israel’s enemies. Being an optimist, I trust that Israel will navigate its way, at some cost, through these troubled waters, as she has so often in the past.

Amidst all my worry, lies something rather impressive and applause-worthy that gives me hope for the road ahead: that is the success of the Abraham Accords. The foundation for the Accords was first laid by the Obama administra-

Rabbi Schiftan Continued from page 1 community. There was a lot of fear. I realized that Reform Judaism can be the vanguard of engaging the community.” From San Francisco, the Schiftans moved to San Jose, where the rabbi took the senior post at another Temple Emanu-El. “That move gave me the opportunity to have an easy transition from my home town, and to gain the experience I needed as a senior rabbi.”

Eventually the position in Nashville at The Temple became available, and he felt called to apply. “I knew that if I was going to be in this career, I wanted to be in a place where religion matters.”

At that time, the Schiftans had young children, and Nashville also appealed to them as a place to raise their family. When he arrived, The Temple was recovering from some turbulent times.

Past President Irwin Venick was co-Chair of the Search Committee that brought Rabbi Schiftan to The Temple. He says, “There was still some fallout and difficulties around the creation of Congregation Micah. Our major objective was to find someone to heal the community and the congregation and move things forward.” Venick says Schiftan’s first High Holiday sermons were instrumental in doing just that. “He was able to reach out and recognize our concerns and foster an environment in which people could move on.” Venick says Schiftan had a gentle way of raising issues he felt were important. He wanted to move toward

tion, then wisely advanced and nurtured by the Trump administration. The original tripartite agreement signed by Israel, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates quicky morphed into new, formalized and strengthened relationships with Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, Egypt, even Turkey.

Hopefully more countries will follow including Saudi Arabia, the sought after “crown jewel,” whose reluctance may change as its fear of Iran increases.

Under the structure of a Joint Business Council, the Accords have birthed economic ties that are now flourishing in technology, agriculture, energy, transportation, medicine, and more. Trade and tourism between previously sworn enemies have suddenly soared dramatically, with hundreds of thousands of Israelis and Arabs flocking to each other’s shores.

Thousands of containers loaded with consumer goods are being ferried between ports. Think-tanks and universities have signed cooperation agreements, Israeli and Arab athletes are competing against each other, diplomats are sending each other love notes regularly published in the press.

Who would have thought, just a few years ago, that this would be the case?

Of significant note to me, the apex of the success of the Accords came this past month with the convening of the Negev Summit. Hosted by Israeli Foreign Minister Lapid, it was attended by U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken alongside of the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco (the symbolism of this summit being held at Sde Boker, home to David Ben Gurion, is worth noting). Pulling the Summit together was a brilliant move by Lapid, who is proving to be an able Foreign Minister. Realizing

that Secretary Blinken was coming to Israel, he seized the moment by organizing the Summit in just a few short days.

Invitations were made informally without diplomatic fanfare (giving participants room to decline without losing face), and all who were invited agreed to attend on a moment’s notice with the exception of Jordan. Unquestionably, the Summit was made for great headlines and optics; but it also elevated Israel’s and Lapid’s stature as a convener of nations on the world stage. The agenda was purposely left open to discussion on a whole range of issues.

It produced heralded, substantive results with the formation of six new working groups to advance cooperation in energy, tourism, health, education, food, and water security.

I am particularly pleased that while not a centerpiece of the Summit agenda, the floor was opened to explore the “elephants” in the room: conversations on peace and security in general, the Palestinians and Iranians specifically. To his credit, Secretary of State Blinken opened the Summit reminding attendees that the Accords are not a substitute for progress between Palestinians and Israelis and that future meetings had to include discussions on how Accord members can best work together to create the conditions for a two-state agreement. Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry, Moroccan Foreign Minister Bourita, and Bahraini Foreign Minister Zayani echoed Blinken with similar remarks. While Lapid was less forceful, he clearly committed to keeping the door open to invite and include the Palestinians in future talks.

Some concluding thoughts: • Without question, the Abraham

Accords are a diplomatic breakthrough and historic milestone for Israel’s recognition and acceptance by its regional neighbors. Remarkably, and against all odds, the Accords were reached without progress on the Israeli-Palestinian front first being realized, something previously considered impossible.

• It is abundantly clear that while the Accords have strengthened IsraeliArab economic and business ties, gains on the political-military front have yet to materialize. Arab members of the Accords want Israel to sell it arms while Israel wants the Arab world to bolster the Palestinian Authority and decrease Qatar’s influence in Gaza.

• There is a long way to go before normalization between Israel and its neighbors will positively impact on the end of Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

But I am hopeful that sustained and strengthened relationships between countries reflected by an increased presence in Israel of Arab bloc diplomats and citizen tourists, will plant seeds that will grow into peace.

One thing we can all agree on is that the region is far better, much safer, to live in when neighbors cooperate with each other, rather than threaten each other.

As naïve as I may be, I am praying that the U.S. and Israel can leverage the economic and diplomatic successes gleaned so far from the Accords and the Summit into continued conversations, formidable opposition to threats from Iran, and the attainment of my image of the “Holy Grail,” peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. We can only hope that the Accords will be the catalyst that turns “swords into plowshares”. •

inclusivity of Interfaith and Gay marriage. “He engaged with members who were skeptical and talked with them on a personal level. He believes maintaining family relationships is most important.”

Over the years, Schiftan has continued to lean into what he calls, “the Silicon Valley model,” questioning the status quo, pushing the envelope. “My ultimate intent is to make things better for the community. I want to be both the guardian of tradition and an agent of change.” Current Temple President Jimmy Marks says it is this creative spirit that has made the biggest impact. “He is always willing to try different things that bring joy to services, particularly around the holidays.” Marks says he is impressed by the rabbi’s willingness to experiment with technology, particularly during the pandemic.

Perhaps nowhere is this creative energy more evident than in the relationships Schiftan has built, and continues to build on, with the neighboring Belmont University. The last few years, in collaboration with Pastor Jon Roebuck of Belmont, he has helped develop a Judeo-Christian Studies Initiative at the University. The initiative is designed to educate the students about Judaism, to help create a more inclusive atmosphere on campus, and to serve as a model for interfaith relationships that benefit communities. Venick says this effort is part of the traditional approach of Reform Judaism, “It’s important to expand and reach out to other communities. By developing these relationships, we know who our partners and allies are.”

Over the years, both Marks and Venick say Schiftan has continued to make progress on an impressive To-do List. Most notably is the hiring of Rabbi Shana Mackler and Cantor Tracy Fishbein, creating a pre-school, designing a new logo, and shoring up the congregation’s finances. Venick says, “He had a vision and a plan for what the congregation needed to do. And he’s done it.” Still, life can throw curve balls. The Covid19 pandemic required Schiftan to put his personal plans for retirement on hold and help the congregation navigate through the uncertainty. But he says the pandemic’s challenges also presented some gratifying changes, “This turned out to be one of the most innovative, creative, exciting times in my rabbinate.

And now it’s been wonderful to bring people back.” Marks says it has been exciting to see the innovations in technology and programming but says the emotional toll on congregants has been tough on the clergy overall. “It’s been an emotional rollercoaster. He’s dealt with the lowest of the lows and the highest of the highs, often on the same day.”

For many congregants, Schiftan’s style has been just what the doctor ordered. Nashville native and longtime Temple congregant Dr. Frank Boehm says, “Rabbi Mark Schiftan is not only our spiritual leader at The Temple, but he is also our friend. Mark has a degree of empathy that is truly remarkable and combined with his sincere desire to listen, understand, and hear what his congregants are saying have made him

a beloved Rabbi. Mark’s ability to make religious and life cycle events special and meaningful is truly a wonderful thing to witness. He wraps his arms and heart around each event and each participant and brings God with him into the room.” Still, as in any high-profile job, rabbis have both fans and critics.

Schiftan says he is proud of the work he has done and pleased to leave the congregation in new hands. “It’s been a joy and we are hitting on all cylinders.

It will be fantastic to watch from the sidelines. The job now requires someone with a whole new skill set.” But still there are those who say he is overly focused on The Temple’s interests and lacks an inclusive approach to the local Jewish community. “I am unapologetic that my bias is to this institution and it’s qualitative edge,” he says.

Schiftan and his wife are entering a new phase in their lives. They will remain in Nashville and look forward to welcoming back their son and his family, which includes their first grandchild. It is clear Schiftan has some new projects brewing, but that is a conversation for another day. In this moment, he is looking forward to a little more sleep on the weekends, some quiet walks with friends, and some well-deserved peace. “I’ve had a really wonderful run here. It has been one of the most meaningful, thrilling, satisfying careers.”

“Rabbi Mark Schiftan has much more to do and say to make this a better world, despite stepping down as Senior Rabbi. We should all be thankful for that.” Dr. Frank Boehm •

10 May 2022 • The Jewish Observer

Jewish Community Day Brings Everyone Together

By BARBARA DAB

T

he Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee hosted the entire community in its first Jewish Community Day event.

The in-person event highlighted all of the congregations, agencies, organizations, and local groups under one big tent. There were interactive activities for all ages, a kids play area, plenty of food, and a lot of fun. Plus, calls were made for Tzedakah Tzunday. •

The community is invited to help us celebrate

Rabbi Mark Schiftan’s Retirement May 22nd at 4:30 PM The Temple Marking a distinguished 35 year career in the Rabbinate and 23 years of dedicated service to The Temple and the Nashville Jewish Community.

The Temple is gathering tributes to create a ‘Tribute Book’ which will be presented to Rabbi Schiftan.

We invite the entire community to participate by submitting a tribute, sharing your reflections, photos, and good wishes.

For further instructions on how to submit a tribute, please go to thetemplehub.org The Jewish Observer • May 2022

11

Get Ready for Fun and Jewish Food at the Nashville Jewish Food Festival x Israel Celebration!

By RACHEL CLARK, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, GORDON JCC

J

oin us for the annual Nashville Jewish Food Festival on May 15th. This year, we’re excited to announce that this delicious event will be in collaboration with the Jewish Federation & Jewish Foundation of Nashville & Middle Tennessee’s Israel Celebration!

The event will feature LIVE music, Israeli snacks, activities for kids and families, “The Bar Mitzvah” Bar area courtesy of NowGen, a babka competition, and of course FOOD (including Kosher

options) from some of your favorites.

The lineup includes Butcher & Bee, Chef Avi Shemtov, Jewish Cowboy, Upstate Pierogi Co., Crieve Hall Bagels, East Tasty, Louisa Shafia, Sweets Melissa & Sons, with more to come.

Beit Miriam Kitah Alef Consecration Class

The Nashville Jewish Book Series is thrilled that the final event of the Series will also take place at the festival. Chef Avi Shemtov will be holding a food demo and book signing for his new cookbook Simcha. “We’re so honored to have Avi traveling down for our Series,” says Gordon JCC Adult and CommunityWide Program Director Sharon Benus,

Time to Welcome Naomi Becker is 6, in first grade. She met her new friends when her family went to a Ramadan dinner with one of the Allies families being resettled here. She connected to them from the first second. She was nervous that she would not be able to communicate with them, since they don’t speak English, but language wasn’t necessary. Below are her reflections.

By NAOMI BECKER

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felt a little bit scared when we were driving to our new friend’s house. I thought maybe they could be mean. But when I got there, everything changed. They loved

Merit El daughizabeth Kam ter o erm Rebek f David Kn an-Knight , ah Ka i merm ght and an

“’Simcha’ means ‘joy and celebration’ and food is certainly something we love to celebrate!” Avi will be teaching attendees how to make some of his delicious Israel-inspired mezze, and a Kosher sampling will be available at his booth during the festival. More information about the Nashville Jewish Book Series can be found at nashvillejcc.org/book The Nashville Jewish Food Festival and Israel Celebration will take place on May 15 from 1-4pm at the JCC. The festival is free to attend and open to the public.

Food tickets will be available for purchase at the event. Contact sharonB@nashvillejcc.org for volunteer opportunities, or with any questions. More information can be found at nashvillejcc.org/jewishfood. •

ss, atson Groichael W e ir la C M Lilia and of Randys daughter s o Gr

playing just like me.

They were so silly, just like me. And they were annoying sometimes, just like me. They got off their seats when they were still eating, not like me. They live in an apartment, not Naomi Becker like me. They have no house, and they lost their country. So it’s important to give lots of love to those who don’t have a lot of stuff that they need. I felt tired and happier when I got home. I liked playing with them. •

Stan son of ley Sobel W David helan Rache Whelan a , nd l Sobe l

Arya daughLiesl Sterli n t Sterliner of Gabri g, el g an Rhoad d Julie es

Johannes Monro e son of Eric and Colman, Amy Colman

MAZAL TOV TO THE FAMILIES OF OUR BEIT MIRIAM KITAH ALEF CONSECRANTS WHO CELEBRATED THEIR CHILDREN’S FORMAL INTRODUCTION TO JEWISH LEARNING WITH A “CONSECRATION” CEREMONY ON SUNDAY, MARCH 27. THEIR PROGRAM THEME WAS “THE STORY OF “PURIM”. MANY THANKS TO ALL OF OUR KITAH ALEF TEACHERS AND PARENTS FOR HELPING OUR FIRST GRADERS PREPARE FOR THIS SPECIAL OCCASION. THE CHILDREN WORKED REALLY HARD ON THEIR PROGRAM AND WERE ADORABLE!

Beit Miriam Kitah Alef Consecration Class of 2022 Knight, amerman- ht and K y d o r B ig Ziva f David Kn daughter o ah Kamerman Rebek

12 May 2022 • The Jewish Observer

Samantha Florence Sega daughter of Joshua and Qull,in Segall

Max son ofFischer Wo rkman David Work and Harrie , man t

4

The Jewish Observer • May 2022

13

Jewish Women’s Day to Provide a Reset and Connection

By CARA SUVALL

R

econnecting. Reenergizing. Building community. These are the three main goals held by the group of women working to plan a community-wide Jewish Women’s Day event on Sunday, May 22nd. The event is designed to help women press their internal “reset” button and reconnect to each other and to their Jewish values.

This initiative was started by Pam Abromowitz, for whom this project is deeply personal, “It has been a dream of mine to work with other women in Nashville to create Jewish programming for women that inspires us to think more Jewishly,” she says. “About six years ago I started to dig deeper in myself to answer the question of why it is important that I am Jewish. I have attended wonderful women’s programming that inspired me to keep learning more about my Judaism, realizing that it’s different for everyone but that it’s so important for each of us to find our own connection.”

The Planning Committee represented women of diverse ages, backgrounds, and affiliation. The process itself reflected the goals of the group. The committee consists of: Aura Rosenblatt, Adele Berkon, Cara Suvall, Deena Prichard, Jessica Roth, Judy Abromowitz, Mindy Drongowski, Natalie Hochman, Pam Abromowitz, and Rachel Goodrich. The

committee is already reaching out to all Nashville-area synagogues and many other groups and will also include unaffiliated Jewish women seeking the same connection. The hope is that this will spark future events across the community and bring more women together to plan and participate.

For the Jewish Women’s Day event, the dynamic and engaging Gevura Lauren Davis will be the featured speaker. Davis speaks all around the country to diverse groups of women looking to connect with their faith and their communities. She will share some teachings and facilitate discussions, over beautiful crafts, delicious food, and drink, and in great company. Davis is excited to bring her teachings and to be part of this event, “It’s amazing what can happen when a group of seemingly diverse women get together to learn and grow and commit to connecting with each other. Women can come from different religious, social backgrounds, different age kids…within a few minutes, suddenly they feel like total soul sisters! Women are so often giving to their families and it’s so important to remember that someone can only pour from a cup that’s full. When we invest in ourselves, it’s a gift for the whole family.”

The event will be held from 1-3pm on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at Congregation Sherith Israel. To RSVP, please visit the following link: https://

csi45.wildapricot.org/event-4767635. For more information, please email Pam at pabromowitz@gmail.com. Childcare and

other accommodations can be provided upon request so that all women are able to attend. •

Historian David Ewing Shares Nashville History with JMS Students

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ocal historian, and ninth generation Nashvillian, David Ewing visited the Jewish Middle School this month to talk to students about the Civil Rights Movement in Nashville. Ewing spoke of giants in the Civil Rights movement, including the late Congressman John Lewis, civil rights activist Diane Nash, and local legend, Rabbi Randall Falk, z”l.

Rabbi Falk was a Jewish community leader in Nashville, but also an activist and pioneer in the broader community, establishing the Metro Human Rights Commission and advocating for social justice, civil rights, and human understanding.

Avi Shuman, an eighth grader at JMS, was surprised to learn about the Nashville Jewish Community’s role in the local Civil Rights Movement, noting that, “It was something I had never been taught or heard mentioned.”

Shuman added that, “Although I have never participated in a Civil Rights or

David Ewing speaks to students at Jewish Middle School about the Civil Rights Movement.

Racial Justice protest, I now feel a stronger connection to the issues of civil and racial equality.”

JMS teacher Annette Calloway heard Ewing speak earlier this year and recognizing the depth of his ideas, invited him to visit the Jewish Middle School. “As a Nashville historian, Mr. Ewing wants to

keep the story of our history alive, the injustices that happened, and the courage of those who stood up against it,” she says. Ewing emphasized the importance of knowing our history, not just on a global or even local scale, but on a very personal level. Ewing advised students to go home and ask their parents and grandparents to

share their stories, and their unique history. He challenged students to think about history as something that is dynamic, living, and very personal.

JMS founder Rabbi Saul Strosberg noted that Ewing inspired students with his commitment to uncovering and sharing local history, “Especially the little, often unknown stories that had such a major impact.” Strosberg added that, “Students left the talk with a better understanding of the ability that young people have to really make a difference.”

As Reuben Cloniger, grade 8, poignantly concluded from Ewing’s presentation, “This world can change. It just takes more than one person.” For students, Ewing’s address underscored ideals that JMS fosters every single day; responsibility for community and the development of the skills and knowledge necessary to become impactful civic leaders and changemakers. •

Akiva’s Annual Curiosity! A Night of Innovative Exploration

By ELLY EBIN

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ast month, Akiva students and faculty hosted parents and friends for an exhibition of STEAM projects and explorations. Curiosity! A Night of Innovative Exploration is a chance for Akiva students to share their curiosity and wonder with the greater Akiva Community. Each grade picked a topic of interest and utilized the engineering design process to explore and innovate. This year Curiosity! showcased projects including Water Scarcity and Purification, Changing the World, The Kindness Project, Rebuilding the Titanic, Perfecting Play Dough, Personal Rights vs. Societal Needs, and more.

At Akiva, STEAM education begins in Kindergarten where students are encouraged to explore, discover, and think critically about the world around them.

Head of School, Rabba Daniella Pressner points out that, “Today’s world demands a wide range of knowledge and skills. At Akiva, our students are tasked with finding questions that reflect real-world problems and using the Engineering Design process to begin to address their questions and proposed solutions. Combined with a focus on empathy and community, our children cultivate the fundamental skills needed to keep pace with our rapidly changing world.”

Akiva parent Stephanie Kirschner, mom to first grader Samantha Kirschner, attended Curiosity! together with her family. Kirschner was inspired by the program, commenting that, “It was so wonderful to visit the classrooms and see the excitement, curiosity, and passion of the students.” Kirschner noted that, “The students were all so proud of their proj-

14 May 2022 • The Jewish Observer

ects and it really shines throughout the entire Akiva community. It was a very special experience.”

In 2019 Akiva became the first Jewish Day School across the globe, and the first elementary school in Nashville, to be accredited as a STEAM school. As

a STEAM certified school, Akiva consistently works to integrate STEAM learning into all educational experiences, and to strengthen students’ foundation for engineering and artistic discovery. The annual Curiosity! is a celebration of this mission, and of the Akiva community. •

Eliana Hyatt and her father, Seth Hyatt, explore the different projects on display together.

Levi Barton and Luke Lewis read a First Grade project about What Makes Things Float.

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The Jewish Observer • May 2022

15

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Clarendale residents benefit from teams of remarkable employees who support our independent living, assisted living and memory care neighborhoods. Without each of these stellar individuals, our community wouldn’t be the exceptional place to live and work that it is today.

Special Thanks to Our Residential Support Team Rachel Claiborne, Director of Health Services Samuel Giammarino, Director of Memory Care

Especially Our Dedicated Direct-Care Staff: Aishah A-B. / Steven B. / Amelia B. / Jill B. / Anne Margaret B. Kathryn B. Donneze C. / JaMarcus C. / Barbara C. / Cynthia D. Walter E. / Marta F. / Sarah F. / Jimeka F. / Suzanne F. / Adriana G. Mary G. / Shawn G. / Kathryn H. / Bevin H. / Manju J. / Marquictia K. Amber M. / Inga M-M. / Angelina P. / Andria P. / Mikayla P. Rochelle R. / Muriel S. / Mary S. / Derica W. / Rachel W. / Shunae W.

Call 615-258-6364 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 2-22

16 May 2022 • The Jewish Observer

Keeping your home’s landscape healthy not only adds to the beauty of your home, it also has positive and lasting effects on your personal health. Spending time outdoors in the fresh air does wonders for your health. Springtime ushers in a sense of hope and excitement; a new beginning as gardens come alive once again and our trees and plants begin to bloom. This is an important time for finding joy in our outdoor surroundings.

Breathe in the scent of lilac and viburnum, allow the vibrant, pink cherry blossoms to transport you, and take solace in the fact that spring, without fail, has sprung again.

ADVERTORIALS At Druid Tree Service, we are specialists in preserving the natural beauty of trees and shrubs. We believe your yard should be an oasis, deserving of the utmost care and attention. From specialty hand pruning of boxwoods, yews, and ornamentals, to shade tree maintenance, improving plant and soil health, and planting new trees and shrubs, our arborists offer professional care for landscapes of any size.

Spring’s emergence presents the ideal time to assess trees and plants for their overall health, vigor, and to observe any safety hazards lingering over from previous wind or storm events. Druid’s consulting arborist provides hazard risk evaluations for tree safety as well as assessments of plant health with recommendations for pest and fertility issues. Druid has proven experience controlling specific pests and diseases, including the devastating Emerald Ash Borer, and proudly offers annual maintenance programs. Druid Tree Service is family owned and has been caring for trees and shrubs in Nashville since 1977.

We look forward to caring for your trees. Give us a call at 615-373-4342 or email us at office@druidtree.com. www.druidtree.com

Rodan + Fields put the glow into skin care As an independent consultant ( and full-time Realtor), Jackie Roth Karr is proud to offer inside access to two of the greatest minds in skincare today – Drs. Katie Rodan & Kathy Fields, both active supporters of AIPAC - The American Israel Public Affairs Committee. You may know them as the creators of Proactiv Solution. Jackie has partnered with the doctors in their newest business venture with a mission of changing skin and changing lives, all while staying on top of the Nashville rapidly growing real estate market!

What the doctors did for acne with Proactiv they are now doing for aging skin, sun damaged and sensitive skin with Rodan + FieldsDermatologists. The new products were previously featured in leading department stores including Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Henri Continued on page 18

Jackie Roth Karr

Real Results: Simple Solutions to Complex Problems

615.330.9779

4

www.JackieKarr.net

The Jewish Observer • May 2022

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ADVERTORIALS Bendel in New York. The doctors realized that they were only reaching one person at a time behind the cosmetic counter when they saw the huge wave of social media coming. They moved into the direct sales market and are able to reach more people in a month than a single store did in a year...all virtually. Like infomercials, the doctors have started a trend to market with direct selling their products. This way everyone wins. The products can reach anyone anywhere through the internet!

Discover the difference that great skin care can make in your life as you experience clinically proven, guaranteed products coupled with an amazing business opportunity.

Jackie looks forward to introducing her Rodan + Fields products and/or business to you. All you need is the internet and a phone to shop or be in business (full time or part time!). Take the time to go to Jackie’s personal website (like a virtual office) at www.

JackieKarr.net and have your quick private consultation with these doctors to see what regimen is right for your skin. No copay or appointment needed, and there’s a 60 day money back guarantee on results. #virtualbusiness #premiumskincare

615.562.6328 • 5107 HARDING PIKE, NASHVILLE, TN, 37205

The Kupin Group Think there is no connection between your home and health? Think again! Your location is integral to supporting a healthy lifestyle for you and your loved ones. If you are interested in buying or selling a home so that you can be closer to your favorite hiking trail or within walking distance to the office, reach out to The Kupin Group today! Our team of knowledgeable realtors can help you find a property to fit all of your goals. - Jacob Kupin from The Kupin Group.

Shep’s Delicatessen A restaurant that feels like home, with a catering menu that takes away stress, all adds to the one’s overall wellness! Shep’s Delicatessen is an ode to traditional NYCstyle Jewish delicatessens, located in Five Points, East Nashville, now open daily for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and bagel happy hour! Expect to see dishes like potato latkes, kishka, mac and cheese pancakes, homemade pastrami and corned beef, pickles, and chopped liver – the menu also features delicious, traditional sandwiches and beverages like the New York Egg Cream (chocolate or vanilla syrup, milk, and seltzer water). We offer take-out-of-delivery services so we can take care of the meals for you, whether breakfast, lunch, or a party, we are here to help you to fully enjoy your time with your family & friends from the comfort of your home.

Sperry’s Mercantile Sperry’s Mercantile offers you gourmet shopping for Nashville’s highest quality meat, seafood, spices, homemade dressings and so much more! The shop is located behind Sperry’s Restaurant in Belle Meade. You can now place and order for pickup online at www.sperrys.com to ensure that the product you want is ready when you are!

For more information or to place an order, visit www.sperrys.com today!

Carrie and Garrett Mills Creating space for fun and self-loving time for oneself creates a feeling of wellness.

A portrait session with Carrie and Garrett Mills is a guaranteed time of joy and beauty, as they are a photography/ styling team that shine a light on the beauty that is you.

Continued on page 19

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Health and Wellness Corner

By SHERRI HOLZER

“A

fter 25 years, why would I want to take a risk and try to start cooking for my family?” I leaned in closer to Lisa, who joined me in my backyard after attending one of my Mediterranean cooking classes.

Ten women gathered in my kitchen for a morning of instruction; after learning techniques, plenty of questions, and taking copious notes, the group headed to my dining room to enjoy the meal.

White table linens provided a crisp backdrop to the cobalt blue bowls and platters I filled with vibrant colors of the Mediterranean. The ladies took a culinary journey, enjoying a salad of heirloom red tomatoes, green cucumbers and kalamata olives, painted with splashes of white sheep’s milk feta cheese. Crisp golden ridges of skewered chicken souvlaki marinated in my grandmother’s “secret” marinade were nestled atop a lemony orzo mixed with roasted summer zucchini, fresh dill fronds and toasted pine nuts.

This was Lisa’s first class with me. I couldn’t help but notice, as she lifted her fork, her eyes closely examined each bite the fork held steady as it rotated so that she could scrutinize the perfect chicken pieces coated in garlic and thyme, Lisa

asked, “Do you really believe that I can learn to cook?”

We sat on a bench in my yard, and she began sharing the fear of putting herself through the discomfort of exposing her inability to feed her family without a microwave and a boxed meal kit. She had ambitiously tried to make a pasta primavera with grilled shrimp a couple of weeks prior. A barrage of questions came next.

What exactly is capellini pasta? How do you know when spaghetti is done? Why did the shrimp come out rubbery? It was frustrating for her to try and decipher the recipe instructions, terminology, and the new ingredients. When it was served for dinner, no one liked it. A frozen pizza became plan B. I wasn’t surprised to hear her following words, “I’m better off just sticking to frozen foods and take out,” and “I hated that after all the work I put in, they wouldn’t even just eat it!”

Here is what I KNOW to be true: There will always be fear when we decide to try new things. We are never alone with fear, and everyone experiences it at one time or another. Fear is defined by dictionary.com as “a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined.”

I’ve witnessed so many women who possess a real fear of learning to cook. It’s not just about trying to follow a recipe for themselves, it’s more about being vulnerable to criticism and experiencing the

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heartfelt pain of family and friends who might not appreciate the effort.

Through my work as a health coach and cooking instructor, I have had the pleasure of supporting clients as they experience the tremendous feeling of pride after walking into the fear and doing it anyway. My students experience feelings of accomplishment and joy rather than the negative emotion of helplessness or criticism. Learning to cook with confi-

dence is empowering. When I learned to cook, I realized I could be creative, and once I understood I could make and create food, I also felt that I could do other things. I realized I could teach what I learned. I felt empowered. Doors opened.

I could have a business. I could help other people heal and have fun while I did it. It’s the stepping stone to your potential. If you are feeding yourself and your soul - you can do anything! •

Eftimia’s Chicken Souvlaki SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS • 10 garlic cloves (Peeled) • 2 tbsps dried oregano • 1 tsp dried rosemary • 1 tsp sweet paprika • 1 tsp dried thyme • 1 tsp both kosher salt and black pepper • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil • 1/4 cup dry white wine • 1 lemon (juiced) • 2 bay leaf • 2 1/2 lbs chicken breast (boneless, skinless, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces) DIRECTIONS 1. Prepare the marinade. In the bowl of a small food processor bowl, add garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, white wine, and lemon juice (do NOT add the dried bay leaves yet). Pulse until well combined.

2. Place chicken in a large bowl and add bay leaves. Top with marinade.

Toss to combine, making sure chicken is well-coated with marinade. cover tightly and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight (see note for quicker marinating option.)

3. When ready, thread marinated chicken pieces through the prepared skewers. I use metal skewers.

4. Prepare an outdoor grill (or indoor griddle). Brush grates with a little oil and heat over medium-high heat. Place chicken skewers on grill (or cook in batches on griddle) until well browned and internal temperature registers 155° on instantread thermometer. Be sure to turn skewers evenly to cook on all sides, about 15 minutes total. While grilling, brush lightly with the marinade (then discard any left marinade).

5. Transfer chicken to a serving platter and let rest for 3 minutes.

Pargh Team When it’s time for you to sell your home or search for a new home, we hope you will think of the Pargh Team to guide you on your quest. We are all different, and we all want and need different things in our home environment, which is directly linked to our health and wellbeing. Some people want wide open spaces, and some want to live in the middle of the action. Some people want busy sidewalks and walkable neighbor… because your memories matter hoods, and some want peace and quiet in the country.

479 Myatt Drive, Madison, TN 37115-3024 Luckily, Nashville natives Lana and Franklin Pargh know the ins and outs of Nashville and the surrounding areas, and they are skilled at finding what you’re look615-712-9521 • rdschultz@schultzmonument.com ing for in a home. While they look to find properties that check your boxes, they take so many things into consideration that impact your health and the health of your family.

Some healthy neighborhood characteristics might include amenities such as a neighborhood pool or gym. Some planned communities even have things YOUR GUIDE TO FINE BUSINESSES like m schools or post offices. Or, if a gated or planned community doesn’t AND SERVICES AROUND MUSIC CITY. appeal to you, perhaps you’re looking PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS, for an area with nearby parks and tennis courts. This can encourage a healthy lifeTHEY’RE THE BEST! style with outdoor activities and fresh air.

The Pargh Team’s full-service team of experts sold more than $110M in real estate last year alone. In 2021, they assisted 120 families with transactions, many of which were long-distance relocations Graphic Designer GREEN HILLS as Middle Tennessee continues to be one %DQTXHW 6SDFH $YDLODEOH &RPSOLPHQWDU\ %UHDNIDVW 3DUNLQJ :LÀ of the most sought-after places to live. /,6$ %/$86721( If you’re looking to buy or sell and you Phone and Fax 615.646.7765 'LUHFWRU RI 6DOHV DQG 0DUNHWLQJ want an agent who will prioritize your Tgregorydesign@comcast.net &UHVWPRRU 5RDG 1DVKYLOOH 71 health and well-being, get in touch with

HPDLO /LVD %ODXVWRQH#+LOWRQ FRP us today. We’ll make the process of buyZZZ QDVKJUHHQKLOOVVXLWHV KDPSWRQLQQ FRP ing and selling as stress-free as possible! • $ 5RFKIRUG +RWHO *URXS 3URSHUW\

Business Card D i r e c t o r y 615.356.3242 EXT. 299 Tim Gregory

The Jewish Observer • May 2022

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MNPS Hero Program

Room in the Inn meal preparation

Volunteers at Project Cure

WES Social Action Day spreads volunteers throughout Nashville

By JUDITH SAKS

W

est End Synagogue’s Social Action Day had been on hiatus during the pandemic but made a strong comeback this year. On Sunday morning, April 3, more than 80 WES volunteers, including teens from Beit Miriam, along with adults, helped six Nashville community organizations serve local and international needs, from food insecurity to homelessness to medical issues.

One group prepared the ground for planting vegetables at the Urban Farm and Mill Ridge gardens which provide fresh produce for The Nashville Food Project. Others prepared dinner for 65 homeless men in the Room in the Inn program or helped sort clothing and books for homeless students through the MNPS HERO program. Still others sorted medical supplies for clinics in developing countries at Project CURE or removed hazards from trails and invasive

plants from Percy Warner Park.

“We shelved books, sorted shoes, filled backpacks with much needed school supplies and clothing AND we left there feeling great,” said Melinda Cohen of the group helping the MNPS HERO program. “Volunteering helps others, but also provides a lot to the volunteers.”

As a result of their introduction to these organizations, some of the volunteer made arrangements to continue their work in the future. •

Urban Farm

Local Community Turns out for First Ever Earth Seder O

ver 30 adults, a handful of children, and a few pets turned out for Nashville’s First (in-person) Earth Seder, an outdoor, Earth-conscious second seder on Shabbat afternoon. Rabbi Jessica Shimberg, assisted ably by her hubbitzen, sous-chef, and holy schlepper, Eric Stillman, welcomed guests with traditional seder foods and vegan snacks to fortify their journey through the ecologically focused Haggadah, The Promise of the Land, written by long-time eco-Jewish author, Rabbi Ellen Bernstein, and beautifully illustrated

by Galia Goodman. Those drawn to the Earth Seder included a cross-section of ages and backgrounds, and a variety of newcomers and long-time Nashvillians.

The seder table was decorated with upcycled materials evoking the cycles of Jewish time, as well as plants and seed packets, in addition to traditional seder items. Participants were asked to bring their own cutlery, plates, napkins, cups, and water bottles, to avoid the use of plastics and disposable items. A vegan meal from The Wild Cow was served, and all food scraps were collected and brought home for composting (Rabbi Shimberg composts through Compost Nashville) •

Sevier Lake and the lush spring flora of East Nashville’s Shelby Park served as the perfect backdrop to the lively afternoon of questions, conversation, singing, and seder reminding us all of our connection to and responsibility for the Earth, deeply rooted in Torah and Jewish wisdom.

NJFF Thanks Jeff Fladen and Welcomes Susan Hahn

By LORETTA SAFF

A

big Nashville Jewish Film Festival (NJFF) THANK YOU goes to Jeff Fladen for his work and dedication for the last eight years as Chairman of the popular NJFF Annual Kathryn H. Gutow Student Film Competition. Jeff has searched worldwide and attracted many impressive and outstanding films to the festival that resulted in a great beginning for many aspiring young filmmakers.

Jeff’s full-time job is the Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for Tennessee,

Jeff Fladen

Susan Hahn

and he has recently joined NAMI’s national board. He plans to focus his time and effort on his new responsibilities. We wish Jeff good luck and thank him for his years of volunteer service.

20 May 2022 • The Jewish Observer

Taking over the Chairmanship of the Student Film Competition, NJFF is pleased to welcome local realtor, Susan Lee Hahn.

Susan has been active in film communities in both Nashville and Chicago. She’s an avid screenwriter and has completed over two dozen feature film scripts. Susan has served as a judge for the Nashville Film Festival screenwriting competition and was previously the Business Development Director of Filmworkers in Nashville, a postproduction facility.

While living in Chicago, Susan taught at DePaul University and The School of the Art Institute. She worked as a story

consultant and conducted workshops on the Female Myth, Brand Storytelling, and Screenwriting for Actors.

The Kathryn H. Gutow Student Film Competition features student films from campuses around the world. These films with Jewish theme or content must be under 20 minutes and made while the filmmaker was a student Filmmakers are eligible for a $1000 cash prize made possible by the Kathryn H. Gutow Fund for Jewish Arts and Culture, and the winner will be screened at the 2022 NJFF. Deadline for entries is September 1, 2022. •

Israel Diaries

By FINN CROWE

H

i there, it’s Finn Crowe! I’m about a month away from finishing my semester in Israel and so much has happened.

Here’s a few highlights from last month!

About 2 weeks ago, we had a Holocaust education week. Usually, our school would go to Poland for that week, but with the ongoing debacle of Russia invading Ukraine and Covid still being a very real threat, we had to make do with staying in Israel. We visited many museums such as Yad VeShem and Warsaw Ghetto Fighters and spent most of our time learning in these museums.

We also met with a Holocaust survivor who shared her story as a child in the Holocaust. This was a very insightful week and I feel like I learned a whole lot. Not to mention that since we stayed in Israel, we focused more on Jewish liberations and successes during the Holocaust which was a nice change considering the heaviness that comes with the subject.

The weekend after, we went to a charity race in Tel Aviv. I didn’t participate in the race personally, but I volunteered and handed out water to the runners. It was very fun, and I loved cheering everyone on and just being able to help the community around me. I even learned how to say some colors in Hebrew while we unpacked all the water bottles since the lids were different colors.

After Holocaust Education week, we switched our focus to the establishment of the State of Israel. We talked about the British Mandate and the mass immigration of Jews living in the Diaspora coming to Israel after WWII. We spent a few days

Finn on a tank during Gadna experience.

Photo by: Jacob Alpert

Finn visiting Yad Vashem. Photo by Jacob Alpert

Finn Crowe in her Gadna uniform. Photo by: Uriel Grausz

up north and went to places where we learned about the British white papers and where the Jews who illegally immigrated stayed until they could gain citizenship.

This week, I participated in something called Gadna where I spent a few days doing army training for the IDF. It was rather difficult, but I ended up having a lot of fun. We got uniforms and we learned how to act like soldiers in the Israeli army.

I was in division four (sevet arba), and we had a rather intimidating commander.

She was a tiny lady around 4’9” and she never smiled. We had to run around the base a lot and I would always have to do push-ups because I couldn’t catch up with the group in time to get into position.

Our commander didn’t speak very much English, so our division learned a lot of Hebrew to follow her commands. On the third day, we got to shoot M-16 guns (with a lot of training and preparation of course). At first, I was quite intimidated at the thought of shooting such a big gun, because I have never used a gun before, but I actually had a lot of fun when we got to shoot. It really was quite easy to use too. I expected the gun to have a lot of recoil, but it wasn’t too bad. While we were at Gadna, my division also got kitchen duty, meaning we had to serve meals, clean dishes, and so on. That was one of my favorite parts of the whole experience. While we worked, we played music and had a big dance party. Everyone was laughing and dancing and we all had so much fun there. My division even set a record for the fastest time for cleaning the kitchen. A lot of the time that we spent at

the base, we had to clean in preparation for Passover. It was tedious, but I think we all enjoyed working together. All and all, Gadna was an amazing experience and I’m so glad I did it, and I’m so glad it’s over.

As of right now, I’m preparing to go to a host family for Passover. From what I’ve

gathered, it’s going to be a rather big seder and a lively group of people. Needless to say, I’m quite excited. My mom and I have been joking that I’m actually spending this year in Jerusalem, so I have to see what the ending prayer of the seder is. I’ll definitely keep you guys posted. After the Passover seder, our group is going on a hike from sea to sea which I’m also quite excited about.

I can’t wait to tell you guys all about it in next month’s newspaper!

As always, I want to give a big thank you to the Jewish Observer for letting me share my experiences with all of you. It has been so fun documenting my travels, and I hope everyone who reads this shares that enjoyment. I want to wish everyone a Happy Passover and I hope everyone has a great seder this year! Thanks so much for reading, and I can’t wait to share more! •

Dear Esther T

his month represents a bit of a departure from my usual advice column where I answer reader’s letters. With all the conflict in the world right now, I felt it timely to talk about resolving conflict.

When two people have a disagreement, either party (or both) can find it difficult to apologize. Making amends can be tough but it doesn’t have to be if you follow a few basic steps. Reading the steps is simple, but sometimes it’s easier said than done.

1. Describe what happened using I statements and stick to the facts 2. Use a normal tone of voice 3. Try to see the opposite side by listening to the other person’s feelings and thoughts 4. Own your mistake or your part in the conflict.

5. Say you are sorry with no “buts”.

6. Ask for forgiveness whenever necessary.

7. Come up with a plan to move past the conflict.

8. Move on and try not to harbor hard feelings.

These steps may seem straightforward but often they are not. Egos, patterns of behavior and traumas often get in the way to success. The goal of conflict resolution

is not to determine who was right and who was wrong but rather to come up with a solution that both parties agree upon.

After talking through the conflict, let it go and move forward with your relationship.

Everyone deserves the right to make mistakes and to have a second chance. And some of us might need a third or fourth chance. Let’s face it, relationships can be difficult no matter what type of connection you share. But at the end of the day, relationships are all that matter, and they are worth the effort.

– 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. •

Moishe House Nashville Seeking a New Resident! https://moishehouse.typeform.com/ to/xK5qWZ?typeform-source=www. google.com

M

oishe House Nashville (MoHo Nash) has some bittersweet news: our beloved Becca will be moving out this June. We are so lucky to have had Becca’s light and leadership as a foundation for our house and can’t wait to welcome a new roommate!

Moishe House is an inclusive Jewish communal living hub for young adults. We host 5 programs per month with the goal of building an interconnected, justice-oriented Jewish community. If you are (or know someone) in the ages of 21-32 and wants to move to East Nashville in July, encourage them to apply! Email moishehousenash@gmail.com for any questions or a direct link to the application. •

Moishe House residents, (l to r): Becca Groner, Shea Northfield, Rose Capin

The Jewish Observer • May 2022

21

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 and 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!

Weekly Events

@ Chabad /Congregation Beit Tefilah Kabbalah Coach Shimona to present FORGIVE FOR GOOD Chabad of Nashville will present an evening with Kabbalah Coach Shimona Tzukernik, on Tuesday, May 31, 7:30 PM on Zoom. Shimona will present a talk on, “Forgiving for Good,” as participants will learn when and how to let go and move on.

Join us as we explore the inner dynamics and how-to’s of forgiveness and learn how we can get over the past and even transform it into a vital part of today.

RSVP at chabadnashville.com to join this free seminar by Shimona.

Chabad to offer a new course: Biblical Tales of Kings, Warriors and Prophets During the winter of 2022 Chabad of Nashville offered a course on the Biblical Book of Samuel that was attended by students from across the spectrum of the Nashville community. Due to the great success of this course and by a great demand from many participants, Chabad will be presenting Biblical Tales of Kings, Warriors and Prophets, the final part of the Book of Samuel II. This will take place over five Wednesday evenings, beginning May 4, at 7:30 PM. Participants will be immersed in the richness of the Jewish Scriptures and discover the hidden meanings that have been lost over centuries of translations and delve into the fascinating world of the ancient prophets of Israel. This 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.

Chabad to host two TGIS celebration in May

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

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

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

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

Saturday Morning Torah Study: Saturdays at 9 AM on Zoom

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

Sanctuary Shabbat Services: Fridays at 6 PM

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 feature Music Director and Cantorial Soloist 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. Come early and schmooze with us outdoors under our tent starting at 5:30! Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served.

May Events Micah Reads: Monday, May 2nd, and Monday, June 6th, at 7 PM on Zoom

All are welcome for a discussion on the book What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank by Nathan Englander in May and The Perfume Thief by Timothy Schaffert in June. Education Director Julie Greenberg leads the conversation for this community-wide event.

Seventh-Grade Shabbat: Friday, May 6th at 6 PM

Seventh grade students share their year-long advocacy efforts with the congregation. Discover how they are helping heal our world.

Micah Minis: Saturday, May 21st at 9:30 AM

Start your Shabbat off right with good friends, great conversation, and excellent kosher cuisine, all seasoned with the perfect amount of spirit and joy. TGIS is a Club Med Shabbat: An all-inclusive Shabbat experience. Enjoy a Friday night Shabbat dinner replete with traditional dishes. Blended with spirited singing, a Chasidic tale, and a chance to meet some wonderful new people. TGIS will be held on Friday evening, May 13 and 27, 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

Sing and dance in the chapel with Ms. Lisa and the Rabbi! This family-friendly Shabbat experience is aimed at ages 7 and younger.

Chabad to host a Southern Style Lag B’Omer BBQ

Graduation Shabbat: Friday, May 13th at 6 PM

Join the Nashville community for a delightful evening of a Lag Ba’Omer Southern Style Kosher BBQ and an Israeli Bonfire on Thursday, May 19 at 6:00 PM. Participants will celebrate and learn about the Jewish holiday by gathering around a bonfire together for a kumzitz of Israeli music, in Chabad Park, which is on the nine-acre property of the Genesis Campus for Jewish Life. Participants will also be invited to take part in the planting of an organic herb garden to be used in preparing Shabbat dinners throughout the summer months for the Nashville community.

There is no charge to attend this event, but reservations are appreciated. The cost for the BBQ dinner is $10 per person. For further information or to make reservations got to www.chabadnashville.com/lagbomer

Jewish Montessori preschool to offer four scholarships to new students The Revere Jewish Montessori preschool is presenting a one-time offer of providing four scholarships of forty percent off the annual tuition, for new students between the ages of 36 months and five years old, for the fall of 2022.

This scholarship funding is made possible thanks to the support of an anonymous donor.

To apply for this scholarship, please call the Jewish Montessori preschool office at 615-646-5750 as soon as possible.

22 May 2022 • The Jewish Observer

Sports Trivia: Tuesday, May 10th, at 10:30 AM In-Person

Have you ever wondered 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 in 1951? Find out the answer to this question and many more when you join Martin Light and other Micah members for an hour of sports trivia on the second Tuesday of every month. Questions? Contact Martin at martylight@aol.com.

Celebrating our high school seniors through worship, song, and special parting gifts.

Torah Wrap: Sunday, May 15th at 9:30 AM Annual End-of-Religious-School celebration.

Women’s Circle on Friday, May 20th, at 12 PM in-person.

Rabbi Laurie challenges your intellect through study and conversation on Judaism and other relevant topics. All are welcome. Bring a friend!

American Jewish Identity, Anti-Semitism, and Israel: Thursday, May 26th, 1 PM on Zoom

Rabbi/Dr. Bradley Shavit “Brad” Artson – Dean and Vice President of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles, California – is as warm, articulate as rabbis come. Another in a series of collaborative learning endeavors between Congregation Micah and West End Synagogue, Rabbis Laurie Rice and Joshua Kullock engage Rabbi Artson in a conversation that is sure to touch your soul as provides fresh insights for us regarding American Jewish Identity and Israel.

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

At Our Congregations… @ Sherith Israel

Shabbat Schedule for May

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, May 6th ~ 6:00 PM – ANNUAL MEETING SHABBAT Friday, May 13th ~ 6:00 PM Friday, May 20th ~ 6:00 PM- BIRTHDAY SHABBAT Friday, May 27th ~ 6:00 PM

Chevrah Torah Study 9:30a.m. on Saturdays

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

You can join us in person or via zoom from thetemplehub.org

Golden Lunch Bunch Will meet at Temple from 11:30-1:00pm on May 3rd and 17th

May 3 Entertainment: Janet McMahan & Anna Wilson May 17 Entertainment: Bryan Cumming RSVP to Anna Sir at 615-354-1686 or via email at helpinghands@jfsnashville.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, May 4th~ 7:00-8:00 pm For more information, please contact ninapacent@bellsouth.net.

Go to thetemplehub.org for Zoom info.

Tot Shabbat – Tot Yom Ha’atzmaut! Celebrate Israel’s Independence Day! Saturday, May 7th @ 10:00a.m.

Congregation Sherith Israel will once again be hosting two community seders, April 15, and April 16, beginning at 7:15 pm and 7:45 pm respectively.

Additionally, we will be offering Seders in Box in conjunction with Sova catering. For more information, please call the Shul office or visit us online at www.sherithisrael.com

Weekday Minyans

Shacharit - 6:30 am Maariv - 7:00 pm

Shabbat Services

Kabbalat Shabat - 5 minutes before sunset Cantor’s Class - 8:00 am Shacharit - 9:00 am Babysitting and Groups - 9:15 am Kiddush Lunch - 11:15 am

Study Programs

Kids Cheder - Tuesdays at 4:00 pm Bass Medrish - Wednesday evenings at 8:00 pm Torah Class with Rabbi Saul - Thursday mornings at 9:00 am Visit www.sherithisrael.com for more information

@ The Temple 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.

Available in person and via zoom.

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

Lunch with the Rabbi Thursday, May 5, 12, 19 from 12:00-1:00 PM

Engage with Rabbi Schiftan and guests in a discussion of currents and important issues from a Jewish perspective.

Available in person and via zoom.

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.

Available in person and via zoom through thetemplehub.org

(for families with children up to age 6) This event is taking place in person!

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

Pre-K Graduation- Join The Temple in celebrating our youngest graduates.

Wednesday, May 18th at 5:15p.m.

Hike & Havdalah at Percy Warner Presented by The Temple’s Worship and Music Committee Join us on Saturday, May 21st

Where and When for the Hike? Meet at the top of the steps at the end of Belle Meade Boulevard at 3:45 PM with the hike of the 2.5-mile white trail to begin at 4:00 PM. If you are not hiking, please meet us for Havdalah at the stone gate entrance to the park at 5:30 PM. Who? All ages! Bring friends and family.

Why? For the fresh air, exercise and for connecting with each other.

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

Help us Celebrate Rabbi Mark Schiftan’s Retirement on May 22, 2022 at 4:30pm at The Temple.

Our way of thanking him for 23 years of dedicated service to The Temple and the Nashville Jewish Community. We would love the entire community to join us.

The Temple is gathering tributes to create at “Tribute Book” which will be presented to Rabbi Schiftan at the reception. We invite the entire community to participate by submitting a tribute, sharing your reflections, photos and good wishes. For further instructions on how to submit a tribute, please go to thetemplehub.org.

@ West End For links to the following services or programs, please email office@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/Maariv service depending on Daylight savings times Join us for daily Mincha/Maariv on Zoom only.

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.

Continued on page 24

The Jewish Observer • May 2022

23

At Our Congregations…

Continued from page 23

Community Listings Israeli Folk Dancing

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.

Israeli dance doesn’t require any previous experience or fitness level. It’s a fun and easy way to get exercise, make new friends and it’s free! Please come join us!

Tues evenings - 5:30-6:45 PM at the JCC - Easy to Advanced Sessions held in the gym. Contact Judy Given for more information given223@bellsouth.net Friday mornings - advance session only - 11:15 -12:45 at the JCC in the gym.

Contact Evelyn Koch at kochevelyn@hotmail.com •

Seniors - Lunch & Learn Schedule

May 11th – Learn with Sharon Paz, Director of Lifelong Learning May 25th – Learn with Cathy A. Lewis, Author of The Road We Took - 4 Days In Germany 1933 Cathy discovered a tattered leather suitcase containing her deceased father’s journal documenting his 6-week trek through Europe in 1933 while traveling to the 4th Boy Scout World Jamboree held in Godollo, Hungary. The journey after the Jamboree took Lewis’ father and his troop through Nazi Germany on their way to the port at Bremen. Their quest didn’t end with the Jamboree; in reality, it had just begun. Cathy is a Jewish woman who spent her career as a chef. She lives in Nashville, since moving from New York in 1996.

The Road We Took is Cathy’s first novel, partially conceived from her father’s journal of daily writings and documentations along with the narratives and tales he told Cathy as a young girl. This historical fiction novel returns you to 1933 covering four treacherous days in Germany during a time when Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party had already begun their murderous plans for European Jews and anyone that did not fit the Aryan “ideals.”

Writers of the Lost Ark

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!

Writers 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

Roads to Ponder

By Rise L. Tucker

Some folks age like fine wine, they mellow o’er the years, go down easy.

Others age like vinegar, turn sour and hard to swallow.

They fight tooth and nail; advice they assail “It’s my life!” they wail, “I’ll lead; you just follow.”

Some age like soup in a pot-They stew in their own juices.

They don’t like to be stirred a lot, Hide fear and anger in made up excuses.

Some people simply go flat Like soda that’s lost all its bubbles.

Though life remains sweet, they concede defeat Dilute pleasure with watered-down troubles.

And some are like jam or pickles Sweet or tart, they keep well on their shelf.

They’re not hard to please or fickle But they don’t get out much by themselves.

Ah… But others take their years like a salad!

They happily welcome life’s toss Try new things, make new friends, they take what life sends Mix things up, so they don’t taste the loss.

They may age so well that others can’t tell The years are passing them by To them life is sport, the days are too short To do all that they want to try They are often those, who much like a rose Just gradually loose their bloom.

They wither and dry, and yet after they die Their essence still fills the room.

If you don’t die young then you’ll become one of these aging groups.

How will you go? Like a smooth merlot?

A salad?

Or a simmering soup?

While you’re still in the sun and able to run From death’s cold and creeping shadow Before you are old, ponder the road Which one will you follow?

24 May 2022 • The Jewish Observer

Kvetch in the City

By CARRIE MILLS

T

here are some little girls who grow up wanting to be just like their mothers, and others who swear they will be anything but.

For me, it was always a bit more complicated.

While I started out as the former, as I’ve matured, if that’s what you can call it, and rather late in life I might add, I began to appreciate the complexity of who my mother was as a person.

As this year’s Mother’s Day is upon us, and since I let the cat out of the bag last month that my mom dated someone in the Mafia, I found myself reminiscing about that particular time in my young life with my mom and her choice of men, in particular Johnny D. I’ll leave his last name out for understandable reasons.

When it came to Johnny, my mom alluded to the fact that he did not have the usual day job, and while I was too afraid to ask too many questions, there were certainly enough indications that that was the case.

For instance, whenever Johnny would take us out for dinner deep in the heart of Brooklyn, at the most authentic of Italian restaurants, he would always have to face the door. Let me tell you, I knew what that meant. As you may imagine, there was always stress throughout the entire meal whether I would make it out alive.

That was layered on top of all the other insanity that went on in my family that made me question if I would make it out alive. And while I liked Johnny D., he was jovial and funny and warm in that big Italian way, I would also whine to my mom, “Do we have to go out to dinner with Johnny?”

All my friends loved Johnny. He would hand out $10 and $20 bills like they were going out of style when he came over. Heck, now that I think about it, maybe some other shady things were going on that I didn’t know about. And there were the boxes of Italian pastries he brought every time he visited, which were no help to my already awkward teenage figure and my acne prone face, though boy were they delicious. On top of that, maybe because of his chosen profession, he wasn’t afraid of a dare. One time my brother, for

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God knows what reason, dared Johnny to throw that delicious Italian custard pie in his face, and yes indeed, without hesitation, Johnny D. picked up that pie and smashed it right into my stunned brother’s face and to the hysterical laughter of us all.

There was always some kind of excitement when he was in the house. He made us all smile, especially my mom, until he didn’t.

When he really wanted to take the relationship to the next level with my mom, expecting her to cook and cater to him in that old fashioned 1950’s way, my mom was not having any of it. Don’t get me wrong, my mom was a great cook, she just didn’t like people telling her what to do. At my mom’s funeral, one of the songs we played, one of her favorite songs, Shirley Bassey’s,“This is My Life.”

My overly dramatic, mashugenah Aunt started yelling to the casket, “Yes Marion (that’s my mom’s name) it was your life!”

And then there was the time when we were driving in the city, my mom pulled up to a storefront, maybe it was Mulberry St. in Little Italy, when it truly was Little Italy, with a little Italian man sitting on a chair on the sidewalk outside the door of a shady looking club, the kind that shows up in a Scorsese film. My mom pushed me out of the car and said, “Go ask if Johnny’s there.” That was the last place on earth I wanted to be at that moment.

She and Johnny lasted a few years until, it was apparent that he couldn’t change her, and she would not accommodate him, so my mom, like any mom you don’t want your mom to be, went back to her married Jewish boyfriend Sid, who she dated in total for 16 years, with the Johnny D. break somewhere in the middle.

Between Johnny D. and Sid, and my mom’s three former failed marriages, suffice it to say, I did not have the most conventional upbringing or example of healthy relationships. What I did have was a lot of colorful moments and insight into adult human behavior gone awry.

Sometimes, seeing what you don’t want helps clarify the things you do. It was hard for a young me to navigate my teenage years in a house on the fringes of society’s norm. But I realize it shaped my character in ways that I can now appreciate.

Did I mention that members of the Gambino family attended my mom’s funeral? Well, that’s a story for another time… •

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

May in the Gordon JCC Galleries: The Nashville Artist Guild and Garrett & Carrie Mills

T

he Janet Levine March Gallery and the JLMG2 gallery will feature the work of The Nashville Artist Guild.

Aptly dubbed, “The Athens of the South,” Nashville continues to grow as a center for both visual and performing arts. In fact, it would be appropriate to say that Nashville is currently exploding as a center for the arts. Prior to 1950 there was no cohesive arts organization in the city to promote art or art education. In 1950 two art teachers from Vanderbilt University, one from Ward-Belmont and another from the University of Tennessee Extension School brought together some of their students with other local professional artists and created a new and unique organization. Thirty artists were accepted and the new group was called The Nashville Artist Guild.

Because the original members were themselves fine artists and many served on the faculties of local schools and universities, the rules established from the beginning required high standards for the work of new applicants. Never meant to be a large all-encompassing umbrella group for artists, the Guild accepted only those who were serious about their work and their commitment to art.

Over the years the Guild has mounted some very significant exhibitions. A few of the venues in Nashville were Montgomery Bell Academy, Harpeth Hall, the University Club, Cheekwood, The Hermitage, the Tennessee State Museum, and the Parthenon. But always there was the emphasis on excellence: quality not quantity.

In 2020 the Nashville Artist Guild celebrated its 70th year.This professional art group continues to move steadily forward and honors its commitment to excellence in art, to ethnic diversity, to art education, and to raising the public’s

Ace of Aces, by Don Olea

Cumberland Plateau, by Tom Veirs

Quiet Pleasures, by Peach McComb

awareness of fine art. Bringing art makers together with art lovers, the guild is alive and well today thanks to the individual commitment of so many.

The Sig Held Gallery will the photography of mother and son fashion photography team, Carrie and Garrett Mills.

Carrie Mills, currently the curator for the GJCC galleries, studied fashion design at Parson School of Design. From there she spent the better part of twenty years in New York City as a designer. After moving Tommy, by Garrett to Nashville, she and Carrie Mills designed a line of vests worn by countless Nashville country stars. Carrie currently teaches a very successful fashion camp at the Gordon JCC every summer.

Garrett is a George Washington

Yared, by Garrett and Carrie Mills

University graduate, an award-winning photojournalist and a fashion photographer. Garrett has worked for Hunter Boots and currently works as Content Coordinator for LaPointe.

Together, Garrett and Carrie have built a high-end fashion photography business. For the past several years they have been steadily working with fashion agencies in Nashville and New York City and have had their work regularly featured on the Vogue Italia website and in online magazine editorials.

The Artist Reception will be held on Wednesday, May 11th from 6 – 8pm.

The Exhibition dates are May 3rd – May 31st..

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

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From L to R - Levi Tiechtel, Governor Bill Lee, Mark Baum, and Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel

Meeting with Governor Lee I n honor of the Festival of Passover Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel from Chabad of Nashville met with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and shared a gift of Hand Made Shmurah Matzah from the Holy Land of Israel. Governor Lee also signed a special proclamation designating Tuesday, April 12, as Education and Sharing Day USA, in honor of the birthday of the Rebbe of Blessed Memory.

Governor Lee shared a personal message to the 6.5 million residents of the state of Tennessee, urging each person to take a step towards their personal liberty and salvation, with the government lending a support, while empowering every Tennessean to move forward and grow as an individual. Rabbi Tiechtel blessed the governor with the Biblical blessing of the Kohanim and wished him great success. •

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

Providing Funeral Services Since 1985 (615) 254-8200 www.crawfordservices.com The Jewish Observer • May 2022

25

Lifecycles B’nai Mitzvah Madeline Gochberg

Madeline Gochberg, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, May 7, at 10:30 a.m. at Congregation Micah.

Madeline is the daughter of Dan Gochberg and Leslie Meenderink and sibling to Eli, Jasper and Ivy. Madeline is the grandchild of Michal and LeRoy Meenderink of Utah and Joan and Donald Gochberg of Michigan. A seventh grader at Meigs Middle School, she enjoys playing the cello. For her mitzvah project, Madeline is raising donations for the Oasis Center of Nashville.

Charlie Blau

Charlie Blau, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 14, at 10:30 a.m. at Congregation Micah.

Charlie is the son of Paul Collins and Alex Blau, sibling to Rose Collins and grandchild of Lynn and Jeffrey Blau of Connecticut and Judy and Dave Collins of Nevada. A seventh grader at University School of Nashville, Charlie enjoys mountain biking, skiing, quiz bowl, reading, and history and is raising funds for the Oasis Center as a mitzvah project.

Abigail Dresdner

Abigail Dresdner will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, May 14, at 11 a.m. at The Temple.

Abbigail was born on July 10, 2009, in Nashville.

Her parents are Jaimee and Lawrence Dresdner.

Her grandparents are Arlene and Dr. David

Dresdner of St. Petersburg, Fla., and the late Gaylin and James Crenshaw from St. Petersburg.

A seventh grader at Brentwood Middle School, she and enjoys theater/ acting, dance and singing.

For Abbigail’s mitzvah project, she is donating dog toys to an animal shelter.

Levi Moses Miller

Levi Moses Miller, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 21, at 10:30 a.m. at Congregation Micah.

Levi is the son of Jason and Laura Miller, the sibling of Leia, and the grandchild of Dr. Marion Boenheim and great-grandchild of the late Irene (Levy) Shwetz and Fred (Hans Fedor) Boenheim, Holocaust survivors. A seventh grader at Grassland Middle School, Levi is member of the Franklin Stealth E-Sports team and a member of the GMS Bowling team.

While Levi excels at math, sports are Levi’s true passion.

For a mitzvah project, Levi has chosen to support The Sports Fund, a charitable effort dedicated to help ensure Middle Tennessee-area children have access to the opportunities of sports and team memberships.

Emma Bowen

Emma Bowen, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, May 28, at 10:30 a.m. at Congregation Micah.

Emma is the daughter of Andy and Erica Bowen and is the grandchild of Bill and Diane Stecker of Plantation, Fla., Michael Bowen of Atlanta, Ga., and Charlie and Robyn Edwards of Atlanta. A seventh grader at Mount Juliet Christian Academy, Emma enjoys reading, singing, dancing and performing. Emma is actively involved in choir, cheer, softball and drama at school.

For a mitzvah project, Emma has chosen The Bridges Domestic Violence Center.

Unveiling Frances Kaminitz

Unveiling for Frances Kaminitz will be on Sunday, May 8th at 11am at the Sherith Israel Cemetery. The family invites Frances’ friends to please join them.

Obituaries Gerald H. Ely

Condolences to the family of Gerald H. Ely who died on April 4 after a battle with cancer. Gerry was born in 1939 in New York, the son of German Jewish immigrants who arrived in the US in 1938, fleeing the Nazis. He was raised by his parents and grandparents in the German-speaking community of Washington Heights.

An alumnus of Bronx Science, he attended City College where he joined ROTC. He left CCNY and ROTC and took a job with Morgan Guarantee signing stock certificates.

In the 1950s, he was the top performer in Morgan’s company-wide test for people to start working in a new field--computer programming. In 1963, he left Morgan to become a computer programmer at Schroders Bank and then moved on in the late 1960s to Merrill Lynch, where he spent the rest of his career.

He rose to become Director of Information Systems, leading Merrill’s IT strategy at the start of the digital revolution. He used his position at Merrill to push for the breakup of the Bell system and led Merrill to look beyond Bell and diversify its communications strategy. He brought Merrill in to become the initial and/or lead private investor for 1980s-era startups like Financial News Network (now CNBC) and Innovative Market Systems (now Bloomberg LP). He was particularly proud of the decision to sup-

port Bloomberg and valued his friendship with Michael Bloomberg.

In 1985, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Teleport Communications, a joint venture between Merrill, Western Union, the City of New York, and the Port Authority of N.Y. and N.J., he led the pioneering effort to bring high speed data and video services via satellite and fiber optic cable to financial service companies and other businesses.

He made family his first priority, turning down positions overseas. He always arrived home early enough so that he could be there for dinner every evening.

Gerry married Sandra Parelman in 1963, Their son, Andrew, arrived in 1964; their daughter, Pamela, in 1968.

Sandra died in 2007.

Gerry’s third marriage, to Denise, produced two more children, Evan and Eric. He retired in the early 1990s and married Joan, his wife of 25 years.

What he most loved doing was taking pride in his children and grandchildren and in his sons- and daughtersin-law.

Gerald Ely is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Andrew Ely (Rachel Kanter), Pamela Kelner (Saul), Eric Ely (Chelsey) and Evan Ely (Erin); grandchildren, Boaz and Shoshana Kelner, Siona, Pacey and Avital Ely, Elliot and Charlotte Pototsky, and his newest addition and the light of his last months, Cameron Ely.

John Bryant Jordin

Condolences to the family of John Bryant Jordin who died on April 17. brother of WES member, Carole Jordin (Eshaghpour).

John is survived by his children, Bryan Jordin (Amanda) and Christy Jordin Hansard (Cole); six grandchildren; sister, Carol Jordin (Eshaghpour) and many nieces and nephews.

Nathaniel Koenig

Condolences to the family of Nathaniel Koenig who died on March 23.

He was the son of Wilma (and the late Leonard) Koenig.

Janice Krohn

Condolences to the family of Janice Krohn who died on March 28.

Marvin Ochs

Condolences to the family of Marvin Ochs who died on March 27. He was the husband of Ellen Ochs; father of Steven Ochs and Michael Ochs; and brother of Joan Rimberg.

Tributes may be made in Marvin’s memory to The Gift of Life Foundation or Congregation Micah.

Walter P. “Wally” Stern

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26 May 2022 • The Jewish Observer

Condolences to the family of Walter P. “Wally” Stern who died on February 27.

Wally is survived by his wife, Betsy May Stern; children, Sarah May Stern (Mark Rosenblatt), Willy May Stern (Ann Shapiro), David May Calhoon Stern (Mary Elizabeth Calhoon); grandchildren, Judd Rosenblatt (Melanie Plaza), Bex Rosenblatt (Ben Manson), Tom Rosenblatt, Zack Stern, Phoebe Stern, Kasey Stern, Gavin Stern, Fiona Stern; great-grandchildren, Trent Rosenblatt, Leo Manson; brother, Richard Stern (Phyllis Edelstein); and brother-in-law, Jack May (Lynn May).

Tributes may be made in Wally’s memory to The Hudson Institute or The Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY ORTHODONTISTS

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PERSONAL SHOPPER

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

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!

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

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

The Jewish Observer • May 2022

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28 May 2022 • The Jewish Observer