The Observer Vol. 86 No. 6 – June 2021

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Jewish

Vol. 86 No. 6 • June 2021

www.jewishobservernashville.org

Jewish Federation Responds to the Crisis in Israel

By BARBARA DAB

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he crisis in Israel has resulted in lives lost, injuries and catastrophic damage to property. The constant threat has left Israelis traumatized, including children and those newly arrived in the country hoping to make it their home. The Jewish Federations of North America is responding to the growing need through outreach to local Federations for support.

The Board of the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee approved an emergency distribution from its Discretionary Fund of $5,000 as its fair share of the $1.3million Jewish Agency for Israel has determined to be the overall need.

The funds will support Jewish Agency for Israel, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and the Israeli Trauma Coalition. All of these agencies are focused on helping Israelis and others living in Israel cope by providing psychological services, and cash relief to those who have lost homes in this crisis.

The allocation of the funds from Nashville’s Jewish Federation was voted on by the Board of Trustees. Steven Hirsch, President of the Board, says the decision was immediate. “As soon as the reports of the rocket attacks on Israel started to come in, we began hearing from donors asking how they could help.

At the same time we were contemplating a local emergency donation, we heard from Jewish Agency for Israel that a coordinated grant of $1.3 million was being organized. Our Board quickly approved a contribution from our Nashville Federation in support of this effort.” In addition to providing direct services, the funds are a strong showing of solidarity from Jews in America.

Steve Hirsch says, “These funds were designated to provide immediate relief to Israelis who have been directly affected by the rocket attacks. When Israel is targeted and world opinion is directed against them for defending themselves, it is vital that they hear from their Federation friends with the message that they have our unconditional support.” • A Publication of the

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21 Sivan - 20 Tamuz 5781

Nashville’s LIFE & LEGACY Program Reaches a Milestone

By NORMA SHIRK

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n May 2021, the Nashville community was recognized by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation for successfully completing four years in the LIFE & LEGACY program. During the past four years, more than 370 donors have made after-life commitments totaling approximately $22 million after having a conversation with one of the LIFE & LEGACY volunteers.

The volunteers represent thirteen local organizations participating in the LIFE & LEGACY program. Led by the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville & Middle Tennessee, participating organizations include Akiva School, BBYO-Nashville, Chabad of Nashville, Gordon JCC, Hadassah-Nashville, Jewish Family Service, Congregation Micah, NCJWNashville, Congregation Sherith Israel, The Temple, Vanderbilt Hillel, and

The Jewish Federation’s Life & Legacy team celebrates a successful year #2 in May 2019.

West End Synagogue.

The LIFE & LEGACY program is a four year partnership program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation with local small to mid-sized Jewish communities

across North America. The Foundation provides training, support and monetary incentives to assist Jewish organizations to secure legacy gifts, steward donors Continued on page 2

Changing the Conversation Around Mental Health

By BARBARA DAB

T

he Covid19 pandemic has both triggered and highlighted the need to change the conversation around mental health issues. According to a recent survey of adults by the Centers for Disease Control, more than one-third of those responding reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, over 10 percent reported having started or increased substance use, more than one quarter reported stress-related symptoms, and over 10 percent reported having serious thoughts of suicide in the past 30 days. All of these numbers are nearly double the rates expected before the start of the Covid19 Pandemic. These increases are tied to risks of suicide, substance abuse, loneliness, food insecurity, just to name a few. Locally the need for mental health services has risen and social workers at Jewish Family Service say that while they are working to respond to the need, there Boy Scout Troop 87: “We Remember”, page 11

is still stigma around asking for help.

Toni Jacobsen, Clinical Director for JFS, says, “It’s important to change the way we talk about mental health. People are not at fault for needing help. They need compassion and understanding about the trauma that happened to them.”

This approach to mental health focuses on events and situations that occur in people’s lives that both trigger a crisis and create long term issues. And this concept is also changing the way Nashville’s organized Jewish community looks at creating an inclusive, welcoming environment. A newly created task force is working on an action plan that aims to reduce stigma and normalize the discussion around mental health needs during program planning, synagogue services and other events.

Adam Bronstone, Director of Planning and Israel Partnerships for The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, says, Food Fest Nourishes the Soul and the Spirit, page 13

“The task force is there to work with communal organizations like JFS, bring other organizations in the community to the table, and help to highlight issues surrounding mental health in a way that helps our Jewish community be as inclusive as possible, where everyone feels that they belong” One particularly alarming statistic reveals one of the most vulnerable populations is young adults between the ages of 18 and 24. Task force member Elliot Pinsly, LCSW, CEO of Behavioral Health Foundation, a policy center in Tennessee that advances the issues around mental health, says over onequarter of young adults considered suicide over a one month period. He says, “I hope the fact that we’re still dealing with the pandemic will help keep the focus on the need for mental health services.

We are finally at a point where it hits close to home for everyone.” He says Continued on page 2

Back To COUPONS School

Coupon Special Section, page 15

Pulling together in the face of danger

By DEBORAH OLESHANSKY

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ast month, the Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee and Congregation Micah sponsored a program with writer Bari Weiss to discuss antisemitism across America. Professor Shaul Kelner, of Vanderbilt University, was a masterful moderator of the event, navigating the panel of Rabbis from four locations across the country. His personal background and expertise were evident in his thoughtful and insightful comments and questions, and Ms. Weiss was incredibly engaging and energetic as she shared her perspective

on the vexing problem of antisemitism.

After the program, Ms. Weiss provided us an extensive reading list for further and future consideration.

This was one piece of ongoing efforts by the Community Relations Committee and others in our community to address the dangers of antisemitism rising in our country and throughout much of the world. The tragic and horrific story of Sarah Halimi, a Jewish woman viciously attacked and murdered in Paris in 2017, and the injustice of France’s highest court ruling that the killer could not be held criminally responsible because of marijuana consumption, led the thousands marching in Paris to demand justice. The dangers,

Notes from Noam

By NOAM HARARI COMMUNITY SHLICHA

Editor’s note: The following article represents Noam’s perspectives and feelings as of the writing of this article. Since that day, things are changing constantly. Still, her feelings about the situation represent the viewpoint of an Israeli Shlicha living in Nashville, Tennessee, far from her family and friends, and her desire to see an end to antisemitic hate transcends this particular conflict.

Shalom everyone, Given the state of current events, I wanted to take a moment and share some thoughts: Finally, after a year and a half of dealing with COVID, people started to return to life again in Israel.

Businesses opened, people hugged and saw their family again and began celebrating!

But not anymore. Right now, businesses are burning down, people are scared for thei families and can’t go out of their house, celebrations are being postponed again.

In the past weeks Hamas has shot more than 3000 rockets over Israel. My family lives mostly in Modiin, a city in the center of Israel, but they are all ok. I talk to them every day. Even my grandparents made it to the shelter on time.

For me, it’s been very stressful not to be there with my family and friends. My sister is an officer and two of my cousins, who are brothers, are soldiers in the IDF. I have a very good friend who is pregnant and it is so hard for her to think about her baby being born to a world like this.

My parents are still working in their store trying to continue making a living.

I see from afar my country is on fire.

Its crushing my heart and soul. Men, women and children are scared for their lives from rockets and scary incidents that are happening on land.

It brings me back to 2014. I was 20 and serving in the IDF and we had six

weeks of war in Israel. I had to take a bus and train on my base and every day I had to pray that the siren won’t catch me on my way. I do not wish anyone to hear the sound of a rocket. It’s one of the most traumatic things I have experienced in my life.

Some kids in the south of Israel, for example in Sderot, actually have their bedroom in the Safe Room/Shelter, as this is something that is part of their daily life. It makes sense to not wake up each time the sirens sound, as they only have 15 seconds to get to safety.

Unfortunately, those kids usually develop post-traumatic stress that stays with them for years. I was in basic training near Gaza and only experienced the Tzeva Adom Alert (the special siren in the south) for a few months and yet, it made me flinch every time I heard a loudspeaker announcement after that.

In addition to all of this, there have been many hateful messages, comments, photos, videos and articles on social media and news platforms. It is hard to explain how badly it hurts to see the world express so much hate and anger at your home. I’m scared to speak Hebrew in the street; I can’t go to sleep because I worry about my friends and family and I just get upset every time there is a another inaccurate post on social media.

What is my message?

This is a hard topic! Its complicated, sensitive and difficult and I truly understand. But I think we have an important role here. Not to be afraid to ask difficult questions and to talk about it. It is only with, “people to people,” conversation that we can try to stop this hate.

So, please feel free to reach out.

I promise to try to answer all your important questions and even support you in these difficult times.

Wishing everyone peace and quiet, Noam noam@jewishnashville.org

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

both here in the US and around the world, persist.

Even our children, students in some local schools, are not immune from being harassed and intimidated. CRC has been actively assisting these families, providing resources and support in addressing this problem with school officials. To further these efforts, we will be launching a reporting form for families to use in the coming school year.

Leslie Kirby, CRC Chair, has provided remarkable vision and leadership for the committee. She is a dedicated, informed, and tireless lay leader and her commitment has been the backbone of our work. During her tenure we welcomed several new members to the committee,

and her creativity and vision allowed us to move seamlessly into the virtual world.

We offer our fullest appreciation to her as we welcome our incoming chair, Steven Remer, an active and engaged CRC member with long term experience with the issues involved in the work. We are grateful that Leslie is stepping down from committee leadership but will remain an active committee member as she moves forward in her Jewish Federation Board responsibilities.

If you missed the program with Bari Weiss and would like a copy of her reading list, or any other information about the Community Relations Committee, please contact Deborah Oleshansky, deborah@jewishnashville.org •

Life & Legacy

donors who have questions about afterlifetime giving.

After-lifetime giving is commonly done through a bequest in a will or by adding an organization as a beneficiary to a life insurance policy or a retirement account. Some donors choose to set up a fund at the Jewish Foundation through which their initial gift will be invested for the benefit of the organizations named by the donor.

As the Nashville community enters the fifth year of the LIFE & LEGACY program, the benefits of the program are clear. The participating organizations have enhanced, and in some cases created from scratch, an endowment program to assure their long-term success. The participating organizations have already realized gifts totaling $400,500 toward the $22 million committed. •

Continued from page 1 and integrate legacy giving into the philanthropic culture of the local community.

After four years, the Nashville community has graduated from the financial support of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.

However, the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville & Middle Tennessee will continue providing community-wide support for the LIFE & LEGACY program.

Volunteers will continue having conversations with members of the community about after-lifetime giving.

The Professional Advisory Committee (PAC) will continue to offer estate planning seminars to LIFE & LEGACY

Mental Health Continued from page 1 the Jewish community is not immune and cites a parent of a preschooler at the Gordon Jewish Community Center’s preschool who reached out for help with his young child who had become afraid to leave the house. “It’s important to begin to normalize the conversation and to start with the schools.” He says through inclusion efforts, it will be easier to discuss things like addiction, suicide warning signs and treatment options.

The drive to reduce stigma around mental health is one the justice system has been struggling with for a long time.

Judge Dan Eisenstein presided over Davidson County’s Mental Health Court and during his retirement he has pushed for funding for pre-trial diversion centers to help people with minor offenses find mental health care services rather than be directed to prisons. He agrees that the first step toward normalizing the discussion is to turn the focus toward experiences that shape a person’s health outcomes. “We use what is called ACES, adverse childhood experiences, to learn how a person’s early experiences can lead to mental health issues,” he says, “The pandemic has presented a timely opportunity for the Jewish community to open the door to greater understanding.

Any group has mental health issues.

Everyone knows someone who suffers from it and yet it is still often swept under the rug.” As a member of The Federation’s mental health task force, he is hopeful the community will be able to address people’s needs in a more inclusive, nonthreatening and compassionate manner.

Jewish Family Service has a unique perspective on how to best shift the focus in the mental health arena. During the pandemic, social workers became certified to provide tele-health counseling and that has allowed them to serve even more people. Toni Jacobsen says she is optimistic, but there are still barriers to reaching those in need. “By looking at mental health in a more holistic way and removing language around blame, the hope is that people will feel more comfortable seeking help,” she says. “Everyone is a product of their family and their experiences. To look at it from the perspective of, ‘what happened to me,’ rather than, ‘what’s wrong with me,’ can make a big difference in removing stigma.” She adds that through the work of JFS and The Jewish Federation Mental Health Inclusion committee, people in the community can look forward to a more comprehensive, inclusive plan that addresses both physical and mental health needs.

For more information about the inclusion committee and its work on mental health, please contact Adam Bronstone at adam@jewishnashville.org •

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

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June 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Staff Promotions at Jewish Federation to Restructure Development Team

By BARBARA DAB

T

he Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee is promoting two of its key staffers to leadership positions, both within the Financial Resource Development team. The changes reflect both the professional growth of the two staff members, and a more finely tuned approach to the organization’s development strategy.

In making the announcement, Jewish Federation CEO Eric Stillman says, “As rising professionals within our Federation, Carolyn Hyatt and Shannnon Small have been promoted with increased responsibilities in recognition of their important contributions toward Financial Resource Development.”

Carolyn Hyatt will assume the position of FRD Assistant Director and Campaign Director. In this new role she will oversee the Federation’s annual campaign, coordinate the Women’s Campaign and work on developing new donor groups within the Federation. Carolyn joined the

Federation staff six years ago as the Community Engagement Associate.

Carolyn says she is excited about the opportunity to offer expanded programming that will engage and provoke Carolyn Hyatt conversations, particularly for women in the community. “My goal is to create thoughtful, meaningful and relevant programs. I’m hoping to attract younger women and introduce them to opportunities for giving to our community.” Carolyn is a Nashville native and before returning here to raise her family, she spent several years in the New York fashion world. She says there are a lot of similarities between her previous career and her career with The Jewish Federation. “I love being able to communicate my passion to others and inspiring people to share my vision. Whether it’s fashion or Jewish philanthropy, I feel a great sense of purpose.” Carolyn and her husband Adam have three children

and she says they are her driving force. “I’m raising my children in this community and I want them to have the best experiences I can provide for them.”

Shannon Small Shannon Small will assume the position of FRD Assistant Director and Foundation Director. In her role she will oversee planned giving initiatives, manage Foundation connections with local partner agencies and lead year five of the Life & Legacy program. During her time at The Jewish Federation Shannon has developed her endowment skills, learned about planned giving and gotten to know the local Jewish community in a more intimate way. As a former mental health counselor and school counselor, these are experiences she enjoys because it helps people think about their priorities.

Shannon says, “Estate planning and long term giving is right up my alley. I love talking with people about their hopes

and dreams.” She also enjoys being a resource for the partner agencies and helping them grow their own endowments. “I believe it’s important for each agency to become stronger because that’s how our whole community stays strong,” she says. Among her goals is continuing to inspire and develop young philanthropists. “It’s important to educate the next generation of philanthropists while they are still in the community and connected here.” A Texas native, Shannon and her husband Brian are the parents of two young children and relocated to Nashville from Syracuse, New York.

Both Carolyn and Shannon are looking forward to growing in their new positions and to helping strengthen Nashville’s Jewish community through philanthropy. Eric Stillman says, “Our Federation is grateful for the important work done by Carolyn and Shannon, and I am proud of them and all that they have accomplished. I know that they will help grow our financial resources in their new roles.” •

Gordon JCC June 2021 Capital Campaign Update

By LESLIE SAX, GORDON JCC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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s summer approaches, the Gordon JCC is excited to announce our progress on the Our Community. Our Future.

Capital Campaign. We have raised $5.8 million towards our $6.5 Million goal, and we are still going strong. We are c

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Publisher Eric Stillman Editor Barbara Dab Advertising Manager Carrie Mills Layout and Production Tim Gregory Editorial Board Frank Boehm (chair),

Teena Cohen, Laura Thompson,

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

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

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

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immensely grateful for our donors, and so honored that the brick paver campaign resonated with so many, including former Nashvillians now living in Florida! We hope many more will join as donors to help us reach our goal.

We have brought in enough funding from our generous supporters to begin renovation of the Locker Rooms in June. This allows us to take advantage of the summer season and shift our

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

Editorial Submissions Policy and Deadlines The Jewish Observer welcomes the submission of information, news items, feature stories and photos about events relevant to the Jewish community of Greater Nashville. We prefer e-mailed submissions, which should be sent as Word documents to Editor Barbara Dab at barbaradab@jewishnashville.org.

Photos must be high resolution (at least 300 dpi) and should be attached as jpegs to the e-mail with the related news item or story. For material that cannot be e-mailed, submissions should be sent to Barbara Dab, The Jewish Observer, 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite 102, Nashville TN 37205. Photos and copy sent by regular mail will not be returned unless prior arrangement is made. Publication is at the discretion of The Observer, which reserves the right to edit submissions.

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

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

activity to the Outdoor Pool. We will close the Locker Rooms and Indoor Pool for the extensive work that is planned.

Finishes have been chosen and we are delighted by the new, soothing, spa-like feel that the Locker Rooms will exude.

We know that our members with children are excited about the new Family Changing Rooms, each complete with a restroom and shower, that will allow them to bring their children swimming with ease.

As we move through the summer months, we are continuing to raise money to complete other projects on our list, such as improvements to be made

in the Outdoor Pool Complex. We are making our lists and will be surveying our members this summer for their input.

We value your perspective as users of the Outdoor Pool and want to be thoughtful as we plan these upgrades.

The amount of gratitude we feel towards our generous donors is hard to express in words and we are looking forward to bringing you more exciting developments along the way as we continue to renovate and refurbish the Gordon JCC. For more information on our plans, our progress and to make a donation, visit our website at nashvillejcc.org/ourcommunityourfuture. •

Gordon JCC Annual Meeting Set for June 6th in Person

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he Gordon JCC is holding its 118th Annual Meeting in person this year on Sunday, June 6th at 10:30 AM. With the new vaccination success and guidelines, we are excited to welcome our members back into our living room to celebrate our past year, the Capital Campaign, and our new Board Leadership and Directors.

We will also be announcing the Kehillah Award which honors a graduating high school senior who has shown a positive attitude, maturity, achievement, and participation in our Jewish community as an outstanding example of Jewish Youth. A light box brunch will be served.

Officers nominated for a one-year term President Cindee Gold President-elect Sara Melamed Vice President Jeremy Brook Treasurer Scott Newman Secretary Evan Nahmias Past-President Raymond Jacobs Nominated for first three year term Stephanie Kirschner Laura Shmerling Caroline Sprouse Greg Zagnoev

Nominated for second three year term Scott Ghertner April Nemer Continuing Board Members Bryan Benjamin Tara Biller Beth Easter Jessica Ginsberg Amy Goldstein Gail Gordon Jacobs Matt Leff Laurel Orley Alan Perlman Suzy Perlman Marissa Russ Alyssa Trachtman Kelly Unger Afshin Yazdian Presidential Appointee Gil Fox III Bernie Pargh Completing their service Frank Gordon

The Jewish Observer • June 2021

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Congregation Micah Announces New Partnership with London’s Ark Synagogue

By RABBI LAURIE RICE

T

he World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ), established in London in 1926, is the international network of the Reform, Liberal, Progressive and Reconstructionist movements, serving 1.2 million members worldwide in more than 1,250 congregations in over 50 countries.

The Ark Synagogue in London is one of those congregations. Under the leadership of Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, the Ark synagogue is one of greater London’s premier congregations. Rabbi Goldstein and the Rabbis Rice met and became

fast friends as students in seminary in the late 90’s. When the World Union sought to connect their member congregations with synagogue communities in the United States, Rabbi Flip Rice jumped on the opportunity to partner with an old friend. “The dream of bringing our two communities was long in the making,” says Rabbi Flip, ‘Rabbi Goldstein is an accomplished rabbi whose values are consistent with Micah’s progressive approach to Judaism. It was the treat to hear from him and we look forward to building on this partnership in the hopes that one day he and his wife Tammy will travel to Nashville in person.”

Rabbi Flip Rice recorded his sermon in Nashville

Cantorial Soloist Lisa Silver shares a song she wrote in Nashville with the Ark Synagogue congregation

On a Shabbat in May, Rabbi Goldstein participated virtually in Micah’s services, preaching and sharing his wisdom. Rabbi Flip did the same with Ark services that same Shabbat.

Members on both sides of the pond appreciated the opportunity to share their clergy and experience a different style of worship and leadership.

The two congregations hope to expand upon that partnership in a post-COVID world, with Rabbi Goldstein spending some length of time as Micah’s visiting rabbi and the Rabbis Rice doing the same at the Ark Synagogue in the London suburbs. Rabbi Goldstein says

he is very much looking forward to that time, “A meeting of old friends is always a treat. What was also brilliant about this initiative was the congregants from Micah who came to The Ark and vice versa, even in the wee hours of the morning UK time. It is not just our family who wish to visit Nashville but many of our congregants; and visit Nashville we will do and look forward to seeing y’all!”

Dates are not yet confirmed, but we welcome all to view the exchange on the Micah website and to visit the WUPJ and Ark Synagogue websites to learn more. •

Rabbi Flip attends Ark Synagogue’s Zoom Oneg

Rabbi’s Lea Muhlstein and Aaron Goldstein lead services at the Ark Synagogue in London, England

Congregation Sherith Israel Welcomes 21 New Members W

elcoming new members is always exciting for the community, and coming out of a pandemic year, it fills congregants with a special sense of joy and gratitude. The new member group has been especially vibrant and engaged in the synagogue community, attending Shabbat and holiday services, with some already stepping up in various service roles and activities. Membership VP Adam Horn shared, “This speaks volumes to the need and desire for Jewish belonging and connection; this has all occurred at a time of extra precautions and modified community gatherings to

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June 2021 • The Jewish Observer

balance togetherness with safety during the COVID year.” Roberta Goodman, longtime board member and congregant added, “It’s heartwarming to welcome so many new families during a year that has been so challenging for so many of us.

While so much this past year has been relegated to online activities, these new members affirm the importance of the bonds of community and the vibrancy of our Shul family.”

A special new member Shabbat celebration is scheduled for Saturday, June 12th. Congregation Sherith Israel is looking forward to officially honoring

and welcoming our newest members into our synagogue family as we celebrate and safely schmooze together! Welcome new Congregation Sherith Israel members: Lance Bloom & Jessica Beugen Jonathan Green Brian & Melanie Hoffman Jacob, Rae & Jeriah Kraft Alan, Trisha & Luke Lewis Shawn, Suzanne & Elizabeth Parella Rudy Saperstein Mark & Goldie Shepard Mark Sittig & Laleh Bahrami Andrew Spieker Abraham Sutton •

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The Jewish Observer • June 2021

5

The Secret of Chabad

By RABBI YITZCHOK TIECHTEL

O

ne day, my phone rang.

“Is this Chabad?”

“Yes,” I replied.

“My name is Lisa from New York.

A friend of mine is driving through Nashville and her car won’t start.”

I have to admit, this was a first for me.

Nashville is a hot spot for tourists, and is also a city with many business travelers, and people visiting many of the local medical centers. In addition to that, a couple of heavily trafficked highways pass through Nashville. So we receive all kinds of phone calls with requests for help. From, “My family is at VUMC for treatment, they would greatly appreciate a visit,” to, “My friend is in Nashville for a business meeting and left his Tefilin behind,” or, “my cousin is in a rehab center in the Nashville area and is looking for a kosher meal,” or simply “We’re driving through Nashville and looking for a Sukkah…”—we’ve seen them all.

But no one has ever called us because their car was stuck.

“So your friend is stuck in Nashville with a car problem?” I repeated, trying to wrap my head around the call.

“Yes,” said the woman on the other side of the call. “As soon as my friend told me about it, I wanted to help her so I figured I should call Chabad.”

“Look,” I said with a chuckle, “I’m not a car mechanic, and with my two left hands I’m likely to ruin the car even further. How about this: Check with your friend if she has AAA or roadside assistance on her insurance, I assume they should be able to help her. If not, please

call me back and I’ll try to help.”

A few minutes later the phone rang again. Yes, her friend had AAA and everything was good.

At first, I found the phone call quite amusing. Why would someone with car troubles even call us? But the more I thought about it, the more I started to appreciate it. This good woman from New York was trying to help her friend, and the first thought that came to her mind was “let me call Chabad.”

She didn’t know who I was; she simply called Chabad. And it dawned on me that this is exactly what the Rebbe, envisioned back then. And I am so thankful to be part of that vision.

It all started 70 years ago.

On a cold evening in Brooklyn, a hundred or so chassidim packed into a small shul. That evening, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, formally accepted the role of leadership of the Chabad movement, a year after his predecessor, the Sixth Rebbe, had passed away. I wonder how many of the chassidim at that gathering realized just how consequential that night was going to be. For them, a Rebbe was someone who would guide them, inspire them, and lead the movement, which was still reeling from the devastating losses of the Holocaust. The Rebbe’s vision, however, was far greater.

Seventy years later, looking at the thousands of shluchim and shluchot (Chabad emissaries) serving at Chabad Houses around the world, I think it’s fair to say that almost every single Jew has come into contact with a Chabad House, one way or another.

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6

June 2021 • The Jewish Observer

When people ask me for the secret of Chabad’s success, I don’t hesitate to answer: It’s all the Rebbe’s vision. Yet, when they ask me what the Rebbe’s vision is, I often struggle to explain. It’s easy to frame the Rebbe’s vision as building Chabad centers around the globe. It’s easy to frame the success as, “He took a small movement and turned it into a large and successful one, with thousands of branches around the world.” But that is only a small part of the story.

In fact, just looking at the Rebbe’s correspondence (available online at Chabad.org/letters), one will see how the Rebbe spent much of his time engaging with people or groups that had very little to do with Chabad’s success, or with Chabad altogether. Whether it was about building a mikvah (ritual immersion pool) in New Zealand, constructing an eruv (Shabbat boundary marker) in a moshav (small town) in Israel, or encouraging a rabbi in Mexico not to leave his community, the Rebbe devoted huge amounts of time and resources to help causes that seemingly did nothing to help his movement. In fact, the Rebbe even secretly sent financial support to a group that was publicly and vocally critical of Chabad and the Rebbe. When he heard of their struggle, he supported them through a third party knowing that they wouldn’t accept his direct support.

Which is why I struggle when asked to describe the Rebbe’s vision. Maybe the issue is that I’m calling it a vision in the first place. Vision is all about the visionary. But the appropriate term is not vision, but alignment. Essentially, the Rebbe was aligned with G-d’s will.

When you are aligned with G-d’s will, you don’t think about your own self-interest, or even about the benefit to your community or organization. You care for what G-d cares about, you love what G-d loves. And for G-d, every Jew is precious, every mitzvah dear.

This also explains the Rebbe’s passion to impact change on a global scale, not only among Jews, but among nonJews as well. As we recite in the daily prayer, we look forward to the day, “…

When all the inhabitants of the earth will recognize G-d’s sovereignty.” If this is what G-d wants, this is what the Rebbe cared about deeply. And this is what the Rebbe asked his Chassidim—and everyone else he came into contact with—to do. To be more aligned with G-d’s will and less focused on our own self-interest.

When he sent chassidim to establish Chabad Houses around the world, he told them to help every Jew, and every person they come in contact with, spiritually and physically, with whatever they need.

Think about it. Typically, when you establish a community or a congregation, it’s natural to prioritize your time and resources to ensure the growth of the community and your congregation. But the Rebbe made it clear that a Chabad House must run differently. If someone needs our help, even if he or she will never step foot inside or be involved with our Chabad House, we need to help. If we have the opportunity to do a mitzvah with a fellow Jew, inspire our fellow human being, even if we might never see them again, we should grab the opportunity. Why? Because to G-d, each one of us is precious, and every mitzvah is dear.

I still have a long way to go to achieve a perfect alignment with G-d’s will. And I might never reach it. But these, “Is this Chabad?” phone calls do remind me to keep trying.

As we commemorate the 27th anniversary of the Rebbe’s passing, on the 3rd of Tammuz, 5781, (June 13, 2021) may we all be inspired to follow his example.

It’s wonderful to see how much care and how much chesed (acts of kindness) we do within our communities. Yet the Rebbe always asked for more, not to rest on our laurels, as there is always more to do.

Let’s reach out to our fellow brothers and sisters. encourage them to make this world a Home for G-d, a place where He will feel welcomed by us all, by doing one more Mitzvah each day. Each act of goodness and kindness will make this world a better and a brighter place.

To learn more about the Rebbe go to therebbe.org •

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The Temple Announces Ambitious Outreach Plans to Deliver Synagogue Programs and Services to Emerging Jewish Population Centers and Communities M any Jewish organizations pride themselves on being welcoming, but is that our end goal? Feeling welcomed is nice, but intentional steps need to be taken to help people feel like more than visitors. We want our members to feel included and a sense of belonging, to find their place within the community.

This goes for all of our members, and especially for interfaith families. As studies show, 72% of non- Orthodox Jews marry outside their faith. It is important that these families feel that the Nashville Jewish community is their home and a place for them to build community, learn, and grow.

Jimmy Marks, Temple’s President says, “I believe it is important for congregations and Jewish institutions to engage the interfaith and multi-faith families. It is incumbent upon us to stretch ourselves to engage these families to ensure the Jewish family members feel comfortable to practice their faith while allowing their family members to support them and feel as they belong to our community. As a congregation we have accomplished much in the past twenty years to be more welcoming and inclusive.

But we must not be content for there is always more we can and should do.”

Senior Rabbi Mark Schiftan says, “The Temple is rolling out a targeted, four point plan designed to coherently and cohesively meet this challenge.

Each of the points is specifically designed towards this emerging demographic, which includes an substantial outreach effort to these targeted populations in

emerging Jewish neighborhoods.”

These four programs include the following: • Are You Jew-ish, Too-ish?: A regular brunch and learn with opportunity for 20 somethings and 30 somethings, who are either returning or entirely new to Nashville. These will be held in restaurants in Germantown, the Gulch, Downtown and East Nashville.

• Outreach Coffee and Conversations and One-on-Ones with newcomers and returnees to Nashville with the Temple’s part-time Outreach Coordinator, focused on those same targeted geographic areas.

• New “18 Door” programs for interfaith and multi faith couples.

Rabbi Michael Shulman is currently an 18 Doors Rukin Rabbinic Fellow. Through this prestigious two year fellowship, he is part of a cohort with other rabbis to deepen their practices of working with interfaith couples and families. With new knowledge and information from his colleagues and mentors, Rabbi Shulman is introducing exciting and new programs for interfaith couples this summer on diverse topics as well as a four week course of deeper conversation.

• Food for (Interfaith and Multifaith) Thought

The Temple is also planning a new program for the upcoming year that will be focused on food and holidays. The program will be for interfaith families that will meet five times throughout the year and learn how

Tennessee Holocaust Commission Holds Successful Virtual Day of Remembrance

Ashly and Gary Minnich participate in December Discussion activities

to cook holiday centered food from a well-known Nashville chef. This innovative program will have these families connect with one another, bond over food, and learn about both Jewish and other faiths’ holidays.

Sheri Rosenberg, Temple’s Director of Membership and Inclusion, says, “This new program is exciting for me to be able to pro-

vide for the community, as well as to personally participate with my husband. Many interfaith programs focus solely on Jewish customs, culture, and beliefs. We know that is not always the way all couples celebrate holidays; many times they celebrate both in some capacity. Now with this program, couples can learn about and honor both religion’s traditions.”

Rabbi Shana Mackler added, “We are strengthened by the gifts and diversity that all members of our community bring. With these endeavors that build upon our foundation and ongoing practice of inclusion, we explicitly invite those in our community who by their love for members of the Jewish people have become part of our family, to join us in these meaningful ways.

We value our interfaith families, and honor their relationships: as spouses or parents, children or grandparents.

We hope this will help deepen those relationships by coming together to share experiences, to learn, pray, celebrate and connect, in the ways that are most comfortable to them, and to know they are not alone.”

For more information regarding any of these programs or the Temple in general, please reach out to Sheri Rosenberg (sheri@templenashville.org). •

Proudly Supporting Life & Legacy™

By ALYSSA TRACHTMAN

T

he Tennessee Holocaust commission held their Day of Remembrance on April 25th. Although this year the event pivoted to a virtual format, the turnout was high and the community’s response was enthusiastic. More than 150 people watched on the day the video launched, and currently over 300 people have viewed it.

This program usually takes place in person at the Capitol where Holocaust Survivors, their families and top government officials participate. Guest speakers this year were Governor Bill Lee, Lt. Governor Randy McNally, Speaker Cameron Sexton, Senator Becky Massey, Representative Harold Love, Rabbi Mark Schiftan, Jack Belz, Cantor Tracy Fishbein and Commission Chair Larry Leibowitz.

Howard Safer, CPA This event reaffirms the commitment of all Tennesseans to Never Forget the stories and legacies of those who perished and suffered in the Holocaust. Additionally, the program honored outstanding Tennessee Holocaust educators and survivors, liberators, and witnesses.

For those who were unable to view the program, it can still be watched on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/ CAiUq2rMMsI •

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

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The Jewish Observer • June 2021

7

Akiva Graduates Host Annual JED Talks

By ELLY EBIN

A

fter a school year that has been anything but conventional, Akiva was proud to host an intimate in-person and COVID-safe graduation ceremony for the Class of 2021. As graduation drew near, students spent time reflecting on their years at the school and the skills they have developed to become impactful leaders in the world.

The idea of leadership is something that is cultivated in Akiva students from Kindergarten through graduation.

Whether studying English literature, Tanach, or social studies, students are constantly asked to consider the motivation behind the decisions and actions of the individuals they study. The perpetual inquiry of motive builds empathy in students and allows them to consider a broader narrative. This exploration culminates in Akiva’s annual sixth grade JED Talks, a project that provides students the opportunity to present what they have learned about leadership during their time at Akiva, and what they have discovered about their own personal leadership abilities.

One of this year’s JED Talk presenters, Issac Simpson, suggested that, “For leadership to be beautiful, you need patience...you also need to be with people who have different opinions and you have to try and understand their differences and support them.”

Issac’s view on leadership is built on what he learned during a class study of Shmuel Alef (Samuel I), as well as the example set for him at home and in school. Arie Michaeli, another JED Talk presenter, summed up leadership

as, “The ability to guide your people.”

Arie went on to discuss the absolute need for kindness in a leader, referencing personalities in Shmuel Alef whose efficacy as leaders was a direct result Batya Coleman of their kindness.

Every JED Talk presenter spoke about leadership traits that were personal to them. Batya Coleman began by discussing the courage that allowed her maternal great-grandmother to survive the Holocaust and become the matriarch and leader of her family. For Batya, this made courage a fundamental part of leadership, and something she saw displayed by Chana, the mother of Shmuel.

Fourth grade teacher Susan Eskew was one of this year’s JED Talk judges. She recognizes the JED Talks as an innovative and dynamic pedagogical tool, not just for the students, but for the teachers and audience as well.

According to Eskew, “The JED Talks were an inspiring reminder of the leadership traits I wish to emulate. The students’ reflections on their research were effective and motivating.”

JED Talks have become the perfect parting project for Akiva graduates. It is a way for students to showcase the impactful lessons they have learned and

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Joey Fried

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to demonstrate the skills they have cultivated to cogently share their message and effectively facilitate discussion. For Akiva parents it is a fitting tribute to their child’s time at Akiva.

Erin Coleman, mom to graduate Batya Coleman, found the JED Talks an emotional experience. She remembers when Batya and her friends started kindergarten at Akiva and could hardly stand up and speak in front of their own class.

“Seeing my child now stand proudly on the school stage and confidently share her ideas about courage and leadership is beyond anything I could have imagined for her.” Coleman readily appreciates that, “Akiva has played a major role

in this growth, and the knowledge and skills seen in the JED Talks is something all the students will take with them on their journey after graduation.”

Having achieved so much during their time at Akiva, it is not surprising that this year’s graduates were all accepted to their first choice middle schools for the next academic year.

Congratulations to Batya Coleman (Harpeth Hall), Joey Fried (USN), Clay Isaacs (MBA), Iara Kullock (Harpeth Hall), Arie Michaeli (Grassland), Greta Nissenson (JT Moore), and Isaac Simpson (JMS). Mazel Tov to the entire graduating class, and best wishes on your next adventure! •

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June 2021 • The Jewish Observer

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Beit Miriam@ West End Synagogue Honors Students

By SHARON PAZ

I

n a moving End of the Year Closing Ceremony on Sunday, May 2nd, West End Synagogue’s Beit Miriam student, Sawyer Stein was presented with the 2021 Simon and Alven Ghertner Award for Excellence in Hebrew.

tion and corrected his own mistakes. He was diligent in listening to what he was reading and took feedback with ease and with a smile. Sawyer did a phenomenal job at his bar mitzvah mastering a difficult Torah reading and finishing his haftarah with very little help from me.”

This award comes with a gift from the Ghertner Family. Many thanks to Frank Ghertner and Dorothy Ghertner Miller who oversee this award on an annual basis. The Closing Ceremony included reflections on a pandemic year—a most unusual year of teaching, learning and celebrating.

Saturday evening, May 15, WES celebrated the graduation of nine students from Beit Miriam. During the program two special awards were presented: NATHAN DAVIS AWARD FOR THE OUTSTANDING STUDENT IN THE GRADUATION CLASS AND THE SANDRA KLEIN GOLDSTEIN AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE.

Sawyer Stein is the 2021 Simon and Alven Ghertner Award winner at West End Synagogue’s Beit Miriam

Sawyer Benjamin Stein, son of Danielle and Bryan Stein and grandson of Carol and Dr. Rob Stein of Nashville and Viviane and the late Ronald LaFave of Vermont was chosen as the 2021 recipient of the prestigious Simon and Alven Ghertner Award for excellence in Hebrew, now in its 76th year. Both Frank Ghertner and Dorothy Ghertner Miller, grandchildren of Simon Ghertner and children of Alven Ghertner, zichronam L’vracha, were present for the program.

The award was presented to Sawyer via zoom by Frank Ghertner. The Ghertner Award is a distinct award presented to the outstanding 7th grader each year and recognizes the importance of Hebrew reading proficiency for every generation of Jewish students. Among Jewish teens nationwide, so few excel in Hebrew to the extent that our students do. We are so fortunate to have young people in our school and congregation who have ability and who work hard to excel, reading Torah, Haftarah and leading services for us.

Sharon Paz, Director of Lifelong Learning and Cantor Sarah Levine shared their observations of Sawyer. Paz shared, “We have had our eyes on Sawyer since he was in 2nd grade. He had mastered the alef bet and could decode well back then. In 4th grade we noticed his competitive nature, he liked being the first one in class to master new Hebrew material and to correctly read the prayers.

Throughout his early years, his teachers of Hebrew and T’filah noted that he enjoyed learning Hebrew and singing the prayers (davening).”

This award places emphasis on the effort and skills mastered in preparation for becoming Bnai Mitzvah and takes into account Hebrew language skills.

Cantor Sarah said, “It has been a joy to watch Sawyer’s growth over the past two years. Beginning in 6th grade, with the Torah service, Sawyer took great care and patience with sounding out the difficult Hebrew. When we got to Ashrei, he was a bit daunted by the task of mastering the more challenging biblical Hebrew.

But with a smile the whole time, and focus, Sawyer was determined to smooth out the pronunciation of every syllable.

He was able to chant Ashrei fluently by the end of 6th grade! Come bar mitzvah lessons and 7th grade, Sawyer paid atten-

Charlotte Seloff presents the 2021 Nathan Davis Award at West End Synagogue’s Beit Miriam Graduation

The Nathan Davis Award for the outstanding student in the 2021 graduating class was presented to Abigail Claire Landa by Charlotte Seloff, granddaughter of Nathan Davis. Seloff noted that, “Nathan Davis was Morah Sharon Paz’s great-great grandfather and president of West End Synagogue from 1931-1934.

His main interest was the Jewish education of the children in the Religious School. Little did he know that his greatgreat granddaughter would one day be the Director of Lifelong Learning for the Synagogue.”

The annual award, endowed by his family, was first presented in 1936 to Sylvia Levine Manas, of blessed memory, and the second in 1937 to Frances Kaminitz. The award recognizes a commitment to Jewish Life, academic excellence, leadership, honesty, being co-operative, respectful and active in Jewish Youth Activities and West End Synagogue. The honoree is selected by the professional staff with input from his/ her teachers through the years.

curiosity. She has a command of T’filah and a commitment to our school. She was a great teacher aide in 4th and 5th grade T’filah (prayer) and stepped in as teacher half way through the year.

Abby has attended Camp Ramah Darom for 6 years and plans to attend Ramah Darom for a 10 Day Gesher experience, a taste of the Ramah Darom 2020 summer program that was cancelled due to COVID, and then will participate in the Ramah Seminar Israel summer program. Abby was selected as a 2021-2022 Kenneth Leventhal, “Stand With Us,” intern. StandWithUS is a high School and College Campus Israel education group whose members learn to fight hate and anti-Semitism, while educating and inspiring the next generation of pro-Israel voices.

At Franklin High School, Abby is academically outstanding. She is involved in two programs: Youth in Government, a classroom for civic government, and Model UN which introduces students to the world of diplomacy, negotiation and decision making. She was Model UN General Assembly Vice President in 2021 and will be president this coming academic year. In addition, she will serve as the Youth in Government Red House Floor leader for 2021-2022. Abby is a member of the Young Democrats, Spanish Honors Society, and the History Honors Society at Franklin High School.

Bernie Goldstein presents the 2021 Sandra Klein Goldstein Award at West End Synagogue’s Beit Miriam Graduation

Ethan David Bengelsdorf was the 2021 Beit Miriam graduation class recipient of the third annual Sandra Klein Goldstein Award for active and meaningful Community Service. Ethan is a sophomore at Franklin High School.

This annual award was established in perpetuity by Bernie Goldstein and his children, Steven, Ronna and Stewart and their children in loving memory of their wife and mother, Sandra Goldstein, whom they describe as an Ayshet Chayil, a woman of valor. The award honors an outstanding student in the graduating class of Beit Miriam at West End Synagogue. She advocated, “Tikkun Olam,” giving back, and valued involvement in the Jewish and non-Jew-

Ethan Bengelsdorf received the 2021 Sandra Klein Goldstein Award

ish community. It is the family’s hope that this award will serve as inspiration for West End Synagogue high school students to increase awareness and promote Tzedakah and community service, as core trait of the Jewish Faith.

The past 15 months have been challenging for students to be actively involved in Community Service projects.

So, this year we looked inward. When Ethan’s brother Jake took his college courses online from home this year and thus agreed to teach at Beit Miriam over zoom for a semester, he needed Ethan’s help in the virtual classroom. It is a challenge to teach T’filah to a class over Zoom. There is no opportunity to sing together and practice what you are learning. Ethan volunteered to help him. Ethan would take half of the class into a breakout room in both the 4th and 5th grades every Wednesday afternoon and teach students the Friday night, Kabbalat Service. When Jake left in the second semester, Abby Landa stepped in as a paid teacher and Ethan continued to help her the same way. When Abby had to miss a Wednesday or two even at the last minute, Ethan said he could handle the class by himself. And he did.

We salute Ethan for a full year of volunteer teaching for Midweek Hebrew. The students loved all three of their teachers. It was a seamless transition for the students and a life saver for the school!

Ethan is Ramah Darom camper of many years and the 2021-2022 Ein Gedi Sub Regional Vice President of USY. He served on the 2020-2021 USY Religion/ Education Regional General Board and serves on the Bnai Tzedek Board of the Jewish Community Foundation. Ethan also served as Parliamentarian for Model UN at Franklin High School. •

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

Abby Landa received the 2021 Nathan Davis Award

This year’s honoree, Abby Landa, was described by her teachers as being a very engaged student throughout her years at Beit Miriam with a keen sense of

The Jewish Observer is online at jewishobservernashville.org

The Jewish Observer • June 2021

9

Sinai and Strawberries

By THERESA LEPORE

M

ount Sinai and strawberry sundaes were the theme of the Micah Children’s Academy Shavuot festivity.

Shavuot, which means weeks, celebrates receiving the Ten Commandments and the Torah. Some say the tradition to eat dairy foods is to remember the land of milk and honey, while others say it’s to recall getting the laws regarding separating milk and meat.

Moses led the children in a parade through the school and out to, “Mount Sinai,” bearing his shepherd’s staff which fascinated many children. With thunder in the background, Moses told his flock about the ten good rules which make the world a better place, and we welcomed the new season with a blessing and a song.

As Mount Sinai bloomed with flowers, so did the little Sinai in Brentwood as the children festooned it with flowers they made and some picked from our playscape garden.

Minis 2 students recited the Ten Commandments for the school with a catchy rhyming version that began with, “I’m the one who set you free, you shall have no other gods than me,” and ended with, “Don’t lie on the witness stand, be happy with what you have on hand.”

Students at Micah Children’s Academy celebrate Shavuot by re-enacting receiving the Ten Commandments and the Torah from Moses on Mt. Sinai

Almost every student said their favorite part of the morning was the ice cream party, especially the sprinkles and strawberries picked that very morning from the beds at school. The teachers enjoyed the sense of peace and focus that descended on the children as they stood at Sinai (though safely apart). •

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

10

June 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Boy Scout Troop 87: “We Remember”

By RICHARDS HILLS

A

s the Scoutmaster of Troop 87 of Belle Meade United Methodist Church, part of my job is to provide a program that follows the, “Methods of Scouting,” which emphasizes the building of values and character in these young men and women. Consistent with the program’s goals, I planned to have the Scout Troop meet at the Nashville Holocaust Memorial at the Gordon Jewish Community Center. As our meetings are held on Monday nights, we planned Holocaust Remembrance on Monday, April 27, 2020. This date would have been 2 days before the 75th anniversary date of the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp by elements of the United States Army which occurred on April 29, 1945.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 restrictions the plan was put on hold until April 26, 2021.

I have the unique privilege of being the son of a, “Liberator.” My father was Ashley P. Hill Jr. He was allowed to graduate early from Hillsboro High School in the spring of 1943 in order to enlist in the Army. He soon found himself in Europe serving in the 14th Armored Division which was a combat unit in WWII. After the war, General Patton nicknamed that Division, “The Liberators,” due in part to the large number of Concentration Sub Camps of Dachau that they liberated starting in early April of 1945. My Dad’s squad, along with others of his platoon, were sent to Dachau the day after it was liberated in order to assist with the humanitarian emergency.

Over the years I had questioned my Dad - or as he would say – I, “interrogated him better than a police detective,” for information regarding his experiences during the war. When I graduated from Auburn University in 1987, I went to Europe and traveled for a year with just a backpack and my hiking boots. I spent time trying to retrace Dad’s Army unit’s, “footprints,” through Europe including visiting many of the locations of the sub camps and underground factories in the rural areas of Bavaria. When Dad turned 70, he finally started sharing more details about his memories of the war. After his death in 1999, I was able to track down several members of his squad to continue discussions about their shared experiences. At times, these men seemed almost desperate to share the same accounts and events that took place.

In 2000, I was able to travel with Dad’s former Lieutenant, Perry Thompson, as we visited many of the locations and were invited to several memorial services.

The accounts I was able to hear directly from these men who lived this part of history needed to be passed along in some way to this generation of Scouts.

On Monday, April 26, 2021 the Boy Scouts and Venture Crew of Troop 87 along with their parents met at the Gordon Jewish Community Center parking area near the first station of the Nashville Holocaust Memorial. I explained to the youth, ranging in age from 11 to 19, that we were at this location to remember the six million Jews who lost their lives in the Holocaust and as a remembrance of the survivors and their families.

The first order of business was for all of the Scouts and the adults to read the provided pamphlet regarding the memorial. Typically, at other museums or

Boy Scouts and Venture Crew of Troop 87, along with their parents, visit the Nashville Holocaust Memorial on the anniversary of the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp Scoutmaster Richards Hills created neckerchief slides to commemorate the liberation of Dachau and its sub camps.

Scouts place pebbles by names on the Nashville Holocaust Memorial

historical sites, the Scouts half-heartedly peruse the literature but surprisingly, they were all quiet and focused as they studied the material. The brochure prompted discussions with each other about the Holocaust. They flipped through the brochure pointing out facts and reading aloud certain sections to their friends.

Once the initial discussions wrapped up, I explained the importance of the Nashville Holocaust Memorial and how it is only located a mere three miles from where we meet as a Scout Troop. I discussed the significance of the Liberation of Dachau by the elements of the U.S. Army, and the 76th anniversary coming up on Thursday April 29th.

I shared my Dad’s wartime photo album along with a shadow box of his Purple Heart medal and other campaign ribbons and unit patches and more importantly, I relayed the accounts Dad and the seven members of his unit witnessed and found when they entered the numerous Dachau sub camps.

I described, in the detail told to me, the incremental starvation ration of food that each Jewish prisoner received each day. I brought a pair of wooden clogs, similar to those provided to prisoners, and had several of the Scouts try to walk in them uphill and downhill on the concrete and in the field. Additionally, I shared a book of copies of correspondence between various Nazi officers providing evidence they were deliberately and purposely exterminating the Jews in Central Europe and other outlying areas under their control.

We had each Scout Patrol walk through the Holocaust Memorial Stations leading up to the Memorial Walls and

Sculpture. Each Scout chose a name on the Memorial Wall and placed a pebble at its base.

Many of the attendees commented on the creativity of the four sections of the memorial and were interested in the listing of the countries of the survivors and refugees as well as the 12 Memorial Walls which lists the names of the survivors, victims, their ages, the name of the camps and even the numbers tattooed on their arms. Station three, “What is our responsibility…?” was a thought provoking area of the memorial.

The most impactful exhibit was the symbolism of the sculpture - the book with the center heart of it torn out (The Six Million) along with the damaged torn pages (The Survivors). That imagery has been resonating with them, and as one Scout said, “I visually get it”.

After everyone completed the tour, we all gathered at the Memorial entrance.

I explained to them that I had separately asked my Dad and the seven members of his squad - Perry Thompson, Bill Everling, Homer Sturgeon, Otto Neugabauer, Seymour Givener, John Howard and James O’Neal - what concerns they had about how future generations would view what took place during WWII. They all gave similar responses as follows “Future generations will make “light” of the Holocaust and the six million deaths.”

“They will think it was not that big of a deal” “They will just chalk it up as ‘that was just the Nazis’” “What people today and future generations don’t understand is that in the 1920s and 1930s Germany was consid-

ered a civilized nation and often referred to as the center of culture in Europe.

This was a nation that supposedly had Christian values, yet the Nazis specifically and deliberately killed Jews in the most brutal and horrific means that they could come up with.”

“Everyone needs to know that THEY did this, and that IT did happen.”

I explained to the Scouts that I was delivering this message from these witnesses of the Holocaust to each of them and that they have a responsibility to pass this information on to the next generation.

In preparation for this event, I made small wooden clog shoe neckerchief slides with the name of a Dachau Sub Camp written on the shoe. I had seen these worn by the Holocaust survivors and their children and grandchildren when I was in Europe at the memorial services.

Before we concluded, each Scout was allowed to choose one neckerchief slide.

Each Scout’s assignment for the next Monday was to research that sub camp and discuss it at our next Troop meeting.

This event was a touching and important experience for all of the Scouts and their parents, and many expressed this after the meeting. One of the youngest Scouts waited until most everyone else had left to explain that he attends Akiva School and was appreciative that this experience was shared with the Troop that afternoon.

The Troop participates annually in the Flag Placement at the Nashville Veteran’s Cemetery on the Saturday morning before Memorial Day. Several older Scouts suggested that we also visit the Holocaust Memorial each April for a Remembrance Day. In the days following our visit, I received numerous complimentary phone calls, emails and texts from parents expressing what a meaningful experience this was for them and their Scout son and/or daughter. Many have mentioned they’d never found an opportunity to discuss the Holocaust with their children. Several of the adults who are from Nashville told me that they are embarrassed and ashamed that they have never been to this memorial.

Among the long term Nashvillian adults, there were many positive comments about Teddy Bart’s voice being used for the narration. Many of us remembered in 1981 when he broke a story regarding the attempted bombing of The Temple on Harding Road and the WSMV TV Tower.

Never Forget, Always Remember •

The Jewish Observer • June 2021

11

Children of all ages attend the Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool C

hildren of all ages attend the Revere jewish Montessori Preschool.

Starting at 12 months children learn to use their fine motor skills, then go on to build, to write and read In English and Hebrew, to count, to plant, to sing,

and to dance, and to become wholesome healthy people, being educated with the method of Maria Montessori.

To register your child at the Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool call 615646-5750.” Space is limited, call today. •

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

12

June 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Food Fest Nourishes the Soul and the Spirit T

he 2021 annual Jewish Food Fest brought the community together for an afternoon of Jewish-style soul food, good times and lots of ruach! •

Food Fest

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

The Jewish Observer • June 2021

13

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14

June 2021 • The Jewish Observer

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The Jewish Observer • June 2021

15

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

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615.646.1400

16

June 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Lee Dorman’s new book is out, Nashville’s Jewish Community.

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The Jewish Observer • June 2021

17

Kvetch in the City

By CARRIE MILLS

R

ecently, my friend and I were talking about trying to downsize our lives and how hard it is to get rid of tchotckies. Inanimate objects from which we derive so much joy.

Carrie Mills From there the conversation turned to online dating and somehow ended up at cremation and dying. I’m not saying that’s a natural progression from dating to dying, I’m just making a note.

The whole online dating conversation started when I casually dropped the fact that I was considering going on J Date. While I’ve been more of a Goy Toy throughout my love life, I’ve lately started to reminisce and look fondly on the Jewish boys I fell in love with in High School. Also, having most recently heard of a few success stories on J Date I thought, why not give it a try? Go full circle, back to my roots. While I am not a fan of online dating, I decided to dip my toe in the water, though not with a full on commitment with my pocketbook.

So, I downloaded the free version, which gives you a glimpse of available Jewish men, or men who consider themselves culturally Jewish. (Is there any other way to be Jewish? Isn’t it all a cultural thing?)

Well, I have to say, from the photos alone, I felt that I was on familiar ground. All the men seemed to look like a forty-years-later-version (not forty year virgin - though some of the profiles looked questionable) from my high school yearbook.

I actually started to think that

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maybe I could do this, while feeling like I would be making my mother proud. If I married a Jewish doctor, or lawyer, or really any Jewish professional, maybe she could finally rest in peace.

Lord knows she never understood the non-Jewish musicians I twice married. I know she tried, though I have to say, she was not exactly the best example of love relationships for me, having married three times, Jewish men and all, with serious, I mean serious, issues. I remember she once said to me, “Where do you find them?” (referring to the men I dated, and not in a good way). I quipped back, “Look who’s talking…you’ve not exactly been the best example,” and we both laughed and went on eating our tuna sandwiches at the lunch counter where they used to put free pickles on a plate, on 5th Ave. and 33rd Street downstairs in the building where I was once employed designing handbags.

Naturally, as online dating is set up to do, I decided to approach it as a menu of men. Let’s see…Lawyer…

Great! Financially sound…Perfect!

Good teeth…a must! Grown kids who don’t live at home…Okay! Likes dogs… me too! Enjoys luxury travel…you bet!

Tall…that’ll work! Good looking for a man in his 60’s…I’d be flexible with that. I scrolled and scrolled…and 57 scrolls later…there he was! Rob from New Jersey. Bingo! I hit the little heart emoji…and wham…next day a message from, let’s see if he’s my dream come true, Jewish mensch.

Rob, from NJ, a good looking lawyer, grown children, with a doodle dog who enjoys all that NYC has to offer, travels the world for his job, Paris, London! I’m in! The messaging banter going back and forth for a few days was all good until the phone call. I forgot, while looking on the menu of men…that a sense of humor is a must, and Rob, for all the wonderful things he might be, apparently had no sense of humor. I got the feeling right away he certainly didn’t get mine.

So with a sense of disappointment and hopes momentarily dashed, for now, I called my friend back and we picked up our conversation. At least this time it didn’t end in cremation and dying, and more why I realized I may prefer to stick with inanimate objects a while longer. •

Dear Esther Dear Carrie, I was surprised and delighted to see my name come up in your Kvetch in the City column last month. I was on the couch reading last month’s column and reacted with laughter and a big smile on my face.

My 11-year-old granddaughter was close by and quickly inquired about the cause of my joy. I explained your column the best I could and asked her the question, “Do you think Carrie writing a monthly column will be a hard thing for the person she dates?” After placing her finger to her chin and looking up for a minute, she replied “No, as long as she doesn’t say anything bad about the person.”

While I recognize that your questions were just thoughts made public and not necessarily a formal request for advice, the Bubbe in me cannot resist giving you some feedback. Most of your questions can be applied to any dating situation and worth talking about.

Thank you for bringing them up.

Let’s get back to basics for a minute, it is never a good idea to speak negatively about another person, period. Now, let’s get real for a minute, bad things happen to all of us, and it can be helpful to vent when it is appropriate to do so. But it is how and who you vent to that can define your relationship. You should negotiate the boundaries of your dating relationships up front with clear expectations on your comfort level of sharing information with others and how that will be done. As a columnist, this is critical to avoid possible embarrassment or hurt feelings if they, or a friend of the person you are dating, reads your column and acquires knowledge that wasn’t meant to be shared. You may be asking why do I need permission to share my experiences?

A healthy relationship is built upon a foundation of trust. Trust that your partner has your best interest at heart, always has your back and trust that both of you feel the same way about each other. One way to build that trust is to have open communication about what you share.

You also bring up a potentially sticky situation of dating within the Jewish

community while writing a column.

Although you might not attract the shy, introverted type of person, you will likely attract people who have your similar level of openness. The right person might find this exciting and enjoy reading your column about your shared experiences.

Perhaps you will disclose some of your dating mishaps as well as theirs (with permission) in future columns and it could be a fun experience for both of you.

I also wouldn’t worry about whether you remind someone of their Jewish mother or whether they will mind your kvetching. When someone falls in love with you, they fall in love with you and the entire package. Kvetching is your past time (and now your profession), and I am confident they will know that upfront. However, dating a non-Jewish person will take some education and training on your part. It’s great that you already recognize that. They indeed will need to understand what kvetching is and is not, a list of the 20 most common Yiddish words and desensitizing to the communication style of a New Yorker.

Having a column may actually increase your dating pool within the Jewish community because you made it clear in last month’s paper that you are ready to date in person again. In a sense your net has been cast wider with the column and I hope your net catches many fish for you to consider. I would suggest leaving your contact information at the bottom of your column so that interested parties can contact you (Haha). Open your door to inquiries!

While I don’t have a single brother to set you up with, I am your neighbor columnist and I have your back. So let me put a call out there to all single middle-aged men who might be interested in dating Carrie Mills. Contact her directly or contact me and I will put you in touch.

Before you panic, Carrie, I have some free time and can help you go through the many inquiries you should be getting soon. Now this is what I call fun!

– Esther

Esther recently migrated to Nashville from New York and will be partnering with JFS on an advice column for The Observer beginning in October. 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 will soon be heard 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. •

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

!!!

2021

18

June 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Hunt Memorials, Inc.

Quality and Craftsmanship Since 1928 4807 Gallatin Road 4807 Gallatin Road • 1000 Lebanon Road 262-1313 • 254-1206 615-262-1313

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

Special Programs for Young Adult Interfaith Couples

All of these sessions are open to interfaith couples regardless of affiliation, location, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Facilitated by Rabbi Michael Shulman, 18Doors Rukin Rabbinic Fellow in Nashville, TN. For more information and to register, email Rabbi Shulman at rabbishulman@templenashville.org

From Lox to Latkes: How Food Shapes Our Cultural & Religious Identity Thursday, June 3rd ~ 7:00-8:30 pm on Zoom

Coming from different religious/cultural backgrounds, you and your partner likely grew up eating different foods, at least for special occasions - let’s dig into this fruitful topic! Join Rabbi Michael Shulman nd other interfaith couples to talk about religion/ culture and food, including family foods that you loved growing up, rituals and traditions around eating, and rules relating to what we eat.

It’s All Symbolic: Considering Religious/Cultural Icons in Your Jew-ish Family on Thursday, June 10th ~ 7:00-8:30 pm on Zoom

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

Shacharit

Join us Mondays & Thursdays for Shacharit service at 8:30 a.m. on Zoom.

Daily Mincha (afternoon service)

Join us for daily Mincha on Zoom at 6:00 p.m.

Kabbalat Shabbat

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

Morning Shabbat services

You are invited to join by zoom on Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m.

Talmud on Tuesdays with Rabbi Joshua on zoom at 8:00 a.m.

Torah class on Thursdays

Nechemya Rosenfeld teaches a Torah study class on Thursday mornings at 7:30 am.

The link is the same as Shacharit on Thursdays.

What religious and cultural symbols and objects did you grow up with? What symbols and objects are important to you now? What do we do when a symbol or object is important to one partner in our relationship but uncomfortable for the other? Join Rabbi Michael Shulman and other interfaith couples for a nonjudgmental discussion of religious and cultural symbols and objects and the role they play in our lives.

Shabbat Schedule for June

Friday, June 4th ~ 6:00 PM Friday, June 11th ~ 6:00 PM Friday, June 18th ~ 6:00 PM Friday, June 25th ~ 6:00 PM Access all Shabbat Services via Zoom at thetemplehub.org

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

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

9:30 am on Saturdays.

Jewish Learning on Your Own Schedule

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

More Opportunities Coming Soon!

Check thetemplehub.org for updates and new classes in the coming weeks...

Torah class for Women (Book of Leviticus): First Wednesday of each month at 11am.

Torah class for Men (Second Book of Samuel): Second Thursday of each month at 12pm.

@ The Temple June at The Temple All programming can be accessed via thetemplehub.org

Pirkei Avot: Jewish Wisdom for Today’s World Every Friday from 5:00-5:40 PM

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

Zoom Room: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81973096738 Meeting ID: 819 730 96738 Dial in - Audio Only: 1 312 626 6799

Lunch with the Rabbi Thursday, June 3rd from 12:00-1:00 PM

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

Zoom Room: https://zoom.us/j/572111637 Meeting ID: 572111637 Dial in - Audio Only: 1 312 626 6799

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

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

Zoom Room: https://zoom.us/j/392595616 Meeting ID: 392 595 616 Dial in- Audio Only: 1 312 626-6799

@ Sherith Israel Rabbinical Intern to join Sherith Israel clergy team for the summer Congregation Sherith Israel welcomes back Dvir Cahana, rabbinical student at YCT rabbinical school in NY, who will spend a large part of his summer break in Nashville. Dvir spent Passover in Nashville and enjoyed the community so much, he was, eager to return. He will do some teaching at the Shul, give the Shabbat drasha, visit with congregants, and may even give a spontaneous performance.

Dvir earned his M.A. in Jewish Studies from McGill University, where he was the McGill representative of the East Coast Consortium of Graduate Students Rabbinic intern, Dvir Cahana returns to in Jewish Studies. He taught at the Satmar Nashville for summer break elementary school, Yeshivat Toras Moishe, founded the Moishe House in Montreal, is currently a resident at the Moishe House in Harlem and sits on the Moishe House regional advisory board. Dvir partook in the Bronfman, Drisha, LABA, iEngage and LTI Fellowships. His future rabbinic aspirations revolve around his fascination with combining the worlds of art expression and Torah.

He has begun this exploration with the launch of The Amen Institute where artists and rabbis study with one another to inspire the creation of Divrei Torah and Art. You can follow the progress of this project at www.theameninstitute.com His first Shabbat will be June 25th.

Monthly Services and Events Note: In person unless indicated otherwise

Daily Shacharit:

Monday and Thursday at 6:25 am Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 6:30 am Sundays at 8:00 am

Continued on page 20

The Jewish Observer • June 2021

19

At Our Congregations…

Continued from page 19

Daily Mincha/Maariv: 7:00 pm Friday Kabbalat Shabbat 7:00 pm Shabbat morning at 9:00

followed by Kiddush lunch in the Tent

Families meet at Elmington Park at 4:00 pm.

Sunday evening Zoom Chaburah at 8:30 pm.

June 12th - New Member’s Shabbat and Kiddush.

@ Micah Judaism at Micah continues to evolve with courage, compassion and creativity. Stay updated! Go to www.congregationmicah.org, like us on our socials: Facebook; Instagram; @ MicahNashville; sign up for our eblasts; learn and pray with us on YouTube, Zoom and on our Livestream. In our virtual tent, there is room for everyone, virtually and soon, in person! Access Micah’s programs – all free and open to the public - from the front page of our website.

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Apply for Membership! For more information about becoming a Micah Member, contact Mindy Drongowski at mindy@congregationmicah.org

Programming at Micah - June 2021 The Sabbath of Return – June 4 @ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

This outdoor (weather-dependent) Patio Shabbat Service will be available on a firstcome, first-served basis to Micah members who have RSVP’d in advance. Beginning the process outside before it gets too hot, registration links for attending this service will be available in our e-blast and on our website with limited capacity. Sign-ups will be available on the Monday prior to Friday night. Children 12 and under are welcome and will not count toward your RSVP number.

Outdoor services will not be live-streamed to our website or YouTube, but will be available to watch on Facebook Live

Adult B’nai Mitzvah – Saturday, June 5 at 10:30 AM

Congregation Micah celebrates its adult b’nai mitzvah students who have spent the year studying with Rabbi Laurie Rice in preparation to lead Shabbat worship together, read from the Torah and share reflections on their spiritual journeys.

Mazel Tov to our Adult B’nai Mitzvah students: Donna Caplon, Mindy Drongowski, Natalie Hochman, Rishav Disgupta, and Sarah Morgan

Book Club – Monday, June 7 at 7:00 PM

All are welcome for this zoom virtual discussion on the book Riding with the Ghost by Justin Taylor.

Sanctuary Shabbat Services Beginning – June 11 at 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

As we return to our sacred space, registration for attending services will be available in our e-blast and on our website with limited space available. Sign-ups will be available on the Monday prior to Friday night. Children 12 and under do not count toward your RSVP number. We are currently testing the best sign-up systems and are planning on a capacity of 40 people. Number of attendees will continue to be assessed.

The service will be livestreamed on the Micah website, Facebook Live, and YouTube.

Weekly Events Schmooze & Views – Thursdays at 10:30 AM

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

Everyone is welcome. Beginning on June 3, attendance will include both in-person and virtual options.

Torah Study – Saturday Mornings at 9:00 AM

Deep conversations with thoughtful and caring people. Led by the Rabbi. Beginning this August, attendance will include both in-person and virtual options.

Virtual Mah Jongg – Tuesday afternoons at 12:30 PM

Chinese tile game with a Jewish twist. Playing online on realmahjongg.com. Beginning in July, attendance will be in person.

Virtual Tai Chi Classes

Around the world millions of people are getting health benefits from learning this amazing art. Learn how to breathe and RELAX. Email Info@TaiChiRiver.com for more information.

@ Chabad /Congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad to Host tribute to the Rebbe On Saturday, June 12, Chabad of Nashville will host a tribute lunch in honor of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerosn of blessed memory, in commemoration of his 27th anniversary of passing.

For more than 40 years, the Rebbe led the Jewish people towards a spiritual renaissance out of the ashes of the Holocaust and the specter of assimilation. The Rebbe revolutionized the way we think of ourselves as people. He taught us to think of the Jewish people as a single whole, as a community, in which every individual is irreplaceable, and to embrace every Jew with the same concern and devotion.

Over twenty-seven years after the Rebbe’s passing, his presence is felt stronger than ever. His teachings continue to inspire and guide us, and his insights remains as fresh and relevant as if it were given today. Each of us is a beneficiary of the Rebbe’s inspiration in one way or another, and our lives are affected by his visionary leadership.

On the anniversary of his passing, let’s honor his life’s mission to bring goodness and kindness into this world.

We invite you to join us for Shabbat lunch as we celebrate the Rebbe’s life and vision. The event will include a beautiful sit down lunch replete with Shabbat delicacies, L’Chaim, Chasidic melodies and words of inspiration, with stories and insights about the Rebbe and his inspiration and impact on our lives.

Shabbat morning services are at 10:00 and will be followed at 12:15 by a Kiddush lunch and Farbengen in honor of this occasion.

Meet in Person for Prayer and Cholent Chabad of Nashville is in full swing with Shabbat morning services, replete with joyful prayer, kavanah, simcha and great energy. Join us on Shabbat morning at 10:00 AM for prayer and Torah reading followed by a hot cholent, freshly baked Challah and some friendly L’Chaim.

Chabad is still Zooming on Monday evenings Join Rabbi Chaim Weitman on Monday evenings at 7:00 PM, from the comfort of your home, on Zoom, for a spiritual dose of Living with The Times. Rabbi Weitman teaches with his wit and wisdom, fascinating insights and lessons from the weekly Torah portion. Chabadnashville.com/zoom

Registration is open at the Chabad Hebrew School The Bertram and Beatrice King Chabad Hebrew School (CHS) has opened registration for the coming school year. Directed by Mrs. Esther Tiechtel, CHS has earned a 22-year reputation of being an innovative program in which students excel in their Hebrew reading, Jewish knowledge, and pride for their heritage.

Located at the Genesis Campus for Jewish Life, CHS meets weekly, and caters to students ages 5 through 13. The new academic year will begin in August, 2021, with a special program introducing this year’s theme, “Living Jewishly as a Community of One.” “The Bertram and Beatrice King Chabad Hebrew School emphasizes exploring the Jewish heritage in a creative and fun way, putting the FUN in FUNdamentals, with special focus on not only accumulating knowledge, but applying those lessons to our everyday life,” said Esther Tiechtel. She adds that through, “art, drama, songs, contests, and interactive activities, Judaism become real and alive to the students.”

CHS prides itself on developing a community among its students, staff and parents.

The Hebrew School’s most important message is embedded in the culture and relationships it fosters, taking the time to build a community that attends to the needs of individual children, embracing them in an environment where their classmates become their good friends. The school is connected to congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad, sharing a feeling of warmth and hospitality, establishing values and morals that are at the core of our Jewish heritage.

During classes on Jewish values and holidays, children engage their minds of through peer discussions and hands-on experiences, and are challenged to analyze, evaluate, and compare texts, ideas, and ethical dilemmas. The cohesive, whole-school curriculum focuses on developing Emunah- Faith as the cornerstone in our lives.

Children learn through stories of our heroes and heroines, illustrating how they used faith and connection to keep them grounded and strong.

CHS creates confident Jewish learners by giving them the tools to read Hebrew and participate in the davening/prayer services. The Alef Champ Program is famous for instilling a love as well as fluency in Hebrew reading. This year, students will enjoy centers on Hebrew writing and language as well as interactive vocabulary For more information and to request registration forms, contact Chabad at 615646-5750, or email rabbi@chabadnashville.com

Continued on page 21

20

June 2021 • The Jewish Observer

At Our Congregations…

Jumpstart Your Child’s Jewish Life As expectant women approach their due dates, a variety of emotions tend to surface. Some women are filled with excitement, anxiously anticipating the day that they will meet their baby face to face. Others get the jitters, nervous about the upcoming hours of labor. All women pray to G-d for a healthy baby. Many Jewish women would be thrilled to know that there is one special prayer that has been customary for centuries in our tradition to safeguard both the mother and the baby. This prayer is the Shir Hamalot (Song of Ascents, Psalms: 121). The verses of this psalm declare our dependence upon the Creator for our safety and wellbeing and His commitment to guard us at all times.

These holy words contain the power to protect the mother and baby throughout the birthing process and the recovery period that follows. That is why it is so imperative that, as an expectant mother packs up her overnight bag with all of the items she plans to take to the hospital, that she not forget the Shir Hamalot. Just having this prayer by her side throughout the delivery provides that extra dose of protection that any woman in labor would welcome.

Once the baby is born, it is customary to place the Shir Hamalot on the baby’s cradle; this is a great way to safeguard your new little bundle. It is also the custom to hang the Shir Hamalot in the doorways of your home, especially in the doorway of the baby’s room, before entering with the baby. It is important to realize that everything that surrounds a newborn has a spiritual effect. The Torah teaches us that what a baby sees and hears, even during the first day of life, will have an influence on the child for many years to come. Jewish parents are encouraged to expose their children to holy images as soon as they are born. The Shir Hamalot is a wonderful way to begin.

If you are expecting a child or know someone who is, Chabad of Nashville is offering a free, beautiful, full-color Shir Hamalot prayer card for any family in Middle Tennessee that requests one. They come in slightly different colors for boys and girls, designed with gorgeous artwork in pastel pink and baby blue. There is no greater gift to give yourself or your loved one at this precious time.

To receive your free Shir Hamalot blessing card, kindly email office@chabadnashville.com or call 615-646-5750

The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience will feature exhibits that tell the stories of the families who settled in the South.

Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience Opens in New Orleans

By BARBARA DAB

S

haring stories, exploring family history, listening to real life recordings of those who changed the country; that is the goal of the newly opened Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience. Located in a historic building in downtown New Orleans, exhibits will explore the many ways Jews in the American South impacted and were impacted by the communities in which they lived. The MSJE covers 13 states and over 300 years of history from Colonial America through the Civil Rights Movement. “We are excited to announce an opening date after a pause as a result of the pandemic,” said museum chair Jay Tanenbaum, in a press release. “Jews in the south formed bonds of deep friendship and community-building with their non-Jewish neighbors. These stories show how people of different backgrounds come together to create the American experience. This can be a bridge to a better understanding and future for all of us.”

Multi-media exhibits will illustrate how Jewish immigrants and succeeding generations adapted to life in the South.

According to Russell Palmer, a founding

Executive Board member, the Jewish experience is a success story. “Jews settled in virtually every town throughout the South. They helped build the communities and became leaders in those communities.” Palmer says the museum will also tell the more difficult stories about segregation and the antisemitism suffered at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan. A highlight will be audio recordings of six rabbis who participated in the Civil Rights Movement in the South.

Palmer says, “Visitors will actually be able to hear from the rabbis who lived and marched in the movement.”

Storytelling is one way for people to connect to shared experiences, and the museum plans to harness the power of storytelling. Visitors will be able to learn about their own families through use of an interactive map connected to cities throughout the South. “Everybody has an interesting story,” says Palmer, “The museum is a collection of stories of the families who settled here. It is truly the American story.”

The museum is open now by reservation. For information about visiting or to learn about donating artifacts for its exhibits, visit www.msje.org •

Coucheville Lake by Brenda McDowell

June in the Galleries: Exhibits Feature the Work of The Tennessee Watercolor Society and Lolly Swicegood

T

he Janet Levine March Gallery will feature, “The Beauty of Watermedia,” exhibit presented by the Middle Tennessee Region of the Tennessee Watercolor Society (TnWS). The artworks represent many styles and techniques of watermedia artists’ paintings on paper. Watermedia includes watercolor, acrylics, water based inks and gouache. Paper choices are as varied as the many brands offered, each providing different textures and surfaces that meet the preference of the artist. The Tennessee Watercolor Society, currently celebrating its 50th Anniversary, is an open non-profit volunteer organization for watermedia artists. TnWS has been impacting the visual arts and culture of Tennessee since 1971 through watermedia exhibitions, programming, outreach and educational opportunities. For more information, please visit www.tnws.org.

The Sig Held Gallery will feature an exhibit of work by artist Lolly Swicegood.

Lolly’s paintings experiment with texture and she finds her inspiration through music. It is this exploration that informs her use of LPs, CDs, and recording tape in her pieces. This is Lolly’s third exhibit in the Gordon JCC galleries.

The J House Gallery features the ongoing exhibit, Under One Roof. This exhibit is a collaboration with other city organizations and focuses on social themes with the purpose of fostering understand-

Sunseekers by Patsy Sharpe

Glass Houses by B. Bullard

ing and healing societal injustices.

The exhibitions are free and open to the public. Any attendees will need to wear masks and sign in at the front desk.

For more information, contact the GJCC at 615.356-7170, Curator Carrie Mills at carrie@nashvillejcc.org, or go to www. nashvillejcc.org •

By Lolly Patrick Swicegood

The Jewish Observer • June 2021

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Lifecycles B’nai Mitzvah Zev Moshe Wiston

Zev Moshe Wiston became a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 29, at West End Synagogue.

Born on April 14, 2008, in Hendersonville, Tenn., he is the son of Stuart and Deborah Wiston and brother to Leo, Celia and Maytal. He is the grandson of Barbara and Jay Wiston of Boynton Beach, Fla., and Ronald Wolff of Hendersonville. Zev’s grandmother, Joyce Wolff (z”l), passed away from lung cancer in August 2019.

For his Bar Mitzvah project, he has researched and organized a gofundme and has already raised more than $1,000for Upstage Lung Cancer. They use performing arts to raise awareness and funding for lung cancer research with a goal of early detection. Sadly by the time her cancer was discovered, his grandmother was already at stage IV. Zev wants to do what he can to help people detect their cancer earlier and hopefully save lives. The link to donate is: https://gofund.me/12400ddf

Zev just completed the seventh grade at Ellis Middle School where he is a member of the cross country and math teams. He enjoys spending time on the lake and playing minecraft.

Engagement Hayley M. Levy and Jacob A. Kupin

Hayley M. Levy, daughter of Joel and Marcia Evers Levy of Creve Coeur, Mo., and Jacob A. Kupin, son of Michael and Rhonda Kupin of Rye Brook, N.Y., have announced their engagement.

Levy is the granddaughter of Anita and the late Dr. William Evers, and Dr. Leonard Levy and the late Mildred Levy,

all of Syracuse, N.Y. Kupin is the grandson of Evelyn and the late Errol Kupin of New York, N.Y., and the late Lenny and Sandy Kaplan of Del Ray Beach, Florida Levy graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, with dual degrees in anthropology and urban studies. She is the Director of Development for The Tennessee Innocence Project.

Kupin graduated with dual degrees in music business and entrepreneurship from Belmont University. He is a Realtor, and team lead of the Kupin Group with Bradford Real Estate in Nashville.

Levy and Kupin met on a Federation Young Professionals trip to Israel, after both became board members for the Jewish Federation of Nashville. They are active in the Nashville Jewish Community, volunteering with Federation’s NowGen Young Professionals Board, Jewish Newcomers Welcome, National Council of Jewish Women and Hadassah.

The proposal took place on a rooftop garden overlooking the riverfront, in Savannah, Ga., with a personally designed engagement ring, made especially for Levy and Kupin, by Michael Genovese Jewelers.

A 2022 wedding is planned.

Mazel Tov

granddaughters Jodie and Jana Friedman whom he adored.

Service. He was predeceased in death by both his mother; and his wife, Rickie.

We send our condolences to his father, Alex Star; daughter, Jennifer (Russell) Colburn; grandson, Remington Colburn; and siblings, Louie (Janie) Star and Clarissa “Tish” (Ben) Doochin. We also send our condolences to his nieces and nephews, Olivia (Daniel) Heller, Justin Doochin, and Rebekah Doochin.

Private graveside services were held at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck North Cemetery on Friday, April 23, 2021.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hooverwood Guild or Flat Rock River Camp. •

Gavin Gordon

Gavin Gordon with his parents, Frank and Gwen Gordon

Gavin Gordon, son of Frank and Gwen Gordon, became an Eagle Scout on May 16, 2021. For his Eagle Scout service project, he built a chicken tractor for the JCC’s ECLC. The children will take care of the chickens and look forward to harvesting eggs when the hens are old enough to lay them. •

Obituaries New information service

Observer readers who wish to receive email notification of obituaries as the newspaper receives the information may be placed on a new e-mail list being created for this purpose by the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Please send your request via e-mail to obits@ jewishnashville.org.

Peter Chapman Van Metre

Condolences to Laura and Aaron Baum and family on the passing of Laura’s father, Peter Chapman Van Metre.

Eric Chazen

Condolences to the family of Eric Chazen who passed away on April 29, 2021. A virtual graveside service took place and burial was private.

Harry Friedman

Condolences to the family of Harry Friedman. Harry Fred Friedman was born on January 9, 1928 and passed away on April 28, 2021. Harry was predeceased by daughter Joan Marcy Friedman. Harry is survived by his wife Delores, and his son Frank (Mimi) Friedman. We express our condolences to them and send condolences to Harry’s

Eugene Murray Star

Condolences to the family of Eugene Murray Star, brother of WES member Clarissa “Tish” (Ben) Doochin. Eugene, 67 of Indianapolis, passed away April 22, 2021. He was born March 10, 1954 to Alex Star and Regina Star Concannon.

Gene attended Indiana University and was a member of AEPi. He also graduated from Indiana Central with a degree in social work. After graduation, he joined the family business and eventually took over as owner of Henthorn Mower and Engine

The Jewish History of Bazooka Bubble Gum

By JOANNA O’LEARY

C

hew on this: One of America’s most iconic gum brands was originally a Jewish-owned tobacco business.

In 1891, Morris Chigorinsky emigrated from Russia to the United States, where in the early 1900s he assumed control of the American Leaf Tobacco Company. But by 1938 — by then Chigorinsky had changed his surname to Shorin — the business was flailing. His four sons decided to save the family from certain penury by starting a new penny candy business, Topps Chewing Gum Inc., with the name borrowed from an eponymous Chattanooga candy company they purchased.

Following the end of World War II, the Shorin brothers — Abram, Ira, Joseph and Philip — aggressively set about supplanting their thendominant competitor, Dubble Bubble, manufactured by Fleer, through the launch of Bazooka Bubble Gum. The gum cleverly capitalized on the nation’s postwar patriotic pride in the wake of

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their recent victory, not only via its name (derived from the rocket-propelled weapon invented and deployed by American troops) but also through its red, white and blue packaging.

The product sold well, but in 1953, Topps made an alteration to the design that proved to be a game changer: the inclusion of small comic strips starring Bazooka Joe, a swashbuckling kid who donned a black eyepatch and got into scrapes and adventures with his crew of streetwise companions. The wrappers — ultimately there were over 1,500 manufactured — also featured fortunes and immediately became collector’s items among consumers and candy enthusiasts, who still vigorously buy and sell vintage strips on online auction websites. While the original flavor continues to be the bestseller, Topps has also introduced variations, such as Grape Rage, Cherry Berry and Watermelon Whirl. https://www.instagram.com/p/ CDoMk53BZEG/ In 2012, Bazooka discontinued

June 2021 • The Jewish Observer

the inclusion of comics in favor of “brainteaser” wrappers and subsequently found itself in a sticky situation.

Loyalists were displeased and chewed out corporate honchos for the most unwelcome change. In 2019, Topps responded to the call to adhere to the original look by issuing a Throwback Pack intended to be “inspired by the brand’s iconic original packaging” with “nostalgic 1980s graphics and Original flavor Bazooka Bubble Gum wrapped in classic comics.”

Testaments to Bazooka’s enduring popularity have bubbled up over the years in sitcoms such as “How I Met Your Mother,” “Seinfeld” and “King of Queens.” The candy made a particularly sweet cameo in an episode of “30 Rock,” in which NBC exec Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) erroneously and hilariously claimed Bazooka’s founder inherited a quarry of pink rocks, then baked them to transform them into gum. https://www.instagram.com/p/ CEo055ip_Ux/ While Bazooka continues to be

cherished in many countries, the gum has amassed a particularly unique cult following in Israel. In the 1960s, Islico Ltd. began making Bazooka in Tel Aviv, which was taken over by Lieber Co. in the 1970s, then assumed in the 1980s by the food conglomerate Strauss-Elite, which continues to manufacture the candy today, in addition to snack mashups like Bazooka-flavored marshmallows and even milk.

“So culturally iconic are the strips in Israel,” The Jerusalem Post reported in 2017, “that they even inspired one local artist to assume “Bazooka Joe” as his pseudonym because “he naturally connected with the colors and simplicity of the comics.’” https://www.instagram.com/p/ CMxMm2VnT_z/ Chomping at the bit to get a glimpse of some of these crazy toons but still hesitant to travel because of COVID-19? Those interested in Israeli Bazooka historiography can visit a virtual museum dedicated to displaying the cartoons over the decades. •

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANTS

OPTOMETRIST

CATHY WERTHAN, CPA

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

401 Commerce Street, Suite 1250 Nashville, TN 37219 (615) 245-4070 • marcumllp.com

APPLIANCES

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

Meals, meds, transportation & outings.

Memory loss and Hospital recovery.

Professional & screened care partners.

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

DENTIST

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

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

EDUCATION SERVICES

ATTORNEY MARTIN SIR, ATTORNEY Family Law / Personal Injury / Probate Fifth Third Center 424 Church Street, Ste. 2250 Nashville, Tennessee 37219 (615) 256-5661 www.martinsirlaw.com

CARE GIVER FAMILY STAFFING SOLUTIONS, INC Stay Independent*At Home*In Charge® ‘Personal Care Assistance At Its Best” 2000 Richard Jones Road Nashville, TN 37215 615-383-5656 208 Uptown Square Murfreesboro, TN 37129 615-848-6774 505 N Main Street Shelbyville, TN 37160 931-680-2771 www.familystaffing.com

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

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

615-354-1699 carrie@nashvillejcc.org

ORTHODONTISTS

GLUCK ORTHODONTICS Specialists in Orthodontics Dr. Joel Gluck DDS, MS Dr. Jonathan Gluck DDS, MSD 2002 Richard Jones Road A-200 615.269.5903 drgluck.com

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY Francine Schwartz M.A. LPC NCC Independent Educational Consultant Helping students and families find, apply to and pay for the right fit college 860-460-8829 fschwartz@pathfindercounselingllc.com www.pathfindercounselingllc.com

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

DR. JAMES W. KIRKCONNELL Bellevue Eye Center 7640 Hwy 70 S, Ste 102 Nashville 615-662-7588 www.bec2020.com

JAMES A. ROTHBERG ADAM ROTHBERG James A. Rothberg & Associates Office: 615-997-1833 Fax: 615-665-1300 1 Burton Hills Blvd. Suite 220 Email: jrothberg@jarinsurance.com info@jarinsurance.com ROBINS INSURANCE Bruce Robins, CPCU, CIC, ARM; Marsha Jaffa, CIC; Van Robins, CIC Auto, Home, Life, Health, Business Insurance 30 Burton Hills, Suite 300 Ph. 615-665-9200 • www.robinsins.com ZANDER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. Jeffrey J. Zander, CIC Michael Weinberger Auto, Home, Life, Health, Business, Long Term Care, Identity Theft Protection 6213 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209 615-356-1700 www.zanderins.com

MOVING & STORAGE Let us exceed your expectations!

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

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

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

www.zeitlin.com Residential & Relocation Specialists

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

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

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

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

REAL ESTATE

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

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

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

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 • June 2021

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Please Join Us at the JEWISH FEDERATION & JEWISH FOUNDATION OF NASHVILLE AND MIDDLE TENNESSEE

85TH ANNUAL MEETING WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 2021 7:00PM | VIA ZOOM RSVP: https://bit.ly/3tiij5T

HONORING

HAYLEY LEVY with the 2021 Sandy Averbuch Young Leadership Award

Jewish Federation Board of Directors 2021 Slate of Nominees Andy May, President Leslie Kirby, Vice President Christie Wiemers, Secretary Gary Fradkin, Treasurer

ng

You ch u b r t Ave ipien dy c n e Sa dr 021 Awar 2 , y p Lev ershi ey l d y Lea Ha

The Jewish Federation will recognize and honor outgoing officers, board members and committee chairs, including: Steven Hirsch, President | Aron Karabel, Vice President Tara Axelroth, Mark Kaplan, Rabbi Mark Schiftan

%RDUG 0HPEHUV IRU D WKUHH \HDU WHUP Sam Averbuch and Cara Suvall

Submitted by the 2021 Federation Nominating Committee: Lisa Perlen (Chair), Ben Doochin, Amy Goldstein, Frank Gordon, Lorna Graff, Jacob Kleinrock, and Fred Zimmerman (Note: Any 25 members of the Jewish Federation may nominate additional people in accordance with the Federation Constitution by submitting the names to Steven Hirsch, Federation President, or to Eric Stillman, CEO, at least 20 days prior to the Annual Meeting. Persons nominated for officer positions must be or have been members of the Board of Directors).

For more info contact Barbara@jewishnashville.org

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June 2021 • The Jewish Observer