The Observer Vol. 86 No. 7 – July 2021

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bserver

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Vol. 86 No. 7 • July 2021

www.jewishobservernashville.org

Jewish Federation Elects Andrew May as New President at the 2021 Annual Meeting

By BARBARA DAB

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upport for Nashville’s Jewish community, commitment to Israel and outreach to an increasingly younger demographic are top priorities for The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee’s incoming President, Andrew May. At this year’s Annual Meeting, once again held virtually, May highlighted the community’s growth and strong financial base upon which to build a solid campaign. “We’ve got incredible strengths here in Nashville. A Andrew May, incomgrowing popula- ing President of The tion including a Jewish Federation and growing Jewish Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle population, tre- Tennessee mendous economic opportunity that is attracting talented people, a strong financial base in the Federation endowment and better financial performance in the operations of our key local constituent entities than I’ve seen in my 35 years of involvement in organized Jewish Nashville,” he said.

In outlining his plans, May said in addition to the community’s strengths there are also challenges as traditional Jewish affiliations are declining.

Additionally, he cited growing political polarization when it comes to support for Israel as another hurdle for fundraising.

He charged the membership to redouble its commitment to providing support both locally and abroad and to continue to put Israel front and center of those efforts. “They’ve built a thriving nation Continued on page 7 A Publication of the

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21 Tamuz - 22 Av 5781

A Line in the Sand: Use of Nazi Yellow Star Sparks Outrage and Prompts Reflection

By BARBARA DAB

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he most recent Pew Study of American Jews reports that the vast majority, more than 75%, believe that remembering the Holocaust is essential to being Jewish. Additionally, more than half of those surveyed report experiencing antisemitism in the last year, either by seeing some sort of anti-Jewish graffiti, being harassed online, being personally attacked or some other sort of discrimination. It is the intersection of those two experiences that sparked an outpouring of shock and anger after a Nashville hat vendor used a yellow Star of David with the words, “Not Vaccinated,” in the middle to protest what she believes is government overreach in fighting the COVID19 pandemic. The incident centers around a social media post by HatWRKS shop owner Gigi Gaskins who says she was selling the patches as a means of expressing solidarity with the Jewish victims in Nazi Germany who were marked for deportation to concentration camps and

forced to wear the yellow star. “I did not make it up,” she says, “I saw videos of protests in Israel and other countries using the star to protest the vaccines, so there is precedent there. I am on the side of those who experienced the atrocities.”

The post, which Gaskins removed within a few hours, nonetheless sparked outrage both within Nashville’s Jewish community and outside of it. A grassroots protest was quickly planned and fell on Shabbat, meaning it was not organized by any local Jewish organization, and attracted a wide range of people from the greater Nashville community. Many of her vendors immediately ended their relationship with her business, most notably high profile Stetson Hats.

(Stetson could not be reached for comment.) Within a couple of days, Gaskins issued an apology through the same social media platform. Many who read it say it was not sincere and missed the point of what she did. Gaskins says the rush to judgement and protest was unwarranted and unfair. “One rabbi

I spoke with said she disagreed with almost everything I laid out, from my perspective. I felt like they wanted a sacrificial apology that I was ignorant and wrong and nothing short of that was going to be satisfactory.” She says she was even called a liar by one of her vendors. She acknowledges the biggest outcry did not come from the Jewish community, but rather it is the result of cancel culture. “Empathy is gone from the public eye. People pick a side and hate those on the other side. So I proved the point I was trying to make.”

Still there are those for whom the use of the yellow star, in the fashion used by Gaskins, is both painful and traumatizing. Frances Cutler Hahn, 83, was born in Paris, France to Polish parents. They placed her in a Catholic children’s home to protect her from the Nazis. Her mother perished in Auschwitz and her father, who was in the French Resistance, died from combat wounds.

She now lives in Nashville near her Continued on page 4

Jewish Federation Announces 2021/22 Grants

By BARBARA DAB

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he Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee is distributing about $2 million to organizations, congregations and agencies throughout the local Jewish community here in Nashville and Middle Tennessee, regionally, nationally, and internationally. The grants are the single largest infusion of funds that support services and programs locally each year and represent approximately 85% of the total funds raised by The Jewish Federation annual campaign. Jewish Federation CEO Eric Stillman says, “We are pleased to be able to provide assistance to every single agency and congregation in our community. And this year we once again were impressed by the applications for Innovation Grants.” And according to outgoing Grants Committee Co-Chair Gary Fradkin, the recent Pew Study report provided insights in how best to engage and support the community. “We looked at the implications of the study results and knew we had to continue to support creative programming and Understanding the Progressive Movement and Israel, page 2

Becca Groner, Shea Northfield and Rose Capin, founding residents of Nashville’s new Moishe House, plan for their upcoming move-in and opening. Moishe House is the recipient of a Jewish Federation Innovation Grant.

involve untraditional populations, particularly young people who are not yet involved in a big way,” he says.

This year early efforts at re-tooling the grants process paid off. Fradkin says, “We began earlier than usual to think about this year. We were challenged JFS Annual Meeting, page 13

to create a process coming out of a pandemic and to engage committee members in new ways.” One of the key changes implemented this year was the creation of four committee sub-groups, each tasked with a different aspect of Continued on page 6

Back To School

Back To School Section, page 21

Understanding the Progressive Movement and Israel

By DEBORAH OLESHANSKY

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he recent surge of antisemitic attacks, anti-Israel rhetoric, and violence in Israel and Gaza leaves many Jews feeling vulnerable, uncertain, and even in fear for personal safety.

Synagogues have been vandalized and for the first time in their lives, some American Jews are afraid to wear Jewish symbols in public. This topic came up theoretically during our program with Bari Weiss, and at that time she was encouraging Jews to be front and center, countering antisemitism with loud and proud Jewish pride and visibility.

The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee’s newly created Task Force on Israel and Antisemitism has scheduled a series of programs, events, and speakers to assist in gaining some background,

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1st 1- 2pm CT

clarity, and perspective on how to address these concerns in a practical, effective and meaningful manner. On Sunday, August 1, the Task Force, in coordination with the Jewish Community Relations Committee, will welcome Oren Jacobson, Project Shema co-founder, to Nashville for a public program.

Project Shema offers presentations and workshops to help the American Jewish community explore these questions and engage more effectively with progressives on issues surrounding Israel and antisemitism. Named after the Hebrew word which means “to hear” or “listen”, Project Shema seeks to help Jewish organizations and advocates build stronger bonds of trust between our Jewish community and members of the progressive movement.

Oren ’s grandfather was among the 10% of Polish Jews to survive WWII,

The first Let’s Talk Israel dinner was hosted by Arlene Averbuch. Left to Right: Jacob Kupin, Arlene Averbuch, Leslie Kirby, Craig Smith, Richard Cohen, Teena Cohen, Drew Herzog, Risa Herzog, Hayley Levy.

THE PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT & ISRAEL with Oren Jacobson

The debate over Israel is growing more intense in the progressive movement.

Learn more about the roots of antisemitism in the progressive movement and ways to effectively deal with antisemitism when you're confronted with it.

PROJECT SHEMA offers workshops to help the American Jewish community engage with progressives on issues surrounding Israel and antisemitism.

Registration Required for this Virtual Event:

jewishnashville.org/Shema deborah@jewishnashville.org for more info.

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July 2021 • The Jewish Observer

orenjacobson.com projectshema.org

making his life a statistical improbability.

This truth guides and motivates Oren to live a life worthy of the Jewish lives lost for the crime of being a Jew, dedicated to supporting, strengthening, and protecting all who are attacked for the crime of being who they are. Oren knows that while progress can be slow, urgency is required in the face of injustice. In professional and personal practice, deep pride in his Jewish identity instills in him a sense of duty to disrupt the unjust imbalances of our world.

The presentation will address the attacks made about Israel that are confronting us in the American Jewish community. Many American Jews, including Jews on the political left, have grown concerned about the perceived lack of support for Israel among progressives.

Some simply claim rampant antisemitism is to blame. Others place all the blame on Israel. The truth is obviously more complex. However, to understand the progressive view of Israel, one must first understand the progressive movement.

Without that understanding, there is no way to meaningfully engage in healthy and productive dialogue.

Please join us for this important opportunity to learn about how Israel is perceived in the progressive movement and how we in the Jewish community can develop skills and knowledge to respond more confidently and effectively when confronted with criticism and attacks on Israel and Jews. Please register at: jewishnashville.org/shema For additional information please contact Deborah Oleshansky, deborah@ jewishnashville.org •

Jewish Federation Launches Search For Development Associate T

he Jewish Federation & Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee is growing its team!

The Federation is seeking an engaging, dynamic, and motivated professional with an entrepreneurial spirit as a Financial Resource Development (FRD) Associate. Reporting to the FRD Assistant Director and Foundation Director, the Associate will bring new approaches and innovative strategies

to increasing donor engagement and giving, volunteer participation, and effective communication strategies. The Associate will work in partnership with both professional colleagues and volunteers to execute development and communication strategy, utilizing a strong work ethic and commitment to the mission and goals of the Federation.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, and preferably

an advanced degree or equivalent of professional experience, a minimum of two years of professional experience in a financial resource development role with success as part of a working team, experience working with volunteers particularly in the non-profit sector is strongly preferred, hands-on experience with one or more donor database and other software and social media.

Applications should be sent via

email to shannon@jewishnashville.org.

Applicants must include a cover letter stating interest in the position, a list of three (3) recent professional references who only will be contacted in case of a candidate being interviewed, and a resume of educational and professional experience. Interested applicants can read the full job description on the Federation’s website at www. jewishnashville.org/careers.” •

Perspectives Defending The State of Israel From Afar

By RABBI MARK SCHIFTAN, THE TEMPLE

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et’s be clear from the start: The defense of the State of Israel, at all times, is the sacred responsibility of every single member of the Jewish people.

This does not mean that every action or policy of the Jewish State is perfect, flawless, and therefore, beyond disagreement, debate or constructive dialogue.

What it does imply is that Israel and its citizens are always worthy of our worry, concern, support and love. This is easier said, than done, especially at difficult times, like during the recent conflict and attacks, both from outside, and inside, her borders.

What do I believe? I believe that when some Arabs and Muslims chant, “Death to Israel”, they mean it; I believe that when c

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those same people profess, “From the (Jordan) River to the (Mediterranean) Sea, Palestine will be set free (of Jews)”, they mean it; I believe when they scream, “Death to the Jews” they mean it. I believe every word of it, of all of it.

It is hard to contemplate making peace with those who openly and explicitly wish to deny your very existence, those who wish to wipe your people off the face of the earth, and every inch of your control of your ancient homeland along with it. I wish it were not the case, but thousands of rockets launched into Jewish population centers, directed purposely against civilian targets, seem to send a very clear and unmistakably similar and consistent message. It is important that we acknowledge that message and the reality that it presents and portends for us, as well as for countless generations yet to follow us.

We have been given the extraordi-

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.

nary privilege of living in this moment of history: The realization of the hopes and dreams of all the generations that came before us: To witness the recreation and the reestablishment of the State of Israel, the sanctuary of safety and the place of refuge for the rescued fragments of our people, scattered, often persecuted, for centuries.

And, God forbid…there for us, as well, should that day ever come…

That hope, that dream, is always at risk of perishing. As my dear friend’s father often said to him, “ Son, you never want to wake up some day and find out there’s no longer a State of Israel.”

That reality came frighteningly close to reality, in 1948, and again in 1967, and especially close, in the Yom Kippur war, in 1973.

I have thought of that statement often in recent days. Where would my family go, in times of rising anti-semitism?

Where would you, or your family choose to go, if that time ever arose, for you, or for any of us, or for all of us?

But even if we weren’t Jews, how many of us would be willing to endure thousands of rockets sent to our cities from abroad, or violent protests from within, before demanding that our leaders and our government called upon our military to rise to respond to defend us, to shield us from harm?

Shouldn’t we consider the same for our Israeli brothers and sisters, who regularly must send their own children into harm’s way, to defend their homeland, and its inhabitants?

There’s a Yiddish saying that professes, “ Es iz shver tzu zein a Yid: It is (especially) tough (at times) to be a Jew”.

But it’s also an honor. The world still prefers the Jew in the role of victim. It is not always comfortable with the image of a Jew who is strong; a Jew who stands up, courageously and unapologetically , to defend a nation, and its people.

Our children, at the appropriate age, and stage, need to be taught this lesson

as well, alongside the joys of Judaism and the celebrations of Jewish culture, holidays, history and heritage.

Yet their relationship to the images they see, and the rhetoric they hear, and their own experiences of the Israel they have come to know, are far more complicated, and complex, than they were for us. We need to recognize that reality, as well.

We need to recognize that their concerns for the wellbeing of others is also a Jewish value, promoted by our sages and our sacred texts and traditions.

We need to create safe space for them at the table of Jewish communal dialogue and discussion. We need to welcome their voices; not squelch them, nor censor them. We need to listen to them, not just lecture them.

This is not easy to do. But it is the right thing to do. For them, and for us.

This is incredibly hard for me to acknowledge and accept. I am the rare Reform rabbi who is not sure of the possibility of a workable two state solution. I strongly support the move of the American Embassy to Jerusalem. And I am a believer in an extremely hard line and strong show of Israel’s resolve in a very tough neighborhood.

All that being said, we need to open our ears, and our eyes, and our hearts, and our minds, to the realities expressed by those of the emerging generations about Israel, in their own ways, and in their own time. We need to make every educational resource available to them, from grade school through graduate school.

They will come, in time, to be the greatest representatives of defending a Jewish Homeland for the Jewish People, their people.

But only if we show them how: by listening to them, by learning from them; not by lecturing to them, nor limiting them. • Rabbi Mark Schiftan is the Senior Rabbi of the Temple

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

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

The Jewish Observer • Juy 2021

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Hatwrks Continued from page 1 adult daughter. She says based on Gaskins’ social media posts she does not believe Gaskins is sincere. “I think she knows what she’s doing,” says Hahn, “She is trivializing the memory of the Holocaust.”

When asked to comment on Gaskins’ statement about showing solidarity for those who wore the yellow star, Hahn says, “ She’s comparing her outrage about vaccines to, ‘The Final Solution,’ the total annihilation of the Jewish people in the most brutal way.” Gaskins insists she knows she made a mistake in using the star. “I take responsibility for getting the patches made, although I never sold a single one,” she says, “And of course I’m sympathetic to the Holocaust.”

As the Pew Study found, Holocaust memories continue to be a hard line in the sand for most American Jews. But appropriating the imagery surrounding it has a complex history. According to Shaul Kelner, Associate Professor of Sociology and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt University, both Jews and non-Jews have made Holocaust analogies. “When it comes to an existential threat, analogies have been made in contemporary situations,” he says, “For example, the Jewish Defense League used the yellow star with a raised black fist beginning in the late 1960s.

Netanyahu has used Holocaust analogies.”

More recently Ultra-Orthodox in Jerusalem used the yellow stars and striped

prison camp uniforms to protest what they saw as growing incitement against their community. Several years ago, a professor at the University of San Diego led her students in a protest on campus wearing yellow stars with the word, “Muslim,” in the middle, to protest Islamophobia.

And the Anti-Defamation League urged the retail outlet Urban Outfitters to stop selling a gray and white striped tapestry with a pink triangle, a symbol reminiscent of clothing gay prisoners were forced to wear during the Holocaust. Regardless of who uses the images, says Kelner, it remains something that evokes shock and pain for Jews. “At no other time in our history was there a plan to wipe out every Jewish man, woman and child. It is so fundamental a tragedy that to compare anything to that dishonors the memory of the martyrs.”

A question remains about whether the use of Holocaust imagery amounts to outright antisemitism. Gaskins says she is not antisemitic, but rather used poor judgement and that her swift apology should be enough. From a practical standpoint, perhaps it should be taken at face value. Gaskins says she has many who believe her apology and support her intention to use the star to make a point, however misguided. Jay Shecter, a member of West End Synagogue, says he was shocked by the anger and bitterness he saw on social media and email threads about the situation. “I figured she was probably a small business person who

suffered during COVID and thought selling this star would help. I imagine she was probably ignorant about what she did,” he says. And further, Shecter worries the strong reaction on the part of the Jewish community could result in backlash. “I thought it reflected badly on the Jewish community,” he says, “People naturally assumed she knew about the Holocaust, but no one really knew her and were ready to hang her, regardless.”

Further, Shaul Kelner says the swift, strong public outcry is something not in accordance with Jewish Law. “In Jewish Law, it is believed that public shaming does not offer a chance for real remorse.

Instead, the person should be given the opportunity for what is called a ‘rebuke,’ a chance for people to come together privately for understanding and apology.”

The rabbis take shaming one step further.

According to Rabbi Mark Schiftan of The Temple, “To shame someone in public is akin to murder because you are publicly murdering a person’s character.”

Further exacerbating the incident was the use of social media to both advertise the yellow star and to protest its use.

Gaskins says, “My post was only up two or three hours total before I took it down, and the backlash started.” Rabbi Schiftan agrees that social media can complicate any situation, for better or worse. “It is important to acknowledge the rapid manner in which you can both rush to judgement and dismantle a hateful message. We can’t control the tidal wave of social media.” He also says the Jewish community has a responsibility to try and learn whether Gaskins’ action was naïve and ignorant or something more. And the best way to do that is to meet face to face for discussion and to gain understanding.

This was something that Rabbi Mark Schiftan and Dr. Frank Boehm did soon after the issue became a wide spread news item. After a long discussion at the Temple one morning, both Rabbi Schiftan and Dr. Boehm felt that, while Gaskins made a terrible mistake, she was not anti-Semitic.

In this case, though, it may be too late for true reconciliation. Rabbi Laurie Rice, of Congregation Micah, was also one of the local rabbis Gaskins reached out to in the immediate aftermath. “I was hopeful at first. I thought there was a redemptive moment,” she says, “But instead there was a lot of emotion around the co-opting of a symbol.” Rabbi Rice believes Gaskins

is misguided in her use of the star, but her politics won’t allow for real understanding.

“America is an autonomous spirit. But Judaism, particularly Reform Judaism, asks us to understand the ‘why,’ and then make a choice. Judaism says the individual matters, but not more than the whole.”

It is this tension between the communal and the individual that rubs against what Rabbi Rice calls American Libertarianism.

“Americans who wave the flag of autonomy don’t get it.” Gaskins says her use of the star represents her fear about potential vaccine passports and their use in marking people as unhealthy, much like the Nazis marked Jews as subhuman. But Rabbi Rice says there are clear differences. “The star symbolizes no choice. The Jews had no choice but to wear it. She [Gaskins] has the choice and the right not to be vaccinated. And those choices come with consequences.”

At this point, Gaskins says she will likely have to close her business. Still, she maintains she was guilty only of poor judgement, nothing more. “I stand with all people who have experienced or are experiencing oppression. But I don’t see much hope of bridging this. The divide in this country is real and I don’t see it getting any better,” she says. For American Jews who continue to be protective of the memories of the Holocaust, particularly in the face of rising antisemitism, it is also a difficult chasm to cross. • Editor’s Note: This story was researched and reported using a diverse array of sources and as always, I strive to be fair and balanced in presenting various sides to an issue.

The intention was neither to condemn nor condone the actions of HatWRKS owner Gigi Gaskins, that is a job best left to editorial commentary. As a reporter, my goal was to dive deeper into the use of Holocaust imagery and how that use impacts both the Jewish community and the broader world. I learned a great deal in my work on this story about historical appropriation of the Holocaust and Holocaust symbols, as well as lessons about public shaming from a Jewish perspective, and I discovered how Jewish teaching approaches the concepts of rebuke and reconciliation. I hoped to discover how a community can move forward with greater understanding after an incident like this one, and what it might take for that to happen. There are no clear answers to these questions, but I hope this story helps to foster discussion about these important issues.

Hadassah Happenings

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adassah and The Inquirers Book Club will honor our beloved past president Victoria Cohen-Crumpton, who has moved to Brasstown, North Carolina, on Sunday, July 11 @ 4pm via Zoom. Victoria was president of Nashville Hadassah from 2009-2012.. She was also the president of The Inquirer’s Book Club which is in it’s 71st year. It is the second oldest Jewish Women’s book club in Nashville. The Inquirer’s Book Club, which was started in 1950, is a spin-off of the Magazine Circle, which began in 1898. Victoria was president of The Inquirers from 20172019. Please rsvp by 7/9 to Sarah Ruden @ spm5222@gmail.com or to Deana Goldstein @ 615-438-5225.

Hadassah Book Club is reading, “Guesthouse for Ganesha,” by Judith Teitelman. This book follows a journey of self-discovery and spirituality of a Jewish teenager during a time of rising facism in Europe. It is available at Parnassus Books on Hillsboro Pike with a 10% book club discount. Please join

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July 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Nashville Hadassah honors past President Victoria Cohen-Crumpton

Hadassah on Sunday, July 25 @ 4pm to discuss this interesting book. Please rsvp to Mindy Drongowski- mandmski@ comcast.net. •

From our family to yours, Best wishes for a wonderful summer and smooth transition into the new school year!

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The Jewish Observer • Juy 2021

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New Match to Help the Gordon JCC Reach its Campaign Goal

By DARA FREIBERG, MEMBERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

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s we delve into the heat of summer, our campus has become quite busy with the cheers of hundreds of campers and the laughter from our members at the outdoor pool.

Our Community. Our Future, the J’s Capital Campaign, has continued to progress and we are thrilled to announce that, due to the generosity of our community, we have passed the 6M dollar mark in our efforts to revitalize the Gordon JCC

campus! With less than $400,000 needed to reach our $6.5M goal, the Gordon Family has offered a dollar-for-dollar match to help us close the campaign and raise the remaining dollars to complete our capital projects.

We are happy to report that 100% of Board members have pledged a gift to the campaign and to date, we have received commitments from more than 200 donors throughout the Nashville community. As we shared during our recent annual meeting, it will take the support of the entire community to reach our goal. Campaign

gifts have ranged from $25 - $1.25M; we welcome gifts of all sizes!

We have already put some of your dollars to work – the resurfacing of the parking lot is nearing completion and the renovation of the Locker Rooms has begun. This is our largest summer to date at Camp Davis, and we look forward to providing Camp with a new, permanent home next summer in the Camp Lodge and Arts Center. And you can leave a lasting legacy while supporting the J by inscribing a brick outside the new Camp Lodge with a gift of $1,000 or $5,000 that can be paid over 5 years.

It is only with your help that together we will raise the remaining dollars to complete Our Community. Our Future.

Capital Campaign. Co-Chair Howard Safer exclaims, “I agreed to Co-Chair the Campaign with Frank Gordon and Billy Eskind so that future generations may continue to have a vibrant living room to enter. Now in the public phase of the campaign, we are reaching out to everyone in the community to help us reach our goal.”

To make a donation and for more information, please visit our website at nashvillejcc.org/ourcommunityourfuture •

What the Media Gets Wrong About Israel and Water

By TOBY IRENSHTAIN

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n 1964, United States President Lyndon B. Johnson spoke of the importance of water in the geopolitical sphere: “Water means life, and water means opportunity, and water means prosperity for those who never knew the meaning of those words. Water can banish hunger and can reclaim the desert and change the course of history.”

He was right - a vital instrument of power in the current nationalized world order is governmental water resource management. Indeed, Shimon Tal, former head of the Israel Water Commission, forcefully asserts that one “can tell a lot about a country by the way it manages its water.” Israel is a world leader in water sustainability and management; Israel has utilized a combination of water conservation and technologically innovative approaches to lift itself out of a crisis of water scarcity into the comfortability of water surplus. How? Israel reuses 85% of municipal wastewater, requires dual-flush toilets, drills deep wells for brackish water, desalinates seawater, develops seeds that work primarily with saltwater, and uses drip irrigation for agriculture - all measures that greatly enhance the relationship between the nation and its water.

The story of Israel’s success in water sustainability and management is one rooted in Jewish theology, Israeli technology, and a determination to overcome

Grants Continued from page 1 the grants process. Ellie Flier, Co-Chair of the committee says, “The role of the committee members was expanded. We made an effort to put the action back to the committee members, and we think it was very successful.” The four sub-groups were: agency relations, which looked at the grants form and made adjustments to streamline the process; data collection, which reviewed various studies to better understand the range of needs; beneficiary agency status, which helped to better define agency eligibility; and Innovation

environmental constraints in pursuit of national order. Rarely, however, do you hear of Israel’s successes in desalination, recycled municipal wastewater, or water conservation. Whether because of malicious intent or mistaken disinformation, media sources mislead readers about Israel’s management and allocation of water. In this article, I will present factual rebuttals regarding two main false claims.

Firstly, many articles and sources, such as the UN, have unjustly claimed that the Palestinians have no power to make their own decisions regarding water. This is not only factually inaccurate, but it also distorts the relationship between the two powers, presenting a reality in which Palestinian suffering is the result of Israeli action rather than the Palestinian governments’ choices and inaction.

Water management and allocation are key forces of nation-building and transboundary cooperation; as such, Israel seeks fairness in water allocation and has endorsed peace plans that would advance such an aim in the West Bank and Gaza. The 1995 Oslo II agreement established the current water allocations between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

The Palestinian authority gained significant autonomous responsibility regarding water through Oslo II, including the right to drill wells in determining locations and an increase of water allocations (28.6 MCM/year), provided by both the Israeli government (33%) and

the Palestinian Authority (67%). The Palestinian Authority has real leverage and choice in their water activity; however, their failure to uphold agreed-upon terms and refusal to recognize the right of the state of Israel to exist serves to harm their water access. Water allocation specifics can be determined again when Palestinians return to the table for the final status Oslo negotiations. The power to make their own decisions regarding water is possible, but only with compromise and recognition.

Secondly, many sources, such as the BBC, Amnesty International, and more incorrectly assert that Israel allocates 3-5x more water to Israeli citizens than to Palestinians, grossly skewing the data. In reality, superb technological innovation has enabled Israeli citizens to use desalinated ocean water and recycled effluents above the levels they would consume from the groundwater without such innovations. In fact, Israel recycles close to 85% of its municipal wastewater. To include recycled municipal wastewater in this comparison is to count the same water twice. Despite the violence that Israeli citizens face from Hamas, Israel provides Gaza with over 12 million cubic meters (MCM) of Israeli water annually.

Further, Israel sends another 73.7 MCM to the West Bank The harsh reality on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank regarding water is a result of the Palestinian leadership’s refusal to invest in the welfare of its own

citizens, choosing to murder Israelis rather than provide for the sustenance of its population via infrastructure, peace talks, and water management.

Narratives that we share about countries - existent or yet to be created - that house ethnic peoples matter. Whether due to purposeful antisemitism, accidental disinformation, or subconscious discomfort with the increased power of the Jews through the apparatus of the Israeli state, the media continues to misconstrue the realities of the Middle East.

The constant bombardment of negative depictions of Israeli society fails to capture the complexity and beauty of the nation’s interaction with nature, water, and building a state apparatus. We must combat misinformation on all fronts; as the tide of anti-Israel sentiment develops on campuses, we must recognize the incredible power that distorted facts hold, call them out when necessary, and respond with the necessary comparative vigor, authenticity, and accountability. •

Grants, which served as liaison to the agencies that applied for these grants.

There were also two important highlights this year. The first was a new way of approaching Innovation Grants.

Organizations are now eligible to apply for these types of grants for three years, although there is no guarantee of funding in years two and three. This year there were 17 applications, three of which had already received one year of funding. A highlight was a grant that would help create Nashville’s own Moishe House, a residential house for young adults that also serves as a hub for community wide social and religious programming. The

Federation’s grant for the project is part of a package from several funding sources.

Adam Bronstone, Director of Planning and Israel Partnerships with The Jewish Federation says, “Our relationship with Moishe House will be different from in other communities. We want to be more involved as a partner to help it be successful and the folks leading the project are happy about that.” And Becca Groner, one of the founders of Moishe House, says thanks to the Jewish Federation’s support, the previous Moshe House Without Walls model can be expanded, “After being a Moishe House Without Walls host for two years in Nashville, mostly hosting small programs, I’m looking forward to broadening Moishe House’s reach and co-hosting programs with my fellow residents, Shea Northfield and Rose Capin. We are overjoyed to become a part of the thriving young Jewish community in Nashville and provide a physical space for community members to gather.”

Another highlight of this year’s grants was the creation of a pool of funding to be set aside for community-wide collaborative programming. Co-Chair Gary Fradkin says, “We were very happy with how our local congregational clergy works together

and the committee wanted to encourage more collaboration between them.”

This year’s grants process was a reflection of last year’s need to pivot during the pandemic and how the community has been altered, perhaps for the long term. Bronstone says one of those changes was realizing the benefits of the virtual experience. “This year’s Mission Possible, for example, allowed committee members to Zoom into sessions with overseas partners to gain deeper insights into the work and impact of our Federation globally.”

Another significant change was using an online portal for grants applications. “The organizations really seemed to enjoy the process. It did a good job of providing easy access to apply.” He says he hopes to continue using virtual tools in the coming year and would like to see it expanded even further. Additionally, he says the changes made this year really helped the committee members become invested in the process, which bodes very well for the future. Gary Fradkin is ending his role as committee Co-Chair and encourages others to become similarly involved. “It was a wonderful opportunity to serve my community. I learned so much and I would tell anyone who is asked to serve to definitely do it.” •

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July 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Toby Irenshtain, born in Israel and raised in New York, is a recent graduate of Vanderbilt University, with a Bachelors of Science majoring in Child Development and Law History and Society. Toby will be attending Georgetown Law in the fall, and sees advocating for Israel as a crucial aspect of her educational and career path. She was a 2020-2021 Fellow for the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis.

Pew Study Finds US Jewry is Shifting Profoundly and Chabad is on Rise

By RABBI YITZCHOK TIECHTEL, CHABAD OF NASHVILLE

T

he recent Pew Jewish Population Study finds Chabad involvement is growing. Some 40% of American Jews have some involvement with Chabad, and the younger the demographic, the higher the number. Previously, the study organizers did not look at Chabad as a demographic, but this year it figures prominently in terms of its significant and growing impact on American Jewry.

It’s not surprising, given Chabad’s message of, “Judaism with a Smile,” a philosophy based on the concept of, “non-judgmental outreach.” And it’s a winning formula: authentic, time-honored Judaism, served up without the negativity of judgment. Just recently I received a text message from someone who is involved with our local Chabad, reacting to this study. He wrote: “Glad to see these trends reflected in the Pew report. Much like Australia, England, Russia and Israel, Jews want undiluted Judaism and want to feel welcomed.”

According to the new Pew Report, it is clear that US Jewry is changing and it’s heading in two different directions. The number of Jews who don’t identify with religion is rising, with many on a trajectory away from Jewish life. But on the other side, there is a spiritual rebound. Orthodox Judaism is continuing to grow and successfully retain its youth. And, with large families being the norm, it will become a larger segment of the community over the decades. This is coupled with the rise of Chabad, now equal in size to either the Reform or Conservative movements.

Annual Meeting Continued from page 1 with a strong economy and worldrenowned science – a nation that all Jews can be proud of. But Israel has always been a challenging enterprise and it remains so.

The news of the last month is proof. Our place is to support the people there with funds to help provide social services and full-throated advocacy for Israel’s security, whether the PM is from Likud or Meretz,” he said. May said working to engage young people will be the key to sustaining the future of the community. “Shame on us if any Jew in Nashville can fairly say, ‘I want to help, but no one asks.’ I’m going to work with Eric (Stillman, CEO) and the staff to find jobs that need doing and then to ask people to do them.”

In closing his remarks, May introduced the year’s committee chairs who will each lead the teams tasked with carrying out the mission of The

The Chabad emergence, documented in this report, is a game changer for American Jewish life. The numbers are startling: 38% of all US Jews have engaged in some way with Chabad programs; 40% of those are active on a regular or semi-regular basis; 75% of those who are involved with Chabad do not self-identify as Orthodox. The younger the segment, the more connected they are with Chabad. This trend is clearly a result of Chabad’s expansion in the three youth sectors: teens, college students, and young professionals. The shift of millennials has been documented in a series of local Federation studies that reveal that more Jews age 35 and younger are involved with Chabad than any other Jewish group. At the rate it’s going, Chabad’s role in the US Jewish community will only expand in the years to come.

Today’s Jews, many of whom are not fully observant, choose Chabad as their point of affiliation. They are open to more tradition. The message of Chabad that Jewish learning, spirituality and observance of tradition is all rooted in Ahavat Yisroel with unconditional love and acceptance of every Jew, has resonated profoundly.

Chabad has also introduced a new business model. Jewish communities have historically had a “pay to pray,” policy. Join a congregation, pay membership, and you can become part of the community. Chabad’s approach is “get involved.” If you like what you see, you can partner with and support your community. But as a Jew, you are automatically part of the brotherhood. Each Chabad center is financially autonomous

and the rabbis and rebbetzins take stronger leadership roles and engage more personally with the community. They are invested in it because they are staying for life. They live the life they love and love the life they live.

People are also attracted to Chabad because it is focused on teaching Torah and staying out of politics. People are tired of hearing politics preached during services. Jews respond positively to congregations that are focused on the core values of Torah study, mitzvah observance, community, and concern for others. And while Judaism does have a message to the broader society about justice, dignity and compassion, replacing the deep spiritual lessons of Torah with political activism does not necessarily engage more Jews.

One of my favorite anecdotes on the Chabad approach is the story of the poor water carrier whose mouth watered when he experienced a delicious aroma in the rich man’s home coming from the kitchen. “It’s cheese blintzes” he was told. “There’s nothing quite like cheese blintzes.”

He rushes home and asks his loving wife to prepare for him some of the coveted blintzes. The good woman looks at him bewildered. “Don’t you know we’re poor... we can’t afford any of the ingredients.” “Spare me the details” says he, “The ingredients aren’t what matter.

Just make me a blintz,” he pleaded. The good woman puts together some water and flour and serves him his beloved “blintzes”. He takes one bite and spits it out: “I can’t see what the rich people see in cheese blintzes!!”

The moral: Judaism is rich and savory, as it contains many delicious ingredients: Shabbos, kosher, mezuzah, prayer, Mikvah, Torah study etc. In recent times, various Jewish groups have attempted to present to our youth a Judaism, “without the ingredients.” And then we wonder why they’re totally uninterested. Chabad strives to present each Jew with the full, “blintz,” true authentic Judaism with all of its rich ingredients. If one isn’t, “hungry,” to be able to digest the full blintz, they’re welcome to take a little bite: start with one Mitzvah at time.

However, that one bite comes chock full of all of the richness and sweetness of the unchanged, timeless ingredients that make Judaism magical and eternal.

Wherever one lives or travels, they will always find a Chabad center that will welcome them, regardless of affiliation or background. Locally one can go to chabadnashville.com and find an array of Jewish learning opportunities for people of all ages. At Chabad of Nashville, Judaism is Done Joyfully, it is a place where one can find the ingredients to live a life filled with meaning and purpose, joy and inspiration. •

Federation to raise necessary funds to provide essential services and programs both locally and around the world. The committee chairs are: 2022 Campaign Chair: Leslie Kirby Community Relations Committee Chair: Steven Remer Finance Committee Chair: Gary Fradkin Foundation Development Committee Chair: Adam Landa Grants Committee Co-Chairs: David Bockian, Ellie Flier, Michael Simon Investment Committee Chair: Adam Dretler Nominating Committee Chair: Steven Hirsch Partnership Committee Chair: Christie Wiemers Personnel Committee Chair: Cara Suvall Security Committee Chair: Lori Fishel In addition to the chairs, the Board of Directors was elected by acclimation and installed by outgoing Nominating Committee Chair, Lisa Perlen. •

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

The Jewish Observer • Juy 2021

7

Thank you!

The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, on behalf of the 13 participating organizations in the LIFE & LEGACY™ program, recognizes our community members who have chosen to leave a legacy to secure the future of our community. As we celebrate the end of Year 4 of the program, our community has secured over 804 letters of intent with an estimated value of $22 million.

Thank you for your support!

PA R T N E R I N G W I T H

Key: Blue means donor has formalized gift as of June 1, 2021 z”l – zichron L’Vracha – May their memory be for a blessing

8

July 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Anonymous (27) Anonymous (35) Stephen and Robin Abelman Richard and Patricia Abelson Ken Adler Kevin and Theresa Alexandroni Barry and Heidi Allen Peter Allingham Denise Alper K.N. and Felicia Anchor Avishay Aroas Harvey Asher Lawrence A. Averbuch Richard Barnett Carla Baron Howard Baum Gil Ben Ami Adele Berkon Estate of Minnie Berlin Thomas Bernard Jaima Bernstein Brian and Didi Biesman Hannah Bloom-Hirschberg Merle Born Jeremy and Jamie Brook Estate of Louis H. Brooks Starlet Burney Kathryn F. Calhoon Marjean Coddon and Henry Johs Lynne Cohen Marcia Cohen Mark and Robin Cohen Richard and Teena Cohen Sandy Cohen Victoria Cohen-Crumpton Erin Coleman Micah Coleman Pamela Compton Bill and Lanie Cook Lauren Cooper Mary Cornelius and Elaine Taubin John M. and Barbara Dab Karen Daniel Beth Davis and Chris Ehresman Norman and Melissa Davis Ben and Tish Doochin Michael Doochin Karen A. Dotter Adam and Julie Dretler Michael and Mindy Drongowski Ari Dubin and Abigail Wolf Jerry A. Dubin and Rabbi Debbie Israel Steven and Gay Eisen Jason Elbaz William E. Engel Richard Eskind William and Jamie Eskind Kevin and Andrea Falik Suriva Fischer Brad and Lori Fishel James and Royce Fishel Nancy Gail Flexer Lisa B. Forberg Julie Fortune and Tony Jackson Gilbert and Joyce (z’l) Fox Gil Fox (z’l) Marilyn G. Foyer Gary and Carol Fradkin Joe Freedman Mark S. Freedman and Leslie J. Klein Dara Freiberg Donald A. and Joyce E. Friedman Eitan and Nili Friedman Robert Friedman Lawrence B. Fuldauer

Ron and Faith Haber Galbraith Elliott Garrett Linda Geringer Frank and Barbara Ghertner Harris Gilbert Natalie Glazer Bruce Howard Gold Michael and Cindee S. Gold Charles R. Goldberg Dr. Fred (z’l) and Martha U. Goldner Bernie and Sandra Goldstein Dan and Amy Goldstein Deana Goldstein Kimberly Goldstein Lenn E. and Roberta Goodman Frank and Gwen Gordon Joel C. Gordon Robert Gordon Lorna Graff Ralph Greenbaum Julie Greenberg Illene B. Gross Daniel Grossman Michael Gryll Reta Guttman (z’l) Rinah Hamburger Jim Handler Grant Hansell Shayna Hansen Brianna Harper Spencer Harper John and Heidi Hassenfeld Rachel Hauber Ron and Lynn Heady Steve and Sandra Hecklin David Heller Eugene (z’l) and Reva Heller Richard and Toni Heller Greg Hersh Bruce and Rae Hirsch Steven and Ellen Hirsch Gary Hirschberg Doug and Melanie Hirt Kenneth and Mindy Hirt Adam and Ilana Horn Anita Howards Aryeh Hurwitz Larry and Carol Hyatt Seth and Sharone Hyatt Nancy Jacobs Raymond Jacobs Gail Gordon Jacobs Marsha Jaffa Shoshona Jaffa Mary L. Jones Estate of Frances Kaminitz Rabbi Kenneth A. Kanter Batia & Aron Karabel Jeffrey and Brenda Karp Jacqueline Karr Marion A. Katz (z’l) Steve Kaufman Saul and Pam Kelner Paula Kholos Judy Kilgore Lloyd King Terry Klein King Howard Kirshner Robert and Devora Kitchener Ruth Klar Evelyn and Marvin Koch Estate of Laurence B. Koch Martin A. and Sherri G. Kooperman Alan Koufer Keith and Meryl Kraft Lee and Glenda Kraft Rabbi Joshua Kullock Adam Landa Jeremy and Diana Landa Roslyn B. Landa Valerie Landa

Brian and Kim Lapidus Stephen and Leslye E. Lapidus Joseph A. Lattke Arielle Lebovitz Michael Lebovitz Paul Lebovitz Ruth Lebovitz Matt Leff Aaron and Celia Lerch Daniel and Kristine Levin Lawrence and Carolyn Levine Michael and Sherrie Levine Estate of Mark Edward Levitch Michael J. and Ellen G. Levitt Ruth Levitt Bennett Lieberman George Lieberman Phil Lieberman and Yedida Eisenstat Jan Abby Liff Martin and Ann Light Mitchell Light Alex and Bobbie Limor Menachem (z’l) and Lea Limor Miri Limor Yuri Livshitz Sheldon and Diana Lutz James Mackler Josh and Rena MalkovskyBerger Brian and Victoria Marger Dru Markle-Bloom James A. and Patrice G. Marks LaQuita Martin and Richard Orland Andrew May Martin and Barbara Mayden Marisa Mayhan Sara Melamed Warren Melamed Robert and Bonnie Miller Scott Miller Stephen Morris Estate of Irene Nagrotsky Evan Nahmias Estate of Norma Neaderthal April Nemer Jacob R. Nemer Martha L. Nemer Robert Nemer Barbara H. Olsher Harvey Jay Olsher Scott and Anna-Gene O’Neal Laurel Orley Andy Pargh Bernard and Maria Pargh Franklin Pargh Frank and Elaine Parker Moises and Sharon Paz Arthur and Lisa Perlen Joe Perlen Maxine Perlen Suzy Perlman Jessica Pinsly Jonathan Poster and Leora Horn Stephen J. and Ellen Vinocur Peter S. (z’l) and Ruth G. Pressman David and Edria Ragosin Marsha Raimi Sylvia Rapoport Virginia W. Rapoport (z’l) Steven and Esther Remer Rabbi Philip and Rabbi Laurie Rice Thomas and Audrey Rice Dudley and Peggy Richter Evan Rittenberg Stephen S. Riven Bruce C. Robins Van Robins Russ and Leslie Robinson Estate of Betty Lee Rosen

Michael and Ellen Rosen Scott Rosenberg S. Trent Rosenbloom and Ellie Weiss Lynne L. Rosenblum Rodney Rosenblum Carla and Mark Rosenthal Drs. Jon and Iris Rotker Howard C. Rubin Marilyn Rubin Eileen Ruchman Manuel Ben and Marissa Russ Freya M. Sachs Eugene and Ruthi Sacks Larry Sacks Howard Safer Kenneth and Marla Sanderson Michael Sanderson Andy and Laura Saul Leslie Sax Stanley R. Schklar and Marco Fernandez Richard and Molly Schneider Andrew and Rachel Schulman James and Suzanne Schulman Estate of Barbara W. Schwartz Charlotte Seloff Faye Serkin (z’l) Joan Shayne Mike and Lisa Shmerling Phillip and Laura Shmerling Martin H. Singer Brian and Shannon Small Doug and Bonnie Small Elise Small Russell and Judith Smith Larry and Barbara Speller Nan E. Speller Shirley Speyer Avi and Rachel Spielman David Steckler and Hon. Sharon Levinson Steckler Dr. Richard and Dr. Adele Stein Sarah Stein David Steine, Jr. Lee T. and Marcia Stewart Eric Stillman Cindy Stone and Mark Glazer Hope S. Stringer Rabbi Saul Strosberg and Rabba Daniella Pressner Andrea Thaler Ted Thaler Rabbi Yitzchok and Esther Tiechtel Alyssa Trachtman Sy Trachtman Cynthia Trainer Debra Turriciano Jacob and Kelly Unger Adam and Katie Wayne Howard L. and Karen Weil Rami and Janet Weismark Chaim Weitman Daniel Weitz Melissa Werthan Moshe and Libby Werthan Rachel Whitney Christie Wiemers Titus Wiemers Richard and Beth Wise Stuart and Deborah Wiston Larry and Sally (z’l) Wolfe Dr. Jeffrey Wood Yoseph Yaffe Uzi and Yaara Yemin Greg and Erin Zagnoev Rebekah Zeitlin Shirley Zeitlin Bernard Zelenka David M. Zolensky

PARTICIPATING AGENCIES:

To learn more about the Jewish Federation & Jewish Foundation and its LIFE & LEGACY program as well as about what options may be best for you, contact Shannon Small at Shannon@jewishnashville.org or 615-354-1642.

The Jewish Observer • Juy 2021

9

The First Event in Forever

By MARISA RUBIN

W

hen I started in my position as Community Engagement Associate, I was so excited to be working hands on with NowGen. I attended the 2020 Purim Masquerade just after I was hired and was thrilled that it was going to be my turn to plan and execute such amazing events for the young adults in Nashville. Well, the world had other plans. NowGen went completely virtual with everything from our big events like Rosh Bash and this year’s Purim Masquerade to Happy Hours and dinners being held via Zoom. While it was heartbreaking for me to not be able to meet most of the NowGen folks in person, on May 27th, that all changed.

We had our first, “big,” in-person program.

The NowGen Engagement Committee, headed by Anna Stern and Hayley Levy, had been hosting Zoom Happy Hours and finally they were able to host one in person! About 45 NowGen folks met up at Tailgate West for beer and pizza. I wish I could put into words how excited and happy they were to be together, some, like me, for the first time. This is just the beginning for the restarting of NowGen in-person events. And when I tell you our board members are ecstatic, they truly are.

Young adults were some of the people who were hurting the most during the lockdown and stay at home orders and to see them together again, happy and healthy, made my heart so full. •

Local young adults enjoy the first “in-person,” event since the start of the Covid19 Pandemic.

Jewsic City and Camp Davis’ Emily Groff Releases EP

E

mily Groff is no stranger to Nashville’s Jewish community. An active member of Jewsic City and song leader at Camp Davis, the Nashville-based singer/ songwriter is bursting onto the national Jewish music scene with her energetic new EP Breathe.

Featuring an all-female rock ensemble, (Devon Eisenbarger, guitarist for Katy Perry; Genna Projansky, bassist for Sam Tsui; Marian Lapino, drummer for Donna Missal) the album showcases Emily’s sweet yet sophisticated vocals and thoughtful lyricism and demonstrates her diverse musical influences that include Michelle Branch-esque pop/rock, New Orleans funk, and, of course, a hint of Nashville country.

The title track “Breathe” was inspired

by Emily’s personal struggle dealing with performance anxiety. She sings these lyrics on the title track: “I can feel my heart pounding out of my chest/Here my head goes again, I wish it gave its best/ Five more steps and I’m there/Ten more steps and I’m gone/Turn around I’m back where I started/On the outside looking in”. Other tracks feature her unique interpretations of Jewish liturgy including new settings of Hashkiveinu, Ahavat Olam, Shiru Ladonai, and Lo Yisa Goy.

10

Born and raised in Miami, FL, Groff moved to Nashville in 2015 to pursue bachelor and master’s degrees in music education from Vanderbilt University.

Her upbringing influenced her appreciation for Judaism and music. “Between street performers, concerts, and music being blasted from every restaurant, store, and bar, growing up in Miami makes you inevitably surrounded by music everywhere you go. I feel very fortunate to have grown up in a place where Judaism was not just accepted but also cherished and valued.” When not writing and performing Jewish music at summer camps and synagogues (including Camp Davis and the Temple), Groff shares her passion for music with students at Neely’s Bend Elementary school in Nashville where she teaches K-4 music.

Groff was selected as a finalist in the Jewish Star talent search sponsored by Jewish Rock Radio in 2019. Rick Recht, founder of Jewish Rock Radio, is quite a fan. “Emily Groff is a true Jewish Star - a clear stand out!” he said. “Beyond her fantastic vocal, instrumental and songwriting skills, Emily exudes SUCH amazing positive energy and has a rock solid ability to connect with communities. I can’t wait to see the impact she will have as a Jewish

July 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Nashville-based Jewish singer/songwriter, Emily Groff releases new EP.

leader, educator and role model.”

Via this competition, Groff met and worked with music producer and founder of Kosher Style Records, Josh Goldberg.

A year later, she decided to reunite with Goldberg to create her own album.

“Music has always been the way that I process Judaism and experience it most

authentically, and I love the spiritual and musical creativity that collide when writing Jewish music.” The album was just released on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon music, and Bandcamp.

For more information about Emily Groff visit her website, www.emilygroffmusic. bandcamp.com. •

Understanding Apology and Forgiveness

By BARBARA DAB

W

hen it comes to apologies, most people find it one of the most confounding of human interactions. So, too, is granting forgiveness. And yet, the Jewish value of “t’shuvah” or repentance is a key theme during the Days of Awe, the holiest season that includes Rosh Hashanah and the ten days leading to and including Yom Kippur. Apology and forgiveness is the theme of a two-part class Rabbi Mark Schiftan, Dr. David Barton and Lynn Barton, LCSW, are teaching at The Temple in advance of the holidays. “I like to look more deeply at some of the issues involved in our holidays,” says David, a retired psychiatrist. “Maimonides says sins against God deserve apologies and the seeking of

forgiveness from God, and sins against another person call for seeking forgiveness from that individual.”

The goal of the class is to encourage thinking about ways to apologize and to grant forgiveness. According to Lynn, it is most important for people to understand that this is a process, rather than a one-time action. She references traditional Jewish teachings that mandate someone to ask three times for forgiveness, something she feels is overly simplistic. “It always seems so inappropriate to me. The burden is placed on the injured party to either grant forgiveness or not on the basis of words alone,” she says. “When someone has been wronged, there is loss and grief to work through in order to be able to grant forgiveness, and that process can take some time. In

a relationship there is the perspective of the person who was wronged as well as the person who inflicted the injury.”

David agrees, “The process is what is most important. The wrongdoer must rectify his or her behavior over time.

Much of Judaism is about process in relationships. Society often teaches us to be perfectionistic, to always do the right thing, so to apologize for doing the wrong thing is very difficult.” Lynn adds, “For some parents, for example, admitting a mistake to children can feel like a failure, but as a role model it is important, when appropriate, to be able to say, ‘I am sorry.’” In fact, this notion of parents and children learning to apologize and grant forgiveness is something Rabbi Mark Schiftan says he plans to include in High Holiday services. “On Rosh Hashanah, I

want kids to go to their parents or their grandparents and find something specific to apologize for. I want the parents to look into the eyes of their children and forgive. Then on Yom Kippur, we will switch so each has the experience.”

The class is being offered virtually in two parts. The first will delve into traditional text study, discuss the concepts of apology and forgiveness, and focus on process. The second will present various vignettes to promote discussion about the area. The program is open to the public.

The class sessions will be offered on two Tuesday evenings in August, the10th and 17th, from 6:00-7:30pm via Zoom. For more information, closer to the date of the sessions, please visit the Temple website, templenashville.org, or thetemplehub.org. •

How a non-Jewish Swiss Baker’s Challah Wowed the Internet

By RACHEL RINGLER JEWISH TELEGRAPHIC AGENCY

C

hallah baker Katharina Arrigoni lives in a town in northern Switzerland with 3,000 residents, none of whom — including Arrigoni – are Jewish. Entirely self-taught, Arrigoni has never tasted a challah other than her own creations.

Yet thanks to the power of the internet and Instagram, Arrigoni has become an international challah-shaping sensation.

Arrigoni is the founder of Besondersgut (German for “especially good”), a bakery and baking school located about 15 miles from Zurich. She started baking six years ago when she was 42 years old following a terrible traffic accident. In need of distraction, Arrigoni says she spent “days and nights in [sic] American bread baking forums.” She soon began publishing recipes and photographing what she baked. Bread classes taught by Arrigoni followed, as did her first book, “Swiss Bread,” in 2017.

Zopf, a braided loaf that looks just like challah, is a popular Swiss bread.

Arrigoni grew up eating it, and her mother taught her how to bake it. While the recipe is similar to that of challah — except that zopf is made with milk rather than water, and butter instead of oil — Arrigoni only came across challah three years ago, on the internet. She was, “immediately excited” by the bread, enthralled by their beauty and the community of worldwide challah bakers who connected over it. She began to follow challah bakers on Instagram from Israel, England and the United States.

“When I started baking challahs, I quickly ended up with Uri Scheft [founder of Lehamim Bakery in Israel and Breads Bakery in New York],” Arrigoni said. “He inspired me to get creative and try new techniques.” Inspired by Scheft’s artistry, Arrigoni developed her own style of making challah.“I didn’t want to copy what others are doing, so I tried to find new techniques or incorporate techPlease support the businesses that advertise in the Observer and help support our community in all ways!

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niques from French bakers. I try to make my own designs, too,” she said.

During the pandemic, challah bakers began to take note of her five-strand spiraled challah, including a flat braid with a ball chain down the center inspired by a French bread, “le pain chapelet.” Her instructional video went viral. To date, she has 70,000 Instagram followers, and challah bakers like Karma Bread bakery in London, among others, thank her on Instagram for her influence on their shaping techniques.

One of Arrigoni’s goals is to “bake the perfect challah and stage it photographically as an art object.” The positive feedback from the Jewish community on social media has driven her to continually try new things. Last fall she published her second cookbook, “Favorite Breads,” which is not yet available in English. The book, which was awarded a gold medal by the Swiss Gourmet book awards, contains recipes for lye breads (like pretzels), baguettes, Zopf and challah, including vegan challah. You will find, too, photographs of her braiding techniques and of her smooth, deftly shaped challahs.

Check out these tips from the challah master for dough that is easy to manipu-

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late and beautifully shaped challah: For the smoothest dough with the best texture, make a pre-fermentation dough.

Arrigoni assembles a “poolish” the night before making her challah made of 20% of the total flour used in her recipe (she uses spelt flour), an equal amount of water and a few grains of yeast. The following day, the bubbly poolish, which should have doubled in size, is mixed

with the challah ingredients. The poolish made with spelt gives you a dough that is super smooth, easy to work with and that stretches without tearing.

Work with cold dough. For a perfect challah with a smooth texture, Arrigoni chills her dough. The ideal dough temperature after kneading, she says, is between 74-77 degrees F. Use cold ingredients if necessary so as not to exceed this temperature.

Don’t let the dough rise for too long before shaping.

About 45-60 minutes is sufficient.

Before braiding, weigh each strand to the exact gram.

All of the strands should weigh and be shaped exactly the same.

Practice new braiding techniques with mountain climbing ropes.

She is Swiss, you know! You don’t want to practice on the actual dough because “on the living object, you only have one chance!”

Flour your strands before baking.

To prevent the strands from melting into each other when baking, very lightly flour the finished, shaped strands before braiding. •

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In Our Own Backyard: Historical Project Tells Forgotten Stories of Enslaved People at Belle Meade Plantation

By BARBARA DAB

S

et back from the traffic on bustling Harding Pike, the Belle Meade Plantation rests serene and lovely, welcoming thousands of visitors each year to learn about the glory days of the plantation era. But behind the gleaming façade, the meticulously restored rooms and the beautiful grounds, hide the painful memories of the women, men and children who were enslaved there.

A few years ago, one local woman decided it was time to shed light on those forgotten stories and bring them to life for visitors to the plantation. Brigette Jones, Historian and founder of Bridge Builders Historical Consulting, created the tour to help people learn about and understand the impact of an oppressive institution that many African Americans experienced. She is now bringing the tour to groups and organizations, including the local Jewish community via The Temple. “The workshop is designed so participants can see and experience from the perspective of the enslaved,”

Jones says.

The event began as the idea of Temple congregant Renee Kasman, who is also chair of the Social Justice Committee. “My experience of Belle Meade Plantation has been that we use it for overflow parking,” she said, “But I took the tour and realized this was all happening in our own backyard.”

Kasman set out to bring Jones’ presentation to the Jewish community as a first step in understanding the experiences and events that happened in Nashville.

According to Jones, the two part series is divided with the first class being an oratorical presentation to teach about the history of enslavement. In the second class, participants will take a deeper dive into primary source materials. She says, “We’ll look at how media affects our perceptions, how Hollywood portrays the Black experience and explore how stereotypes plague American society.”

A self-described documentary film buff, Jones says she has spent time learning about Jewish history and the American Jewish experience. “Jewish

history is probably one of the closest to the Black community. Both are groups who have been displaced and persecuted.” Indeed, she believes every minority population should be coming together at this time. “The KKK did not exclude Jews or Muslims or any other minority.

We need to explore why we pull apart and come back together. This is not a new problem.”

Jones draws inspiration from her own family who, she discovered, was enslaved on a plantation in the Memphis area.

“I am five generations removed from slavery,” she says, “I’ve heard the stories and I know what it means to be poor, to be enslaved, segregated and subjugated.”

The presentation, she says, will leave people emotional and exhausted, and that is intentional. She says her goal for these presentations is to, “touch hearts, not change minds.”

The class is called, “Tennessee Slavery: Parallels, Perspectives, and Psychology at the Belle Meade Plantation,” and is open to the public.

The dates are two Wednesdays, August

Historian Brigette Jones is the creator of a unique historical project that brings to life the forgotten stories of the Enslaved People at Belle Meade Plantation

11th, and 18th at 7pm. There is no charge, but reservations are required, Visit www.templenashville.org for more information and to sign up. •

NCJW, Nashville Section, Has Productive Year Despite Pandemic

By JENNIFER GOLDSTEIN

T

he Nashville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) has a long history of service to the community of Nashville. Despite facing a global pandemic, NCJW is thrilled to announce that we will continue to be able to support our community projects.

Projects developed and supported by the Section have become a part of the lives of many of the citizens of our city. Projects supported by the Nashville Section support women, children, and families in the Nashville Metropolitan area.

The funding for all Section projects is achieved primarily through contributions at the Section’s annual fundraiser, called Ways and Means, though is also supported through gifts from private philanthropic foundations, corporate grants, and bequests by our members naming the Section as a beneficiary in their wills.

Each year, returning or new projects are invited to apply for support through a process called Study and Survey. After filling out their application, projects are asked to attend an allocations meeting facilitated by our Study and Survey chairs and members of the committee. This year’s chairs were Jamie Brook, Freya Sachs and Erin Zagnoev.

Like many other organizations, NCJW, Nashville Section had concerns over how the COVID-19 pandemic would impact their ability to support their annual projects. The pandemic has not only impacted NCJW’s ability to engage their members through in person programming, but it has also prevented our members from volunteering with projects in the same way; however, our members and donors have continued to support this meaningful work.

Previous Ways and Means fundraisers, which fund the projects, have been in-person gatherings inviting such enticing speakers as Ashley Judd. The 2020 fundraiser, chaired by Abbey Benjamin and Stephanie Kirschner, adapted to the needs of the moment. Despite our inability to be together in person and celebrate NCJW’s impact on the local community, our members continued to show their support and raised enough to fully fund all project requests.

NCJW, Nashville Section is beyond grateful to our members for continuing to show their support, not only to our section, but also to the women, children, and families in the Nashville Metropolitan area who will benefit.

On Wednesday, May 19, at NCJW, Nashville Section’s 2020-2021 Closing Meeting, the membership voted to fully fund the following project requests: • A Step Ahead • Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), funded through the Fensterwald Fund held by NCJW, Nashville Section • Gilda’s Club of Middle Tennessee’s children and teen programs • Kosher Food Box with Jewish Family Service • Kosher for Passover Food Boxes with Jewish Family Service • Renewal House • Senior Friends Rosh Hashannah baskets with Jewish Family Service • Snack Box Program with OUR KIDS • Vanderbilt’s REACH for Survivorship • Vanderbilt Hillel’s Shabbat Dinners Lastly, NCJW, Nashville Section is also honored to announce our 2021-2022

Members of National Council of Jewish Women, Nashville Section, enjoy a Yoga and Meditation Retreat

Executive Committee: • Erin Coleman, President • La Quita Martin and Harriet Workman, VPs, Advocacy • Felicia Abramson, Hayley Levy and Katie Wayne, VPs, Membership • Stephanie Kirschner, Marci Levy, Mollie Perry and Lauren Wachsman, VPs, Programming • Rachel Fleischer and April Nemer, VPs, Projects • Andrea Bernstein and Kim Lapidus, Treasurers • Abbey Benjamin and Julie Fortune, Secretaries • Tara Axelroth and Rachel Hauber, Past Presidents We are grateful to our 2020-2021 Executive Committee, and will miss

those who rolled off of the board: • Amy R. Smith, President • Amy Pearl, VP, Programming • Jennie Zagnoev, VP, Programming The 2021-2022 Executive Committee invites all members of our Nashville Jewish community to join us at the 2021 Ways and Means this fall, where we will continue to demonstrate our support for these projects. We also encourage our Nashville community to show their support of these impactful and important projects. If you would like to volunteer or show your support for any of these projects, please contact Jennifer Goldstein, NCJW, Nashville Section’s Executive Director at nashvillencjw@ gmail.com. We hope to see you at our 2021 Opening Meeting on August 22! •

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

12

July 2021 • The Jewish Observer

JFS Annual Meeting J

ewish Family Service of Middle Tennessee held its Annual Meeting on June 17th. Among the highlights, Lauren Brisky received the Ruach Award, and outgoing President Nan Speller passed the gavel to newly installed President Susan Zager. •

Outgoing President Nan Speller passes the gavel to newly installed President Susan Zager. PHOTOS BY RICK MALKIN

An outdoor, socially distant Jewish Family Service Annual Meeting

Howard Safer presents the Ruach Award to Lauren Brisky

JFS Executive Director Pam Kelner shares this year’s achievements

L to R, Outgoing Board Member Stan Shklar, JFS Executive Director Pam Kelner, JFS Outgoing President Nan Speller, Outgoing Board Member Steve Lapidus

Steve and Kay Horrell, Linda Eskind Rebrovick, Agenia Clark, CEO Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, honoring their friend, Lauren Brisky (center)

Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee

www.jewishnashville.org

The Jewish Observer • Juy 2021

13

Congregation Micah Offers Comprehensive Religious School Programming

By JULIE GREENBERG

C

ongregation Micah’s Religious School is the home and heart of joyous and progressive Jewish education, bringing the best of formal and informal

study to our families. Our weekly family service fills our sanctuary with music, prayer and playful participation in the ever-present and unfolding Jewish story.

We are a diverse community that celebrates our common bonds of Jewish

identity - intellectually, spiritually, and culturally. We explore the dynamic disciplines of Jewish tradition - Hebrew, History, Ethics, Social Justice, Israel, Mitzvot, Mussar, Tzedakah and more with Torah as our touchstone.

In addition to weekly worship and study, students meet Jewish authors, artists, musicians, chefs and social justice leaders. Our parents remain students, as well, with regular opportunities to study and socialize with each other.

Throughout and beyond our b’nai mitzvah program, our dedicated inclusion specialist works with our faculty and families to ensure that all students are honored and able to access the full richness of Jewish tradition.

Micah’s expansive campus includes a natural playscape, kibbutz-style demonstration gardens, a labyrinth, and a gaga pit. This beautiful setting invites students to discover the wonders of creation in scenic, meditative, and active ways.

Our middle and high school youth groups extend Jewish life through group travel to New York, Washington D.C., Montgomery, and Israel, as well as through local retreats, performances, sporting events, and social action projects. CHAI Society, our flagship high school program, empowers our oldest students to become confident and creative leaders who enter the larger world doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with their God. •

Congregation Micah Religious School provides formal and informal programming for all ages.

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July 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Kvetch in the City

By CARRIE MILLS

I

would be remiss to even think of writing this month’s reflections, I mean kvetches, without first sending a loving virtual hug to Dear Esther for so generously dedicating her Carrie Mills valuable Observer realty to indulge my musings last month. I so appreciate her insight, clarity, knowing she has my back, and of course, her shout out to all available men, the extroverts at least, to look my way.

It seems as far as this past month went, they must have all be taken or looking somewhere else. So, what was I to do, but turn my attention towards shopping. Before you know it, I was standing in front of my favorite cash register at UAL (if you don’t know that shop, make yourself acquainted ladies and gents) ringing up two great finds.

And in a moment of feeling pretty darn happy with the new bathing suit I landed,

I proudly posted a swimming pool selfie on my social media Facebook story. Mind you, nothing racy or anything to that end. Just a happy in the pool headshot with a little peak revealing the top of the cool one shoulder star print suit I confidently wore.

When it comes to social media posting, I’ve learned lighting is everything and for a woman in a bathing suit it’s even more true. Because let me tell you, I had over 500 views in no time. And no, it wasn’t just men. Women tend to appreciate a good suit. I mean, I know I do. I can’t help but think the men were hoping for a more extensive view but were curious enough to have a look. And yes, the lighting took years off my face along with tilting my head up, erasing any wrinkles created by all those years of tanning. Funny how the thing that created the wrinkles in the first place could also illusion them away. If only I could stay in that position and lighting forever. All that to say, an unknown male, “friend,” on my Facebook page started chatting me up. I tend to have a lot of, “friends,”

Dear Esther Dear Esther, For the past two years my spouse has been struggling with an addiction. I am happy that my spouse is in recovery but I am having a difficult time. I feel angry and resentful about the chaos he has brought into our lives. His addiction has hurt everyone in the family and it hasn’t stopped because he is in recovery. It is going to take years to fully recover financially and emotionally. The issue I am currently having is a lack of sympathy which interferes with my ability to be fully supportive of him. When I try to be there for him, my mind keeps saying “you did this to us”. I feel awful about not being able to feel more sympathy. Am I a bad person for feeling this way? Will I ever get past feeling angry and resentful?

– Tired devoted wife Dear Tired devoted wife , Two years in recovery is outstanding as staying sober is a huge accomplishment. You are a courageous individual to come forth to speak your truth. I can tell you love your husband and are supportive of him despite it being difficult.

The chaos and pain that addiction causes in families not only affects the addict but also causes ripple effects throughout the entire family. Your feelings do not make you a bad person, it just means you are not done with your own healing. Look at feelings as a thermometer but don’t use it by itself to judge the entire picture of what is happening. You have been through a lot during the past

two years so be gentle and kind to yourself.

Overcoming addiction as the addict or family member is a difficult process and is only possible with support. Addicts have a wealth of resources and support to help them in the recovery process, but you also have access to the same support system. Through Al-Anon support groups, you can get a sponsor that would help you work the 12 steps in relation to how the addiction has affected your family and work through some of your anger and resentment.

Be honest about your needs with your family and friends whenever possible. A stigma surrounding addiction remains and the only way we can overcome it is to be authentic and allow others to support us. I would venture to guess that if you begin to discuss it with our community, you will learn of more stories of addiction and recovery.

I encourage you to keep the line of communication open with your husband and especially when it doesn’t feel good.

Openness and honesty will keep the journey moving forward and maintain your connection with each other. You and your husband can move onto a new chapter in your lives and yes, one day your feelings will lessen or possibly go away. The anger and resentment you are feeling today is normal given your circumstances and it doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you a perfectly normal human being whose life has been shattered by addiction and someone who is on their way to recovery.

– 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. •

on Facebook from my work curating and promoting the art galleries at the Gordon JCC. I realized pretty quickly I had no idea who this person was. Still, I decided to cautiously reply and see where this was going. In the first few sentences he mentioned boating. In no time at all he mentioned he had boats. Plural. I love boats, though I’m not sure why someone would want more than one. I caught the drift, so to speak, of someone trying to impress me.

Now it just happened, only a few days earlier, in the said pool, condo pool that is, where I took the selfie that started this whole story, I was chatting with some neighbors about how I wished I could be on a boat this summer. So, when Facebook boat man started chatting me up, I thought this might be divine destiny or at least the universe throwing a little answered prayer my way, if that’s how it works, which of course, I have no idea how it works, even after all these years.

To me, it is all basically one big mystery I work on daily giving myself over to.

One thing, however that I do know works, is listening to your mother at five years old when she scares the heebie-jeeibes out of you with terrifying stories about taking candy from a stranger.

Which of course any five year old would want to do. Candy is candy. And on a hot

summer day, boats are boats. And nice looking boats are even better. So when Facebook boat man quickly invited me on his boat, all I could think of was my mother’s scare tactics to teach a five year old a life lesson, and of course, Natalie Wood. Now, if any of you readers out there are under 60, and I certainly hope there are some Kvetch readers out there under 60, though so far, all the people who tell me they love my column each month, (to which I am so appreciative beyond words), appear to be people I know hovering around 60, you will know what I mean when I say Natalie Wood.

For the younger crowd, just google Natalie Wood, and you will know why I so graciously replied to Facebook boat man, “I’d prefer to meet for coffee first.”

And guess what!?! He never replied with a date to meet for coffee. And in one fell swoop my terrifying heebie-jeebies was confirmed, and so was my Natalie Wood vision. So, while I may be a bit disappointed, though clearly relieved to think I dodged a bullet, or in this case, woman overboard, I have decided to cheerfully turn my gaze, not towards bathing suit shopping, but towards my first trip to NYC since the pandemic started. And, as far as I can tell, the only boat I’ll be stepping foot on, for now at least, is the Staten Island Ferry. •

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Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee at www.jewishnashville.org The Jewish Observer • Juy 2021

15

July in the Gordon JCC Galleries: Lauren Karp, Alison Fullerton, Annual Camp Davis Exhibit

BY CARRIE MILLS

T

he Janet Levine March Gallery will feature the work of Lauren Karp.

Lauren is a nature photographer who specializes in artistic wildlife photos.

Raised in the bucolic countryside of Pennsylvania, Lauren spent her childhood in lush fields, meandering creeks and scenic farmlands. Amid this backdrop, she pursued many forms of creative expression including painting, calligraphy and clothing design. Her artistic journey continued as an art director for an international print and poster company. Having been inspired by world-renowned photographers, she combined her love of art and nature with a passion for photography. Exploring with her camera at her side, Lauren now travels exten-

sively, capturing her vision of the beauty in the natural world. Her images capture a snapshot in time, giving viewers a quiet moment of emotive contemplation.

The JLMG2 Gallery will feature the art of Alison Fullerton. Alison is a contemporary portrait artist working in encaustic wax which is pigmented beeswax and damar resin. She paints by layering & scraping back layers of molten wax to reveal her subject physically and emotionally. Wax dries quickly, so she paints fast and spontaneously. Her colorful, tactile wax portraits have a luminous quality unlike any other medium.

Alison lived and traveled in Europe for 3 years, sketching people in coffee shops and streets across Europe. Returning to her studio in Germany in 2019, she began slathering her sketches in wax and learned

The Goldfinch by Lauren Karp

Closeup by Allison Fullerton

to work the wax in a more painterly fashion. Fullerton has exhibited throughout the US and Europe, has work in university and museum collections, and has authored articles about encaustic wax. Her work was recently on 10 Nashville billboards and on the cover of Wax Fusion magazine.

She now lives and works in Nashville.

The Sig Held Gallery will feature the annual Camp Davis art exhibit. This exhibit features the work of the current campers exploring nature and other modalities. The House gallery will feature

Marley by Allison Fullerton

the ongoing Under One Roof collaborative exhibit. The Exhibition Dates are July 3rd -31st. The exhibitions are free and open to the public. Any attendees who are not fully vaccinated will need to wear a mask. All visitors will need to sign in at the front desk. For more information, contact the GJCC at 615.354-1699, Curator Carrie Mills at carrie@nashvillejcc.org, or go to www.nashvillejcc.org. •

Ducklings in a Row by Lauren Karp

&Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƚŽ ƌĞŐŝƐƚĞƌ͕ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĞŵĂŝů ƌĂďďŝŵŝĐŚĂĞůƐŚƵůŵĂŶΛϭϴĚŽŽƌƐ͘ŽƌŐ dŚĞ ǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉ ŝƐ ΨϱϰͬĐŽƵƉůĞ ĂŶĚ ƌĞŐŝƐƚƌĂƟŽŶ ŝƐ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ͘ EĂƐŚǀŝůůĞ ĐŽƵƉůĞƐ͊ ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ZĂďďŝ ^ŚƵůŵĂŶ ĨŽƌ Ă ƐƉĞĐŝĂů ĚŝƐĐŽƵŶƚ ĐŽĚĞ͊

16

July 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Founding Class of Revere Montessori Preschool Graduates T

he first students of the Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool, who started with the establishment of the preschool in the fall of 2017, celebrated their graduation with great joy and exuberance as they tossed their graduation caps up in the air and jumped for joy as they reached great heights.

Almost all of graduating students will be continuing their Jewish education at Akiva School.

The Revere Montessori Jewish Preschool is offering a one-time opportunity of granting a thirty five percent scholarship to three new families applying for the academic year beginning in August of 2021. These scholarships are for children in the ages 42 months – 5 years old, and are being granted on a first come first serve basis, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. For more information, please call 615-646-5750. •

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

The Jewish Observer • Juy 2021

17

At Our Congregations…

Nashville’s congregations Here are the websites for all five Nashville Jewish congregations, with information on services, upcoming events and more: Congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad, www.chabadnashville.com Congregation Micah, www.congregationmicah.org Congregation Sherith Israel, www.sherithisrael.com The Temple – Congregation Ohabai Sholom, www.templenashville.org West End Synagogue, www.westendsyn.org

@ Chabad /Congregation Beit Tefilah Forty Percent Scholarship being offered at the Jewish Montessori Preschool The Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool (JuMP) opens its doors for its 5th year for the academic year beginning in August 2021, as Tennessee’s only Jewish Montessori Preschool.

The Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool is committed to providing its students with an outstanding Jewish Montessori education, which will become their foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Beyond small class sizes, and being Three Stars certified by the DHS, it is a preschool that teaches its students based on the Montessori philosophy, to give each child a rich, Jewish foundation in a warm and nurturing environment.

In celebration of its success, an anonymous donor has stepped up to the plate, and is offering a one-time opportunity of granting a forty percent scholarship to any new families applying for the academic year, beginning in August of 2021. These scholarships are for children in the ages 42 months – 5 years old and are being granted on a first come first served basis. This scholarship will enable a child to register for a full day program, five days a week, for their first year attending the Jewish Montessori preschool and is available for the first three families who apply.

To apply for this special one-time scholarship, or to schedule a private tour of the Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool please call 615-646-5750.

Chabad to host START UP the TGIS Celebration in August Chabad to reinaugurate it’s long standing classic TGIS, Thank G-d It’s Shabbat celebration, on Friday, August 13, at 6:30 PM. After 20 plus years of hosting the TGIS celebrations, Chabad had to stop these events due to Covid-19. Start your Shabbat off right with good friends, great conversation, and excellent kosher cuisine, all seasoned with the perfect amount of spirit and joy. TGIS is a “Club Med Shabbat: An all-inclusive Shabbat experience.” Enjoy a Friday night Shabbat dinner replete with traditional dishes. Blended with spirited singing, a Chasidic tale, and a chance to meet some wonderful new people. TGIS will be held on Friday evenings, August 13, and 27, at 6:30 PM at Chabad of Nashville.

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

Congregation Beit Tefilah to hold a Tisha B’Av Memorial Service The Jewish Memorial Day, The Fast of the Ninth of the Jewish month of Av, Tisha b’Av, marks the end of a three - week period of mourning during which our people remember the series of events that led to the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem and the destruction of our people’s first Temple on that date in the year 586 BCE. Tisha B’Av is on Shabbat this year, and the fast is therefore postponed for Sunday, the tenth of Av. The fast starts on sundown on Shabbat, the ninth of Av, July 17, 8:04 PM, and lasts until the following nightfall, Sunday August 11 at 8:11 PM. During this time-period we fast, eschew pleasurable activities, and lament the destruction of the Holy Temple and our nation’s exile.

On the eve of Tisha B’Av we gather in the synagogue to read the Book of Lamentations. Tallit and Tefillin are not worn during the morning prayers. After the morning prayers we recite Kinot (elegies). We put on the Tallit and Tefillin for the afternoon prayers. To commemorate this day, Congregation Beit Tefilah will hold a Tisha B’Av Memorial Service with the reading of the Book of Lamentations, known as the Book of Eicha by candlelight. This will take place on Saturday night, July 17, at 9:00 PM at Congregation Sherith Israel.

On Sunday, July 18, Congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad will have a Tisha B’Av Mincha Service and Torah reading at 7:00 PM and will be followed by a light break fast after dark. For more information or to learn more about Tisha B’Av go to chabadnashville.com.

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July 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Jumpstart Your Child’s Jewish Life with a Gift for Your Newborn 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

@ Micah Yes, we are open! 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 in person or on YouTube, Zoom and on our Livestream. In our tent, there is room for everyone! 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 contact Mindy Drongowski at mindy@congregationmicah.org

Programming at Micah - July 2021 Book Club - Monday, July 5 at 6:00 PM

All are welcome for this zoom virtual discussion on the book Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark T. Sullivan.

Sanctuary Shabbat Services - Fridays 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. Sign-ups will be available on the Monday prior to Friday night. Children 12 and under do not count toward your RSVP number. Number of permitted attendees will continue to be assessed.

Red Cross Blood Drive - Sunday, August 1

Save a life by giving blood. Visit our events page and sign up to donate.

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.

Attendance includes 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 on zoom.

Virtual Mah Jongg - Tuesday afternoons at 12:30 PM.

Chinese tile game with a Jewish twist. 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.

At Our Congregations… @ Sherith Israel Dov Rosenblatt Joining Sherith Israel as Shaliach Tzibur Dov Rosenblatt will be joining Sherith Israel as Shaliach Tzibur, or Cantor in Residence, for eleven months beginning this July. In addition to leading davening on a regular basis, he will be responsible for new programs for both adults and youth, with a special focus on music.

Among these programs, Rosenblatt will be leading a Tefilla Songwriting Workshop including exploring the meaning of the prayers and then writing songs expressing those themes.

A graduate of Yeshiva University, Rosenblatt is an accomplished musician who has composed music for Netflix and Dreamworks.

With Blue Fringe and The Wellspring Music Dov Rosenblatt, Sherith Israel’s new LLC, he has performed for Jewish audiences Shaliach Tzibur, performing live. internationally, including the United States, Israel, Australia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Canada. In addition to composing and performing, Rosenblatt has extensive teaching experience with elementary, middle, and high school students. In all of his teaching endeavors, he focuses on collaboration, creativity, and meaning.

Evan Rittenberg, President of Sherith Israel, said, “As we move past the Covid shutdowns and Sherith Israel returns to in-person activity, we are delighted to have someone as talented and beloved as Dov for our Shaliach Tzibur. We are all looking forward to participating in new programs, learning new melodies, and enriching our daily and Shabbat services.”

Dov is married to Aura, and they are the proud parents of Kol, Nava, Shlomo, and Esther. The family is looking forward to being part of the Sherith Israel and Akiva families, engaging with the Nashville Jewish community, and enjoying the Nashville music scene. Dov is also looking forward to working with - and learning from - Sherith Israel’s Cantor Emeritus, George Lieberman, who remains a beloved part of the Sherith Israel community and will continue to have an important role in the synagogue’s services and educational programs.

@ The Temple July 2021 Events All programming can be accessed via thetemplehub.org unless noted to be in person

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

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

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

Lunch with the Rabbi Thursday, July 29th 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

Shabbat Schedule for June

Our Shabbat Services will be held in person at The Temple. Please reserve your spot via thetemplehub.org.

You can also watch via zoom from thetemplehub.org.

Friday, July 2nd ~ 6:00 PM – RED, WHITE & BLUE JEAN SHABBAT Friday, July 9th ~ 6:00 PM

Friday, July 16th ~ 6:00 PM Friday, July 23rd ~ 6:00 PM –SONG WRITERS SHABBAT Friday, July 30th ~ 6:00 PM – SHABBAT SERVICE HONORING THE CLASS OF 2021 GRADUATING SENIORS

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

A Taste of Judaism with Rabbi Rami Shapiro

Join Rabbi Shapiro online and learn everything you always wanted to know about Judaism in three easy lessons on the following Tuesdays in July.

July 6th • July 13th • July 20th at 6:00 pm Check thetemplehub.org or templenashville.org for Zoom info

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, please email Rabbi Shulman at rabbishulman@templenashville.org Couples and Conversations: A 4-Week Workshop for Interfaith Couples to Discuss What it Means to Come from Different Religious Backgrounds Sundays, July 11th, 18th, 25th, & August 1st ~ 7:00 pm

@ West End For links to the following services or programs, please email office@westendsyn.org Whether you’re new to Judaism or have been practicing for years, we could all benefit from a review on how to Jew it! Through several isolated classes, guest speakers, and hands on simulations, we will explore the following topics and more!

• How to experience Shabbat - exploring your Shabbat observance • Life Cycle Events - examining the rituals and customs • Keeping Kosher - how to, customs, and eating outside the home • Raising Jewish Kids - how to engage your children beyond Beit Miriam and shul; how to best support interfaith families, whether your own or your grandchildren • Baking Challah - hands on class to make Challah from scratch Classes will meet in person at West End Synagogue in the East Chapel on Sunday mornings 10am - 11am and Wednesday evenings 6:30-7:30.

We hope you’ll join us for our first July class on Wednesday July 7th at 6:30!

Classes are free. To register please email Director of Lifelong Learning; Sharon Paz at spaz@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.

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.

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.

Save the date

August 8, 2021 Picnic at WES details will be in the August Observer

To access the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee Community Calendar, go to www.jewishnashville.org and click on “Calendar.”

The Jewish Observer • Juy 2021

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Lotti Silberspitz: a Holocaust Tribute “Even unto them will I give in My house and within My walls a place and a name.”

Isaiah 56:5 fter a 30-year long genealogical search for my great-grandmother Lotti, I recently discovered the horrific news of her Holocaust fate.

Shot. 18 June 1942. Zabno, Poland.

My initial grief was unspeakable.

We will never know what untold suffering our beloved Lotti endured, nor when she was transferred to Zabno ghetto in Tarnów County from her now Judenrein Polish village of Gnojnik in Brzesko (Briegel) County.

We do know that Lotti was shot by fir-

A

ing squad on the 3rd of Tammuz, the last day of the Aktion of June 11-18, 1942, directed

by Wilhelm Rommelmann (Gestapo) to liquidate the Jews of Tarnów County.

That heinous, genocidal Aktion was carried out by German SS and Ukrainian mobile killing units – Einsatzgruppen – to massacre the innocent elderly, the sick and the precious children en masse.

For over 70 years, a testimony of Lotti’s demise reported in 1946 to Brzesko’s civil court, lay buried in the Bochnia archives until discovered recently by Dr. Anna Brzyska. With profound thanks to Dr. Brzyska, who submitted a Page of Testimony to Yad Vashem for Lotti, she also located hundreds of Brzesko County

Holocaust victims and painstakingly filled out their Pages of Testimony by hand to honor their memory.

We now pledge to honor and remember our Lotti’s yahrzeit. Our great-grandmother will never be forgotten. Her name will be engraved on matzevah, on Holocaust memorial stones, in Holocaust museums, in databases and in our hearts as: Laje (Lea) “Lotti” Silberspitz.

Born on March 2, 1874, in Ubrzez, Bochnia County, Poland (then Galicia, Austria), Lotti was the daughter of Chaim Zimmerspitz and Estera Sellenfreund of Ubrzez. She lived in Gnojnik with her husband Jakob Silberspitz the merchant and her six children:

Chane “Helen” Chaim “Heinrich” “Henry” Hersch “Hermann” Reisl Mozjzesz “Moniek” Abraham “Romek” Lotti was once a nameless martyr without a grave, but now she has been given “a place and a name” at Yad Vashem. And this month she will be given another enduring memorial – her name will be engraved at the Nashville Holocaust Memorial.

May the life of our great-grandmother Lotti be vindicated and may her memory be for a blessing, always…Yehi Zichra Baruch. •

less fortunate and to provide inspiration to others seeking to achieve. She was a lifetime member of Hadassah, volunteered for various activities for US troops overseas, was an active volunteer for Hospice (Trust Bridge) of Palm Beach in Juno, Fla., for over 18 years and for a number of years volunteered as a teacher’s aide at the Conservatory School @ North Palm Beach where she was recognized as a “Volunteer of the Year”.

As a school aid, she focused her undivided attention towards children who had reading and social challenges by nurturing them, calming them, and ultimately helping them overcome their burdens to become active readers and interactive members of their classroom and school. Marcia used to brag about former students passing her in the hallways, recognizing her and running up to give hugs and love to her for what she did for them when they were younger.

In her final weeks she was able to reflect on a life rich in friends and love. In the end, she expressed comfort knowing that she had completed her purpose in life.

The family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice.

children, Rick (Jeannie), Sydney, and Julie (Mark); her grandchildren, Jinna (Matt), and Valerie Bryn (Nick); a great-grandchild, Abigail Grace; a niece, Ami, and several nephews, Richard, Jamie, David, Steve, and Michael. A special sister-in-law, Marcia Pear, passed away just hours after Phyllis.

Phyllis was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Sidney C. Reichman, parents, Moe and Birdie Pear, a brother, Charles Pear, a sister, Elaine Pear Rothberg, and nephews, Johnny and Nicholas Rothberg, and all of her brothers-inlaw and sisters-in-law. Numerous others went before her but she still managed to maintain a passion for life and appreciation of each moment. She was affectionately dubbed, “the comeback kid”.

Born in New York, she spent most of her formative years in Nashville.

A graduate of Vanderbilt University, she was the first woman and the first freshman to win the Founder’s Medal in Oratory, despite a case of laryngitis the night of the competition.

After college and acting school in New York, she was an actress, producer and director in the Nashville community theatre scene, serving many years as president of Theatre Nashville. In 1966, she presided over the production of the musical, “Lost in the Stars,” with its primarily African American cast and a chorus consisting of the Fisk

Jubilee Singers. In the midst of the Civil Rights Movement in Nashville it took chutzpah to present this outstanding and timely musical. She took delight in meeting with Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte who came to celebrate the theatre’s production, cast and crew.

In later years, Phyllis took up competitive duplicate bridge and was active in the Vanderbilt Bridge Club (Rookie of the Year and Life Master). She cherished her friendship with Michael Lawrence, world-renowned bridge guru, who moved to Nashville. Phyllis traveled the world with bridge groups and other friends and loved to learn new things. Until recently, she was an avid reader.

Phyllis followed politics with great interest and somehow managed to vote in the past year’s election.

In last years, she lived with her daughter, Sydney. The family expresses gratitude to her caregiver, LeAnne, son Rick, who was always on call, and to friends and family (Zina and Rae, who were like her ‘other daughters’), as well as staff at Alive Hospice in Nashville.

Donations may be made in her memory to (https://www.alivehospice.org/ donate).

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.

Marcia (Rose) Levinson Pear

Condolences to the family of Marcia Levinson Pear who died on June 2 at age 94.

She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Sanford Pear. Survivors include her sone, David Marc Pear and Steven Jay Pear; grandson, Charles Yuri Pear; and daughter-in-law, Natasha Kolduba-Pear. The family thanks Beverly Mitchell for the care and comfort provided to Marcia during her final days.

Marcia was born in Ope, Latvia, on March 19, 1927. She moved to Nashville as a young girl after growing up in Florence, Ala., later graduating from West End High School and then attending Peabody College. She met her husband, Charles, in Nashville.

Marcia loved to help and serve others, to comfort those in need, to aid those

Phyllis Grace Pear Reichman

Condolences to the family of Phyllis Grace Pear Reichman, who died at Alive Hospice in Nashville on June 2 at age 99. She is survived by her three

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July 2021 • The Jewish Observer

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Mark Alexander Zhislin

Condolences to the family of Mark Alexander Zhislin who died on June 4.

He was the son of Alexander Zhislin and brother of Helen (Jason) Crowley.

Survivors include his sons, Jonah Zhislin and Eli Joslyn; nephews, Zacharay, Noah and Joshua Zhislin; his aunt, Geralda Zhislin and his many cousins, He was predeceased by his mother, Sophia Zhislin. •

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

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

Back To School ADVERTORIALS

JULY 2021

The Jewish Observer • Juy 2021

21

ADVERTORIALS

Adventure Science Center

Cute & Comfy Shoes & Apparel

Located less than a mile from downtown Nashville, Adventure Science Center is celebrating 75 years of extraordinary memory-making! From a journey through the galaxy in Star Walk to an exploration of sound in the immersive soundBox, the science center has everything you need to learn and discover with your family and friends. Guests of all ages can experience STEAM brought to life through over 175 interactive experiences and be swept away in the state-of-the-art Sudekum Planetarium. Enjoy laser shows featuring hits from your favorite musicians or take in over 6.5 million stars under the planetarium dome. After the show, continue your space exploration by defying gravity on MoonWalk!

Parents of preschoolers not yet in the classroom, join us for Early Explorers every Monday morning from 11 am to 11:45 am for storytime and activities specially geared towards your young learner. Then, stick around for a planetarium show sure to ignite your child’s curiosity.

Back to school isn’t all bad when you have Adventure Science Center to put the “fun” in fundamental learning! We can’t wait to see you Thursdays – Mondays from 10 am to 3 pm and Saturdays until 6 pm. Visit adventuresci.org to plan your adventure today and follow us on Instagram at @AdventureSci for real-time updates on all of the best, can’t-miss happenings.

Cute & Comfy Shoes & Apparel is excited to celebrate 12 years in business!

Offering the best-looking comfort footwear for women in Middle TN, as well as a variety of Cute & Comfy clothing lines as well! Educators deserve a few great pairs of shoes to stay at the top of their game while at work. The staff at Cute & Comfy is trained to help you find the right brands for your lifestyle, your feet, your style!

Footwear brands offered include: Naot, Beautifeel, Arcopedico, Dansko, Dromedaris, Aetrex, Taos, Haflinger, ARA, Johnston & Murphy, and L’Amour des Pieds.

Clothing brands offered include: Foxcroft, Jess & Jane, Jag Jeans, Just Jill, Orientique, Zaket & Plover, Sea Salt, Clara SunWoo, Habitat, Nic & Zoe and Neon Buddha.

Arch support and footwear structure are very important to the health of your feet.

The selection at Cute & Comfy is carefully selected to provide a healthy choice for you yet keeping in mind that style may also be important to you. Fall of 2021 is exciting, as Cute & Comfy has found new brands to offer in both shoes and clothes.

Serving customers wearing shoe sizes 5 to 12 and clothing sizes 2 to 22. So, bring your friends or come and make a new one this Fall at Cute & Comfy Shoes & Apparel!

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July 2021 • The Jewish Observer

At The Temple Preschool, we believe that children’s early education experiences should be individualized and self-directed, exploratory and social, play- and strengthsbased, rich in expressive opportunities, curiosity-driven and meaningful, nature-inclusive, and the foundation for a life-long love of learning.

All of our preschool staff hold the values of community, collaboration, kindness, respect, and mindfulness in the highest regard and strive to nurture those values in the children we care for. Each value embraces our approach and philosophy in a way that raises our practice of teaching. We strive to transcend being teachers and become learners, explorers, facilitators, observers, and educators. Each day we bring with us a Continued on page 24

ADVERTORIALS

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Harpeth Hall educates young women to think critically, to lead confidently, and to live honorably.

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The Jewish Observer • Juy 2021

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ADVERTORIALS level of awareness of the importance of our work. By valuing ourselves, our co-workers, our school families, and our environments, we become a true community of learners.

In addition to our newly-redesigned and beautifully-landscaped playground, our rolling hills, creek and garden beds provide children with opportunities to play and work in nature and to care for the earth in hands-on ways. Children can grow their own vegetables and flowers, conduct science experiments around water flow, and daydream under a canopy of trees.

This is just a sampling of what makes The Temple Preschool so special. Contact us for more detailed information on how we might partner with your family during your child’s early years.

Druid Tree Service: Forest Canopy Benefits Health and Beauty While planning the year ahead, sending kids back to school, and getting ready for

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July 2021 • The Jewish Observer

ADVERTORIALS the upcoming fall season, spending time outside during the summer months is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

By breathing in a bit of your natural surroundings, you may feel a sense of calming and comfort. This effect has been studied and scientific research reveals that negative ions, found in falling water vapor from the canopy, balance out our positive ions produced from everyday stress. While reducing stress, your trees will additionally lessen the effects of the sun’s heat and lower the air temperature, producing an oasis around your home.

At Druid Tree Service, Inc., we’re specialists in preserving the natural beauty of trees and shrubs. From specialty hand pruning of boxwoods, yews, and topiary forms, to preserving the health and safety of mature trees, our arborist and professional team offer expert care for all size landscapes.

Our consulting arborist, Cabot Cameron, identifies concerns, makes recommendations for pest and fertility issues, and offers preventative treatment programs for all types of tree disease and pests. We use “pollinator safe” pest control in order to maintain a healthier ecosystem. Similarly, we correct soil issues using regenerative composting and natural bio-active fertilizers to reverse soil compaction, correct pH, and remedy fertility problems. We are concerned with the preservation of ash trees prevalent in our neighborhoods. The Emerald Ash Borer is devastating ash trees throughout Nashville, and we have been preserving these trees for our clients.

We welcome your calls or emails and look forward to talking with you about your trees and shrubs. We can be reached at 615-373- 4342 or office@druidtree.com.

Jewish Middle School of Nashville Publishes Strategic Plan There are two types of creation: Creatio Ex Nihilo, something from nothing, and Creation Ex Materia, something from something. One might look at the Jewish Middle School, which came into being in 2015, as a school created from nothing. There was no budget, no board, no families, and no staff. Creatio Ex Nihilo. But what did not exist was overpowered by what did exist: a vision and a need. The vision was to create a Middle School, built from the ground up, just for middle schoolers. A school that understands the middle school spirit more than any other.

The need was to create a school and community that serves Nashville’s Jewish day-school families, alongside and together with families from the broader community, that embraces values and a deep commitment to educating the whole child, at the same time engendering a commitment toward bettering the world.

As the momentum of our school picks up, we are only beginning to appreciate how profound that need is. While work remains, including continuing to build our student body, continuing to attract top-notch faculty, creating a space that embodies our vision for nurturing the middle school spirit and growing the minds of our students, and leading the conversation both internally and externally, about what education should look like, particularly during these years.

The Jewish Middle School is proud to present the 2021-24 Strategic Plan, included in this edition of the Observer as an insert.

Congregation Micah’s Religious School Congregation Micah’s Religious School is the home and heart of joyous and progressive Jewish education, bringing the best of formal and informal study to our families.

Our weekly family service fills our sanctuary with music, prayer and playful participation in the ever-present and unfolding Jewish story.

We are a diverse community that celebrates our common bonds of Jewish identity - intellectually, spiritually, and culturally. We explore the dynamic disciplines of Jewish tradition - Hebrew, History, Ethics, Social Justice, Israel, Mitzvot, Mussar, Tzedakah and more - with Torah as our touchstone.

In addition to weekly worship and study, students meet Jewish authors, artists, musicians, chefs and social justice leaders. Our parents remain students, as well, with regular opportunities to study and socialize with each other.

Throughout and beyond our b’nai mitzvah program, our dedicated inclusion specialist works with our faculty and families to ensure that all students are honored and able to access the full richness of Jewish tradition.

Micah’s expansive campus includes a natural playscape, kibbutz-style demonstration gardens, a labyrinth, and a gaga pit. This beautiful setting invites students to discover the wonders of creation in scenic, meditative, and active ways.

Our middle and high school youth groups extend Jewish life through group travel to New York, Washington D.C., Montgomery, and Israel, as well as through local retreats, performances, sporting events, and social action projects. CHAI Society, our flagship high school program, empowers our oldest students to become confident and creative leaders who enter the larger world doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with their God.

Pathfinder Counseling

Finding the right college match is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. It’s not only about being accepted by a college. More importantly it’s about finding a fit that offers the best environment for each student’s educational and personal growth where they can thrive and be successful. With colleges becoming more expensive and competitive, families and students feel increased pressure to make the right college choice. Today going to college represents a significant family investment of time and financial resources. Pathfinder Counseling provides valuable help to navigate the college search, application and financial aid process, while keeping everything as stress free as possible.

Francine Schwartz M.A, LPC, NCC Founder of Pathfinder Counseling LLC, is a highly regarded professional counselor and educator as well as a parent. She understands that at times the transition to college can feel equally rewarding and overwhelming.

With the explosion of information out there, busy family schedules, the desire to find

the right school, not to mention today’s college costs, where do you begin? Francine established Pathfinder Counseling to serve as a guide and mentor, helping navigate the entire college process from exploring potential careers and majors to applying for financial aid and scholarships. Her goal is to ensure that each student finds the best possible college match, one where they can fulfill their potential. You can rely on Pathfinder Counseling to get to the heart of your student’s aspirations and empower them to be ready for the next step in life.

Harpeth Hall At Harpeth Hall, ambitions become achievements and girls become purposeful young women eager to take on the world and make a positive difference within it.

As an independent, college preparatory school for students in 5th through 12th grades, every aspect of Harpeth Hall is deliberately designed with girls in mind. The student council president is a girl. The soccer captain is a girl. The robotics team leader is a girl. At Harpeth Hall, we know how girls learn best and provide an environment where our students are embraced for who they are and encouraged in their intellectual curiosity.

In the classroom, our students discover by doing. From power tools to telescopes, Harpeth Hall teachers create hands-on experiences that elevate concepts beyond the textbook and make lessons memorable. Our students develop global perspectives as they think outside of familiar boundaries and engage in a vibrant academic environment that values diversity of thought and difference of opinion. At Harpeth Hall, all girls are welcome and every girl thrives.

Beyond the classroom, our school encourages experiences that prepare girls to challenge themselves as individuals and as leaders. From athletics to dance, student government to STEM, musical production to community service, Harpeth Hall students develop new interests and discover new talents as they imagine their brightest future.

For more than 150 years, Harpeth Hall has held true to the idea that girls deserve an excellent education full of possibilities and purpose. At Harpeth Hall, students learn to think critically, lead confidently, and live honorably.

Sperry’s While getting the kids ready for back to school, why not take advantage of the annual gift card sale at Sperry’s and treat your family with to a delicious meal. The Annual Promotional Gift Card Sale is happening Monday, July 12th and Tuesday, July 13th at Sperry’s Restaurant. On Monday and Tuesday, July 12th & 13th, you can purchase $150 worth of gift cards for only $100! To put it another way, buy $100 in gift cards and get a $50 gift card for FREE! Enjoy the best and freshest steaks, seafood, salads and desserts while supporting local charities. Supplies are limited and they will sell out. The sale is taking place Monday, July 12th at the Belle Meade location and Tuesday, July 13th at the Cool Springs location. Sperry’s gift cards make an excellent gift for any occasion or keep them for yourself to use throughout the year. Doors open at 7:00 AM on a first come first served basis. Gift cards must be purchased on site and some restrictions apply. This year’s annual gift card sale benefits A Vintage Affair and Belle Meade Plantation. For all the details visit www.sperrys.com

Currey Ingram “Currey Ingram is the best decision that we have ever made for a child. It has been life-changing.” ~ Anonymous parent comment from the 2020-21 all-school survey.

Situated on a beautiful 83-acre campus in Brentwood, Tennessee, Currey Ingram Academy is a K-12 day school and 9-12 boarding school for students with learning differences. Some of our students have diagnoses such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, executive function and/or processing speeds deficits, and others simply thrive best in a smaller, more personalized setting.

If your child is not reaching his or her fullest potential in a traditional classroom, Currey Ingram can help arm them with the tools to succeed. Through small classes and individualized learning plans, we address each student’s learning profile – allowing students to soar ahead in areas of strength while shoring up any areas of need.

Strong signature programs, arts, athletics and extracurricular activities emphasize student strengths and talents, while offering support in speech-language and occupational therapy, executive function skills, social-emotional learning, school counseling, and college counseling round out our approach to preparing every child for college and for life.

Continued on page 26

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

Jacob Kupin - 615.440.6673 Jacob@TheKupinGroup.com Bradford Real Estate - 615.279.5310

The Jewish Observer • Juy 2021

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ADVERTORIALS Tip: Currey Ingram Academy features in-person instruction and has a year-round admissions process, which means it is never too late to apply. For more information about admissions, and to set up an in-person tour, contact the Admissions Office at admissions@ curreyingram.org or call (615) 507-3173.

Battle Ground Academy Battle Ground Academy is the #1 Private K-12 School in Williamson County and has been a leader in college-preparatory education for more than 132 years. Today, we refer to our commitment to each student and to fulfilling our mission as “Education Elevated.” You’ll find “Education Elevated” in how our faculty members approach teaching, get to know our students, and empower them to take ownership in their education. It’s in the support and encouragement our students find on the field, in the studio, on the stage, and in the classroom. “Education Elevated” is in the opportunity that lies before our students – on our campus and beyond – and their eagerness to seize it. And, it’s in our graduates, who leave the Academy armed with the tools necessary to accomplish their academic, professional, and personal goals, becoming successful graduates at some of the nation’s top colleges and universities. Last spring, 97% of the BGA Class of 2021 graduates were accepted into at least one of their top three college choices, and they were offered more than $9.7 million in merit-based aid. BGA welcomes mission-appropriate, academically qualified students to apply for Fall 2022

by our Priority Consideration Deadline. Visit battlegroundacademy.org/admissions to learn more

The Kupin Group School is back in session! We at The Kupin Group want to wish all the students a successful and exciting new year. After a crazy last year we hope everyone is enjoying the return to in person learning! Have a great year. The Kupin Group. We’ve Got Your Back. 615.440.6673.

Shep’s Delicatessen While getting ready for the Back to School season, why not make life easier by ordering from Shep’s Delicatessen. Shep’s Delicatessen is an ode to traditional NYCstyle Jewish delicatessens, located in Five Points, East Nashville, now open daily for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and bagel happy hour! Expect to see dishes like potato latkes, kishka, mac and cheese pancakes, homemade pastrami and corned beef, pickles, and chopped liver – but the menu will also feature delicious, traditional sandwiches and beverages. Shep’s experienced catering department strives to bring the love and warmth of our deli to you, whether it’s a special lunch for the office, a celebratory brunch at home or a bat or bar mitzvah at your synagogue, we cater events of all types and sizes. •

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July 2021 • The Jewish Observer

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Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee at www.jewishnashville.org To access the Community Calendar, go to www.jewishnashville.org and click on “Calendar.”

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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 • Juy 2021

27

The Observer’s Annual

All Things Seniors 2021

COMING AUGUST 2021

We will be highlighting all things seniors in this issue.

Special offer when you advertise 1/8 page ad or larger!

Along with your ad, send up to 250 words highlighting your business for inclusion in the editorial section of this special issue!

28

July 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Deadline for ads is July 15, 2021 Contact: Carrie Mills, Advertising Manager 615-354-1699 e-mail: carrie@nashvillejcc.org fax: 615-352-0056