The Observer Vol. 86 No. 8 – August 2021

the

bserver

Jewish

Vol. 86 No. 8 • August 2021

www.jewishobservernashville.org

23 Av - 23 Elul 5781

Announcing The Jewish Observer’s new website www.jewishobservernashville.org Concerns for Israel and Domestic Editor’s Note: The Observer Antisemitism Lead to Creation of Task Force Has a New Digital Home

By BARBARA DAB

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have a confession to make. For most of my life I have been, and always will be, a newspaper nerd.

As a youngster, I’d happily sit in our family’s breakfast room before school, cup of tea at hand and the Los Angeles Times spread out on the table in front of me. And I didn’t just read the comics. I read the news, Dear Abby and yes, the comics. My favorite columnist was Jack Smith, to whom I wrote on many occasions.

In those days, the letters were handwritten on stationery, in ink. And many times, I received a generous response. When he passed away, I wrote to his wife, expressing my gratitude for his being a part of my daily life and she too, responded. Reading the daily paper is a ritual that has defined me, even when I was a somewhat rebellious teen, a young adult and today as a more mature one. I believe in local journalism as the backbone of community and a document of our times. As editor, I feel both honored and humbled to be tasked with that responsibility.

With time always comes change and it is important for newspapers to evolve to meet the needs of the community. And so, I am thrilled to announce that The Observer has a new website, a digital home for news of our Jewish community and beyond. The website address is the same as it has been for many years, www.jewishobservernashville. org, but looks very different.

There are links to news and local features, lifecycles and obituaries, the community calendar, and congregational announcements. We are now able to publish breaking news and important information in real time, and to provide expanded Continued on page 3 A Publication of the

WWW.JEWISHNASHVILLE.ORG

By BARBARA DAB

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he recent crisis in Israel, combined with the spike in domestic antisemitic activity, sparked concerns among local clergy and lay leaders who are urging Nashville’s organized Jewish community to create both a centralized process for reporting incidents and a unified response to address them. The Task Force on Israel and Domestic Antisemitism, created by The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, aims to build on the work of the Jewish Community Relations Security, and Planning Committees with a multi-faceted approach to outreach and streamlining avenues for community engagement. The Task Force includes a diverse group of individuals from throughout the local Jewish community, many of whom have not already been involved in The Federation. Leslie Kirby, Task Force Chair, says they are working on two specific fronts, “We are working hard to provide educational resources, working with the educators at the local synagogues as well as Akiva to meet needs around Israel and antisemitism education; and we are working to address communal needs, providing resources and programming for adults.”

Locally, there have been several antisemitic incidents in past months that

highlight the need for the additional resources and information. Last spring during a soccer game between Page High School in Williamson County and Martin Luther King, Jr. High School in Nashville, students from MLK were subjected to antisemitic and racial slurs

by Page High fans. The Tennessean reports that in a formal complaint signed

by MLK’s principal and athletic director, parents and coaches in attendance report learning of the antisemitic language directed at students perceived to be Jewish. There were also reports of taunts about immigration status and racial slurs leveled at other students, leading The Jewish Federation to reach out to the NAACP. Sheryl Guinn, President of the Nashville Branch of the NAACP, says she was saddened when she received notice of the incident. “It’s horrible that this continues to happen. But once it does, it must be investigated and addressed.” She said both the NAACP and The Jewish Federation wrote a letter to the Superintendent of the Williamson County schools demanding an investigation. “These things cannot be ignored. Conversations must be had to learn why those students felt that behavior is acceptable.” According to Deborah Oleshansky, Director of the Jewish Community Relations Committee of The Jewish Federation, the incident

provided the impetus for creating a form that parents and students can use to report when issue arise. “We had been actively working with families experiencing antisemitism well before the Task Force was created but waited to launch the new form while schools were largely virtual. Thanks to the efforts of Sarah Melamed and Judy Solan, both on the JCRC, the form will be available on The Jewish Federation website when school starts.”

On the Vanderbilt University campus, just before school ended for the year in May and during the 11 days of fighting between Israel and Hamas, the Vanderbilt Student Government posted a statement on its Instagram account expressing support for Palestinians and denouncing the Israeli government for what it called, “violent and inhumane treatment towards victims of these militarized attacks.” The post also denounces antisemitism. Students took to the social media platform to express their views with many saying the statement promotes antisemitism. There were also claims of cyberbullying and threats against members of the Vanderbilt Student Government and Jewish students. As of publication, Vanderbilt’s administration has issued two statements in response, and Ari Dubin, Executive Director of Continued on page 4

Jewish Federation Sends Support to Miami Jewish Community

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n the wake of the catastrophic condominium collapse in Surfside, Florida, The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee provided $1,000 in aid to the Miami’s Jewish community to assist victims and families of victims. The donation was distributed from The Federation’s Disaster Relief Fund and went directly to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Eric Stillman, CEO Jewish Federation CEO Eric Stillman Selected for Leadership Nashville Class of 2021/22, page 2

of The Jewish Federation, says the Fund was created specifically to address these types of events and that the donation reflects the greater mission of The Federation. “The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee responded immediately to the tragic situation in south Florida with an emergency disaster donation to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation because we care for Jews in A Sneak Peek at Nashville’s New Hub for Young Jewish Adults, page 11

need, just as other Federations provided emergency assistance to the Nashville Jewish community when tornadoes struck here in early March 2020.” The Surfside neighborhood is described as a tight knit one and is home to close to 5,000 Jews. It includes several kosher restaurants, synagogues and a kosher grocery store. To date, approximately 100 people are confirmed dead, many of them Jewish. •

Back To School

All Things Seniors Section, page 21

Community Relations Committee Jewish Pride and Unity: Stronger together

By DEBORAH OLESHANSKY

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ational and international headlines continue to report far too many stories about antisemitic incidents and attacks. Locally we have been relatively fortunate so far, but we are not immune from these concerns. The inherent danger of this Jew hating monster cannot be underestimated as it can rear itself suddenly and without warning. Current statistics reveal a disturbing climb in the problem, but the hatred itself is as old as time. The Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee has been active in providing education, resources, and programming to create productive response to the growing problem.

We are now joined in the work to address the current crisis by the Task Force on Israel and Domestic Antisemitism chaired

by Leslie Kirby.

Over the past year and a half, despite the challenges of COVID-19, we presented large scale community programs with two of the leading voices on the topic, Deborah Lipstadt and Bari Weiss. On August 1 we will host Oren Jacobson, Project Shema Founder, for a virtual community presentation, followed by a small, focused workshop, to specifically address in productive, meaningful, and effective ways the antisemitism and anti-Israel comments which are sometimes communicated in progressive cir-

cles. On October 5, we will host Israeli author, Noa Tishby, for a presentation on her book, Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Complicated Country on Earth, which has received rave reviews from both conservative and progressive voices.

In addition to these community programs, we have and will continue to work closely with families dealing with antisemitic incidents at their children’s schools. We have supported these families in efforts to get school personnel and administrations to deal with this problem head on, and to provide real and timely response to the concerns. The growing number of these cases led us to create an online reporting form to streamline this process. The form will be launched in time for the opening of the 2021-22 school year and will be accessible on the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee website. The form can be used by parents, students, educators and concerned community member to report incidents and receive support and resources to respond quickly and effectively.

The Task Force on Israel and Domestic Violence is still in its early phase, but the group has already established some goals which include promoting Jewish pride and Jewish unity within our community. The Jewish community of greater Nashville is growing, with a wide range of opinions, backgrounds, perspectives, and aspirations. We will only

be successful if we maintain our Jewish unity in the quest towards eliminating the fear of antisemitism, even when we disagree on exactly how to reach our desired outcome.

We are blessed that our Jewish tradition teaches us how to engage in constructive disagreement, or makloket l’sham shamayim, where the goal is to learn and to strengthen relationships, rather than to win an argument.

The Mishnah offers tips on how to engage in “arguments for the sake of heaven,” as interpreted by Rabbi Daniel Roth: Debate issues without attacking people and damaging relationships.

Check your motivations for engaging in the conflict. Debate to solve problems rather than to win.

Listen to the other side and be open to admitting that you may be wrong.

Consider that you might both be right, even if you hold opposite opinions.

This tradition will be important as we continue to decide how and what to do in the face of this challenge.

Additionally, we in the Jewish community cannot solve the problem alone and will need to work with other partners to fully address the situation. Rabbi Joshua Kullock of West End Synagogue, a Task Force member, wrote in a recent piece published in the Tennessean that, “Overcoming antisemitism is not easy,

but it begins by denouncing it whenever we see it. At the same time, we must rise above partisan politics and avoid fueling the growing polarization in our midst. We need to come together, Jews and non-Jews alike, and strengthen a thoughtful and compelling center that can hold us all. We need to create a multicultural community that will be capable of celebrating what we have in common while recognizing that we have things that may set us apart.”

David Harris, American Jewish Committee CEO, echoed this sentiment in his keynote speech for the International Scholars Conference on Antisemitism, urging, “to respond and not just talk about it (antisemitism) requires involvement and support from government, family, faith leaders, schools and educators, media, civil society, and law enforcement and the criminal justice system. To be serious about this allows no room for partisan politics. Antisemitism comes from multiple sources and must be addressed in all forms. It is not a partisan issue and should not be allowed to be co-opted for political means.”

Both Rabbi Kullock’s piece and the link to Mr. Harris’ keynote have been share through our weekly e-newsletter, and we will continue to share comments, resources, and opportunities for engagement on an ongoing basis. To learn more or to get involved in these efforts please contact Deborah Oleshansky, deborah@ jewishnashville.org •

Jewish Federation CEO Eric Stillman Selected for Leadership Nashville Class of 2021/22

By BARBARA DAB

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ric Stillman, CEO of The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, is joining the 2021/22 Leadership Nashville class. Stillman joins 43 other executives who represent a diverse cross section of Nashville’s civic life. Now in its 44th year, Leadership Nashville seeks to provide local leaders with a three dimensional view of the city and its growth potential. Through a series of classes and hands-on visits participants gain unique insights into areas impacting Nashville, such as government, criminal justice, education, social services, the arts and more. Stillman says, “I feel honored to

Task Force Continued from page 1 Vanderbilt Hillel says, “The start of the upcoming school year may be a bit rough, but we are here to support the students when they return and are ready to help them address any issues that arise.”

In the greater Nashville community, a local hat shop owner sparked outrage when she advertised selling a yellow Star of David patch to protest COVID19 vaccines. That incident led to local protests and received international attention. Several of her vendors canceled contracts with her business, as well.

These occurrences are representative of a larger trend. The Anti-Defamation League reports a 60% rise in antisemitic

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have been selected for the Leadership Nashville class of 2021-2022. I know my participation will deepen my knowledge of the broader general community in Nashville.”

Annually, the 44 participants are selected from hundreds of nominees and over 250 applicants. Those selected represent a diversity of races, religions, ages, and political persuasions, as well as a cross section of neighborhoods throughout the city. The classes also are comprised of people in a variety of professions and volunteers, all of whom hold leadership positions. Stillman was nominated by Irwin Venick, a 1980 graduate of Leadership Nashville. He says, “This year, I had the honor and privilege to nominate

Eric Stillman to be part of Leadership Nashville.” Previous Jewish Federation CEOs have participated in the program, something Venick says is key to building the important relationships that will open pathways to understanding. “Eric will have the opportunity to share his, and the Jewish community’s perspective on life in Nashville and to hear the same from others.” Stillman says he is looking forward to building strong connection with other local leaders. “I believe my participation will add an important understanding of Judaism and the Jewish community to the class, and I anticipate bringing back into the Jewish community the connections and relationships which I will develop with the other leaders.” •

Eric Stillman, CEO of the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee to participate in the 2021-2022 Leadership Nashville Class.

incidents in the last five years. Their strategy is the same as the local Task Force with a focus on education and reporting.

Rabbi Mark Schiftan of The Temple says it is critical that community members feel they have a clear and direct plan when things happen. “A larger organization can better judge proportionality and determine an appropriate response and gauge whether something is overt antisemitism, passive antisemitism, ignorance or naivete,” he says. “Each things requires its own type of response.” Rabbi Schiftan says it is also important to engage not only Jews, but everyone. “We tend to think myopically, but that’s a mistake because the impact of antisemitism is broader than the Jewish community,” he says, “We expect others to support us because it’s the right thing

to do.”

The Task Force on Israel and Domestic Antisemitism has now met several times and outlined a broad agenda. In addition to the educational objectives outlined above, and the availability of a unified reporting form, there are formal and informal programs planned to both educate and engage the community. Small group dinners continue to be hosted in people’s homes to promote conversation and goodwill; in August there are formal events hosted by the Task Force and the JCRC in preparation for the High Holidays; in October actress/author/activist Noa Tishby will be speaking about her book Israel: A Simple Guide to the most Misunderstood Country on Earth;

Noam Harari, the Community Shlicha continues to sit down with people for informal coffees to share information and exchange views on Israel. It is programs like these that the NAACP’s Sheryl Guinn says can go a long way toward building bridges of understanding between those who disagree. “There has to be loving conversation and open dialogue, rather than blame,” she says, “How we now move forward may be different, but it’s doable.”

For more information about the Task Force and any of the upcoming programs contact Leslie Kirby at leslie.kirby@ gmail.com. To learn more about the JCRC’s antisemitism incident reporting form, contact Deborah Oleshansky at deborah@jewishnashville.org. •

August 2021 • The Jewish Observer

What Does It Mean to Be The “Nones” Aren’t Jewish in Nashville and Nothing. They’re Middle Tennessee?

Everything.

By ERIC STILLMAN, CEO OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION AND JEWISH FOUNDATION OF NASHVILLE AND MIDDLE TENNESSEE

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n the recently released study “Jewish Americans in 2020,” from the Pew Research Center, we learn that American Jews are engaged culturally, increasingly diverse, polarized politically, and concerned about antisemitism, among other key findings. These results emphasize the need for outreach and engagement efforts which have been a key focus of the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee over the past several years.

In addition to grants made to our congregations and agencies, the Federation is providing grant funding for a broad range of approaches. We seek to meet the varied interests among Jewish Nashvillians who might answer “none” to the Pew study’s question about religious identity. Whether someone is a cultural or spiritual Jew, offerings from Jewsic City Shabbat, East Side Tribe, Moishe House, NowGen, Interfaith Cohorts, and a mindfulness Shabbaton are available because the Federation has recognized the importance of reaching out to both unaffiliated Jewish community members and those who are seeking new ways to connect Jewishly.

These initiatives are in keeping with the emphasis which the Federation places on outreach and engagement to interfaith couples and families, LGBTQ individuals and couples, and inclusion c

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Publisher Eric Stillman Editor Barbara Dab Advertising Manager Carrie Mills Layout and Production Tim Gregory Editorial Board Frank Boehm (chair), Teena Cohen, Laura Thompson, Scott Rosenberg, Liz Feinberg Telephone 615/356-3242 Fax 615/352-0056 E-mail barbaradab@jewishnashville.org ‘The Jewish Observer’ (ISSN 23315334) is published monthly for $25 per year by the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Nashville, TN 37205-4009.

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of people with differing abilities in our Nashville Jewish community. We need to continue this work to help make sure everyone feels a part of our extended Jewish family.

Reaching out and welcoming those Jewish Nashvillians who might answer “none” about their religious identity is an important part of our big tent approach. As our Nashville Jewish community works together to strengthen and grow Jewish life, we need to explore innovative and grass-roots alternative models developed by and for the participants who create them.

At the same time, we can examine whether lowering or removing financial barriers to participation in existing offerings from our congregations and agencies would make the difference for currently unaffiliated Jewish Nashvillians to take that next step.

As we have seen in just the past two years, our Nashville Jewish community has responded to meet pressing urgent needs with increased support so that Federation could give $200,000 in security grants to our congregations and agencies and to provide more than $150,000 in COVID emergency response to assist Jewish individuals and families faced with the economic impact of the pandemic here. If we present a compelling case for giving, our Nashville Jewish community will respond so that we can expand our outreach and engagement efforts while also maintaining our commitment to provide vitally needed programs and services both locally and in Israel and overseas. •

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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.

By RABBI MARK SCHIFTAN

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he recent results of the Pew Study of American Jewish Community shared the astounding conclusion that the number of, “Nones,” those Jews who claim no religious affiliation or identity, is increasing in number, particularly among the younger demographic slice of our Jewish communities.

We have two immediate options: to ignore this emerging trend, responding solely with minimal resources; or to realize this as an imminent threat to both Jewish survival and the current and future strength of Jewish continuity, whether locally, nationally, or worldwide.

I opt for the latter choice. I’m afraid we are doing too little to give priority towards meeting this challenge. Whether we like it or not, the next generation of Jews are largely disengaged from the active and unwavering support of Israel; their family life is comprised largely of interfaith marriages and dual faith marriages; there are more Jews of color, and more blended households in terms of culture, ethnicity, race as well as religion.

What we do, now, to actively challenge ourselves to embrace this reality, and these real-life, new models and patterns of Jewish family dynamics, will have profound impacts on our Jewish communal life in the immediate and long term future. Are we doing enough? The simple answer is “no”…not yet. There is still an opportunity to engage these Jews, to embrace them, and to envelope them within the tent of our Jewish community. Their inclusion should be among our highest priorities.

How best to do so? It will require a huge shift in Jewish organizational and funding priorities. Does the courage exist within existing Jewish communal institutions to make that bold adjustment?

A brief, yet related, story: When I was in college, I went on a UJA college-age mission to Israel. I remember hearing a lecture delivered by Dr. Eliezer Jaffe, then professor of Social Welfare at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. This was about forty years ago,

Editor’s Note Continued from page 1 coverage of issues that appear in the print edition. And there is a comment button at the bottom of each story, so you can also react in real time. It is our hope that this new website will be a place you visit regularly. So, I invite you to come look around, read, enjoy, comment. This is our newspaper and together, we can tell our stories. •

yet what he said then, still has resonance now. In short, he articulated the belief that if American Jewry sincerely wishes to sustain a safe and secure Jewish future for the State of Israel, the most valuable funding priority it has, is the need to find and fund ways to support, sustain, and strengthen Jewish life in America. All in the attempt to create a vigorous and vibrant future for American Jewry.

Our Federation does a tremendous amount to support Jewish Day School, Middle School, and an emerging Jewish High School. It is a wonderful commitment, yet one which reaches only a small segment of our Jewish community, including or youngest families and their children.

It is good, but is it good enough?

What if we offered free or reduced Religious School tuition to every family that sought a Jewish supplementary school education for their children?

What if we offered to cover a certain portion of synagogue dues for the first year or two of a young person’s or young family’s membership?

What if we offered to cover the compensation costs of our Religious School teachers?What if we were willing, just to try it, for a brief initial trial period?

Please understand: All these actions would take boldness and courage. They would require a significant diversion of funds from our commitment to human services in Israel. Yet in return, they have the chance of making the Jewish community put its money where its mouth is, demonstrating its commitment to the next generation in significant, tangible ways, with immediate impact. That, in turn, would make the case for communal giving ever more relevant, and meaningful, especially to those parents of the next generation, as well as their grandparents.

It might even raise the intake of the Federation’s annual campaign.

The “Nones” are not Nothing.

In terms of the Jewish future…They.

Are. Everything. • Rabbi Mark Schiftan is the Senior Rabbi of the Temple

Correction: In the July issue of The Observer, The Temple website listed at the end of the article, “Understanding Apology and Forgiveness,” on page 11 was incorrect.

The correct website should read: www. templenashville.org Please support the businesses that advertise in the Observer

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 • August 2021

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August 2021 • The Jewish Observer

The Temple/Pardes Institute Partnership Brings Unique Learning to Nashville’s Jewish Community

BY BARBARA DAB

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or many Jews, the idea of text study evokes memories of long afternoons spent in Hebrew School classrooms reciting the aleph bet and rote learning the Shabbat prayers. Upon completion of Bar or Bat Mitzvah, Jewish learning often falls off the schedules of busy teens and young adults. Keeping the connection to organized Jewish life and study is even more challenging during the college and post-college years. Nearly 50 years ago, a young immigrant to Israel, Michael Swirsky, conceived an idea of an institute of Jewish learning designed to be accessible, inspiring and inclusive of all denominations. The goal was merely to study and learn with no agenda and provided the foundation for today’s Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. Rabbi Mark Schiftan of The Temple says it is the straight forward nature of the approach that is unique. “The Pardes rubric is to start with the simple meaning of the text and gradually peel back the layers. It is concise enough that the average person, with an average Jewish background, can come away with an understanding of how a page of Torah works.” The appeal of Pardes led Rabbi Schiftan to partner with the institute and bring a class to the Nashville Jewish Community. “Pardes is good at taking other than Orthodox Jews and helping them see the gift of their own tradition,” he says.

The upcoming class, which begins October 5th and continues for four consecutive Tuesdays, will be taught virtually

by Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield. It’s title, “The

Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield, educator at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, will teach “The Making of. Mensch Through Jewish Texts,” in partnership with The Temple.

Making of a Mensch Through Jewish Texts,” will use the Pardes technique of, “hevruta,” or partnership learning, that engages participants in a dynamic style.

Rabbi Hirschfield says, “The focus is not on extracting wisdom form the sources, but rather from one another.” The technique includes two people grappling with the text together and bringing their individual perspectives into the discussion.

Rabbi Hirschfield says the perfect study partner is someone who comes from a different viewpoint, particularly with the question of what makes a mensch. “The notion is that in theory, everyone wants to be good, but we all fall. We’ll explore why we fall and what it takes to cultivate goodness in our lives.” He says It is the

diversity of opinion that creates opportunities for greater insight.

Pardes programs have been popular in Nashville’s Jewish community for several years, thanks to the generosity of some local donors. Moshe Werthan has been involved with Pardes for 30 years, both in Nashville and in the institute’s home base of Jerusalem. He says he was inspired to raise the level of Jewish learning because he found his own religious school education lacking in depth. “I believe the survival and growth of the Jewish people is through education,” he says, “I know what I didn’t get as a child and I don’t want our community to miss out now.” He says the Pardes style is particularly important in helping bridge the many ideological divides in today’s world.

“In this time of tremendous divisiveness, people can’t speak to each other, or hear each other. Now is the perfect time for this type of interactive program.”

“Making of a Mensch,” classes are open to the entire community. Rabbi Schiftan, who will be retiring next summer, says he is proud of the ties he has created throughout the greater Nashville community. “This is the legacy I want to leave in my last year here at The Temple.

I have tried to build strong relationships and to keep them going,” he says. The relationship with Parades is one of those legacy programs he hopes will continue.

Mark Freedman is the incoming Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pardes Institute. He is no stranger to Nashville’s Jewish community having previously served as the Executive Director of The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. He says Rabbi Schiftan’s goals fit well with Pardes’ plans to expand its footprint in North America. “Pardes is making a focused effort to insert its programming into Jewish education in the US,” he says, “This growth addresses a thirst for greater understanding of Jewish text and our roots as a people.” And Moshe Werthan is happy to see The Temple taking a leadership role in expanding Jewish education in Nashville. “I grew up at The Temple so it’s exciting to see both where it’s come from and where it’s headed.”

For information about the Pardes/ Temple program, or to enroll in the class, visit www.templehub.org. For information about Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield or Pardes Institute, visit www.pardes.org. •

How Much Do I Need to Save to Have One Million Dollars at Retirement?

BY MIKE LEVINE

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1,000,000. All those zeros: seems like a great goal for retirement! So how do I get there? Albert Einstein said, “The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest”. He also called it the “8th Wonder of the World.” He who understands it, earns it. Compound interest is the interest you’ve earned - earning interest… which will also earn interest, etc.

An amazing tool you can use to determine the growth of your nest egg is the rule of 72. According to the rule, divide an interest rate into the number 72 and you’ll get the number of years you could reasonably expect your money to double.

For example, if you invest $25,000 at 8% Mike Levine, of The Levine Group, is a one could reasonably expect their money member of The Professional Advisory to double every 9 years. Thus in 36 years Council for The Jewish Federation you’d have $400,000. ($25k to $50k, $50k to $100k, $100k to $200k and then $200k to $400k) So back to the question, “How much do I need to save to have $1,000,000 at retirement?” If you’re starting at zero, here’s how much you would need to invest monthly to reach one million dollars at age 67. (Normal retirement age for anyone born 1960 or after)

Assumed Interest Rate Age 4% 6% 8% 10% 25 $767 $441 $243 $129 35 $1,288 $864 $564 $359 45 $2,369 $1,831 $1,396 $1,050 55 $5,422 $4,760 $4,158 $3,618

What really should jump off this page is a difference in monthly savings needed based on the rate of interest earned. Age 35 earning 6% needs to invest $864 per month as opposed to $359 at 10% per year. Obviously the higher the interest requires investing in more equities and carries additional risk.

However, let’s say you’ve already accumulated $50,000 in investments. Here’s how much more you would need to save from this point forward on a monthly basis.

Assumed Interest Rate Age 4% 6% 8% 10% 25 $562 $169 $0 $0 35 $1,057 $571 $203 $0 45 $2,084 $1,490 $993 $580 55 $4,985 $4,271 $3,018 $3,020 There are different vehicles you can use to reach your goal. Many people find it easier to save through payroll deduction. “If I don’t see it, I won’t spend it,” is something we hear often. Tax deductible and tax deferred vehicles include IRAs, 401ks, 403bs, etc. You should definitely take advantage of any match opportunities you have at work.

These assets grow tax deferred and the income in retirement will be taxable, potentially at a lower rate.

Another popular vehicle are Roth IRA’s or Roth 401ks. Your original investment is made with after-tax dollars however the growth is tax-free and withdrawals are taxfree in most circumstances. See your tax advisor for details.

You can also set up a regular investment account. Be aware that you will have to pay taxes on interest, dividends and potential capital gains.

Great, you have a plan! $1 million is a lot of money! Now ask yourself will that be enough once you take inflation into account? But that’s a subject for another time.

Happy savings!

The Jewish Federation Professional Advisory Council is offering four financial and estate planning seminars this year, beginning in October. For more information, xontact Shannon Small at shannon@jewishnashville.org. * Examples provided are hypothetical and individual results will vary ** The charts presented are hypothetical examples Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), a member FINRA/ SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Levine Group, LLC is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS. https://www.kestrafinancial.com/disclosures

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The Jewish Observer • August 2021

5

The Surfside Tower & the Founding of Our Nation

By RABBI YITZCHOK TIECHTEL

I

t has been several weeks since the East Champlain Tower collapsed in Surfside, Florida. It has been several weeks of anxiety, heartfelt prayers, and an unending wait hoping to finally hear some good news. Families have been waiting to hear the outcome of the search and recovery effort. I personally know a family that lost both of their parents, in this most horrific building collapse in Surfside, Florida.

There was a young couple who signed a lease for a condo in that very building on Wednesday, the day before the building collapsed. Thankfully they hadn’t yet moved in, although tragically his parents are still among the missing.

Like everyone else, I have been reading every available news article and update from the rescue site. By now we all know that the foundations of the building were in major need of repair.

Already in 2018, an engineer had documented the, “major structural damage,” visible in the parking garage. A leaking pool deck and sea-water flooding had caused significant spalling and corroded rebar. Watching surveillance video of the building coming down you can clearly see how it begins at the bottom causing a horrific domino effect that would cause a tragic death for so many innocent people who had been sleeping in their beds at the time.

The residential floors of the building may have looked nice and the ocean views may have been magnificent; but at its core, inside the pillars holding it all up, a slow corrosion was doing its damage.

A few weeks ago our nation celebrated its founding. Although the fireworks were fun, and the barbecues were great family time, at times like these it is critical to remember that the most important element of a skyscraper is not its paint colors or carpet, but the pillars underneath holding it all up. The facts are that our nation was founded on religious values. The Founding Fathers were not only deeply devoted to living a G-dly life, those values and ethics were also the foundational pillars upon which the framework of our beautiful country was built.

Sadly, it seems that much of the spiritual cement and moral rebar that ensured the internal integrity of our country has been corroding for a long time. We have gone from protecting religion from government to protecting government from religion. America has always been a place of religious freedom. Not only because in America anyone can do whatever they want. But because our Founders knew that a society built on a commitment to something greater than your own identity leads to a commitment to the greater good of our community and civilization.

Editorial As The Pandemic Ends…

Don’t Go Back To Normal

By GREG GOLDBERG

T

o quote some rock and roll saying…

What a long, strange trip it has been.

Now I don’t know who said that nor do I have any clue as to what they meant, but here is something that I do know: I don’t want to go back to the way things were.

When people are young (kids) they usually want to be older (old enough to drive, vote, etc); and when people get much older, they often want to be young again.

And what husband hasn’t heard their wife make a comment about wanting to be thinner. It seems like people always want to be prettier, richer, smarter, etc. Maybe I am different or just the only average person in society but I have never wanted to be other than what I am. I will never have the chance to be this age looking the way I do with this level of knowledge therefore I plan to enjoy it as best I can!

After all it was not just the cartoon character Popeye who said it, but God tells Moses in Exodus to say ‫אהיה אשר אהיה‬ “I am that I am”.

Recently in the Torah we read about the spies that scoured the land and then lied about the rebellion; often even in modern times people are afraid of the unknown and uncertain future and so they simply revert to what may have been comfortable in the past, even if it was not an ideal situation. Well not me, I plan to boldly go one step at a time into the future.

Now I do plan to continue learning and so each day is an opportunity to do things better. I admit I don’t personally have all the answers but together as a Jewish community we can make our local society and this little corner of the world better. So if you are worried or scared, then reach out and join me. •

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

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

6

August 2021 • The Jewish Observer

As we celebrate the founding of our nation, we must take a moment to look under ground at what has held us together as a country for centuries. It has not been slavery (which actually divided our county and no longer exists); not money or taxes (as proven by the very different income taxes of different states), and most definitely not our political beliefs.

Some may have a hard time accepting this; but religion, and a commitment to G-d, is what inspired and laid the very foundations of America. The time has come for us not to be ashamed to wear our religion on our sleeve, or our head. If there was a time when we could afford to keep faith a private, discreet matter, that time is long gone.

In America today, a person who bucks tradition and lives untraditionally is held up as an American hero. The more untraditional, the better. But a person who dares to cling to tradition is ridiculed and condemned. It is now culturally cool to mock religious observance. In today’s

elite educational circles our college students need tremendous courage to proudly admit to religious beliefs. When mocking people who believe in G-d was still a shameful practice carried out behind closed doors, quiet faith may have been fine too. But now, atheism has become a religion of its own, committing the very intolerance and persecution they falsely accuse religion of. In such times our faith needs to be loud and proud.

Jews don’t wallow in grief. As King Solomon wisely tells us “It is better to go to a house of mourning … and the living shall take to heart” (Ecl. 7:2). Within our sadness we find lessons for a continued life of meaning and value. So let’s take Surfside to heart. Let’s not allow the pillars holding up our collective home to continue corroding. It’s time to repair the foundations that built America into the great beacon of freedom and opportunity for the rest of the world: A love and commitment to a moral, G-d filled, values based lifestyle. •

Hadassah Happenings

B

ake Challah with Hadassah in advance of the High Holidays. On Sunday, August 29, Hadassah Board member Emily Smachetti will teach Challah baking at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Recipe and ingredients will be provided in advance so you can bake along with Emily. RSVP @ imemilyr@gmail.com.

Hadassah and The Inquirers Book Club paid tribute to Victoria CohenCrumpton, who was a past president of both organizations. Victoria recently moved to Brasstown, NC to be near her children. Many in the Nashville Jewish community joined Victoria on Zoom to remember her many charitable endeavors and generous contributions to both organizations and West End Synagogue and Congregation Micah. Victoria was recognized by Rabbi Flip, Sharon Paz

and Marcia Stewart for volunteer activities that included teaching Hebrew and singing in choirs, and regularly leading Sunday night minyan service at West End. Along with Victoria’s Nashville friends, Bonnie Boring, who is the immediate past president of the Hadassah Southern Region, joined the tribute with more accolades for Victoria. Leslie Klein, a Hadassah past President who now lives in Florida, penned a moving tribute to Victoria with pictures of Victoria at Hadassah events like the Hamentaschen Bake pictured above.

Victoria gave a brief autobiography of her journey from South Africa to Israel to Georgia, Nashville and now North Carolina. She also narrated a tour of her new home on 40 acres in rural North Carolina. •

The Gordon Jewish Community Pool has been a gathering place for Jewish Nashville for over 50 years.

Tiger Sharks swim team, circa 1993; the GJCC pool is a summer tradition for young and old alike.

JCC Capital Campaign Update

By LESLIE SAX

T

he Outdoor Pool has been a summer gathering place for Jewish Nashvillians for over 50 years. We often hear with fondness of the female leaders that held court at the pool each Sunday, the multiple generations of families that swim and play together, and folks that hang out there with friends. This summer is no different, and it is so exciting to see so many people at the Pool this summer. The pool area looks the best that it has in years, and we are planning to further invest in the Outdoor Pool Complex.

As part of the Our Community.

Our Future. Capital Campaign, close to a million dollars is earmarked for improvements at the Outdoor Pool. Projects include resurfacing the pool, upgrading the locker rooms, improving shade structures, replacing lounge chairs and picnic tables and repurposing the volleyball court for additional uses. We also want to make the entrance a little friendlier and easier to access. We are working on plans now to implement for next summer. If you have suggestions, please email me, Leslie@nashvillejcc. org with your ideas.

And we are making progress inside the building as well. The demolition in the locker rooms has been completed, and through the destruction we can see our vision of open fresh spaces that will better serve our members. We are in that slow phase when the behind-thewall improvements are taking place, but when we look at the design board of finishes in the lobby, we know there is a bright future ahead, We have made great progress on the Our Community. Our Future Capital Campaign raising nearly 6.2 million dollars, but we still need your help to reach our $6.5 million goal. You can find more information about our projects and inscribe a brick for the new lodge on our website www.nashvillejcc. org/ourcommunityourfuture •

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Help us reach our goal!

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The Jewish Observer • August 2021

7

The Temple Announces Jewish Middle School New Preschool Director Welcomes New Head

W

e are excited to announce that Moon Bishop will be the next Director of The Temple Preschool. Since agreeing to serve as our Interim Director last December, Moon has provided steady leadership, skillfully guiding our school through an unexpected transition and ongoing COVID-19 challenges. We are grateful for her unwavering dedication to the TPS mission, staff, families, and children. We are proud of Moon’s commitment to the school and the strides she and her team have taken this year. She has strengthened the staff by implementing a professional development program, increased enrollment, and created several new policies and procedures essential to the daily operations of our school. Moon also was a critical part of the recent TPS assessment and will be working to communicate her plans to implement recommendations from that process. We are excited about the passion, energy, and vision that Moon brings to this role and are thrilled that TPS will be under her skilled leadership moving forward. Moon says she is excited to be chosen for this position and looks forward to bringing her unique experiences to continue building a solid foundation for the youngest learners, “Although I’ve been an educator for thirty years, there is still nothing more exciting to me than watching a child’s eyes light up when they “get” something for the first time; it is what feeds my soul. My passion for learning and educating, along with my belief in children’s innate capabilities and strengths, inform everything I do and provide the guiding light for my work with children, families, and educators. I am excited to lead this already amazing preschool and can’t wait to see how we continue to grow and thrive.”

Moon comes into this position with 30 years of Early Childhood Education experience, ten of which have been in our TPS community. Moon was a driving force behind our transition into a ReggioEmilia inspired school eight years ago; brought us our unparalleled Children’s Guide to the City program; and has mentored, coached, and taught our staff (and parents) best practices for raising curious, capable, and confident children. Moon is active in national, state, and local early childhood professional groups and has created and facilitated over fifty national, regional, and local workshops and training events for students, families, and educators. We are confident that she will continue to bring all of that experience, passion, and dedication to successfully meet the needs of our community and enrich and shape the direction of the school into the future.

of Judaic Studies

By ELLY EBIN

W

Moon Bishop to be next Director of The Temple Preschool

As a final note, we are profoundly grateful for our TPS Director Search Committee. The members represent various constituencies in our community; each of them possesses unique talents and areas of expertise, including education and school administration, development and strategic planning, project management, marketing, and human resources. The search was a thoughtful, robust process of which we can all be proud.

Throughout the last several months, the Committee conducted a nationwide search; it reviewed applications from over 50 candidates, interviewed ten firstround candidates and brought in three individuals for day-long, final-round interviews. For each of our finalists, the Committee collected feedback from our teachers, administrative staff, the TPS Advisory Committee, Clergy, Temple leadership, Temple staff, and the consultant who completed our assessment. It was important to the Committee that all voices in our community be heard and be part of the process. We are indebted to the Committee for these efforts and for offering their time and talents to this search. Finally, we would like to thank our dedicated teachers for lending their voices and time to this process.

We look forward to an exciting and bright future for TPS. Please join us in welcoming and celebrating Moon Bishop as our new TPS Director!

Jim Marks, Temple President Rabbi Mark Schiftan Rabbi Shana Mackler Lauren Wachsman, Chair, TPS Director Search Committee

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

ith growing enrollment and interest in the Jewish Middle School of Nashville, JMS is excited to welcome Daniel Hoffman to the faculty as Assistant Head of School for Judaic Studies and Administration.

JMS has become well known for its innovative approach to middle school education. An impactful partnership with the Peabody College at Vanderbilt has advanced JMS’s foundational idea that a classroom needs to provide diverse learning experiences according to student needs, rather than a set program.

Hoffman’s vision for the Judaic Studies program at JMS builds on this philosophy.

Hoffman began his teaching career at the Akiva School here in Nashville in 2010. He left Akiva to pursue a rabbinical degree at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah and then returned to the classroom as a teacher and spiritual mentor at the Oakland Hebrew Day School. Hoffman will work to build and develop the Judaic Studies program at JMS, with an acute focus on text study. Middle school is a time for personal exploration and growth, and Hoffman believes that Jewish texts can be an effective tool in allowing students to explore their own ideas. In a school as diverse as JMS, Hoffman maintains that studying texts creates a sense of a shared legacy and becomes a starting point for deeper conversations.

JMS President Didi Biesman is excited to see Hoffman return to Nashville.

She says, “He brings with him an understanding of the Nashville community, and an appreciation for diversity both in the classroom, and in thought.”

Biesman looks forward to seeing the JMS Judaic Studies program develop under Hoffman’s leadership, and believes, “He

Daniel Hoffman welcomed as new Head of Judaic Studies at Jewish Middle School of Nashville

brings a passion for teaching and nurturing students through the middle school years which will help guide individual students to explore who they are and what their role is in today’s world.”

Pam and Daniel Abromowitz, parents of two JMS students, share Biesman’s optimism. “We are really looking forward to our children getting the opportunity to learn from someone who is not only so passionate about Judaism, but also well versed in bringing that passion to a school environment.”

The Abromowitzes explain that one of the main reasons they love JMS is that it cultivates their children’s interest and love of Judaism, “beyond the Bar/Bat Mitzvah.” They believe Hoffman’s experience will be invaluable in connecting with middle school aged children. The Abromowitzes certainly speak for the entire JMS community when they say, “Daniel Hoffman will be a welcome addition to the already excellent JMS faculty.” Hoffman and his wife Eliezah returned to Nashville in July, together with their two children. •

An all New Bar/Bat Mitzvah Discovery Program Coming to Nashville C habad of Nashville will be offering a new B’nai Mitzvah program this fall, with a wide variety of options to prepare Jewish children for this auspicious day.

Bar and Bat mitzvah is Hebrew for “son or daughter of commandment.”

According to tradition, when a Jewish boy turns 13, and a Jewish girl turns 12, they have all the rights and obligations of a young Jewish adult, including the commandments of the Torah. From that date, they take their place in the Jewish community. This milestone is often celebrated with creative projects, meaningful gatherings and joyous parties.

The Bar and Bat Mitzvah experience at Chabad is tailored to the learning skills of each child, as not all children are alike. Some children feel connected to their heritage by reading from the

Torah, while others will celebrate with a Shabbat Candle lighting celebration or a Shabbat Havdalah service. Children who celebrate their Bar or Bat Mitzvah at Chabad are part of the planning process, and share their input into the ceremony and how to make it meaningful to them.

As part of the preparation for this special occasion, Chabad is offering an all new Bar/Bat Mitzvah Discovery Course open to all families that are interested in giving their children a unique experience. This course teaches the tenets of the Jewish faith that are important for Bar/Bat Mitzvah aged children to know as they enter adulthood. For more information on the Bar/ Bat Mitzvah Discovery course or for custom tailored Bar/Bat Mitzvah lessons, please call Chabad at 615-646-5750 •

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

8

August 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Akiva School Set to Reopen with Record Enrollment

By ELLY EBIN

T

his August, Akiva School is excited to open its doors to 97 students in Kindergarten through Sixth Grade, demonstrating a 42% growth in enrollment in the past five years alone. This marked increase is the result of an innovative and individualized outreach and marketing approach.

Akiva’s Head of Admissions and Outreach, Julie Fortune explains that, “At Akiva we strive to see a minimum of 5% growth in enrollment over every previous year. The school has exceeded this goal over the past few years and anticipates this trend of growth to remain consistent until the school is at full capacity.” According to a recent study by Prizmah Center for Jewish Day Schools, Akiva has succeeded in growing at almost twice the average rate of other Jewish Day Schools in the United States. When asked what accounts for this growth, Fortune answers simply, “Our families.”

Akiva incoming Kindergartners Jake Shmerling, Lavi Fishman and Rex Jackson

Akiva has developed a unique approach in connecting potential families with current families to give them a feel for the school and what it has to offer. The

rise in enrollment is not only evidence of the efficacy of this approach, but also testimony that Akiva has become a tour de force in education. Akiva’s growth is a culmination of years of work to develop and implement innovative pedagogical practices, a progressive curriculum, and a diverse and nurturing community.

Head of School, Rabba Daniella Pressner, says, “As enrollment rises, the school continues to push itself to provide high level academic, spiritual, and social excellence that focuses on every child’s need.” Akiva maintains its small class sizes, averaging 14 students per class, and an impressive ratio of one faculty

member to every five students. Pressner explains the relationship between Akiva’s growth and its development, pointing out that, “As the school grows, we have the chance to both advance our current programming and bring new programs, faculty, and opportunities to the Akiva community.”

Board member and Akiva parent James Mackler, echoes Pressner’s sentiment and believes, “The increase in enrollment makes Akiva a better place to prepare Jewish children academically and socially to go out and help repair the world. The future of our students and of the school has never been brighter.” •

Notes from Noam

By NOAM HARARI COMMUNITY SHLICHA

C

oming up in August is the second annual “NASHir (sing) - Together in song.” The virtual concert is presented

by The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle TN, and created by Noam Harari, Nashville Community Israeli Shlicha (Emissary) from the Jewish Agency. The concert includes 21 Artists/Songwriters who live

in Nashville and Israel who have been paired to co-write and perform songs together, despite the physical distance of over 6000 miles. The nine song concert event will be presented as YouTube videos on the Jewish Federation’s website and will be released on August 22, 2021 (12:30 Central time, 20:30 Israel time).

I created this project as a way to connect and show a different side of Israel, through the universal language of music.

Tune in and enjoy the sounds of Israel. •

Chabad of Nashville Now Offering Kosher Meals To-Go

H

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

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

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

The meals are double wrapped in a to-go pan, and can be heated in any oven while keeping its kosher status. To see the menu options, and to place an order for your Kosher Meals, visit nashvillekoshertakeout.com or call 615-646-5750. •

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New Board of Directors of the Gordon JCC pictured form left to right: Scott Newman, Treasurer, Sara Melamed, President-Elect, Jeremy Brook, Vice President, Cindee Gold, President, Evan Nahmias, Secretary.

Gordon JCC Inducts New Board of Directors

By LESLIE SAX

T

he newest board of directors of the Gordon JCC was inducted on June 6, 2021, by past president Howard Safer. In her inaugural address, President Cindee Gold spoke about this exciting time for the J and her vision for her presidential term. “I have always felt the J was my second home. I am thrilled to focus my energy on a place that brings me so much pleasure. Together with my new board, we will work to enhance that experience, and leave the J even better for the next generation. L’dor V’dor.”

Multiple Gordon JCC Staff were also recognized for reaching landmark tenure: Allen Cummings: 20 years Marilyn Rubin: 20 years Regina Fernandez: 15 years Susan Cooney: 10 years Daniel Christmas: 5 years Anita Howards: 5 years We are excited for the future of the JCC with all the positive changes that the Capital Campaign will bring. We look forward to serving the Nashville Jewish community in new and improved ways for years to come. •

The Jewish Observer • August 2021

9

Music City Mazel Showcases Local Jewish Talent

By KARIN SHARON (CORRINE SHA-RONE), CO-CHAIR NOWGEN NASHVILLE

L

ive music is back! The pandemic halted so many aspects of everyone’s “normal” daily lives for over a year, including venturing out to experience Nashville’s live music scene. Music is the heartbeat of Nashville and we often take for granted the access we have to incredible talent in this city. We were finally able to host the long-awaited inaugural

in-person Music City Mazel on July 11.

Music City Mazel was created over a year and a half ago, but the original event was cancelled due to Covid. Merrill Miller, Natalie Steinberg and I, with the support of NowGen and The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, wanted to create a Writer’s Round, featuring professional Nashville-based artists and musicians, who happen to identify as Jewish. More often than not, these artists are on stage or in songwriting sessions

Pictured (L to R) Olivia Frances, Nikki Lickstein, Dan Harrison

with other peers and industry professionals who have strong religious undertones, as Christian themes are deeply rooted in Country Music. Some even create stage names to make their “Jewish-sounding” legal names fit the culture. We are proud to introduce a new Writers Round which provides a sense of community and gives exposure to Jewish talent.

The event on July 11 featured five local musicians who showcased their beautiful vocals, mesmerizing guitar strums, and captivating lyrics. These artists included

Layla Frankel, Hera Lynn, Dan Harrison, Olivia Frances and Nikki Lickstein.

We also had the opportunity to include international country star, Omer Netzer, all the way from Israel, who blew the crowd away with his twang and rasp. Omer also opened the event with a mesmerizing tribute to the antisemitism marches happening that day in Washington DC. I am thrilled to have Music City Mazel become a reoccurring series and to highlight the Jewish artists of Nashville.

We hope to see you at the next one! •

Pictured (L to R) Layla Frankel, Omer Netzer, Hera Lynn

Journey to Jubilee

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Ms. Jones,who now serves as Curator of Social History at the Tennessee State Museum, ĨŽƵŶĚĞĚ ƚŚĞ ŐƌŽƵŶĚďƌĞĂŬŝŶŐ Η:ŽƵƌŶĞLJ ƚŽ :ƵďŝůĞĞ͟ ƚŽƵƌ Ăƚ ĞůůĞ DĞĂĚĞ WůĂŶƚĂƟŽŶ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ĞŶĂďůĞƐ ǀŝƐŝƚŽƌƐ ƚŽ ŚĞĂƌ ƐƚŽƌŝĞƐ ĂďŽƵƚ ƚŚŽƐĞ ǁŚŽ ǁĞƌĞ ďƌŽƵŐŚƚ ƚŽ ĂŶĚ ďŽƌŶ ŝŶ ĞůůĞ DĞĂĚĞ ĂƐ ƐůĂǀĞƐ ĨƌŽŵ ϭϴϬϳ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞ LJĞĂƌƐ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ŵĂŶĐŝƉĂƟŽŶ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ĚŝƐĐƵƐƐŝŽŶƐ ĂƌĞ ĚĞƐŝŐŶĞĚ ƚŽ ďĞ Ă ƚƌƵƚŚĨƵů ĐŽŶǀĞƌƐĂƟŽŶ ĂďŽƵƚ Ă ĚŝĸĐƵůƚ ĂŶĚ ƉĂŝŶĨƵů ƐƵďũĞĐƚ͘

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(in person & on ZOOM)

(ZOOM only)

RSVP for either in person or Zoom sessions on thetemplehub.org

5015 Harding Pike ~

10 August 2021 • The Jewish Observer

THE TEMPLE ~ (615)352-7620

A Sneak Peek at Nashville’s New Hub for Young Jewish Adults

BY BARBARA DAB

T

ucked onto a leafy avenue in the trendy East Nashville neighborhood, sits the newest addition to Nashville’s Jewish community. Moishe House provides home-based Jewish experiences specifically aimed at young adults looking for community in a relaxed, fun

atmosphere. Moishe House Nashville, which is home to Becca Groner, Shea Northfield and Rose Capin, recently held a housewarming party and kicked off its programming with a Feminist Book Club Brunch. There will be a formal Mezuzah hanging ceremony in the fall, but for now, check out this sneak peek into life in MoHo Nashville. •

Programming kicks off with a Feminist Book Club Brunch

Moishe House Nashville welcomes guests to its housewarming party

Let the shlepping begin! The Jewish Federation’s Adam Bronstone helps MoHo Nashvile resident, Shea Northfield, deliver donated patio furniture

Moishe House Nashville in the Cleveland Park area of East Nashville

MoHo Nashville resident, Shea Northfield, pictured with patio furniture donated by a community member

The Jewish Observer • August 2021

11

Nashville Jewish Film Festival 2021 to Bring Films Into the Theater and Into Your Living Room

BY FRAN BRUMLIK

2

020 was a year of challenges and how to hold a Jewish Film Festival was one of our big ones. But we are happy to say that we succeeded beyond wildest expectations! NJFF 2021 will present itself as a hybrid festival with 10 virtual films and five live ones at the Belcourt, Gordon JCC and the Bellevue AMC. Learning from last years’ experience, Claire Garrison is on board as a technical consultant who will help us all negotiate the ins and outs of watching virtually.

2021 will be a varied and exciting season with comedies, dramas and documentaries. Here are just a few.

Narrative films include: • MY NAME IS SARA, about a teen ager who saves herself during the Nazi invasion by hiding in plain sight in a Ukrainian farm • THOU SHALT NOT HATE is a story about a Jewish Italian doctor who chooses not to help an accident victim when he sees a swastika tattooed on his chest, and the ensuing guilt the doctor feels

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12 August 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Alessandro Gassmann, son of Vittorio Gassmann, in Thou shalt Not Hate. Gassmann says that by adding the second “n” to his last name he is taking back his Jewish heritage and making it public.

and how he tries to atone. The film features Alessandro Gassmann.

• KISS ME KOSHER, a romantic comedy asks whether an Israeli and a German woman will be able find a way to find to happiness and a long lasting relationship despite their families.

• TANGO SHALOM, Lainie Kazan and Renee Taylor join the cast of a funny film that follows a Chassidic rabbi as he tries to enter a tango contest to raise money for his Yeshiva.

Documentaries include: • SOROS, which adds insight into the life of a Hungarian Holocaust survivor who now is one of the worlds leading philanthropists even though his name alone causes controversy in

some circles.

• BULLY.COWARD.VICTIM: The Roy Cohn Story is produced

by Julius and Ethel Rosenberg’s’ granddaughter Ivy Meerepol, and tells of how Cohn prosecuted and may have controverted evidence to send the Rosenberg’s’ to the gas chamber.

• And there is SHTETLERS, following 9 former residents of Ukrainian shtetls which survived the Holocaust and the life they led in what is not Fiddler on the Roof.

There are many more movies that we think you will be interested in. Check the NJFF website (nashvillejff.org) for more information and for sponsorship opportunities. •

Olympic Wrap-up T

he 2021 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo are now in the rearview mirror. History was made in many ways over the two weeks, and below are a few highlights. •

By GABE FRIEDMAN

For First time Olympics Opening Ceremony Honors Israeli Athletes Murdered in Munich

By EMILY BURACK

(JTA) — For the first time ever, the Olympic Games held a moment of silence during the opening ceremony for the 11 Israeli athletes murdered during the Munich Olympics in 1972. There, the Palestinian terrorist group Black September attacked members of the Israeli Olympic team, ultimately killing six coaches and five athletes, as well as a West German police officer who participated in an unsuccessful raid to free the hostage athletes.

Ankie Spitzer and Ilana Romano, widows of two of the murdered athletes, have long advocated for the International Olympic Committee to acknowledge the massacre in the opening or closing ceremony. But the IOC has never before heeded the call, at times suggesting that honoring the Israeli athletes could be divisive. “We must consider what this could do to other members of the delegations that are hostile to Israel,” an Israeli

19-year-old Taekwondo Fighter Wins Israel’s First Olympic Medal in Tokyo

committee member told the BBC in 2004, when a small memorial was held at the Israeli ambassador’s house in Athens before the Olympics there.

In 2012, ahead of the London Olympics, the IOC rejected an international campaign for a moment of silence.

“The opening ceremony is an atmosphere that isn’t fit to remember such tragic events,” Jacques Rogge, then the leader of the IOC, said at the time.

Ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics, the first official Olympic ceremony was held to honor the victims — but not during the opening ceremony; instead, it was held two days before.

Now, a year away from the 50th anniversary of the terror attack, the Olympics held a moment of silence. The event, which had not been previously announced, came a day after the opening ceremony’s creative director, a Japanese actor and comedian, was fired over a Holocaust joke he made in the 1990s. •

(JTA) — Avishag Semberg, a 19-yearold taekwondo fighter, won bronze in the women’s under 49 kg category on Saturday, giving Israel its first medal of the Tokyo Olympics and its first ever in the sport.

Semberg was not predicted to medal, but she earned the bronze after defeating Turkey’s Rukiye Yldrm. After the match, she embraced Yael Arad, a former judoka who was Israel’s first Olympic medalist in 1992, in the stands, The Times of Israel reported. “I said to myself, ‘I want this

medal more than she does,’ and I did it… I have an Olympic medal at 19, it’s a dream come true,” Semberg said after her win.

Semberg’s first win earlier in the day was Israel’s first ever Olympic win in any taekwondo category. She had won gold in the European championships earlier this year.

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that involves punching and kicking, often at head height, and sometimes in spinning fashion. Israel is expected to win at least one medal in judo, a Japanese martial art that features wrestling techniques. •

TICKETS: $10

GORDON JCC NASHVILLE

PURCHASE AT THE DOOR

e CEMETERY CLUB

Meet the Jewish Dancer Who Choreographed Simone Biles’ Olympic Floor Routine

By EVELYN FRICK

T

here are quite a few athletes who have been called the G.O.A.T., or greatest of all time: quarterback Tom Brady, basketball player Michael Jordan and swimmer Michael Phelps, just to name a few. But gymnast Simone Biles?

She might just be the best of the bunch.

I mean, come on, when was the last time any of them flew through the air, doing a double backflip with three twists?

This level of athletic skill and magnificence is what has made Simone a mind-blowing seven-time all-around U.S. National Champion, five-time all-around World Champion and five-time Olympic medalist. It’s also what’s making her return to the Olympic stage this year for one of the most highly anticipated athletic competitions of the year. To make her return even more special, Simone tapped a new choreographer for her Olympic floor exercise routine: Jewish dancer and choreographer Sasha Farber.

Farber was born to a Soviet Jewish family in a town near Belarus in 1984.

The town also happened to be near Chernobyl. After the 1986 nuclear disaster, and due to the fact that, as Sasha told the Arizona Jewish Post, “we had to keep it quiet that we were Jewish,” the Farbers emigrated to Australia. There, Sasha started dancing. Two weeks before his bar mitzvah, he put together a show and later started training in ballroom dance under teacher Marta Kan. By 17, Farber had won the Australian Youth Latin Championships twice, represented Australia at the Latin World

Championships and been a featured dancer at the closing ceremony for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. A little while later, he became an original cast member for the Broadway production of “Burn the Floor,” a show about ballroom.

In 2013 Farber attained the role of professional dancer on the 17th season of “Dancing with the Stars.” Throughout his run on the show, Farber has been paired with celebrities like Snooki, Tonya Harding, Mary Lou Retton, and yes, Simone Biles. Though Biles and Farber placed fourth on “DWTS,” the pair aimed higher this time around; with the routine the hope is not only to defend Simone’s gold medal on floor exercise, but her all-around and team titles as well. For the G.O.A.T., choosing Farber to accomplish this monumental task was years in the making.

“Usually, I have a different choreographer, but this year I feel like we needed to be a little bit different — spice it up,” Biles said. “Even whenever I worked with Sasha on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ we always said, ‘Oh my gosh, if we could do a floor routine, how cool would that be?’”

The selection of Farber and their collaborative back-and-forth is all part of the autonomy Simone has over her routines. “You know, you know yourself better than anybody at this point,” she explained.

For Farber’s part, he comes with an expertise, respect and freshness which will hopefully bring out a previously unseen side of Simone. “She moves like a dancer, no one’s just seen that yet,” Farber revealed. •

By

Ivan Menchell Directed by

Suzanne Burns 615.359.7170 801 Percy Warner Boulevard Nashville, TN 37205

www.nashvillejcc.org/drama

Gordon Jewish Community Center Theater

8/5 at 6pm 8/8 at 2pm

8/12 at 6pm 8/15 at 2pm

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

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The Jewish Observer • August 2021

13

August in the Gordon JCC Galleries: Featuring The work of Cindi Slaughter, Eileen Tomson, and Carrie Mills.

BY CARRIE MILLS

T

he Janet Levine March Gallery will feature the work of Cindi Slaughter, a mixed media and collage artist who calls Nashville, Tennessee home. She grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, earning a bachelor’s degree in Art at the nearby University of Montevallo with a concentration in graphic design. During the early years of her career, she worked as a designer. Both her elementary and high school art teachers, with their encouragement and guidance, were very influential in her decision to study art in college. While her day job has evolved into a more left-brained career, she has always carved out time to be creative and foster those interests. Along with creating visual art, she enjoys playing guitar, singing, and songwriting. For over ten years, while living in Arlington, VA, she was a vocalist and guitarist with several local music groups and her band, Cinged Blues, was nominated for the Best New Band award by the Washington Area Music Association. After moving to Nashville in 2012, she returned much of her creative energy to creating visual art.

Heavily influenced by 20th century modern art, Cindi’s work has hints of modernism, abstract expressionism, and pop art. She prefers working with an assortment of media as she believes it is analogous of the life experience – pieces of this and that from here and there, assembled together to make the whole. While the past year presented many challenges, COVID gave Cindy an opportunity to experiment and with the extra time at

home, she stepped out of her comfort zone of purely abstract work and created some pieces that contain recognizable objects. She was reminded of that saying, “When life give you lemons, make lemonade.” This show represents some of her, “lemonade,” from the past year.

JLMG2 Gallery will feature the work of curator Carrie Mills. Carrie Mills’ art and creative life runs the gamut from mixed media collage, photography, fashion and jewelry design and styling to pet portraiture. For this exhibit Carrie will feature her fashion illustrations.

The Sig Held Gallery will feature the work of Eileen Tomson. As a child, Eileen’s love of art manifested in her passion for drawing on the underside of her mother’s furniture. She graduated California State University, Long Beach, with a BFA in illustration. Eileen’s small canvases eventually migrated to the format of unique greeting card designs, which led to the birth of her company.

For 10 years Jag Graphics enjoyed a successful run in downtown San Diego and Eileen’s greeting cards were sold in showrooms across the country. In addition, Jag Graphics was featured in the windows of Neiman Marcus, Beverly Hills; Federated Department stores; Trifles and Horchow catalogue; Marshall Field’s; Bloomingdale’s, and England’s Tate Museum Bookstore. In recent years, Eileen expanded to painting abstracts as an addition to her creative illustrations. Her paintings reflect the pastel colors of the ocean blue plus pigments of the surrounding California landscapes where she was raised. Eileen’s paintings are in private homes in Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, and Nashville.

Internationally her work resides in homes in UK and Italy. Eileen Tomson was a 2020 Periscope winner and one of 60 artists selected for the Metro Arts Art Works Lending Library summer 2021.

The New Senior Lounge Art Gallery will feature the work of Dr. Jerry Klein.

Dr. Jerry Klein is a prolific artist who documents his travels in paint. This latest exhibit references his travels over the last several years. The exhibitions are free and open to the public. Any unvaccinated attendees will need to wear masks while viewing the galleries. For more information, contact the GJCC at 615.354-1699, Curator Carrie Mills at carrie@nashvillejcc.org, or go to www. nashvillejcc.org. •

Number 1, by Eileen Thomson

NYC Apartment Building, by Cindy Slaughter

Reemerging, by Carrie Mills

14 August 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Dr. Jerry Klein showcases his work in the new Senior Lounge Art Gallery at the GJCC

to your family, friends and the entire community in the September Observer

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The Jewish Observer • August 2021

15

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

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, August 19th 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

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

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 July

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, August 6th ~ 6:00 PM Friday, August 13th ~ 6:00 PM -CONFIRMATION Friday, August 20th ~ 6:00 PM Friday, August 27th ~ 6:00 PM

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

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

9:30 am on Saturdays.

The Temple welcomes Dr. Ron Wolfson for a discussion on his book The 7 Questions You’re Asked in Heaven Thursday, August 19th at 7:00pm Check thetemplehub.org for the zoom information.

Sign-ups are a must! Please sign up for the BBQ at https://westendsyn.org/upcoming-events

Shacharit

Join us beginning August 1st for in-person morning minyan! There will be no zoom meetings for morning minyans once we start in-person minyans.

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

Daily Mincha (afternoon service)

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

Understanding Apology and Forgiveness Tuesdays, August 10th and 17th ~ 6:00-7:30 pm

Check thetemplehub.org for the zoom information.

Rabbi Mark Schiftan, Dr. David Barton, and Lynn Barton, LCSW, will lead a twopart class on the subject of “Understanding Apology and Forgiveness.” The overall goal of the class is to encourage thinking about ways to apologize and to grant forgiveness.

The first class 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.

A very special Selichot gathering!

Kabbalat Shabbat

A private tour and viewing of the National Museum of African American Music on Saturday, August 28th, 6:00-9:00 pm.

Check thetemplehub.org or www.templenashville.org for more information.

Morning Shabbat services

Journey to Jubilee Program at The Temple – Presentation and Workshop August 2021

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

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

Talmud class on Tuesdays

Rabbi Joshua Kullock teaches a Talmud class on Tuesdays at 8am.

Torah class on Thursdays

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

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

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

@ The Temple August 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.

16 August 2021 • The Jewish Observer

For too many years, the stories of the slaves at the Belle Meade Plantation have remained untold. This finally changed in 2019 when the mansion hired Brigette Janea Jones as their first director of African American Studies. During her tenure, Ms. Jones founded the groundbreaking “Journey to Jubilee” tour, which enables visitors of the plantation to now hear stories about those who were brought to and born in Belle Meade as slaves from 1807 through the years following Emancipation.

Ms. Jones, whose work has been recognized by the Smithsonian Institute, NPR, The Tennessean, Conde Nast Traveler, Nashville Scene and The Commercial Appeal, was named one of “30 Southern Heroes” in 2019 by Garden and Gun Magazine and now serves as Curator of Social History at the Tennessee State Museum.

Ms. Jones will speak at the Temple on Wednesday, August 11, and Wednesday, August 18 at 7 PM. Her presentation on August 11, entitled, “Tennessee Slavery: Parallels, Perspectives, and Psychology at the Belle Meade Plantation,” is an emotional journey through the eyes of the enslaved, their descendants, and the repercussions of American chattel enslavement on modern day society. Her August 18 presentation will include a workshop that analyzes historical documents and literature so that participants can better understand the institution of slavery, the legacy of Jim Crow and the effects of systemic racism and injustice in today’s world.

These facilitated discussions are designed to be a truthful conversation about a difficult and painful subject and will include topics such as the legacy of lynching in America and police brutality. Just as we as Jews study the history of the Holocaust, our Temple Social Justice Committee is presenting this program because we feel the only way to move forward as a just world is to understand and explore all of our past.

Tennessee Slavery: Parallels, Perspectives, and Psychology at the Belle Meade Plantation Wednesday, August 11 7:00 PM in person at The Temple or on Zoom RSVP for either in person or Zoom on thetemplehub.org

At Our Congregations…

Tennessee Slavery: A Workshop on the Effects of Systemic Racism & Injustice Today Wednesday, August 18 7:00 PM on Zoom RSVP for the workshop on thetemplehub.org

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

High Holy Days 5782/2021 at Congregation Micah SELICHOT: OPENING OUR HEARTS - SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 @ 7:30 PM Available in person, on the Micah website, Facebook, & YouTube

EREV ROSH HASHANAH: REMEMBER US FOR LIFE! - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 @ 7:30 P.M. Available in person, on the Micah Website, Facebook & YouTube

ROSH HASHANAH: THE WORLD AS IT OUGHT TO BE - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

@ Sherith Israel Sherith Israel’s Annual Back-to-School Barbecue Everyone is welcome. Reservations are required.

Call the Shul office at 615 292 6614 or RSVP online. $12 adults. $5 children. $36 family max.

Join us every Shabbat morning at 9 am for davening followed by Covid-safe Kiddush New children’s programs beginning this fall Call the Shul for more information.

@ Micah

10:00 AM Morning Liturgy, Torah & Sermon 11:30 AM Shofar & Children’s Blessing 12:00 PM Tashlich & Family Picnic with Food Trucks

SHABBAT SHUVAH: THE SABBATH OF RETURN- FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 @ 6:00 PM Available in person, on the Micah Website, Facebook & YouTube

CEMETERY SERVICE: REMEMBER & REFLECT - SATURDAY. SEPTEMBER 11 @ 10:30 A.M. Available in person & Facebook Live

KOL NIDRE: THE MASKS JEWS WEAR- WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 @ 7:30 P.M. Available Livestream on Micah Website, Facebook, & YouTube

YOM KIPPUR: AND AFTER THE PLAGUE - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 10:00 a.m. Morning Service 12:30 p.m. Afternoon Panel 2:00 p.m. Healing Service 2:00 p.m. Schmooze & Views: Talk Politics 2:00 p.m. Musar: Ethical Wisdom 3:00 p.m. Jonah: Choice & Consequence with Rabbi Ethan Franzel (Zoom) 3:00 p.m. Micah Minis Children’s Service (Zoom) 4:00 p.m. CHAI & MiTY Teen Service 5:00 p.m. Yizkor: Remembering Our Loved Ones Following Yizkor - Neilah: Concluding Service

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

Finish out the Holy Day Season with us: Celebrate SUKKOT & SIMCHAT TORAH! Check Our High Holy Days page on the Micah Website for more information. www.congregationmicah.org/HHD Follow us: @MicahNashville

Programming at Micah - August 2021

Weekly Events

Sanctuary Shabbat Services - Fridays at 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

At Micah we approach God in many ways: through the power of music and song, the inspiration of words, the beauty of sacred space, and the authenticity of our intention. To fully realize this core Jewish value, we invite you to join us for services that are as diverse as they are engaging, as moving as they are participatory.

Book Club - Monday, August 2 @ 7:00 PM

All are welcome for this zoom virtual discussion on the book The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson.

Sports Trivia – Tuesday, August 3 at 10:30 AM

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

A Woman’s Circle - Friday, August 20 at 12:00 PM

Grow your soul, meet with other women, and engage with sacred text. Rabbi Laurie challenges your intellect through study and conversation on Jewish and other relevant topics. All are welcome. Bring a friend!

Shabbat Shabbang! - Friday, August 20

A Friday night designed to bring Micah’s family of families together. Get into your spiritual groove with Jewish music, storytelling, food-trucks, inflatables, friends – old and new. All are welcome!

Red Cross Blood Drive - Sunday, August 29

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

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.

Mah Jongg - Tuesday afternoons at 12:30 PM

Chinese tile game with a Jewish twist in the Micah social hall.

@ Chabad /Congregation Beit Tefilah CSI and CBT to join for the High Holiday Kickoff As a Kickoff for the High Holiday season, Congregation Sherith Israel will join Congregation Beit Tefilah for a joint Selichot service, on Saturday night, August 28, 11:30 PM, at Cong. Beit Tefilah, 95 Bellevue Road.

The Selichot service will be preceded by a Chasidic Farbrengen - a gathering of souls, where stories of Chasidic Masters will be shared, together with a bit of L’Chaim to warm the soul for beginning the High Holiday season, and will led by Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel from Beit Tefilah Chabad, and Rabbi Shlomo Rothstein from Chabad at Vanderbilt.

While most Jewish services are held during the day or early evening, the High Holiday Selichot are the exception, held in the wee hours of the morning. Drawing from a plethora of biblical verses and rabbinic teachings, they are a soul-stirring introContinued on page 18

The Jewish Observer • August 2021

17

At Our Congregations…

Continued from page 17 duction to the Days of Awe. The actual Selichot are a collage of Torah verses and poetically written Hebrew works in which we ask G-d to forgive us on a personal and communal level.

Cantor George Lieberman of Sherith Israel will lead the service, while Rabbi Saul Strosburg will play various of the Selichot melodies on the keyboard. This is the Seventh year that the two congregations are joining together for the Selichot service.

The Selichot service will be with covid-19 precautions in place, and practice social distancing.

For more information go to www.chabadnashville.com

Chabad to host its 23rd annual New Year’s Eve Dinner Chabad of Nashville will be hosting its 21st annual New Year’s Eve Dinner for the Nashville Jewish community, on Monday evening, September 6, at 6:30 PM. All are invited to join friends and meet new faces from the Nashville community, to welcome the Jewish New Year on the Eve of Rosh Hashanah.

The dinner will be catered by one of Nashville’s premiere chefs and will include a Festive Meal complete with Round Challah and the Apple ‘N’ Honey, all of the holiday trimmings, including Gefilte Fish, sweet roasted chicken, Bubby’s brisket, tzimmes, honey Cake and more. The traditions is too eat symbolic dishes that are sweet and round, symbolizing a sweet New Year that will be a full circle until next year Rosh Hashanah.

Kindly RSVP for the New Year’s Eve Dinner by August 27, at www.chabadnashville.com

Order your Own Personal Lulav and Etrog Set “You shall take for yourselves...the fruit of a citron tree, the branches of date palms, twigs of a plaited tree, and brook willows.” (Leviticus 23) During the Holiday of Sukkot, we observe the Mitzvah of the Lulav & Esrog (The Four Kinds).

As this year some families will not be attending services in person due to COVID19 precautions, Chabad of Nashville is pleased to make this beautiful Mitzvah available to every family in the Nashville community. Chabad is offering a special opportunity of ordering your own Lulav and Etrog set from the Holy Land, Israel.

These Lulav sets are available to order at chabadnashville.com. All orders must be placed by September 3, 2021. •

Kvetch in the City

By CARRIE MILLS

I

’ll never forget the day my mom was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. From her hospital bed in NYC she called and told me the dreadful news. I quietly and quickly bought Carrie Mills a ticket and flew up to the city the next morning. I went straight from the airport to her hospital room. I remember walking in and seeing my mom sitting up in bed in her silk Donna Karan robe, make up, and hair all combed and in place. What struck me most though, and has never left me, was the absolute way her eyes lit up when I surprisingly walked in the room. To this day, I realized there are few people, if any, whose eyes light up, the way my mom’s did that day, when I walk in a room. To tell you the truth, I noticed, most times people don’t even bother to look up at all. Which lead me to think about unconditional love and Aunt Tootsie.

Aunt Tootsie. That wasn’t her real name, though that’s what we called her.

She wasn’t even our Aunt. Though she sure was a great substitute. She was a 4’11” cracker jack, spitfire of an older woman. I only knew her as an older woman. Though family folklore had it that back in her younger years, she and my grandmother hung out with the real Bugsy Malone, “the,” Bugsy Siegel.

All that to say, Aunt Tootsie loved my mother, and apparently all three of us kids, as she would visit often, always, and memorably with a box of chocolates in her white gloved hands. Sometimes we

would visit her in her Lincoln Center, NYC apartment with a view of the river.

She was always put together, head to toe, make-up, stockings, heels…the whole nine yards of pure style. What I loved the most though was the little notebook of dirty jokes she collected and carried with her and did not hesitate to share in the most lady like of voices. She dazzled us with stories, laughter and fun, and to this day I can vividly recall the uniqueness of her just being her around us kids. And of course that sparkle in her eyes whenever she saw us. Being around her was pure joy every time. One of the big life lessons from Aunt Tootsie was that, while we were not related by blood, we were related by love.

Lately, I’ve had the gift of spending time with my co-worker’s almost four year old daughter. I’ve known her since she was born. I realize that while I don’t have grandkids of my own just yet, I’ve had the gift of getting to watch her grow and foster a relationship that has now turned into little shopping and lunch dates. I’ve been given the opportunity to channel my inner Aunt Tootsie, minus the notebook and gangsta lifestyle. And whether it is noticeable to my four year old little friend or not, I hope one day she may recall the stylish older woman friend of her mother’s at work, who sometimes took her on shopping dates to the mall and taught her songs from Barney the dinosaur to Diana Ross and the Supremes. But most of all, I hope she remembers the way someone’s eyes lit up every time she entered the room and though we know there may be people in our life who we may not be related to by blood, we can always be related to by love. •

18 August 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Happy Birthday Wishes to Hedy Lustig, from your friends at Tennessee Holocaust Commission!

Hedy Lustig

Refugee: Höchstim Odenwald, Germany “We were preparing to leave Germany, we had papers to come to the United States. Then all of the sudden, we heard that the Nazis were planning to come in and rid the town of all the Jews. We couldn’t imagine such a thing.”

Dear Esther Dear Esther, For two years I have been caring for my husband, who has dementia, in our home. We have two grown children who live out of state and try to help when they can. I am struggling with finding joy in our lives right now. I have always been able to maintain a positive attitude, but it seems to escape me now. The monotony of daily life is difficult. Will I ever be able to find joy again?

– Searching for Joy Dear Searching for Joy, Just reading about your current situation evoked heavy feelings for me, so I can’t imagine how intense this must be for you. First, I want to acknowledge your ability to recognize and own your feelings as this is half the battle. Not having any joy in your lives can quickly lead to despair so you are right to be concerned.

Is joy a feeling, a state of being or an attitude? I would argue that it is all three.

Your current situation may not lend itself to big joys in your life right now but perhaps you can focus on finding smaller ones. You can try to focus on the small successes with your husband, admire the beautiful flowers on your way to the mailbox and focus on the taste of a delicious food. Let yourself smile or laugh out loud at the small things in life. Find a television series that you enjoy and escape for an hour or two on a regular basis. And when you really need a good laugh, there is always YouTube videos of all sorts.

I would also urge you to find support from other people in similar situations.

JFS has a free caregiver support group

where caregivers come together to share a meal, have an opportunity to talk about their situation and support each other.

There is nothing more affirming and comforting than talking with someone who is experiencing the same thing as you are. If you do not have any help caring for your husband, I would suggest that you consider part-time in-home or respite care and use the time to do something for yourself.

Engage in an activity that is enjoyable or soothing to you. Look at the time as an opportunity to refresh emotionally.

Mindfulness exercises that focus on being aware and accepting your situation (without judgement) can be useful. You have been a mother and wife for many years. Now it is time to give yourself the same loving care. Be gentle with yourself, look for and recognize the small joys, create and utilize your support system and never stop paying attention to the way you feel. It’s okay to feel whatever emotion you have. You are not alone in this.

A recent study found that one in five people provide unpaid family care. That is 53 million caregivers in the United States according to AARP research.

My hope for you is that in the middle of your day, you will begin to find small joys that will warm your heart and lighten the load. If you need further assistance with resources, feel free to reach out to one of us at JFS who can assist you. And email me your address and I will bring you a cup of my famous Matza Ball Soup the next time I make a pot. It is sure to bring a little joy to your stomach and heart!

– 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. •

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

Lifecycles Mazel Tov Abby Hershkowitz

Abby Hershkowitz is a graduate of Ravenwood High School class of 2021 and a member of Congregation Micah.

Abby is excited to be attending the University of Florida and will be studying Psychology / Neuroscience. Abby is the daughter of Melinda and Matthew Hershkowitz, sister to Lily and granddaughter to Marvyn Milman, Nancy and Paul Hershkowitz.

Isabella Vivian (Izzy)

Mazel tov to Rhonda and Rabbi Ron Roth on the birth of their granddaughter.

Isabella Vivian (Izzy) arrived on Tuesday, July 6, weighing in at 7 lbs.

8 oz. Everyone is doing well, and the new grandparents are ecstatic!

B’nai Mitzvah Ava Diamond

Ava Diamond will become a Bat Mitzvah on Sat., Sept.

4, at 11 a.m. at The Temple. She was born June 23, 2008, in New City, N.Y. Her parents are Darin and Deborah Diamond. Her grandparents are Sylvia Goldberg and the late Alan Goldberg of New City, N.Y.; Bernie Diamond and Janet Diamond, both of Queens, N.Y. For Ava’s mitzvah project, she volunteers at Ford Ice Center’s All-Star Program providing assistance for children with disabilities and special needs.

Ava is in the eighth grade at Woodland Middle School and enjoys figure skating, tennis, photography, and is an animal lover, especially dogs.

Noah Dowell

Noah Dowell will become a Bar Mitzvah on Sat., Sept. 4, at 3 p.m. at The Temple. He was born Aug. 24, 2007, in Nashville. His parents are Jon and Shana Dowell. His grandparents are Monika and Lester Katzel of Rochester, N.Y., Denise and David Dowell of Nashville, and Arlene Taylor and Wayne Benson of Chapel Hill, N.C. For Noah’s mitzvah project, he works to increase voter turnout in young voters and minority communities.

An eighth grader at Meigs Middle School, Noah enjoys playing soccer and the cello as well as politics.

Stampler, and the late Leon Frank Froio of Philadelphia.

For Leo’s mitzvah project, he will work with Gilda’s Club of Nashville to raise money for needed furniture. He will also help to organize the art room, and in addition, will create a piece of art for the clubhouse.

Leo is in the eighth grade at Battle Ground Academy and enjoys golf, music, and watching action movies with his brother, Max. He also loves to paint and draw.

Larissa Grossman

Larissa Grossman will become a Bat Mitzvah on Sat., Aug. 14, at Congregation Micah. Larissa is the daughter of Dan and Karen Grossman and sister to Jacob. She is the granddaughter to Judi and Bernie Cataldo of Baltimore, Md., and Janice and Bob Grossman of Sarasota, Fla. She is an eighth grader at Brentwood Middle School. Larissa enjoys being with friends, cooking, and playing viola. For her Mitzvah project, Larissa will be volunteering with Second Harvest Food Bank.

Clay Issacs

Clay Issacs became a Bar Mitzvah at Congregation Micah on July 24, 2021. Clay is the son of Katie and Scott Isaacs and brother to Henry. He is the grandson of Howard Isaacs and the late Ricki Isaacs, Mary Bowers and the late William H. Bowers III. Clay is a 7th grader at Montgomery Bell Academy. He enjoys summer camp at Camp Barney Medintz, swimming, football, biking, traveling, cooking and his dog, Ruby. For his mitzvah project, Clay has enjoyed volunteering at the Nashville Humane Association.

Henry Louis Ruben

Henry Louis Ruben will become a Bar Mitzvah on Sat., Aug. 7, at 11 a.m. at The Temple. Henry was born June 11,

2007, in Nashville. He is the son of Herman and Jennifer Ruben.

His grandparents are the late Judge Leon and Myra Lou Ruben of Nashville, Wendy and the late Richard Dotson and Joel Frockt and Gina Calvert, all of Louisville, Ky. For Henry’s mitzvah project, he has shaved his head seven years in a row, raising over $12,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which raises money for childhood cancer research funding grants across the United States.

A ninth grader at Hillwood High School, Henry enjoys baseball, golf, computers, the Tennessee Titans, the Nashville Predators and the Chicago Cubs. His bar mitzvah was postponed 364 days due to the COVID pandemic.

Naomi Rose Satinsky

Naomi Rose Satinsky will become a Bat Mitzvah on Sat., Aug. 28, at 11 a.m. at The Temple. Naomi was born Aug. 19, 2008, in Atlanta. She is the daughter of Alex and Sara Satinsky.

Her grandparents are Martin Satinsky and Marcia Satinsky, both of Nashville; and Ilene Shurek of Atlanta.

For Naomi’s mitzvah project, she will raise money for the Second Harvest Food Bank. Her Torah portion talks in part about the first harvest and made her think there are people out there without enough food.

Naomi is an eighth grader at Brewer Middle School and enjoys fantasy books, mythology, math, science experiments at home, and puzzles. She is coming back to Nashville from her new home in Fort Worth, Texas, to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah.

Samantha Wilcox

Samantha Wilcox will become a Bat Mitzvah on Sat., Aug. 7, at 10:30 a.m.at Congregation Micah. Samantha is the daughter of Nicolas and Lindy Wilcox and sister to Nathan. She is the granddaughter to Charles and Rosanne

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.

Mary Frank

Condolences to the family of Mary Frank, who died on July 8. She was the mother of Lynn Heady. Memorials may be made in Mary’s memory to Congregation Micah.

Gersha Rogers

Condolences to the family of Gersha Rogers, who died on July 2. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Pula and Paul Barnett, Donations may be made in her name to Alzheimer’s Association and Congregation Micah.

Peter Weiss

Condolences to the family of Peter Weiss, who died on June 26. He is survived by his wife, Susan Weiss, daughter Ellie (Trent) Weiss Rosenbloom and grandchildren Shayna, Adena and Micah Rosenbloom. • Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee at www.jewishnashville.org

Business Card D i r e c t o r y YOUR GUIDE TO FINE BUSINESSES AND SERVICES AROUND MUSIC CITY. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS, THEY’RE THE BEST!

Leon “Leo” Francis Froio

Leon “Leo” Francis Froio will become a Bar Mitzvah at The Temple on Sat., Aug. 21, at 11 a.m. Leo was born March 18, 2008, in New York City.

He is the son of Rick and Janet Froio. His grandparents are Elinor Stampler of Atlanta, the late Harold

Kay and Gary and Holly Wilcox.

A rising seventh grader at Black Middle School, Samantha enjoys soccer, tennis, band and dance. For her Mitzvah project, Samantha will be supporting the Ronald McDonald House.

GREEN HILLS

615.356.3242 EXT. 299 Tim Gregory

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The Jewish Observer • August 2021

19

20 August 2021 • The Jewish Observer

ADVERTORIALS

All Things Seniors ISSUE

AUGUST 2021

The Jewish Observer • August 2021

21

ADVERTORIALS

Decluttering?

Downsizing?

We are Nashville’s professional downsizing organization.

Founded in 2005, we coordinate many decluttering and estate sale events in Middle-TN every year, as well as assisting with relocation.

Overwhelmed with the thought of downsizing? Give us a call!

Let’s Get Moving!

Let’s Get Moving! Is a downsizing and decluttering organization serving Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee counties since 2005.

A Circle of Excellence member of the National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers, the Let’s Get Moving! Team focuses on assisting Clients and their families through the often overwhelming process of a home transition. Many clients also need additional services to create a workable plan for liquidation and dispersal of goods not going to the new space.

LGM’s mission is to individually honor each person through the home transition process and to provide friendly, professional assistance throughout the entire event.

Clients often need many of the following offered services: Layout work for furniture placement, packing, sorting, moving, unpacking and decorating the new space. LGM also coordinates many estate sale and/or donation events each year with our valued partners.

Feel free to reach out at 615.599.6787.

Senior Living That Speaks for Itself The word is out. From 5-star online reviews to the community’s own resident and family surveys, Clarendale at Bellevue Place is honored people are talking about the senior living community’s gracious hospitality, caring environment and resort-style amenities.

Clarendale comments are varied and noteworthy: “The food is always good!” “I love my apartment.” “I can be as busy as I want to be.” “The staff is so caring—treating my mom like family.”

But according to Executive Director Donna Adlington, “We won’t rest on our laurels. We’re committed to continuing to make Clarendale at Bellevue Place the place to be for individuals craving exceptional senior living in Nashville.”

Between the skilled professionals and on-site amenities, health and wellness are practically guaranteed. There’s an on-site fitness center with professionally-led exercise classes and the latest strength and cardio equipment, as well as a full-service salon. Plus, residents enjoy an ever-changing menu of dining options, including nutritious meals to Continued on page 23

… because your memories matter

615.599.6787 | www.letsgetmoving.net

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We can handle any situation even the most difficult ones.

Integrated care services for better overall care. We know that the integration of care management and home care leads to higher satisfaction for individuals and their families. Our care managers evaluate each client’s unique needs and create a customized plan for overcoming the aging journey’s toughest peaks. Then, our care managers and caregivers jointly implement that individualized plan.

Residents Love Life at Clarendale CALL 615-258-6364 TO SCHEDULE AN E X P E R I E N C E A N D S E E F O R YO U R S E L F.

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22 August 2021 • The Jewish Observer

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ADVERTORIALS suit any taste and diet. Plus, the Clarendale Life Enrichment team always finds ways to keep residents entertained, enlightened and engaged.

“Visit us and you’ll see the Clarendale lifestyle speaks volumes,” says Adlington.

Clarendale at Bellevue Place is conveniently located just 13 miles southwest of downtown Nashville at the intersection of I-40 and US 70 South in the exciting development of One Bellevue Place. Call 615-271-5511 or go to ClarendaleAtBellevuePlace.com to learn more about this independent living, assisted living and memory care community.

Crawford Mortuary 2021 marks our 36th year of providing services to the families and the communities of Nashville.

Chuck and Heide Crawford were married in 1983 and started their business two years later in June of 1985. They graduated from John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science located in Nashville and they are both licensed as a Funeral Director, Embalmer and Insurance Agent in the State of Tennessee.

They decided to build their business on the “Mom & Pop,” model that was so common in the establishment of funeral services as a business. Following the Civil War, families began to trust professionals for the care that they needed. Funeral firms were small family businesses that were able to concentrate and deliver on vital and specific details.

That flexibility and the ability to provide families with the specific assistance that they require is vital. The Crawford’s will tell you that the service aspect of their work can be incredibly rewarding.

Chuck and Heide have three grown children and three granddaughters. Raising those three children while operating a business that remains open 24 hours a day was at times challenging. But the Crawford’s will tell you that the ups outnumber the downs and they continue to dedicate themselves to answer the call to serve.

The Crawford’s commitment to higher standards and quality assurance will help to ease your mind and comfort you with the knowledge that they can meet all of your needs.

Call Chuck & Heide at (615) 2548200. You’ll notice the difference.

The APS Team Is On Your Move Aging in Place Transition Services is a team of experts who assist with organizing, decluttering and downsizing and sorting, packing and helping you move to a new home.

The APS Team works with seniors and their families to find the right place for the next stage of a good life.

Our clients say it best, here is what Mr. and Mrs. L. had to say: “My husband and I have been thinking of downsizing for a couple of years. We saw Aging in Place Transition Services ad in the Observer and gave them a call. They did everything from decluttering, packing and unpacking. Amazingly, we closed on our home and moved in about a month. They charge by the hour, put no pressure on us, and assisted with everything we needed. It has been a wonderful experience! Couldn’t have imagined a better transition!”

Ms. M. met APS owner Sara Beth two years ago when she was presenting an informational seminar. After the presentation she told her that she wanted the APS Team to move her. She spoke with Sara Beth several times during 2020 and then …. one day she called and said: “I’m ready to move!”

The APS Team helped with sorting, selling and packing to prepare for the move.

Sara Beth and the APS Team had the best time placing her artwork and learning all about the artists and her travels. Ms. M. is now happily settled into her new surroundings.

Continued on page 25

The Heritage at Brentwood The future is bright at The Heritage at Brentwood, Middle Tennessee’s only Type A LifeCare® community, conveniently set on 48 beautiful acres between Nashville and Franklin.

The Heritage offers 23 independent living floor plans, ranging from 721 to 2,171 square feet, among its villas, garden villas and apartment homes. All are pet-friendly, have outdoor space, ample storage, well-equipped kitchens and secure underground or private garage parking.

Amenities include two full-service restaurants and the HealthyLife Center with its large indoor, heated pool, fitness center, group exercise classroom and day spa. The on-site Williamson Medical Group Clinic provides primary care services and routine lab tests while Pinnacle Bank provides on-site banking services.

The Heritage’s crown jewel is the beautiful, lake-front campus. Sidewalks and paved, multi-purpose trails offer ample space for walking and biking and connect to the City of Brentwood’s extensive park and trail system. Ready to play? The ninehole putting green and bocce and badminton courts beckon.

Your one-time, highly refundable Entrance Payment ensures you have a continuum of on-campus care should you ever need it – with virtually no change to your predictable monthly fee. The Heritage’s 5-Star-rated Somerfield Health Center provides assisted living, memory care, rehab services and short- and long-term skilled nursing care if ever needed.

Our website, TheHeritageLCS.com, offers information on LifeCare advantages, a MoneyGauge® tool to help you see what Heritage floorplans fit your budget and lifestyle, photo and video galleries, dining information and much more.

Call 615-200-9052 or visit TheHeritageLCS.com today to set up a visit.

The Jewish Observer • August 2021

23

Proudly Supporting Life & Legacy™

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24 August 2021 • The Jewish Observer

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Many people consider their pets member of their family. While it is one of the most rewarding relationships one can have, the truth is, our pet’s life cycle is way too short for all the love they bring to our lives. Our pets age too. One of the gifts Carrie Mills can offer, is to memorialize your beloved pet in a painting that will last a lifetime and beyond. You can view her work at www.carriemills.com. You can contact her at 615210-5044 for a forever meaningful gift for yourself or someone you love.

Pet Painting Carrie Mills

Hunt Memorial For over 90 years, Hunt Memorials has been the standard of excellence in Nashville for the memorial industry. We are a proud family business of four generations with an unwavering standard of quality and craftsmanship. Every family has a unique story and it is our pleasure to tell that story through our one of a kind designs and artwork. We’ve worked with thousands of families, civic leaders, and organizations from all over the world designing custom pieces of commemorative art to help families honor and remember their loved ones. We use only the highest quality stone, ensuring the gravestone you purchase will remain beautiful for generations to come. “I believe as my dad and grandfather did, that all memoralists are storytellers. We say, let the stone speak.” Charlie Hunt is the first recipient of the Eugene H. Faehnle Award from The American Institute Quality and Craftsmanship Since 1928 of Commemorative Arts (AICA), the highest place award of its kind in the monument industry for design. Other prestigious 1st Place Awards include MBNA Biondan Award, The Harold J. Schaller, AICA Conceptual Design and Rendering Award, MBNA People’s Choice Award, MBNA Award for Outstanding Excellence in Monument Design. Hunt Memorials has placed first in every design category in the industry. We invite you to work with one of the most recognized companies in the industry. Great meaningful design is our passion.

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Type to enter text

HUNT MEMORIALS, INC. Four Generations of Professional Service

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Phone: (615) 262-1313 Cell: (615) 788-9605 Email: jhunt@hmi1928.com

JFS Musical

JFS Helping Hands Art Program

Continued on page 26

Helping Hands “To those who are lost in dementia, music is not some trivial luxury of life, but a necessity, and can have a power beyond anything else to restore them to themselves, and to others, at least for a while.”

- Dr. Oliver Sacks, noted neurologist and musician Trained professional Jewish musicians are matched with senior adults who are living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias for one-on-one monthly visits.

Helping Hands through Art is an intergenerational art program for people living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The goal is to build bridges across age and cognitive barriers through art. JFS is collaborating with Eileen Wallach, a trained facilitator with Opening Minds Through Art (OMA), a national One-on-one evidence-based art program. visits No art experience is needed and only the space of a card table is necessary!

There is no cost for families to participate.

There is no cost for families to participate.

If you are a Jewish musician and would like to volunteer OR if you are the family member of someone who would benefit from this program call Anna Sir at 615-354-1686 or helpinghands@jfsnashville.org to learn more.

If you are the family member of someone who would benefit from this program contact Anna Sir at 615-354-1686 or helpinghands@jfsnashville.org to learn more.

The Jewish Observer • August 2021

25

ADVERTORIALS

Argent Trust Company can help you with your estate planning “to do” list

Jewish Family Service: Sustaining Older Adults

When it comes to estate planning, there is a well-known adage that families and individuals should heed: By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. For most people, estate planning and preparation do not rank high on a “to do” list. Rather than think of the hard work that must be done to create an estate plan, there is a better way to look at it: Estate planning is not about you. It’s about your family, heirs and other people and organizations you want to provide for. Without an estate plan or will, the courts (state law) will decide who gets your assets, and you lose control of how your hard-earned wealth will be distributed.

Estate planning can be a challenging and emotional endeavor. But here are four tips to make it easier and to help you prepare for the future: 1| Work with an experienced estate planning attorney 2| Write a letter of instruction 3| Create an “end of life” file 4| Review estate planning documents annually Your friends at Argent Trust are here to help and can expand on these items. So do yourself and your family a favor - don’t procrastinate. Prepare for the future by having an estate plan in place that will help you support your loved ones. Contact Argent Trust at mhirt@argenttrust.com, hsafer@argenttrust.com or (615) 385-2718 to start a conversation.

Jewish Family Service provides a myriad of continuously evolving programs to assist older adults in our community.

The Helping Hands Program serves Jewish seniors who live alone or in assisted/ nursing communities. This program utilizes volunteers to provide services such as friendly visits, telephone reassurance, pen pals, Shabbat services at local assisted living facilities and an annual Passover Seder. Jewish Family Service also facilitates the Temple’s Lunch Bunch Program on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month for a nutritious lunch, entertainment, and socialization. After a pandemic hiatus, this program looks forward to meeting again in person after the High Holidays.

Musical Helping Hands matches trained professional musicians with people living with Alzheimer’s or others with dementia for one-on-one visits in homes, assisted living communities or nursing homes. The Helping Hands Art/OMA Program matches a trained art facilitator with someone living with dementia. No art experience is needed and only the space of a card table is necessary! In offering music and art options, JFS recognizes that each person responds differently and strives to offer various opportunities for meaningful engagement and positive interaction.

Cyber Seniors matches computer savvy volunteers with older adults needing basic tech assistance. Especially critical during the pandemic, this program continues to be available for increasing confidence with such things as Zoom meetings, online grocery shopping, and staying in touch virtually with family and friends.

The Jacob’s Ladder Program pairs volunteers with seniors who might need assistance with small tasks requiring the use of a ladder such as replacing batteries in smoke detectors, changing light bulbs, and setting clocks.

The Low-vision Aid Program, in partnership with B’nai Brith, serves those who find it difficult to engage in basic daily activities such as cooking, locating appropriate clothing, continuing hobbies, or reading the newspaper due to vision difficulties.

Jewish Family Service also provides information and referral services in which social workers help individuals identify services that are available in the community. Social workers may facilitate the access to these services when necessary.

The most common request for seniors is evaluating different living options such as– aging in place and evaluating independent/assisted living options.

JFS provides an ongoing caregiver support group facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker on the second and fourth Fridays of each month.

JFS social workers also provide counseling -- professional assessment and treatment for individuals, couples, families, and groups of all ages. A sliding fee scale is available for those unable to pay full fee, ensuring access to mental health for all.

To learn more about any of these programs, please contact Jewish Family Service 615-356-4234 •

Rosh Hashanah is Coming!

A NEW YEAR!

Your Ad/Greeting will reach the entire Jewish Community!

Be sure to be a part of this special annual issue.

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

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!

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

26 August 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Back To School

Beit Miriam: 2021-2022 Back To School

ADVERTORIALS

ol

o h c S o T k c a B f eO Check Out Mor

Question: How big is the smallest sukkah? How long does it take to make matzah?

Answer: Visit Beit Miriam at West End Synagogue to find out! Depending on the season, you might see our K-7 students constructing their own life size sukkot or the entire school making oil in our olive press just like the Maccabees. Additionally, you will find b’nai mitzvah students cooking for Room In the Inn and debating whether Judaism is a nationality, religion or ethnicity, 6th graders making their own tallitot, and students receiving individual and customized Hebrew training ensuring that we meet students where they are. This wide and diverse programming is an example of the innovative and interactive educational activities that are the core of Beit Miriam.

Beit Miriam educates children from 3 years old through eleventh grade focusing on learning and living Jewishly. Many of our graduates return as teacher aides in their senior year giving back to the program that has given them so much.

Beit Miriam is proud of its faculty. Classes cover a breadth of Jewish literacy including Jewish History, Customs, Holiday Celebrations, Israel, Torah, Talmud, and Hebrew. Students come together as a kehilla (community) for interactive learning through music and art.

• All students attend on Sundays from 9:00 AM to noon; • Second through seventh graders attend midweek-Hebrew on Wednesday afternoons from 4:15-6:30 PM and are encouraged to participate in our once a month “camp based” Shabbat services led by our students.

Our school also offers opportunities for teen involvement in synagogue life and parent parallel learning sessions. Contact Sharon Paz, Director at 615.269.4592 x 17 or spaz@westendsyn.org for more information. •

BEIT MIRIAM HEBREW SCHOOL @WEST END SYNAGOGUE

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! 3-YEAR OLDS THROUGH 11TH GRADE SCHOOL BEGINS AUGUST 29, 2021.

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BECOME A PART OF THE BEIT MIRIAM FAMILY. CONTACT SHARON PAZ, DIRECTOR OF LIFELONG LEARNING (615) 269-4592 EXT. 17 | SPAZ@WESTENDSYN.ORG WWW.WESTENDSYN.ORG | HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BEITMIRIAMWES/

The Jewish Observer • August 2021

27

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANTS

OPTOMETRIST

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APPLIANCES

AROSA (formerly Family Staffing Solutions, Inc.) Integrated Care Management and Home Care Provider 2000 Glen Echo Road, Suite 104 Nashville, TN 37215 208 Uptown Square Murfreesboro, TN 37129 615-848-6774 768 N. Main Street Shelbyville, TN 37160 931-680-2771

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

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

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

CARE GIVER 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

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

EDUCATION SERVICES

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 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

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

ORTHODONTISTS

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

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

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

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

28 August 2021 • The Jewish Observer

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

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

www.zeitlin.com Residential & Relocation Specialists

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