The Observer Vol. 86 No. 9 – September 2021

the

bserver

Jewish

Vol. 86 No. 9 • September 2021

www.jewishobservernashville.org

24 Elul 5781 - 24 Tishrei 5782

Shana Tova 5782

New Year Greetings, page 25

Jewish Federation Introduces the use of New Inclusion Badge

By BARBARA DAB

A

s part of its ongoing commitment to make Nashville’s Jewish community more open and inclusive of people with disabilities, The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee is providing local congregations and agencies with a visual aid in the form of a graphic badge. The badge will be added to websites, flyers,

Jewish Federation Provides Emergency Aid to Haiti Earthquake Victims

By BARBARA DAB

T

he Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, through our overseas partner the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), provided aid to victims of the recent 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Haiti. The quake killed more than 1,300 people and injured thousands more. The JDC activated its emergency response team, along with its longstanding network of local partners, to deliver emergency aid. This is part of JDC’s longstanding commitment to Haiti, with its disaster response to the 2010 earthquake, and Hurricane Matthew in 2016. According to Federation CEO Eric Stillman, “The emergency funding from our local Federation continues the tradition of providing aid in the case of a natural disaster such as this to help repair the world.” •

A Publication of the

WWW.JEWISHNASHVILLE.ORG

and buildings to let people know accommodations can be made to aid in their participation in services, programs and other events. The use of the badge is also designed to educate and raise awareness in the community about grants and services that are available. Eric Stillman, CEO of The Jewish Federation, says, “The badge will hopefully give people the comfort level to know that the organization or agency using it is open and willing to find ways to accommodate various disability needs.”

The badge’s development was led

by The Federation’s Disability Inclusion Committee and was created with the mindset that disabilities take many forms, some of which are not visually obvious. Adam Bronstone, who is

Federation’s Director of Planning and Israel Partnerships, says creation of the image was driven by the committee’s desire to educate the community and to change the conversation around disability needs. “There is a difference

between being welcoming and creating a sense of belonging,” he says, “Welcoming is important, but that’s how you think about guests. We want people who live here to feel like they belong.” During the design process, the committee wanted to steer clear of traditional imagery like wheelchairs and to focus on inclusion in its broadest sense. The use of the open door was intended to communicate a wide array of potential disability accommodations that could be made.

The use of an inclusion badge is the latest in The Federation’s efforts ensure everyone in Nashville’s Jewish community can participate more fully in Jewish life. Brad Fishel is Co-Chair Continued on page 22

Federation’s Young Leader’s Cabinet Focused on Fighting Antisemtism Through Advocacy

By BARBARA DAB

A

larmed by the uptick in antisemitism both domestically and around the world, young Jewish leaders are setting an agenda focused on advocacy and mobilization. The Jewish Federations of North America’s National Young Leadership Cabinet gathered recently in Washington, DC to urge elected officials to make the fight against domestic terrorism and antisemitism a high priority. Included in Nashville’s delegation were current and former members of NYLC, and co-Chair Aron Karabel. “The event was really the beginning of what we want to do in the coming year, which is a three-pronged approach,” says Karabel, “First is the need to educate leaders about antisemitism and how it manifests itself in the United States. The second step is to continue to raise awareness about the ongoing acts. And third, is to mobilize leaders to action.” He says it is incumbent on the young generation of leaders to carry forward what was started at the event.

Earlier in the summer, two big questions remained. Would President Biden nominate a Special Envoy to Continued on page 8 Native American Tribal Leaders Welcomes Nashville’s Jewish Community, page 6

left to right: Fred Zimmerman, Amy Goldstein, Shannon Small, Aron Karabel

Local Teen Wins “Learning from the Holocaust” Essay Contest, page 13

Local Jewish Hockey Player Scores Big in Israel, page 23

At Our Congregations, page 30

Life Insurance confuses me. How do I know if I need it?

BY MIKE LEVINE

W

hat is life insurance?

“Life insurance is just a time-yellowed piece of paper with columns of figures and legal phrases until it is baptized with the widow’s tears. Then it is a modern miracle, an Aladdin’s lamp. It is food, clothing, shelter, education, peace of mind, comfort, and undying love and affection. It is the most sincere love letter ever written.” –Stuart Kuen

Life insurance is an explosion of dollars providing your loved ones TAX-FREE cash when it’s needed most! It can be used to replace income after one’s death and/or to pay off debts. Other uses include buy-sell agreements between business owners, saving for retirement, estate planning and charitable giving.

Let’s cover the most common uses of life insurance. The first is to replace one’s income. Many experts recommend 10 times your earnings as a rule of thumb. If you make a $100,000 you should buy $1M in coverage. I personally use a different method.

Calculate what it takes your family to live comfortably on an annual basis and divide by 0.04. For example, it takes $5,000 per month or $60,000 per year, divide $60,000 by 0.04 to get $1.5 million. Thus, upon your death, your beneficiary would receive $1,500,000. A safe withdrawal rate in my opinion is 5% which would produce $75,000 per year taxable income without touching the principle.

Another great use of life insurance is charitable giving. You can gift a policy no longer needed or purchase a new one with the intention of leaving the charity an explosion of dollars upon your death. Insurance can also be used as part of a Charitable Remainder or Lead Trust. Ask your financial advisor for more details.

There are basically two types of life insurance: term and permanent insurance.

Term insurance is usually used if the need is for a limited time, for example, to get the kids through college or until you reach retirement. Permanent insurance comes in different flavors such as whole life, universal life, variable life, etc. This type of coverage lasts your entire life and thus is more expensive. Other advantages of permanent insurance include building cash value on a tax-deferred basis and the use of that cash in retirement or in case of an emergency. I will say in my 34 years in business, no beneficiary has asked me what kind of insurance one had, only how much.

Here are some examples of monthly premiums for a man and woman in excellent health for a $1,000,000 policy.

Male Female Term Permanent Term Permanent 10 yr 20 yr 30 yr 10 yr 20 yr 30 yr Age 35

$21

$34

$64

$397

$19

$29

$51

$350

Age 45

$45

$87 $150

$610

$38

$68

$115

$525

Age 55

$123 $221 $456

$997

$91

$158

$310

$886

So, here’s a question – If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, how much life insurance for your loved ones would you buy today? • Mike Levine is a member of the Jewish Federation professional advisory Council. For more information about this year‘s Professional advisory Council seminars please contact Shannon Small, Assistant FRD Director and Foundation Director at shannon@jewishnashville.org.

Jewish Federation’s Professional Advisory Council Presents New Direction for 2021-22 Seminars

By SHANNON SMALL

T

he Jewish Federation’s Professional Advisory Council (PAC), now entering its fifth year, is expanding its outreach to a new and younger population of Jewish adults. The goal of this effort is to help young professionals build a foundation for giving that will last throughout their lifetimes and beyond. Members of the PAC’s Steering Committee believe this pivot is essential to the long-term sustainability of Nashville’s Jewish community. Ralph Levy, a member of the committee, says it is important for young people just starting out to learn the basics of financial planning. “Based on income that will be generated as they embark on their careers, young adults need to understand basic financial matters to be able to budget their expenses in the short term and in anticipation that their net worth will increase over time based on their own efforts.” Levy says in addition to planning for this growth in earnings, young people may also inherit wealth. “With an inheritance, their need for ‘financial literacy’ could be jumpstarted into the need for ‘wealth management’ almost overnight. For these two reasons, it is important that

young adults not only learn but become involved in wealth management early on.” And Mike Levine, also a member of the PAC Steering Committee, says it is never too early to think about retirement. “I would add that financial literacy is also important from a retirement planning prospective. Things such as the time value of money, tax deductible versus tax deferred and where to invest within your 401k.”

The PAC was created to help support the members of our community as they determine how they wish to make their legacy gift through the LIFE & LEGACY program. The group of professionals includes estate planning attorneys, accountants, financial planners, life insurance brokers, and wealth managers and offers seminars educating the Nashville Jewish community on financial and estate planning. Thanks to the investment and incentives offered by the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s LIFE & LEGACY program, community members have successfully created after-lifetime gifts that benefit the entire Jewish community including synagogues, local and over-

Available October 12, 2021 Am I living my life to the fullest?

It’s a question we all ask ourselves, yet there is no universal answer.

In Is Your Life Successful?, Dr. Frank Boehm guides readers through an entertaining, insightful, and ultimately hopeful exploration of life’s joy and hardships.

Pre-order https://bit.ly/isyourlifesuccessful

2

September 2021 • The Jewish Observer

seas Jewish agencies, schools, and other Jewish organizations.

The Pandemic has played a major role in helping this year’s PAC plan their seminars to better serve the community.

Ralph Levy says media reports that savings have increased in the United States is likely the result of two factors. “First, many Americans who have not lost their jobs because of the pandemic have received significant pandemic relief payments over and above their continuing income from their jobs. Second, due to the closure of retail stores for a protracted time, people have not been able to “shop and spend,” with the exception of online purchases.” Levy adds that an additional reason for these trends is uncertainty about economic recovery and other issues related to the pandemic.

The new PAC Seminar topics can be found below. Please contact Shannon Small, Assistant FRD and Foundation Director at shannon@jewishnashville. org for more information about the upcoming seminars.

Accumulating Wealth in Your 20s and 30s Series PAC Seminar 1: How do I make a solid financial plan for the future?

Tuesday, October 5, 2021 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Speakers present on staying out of/getting out of debt, the basics of insurance (property, casualty, disability, and life insurance) and investments.

Discover how you can plan for your financial future.

Presenters Panelists

PAC Seminar 2: I’m still young. What do I need to know about retirement, tax, and estate planning?

Wednesday, March 9, 2022 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Speakers describe options for retirement plans as well as tax and charitable planning. They will also define and explain the benefits of estate planning and related documents that are needed at a young age.

Discover the essential details of how to plan for now and your future today and how your financial matters will be handled if you become unable to do so.

Preserving Wealth for the 40+ Series PAC Seminar 1- What issues will arise as I plan for dealing with my parents’ estate as well as my own?

Tuesday, December 7, 2021 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Speakers present on issues that children encounter when dealing with a parent’s estate and in handling a parent’s financial matters if the parent become unable to do so. Speakers review tax planning and charitable giving.

Discover how you can plan for your family’s future.

PAC Seminar 2- What do I need to know about retirement planning?

Thursday, April 7, 2022 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Speakers review how to plan for retirement. Speakers describe the ins and outs of long term care policies.

Discover what is needed as you plan for retirement. •

Hunt Memorials, Inc.

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

Editorial The Israel Conundrum

By DR. FRANK H. BOEHM

F

or what seems to be a very long time, I have been an ardent student of Israel’s evolutionary history. Over the years I have kept up with the many attempts to solve the seemingly intractable problems of establishing peace between Israel and their Palestinian neighbors and often shared my knowledge and opinions with many of my friends on the complexities of achieving and maintaining peace between these two passionate people.

In the past few months, however, I have become more and more frustrated in my attempt to answer many of the difficult questions my Jewish and non-Jewish friends are asking. The issues are complex and multi-layered, making short and simple answers difficult to articulate in a concise and informative manner. It seems that with each military event between Israel and the Palestinians, Israel may win the battle, but with a seemingly biased press, lose the war.

Recently, a survey revealed that 25% of American Jews believe Israel has become an apartheid state. That bothers me tremendously. Because of these con-

cerns, I highly recommend a book entitled Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor by Yossi Klein Halevi be read by both Jews and non-Jews. Halevi clearly points out that the Israel of today is a result of the large number of unsuccessful attempts

by Israel to make peace with their neighbors.

The British Peel Commission of 1936 was the first of modern day attempts to establish a peaceful solution to the two inhabitants of the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean by recommending a partition into two states living side by side in peace. The Arabs vehemently opposed the recommendation. In 1947, the United Nations mandated partition of the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean which resulted in an outright Arab rejection leading to the War of Independence, initiated by Arab nations, and resulting in an Israeli victory with the establishment of the modern State of Israel in 1948.

Following victory in the 1967 sixday war which was also initiated by the surrounding Arab nations, Israel offered to return all the land they had taken,

including the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, and the Sinai Peninsula, for the price of peace and the establishment of a two-state solution. Israel was met with the famous three “Nos” - no peace with Israel, no recognition of Israel and no negotiations with Israel.

Then there was the amazing offer to Yasser Arafat at Camp David in 2000 where then Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Barak, along with President Bill Clinton’s blessing, again offered the Palestinians the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem as its’ capital for the prize of peace. Arafat rejected the proposal without presenting a counteroffer.

Six months later, in December of that year, President Clinton offered 95% of the West Bank with land swaps and a road cutting through Israel territory to connect Gaza to the West Bank. Once again Barak said “Yes” and Arafat said, “No.” And in 2008, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert offered Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas the equivalent of full withdrawal from the territories with land swaps and the offer was again rebuffed.

With each rejection for peace by the

Palestinians, (as well as the first intifada of 1987 to 1993 and the second of 2000 to 2005 which killed and wounded thousands of Israel citizens), those Israelis who strongly supported a two-State solution were pushed further to the political right. They lost faith because the worst wave of terrorism in Israel’s history came after Israel had made two significant offers of peace and an end to occupation.

There have, thankfully, been success stories of peace between Israel and Arab nations. In 1993, the Oslo agreement brought hope of peace between Israel and the Palestinians, however that failed due to Arafat’s refusal to fully comply with the agreement. Remarkably, in 1994, Arafat gave a speech in a Johannesburg Mosque telling all that his intention for peace was just a ploy and that the Oslo process was nothing more than a cease fire, to be broken at the appropriate time.

Israeli citizens were once again pushed to the right.

Real success for peace occurred with the 1979 Peace Accord between Israel and Egypt resulting in the total return of the Sinai Peninsula, which lasts to Continued on page 7

My 5781 COVID P&L Sheet

By RABBI YITZCHOK TIECHTEL CONGREGATION BEIT TEFILAH CHABAD

J

ust like that, another year is beginning its slow retreat into history. The year 5781 will be one for the records, one of much uncertainty and disarray, and very c

STAFF c

c

c

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

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

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

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

The Jewish Observer Founded in 1934 by J

A

C

Q

U

E

S

B

A

C

K

soon we will welcome the New Year of 5782. The season of the New Year is upon us, a time of stock taking and introspection. The last month of the year on the Jewish calendar is called Elul. It is a month that connects the past year with the coming year—a time when we reflect on where we stand, and where we should be going. Rosh Hashanah is on the hori-

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.

zon. Time to get prepared It is taught that in this month, the “King is in the Field,” and G‑d is readily accessible, willing to hear our requests and listen to our fervent prayers for the coming new year. Every day of Elul we blow the shofar and recite special Psalms in anticipation of the High Holidays, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

This year as I take stock, there is an array of extra line items I am adding to my list of profits and losses and decisions for the future. The line items revolve around Covid and the uncertain times we live in.

Profits: I maintained clarity that this pandemic is Divinely orchestrated and although I don’t know and can’t know G-d’s plan, I can try to derive some lessons from it. I oriented myself to the things that are truly important in life; relationships, family, health, Torah and Mitzvot, and kindness towards others.

I maintained clarity as to my Chabad mission and tried to “pivot” to move our organization towards delivering on this mission despite the radical change of

circumstances.

Losses: I was too judgmental of others who were fearful and operated from a place of fear. I was too impatient at times not living the messages I understood to be derived from the pandemic. Even with the new found time I didn’t spend enough of it on things of value.

Decisions: To translate the positive lessons and changes made in my life into a regular routine. Specifically, to recall monthly the lessons surrounding values, that there is plenty of time for the things that are really important, that even in tough times G-d is in charge. To work on my empathy for others and to be less judgmental of those who think differently than I. To move relevant and practical ideas about life from mind to heart.

What are some of the Covid Calculations you are making, as you reflect on this past year and prepare for Rosh Hashanah?

As you prepare your P&L for 5781, may you be blessed with a Ktiva Vchatima Tova – May you be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet healthy New Year! •

Wishing for peace and understanding in the community and the world LORNA M. GRAFF

Broker, ABR, CRS, GRI Lifetime Member, Gold Award of Excellence

Office: Cell: E-mail: Web:

615.794.0833 615.351.5343 lorna.graff@zeitlin.com Lornagraff.com

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

The Jewish Observer • September 2021

3

Community Relations Committee Moving Forward in Uncertainty: Planning for Noa Tishby on October 5, 2021

By DEBORAH OLESHANSKY

W

hen President Trump launched Operation Warp Speed in May 2020, many breathed a tentative sigh of relief knowing that a safe, effective vaccine was our best hope in the battle against the COVID-19 virus, which had affected every aspect of our lives.

Schools and businesses closed, travel all but completely terminated, celebrations postponed. Perhaps most tragically, those sick with the virus who were hospitalized were terrified and alone. Almost everyone is aware of at least one family member, friend or neighbor who had to sit helpless as a loved one died alone in

the hospital without being able to say goodbye or even have a proper funeral. In the face of this tragedy, President Trump used all his executive power to position the United States to be a leader in the fight against the deadly coronavirus.

Fast forward to September 2021.

Months after the vaccine was made available for all those able to take it, some of our local Jewish congregations have polled congregants to find out how to navigate this ongoing situation as they prepare for the High Holidays. The only thing that remains certain is the uncertainty.

We will never know what would have happened if the disinformation campaign against the vaccine and, even more bewil-

dering, against masks, had been effectively addressed instead of amplified by some of our elected officials. Perhaps our children would be more protected against the current surge in cases. Perhaps our health care workers would feel more supported. Perhaps our schools would have fuller enrollments, with fewer students and teachers out of school due to exposure to the virus. Perhaps we could be planning for full sanctuaries in celebration of Rosh Hashana.

Instead, we remain deeply affected by the virus, guessing at how to best proceed in the ongoing uncertainty. During a recent JCRC virtual lunch call with Vice Mayor Jim Shulman, he confirmed that Nashville never actually got to the final

l'Shanah Tovah 5782

West End Synagogue High Holidays Schedule 2021

In-person services are reserved for WES members only this holiday season.

On-line viewing will be available for all. Please refer to our website for details.

Monday 9/6, 6:00 pm: First night of Rosh Hashanah.

Evening service will be outside for those that want to attend and online.

Wednesday 9/15, Kol Nidre - Mincah 6:15 pm: Rabbi’s sermon 7:30, services end approximately 8:00 In-person services (you must preregister) and Online services.

Tuesday 9/7, 9:30 am - noon: First morning of morning of Rosh Hashanah. Rabbi’s sermon approximately 10:45. In-person services (you must preregister) and Online services.

Thursday 9/16, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm: Yom Kippur morning service with the recitation of Yizkor (after 11:00 a.m.) Rabbi’s sermon approximately 11:00. In-person (you must preregister) and Online services.

Tuesday 9/7 Afternoon: Tashlich will be by the bridge at Carden & Roland Avenue. Join us for the three-block walk from the Synagogue at 4:45. There is limited parking but if you must drive, park on Roland Avenue. Mincha will follow back at the Synagogue outdoors at 6:00.

Thursday 9/16, 5:00 pm: Mincha and Neila for Yom Kippur. In-person (you must preregister) and Online services. Blowing of Shofar at 7:31 pm, followed by Ma’ariv and Havdalah

Wednesdays 9/8, 9:30 - noon: Second morning of Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi’s sermon approximately 10:45. In-person services (you must preregister) and Online services.

Sunday 9/12, 10:00 am: Ceremony at the West End Synagogue Cemetery.

For information on streaming our services, please contact the WES Office at office@westendsyn.org.

Mahzor’s will be available to members to borrow who are unable to attend services In-Person for a suggested donation of $18.00.

YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S SERVICES

All children and family services will be held outdoors in the Kullock’s carport area.

Children aged 5 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult for FWYC Services.

Tuesday 9/7: First morning of morning of Rosh Hashanah. Start the year with Tashlich!

FWYC - 9:30 am – 10:30 am.

1st – 6th Grade – 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Wednesdays 9/8: Second morning of Rosh Hashanah. Blow your own Shofar for the New Year!

FWYC - 9:30 am – 10:30 am.

1st – 6th Grade – 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Thursday 9/16, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm: Yom Kippur morning Service FWYC - 9:30 am – 10:30 am.

1st – 6th Grade – 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

West End Synagogue 3810 West End Avenue Nashville, TN 37205

4

(615) 269-4592 @WestEndSyn

September 2021 • The Jewish Observer

/WestEndSyn

Office@WestEndSyn.org www.WestEndSyn.org

phase of reopening. We remain stuck in the early phases, though you would never know it from the crowds on Broadway, or the lack of masks at indoor public events. He admits that politics have been in the way of effective response, with battles between local school boards, local governments, the state legislature, and the Governor. These politically motivated battles have only served to complicate and obfuscate an already challenging landscape, and our children are paying the highest price as more of them become infected and hospitalized. Vice Mayor Shulman suggested that it is time for leaders to sit down and address this crisis together. Most of us think that is long past due. This is a health crisis, and the political grandstanding is only serving to worsen this tragic situation.

So here we are. Continuing to guess as to how to proceed with planning for celebrations, events, and programs. This past spring, in the small window of hope that we were returning to some level of normalcy, JCRC began plans for resumed large scale programming, including arranging to bring Noa Tishby to Nashville to present on her well received book, Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth. We remain hopeful that we will be able to host Ms. Tishby in person, at West End Synagogue, on Tuesday, October 5 at 7pm. We are planning this as a hybrid event with both an in person and virtual option and hope that the in-person option will remain possible.

Other upcoming JCRC programs include a lunch and learn call with Bob Scott, Field Coordinator with Christians United for Israel (CUFI) on Friday, October 22nd at noon.

Our Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee masks say, “We are all in this Together,” and that remains true. Those demanding freedom from the vaccine and masks seem to forget that the United States tradition of freedom comes with rights and responsibilities. Freedom without responsibility is the definition of anarchy.

May we all be blessed with health, joy, sweetness, hope, balance, and grace for the New Year. May we all work together to ensure both our freedom and our shared responsibility for one another. May our children be protected from illness and harm. May we be able to be together in person for celebration and observance.

And may we all know peace. •

The Pargh Team

T H E PA RGH T E A M W I SH E S YOU A H A P PY, H E A LT H Y, A N D SW E E T RO SH H ASH A NA H OBstoOM db sVO . 2oObMp ă aOoWKBĆp Ops .OB_ psBsO +odTOppWdbB_pĄ _Wps Bp pOOb Wb 2VO 9B__ /soOOs dtobB_

/d_M Wb

$85M 9VOsVOo |dt BoO _dd^WbU sd Jt| do pO__ |dto VdaOÛ 2VO +BoUV 2OBa Wp oOBM| sd zdo^ Tdo |dt BbM UWyO |dt BbdsVOo oOBpdb sd KO_OJoBsOà

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

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

pargh.com @theparghteam @parghteam

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

The Jewish Observer • September 2021

5

Native American Tribal Leaders Welcome Nashville’s Jewish Community

By BARBARA DAB

N

ative American tradition includes the ritual of offering “protocol,” or honor, in times of celebration, to welcome guests, and to recognize new relationships. It was the latter that drew together tribal leaders from local Native American nations and members of Nashville’s Jewish community. The event, held at Congregation Sherith Israel, was organized by Indigenous Bridges, an organization that seeks to connect local and diaspora indigenous communities. The organization was founded by Ateret Violet Shmuel, who says Jews share a common experience with Native Americans. “It is important to recognize that the commonly held

narrative about who Jews are is flawed.

We are not all white Europeans,” she says. She says one of the main goals of the organization is not only to provide social and cultural exchange, but also to share knowledge and experience. In particular, she cites the adoption of Israeli water technology by many tribal nations.

At the event, tribal leaders and local rabbinic clergy exchanged gifts and spoke about a shared experience. Qaumaniq Robin Suuqiina, one of the tribal leaders, facilitated the protocol. She said the goal is to create a place of honor for people to come together. “This is not just a ceremony. The Jewish people are indigenous to Israel and have returned to the land that was given to them.”

Rabbi Jessica Shimberg, who brought

Ateret Violet Shmuel presents a gift to Qaumaniq Robin Suuqiina during protocol ceremony

Rabbi Shana Mackler and Rabbi Jessica Shimberg receive gifts of honor and welcome from tribal leaders

Chief Joseph River Wind and his wife Laralin River Wind perform traditional prayer song to close the protocol ceremony.

Elevated care, with you in mind.

custom made Havdalah candles, agreed.

She explained that Jewish traditions such as the dietary laws, rituals focused on the new month, and others, are similar in the way both people honor the Earth and the natural world. “We share the same views about the land and the way we mark time. For example, the Havdalah candle helps us separate the Sabbath from the days of the week.”

During the protocol, other gifts were exchanged, and stories were told about the connections between Native Americans and Jews, in particular that both people have been displaced from their land and have been marginalized by mainstream cultures. Chief Joseph River Wind and his wife Laralin are the

local tribal representatives to the Jewish community. The River Winds have led mission trips to Israel and Chief Joseph was even named the tribal Ambassador to Israel. “Israel is the first nation of the first nations,” he said. And Laralin River Wind said it is important to welcome the Jewish community. “We appreciate you are the chosen people. We want to be of assistance or aid to your community in any way.” The River Winds said they hope this is the beginning of a supportive and meaningful relationship between two peoples and cultures who have much in common. And Rabbi Shana Mackler, of The Temple, said, “You can’t build a bridge from one side. It has to be built from both ends in order to be sound.” •

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.

2000 Glen Echo Road Nashville, TN 37215 615-595-8929 208 Uptown Square Murfreesboro, TN 37129 615-848-6774 768 N. Main Street Shelbyville, TN 37160 931-680-2771

www.arosacare.com

6

September 2021 • The Jewish Observer

From all of us here at The Kupin Group we want to wish you a sweet New Year. We are of course here for all of your real estate needs, but are also here if you just need a friend for a lunch or cup of coffee. These are trying times we are in, and it’s important to lift each other up into this New Year! L’shana Tova everyone!

- Jacob and The Kupin Group

615.440.6673

615.279.5310

Conundrum Continued from page 3 this very day. Israel’s military removed all Israel settlers in the Sinai Peninsula proving that Israel would do what it had to for peace. In 1994, Israel made peace with Jordan which ended the state of war that had existed between the two countries since the 1948 War of Independence. If Arab nations wanted a real peace, Israel complied.

In 2005, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon voluntarily and unilaterally removed all Israeli settlers from Gaza, returning the land to the Palestinians.

However, as we now know, this dismantling of Israel from the Gaza strip did not result in peace but rather in prolonged terrorist attacks by Hamas, which controls Gaza, against Israel.

In his book, Halevi states that the

key to ending the occupation is giving the Jews some hope that Israel’s withdrawal and willingness to territorially contract will be reciprocated by a willingness on the Palestinian side to accept the West Bank and Gaza as the Palestinian state, without trying to undermine the State of Israel.

Halevi believes, “The moral argument of partition is simply this: For the sake of allowing the other side to achieve some measure of justice, each side needs to impose on itself some measure of injustice. The enemy of justice for both sides is absolute justice for either side.

To demand a Palestinian right of return to what is now Israel, is the political equivalent of Israel demanding the right to continue settlement in a Palestinian state. Peace requires a mutual constriction: My side contracts settlements, and your side contracts refugee return. Those

reciprocal concessions are the pre-condition for a two-state solution.”

The trade-off then is 1948 for 1967 according to Halevi. “I give up most of the territorial gains of 1967 in exchange for your acceptance of Israel’s creation in 1948. In the last two decades, Palestinian leaders have rejected every peace offer in part because of their maximalist interpretation of return. For them, the precondition of peace is my agreement to commit suicide.”

With each refusal for peace and with each attack on Israel by Palestinians, Israelis are pushed to the political right and against further attempts for a twostate solution. If Palestinians were to recognize Israel tomorrow and declare a peaceful relationship, Israel would accept the offer within days. Unfortunately, there is a saying that if the Arabs would put down their guns there would be

peace, but if Israel were to put down its guns, there would be no Israel. Jews have learned that when your enemy says he intends to destroy you, believe him.

Halevi argues that “Denying Israel’s right to exist, turning the Jewish state into the world’s criminal, and trying to isolate it from the community of nations, fits the classic anti-Semitic pattern. The Holocaust in parts of the Muslim world could be summed up, only half-ironically, this way: It never happened, we’re glad it did, and we’re going to do it again.” The media paints a picture of an Israel that refuses to make peace, but how can you make peace with those whose only goal is to destroy you.

This is the conundrum Israel faces. The next time I am asked why Israel will not make peace with Palestinians, I will give them a copy of this article. You should do the same. •

BEIT MIRIAM HEBREW SCHOOL @WEST END SYNAGOGUE

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

EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAMING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: • WHERE HEBREW IS A LIVING LANGUAGE • WHERE FAMILY TRADITIONS GROW • WHERE JEWISH VALUES THRIVE

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 • September 2021

7

Left to right: Josh Schoenberg, Amy Goldstein, Shannon Small, Abby Goldsteiin, Elizabeth Katz

Cabinet Continued from page 1 Monitor and Combat Antisemitism?

Would the Jewish Federations of North America receive their requested funds from the Nonprofit Security Grants program? By the time of the DC event, the President had nominated esteemed historian Professor Deborah Lipstadt as his Special Envoy, a moved hailed by many as the right choice to de-politicize antisemitism and to push governments to take the threats seriously. And in August, Eric Fingerhut, President and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs seeking increased funding in 2022, his goal set at $360 million. At the NYLC activation event in DC, Cabinet members heard not only from Fingerhut, but from nearly a dozen current and former members of Congress, all calling for the increase in security funding to help Jewish communities around the country combat antisemitism.

In addition to elected leaders, there were speakers from the nonprofit world and other lay leaders. Fred Zimmerman is a former Chair of the NYLC and attended the DC activation. He says the bonds created through these types of events are a big part of what it takes to make real change. “People who are on Cabinet are all motivated by the same thing: to do something meaningful and to make a difference for Jewish communities,” he says, “These are people who are informed and connected and can go out and make the case for whatever is important to Jews.” And for new members, like Amy Goldstein, it was critical to be present to hear firsthand from the various speakers and then be able to interact with other likeminded people. “The Cabinet activation event, the first in-person Cabinet experience offered since I joined the group in 2020, was well worth attending. The speakers were excellent and getting to know other Cabinet members from across North America was personally meaningful. I attended with the intention of listening and learning.”

Combatting antisemitism is no small task and it has topped the agenda of the organized Jewish world for generations.

An online rally in May brought together

RL Holocaust Lecture Series Observer Ad 2021-22.indd 2

8

8/20/21 3:24 PM

September 2021 • The Jewish Observer

over 30,000 people to push congress to address the pressing needs for security.

Elana Broitman, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for JFNA, says, “It really hearkened back to rallies for Soviet Jewry in the 1970s and helped show that antisemitism is not just one thing.” She says thanks to social media there is an alarming amount of activity right now. “The spike in number and the quantitative amplification of those messages is startling and troubling.”

Broitman says the most effective place to start to push back is at the local level. “Nothing works nationally, it has to be local. That’s where we see deep relationships with elected leaders, other partner groups and on college campuses.”

She also says it is at the state level where future national leaders get their start and carry their local connections with them. And when that next generation of leaders arrives in Washington, Nashville’s young leaders will be ready.

“Nashville is as critical as any other city,” says Broitman, “It is bringing tools, developing government advocacy and allies that ensure the younger generation is prepared for what they might face.”

The next step in furthering this year’s NYLC agenda is the creation of a committee to keep the focus on security and the pressure on the fight against antisemitic activity. Karabel says, “It’s time to have the hard conversations about what we are dealing with and how we address it.” It is notable that 300 current and former Cabinet members traveled to Washington DC for the activation event with little notice. Seasoned advocates and lay leaders say it is that dedication that is driving the cause. Zimmerman says, “We can’t change minds wholesale, the solution has to come from within us, our community.” For first-timer Goldstein, she was moved by the story of Julia Jassey, who founded Jewish On Campus, a student run group that helps students fight back against antisemitism on college campuses. She says, “I have a great deal of respect for Julia for standing up for herself and others, when it is much easier to stay silent. I want to continue learning so I can communicate more effectively about antisemitism and ultimately support people like Julia and individuals in our amazing Nashville Jewish community who are experiencing similar challenges.” •

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

Chabad to Host Rosh Hashanah New Year’s Eve Dinner

A

Mitka’s Secret at the Gordon JCC

By ALEX HELLER, GORDON JCC ADULT PROGRAM DIRECTOR

T

he Gordon Jewish Community Center of Nashville and the Mandell JCC of Greater Hartford (Connecticut) come together for a hybrid author event. On September 19th, both JCCs will hold an in-person reception with authors of the book Mitka’s Secret living in their respective regions.

Mitka’s Secret tells the story of Mitka Kalinski, who escaped from an execution site during the Holocaust as a young boy.

Later, he was found by Nazi soldiers and served as a subject for medical experimentation. He was eventually freed and was able to establish his life in the United States. As author Joel Lohr describes, “What a story. What a man. What a long, harrowing, and unique journey. I had never heard anything like it before.

An orphaned, Jewish child made to be a slave to a Nazi officer. A man who tried to bury his past, only to have it all come out 30 years later, his wife of 28 years in shock. And a man who came to embrace his Jewish heritage as well as learn how to love deeply and forgive.” Mitka’s wife Adrienne was determined to share his story since the 80s, but even as film producers requested to share his amazing life, nothing came to fruition.

The program is a partnership between both JCCs, the Hartford Seminary, the Nashville Holocaust Memorial, and Voices of Hope. Nashville Holocaust Memorial chair, Felicia Anchor says, “The Holocaust Memorial is pleased to collaborate on this inspiring program. The extent of experiences of the Jewish people of Europe during the Holocaust is wider and deeper than we ever imagined. This history is an amazing reminder.”

Authors Steven Brallier and Lynn Beck will be in Nashville, and Joel Lohr

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

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!

will be in West Hartford, speaking about the book in person and over Zoom. There will be a book signing prior to the talk.

Light appetizers will be served. Tickets are $25 with a book, and $10 without. For more information and to purchase tickets and/or books, please visit nashvillejcc.org/ mitka, or contact alex@nashvillejcc.org. •

L’shanah Tovah!

s High Holidays 5782 roll around very soon, many are planning where to attend services. Yet, there is another aspect to this special season. Just like spiritual preparation is needed as we approach the High Holy Days, holiday meal preparation simultaneously remains an important feature of our traditions. Jewish people are known to be major foodies (our friends and neighbors still can’t believe that we prepare Thanksgiving-worthy meals every week for Shabbat!), and we wear our chef badges with pride.

Our foodie tendencies are heightened during the autumn months when Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot-- which fall close together on the Hebrew calendar-demand the preparation of consecutive, extravagant festive meals. Chabad of Nashville will be hosting a New Year’s

Eve gourmet dinner, September 6th at 6:30pm, prepared by one of Nashville’s premiere chefs. All meals will be prepared with masks and gloves, and with all covid-19 safety requirements in place.

The Rosh Hashanah meal will include several of the traditional foods which symbolizes blessings for a Sweet New Year. The meals will include the traditional round Challah, apples and honey, sweet brisket, mashed potatoes, tzimmes, and honey cake.

According to Jewish mystical teachings, when the Jewish holiday meals are prepared and eaten with the intention of enhancing the intrinsic holiness of the day, the very food itself becomes elevated.

RSVP for the Rosh Hashanah Dinner at Chabadnashville.com. For more info. Call 615-646-5750. •

OU T S T A N DI N G A G E N T S

M A Y Y O UR N E W Y E A R B E S W E E T W IT H H O P E A N D NE W P O S S IB IL IT IE S .

D O RO TH Y C U R T I S 615.479.0474 dorothy.curtis@zeitlin.com

KAROL FARAGALLI 615.289.3359 karolfaragalli@gmail.com

L O RN A G R A F F 615.351.5343 lorna.graff@zeitlin.com

JAY LOWENTHAL 615.300.3617 jay.lowenthal@zeitlin.com

NAN SPELLER 615.973.1117 nanspeller2014@gmail.com

JENNIE ZAGNOEV 615.838.2048 jennie.zagnoev@zeitlin.com

L EA D ER SH IP TEA M

J E SSI C A A V E RBU C H , C E O 615.294.9880 jessica@zeitlin.com

SA M A V E RBU C H , C O O SHELTER LENDING SERVICES MUSIC CITY TITLE & ESCROW 615.294.9887 | sam@zeitlin.com JACKSON ZEITLIN 615.479.6461 jackson@zeitlin.com

GREEN HILLS 615.383.0183

SH I RL E Y Z E I TL I N F O U N D E R/ C H A I RM A N 615.383.0183 | shirley@zeitlin.com

BE L L E M E AD E 615.202.7777

F RANK L IN 615.794.0833

zeitlin.com

The Jewish Observer • September 2021

9

NJFF Announces 2021 Schedule

Shofar in the Park comes to Nashville

Kiss Me Kosher Thursday, October 14 (virtual) available at 7:30 PM Moran Rosenblatt (Wedding Doll, Fauda) stars in this delightfully subversive comedy that mines interfaith and cross-cultural relationships against a specifically Israeli backdrop.

T

My Name is Sara Saturday, October 16 (virtual) available at 7:00 PM This powerful new drama from director Steven Oritt, tells the true-life story of Sara Goralnik, a 13-year-old Polish Jew whose entire family was killed by Nazis in September of 1942.

Bully. Coward. Victim: The Story of Roy Cohn Tuesday, October 19 (virtual) available at 7 pm This unflinching film is an in-depth documentary on the rise and fall of Roy Cohn, the 24-year-old prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Justice who was largely responsible for the execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg in 1951. The director, Ivy Meeropol, is the granddaughter of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, Irmi Thursday, October 21, Senior Matinee (live) at GJCC 12:00 PM This calm and compassionate documentary on the life of German Jewish émigré Irmi Selver introduces a woman who drew everyone close with her kindness, resilience and love of life, even in the face of unimaginable loss.

Howie Mandel: But Enough About Me Thursday, October 21 (virtual) available at 7:00 PM A revealing documentary that follows the career of Howie Mandel, a comedian, actor and producer arguably most known for his battle with OCD and being a judge on America’s Got Talent rather than for his comedic genius.

Tango Sholom Saturday, October 23 (live) at AMC Bellevue 12 at 7:00 PM What to do if you are a Hassidic rabbi who happens to be an amateur Hora dancer who needs to raise money for the Yeshiva where he teaches? Featuring Lainie Kazan and Renee Taylor.

Love It Was Not Tuesday, October 26 (virtual) available at 7:00 PM It seems unimaginable: a relationship driven more by affection than the dynamics of power between a Jewish prisoner and a high ranking SS officer in Auschwitz. In this astonishing, but true story, a Nazi officer falls in love with a concentration camp prisoner causing decades long repercussions.

Matinee (virtual) available 12:00 PM In 1945 Bess Meyerson was crowned Miss New York City. This tall and talented daughter of Jewish immigrants went on to make history at the most famous beauty pageant in the world, the Miss America Pageant.

Powder Keg Tuesday, November 2 (virtual) available at 7:00 PM The lives of four strangers intersect tragically in this dramatization of the February 2015 terrorist attacks that rocked Copenhagen. With Europe on edge following Al-Qaeda violence in France, a radicalized gunman reigns a night of terror, targeting a cultural center and synagogue.

Sublet Thursday, November 4 (live) at the Belcourt Theater 7:00 PM A New York Times travel writer, (John Benjamin Hickey), arrives in Tel Aviv thinking he has arranged for a sublet for his short stay in Israel. Having recently suffered a personal tragedy with his husband, he just wants to do his research and go home.

A Starry Night Over the Roman Ghetto Family screening (virtual) available at 9:30 AM In an attic in Rome, a teenager finds an old picture of Sarah Cohen, a Jewish girl whose family was killed by the Nazis.

She gathers a group of interfaith students to embark on a mission to unravel the story of the girl in the picture Shtetlers Tuesday, Nov. 9 (live) at the Belcourt theater at 7:00 PM Travel back in time to the lost world of shtetls – the once predominantly Jewish towns ubiquitous in the 19th century Pale of Settlement and the former Soviet Union before the Holocaust.

Soros Wednesday, November 10 (virtual) available at 7:00 PM Billionaire activist George Soros is one of the most influential and controversial figures of our time. Famous for betting against the Bank of England in 1992 and making a billion dollars in one day, he is maligned by ideologues on both the left and the right.

Thou Shalt Not Hate Thursday, October 28 (virtual) available at 7:00 PM A moments decision at a traffic accident causes repercussion for a Jewish surgeon and a neo-Nazi’s family. Alessandro Gassmann stars.

Golden Voices Thursday, November 11 (live) at Belcourt Theater 7:00 PM This wonderfully romantic and funny film has a heart of gold. Married couple Victor and Raya Frenkel dubbed hundreds of films in their native Soviet Union, their voices becoming as iconic as the legends on screen. But their arrival in Israel as new immigrants just as the Gulf War breaks out robs them of their livelihood and passion.

The One and Only Jewish Miss America Monday, November 1, Monday

All films, locations and times are subject to change. •

10 September 2021 • The Jewish Observer

he Jewish people have been blowing the Shofar, a simple hollowed out ram’s horn, for thousands of years in celebration of Rosh Hashana, the beginning of the Jewish New Year – also known as the birthday of humanity. According to Jewish law, one must hear the blasts directly from the shofar itself. No medium will do, not a microphone, not a computer, not even a slight echo. Intrinsically, the Shofar is not just a sound. It is a cry. A prayer. A soul-awakening, personal, meditative and rousing experience. Hearing the shofar blast is the main commandment associated with celebrating the Holiday.

For Rosh Hashana 5782, sophistication will give way to simplicity, as Chabad of Nashville will once again host, “Shofar in the Park,” where many will gather to hear the blasts of a lone shofar. The event will take place with social distancing, on Tuesday, September 7th, at 5:30 PM in the Edwin Warner Park, Highway 100 near the intersection of Old Hickory Blvd. The sounds of the

shofar will be heard as the New Year is celebrated, and apples and honey for a sweet new year will be distributed.

In the past, Shofar in the Park has taken place across the country in many parks and beach fronts. From Central Park in Manhattan to Yellowstone National Park in Montana, from Venice Beach in Los Angeles to South Beach in Miami, and right here in Nashville.

“The idea is to allow as many people as possible to observe the central mitzvah of Rosh Hashanah,” says Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel, of Chabad of Nashville, “The Park is an open and neutral place where every person is welcome. It doesn’t matter if you have any prior Jewish education. It’s irrelevant if you pay dues; are affiliated or unaffiliated, all are welcome to come as you are and hear the shofar.”

The event is free and open to the public. Rain or shine. Children, singles, families, all are welcome. To learn more about Shofar in the park, please go to chabadnashville.com. •

Vanderbilt Hillel Welcomes New Staff

By BRIAN SMALL

V

anderbilt Hillel is proud to announce the hire of LilyFish Gomberg as Hillel’s new Ezra Springboard Fellow. She starts in the fall of 2021 and is participating in a two-year fellowship organized and financially supported by Hillel International.

The Springboard Fellowship is a prestigious, paid, two-year fellowship that brings together the best, brightest, and most diverse Jewish talent through a transformative early career experience in the Hillel movement. Fellows gain professional competencies needed to be outstanding leaders and changemakers in their communities while engaging in compelling work on college campuses across North America. Ezra Springboard Fellows bring Jewish learning to life on campus and are trained in pluralistic and experiential Jewish education techniques to infuse Jewish learning into Hillel programming and student engagement.

Hailing from Newton, MA, LilyFish Gomberg (she/they) graduated in December 2020 from Brandeis University.

She majored in Near Eastern & Judaic Studies with minors in Sexuality & Queer Studies and History. At Brandeis, LilyFish was president of the Brandeis Reconstructionist Organization, a member group of Hillel at Brandeis, and held several positions for her Jewish sorority, ΣAEΠ. She was also a peer counselor for the Student Sexuality Information Service on campus, and worked as a religious school teacher at her home synagogue. LilyFish has worked for several Jewish organizations, including Keshet, Repair the World, the Jewish Community Day School of Boston, and Camp Havaya. She hopes to someday become a Reconstructionist Rabbi and in her free time, she enjoys painting, spending time with friends, and traveling.

“We are so excited about LilyFish,” said Brian Small, Vanderbilt Hillel’s Assistant Director. “She really stood out

LilyFish Gomberg to join Vanderbilt Hillel as new Ezra Springboard Fellow.

in the interview process by displaying an unparalleled passion for Jewish learning and education. She’s an experienced educator and she will challenge our students in the best ways possible. We are very lucky to have LilyFish on our engagement team.”

LilyFish will advise Hillel’s Jewish Life Committee (JLC), coordinate weekly Shabbat services, and organize Jewish holiday experiences on campus.

She will also advise Vanderbilt’s Challah for Hunger chapter and will help coordinate other social justice and social programs. LilyFish is Vanderbilt Hillel’s forth Hillel Springboard Fellow and third Ezra Fellow and replaces Emily Kahn-Perry, who finished her third year with Hillel this spring. •

The Jewish Observer • September 2021

11

Jewish Community Relations Committee Presents

12 September 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Local Teen Wins “Learning from the Holocaust” Essay Contest

By BARBARA DAB

E

mmie Wolf-Dubin explains that it was a local rally that inspired and transformed her thinking about the Holocaust and its connection to Israel. And it was the life of survivor Mira Kimmelman, whose strength and optimism drove her to dedicate her life to the Jewish communities in Tennessee, that provided Emmie with a link between a country she has never visited and the commitment to never forget the horrors of the Shoah. Emmie recounts these life-changing events and why she feels uniquely connected to victims of

terror in her winning essay in key in the Tennessee region’s the 2021 Mira Kimmelman Scholastic Writing competi“Learning from the Holocaust” tion, and she won first place in Essay Contest. “The piece was Bookshop Santa Cruz’s 2020 very empowering to write,” she Young Writer’s Contest. Her says, “I am honored to give winning story, Countdown, Mira Kimmelman a voice and was published in their antholto write about the recent conogy. She says her 5th grade flict in Israel even though I am literacy teacher, Christopher not there.”

Martin, has been instrumental Emmie is an eighth gradin her progress as a writer. “He er at Meigs Middle School Emmie Wolf-Dubin is one of the best teachers I’ve and a student at West End Synagogue’s ever had and actually is the one who told Beit Miriam Religious School. She preme about the Kimmelman essay contest.” viously was awarded a gold and silver Emmie’s parents are both heavily

involved in Jewish communal life and credits them with keeping her informed about Israeli politics. “My parents challenge me, we debate things and I’m encouraged to have my own opinions,” she says. Her dad, Ari Dubin, is Executive Director of Vanderbilt Hillel, and her mother, Abbie Wolf, previously served as The Federation’s Director of the Jewish Community Relations Committee. In addition to her writing, Emmie is active in sports, playing basketball and running track and she spent this past summer scuba diving at Camp Ramah in Northern California. •

Essay on Mira Kimmelman

A

lmost 98 years ago in a town in Poland called Gdansk, Mira Kimmelman was born. As a young adult, she would be imprisoned in the deadliest concentration camp called Auschwitz and was forced into the nearly unimaginable march to Bergen-Belsen. Yet, after all of these horrors at the hands of one of the most evil men in recorded history, she still preached lovingkindness in a world that seemed apathetic to her plight. Instead of focusing on that, she zeroed in on the people who helped. The people of all nationalities, races, and religions who saved her and her counterparts across Europe.

Mrs. Kimmelman, who passed away in 2019, endured what was easily the worst bloodshed and religious persecution in recent history. The Holocaust.

Ever since I was young, I have mourned on Holocaust Remembrance Day, or Yom Hashoah. And ever since I was young, I have celebrated on Israeli Independence Day, or Yom Ha’atzmaut. I mourned and celebrated before I even knew what either term meant; before I knew what the Holocaust or what Israel was.

But as my years grew, I learned that Hashoah is the Hebrew word for The Destruction. And The Destruction is that 6 million Jews lost their lives. Countless more were displaced, forced into internment camps, or lost someone that they held dear.

When I reflected on Mira Kimmelman’s life and works, I saw that one of her core tenets was the saying, Never forget. Never again. Every Jew I know and have met knows this saying; feels it. But I’ve found myself wondering how a survivor of this genocide could have maintained such optimism.

In reading Echoes from the Holocaust, I stumbled upon a quote from Mrs. Kimmelman which read, “If future generations fail to protect the truth, it vanishes…Only by remembering the bitter lesson of Hitler’s legacy can we hope it will never be repeated. Teach it, tell it, read it.”

This represents the message that the Holocaust must never be forgotten; that it’s our job to make sure it never will.

After this war of fire and death, the country of Israel was born again as a home for Jews across the world. So many people, including Kimmelman’s father, Moritz, made aliyah after the war. This proves with a note of finality that Israel,

at the very least, provides comfort for survivors and Jews worldwide.

As I’m writing this, I sit beneath the stars, swinging on a swing set late at night. I’ve just come from a rally at the synagogue Sherith Israel talking about the recent bombings and violence in Jerusalem, Lod, the Gaza strip, Tel Aviv and pretty much everywhere else in Israel.

There, the rabbi sang songs that made my heart swell at the feeling of togetherness.

We heard the cantor speak about his experience in Israel before, during, and right after the six-day war. We heard an Israeli living in Nashville talk about his sister currently taking shelter under a stairwell and her conversations with her three- and seven-year-old neighbors who were debating over whether or not it was in fact bombs or fireworks sounding all around them. And then I heard another rabbi speak about how we - the universal ‘we’ - have to be the ones who care about these people. He continued to say the rest of the world has proven that when we, Jews, are slaughtered by the millions, they are more than willing to turn a blind eye so long as they can continue in their blissful ignorance.

Nonetheless, I have never felt more connected to this land that I’ve never even set foot in and that was born from the blood and sweat and tears and determination of my ancestors. I have never felt more connected to my family - even if that family is people that I have never and probably will never meet.

Afterwards, I called my grandmother, a rabbi, to reflect on this life-changing experience that is still flashing in my eyes. Upon hearing my recount, she told me eleven words that I am certain I will remember through my life: “It’s not about where you are, it’s about who you are.”

I found myself reflecting on death.

This thing that has always felt so distant, so detached, but now feels so close.

Because who I am and who I was born to be dictates that I will feel the loss of the boy who was in the bomb shelter thinking he was safe when shrapnel came through the window and killed him. Who I am and who I was born to be dictates that I will feel the trauma of the child who believed the bombs to be fireworks like it is my own. Who I am and who I was born to be dictates that I will feel each and every life that was ripped away from its rightful owner’s precious

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

hands. Who I am and who I was born to be dictates that I will feel the cautious joy that my predecessors felt when they were finally freed from the camps that killed so many. And who I am and who I was born to be dictates that I will always be close to every other Jew - whether that be in distance or at heart.

Lastly, I have pondered the words of the rabbi who spoke of the world turning away from our suffering and I’m reminded that he challenged us to think not only of the Israelis and their suffering, but the Palestinians’ as well. With these words, I was reminded of Kimmelman’s message of seeing the kindness in all people. I was forced to come to the realization that we are not alone. In our suffering, in our joy, and in our liberation. As Kimmelman expresses in her memoir, people still manage to listen to their hearts regardless of who they are, where they are from, or

what they look like. And that might be one of the most powerful things we all will have to come to terms with.

That is the story and message of Mira Ryczke Kimmelman and that is the story and message of ideals I can only hope to achieve.

Now I know. And I will never forget.• The Mira Kimmelman Learning from the Holocaust Contest was open to both middle school and high school students across Tennessee. It is based on Mira’s work with students to teach them about the Holocaust so that it cannot be denied. Only by remembering and learning from it can we prevent it from being repeated.

The essay contest asked Tennessee students to create projects that reflect on the lessons of the Holocaust and how they are relevant to current events, and to their own lives.

Proudly Supporting Life & Legacy™

Howard Safer, CPA

Mindy Hirt, CFP®

At Argent Trust, we are proud to support Life & Legacy™, offering complimentary reviews for families evaluating their legacy plan.

Argent offers comprehensive wealth management services from a dedicated staff of attorneys, CPAs, CFPs and CFAs. 2020 POWER LEADERS IN FINANCE 2016 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE 2012 ADVISOR HALL OF FAME

Contact us today!

(615) 385-2718 ArgentTrust.com

QEDC

The Jewish Observer • September 2021

13

SPTZ-40OB RoshHashanaObserver_2021.qxp_SPTZ-40OB RoshHashanaObserver_2021 8/4/21 1:18

L’shana tova. Wishing you a year of happiness, peace and good health. – The Sprintz Family

Michael and Cindee Gold and the staff of Gold Skin Care Wish our community a very Happy Healthy New Year!

More than 300 sofas, 100 beds, 90 dining room sets and thousands of items in stock. When you think selection, think Sprintz!

& $ & " " & ! + & " " " 2000 RICHARD JONES ROAD SUITE 220 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37215

NASHVILLE & COOL SPRINGS

sprintz.com

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS with Shep’s catering packages!

ROSH HASHANAH YOM KIPPUR

EMAIL CHALLAH@SHEPSDELI.COM WWW.SHEPSDELI.COM

14 September 2021 • The Jewish Observer

gold@goldskincare.com • www.goldskincare.com

Pandemic Pen Pals Help Each Other Cope

By BARBARA DAB

I

n today’s screen centered world, many people consider letter writing to be merely a quaint throwback to B’nai Mitzvah and wedding and baby shower “thank you,” notes. But during the past year and a half, a revival of the handwritten letter has taken place between local seniors and Jewish Family Service volunteers. Anna Sir, Helping Hands Coordinator for JFS, says the idea for the pen pal program evolved naturally during the early days of March 2020.

“At the beginning of the pandemic, volunteers were galvanized to call the older adults who were on JFS’ radar,” she says. The idea to write letters sprung up as a way to reach more people. “This was a fun thing to do because everyone of any age could participate and people just love getting things in the mail.” She says in addition to letters, some people had their children draw pictures and of course, photos were exchanged.

The pandemic meant some seniors went months without seeing their families. But connections were made, and lifelong friendships blossomed through the simple act of writing a letter or card.

Gail Rivlin moved to Nashville not long before the pandemic forced everyone to stay at home, so she had little time to make new friends. Also, during that time, Rivlin’s own mother was very ill and ultimately passed away. “When my mom was ill, I wrote to her every day,” says Rivlin. “It was exciting for her to receive my letters, so I was excited to participate in the pen pal program here.”

Rivlin ultimately had four pen pals, one of whom is Ruth Klar. Klar says

she was excited by the idea of meeting someone new through letters. “I was not aware of the Pen Pal Program until I was approached via email from JFS. I was definitely open to connecting since I love to write. Not knowing who I would be connected with was exciting.” The two women exchanged letters regularly and developed what each say is a lifelong friendship based on real intimacy. Rivlin says, “There’s not a lot we don’t know about each other. I can’t think of a subject we didn’t talk about.” And Klar agrees, “Gail was great about writing to me all thru the pandemic. Even when she went out of town on vacation or visiting her mom in New Jersey, she always sent me postcards of the places she was. I, in turn, was able to share what I was experiencing and what I was going through. It was very uplifting.”

Of course, there was also a desire for the two letter writing pals to meet in person. As Passover approached, JFS was looking for volunteers to help deliver meals. Rivlin and her husband, Ron, immediately stepped up, with one request: to deliver meals to Gail’s pen pals. Finally, Rivlin and Klar were able to see each other in person, albeit behind masks. “We still had to be socially distant, so we met out on my patio and now the names had faces. What a joy for me,” says Klar. Rivlin also was able to meet her other pen pals, Jean Roseman and Frances and George Hahn.

Although in person events are resuming, the pen pal program is still going strong. JFS’ Anna Sir says she is pleased to offer another option for people to connect. “Helping Hands is a unique program because we live in

Pictured l to r: Pen pals Gail Rivlin and Ruth Klar finally meet in person during Passover meal deliveries.

a small community and don’t need a ‘one size fits all,’ approach. The pen pal program allows us to expand our services to the older population and I

think it will always be part of what we offer.” Gail Rivlin says she plans to keep enjoying her new found friends, both in writing and in person. In fact, once the senior lunch program returned to the Gordon JCC, Ruth Klar invited Rivlin to be her guest one Thursday afternoon.

“Since Gail has only been here for about a short time, I invited her to be my guest at one of our TGIT luncheons. She was so taken with our senior group that she volunteered to help serve lunch on Thursdays.” Not only that, Klar invited Rivlin to watch her perform in the recent production of the Gordon JCC Mazel Tov Theatre and Rivlin again offered to volunteer by working the front box office.

Klar says Rivlin is a great addition to the community, and she is grateful to JFS for bringing a meaningful new friendship into her life. “A gorgeous young woman who wrote me the most beautiful letters introducing herself, and her lovely family.

At first, I wondered why they didn’t connect me with my contemporary. I’m so glad they didn’t! Gail has been a joy in my life from her first letter.” •

There’s something for everyone. I strongly recommend it to anyone who is seeking a lovely new senior home.

—Rick, Resident, Google 5-Star Review

Happy Rosh Hashanah Supporting our community one child, one adult, one family at a time

Residents Love Life at Clarendale We’re Here for You

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.

since 1853

• Adoption - Domestic & International • Case Management • Counseling & Psychotherapy • Emergency Financial Assistance • Family Life Education • Support Groups • Helping Hands Volunteer Program • Information and Referral • Kosher Food Boxes • Hanukkah Gifts for Children • Jewish Job Network • School Supplies

(615) 356-4234

IND EP END ENT LIVIN G | A SSISTED LIVIN G | MEMORY CA R E web ClarendaleAtBellevuePlace.com

7632 Highway 70 South | Nashville, TN 37221 5-21

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

www.jfsnashville.org

801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite 103 Nashville, TN 37205

The Jewish Observer • September 2021

15

Akiva and JMS’ New School Year is Off to a Great Start O J n August 9th, Akiva students began the 2021-2022 school year - Akiva’s 68th academic year. Students were all smiles as they reunited with old friends, met some new friends, and explored their classrooms and school. Students, parents, and faculty are looking forward to a year of learning, growth, and success. •

MS students returned to classes August 9th and were welcomed to newly renovated classrooms and plans for an exciting year ahead. JMS looks

forward to a wonderful year filled with innovative learning, new sports opportunities, and exciting programming. •

Kol Rosenblatt

Noa Lemkin

Ellison Abromowitz and Henry Isaac

Abby Banish

Beena Sharmat

Drew Lane and Aviva Sasser

Ms. Griffin and Easom Calfee

NCJW, Nashville Section wishes you a sweet and Happy New Year!

2EWLZMPPI 7IGXMSR

16 September 2021 • The Jewish Observer

HAPPY ROSH HASHANAH

LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO TAKE YOU IN A NEW DIRECTION?

30 Burton Hills Blvd.

Suite 300 Nashville, TN 37215

615-665-9200

www.robinsins.com

Robins Insurance Agency, Inc.

Wishing You a Happy, Healthy, and Peaceful Rosh Hashanah With the New Year, comes wishes for happiness, health and peace.

As a real estate professional in Nashville, I know how important safety is, as it’s at the forefront of my business with all my clients.

I provide service, expertise and attention that reflects the quality of the property you’re buying or selling, with results, safety and a lot of fun. L’Shana Tova!

• Nashville Native with 20+ years of experience • # 1 In Brand Name Awareness • Global Reach in over 100 countries and territories, with 7,300+ Offices Worldwide • Distinctive Marketing with a Luxury Division • Lipman Elevate: a new concierge service where we’ll front the cost of your pre-sale home improvements with no interest or hidden fees – you repay the money spent at the time of closing.

Jackie Roth Karr, Realtor c: 615.330.9779 | o: 615.463.3333 JackieKarr@gmail.com www.JackieKarr.com Each office is independently owned and operated.

2002 Richard Jones Road, Suite C-104 •Nashville, TN 37215

The Jewish Observer • September 2021

17

JCC Maccabi Games Return in 2022 J

CC Maccabi Games is back for 2022 and Nashville is putting together a team of young Jewish athletes to compete as part of our community delegation.

In past years we have brought athletes representing in Flag Football, Swimming, Bowling, Track and Field, Soccer and so many more. Next year also marks the 40th anniversary of the Games, making it a special year as we celebrate this JCC Maccabi milestone. Throughout the last four decades, the JCC Maccabi Games have engaged more than 100,000 Jewish teens, touching not only athletes’

lives, but also those of host families, volunteers, and entire communities, and they are proud and delighted to bring this signature program back to the JCC Movement next summer.

Leading up to the games there will be several opportunities to find out more, get to know other athletes and connect with other parents in Nashville who are also considering the JCC Maccabi Games for their teen. Let’s gear up Nashville, we are heading to The Games!

Parent Meet-up | September 22nd Teen Meet-up | November 13th •

18 September 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Pictured are photos from past JCC Maccabi Games. The games will return in the summer of 2022.

Camp Davis Recap 2021

By MARISA BYARD, CAMP DAVIS DIRECTOR

T

he Camp Davis 2021 season has come to an end. This was a summer full of excitement, joy, and tremendous growth. As we know, kids have an amazing ability to find happiness in the world around them and we were able to see this firsthand this summer.

Our 473 different campers this year were able to enjoy nature with old friends and make new friends. They

were able to learn about Israel from our Israeli Schlicha Maya, show ruach (spirit) with friends, go on nature hikes, play sports, create art, perform improv, swim, and so much more! This year we added some challenge activities to foster group initiative within the camp pods, including our Alligator Crossing and Tire Pole Challenge. These activities pushed our campers to work with their camp families as a team to a accomplish a goal. They worked hard and showed their strengths as they worked together

as one. A favorite part of camp each week was during Shabbat, as we looked back at the past week and reminisced on the amazing moments we all just experienced.

We are so thankful to have an amazing community that helps make Camp Davis feel special and unique. During the week of Kehila Kedosha (Holy Community) we talk with the campers about this concept of coming together as

a whole and it is extraordinary to see it in a real-life setting!

We already are starting to plan for next year and we cannot wait to see all the smiling faces in 2022, hopefully in our new Camp Lodge. For more information about Camp Davis, head to campdavisnashville.com, and to support the future of our great camp, and the Nashville Jewish Community, visit nashvillejcc.org/ourcommunityourfuture. •

Scenes of happy Camp Davis campers enjoying summer, 2021.

Happy Rosh Hashanah Wishing you joy, prosperity, and good health in the New Year.

4 Generations. Over 90 Years of Service.

• Home • Auto • Life • Health • Business • Disability • Long-Term Care • Identity Theft

(615) 356-1700

(800) 356-4282

www.ZanderIns.com

Visit The Jewish Observer’s new website www.jewishobservernashville.org The Jewish Observer • September 2021

19

September in the Gordon JCC Galleries: Works by Mildred Jarrett, Paulette Licitra, Nadine Shillingford Wondem, Robbie Lasky

BY CARRIE MILLS

T

he Janet Levine March Gallery will feature the work of Mildred Jarrett and her students. The exhibit is titled, “Moving Forward.” These seven abstract painters, from all different walks of life, have come together in an effort to share an artistic conversation, letting various personal emotions surface without the distraction of subject matter or narrative. This collection of one of a kind abstract paintings reveals the importance of passion, which is vital for beautiful, lasting dialogues.

The JLMG2 Gallery will feature the art of Paulette Licitra, who has been painting since 2014. She is a self-taught artist, encouraged by the work of naive and primitive painters. Paulette studied art in college, and has written over 100 art exhibition audio tours for museums all over the country. In this exhibit Paulette reflects upon her connection to the World Trade Centers in New York City.

The Sig Held Gallery will feature Nadine Shillingford Wondem. Nadine is a Nashville-based artist who works mainly with charcoal on paper but also enjoys creating acrylic and mixed media pieces.

She was born on the island of Dominica and her West Indian roots and black heritage can be seen in most of her artwork.

The Senior Art Gallery will feature the work of Robbie Lasky. Robbie’s Intuitive Abstract style of painting, using acrylics, along with a variety of tools and

media focus on colors, lines, forms, textures, and patterns, along with emotions, to share a visual language and tell a story.

The House gallery will feature the ongoing Under One Roof collaborative exhibit. The Exhibition Dates are September 1 - 29th. The exhibitions are free and open to the public. All visitors must wear a mask when visiting the galleries. All visitors will need to sign in at the front desk. For more information, contact the GJCC at 615.354-1699, Curator Carrie Mills at carrie@nashvillejcc.org, or go to www.nashvillejcc.org. •

Tranquility, by Robbie Lasky

Leon Russell, by Nadine Shillingford Wondem

Moment Before, by Paulette Licitra

Layers of Illusion, by Mildred Jarrett

Like Water, by Karen Johnston

HAPPY NEW YEAR Personalized

Pet Painting Carrie Mills www.carriemills.com csmills4@hotmail.com 615-210-5044

20 September 2021 • The Jewish Observer

The Jewish Observer • September 2021

21

Inclusion Badge Continued from page 1 of the Disability Inclusion Committee, and his family has created a fund in the Jewish Foundation in memory of his sister, Lori Ann Fishel, who lived with multiple disabilities. The Lori Ann Fishel Special Needs Fund provides grants to individuals seeking accommodations and recently expanded to include organizations wishing to become more inclusive of disabilities through providing accommodations. He says, “It was really important to my sister to be included in things. Despite her challenges, she had such a positive outlook on life. The more we thought about it, the more we realized we needed to broaden our reach.” He says things like the new badge go a long way toward identifying the inclusive spaces in the community

and broadening the conversation around applying for grants from the Fund.

Nashville’s Jewish Federation joins others nationwide that have been using badges and signs. Rebecca Wanatick who is Manager of Community Inclusion and Program Services of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey, says her community began the process a decade ago. “We started with congregations and worked with clergy and lay leaders to look within their communities at their attitudes and practices. We encouraged them to self-evaluate and then worked with them on next steps.” Their efforts led to the creation of special awards for congregations that made significant progress to meet specific benchmarks.

Five years ago, the same model was followed with the other agencies, including The Federation. In Buffalo,

The Finest in Cigars, Pipes, Tobaccos, Humidors & Cigar Accessories

.0-;: -69 ;/6:, >0;/

Sophisticated tastes Happy Rosh Hashanah

New York, a community similar in size to Nashville, similar efforts began two years ago with the arrival of Mike Steklof, Director of Jewish Experience for the Buffalo Jewish Federation. “We took the time to study inclusion efforts from the past and looked at what should be done in the future,” he says, “We changed the wording from ‘welcoming,’ to ‘belonging,’ to be more accurate about our intentions.”

The process involved small gatherings to better assess the needs of various populations such as disability, LGBTQ, Jews of Color, multi-faith families. “We are really committed to engagement in everything the Federation reaches,” says Steklof. Both Steklof and Watanick say the continuing conversations provide an opportunity for open dialogue, even if everyone is not meeting their goals.

Locally, congregations and agencies are starting to use the new inclusion badge. At Sherith Israel, which has been implementing accommodations like hearing loops inside the sanctuary for a while, Rabbi Saul Strosberg says, “I believe the badge for our Shul is simply an indication that we are philosophically inclusive and committed to making our community more practically inclusive, as much as we are able. It is an outward sign that if someone in the community has needs that we are not addressing, we want to know about it.” And Pam Kelner, Executive Director of Jewish Family Service, says the badge is useful at signifying the values of the agency.

“We have always operated as an inclusive space, but the badge is a visual cue for people. Now they know this organization

will accommodate their needs,” she says. She adds that while the badge is indicative of willingness on the part of the organization, it is important for the individual to reach out and communicate their needs. “Everyone is welcome, but we don’t know what every person requires. It is important for the individual to take ownership of their own needs.” Heidi Amster, who is a member of Federation’s Disability Inclusion Committee and is living with Rheumatoid Arthritis, says most of Nashville’s Jewish spaces are accessible, but more can be done. “I’ve been involved in multiple meetings on this issue, and I’ve been a bit skeptical of the inclusion agenda,” she says, “The idea of a badge to let the community know that agencies and congregations are open to making accommodations is a good thing. But some recent additions to the community are not as accessible as they should be.”

Efforts around inclusion of people with differing abilities have ramped up since Stillman’s arrival as CEO. He is passionate about ensuring that everyone in Nashville’s Jewish community has access to participate fully. “There are those in our community who are underserved, and we are small enough that we can and should be able to involve everybody. And it’s the right thing to do.” Rabbi Strosberg agrees and says including people of all abilities and walks of life is part of Jewish values. “It’s there to remind us that God created the world with challenges, and we can learn from and embrace those challenges to make us an even stronger community.” •

Happy Rosh Hashanah

GREEN HILLS

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

22 September 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Local Jewish Hockey Player Scores Big in Israel

By BARBARA DAB

I

srael may seem like an unlikely place for diehard hockey fans, but the new semi-pro Israel Elite Hockey League is hoping to raise awareness of the sport’s growing popularity, as well as strengthen the country’s official professional league. Nashville native Cam Angus just returned from a month with the league’s Bat Yahm Dolphins and says he was impressed by the level of competitiveness. “There were import players from all over the world and there was a lot of talent there.”

The league launched this summer with four clubs, each playing two to three times a week. In between games and practice, there were “birthright” style field trips throughout the country.

Cam says this trip was very different from his experience touring Israel as a teenager. “I’m 26 now and my outlook is more mature, and I have a totally different perspective,” he says. There were trips to Jerusalem, Golan Heights and walking tours throughout all of Jerusalem’s quarters. For Cam, the highlight was visiting the Western Wall where he was able to complete a very special task. “My dad died several years ago and even though it’s not Jewish custom, he was cremated.

When I was in Jerusalem, I was able to place my dad’s ashes in the wall.” Cam also says he made new friends, some of whom he knows will be friends for life, including his German roommate.

Cam’s journey to playing Israeli hockey began in childhood and continued through his college years at Eastern Kentucky University. After graduation, he began his career as a personal trainer and holistic health coach. It was his sister who reignited his passion for the sport. “One day she sent me a screen shot of the application form she’d seen online. It said this was the first time the Israeli club was trying to develop the summer league and they were searching for players.” And as with many things in the post-COVID world, there were starts and stops on his route to Israel. “I had to jump through a lot of hoops to get there,” he says, “At one point, they nearly pulled the plug on the whole season.” Due to updated travel requirements, he was stalled in New Jersey for a while but once he was on the ground in Israel, he says it was like a dream come true. And as for any potential language barrier, Cam says, “Hockey is a universal language. Everyone speaks hockey.”

According to the Israel National Hockey League website, its mission is to develop awareness about the sport and to attract talent from around the world to its professional Israeli National Ice Hockey League. The league also believes the sport serves to connect people, create understanding, and educate about Israel’s customs and people. Cam says he plans to return for next year’s summer season and looks forward to an even more competitive environment.

He also is excited to spend more time in Israel learning Hebrew and deepening his Jewish connection. •

Nashville’s Cam Angus plays goalie for the semi-pro Bat Yahm Dolphins as part of the Israel Elite Hockey League

Cam Angus and his Israeli and international teammates take to the ice

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

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

The Jewish Observer • September 2021

23

“MY FAVORITE MUSICAL

OF THE DECADE!” -BUZZFEED

“ONE OF MY FAVORITE MUSICALS

OF ALL TIME!” -ROLLING STONE

OCT 19-24

TPAC.ORG/TheBandsVisit • 615-782-4040 Groups of 10 or more call 615-782-4060

We’re working to help ensure you can safely return to live performances.

Visit TPAC.ORG/PatronHealth to learn more about our safety protocols.

Broadway Season sponsored by

Official Health and Safety Partner

TPAC.org is the official online source for buying tickets to TPAC events.

24 September 2021 • The Jewish Observer

5782

Happy New Year KEEP CALM and HAVE a HEALTHY COVID FREE SHANA TOVA U’METUKAH Rabbi Yitzchok and Esther, Rabbi Berel, Tzivia, Mushka, Meni, Rafael and Eliyahu.

Rabbi Chaim and Bassie and Musya.

Levi, Chana and Sarah Tiechtel

Wishing our Nashville Jewish community a happy, sweet and peaceful 5782.

L’shana tova u’metuka!

Cantor Tracy Fishbein, Glenn Turtel Anna and Joshua

May this New Year bring hope, health and blessings to all.

Meital, Abi, Iara, Jess & Rabbi Joshua Kullock

Shana Tova Y’all!

From the Rabbis Rice

Chabad of Nashville wish you a sweet year of Good Health a Year of Love, Laughter, and Joy. L’Shana Tovah u’Metukah

Shana Tova U’M’tukahMay 5782 usher in A good, sweet year, a year of health and peace.

The Parents, Faculty and Students of Beit Miriam @ WES

Rabbi Mark and Harriet Schiftan, and our children Ari, Sarah Rose, and Jacob Schiftan wish each and every one of you a happy, healthy, and peaceful New Year.

From the clergy family at Sherith Israel, Shana Tova to our beloved community.

With love, Saul Strosberg and Daniella Pressner George Lieberman Dov & Aura Rosenblatt

May you be blessed with a year of great health and sweetness; and the clarity to know what to think and do. May all fear and worry be transformed to revealed goodness with the coming of Moshiach.

Wishing you a year of health, blessings and peace.

Shanah Tovah u’Metukah!

Shana Tova Umitukah! Rabbi Shlomo and Nechama and the crew, Mendel, Chaya, Ruvi, Perel, Moish, Zalman, Yossi

Rabbi Shana & James Mackler Hannah & Sylvie

L’shanah Tovah Tikatevu with wishes for a good New Year for the world, for mankind, and for the Jewish people

-Congregation Sherith Israel

L’Shanah Tova May the New Year bring joy, growth, and good health to our entire Nashville and Middle Tennessee Jewish community.

Eric B. Stillman and Rabbi Jessica K. Shimberg

?Sk kagd `S_W TW [`eUd[TWV [` fZW 4aa] aX >[XW West End Synagogue Wishes You A Very Happy New Year 3810 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37205 615-269-4592 ¥ www.westendsyn.org

The Jewish Observer • September 2021

25

The Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool wishes Y’all a Shana Tova Nurture a Child Nourish a Community

Have a Happy & Healthy New Year Carolyn, Larry and Mark Levine, Sammy and Tzipi March

Have a Happy and Healthy New Year Sy, Alyssa and Michelle Trachtman

.G\K G .GVV_ .KGRZN_ 4K] ?KGX

1DVKYLOOH#+DGDVVDK RUJ

+DGDVVDK1DVKYLOOH

May this New Year be filled with good health, happiness and peace.

L’Shana Tova Tennessee Holocaust Commission Alyssa Trachtman, Cammy Harris & The Commissioners

26 September 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Le-Shanah Tovah Tikkatevu to friends of Congregation Micah, West End Synagogue, Akiva School, Hadassah and the entire Jewish community.

From Richard Barnett

Happy New Year From Goldie and Mark Shepard and Family

Cindee and Michael Gold are so glad to be a part of this wonderful community and thank everyone for supporting the GJCC. Happy New Year!

HAVE A SAFE, HEALTHY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR Jill and Dan Eisenstein

MAY THE NEW YEAR BE SWEET AND FRUITFUL

FROM THE GORDON JCC

I deeply appreciate this community’s support and love during the time of Gene’s illness and passing.

The donations to multiple worthy causes in his memory together with gifts for physical sustenance are endless.

I’m overwhelmed with thankfulness and gratefulness to y’all.

Reva Heller The Jewish Observer • September 2021

27

28 September 2021 • The Jewish Observer

Shana Tova!

Hope this coming year brings peace to a world in need of more love.

Have a Happy and Healthy New Year

Ginsberg and Andrews family Stu, Judy, Eric, Chris, Kaden, Yeled, Sam, and Lucy

Marcia & Lee Stewart

Have a happy, healthy New Year!

MERYL & KEITH KRAFT

Have a Happy and Healthy New Year Beth, Tommy, TJ and Kayla Ducklo

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Jamie, Alison and Chuck, Andrea, Kevin and Braydenand Leo, Leslie and Howard Kirshner

Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy and happy New Year.

Bobbie and Alex Limor and family

Wishing all our Friends in the Community a Happy and Healthy New Year Steven, Esther, Evan and Carolyn Remer, Jordan and Megan

Wishing our family, friends, and community a safe, healthy, Happy and Sweet New Year!

Barbara and John Dab With gratitude for the many years of love and support from our Nashville Jewish Community!

Happy New Year to All! Carrie and Garrett Mills

The Jewish Observer • September 2021

29

At Our Congregations…

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

@ Chabad /Congregation Beit Tefilah The High Holiday Season 5782 at Chabad of Nashville During the High Holidays, the doors to heaven are open to all… so are ours!

The 5782 High Holiday Cycle will be a unique one, as COVID-19 has changed our routine. Chabad of Nashville will be hosting services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with social distancing, and all safety precautions presented by the CDC will be in place. Due to Covid-19 and social distancing requirements a limited number of seats are available. Chabad does not charge for High Holiday Tickets, however advance registration is required.

During the services the rabbi will share insights and inspirational stories related to the significance of the day, prayers will be recited in Hebrew and English, all in a warm and family friendly atmosphere, and children’s services will be offered for young families.

Whether your background in Jewish prayer and practice is extensive or limited, the services will leave you feeling enriched, connected, uplifted, and energized to start your new year off in a most meaningful way.

For a schedule of High Holiday services see below or go to Chabadnashville.com

Chabad to host “Sukkot in the Cloud” and “Kosher Pizza in the Hut” Sukkot is known as the Festival of Joy, and as the holiday celebrating the fall harvest. On the holiday of Sukkot the Sages declared it a mitzvah to eat 14 meals in the sukkah, and in keeping with the holiday’s agricultural meaning, gratefulness is expressed to God after the harvest through the eating of autumn fruits and vegetables.

A wonderful way to connect to nature is to cook with what is in season locally.

In Tennessee we are blessed with a bountiful fall harvest. Hearty homemade soups accompanied by an assortment of breads are a wonderful way for your family and guests to warm up during the chilly fall evenings in the sukkah.

Join friends and family as Chabad of Nashville will be welcoming the joyous holiday of Sukkot with a festive holiday socially distant Sukkot celebration at “Sukkot in the Cloud,” on Tuesday, September 21, at 12:30 PM, at the Chabad of Nashville Sukkah Plaza. The festivities will include locally grown produce harvested by local farmers, in the spirit of the Festival of Harvest.

On Sunday, September 26, 5:00 PM, all are invited for an evening of “Kosher Pizza in the Hut.” Guests will warm their body and soul, savor the spirit of Sukkot and enjoy Kosher Pizza flown in from new York, as the Festival of joy will be celebrated with a warm and hearty socially distant Sukkot dinner.

Participants at these events will have the opportunity to do the Lulav Shake.

There is no cost to participate in these two sukkot events. RSVP appreciated at chabadnashville.com

Simchat Torah Under the Stars Chabad will host Simchat Torah Under the Stars, with an upbeat and joyous family friendly Simchat Torah celebration on Tuesday, September 28, at 7:00 PM. This event will include a festive holiday NY style deli dinner, a Simcha bar for L’chaim’s of joy, dancing with torah, and flags for the kids.

This event will take place in the courtyard of Chabad of Nashville and culminates in the ultimate joy of the High Holiday season, and all are invited to participate. Go to chabadnashville.com for more information.

@ Micah

ROSH HASHANAH

Monday, September 6: The first night of Rosh Hashanah Candle Lighting and Service to welcome the New Year 6:30 PM Tuesday, September 7: First day of Rosh Hashanah Morning Service..................................................................10:30 AM Children’s Service................................................................11:00 AM Rabbi’s Sermon / Shofar Sounding.....................................11:30 AM Musaf.....................................................................................12:30 PM Shofar in the Park...................................................................5:30 PM Wednesday, September 8: Second day of Rosh Hashanah Morning Service..................................................................10:30 AM Children’s Service................................................................11:00 AM Rabbi’s Sermon / Sounding .................................................11:30 PM Musaf ....................................................................................12:30 PM

YOM KIPPUR

Wednesday, September 15: Yom Kippur Eve Light Yom Kippur candles & Kol Nidrei Service .................6:30 PM Thursday, September 16: Yom Kippur Day Service Morning Service..................................................................10:30 AM Children’s Service................................................................11:30 AM Rabbi’s Sermon and Yizkor Memorial Service.....................12:15 PM Musaf ....................................................................................12:45 PM Mincha Service.......................................................................5:00 PM Ne’ilah Closing Service..........................................................6:00 PM Havdalah Service....................................................................7:31 PM All services will take place at Congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad, 95 Bellevue Road, in Bellevue.

To RSVP or for more information please contact us at 615-646-5750 Rabbi@ chabadnashville.com or 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. It is a beautiful Mitzvah for each family to have their own set for Sukkot, as this is a very special Mitzvah. These sets are available to order at www.chabadnashville.com.

All orders must be placed by September 3, 2021

30 September 2021 • The Jewish Observer

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

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

Programming at Micah - September 2021 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.

Sports Trivia – Tuesday, September 7 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

ReJEWvenation – Starting September 21

A spiritual discipline focused on reNEWing and reJEWvenating the mind and heart with knowledge and understanding of Jewish traditions, theology, and history.

Join us in a compassionate, virtual environment, and eradicate any inexperience, illiteracy, unfamiliarity, or complete obliviousness to Jewish customs and rituals. Be reminded of or learn traditions you never knew and, in the process, reJEWvenate your soul! This Introduction to Judaism class is a requirement for conversion at Micah. Meeting for 10 sessions, the class is virtual from 7 to 8:15 PM. Dates: September 21 & 28, October 5, 19 & 26, November 2, 9 & 16, December 7 & 14 $50 for Micah Members, $180 for non-members (includes all 10 sessions and the digital text)

A Woman’s Circle - Friday, September 24 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!

Please Note: Due to our most recent COVID-19 protocol, lunch will not be served for A Woman’s Circle, as we will be wearing masks in the building at all times.

At Our Congregations…

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.

High Holy Days 5782/2021 at Congregation Micah SELICHOT: OPENING OUR HEARTS - SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 @ 7:30 PM EREV ROSH HASHANAH: REMEMBER US FOR LIFE! - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 @ 7:30 P.M. ROSH HASHANAH: THE WORLD AS IT OUGHT TO BE - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 10:00 AM Morning Liturgy, Torah & Sermon 11:30 AM Shofar Service 12:00 PM Tashlich & Family Picnic SHABBAT SHUVAH: THE SABBATH OF RETURN- FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 @ 6:00 PM CEMETERY SERVICE: REMEMBER & REFLECT - SATURDAY. SEPTEMBER 11 @ 10:30 A.M. KOL NIDRE: THE MASKS JEWS WEAR- WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 @ 7:30 P.M. 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 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

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

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

Attendance includes both in-person and virtual options.

1ST DAY ROSH HASHANAH TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 8:30 am: Preliminary Services 9:45 am: Torah Reading 10:15 am: Rabbi’s Address/Shofar 10:40 am: Musaf 12:30 pm: Lunch (By Reservations) 2:00 pm: Tashlich at Richland Creek 6:50 pm: Mincha 7:45 pm: Maariv/Candle Lighting

2ND DAY ROSH HASHANAH WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 8:30 am: Preliminary Services 9:40 am: Torah Reading 10:15 am: Rabbi’s Address/Shofar 10:40 am: Musaf 6:45 pm: Mincha 7:43 pm: Maariv/Havdalah

FAST OF GEDALIA

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 5:04 am: Fast Begins 6:10 am: Selichot and Shacharit 6:35 pm: Mincha 7:28 pm: Fast ends

EREV YOM KIPPUR

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 6:30 am: Shacharit 3:00 pm: Mincha 6:37 pm: Candle Lighting 6:40 pm: Kol Nidre

YOM KIPPUR

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 8:30 am: Shacharit 10:50 am: Torah Reading 11:15 am: Rabbi’s Address 11:30 am: Yizkor 11:40 pm: Musaf 5:15 pm: Mincha 6:25 pm: Neilah 7:29 pm: Shofar followed by Break-Fast

@ The Temple September 2021 Events

Torah Study - Saturday Mornings at 9:00 AM

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

Mah Jongg - Tuesday afternoons at 12:30 PM

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

Deep conversations with thoughtful and caring people. Led by the rabbi on zoom.

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

A Woman’s Circle - Friday, September 24 at 12:00 PMM

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!

Please Note: Due to our most recent COVID-19 protocol, lunch will not be served for A Woman’s Circle, as we will be wearing masks in the building at all times.

@ Sherith Israel The High Holy Days at Sherith Israel SELICHOT SERVICES

SATURDAY NIGHT, AUGUST 28 Midnight: Selichot Services

MEMORIAL SERVICE

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 9:30 am: Service (Lucas Chapel)

EREV ROSH HASHANAH MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 6:50 pm: Candle Lighting 6:55 pm: Evening Services

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

Zoom Room: thetemplehub.org

Lunch with the Rabbi Thursday, September 23rd & 30th from 12:00-1:00 PM

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

Zoom Room: thetemplehub.org

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

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

Zoom Room: thetemplehub.org

Shabbat Schedule for September

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, September 3rd ~ 6:00 PM Friday, September 10th ~ 6:00 PM - Shabbat Shuvah Friday, September 17th ~ 6:00 PM Friday, September 24th ~ 6:00 PM - Sukkot Shabbat Service & Celebration Continued on page 32

The Jewish Observer • September 2021

31

At Our Congregations…

Continued from page 31

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.

Memorial Service at The Temple Cemetery on Sunday, September 12th @ 9:30a.m.

Sips and Crafts in the Sukkah Monday, September 20 at 6:30pm

Next Dor and Moishe House Nashville will be hosting “Sips and Crafts in the Sukkah” on Monday, September 20 at 6:30pm at The Temple Sukkah. We will decorate the Sukkah, eat dinner, create some fall cocktails, and meet new friends.

Join us for Sukkot on the Boat Saturday, September 25th at 4:00pm

For more information, please see thetemplehub.org and templenashville.org

Join The Temple at the Nashville Pride Festival on Saturday, September 18th & Sunday, September 19th

For more information, please see thetemplehub.org and templenashville.org

Join our W.E.L.L and Care & Concern for an afternoon of crafting and knitting in the Sukkah on Sunday, September 26th @ 2:00p.m.

The Temple’s W.E.L.L (Women Engaged in Living & Learning) is joining with the Care & Concern Crafternoon crew and invites all knitters, crocheters, and anyone who just wants to learn how to knit a simple scarf to provide for the homeless women who are a part of the Room in the Inn during the cold winter. Or bring a craft project of your own.

Sukkah at The Temple

We will be in the Sukkah at The Temple to the enjoy the company of women engaged in living & learning. Refreshments will be served! Please RSVP to Rabbi Mackler at rabbisgmackler@templenashville.org For more information, please see thetemplehub.org and templenashville.org

Sukkot Yizkor Service will be held on Friday, September 24th at 5:00p.m.

Please access thetemplehub.org for login information or to register to attend in person.

Sukkot Shabbat Service & Celebration September 24th

On Friday September 20th at 6:00pm. Join the Temple Family for our Sukkot Celebration and Shabbat service. Services start at 6pm. Please reserve your spot via thetemplehub.org. You can also watch via zoom from 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

The Temple High Holy Days 2021 Schedule of Services*

We are so appreciative of your patience, understanding, and care and concern over these past 16 months. We are hopeful to be able to turn the page as we return to an active physical presence at The Temple in the months ahead. We hope this initial schedule provides you with some tentative guidelines for our services and related programs.

Monday, September 6, 2021

7:00 PM..................Erev Rosh Hashanah Service

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

10:00 AM...............Morning Service The following events will be held outdoors: 12:30 PM ...............Tashlich at the Creek Service #1 3:00-4:00 PM.........Rosh Hashanah Outdoor Reception 4:00 PM..................Rosh Hashanah Outdoor Family Experience

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

7:00 PM..................Yom Kippur Kol Nidre Service

Thursday, September 16, 2021

8:30 AM.................Yom Kippur Family & Tot Program 10:00 AM ..............Morning Service 12:30-1:30 PM.......Congregants Hour 2:00-2:45 PM.........Afternoon Service 3:15-4:15 PM.........Study Hour 4:30-5:30 PM.........Yizkor & Concluding Service *All services with the exception of the Study Hour will be available in both the live and streamed formats! Please see thetemplehub.org and templenashville.org for updated schedule information. *As of 7/21/21 and subject to change

32 September 2021 • The Jewish Observer

@ West End Synagogue High Holiday Schedule 2021 In-person services are reserved for WES members only this holiday season. On-line viewing will be available for all. Please refer to our website for details.

Monday 9/6, 6:00 pm: First night of Rosh Hashanah. Evening service will be outside for those that want to attend and online.

Tuesday 9/7, 9:30 am - noon: First morning of morning of Rosh Hashanah. Rabbi’s sermon approximately 10:45. In-person services (you must preregister) and Online services.

Tuesday 9/7 Afternoon: Tashlich will be by the bridge at Carden & Roland Avenue.

Join us for the three-block walk from the Synagogue at 4:45. There is limited parking but if you must drive, park on Roland Avenue. Mincha will follow back at the Synagogue outdoors at 6:00.

Wednesday 9/8, 9:30 - noon: Second morning of Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi’s sermon approximately 10:45. In-person services (you must preregister) and Online services.

Sunday 9/12, 10:00 am: Ceremony at the West End Synagogue Cemetery.

Wednesday 9/15, Kol Nidre - Mincah 6:15 pm: Rabbi’s sermon 7:30, services end approximately 8:00 In-person services (you must preregister) and Online services.

Thursday 9/16, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm: Yom Kippur morning service with the recitation of Yizkor (after 11:00 a.m.) Rabbi’s sermon approximately 11:00. In-person (you must preregister) and Online services.

Thursday 9/16, 5:00 pm: Mincha and Neila for Yom Kippur. In-person (you must preregister) and Online services. Blowing of Shofar at 7:31 pm, followed by Ma’ariv and Havdalah For information on streaming our services, please contact the WES Office at office@ westendsyn.org.

Mahzor’s will be available to members to borrow who are unable to attend services In-Person for a suggested donation of $18.00.

Youth and Children’s Services

All children and family services will be held outdoors in the Kullock’s carport area.

Children aged 5 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult for FWYC Services.

Tuesday 9/7: First morning of morning of Rosh Hashanah. Start the year with Tashlich!

FWYC - 9:30 am – 10:30 am.

1st – 6th Grade – 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Wednesday 9/8: Second morning of Rosh Hashanah. Blow your own Shofar for the New Year!

FWYC - 9:30 am – 10:30 am.

1st – 6th Grade – 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Thursday 9/16, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm: Yom Kippur morning Service FWYC - 9:30 am – 10:30 am.

1st – 6th Grade – 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

The Jewish Observer • September 2021

33

Lifecycles Birth Rabbi Ron and Rhonda Roth

Rabbi Ron and Rhonda Roth welcomed their first grandchild, Isabella Vivian. Izzy is the daughter of Gabe Roth (graduate of the JCC Preschool, Akiva School, West End Synagogue Religious School and Montgomery Bell Academy) and his wife, Dr. Marina Arutyunyan.

Gabe is executive director of the national non-profit, Fix the Court, which advocates for reform in the Supreme Court and the federal court system. Marina is an OB/GYN in private practice in Manhattan. The family lives in Brooklyn.

B’nai Mitzvah Vincent Jackson Green

Vincent Jackson Green will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, September 111, at 11 a.m. at The Temple. Jackson was born on September 28, 2007 in Nashville.

He is the son of Shari and Eric Green and the grandson of Iris Fetterman of Nashville, and Mobile, Ala.; Darlene and

Wayne Green of Birmingham, Ala.; the late Mary Rae Green of Birmingham; and the late Lawrence Fetterman of Mobile.

For his Mitzvah project, Jackson will be a volunteer Madrich at The Temple Religious School on Sundays.

One theme of Shabbat Shuvah is return.

Jackson would like to help pass along the stories of Jewish religion and culture to the youngest members of the community.

An eighth grader at the University School of Nashville, Jackson enjoys trivia games and Quiz Bowl as well as playing card games and board games.

Noah Horwitz

Noah Horwitz will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, September 25, at 11 a.m. at The Temple. Noah was born on September 25, 2008, in Mount Kisco, New York. He is the son of Margie and Matt Horwitz and the grandson of Carol and Barry Shapiro of York, Pa.; and Glafira and Harvey Horwitz of Albuquerque, N.M..

For his Mitzvah project, Noah collected items from family and friends and purchased items on his own for the rescue dogs at the Williamson County Animal Center. Noah has always loved dogs, and believes it is important that all dogs are treated fairly and find a loving home.

An eight grader at the University

Kvetch in the City

By CARRIE MILLS

I

recently happened upon an article that busted the myth that we only use 10% of our brains. I’m glad to know that, since while it always gave me hope that if I was truly only Carrie Mills using 10% of my brain, there remained some redeeming discoveries still left for me to happen upon, it also made me feel kind of dumb thinking I’m using just a fraction of my potential. Like, if I only used more of my brain, I’d have maybe ended up in Harvard. Not that I ever really wanted to go to Harvard, it’s just that when someone says they go to Harvard, I automatically think they use more than 10% of their brain…which now turns out is a myth. It turns out, that we all use 100% of our brain all day long. Apparently our brains are lighting up in there, like an arcade machine, over the course of 24 hours. Good to know.

Though I still have to say, now that I’m getting up there in age…there remains some residual doubts about 100% of my brain lighting up all day long.

For instance, a few weeks ago a friend asked if I’d like to join her and another friend for Japanese food. Um…yes! I’m always up for Japanese food. All that to say, I drove to my favorite Green Hills restaurant at the designated time when I discovered upon arrival that I’d left my phone at home. I could probably have run home and gotten back in time, as I know my friend runs late more often than not.

Still, I decided to do an experiment and remember what it feels like to be without my iPhone, which is, let’s face it, a computer with a camera you can call someone on.

I must admit…I kind of liked not having my phone. It was just me and the table and chop sticks and a glass of water noticing how odd it is to just sit somewhere. Just sit. Of course, that

didn’t last long because I got fidgety. So, I took the chopsticks out of the paper and started folding the wrapper. At that point I wished I had learned Origami. I folded the paper into a rectangle with the design of the paper on the front like a mini canvas and thought that’s a good start and an idea for a painting. This whole sitting without a phone experience was a far cry from what might have been, had I not forgotten it. I most likely would have been scrolling mindlessly on social media making myself feel bad that I wasn’t on some beach like some acquaintance on Facebook or on some yacht sailing into the sunset somewhere, or dare I say, checking out an ex’s face book page or Instagram story. Plus, I would have never realized how useful it is to know how to create Origami.

It then occurred to me that it has been years now that I’ve lived with a cell phone attached to my hip, dictating my life 24/7. This reliance on my phone along with the constant, crazy connecting…calling, texting, emojis, and constantly checking for something that has nothing to do with the moment can be crazy making at times and make me forget life can actually be livable without it.

I harkened back to the days I traveled the world. Forty or so years ago, first across America, then Europe, then with my job in my early twenties to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Korea without a cell phone in existence, and somehow managed to always find my way anywhere, everywhere and safely home. While it seems like a miracle now that I managed world travel without a cell phone, it also brought up a nostalgic longing for simpler times that one only seems to find in older people.

So, over a Black Horse Roll (highly recommended) that evening, while my friends and I discussed everything but our ailments (medical talk was off limits that night), I enjoyed a visit with friends, and the joy of my brain definitely lighting up 100% from laughter. •

34 September 2021 • The Jewish Observer

School of Nashville, Noah enjoys swimming, playing hockey and trading card games. He is a huge New York Jets and Nashville Predators fan and loves going to hockey games. In his spare time, Noah enjoys spending time with his friends, family and his dog, Zoey.

Marlo Zeller

Marlo Zeller will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, September 25, at 10:30 a.m. at Congregation Micah.

She is the daughter of Amy Stone and Christoph Zeller and sister of Eva Zeller. Marlo’s grandparents are Janet Stone and Beryl Zeller. A seventh grader at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, Marlo enjoys choir and reading.

For her Mitzvah project, Marlo will be creating posters for the humane society.

Honors Daniel Eisenstein

Retired Davidson County General Sessions Court Judge Daniel Eisenstein was recently honored by the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) with its Sam Cochran Criminal Justice Award which “recognizes an exemplary individual whose

work in the criminal justice system has improved the fair and humane treatment of people with mental illness.” During his time on the bench, Eisenstein presided over the Davidson County Mental Health Court. After retirement, he continued his work in mental health and its intersection with the criminal justice system. Eisenstein has previously been honored with Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee’s Louise B. Katzman Volunteer of the Year Award and NAMI Tennessee’s Vision of Hope Award and Professional of the Year Award.

Obituaries Raisa Tatsiy

Condolences to the family of Raisa Tatsiy, a long-time member of Sherith Israel’s beloved Russian-Jewish community, who died in July.

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.

Dear Esther H

ello readers! It’s Toni Jacobsen, Clinical Director of Jewish Family Service. Esther is on vacation and getting ready for the holidays with her family, so she asked me to fill in for her this month.

Since I don’t have a question from a reader, I thought I would make you aware of a series of programming JFS is planning for you.

Due to the increase in anxiety and depression brought on by the pandemic, we thought it was timely and important to put together a program focused on mental health with the goals of education, increasing awareness and reducing the stigma. As we reflected on the events of the past year and looked at the needs, it was clear to us this topic is beyond a one-time program. So, we decided to put together a year’s worth of programming for all ages focused on aspects of mental health. The name of this series is called Mental Health Matters.

I am so excited about all the events we have planned for you. While there is not enough room in this column to cover all the programs, I would like to highlight a few of my favorites. First, there will be an interactive art display at the GJCC where participants can freely share their experiences, thoughts, and feelings.

Next, JFS is partnering with Blue Dove to bring a community wide program on

mental health to change the culture of silence and stigma around mental health.

We will also be offering a free book to parents with anxious children to assist in teaching their child healthy coping skills.

And last but not least, a client of the agency and published author, will speak about his newly released book that outlines his first 40 years of life’s challenges and his mental health journey. It is a rare occasion when a client comes forward to share their story so I am hoping that everyone will support him by coming out to hear about his life’s journey so far.

There is so much more in store for all of you so keep your eye out for more details.

I also want to recognize that there are members of our community who do not have family to gather with for the holidays or who are estranged. I know you are out there and might be feeling lonely and depressed at this time of year.

I would encourage you to reach out to your Rabbi, community member or other Jewish agency (including JFS) and let them know how you are feeling. The Nashville Jewish community is one of the most loving and caring communities of which I have been a part. The community is here to support you, but you have to let us know.

I hope everyone has a sweet new year and that we will be together again soon.•

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

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

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANTS

OPTOMETRIST

CATHY WERTHAN, CPA

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

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

APPLIANCES

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

Meals, meds, transportation & outings.

Memory loss and Hospital recovery.

Professional & screened care partners.

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

DENTIST

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

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

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

CARE GIVER

AROSA (formerly Family Staffing Solutions, Inc.) Integrated Care Management and Home Care Provider 2000 Glen Echo Road, Suite 104 Nashville, TN 37215 615-595-8929 208 Uptown Square Murfreesboro, TN 37129 615-848-6774 768 N. Main Street Shelbyville, TN 37160 931-680-2771

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

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

615-354-1699 carrie@nashvillejcc.org

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

EDUCATION SERVICES

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 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

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

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

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

PSYCHOTHERAPY & COUNSELING

Let us exceed your expectations!

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

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

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

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

MOVING & STORAGE

www.zeitlin.com Residential & Relocation Specialists

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

REAL ESTATE

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

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

SPORTING GOODS TEAM NASHVILLE Your Running/Walking Swimming Headquarters 3205 West End Ave. Nashville, TN 37203 615-383-0098

TRAVEL SERVICES Expredia Cruise Ship Centers A Full Service Travel Agency Alan Cooper: Office: 629-202-8945 www.cruiseshipcenters.com/AlanCooper 7081 B Hwy 70 S / Kroger Shopping Ctr.

TREE SERVICES

Preserving the Natural Beauty of Trees and Shrubs. Specializing in the care of shade and ornamental trees and shrubs for residential and commercial properties. Serving Nashville since 1978.

615-373-4342 www.druidtree.com

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

The Jewish Observer • September 2021

35

Sweet tastes for the New Year.

May your year be sweet and the celebration joyful.

Find recipes at publix.com/highholidays.

36 September 2021 • The Jewish Observer