The Observer Vol. 90 No. 3 – March 2025

Jewish OBSERVER

PASSOVER ISSUE

“Love Thy Neighbor, The Rest is Commentary” –Exploring Mentorship and Social Justice at the JCRC Seder

By BARBARA DAB

“That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah, all the rest is commentary.” So says Rabbi Hillel, famously, upon being asked by a student to teach the whole Torah while standing on one foot.

This year’s Jewish Community Relations Committee’s Social Justice Seder will take a deeper dive into that notion of loving your neighbor and looking out for others in the community. The concept is one shared by both Jewish and Christian texts, and this year’s speaker will be Sloan Luckie, a teacher, community leader, and youth mentor in his hometown of Chicago.

Luckie’s connection to Nashville began in Israel in 2018 when he embarked on what he says was a lifechanging pil-

grimage. It was then that he says he gained a deeper appreciation for the Jewish roots of his faith.

“I do believe that there’s a westernized Christianity that’s been birthed out of America and Europe. And unfortunately, I believe that more westernized version of Christianity hasn’t only obliterated these beautiful Jewish roots, but it’s been weaponized.”

It was then he decided to learn Hebrew so he could study the text in its original form. “I took a class called ‘The Dream Team,’ and one of the teachers is named Abigail Hazony.” Hazony’s brother Danny Goldberg, lives in Nashville and is one of the seder’s co-chairs. He is involved in the local food bank community. Goldberg was looking for a midwestern connection and during a conversation with his sister, Luckie’s name came up. “Abby sent him a video of me blowing a shofar. And he said, ‘That’s my guy.’” Goldberg says the connection between him and Luckie was instant. “We’re chosen family now. And one thing that really made the time we spent together so worthy of celebrating was he is absolutely devoted to understanding as precisely as he can, what the Torah says in Hebrew.”

The budding friendship blossomed into something richer and Luckie even stayed in Nashville at Goldberg’s home during the celebration of Goldberg’s father’s 93rd birthday. That visit included a trip to Shabbat services at Sherith Israel. “I think the thing that Abby and Danny appreciate is not only my appreciation for the Jewish roots, but my passion to disclose to the members at my church how the Tanach (Old Testament) and the B’rit Chadashah (New Testament) fit together like a hand and glove.” Luckie’s work in his church is built around two main themes, both of which he plans to share at the Social Justice seder. “One is the importance of mentorship. I was mentored, but there just aren’t enough for young men and because of that, they don’t have enough Continued on page 4

Focus on Jewish Day School Education in Nashville

New Task Force Explores Expansion for Akiva and JMS

By BARBARA DAB

I

nterest in Jewish day school education is rising across the US as parents found new options to deal with the COVID19 pandemic and grapple with the aftermath of October 7th. In Nashville, enrollment in Jewish day schools is accelerating and increasing demand. At the Akiva School, which serves grades K-6, enrollment grew steadily over the past few years leading local leaders to begin considering plans for a unique expansion. Rabba Daniella Pressner, head of school at Akiva, says, “We have a unique opportunity in this world to engage, enrich and enliven our children’s Jewish identities and souls and there is no greater place to do it than a city that has been so deeply committed to Jewish education for the past 70 years.”

The Jewish Middle School (JMS), created in 2013 to serve grades 5-8, has

seen steady growth. JMS continues to operate in area congregations, currently residing at Congregation Sherith Israel. And just three years ago, the community welcomed the addition of another school, Kehilla High School, serving grades 9-11. These decade long developments have seen enrollment in Nashville’s Jewish day schools grow from fewer than 60 students to over 170 across grades K-11. With Kehilla ready to graduate its first senior class in 2026 and Akiva School’s long track record, community leaders felt it was time to enrich and broaden the city’s K-12 Jewish educational experience. Rabbi Saul Strosberg, head of school and founder of JMS, says, “The merger of Nashville’s community Jewish day-schools will allow us to leverage our most talented faculty, fiscal resources, and the programs themselves to better

Continued on page 26

Tamim Academy Comes to Nashville

By HOLLY COHEN AND BARBARA DAB

Since the start of the Israel Hamas war, Jewish day schools across the country report a notable increase in enrollment inquiries. That is according to a December 2023 study by Prizmah, center for Jewish day schools. The study represents a snapshot of 110 schools in the U.S and Canada. Some of the reasons reported include parents’ fear of antisemitism, response from the current schools about the war, and wanting their children to be in a Jewish environment.

At Chabad of Nashville’s Revere Montessori preschool, director Esther Tiechtel reports this surge in interest was even growing before the war. “We’ve been discussing how we might expand our preschool program for quite some time. However, we were seeking a partner with many years of experience in

building first class elementary schools, to give children the best of both worlds, a high-quality academic education, alongside a superior Jewish education, ensuring the future of our people, raising children to be the Jewish leaders of tomorrow.”

The Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool was established seven years ago and has grown steadily. Tiechtel reports several parents and families have loved the preschool experience so much, there have been requests for it to continue to kindergarten and beyond.

“People come to the Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool because they are drawn to authentic Judaism, shared with warmth and without pressure or judgment. Partnering with Tamim Academy, we’re confident we can bring all of that and more to Tamim Academy of Nashville,” said Tiechtel, “Our preschool

Continued on page 27

Mentor and educator Sloan Luckie will be the featured speaker at the Jewish Federation’s 2025 Social Justice Seder

President’s Message

It was wonderful to see so many of you at the 89th Annual Meeting of the Federation last month. Thank you for your continuing commitment to our sacred community and to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville. I am grateful for our incredible staff for all their hard work and effort in helping us reach several critical goals last year, including our campaign goal. Their love for this community and Jewish Federation has allowed us to extend our reach, strengthen our partnerships, and help Jews in need. I would also like to again thank Leslie Kirby, our former Federation President, for her consummate leadership and love for Jewish Nashville. I will do my best to model her as a servant leader.

As I shared during the annual meeting, the Federation has seen a significant transition over the last decade, both before and after COVID. We have seen our community expand in ways we could never have imagined. We have also seen it splinter in ways that may not be in our best interests. I believe that as a community, there is a need for Federation to be

the convener. We need to be the organization that unites the community through our mission.

As I promised, the Board will be committed to living this mission by identifying ways to modernize our resources and services, confirming our partnerships are strategically aligned to build bridges and strengthen this Jewish community and its interests, and ensuring we are engaging the Jewish community in ways that align with core Jewish values. We will focus on accountability, transparency, and growth. We will do more to engage and re-engage lay leaders and donors by providing more options for fundraising, leadership, and community building.

In this spirit, I have three updates to share.

The first is the formation of an Ad-Hoc Committee led by Harriet Schiftan and me and comprised of several community leaders. The committee is focused on examining the current status of Federation operations and its engagement with the community and providing recommendations to the Board of Directors in the areas of Board Governance and Structure; Budget and Staffing; and Community Engagement. The committee has also provided input into the CEO search process by, among other things, identifying the traits, characteristics and skills that the ideal CEO candidate should, at a minimum, possess.

The second is the reinstitution of the Annual Campaign committee led by our Campaign co-chairs, Jacob Kleinrock and Arlene Averbuch. The committee will set a campaign goal and plan building upon many of our successes in 2024, including our Women’s Philanthropy event. If you would like to get involved in the 2025 campaign, please reach out to

Community Relations Committee

By DEBORAH OLESHANSKY

me, Jacob, Arlene, Jason Sparks, or Mark Freedman. We will be happy to plug you in based upon your campaign interests.

The third is the CEO search. We are in the process of forming the search committee and posting the job description. We will be focused on identifying an individual that can: (1) serve as a community leader and relationship builder with the ability to inspire, engage, and re-engage community members; (2) manage a large, multi-functional staff; and (3) oversee a multi-million-dollar campaign with a focus on total impact locally, globally, and in Israel. Anyone you think would fit this description please send them our way. The more people that can help us find talent the better.

That is all for now. We will continue to keep the community apprised of our work and we are grateful for everything each of you currently do and will do to make it a warm and welcoming place for all Jews. •

B’shalom, Aron

Love Your Neighbor: The Rest is Commentary

Many of us are familiar with the story from the Talmud in which a Roman

approaches Rabbi Shammai asking, “Convert me but teach me the entire Torah as I stand on one foot.” Shammai, feeling he was not serious, sends him

do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah, all the rest is commentary.” – Hillel, Talmud, Shabbat 31a.

away. The Roman then approaches Rabbi Hillel with the same request. “Teach me the entire Torah as I stand on one foot.” Hillel agrees and says, “That which you find hateful, do not do to others, the rest is commentary. Go and learn it.” In this teaching, Rabbi Hillel is paraphrasing the command from the Torah to love your neighbor, a foundational teaching of Jewish tradition.

The essential and seminal nature of this teaching is not unique to Jewish text. Similar teachings can be found in several other major religious commands:

• Islam: “Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself.” – The Prophet Muhammad, Hadith.

• Hinduism: “This is the sum of duty; do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you.” – Mahabharata 5:1517.

• Buddhism: “Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.” –Udana-Varga 5.18.

• Christianity: “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law of the prophets.”

– Jesus, Matthew 7:12.

• Judaism – “What is hateful to you,

This essential, profound, critical and fundamental teaching will be the theme of the 2025 JCRC Social Justice Seder on Thursday, April 3 at the Gordon Jewish Community Center. Special Guest will be Sloan Luckie. Sloan has an interesting combination of background, experience and philosophy. He is both a Goldman Sachs Wealth Manager and a community organizer in his native Chicago. Sloan is a lay Christian leader and educator, with a strong appreciation for the connection between Christian text and Jewish text. His serious intentions led him to want to learn Hebrew in order to study Jewish text in the original language and through this desire, he connected with someone in Israel with family in Nashville. Such a small world!

Event Chair, Danny Goldberg, is the brother of Sloan’s Hebrew tutor, and it was through that connection that Sloan visited Nashville for the first time, attending services at Sherith Israel Congregation. Co-Chair Sarah Roth is Kehillah High Head of School, and she and Danny look forward to hosting everyone at the event the year as we go back to basics, to love our neighbors, study and celebrate together.

Please join us for this very special event:

Aron Karabel is president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville

Strengthening Our Community—A Call to Action for the 2025 Annual Campaign

By JACOB KLEINROCK, TREASURER AND ANNUAL CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR, JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER NASHVILLE

As treasurer of the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, I am honored to reflect on the incredible generosity our community has shown over the past year. In 2024, we raised $2.47 million through our annual campaign, beating our goal by over $100k. A huge congratulations goes out to our professional staff and lay leaders who worked tirelessly to successfully close out the campaign in the final weeks of 2024.

However, the need for support continues to grow, both locally and overseas. Our annual campaign has remained relatively flat for over a decade, while inflation and Nashville’s Jewish population continue to grow. This year, we are setting an ambitious goal to increase our campaign to reach the $3 million mark, for the first time ever, and I ask for your partnership to meet this critical need. We must increase our gifts, reengage lapsed donors, and integrate new-to-Nashville Jews into Federation to meet this goal.

The annual campaign stands as the cornerstone of our mission to uplift individuals and families in need, expand educational opportunities, and fortify our community’s infrastructure. A strong campaign is essential for ensuring that Jewish life not only survives but thrives right here in Middle Tennessee and across the globe. The funds we raise empower a diverse array of initia-

Publisher Mark Freedman

Editor Barbara Dab

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Telephone 615/356-3242

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tives—combating antisemitism, delivering essential social services to Jews in our community, enriching Jewish education, and promoting cultural programs, as well as providing aid and advocating passionately for Israel.

The Jewish community in Nashville is growing, and with that growth comes both increased giving capacity and an increased demand for resources. Many of our local organizations, including Jewish Family Services and our synagogues, are providing vital support to individuals in need—whether through food assistance, mental health services, or senior programming. When Nazis marched through our streets, Federation came together to remind Nashville that never again means never again and worked with local and state government officials to crack down on hate.

Our Federation works with the other Tennessee Federations to fund a lobbyist who has helped secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in security grant money for our congregations from the state to keep our communities safe while worshipping.

Additionally, Jewish education is a top priority for Federation. We are blessed to have four Jewish daycares in addition to Akiva, Jewish Middle School, and Kehilla High School in our community, where students last year received over $250k in Federation-funded scholarships. Our community’s children will inherit the future of Jewish life, and it is our responsibility to ensure they have access to the tools and experiences that will

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. Letters to the editor must be no longer than 250 words, and op-eds must be no longer than 750 words. We prefer e-mailed submissions, which should be sent as Word documents to Editor Barbara Dab at barbaradab@ jewishnashville.org. Photos must be high resolution (at least 300 dpi) and should be attached as jpegs to the e-mail with the related news item or story. For material that cannot be e-mailed, submissions should be sent to Barbara Dab, The Jewish Observer, 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite 102, Nashville TN 37205. Photos and copy sent by regular mail will not be returned unless prior arrangement is made. Publication is at the discretion of The Observer, which reserves the right to edit submissions.

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

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

instill in them a deep connection to their Jewish identity and values. The success of these programs is crucial not just for today, but for the continued vibrancy of the Nashville Jewish community for generations to come.

Along with supporting our local Jewish community, our Federation sends around 18% of our grant money to Israel and other overseas needs. This is in addition to the funds we raise for our Israel Support Fund. In Israel, we are proud to

Tsupport our Partnership2Gether region through the Jewish Agency for Israel. While no Federation money goes directly to the Israeli government or the military, it is essential in the wake of October 7th to show our solidarity and support to our brothers and sisters on the ground in Israel.

Federation plays a critical role in providing resources to organizations that assist Jews in Israel and other countries

Continued on page 6

Editor’s Note

he Jewish Observer editorial team is pleased to announce the First Annual Young Writers’ Creative Writing Contest!

Inspired by some of our local young writers, we are asking all the Nashville Jewish community’s writers in grades K-12 to submit a story, poem, or essay to our very first contest.

The theme for the contest is Aviv: Spring! Writers are encouraged to express their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and views of spring in their submissions.

The winning entry will be published in The Observer newspaper print and online editions. The winner will also receive fun prizes!

• There is no minimum word length, but submissions should be no longer than 3,000 words.

• Submissions must be written solely by the entrant. There will be categories for grade school, middle school, and high school.

• More than on entry can be submitted, but there can only be one entry per category, for instance, one poem, one essay, one story.

• Judging will be conducted by the Observer editor, and the Observer Editorial Advisory committee members: Frank Boehm, Teena Cohen, and Scott Rosenberg.

• Judging will be based on originality, style, use of language, and expression of the theme of Aviv: Spring.

• Submissions made past the deadline will not be considered.

• All submissions must come from residents of the Greater Nashville area. Entries must be submitted by Tuesday, April 15th. Email word documents to editor@jewishnashville.org. Entries can also include artwork or photos, which should be submitted in jpeg format. •

c c c c STAFF

Shlicha Corner

Strengthening Israel, Strengthening Our Identity

By ZIV SHEMESH, COMMUNITY SHLICHA (EMISSARY)

My path was clear. As a physical training officer in the IDF, I had my career planned out until the age of 42, leading up to a military pension. But in the summer of 2023, I embarked on a journey that changed everything.

In August, I participated in Birthright as an Israeli participant. The purpose of having Israelis on these trips is to ensure that for American participants, Israel isn’t just a name in a history book or a headline in the news— it’s a country with faces, with people— Ziv, Roee, Itay, and Amit. Through us, they experience Israel firsthand, build real connections, and come to feel that this, too, is their home.

For the American participants, it was a 10-day journey. For us, the Israelis, it was five days of traveling together. When registration opened, I jumped at the opportunity. I saw it as five days of escape from my military routine and a chance to have fun—I had no idea that this trip would mark a turning point in my life’s path.

When the trip ended and we said our goodbyes, everyone returned to their routines—I went back to the army, and they returned to the U.S. But thanks to technology, the connections remained. And then, October 7th happened.

That morning, we Israelis received a flood of messages: “Are you okay?” “What’s happening?” “Are you safe?”— our American friends were in shock, searching for answers. And we? We

were in absolute disbelief, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the horror. Some of us were already on the battlefield, others were attending funerals back-toback, and all of us were overwhelmed with emotions beyond words.

But soon, the conversations deepened. We spoke about what was happening in Israel, about Gaza, about our new reality. Then, they started sharing their own experiences—the loneliness, the abandonment by friends simply for being Jewish, the fear of wearing a Star of David in public or even mentioning Israel on campus.

I was confronted with a stark contrast between two realities:

• In Israel—unity, mutual responsibility, and a strengthening of Jewish and Israeli identity.

• In the diaspora—loneliness, identity struggles, and a sense of alienation.

These conversations shook me to my core. I realized that as a people, we cannot focus only on what happens within Israel—we must also care for Jews around the world, for our brothers and sisters in the diaspora.

This realization led me to a major decision: to leave the army, join Birthright, and apply for the Shlichut through the Jewish Agency. But the message of this article is not just about my personal journey, it’s about the power of connection and firsthand experience

The value of something isn’t inherent; it’s built through the effort, attention, and actions we dedicate to it. You can study a subject for countless hours in school, but it will never compare

to a physical visit, meeting people faceto-face, hearing their stories firsthand, and making emotional connections. When you travel through Israel, meet Israelis, learn about their lives, and see reality with your own eyes, there is no substitute for that.

When I arrived in Nashville, the first thing I wanted to bring to my role was a tangible connection to Israel—not just through education but through action.

Birthright Onward Volunteering, a new 8-day program in which participants come to Israel to help rebuild communities affected by the events of October 7th.

As part of the program, participants will engage in community restoration projects, pack food for those in need, strengthen the sense of security among residents, and transform Israel from just a story they hear about into a place they are truly part of.

I invite you and anyone you know to join us for 8 days of meaningful volunteering with the Nashville community in Israel from June 8-16. Mornings will be spent making a real difference through volunteer work, while evenings offer the chance to immerse yourself in the dynamic energy of Tel Aviv and the unique spirit of Israeli life.

This incredible opportunity is open to Jews aged 18-40, with generous subsidies that reduce the total cost to just $600, which includes flights from Nashville to New York and onward to Israel. Spots are limited, so make sure to register before March.

Come join us, volunteer, and reconnect—not just with our brothers and sisters in Israel, but also with the heart of our shared Jewish community.

For more details, visit our website or reach out to ziv@jewishnashville.org. •

Israel Update

Israel’s Consul General to the Southeastern United States, Anat Sultan-Dadon, visited Nashville last month. In a town hall event, SultanDadon gave brief remarks and then answered questions from those in attendance. Questions mainly revolved around the current war between Israel and Hamas, and the release of the remain-

JCRC Seder

Continued from page 1 guidance and direction.” He cites the relationship between Moses and Joshua as one of mentorship.

The other theme is the one that led to the seder’s theme, Love thy neighbor, the rest is commentary. “I do believe we’re entering an environment where people are starting to look out for themselves and not looking out for their neighbor,” he says.

Deborah Oleshansky, director of the Community Relations Committee for the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, says it is Luckie’s passion for mentoring, and his dedication to the deeper connections between Jews and Christians that makes him a good fit for the seder. “This idea of mentoring, helping and loving your neighbor and the notion that society is moving from ‘we’ to ‘me’ that intrigued the committee,” she says, “We wanted to go back to the concept of ‘Love thy neighbor,’ in the most basic sense.”

In looking at mentorship and teach-

ing hostages. The consul general also answered questions about the future of the Palestinians, the potential for rebuilding Gaza, and the path to peace in the region.

To view a recording of the event click here:

ing young people to care about each other, the JCRC felt it was important to also include the community’s young people. Sarah Roth is head of school for Kehilla High School and co-chair of the seder committee. She says, “So many kids now are more aware of the injustices in the world, certainly than when I was a teenager. It’s a big part of Jewish education to make it clear how what they are learning about how to be a good Jew overlaps with how to me a mensch more broadly and how to do good in the world.”

Luckie agrees with Roth about the importance of reaching teens early on and teaching about the value of looking out for others. “If I can get them understanding the Jewish roots of the faith at 10, 11, and 13 years old, they’ll be more rooted, they’ll be more illuminated as it relates to the scriptures, and antisemitism will not take place in their bodies.”

This year’s Social Justice Seder is on Thursday, April 3rd at 5:30 at the Gordon JCC. To learn more or register, click here:

Rabbinic commentary

Local Rabbis’ Reflections about Akiva School

Rabbi Laurie Rice:

It’s one of my favorite memories of driving with my daughter, now 18, but at the time, roughly 10 and a student at Akiva School.

“Mom, what are we?”

“What do you mean, what are we?”

“Are we Orthodox or Conservative or Reform… what are we?”

I laughed at the question because it was coming from MY daughter who has two parents who are Reform Rabbis, working at one of the two Reform congregations in Nashville. This question is exactly what our family has always loved about Akiva. Akiva is about educating Jewish children in accordance with Jewish values; not any one denominational expression of Judaism, just Judaism. We were enticed to come to Nashville and become the Rabbis at Congregation Micah in 2006 precisely because Akiva School would be the place where our kids, all three, would grow and thrive, a pluralistic community school where our kids could learn values like compassion, honesty, hard work, caring for your community, and kindness alongside Hebrew, math, science and English. A second family for our kids, and for us. It’s safe to say that if Akiva were not in Nashville, we wouldn’t be either.

Many know that Akiva was established as a K-6th school committed to fostering a love of learning, helping children to deepen their curiosity,

morality, perseverance, communication, collaboration and creativity. You may not know that Akiva’s students are asked to take risks, supported when they fail, and encouraged to learn from these failures. It is no surprise that every Nashville Rabbi and Cantor with school-aged children has chosen to educate their kids at Akiva, regardless of denominational affiliation. Why? Because we all know that when we send our kids to Akiva, they develop confidence, competence and become lifelong learners, leaders, and thoughtful contributors to this world.

Rabbi Joshua Kullock:

One of the reasons we left Mexico twelve years ago was because we wanted to find a remarkable Jewish day school for our girls. We were welcomed with open arms by the whole community and Akiva was exactly what we were looking for: A school guided by an unwavering love for Torah and Jewish values, in a pluralistic environment that strongly believes in the power of cooperation.

Cantor Tracy Fishbein:

Glenn and I are continuously impressed by the depth and breadth of our children’s education, academically, Jewishly, and social-emotionally. They are becoming young people who truly love to learn, while simultaneously building crucial life skills through the texts, customs, and music of our Jewish

Together, we o er an expanded range of ser vices to meet today’s business challenges and p repare for tomorrow’s opportunities, while continuing to provide the same exceptional level of ser vice you’ve come to expect

tradition. Most importantly, the Akiva School actively teaches menschlikeit, encouraging the next generation of our Jewish community to lead with wisdom, compassion, and kindness. As parents, we could not be more grateful or thrilled for the opportunities our children have to learn how to be the very best Jews and people they can be, and we can’t wait to see the lasting impact the Akiva School will continue to have on our family and the Jewish world.

Rabbis Lindsey and Michael Danziger: We love the way the school connects our family with friendships in every part of the Jewish community! We’re so thrilled that, beyond just a great education in general, our kids are building such deep and strong Jewish identities and strengthening their connection to Israel. The school keeps finding ways to improve and experiment without ever losing its loving, family-like feel.

We’ve had such great teachers who know our children deeply and encourage them, even as they hold them accountable for accomplishing goals! We’re so grateful for Rabba Daniella, a one-in-amillion leader and educator, who leads a community of purpose, learning, and kindness, that shines through in all the educators and staff. What a great model Akiva is of a pluralistic Jewish environment that challenges, welcomes, and supports every way of being Jewish.

Campaign

Continued from page 3

in need. Whether it’s funding for emergency relief, programs for vulnerable populations, or supporting youth and educational programs, our efforts are vital. Our solidarity with Israel is paramount, especially in moments of crisis, and we must continue to invest in its well-being, ensuring that Jews worldwide have the resources they need to thrive.

As we set our sights on raising $3 million for the 2025 annual campaign, it is essential to remember that this is not just about numbers—it is about the

Rabbi Saul Strosberg: What I love most about Akiva is that the success of each and every student is the collaborative effort of the entire Akiva faculty and staff. It is the very embodiment of Kol Yisrael Areivim Ze Lazeh (all of Israel is responsible for one another).

Rabbi Shana Mackler: Akiva was a uniquely valuable, pluralistic, Jewish educational experience. The academics alone would have qualified Akiva as a top-notch school. More than that, Akiva offered our children a Jewish education that instilled values, connection to history and community, and pride in themselves and our people. Our children have become competent, curious, and critical thinkers due in no small part to Akiva and its faculty. There, they grew a deep love of learning, of Hebrew, of community, and of their own Jewish identities. They graduated well-prepared for their next educational steps. We cannot imagine a better foundation for our children.

The proof is in the kosher pudding. If you have not experienced the magic that is Akiva School, you should tour immediately. There are many strong choices in education in Nashville, but there is truly only one Akiva for the best in Jewish education. •

people whose lives will be impacted by our generosity. It’s about providing a lifeline to those in need, fostering Jewish education, and ensuring the continuity of Jewish life in Nashville, Israel, and beyond.

I urge every member of our community to consider the role you can play in this effort. With your support, we can build a future where our community thrives together. We can make a meaningful impact and strengthen the ties that bind us together as Jews.

Let us stand united and demonstrate the power of our collective commitment to a vibrant Jewish future. •

Game Day: Jared Stillman to Headline

West End Synagogue’s Annual Gala

By BARBARA DAB

I

t’s almost game time at West End Synagogue when sports journalist Jared Stillman takes the stage as the featured guest of the synagogue’s annual fundraiser on March 30th. The Nashville born and raised host of Stillman and Company spoke with The Observer from New Orleans where he was broadcasting all the excitement and preparations in the run up to the Super Bowl. He said he is happy to be able to share his passion for sports with his Jewish community, including stories of his partnership with the late Titans general manager, Floyd Reece. “We really were two Nashville dudes. The fans may disagree with what we thought, but they knew we loved the teams. The Titans and the Predators. They knew we loved them just as much as they did.”

Stillman’s love of sports began in childhood, and he knew early on he would pursue it as a career. “I felt like it was my calling,” he said, “It was kind of a one-track mind. I remember sitting in my French class at USN and I’d look at the clock and start daydreaming about sports.”

Those daydreams eventually led him to college at the University of Kentucky in Louisville where he was able to spread his wings a bit. “I went there with this open

mind of what my future was to be. I didn’t know what it would be. I thought I would a general manager of a team or something like that.” He experimented with broadcasting while working with the women’s basketball team and felt he’d found his niche.

Stillman found stiff competition for broadcast jobs as podcasting took off.

“Everybody’s got a podcast now and the reason is because everybody wants to be on the radio.” He found himself starting out in 2012 as a news talk radio host in New Hampshire. “It was freezing cold. I was covering a presidential primary that was four years away. I was doing all kinds of political stuff and a little bit of sports.”

Proximity to Boston gave Stillman a bird’s eye view of major league sports broadcasting. “I saw how the sports media was received, how they acted, and I was envious about wanting that one day for me,” he said.

Eventually the ESPN affiliate in Louisville expanded and Stillman found his opening. “They knew me from when I was in college, and I knew them.” So, he started working for peanuts co-host-

ing the morning show. And then…Nashville came knocking. “There was a former ESPN executive that was consulting for radio stations, and he asked me where I wanted to be, and I told him I wanted to be in Nashville.” And one month later he was back home.

Stillman said he hopes the WES show will be entertaining and heartwarming. “The NFL draft is coming up. The Titans have the number one pick, which is a very exciting time. Here at the Super Bowl everyone wants to talk about who will be the number one pick.” He said he plans to give an inside look into the world of professional sports in a more intimate setting than a radio show. “There will be more information. More that can be shared and discussed. More interaction.”

Long time Nashvillians are excited to see Stillman’s success and look forward to what he will share. One of those is Ben Doochin, president of West End Synagogue. “It was a rare opportunity to get someone who’s been part of our extended family. I’ve known Jared since he was a baby. He’s a young man who’s vaulted to the top of what he does, and people love sports.” He adds the timing is good, too, “You’ve got the Elite Eight going into the Final Four in basketball. You’ve got the NFL draft, NHL playoffs

coming up. It will be an energetic fun thing for the community.”

The event, dubbed West End Synagogue Game Day with Jared Stillman is scheduled to tip off at 5:30pm at the synagogue, and there will be some surprises, too. Event co-chair Jennie Zagnoev says there will be something for everyone. “My hope is that we bring in some newer members, people of all ages, and people who haven’t gotten involved yet.” She adds there will be a bracket during the event with prizes, an auction of sports and music memorabilia. And an after party in May hosted by Jared’s mother is slated for later in the spring. Zagnoev says the attire for the evening is jeans and jerseys casual. There will be a bar and dinner prepared by Goldie Shepard.

Stillman himself is excited to bring his show to his childhood home. The brand-new dad is planning to raise his son with the same Jewish traditions and sense of community that helped launch him, and to add his growing family to the numbers of his friends who are doing the same. As for the future, he definitely has big plans. When asked who his dream interview might be, he said, “It’s probably Michael Jordan. For me, growing up in the 90s, he is probably the greatest athlete of my generation.” Well, Jared, here’s hoping! And we’ll see you on game day on March 30th!

For information or to register for the event, scan here:

Sports journalist and Nashville native Jared Stillman to be featured in this year’s West End Synagogue fundraiser on March 30th.

Jewish Federation 89th Annual Meeting Highlights

By BARBARA DAB

Last month Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville’s 89th annual meeting celebrated a successful 2024 annual campaign, congratulated outgoing board members, and installed the 2025 board. The evening began with the annual Life & Legacy celebration, highlighting and remembering community members who have passed but through

their legacy gift continue to sustain the community.

Highlights of the evening included remarks by Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake, Nashville District Attorney General Glenn Funk, each of whom emphasized their commitment to keeping the local Jewish community safe. Metro council members Sheri Weiner, Jacob Kupin, and Thom Druffel were also in attendance. •

Updated 2024 Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville Honor Roll

This is a list of gifts received from December 1, 2024 through January 15, 2025. It also includes corrections from the 2024 Annual Report.

$25,000 and above

Donna and Jeff Eskind

Bernice Gordon

Aron Karabel

Batia Karabel

Jan Liff

Jack May

Barbara and Ted Mayden

Jimmy and Beverly Small

Larry and Barbara Speller

Fred Zimmerman

Anonymous

$10,000 -$24,999

Robert Doochin

Jack and Daniella Fleischer

Robert and Julie Gordon

Steve and Ellen Hirsch

Tona Kon and Jeffrey Hymes

Lana and Franklin Pargh

Jan and Steve Riven

Sean and Keri Ross

Howard and Arlene Safer

Michael and Lisa Shmerling

Gloria and Paul Sternberg

Raymond and Etta Zimmerman

$5,000 -$9,999

Arlene Averbuch

Greg and Dana Averbuch

Didi and Brian Biesman

Erin Coleman

Dan and Amy Goldstein

Suzanne Harrison

Mark Freedman and Leslie Klein

Jeremy and Diana Landa

Steven and Nancy Shapiro

Brian and Shannon Small

Bruce and Carrie Sprintz

Jacob and Kelly Unger

$1,000 -$4,999

Joshua Acheatel and Alexis

Christine Aiello Acheatel

Denise Alper

Alan Perlman and Lana Axelrod

David and Susan Berck

Stephen and Janice Berger

Rafael and Dorothy Berk

Barri Bernstein

Adam and Shira Boehler

David Bradley Schwartz

Michael Chernau

Betsy Chernau

Jonathan and Renee Cohen

Richard and Teena Cohen

John and Barbara Dab

Rabbis Lindsey and Michael Danziger

Dee Doochin

Adam and Julie Dretler

Harvey and Ann Eisen

Jesse and Anna Feld

Jen and Taylor Fortune

Gil Fox, III

Todd and Missi Friedenberg

Donald and Joyce Friedman

Marsha Raimi and Elliot Garrett

Steven and Patricia Ghertner

Joel and Linda Gluck

Larry and Paula Goldberg

Benjamin and Tara Goldberg

Ellen Goldring

Randall and Gretchen Goldstein

Brad and Lisa Greenbaum

Elliot and Aliza Greenberg

David Hanchrow

Lois and Sigmund Held

Sandy and Barbara Herman

Dorothy Hirshberg

Mindy and Ken Hirt

Irwin and Nancy Hodes

Seth and Sharone Hyatt

Kenneth and Ellen Jacobs

Gail Gordon Jacobs

Raymond and Nancy Jacobs

Herb and Elise Jacobs

Preston Stein and Susan Kay

Shaul and Pam Kelner

Paula and Jay Kholos

David and Teresa Kosson

Gus and Elaine Kuhn

Melissa Kurstin

Andrew and Melissa Lasher

Steven and Judy Lefkovitz

James and Rabbi Shana Mackler

Jason and Melissa Mitchell

Lisa and Arthur Perlen

Mark Pestronk

Gary and Sue Pinsley

Leonard Amdur and Alice Rogan

Michael and Ellen Rosen

Howard and Cathy Rosenblum

Bobby and Brenda Rosenblum

Brad Rosenblum

Loretta and Edward Saff

Laura Schachter

Barbara and Andy Schwarcz

David and Amanda Schwartz

Joshua and Quinn Segall

Gloria Sir

Barbara Ramsey and Robert Smith

Neil and Ruth Smith

Walter and Elizabeth Stern

Mark Glazer and Cynthia Stone

Andy and Particia Straus

Joseph Fishman and Cara Suvall

Michelle and Steven Tishler

Jeanne Ballinger and Irwin Venick

Janet and Rami Weismark

Jeffrey and Susan Zager

$500 -$999

Barbara and Robert Begtrup

Sherie Edwards

Shary Cohen-Essig and Rod

Essig

Carole Johanson and Joe Foy

Lindsey Glantz

Mark and Celia Goldstein

Becky Gunn

Sara and Ramin Hanai

David and Geralyn Heller

Adam and Carolyn Hecklin Hyatt

Ben and Michelle Katz

Jessica and Rabbi Joshua Kullock

Robert Levy

Terry Minnen

Benjamin and Amy Rosenblum

Ruth and Eugene Sacks

Steve Kravitz and Samantha Saturn

Martha and Alan Segal

Lori and Seth Seigle

Kimbra Spann

John Werther

Matt Wilson

Richard and Lou Anne Wolfson

$499 and under

Steve and Robin Abelman

Sandra Baker

Anonymous

Adina and Dan Barocas

Carolyn Benick

Harold and Cheryl Benus

Aaron Binkley

Jim and Jan Brackett

Joan and Richard Breyer

Jeremy and Jamie Brook

Anna Bukengolts

Pamela and Mark Carver

Steven Greil and Carol Castleberry

Cindy Chen

Deborah and Lee Cohen

Lynne Cohen

Daniel and Dahlia Cohen

Alex Cohn

Jason And Claire Coleman

Ellen Dansky

Stacy Davis

Karen and Tim Davis

Michael and Mindy Drongowski

Robin Farber and Kurt Eger

Todd and Christina Evans

Lee Fairbend

Larissa Fayermark

Nancy Flexer

Ellie Flier

Richard and Lisa Forberg

Karen Franks

Edward and Susan Friedman

Nili Friedman

Yoshi Van Gelder

Jonathan and Dina Gluck

Jeremy Goldkorn

Cynthia Goldner

Ur Barzel and Rachel Goodrich

Max Goralnick

Ken and Francine Graver

Rebecca Groner

Karen and Daniel Grossman

Sherry and Grif Haber

Jim and Barbara Handler

Risa and Drew Herzog

Betsy and Seth Hoffman

Mark and Jennifer Goldstein Hoffman

Adam and Ilana Horn

Edgar Rothschild III

Rachel and Treye Johnson

Wendy Kamenshine

Amy and Martin Kammerman

Steve and Kathy Karmiller

Dan Surface and Aileen Katcher

Alan Kaufman

Jonathan and Wendy Kiepek

Andrea Kirshner Falik

Trenda and Lawrence Klinsky

Jeffrey and Michelle Krebs

David and Marilyn Larach

Rae Levine

George Lieberman

Alex and Bobbie Limor

Stephen and Deb Linn

Marty Lipke

Larry and Betty Lipman

Lauren Max and Michael Lipp

Galyle and Howard Lipp

Jay and Bobbi Lipschutz

David Parella and Jordana Loeb

Richard and Martha Luntz

Rick Malkin

Chris and John McPherson

Caroline Miller

Yevgeniya Yampolskaya and Motya Miller

Bryna Mody

Josephine Moore

Evan and Sandy Nahmias

Simon and Lisa Newman

Steven and Connie Newman

Amy and David Pearl

Comer and Eva Pulley

Dan and Mary Ramage

Matthew and Leeron Resnick

Ron and Gail Rivlin

Alice and Michael Rolli

Jake and Sarah Roth

Todd and Sarah Rubin

Gayle Sanders

Rachel and Jordan Schneider

Sara Schultz

Cristi Schwarcz

Sue and Herbert Schwartz

Elaine Shapiro

Diane Shifrin

Bobby and Mollie Shmerling

Aaron Silberman

Leonard and Linda Sisselman

Eitan Snyder

David Whelan and Rachel Sobel

Barry and Rikki Sokol

Diana Sosnick

Avi and Rachel Spielman

Blair and Andrew Stefanescu

Howard Stern

Peter and Barbara Tempkins

Elisabeth Till

Randy and Lisa Wall

Adam and Katie Shmerling

Wayne

Nathaniel Smith and Sharon Weiss

Angela Wittenberg

Ron and Linda Wolf

Erin and Greg Zagnoev

Bruce Zeitlin

Martina Zelenak

David and Liat Zilberman

Anonymous

MTSU’s Holocaust Studies Conference Explores Evolving Research and Contemporary Relevance

By BARBARA DAB

The field of Holocaust studies is broadening as the years pass. That is according to Professor Danny Magilow of University of Tennessee Knoxville, who will be the keynote speaker at Middle Tennessee State University’s Holocaust Studies Conference. He says he will attempt to map out some of the directions in which the field is moving. “One of my arguments is that Holocaust Studies is so interdisciplinary that you’ll get different answers to the ‘Where’s the field going?’ question depending on whether you ask a Holocaust historian, a scholar of Holocaust literature, a sociologist, a scholar of Holocaust film, etc.”

numbers might be a little exaggerated?’ And they’re very interested in that as part of studying the history and literature.”

Dr. Ashley Valanzola is a professor of history at MTSU, and the conference chair. She says while the years since the Holocaust are obviously growing longer, for historians it is still considered a recent event. To keep the topic alive and relevant for today’s students, she says, “I have them focus on the individual in what happened. That means they’re looking at oral history testimonies, they’re learning about one survivor in particular, they’re looking at memoirs.”

The biannual conference is scheduled for March 6-7 and is an interdisciplinary event that brings together scholars from diverse fields of study.

This year’s theme, Examining Holocaust Studies in our World today will also investigate how the topic is resonating with today’s students. Magilow says he plans to share trends in Holocaust research today, ‘I’m drawing extensively on my experience as one of the Co-Editors-inChief of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum’s academic journal, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, and specifically, some of the special issues that we currently have in the pipeline, which demonstrate some of the diverse questions and interests that are currently driving research, such as digital humanities, history of emotions, photography, etc.”

Dr. Elyce Helford, professor of English at MTSU and the director of the Holocaust Studies minor, is currently teaching a class on literature and the Holocaust. She says her students are asking some new questions. “I’m finding the students are gravitating towards and sometimes commenting directly on fears about antisemitism and neo-Nazism.”

She says students referenced Elon Musk’s perceived Nazi salute, and the discussion of Guantanamo Bay prison as a concentration camp. And while she currently only has one Jewish student, she says they are all concerned about the resurgence of antisemitism. Also top of mind for students is the concept of Holocaust denial. She says, “It’s the idea that you don’t have to say it didn’t happen. But you can simply have that one little question, that one audience member who says, ‘Well do you think the

She adds that her students recognize the relevance and importance of studying the Holocaust in today’s world. “They don’t shy away from contemporary politics or the rise of the Far Right, or episodes of Holocaust denial. They’re ready to engage in a way that makes me a bit hopeful.”

In addition to unpacking the lessons of the Holocaust during the conference, Helford says there is also a focus on commemoration. “It’s another central issue. How do we commemorate? How do we honor? How do we memorialize?” She says there is usually at least one presentation dealing with museums, public history, and literature. “I do that with my classes. Elie Weisel was extremely aware that there would be a time when the survivors had passed. He wrote and spoke about it. And my students understand that his writings is his voice.”

In addition to Magilow’s keynote, there will be panels focused on topics ranging from Holocaust memory and literature to a look at geographic areas like Poland. And there is one special panel that will investigate archival materials. Helford says, “It will be held in our special collections library. And we will feature our special collections historian Laura Cochran, and Leona Fleischer, community archivist for the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville.” She adds that the day before the conference, the Tennessee Holocaust Commission will present a session aimed at students seeking secondary school licensures.

The keynote event is open to the public as a stand-alone event on March 6 at 1pm in the MTSU Student Union Ballroom. Information about it and the full conference schedule can be found at https://holocaust-studies.mtsu.edu/conference/, or by emailing Dr. Valenzola at ashley.valanzola@mtsu.edu •

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Professor Danny Magilow to be keynote speaker at MTSU’s Holocaust Studies Conference.

Jewish Federation Grants Support Vibrant Senior Programming

By BARBARA DAB

Most Thursday afternoons the Gordon JCC is brimming with activity as the TGIT senior program gets underway. The program includes lunch followed by entertainment ranging from Grammy award winning performers to authors, historians, an ongoing senior health series, and more. The weekly program even includes transportation in the form of the Shalom Taxi service to transport some of the participants to the lunch. “The weekly lunch serves as an informative and lively social event for seniors in the community who might otherwise be more isolated or miss a hot meal,” says Carrie Mills, the older adult program manager for the Gordon JCC

This program, and many others, are funded in part by grants from The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville. According to Michal Becker, director of impact and planning for the Federation, “Helping seniors is a big part of our mission to help the Jewish community locally.”

This year, grants for senior programming total approximately $134,000. Included along with the TGIT program is Shalom Taxi service, monthly art gallery showings, Lunch & Learn at West End Synagogue, services offered through Congregation Micah and the Gordon JCC. “We have a wide variety of offerings to try and reach a diverse population of seniors,” says Becker.

The Gordon JCC is home to monthly art gallery showings. There are four main galleries, three of which are changed monthly to provide a dynamic, stimulating environment. The building’s senior lounge features the Senior Art Gallery, and senior artists and crafts people are also shown in the other galleries.

Each month, there is a free artist’s reception, open to the public, that

includes things like a DJ, henna artist, local pop-up shops, and even a dance party to get everyone moving. Of course, there is also plenty of snacks and beverages, and the artists are there to meet with the community. Mills says, “The art receptions always attract many seniors in the community who come to socialize.”

At West End Synagogue, monthly Learn and Lunch events draw a diverse array of speakers According to Marc Jacobs, engagement and program director at WES, “The Learn and Lunch program provides our senior community with opportunities to connect not only with each other but with a diverse group of speakers. This year we have been very lucky to have speakers from our own Nashville community as well as speakers from across the United States and Canada, we have been able to welcome speakers from as far away as Israel and Uganda.” He says the speakers give community members new insights into the ways they can be involved both locally and in the global Jewish world.

During the recent lunch featuring a rabbi from Uganda, the students from Kehilla High School, now housed at WES, joined the seniors. Debby Wiston, executive director at WES says, “It provided for a very dynamic, intergenerational program.”

The benefits of participating in the senior programs sometimes even go beyond the obvious. Mills says the regulars at the Gordon JCC are a close knit group that really cares for each other. She says when her son become a Bar Mitzvah years ago, the seniors did all the cooking. “It was better than any caterer I could have brought in,” she says, “They are a loving and caring group of people. Bright, smart, well informed and interested in the world and life around them.” •

Gordon JCC Adult Program Happenings:

March 20th - Jennifer Samardak

March 6th

Sheldon Kahan Returns!

Fifty years of entertaining audiences globally has earned Sheldon Kahan a place in the prestigious “Marquis Who’s Who In Entertainment”. Sheldon has recorded two albums of his original music, “City Lights” and “Out of the Shadows”. Be prepared to dance!

Lunch – Tomato soup, sandwich, sides, birthday cake and ice cream.

March 13th - Gail and Danny the therapist dog

Our very own TGIT weekly volunteer, Gail Rivlin also works for a compassionate non-profit bringing support animals to those in need. She will take us through a Power Point program along with bringing her most adorable support pug, Danny.

Lunch – Chicken, sides, salad and dessert.

Our very own Click and Clack car repair and maintenance expert is back with another informative session to help us learn everything you thought you didn’t need to know about cars! This promises to be a fun and lively session for anyone who drives or rides!

Lunch – Salmon, sides, salad and dessert.

March 27th - Jay Farrell – Route 66

Mother Road

Photographer and author, Jay Farrell will take us on a journey of the creation of his book Route 66 Roadscapes: Stories Through The Lens. His beautiful book showcases a curated collection of photographs and road trip narratives. His spirit of wanderlust comes through in every photograph and perspective-driven story in his lively presentation.

Lunch – Eggplant parmigiana, salad, sides, bread, and dessert •

TGIT at the Gordon JCC is a popular program for Jewish seniors in Nashville. TGIT – March 2025

Gordon JCC Celebrates Members with a Week of Giveaways and Perks

By RACHEL CLARK, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

The Gordon JCC is rolling out the red carpet for its members with a full week of appreciation, packed with treats, giveaways, and special perks. From March 3 to March 7, members can stop by each day for something fun—because what better way to say “thank you” than with free coffee, exclusive swag, and even fresh-baked

challah?

The week kicks off on Monday, March 3, with free coffee from Subliminal Coffee and Krispy Kreme donuts from 10am-1pm — the perfect excuse to take a break and catch up with friends. Tuesday, March 4, is Bring-a-Friend Day . Members can invite a friend to enjoy the JCC for free, and if their friend joins, they’ll both benefit from the Membership Referral Program

Gordon JCC Strategic Planning

By JESSE FELD

The Gordon JCC is embarking on a strategic planning process to set the direction of the organization in the coming years. Through this process, we will be understanding community needs and preferences, evaluating our use of the building and grounds, reviewing our programing, and looking at what we can learn from similar organizations in other communities to ensure we have compelling programs and membership packages. The project will result in a strategic plan with goals and initiatives to enable the JCC to meet the needs of the Nashville Jewish community as well as a financial plan and an implementation plan. This process will be led by a Planning Team of staff and Board members and supported

by Wellspring Consulting.

As part of this process, we are seeking a wide range of perspectives from the community. Gordon JCC staff, Board members and the Wellspring team will be reaching out to a wide range of community members to get input through interviews, focus groups, and a survey in the coming months.

We thank you in advance for your participation, as hearing a wide range of perspectives from the community will be critical to the success of this planning process. We look forward to hearing your input and sharing the results of this project in late summer.

To learn more about the process please reach out to Gordon JCC Executive Director Jesse Feld at jesse@ nashvillejcc.org. •

On Wednesday, March 5 , members can pick up a brand-new 2025 Gordon JCC T-shirt and snap a photo in front of the “Nashville Looks Good on You” canvas to show off their JCC pride. Thursday, March 6 , is all about the baked goods, with freshly baked mini challahs from Melissa and Sons available to members.

The week wraps up on Friday, March 7 , with a chance to win one of three Dolly Parton Lodge Skillets , an

ideal addition to any kitchen. Members can enter anytime during the week. Winners will be announced the following Tuesday. Whether you’re stopping by for a cup of coffee, grabbing some new JCC gear, or bringing a friend to check out the community, Membership Appreciation Week is all about celebrating the people who make the JCC such a special place. Be sure to mark your calendar and join in the fun! •

Mazel tov to Jason Sparks

Mazel tov to Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville’s chief develop-

ment

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officer Jason Sparks on his installation into the Rotary Club of Nashville •

Pictured l. to r.: David Levy, Jason Sparks, Joel Abramson, Dr Alfred Degrafinreid II, president of Rotary.

PLAN YOUR

…so that it’s not just a fairy tale.

“Your mind is a garden; your thoughts are seeds. You can grow flowers, or you can grow weeds.”

– Dr. Seuss

By LORETTA SAFF

Theodor Seuss Geisel adopted the name “Dr. Seuss” after an incident at Dartmouth in 1925. He was editor and chief of the humor magazine, Dartmouth Jack-O-Lantern. When he was caught drinking with nine of his friends in his room, he was forced to resign as editor.

To continue working on the magazine without the administration’s knowledge, Geisel adopted the pen name “Seuss.” He used the title Dr. because his father wanted him to study medicine!

March 2nd is Dr. Seuss’s birthday. March 20th is another important day in March.

March 20th is The International Day of Happiness. Yes, really! Go ahead - ask Google The General Assembly of the United

Nations in its resolution 66/281 of 12 July 2012 proclaimed 20 March the International Day of Happiness, recognizing the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives.

Why is this important? Because traveling the road to happiness requires a positive outlook. I know in this time of political division and frustration it seems fruitless to tell you about the UN resolution and ask you to celebrate, but what better time than now! But how?

Welcome to Make HAPPY a Habit!, my simple, easy-to-follow 30-day plan that will leave you feeling happy (contented/joyful/fulfilled/satisfied) and will make you more resilient, help you have less stress, and simply enjoy life more. Raise your hand if you’d like that!

I’m sure you have some habits you’d like to stop (biting your nails, always

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being late because you think it makes you look important), and there are some we’d really like to do more often (get better at reading social cues, being able to sleep on an airplane). Read on for creating a daily habit that comes with guarantees.

Since science has proven that at least 40% of what we think and how we act is a choice*, choose to do the following five simple basic tasks every day for 30 days and see how this can help with planning your future:

1 – Every morning SAY (out loud) three things you are grateful for. Helps you greet the day with a smile.

2 – Every night WRITE down a positive experience from the past 24 hours (can be just one sentence) Keep a pad and pen on nightstand. Thinking positive before bedtime helps with sleep!

3 – Exercise - 20 min a day. This doesn’t have to include a Lululemon outfit or a gym membership. Go for a walk; enjoy nature. See how many steps you’ve completed. (You can split the time, if you are a whiner)

4 – Meditate - 5-7 min a day No mantra necessary. This can be guided (Headspace/Calm) or by simply sitting quietly listening to wordless music.

5 – Perform a Random Act of Kindness (let someone in front of you in traffic, buy a coffee for the person behind you at Starbucks). There is real joy in a random act of kindness. There! That doesn’t look so hard, does it? Do it for 30 days, and it becomes a habit. BTW, you’ll get extra credit if you start today! It’s your choice.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go.”

– Dr. Seuss

Travel safely, Loretta

loretta@coachingwithloretta.com

*Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, distinguished professor of Psychology, University of California, Riverside.

Nashville, TN 37205 Covenant Capital

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Opening Spring 2025

Nashville Sings! Concert Raises Funds for LA’s Wildfire Victims

By BARBARA DAB

The Nashville Sings! Concert was produced by Cantor Josh Goldberg of Congregation Micah and supported by The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville. The program featured an array of local artists and musicians as

well as video messages from LA clergy members from two synagogues affected by the wild fires.

To view the concert and donate to the Wildfire Relief Fund, visit:

March in the Gordon CC Galleries: Works by Samm Musick, Nancy Deckant, and Yart Sale

The Janet Levine March Gallery will feature the work of Samm Musick. Born in Columbus, Ohio Musick shared a love of art with his late father and art collector Ron Musick. His passion for theater and music combined with a love for travel have angled Musick to study art and architecture in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia and the Americas. He studied art and interior design at O’More College of Design in Franklin, TN.

His March exhibit is called, “The 12 Tribes Series.” This series celebrates the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. Each of these twelve paintings are inspired by the colors, animals, stones and history surrounding each tribe.

The JLMG2 Gallery will feature the work of Nancy Deckant. For her, art is all about telling a story. She aims to create pieces that stir emotions, fit beautifully into their surroundings, and tell the story of the art’s future owners, as well as her own. Deckant spent 15 years in Pittsburgh as both an artist and an art instructor before moving to Nashville in 2013. She is now a member of the Tennessee Watercolor Society. Over the years, she has held art workshops and taught watercolor at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and the Community College of Allegheny County.

The Sig Held Gallery will feature a Yart Sale. What is now becoming a semi-regular gallery favorite, the Sig Held Gallery will offer a show of local art and other wares at a discounted price.

The Senior Lounge will feature the work of Pamela Dove.

The House gallery will feature the Under One Roof collaborative exhibit.

The Exhibition Dates are March 4 -31st.

The Artist reception will be held

on March 12th from 6-8 pm and feature music a pop-up jewelry sale by Michelle Trachtman, Chandler Dezigns and music by DJ Joseph Harris and Henna by Fizza.

The exhibitions are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the GJCC at 615.354-1699, Curator Carrie Mills at carrie@nashvillejcc.org, or go to www.nashvillejcc.org.

Moon, by Samm Musick

The 12 Tribes of Israel, by Samm Musick

Art Sun Daze, by Nancy Deckant

Art Modern Family, by Nancy Deckant

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

The Observer provides congregational listings of events and services as a complimentary service to the community. If your congregation is not listed, it is because we did not receive the information in time to meet our publication deadline. Please give your rabbi, executive director, or synagogue volunteer a gentle nudge.

@ Chabad /Congregation Beit Tefilah

Parsha Perspectives Live from Jerusalem

Start your week off with a Parsha Perspective, taught by Rabbi Levi Tiechtel via zoom, live from Jerusalem on Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM.

Beginning your week with Torah study, creates a vessel and a conduit for an abundance of success in all of your endeavors.

You can join from comforts of your home, or while you are strolling in the park, via zoom at chabadnashville.com/zoom

BLT – Bagles, Lox and Tanya

Join friends for a morning of bagels, lox and Tanya (Jewish mysticism) on Sunday, March 30, at 9:30 AM. Partake in a delicious spread of bagels, lox, cream cheese, and freshly brewed coffee as you learn from the Holy Book of the Tanya, and the Gates of Trust. The lesson is taught by lay leadership, starting with Doug Revere who has been a longtime student of these teachings. Nourish your Mind, Body and Soul with BLT at Chabad of Nashville.

Chabad to host two TGIS celebration in March

Start your Shabbat off right with good friends, great conversation, and excellent kosher cuisine, all seasoned with the perfect amount of spirit and joy. TGIS is a Club Med Shabbat: An all-inclusive Shabbat experience. Enjoy a Friday night Shabbat dinner replete with traditional dishes. Blended with spirited singing, a Chasidic tale, and a chance to meet some wonderful new people. TGIS will be held on Friday evening, March 14, and on March 28, at 6:30 PM at Chabad of Nashville.

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

“Gourmet Hamantashen available Now in Nashville”

Leave it to the Jews to have a cookie inspired by cultural annihilation!

Hamantashen are the triangle-shaped filled cookies most commonly associated with Purim, the most joyous of all Jewish holidays. Hamantashen, the classic Purim cookies, are eagerly awaited by everyone young and old. They are versatile and can be made from a good, sweet yeast dough, flaky dough or from a traditional cookie dough. The fillings can be mixed and matched.

The Hamantash cookie is eaten on Purim, when we read from the Book of Esther, the Megillah, and celebrate the Megillah, and celebrate the triumph of good (Esther) over evil (Haman, who planned to destroy the Jewish people.) Purim is the most joyous of all Jewish holidays.

Chabad of Nashville is offering delicious Hamantashen to share with family and friends, while celebrating the joyous holiday of Purim!

These gourmet Hamantaschen will be baked by an authentic Hamantash bakery in Brooklyn New York, and will be offered in three different flavors, Raspberry, Poppy Seed, Apricot and chocolate chip, and will all be dipped in chocolate, to give a rich smooth taste.

Orders can be placed at chabadnashville.com/hamantashen, and need to be placed by March 4th, for on time shipping before Purim.

For more information feel free to call 615-646-5750

Get your own personal Shmurah Matzah for your Seder

In honor of Passover, Chabad of Nashville is giving out a free Passover Shmurah Matzah for your Seder. All you need to do is email your name and contact information chabdnashville@gmail.com and you will receive your free Matzah gift box for your Seder.

For more information call Chabad at 615-646-5750.

PURIM 2025 with Chabad of Nashville

Chabad of Nashville will be hosting a variety of Purim events that will be offered to the Jewish community for people of all ages, including study, ritual, cultural and spiritual.

The following are the programs that will be offered at Chabad of Nashville for Purim 2025:

Purim Gift Distribution

Chabad of Nashville will be distributing several hundred Purim gift packages to Jewish families across Middle Tennessee. If you know of someone that would enjoy receiving a Purim gift please contact the Chabad of Nashville office.

Multigenerational Hamentashen Bake

First it was bagels. Then rugelach. What’s the next Jewish food to go mainstream?

Could it be Hamantashen?

Hamentashen is the filled, triangular-shaped pastry associated with the most joyous of all Jewish holidays, Purim. Both Jewish children and adults anticipate getting these treats many weeks in advance of the holiday.

Chabad will host a Multigenerational Hamentashen Bake on Sunday, 9, at 12:30 PM, in the executive kitchen of Chabad. The event is open to the entire community.

Participants of all ages are invited to bake Hamantashen of all varieties. Dough and fillings will be provided, and all participants are invited to take home a box of freshly baked Hamentashen for Purim.

Kindly RSVP at chabadnashville.com/hamantashen.

For additional information, contact 615-646-5750.

The Big Megillah Thursday, March 13, 7:30 PM - Purim Eve

Chabad of Nashville will be celebrating Purim 2024 on Saturday, March 13, 7:30 PM with the BIG MEGILLAH Reading. Festivities will begin with the Haman Booing, Megillah Reading, and Hamantashen Eating contest. All participants will receive a special Purim gift.

The Emoji Purim Celebration Friday, March 14, 4:30 PM

On Friday, March 14, 5:00 PM, the annual Purim Around the World celebration will take place at Chabad of Nashville with Purim in Candy Land.

The event will include an Emoji Purim Celebration of Happy faces of all sorts. The theme of Emjoi was chosen, as it represents joy and happiness. Something we pray for Jews globally. The celebration will include life size emoji’s and many other crafts and entertainment from the Emoji group.

A multimedia presentation will be shown during the Megillah reading and the Purim Characters will come alive, followed by a delectable Shabbat Dinner Buffet, as dishes from the world Emoji will be served.

Jazzical Musical Entertainment will be played while children and adults will enjoy the Emoji photo booth, Emoji face painting, the Purim bounce house and other whimsical Emoji Purim surprises, topped off with the Emoji costume contest and a Purim gift for each participant.

All are invited to attend. There is a nominal fee to cover the cost of the dinner.

RSVP is required by March 11, at www.chabadnashville.com.

Chabad to host Family Cliff Notes Passover Seder and a Kabbalistic Seder

Chabad of Nashville invites the Nashville Jewish community to its 26thd annual Community Passover Seders, which will take place in the magnificent ballroom of the Genesis Campus for Jewish Life

Participants will experience the freedom of Passover the way our ancestors did when they left Egypt 3,337 years ago. Chabad will host two different types of Seder on the first two nights of Passover.

On Saturday, April 12, at 8:00 PM, Chabad will host a A Cliff Notes Family Friendly Seder. It will be an interactive family Seder, a warm, fun and thought-provoking event, which includes a Passover Experience in a Royal setting, handmade Shmurah Matzah for each Seder participant, an abundance of exquisite wines for every pallete, an elegant royal dinner, which will include authentic gefilte fish, Bubby’s Passover Brisket, and array of salad and side dishes, catered by one of Nashville’s premiere chefs.

On Sunday, April 13, at 8:15 PM, Chabad will host “A Chassidic Seder for the Inquisitive Mind.” This will be a full Chassidic Seder with many insights to the Haggadah and various Chassidic tales and melodies, and a exquisite Seder feast. This Seder will delve into the deeper meaning and dimensions to the Passover Exodus

Both seders will take place in the Bernard Ballroom at the Genesis Campus for Jewish Life, 95 Bellevue Road, and will be catered by one of Nashville’s premiere chefs

There will be a limited number of seats, and this has been a sold out event in the past years, first come first serve. Reservation for each of the seder can be made at www.chabadnashville.com

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@ Micah

Congregation Micah - an inclusive, innovative synagogue exploring and celebrating Jewish life - is committed to building community and repairing the world! We offer creative and diverse ways to live a Jewish life in Tennessee and beyond, using the rich beliefs and practices of Progressive Judaism as our foundation. Visit our 30+ acre campus or access our virtual programs from our website, www.congregationmicah.org. Like us on socials: Facebook, and Instagram @MicahNashville; sign up for our e-blasts; learn and pray with us in-person, or livestream our service on our website, YouTube, or Facebook. In our tent, there is room for everyone!

Weekly Events

Sanctuary Shabbat Services: Fridays at 6 PM

At Micah, we approach God in many ways: the inspiration of words, the beauty of sacred space, the authenticity of our intentions, and through the power of music and song. Join us in-person or virtually for services this month that will be as diverse as they are engaging, as moving as they are participatory. Come early and schmooze with us starting at 5:30 PM! Light refreshments are served.

Saturday Morning Torah Study: 9 AM on Zoom

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

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

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

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

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

March Events

Purim Wicked Purim Schpiel and Carnival: Sunday, March 2 at 10 AM

Fun for the whole family hosted by and in support of Micah’s Youth Group –MiTY! All families should bring boxes of dried pasta or mac & cheese to use as groggers. We will then collect and donate all boxes to our partners at the Bellevue Food Bank.

Micah x Jewsic City Shabbat: Friday, March 7 at 6 PM

We are partnering with the incredible Jewsic City for a special musical Shabbat in the round. Whether you’re attending to recapture the nostalgia of worshipping together at Jewish Summer camps or coming to pray and sing together in community, this is a Shabbat you don’t want to miss.

Women’s Circle: Friday, March 14 at 12 PM

Rabbi Laurie engages your intellect and inspires conversation on a variety of Jewish topics. All are welcome. Bring a friend.

Micah Reads: Monday, March 17 at 7 PM on Zoom Education Director Julie Greenberg leads the discussion on “The Hebrew Teacher” by Maya Arad.

Making an Impact - Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow: Saturday, March 22 at 6:30

Come together to honor three incredible individuals—Hope Stringer, Deborah Oleshansky, and Julie Fortune—who embody Tikkun Olam through their leadership and contributions. Together, we’ll celebrate the roots, growth, and future of Jewish leadership with cocktails, dinner, and dancing.

@ Sherith Israel

Purim at the Shul, March 13-14

Thursday Night

7:00 pm Traditional Megillah Reading at the Shul

7:45 pm Pizza, Bouncy Houses, Music, Drinks (Suggested donation $10 per person)

Friday Night

5:15 pm Mincha

5:30 pm Seudat Purim ($22 adults, $14 children, $90 families)

6:30 pm Candle-lighting, Kabbalat Shabbat, Maariv

7:15 pm Kiddush, Dessert, Zemirot, Benching

To RSVP for the Seudat Purim meal, visit www.sherithisrael.com

At Our Congregations…

Shabbat with Chief Cantor Chaim Stern, March 21-22

Sherith Israel welcomes Chaim Stern, chief cantor of Munich, Germany for a weekend of Jewish music. Stern was born in 1996 to a renowned family of cantors in Jerusalem, with a long-standing tradition in cantorial music. He grew up in the Haredi world, then studied cantorial music at the Cantorial School in Petah Tikva, and is considered one of the leading students of Maestro Eli Jaffe and Cantor Israel Rand. Since 2020, Chaim has served as the Chief Cantor of the Great Synagogue in Munich. He regularly performs in Jewish communities around the world and has collaborated with leading orchestras, such as the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Rishon LeZion Symphony Orchestra, Israeli Chamber Orchestra,MÁV Symphony Orchestra in Budapest, Amsterdam Jewish Chamber Ensemble, and Munich Jewish Chamber Orchestra, among others. His diverse repertoire includes liturgical cantorial music, Jewish soul music, Hasidic and Klezmer music, Israeli songs, and opera arias. His performances are known for their deep emotional connection, bringing a unique spiritual and musical experience to every audience.

For more information about the events of the weekend, visit www.sherithisrael.com

@ The Temple

Exploring the Prayerbook

Every Friday from 5:00-5:40 PM before Shabbat Services

Start Shabbat with a little study each week. We will explore the prayers of our Shabbat Service and discuss, and discover how these ancient Jewish texts still speak to us today.

Join us in person or via zoom at https://www.templenashville.org/virtualprogramming.html

Shabbat Schedule for March at The Temple

Our Shabbat Services will be held in person at The Temple. You can also watch via zoom from https://www.templenashville.org/virtual-programming.html

Friday, March 7th ~ 6:00 PM

Friday, March 14th~ 6:00 PM

Friday, March 21st ~ 6:00 PM – PURIM SERVICE AND FESTIVE ONEG Friday, March 28th ~ 6:00 PM – BLUE JEAN SHABBAT

Temple Purim Service

Let’s celebrate Purim at our Friday night service on Friday, March 21st at 6:00pm with a festive Purim Oneg to follow. Come in your costume and enjoy all the fun! You can also watch via zoom from https://www.templenashville.org/virtualprogramming.html

Chevrah Torah Study

9:30AM on Saturdays

Join us for our weekly Torah study on the portion of the week, led by the clergy. You can join us in person at The Temple or via zoom from https://www.templenashville.org/virtual-programming.html

Tot Shabbat- Indoor Playground Playdate

March 8th @ 10:00am

For families with children up to age 5 in the Big Room at Temple. Purim Carnival Sunday, March 23rd at 10:30am-12:30pm

The Temple-Games, Treats, Costume Contest and so much more…!

Tot Shabbat- Passover

March 29th @ 10:00am

For families with children up to age 5

These opportunities offer families the chance to celebrate Shabbat with their young children in a creative way. Join us for music, art and fun!

Golden Lunch Bunch

Will meet at Temple from 11:30-1:00pm on

March 4th: Janet McMahan and Meadowlarks

March 18th: Laurie Sonsino

RSVP to Jewish Family Service at 615-354-1686 or via email at helpinghands@ jfsnashville.org

Women’s Torah Study

March 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th 10:30 AM

Ongoing weekly women’s Torah study led by Patty Marks. Available in person at The Temple and via zoom from https://www.templenashville. org/virtual-programming.html

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At Our Congregations…

@ The Temple

Continued from page 19

Lunch with the Rabbi

March 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

Lunch at 11:30AM

Program12:00-1:00 PM

$15 per person for lunch

Engage with Rabbi Danziger and guests in a discussion of current and important issues from a Jewish perspective.

RSVP on https://www.templenashville.org/form/Lunch-with-the-Rabbi or by calling the Temple at 615-352-7620

Available in person at The Temple and via zoom from https://www.templenashville. org/virtual-programming.html

Monday Mah Jongg with Canasta

March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st

1:00pm

Drop in for Mah Jongg. We’ll have coffee and water. Bring your friends, a card, and a set and have some fun. Mah Jongg cards and sets are available for purchase in The Temple Gift Shop.

Next Dor and NowGen proudly present: Network & Nosh: Women’s Edition

March 26th at 6:00-8:00pm

Women 21+ are invited for an evening of networking and mentorship

If you have any questions, please reach out to Sheri Rosenberg at The Temple, sheri@templenashville.org

50’s & 60’s Social Club

Stir up your culinary skills and spice up your life!

Butcher & Bee Cooking Demo and Lunch

Sunday, March 9th

12:00-2:30pm

$40 a person

RSVP: https://www.templenashville.org/form/50s60sCooking

Canasta Class

Lynn Reinger is going to teach a Canasta Strategy Class March 5th

4:00-6:00pm

$15 a person

RSVP: templenashville.org/form/canasta-strategy

Men’s Beef & Bourbon

March 31st

Enjoy a Delicious Beef Dinner and Bourbon Tasting led by bourbon steward Rabbi Shulman!

6:30pm at Temple

$35/person

https://www.templenashville.org/form/BeefAndBourbon

@ West End

For links to the following online services or programs, please email office@westendsyn.org or visit our website calendar for more information https://westendsyn.shulcloud.com/calendar

3/30 – Game Day Fundraiser with Jared Stillman - 5:30 p.m.

Join us for GAME DAY, an informal night with Jared Stillman, “Nashville’s number 1 sports voice on 102.5 entertaining audiences daily with insightful and honest commentary about the hottest topics in Nashville sports”.

You don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy his anecdotes and stories!

Dinner catered by Goldie Shepard Catering

This is West End Synagogue’s largest annual fundraiser. Your support of this event will help provide essential funding for yearly operational expenses to help ensure West End Synagogue continues to make a difference in the lives of so many in our community.

Check out the QR code for more information and to RSVP!

3/5 – The Sandi Goldstein Learn & Lunch Program for ages 60+ – 11:00 a.m.

Reservations required, catered lunch following the presentation.

Speaker: Natalie Sopinsky- Rescuers Without Borders

Lunch catered by Goldie Shepard at 12:00 p.m. Cost: $5.00 RSVP 615-269-4592 ext. 11 or office@westendsyn.org.

3/7 – Tot Shabbat – 5:30 p.m.

Friday night Shabbat services for Families with Young Children led by Nili Friedman & Sharon Paz. RSVP to spaz@westendsyn.org.

3/8 – Sophie Newman Bat Mitzvah – 9:30 a.m.

3/9 – Music & Me for Families with Young Children 3 and under - Sunday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. The program will be in East Nashville this Sunday in partnership with the East Side Tribe.

Inviting all parents and children 3 and under for a morning of music and movement with singer /song writer, Brett Fromson, on Sunday, March 2nd, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Please email Sharon Paz at spaz@westendsyn.org to rsvp.

3/9-3/16 – Beit Miriam Spring Break

3/12 – Women’s Torah Group (on Zoom) –11:00 a.m.

Rabbi Joshua leads our Women’s study group. We are learning the book of Joshua.

3/13 – Men’s Torah Group (in person) –12:00 p.m.

Join us for our Torah class for men followed by a pizza lunch. We are currently reading the Book of Ezra.

3/13 – Erev Purim Persian Dinner – 6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m. dinner followed by Megillah reading at 7:30 p.m. RSVPs required. Go to tinyurl.com/5785ErevPurimDinner to RSVP.

3/14 - Morning Minyan and Megillah Reading at 7 a.m.

3/19 – The Sandi Goldstein Learn & Lunch Program for ages 60+ – 11:00 a.m.

Reservations required, catered lunch following the presentation. Speaker: Mark Freedman Lunch catered by Goldie Shepard at 12:00 p.m. Cost: $5.00 RSVP 615-269-4592 ext. 11 or office@westendsyn.org.

3/22 – Kid’ish Club – 10:30 a.m.

Inviting all 2nd – 7th graders for Kid’ish Club Shabbat morning from 10:3011:30 a.m.

Kiddush lunch to follow.

3/22 – Professor A.J. Levine Speaking following Kiddush – 12:15 p.m.

Please join us as we hear Professor A.J. Levine speak on “The Role of the Seder in Jewish-Christian Relations” immediately following Shabbat services and Kiddush Lunch.

3/23 – Beit Miriam Consecration - 11:00 a.m.

Join us as we celebrate our kitah aleph (first grade) students who have been learning the “alef bet” and they will share the story of where God gave us the Torah.

3/28 – It’s Shabbat – 5:30 p.m.

Families with young children are invited to join us for Shabbos schmoozing, candle lighting, Kiddush blessing, HaMotzi, and Shabbat songs on Friday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Email spaz@westendsyn.org to RSVP.

Learning Opportunities

Talmud on Tuesdays

Rabbi Joshua leads a lively Talmudic discussion at 7:30 a.m. in person and on Zoom every Tuesday, immediately after morning minyan. Come and join us!

Torah Study on Thursdays

Come join us for breakfast and Torah study at 7:40 a.m. following morning minyan

Continued on page 21

At Our Congregations…

@ West End

Continued from page 20

Jewish Ethics on Fridays

Between Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv, every Friday we study together a portion of Pirkei Avot and we delve into the world of Jewish Ethics at 6:00 p.m.

Religious Services

Shacharit (in person)

Our minyanaires are always looking for more people to strengthen the only egalitarian minyan in town! Sunday services are at 9:00 a.m. and Monday-Friday at 7:00 a.m. Thursday minyan is followed by breakfast.

Maariv (on Zoom)

Join us for daily Maariv at 6:00 p.m., Sunday-Thursday.

Kabbalat Shabbat (in person)

You are invited to join us every Friday for Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:00 p.m.

Shabbat Morning services (In person and on Zoom)

Please join us every Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. Great davening, insightful learning of the Torah portion followed by a yummy (and nutritious!) kiddush lunch following services! •

Community Listings

B’nai B’rith Social Unit

Bring together long-term members of the Nashville Jewish community and people new to Nashville ages 50+ for fun, social, educational, and service programs.

Upcoming programs:

March 2: Progressive Dinner

April 5: Havdalah and Dinner

May 5: Kentucky Derby party

East Side Tribe

Thursday, January 2, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.: The 9th Night of Hanukkah Party

East Side Tribe is a grassroots social and spiritual community fueled by Jewish values and rooted in East Nashville. For our full schedule, go to eastsidetribe.org

Selected March Events

- L’chaim Time, Thursday, March 6 @ 6 p.m.: Our monthly happy hour is a great way to get to know folks in the community. Join us at Inglewood Lounge.

- East Side Tribelings Purim Party, Sunday, March 9 @ 10:30 a.m.: Come celebrate Purim with families on the East Side — and our friends from West End Synagogue — at The Getalong!

Widowers & Widows Social Group

This group is for widowers and widows who have lost a spouse recently or in the distant past. We are not a grief support group. This is not a dating service or a dating group. We are adults who have experienced a similar loss, and who enjoy coming together to do things together rather than “going it alone.” We meet for lunch on the second Monday of each month at various Nashville restaurants. For more information, contact Gil Fox at gsfox3@comcast.net. •

Weddings

• Customized college list creation tailored to your interests, strengths, and goals

• Expert guidance on the Common Application, personal statements, and supplemental essays

• Strategic advice on extracurricular activities and resume-building

• Support for students at all stages: from high school planning to college transition

A Rabbi and a Doctor Discuss Why Evil Exists

By RABBI MARK SCHIFTAN AND DR. FRANK BOEHM

Frank: I am convinced that humans have free will and when that free will is abused for evil actions, those individuals either could not hear or were incapable of listening to the God within them. They are nature’s genetic mutation of the conscience. Their genetic wiring lacks the necessary elements of “God like” behavior. Their DNA is still evolving to achieve this higher purpose.

How else is one to understand or explain the evil actions of humanity? How else is one to explain the Nazi Holocaust that caused the extermination of six million Jews? God did not do this. It was perpetrated by individuals who were unable to listen to the God within them. I believe that even this behavior of evil will eventually evolve into DNA that will allow all humans to be able to hear that Still Small Voice and display goodness and righteousness in their actions. As the late president, Ronald Reagan once said, “I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph and there is purpose and worth to each and every life.” Humans are still evolving and someday, Regan’s words will come true.

This concept of a conscience within most of us that strives for goodness in life is not a new one. Neuroscientists have explained that humans experience pain when we see pain in others and we call this trait, empathy. According to these neuroscientists, humans are moral animals, and it is this morality within us that is the God that lives within our DNA. The famous German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer emphasized this point. “God has given everyone a conscience and with this conscience he/she is God.”

I am aware that my explanation of why evil exists is not an easy one to accept. What is your opinion on this?

Mark: Evil is as old as the Bible itself;

it is as ancient as the earliest recorded stories of the creation of humankind. Despite God declaring that God’s creation was “Very good,” the introduction of evil and the declension of its consequences follows immediately after the creation of the first human beings.

Cain murders Abel in the heat of anger, Noah and his family are the only ones saved in the face of a morally bankrupt society, and Abraham argues with God, unsuccessfully, to save the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, if at least ten righteous souls in the entire area can be found. Which they are not.

According to Jewish tradition, every one of us is created with two internal impulses: one that encourages us to be good, to do good; and the other one, its opposite, the one that creates and sustains the evil inclination within us. The challenge of being given free will is to hopefully often, if not necessarily always, choose good over evil.

Why is there evil in this world? Why was it introduced? Why does it continue to exist, and even at times, to thrive? I wish I knew. I truly wish I could understand why God would allow it to enter our world and continue to inflict the damage it causes to so many. Evil acts, large or small, cause immeasurable pain and suffering, both to individuals and to whole groups of people.

Rabbi Harold Kushner, of blessed memory, offered a radical yet compelling theology that provided comfort to millions. He proffered the notion that God does not or cannot control everything and therefore evil exists right alongside goodness. Maybe or maybe not.

This is what I believe: Religion, done right, is neither judgmental, nor repressive, nor punitive. Religion done right makes us better human beings. It harnesses our goodness, as the best counterweight, to the evil that exists around us, and even, at times, within us.

Religion, done right, sustains the

An Evening of Laughter, Joy and Good Times with Comedian Robert Cait

Chabad of Nashville will host Comedian Robert Cait on Sunday, March 23, at 6:30 PM, for an evening of laughter and joy, while supporting the Adopt a Chair Project.

This event is fun way to help Chabad obtain 200 new custom Chivari chairs for its social hall. Each person attending will adopt a chair or more, as each ticket for this fun event will cover the cost of these beautiful elegant chairs, that will be used at many joyous and occasions and celebrations.

This will be a unique fun event where all attending will have a great time, with an open bar, elegant desserts, and fun comedy with Comedian Robert Cait.

Who is Robert Cait? He is brilliant Jewish stand-up comedy and has earned the prestigious title: “George Carlin with a kippah.” With one wonderful exception: Robert works “Kosher-Clean!”

His hilarious stand-up has kept audiences rolling from “The Just For Laughs Comedy Festival” in Montreal to the “Howard Stern Show” in New York, as

Divine flame within each of us, in the way a single flame can help keep darkness at bay. It can make us more kind, more caring, more sensitive human beings, who respond as God’s partners to alleviate pain and suffering, to offer solace and sanctuary to the wounded souls among us.

Repeatedly, it is this overwhelming collaborative goodness, which can inevitably prevail over evil. As Dr. Martin Luther King offered: The arc of the universe is long, but it inevitably bends towards justice.

Frank, does this resonate with you?

Frank: Mark, I do not believe we are exactly on the same page, but there is an element of faith and belief that overlap, at least to some degree.

You believe that each of us is born with two internal impulses, one that encourages us to be good and to do good and the other that is the exact opposite. I, on the other hand, believe that while most of us are born with the will to do good as decided by our DNA, there are others who have moral mutations who have difficulty in hearing the Still Small Voice that urges us to do and act good.

Your theory allows you to believe that religion plays an influential role in helping us to act in a moral manner, while my theory also allows for religion to play a role, but a much less significant one.

The individual who lacks the ability of the God within to be heard, may be influenced to do good and act good by a process of nurturing using the principle of epigenetics. That process is defined as a stable change of cell function induced by nurturing, which happens without change to the DNA sequence.

In other words, the evil DNA can be overridden by the nurturing aspects of several factors, including religion.

Not everything, when it comes to genetics can be considered black or white. There are many influences on behavior, but it seems reasonable to assume that nature makes up approximately 80% of who we are and nurture making up the remaining 20%, and that this 20% can be significantly influenced and mollified by religion.

Mark, what’s your reaction to all of this?

Mark: Frank, I agree with what you have written and what you believe about the role of nurture over nature, in the way that perhaps the nurturing of the good can override the inclination to do harm. While this may not hold true for some who are possessed by an incorrigible evil or heinousness, it can certainly hold true for many others.

Truthfully, even those who normally strive to lead good lives require occasional reminders to guard against apathy or indifference.

The Passover Seder rituals recall our suffering and forced servitude under Egyptian bondage. Those rituals could focus our thoughts on our own trauma and embitter our hearts to refrain from our care and concern for others. There is a choice we then must make: Our painful past can either make us bitter, or better. Time and again, religion helps us choose to be better, to harness our suffering to make us more empathetic to others in distress, to let the good impulse within us prevail. That is how God works through us to counter the evil around us, wherever it may exist. •

Rabbi Mark Schiftan can be reached at mschiftan@aol.com

Dr. Frank Boehm can be reached at frank.boehm@vumc.org

well as in theaters from coast to coast.

From the unaffordable, high cost of Jewish education, to what makes Israelis tick to bizarre holiday foods, Robert connects with Jewish audiences at their deepest and most hysterical levels!

His act is sprinkled with Hebrew and Yiddish (he’s fluent in both!), making him one of the most unique and sought after Jewish comedians performing today.

Robert has been lauded by critics for his comedy on MTV, A&E and Comedy Central and has been in several films honored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. From the Oscar® winning Best Feature Documentary “A Long Way Home” to the DreamWorks Oscar® nominated Best Animated feature “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron”, he has impressed producers with his wide interpretive range.

To purchase a ticket for an Evening Robert Cait and join the Adopt a Chair project go to chabadnashville.com or call 615-646-5750. •

Comedian Robert Cait will entertain at Chabad of Nashville on March 23rd.

Chabad of Nashville is going to Shabbat in the Heights

I

magine that the Shtetl of Europe has been frozen in time, transported to New York, and then unfrozen. Imagine walking down the main street and seeing the Judaica shops, hearing the sounds of yeshiva students studying the Talmud, smelling the aromas of the freshly baked Challah wafting from the local kosher bakeries, while seeing signs Hebrew and Yiddish and shuls at every corner, while the skyscrapers of Manhattan rise in the distance.

Chabad of Nashville invites the Nashville community to experience this at Shabbat in the Heights

Approximately 120 people from Jewish communities across the United States participated in last year’s Shabbat in the Heights Shabbaton in the neighborhood of the Chabad Lubavitch headquarters. The Shabbaton experience, is taking place this year, May 2-4, 2024, and enables one to experience Chassidic life in a personal way.

Throughout Shabbat, guest lecturers and study groups provide opportunities to study the Rebbe’s teachings and illuminating perspective on life and its purpose.

A guided tour of the Rebbe’s synagogue, office and home allows a glimpse into life with the Rebbe and insight into how he inspired his thousands of emissaries, leaders in their own right, in Jewish communities in every corner of the globe.

Nashville will be well-represented this year with a group led by Rabbi & Yitzchak and Esther Tiechtel, with Chabad of Nashville. “Living in Nashville and working in the community for the past 27 years makes Nashville home, but a big piece of my heart is always in Crown Heights where I grew up” says, Rabbi Tiechtel. “I can’t wait to share it with my friends from the Nashville community.”

The all-inclusive weekend feels like a retreat, complete with authentic Jewish cuisine, and eclectic Chasidic entertainment, providing a much-needed boost of spiritual energy, which she will carry over into her work, living of a more meaningful life.

To learn more about Shabbat in the Heights please go to www.shabbatintheheights.com or call Chabad at 615-646-5750. •

Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville at www.jewishnashville.org

Togetherness in pews and planks

By JESSE FELD, GORDON JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER CEO

M

ost people in the Jewish community know the rules and regulations to make a minyan. But, for those who don’t, allow me to elaborate. According to myjewishlearning.com, “minyan is the Hebrew word that describes the quorum of ten Jewish adults required for certain religious obligations.”

For many, the minyan has been a symbol of how important being part of a community is for the Jewish people. It is an actual obligation to be with others in the community to read from the Torah, grieve by saying Kaddish, and partake in other parts of daily services. To me, this is a great example of how the Jewish people have persevered with resilience and strength –because we have never done it on our own.

At the Gordon JCC, I see a lot of similarities between the duties of a minyan with what we do every day for our group exercise classes. I know what you’re thinking… but stay with me here.

People can join any gym they please to work out and stay fit. I believe the

differentiating factor for the J is that no matter what you are doing here, you are doing it as part of the community. When you are a part of the J, you are a part of something bigger than yourself. You are part of a community that grows together, strengthens each other, learns and celebrates with one another side by side.

I believe that the same sense of community we get at a minyan in the pews is received when we are side by side on the ground in the plank position. Together, we make sure that our friends or family are not going through it alone. We are there to support each other.

If you’re looking for a sense of community in a private setting, I suggest you seek out one of our amazing group fitness classes. Whether it’s in the pool doing water aerobics with Kim or Gui, in the new Pilates studio testing your limits with Mary, Jen, or Janelle, or if you’re taking on a more traditional fitness class with George, Vicki, Karen, or another one of our amazing trainers, I think you will not only find yourself pleased with the exercise you are getting, but you’ll be equally fulfilled by the sense of communi-

Task Force

Continued from page 1 serve Nashville’s Jewish leaders of tomorrow.” He says a combined school will also provide more class options, including electives and accelerated learning as well as more extracurricular activities.

To determine next steps, a task force was created, charged with conducting a feasibility study aimed at exploring the potential colocation and merger of the three schools. The task force is a collaborative effort by the leadership of Akiva School, JMS and Kehilla High School. The decision was made early on not to include Kehilla in the first financial analysis. “We wanted to be intentional and move forward strategically, one step at a time,” says Didi Biesman, one of the

task force’s co-chairs.

Top priorities included assessing not just the financial feasibility of the project, but also the demand for a combined school. “We want to measure interest in a K-8 Jewish school and ensure our forecasts are accurate. Along with enrollment, we will study donor interest,” says Biesman. She adds that the task force is are excited to have the endorsement from the Nashville Board of Rabbis.

The task force engaged the assistance of a consultant to create the yearlong plan. Biesman says, “He came highly recommended from Prizmah Center for Jewish Day Schools and has extensive experience in the private, public and nonprofit sectors.” Phase 1 of the study is completed and according to the task force, the analysis revealed financial ben-

ty you are building together. For more information about group fitness classes, you may contact Health and Wellness Director Harriet Shirley at harriet@nashvillejcc.org, or visit nashvillejcc.org/fitness-schedule.

As always, please feel free to contact me to chat about the J, our priorities and our mission. My email address is jesse@ nashvillejcc.org, and you’re always welcome to swing by my office when you’re in the building. •

efits of a combined entity with shared resources, such as faculty, administration and operational efficiencies, with a shared focus on the school’s core values. “The continuity of a K-12 education allows for a meaningful streamlined curriculum with expansion of academic and extracurricular offerings. This strengthens the cohesiveness of our Jewish community,” says Biesman.

school campus instead of a few rooms in a synagogue. I imagine it would help with security as well.”

The results of Phase 1 were shared with the Akiva School and upper school boards, and they approved the start of Phase 2. Phase 2 of the study will focus on engaging the broader community through focus groups to assess interest and gather feedback. These discussions will also explore the possibility of constructing an upper school facility on the Gordon JCC campus.

Senior Move Management Services

Parents also are looking forward to a more robust educational experience for their children. Marc Steinberg and his family moved to Nashville last summer from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Although they had never sent their children to Jewish day school, they were pleased with what they saw at Akiva and JMS, which also suited their family’s lifestyle. “Once we decided on Akiva, we also decided to try JMS largely out of convenience, such as same school breaks, and we were impressed by the faculty there. It seems to suit our 7th grader very well and he is thriving in the small environment.” Still Nashville’s growth made it often difficult to shuttle between the two schools. And Steinberg says the combination of resources would only add value, “If they were combined into one campus it would be a HUGE time saver for us and many other families. I think it would also benefit the middle school students to have a more “proper”

Moving forward the task force has many challenges, chief among them is constructing a new school. “Many details would need to be ironed out should we determine that the merged schools could be viable. We are being extremely intentional and strategic in our approach,” says Libby Werthan, co-chair of the task force. She adds, “There will also be discussions to explore the possibility of constructing an upper school facility on the Gordon JCC campus.”

Pressner, says the timing is right to consider next steps in a community known for its dedication to Jeiwsh learning. “This is a city with a deep commitment to chesed (lovingkindness) and a city known for its creative and collaborative spirit. I cannot think of a more important time to teach our children about our commitment to their future.” •

Tamim Academy

Continued from page 1 parents are always sad to leave us. Now they won’t have to.”

Support for their endeavor comes from the Tamim Academy network of Jewish elementary schools, which was created to provide that expertise. “When Tamim Academy reached out to us, selected Nashville as one of the locations in which to open a new Jewish day school in the fall of 2025, we were elated and delighted, as this was exactly what we were seeking,” said Tiechtel, “Being a part of the Tamim network will allow us to fast track our elementary school into existence.”

Founded in fall of 2020, Tamim Academy launched with four schools during the reopening phase of the Covid19 pandemic. Tamim currently has 16 Jewish elementary schools in 14 locations across North America. According to Holly Cohen, Tamim’s founder and chief executive officer, “Our turnkey model makes it possible for communities of all sizes to build a new, high quality, Jewish elementary school while streamlining financial and operating processes and creating a strong peer network.” She explained the benefits, “Like the other schools across our network, Tamim Academy of Nashville will have ongoing access to a detailed educational curriculum and ongoing teacher training, administrative support, business-model coaching and more.”

According to the Jewish Federations of North America, Jewish day schools provide a strong foundation to prepare children for the future. Eric Fingerhut, JFNA president and CEO said in a November 2024 article in FedBeat, “Jewish Day Schools are incubators for Jewish leaders who strengthen their Jewish communities, have strong relationships with Israel, are equipped to stand up to antisemitism, and are committed to raising their own children with a strong Jewish identity.”

The American Jewish Population Project estimates that there are approx-

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Happy Passover

imately 1.6 million Jewish children in the United States, with only 292,000 enrolled in Jewish day schools. More than 80% of American Jewish children—almost 1.3 million—are outside the Jewish day-school system.

It’s in this context that Tamim Academy was born five years ago. Cohen explained the genesis of Tamim, “We wondered how many parents would be willing to consider Jewish elementary schooling for their children if they could get academic rigor with warmth and love for their children.”

The Tamim Academy model is unique in that while each Tamim Academy school is independently run, key points of operation are networked

in the form of a single headquarters. Cohen explains that by centralizing many typical school functions, Tamim HQ allows communities to bypass most of the challenges of building and running a school while reducing costs and elevating quality and consistency.

Tamim Academy of Nashville will be one of three or four new schools being added to the network for this fall. “We are so proud to be partnering with the Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool,” says Cohen. “Tamim’s goal lies beyond the walls of our schools. We’re creating the Jewish day schools of the future, today and we want to share this vision in Nashville.”

Asked what she sees as the long-

term goal of opening a Tamim Academy, Tiechtel says, “Our school will pepare Nashville’s next generation of Jews to be knowledgeable, spiritual and sentient people who possess the tools, strength and desire to live as proud Jews, to love Israel and to take on the world.”

Tamim Academy is proposing to start with a first and second grade in the fall of 2025. Since this is new school, with new learning opportunities, Tamim is offering a one-time grant for the first eight students that enroll, and the tuition for the 2025-2026 school year will be only $2000.

To learn more about Tamim Academy Nashville, please call 615-646-5750 or email tamimacademy@gmail.com •

for ads is March 15, 2025

Lifecycles

B’rit Mitzvah

Anna Roselyn Brook

Kids’ Corner

Anna Roselyn Brook will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, March 1, at 11 a.m., at The Temple. She was born on March 1, 2012, in Nashville. Her parents are Jamie and Jeremy Brook. Her grandparents are Sue and Maury Brook of Atlanta, Ga., and Rae and Bruce Hirsch of Nashville.

A seventh grader at University School of Nashville, Anna loves theater, art, music, softball, basketball, cooking, reading, and attending Camp Barney Medintz.

For Anna’s mitzvah project, she is serving meals through Room In The Inn.

Obituaries

Ann Ryan Bernard

Condolences to the family of Ann Ryan Bernard, 101 years old. She was born December 6, 1923, was a lifelong Nashvillian. She and her husband of 64 years, Harold Stone “Jobe” Bernard, had a marriage full of devotion, love, travel, and memories she reveled in. She cared for him for 18 years in their home after he had a devastating stroke. Her love for him has never wavered.

Ann, at her own request, entered a talent show at the Hippodrome Skating Rink when she was about eight years old and sang St. James Infirmary and won! That catapulted her to begin singing with local bands in Nashville at Kiwanis and Lions Club luncheons, followed by her own radio show on WLAC. She was known as The Songbird of the South. She often sang with the Owen Bradley Orchestra. She loved to sing and adored music right up to her passing. Michael Buble, her favorite, accompanied her during her final transition. While she continued singing for her own enjoyment, she stopped performing in her teenage years.

With the tough times in WWII, after she graduated from West End High School, she went to work at Third National Bank as the first female bank teller in Nashville. With her husband, Jobe, stationed in Norfolk, Va. and overseas in the Navy, she returned to Nashville andwent to work for the U.S. Department of Defense Transportation.

They built their family in Nashville after the war. In her later years, Ann joined the board of Cheekwood, where she

was part of the creation of the Sculpture Trail. She also became involved with the Kennedy Center at Vanderbilt, mainly because they studied the brain and stroke, which became very important to her family with Jobe’s condition.Ann also underwrote the Jobe Bernard Stroke Symposium at Vanderbilt, named after her husband, which annually addresses any and all current medical work in the field of stroke, both to the medical community and public. Ann has supported The Nashville Symphony, The Temple, and other Jewish causes.

After 101 years, she continued to smile and say with joy, “It’s been a hell of a ride.”

Ann is survived by her daughter, Jo Ann Bernard, and son, Tommy Bernard. Her mother, Ada Cohen Joel, her father, Herbert Ryan, and her sister, Reba Jean Kraft, predeceased her. She is also survived by her loving nieces and nephews, Kenneth Kraft, Trish Kraft Krizelman, Keith Kraft, and Nancy Kraft Galbut.

Donations may be made in her memory to The Temple Ohabai Shalom or The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center.

Elaine Glezer

Condolences to the family of Elaine Glezer.

Richard Moss Heller Jr.

Condolences to the family of Richard Moss Heller Jr., who died on February 3. He was the husband of Toni Winner Heller; father of Richard Heller (Beth) and Jaime Heller (Mark Kocourek); grandfather to Richard and Julian Heller, and Mark and Bobby Kocourek.

Tributes may be made in Richard’s memory to Congregation Micah.

Denese Kassman

Condolences to the family of Denese Kassman. Survivors include Jo Ann and Larry Sacks, and Daniel, Jennifer, Dylan, and Emma Sacks.

Michael Mireider

Condolences to the family of Michael Mireider. father of Jessica (Adam) Roth, grandfather of Wyatt, Charlotte, and Elliot.

Leslie Susan Winner

Condolences to the family of Leslie Susan Winner, who died on January 28th. Leslie was preceded in death by her parents, Lenore (Schrum) Winner and Elliott Winner. Leslie is the sister of Toni (Winner) Heller; husband of Dr. Richard Heller; and aunt to Jaime (Heller) Kocourek and Dr. Richard Heller. •

This month’s column features a poem by nine-year-old Naomi Becker, a student at Lockeland Elementary School.

Our new Kids Korner will be reserved for stories, poems, games, recipes, and other creative submissions by children in our community. If you, or a child under 13 in your life, is interested in participating, please contact editor Barbara Dab at barbaradab@ jewishnashville.org.

And to learn more about our exciting First Annual Creative Writing contest, check out the Editor’s Note!

THE LITTLE TREE

By Naomi Becker

Papa said, Fall will come soon, little one. A few months, and then it will be done. Squirrels scutter, taking our ‘corns.

In the night, I had time to mourn.

It’s my first fall! What should I do? Who will protect me? Papa, Mama, me, or you? My leaves will fall off! What then? Oh! I’ll be dead!

The next morning, I cried: Mama! Papa! We’re going to die! But Mama lifted her branch down to me. You won’t die, little tree.

I said, Our leaves will fall! I’m so scared! She said, Just feel the warm crisp air. Then I saw the squirrels scuttering around. Little seeds, dropping to the ground.

Apples red, ready to eat. I looked up at Mama, and found my bravery. •

Teaching them young!

By MARY PELLETT, CERTIFIED CLASSICAL PILATES INSTRUCTOR AND GORDON JCC PILATES ADMINISTRATOR

Exercise is important at every age, and our youth are uniquely positioned to develop lifelong habits that lead to a healthy lifestyle. To support youth in the development of this habit the Gordon Jewish Community Center launched its first ever Youth Fitness Series.

Launching in January 2025 with a sold-out month, we brought it back for round two in February. We are looking forward to continuing regular Youth Fitness programming throughout the year at the J.

This four-week series introduces children grades 1-5 the ins and outs of group fitness. Each week the kids participate in a different 45-minute group fitness class: calisthenics, Pilates, yoga, or Zumba, with our highly trained group fitness instructors.

“I thought this was an excellent way to introduce kids to fun fitness alternative, especially for those who don’t necessarily like to play team sports,” said Ashley Haugen, parent, and Gordon JCC member. “Plus, it was an excuse for me to work out while she was in class!”

Living and leading a healthy lifestyle includes physical activity, and children and teens are well positioned to develop positive lifelong habits and to resist negative ones. In addition to this new series, we continue to offer a free

program for members ages 10-13 to learn how to safely utilize equipment, and understand the benefits of cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training. Private or semi-private program sessions include a manual, discussion, demonstration, and hands-on practice. Participants must pass a written and a proficiency test to obtain certification.

Members and non-members can participate in youth fitness classes, so friends are encouraged to participate too. To learn more and sign-up visit www. nashvillejcc.org/youthsports •

Kvetch in the City

By CARRIE MILLS

It started with deleting the dating app from my phone. Snapping out of the dating trance I had mindlessly gotten sucked into

that had me endlessly swiping on possible future fantasy husbands on Hinge, there I stood squinting, looking around at the surroundings I call home, when it dawned on me, I needed to be sweeping not swiping. And not just sweeping. Purging.

Now mind you, you wouldn’t know

Crawford Funeral Home

it right away if you came to my home that I live on the edge of what might qualify as hoarding. I mean my place presents as clean and neat with space and light. Apparently, that is all an illusion. Open a closet, a dresser drawer, or the convenient storage space outside my front door. Then it is Whoa, Nelly!

It had gotten to the point where there is no room to stuff one more thing. At one point I recall giving myself a rule, if something new comes in, something old must leave. Unfortunately, that did not last long.

Once I finished that task, which ultimately ended getting it down to nine shoeboxes from the original 14, I started to feel I was somewhat getting the hang of letting go.

That is until I opened the hall closet doors, kitchen cabinets, and then, holy moly, my clothes closet. At that point I realized I was literally in over my head and needed to enlist the help of a non-partial friend whose taste I admire and who happens to be a minimalist. A good match since I would most probably land somewhere in the middle.

And so, that is how these last few weeks I went from no longer living on the verge to the time has come to clean and purge.

Overwhelmed by where to start and not taking heed from the experts on eliminating clothing first, paper last, I decided to start by going through hundreds if not thousands of photographs packed into 14 shoe boxes, going through real printed out photographs (remember those?) …the original swiping.

Well, let me tell you, hours upon hours, evening upon evening, I sat sifting through the paper version of visual memories of a life that brought me to this moment. And as always, it was inevitable, I got sidetracked.

In the throes of it all I stopped and began looking up online if half the people in these photos still existed, and if they did, where they might be now. Then the thought occurred, wouldn’t it be fun to surprise contact them after 30 years and send them a photo of themselves they probably never knew existed. So, yes, that’s what I did. I must admit, it was a trip, at least from my end.

Most people were more than happy to hear from me and see their younger pre gray self, though I didn’t dare ask if my ex-husband’s wife felt the same surge of fun as I sent her now husband photo upon photo of the life he left behind. I did though ask his permission before bombarding him with an avalanche of photos he never bothered to take in his excitement to leave me for her.

As we waded through object upon object, shelf upon shelf, it dawned on me how much money I have spent over the course of the last thirty-two years since the day I moved to Nashville with hardly anything more than a futon, my guitar, a bag of clothes, music equipment and a computer.

Granted, while I pride myself on having the uncanny ability to hunt down a great yard sale, thrift store, and or sales in general, when I started doing the basic calculations in my head of all the, what now seems like unnecessary purchases, all this clutter started to feel like a hundred pound weight on my spirit and it became way too apparent how it happened that I never saved the million dollars my accountant said I would have saved by this point if I started investing in my twenties. Regret is 20 20 hindsight. However, now was no time for regret. And seriously, what good would it do me anyway.

Right now, all I wanted to see is the back wall of an open closet.

I must say, I give my helpful friend a lot of credit. Not only is she a good listener hearing me go on and on with story upon story of each object being tossed into the save, keep or toss bin, she carries no judgement, and has way more patience than I’d ever have in her shoes…which, by the way, I’ve gotten rid of several pairs, though none of the kitten heels. Some things are sacrilegious. I can truly say I’ve learned a lot about myself in this process. First off, I have pretty good taste with a hint of the weird and eclectic thrown in for good measure. I love marble and things made from wood…as my old yard sale friend reminded me, as one who has witnessed me practically jumping out of cars screaming, “Wood!” when I’d spot something half a block away while driving with her on yard sale Saturday mornings.

I’ve also come to realize how much I’ve grown. As much as I love beautiful things, I’ve come to realize, how little of them I now need to experience joy. It seems I may have collected a lot of fun but unnecessary objects to bring me a sense of comfort and security. Maybe to take my mind off certain hardships at the time.

I’ve grown to appreciate a calm space. Free from clutter, inside and out. And so, while I’ve put dating on hold for a time, I have a feeling, when I meet someone down the line, I can feel confident there’s going to be a lot more space. More closet space for their things, and a whole lot more space inside me. •

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ACCOUNTANTS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY

CATHY WERTHAN, CPA

CBIZ

1221 Broadway, Suite 1925 Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 245-4070 • CBIZ.com

APPLIANCES

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

ATTORNEY

MARTIN SIR, ATTORNEY

Family Law / Personal Injury / Probate 3200 West End Avenue, Suite 500 Nashville, Tennessee 37203 615-256-5661 (phone) 615-256-5115 (fax) www.martinsirlaw.com

CARE GIVER

Custom senior care for active, healthy lifestyles. Affordable/no minimums. Meals, meds, transp., outings, dementia care & assist with hospital discharge. Professional trusted care partners. Locally owned. Call Moises for Free Assessment: 615-678-9223 www.curaforcare.com

In-Home Care & Engagement | Respite Dementia Day & Early-Stage Programs

Independent & Assisted Living Memory Support | Caregiver Resources 615.434.2160 | services@abesgarden.org

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

143 Uptown Square Murfreesboro, TN 37129 615-848-6774

768 N. Main Street Shelbyville, TN 37160 931-680-2771

Elite Caregiving Services

Compassionate Care In Your Home

We offer aftercare from surgical procedures, part-time assistance, and 24 hour elderly care. 615-881-6528

Hannah@EliteCaregivingServices.com EliteCaregivingServices.com

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

DR. BRADLEY KROCK D.C.

Discover relief with Dr. Krock, DCExpert chiropractic care for pain, wellness, and injury recovery. Book your appointment today!   615-723-0201 www.krockchiropractic.com

DENTIST

STEVEN R. HECKLIN, DMD

DAVID M. SMILEY, DMD

ABBY DILUZIO, DMD

Cosmetic and Family Dentistry www.drhecklin.com 5606 Brookwood Place 615-356-7500

INSURANCE

BILTMORE INSURANCE SERVICES

Greg Zagnoev, Agent 615-746-RISK (7475) Home, Auto, Business, and Life

JAMES A. ROTHBERG

ADAM ROTHBERG

James A. Rothberg & Associates Office:  615-997-1833 Fax: 615-665-1300 2000 Glen Echo, Suite 208 Nashville, TN 37215

Email: jrothberg@jarinsurance.com info@jarinsurance.com

ROBINS INSURANCE

Bruce Robins, CPCU, CIC, ARM; Van Robins, CIC Auto, Home, Life, Health, Business Insurance 11 Music Circle S Ph. 615-665-9200 • www.robinsins.com

ZANDER INSURANCE GROUP, INC.

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

M JAFFA HEALTH INSURANCE

Marsha Ross Jaffa, CIC, LUTCF 615-482-3860 Medicare, Health, Dental, and Life

OPTOMETRIST

DR. MICHELE SONSINO Optique Franklin 436 Main Street, Franklin 615-591-4191

DR. JAMES W. KIRKCONNELL Bellevue Eyecare Center 7640 Hwy 70 S, Ste 102 Nashville 615-662-7588 www.bec2

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

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

GHERTNER & COMPANY

Homeowner Association and Condominium Management Full Service and Financial Management Property Management since 1968 615-255-8531 www.ghertner.com

PSYCHOTHERAPY

& COUNSELING

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

REAL ESTATE

FRANKLIN PARGH

615-351-7333

franklin.pargh@compass.com

LANA PARGH 615-504-2685

lana.pargh@compass.com www.pargh.com Instagram: @theparghteam

JACOB KUPIN, REALTOR HAYLEY LEVY KUPIN, REALTOR 615-281-9035

Jacob@TheKupinGroup.com Hayley@TheKupinGroup.com www.TheKupinGroup.com

We’ve got your back!

GREG ANSEL, REALTOR® Phone/Text: 615-815-6405

Email: GregAnsel@kw.com “Let’s Get Moving!”

Jackie Roth Karr, REALTOR® ABR, CRS

JackieKarr@gmail.com

JackieKarr.com

Mobile: 615-330-9779 Office: 615-463-3333

SPORTING GOODS

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

TRAVEL SERVICES

Expedia Cruise Ship Centers A Full Service Travel Agency Alan Cooper: Office: 615-454-6439 www.expediacruises.com/AlanCooper 7081 B Hwy 70 S / Kroger Shopping Ctr.

TREE SERVICES

JESSICA AVERBUCH

Broker/ Owner

Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty 615-294-9880 jessica.averbuch@zeitlin.com

KAROL FARAGALLI 615-289-3359 karolfaragalli@gmail.com

LORNA M. GRAFF Broker, GRI, CRS, ABR 615-351-5343 lorna.graff@zeitlin.com www.lornagraff.com

SETH HOFFMAN

Associate Broker 615-351-2150 seth@sethhoffmannashvillehomes.com

NAN SPELLER

Broker, GRI, ABR 615-973-1117 nanspeller2014@gmail.com

Nashville: 615.383.0183 Franklin: 615.794.0833 zeitlin.com

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

Seniors and Post Hospital Care