The Observer Vol. 91 No. 8 – August 2026

Jewish OBSERVER

You Can Help to Make Jewish Preschool and Summer Camp Programs More Accessible

By MINDY HIRT, CHAIR, FOUNDATION STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL,

AND BARRY

ALLEN, DIRECTOR OF PLANNED GIVING

& ENDOWMENTS

It is generally acknowledged that two things provide outsized benefits to children (beyond loving, stable, nurturing families). One is early childhood Jewish education, specifically preschool programs, and the other is Jewish summer camp. The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville supports both activities through scholarships and grants, but every year we find the demand far exceeds our capacity to provide all the support that is needed.

If you are a family with very young children of your own, or grandchildren of a certain age, you already know how much development — educational, cultural, social, and religious — occurs when the children are enrolled in Jewish preschool programs. You can see how the children blossom before your eyes, and you know that they are going to be better prepared for kindergarten and beyond because of their participation in these activities.

As the children get older and go off to Jewish sleepaway camps (like Ramah, Barney Medintz, Blue Star or Young Judea, for example), or participate in Jewish day camps, they make new friends and learn new skills. Studies consistently show that children who go to Jewish summer camps are more likely to be involved in Jewish life in college and beyond.

Since the cost of both preschool programs and summer camps is on an ever-increasing upward path, families have to weigh what they can afford against the obvious benefits. Sometimes, outside financial assistance is the only thing that

Continued on page 3

Hadassah Celebrates 100 Years in Nashville

By MARLY BOEHM

This October, Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, will celebrate 100 years in Nashville. The celebration dinner and fundraiser will be held on October 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the GJCC. The evening will feature live music and honor Marsha Ross Jaffa and other past presidents of the Nashville chapter.

A volunteer organization, Hadassah has fought for women’s rights and supported Israel, before women could vote, and before Israel was a state. Today, it still carries on this work, championing Zionism and healthcare, combatting antisemitism, and promoting community.

“The mission has always been to heal the world around us,” said Mindy Drongowsky, co-president of Hadassah’s Nashville chapter. “We learn together, we volunteer together…and it’s nice to support causes that are bigger than yourself.” The Nashville chapter of Hadassah

Continued on page 4

Applications open for fourth Leadership615 Cohort

By ERIN WIDES

Applications are now open for the fourth cohort of Leadership615, the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville’s six-month fellowship program designed to prepare emerging leaders for service in the Jewish community.

In its first three years, nearly 40 Jewish leaders have completed the program, which helps participants become more knowledgeable, strategic and effective community leaders. Leadership615 is sponsored and supported by Dr. Mark Goldfarb and Beth Levine.

The program is designed to help participants gain a deeper understanding of the organizations, people and issues that shape Jewish life in Nashville while developing the skills needed to lead with confidence.

This is accomplished through monthly educational sessions, small-group discus-

sions, and opportunities to build relationships with fellow participants and community leaders. Sessions are taught by distinguished scholars from all over the country, respected community and business leaders, and local Jewish community leaders.

“We’re excited. We have had three successful cohorts of leaders who are now involved in leadership positions across the community,” said Michal Eskenazi Becker, the Federation’s chief impact officer and program coordinator.

This year’s cohort will feature an additional seventh educational session and increased opportunities for discussion. Eskenazi Becker said they want to invest more time in discussions and practice groups.

She also praised the commitment participants bring to the program despite balancing careers, families and other responsibilities.

“I love the engagement and the

commitment of the fellows because it is intensive,” Eskenazi Becker said. “Everyone has a very busy and full life, and there’s something about once they make a commitment to get in a room, they’re 100 percent there.”

The diversity in participants is top of mind for the admission committee, composed of board members, staff, and past fellows. The cohorts are a mix of longtime Nashvillians and newcomers, along with participants representing a wide range of perspectives and experiences.

The deadline to submit applications for the fourth Leadership615 cohort is Aug. 31, 2026. Individuals interested in developing their leadership skills, expanding their understanding of Nashville’s Jewish community and connecting with other emerging leaders are encouraged to apply.

Learn more and apply here, https:// www.jewishnashville.org/leadership615. •

Hadassah Hannukah Party 2025

From the Federation’s CEO

The Power of Camp, and the Promise We Owe Our Kids

By JUDY ALPERIN

Right about now, duffel bags are coming home smelling like campfire smoke and lake water. Friendship bracelets are stacked up wrists. And somewhere in the chaos of unpacking trunks and doing laundry, a lot of our kids are already counting down the days until they can go back.

If you’ve ever picked up a child from Jewish summer camp, you know the look on their face. It’s not just tired-happy. It’s changed. And it turns out that’s not just a parent’s imagination — it’s one of the best-documented phenomena in Jewish communal life.

According to the Foundation for Jewish Camp, campers who attend Jewish overnight camp are significantly more likely, as adults, to feel emotionally attached to Israel, to belong to a synagogue, to donate to Jewish causes, and

to raise their own children with a strong Jewish identity. Camp doesn’t just fill a summer. It builds the adults our community will need for the next fifty years — the future board chairs, the volunteers, the ones who show up.

I often say that my children’s summers at URJ Camp Harlam were the best Jewish investment I’ve made, and that is not just because one turned out to be a rabbi and the other serves on their executive board. Every family who wants a Jewish camp experience for their child should have one — not just the families who can easily afford it.

Here’s the hard truth: This year, our camp scholarship fund ran out before the need did. We were not able to say “yes” to every family who asked us for help sending their child to Jewish camp. That’s not a sentence I write lightly, and it’s not one I’m comfortable letting stand as our new normal. A Jewish childhood

shouldn’t have a price tag that some families can meet and others can’t.

So, here’s what I’m asking: as we move into a new school year, let’s solve this together. Whether that’s a gift to our camp scholarship fund at our Jewish Foundation specifically, or a broader gift to our Federation that lets us direct resources where the need is greatest, every dollar gets a child one step closer to that camp Shabbat, that campfire, that bunk, that unshakeable sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves.

The timing of all this is not lost on me. Just as our kids are settling into new classrooms and new routines, our Federation’s annual campaign is swinging into full gear for the year ahead. The next few months will be full. Full of opportunities to learn about the work your community is doing, to engage with programs and people who are shaping Jewish Nashville, and to support the

institutions that will carry our children’s Jewish identity forward long after the last day of camp. I don’t say this as an obligation. I say it as an invitation. Jewish Nashville is dynamic, and it’s growing, and I genuinely look forward to experiencing all of it alongside you this year — the campaign events, the learning opportunities, the moments of connection that remind us why this community is worth investing in.

Join us on Sunday, August 23, as our community comes together for Tzedekah Tzunday to raise needed funds for the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign, which supports Jewish life across our community, in Israel and around the world. I look forward to seeing you there and if you would like to discuss how you can help our community by supporting the campaign, the camperships or other important needs, please contact me at judy@jewishnashville.org. •

Nashville Community Learns How Their Support is Helping Leket Israel Fight Food Insecurity

By ERIN WIDES

As the war in Israel continues to affect the lives of Israelis, one issue often receives less attention in the headlines: food insecurity. Leket Israel has seen firsthand the need, with people they serve increasing from 230,000 to 470,000 per week post Oct. 7, 2023.

Earlier this summer, Sally Poolat, regional director of U.S. development for Leket Israel, met with Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville staff, donors, clergy and community members to discuss how the organization is helping combat the issue.

“The goal is to come out to the southern states and meet with Jewish communities and share what Leket is doing,” Poolat said. “It’s important for people to understand the impact they’re making.”

The organization’s name comes from the word “leket,” which means gleaning.

“It’s in our Torah in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, where God commands us to leave portions of our field for the poor,” Poolat said.

Founded 23 years ago by Joseph Gitler after making aliyah to Israel, Leket began with a question Gitler posed to a caterer: What happens to untouched food left over after events?

The caterer explained that he fed his staff and then had to throw out the rest, Poolat said.

The idea was to rescue surplus food and fresh produce that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it to nonprofit organizations serving Israelis in need.

Today, Leket partners with 800 farmers and 346 nonprofits throughout Israel, collecting fresh fruits and vegetables, sorting them at its logistics center near Ra’anana and distributing them to communities across the country.

The need has nearly doubled since the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7. The increase reflects the economic impact of the war, the loss of workers and significant damage to farms in both northern and southern Israel.

During a recent Israel mission with Nashville community members, Jessica Cohen Banish, Israel and overseas director and Partnership2Gether Hadera-Eiron Southeast U.S. coordinator, said harvesting crops with Leket helped bring the organization’s work to life in a new way.

“Hearing the farmers’ stories, including the workforce shortages they’ve faced since Oct. 7, gave me an even deeper appreciation for Leket’s impact,” she said. “Knowing that Nashville’s support continues beyond our time in the fields made

the experience even more meaningful.”

Michal Eskenazi Becker, chief impact officer at the Federation, helps oversee grants and said hearing directly from organizations such as Leket provides an important perspective.

“There’s so much news coming from Israel all the time,” she said. “When we’re so caught up in the larger Middle East politics, it’s very easy to miss these issues. They are foundational to the health of society.”

She said supporting organizations

that address basic needs is essential.

“I think it’s very important for us to hear directly from our partners about their work,” Eskenazi Becker said. “Many times, when we review reports, we’re looking at a lot of numbers. But hearing from the people who do this work has a completely different impact.”

In 2025, Leket provided 2.2 million hot meals and 800,000 frozen soups and stews, and worked with an average of 120,000 volunteers. •

A New Era of Israel and Overseas Engagement

By JESSICA COHEN BANISH, ISRAEL AND OVERSEAS DIRECTOR

O

n July 1, the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville officially launched its new Israel and Overseas Department — and we’ve jumped right in. Over these first weeks, we’ve been surveying, brainstorming, researching, and analyzing as we build impactful engagement opportunities that meet the needs and interests of Jewish Nashville. As part of this evolution, Federation’s Partnership2Gether Committee has become the new Israel

and Overseas Committee, co-chaired by Rabbi Lindsey Danziger and Claire Bernstein. I’m grateful to be working closely with both chairs, the committee, and my Federation colleagues as we shape this new department.

The goal of the new department is to offer meaningful ways for everyone— from preschoolers to seniors—to engage with Israel and Jewish communities across the globe through a balance of connection, celebration, and education.

That balance matters. We want to celebrate and showcase Israel and share in its culture while not shying away

from its complexities when it comes to education. Rather than telling people what to think, we want to provide facts, multiple perspectives, and space for people to work through the complicated, and sometimes conflicting, feelings that Israel can bring up.

We also recognize how difficult it can be to navigate the constant influx of news and social media, where the volume of information can make it challenging to distinguish fact from misinformation. One way to bridge that gap is through direct conversations about actual experiences. By engaging

with people in our Partnership2Gether (P2G) region, Hadera-Eiron, we learn about current life in Israel directly from those living it.

P2G is also undergoing a strategic evaluation in close collaboration with the eight other Federation communities in our Southeast U.S. consortium, all of which share a connection with HaderaEiron. The goal is to deepen our collective impact through reimagined hybrid engagement opportunities that connect us with our Israeli sister community and with communities across the consor-

Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville led Birthright volunteer trip to Israel helping pick produce through Leket.

B’nai Tzedek welcomes new leadership, announces annual gift at annual meeting celebration

By LEERON RESNICK

Members of B’nai Tzedek gathered for their annual meeting and bash this summer. The evening was a blend of meaningful decision-making and high-energy fun.

The meeting marked the official welcome of new board members Anna Brook, Yael Cohen, Essie Boehler, Blake Resnick, Yael Coleman, Abi Kullock, Sam Workman, and Evan Zagnoev.

The organization also recognized graduating seniors Micah Rosenbloom,

Amari Schneider and Ilana Hanai, as they embark on their next chapters.

The board then led a productive annual meeting. Rooted deeply in Jewish values, the teens engaged in a thoughtful review of various Jewish organizations. After a group vote, members selected the Jewish Adoptions and Family Care Options (JAFCO) organization as the recipient of this year’s annual gift.

After the meeting concluded, attendees sported their commemorative B’nai Tzedek socks and hit the skating rink for an evening of recreation and connec-

c c c c STAFF

Publisher Judy Alperin, CEO Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville

Editor Erin Wides

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Advertising Manager Carrie Mills

Layout and Production Tim Gregory

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Telephone 615-354-1643 E-mail erin@jewishnashville.org

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tion. The event provided an opportunity for members to build relationships and strengthen community connections.

Looking ahead, B’nai Tzedek will introduce a new format for its annual

Accessible

Continued from page 1 makes attendance at either type of program possible.

We also know that, for some families, being able to send their children to preschool or summer camp is the only way for one or both wage earners to get and keep a job. Otherwise, the need for childcare drastically limits employment options.

The Federation wants to help every family send their kids to quality Jewish preschool programs or summer camps. This can be accomplished through grants or scholarships. However, we know that demand in both areas far exceeds the supply of available money. For example, for the 2026-2027 preschool year, the gap between tuition ($498,663) and what parents could pay ($221,093) was $277,570. We were only able to award $50,000 in grants, or about 18% of the unmet need.

This is where you can help. You can set up or contribute to designated funds for scholarships. You can make a larger contribution to the Federation’s Annual Campaign, which helps fund the preschool grants and camp scholarships. You can also contribute to existing camp funds established by others, so there is

CORRECTION

welcome event. Instead of hosting the traditional August pool party, the organization plans to hold a fall welcome event in October. Additional details to be announced soon. •

more money available for camp programs. Currently, grants for preschool are made from Federation funds that come from the Annual Campaign. Scholarships for camps can come from similar campaign funds, as well as the One Happy Camper Fund. If you want to set up a Designated Fund to support a preschool program, or a particular Jewish summer camp, you could target your donations. Alternatively, you could make a more general donation to a Designated Fund that supported either preschool or summer camp programs, or both.

We can strategize with you to help you explore multiple funding options. We are available to assist you in making Jewish preschool and summer camp more widely available to a larger number of families. Contact any of the following for assistance: Michal Eskenazi Becker, chief impact and planning officer (michal@ jewishnashville.org, office - 615-3541696; Jason Sparks, chief development officer (jason@jewishnashville.org), office - 615-354-1639; or Barry Allen, director of planned giving and endowments (barry@jewishnashville.org, office - 615-354-1637. We are ready to partner with you to ensure the growth of proven programs that enhance Jewish identity, now and in the future. •

In the July 2026 issue of The Jewish Observer, the article titled “July in the Galleries: Featuring the work of Catherine Moberg, Sharon Charney, and Peggy Snow” included two different spellings of Sharon Charney’s name. The correct spelling is Sharon Charney. We regret the error.

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

Hadassah

Continued from page 1 has grown to over 700 members.

Hadassah was founded by Henrietta Szold. An American Jewish woman, Szold was an educator, social worker, and pioneer of groundbreaking achievements in women’s rights and Zionism, even becoming known in Israel as a “mother,” according to the Jewish Women’s Archive and the Hadassah Magazine. Recognizing a need for proper healthcare in pre-state Israel, Szold founded Hadassah in 1912. Today, with 300,000 members across America, Hadassah carries her legacy, championing women’s health and rights, and Israel-U.S. relations.

Beth Wise, co-president and treasurer of the Nashville chapter, described how throughout the years, Hadassah’s primary focus has been supporting its hospitals. “With the two main hospitals in Jerusalem, it’s not even just the medical care, which is extraordinary, but the research that has gone on there and the medical breakthroughs that they’ve had that they share with the world,” she said.

The staff and patients of the hospitals are multicultural, and have formed community, regardless of their racial or religious differences. Wise described how the Hadassah hospitals rely on the support and fundraising of Hadassah members around the world to keep their doors open.

After October 7th, Wise said the Hadassah hospitals worked tirelessly to finish building the Gandel Rehabilitation Center, where people can recover from both physical and psychological injuries. Proceeds from the Nashville Hadassah’s October 18th dinner and fundraiser will go to this center.

In addition to fundraising for the hospitals, the Hadassah Nashville chap-

ter has hosted a variety of events, including the Evolve women’s group, book club discussions, cooking demonstrations, Chanukah and Sukkot parties, Havdalah candle making, hamantaschen bakes, and participating with other Jewish organizations in community events, like preparing Kindergarten boxes for Metro students. They have also raised funds for Ukraine and breast cancer research.

To celebrate 100 years in Nashville, this year’s celebration dinner will honor Marsha Jaffa. “We were looking for somebody to have those deep Nashville roots and Hadassah roots,” Drongowsky explained.

Wise described Jaffa’s deep commitment to the chapter. “She is always the first to volunteer when we need something, when we need someone to make phone calls or organize something or be involved, Marsha has always been there and said, ‘I’ll do it.’”

Jaffa is a third-generation president of the Nashville chapter. “My grandmother was the third president of Hadassah, and my mom was also past president,” she said. Laughing, she shared how it was basically expected for her to become active in Hadassah.

Jaffa has been a member since 1989, served as president, programming vice president, and fundraising vice president. She also co-chaired the Hadassah thrift shop for 10 years. “One of the highlights would be running the thrift shop, because I raised $100,000 for Hadassah,” she shared, describing working full time and raising a young child as a major challenge and achievement in her life.

Jaffa said she also enjoys hearing about the hospitals’ quality care. “Going to different conventions and hearing the stories of our soldiers and people who have benefited from the Hadassah

Hospital has had a major influence on me,” she said. “We’ve always taken care of the people and valued life, whether they’re Jewish or Arab, or wherever they’re from.”

“My hope for Hadassah is that we educate people to get more involved,” Jaffa said. “I think it makes Americans stronger to have a strong Israel.”

In addition to supporting work in Israel, a highlight of Hadassah is the camaraderie shared among the women who work together in Nashville. “I think it’s the people and the friendships I’ve made that have been the most important,” Wise shared.

Drongowsky also described the lifelong relationships formed in Hadassah. “People might join Hadassah because of the mission, but they stay because of the friendships they make,” she said.

“We’re recognizing the ordinary woman,” said Drongowsky. She shared how it is easier to make your voice heard when working in a group like Hadassah. “It’s nice to have a community of women who think the same way you do and believe in the same things that you believe in,” she said. “And then the cherry on the cake is to see that you can make a difference in our community, and Israel, and the US. That’s empowering.” •

Hadassah & NCJW women met to pack boxes of school supplies for kindergartens.

Three Vanderbilt Leaders to Receive Nimoy-Knight Foundation Honor

By ERIN WIDES

Three leaders with strong ties to Vanderbilt University and its Jewish community will receive the NimoyKnight Foundation’s prestigious Live Long and Prosper Tribute Award during a special celebration at Rohr Chabad House on Sept. 18.

The honorees are Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Vice Chancellor Darren Reisberg and Rabbi Shlomo Rothstein, director of Rohr Chabad at Vanderbilt. The award, inspired by the legacy of actor Leonard Nimoy, recognizes individuals who exemplify compassion, service, courage, and respect for human dignity.

The foundation recognized Diermeier for his leadership in confronting antisemitism and fostering a campus environ-

ment rooted in safety and mutual respect. Reisberg was recognized for his commitment to the well-being of the Vanderbilt community and his efforts to promote inclusion and dignity. Rothstein was recognized for his leadership of Vanderbilt’s Jewish community, his work combating antisemitism, and building relationships across religious and cultural communities.

“What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that the NimoyKnight Foundation took notice of what is happening here in Nashville,” Rothstein said. “We are deeply grateful that the foundation has chosen to recognize the work being done by Vanderbilt’s leadership and Chabad to support all students.”

Previous recipients of the Live Long and Prosper Tribute Award include Billie Jean King, Neil deGrasse Tyson, George Takei and LeVar Burton. •

Conversations and Culinary Connections: Connecting

Interfaith Couples…New Cohort Starting in Fall!

By SHERI ROSENBERG

F

ood brings people together... holidays bring people together…combine them together to make a meaningful program.

As a congregation, it is The Temple’s goal to create an inclusive and educational environment while also helping to create community. The Temple brings together interfaith couples to celebrate and discuss both Jewish and Christian holidays. Through this initiative, couples are given the chance to learn more about holiday traditions, as well as the opportunity to share their personal experiences and customs. Food being a connector and bringing people together, quality and deep conversation has further enhanced the atmosphere of the program.

For The Temple’s Director of Membership and Inclusion Sheri Rosenberg, she said this is her favorite part of the job, both personally and professionally.

“Being in an interfaith and interracial relationship, I truly enjoy discussing these important topics with other couples; sharing our strengths and challenges. Leading

the conversations but also learning with and from one another is so meaningful and special,” Rosenberg said. “I also love that we come together annually for all cohorts to meet each other and connect.”

Couples do not need to be Temple members to participate in this program. Married, engaged, and dating couples are able to join in on this meaningful experience. From Sukkot to Christmas to wedding planning conversations and panels; quality discussions and sharing about your own relationship is always on

the menu. We end the year by baking challah together as a group and discussing the couple’s relationship with Israel as an interfaith couple.

Participant Callie Arnold said, “The Interfaith Couples Cohort was a wonderful experience for my husband, Josh, and I. We loved connecting with other couples about our experiences and reflecting on how our experiences have shaped us. The conversations we had during our dinners led to even more conversation at home about belief, how we want to

raise our children, and a strong desire to connect more to Judaism.”

This program has been going on since 2021, with five cohorts that have completed the year of dinner programs. In June of this year, all the participants from the past five years came together for a potluck Shabbat dinner. It was a night of connection, food, and celebrating Shabbat together.

Ross Schneiderman and his wife Leilani Zee participated in the third cohort of this program.

“The interfaith group was one of my first introductions to how welcoming this community, and this city, can be,” Schneiderman said. “I ate great food, developed close relationships, and realized how many other families are like mine here in Nashville.”

We are looking forward to our sixth year with new and exciting elements to enhance the experience. If you are interested in being part of the 20262027 cohort of Conversations and Culinary Connections session, please reach out to Sheri Rosenberg (sheri@ templenashville.org). •

Take Charge! program to help families prepare for life’s unexpected moments

By NORMA SHIRK, COMMUNITY COORDINATOR, LIFE & LEGACY™ PROGRAM

O

n August 16, 2026, a special program, “Take Charge! Practical Advice for College Students, Aging Parents, and You” will be held at the Gordon Jewish Community Center. This community-wide program is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville as an offering of the LIFE & LEGACY™ program in partnership with Chabad of Nashville, Congregation Micah, Congregation Sherith Israel, Jewish Family Service, The Temple, and West End Synagogue.

The program addresses some of the healthcare issues associated with expected and unexpected life experiences. For example, adult children over the age of 18 leave for college expecting to be happy and healthy as they study. Then an unexpected health crisis arises, and their parents learn they are unable to make any medical decisions for their child due to HIPAA privacy laws and because their child never completed a healthcare power of attorney.

David Heller, partner at Martin Heller Potempa & Sheppard, PLLC, will talk about the three key legal documents every individual should have to secure their personal finances and

healthcare decisions. His presentation will highlight the importance of healthcare powers of attorney, particularly for young adults.

Sarit Wishnevski, executive director of Kavod v’Nichum, is the keynote speaker for this event. Kavod v’Nichum is a national organization that supports and strengthens Chevra Kadisha communities, Jewish end-of-life practices, and traditions of sacred care. She will talk about the practical aspects faced by families dealing with end-of-life issues.

In addition to the presentations, attorneys will be available to assist individuals who wish to prepare their healthcare power of attorney. Individuals may

sign up for this service when they RSVP for the program. Brunch and refreshments will be available for attendees. The LIFE & LEGACY program was created by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation to support Jewish organizations across North America through partnerships with local Jewish Federations and Foundations to promote after-lifetime giving. The Nashville community completed its ninth year in June 2026. Since 2017, the program has generated more than $29.5 million in promised gifts to 14 participating organizations. The organizations have already received $5.2 million from donors. •

In June 2026, all participants of Conversations and Culinary Connections from the past five years came together for a potluck Shabbat dinner.

From left Vanderbilt University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Vice Chancellor Darren Reisberg, and Rohr Chabad House and Lubeck Center for Jewish Life director Rabbi Shlomo Rothstein. (Photo courtesy of the Nimoy-Knight Foundation)

Jewish Institute for National Security of America Strengthens Bond between Israel and Allies

By RABBI PHILIP RICE

“The alliance between our governments is unbreakable, yet the source of our friendship runs deeper than any treaty.”

Jformer President George Bush

ews living in the land of Israel have long relied on allies beyond its borders. In 141 BCE, Judah Maccabee secured the Brass Treaty, a defensive alliance with the rising Roman Republic against the Seleucid forces occupying Israel. The agreement helped solidify Judean autonomy and demonstrated how diplomacy, alongside military strength, could advance Jewish security.

Today, the United States is Israel’s most important ally, and that partnership carries growing strategic significance for both nations and for broader Western stability. For 50 years, the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) has worked to strengthen that bond.

JINSA is dedicated to advancing U.S. national security interests in the Middle East, of which a critical pillar

is a robust U.S.-Israel security relationship.

It views Israel as one of America’s most capable and strategically important security partners in the 21st century. Their mission is advanced through educational programs that build relationships among American, Israeli and other Middle Eastern military leaders. A nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) organization, JINSA combines in-depth research and actionable recommendations to influence U.S. policy. It forges strong relationships between military persons, program participants, alumni, and supporters to increase its breadth and impact.

On Aug. 26, Congregation Micah will co-host a JINSA event as its President and CEO Mike Makovsky, Ph.D., will interview retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Scott Howell, who served as the 15th Commander of Joint Special Operations Command and participated

Jewish Nashville Pride 2026

On Saturday, June 27, 2026, Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville staff, volunteers, and community members walked in Nashville’s Pride parade. Broadway was lined with people wear-

ing all colors of the rainbow, waving flags, singing, and cheering. Members of the community also volunteered at the Federation booth at the festival with Jewish Family Services. •

on JINSA’s 2025 Generals and Admirals Program trip to Israel.

Through that flagship program, JINSA educates active and retired U.S. military leaders, as well as officials from U.S. Central Command and Special Operations Command, about Israel’s security challenges and the strategic value of the U.S.-Israel partnership. Participants meet top Israeli military, intelligence, and government officials, including the prime minister, defense minister, IDF chief of staff, and Mossad director, while visiting key defense and security sites throughout Israel.

JINSA also offers fellowships for mid-career professionals like experienced congressional staffers, active-duty military officers, and Washington-based professionals who are seeking deeper engagement with national security issues and the organization’s network of experts.

Its Homeland Security Program (HSP), created after Sept. 11, 2001, brings groups of active senior American law enforcement officers to Israel to study methods and observe techniques used in preventing and responding to terrorism. These delegations are comprised of

representatives from the FBI, DEA, and other federal agencies, as well as various police chiefs, sheriffs, state Homeland Security directors, and state police commissioners. HSP is carried out in cooperation with the Israel National Police, the Ministry of Internal Security and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet).

People tend to forget the terrible losses and injuries our military has endured when they are no longer covered in the media. JINSA works directly with these individuals to ease challenges they face, distributing more than $1.5 million to support American troops.

The Brass Treaty shows how Jewish leaders used diplomacy, not only revolt, to turn a rising foreign power into a shield against imperial domination. Negotiated to protect Jews from the Seleucid Empire, it created a precedent-setting defense pact between Jewish leadership and a foreign republic Rome and Judea pledged mutual aid by land and sea if either faced war, and Rome warned the Seleucid ruler Demetrius to stop oppressing its new allies. 1 Maccabees 8 records the agreement and its inscription on brass tablets, giving the pact historical weight and symbolic force. Mutual aid and shared security interests do not preserve themselves, and the modern U.S.-Israel alliance depends on people willing to strengthen them.

Join JINSA on Aug. 26 to hear retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Scott Howell discuss how the U.S.-Israel security relationship supports both countries and why it requires sustained public engagement and support. •

JINSA Delegation in Azerbaijan

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Scott Howell

NJSJR Hosts District 6 and 7 Congressional Candidates Forum

In order to help voters in Congressional Districts 6 and 7 navigate their newly drawn voting maps, the Nashville Jewish Social Justice Roundtable (NJSJR) held a roundtable forum on June 28 at The Temple. More than 200 people from throughout Districts 6 and 7 attended, posing their questions directly to the candidates. Topics ranged from education to book banning to affordability to Israel and the Middle East to how to engage younger voters.

All candidates from both districts were invited. Those from District 6 in attendance were Lore Bergman (D), Natisha Brooks (R), Mike Croley (D) and Chaney Mosley (D).

District 7 candidates present were Darden Copeland (D), Vincent Dixie (D) and Saletta Holloway (D).

Unable to participate from District 7 were Joshua Warren Sales (D), and (incumbent) Matt Van Epps (R); District 6: Jon Henry (R), Andrew J. Koontz (I) and Lowell Reynolds (I). NJSJR received no response from the follow-

PLAN YOUR

…so that it’s not just a fairy tale.

Something to PONDER

By LORETTA SAFF

Ponder: To think deeply and carefully about something before making a decision. (Hint: It’s also a good idea to have a spare, like for your eyeliner or car keys!)

SO, PONDER THIS

M

eet EMILY.

Like many people, Emily counted the days until retirement. Unlike many people, she knew exactly what she wanted to do once she got there – play tennis. Yes - Every. Single. Day. And she almost did.

At 61, Emily was still a strong player. She played in tournaments, which often resulted in fun lunch dates with great friends. She was living her dream. Then her wrist began to hurt.

At first, she blamed a hard-fought match. She rested, slowed down, and hoped it would improve.

When the doctor found a hairline fracture, he didn’t recommend surgery right away. His advice was, “Live your life and let’s see how it goes.”

(Translation: “Hmm.., I’m not quite sure what we should do but I have to say something before I leave the room!”) So,

In June 2026, all participants of

Vincent Dixie (7-D) and Saletta Holloway (7-D).

ing candidates: District 6 - Christopher Martin Finley (D), Johnny Garrett (R), and Van Hilary (R).

Co-sponsors for the event were:

B’nai B’rith, Hadassah, Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, League of Women Voters, National Council of Jewish Women, Congregation Micah, Congregation Sherith Israel,

technically she could continue playing tennis. Emotionally, not that simple.

When I saw Emily, she looked at me and said, “Tennis was my retirement. Now what?” I couldn’t help, thinking, why did you just have ONE item or your Curious List? Or, wait … did you even make a Curious List?

Obviously, she didn’t. She was certain she’d already found her forever activity. Sure, she and her husband had talked about traveling, but he hadn’t retired yet. Tennis would be her mainstay.

And so, with a box of tissues alongside, we began creating one. As we talked, some other interests slowly appeared, including:

Volunteering at a shelter for teens, Designing and creating fun tennis outfits, and

Writing a Smart Lunch Ideas cookbook.

Then, as if she had an epiphany, she said, “Do you think my tennis friends will still want to have lunch with me if I’m not playing?” I looked her straight in the eye and simply said, “No, Emily, they probably won’t.”

New adventures, new friends and mentors, and new challenges. That is what’s next in the years after leaving fulltime work. Emily had to learn the hard way. Imagine how much easier it would have been if those paths and connections had already begun.

We all learn from experience. Sometimes it’s our own experience, and sometimes it’s someone else’s. Today, you’ve just borrowed a little of Emily’s.

Here’s your assignment: grab a pen and make your Curious List. Put it on your desk or somewhere you can notice it every day. Then start exploring.

After all, retirement isn’t about replacing your job. It’s about discovering how many versions of yourself are still waiting to be introduced. •

Best to all,

Loretta loretta@coachingwithloretta.com

Please support the businesses that advertise in the Observer and help support our community in all ways! Make sure to let them know...you saw their ad here!

and

The Temple and West End Synagogue. NJSJR urges everyone to register to vote and to participate in all elections, local and national, including the upcoming August 6 Congressional primary election.

NJSJR is a volunteer organization devoted to local social justice issues. The organization stands for those free -

doms guaranteed by our American Founding Documents: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, due process of law, free and fair elections and freedom from discrimination in all aspects of public life. For information about NJSJR or to join the mailing list, contact Irwin Venick at Irwin.Venick@ gmail.com. •

Woody Guthrie’s Forgotten Verses to Open 26th Nashville Jewish Film Festival

By LORETTA SAFF

Most Americans know “This Land Is Your Land” as a simple, upbeat campfire anthem. But when local recording artist MORGXN takes the stage at 7 p.m. at the Belcourt Theatre on Tuesday, August 18, audiences will hear the iconic song exactly as Woody Guthrie originally penned it in 1945 – complete with politically charged verses that are often left out.

MORGXN’s live performance will kick off opening night of the 26th Annual Nashville Jewish Film Festival (NJFF). The screening features the documentary film “Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls: Another Side of Woody Guthrie,” directed by Steven Pressman.

This film explores a deeply influential yet widely overlooked chapter of the folk legend’s life. Including his second marriage to Marjorie Greenblatt and his deep relationship with his Jewish moth-

New Era of Israel

Continued from page 2 tium. We are intentionally laying the groundwork to introduce opportunities that provide broader value and appeal so more people can experience the benefits of P2G relationships and connections.

In mid-August, the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville will be represented in Richmond, Virgina, by CEO Judy Alperin, Partnership2Gether Co-Chair Claire Bernstein, and myself at the Annual Partnership2Gether Joint Steering Summit. Over three days, CEOs, Partnership2Gether professionals, and lay leaders from all ten communities in our consortium—including Hadera-Eiron—will come together to

er-in-law, the famous Yiddish poet and author Aliza Greenblatt. This unique cultural family bond heavily informed Guthrie’s worldview and directly inspired much of his later songwriting, bridging the gap between Oklahoma dust storms and American Yiddish creativity.

MORGXN, a queer pop singer-songwriter and native Nashvillian is a passionate First Amendment advocate. Here are his words when he recently performed the uncensored anthem at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville:

“They taught this song to us like it was a simple anthem, but if they really let us hear all the words, they would hear the deep dissonance between what we are and what we could be. That’s the song to me.”

The film festival runs from August 18 to September 9, 2026. For tickets or more information, see the festival guide inserted in this issue of The Observer, or visit the official Nashville Jewish Film Festival website, www.nashvillejff.org.

review, discuss, and vote on the budget and final slate of projects for the annual cycle, which begins on October 1.

Whether you’re looking to learn more about Israel or overseas Jewish communities, engage in meaningful dialogue, build relationships with people across the Jewish world, or simply explore something new, opportunities are for you are forthcoming. We look forward to sharing more in the months ahead and to continuing our work to provide robust, diverse, and engaging Israel and Overseas opportunities.

If you would like to learn more about the new Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville Israel and Overseas Dept. or Partnership2Gether, email jessica@jewishnashville.org. •

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

Conversations

Culinary Connections from the past five years came together for a potluck Shabbat dinner.a Irwin Venick of NJSJR introduces the Congressional candidates, from left: Lore Bergman (6-D), Mike Croley (6-D), Natisha Brooks (6-D), Chaney Mosley (6-D), Darden Copeland (7-D),

More than 200 people from throughout Congressional Districts 6 and 7 participated in the forum.

A Rabbi and a Doctor Discuss the Importance of Time

By RABBI MARK SCHIFTAN

AND DR. FRANK BOEHM

Frank: Mark, now that I am in my mid-eighties, I have become increasingly aware of the importance and luxury of time. Time has always been precious, even when I was young, however, time now seems to have reached a conscious level of importance that was lacking years ago, certainly as I have learned that the eighties is a popular decade to die in. Knowing we are going to die someday gives a sense of urgency to today and today is the house in which time lives. Realizing that our time is limited magnifies all other important aspects of life such as good health, loving relationships, and a peaceful mind.

I recognize that living as long as I have is a historical exception. When we lived in caves thousands of years ago, half of everyone born was dead by the age of thirty. Fast forward to 1840 that number only went to thirty-five. Therefore, even thousands of years after humans lived in caves, we Homo sapiens only gained an average of five years of life expectancy. In the 16th century, a woman’s life expectancy was only 29 years with childbirth often being the cause of death. During this time, as soon as a woman began to menstruate, usually around the age of thirteen, she married and was given a shawl for the ceremony. That shawl was then later used as a shroud for her funeral.

Life expectancy reached forty-seven by the early 1900s in the United States and in 1940 when I was born, had risen to approximately 60 years of age. Consider the fact that President Franklin D. Roosevelt died in 1945 at age 63 secondary to untreatable malignant hypertension, a condition treated with considerable success today.

Scientific advances, including antibiotics, vaccines, anesthesia, medications and surgery for heart diseases and cancer, as well as diagnostic testing, organ transplantation, safe childbirth, and surgical advances have all contributed to this increase in life expectancy. Currently, life expectancy has risen to approximately eighty, much due to the incredible advances in medical diagnosis and treatment. Today it is estimated that approximately two million Americans have reached 90 years of age and soon life expectancy will probably reach one hundred. Times have changed, making time more expansive and available, and making it a true luxury of life.

The question I have, Mark, relates to how we can spend our time today to make that time enjoyable, productive, and meaningful?

Mark: Frank the Talmud reminds us that: Our days are like scrolls. We choose what shall be written upon them.

Each of us is given a certain finite number of days. For some, that amount of time is brief. For others, they are given a bounty of days to fill with meaning and joy.

Frank, you have been fortunate to be among those who have been blessed with decades of life. While no one lives with a certainty or guarantee of the number of years of their lives, you are right when you say that on average, most of us are living far longer and in far better health than the generations that came before us. That fact has afforded us the opportunity to build extended lifetimes, offering opportunities for greater purpose, deeper meaning, and increased enjoyment throughout those years.

This is true only so long as we remind ourselves continually of the gift of this extra time with which we have been blessed, combined with the awareness of the promise of each new day.

I remember those board games played with an hourglass to limit every person’s turn. At first glance, one believes one’s time is infinite, the grains of sand only slowly flowing from the top of the hourglass to the bottom. Then, somehow, we suddenly notice that the sand has literally shifted, with the bottom of the hourglass quickly filling and the top rapidly diminishing. A sense of panic, of rushing sets in, with much still to accomplish before our turn ends, and our time runs out.

The day arrives in each of our lives when we realize our time is closer to its limit, maybe not today, but sooner now than later. We realize that there are far more yesterdays than there are tomorrows. The sands have clearly shifted.

Yet unlike the board game, there is no need to panic. If we have lived our lives with meaning, with purpose, with goodness and with joy, our remaining days— these closing chapters— can be filled with the blessing of time for reflection, for perspective, for a slower and richer pace and with the time for deepening friendships and new social interactions as well.

In short, those days are now ours to fill any way we choose to do so. Our time, however limited it may be, is now very much our own. Each day is largely ours to shape and form, every hour mostly free of obligation, restriction, or responsibility. While it is true that at this stage, our days may be more numbered, the quality of those days and the time we have within them becomes more magnified and hence more meaningful.

Frank, as one who is now in his mid-eighties, I am curious if this perspective has held true for you over these past few years? After a meaningful career, and after the challenging work of raising a family, do you feel as though this time is somehow dear and more precious to you?

Do you feel as though there is some truth to the sense that despite the limited number of our days left on earth, they are somehow made richer and fuller because we are able to have the time to enjoy them more?

Frank: Mark, I love your analogy of life’s passage being like an hourglass with its slow passage of sand from the top of an hourglass to its bottom. I believe that as a young man, when the sand of my life filled the top of that hourglass, I did not appreciate the time I had present in my life as much as I do now with the bottom becoming fuller and the top less noticeable. And that fact does create a more intense awareness of the time left in my life. Being retired has helped me feel time in a way it never had before. I have learned that doing nothing is in fact doing something. I have filled my time with an awareness of all that surrounds me and appreciate the small amount of sand remaining at the top of my life’s hourglass. I have fully embraced that awareness whether it be memories of a long and productive life, good health, love of family and friends, or merely peaceful moments viewing the beauty and magnificence of nature.

We too often forget the importance of time in our lives until it is too late. •

Heart of the Matter

By TONI JACOBSEN

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

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

ne of the tasks of a JFS social worker is to keep an eye out for opportunities to engage with the community. One Friday afternoon, I went to Abe’s Garden to visit a Jewish resident and found them engaged in a group sing-along. I did not want to interrupt the activity, so I decided to sit next to them and enjoy the program together. I noticed how much the residents enjoyed the songs. Halfway through the program, another Jewish resident asked if the musician knew any Jewish songs. The musician thought for a moment and then sang the Dreidel song, the only song she knew. I saw the Jewish residents faces light up with joy as they sang a familiar song together. We knew we wanted to recreate this experience and decided to offer a monthly Jewish singalong program.

The first JFS sing-along at Abe’s Garden was on a Sunday afternoon. I arrived early and found one of the Jewish residents asleep in a chair in the lobby. She had been reminded of the sing-along and wanted to be sure she didn’t miss it. I spent time catching up with her, and she attempted to entice me to a game of ping pong, which at 98 years old, she can still beat most anyone.

Thirteen residents sat in a circle around Cantor Josh Goldberg as he played familiar tunes including Shalom

Aleichem and Hinei Ma Tov on his guitar. I was amazed at how many residents knew all the words to the songs whether they were in English, Hebrew or Yiddish. The Jewish residents sang their hearts out and some even danced. The songs brought back memories of Jewish summer camps and Yiddish speaking grandparents that they talked about as a group. Together as part of a micro community within the Abe’s Garden facility, they shared a common culture, history and interest. Afterwards, one of the Jewish residents wanted to give a tour of the building and their new apartment. Our executive director, Pam Kelner, stayed behind for the tour and a personal visit.

JFS provides a Shabbat service (and holiday celebrations) for Jewish residents once a month in facilities with enough interested residents. This began after a community needs survey in 2003 that concluded there were not enough Jewish seniors to justify building a senior housing facility. If we could not have a Jewish facility, then we wanted to bring Shabbat services to them in their homes. Shabbat services and the new sing-along program bring the Jewish residents together as a micro-community where they can be together with their tribe. Being part of a community fosters a sense of belonging and connection. As a JFS social worker, there is nothing better than seeing the joy our programs bring to their lives, and it’s an honor to witness it. •

Leader Who Leads by Serving

August in the Galleries: Featuring the work of the Nashville Artist Guild, Hal Wright,

In August, the Janet Levine March Gallery will feature the work of the Nashville Artist Guild (NAG). The Guild is in its 76th year and is comprised of local artists serious about their commitment to art. The Guild is a juried organization accepting applicants who meet high standards set by the membership. Past presidents and members of the Nashville Artist Guild are artists who are renowned both nationally and internationally. NAG has exhibited at the J Galleries annually for over 15 years.

The Sig Held Gallery will feature the art of Hal Wright. The “Big Idea” behind Hal Wright’s paintings is simple, yet powerful: we come alive through contrast. It’s those unexpected, out-of-theordinary moments that break through the monotony of daily life and make us

feel truly present. Just as life becomes richer when it’s filled with variety—new experiences, changing scenery, fresh perspectives—art, too, has the power to awaken us when it brings together striking differences. In his work, you’ll find bold contrasts in shape, size, color, and texture—elements that clash, harmonize,

and Peggy Snow

and spark curiosity. Each piece invites you to explore, to compare, and to weave your own unique story from the

tension and interplay within.

For much of my Hal’s life, he enjoyed a fulfilling career in market research helping companies tune into what their customers truly wanted. He found joy in making things better, whether it was a product, a service, or an experience.

In his 60s, he swapped data and surveys for brushes and paint. Now in his 80s, Hal Wright is still going strong, exploring a wide range of subjects, styles, and techniques. His creative journey has been anything but linear. The paintings on his website offer a glimpse into that evolving exploration.

The Senior Lounge will feature the work of Peggy Snow. Peggy embodies the art of plein air painting, spending months capturing architectural treasures of contemporary, and for the last 30 years, of bygone Nashville. Her work is both historic and archival in nature. Her style is inspired by Van Gogh, yet her signature style is all her own.

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

The Exhibition Dates are August 4 – 30. The artist reception will be held on August 12 from 6-8 p.m. and feature music by DJ Joseph Harris and a special event of hair specialists doing fairy hair for a special cost.

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. •

Book Your Appointment Today!

Printers Alley, by Peggy Snow

dynamic

Bosc and D’Anjou Wonder What’s Beyond, by Hal Wright

Clear vase with border, by Glenna Cook

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 of Nashville

Chabad of Nashville is a warm and welcoming lighthouse of Judaism, embracing all who walk through its doors with love, friendship, and a sense of belonging.

While the summer months are often a bit quieter in the Nashville Jewish community, the doors of Chabad of Nashville remain wide open for all, offering refreshing nourishment for both body and soul. Whether through prayer, learning, meaningful conversations, uplifting gatherings, or simply sharing a warm smile and good company, Chabad is a place where every person can feel at home.

Below are several special events and programs taking place during August 2026. We warmly invite you to stop by, participate in any of these gatherings, and reJEWvenate your mind, body, and soul with inspiration, connection, and Jewish pride.

We look forward to welcoming you.

The Power of Words

Words shape relationships, strengthen communities, and influence the way we see ourselves and those around us. In an age when meaningful connection can feel increasingly difficult to find, many people are searching for practical tools to communicate with greater sensitivity, honesty, and purpose.

In response to this growing need, Chabad of Nashville is excited to launch a fourweek course, The Power of Words, exploring timeless teachings from the Chafetz Chaim together with insights from Chassidic thought.

The Torah teaches that G-d created the universe through speech: “And G-d said, ‘Let there be light.’” Our sages explain that this same Divine speech continues to sustain creation every moment. Words possess extraordinary power, the ability to build or destroy, to heal or to wound, to inspire or to discourage.

Drawing on the classic teachings of the Chafetz Chaim, this course will explore Judaism’s profound understanding of speech: what it forbids, what it protects, and what becomes possible when words are used wisely, thoughtfully, and compassionately.

As we journey through the month of Elul toward Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, participants will explore themes of teshuvah relating to speech, including lashon hara, gossip, and careless words that can leave lasting impressions. The goal, however, extends far beyond the High Holidays.

Each session will offer practical tools and real-world guidance for navigating family relationships, friendships, workplace interactions, and personal challenges with greater mindfulness and spiritual awareness, helping participants develop habits of “speech hygiene” that become second nature rather than a constant struggle.

The course will be taught by Dr. Michael Zemel and will meet on four consecutive Wednesday evenings beginning August 19 at 7:00 PM via Zoom through Chabad of Nashville’s virtual classroom.

Join this new course as you prepare prepare for the High Holidays by cultivating a more thoughtful, healing, and uplifting way of speaking, one conversation, one relationship, and one word at a time.

To register for this meaningful learning opportunity, visit ChabadNashville.com.

Start Your Mornings With Starbucks, Community and Prayer

Chabad of Nashville hosts a daily morning minyan, bringing consistent communal prayer to the heart of Jewish life in Nashville.

Each morning begins not only with prayer, but with warmth and hospitality. Fresh Starbucks coffee is served daily, creating a welcoming atmosphere as participants start their day together.

On Mondays and Thursdays, the experience is elevated even further with a delicious catered breakfast from Nova, Nashville’s newest kosher market. The breakfast spread features freshly baked pastries, burekas, rugelach, poached eggs, Israeli salad, and a variety of other flavorful delicacies that make these mornings especially inviting.

The daily minyan schedule is as follows:

Sunday 9:00 AM

Monday and Thursday 8:15 AM

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:30 AM

At Our Congregations…

Shabbat morning 10:00 AM

Community members who wish to stay informed and connected are invited to join the Minyan WhatsApp group by texting 615-480-4731.

All are welcome to join and experience the inspiration, camaraderie, and spiritual energy of beginning the day together in prayer as a unified community.

Fuel Your Week With Soul & Insight – All From Home

Start your Sunday morning with meaning, inspiration, and community.

Join Rabbi Levi Tiechtel every Sunday at 10:30 AM for a refreshing dose of Jewish wisdom drawn from the weekly Torah portion, timeless lessons that uplift, challenge, and empower.

From ancient truths to modern-day relevance, discover how the Parsha speaks to you, right now.

No RSVP, no pressure, just inspiration.

Zoom in from wherever you are.

Email chabadnashville@gmail.com for the link.

Presented by Chabad of Nashville: Because your week deserves a deeper start.

Two TGIS Shabbat Dinners in August

There’s nothing like welcoming Shabbat surrounded by friends, joy, and delicious food—and that’s exactly what TGIS (Thank G-d It’s Shabbat) is all about!

Join us for a warm, all-inclusive Shabbat experience filled with traditional dishes, uplifting singing, a heartwarming Chassidic story, and the kind of community connection that makes Friday night feel truly special.

Mark your calendar for two beautiful evenings: Friday, August 28 by Jerry Kozak at 6:30 PM, at Chabad of Nashville.

Whether you come with friends or on your own, you’ll leave feeling full—in every sense of the word. There’s no cost to attend, but we’d love to know you’re coming!

Kindly RSVP by emailing: chabadnashville@gmail.com

There is a seat waiting for you at our Shabbat table!

Torah & Tea – For Women By Women

Take a moment for yourself each Shabbat to nourish your soul, your mind, and your spirit.

Torah & Tea is a weekly women’s-only Torah study group that gathers every Shabbat afternoon following the sit-down lunch at Congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad, at 1:00 PM

Led by Rebbetzin Esther Tiechtel, these classes blend timeless Jewish wisdom with a fresh, engaging style, sprinkled with warmth, wit, and heartfelt connection.

Together, we’ll explore meaningful topics that speak to the modern Jewish woman, drawn from the most enduring source of all: the Torah.

Join a beautiful circle of Nashville women for inspiring Torah study, warm camaraderie, hot tea and delicious refreshments.

Come as you are and leave uplifted. No RSVP necessary, just bring an open heart.

Shabbat Morning at Chabad of Nashville

Where Prayer Meets Community, and Cholent Warms the Soul

There’s something special happening every Shabbat morning at Chabad. It’s where friends gather, spirits are lifted, and hearts are full.

Join us at 10:00 AM for a meaningful and joyful Shabbat service, filled with soulful prayer, heartfelt kavanah, beautiful singing, and words of Torah that inspire and uplift.

After services, stay for a warm, home-cooked cholent, freshly baked challah, and a gourmet buffet lunch shared around a table of laughter, stories, and connection. And of course, a lively farbrengen with a friendly L’Chaim to top it all off.

Whether you come every week or it’s your first time, there’s a seat for you at our table—and a place for you in our family.

Come experience Shabbat with depth, beauty, and connection.

Searching for Meaning? Start with a Study Partner

Ever wanted to dive deeper into Jewish learning—but didn’t know where to start or who to learn with?

Chabad of Nashville is here to help! We’ll connect you with a personal study partner (Chavruta) so you can explore the topics and texts that matter most to you—at your own pace, on your own schedule.

Whether you’re curious about Chumash, Tanya, Halacha, Hebrew reading, or something else entirely, this is your chance to grow, ask, discover, and connect—one meaningful session at a time.

Here’s how to get started:

Send an email to ChabadNashville@gmail.com with your name, contact info, and topics or texts you’d like to study. We’ll match you with the right partner to help elevate your learning—and your life. Because every soul shines brighter with Torah.

@ Congregation Micah

Congregation Micah – an inclusive and innovative Reform synagogue dedicated to exploring and celebrating Jewish life – is deeply committed to building meaningful community and repairing the world. We offer creative, engaging, and diverse pathways to Jewish living in Tennessee and beyond, grounded in the rich beliefs and practices of Progressive Judaism. Experience our beautiful 30+ acre campus in person or take part

Continued on page 18

At Our Congregations…

@ Micah

Continued from page 21

in our vibrant virtual programs anytime through our website, www.congregationmicah.org. Stay connected by following us on social media: Facebook and Instagram @ MicahNashville. Learn, pray, and celebrate with us in person, or livestream our services on our website or YouTube. In our tent, there truly is room for everyone.

Weekly Events

Sanctuary Shabbat Services: Fridays at 6 p.m.

Shabbat at Micah offers many pathways to the Divine through inspiring words, the beauty of sacred space, heartfelt intention, and the power of music and song. Each service is thoughtfully crafted to be welcoming, participatory, and spiritually uplifting. Services reflect the diversity of our community and invite you to engage in ways that feel meaningful to you. Come early to schmooze with old and new friends beginning at 5:30 PM, when light refreshments are served. Services are available in person and online.

Torah Study: Saturdays at 9 a.m. on Zoom

Begin your Saturday with rich conversation and learning as we explore the weekly Torah portion together. Led by our clergy, this group brings together thoughtful, curious, and caring participants for in-depth discussions, diverse perspectives, and meaningful connections with the text and one another.

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

Enjoy a lively and friendly afternoon of Mah Jongg in Micah’s social hall. Players of all levels are welcome for games, laughter, and connection. For more information, please contact Paula at pgkwn@comcast.net.

Storah Time: Tuesdays at 7 PM on Zoom

Storah Time is a reflective and accessible supplement to our weekly Torah Study. This evening gathering invites you into learning that blends story, interpretation, and spiritual exploration in a gentle, welcoming space designed to meet you exactly where you are.

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

At Micah, we keep politics off the pulpit but not out of the building. Schmooze & Views offers a respectful, engaging round-table discussion of current events, facilitated by Rabbi Flip and Dr. Bob Smith. Bring your thoughts, listen deeply, and enjoy thoughtful conversation in a welcoming community setting.

August Events

Now Gen Drinks Night: Monday, 8/3 at 6 PM at Punk Wok

NowGen and Micah-Nections, our social group for young adults in their 20s and 30s, are partnering for an opportunity to meet new people, share in libations, and make merry.

Rare Jewish Book Room Tour: Thursday, August 6 at 2 PM at Vanderbilt Divinity School

This guided book tour of Vanderbilt University’s Mary and Harry Zimmerman Judaica Collection features thousands of Jewish titles, journals and rare prints across a wide swathe of history.

Micah-Nections’ Shabbat Dinner: Friday, August 7 at 7 PM at Micah

Our social group for young adults in their 20s and 30s comes together for a joyful Shabbat dinner. Come for the delicious food, stay for the heartfelt vibes and kind people.

Run with the Rabbi: Sunday, August 9 at 8:30 AM at Micah

Rabbi Laurie and Nashville Nice Jewish Runners founder Erin Wides lead this fun session of socialization and exercise. Enjoy the company of Jewish runners and the wonderful outdoors.

Faith250: Tuesday, August 11 at 6 PM at Micah

Congregation Micah is joining West End United Methodist Church, Brook Hollow Baptist Church, and The Temple to host Faith250 - a series of four interfaith dinners and discussions exploring America’s foundational texts. Come build community through meaningful conversation as neighbors from different faith traditions gather around the table.

Shabbat in the Round: Friday, August 14 at 6 PM at Micah

Congregation Micah presents Shabbat In The Round—an evening of joyful music, connection, and celebratory song. The social hall will transform into an intimate circle-style service, with seating arranged in the round to foster equality, belonging, and shared spirit. With accessible melodies and a participatory atmosphere, every voice helps shape this uplifting Shabbat experience.

Micah Minis: Saturday, August 15 at 9:30 AM at Micah

Experience a joyful, high-energy Shabbat celebration created especially for families with children 7 and under, where music, movement, and meaningful moments come together in a warm and welcoming space. This lively gathering encourages kids to be themselves, fosters a sense of community, and creates beautiful family memories filled with laughter, connection, and Jewish joy that carries into the rest of the weekend.

Pita Party: Gather, Knead, and Learn about NCJW: Thursday, August 20, at 7 p.m.

Join Congregation Micah and the National Council of Jewish Women Nashville section for a pita party. With Micah member, Celia Lerch, as head chef, we will make homemade pita bread together.

She will share tips and techniques for creating soft, delicious pita. Participants will learn the cultural significance of this Israeli staple and have the chance to sample their freshly made pita. Come learn about NCJW and how you can get involved in the many ways they contribute to and enhance the lives of others in our community.

Women’s Circle: Friday, August 21 at 12 PM at Micah

Rabbi Laurie warmly welcomes you to Women’s Circle, a relaxed and meaningful conversation group. All are welcome, and friends are always encouraged. Come as you are and enjoy thoughtful connection, a light meal, and community.

What Every Jew Should Know About the New Testament: Thursdays, August 20 and 27, and September 3 at 6 PM on Zoom

Gain a deeper understanding of the New Testament through a Jewish lens in this three-part series. Explore the historical context of its writings, examine how its teachings relate to Judaism, and discover insights that can enrich interfaith understanding and conversation. No prior knowledge is necessary.

Micah-Nections’ Improv Havdalah: Saturday, August 22 at 7 PM at Micah

Step into the spotlight for an unforgettable evening with Micah-Nections! Young adults in their 20s and 30s are invited to enjoy a fun-filled night of interactive improv games, laughter, and creativity, followed by a special Havdalah to close out Shabbat together. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just looking to have a great time, no experience is necessary, just a sense of humor.

@ Sherith Israel

Weekday Services

Monday/Thursday mornings: 6:25 a.m.

Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday mornings: 6:30 a.m.

Sunday morning: 8:00 a.m.

Weekday afternoons: 10 minutes before sunset

Shabbat Services

Friday evening: 5 minutes after sunset

Shabbat morning: 9:00 a.m.

Shabbat mincha: 5 minutes before sunset

@ The Temple

Visit templenashville.org for all updated event information

Shabbat Schedule for August at The Temple

Our Shabbat Services will be held in person at The Temple at 6 p.m. You can also watch via zoom from https://www.templenashville.org/virtual-programming.html

• August 7th – Nice Jewish Runners Shabbat

• August 14th – Camp Shabbat with Birthday Blessings

• August 21st – Shabbat Service

• August 28th – Blue Jean Shabbat

Exploring the Prayerbook

Every Friday from 5-5:40 p.m. 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

Chevrah Torah Study

9:30 a.m. 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

Golden Lunch Bunch

Our Golden Lunch Bunch will meet at Temple from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on August 4th - Zevi Ebin | Violin

August 18th - Zack Ebin & Students from Kehilla School | Classical RSVP to Jewish Family Service at 615-354-1686 or via email at helpinghands@ jfsnashville.org

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@ The Temple

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Women’s Torah Study

August 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

10:30 a.m.

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

Lunch with the Rabbi –August Summer Sessions

August 13th and August 27th

Lunch at 11:30 a.m.

Program 12 -1 p.m.

$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 templenashville.org/virtual-programming. html or by calling the Temple at 615-352-7620 Available in person and via zoom at https://www.templenashville.org/virtual-programming.html

Monday Mah Jong

Join us for MAH JONG Mondays at The Temple!

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

1 p.m.

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.

Pizza Party in Murfreesboro

The Temple is coming to Murfreesboro for a Pizza Party!

August 9 @ 11 a.m.

TailGate Murfreesboro

RSVP to Sheri (sheri@templenashville.org) by August 5th

Pizza Party in Sumner County

The Temple is coming to Sumner County for a Pizza Party!

August 23 @ 11 a.m.

TailGate Hendersonville

RSVP to Sheri (sheri@templenashville.org) by August 19th

Temple, Gordon JCC & East Side Tribe

PJ Library Musical Shabbat with Song Leader Dennis Scott

August 29 @ 10:15 a.m.

East Nashville Beer Works Come for Shabbat Fun—Stay for Lunch!

All young families welcome!

RSVP to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1991883312608?aff=oddtdtcreator

@ West End Synagogue

For links to the following online services or programs, please scan the QR code for our LinkTree, email office@westendsyn.org, or visit our calendar on ShulCloud at https://westendsyn.shulcloud.com/calendar.

August Events

August 7 – Potluck Shabbat – 7 p.m.

Join us for Shabbat dinner following Kabbalat Shabbat services (6-7 p.m.). Bring a dairy or pareve dish to share. RSVP by emailing spaz@westendsyn.org.

August 9 – Music and Me – 3:30-4:30 p.m. Internet Café

Music and Me will be held in the Internet Café and will be on Sunday afternoons during the summer. For families with young children, RSVP by emailing spaz@ westendsyn.org.

August 12 – The Sandi Goldstein Learn & Lunch Program for Ages 60+ –11 a.m.

Reservation required, catered lunch following the presentation.

Speaker: Rabbi Joshua Kullock

Lunch Catered by Goldie Shepard at 12 p.m. Cost: $5 RSVP by calling 615-269-4592 ext. 11 or emailing office@westendsyn.org.

August 13 – Men’s Torah Class – 12 p.m.

Join us as we study the Book of Daniel—over pizza and in the company of great friends.

August 14 – Ramah Shabbat – 6 p.m.

Our Ramah campers and madrichim will reunite after a wonderful summer at Camp Ramah Darom to lead Kabbalat Shabbat services, followed by Shabbat Dinner. RSVP on ShulCloud or by scanning the QR code above.

At Our Congregations…

August 16 – Welcome Back BBQ – 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Get ready to fire up your taste buds at the annual WES Welcome Back BBQ! RSVP on ShulCloud or by scanning the QR code above.

August 23 – Opening Day of Sunday School for Beit Miriam – 9 a.m. -12 p.m.

August 26 – First Day of Beit Miriam Midweek Hebrew – 4:15 -6:30 p.m.

August 26 – The Sandi Goldstein Learn & Lunch Program for Ages 60+ –11 a.m.

Reservation required, catered lunch following the presentation.

Speaker: David Workman

Lunch Catered by Goldie Shepard at 12 p.m. Cost: $5 RSVP by calling 615-269-4592 ext. 11 or emailing office@westendsyn.org.

August 29 – Birthday Shabbat – 9:30 a.m.

Celebrating all of our West End August birthdays. Come join us for a special birthday treat!

Ongoing Religious Services and Learning Opportunities

Shacharit: In-Person Monday-Friday at 7 a.m. and Sundays at 9 a.m.

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 services at 7 a.m. Thursday minyan is followed by breakfast.

Talmud Class with Rabbi Joshua: In-person on Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m.

Torah Study with Breakfast: In-person on Thursdays at 7:40 a.m. Immediately after minyan on Thursdays, typically around 7:40 a.m.

Talmud for Young Professionals with Rabbi Joshua: In-person on Fridays at 9 a.m.

Mincha: On Zoom Sunday-Thursday at 6 p.m. Join us for daily Mincha at 6 p.m., Sunday-Thursday.

Kabbalat Shabbat: In-person on Fridays at 6 p.m. You are invited to join us every Friday for Kabbalat Shabbat at 6 p.m.

Shabbat Morning Services: In-person and Zoom on Saturday Mornings at 9:30 a.m.

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

BBYO Announcements

BBYO Fall Kickoff

Open to all teens, 8th grade - 12th grade

Sunday, August 30

1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at Pins Mechanical

$20

There will be drinks and snacks provided. Registration is now open, bbyo.org/delta

Save the date for Fall Convention!

November 6-8, 2026

More details to come!

B’nai B’rith Social Unit

Bringing together both long-term members of the Nashville Jewish Community and people new to Nashville who are ages 50+ for monthly fun social, educational and service programs. For more information, contact Joyce Levin at joylevin8@gmail.com or Gil Fox at gsfox3@comcast.net.

Nashville Israeli Folk Dancers

Enjoy good music and great camaraderie while learning Israeli dancing at the GJCC. In addition to Israeli dances, you’ll learn dances from many other countries, including Yemen, Morocco, Greece, Spain, Ireland, and others. Dancing is good for a healthy brain and a healthy body. Meet new, welcoming friends at this no-cost, fun activity.

Wednesday evening in the Group Fitness Studio at the GJCC (you don’t have to be a JCC member to participate) 5:45 - 6:15 p.m. Beginners/easy dancing – no experience needed

Community Listings

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6:15 - 7:15 p.m. Intermediate/advanced dancing

Questions? Email Judy Given @ given223@bellsouth.net

Note new time: Friday afternoon in the Group Fitness Studio at the GJCC (you don’t have to be a JCC member to participate)

2 – 3:15 p.m. Intermediate and advanced Questions? Email Evelyn Koch @ kochevelyn@hotmail.com

Widowers & Widows Social Group

Group of Jewish widowers and widows who have lost his/her spouse either recently or in the distant past. This is not a dating service or a counselling or a meet/meat group, but it is a group of adult individuals who are interested in doing things with a group of people who have been through a similar loss as opposed to doing things by him/herself. We meet for lunch on the 2nd Friday every other month at various restaurants. For more information, contact Gil Fox at gsfox3@comcast.net. •

Gordon JCC Adult Program Happenings:

TGIT – August 2026

August 6 – Author Ashley Valanzola

Ashley Valanzola is assistant professor of History at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN. Before becoming a professor, she served six years in the US Navy. She will be speaking on her book on the Holocaust.

Lunch: Pizza, salad, sides, birthday cake, and ice cream.

August 13 – Frist Trunk ArtImpressionism

The Frist Trunk Art traveling exhibit is back with a fun and entertaining hands-on art experience inspired by their

current Impressionism exhibit.

Lunch: Asian cuisine, dessert.

August 20 – Giselle & Maxwell – Jazz Workshop

A sure to be entertaining presentation from the Nashville Jazz Workshop with musicians Giselle & Maxwell.

Lunch: Bagels, lox, sides, kugel, dessert.

August 27 – Andrea Czspruiz

Physical therapist, Andrea Czspruiz returns in our ongoing Staying Healthy at every age series. Come get healthy!

Lunch: Tuna and egg salad sandwiches, cole slaw, chips, dessert. •

Holocaust Memorial Offers Tours Related to Faith250

This month, the Rev. Charlie Curb Center at Belmont University is the proud sponsor of Faith250, a “national program inviting faith communities to gather around America’s sacred texts — listening to one another, clarifying shared civic values and celebrating our hopes for the nation.”

During his presentation, “How In conjunction with these discussions, Nashville’s Holocaust Memorial is offering guided tours exploring how these values were expressed (or suppressed) during World War II, in both America and Europe.

Each of the four Tuesday evening dinner and discussion events is hosted by a different faith congregation and explores a different text. Each session begins at 6 p.m. with a light meal, followed by a brief presentation and guided discussion, ending around 7:30 p.m.

Faith250 dates, host congregations, and texts are:

August 4 - West End United Methodist, Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson

August 11 - Congregation Micah, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? by Frederick Douglass

August 18 - Brook Hollow Baptist Church, The Gettysburg Address by

Abraham Lincoln

August 25 - The Temple Ohabi Shalom, The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus

There is no cost to attend, but separate registration for each session is required. Register here: Faith250. Corresponding docent-led tours of the Holocaust Memorial are:

Thursday, August 6, 10 a.m. –Declaration of Independence

Saturday, August 8, 1 p.m. –Declaration of Independence

Thursday, August 13, 10 a.m. –What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?

Saturday, August 15, 1 p.m. – What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?

Thursday, August 20, 10 a.m. – The Gettysburg Address

Saturday, August 22, 1 p.m. – The Gettysburg Address

Thursday, August 27, 10 a.m. – The New Colossus

For security reasons, reservations are required to attend a docent-led tour of the Holocaust Memorial. Register here: Faith250 Tours.

Email nashvilleholocaustmemorial@gmail.com to request a tour at a different time or for questions. Additional tour dates can be arranged with two days’ notice. •

Jewish Genealogical Society of Nashville’s August Meeting

Michael Jacobs will be the Jewish Genealogical Society of Nashville’s guest speaker (via Zoom) on Sunday, Aug. 16, at 2 p.m. CT.

During his presentation, “How to Preserve Your Family Treasures,” Mr. Jacobs will explain the importance of preserving our family documents, photos, textiles, and artifacts—and demonstrate the best practices for handling and storing these treasures.

Mr. Jacobs, curator at the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience (MSJE) in New Orleans, has been passionate about history since childhood.

He earned his undergraduate degree in History and Museum Studies at the University of Pittsburgh and his graduate degree in Public History at The American University in Washington, D.C. He has worked at numerous archives, historical sites, and museums, including the Marine Corps University Archive at Quantico Base in Quantico, Virginia, and Gunston Hall in Mason Neck, Virginia. He has been curator of Collections and Exhibits at MSJE since July 2023.

Mr. Jacobs’s presentation will be free to JGS Nashville members. The event is also open to non-members with a $5 suggested donation. Please contact nashvillejgs@gmail.com to receive a Zoom link to the presentation. •

Jewish Family Service: Sustaining Older Adults in Our Community

Jewish Family Service (JFS) offers a variety of evolving programs to support older adults in the community. The Helping Hands Program connects volunteers with Jewish seniors—whether living alone or in care facilities—for friendly visits, phone check-ins, Shabbat services, and a yearly Passover Seder.

Within Helping Hands, two creative programs support those with Alzheimer’s or dementia: Musical Helping Hands and the Art/OMA Program, offering one-on-one sessions that promote emotional and cognitive well-being through music and art.

In partnership with Temple Congregation Ohabai Sholom, JFS also hosts the Golden Lunch Bunch, a twice-monthly gathering with good food, entertainment, and friendly company.

Cyber Seniors pairs tech-savvy volunteers with older adults who need help using digital tools like Zoom, online shopping, and staying connected with loved ones.

The Jacob’s Ladder Program matches volunteers with seniors needing help around the house—things like changing light bulbs or setting clocks.

In partnership with B’nai Brith Maimonides Lodge #46, the Low-Vision Aid Program helps visually impaired seniors with daily activities such as cooking, dressing, and reading.

JFS social workers provide information, referrals, and help to evaluate living options—from aging in place to assisted living or nursing care. They also offer individual, couples, and family counseling on a sliding scale, along with support groups for caregivers and those grieving.

For more information, call 615-356-4234 or visit jfsnashville.org

Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s –Navigating the Parkinson’s Path Expo

The Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, their care partners, and families throughout Middle Tennessee. Our mission is to provide education, support, resources, and hope while fostering a community where no one faces Parkinson’s alone.

On Saturday, August 8, the Foundation will host its annual Navigating the Parkinson’s Path Expo, a free educational event designed to connect the Parkinson’s community with leading experts, healthcare professionals, wellness providers, and organizations that specialize in Parkinson’s care. Whether someone has recently been diagnosed, has lived with Parkinson’s for many years, is caring for a loved one, or simply wants to learn more, the Expo offers valuable information and meaningful connections.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from expert speakers, visit exhibitors showcasing the latest therapies and resources, explore wellness programs, and discover local services that can improve quality of life. More importantly, the expo creates an environment where individuals and families realize they are part of a supportive com-

munity that understands the challenges of Parkinson’s disease.

The Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s believes that education empowers, connection inspires, and hope makes a difference. We are honored to serve our community by providing programs that help people live well with Parkinson’s.

To learn more about the Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s and to register for the Navigating the Parkinson’s Path Expo, visit www.petersonforparkinsons.org

Happiness and Legacies for Seniors

In every stage of life, happiness comes from connection, purpose, and the knowledge that what we build today will endure tomorrow. For seniors in Nashville’s vibrant Jewish community, this season offers a unique opportunity to shape a meaningful legacy—one that reflects values, traditions, and love for family and community.

True happiness in later years often grows from staying engaged. Whether it’s participating in synagogue life, volunteering, sharing stories with grandchildren, or supporting cherished causes, these moments create a sense of belonging and significance. At the same time, planning for the future brings peace of mind. Thoughtful legacy planning ensures that your wishes are honored and that the people and organizations you care about continue to thrive.

Creating a legacy doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as documenting family stories, establishing charitable gifts, or organizing your estate with trusted advisors. Many seniors find joy in giving back—supporting Jewish education, local charities, or cultural institutions that have enriched their lives. These acts not only strengthen the community but also create an enduring connection between generations.

Most importantly, legacy planning is about values. It’s about passing down not just assets, but wisdom, faith, and a commitment to tikkun olam—repairing the world.

By blending present-day happiness with future-focused planning, seniors can experience a deep sense of fulfillment. In doing so, they create something lasting: a legacy of love, generosity, and Jewish continuity that will inspire generations to come.

For more information, contact Howard Safer at Argent Trust, 615-414-4289.

Jackie Roth Karr, Realtor

When it comes to buying or selling at Wessex Towers, no one knows the building better than Jackie Roth Karr. With over 50 units sold, Jackie is the go-to expert for this unique, full-service property—not senior living, but a concierge-style residence for people of all ages, several residents in their 30s. Her deep knowledge of the building, community, and market trends gives her clients a major edge.

Jackie often gets early word of units coming on the market, giving buyers first-mover advantage in a high-demand building. She has helped countless families move their loved ones into Wessex to be closer to Nashville’s vibrant Jewish community—and has just as often helped transition residents out of Wessex to be nearer to adult children in other cities. Whether you’re moving in, moving out, or moving a loved one, Jackie brings experience, empathy, and unmatched familiarity with the building.

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Wessex Towers offers effortless, all-inclusive living—utilities, cable, internet, and HVAC are all included in one simple HOA payment. Residents enjoy expansive terraces, sweeping views, and upscale amenities like a 24/7 concierge, newly upgraded security, and a private, around-the-clock fitness center.

Jackie doesn’t just sell property—she helps clients understand the lifestyle they’re stepping into. Her insight, track record, and personal touch make her the trusted choice for anyone navigating next steps. If you’re serious about buying or selling, Jackie Roth Karr is your realtor who will get it done right.

M Jaffa Health Insurance, LLC

Marsha Ross Jaffa

Medicare open enrollment will begin October 15 and end December 7. This is a time for insureds over 65 to review their coverage and determine if they would like to make any changes to their current insurance. Most Advantage plans and Drug plans may be shopped at this time. Please remember that Supplement plans are usually medically underwritten unless you are turning 65 or have a qualifying event, i.e. moved to another city or you are being dropped from group coverage. If you choose to drop a Supplement plan and enroll in an Advantage Plan, you will be medically underwritten if you choose to go back to a Supplement Plan.

Open Enrollment for people under 65 is known as the “Affordable Care Act” ACA. Open enrollment begins November 1 and goes to December 15 if you want coverage for January 1. The deductible and premium are very high unless you have a low income. It’s best to sit down with an agent to review coverage as doctors and hospitals vary with the insurance companies they want to be affiliated with.

Continued on page 20

Need Health Insurance?

M Jaffa Health Insurance, LLC

Marsha Ross Jaffa, CIC, LUTCF 615-482-3860 • mjaffahealthins@outlook.com

Continued from page 19

Your phone will be ringing a lot during Open Enrollment. If you have any questions, it is best to talk to a local insurance agent. Call Marsha at 625-482-3860.

Experience the Private Care Difference at Every Age

A healthy smile plays an important role in overall health, confidence, and quality of life—especially as we age. Whether it’s enjoying favorite foods, speaking comfortably, or maintaining overall wellness, quality dental care can make a meaningful difference.

At Drs. Hecklin, Smiley & DiLuzio in West Nashville, senior dental care is centered on personalized relationships and thoughtful treatment. Their experienced team understands that no two patients have the same dental history, health concerns, or goals, which is why every treatment plan is tailored to the individual.

As the years go by, many adults experience changing dental needs, including worn or broken teeth, gum disease, dry mouth, missing teeth, dentures, implant restorations, or concerns about maintaining a comfortable bite. The doctors take time to listen, answer questions, and recommend conservative treatment options designed to help

A Communit y to Ca ll Home.

A Life to Enjoy.

At Clarendale at Bellev ue Place, each day is lived in comfor t, connection, and purpose. Our independent living lifest yle is maintenance-free, with engaging amenities and ac tivities to enjoy ever y day.

For families seeking memory care, our compassionate team provides specialized suppor t that honors each individual ’s stor y, while assisted living is available for those who need daily suppor t met with dignity and independence.

patients maintain healthy, functional smiles for years to come.

Because the practice remains independently owned, patients enjoy the benefits of private care—longer appointments, continuity with the same trusted providers, and treatment recommendations based on what is truly best for each individual, not corporate policies or production goals.

Many patients have trusted Drs. Hecklin, Smiley & DiLuzio with their dental care for decades, and today they care for multiple generations of the same families. That long-term trust is built on honest conversations, clinical excellence, and a commitment to preserving natural teeth whenever possible.

Whether you need routine preventive care, restorative treatment, implant restorations, or simply a second opinion, the team is committed to helping you make informed decisions with confidence.

Experience the Private Care Difference.

To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit drhecklin.com or call (615)356-7500.

Senior Living with a Clear Focus on Health and Beauty - Clarendale at Bellevue Place

Senior health is so important at Clarendale at Bellevue Place. Naturally, a healthy lifestyle starts with a well-designed, safe and secure apartment, but it’s the beauty of experiences and amenities that help residents stay active and involved in life.

With Health & Wellness Navigation™, the trained wellness navigation team partners with residents to anticipate needs and address them—from day-to-day nutrition, fitness and life-enriching activities to preparation and follow-up for hospital care.

All eight dimensions of wellness are key at Clarendale at Bellevue Place. The team helps ensure that everyday life encompasses all of them—physical, emotional, social, intellectual, vocational, environmental, spiritual and health services.

Between skilled professionals and on-site amenities, health and wellness are practically guaranteed. There’s an on-site fitness center with professionally-led exercise classes and the latest strength and cardio equipment, as well as a full-service salon. Plus, residents enjoy an ever-changing menu of dining options, including nutritious meals to suit any taste and diet requirements. The Clarendale at Bellevue Place staff always finds ways to keep residents entertained, enlightened and engaged.

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

Continued on page 22

Here, any resident can thrive, surrounded by warmth, friendship, and a lifest yle designed to feel like home

Schedule a visit today to experience our welcoming communit y. 615-258- 6364 | ClarendaleAtBellevuePlace.com

tel 615-258-6364 web ClarendaleAtBellevuePlace.com em LIFE@ClarendaleAtBellevuePlace.com 7632 Highway 70 South | Nashville, TN 37221

Continued from page 20

Senior Living With a Clear Focus on Health and Beauty - Clarendale West End

Senior health is so important at Clarendale West End. A healthy lifestyle begins with a thoughtfully designed, safe and secure apartment, but it’s the beauty of experiences and amenities that help residents stay active and involved in life.

With Health & Wellness Navigation™, the trained wellness Navigation team partners with residents to anticipate needs and address them—from day-to-day nutrition, fitness and life-enriching activities to preparation and follow-up for hospital care.

All eight dimensions of wellness are key at Clarendale West End. The team helps to ensure that everyday life encompasses all of them—physical, emotional, social, intellectual, vocational, environmental, spiritual and health services.

Between skilled professionals and a full suite of on-site amenities, health and wellness are woven into every day. There’s a state-of-the-art fitness center with professionally-led exercise classes and the latest strength and cardio equipment, as well as a lavish salon and spa. Plus, residents enjoy an ever-changing menu of dining options, including nutritious meals to suit any taste and dietary requirements. Through Extraordinary Impressions®, the Clarendale West End team always finds ways to keep residents entertained, enlightened and engaged.

Your senior health and beauty lifestyle option awaits at Clarendale West End—nestled in the heart of Nashville, just moments from Vanderbilt University, Centennial Park and all that Music City has to offer. Call 629-218-4371 or visit ClarendaleWestEnd.com to learn more about this independent living, assisted living and memory care community.

Blakeford at Green Hills

As we enter this vibrant chapter of life, choosing the right community means finding a place that honors your independence, provides peace of mind, and supports your personal growth. For 30 years, Blakeford at Green Hills has been Nashville’s premier destination for seniors who view retirement as an opportunity for new beginnings.

Nestled on a lush, beautifully landscaped campus in one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods, our continuum of care adapts to your evolving needs. While you enjoy the freedom of independent living today, our mission-driven team is dedicated to whatever service you might need tomorrow. From assisted living, memory care, or short-term rehabilitation, treating each resident with dignity and respect.

At Blakeford, “vibrancy” is a way of life. Residents enjoy resort-style amenities, including a state-of-the-art wellness center, an indoor pool, and exceptional on-site dining. Our engaging cultural, educational, and social programs ensure your mind and body stay nourished.

Central to this lifestyle is our holistic WellLife framework, which focuses on four core pillars: Connect, Enlighten, Inspire, and Thrive. We encourage residents to Connect through meaningful relationships and Enlighten their minds with lifelong learning courses at Blakeford University. We cultivate space to Inspire spiritual and emotional well-being, while providing fitness classes and health workshops that empower residents to Thrive physically every single day.

Retirement is about living life fully, securely, and in harmony with your values. Discover the charm, vibrancy, and comfort of our community. Join us for a group tour on Tuesday mornings to experience Blakeford at Green Hills firsthand or call us at 615665-9505 to learn how we can make your golden years truly golden.

Elite Caregiving Services

At Elite Caregiving Services, we help older adults remain safe, comfortable, and independent in the place they know best: home. Every family has different needs, which is why we create personalized care plans based on each client’s goals, routines, and level of support.

Our caregivers provide assistance with personal care, bathing and dressing, meal preparation, medication reminders, transportation, light housekeeping, errands, companionship, respite care for family caregivers, and post-surgical recovery. Whether someone needs a few hours of help each week or 24-hour care, we are committed to providing reliable, compassionate support.

We understand that inviting someone into your home is a big decision. Our goal is to build lasting relationships with the families we serve by providing dependable caregivers and responsive communication every step of the way.

Many families reach out after a hospitalization or surgery, while others simply recognize that everyday tasks have become more difficult. No matter where you are in the process, we are happy to answer questions and help you determine what level of care is right for your loved one.

If you or someone you love could benefit from additional support at home, we would be honored to help.

Elite Caregiving Services

615-588-8779

Info@EliteCaregivingServices.com

EliteCaregivingServices.com

Abe’s Garden at Home

We are pleased to announce that Cura for Care has joined Abe’s Garden at Home, bringing together two organizations with a shared vision of enriching the lives of older adults and their families through compassionate, high-quality in-home care.

Together, we are strengthening our ability to provide personalized support tailored to each individual’s unique needs and preferences. Our specially trained caregivers assist with activities of daily living, personal care, household needs, and meaningful engagement in the comfort and familiarity of home.

Available 24/7, services can be arranged on a short- or long-term basis with flexible scheduling and a four-hour minimum. This customized approach offers a convenient, cost-effective way to support independence, enhance quality of life, and provide greater peace of mind for family caregivers.

Our team will provide a complimentary in-home assessment to design a personalized plan prior to any commitment. There is no obligation and no contract required to participate.

To schedule a free in-home assessment or need more information, call (615)-2928704 or visit www.abesgarden.org/athome.

Continued on page 25

Lifecycles

Mazal Tov

Mosh and Evelyn Koch

Mazal tov to Mosh and Evelyn Koch, who recently became great-grandparents to two adorable little girls. Mazal Tov also to the new grandparents, Dina and Matt Levitt (of Silver Spring, Maryland) who have four sons and now, at last, can buy cute little dresses.”

B’rit Mitzvah

Avigail Reece Kerrigan

Peyton Hamaoui

Peyton Hamaoui will become a bat mitzvah on Saturday, August 22, at 10:30 a.m. at Congregation Micah. She is the child of Aylene and Bert Hamaoui, the sister of Parker and Zachary, and the granddaughter of David and Mireille Hamaoui of San Francisco, Calif., and Richard Delson of Spring Hill, Tenn.

Dudley Zagnoev of Los Angeles, CA via Johannesburg, South Africa. Zoe and Emma’s great grandmother is Sylvia and EB (z”l) Shepard of Nashville, TN, and Mildred (z”l) and Paul (z”l) Flexer of Nashville, TN.

Cohen; siblings, William Zangwill, Dee Zangwill (Joe Katz) and Judy Zangwill (Ric Cherwin).

Dr. Phillip Gorden

Condolences to the family of Dr. Phillip Gorden who died on June 23. He is survived by his sons, Dr. Lee Gorden (Dr. Joan Gorden) and Dr. Jed Gorden (Sara Manetti); and his grandchildren, Isaac, Eliana and Satchel. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Avigail Reece Kerrigan will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, August 8, at 11 a.m. at The Temple. She was born on August 12, 2013, in St. Louis, Missouri. Her parents are Deborah and Jimmy Kerrigan. Her grandparents are Betsy and John Gensburg of Highland Park, Ill., and the late Ann and John Kerrigan.

An eighth grader at University School of Nashville, Avi loves art and reading.

For her mitzvah project, Avi is coordinating a donation project for Book’em, a Nashville-based non-profit dedicated to improving childhood literacy.

Avi is in the eighth grade at University School of Nashville. She loves art and reading.

Raegan Marcenia Pounds

A seventh grader at Heritage Middle School, Peyton is an avid dancer and is part of the “company” at her dance studio. Peyton also plays Basketball on her middle School team.

Eden Cooper Clarke

Eden Cooper Clarke will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, August 29, at 11 a.m. at The Temple. She was born on January 14, 2014, in Santa Monica, California. Her parents are Clare and Robin Clarke. Her grandparents are Carol and Henry Levy of Memphis, Tenn., Suzanne Clarke of Petaluma, Calif., and Jonathan Clarke of New York, N.Y.

As seventh graders at University School of Nashville, where they have been since Kindergarten, Zoe and Emma both thrive and excel at sports (volleyball, basketball, soccer, and softball). They enjoy spending time with their friends. Both girls love attending live concerts and sports games with their grandpa Mark, and traveling with their aunt Polly and uncle David has been a special treat. One of their favorite times of the year is summer since they get to spend that special time at their Summer Place- Camp Barney Medintz, where they have been going since they were 8.

For their mitzvah project, Zoe and Emma are donating the centerpieces to Abe’s Garden Community for the residents to enjoy, as flowers bring sunshine and smiles to all.

Obituaries

Terri Z. Cohen

Ben Limor

Condolences to the family of Ben Limor, beloved son of Alex and Bobbie Limor; brother of Sam, Yoni, Avi, and Danny Limor. Ben passed away surrounded by his loving family, following a brief but serious illness.

Lillian Clair Hickman Schklar

Condolences to the family of Terri Z. Cohen who died on June 19. She is survived by her children, Melissa (Edward) Rittenberg and Robert (Peggy) Cohen; grandchildren, Natalie and Samantha Rittenberg and Ava and Riley

Raegan Marcenia Pounds will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, August 15, at 11 a.m. at The Temple. She was born on August 15, 2013, in Nashville, Tennessee. Her parents are Bridget Pounds (Josh) and Zachary Pounds (Olivia). Her grandparents are Sissy and Joseph Lawson of Carthage, Tenn., and the late Linda and Britt Pounds.

A seventh grader at EA Cox Middle School, Reagan loves reading, art, music, car shows and spending time with her friends and family.

For her mitzvah project, Raegan is volunteering at the local animal shelter and collecting donations for the shelter.

Theodore Lederer Carson IV

For her mitzvah project, Eden has been volunteering at MOVE Inclusive Dance, an organization that empowers individuals of all ability levels to develop life skills through dance. She has been assisting with dance classes for younger students and has also organized bake sales to raise funds in support of this wonderful program.

Lucas Lopez

Condolences to the family of Lillian Clair Hickman Schklar who died on July 13. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ila Glenn Hickman and James Oliver Hickman, her husband, Gerson Schklar, daughter, Natalie Schklar, and granddaughter-in-law, Bethany White Schklar. She is survived by her children, Raymond Schklar, David (Stephanie) Schklar, Samuel (Donna) Schklar, and Becky (Joseph) Young, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to the Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. •

ADVERTORIALS CONTINUED

Continued from page 22

Lucas Lopez will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, August 29, at 10:30 a.m. at Congregation Micah. He is the child of Dr. and Mrs. Marcos Lopez and Amanda Snowden; the brother of Sofia; and the grandson of Marcia and George Snowden, Leticia Urteaga, and Hector and Mireya Lopez.

A rising seventh grader at Ensworth School, Luke loves basketball, coding, animals, 3D printing, and is always up for an adventure.

A Tradition of Quality, Care, And Gathering Around The Table For 52 Years

For generations, Sperry’s has been a place where life’s meaningful moments are celebrated from birthdays and anniversaries to retirement dinners, family gatherings, and quiet meals with loved ones. We’re honored to be part of the traditions that bring people together, offering exceptional steaks, fresh seafood, our classic salad bar, and warm, attentive service in an atmosphere that feels both timeless and welcoming.

We’re also proud to make Sundays special at Sperry’s Cool Springs, where our beloved brunch has become a tradition of its own. From leisurely mornings with family to celebrations shared over brunch favorites and cocktails, it’s another way we help guests slow down, reconnect, and make memories around the table.

At Sperry’s, every visit is a reason to celebrate. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your traditions since 1974.

SPERRY’S BELLE MEADE

5109 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205

Theodore Lederer Carson IV will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, August 22, at 11 a.m. at The Temple. He was born on August 12, 2013, in Beaumont, Texas. His parents are Megan and Theodore Carson. His grandparents are Marian Winters of Tampa, Fla., and Cheryl Carson of Valrico, Fla.

A seventh grader at Mill Creek Middle, Teddy enjoys football, basketball, baseball, and the Florida Gators.

For his mitzvah project, Teddy is collecting gently used sporting equipment to sell to Play It Again Sports. All proceeds generated from the resale of these items will be donated to the Nolensville Stars Football Program to help cover registration fees for future players who may not have the financial resources to participate.

His mitzvah projects include supporting The Store, which provides free grocery support to families in Nashville, as well as the Nashville Humane Association where he adopted his dog, Ringo.

Zoe Lauren Zagnoev and Emma Brooke Zagnoev

SPERRY’S COOL SPRINGS

650 Frazier Drive, Franklin, TN 37067

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT COOL SPRINGS

10:30 A.M. – 3 P.M. WWW.SPERRYS.COM

Zoe Lauren Zagnoev and Emma Brooke Zagnoev will be called to the Torah as a B’not Mitzvah on Saturday August 22, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at West End Synagogue. Zoe and Emma were born in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 14, 2013. Zoe and Emma are the daughters of Jennie and Brad Zagnoev, and sisters of Evan Zagnoev. Their grandparents are Goldie and Mark Shepard of Nashville, TN, and Noreen and

Aging In Place Services - Move Management

Serving the senior population is one of my favorite things to focus on. Partnering with the best peers in the industry and certainly the BEST clients a girl could wish for. What is that focus you might ask? Move Management. Move Management is a full-circle, service concept. Including: Downsize/Right size/Simplify, Sort/Organize, Pack/Unpack, Move/Relocate, Layout/Design Solutions, Setup/Staging, Cleanup/ Cleanout, Estate Sale Assistance

Our systems are personalized to meet your needs. Our teams are kind and compassionate. Our service is about lifestyle! We are also focused on life transitions and the continuing changes at any age.

Creating memories in each new moment and experiencing JOY in the JOurneY! Remember, it’s always the right move when it’s about YOU!

Angie Durr, Owner

PH: 629-999-2477 | www.aginginplaceservices.net •

Inside Gordon JCC Camp Davis & Children’s Services

As another summer at Camp Davis comes to a close, we’re celebrating a season filled with adventure, friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime. Thanks to our incredible campers, families, and staff, Camp Davis continues to grow.

Planning is already underway for Camp Davis Summer 2027, and Traditional Camp registration opens August 9. Families who register between August 9 and August 31 can take advantage of special early registration pricing before rates increase. Registration for Traditional Camp will remain open after August 31 at regular pricing, while Specialty Camp registration will open in January.

While summer camp may be over,

the fun doesn’t stop when school starts. If you haven’t had the chance to meet Teron Smith, now is the perfect time.

As the Director of Children’s Services, Teron leads our year-round after-school programming, creating a welcoming

environment where children can continue learning, and building friendships after the school day ends. Families interested in after-school care, or other Children’s Services opportunities are encouraged to connect with Teron.

Open to students in kindergarten through fifth grade, Camp Davis Clubhouse offers homework support, arts and crafts, structured enrichment activities, gym and playground time, team games, and plenty of opportunities for social connection in a safe, caring environment. Transportation is provided from Gower and Harpeth Valley Elementary Schools, while students attending West Meade Elementary can ride the school bus directly to the Gordon JCC. Children

from other schools are also welcome, with family-provided transportation.

The Gordon JCC offers a variety of after-school clubs throughout the year, including Robotics Club, Gymnastics Club, and other specialty programs designed to keep children active and engaged. Families with young children can also join us for our PJ Library Shabbat Gathering on Saturday, August 29, at 10:15 a.m. at TailGate Brewery, hosted in partnership with The Temple and East Side Tribe.

To learn more about Camp Davis, visit www.campdavisnashville.com. To explore Camp Davis Clubhouse and after-school care, visit NashvilleJCC.org/ Clubhouse or contact Teron at teron@ nashvillejcc.org. •

Just when you thought no one knew you existed anymore, all it took was just a little bit of ocean or pool side flesh to wake everyone up.

Yes, apparently, it’s human nature. I’m guilty of it myself. Sizing other people’s bodies up while trying to ignore the reality of my own. At the end of the day, it has no bearing on life in general or on the real meaningfulness of life. However, I admit it’s hard to resist.

Let’s face it, watch an extremely attractive person walk through a room, heads turn. It’s just the way humans are wired.

Show a little flesh and pow, all ability to look away goes out the window.

While on the actual beach or poolside it just goes with the territory, I mean, everyone is right there in front of you, basically in their underwear, now calling their measly attire a bathing suit, and quite honestly, who cares, it’s as if they are not even there. You’ve got the ocean, sea, and sky to rest your weary soul.

However, put a semi flesh baring photo online and oopsie daisy, the world goes crazy.

I know this because:

1. I recently styled a model for a fashion shoot in an itsy bity teeny weeny blue and white print Armani bikini with a

blazer and heels and posted the shot on my social media page as I always do for my fashion styling, and my page’s views blew up. Forget about my site, if you want to see how real bikini marketing is done, check out Kylie Jenner’s on Instagram. Her one post of her new bikini line launch got 1.9 million hearts. Trust me, if she was in a dress to her ankles, I could pretty much guarantee 1.9 million eyeballs would not be that interested.

2. A few weeks later, after another lonely weekend I spent with no one calling to: A) see if I’d like to do something and B) check if I was still breathing, I posted a photo of myself at the pool, waist up in a bathing suit top, and within minutes, all so-called social media “friends”/people who stay “connected” on my social media page and who, in my fantasy, could have actually picked up the phone in real time to say hello, did nothing of the sort, just looked at my photo, or clicked on an emoji to show how much they care, and went on with their day. I’m not sure if this social media experiment made me feel worse, lonelier, or momentarily validated by the emoji hearts and flames, all I can say is, if less is more, less social media would be fine by me. I’m beginning to miss life before the internet even existed.

I know, I know, social media arguments drag on, whether it can be used for good or bad purposes. And yes, it does both. Ultimately though, in my mind, it can never replace real, true connection. I tend to forget that myself as I am daily sucked into the vortex of its veil of illusion that social media sites create so seductively and alluringly. “Look!”, it says, “Look!” Look at me, look at you!” On and on… and yet… Is social media ever really going to go away? I highly doubt it. You know the saying…”It’s going to get worse before it gets better.” Well, here we are. Here I am. I honestly have a lot of respect for people when they tell me they are not on social media. I envy them in a way. It’s been a useful tool to hide behind in my own loneliness and make me forget that if I want to have a real connection, I’ve got to pick up the phone and reach out in real life, real time, dressed and ready to go out and meet up with some friends. It looks like I have a lot of phone calls to make, considering I have over 3,000 so-called “friends” online.

Or then again, I can just post another itsy-bitsy teeny weenie yellow polka dot bikini…•

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY

ACCOUNTANTS

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

Cura for Care is Joining the Abe’s Garden Family Offering personalized in-home care and engagement designed to help Middle Tennessee seniors live independently at home 615-292-8704 athome@abesgarden.org abesgarden.org/athome

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

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION PARTNER

Digital, AI & Automation partner serving global enterprises from right here in Tennessee. Let’s build: www.trinetix.com

Our Nashville office: 750 Old Hickory Blvd hello@trinetix.com 615-473-3700

HOME MAINTENANCE

Home Maintenance Concierge Semi-annual Guidance and Upkeep. Perfect for busy homeowners, Seniors, Snowbirds, Caregivers. In-person service and trusted advice. No sales pitches, pressure or mark-ups. Mark Hill 615-823-8033 m.hill@tandemrealty.com www.TandemRealty.com

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

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 Optique Nashville 2416 21st Ave. S., #104, Nashville 615-321-4393

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

ORTHODONTISTS

Specialists in Orthodontics

Dr. Jonathan Gluck DDS, MSD Dr. Joel Gluck DDS, MS 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

LANA PARGH

615-504-2685

lana.pargh@compass.com

FRANKLIN PARGH 615-351-7333 franklin.pargh@compass.com www.pargh.com IG: @theparghteam | FB: ParghTeam

JACOB KUPIN, REALTOR

HAYLEY LEVY KUPIN, REALTOR 615-281-9035

Jacob@TheKupinGroup.com Hayley@TheKupinGroup.com www.TheKupinGroup.com We’ve got your back!

RABBI DANIEL HOFFMAN

CERTIFIED MOHEL

A warm and safe bris for your son. Serving the whole community. Call or text 615-481-2831 www.nashvillemohel.net

GREG ANSEL, REALTOR® Phone/Text: 615-815-6405 Email: GregAnsel@kw.com “Let’s Get Moving!”

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

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

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