Jewish Scene Magazine Simcha Scene Feb. 2021

Volume 15 | Number 3 | 2021

Sensational Simchas

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Contributors

Marisa Baggett is a sushi chef, author of “Sushi

Holly Marks, born a Yankee, and now a

Harry Samuels, author of “Beshert: True

Secrets” and “Vegetarian Sushi Secrets.”

Southern girl at heart, is loving the Memphis

Stories of Connections” and “Crossroads: Chance

She is a Southern Jewish girl who was born in

state of mind. With a background in advertising

or Destiny?” is a graduate of Washington

Starkville, Miss. and now calls Memphis home.

and public relations, writing comes naturally,

University. He Has devoted many years to

and she is thrilled to be a part of Jewish Scene

volunteerism in Memphis. He and his wife,

Magazine. When she’s not brainstorming her

Flora, have been married for 59 years and are

next big idea, she’s either doing family time,

the parents of Martin, William and the late

having coffee or finding an excuse to go to

David Samuels.

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Contents 03 Contributors 06 From the Editor

Who Knew?

08 Simcha Scene

A Change of Plans and a Great Planner Save the Day Gabby and Zach chose their wedding date, and although the venue changed, everything was as perfect as expected.

14 17 On the Menu

Zayde’s NYC Deli Passover Lemon Tarts OMG! Marisa Baggett is gearing up for Passover. Are you ready?

18 Tikkun Olam

Sam Schloss Lodge #35 Donates COVID-19 Kits to Seniors Seniors at Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab and Plough Towers receive kits made possible B’nai B’rith International.

19 Crossroads: Chance or Destiny The Photograph

20 Scenes 21 Scenes

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17

12 Simcha Scene

Going with the Flow Dylan Spiegel took the changes to his bar mitzvah with ease as his parents adjusted their plans to meet new restrictions.

14 Simcha Scene

Pink to Perfection October 10, 2020 was Katie Gruber’s birthday and planned bat mitzvah day. That was the plan, and she was sticking to it.

16 Hollywood Pet Star

Leo the Labradoodle This gentle giant brings joy to cancer patients, but more recently to his little nieces and nephew, one who FaceTimes with him every morning.

On The Cover Gabby and Zach Kisber Photo by Elizabeth Looney Photography

Jewish Scene is dedicated to creating awareness among the Jewish community; and promoting and supporting the religious, educational, social and fundraising efforts of Jewish agencies and organizations.

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www.jewishscenemagazine.com

Publisher/Editor Susan C. Nieman

Art Director Dustin Green

Web and Social Media Rebecca Miller

Editorial Assistants Bettye Berlin Emily Bernhardt Rae Jean Lichterman

Photography Contributors Elizabeth Looney Photography Paige Miller Photography

Advertising Sales Director Larry Nieman

Chief Financial Officer Donald Heitner Volume 15 Number 3 February/March 2021 Adar/Nissan 5781 Jewish Scene magazine must give permission for any material contained herein to be copied or reproduced in any manner.

Manuscripts and photographs submitted for publication are welcome by Jewish Scene, but no responsibility can be taken for them while in transit or in the office of the publication.

Editorial content does not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion, nor can the publisher be held responsible for errors. The publication of any advertisement in this issue does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s product or services by this publication.

Jewish Scene is published by Jewish Living of the South, Inc. Subscription rates for the U.S.: single issues $5, annual $25. Canada and foreign: single issues $10, annual $36.

Susan Nieman 901.827.7244 susan@jewishscenemagazine.com jewishscenemagazine.com

For home delivery, send $25 to: Jewish Scene Magazine 1703 Tamhaven Ct. • Cordova, TN 38016

Jewish Scene

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Letter From the Editor Dear JSM Readers, As of February 1, 2021, Jewish Living of the South, Inc., our publishing corporation, has acquired “The Hebrew Watchman.” I am honored that Herman

Who knew?

and Bobbie Goldberger have put their trust in me. I am proud and excited to When I wrote the first editorial of 2020, who knew weddings and bar or bat

continue the tradition of this beloved 95-year-old Jewish publication.

mitzvahs would be postponed, reimagined, or that guests would be limited with family and friends sitting in bubbles? Who knew we’d be sharing in simchas

So, within the pages of Jewish Scene every other month, you’ll still see our

from across the world on Zoom?

regular features of beautiful simchas, tikkun olam stories of people and organizations providing amazing services to the Jewish community and more.

Who knew we’d be wearing masks, and now more recently told to wear two?

And “The Hebrew Watchman” will remain within our community for many years to come, G-d willing at least another 95 years!

We’ve all shared happy times and sadness in unimaginable circumstances.

As always, we ask you, our readers, to shop with and thank our advertisers who I’ve personally postponed a special shared birthday tradition my dad and I

make this publication possible.

began five years ago – he’s 20 years older than I am. We’d hoped to celebrate with family our 85/65 birthdays to bring in the New Year. But my quarterly

May 2021 bring you a day when no masks are required, where a trip to the

beach trip will have to wait until it’s safe for me and my dad. He just told me he

grocery store doesn’t mean looking for your keys, glasses, purse or wallet, and

received his first vaccine and is scheduled for his second. I have NO idea when I

a mask. Let it be a year where you receive a COVID-19 vaccine, spend more time

will get mine. I’ve been so busy the past few months, thankfully working from

with family and friends, and bring many opportunities for safe travel.

home, that I haven’t had time to think about it.

Shalom, But, my husband, Larry has.

Who knew a pandemic would force Larry, to retire for health and safety issues?

And because he’s home with me every day, something many of you can relate to, we’ve taken on a new adventure.

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Susan C. Nieman - Publisher/Editor

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Simcha Scene

A Change of Plans and a Great Planner Save the Day Story by Susan Nieman :: Photos by Elizabeth Looney Photography

Following Gabby and Zach Kisber’s exciting engagement in February of 2020, the bride and groom knew they had some big decisions to make – choose a wedding date, venue, florist, musicians, and an event coordinator.

They imagined an intimate beach destination ceremony in Fisher Island, Florida, and secured November 14, 2020. The weather is usually good that time of year, and guests from around the country were excited for a weekend in South Florida. Things were coming together perfectly. Then, a mere 90 days before the wedding, Fisher Island cancelled all events.

“I called Janis Kiel, who I know is Memphis’ highly sought-after event planner,” said Jolie. “She said ‘Yes, I can do this!’”

But Gabby and Zach were determined to get married on November 14. After realizing they had to quickly secure new vendors and to put into place a COVID-safe wedding with restrictions, they turned to mother-of-thegroom Jolie Kisber.

Less than 24 hours later, Janis surveyed the Kisber’s backyard with Holliday Florist and Amerispan Tent and a coronavirus-safe wedding was in the making.

Jolie made one phone call, knowing their success would all hinge on how the call went.

Since invitations with the original Fisher Island destination had been printed but not

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“Lucky for us, Temple Israel had the space and Janis had the time available,” said Gabby and Zach, who being a low-key couple were happy to place the plans in the capable hands of his mother and Janis.

But additional details needed to be worked out.

www.jewishscenemagazine.com

Simcha Scene

mailed, they reduced the guest list and inserted a card stating the new venue.

The ceremony was held in the atrium at Temple Israel under a most special circumstance, as Zach’s childhood friend, Jeffrey Dreifus, officiated. Zach and Jeff had met 30 years ago in the same Temple Israel Pre-School playground. Sometimes, life can certainly come full circle making things so much sweeter.

“It was very special to us that Jeff officiated since he’d been our pre-marriage counselor and had also planned to be the officiant in Florida,” said Zach.

Following the COVID-19 mandate of social distancing, guests were assigned seats six feet apart. There were personalized masks made for all guests and hand sanitizer placed on each seat.

Continued on 10

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Simcha Scene

Holliday Flowers and Events added beautiful florals and greenery to the Kisber’s already-lush backyard transforming the space into an intimate celebratory venue.

Even though the guest list was limited, a positive note was that Zach’s grandparents who live in South Florida were able to watch the ceremony via Zoom, thanks to the great folks at Message in a Bottle who have been extra busy this year.

A surprise guest appearance

The reception was held in Michael and Jolie’s backyard under a tent. The sides were raised to enjoy the outdoors. Large tables of 8-10 seats were only an option for a few family groupings. Most of the couples sat at intimate bistro tables-for-two – date-night style. Small signs on the tables reminded guests to please wear their masks. Paradox Catering placed cloches over the food while serving. It was a night where all felt safe celebrating Gabby and Zach’s wedding.

The couple’s first dance was to Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.” And much to the surprise of the newlyweds was the guest appearance of a 1950s Elvis impersonator, who stayed to sing a few songs. “My mom made a big deal of this last-minute guest who’d sent an RSVP,” said Zach. “We had no idea, and it was a lot of fun.”

“Janis really turned things around quickly and definitely thought outside the box,” said Jolie. “She made sure there was an abundant supply of hand sanitizers, monogrammed masks and even plexiglass between the band and guests.”

So, the weather may not have included a tropical breeze, palm trees or an ocean view, but substitutes of a beautiful backyard pool, balmy 70-degree weather, some Magnolia trees and a cocktail hour where heaters were on standby only, the guests enjoyed cocktails, dancing, and a delightful dinner celebrating Gabby and Zach Kisber in Memphis, Tennessee.

“A lot of our friends said, ‘We had the best time! It was the most normal night we had in 2020!’” said Gabby and Zach.

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Miss Muffin created the smaller-sized cake.

Simcha Scene

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Simcha Scene Dylan Spiegel with parents Melinda and Michael Lejman.

Going with the Flow

By Holly Marks :: Photos by Paige Miller Photography Ever since this crazy pandemic started, the words postponed and rescheduled have become part of everyone’s vocabulary – including Dylan Spiegel and his family.

His bar mitzvah was originally planned for August 29, but since health and safety were still of concern, the date was changed to November 7, even though COVID was still going strong. But he and his family were determined to make this momentous occasion happen no matter what.

As it turns out, the day could not have been more perfect. We all know Memphis weather can change by the minute and being outdoors in November can be iffy. But it was a mild, sunny day; exactly what was needed to enjoy the ceremony at Temple Israel. It was held in the covered, outdoor atrium by the fountain, which provided a beautiful backdrop for the service. The existing greenery added natural elements 12

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and flowers from the chapel were brought out to enhance the surroundings.

They were limited to 50 people including staff, but it worked out well. Most of their family and friends are local, so no one needed to travel; plus, the service was live-streamed and recorded for those who couldn’t attend. Dylan is a member of the TI Boy Scouts and the troop was all able to be there, too.

Rabbi Micah Greenstein co-led the service with Dylan, while Carly Abramson accompanied on guitar. Still following protocols, seats were set up in pods to allow for social distancing, and clear plexiglass dividers were placed between Dylan and the Rabbi on the bimah for an extra precaution.

As an ode to the uniqueness of holding the ceremony during COVID, they provided personalized face masks for each guest.

Designed by local vendor Brenda Curland of

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Simcha Scene JIM Productions, the masks were a wine color printed with a Star of David, Dylan’s name and bar mitzvah date; this kept everyone safe – and stylish!

Paige Miller Photography captured it all with formal photos done beforehand, as well as pictures during the service. Dylan’s sister, Jillian, designed the programs, which made it even more special.

Since a luncheon was not an option, mom Melinda Lejman ordered prepackaged little boxes of treats from a place called Dylan’s Candy Bar – no, not her Dylan; it’s an actual shop with numerous locations in New York and Florida. Choices were either apple caramel popcorn or assorted chocolates from the Fall collection. “Everything was ready to go when guests arrived, so all I had to do was put them out on the table for the guests to take!” she said.

The day went off without a hitch.

“Dylan was very flexible with the situation,” said Melinda. “He went with the flow and was actually relieved because the studying went on way longer than normal since the original date was over two months before.”

D y la n w ith h is sister

ry,o theHn b J ail

mom and dad.

How would they rate the experience? “I think it was actually a blessing. It was simple and there was no fussiness, because we didn’t have to worry about all the details involved with a party,” Melinda said.

That night, Dylan had one friend sleepover, after a magnificent experience at Flight Restaurant. The family had planned to go to Universal Studios and Disney World, but are waiting until it is safer to travel so they can truly enjoy the trip.

Needless to say, Dylan’s bar mitzvah was a success, even though it wasn’t exactly how they originally envisioned. When they began the planning process, no one could have imagined that we’d be in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. But they persevered and adapted to the situation making the occasion one they will never forget.

Jillian designed Dylan’s program.

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Simcha Scene Holliday Flowers and Events created a simple but elegant backdrop for Katies bimah.

Pink to Perfection

By Holly Marks :: Photos by Paige Miller Photography

When a pandemic interrupts the original plans for your bat mitzvah, what’s a girl to do? In Katie Gruber’s case, the decision was to move forward and make it happen. During the summer as they learned what the limitations would be, parents Brandi and Greg gave their daughter the option of changing the date or keeping the one they had already scheduled.

“Katie chose October 10, since it was her 13th birthday,” said Brandi.

“We quickly moved to plan B,” said Einat Loskovitz of Eventful Party Planning, who helped the family scale down to an intimate celebration with family and close friends.

It turned out to be a beautiful day. Shades of pink, Katie’s favorite color, were included in all the details. She picked everything out and was so excited to see it all come to fruition that morning. The service was moved from the sanctuary to the outdoor atrium at Temple Israel, which allowed for a safer environment.

There was a hand sanitizer station and face masks for all with Katie’s logo – in pink, of course!

“Out-of-town family was unable to attend, 14

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and family members were not allowed to participate in the service, but we were happy that we were able to have close family there with us,” Brandi explained.

Katie’s Torah portion was Sh’mini Atzeret, and she was able to craft a D’var Torah that could not have been more relevant to the situation the world is currently in. She discussed, “Just as Moses led the Jewish people from slavery to freedom, our scientists, leaders, healthcare workers, and first responders are leading us out of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Just as they trusted Moses for leadership, I trust my parents to keep me safe and my teachers to provide a safe learning environment.

In the beginning of the world, it was chaos and dark. Sound familiar? We, too, will go from chaos and anxiety to certainty and calm.” Her words created a

www.jewishscenemagazine.com

Katie with her best friend since pre-K, Maddie Barden

Simcha Scene meaningful connection to her Jewishness and life today.

Katie with parents Greg and Brandi and brother Nathan.

Due to the pandemic, Katie was not able to do a mitzvah project, so instead she chose to make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. She also decided to go on a vacation in lieu of having a party.

“We will take a family trip once we are on the other side of the virus” Brandi said. “We have not picked a destination yet, but Katie has a few places in mind.” They are very much looking forward to being able to enjoy that quality time together.

Planning for a bat mitzvah in normal times can be stressful and requires a lot of preparation and dedication. Adding a pandemic to the mix isn’t something anyone is ready for, but the Gruber family stood their ground and worked with the cards they were dealt.

“Greg and I are very proud of Katie, even more so because of the way she faced the challenges that were thrown her way due to the pandemic,” said Brandi. “She started with tutoring for her Torah portion in January with a local tutor in Little Rock [where they live]. But as the pandemic came, she switched to Zoom study sessions. She never lost a step, and we are blessed to have her as our daughter.”

Paradox Cuisine prepared individual containers and foods kept safe easily.

Sprinkles Me Silly prepared the cake.

Greg, Spencer Gruber and Josh Mintz enjoy the intimate luncheon held at Greg’s sister, Ginger’s home. Outdoor plans changed when rain was inevitable, and Holliday Flowers transformed the garage into an intimate setting by draping the walls, and bringing in a cocktail bar, beautiful flowers, linens and chairs.

RSVP Stationers created the programs, cups and napkins Jewish Scene

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Hollywood Pet Star Leo the Labradoodle

By Holly Marks

Leo and Dorothy visit West Clinic before COVID-19

see a child who hasn’t smiled in weeks want to snuggle in bed with Leo, or a parent who needs comfort. It makes every visit worthwhile.”

During weekly visits to West Clinic, they saw many of the same people. “It was a gift for me to develop ongoing relationships with some wonderful patients and employees,” Dorothy said. “If we weren’t there, patients would ask if Leo was coming. I like to think that our time with the patients gave them some happiness.”

Dorothy thinks Leo actually prefers people over dogs. When he’s not working, he still enjoys being a dog, playing chase, running in circles and chewing branches. He gets excited about trips to the park and car rides. Obviously, Leo is a very busy pup; after his adventure-filled days, he loves to sleep in one of his beds around the house or cuddle with Dorothy and Rob. Due to some arthritic problems over the past year, Leo goes to rehab at Pet Fit to help keep him strong on his paws. “Dr. Roxanna Caraballo, a certified Canine Rehabilitation specialist, and her team have been invaluable” said Dorothy. “Leo loves them and takes everything in stride.”

“I hit the jackpot with Leo,” Dorothy said.

When Leo isn’t working: He loves chasing squirrels, playing chase, running in circles, chillin’ in the front yard and running around Shelby Farms Dog Park.

Favorite treat: Hollywood Feeds’ brown jerky made in Georgia.

Favorite Fans: Leo has been such a gentle loving soul to my four grandchildren, especially our two-year-old Nora, who calls to FaceTime with him every morning.

Meet 9 ½-year-old Leo, a caramel-colored Labradoodle full of charm and talent. Mom, Dorothy Goldwin, and her husband, Rob, got him when he was just a wee pup.

“We quickly discovered how gentle Leo was and realized he was meant to be a therapy dog,” Dorothy explained. She reached out to her friend, Jo Anne Fusco, who helps oversee West Tennessee Therapy Dogs, to find out what they needed to do. They trained for almost a year.

“I’d take Leo to Hollywood Feed at Poplar and Yates to give him the opportunity to practice commands and walk by people and other dogs and learn not to react. The staff was wonderful and always gave him treats,” said Dorothy.

“Leo finally earned his Canine Good Citizenship Certificate, we took the tests to become a therapy dog and happily passed,” she continued.

Leo knows when it is time to work. He runs to the door when Dorothy asks if he’s ready to go. He even has his own business cards!

Pre-COVID-19, the duo visited nursing homes, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital and West Clinic. “He’s so calm with the residents, and they love being able to pet him and talk to us,” she said. “It is so heartwarming to 16

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A puppachino at the end of his busy rounds at West Clinic makes his day complete.

On The Menu

Z ayde’s NY C Deli Passover Le mon Ta rts

By Ma risa Baggett

Ingredients

Directions

Makes Six 3½-inch Tarts Individual sized tarts decorated with fresh fruit are a pretty and practical way to end your Passover meal. The bright lemon flavor and fruit pair feel particularly light when you’re stuffed but still want just a little bite of dessert. Disposable bake-in-tart pans come in many varieties and tarts can be served directly in them leaving you one less thing to clean!

Sliced fruits such as strawberries, kiwis, oranges; if desired Powdered sugar for garnish

Tart Shells 3/4 cup matzo cake meal 1/4 cup sugar 2 tbsp. potato starch 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 cup coconut oil (cold and solid, not melted) 1 large egg yolk Lemon Filling 6 eggs 3 cups sugar 1 tbsp. lemon zest 1 cup lemon juice 1 cup potato starch

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. To make the tart shells, combine the matzo cake meal, sugar, potato starch, kosher salt, coconut oil and egg yolk in a bowl. This works best if mixing by hand. Divide the dough mixture evenly between six 3½-inch tart shells and press firmly into a thin layer. The dough mixture should completely cover the shell. Prick holes into the shell with a fork.

Place shells in freezer for 10 minutes. After freezing, place on a baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes or until shell is dry but not browned. Allow to cool before filling.

To make the filling, stir together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and potato starch. If filling has several lumps of potato starch (it usually does!), press the filling mixture through a fine mesh strainer. Divide mixture between the tart shells. Bake for 15 minutes or until tart filling jiggles just slightly only in the center. Note that the tarts may begin to brown just a bit on top; this is okay.

Cool completely before garnishing with sliced fruits and a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve chilled. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

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Tikkun Olam

FJFS director Mary Elizabeth Jones, Harold Steinberg, FJFS Intake, Referral & Volunteer Coordinator Audrey May, Dr. Joel Turetzky, Margie Steinberg, Neal Berlin, and MJCC Program Director for Cultural Arts & Senior Services Marcy Stagner.

Harold Steinberg, Margie Steinberg, Plough Towers Executive Director Leigh Hendry, Neal Berlin and Dr. Joel Turetzky.

Sam Schloss Lodge #35 Members Donate 100 Covid-19 Relief Kits to Memphis Seniors Members of the Sam Schloss Lodge #35 of B’nai B’rith presented Wendy and Avron B. Fogelman Jewish Family Service (FJFS) at the Memphis Jewish Community Center (MJCC) and Plough Towers with 100 COVID-19 relief kits. The kits, provided

by B’nai B’rith International, contained a cloth face mask and travel-sized hand sanitizer both imprinted with the B’nai B’rith logo.

“Sam Schloss Lodge and B’nai B’rith have a long history of helping people in need,” said Harold Steinberg, a member of the B’nai B’rith International Executive Board of Directors. “This is just the latest example of our organization’s disaster relief efforts that began over 150 years ago.”

Memphis was one of only a dozen cities selected.

Recipients include seniors who are part of the FJFS home-delivered kosher meals program and those who ride the FJFS Shalom Shuttle, as well as seniors in the Memphis Jewish Community Center/ Memphis Jewish Federation’s ScheidtHohenberg Hot Meal Program and participants of other MJCC programs.

“We’ve been so very careful in planning for our MJCC members for the past 11 18

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months, especially our seniors,” said Marcy Stagner, program director for Cultural Arts & Senior Services at MJCC. “This is another great way to help protect them.”

“Anything we can do to help ease the stress of this global pandemic is important,” said Leigh Hendry, executive director of Plough Towers. “We would never have dreamed it would still be going strong 10 months later! Support from B’nai B’rith and others in our community has meant so much.”

This donation is one of many made as part of B’nai B’rith’s project to provide 3,000 COVID-19 relief kits to communities around the United States.

“Every community in America is facing the challenge of responding to the needs of vulnerable populations,” said Rebecca Saltzman, senior vice president and chair of the B’nai B’rith Disaster and Emergency Relief Committee. “We want to be part of the solution and help make sure everyone stays safe.”

As the U.S. experiences a high level of transmission of the virus, this project will help people follow the CDC recommendation for the “consistent and

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correct” use of face masks, as well as guidance to use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not readily available.

Since it began in March 2020, the B’nai B’rith COVID-19 relief campaign has supported projects around the world to help keep people safe and alleviate the effects of the pandemic.

The B’nai B’rith Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund has responded to man-made and natural disasters around the world since 1865.

B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief.

With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit bnaibrith.org.

Sam Schloss Lodge #35 of B’nai B’rith is the oldest Jewish service organization in Memphis.

Crossroads

CROSSROADS: Chance or Destiny?

By Harry Samuels

Brighten your winter wardrobe.

This collection of connection stories is a follow up to Harry’s first book, Beshert, which Jewish Scene readers enjoyed years ago. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

All of us have the ability to experience the synchronicity that is often the result of reaching out to others. ~ Harry Samuels

The Photograph Irma Sheon

Romaine and David, who met on a blind date in June of 2003, were immediately drawn to each other. They each initially felt a strong connection, fell deeply in love, and were engaged within nine months. They later discovered that their connection dated back to 1954, over ten years before either of them was born.

When visiting his mother, Janet, David remarked that she bore a striking resemblance to photos he had seen of Romaine’s mother who had passed away when Romaine was nine years old.

This remark triggered Janet’s memory. She began searching through her old letters and memorabilia, and she produced a newspaper clipping a friend had sent her in 1954. It was an article about someone neither she nor her friend knew. But because it included a photograph of a woman to whom she had such an uncanny resemblance, Janet kept it for fifty years. That woman was Romaine’s mother who had been married to David Mountbatten of British royalty, prior to her marriage with James Orthwein, Romaine’s father.

The idea that David’s mother had been in possession of a photograph of Romaine’s mother since 1954, continues to amaze the bride and groom and their families.

My cousin, Irma Sheon, alerted me to this story that had been reported in the Sunday edition of the New York Times on December 12, 2004. I called the newlyweds, David and Romaine Gutterman, who graciously granted permission to use their story. It seemed very unlikely that I would have had any relationship with these people, yet during our conversations; it became apparent that we too were connected in several ways.

“Do you know Jim and Judy Lindy from Memphis?” David asked.” Yes,” I replied. “ I know them well. Why do you ask?”

“Their daughter, Phyllis, married my brother,” he answered.

When I entered college in 1948, I had become friendly with Patricia Busch, a relative of Romaine’s. I have never met Romaine’s father, but we had at least two mutual acquaintances.

“David, do you know if your paternal grandfather came from Russia?” I asked. ” I have a feeling you were named after him and that his first name was Dovid.”

“I believe he came from Kiev,” he answered. “Why do you ask?”

“My maternal grandfather also came from Kiev, and his name was Dovid Gutterman!”

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We aim to keep her that way.

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Memphis • Personal Care 901.752.1515 • Companionship and housekeeping Northern Mississippi • Dementia and 662.393.1110 Alzheimer’s care Covington • Respite care 901.296.1200 • Safety Solutions memphis-169.comfortkeepers.com Jewish Scene

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Scenes

Staff receive their first COVID-19 shots

Ruth Diamond enjoys first night of Hanukkah

Hanukkah Car Parade and Giant Menorah at Chabad Center for Jewish Life

Activity Director Emma with Temple Sisterhood Amaryllis

Hanukkah celebration display

Jewish Historical Society of Memphis and the Mid-South Fall Happenings

Beloved: A view of One of the South’s Oldest Jewish Cemeteries as Photographed by Murrary Riss was presented by Rabbi Micah Greenstein, Susan Adler Thorp and Murray Riss.

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Author Margery Kerstine spoke about her book, Merchants of Isaquena Avenue of the Blues in Mississippi.

Scenes Young Israel Thanks Local Heroes on Thanksgiving Through its Annual Thanksgiving ‘Pies for Our Guys’ program, members made shul-made pies and ‘Thank You’ cards to express appreciation for local firefighters, police officers, and Sheriff’s deputies.

A parade of 50 adults and children drove from the shul to Fire Station 21 where the firefighters were standing waving and flashing the lights of three fire engines.

Rabbi Males and his wife, Layala, delivered more pies to Memphis Police Department officers stationed on Appling Farms Parkway and deputies of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in Arlington.

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At Bornblum, each child is known deeply and thrives in a warm environment that provides a thoughtful, balanced approach to rigorous academics and robust Judaic studies.

Students move on to higher education fully equipped for a lifetime of intellectual engagement and leadership.

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Young Israel Helps Restock Memphis FJFS’s Kosher Food Pantry In the weeks between Hanukkah and January 1st, a very successful campaign helped restock the Kosher Food Pantry at Wendy and Avron B. Fogelman Jewish Family Service.

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