The Observer Vol. 88 No. 11 – November 2023 by Jewish Observer

THE

Jewish

OBSERVER Vol. 88 No. 11

www.jewishobservernashville.org

NOVEMBER 2023

17 Cheshvan - 17 Kislev 5784

Jewish Federation Launches Historic $2 Million Campaign to Support Israel

By BARBARA DAB

he Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville has launched an emergency campaign to raise $2 million to provide for critical needs on the ground in Israel in the wake of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack. Jewish Federation CEO, Rabbi Dan Horwitz, says the unprecedented terror attack required an unprecedented response from the community. “We set a communal goal of raising $2 million to go towards immediate relief efforts on the ground, caring for Israelis in need now, as well as ensuring they have the ability to rebuild their homes and lives. These efforts are part of a broader North American movement spearheaded by the Jewish Federations of North America to raise $500 million in support of Israel.” Local leaders join solidarity mission in nation’s capital Following the attacks, Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville board chair, Dr. Leslie Kirby, board vice president Aron Karabel, and Federation CEO Rabbi Dan Horwitz joined leaders from Jewish federations across North America in Washington DC for an emergency solidarity mission to support Israel. Speakers included Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Congressman Steve Scalise (R-LA). Kirby, Karabel, and Horwitz also met with Tennessee Senators Bill Hagerty and Marsha Blackburn. Karabel says the mission made clear that bipartisan support is critical now and in the A Publication of the

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future, “The mission reaffirmed the commitment to support Israel and it gave me confidence that the support is unwavering.” During the emergency meeting, JFNA leaders announced that so far, they received over $388 million towards the movement-wide goal of $500 million. Support for Israel in Nashville is strong. Just two days after the attacks, the Federation held a solidarity rally with an overflow crowd of over 900 people attending. Kirby, who gave opening remarks and was the emcee for the

event, says she is grateful for the outpouring of support, and that the show of unity should remain the top priority. “It was heartwarming to see people from a diverse array of Nashville’s population. It’s important that we stand together as one community in these difficult times. The attacks from Hamas were devastating on their own. The subsequent dramatic rise in antisemitism – not only blaming Israel for the vicious attacks but extending that to blaming and attacking Jews all over the world – is appalling.” In

attendance were partners and allies from the greater Nashville community, city council members, representatives from the state legislature, and various other civic groups and leaders. “We are heartbroken” The rally included remarks from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee who said both he and his wife, Maria, are heartbroken over the atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists. “We, the people of Tennessee stand with Israel in unity. Continued on page 2

Federation Leaders Attend Crisis Mission in Washington, DC

Jewish Federation Helps Israeli Evacuees Arriving in Nashville, page 2

Rabbi Laurie Rice Gives Invocation at Metro Council Meeting, page 3

Travel & Leisure Special Section, page 15

Jewish Federation Helps Israeli Evacuees Arriving in Nashville By BARBARA DAB

ver 200 Israeli evacuees arrived at Nashville International Airport recently on a hastily arranged chartered flight. The group included some from the Orthodox community who had little time to make plans for kosher food or housing for Shabbat. The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville was on hand along with Jewish Family Service to help organize everything from transportation to meals to home hospitality with other Orthodox families. Also helping were Metro City Council members Jacob Kupin and Quin Evans-Segall, Rabbi Shlomo Rothstein of Vanderbilt Chabad, and Rabbi Saul Strosberg of Sherith Israel. It is expected that more people will be arriving from Israel on commercial flights over the next several weeks. The Jewish Federation and JFS will be assisting with their needs as well. For information on how you can help, scan the QR code. •

Metro City Council members Quin EvansSegall and Jacob Kupin

November 2023 • The Jewish OBSERVER

Support Israel Continued from page 1

There is no place for division or partisanship but only a place for words of support and unity for the nation of Israel and for Jewish people around the world.” The unprecedented turnout included many from Nashville’s Israeli community, most of whom have immediate family and close friends who remain in Israel. Michal Eskenazi Becker, Director of Planning and Impact for the Federation, says it is hard being so far from her home country during this time and being in community was a great comfort. “Having so much support in the days that followed has created a comforting space for me. I could share my loss with others and it felt good for people to see me and the other Israelis as a community.” “The survivors of kibbutz Nahal Oz are displaced and suffering terribly” Nashville’s Jewish community includes those who have friends and family members in Israel. There are also local families with loved ones serving in the Israel Defense Force (IDF). Dov Gelman has two children currently serving. Son Silas is an infantry squad machine gunner and daughter Alitzah is serving in the field artillery. They are deployed on both borders, Lebanon and Gaza. Dov himself is serving as aid to the northwest Galilee Lebanon border county’s director of security. “My first mission was to bring my son a ballistic vest and my daughter other supplies. Now that that mission is completed our organization My Brother’s Keeper International is raising funds for blood warmer machines for IDF tier one units. These machines will enable unit paramedics to do battlefield transfusions. We have already sent $25,000 to them. We are also focusing on the survivors of kibbutz Nahal Oz who are now displaced and suffering terribly.” Susan Pankowsky has two children, both raised in Nashville, currently living in Israel. Her daughter is serving in the IDF after being called back for reserve duty. “She’s been telling me all along when it’s time to worry she’d tell me. And she called to tell me it was time

to worry,” says Pankowsky. The family keeps in touch with regular phone calls, texts, and the occasional video chat, but the worry never leaves. “It’s a day to day, up and down thing. I’ve had a lot of support from around the world.” Pankowsky’s son, who lives in Israel with his wife and toddler, is expecting another baby in the winter. “I am planning to go to see the new baby and hope I can get there.” We are counting on people to share the opportunity to donate As the days and weeks drag on, the needs on the ground are mounting. These include food and basic necessities for affected families, housing for the displaced and frontline communities, cash grants to victims of terror, trauma relief and support for the injured and those who lost family members. The Jewish Federation of North America is closing in on its goal. The Federation’s Horwitz says, “We’ve made tremendous progress towards the goal and are counting on folks to participate however they can, and to share the opportunity far and wide in their networks.” To donate to the Israel Crisis Fund, scan this QR code •

HOW DO I FEEL?

Reflections from Omer Shabat, Community Shaliach

ow do I feel? A question that I still don’t know how to answer. I usually say “okay” or “it will be better,” but I will explain a little more. On October 7 my family and I realized that something was happening in Israel while we were on a trip to the west coast. I come from Ahuzat Barak, a small village in the Jezreel Valley where 700 families live. Since I moved to the village, I grew up and did everything possible with all the people who live there and the bonds that were formed is not something you see everywhere. From time immemorial, the peo-

ple in the village have loved to go out together to clubs, festivals, and anything that makes the heart happy with a special connection to music. Seven people from the village went together to a music festival in Re’im in the south of the country, and as soon as all the madness started, we lost contact with them, and we didn’t know what was going on with anyone. We prayed for good news Because we are such a small and cohesive community, everyone was optimistic and strengthened each other and we prayed for good news.

During the first week, names of those who were killed at the party began to arrive. Day after day we received the shocking news that they did not survive. Until the last moment, these people had a smile on their faces. The last photo sent to the families was with a huge smile and incredible hope. This is the first time that my settlement has received such bad news and more about seven people. The pain my village is in right now is making it difficult for me. To be so far from the community that raised me and educated me and to know that I can do nothing

to help them, only to support them from afar. Seven funerals in two weeks. Friends who were buried a few hours apart from each other. Brothers buried side by side. The pain is great but the hope is strong I still need the time to process everything, but we are full of hope, and I am praying for those people who just went to celebrate Simchat Torah with music and love. I really want to thank everyone who reached out to me to ask me how I’m feeling. It really helps me to feel better. •

Rabbi Laurie Rice Gives Invocation at Metro Council Meeting

abbi Laurie Rice of Congregation Micah was invited to deliver the invocation to a Metro Council meeting in the week following the terrorist attacks in Israel. Prior to the start of the meeting, Rabbi Rice was greeted with hugs, handshakes, and words of support by many council members. Below are her remarks: “Thank you for inviting me to be here tonight. I am proud to call this city my home and I look out in this room at so many faces of those I call friends, relationships built over nearly two decades. According to the Jewish legend, a two-headed man lived in the time of King Solomon. He fathered six normal children and a seventh with two heads like himself. When the father died, the son with two heads came before King Solomon demanding a double share of the inheritance. King Solomon wanted c

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Publisher Jewish Federation Editor Barbara Dab Advertising Manager Carrie Mills Layout and Production Tim Gregory Editorial Board Frank Boehm (chair), Teena Cohen, Laura Thompson, Scott Rosenberg, Liz Feinberg Telephone 615/356-3242 Fax 615/352-0056 E-mail barbaradab@jewishnashville.org The Jewish OBSERVER (ISSN 23315334) is published monthly for $25 per year by the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Nashville, TN 37205-4009. Periodicals postage paid at Nashville, TN. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE JEWISH OBSERVER, 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Nashville, TN 37205 This newspaper is made possible by funds raised in the Jewish Federation Annual Campaign. The Jewish OBSERVER is a member of the American Jewish Press Association and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. While The Jewish OBSERVER makes every possible effort to accept only reputable advertisers of the highest quality, we cannot guarantee the Kasruth of their products. The Jewish OBSERVER Founded in 1934 by

Rabbi Joshua Kullock, of West End Synagogue, attended the invocation.

Rabbi Laurie Rice of Congregation Micah gives the invocation to the Metro Council.

to know if this was truly one soul with two heads, so he covered one head and poured hot water on the other. “Ouch!” both heads cried out. Last week, Jews in Israel were slaughtered and Jewish people

Corrections Policy The Jewish Observer is committed to making corrections and clarifications promptly. To request a correction or clarification, call Editor Barbara Dab at (615) 354-1653 or email her at barbaradab@jewishnashville.org

Editorial Submissions Policy and Deadlines The Jewish Observer welcomes the submission of information, news items, feature stories and photos about events relevant to the Jewish community of Greater Nashville. We prefer e-mailed submissions, which should be sent as Word documents to Editor Barbara Dab at barbaradab@jewishnashville.org. Photos must be high resolution (at least 300 dpi) and should be attached as jpegs to the e-mail with the related news item or story. For material that cannot be e-mailed, submissions should be sent to Barbara Dab, The Jewish Observer, 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite 102, Nashville TN 37205. Photos and copy sent by regular mail will not be returned unless prior arrangement is made. Publication is at the discretion of The Observer, which reserves the right to edit submissions. To ensure publication, submissions must arrive by the 15th of the month prior to the intended month of publication. For advertising deadlines, contact Carrie Mills, advertising manager, at 615-354-1699, or by email at carrie@nashvillejcc.org.

everywhere cried. One body… many heads. The Jewish community is still collectively in shock and mourning over the savage mass murder and kidnapping of our people. And yet, this week, I am asking my congregants and all of us here tonight to dare to hold the humanity, the heartache, and the need for security of the Israeli people while also holding the humanity, the dignity, the need for justice of the Palestinian people. For too long, these two have been set up as incompatible. But this is a false binary. This week I read statements from folks, some of them allies, that were so implausible, I had to read them several times to make sure they were not satire. In these statements was not only an inability to condemn the murder of innocents but sometimes also an unwillingness to condemn Hamas, sometimes even a subtle hint at celebration. And let me just say that defending Hamas’s atrocities does not signal that you care about justice for Palestinians. It only reveals that you accept the same tropes of Jewish power that led to the murderous rampages in Europe and throughout history, the potent ancient lie that any Jew is responsible for the behavior of every Jew. The certainty that all Jews, any Jew, every Jew is responsible for killing God, responsible for the Black Death, responsible for economic collapse, responsible for migrant

caravans, and hurricanes and space lasers, responsible for Covid. Responsible for all human suffering. So what can any of us do? Call a friend in Israel and let them know you stand with them in sorrow and solidarity. Call a Palestinian friend and share your hope for a better future. We can’t take each other’s pain away, but we can make sure none of us navigates pain alone. Message your Jewish friends and tell them that you are horrified at what Hamas did in Southern Israel on October 7. Empathize with their pain. Message your Muslim friends and let them know that vigilante revenge murders against Muslims anywhere in the world is immoral and will not be sanctioned. And please, as Esther Perel wrote, be careful to separate people from the policies of their governments and from the actions of terrorists who live among them. Be careful not to collapse history and context into narrow interpretation. Be careful not to eschew complexity and nuance for the sake of memefication. Be careful to recognize that grief or support for one side does not mean hate for the other. Be careful not to lose empathy for those with whom you disagree. Be careful not to dehumanize others because when we do, we dehumanize ourselves. And lastly, please let us be tender with ourselves and each other. We have already lost so much, I pray we do not lose our minds. I fear that in the coming days and weeks, we will continue to see bloodshed and violence, and we will mourn collectively the loss of life – and somehow we need to find the grit and will to support each other as we work toward the ideals of justice and dignity for all people. Let us not lose touch with the parts of ourselves that are needed most right now, and that which makes our city unique and a model for other cities, I hope: our compassion, our humanity, and our care. Shema Koleinu, please God, hear our prayer.” •

The Jewish OBSERVER • November 2023

Letter from Jewish Family Service By PAM KELNER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE

o the Nashville Jewish Community, The massacre in Israel and the ongoing crisis affects us directly here in Nashville. We want to help you understand how your Jewish Family Service is responding— meeting people’s immediate needs with love, dignity, and care. What is JFS? JFS is the central social service agency for Nashville’s Jewish community. We serve in normal times and in extraordinary moments. We help through personal and family crises, and collective crises, be they floods and tornadoes, economic recessions, global pandemics, or pogroms and war. How does JFS work? JFS is small but mighty. Our staff of six is able to carry out our work thanks to incredible support from volunteers, donors to JFS and community

partners including the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee and our area synagogues. How is JFS responding to the current crisis? To date, JFS has been responding in three main ways: 1. Direct support to Israel evacuees arriving in Nashville. 2. Mental health support for community members 3. Needs assessment for further response. How is JFS providing direct support and loving embrace to Israeli evacuees? On the evening of October 18, a plane with 280 Israeli evacuees landed in Nashville. With less than 24 hours notice, JFS and community partners sprung into action, organizing to serve the needs of the 60 who were temporarily in Nashville before continuing on to other cities. Our first priority—meeting all their basic needs with true Southern hospitality: Transportation, housing, food, and clothing. We secured hotels for some. Community members opened their homes to host others. Some volunteers

drove them. Others donated clothes. Our community’s wonderful kosher caterers cooked them delicious meals. A number of the evacuees were Orthodox Jews with specific religious needs, which Congregation Sherith Israel and Chabad Vanderbilt quickly met. The morning after their flight landed, evacuees who had arrived under extraordinarily difficult circumstances gathered, smiling, and telling us that this was the first time they had really slept in two weeks. We are anticipating additional evacuees and are preparing to receive them with the same love and care. How can JFS support you through our Community Matters Programming in this moment of crisis? • Counseling provided by professional, licensed social workers. JFS accepts insurance, Medicare, and offers a sliding scale ensuring anyone requiring mental health services can receive the care they need. • Support groups - JFS realizes that some may prefer support groups or discussion groups rather than/in addition

to individual counseling. If this describes you, please fill out this brief survey at this link: • Free half-hour conversations with our social workers for support, resources, and a safe place to process your feelings (see ad on page 8 for more details) • Come together as a community to create your own strand of beads that represent protection, self-care, strength, and unity as we process feelings around the war in Israel. Wednesday, November 8 at 4 PM (see add on page 12 for more details) Call 615-356-4234 to access all the offerings listed above. JFS will continue to assess needs and respond with additional programs and services over the coming weeks and months. Please follow our social media channels for the most up-to-date offerings. • Am Yisrael Chai, Pam Kelner Executive Director, Jewish Family Service

Vanderbilt Students Light up the Night at Vigil for Israel By BARBARA DAB

everal hundred Vanderbilt University students, faculty, and community members joined in prayer, song, and speech in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. The vigil was organized by students from Vanderbilt Hillel and Vanderbilt Chabad, with leaders from the two groups drawing inspiration from the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville’s Israel Solidarity Rally. Veronica Grady is assistant director of Hillel. She says, “After the Federation’s event, the students were focused and driven. They convened that same evening.” Among the student organizers was senior Josh Weingarten who is involved with Chabad. He says the planning process was a true collaboration between the student groups. “Everyone was respectful of each other. We may have a different emphasis on how we practice [Judaism], but everything that everyone wanted was there.” He says what was most helpful was that the students all had some sort of personal connection to Israel, and they kept that at the forefront. Nathan Appelbaum, a senior who is involved in Hillel, said “In times like these we realize by talking to people that every Jew on campus, whether from Israel or not, has some connection to Israel.” Standing close together amid glowing candles, listening to strains of guitar and prayer, there were tears and words of hope and resolve. “Students are overcome with gratitude,” says Grady, “Many have reached out to say thank you and how much they needed that space. It was an honor to watch how they supported each other.” Administration was absent from the vigil Notably absent from the vigil was anyone from the university’s administration. Chancellor Daniel Diermeier posted a statement on social media that received immediate pushback from students. The statement read, in part, “We know that for those with ties to the region – whether they are familial, religious or otherwise – this feels close to home and deep-

ly personal.” According to Vanderbilt senior Maya Levenson, the statement was non-controversial and vague, and was followed by another, equally unsatisfactory statement. “The second statement was more wide-reaching, but I have yet to find a single student he spoke to,” she said. The follow-up statement called the Oct. 7 attacks, “acts of terror and atrocities committed by Hamas in Israel. We at Vanderbilt are horrified by the reprehensible violence and bloodshed.”

November 2023 • The Jewish OBSERVER

Student sentiment around safety is mixed Jewish student sentiment surrounding both the administration’s response to the terror attacks, and general feelings around safety and security on campus is varied. Weingarten says he feels generally safe, but is sometimes uneasy. “I feel slightly unsafe now because of rallies in other big cities. I feel there are people on campus who support what Hamas did.” He is referencing the planned rallies on

college campuses by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), and a Hamas Day of Rage that was to have occurred on Oct. 13. Those events did not happen in Nashville or at Vanderbilt. Ryan Bauman, a senior who is involved in Chabad, says one of his friends is a leader with the campus’ SJP chapter. The friend happens to be Jewish. “We saw each other after the attacks happened and hugged. He has been working with SJP to remain tame. They are not planning any events.” Bauman says SJP was planning to release a statement, which was eventually posted to its social media. That statement reads in part, “We condemn the loss of innocent civilian lives; therefore, we are devastated by all the losses incurred this past week… We condemn the notion that one life is more valuable than another, or that one death toll outweighs another.” The statement encourages students to educate themselves about the “devastating losses and suffering Palestinians experience on a daily basis.” Despite the lack of planned events, Bauman says “A lot of Jews on campus don’t feel safe all the time.” “I like to be careful, but I also like to stay hopeful” Appelbaum believes the situation on campus will evolve as time passes and the war continues. “It will be difficult in the months ahead,” he says, “There has been more of a neutrality on campus. But depending on Israel’s response, the tide can shift.” He says he has experienced anti-Zionism, but mostly online. He says he has learned not to expect much from the administration. “It would be great to have the administration’s support, but we’ve learned not to lean on it. We’ve become self-reliant.” As to the chancellor’s statements, he says he wishes it had been stronger initially, but finds the follow-up “respectable.” Overall, though he remains optimistic about how the campus culture will continue to provide a safe space for all students. “Vanderbilt is unique. We’re different than a lot of college campuses where there have been mass protests. I like to be careful, but I also like to stay hopeful.” •

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A Time for Gratitude

The Jewish OBSERVER • November 2023

Reflections From Stuart and Debby Wiston

t the end of August, Debby and I sent our 18-year-old son off to Jerusalem for Aardvark, a gap year program. We were excited and nervous, as any parent sending their kid away probably is. Two years ago, our friend’s son went on the same program, but his year was impacted by COVID. Who would have guessed that just two months after Leo’s departure, I would be jealous of lockdowns. When I first heard the news of the attack, I was with my daughter, touring the University of Florida. Because of our schedule, and because of the drip, drip nature of news, I only heard some of the facts, but it was enough. I was alternatively filled with tears of sadness and horror and screams of rage. At that point, I wasn’t that concerned for my son. After all, he was in Jerusalem and Hamas only has rockets - which are not very accurate. Hezbollah would make me nervous, I told my mom, but in Jerusalem, he should be safe. But as we all know, Judaism doesn’t give any of us six degrees of separation. Three of the counselors from the program were called up for reserve duty. The kids in Tel Aviv were under daily bomb alerts, even if the kids in Jerusalem weren’t. The news didn’t help. The story of horrors from the attack kept coming, the fear of impending missiles from Lebanon, the thought that the West Bank could erupt into a full-fledged intifada – all made American Jewish parents understandably scared for their kids. It

Leo Wiston, son of Stuart and Debby Wiston, is living in Israel on a gap year program. He is spending his time volunteering and studying.

soon became evident that many of the kids would be leaving. My mother was truly upset. Watching the news, she was worried for her grandson. She offered to send him on vacation to Cyprus, to Spain, to Greece, to anywhere, as long as he would leave for a while. But Leo didn’t want to leave. He felt that he was safe in Jerusalem, and he wanted to stay. As three adults, we discussed it and agreed that, unless the situation changes dramatically, he will stay. Since then, he has been amazing. Some of the people from his group wait-

ed more than six hours to donate blood. Aardvark opened a day care for the parents who have nothing to do with their kids - schools were canceled for days for security reasons. And the program has made sure they have activities, from Zoom Hebrew classes to MasterChef Cooking Competitions to yoga. They have made a mental health professional available to the kids at all times, as well. And, when asked, both Debby and I answer honestly that we are okay. The silver lining is that he calls us every day and so we are up on him and how he is doing. But the other part of the story is that we are not. We have a child in a war zone. We both watch the news incessantly and try not to panic when the Red Alert flashes that

a rocket attack targeted Jerusalem or that Hezbollah killed two more Israelis on the northern border. We have both noticed that we are tired all the time as the stress wears on us. But we are both lovers of Israel and we are proud of our son – what he is doing and the choices he is making. And we are – for now – still good with him staying. •

A Rabbi and a Doctor discuss Belmont University Initiative for Jewish Engagement By RABBI MARK SCHIFTAN AND DR. FRANK H. BOEHM

rank: Mark, over the past few years, you have been instrumental in working with Belmont University officials to bring Jewish history, culture, education, and faculty to the school which considers itself to be a Christ-centered academic center. Can you explain how and why you have become such an ardent proponent in bringing about such a fundamental change at Belmont? Mark: Frank, I have always been a believer in the power of building bridges of understanding, appreciation, and respect between peoples of differing faith traditions. My work to increase the contact, communication and cooperation between the Jewish community and Belmont University has been an effort that has spanned the past two decades. Now, together, we have formed The Belmont Initiative for Jewish Engagement, demonstrating a shared commitment to the full embrace and inclusion of members of the Jewish community at an historic Christian university. It is a reality that many thought would never be possible and we are just beginning our successful efforts at accomplishing that goal. Frank: Mark, one issue that seems to be the most troubling for our Jewish community concerns the fact that the Belmont University bylaws state that a

faculty member at Belmont University must be a believer in Christ, which, therefore, excludes those of the Jewish faith from becoming faculty at Belmont. We have been told that this policy is in the process of being changed and in fact, has been changed for the Medical, Law and Pharmacy Schools but not for the Undergraduate School. What seems to be the holdup for the Board of Directors and Faculty Senate from changing this policy for Undergraduate faculty? Mark: Look, I think a little bit of perspective would be extremely helpful here. We are asking a century-and-a-halfyear-old (or 150-year-old) institution, originally affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, and still a dedicated Christian University, to make a major change to their policies regarding faculty hiring and recruiting. Can we really and reasonably expect an evolution of such magnitude to occur overnight? I tend to play the long game: Can you really expect to turn an ocean liner around on a dime? Simply put, it takes time. But there has already been significant progress towards a more inclusive embrace on several fronts at Belmont. Perhaps we can focus on those concrete steps instead. Frank: Mark, you make a very good point. Belmont University has made significant progress in how they are dealing with the issue of Jewish inclusion. First, they have formed a committee

November 2023 • The Jewish OBSERVER

entitled Belmont Initiative for Jewish Engagement, which consists of ten members, five Jews and five Christians. This committee, which we both serve on, has helped foster several important changes. The following are some, but not all, of these changes. • Formed an official Jewish Student group (there are currently approximately 90 Jewish students enrolled at Belmont), providing supper gatherings, hosting the first ever Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur services on campus as well as honoring excused absences for High Holiday observance. • Hosted a Rabbi-Reverend Conversation dialogue retreat with representatives of multiple Jewish and Christian communities as well as organizing a weekly one-hour JewishChristian Zoom dialogue on religious issues of both faiths. • Raised significant financial support for The Jewish-Christian Relations Initiative Fund, reflecting a spirit of unity and philanthropy within the community. This philanthropy will fund several lectures during each academic year on topics of Judaism and its history. • Partner with The Temple to discuss societal issues. • Foster the recruitment of Jewish faculty members to Belmont’s Colleges of Law, Pharmacy and Medicine. The Belmont Initiative for Jewish

Engagement is dedicated to the creation of perspective, dialogue, support, and understanding between Christian and Jewish faith traditions. Through leadership development, curriculum creation, focused lectureships, Sacred Text studies, and travel opportunities, the Initiative will explore the intersection of these faith traditions and the ways in which they can foster inclusion of interfaith involvement. While I am impatient for the establishment of Jewish faculty and courses on Judaism at Belmont to begin sooner rather than later, I will continue to be supportive of this newly created Belmont’s Initiative for Jewish Engagement. Mark: Frank, you have done a remarkable job of listing some of the significant things that have already been accomplished and we are just getting started. So, what is the ultimate reason for supporting this program? In a time of rising antisemitism and anti-Zionism, especially on many college campuses, we have the ability, in our community, to expose nearly 10,000 Christian students and faculty to the richness of Jewish history, tradition and belief, while simultaneously creating a more welcoming environment for the Jewish students at Belmont as well as the future Jewish faculty. • Rabbi Mark Schiftan can be reached at mschiftan@aol.com Dr. Frank Boehm can be reached at frank.boehm@vumc.org

Partnership Update By EITAN SNYDER

ur Israel Partnership program has been active and engaged through the last couple of weeks of war in Israel. Our partner region in Hadera-Eiron is hosting 800 Israelis from communities in southern Israel who have been displaced by Hamas’s violent attacks and by the Israel Defense Forces’ operations in response. The communities in our partnership region have been collecting food and clothing for these evacuees and lifting their spirits with fun activities including a music night for Shabbat. Outside of Israel, our partner communities in the Southeast United States and the Czech Republic have been holding solidarity events and raising money to support humanitarian needs on the ground. The Partnership is also coordinating a letter-writing campaign to send letters to the Israelis being hosted in Hadera-Eiron to boost morale and show support while also working on a music video of an original song of solidarity to be used for social media content. In addition to these new activities, the Partnership’s flagship programs are continuing on as scheduled. These include One2One, an English teach-

MTSU to Host Holocaust Education Day

The Nov. 15 event will feature a Holocaust survivor and the daughter of survivors By ZOE BELL

ing program matching American Jewish teachers in the region with Israeli teen students, and Local2Global (L2G), a oneon-one exchange program for Americans and Israelis to get to know each other and build a deeper understanding of what Jewish life is like in a different country. More information coming soon about upcoming activities. Please reach out to me at eitan@jewishnashville.org with any questions. •

rances Cutler Hahn was three years old when her parents dropped her off at La Maison des Petits Enfants to hide her from the Nazis. Lily Isaacs was born in Germany to two Polish Holocaust survivors in 1947. Both Hahn and Isaacs will present at Middle Tennessee State University’s annual Holocaust Education Day on Nov. 15. The free event is open to the MTSU community and local public. It is co-sponsored by MTSU’s College of Education, the Tennessee Holocaust Commission and other organizations both on and off campus. Jill Coble, a co-organizer of the event, said she chose to bring in Hahn, a hidden child and survivor, to show the reality of the Holocaust. “The Holocaust Education Day event benefits attendees with first-person testimony to history that continues to be challenged by deniers,” Coble said in an email to The Jewish Observer Nashville. Some people attempt to negate or outright deny the events of the Holocaust in order to “wash away the stains of Nazism” and justify their alt-right beliefs, according to the Simon Wiesenthal Center. Coble added that teaching about the Holocaust is necessary especially given current world events. “This year, the importance of Holocaust Education Day is particularly poignant as the events in Israel since Oct. 7 present painful reminders of the [World War II] atrocity,” Coble said, ref-

erencing the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. There are a little over a dozen Holocaust survivors currently living in Nashville, per the Tennessee Holocaust Commission. “The community of Tennessee survivors continues to dwindle as many have passed,” Coble said. “Still, those I’ve known personally always reminded me to keep telling the story of what happened to them and their families because, as a teacher, I had an audience of students who would only know what happened in [t]he Holocaust if they were taught and encouraged to be aware of the dangers of hate.” The theme of this year’s event is exploring the Holocaust through literature and music. Coble said throughout the program, a violinist will be performing songs composed by survivors during their time in concentration camps as well as selections from well-known films. Event staff will provide teachers with book and movie lists recommended by the Tennessee Holocaust Commission, which is consistent with the educational goals of the Commission’s “Living On” exhibit. “The Living On exhibit will emphasize that these were and are the tools which demonstrate the resilience of those who survived, as well as the strength of those family members who want their relatives’ story to live on,” Coble said. Hear from Frances Cutler Hahn and Lily Isaacs in the MTSU Learning Resources Center Room Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. • zoe@jewishnashville.org

The Inquirers Are Now Listening … C

ovid changed a lot. The Inquirers, a 73-year-old group, transformed from giving reports to listening to biographies of accomplishment within our own Jewish community. We’ve heard from such interesting people as Pam Kelner, Barbara Dab, Lynn Heady, Harriet

Schiftan, and Nashville’s esteemed grande dame Shirley Zeitlin. Come join us on Friday, November 3rd at 1:30 pm in the Board Room at the GJCC. Cindee Gold will share her special story with the group. All are welcome. •

Need Health Insurance? M Jaffa Health Insurance, LLC Marsha Ross Jaffa, CIC, LUTCF 615-482-3860 • mjaffahealthins@outlook.com 40 years experience Medicare Supplemental and Advantage Plans Market Place and Life Insurance Licensed agent representing several companies

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

… because your memories matter 479 Myatt Drive, Madison, TN 37115-3024 615-712-9521 • rdschultz@schultzmonument.com

The Jewish OBSERVER • November 2023

Rosh Bash Revelers Usher in 5784

his year’s Rosh Bash party goers sported their finest Barbiecore as they welcomed in the Hebrew year 5784 at the Eighth Room. •

Michelle Biesman (NowGen Chair)

from left: Ertha Luma-Gruber and Rachel Friedman (NowGen Social Committee Co-Chairs)

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from left: Rachel Pozin and Allison Sall

JFS is Here for You We know you are struggling and overwhelmed with feelings about the war in Israel.

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We are offering free 30-minute conversations with one of our social workers for support, resources, and a safe place to process your feelings. Reach out to us at 615.356.4234 or email info@jfsnashville.org

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November 2023 • The Jewish OBSERVER

Navigating Life’s Transitions. Together.

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

LET’S TALK RETIREMENT! (…because it’s not just about the money!) By LORETTA SAFF

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO FALL IN LOVE …, AGAIN!

hen I started writing this month’s column, an ad for a new TV show caught my eye. It was an announcement that the casting website was still open for the new show, THE GOLDEN BACHELOR! (Author’s note: Sorry, but by the time you read this all slots will have been filled.) I’m guessing you are familiar with the success of the two previous shows, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. Well, this version’s contestants are all over 60, and the handsome bachelor making his choice stands by the tagline “It’s never too late to fall in love …, again!” Instead of hearing older people referred to as a has been, a curmudgeon, cranky, elderly, and an old geezer, what a pleasure it is to hear this new descrip-

tion as “a lifetime of experience, including love, loss and laughter, and still hoping for a spark that ignites a future full of endless possibilities!” Maybe you don’t want to publicly be the next GOLDEN BACHELOR or BACHELORETTE, but I’m sure you want the life ahead to be full of connection, meaningful relationships, and the possibility of falling in love … again! (By the way, this applies to current relationships as well as those that may occur in the future. Have you been married 30+ years and are feeling your partnership needs a boost? Maybe you are single and have realized that for years you put work first and took those around you for granted. You want to change. You want that spark that can re-ignite those endless possibilities!) Did I just hear you say, “But how do I do that?” Well, you don’t have to wear red stilettos and a low-cut dress, nor do you require sporting a gold tailored suit and pink shirt by Armani (although sometimes a wardrobe makeover could be a great idea). What you really need is a good look at who you are now. What do you have to offer? Gerry (that’s the guy in the picture) hosts barbecues, plays pickleball, dotes on his grandkids and likes exploring new places with friends. You don’t have to do all that, but how about asking

yourself if you are interesting, kind, and fun to be with? Whether you think you already are or if you need a refresher course in being interesting, kind, and fun to be with, here’s what I suggest – especially during retirement: Step One*: Focus on being a positive and optimistic person. If you consider yourself negative, stop it. Yes, you can retrain your brain, so make it a priority in your life because: A. Research has shown that 50 % of your personality is predetermined, 10 % is random, and 40 % is your intentional activity. That means you are in control! B. You can direct this intentional activity to surrounding yourself with positive people. Recognize the people in your life that bring you down and become unavailable to them. If some are family, make a point of consciously avoiding large amounts of time together. C. I’m giving you five things to do daily for 30 days that will help you train yourself to Make Happy a Habit! a. Upon waking every morning say out loud three things you are grateful for. b. At bedtime every night, write about a positive experience that occurred in the past 24 hours (one

sentence or many about anything positive that occurred.) c. Exercise 20 minutes a day (can be done in two 10 - minute intervals, if necessary) d. Meditate five to seven minutes a day, either with an app (I like HEADSPACE) or just by listening to wordless music. e. Perform a daily random act of kindness. (let someone in front of you in traffic; say something nice to a cashier, etc.) Why is this topic important in a column about retirement? Because in retirement you’ll have more time to spend; you’ll want to be involved in a lot of different fun and rewarding activities. And simply put, people like to be around positive people. Start practicing your Make Happy a Habit assignment now and enjoy noticing the effect you will have on others. Stick with it because it takes 30 days to make a habit. Yes, it works. If you need some help discovering the road to your own happiness, contact me and we can talk. • Loretta loretta@coachingwithloretta.com *By the way, Steps Two, Three, and Four are ‘Repeat Step One.’

Siebert Named WES Volunteer of the Year

ordon Siebert will be recognized for his volunteer work in the broader Nashville community during the West End Synagogue Social Action Shabbat at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, November 11. Siebert has been a key member of the Green Hills Rotary Club and served as president during the peak of the COVID pandemic, July 2020 to June 2021. He also served as sergeant at arms and hosted new members at his home, helping them learn about Rotary. As the current Rotary service chair, he is in charge of finding and scheduling service projects such as Meals on Wheels twice a month. He also sets up monthly Rotary sessions at Project CURE which gathers and distributes medical equipment to be shipped around the world. He personally purchases slightly used wheelchairs at estate sales, fixes them and gives them to Project CURE. Siebert helps plan and maintain the trail on the Burch Reserve in Warner Parks and also volunteers regularly with Habitat for Humanity. The volunteer award includes a monetary gift to be donated to the awardee’s choice of charity. The Shabbat service will be followed by a luncheon. •

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A window into history: Local ‘treasure’ restored to WES after 62 years By ZOE BELL

hen the Gay Street Synagogue building was demolished in 1947, a window went missing. The synagogue — since relocated to Nashville’s West End Avenue — is now known as West End Synagogue. Read the story of how this ‘treasure’ was returned to the synagogue over half a century later. In 2009, the former president of West End Synagogue came home to a message on his answering machine about a “piece of glass” that might belong to the synagogue. That “piece of glass” was the window missing from Gay Street. Rodney Rosenblum, 81, said the caller was Chuck Stern, the CEO of a high-tech company in Newport News, Virginia who was involved in the Jewish community. Stern said he had been told the window came from a synagogue building in downtown Nashville and the congregation had moved from that location to West End Avenue — which fit the description of West End Synagogue. Tracking down the ‘treasure’ Stern emailed two photos of the window — a wooden frame containing a Star of David in the center surrounded by amber glass, clearly handmade with varying textures. He asked if Rosenblum could identify it as being from Gay Street. “Since we had moved from that location [on Gay Street] over 62 years ago, I was not overly hopeful that we would have anyone who could positively identify the window,” Rosenblum told

the congregation in a 2010 speech. “... It seemed to be only a remote possibility that we could find anyone who would remember the window.” He added that most of the people who had attended the Gay Street Synagogue were no longer alive; Rosenblum had been about five years old when he attended a service there. Marcia Stewart, the executive director of WES, called the remaining congregation members, who said they didn’t remember any windows. Rosenblum said he began viewing this search as a “lost cause.” Within an hour of Rosenblum sending photos of the window to Stewart, Rosenblum said an elderly man walked into WES to speak to a rabbi. As the man, Arthur Lee, waited for his appointment, Stewart asked him about his connection to Gay Street. Lee responded that he had lived in a “shanty” on Gay Street and had done odd jobs for the man who ran the synagogue, earning 25 to 50 cents. “And he said a quarter was a lot back then, so he always liked coming up there,” Rosenblum said of Lee, who worked on Gay Street until he had to stop due to World War II. Rosenblum said Stewart pulled up the photo of the window and asked Lee if it looked familiar, to which he responded “without hesitation.” “He says, yes, that looks familiar,” Rosenblum said. “He says, ‘I used to clean that window from the inside and then I had to go outside with a ladder and

clean it,’ because back then, most of the residential heating, especially [in] an area like he lived, was done with coal. And so it would get coal dust on it. …But every three months, he would go and wipe it clean, as he did with some of the other windows, but he definitely remembers that [one] and he remembered where it was.” He said the window in question was “high up in a hall on the righthand side of the building,” across from the Ladies’ Aid Society, now known as the Sisterhood. (Stewart asked if Lee remembered any members of the Ladies’ Aid Society, and he recalled a Mrs. Reba Silverman, who, coincidentally, was Stewart’s grandmother.) “[Lee] had confirmed it was our window, which was miraculous,” Rosenblum said. “I mean, man had never been in the West End Synagogue all those years and he just decided that day, at that time, he

made an appointment and it turned out to be that time.” Rosenblum said he called Stern back: “I said, ‘You’re probably not going to believe me, but here’s what happened.’” “And [Stern] says, ‘That’s the most incredible story, and that’s almost unbelievable, but I believe you because nobody, nobody can make up a story like that,’” Rosenblum said. The big return A rabbi from WES suggested that Rosenblum speak to Monty Dorriety, a woman from Florida who had bought the window in the early 1970s from a Nashville store that sold “odds and ends.” Dorriety, a secretary for one of Nashville’s music production companies, was walking down 16th Avenue when the Gay Street Synagogue window caught her eye. She walked another block before she decided she wanted to buy the window. “She doesn’t really remember how much it was, but it wasn’t a big strain on her, even making what people made back then…” Rosenblum said of Dorriety. “But she bought it, and for the next number of years, it was with her wherever she moved.” Rosenblum said he and Dorriety arranged to hand off the window in July 2009 and for Dorriety to see the synagogue and meet the WES staff. The meeting consisted of the WES president, Marcia Stewart, a photographer and Dorriety, who brought the window in packaging. Rosenblum said he asked Continued on page 13

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10 November 2023 • The Jewish OBSERVER

WES Hosts Gathering in the Sukkah for Affordable Housing and Homeless Groups S

ukkot was an ideal time to invite representatives of affordable housing organizations and those working with the unhoused to join members of West End Synagogue’s Social Action Committee to gather in the WES sukkah. Rabbi Joshua Kullock introduced attendees from Habitat for Humanity, NOAH’s Affordable Housing Task Force, the mayor’s Housing Task Force, and Open Table to the Sukkot holiday where Jews spent time eating and dwelling in the temporary structures, reminding them of those

that existed as the Jews wandered the desert for 40 years. Here in Nashville and around the world, many people have no permanent homes and lack ade-

quate food. The gathering in the sukkah included an appeal to those attending for suggestions about ways WES can help in their work. •

Honoring Sylvia Shepard and Goldie Shepard at Vanderbilt Hillel this November By SHANNON SMALL

anderbilt Hillel recently celebrated its 20th Building Anniversary and launched the 20th Anniversary Campaign to upgrade security, expand its staff, invest in large-scale programs, and engage in strategic planning efforts. A large part of its 20th Anniversary campaign efforts will go towards renovating the meat kitchen. Despite the cramped and poorly-equipped kitchen, Sylvia and Goldie have spent thousands of hours cooking Shabbat and Holiday meals for Vanderbilt Hillel students for almost 20 years. “Each week, Shabbat at Hillel is filled with laughter, joy, and community. Goldie and Sylvia’s food is my mom and bubbe’s food. It completes the Shabbat experience and makes Hillel feel like a home away from home. All the students are so appreciative of the home cooked meals they provide every week,” says Nathan Appelbaum, ’24. Ari Dubin, Executive Director, reflects on his time at Hillel with Sylvia and Goldie. “It’s impossible to imagine the last 18 years without them. They are the beating heart of everything we do and make the students’ experiences special. The love, care, and attention they put in the food is apparent to all the students and a big piece of what keeps them coming back year after year.” Goldie and Sylvia have not only

Sylvia Shepard Photo Credit: Emily Allen

Goldie Shepard

made a huge difference for Vanderbilt Hillel students but have catered hundreds of events in the local Nashville community including weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations, funerals, and so much more. They have been there for all of us as we’ve celebrated life’s milestones, and Vanderbilt Hillel is excited to celebrate them this year. Vanderbilt Hillel has launched a “Local Match Kitchen Naming Campaign” generously funded by Barbara Levy, Kenneth and Ellen Jacobs, and Bob and Alberta Doochin. Every local dollar

raised by the campaign will be matched up to $100,000 and will be used to fund the kitchen renovation. This campaign will culminate in the annual fundraiser honoring Sylvia Shepard and Goldie Shepard on November 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Vanderbilt Hillel, and the meat kitchen will officially be named, “The Goldie Shepard and Sylvia Shepard Vanderbilt Hillel Kitchen.” Cindee Gold and Alyssa Hassenfeld are Vanderbilt Hillel’s co-chairs for the Local Match Kitchen Naming Campaign and the fundraiser. “I was

so pleased to help with the effort to raise money for the new Goldie Shepard and Sylvia Shepard Vanderbilt Hillel Kitchen. It was 18 years ago that I implored Goldie to take on this project enabling our community to welcome so many Jewish students over Shabbat dinners. As for Sylvia, if there is a more generous woman in our community, I haven’t met her yet. What a privilege to know these women,” says Gold, past president of Vanderbilt Hillel. “It’s an honor for me to chair such an important fundraiser for Vanderbilt Hillel. I am a Vandy graduate who spent time in the kitchen preparing challah and enjoyed countless Shabbat dinners prepared by them. I don’t know how they served so many students using such a small space. Thanks to the support of the Nashville community, Vanderbilt Hillel alumni and parents, and our matching donors, we have raised funds to greatly improve the facilities for Goldie and Sylvia to maintain their amazing legacy of serving Vanderbilt Hillel students,” says Alyssa Hassenfeld, ’15, secretary of Vanderbilt Hillel Board of Directors. To donate to the Kitchen Naming Campaign, visit: tinyurl.com/ ShepardNaming To RSVP for the Vanderbilt Hillel Fundraiser on November 12th, visit: tinyurl.com/ ShepardHillelFundraiser2023 •

JMS Launches Student-Parent Learning Program By ELLY EBIN

n the shade of Sukkah walls at the Jewish Middle School, students and parents sit face to face, engrossed in lively learning and discussions. It is Hoshana Rabba, the culminating day of Sukkot, traditionally revered as a day dedicated to Torah study. This year, it heralds the beginning of a Parent-Student Learning Program at the Jewish Middle School, an endeavor conceived in the collaborative minds of JMS faculty, spearheaded by Nechemya Rosenfeld. At a time when education should be recognized as a collective effort, parent-student learning programs are emerging as a tool to build deeper connections between families, schools, and education. These programs provide a wealth

of advantages for both parents and students, fostering a strong foundation for lifelong learning. The Jewish Middle School is taking this idea one step further and utilizing it to help parents and students gain a richer understanding of Jewish texts and traditions. These learning opportunities will serve to strengthen the bonds between parents, students, and their heritage. The genesis of the program came from JMS Jewish Studies teacher and visiting Shaliach, Nechemya Rosenfeld. In thinking about his vision, Rosenfeld explains, “This is fundamentally about

bridging generations. Central to Judaism is the act of learning together, narrating our story, and asking questions.” At the heart of this program lies the chance for parents and children to come together to explore Jewish texts and engage with them in a meaningful way. For Jessica Banish, mom to Lyla

in seventh grade, “Embracing the joy of learning and celebrating in the Sukkah with my daughter was a highlight of the high holiday season for me. Thanks to the educators and leadership at JMS, this was a profoundly meaningful space that allowed us to forge deeper connections not only with each other, but also with our extended JMS family.” By participating in textual learning, parents play a pivotal role in passing down the knowledge that ensures Jewish teachings and heritage are not only preserved, but actively lived. After the success of the first session, plans are already underway for another program on Chanukah. Rosenfeld believes this initiative will become a recurring event and will continue to further the school’s values and mission. •

The Jewish OBSERVER • November 2023

Community Matters Come together as a community to create your own strand of beads that represent protection, self-care, strength, and unity as we process feelings around the war in Israel.

Gordon Jewish Community Center Dedicates Madeline Pargh Arts and Crafts Center

Wednesday, November 8 at 4:00 pm Free of charge Gordon Jewish Community Center FACILITATED BY

The art studio filled with Madeline Pargh’s beautiful artwork.

RSVP to Toni Jacobsen at 615.354.1672 or tonijacobsen@jfsnashville.org

The Pargh Family: L to R: Bernie Pargh, Maria Pargh, Andy Pargh, Franklin & Lana Pargh and their children Jacob and Benjamin, Lexie Hammerman, Adam Hammerman, Linda Mossman, and Michael Mossman

A new year shines a new light on time-honored Jewish traditions.

With the recent celebration of Rosh Hashanah and observation of Yom Kippur, Clarendale at Bellevue Place has elevated our focus on spiritual well-being to honor the respected Jewish residents who contribute so much to our daily lifestyle – like Louise. At Clarendale at Bellevue Place, we’re all about inclusion and connectivity. To learn more about our cherished community traditions and how residents make the most out of each day, call 615-258-6364.

“For the past two years, I’ve called Clarendale at Bellevue Place home. I appreciate the team in their efforts to honor our Jewish holiday traditions. Every Friday evening, our community hosts a service led by the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville. Along with the service, we celebrate with traditional food and drink. I always feel at home and am happy to welcome new friends to our group to gather, celebrate, and support one another.” – LOUISE C., RESIDENT

INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE web ClarendaleAtBellevuePlace.com | 7632 Highway 70 South | Nashville, TN 37221

12 November 2023 • The Jewish OBSERVER

Akiva Hosts Annual Graduation Night Community Sukkah Dinner “A D By LYLA BANISH

shira!” My class concludes. This is the graduation night that I had been dreading. After tonight, I won’t be an Akiva student anymore. Akiva is a school, but to me it’s more than that. It is the place that I had, and still do, feel most secure. I went to Akiva from 2nd grade to 6th grade. In the beginning, I was completely new. Now, everyone knows my name. I look over at Zevi for the cue to start. We all share our favorite Akiva memories, like how in 5th grade there was a contest to see who could fit all of their fingers in a goat’s mouth or how in 2nd grade, Ruvi jumped out the window. It felt like taking a deep breath, reflecting on my favorite memories at Akiva. “I loved being Co-Cheer Captain and Co-President with Sylvie,’’ I said during the presentation. I locked eyes with Ms. Holten, trying not to cry. I step back and someone else talks. We finish the speech and step off of the stage. Rabba Daniella states that she is going to give a Bracha, or a small speech to each of us. As per usual, I’m up first. She calls me up and I feel the heat of the spotlights from the stage. She says, “Lyla, I remember you sitting on the carpet in 2nd grade, eyes big and eager to learn.” I blank out from what she is saying, and I start thinking about how lucky I am to have gone to Akiva for five years of my life. She then gives me a hug and I sit down. This is the part we didn’t rehearse. Morah Daniella calls to all of us that we will be walking across the stage giving high-fives to all of my teachers and get-

By ELLY EBIN

uring the eight-day holiday of Sukkot, Jewish people traditionally build temporary structures to recreate the experience of the Israelites wandering in the desert. The Sukkah inspires a feeling of closeness to family, community, and God, evoking a sense of joy and thankfulness. For the Akiva School community, the annual Sukkah Dinner does just this. It is a coveted time for new, returning, and potential Akiva families to join in celebration and friendship. This year, nearly 300 people gathered under the glittering student-made decorations for some delicious food and soulful music. Leading the planning and execution of the Sukkah Dinner was Akiva’s Director of Admissions and Outreach, Julie Fortune. Fortune says, “The Sukkah Dinner is one of the most impactful community events we host annually. It is an incredible opportunity to showcase the vitality and depth of Akiva.” Behind the tables heaped high with steaming platters of pasta and sides stood devoted volunteer Joe Perlen, affectionately known as “Chef Joe” among Akiva students. For over two decades, Perlen has been generously contributing his time and expertise to ensure the success of the annual Sukkah Dinner. With tables laden with steaming platters of pasta and sides, Perlen’s dedication was evident. Asked about his steadfast commitment to Akiva, even after his own children have graduated, Perlen’s sentimentality shone, remarking, “Akiva was so good to my children and to my family. I hold it near and dear to my heart, and it’s an incredible part of this community.” Laura Shmerling, mother to Jake in second grade and Sam in fourth grade, fondly echoes Perlen’s sentiments. “Our family looks forward to the Sukkah dinner every year. Coming together with fellow Akiva families and the wider Nashville Jewish community is truly special.” Shmerling notes that for her youngest, this year marked her first Sukkah Dinner experience: “It was a marvel to her! She looked on with wonder at

Window

Continued from page 10

Dorriety why she chose then to search for the window’s origins. “[Dorriety] said, ‘There’s nobody in my family that’s interested in Judaism,’” Rosenblum said. “‘I mean, they’re not disinterested, but…nobody is Jewish. And I didn’t want [the window] just to be part of what was left behind and then just get lost because no one in Nashville even knew it existed.’” Rosenblum said he used an acrylic coating to protect the window, which is now visible to anyone who enters the building — he and his wife, Lynne, donated the cost of framing and professional hanging. He said the WES building has undergone renovations since 2009, some of which are now being finalized. Rosenblum said he will display the window in “a prominent place” with a small plaque explaining its origins. He spoke to the importance of preserving local Jewish history. “It’s part of our history, to me personally,” Rosenblum said of the window. “My

the size of the Sukkah and the array of student-crafted decorations. Seeing the children laugh and play is pure delight.” The Akiva community celebrated in the spirit of togetherness and the enduring traditions that bind them, already looking forward to future Sukkah Dinners, knowing that each one deepens and defines the Akiva School experience. •

great-grandparents on one side belonged to the Gay Street [Synagogue]. My grandparents belonged to the West End Synagogue. My parents belonged. My wife and I belong… We’ve been there a long time.” ‘Closing the circle’ In April 2010, Rosenblum introduced Dorriety, the owner of the window, to the congregation and asked her to tell her story before the official WES window dedication. He said he had hoped to have Lee, the elderly man, present at the dedication, but Lee died in February 2010. In a speech to the attendees, Rosenblum made connections to the words bashert — Yiddish for “destined, fated, meant to be” — and mitzvah — “a worthy deed.” “If there ever was an example of a worthy, purely unselfish deed, it is this most gracious act by Monty in returning a treasure to our synagogue,” Rosenblum said to the congregation, before displaying the window in the synagogue once more. The window now resides on the left-hand wall of WES as you enter the wooden doors. • zoe@jewishnashville.org

ting a certificate. My heart is pounding now because I know that this will make me cry. We line up behind the stage. “Lyla Banish.” I hear my name and slowly walk across the stage. I see the faces of all of the people that helped me throughout the years. I see Mrs. Smyth, who was my first teacher at Akiva. I see Ms. Love, who helped me learn about my creative side. I see Ms. Holten who made me believe in myself, and I see Morah Daniella and Ms. Julie who have helped me in more ways than I can count. I grab my certificate and walk off the stage. I freeze as I’m walking down the stairs, just looking at the certificate. “Wow,” I say, “Just wow.” I feel my eyes start to swell as one thought pops into my mind. “You aren’t an Akiva student anymore.” Over and over again it plays in my head. I cry and go sit down. “You aren’t an Akiva student anymore.” I go sit back down with the rest of my classmates and watch everyone clap for us. It was now time for the party. There was a hint of sugar in the air, and I quickly found the source. There was a cotton candy machine, a candy table, and lots of snacks. Despite all of this, the first thing I did was take a picture with my family by the photo booth. After what seemed like forever, I looked over to see all of my fifth grade friends crying for us. It was so sweet. The night was coming to an end, and I hugged all of my friends and teachers. As I was with each teacher, I realized a few things. I realized that even though I’m not an Akiva student anymore, I will always be a part of the Akiva family. I know that I will always come back to that school. •

Crawford Funeral Home

Chu C Ch hu hucckk & H Heid eiide eeid iid de Craw raw ra awfor ffo orrd o

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www.crawfordservices.com The Jewish OBSERVER • November 2023

Heart of the Matter

hanksgiving is a time to give thanks to God for all the blessings of the year. The staff at JFS would like to share a family tradition and something they are grateful for. Pam Kelner, Executive Director of JFS Tradition: Every year since 2004, we take a photo of my kids and my nieces and nephews. They sit in the same order, with the youngest niece sitting on the oldest’s lap even though they are now 17 and 21! Looking at the photos and seeing how they have changed from year to year brings a smile to my face. Grateful for: I am grateful for the ability to make my own choices. At the macro level, that means appreciating

living in a country where I am free. At the micro level, every choice that I make has an impact on my life. We make choices about our health, about how we will spend our precious, limited time on Earth, who we surround ourselves with – both family and friends and the outlook that we have in life. All these choices add up *hopefully* to a fulfilling life! Toni Jacobsen, Clinical Director of JFS Tradition: My daughter and I had set traditions for the holidays, but since my father passed away a few years ago, we have not continued them. Losing someone from your immediate family can upset traditions if family members find it painful to engage in traditions without the deceased person present. We are still

trying out new traditions, but so far, none have stuck. Grateful for: I am grateful for the opportunity to work in the Nashville Jewish community. I am grateful for Rabbis, Educators and Agency Directors that get along and support each other. During my 23 years in the community as an Honorary Tribe member, I have felt loved and supported by the community. I have raised my daughter in this community and have personally grown emotionally and spiritually in the community’s embrace. Ashley Franklin, Licensed Social Worker Tradition: My family always spends Thanksgiving together – even if it has to be delayed a day or two because of kid’s

Chanukah is Coming ...a time for the Jewish Community to exchange gifts, eat special foods and have celebrations... Be sure to be a part of this special issue.

Publication date is December 1, 2023

Deadline for ads is November 15, 2023 Contact: Carrie Mills, Advertising Manager 615-354-1699 • e-mail: carrie@nashvillejcc.org fax: 615-352-0056

14 November 2023 • The Jewish OBSERVER

scheduling, celebrated in a different city, etc. We watch the parade, participate in some type of sport (cornhole is my favorite), and just enjoy eating too much food and catching up with everyone. Grateful for: I am grateful for the time I get to spend with my daughter and family. I am also grateful for the ability to do work that I love, in this community, which has shown me so much acceptance and love! Jamie Maresca, Volunteer Coordinator Tradition: My family watches the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade together. My husband and I both marched in the parade when we were younger and like to reminisce with our daughters about our experience. We also play Macy’s Parade BINGO. Each BINGO card has boxes with pictures of balloons or floats that will be in the parade. The girls love being on the lookout for the balloons and floats on their card to get the first BINGO. Grateful for: I am grateful for all the amazing and supportive communities to which I belong. From my immediate family to my JFS family who has allowed me to grow in my career and personally. And the Nashville Jewish Community that has welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to infuse my personality and interests into the Helping Hands Programs. •

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ADVERTORIALS

Travel & Leisure NOVEMBER 2023

The Jewish OBSERVER • November 2023

ADVERTORIALS

Adventure Science Center A membership to Adventure Science Center is all about MORE. More access to interactive exhibits and activities, more early opportunities to buy tickets to events and camps, more birthday perks, more access to science centers and museums around the country, more money saved with discounted planetarium tickets and gift shop goodies, and more science fun for all ages to enjoy. Gift the gift of membership this holiday season and experience MORE at the science center all next year. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

Jewish Cowboy In your leisure time have you decided to have a party or plan an event? Need catering? Need a food truck? Chef Wes Scoggins was born in San Antonio, TX, and has been cooking in Nashville for several years now, combining aspects of the cultures he grew up in, Southern, Texan, Jewish, and connecting to his Middle-Eastern Sephardic roots, he has been trying to build bridges between these flavor profiles and cultures and make dishes and culinary experiences that bring joy and nurture. For a culinary experience, both delicious and original, contact Wes at jewishcowboynash@gmail.com. Leisure time never tasted this good.

NCJW Nashville NCJW Nashville invites you to the 2023 Ways and Means fundraiser! Join us on Sunday, November 19 at 5:00 PM at Hillwood Country Club where we will honor this year’s Hannah G. Solomon Award recipient, Sandra Hecklin, and Emerging Leader Award recipient, Kim Lapidus. We will also hear from activists on how they utilize social and celebrate NCJW Nashville’s service projects. These projects benefit women, children, and families in Middle Tennessee, including women battling substance use disorders, those facing cancer treatment and their families, victims of sexual abuse, and those undergoing challenging times. Together, NCJW Nashville’s members provide individuals and families with warm meals, health care, and support in times of need. This fall, your support is needed to help raise at least $40,000 to provide ongoing support to our many community projects as well as support the Nashville Section. For more information, including purchasing tickets or making a donation, visit www. ncjwnashville.org/events.

Green Hills Hampton Inn: Making your out-of-town guest feel at home We excelled and won the Conrad Achievement Award for 2022 - top 1% of all Hampton Inn’s! Complete confidence that out-of-town guests will feel “right at home” is a primary concern for every host or hostess, no matter what the social event. Hampton Inn & Suites-Green Hills specializes in just that: making our home, their home-away-fromhome while they attend your special event. We are a boutique-style select service hotel in the heart of Green Hills’ fantastic shopping, dining and entertainment district. With our newly complete three million dollar renovation, we offer both comfortable standard rooms, spacious residential king suites with fully furnished kitchens, and so much more. We provide your guests with complimentary cost saving services and amenities that other hotels often add to their bills. Our rate includes free parking, internet access, local calls and our highly praised daily breakfast buffet with hot items. The facility offers a computer center, fitness facility, and laundry services for the convenience of guests during their visit. The atrium-style sixth floor Belle Meade room offers a dynamic view of the Green Hills area, perfect for bridesmaid luncheons, rehearsal dinners, receptions and birthday parties. To keep your visitors entertained during those free times of your special event, we are in walking distance of the Mall at Green Hills, 15 restaurants and a 16-screen cinema. Contact our sales department to learn how we can help relieve some of the responsibilities so you can better enjoy your next social event. Find out more at www. nashgreenhillssuites.hamptoninn.com

Zander Insurance Group Whether traveling or spending leisure time at home, Zanders has you covered! A middle Tennessee staple for nearly 100 years, Zander Insurance Group believes that nothing is more important than protecting families. Zander has been putting clients first by simplifying the process of researching insurance products and allowing customers to purchase a complete portfolio from one office. Focused on client satisfaction, Zander is the only agency in the country offering instant online comparison rates for term life, disability, identity theft protection, home and auto, and travel insurance. This fourth-generation, family-and-employee-owned business also provides a complete selection of commercial insurance products that include theft protection, employee benefits, commercial business insurance, and workers’ compensation. For more information visit www.zanderins.com

Carrie Mills Customized Art When leisure time is rare, and you are searching for a unique and meaningful gift, why not commission a unique, personal, customized piece of art. Artist Carrie Mills specializes in creating exceptional pet portraits and customized special occasion art that will be celebrated in the moment and passed down for generations to come. Give yourself the gift of leisure time while gifting a unique piece of art created just for you or someone special in your life. For more information, please visit www. carriemills.com or call 615-210-5044.

Marsha Ross Jaffa, CIC, LUTCF Researching travel insurance for the Federation trip to Italy with friends has been challenging. There are so many coverages to consider. Some coverages are included automatically with the company you choose, while others are added by endorsement. Prices vary from company to company and differ based on your age and the amount of coverage you need. Three of us compared plans, and interestingly, we all chose different A-rated companies. Travel insurance is generally purchased to reimburse you in case you’re not able Continued on page 18

16 November 2023 • The Jewish OBSERVER

ADVERTORIALS

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ADVERTORIALS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 to go on the planned trip due to an illness, death of an immediate family member, work schedules, or even if you simply changed your mind and you don’t want to go. Obviously, some of these coverages come with a higher cost. Generally, you want to purchase a travel insurance policy as soon as possible after making a down payment for the trip. This lets you avoid having a pre-existing condition clause affect the policy. It’s usually preferable to get the policy in the first 14 days, but this could vary depending on the company you choose. One of the most important coverage is medical insurance. If you have an accident or major illness while you are out of the country, it can be costly. Some major medical companies have networks out of the country. It’s advisable to talk to your insurance carrier to see what’s covered. Most Medicare companies give you $50,000 of coverage out of the country. Travel Insurance policies range from $50,000 to $1,000,000 in case an event occurs that lands you in the hospital. Most of these policies also come with emergency evacuation, repatriation of remains, and possibly life insurance. You may want to consider various other coverages. You can get coverage for lost luggage as well as delay of your luggage. Missed connections and trip interruption could be important. You may also choose to add coverage for identity theft assistance, loss of cell phones, quarantine stipend, and more. Have fun researching your coverages–it’s part of traveling! Due to all the nuances in coverage, I’m not currently licensed with any insurance company to sell it. Marsha Ross Jaffa, CIC, LUTCF

The Kupin Group As seasoned real estate professionals with a passion for travel, The Kupin Group understands the importance of finding the perfect house, from your home to your dream vacation home. Founded by Jacob Kupin alongside his wife Hayley Levy Kupin, The Kupin Group was recently named Team of the Year by Bradford Real Estate and earned the Diamond Award from the Nashville Realtor’s Association. More importantly, The Kupin Group’s incredible and resourceful team helped over 40 families sell their homes and over 60 others begin their journey into real estate in the last year, amassing almost $50 million in sales across Middle Tennessee. At The Kupin Group, we’re local realtors with a global reach. While we specialize in the Middle Tennessee market, our extensive network connects us with top-notch realtors around the world. So, if you or someone you know is traveling or planning a move, be it anywhere in the United States or across the globe, give us a call. We’re your bridge to the best real estate professionals, wherever your journey takes you. The Kupin Group motto is “We’ve Got Your Back! You can depend on us to be responsive, resourceful, and act with integrity. If you’ve recently moved to a new neighborhood or want to uncover more of the leisure side of Nashville, check out The Kupin Group’s Guide to Nashville: www.TheKupinGroup.com/guide-to-nashville. It’s filled with insider tips and our local recommendations! Call us at 615-281-9035 for all your home buying and selling needs. •

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18 November 2023 • The Jewish OBSERVER

October in the Gordon JCC Galleries: Works by SNAP Photography Group, The Nashville Artist Guild

he Janet Levine March Gallery will feature the work of Jammie Williams. Williams is a sculptor, painter, and art instructor from Tennessee who uses clay and oil paint to create symbolic and expressionistic works. Jammie’s works are inspired by his personal memories, feelings, and emotions. He works towards conveying moods, the expression of dreams, wonder and renewal by creating personal myths and narratives. The JLMG2 Gallery will feature the work of Mel Edmondson. Born in Evanston, Illinois, Edmondson was taught at an early age by her artist mother, who studied art at the Art Institute of Chicago. Edmondson traveled extensively and lived in Europe and the Hawaiian Islands where landscape painting was her focus. Many of Edmondson’s paintings are from her travels. In addition to earning a Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1987, Edmondson studied art at the Leo Marchutz School of Art in Aix-enProvence, France. She works in acrylics, oils, and watercolor. Edmondson aims to simplify her compositions using minimal color and brush strokes. Although wildlife is a predominant theme in her work, Edmondson explores other subjects in the outdoors. County Arts Council, along with a handful of other art venues where her work has been shown. The Sig Held Gallery will feature the art of Donald Olea. A native of San Diego, CA, Olea and his wife have lived in Gallatin, TN for the past 23 years. He has more than 30 years of professional experience as an award-winning illustrator, photographer, digital and watercolor painter. Olea spent 10+ years as a photographer and graphic designer for Billboard Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter and Amusement Business Magazine in Nashville and Los Angeles. The music, entertainment, and sports industries have always been among his favorite subjects to paint or draw. However, in an effort to expand his subject matter, he turned his attention to depicting historical military art. As an Airborne Army veteran (1983-86), and an amateur military history buff, Olea has been inspired through his watercolor and digital paintings, to honor and tell the story of those who came before him serving with honor and distinction. His realism style serves the historical military art genre well and helps to tell their story to fellow veterans, family members and enthusiasts. The Senior Lounge Art Gallery features the art of Carrie Mills. The House gallery will feature the Under One Roof collaborative exhibit. The Art Reception will be

Creatures, by Mel Edmonson

Enchantment, by Jammie Williams

Semper Paratus, by Donald Olea

Serenity, by Carrie Mills

Wednesday, October 11th, from 6 – 8 pm. The Exhibition Dates are October 1 -30th. The exhibitions are free and open to the public. Attendees will need to sign in at the front desk. For more information, contact the GJCC at 615.354-1699, Curator Carrie Mills at carrie@nashvillejcc.org, or go to www.nashvillejcc.org. •

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

At Our Congregations… Nashville’s congregations Here are the websites for all five Nashville Jewish congregations, with information on services, upcoming events and more: Congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad, www.chabadnashville.com Congregation Micah, www.congregationmicah.org Congregation Sherith Israel, www.sherithisrael.com The Temple – Congregation Ohabai Sholom, www.templenashville.org West End Synagogue, www.westendsyn.org The Observer provides congregational listings of events and services as a complimentary service to the community. If your congregation is not listed, it is because we did not receive the information in time to meet our publication deadline. Please give your rabbi, executive director, or synagogue volunteer a gentle nudge.

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

Weekly Events Sanctuary Shabbat Services: Fridays at 6 PM

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

Saturday Morning Torah Study: 9 AM on Zoom

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

Room in the Inn: Sunday, November 19-20

Congregation Micah hosts overnight guests for dinner and breakfast one Sunday each month during the winter months (November - March). The goal of our partnership is to “provide safe shelter, warm meals, and fellowship for our neighbors struggling with homelessness during the coldest months of the year.” Volunteer on our website’s social action page/

Grief Group with Rabbi Laurie: Thursday, November 30, at 12 PM

“The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.” -Muriel Rukeyser, The Speed of Darkness We all have stories of loss. Maybe a loved one died, a marriage ended, a relationship went sideways, or a job slipped through our fingertips. Loss is often accompanied by grief, and grief is best explored and moved through by the sharing of stories in community. Rabbi Laurie will convene a grief circle monthly beginning in August. All are welcome to attend. This offering is in-person only.

@ Sherith Israel Open Mic Night For All Ages Saturday Night, November 11 6 - 8 pm Warm Pizza, Cold Drinks.

Women’s Rosh Chodesh Program Sunday Night, November 17 For more information, reach out to pabromowitz@gmail.com

Beit Midrash with Nechemya Rosenfeld Meeting at 8 pm the following nights in November All levels welcome for text study and discussion 11.1 Lab Grown Meat: Kosher and Pareve? 11.8 Thirteen (Halachic) Reasons Why Mental Wellbeing Is Important 11.29 Dealing with Sibling Rivalry: From Sefer Breishit to Our Own Families

Tefillah Class with Cantor Dov Sundays 11/5, 11/12, 11/19 9:30am - 11am in the Shul Library and on Zoom Dive into a deeper understanding of our prayers, through the lens of songwriting. Daveners of all levels are welcome. Coffee and refreshments will be served.

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

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

@ The Temple

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

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

November Events Adult Hebrew: Sundays, November 5, 12, 19, & 26, at 10:30 AM.

If you’ve found yourself saying, “someday I’m gonna learn Hebrew”, the New Year is the perfect time to start on that journey. Guest instructor Ethan Levin is leading this class which starts just after the High Holy Days. Don’t miss this chance to tick Hebrew off your bucket list!

Micah Reads: Monday, November 6, at 7 PM on Zoom

Education Director Julie Greenberg leads the discussion on “The Flight Portfolio” by Julie Orringer on November 6 and “Kantika” by Elizabeth Kraver on December 4.

Micah-Nections Late Night Shabbat and Dinner: Friday, November 10, at 7:30 PM

Our social group for adults in their 20s and 30s is hosting an evening of good food and conversation. Register now on the Micah-nections page of our website.

ReJewVenation: Tuesdays, November 7, 14, 21, 28 at 6 PM

Rabbi Laurie leads this educational opportunity to reconnect with you with your personal Judaism.

Women’s Circle: Friday, November 17, at Noon

Rabbi Laurie engages your intellect and inspires conversation on a variety of Jewish topics. All are welcome. Bring a friend. RSVP on Micah’s event page.

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

Get ready for Shabbat with a little text study! Each week we will study a piece of wisdom from Pirkei Avot, The Ethics of our Ancestors, an ancient Jewish text still relevant in our own times. Available in person at The Temple and via zoom. Zoom Room: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81973096738

Shabbat Schedule for November

Our Shabbat Services will be held in person at The Temple. You can also watch via zoom from thetemplehub.org. Friday, November 3rd ~ 6:00 PM –HABITAT FOR HUMANITY UNITY BUILD SHABBAT Friday, November 10th~ 6:00 PM Friday, November 17th~Family Service Friday, November 24th ~ 6:00 PM – BLUE JEAN SHABBAT

Golden Lunch Bunch

Will meet at Temple from 11:30-1:00pm on November 7th: TBD November 21st: Friendsgiving featuring Janet McMahan and the Meadowlarks RSVP to Jamie Maresca at 615-354-1686 or via email at helpinghands@ jfsnashville.org

Chevrah Torah Study 9:30AM on Saturdays

Join us for our weekly Torah study on the portion of the week, led by the clergy. You can join us in person at The Temple or via zoom from thetemplehub.org Continued on page 20

The Jewish OBSERVER • November 2023

At Our Congregations… Continued from page 19

Women’s Torah Study November 2nd, 9th, 16th, 30th 10:30 AM

Ongoing weekly women’s Torah study led by Patty Marks. Available in person at The Temple and via zoom through thetemplehub.org

Lunch with the Rabbi November 2nd, 9th, 16th, 30th Lunch at 11:30AM Program12:00-1:00 PM $15 per person for lunch

Engage with Rabbi Danziger and guests in a discussion of current and important issues from a Jewish perspective. RSVP on thetemplehub.org or by calling the Temple at 615-352-7620 Available in person and via zoom. Zoom Room: thetemplehub.org

Monday Mah Jongg with Canasta Join Us for MAH JONGG Mondays at The Temple! November 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th 1:00pm

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

Tot Shabbat -Gratitude Saturday, November 18th at 10:00AM

For families with children up to age 5 Tot Shabbat offers families the chance to celebrate Shabbat with their young children in a creative way!

The Temple’s Adult Education Series Hello My Name Is….

Learn Jewish History, Innovation, Culture, and Values through Famous Jews with Familiar Names. Hello My Name is Jerry: 11/28, 12/5, 12/12 at 6:00pm at The Temple. Our clergy will be leading these sessions. For more information, go to thetemplehub.org.

Hike & Havdallah at Percy Warner Presented by The Temple’s Worship and Music Committee Saturday, November 18th

Where and When for the Hike? Meet at the top of the steps at the end of Belle Meade Boulevard at 3:45 PM with the hike of the 2.5 mile white trail to begin at 4:00 PM. If you are not hiking, please meet us for Havdalah at the stone gate entrance to the park at 5:30 PM. Who? All ages! Bring friends and family. For more information or questions, please contact Anne Davenport at adavlaw@ comcast.net

Java & Jewish Learning

Be Strong and Good Courage: A Look into the Book of Joshua Wednesday mornings in November at 8:30am* *Excluding 11/22

The Tennessee Holocaust Commission and The Temple present From the Roots of Hatred, The Seeds of Change The Cure for Hate Bearing Witness to Auschwitz November 5th at The Temple A Discussion on one Man’s Journey of Redemption Tony McAleer, former Neo Nazi, author The Cure for Hate 6:30 Meet and Greet 7:00 Presentation 8:00 Book Signing

Torah & Tequila November 4th at 6:00pm

A fun and delicious evening while we hear Rabbi Danziger delight us with what the Torah says about alcohol, sip margaritas, eat festive food and more, including door prizes. $20 per person RSVP on TheTempleHub.org. For more information, contact The Temple.

Men’s Steak and Scotch Night November 15th at 6:30pm at $25 a person RSVP via thetemplehub.org

Thanksgiving Concert Together in Gratitude, Together in Song: An interfaith Thanksgiving Concert Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 4:00pm at The Temple

We are thrilled to gather together for a free concert of choral and liturgical music showcasing the shared ideologies of thanksgiving and gratitude. Please join us for this

20 November 2023 • The Jewish OBSERVER

exciting and unique musical experience. A festive reception will be held at the conclusion of the concert.

Boulevard Bolt- Thanksgiving Day 2023-30th Anniversary November 23 ~ Race Begins at 8:00 am

Imagine a world where Baptists, Jews, and Episcopalians pause from carving the Thanksgiving turkey and join hands to serve the homeless. No imagination is necessary - that’s actually what happens each Thanksgiving Day in Nashville as three congregations work together to put on the Boulevard Bolt, a 5-mile race on Belle Meade Boulevard. There is an amazing spirit and sense of cooperation among the volunteers from Immanuel Baptist Church, St. George’s Episcopal Church, and The Temple who make the Bolt happen each year. Online registration is open. In-person race packet/t-shirt pickup will take place at The Temple. Please refer to www.boulevardbolt.org website as the race approaches for more detailed information on location and times. For more information go to www.boulevardbolt.org. To volunteer to help with this year’s effort, call The Temple at 615-352-7620.

Vanderbilt and the Nashville Public Library Present Then and Now: The History of Minority Communities in Nashville The History of the Jewish Community November 1, 2023 5:30pm

Nashville Public Library Conference Center- 615 Church Street Nashville, TN 37219 Behind the Scenes: the Abraham Accords with Adam Boehler November 30 @ 7pm at the Temple Adam was part of a small team that negotiated the Abraham Accords as well as the resolution of the Gulf Rift. Join us for an off-the-record discussion about the Accords and hear the behind the scenes stories of the participants including Bibi Netanyahu, Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS), Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ), the King of Morocco, and the Emir of Qatar.

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

USY Takeover and Potluck Shabbat Dinner Friday, November 3rd, join us for a special Shabbat run by our WES USY’ers. Shabbat Services followed by a potluck dinner open to all ages.

Scholar in Residence with Professor Louis Newman Join us as we welcome Prof. Louis Newman to West End Synagogue as a part of our Scholar in Residence program. He is speaking on “Complex Guidance for Challenging Times” Saturday, November 4th following Kiddush.

Scholar in Residence with Dr. Yehuda Kurtzer Speaking on “Jewish Peoplehood in times of Crisis”. Open to the community. Thursday, November 9th at 6:30 p.m.

Social Action Shabbat Saturday, November 11th, join us for Social Action Shabbat honoring The Michael Mehlman Volunteer of the Year award winner.

Thanksgiving Shabbat Friday, November 17th. Join us as we honor our new members and enjoy a catered Thanksgiving themed Shabbat dinner following services. Reservations are required.

Women’s Torah Group (on Zoom) Join us on November 1st, at 11:00 a.m. Rabbi Joshua leads our study of the book of Deuteronomy.

Kid’ish Club, aka Jr. Congregation Inviting all 2nd – 7th graders for Kid’ish Club Shabbat morning, Saturday November 4th from 10:15-11:15 a.m. Kiddush lunch to follow. Continued on page 21

At Our Congregations… Continued from page 20

Music and Me Inviting all parents of infants and/or toddlers for a morning of music and movement on Sunday, November 5th at 10:30 a.m. RSVP by emailing spaz@westendsyn.org or harriet.workman@gmail.com.

Learn and Lunch with Cantor Dov Rosenblatt

Talmud on Tuesdays

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

Thursday Torah study

With Nechemya Rosenfeld every Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. following morning minyan at 7:00 a.m.

Shacharit (in person)

Wednesday, November 8th, at 11:00 a.m. Reservations required, catered lunch ($3) following the presentation.

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

Men’s Torah Group (in person)

Mincha (on Zoom)

Join us November 9th at noon for our Torah class for men. We are currently reading Elisha’s stories from the First Book of Kings and will be eating pizza.

It’s Shabbat Let’s Celebrate together Friday night, November 10th from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Shabbat songs, blessings, and nosh. For families with young children. RSVP to spaz@westendsyn.org.

Kid’ish Club, aka Jr. Congregation

Join us for daily Mincha at 6:00 p.m., Sunday-Friday.

Kabbalat Shabbat

You are invited to join us every Friday for Kabbalat Shabbat in person or by Zoom at 6:00 p.m. As part of our Friday night services, we are currently studying Jewish ethics through an in-depth reading of Pirkei Avot.

Morning Shabbat services

You are invited to join us every Saturday morning in person or by Zoom at 9:30 a.m. Great davening, insightful learning of the Torah portion and a yummy (and nutritious!) kiddush lunch following services!

Inviting all 2nd – 7th graders to Kid’ish Club Shabbat morning, Saturday November 18th from 10:15-11:15 a.m. Kiddush lunch to follow.

Community Listings

Tot Shabbat Let’s celebrate Shabbat together! Saturday November 18th from 10:30-11:30 a.m. T’filah led by Nili Friedman and Sharon Paz. Join us for the congregational Shabbat kiddush after services. For Families with Young Children 1st grade and under. Please RSVP to spaz@westendsyn.org.

Birthday Shabbat, Saturday morning, November 25th Join us on Shabbat morning, November 25th, for a special celebration of our November birthdays. The main service begins at 9:30 a.m. and a kiddush lunch will follow. Everyone is welcome.

Learn and Lunch with Rabbi Daniel Hoffman Wednesday, November 29th at 11:00 a.m. Reservations are required for the catered lunch. Lunch is ($3/person) following the presentation.

Sisterhood Wednesday Wind Down Wednesday, November 1st. Snacks and games in the Internet Cafe from 4:30-5:30 p.m. No RSVP needed.

East Side Tribe East Side Tribe is a grassroots social and spiritual community fueled by Jewish values and rooted in East Nashville. For more information, please visit eastsidetribe.org. Friday, Nov. 17 — Join us for East Side Tribe’s monthly Potluck Shabbat Dinner. Welcome to all!

November Hadassah Happenings Join us on Thursday November 9th at the JCC at 12:15 for an interactive program on mindfulness and meditation presented by Dr Judy Itzkowitz. Judy teaches meditation and mindfulness practices to groups of all ages and skill levels. She is qualified to teach Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), an evidence-based program where individuals bring mindful awareness and presence to everyday life to meet stress more skillfully and to live life with greater ease. A donation of $18 is suggested. You are invited to join the lunch bunch before the program at 11:30, please bring a kosher style bagged lunch. Contact Natalie Hochman at Hochmannatalie@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding this program.

People of the Books

Starbucks & Shmooze

By ELYCE RAE HELFORD

Sunday, November 5th, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Hosted by Deena Prichard, join Beit Miriam parents and others outside (weather permitting) for coffee, muffins, and chat.

Mel Brooks: Disobedient Jew, by Jeremy Dauber. Yale University Press, 2023.

Wednesday Wind Down with a Book, November 8th

Virtual discussion of Golem Girl by Reva Lehrer from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Register here for the Zoom link https://forms.gle/RoMRG5KjixdSepsP9.

Sisterhood Latke Secrets Sunday, November 12th from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Enjoy a variety of latkes for breakfast, learn the tricks of creating the perfect latke from maven Helen Crowley, and practice by helping make latkes for Chanukah. Suggested donation $5/person. RSVP to sisterhoodwestendsynagogue@gmail.com. Wednesday, November 15th - “Secrets of the Oy-Oy Sisterhood”: Open board meeting of the Sisterhood Board, highlighting educational, ritual, and other resources of our parent organization.

Ongoing Programs: Sisterhood Challah Sales made by Melissa Sostrin

Sign up on the Google form linked below or text Jessica Kullock at 615-881-4455 by WEDNESDAY AT 9:00 p.m. each week to pre-order for pickup Friday during synagogue office hours. Flavors: Plain, chocolate, cinnamon, cinnamon raisin, zaatar, poppy seeds, sesame, bag of 6 challah rolls. Plain is $8/each, all challah with seeds toppings are $8.50, and the rest are $9/each. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXxBd4BPSrddtYu_iOb5A5VRpIkbq8TulMqJPEhUFWeco57w/viewform

have lost track of the number of times I’ve watched Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein.” I can recite numerous scenes verbatim, and my best friend from high school and I still have competitive quote-offs. I got my film-avoidant 20-something son to watch it recently, along with Blazing Saddles. He enjoyed both, even as he pointed to the outdated portrayals of race and sex as “cringy.” I do share my son’s frustrations with Brooks, though my parents helped me forgive him. My face-palms and groans, especially as a young adult, were met with my father’s shrugs over his generation’s sensibilities. And my mother always had one line for reassurance: “But he’s married to Anne Bancroft.” Bancroft wouldn’t put up with serious woman-bashing, mom promised. I similarly excused the racism in Brooks’ “Indian chief” role in Blazing Saddles by praising his strategic use of Yiddish as the character’s native lan-

guage, linking Indigenous peoples and immigrant Jews in clever fashion. Only last month, however, did I venture beyond the screen and occasional magazine article to read a book about Brooks. This year, the comedy genius turned 97 and saw his name in print (again) in Jeremy Dauber’s Mel Brooks: Disobedient Jew. The book tracks the comedian’s life and career in engaging detail, with a special focus on his unparalleled work in parody. We read about his childhood in Brownsville, Brooklyn, full of Jewish life and culture as well as the early deaths of several family members. We follow him through the development of his comedic style in the early 1950s, working in the Jewish-dominated writers’ room of Sid Caesar’s Your Show of Shows, where Brooks was the youngest member. We see him turn to writing and directing for film, from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s, becoming one of the most popular filmmakers in America. And there’s also a chapter devoted to his parodic work for television, including Get Smart (1965-1970) and When Things Were Rotten (1975). The final chapters bring us from the 1980s to the 21st century, with special attention to the musical reinventions Continued on page 22

The Jewish OBSERVER • November 2023

Lifecycles B’rit Mitzvah Liam Cohen

Liam Cohen will become a Bar Mitzvah on November 4, 2023 at The Temple. Liam was born on August 27, 2010 in Chicago, IL. His parents are Joshua and Allyson Cohen and his big brother is Luke. For Liam’s mitzvah project, he is supporting the Williamson County Animal Center with a supply drive. Liam is a seventh grader at Grassland Middle School. He enjoys lacrosse, history, Model UN, Wisconsin football, Titans football and the Predators.

Ari Hasson

Ari Hasson will become a B’rit Mitzvah on Saturday, November 11at Congregation Micah. Ari is the child of Leah and Jeffrey Hasson, the brother of Max and Josh Hasson, and the grandchild of Marty and Lenny Weinstock, and Miriam and Leonard Hasson. A rising 7th grader at Montessori Academy, Ari’s passion lies in being an avid collector - notably of rocks and crystals, coins, Pokemon and Magic the Gathering cards, fidget spinners, and bracelets. He also likes to play chess, fish, golf, and hang out at home.

Harley Mitchell

Harley Mitchell will become a Bat Mitzvah on November 11, 2023 at The Temple. Harley was born on September 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. Her parents are Jason

and Melissa Mitchell and her little sister is Skye. Her grandparents are Sheri Marion of Scottsdale, Arizona, Mark Krems of Scottsdale, Arizona, Lynn & Mark Cane of Los Angeles, and Jonathan & Michelle Mitchell of Sarasota, Florida. Harley is an animal lover, especially of her two rescue dogs, Coco and Cali. For her mitzvah project, she is volunteering and holding a drive to collect necessities for Wags and Walks to allow the staff to concentrate on rescuing more dogs in need, some requiring expensive medical attention. She wants to help rescue dogs, find their forever homes where they will be spoiled and treated the way they deserve. Harley is in the seventh grade at Harding Academy. When Harley is not cheerleading, she is writing, performing in theater, singing, drawing, enjoying movie nights, and hanging out with friends.

er, Nathan Edward Davis (Ned); sisterin-law, Mickey Davis; her aunt, Marsha Brody from Chicago and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Donations in her memory may be made to West End Synagogue or Volunteers for Israel (https://vfi-usa.org).

Joanne Middleton

Condolences to the family of Joanne Middleton.

Chain Walne

Condolences to the family of Leah Cohen Bernhard who died October 7. She is survived by her daughter, Rachel (Marcus) Whitney.

Condolences to the family of Chain Walne on October 14. Born in Poland in 1931, Chaim navigated Europe during WWII, finding his home in Israel in 1947 where he fought from Israel’s War of Independence through the Six Day War. Alongside his wife Miriam and daughter Iris, he moved to NYC in 1968 where he continued his life of giving - always lending a hand to others, offering the heartiest of laughs, or gifting his love to family. He is survived by Miriam, Iris and Jon, and grandsons Josh and Alex, and Alex’s fiancé Danielle. In lieu of flowers, please consider continuing his legacy and his love for Israel with donations to American Friends of Magen David Adom.

Barrie Kirshner

Harriet Rivlin

Obituaries Leah Cohen Bernhard

Condolences to the family of Barrie Kirshner who died September 24 (10 Tishrei, 5784). Barrie was the daughter of Morris and Sylvia Brody Davis Z’l. She is predeceased by her husband, Alden Kirshner, Z’l and survived by her three sons: Art Kirshner (Annette), Neil Kirshner (Susan), and Michael Kirshner (Bari Bettan); three grandchildren, Erica Kirshner (Peter DeBenedictus), Sara Jo Helba (Stephen), Leah Kirshner Creighton (Daniel), Marin Kirshner, Carson Kirshner, and six great grandchildren: Tia and Tali Helba, Brody and Violet Creighton, and Maya and Caleb DeBenedictus; her sisters Charlotte Davis Seloff, Ellen Davis Dansky and her broth-

Condolences to the family of Harriet Rivlin who died on September 24. She is survived by her son, Ron (Gail) Rivlin, and grandchildren, Hayley, Steven and Eric.

Dr. Marvin Schwartz

Condolences to the family of Dr. Marvin Schwartz who died on September 30. He is survived by his wife, Claire Schwartz; children, Debbie Linn (Stephen), Pete Schwartz, Phran Galante (z”l) (Joe), and Myke Schwartz; and grandchildren, Rachel Linn and Cam Linn. Donations may be made in Marvin’s memory to Congregation Micah or Phrannie’s Phriends at the Pet Community Center. •

Kvetch in the City By CARRIE MILLS

My eyes burn… My heart aches… I have no words… Only sorrow. -Carrie

People of Books Continued from page 21

of his early films, including the Tony award-winning The Producers and the less groundbreaking Young Frankenstein (which I was nonetheless delighted to see in London in 2018). The book’s title marks its core focus, the brilliant “disobedience” of Brooks. Dauber argues that parody – a disruptive and subversive art – must be understood as a mode of Jewish humor, one at which Brooks has excelled. Outstanding examples include his most famous musical numbers, such as the “Inquisition” sequence in History of the World, Part I and “Springtime for Hitler” from The Producers. By ridiculing the Spanish Inquisition and the Nazis, Brooks broaches the taboo subject of Jewish historical persecution through absurd excess and ruthless satire. Perhaps the most interesting chapter addresses Brooks’ 2000-year-old-man routines with Carl Reiner. Dauber argues that the 1960 comedy album is where Brooks first found his comedic voice, relying on Yiddish-inflected cadences and Jewish perspectives for his witty historical commentary. (Of Joan of Arc, for instance, he opines, “Vat a cutie! I went with her!”) For Dauber, this ancient character illustrates Brooks’ need to subvert the cultural norms of polite society, to push beyond the boundaries of the acceptable, and to do so in a particularly Jewish voice. In short, if you already love Mel Brooks or seek to understand why so many people do, this book will offer a persuasive presentation. It’s a fitting tribute to an important Jewish auteur and a living comedy legend. This Thanksgiving, if prompted, I plan to give thanks for Brooks, and perhaps watch Young Frankenstein again. • Elyce Rae Helford, Ph.D., is a professor of English and director of the Jewish and Holocaust Studies minor at Middle Tennessee State University. She can be reached at elyce.helford@mtsu.edu

HUNT MEMORIALS, INC 4807 GALLATIN PIKE | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

22 November 2023 • The Jewish OBSERVER

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!

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANTS CATHY WERTHAN, CPA

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

AROSA (formerly Family Staffing Solutions, Inc.) Integrated Care Management and Home Care Provider 2000 Glen Echo Road, Suite 104 Nashville, TN 37215 615-595-8929 143 Uptown Square Murfreesboro, TN 37129 615-848-6774 768 N. Main Street Shelbyville, TN 37160 931-680-2771

Elite Caregiving Services Compassionate Care In Your Home We offer aftercare from surgical procedures, part-time assistance, and 24 hour elderly care. 615-881-6528 Hannah@EliteCaregivingServices.com EliteCaregivingServices.com

CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

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

CARE GIVER

Seniors and Post Hospital Care

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

In-Home Care & Engagement | Respite Dementia Day & Early-Stage Programs Independent & Assisted Living Memory Support | Caregiver Resources 615.434.2160 | services@abesgarden.org

OPTOMETRIST DR. MICHELE SONSINO Optique Eyecare & Eyewear 2817 West End Ave., Nashville 615-321-4EYE (4393) DR. JAMES W. KIRKCONNELL Bellevue Eye Center 7640 Hwy 70 S, Ste 102 Nashville 615-662-7588 www.bec2020.com

ORTHODONTISTS

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

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT

At Emergest, we enable your business with cost-efficient digital applications – web, mobile, automation, design, strategy workshops. We partner with you to solve all your technology needs. Find us at emergest.com, email boris@emergest.com, or call 615-473-3700.

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

Proudly serving your community in kitchen, bath, and turn-key remodeling. Find us at www.DesignsByHermitage.com or call 615-988-5988

DENTIST STEVEN R. HECKLIN, DMD DAVID M. SMILEY, DMD ABBY DILUZIO, DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry www.drhecklin.com 5606 Brookwood Place 615-356-7500

INSURANCE

BILTMORE INSURANCE SERVICES Greg Zagnoev, Agent 615-746-RISK (7475) Home, Auto, Business, and Life JAMES A. ROTHBERG ADAM ROTHBERG James A. Rothberg & Associates Office: 615-997-1833 Fax: 615-665-1300 2000 Glen Echo, Suite 208 Nashville, TN 37215 Email: jrothberg@jarinsurance.com info@jarinsurance.com

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

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

www.zeitlin.com Residential & Relocation Specialists

JESSICA AVERBUCH Broker/ Owner Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty c: 615.294.9880 o: 615.383.0183 jessica.averbuch@zeitlin.com LORNA M. GRAFF Broker, GRI, CRS, ABR 615-794-0833 (bus.) 615-351-5343 (cell) lorna.graff@zeitlin.com www.lornagraff.com NAN SPELLER Broker, GRI, ABR 615-383-0183 (bus.) 615-973-1117 (cell) nanspeller2014@gmail.com JENNIE ZAGNOEV Affiliate Broker 615-383-0183 (bus.) 615-838-2048 (cell) jennie.zagnoev@zeitlin.com

Jackie Roth Karr, REALTOR® www.JackieKarr.com Jackie.Karr@corcorangroup.com Mobile: 615.330.9779 Office: 615.250.7880

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

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

TREE SERVICES FRANKLIN PARGH 615-351-7333 franklin.pargh@compass.com LANA PARGH 615-504-2685 lana.pargh@compass.com www.pargh.com Instagram: @theparghteam

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

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

Advertise in our Professional Services Directory Reach thousands of readers in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area by taking advantage of this costeffective way to reach a loyal repeat audience!Call Carrie Mills,Advertising Manager to place your professional listing. Phone 615-354-1699 or e-mail carrie@nashvillejcc.org

The Jewish OBSERVER • November 2023

(MUĂDR XNT SN @ 6ćDM³R /GHK@MüQĈX !QTMBG WOMEN’S HEALTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM

Let’s Talk

Genes!

Join us for a lifesaving conversation about genetic testing and screening.

Sunday, November 5, 2023 11:30am - 1:30pm $36 – Dietary laws will be observed In Partnership p with

Gordon Jewish Community Center Pargh Auditorium

Chairs: Felice Apolinsky, Dina Gluck, and Carolyn Hyatt

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www.jewishnashville.org/womenshealth

24 November 2023 • The Jewish OBSERVER